Chapter 35. His Heart's Flutter -1-
I know full well that summer is my kryptonite, so when Lee Yoon-ju insisted on meeting outside, I have to admit... it was a pain. No, a big pain. The moment I opened the front door and that hot, humid air hit me like a wall, I felt a surge of irritation at the steam-bath weather—and at Yoon-ju for dragging me out in it. Still, it had been a while, and I figured I might as well make the most of it. Since I'm already out, might as well hit the department store for a gift! With that forced positivity, I stepped into the blaze.
"...I'm sweating buckets like a total idiot."
But today? Different story. Using the gift as an excuse, I've already locked in a weekend date with Seo Ji-ah unnie. I'm up early, house spotless, scrubbed from head to toe till I shine, and now I'm standing in front of my closet, agonizing over what to wear. In the mirror, my face beams back at me, grinning like a fool. Clearly thrilled. Summer outings—especially midday—are my least favorite thing, yet I'm in heaven. I keep glancing at the clock, wishing time would hurry up... or worrying I'll dawdle and be late. It's weird and wonderful, even to me.
Does liking someone turn you into this? Everyone goes through it?
"Ha. Maybe I should shop for clothes next time. Why do I feel like I have nothing to wear?"
My wardrobe's all safe bets: simple, casual basics that never go out of style. Sporty stuff for comfort. Never cared before, but lately... fashion's on my radar. In this world, does searching "couple outfits" online yield anything useful? Or should I just SOS Han So-eun? Why her over Yoon-ju? Our styles are too similar—zero help there.
Anyway! I'll hit her up later. For now, finish prepping and head out. Outfit: V-neck short-sleeve linen shirt, wide denim pants, mid-range metallic watch, comfy sandals. Don't forget the shopping bag with the department store employee's pretty wrapping.
Thanks to last night's rain into the wee hours, the air outside carries that fresh post-rain scent. Not as hot as I thought? Forecast says temps climb later, but for now—score!
"~~~~♪" Humming cheerfully, I head to the meetup spot.
"Welco—gasp!"
"?"
"Ah, uh! W-welcome. This is Sum & Sum. Would you like help with your order?"
The counter girl inhales sharply at the sight of me, cheeks tinting pink. I just give a wry smile—familiar reaction. Yeah, yeah, I'm handsome. Got it.
"One peach lemon ade, venti size, please."
"Y-yes! For here?"
"Yes."
Skip the points, discounts, stamps—pay, grab the pager, snag a seat.
Just as my drink arrives, a KakaoTalk from Ji-ah unnie.
A few texts, and my heart's doing flips. Can't stifle the grin bubbling up. Waiting like this isn't boring—it's thrilling.
"Hey? Jae-hyun!"
About ten minutes early, she arrives. I look up at her voice and let out a soft "wow" without thinking.
Oversized light blue blouse tucked just in front like a boyfriend shirt, skinny black jeans. Bracelet and watch accent her delicate wrists. Thin silver chain necklace, earrings too. Full ensemble, perfectly casual-elegant. That "effortless chic" from my past life?
"Sorry. Wait long?"
She smiles with her eyes, tucking wavy hair demurely behind her ear. My nose tingles oddly.
"...Jae-hyun?"
Snapped out of my stare. She looks amused, calls again. I jolt back to reality.
"Ahem! Unnie, you're here."
"...Am I weird today?"
Huh? Where'd that come from? I like her, so her beauty hits harder, but objectively—she's stunning. Even fashion-blind me can tell she dresses impeccably. Effortlessly stylish.
Suddenly regretting my plain look. Damn. Definitely need So-eun's help for dates.
"Not at all! Just... uh... you're so pretty, I was stunned."
I beam sheepishly, dodging. She exhales in relief at my words. Despite her looks, she needed reassurance?
...Mutual, maybe? Green light?
"Thanks. You look great today too, Jae-hyun."
Before I get ahead of myself—obvious lip service. She's dressed comfy; what's great about it? To her, I'm just the cute kid brother.
-2-
"Unnie, here."
She grabs her drink; I hand over the gift. Surprise lights her face—adorable. My smile deepens.
So cute.
"What's this?"
"Gift. Thanks for the stalker help. And... just everyday gratitude? Nothing big, don't feel burdened."
She's touched, beaming like a kid at Christmas. Makes me grin too.
"What do I do? Thank you. Can I open it now?"
"Of course."
She unties the ribbon carefully, unwraps. Opens the box: candle warmer, scented candle, car freshener set from the department store—prettily packaged.
"Reminded me of Namsan trip."
Like it...?
"Really... thank you. So pretty."
Her cheeks flush; smile blooms. That alone fills me with inexplicable satisfaction.
I lean forward naturally, chin on hand, not hiding my grin. Hold her gaze tenderly.
"Glad you like it. Candle for the bedroom—relaxing, helps sleep."
"Y-yeah. Thanks. I'll use it well."
"It's nothing."
Sudden urge: 'I got one too.' Her reaction? Casual? Shocked? Creeped out? Probably not bad.
Words slip out before I think.
"I got the same for my room. Tried it last night—love it. Hope you do too."
Heh heh. Grin like an idiot. Her face turns scarlet—like a poke would pop it.
...Maybe it's not one-sided. Maybe my worries are pointless. Maybe to her, I'm not just a sweet kid brother... but a man?
-3-
Original plan: cafe meet, coffee, gift, lunch, home. But over food, we both think, What's next? Don't wanna part yet. Want more time.
No shopping needed, but Daiso catches my eye—pop in. Avoid heat, spot new ice cream promo—hit Vera. Early dinner, then goodbye as evening hits.
"Haaah—home sweet home."
Fun with unnie, but summer outside sucks. AC cranked via app—chilly bliss. Collapse. Cool floor at entrance heals; strip, shower. Texts waiting.
Photo of my candle warmer on her nightstand. Matching mine. Towel-dry damp hair, open my door—mine sits pretty too. Grin.
What if I send a pic? Her reaction?
Click—turn it on. Halogen glows; scent wafts.
Her timely text—photo inside. I burst out laughing. Feels like soft feathers tickling my heart—irresistible.
Some might mock it as creepy solo-shipper joy. But knowing the person I like shares my space, my gift, my scent... deliciously thrilling. Perfect.