Return Gifts -1-
I say it time and again, but I'm the type who really suffers in the heat. The already sweltering humidity is straight-up poison to me, turning any summer outdoor activity into outright torture. So I stick to moving around in the early mornings or late evenings when it's at least a little less brutal. Even with the current weather, I still feel the heat sometimes, but it's worlds better than midday. Unintentionally, summer turns me into a full-on hikikomori—a child of the night.
"—In that sense, I wanna hibernate too. Wait, no—since it's summer sleep, should it be estivation?"
"What kinda crazy talk is that? Heatstroke already?"
"Been heatstroked since stepping outside in this weather."
Wednesday, a precious weekday holiday. I shot Lee Yoon-ju a withering glare. She knew damn well summer heat was my kryptonite, but dragged me out anyway.
"Ah, that's why we're doing indoors, you moron. You really a child of the night or what?"
But Yoon-ju played it totally shameless. Get some photosynthesis in ya, she said.
"Humans aren't plants. We survive without photosynthesis."
"Vitamin D boy."
"Taking supplements—no issue!"
We weren't yielding an inch, but the banter was pathetically childish and lame.
"But what about your girlfriend? Why hang with me?"
"Gotta spend time with friends sometimes. You think my baby lacks that consideration?"
"I didn't want this? And don't bullshit. Your girl's on a family trip, right?"
"Huh, what the fuck. How'd you know?!"
"Girlfriend to you, girl friend to me. She texted to take good care of you 'cause you'd be lonely. What am I, a babysitter?"
Damn couples. Yoon-ju melted at the mention, gushing solo. Total fool. But I couldn't fully rag on her—now that I had someone, I got that vibe. Just a smidge.
"What’s with you."
"What."
"By now you'd usually be cursing me out. What gives? Real heatstroke?"
"Watch your mouth."
Even so, she eyed me like she was legit worried the heat fried my brain.
Brushing off her needless fussing and annoying mush, we hit our destination. Today's target: a department store downtown. Purpose? Gifts for folks who'd bailed me out big-time during the stalker mess.
Originally eyed going with Ji-ah noona, but shopping for her gift with her? Weird. Perfect timing—Yoon-ju was free with her girl on family vacation—so she subbed in.
"AC is humanity's greatest invention."
"Amen. So what're we buying."
"Brought you to figure that out."
What a dumb question, Yoon-ju.
"So whose."
"Cafe Owner. Your mom. Ji-ah noona."
"Hey, me?"
"What. Treating your mom to dinner means you too, right?"
"Whoa~! Yoon Jae-hyun grew a conscience."
Truth? Already got her taste sorted. But shopping with the recipient? Nah. Her sulky whining was hilarious, though—no spilling yet. Classic surprise. Heh heh.
"Sneaky prick. So! No ideas?"
"Owner: whiskey or wine. Matching snacks? Your mom: supplements? Spotted some at your place last time—same ones? Ji-ah noona... dunno."
Something portable, always-with-her? Personal wish. Food and supps vanish quick.
Just... wanted something lasting.
"...Dude, I reallllly don't get it. Seven years older—she's auntie-tier even if hot. Butterflies? Why?"
Half bafflement, half bestie worry. No offense taken. Yoon-ju could meddle like that—she was that close, trustworthy.
"Dunno. Just snapped to it one day."
The spark? Trigger? Still fuzzy. Ji-ah noona was always good to me; our time comfy, fun. Logic in love? Kinda silly.
"I bail on your dumbass moves thinking what an idiot, but your girl's all Why? Ain't he cute? You're lovesick, duh."
So me hyping her ups? Objectivity iffy. Meh to others, amazing to me. Her "flaws"? Adorably cute.
"Terminal case."
"Yeah. That 'late love hits hardest' thing?"
She sighed deep at my cackling.
"Fine. First love's got you bad. Impressive. Her tastes?"
"Surprisingly thrifty, chill."
Rich fam, but no flash. Fashion: simple, dandy, modern?
"Not accessory-heavy. Just outfit accents."
Perfume: classy, subtle. Summer: fresh/light citrus vibe? Test needed.
"...Jeez. More."
"Spicy yes, sweet meh."
Cool ice queen vibe, partly true. But polite, caring, into small/cute stuff. Hides it from me—dignity as older? Obvious though; that awkward gap? Moe.
"Hey. Sorry."
"Huh? What."
"Nah. When I gush about So-eun to you... must feel like this."
Outta nowhere.
"Not the same."
"...Sure. Anyway, what to get. For her, gift from hot 7yr-junior? Street stall socks'd thrill."
"Total bullshit."
"Not! Your face, idiot."
Dead serious Yoon-ju. Hm. Maybe. Won't joke—looks are fact, self-aware.
"Socks? For real, think serious."
"Mid-price accessories weird sans dating. Too try-hard."
Still, she pondered hard. Scanned floor guide, huddled deep.
Settled: candle warmer, car freshener. Home/car perfect.
Owner/mom gifts basement; Ji-ah's 1F—so hers first.
"Late-20s woman? Bedroom use. Room not huge."
Like my master bed size. Too strong? Living room alt fine.
"Scent... not overpowering. Subtle, fresh, luxe perfume taste?"
"Aha! Then~"
Staff lady beamed, super helpful with lineup. Tops/notes? Lost on scent-noob me.
Tested each: picked relaxing herb base + soft soap vibe. Chill-sniff perfect, safe.
Warmer: hanok pavilion style—no brainer. Namsan octagon flashback.
Wood base, mini-pavilion warmer; side space for decor/items.
"...One more of this?"
Post-Ji-ah buy, pro-wrapped. Impulse: mine too? Snagged same.
Not couple-y yet? Creepy solo? Nah, fine. My taste too! Incidental. Not 'cause matching bedroom scents feel naughty/teasing. Nope!
...Probably?
-2-
Owner/mom gifts quick after. Whiskey for boozy Owner—staff rec, fair price; event ham bonus.
Mom's: pre-spotted supps—done.
"Hey, really no mine?"
All others yes, her pout kid-no-toy-level. Immature.
Wanted surprise, but her vibe? Early handoff.
"Huh? Mine too? Knew it! Cash?"
"Hotel meal voucher. Stay on you."
"O! Thx! Pricey?"
"So-eun share too. Her: occasional date advice. Win-win."
Duck beak shut, kid.
My jab aside, gift hit—grinning ear-to-ear.
"Kinda hungry. My treat—what?"
"OK. Priciest."
Not heavy, but "woman privilege"—she lugged all. Ji-ah? Instant split. Yoon-ju? Hell no. Heh heh heh.
One thing solid: porter Yoon-ju. Basement food court for quick fuel-up. Calorie charge critical.