Taeyang's Vacation (4): GlassMental's Fragile Heart
GlassMental: But what if things go south?
FridayAngel: Why worry like that? I thought the counseling had boosted your self-esteem a lot, but you've still got a ways to go.
GlassMental: It's just... this is my first time going on a trip without going through school.
GlassMental: School has all those rules and supervision, but when it's just kids, there's no teachers. So no getting bullied or having to watch my back... Oh, right.
Actually, Yuli had never gone on a private trip with friends or family before. In the game plot, this was the worry she confided in Seonwoo right before the trip.
If her affection level was high enough, the story brought it up again during the trip—an episode where Yuli opened up about her past while alone with Seonwoo. Afterward, he comforted her, raising her affection even more.
One of the flags I had to block.
It took forever, but I finally calmed Yuli down and the chat ended.
GlassMental: But what if they're plotting to mess with me!!
Still not over? If I cut off counseling now, her condition would worsen during the trip. Yuli really is a risky one.
Guess I'd have to go as a safety measure.
Excluding Yuli from this trip. Let her keep counseling and hang out with FridayAngel for a while, blocking the flag at the source.
I lay back, rubbing the back of my neck, when another chat from GlassMental popped up.
"Still not done?"
A bit annoyed, I checked my phone—and the irritation vanished.
The photo was a giftcon for a chicken and cheese ball set.
"You didn't have to."
I'd just nuked one of Yuli's school memories for her sake—or really, for mine. Hanging out with friends to build trust might've been better for her in the long run.
"Haa... now I feel guilty."
Suppressing the urge to yell, I slammed my head on the desk. Rejecting it would just crush her spirit, like she'd been rejected.
I really need to be good to Yuli from now on. Not blatantly, but maybe run the The World Is Still a Warm Place! operation again soon.
Lying there feeling down, I heard a knock.
"Come in."
"Taeyang, I'm here."
"Feeling better?"
"Yeah, but my back's wrecked thanks to you."
"Told you not to be stubborn on day one."
Iri noona approached and tossed a bread bag onto the bed.
"Here, something tasty."
"Thanks, I'll dig in. What about judo practice?"
"Later."
"Thought you'd ditched it like the track club."
"You little—! Haa, what's the point of telling you."
Since I'd already gone full brainrot on the track club material, better drop it. Not because I was scared of getting smacked, of course.
"Taeyang, you put on the pain relief patch?"
Hayan noona was holding one nearby, probably to help if I couldn't reach.
"Give it here. I can do it myself."
"But..."
And with Iri noona here, baring my back... Nah, probably fine. We'd seen each other naked before, unintentionally. Pulling my shirt down a bit wouldn't faze her.
I glanced at Iri noona. She was staring at my lower back while I lay on my stomach, but when our eyes met, she whipped her head away like she didn't care.
Doesn't seem to mind.
"Alright, help me out then."
I pulled my shirt up a bit on the sore spot.
"Should I step out for a sec?"
"No need."
How long does it take to slap on a patch?
"You've seen everything anyway."
"Wh-what are you talking about? I didn't see everything!"
Iri noona bristled, her face tinting red as she recalled last time.
"That was when we were kids."
"Ugh... kids and now are different!"
"Why get mad~ Anyway, it's on."
I finished applying it with a soft groan and sat up on the bed.
"Lie down!"
"Yeah, Taeyang."
Sweet of the noonas to worry, but they overprotected on little things. It was just a minor tweak.
"I'm fine, just a little sprain."
"Still... you see a doctor?"
Iri noona asked, frowning.
"I'm telling you, it's fine."
"If you don't go today, I'll carry you tomorrow myself."
I mumbled agreement, and she sighed deeply. Then apologized.
"Sorry. Should've ended it quicker."
"That hurts more."
A ridiculous chuckle escaped me.
"Well, at least my sparring partner was you, Iri noona."
"Yeah, I grabbed you quick when you slipped. Be grateful!"
Her apologetic vibe gone, she acted cocky again. True, she did catch me well.
"True. Thanks. And since it was you, no awkwardness sparring body-to-body."
"Huh?"
"If it'd been some 'other girl,' I'd have hesitated. Lucky it was you."
"Th-that means..."
Iri noona paused mid-sentence. I looked at her quizzically, and she spun around.
"A-anyway, rest up! Don't get sick again!"
"Uh... yeah, thanks."
She's leaving? As I debated seeing her off, Hayan noona gestured to stay put, so I lay back.
"I'll head out then."
"Thanks for coming. Iri noona."
"...And if you wanna learn self-defense, ask me. I can teach you anytime."
"Sure."
Iri noona said it shyly. Actually shy? Nah, probably just quiet. I waved as I sent the noonas out.
"Oh, sausage bread."
Savory beats sweet any day.
"See ya, Iri."
"........."
"Iri?"
Kim Hayan nudged her shoulder, snapping Iri out of her daze.
"Huh? Oh, I'll come play again."
"Yeah, come hang out relaxed next time. Was busy today."
"Got it. Oh, and if Taeyang won't go to the hospital, tell me."
"Hehe, sure."
Iri tilted her head. Hayan seemed oddly pleased. Before she could ask, Hayan changed the subject.
"By the way, Iri. Got a swimsuit?"
"Swimsuit? Can't I just use the school one?"
"No way. You'd look outdated next to everyone else in that drab thing."
"Doesn't matter if I lag behind, right?"
Iri didn't care. Plus, she figured frilly, cute, or sexy suits wouldn't suit her anyway.
"Hmm, maybe? Guys Taeyang's age might care."
"......Does Taeyang?"
"Who knows? Even as his noona, no idea~"
Iri pondered Hayan's words, then blushed.
"H-Hayan, you get one yet?"
"Not yet. Planning to look soon."
"Then let's go together next time we hang out. Just for fun."
"Yeah! Deal!"
They set it up, and Iri left through the front door. Watching it close, Hayan gave a wry smile.
"This could get tricky~"
Yuyeong and Gahee had been clingy to Taeyang lately. He seemed to push girls away—maybe from some past trauma, or something else. He hated obsessive types.
As his noona, Hayan started worrying.
What if Taeyang closes his heart to romance like this?
Would be nice if he could live carefree without issues.
Then she recalled Taeyang and Iri together. Being childhood friends, they were casual, playful, always having fun. She'd never seen him reject Iri.
Maybe Iri would be okay for him?
She'd noticed Iri's feelings for Taeyang ages ago. If Taeyang liked her back, Gahee and Yuyeong wouldn't touch him.
"But still tricky~"
Three girls liking Taeyang... a real headache as his noona. Could cause issues for everyone.
"Gotta make Taeyang like Iri quick."
Hayan thought Iri might be her last hope.