Trip Preparations
Incense smoke rose gently. On the table before it sat a photo—my father's image from his living days. His favorite foods were laid out in front, yet he just smiled in the picture, untouched. "He was always such a bold guy, your dad."
Mom always said the same thing during these ancestral rites. Her eyes, gazing at the photo, were filled with longing and quiet loneliness. My sister silently wrapped an arm around Mom's shoulders to comfort her. I quietly helped serve the food and performed the rites as usual.
Thankfully, it had been so long now that the mood wasn't as heavy and sorrowful as it used to be. Mom and Sis were already chatting about the trip over tea at the kitchen table during a break.
Better this way than moping around. Dad would rest easier seeing us like this. With that thought, I looked back at Dad's portrait.
Dad passed away when I was six. Even now, I vividly remembered our nearly final father-son conversation in that hospital room.
"A real man protects the ones he has to protect."
That's what Dad said from his frail, weakened form in the bed. In context, he must've meant to look after Mom and Sis.
"Can I really do that?"
"Of course. You're my son." Dad gently stroked my worried, tense head and continued. "Taeyang, become a strong male."
"A strong... male?"
"Yeah. Only a strong male can claim a female, after all."
"...What the hell did you teach a six-year-old?"
The emotion shattered midway through the memory. There was more to the story after that, but recalling it would just give me another headache.
The man in the portrait had the same blonde hair, tanned skin, and subtly intimidating face as me. I'd inherited his genes wholesale, and he was embarrassing in so many ways. Hearing about his dating days with Mom was even more mortifying.
She'd been suffering because of some no-good jerk with a rotten personality, but Dad swooped in, seduced her away, and got her to dump the guy. Don't get the wrong idea—it was after the jerk got caught cheating.
After that, Mom became a devoted wife who only had eyes for Dad, even after marriage. I remembered asking as a kid why she loved him so much, only to see those two exchanging sly grins. "You'll hear when you're older." Yeah, well, I'm older now, and I still don't wanna know.
After staring at the photo a bit longer, I headed to the kitchen for some water.
"But is it really okay taking just two guys to a place full of girls?"
"It's fine, Mom. It's Juyeon's relative's place, so there'll be adults around, and we're planning to play it safe."
"Yeah, well, with Taeyang there, I feel better anyway."
"Why me?" I butted in after hearing my name mid-sip.
"Taeyang, you can look after Sis on the trip, right?"
"Mom, come on~ I'm the one looking after Taeyang~"
"Sure, but make sure nothing happens to Sis..."
Dad would've said something similar if he were alive. I smirked and replied.
"Don't worry, I'll keep Sis safe."
I set my mug in the sink and returned to the living room.
"........."
"........."
The kitchen fell briefly silent before voices picked up again.
"Taeyang's pretty reliable these days."
"Yeah, and he's grown a bit taller lately, hasn't he?"
Back in the living room, I lingered on Dad's photo a moment longer. I'd always made excuses to avoid looking before. He was a weird guy... but precious to me in every way.
"So, who likes Taeyang, anyway?"
"You know... lend me your ear for a sec."
I ignored the intriguing whispers from one spot.
————
"You really not coming?"
"Nah, pass."
Sis had come into my room and was tugging at my arm as I lay there. Her playful grin said she was enjoying my embarrassment.
"Why do I have to tag along while you girls shop for swimsuits?"
"Might as well pick one out yourself~"
"No thanks. It's weird for a guy to go alone anyway."
"Who knows? We might accommodate your tastes."
Gahee Sis definitely would—obsess over matching my preferences. That's exactly why it's terrifying. And she knew it'd be awkward running into her...
"Why care about my tastes? Whatever, just wear the school ones."
"Oh? That's your type?"
"Our boy's got some maniac tastes."
"Mom! When did you sneak in?!"
And seriously, nothing's off-limits when it comes to teasing your own son.
"Son, Mom's on your side, okay? Here."
It was a rare day off, so she'd folded the laundry herself and handed it over. I could've done it later.
"Thanks."
"Enjoying your youth, huh? I'm jealous~ I'll be at work while you kids have fun."
"Hehe, you work so hard, Mom."
"We'll bring souvenirs!"
She smiled brightly, as if I'd just said what she wanted to hear, and headed back downstairs.
"If things get awkward, I'll run interference."
Even Hayan Sis seemed to anticipate Gahee Sis drama. Grateful as I was, it was more embarrassing to even step into the women's swimsuit section.
"Gotta do vacation homework, so you girls go on without me."
"Guess can't be helped then..."
Hayan Sis backed off without pushing further.
"Alright, we're off!"
"Have fun~"
Once she left, I sat at my desk. Homework mattered, but I pulled out my Love Chain notes instead. The summer vacation main event was closing in—I needed to review the plan.
————
The girls, meeting up after ages, headed to the bustling shopping district. Amid cheerful chatter about swimsuits between Hayan and Juyeon, two downcast figures trailed behind.
"Hayan..."
"Gahee, didn't sleep well?"
"Well... how's Taeyang doing, anyway?"
Hayan, knowing the situation, gave a wry smile. Gahee liked Taeyang. But her intensity freaked him out, and he'd called her out on it. Afterward, Gahee had come to Hayan for advice.
"He'll be fine."
"Really?"
"Yeah, he was just overwhelmed that day. Be more careful from now on, and it'll be okay."
But Taeyang had drawn a firm friend-only line, leaving Gahee still deflated. Hayan could only offer that bitter smile—nothing more she could do. She didn't dislike Gahee, but she couldn't help her anymore.
"What're you talking about?"
"Iri, nothing much. Just that it's boring without Taeyang."
"Hmm... yeah, probably awkward for a guy to tag along swimsuit shopping."
Having decided to support Min Iri now, Kim Hayan felt even guiltier toward Gahee. But no helping it—Taeyang was most comfortable with Iri. As his sister, she had to wish for his happiness. Time to let Iri shine.
"Anyway, Iri, seen any swimsuits you like?"
"Huh? Well... I wouldn't know even if I looked..."
Iri was down too, convinced bright, cute swimsuits wouldn't suit her.
With that bouncy figure, and no confidence... Hayan nodded knowingly.
"It's fine, Iri. I've got plenty picked out for you."
"What?"
"Try 'em on one by one—bound to find a good one."
Hayan beamed. Iri sensed ominous vibes. Feels like I'll be trying on everything all day...
And that premonition hit reality the moment they entered the store.
"Wait!! This one's way too revealing!"
"Hehe... looks good though?"
"Hayan, it makes me look like some creepy old dude..."
Iri, in a black bikini hugging her toned body, shyly covered up, face flushed in panic.
"Looks fine to me?"
"I said no!"
"Sexy not your vibe? Maybe this instead."
Kim Hayan handed over a frilly cute one—a bikini with a flowy skirt bottom.
"This... wouldn't Juyeon or someone cuter pull it off better?"
"You're plenty cute, Iri~"
Gahee chimed in with nonstop praise. Iri blushed harder, flustered, hyper-aware of stares.
"Still can't decide?"
"They're all too cute for me."
"You undervalue yourself way too much, Iri."
Seong Juyeon piled on, but it wasn't sinking in. Hayan pulled out another pre-scouted pick.
"Hmm... I think this suits you best. If you're unsure, wanna snap a pic and ask Taeyang?"
"What?! N-no, that's embarrassing!!"
Iri's face erupted like a volcano as she lunged for Hayan's phone. Tears glistened at her eyes.
"Not Taeyang! I'm not cute at all—he'd just laugh!!"
"...Overreacting a bit?"
Gahee, who'd been quietly watching, was baffled. Iri always went overboard at Taeyang's mention. Does Iri...?
"Even if he's like a little brother, it's embarrassing to show him."
Iri drew the line there. Yeah, probably not. Gahee sighed in relief, rationalizing hard. Has to just be that. Liking Taeyang was her burden alone.
"I'd love to ask Taeyang."
Gahee dreamed of showing off—sexy or cute—and getting his input, but figured he'd hate it now, slumping again.
"Sigh~ Lucky."
Meanwhile, Seong Juyeon, watching their tussle, let out a deep sigh. Reality hit while helping with swimsuits. Her hand drifted to her modest chest, another sigh escaping.
"Worry about myself first."
Stepping out briefly, she picked one too.
"What style does Seonwoo like?"
She agonized alone. Should I snap a pic for him...? Nah~ Juyeon shook her head. Not ready to show in person yet. Wanted to surprise him at the beach. Make Seonwoo lose his mind over me...
But the others' figures kept catching her eye. Ugh... Fine, go cute and win!
And for guy opinions...
Thanks to Taeyang's words, Juyeon's confidence surged. "Yeah, I'm pretty—nothing I can't pull off." Plus, knowing from Love Chain what she'd wear anyway, and that Seonwoo reacted well in-game, she picked satisfactorily.
Thus, each harboring different thoughts, they felt the promised trip drawing ever nearer.