Chapter 21
Chapter 21
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: First Date Butterflies
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12:30.
The appointment with Han Seo-ah was set for 1:00, but I'd left early to make sure I wouldn't be late—only to arrive way too soon.
Today... this counts as a date, right?
We've hung out just the two of us outside countless times, but given the vibe between us lately, this felt a lot more like a date than just friends messing around. My heart was pounding at the thought.
A nagging voice in the back of my head—the studious Lee Jun-woo—popped up, whining about how I should be studying during exam season. But the other Lee Jun-woos in my mind quickly shut him down.
—Shut up. Sometimes there are things more important than exams.
We lived next door, so I'd figured we'd head out together, but Han Seo-ah had mentioned some errand she needed to run this morning. So we split up and agreed to meet at the spot.
—Why isn't she here yet? (12:40)
This wasn't our usual childhood friend meetup after thirteen years of habit.
Thinking of it as a date made me sweat bullets—nervous about what to say when she arrived, where to go, what to eat, all of it swirling in my head.
Damn it, I should've at least looked up some date spots around here.
I'd stayed up all night just thinking about her in a swimsuit and ended up searching types of women's swimsuits instead.
I'd completely blanked on actual date plans.
"Jun-woo, where should we go now?"
"I dunno. Wanna head home?"
"…."
Just imagining Han Seo-ah's cold, disappointed glare made my heart ache.
I pulled out my phone to quickly search for date courses nearby when a familiar voice called from behind.
"Jun-woo!"
—I'm screwed.
Why'd she have to come so early? I thought, wiping away imaginary tears as I turned around. And there she was.
She was always pretty, but today...
She was so stunning it felt like my breath might stop.
Han Seo-ah beamed at me with a bright smile, waving her hand.
Unlike usual, her face had a light touch of makeup, and her hair was subtly braided for a cute accent.
Even the necklace she rarely wore because it felt uncomfortable.
And then the outfit—like she knew exactly how to play up her charms. A white sweater that warmly hugged her ample chest and made it stand out, paired with a black tennis skirt that highlighted her slim waist and contrasting wide hips. Topped off with a brown coat.
It went beyond "pretty"—the perfect harmony made her shine brighter than ever. I almost doubted this was the same childhood friend I'd known for thirteen years.
—Yup, definitely a date.
I felt silly for second-guessing it moments ago.
Passersby were stealing glances at her—she was that beautiful—and knowing I was about to go on a date with her made my chest feel like it might burst.
"Why'd you come out so early? Have you been waiting long?"
She'd arrived early herself, but she looked apologetic, which was just too adorable. A smile crept onto my lips.
"I just got here too."
"Really?"
"Why would I lie? For real."
The dumb Lee Jun-woo who'd been standing there moments ago was dead. In his place, NEW Lee Jun-woo—primed for this date with Han Seo-ah—had arrived. So no, it wasn't a lie.
"Phew, good thing. I came early just in case you showed up around 12:30 and had to wait."
"……No way."
Her eerily spot-on guess made cold sweat trickle down my back.
"Whew, dodged a bullet. Anyway…"
"Yeah?"
"Don't you have something to say to me, Jun-woo?"
Her eyes sparkled up at me, shy yet expectant, urging me to spill it since she already knew.
Those shining eyes were so dazzling I could barely hold her gaze.
She was beautiful.
Too beautiful.
Getting those words out—to tell her straight up—wasn't hard at all.
Anyone who saw her would think the same.
But words alone couldn't capture it all.
Couldn't express how lovable she was for putting in this much effort for me.
I'd never resented my limited vocabulary more.
—If words won't cut it, show her with actions.
Carefully, I reached out, slipping my fingers between her slender, soft ones, interlocking them and giving a gentle squeeze.
Like I never planned to let go.
Hands I'd once hesitated to hold for fear of sweaty palms...
Now, I wanted to hold on even longer.
"...You're so pretty today, Seo-ah."
Her already flawless, snow-white skin looked impossibly smooth to the touch. Her long lashes, just the right length; the cute ear peeking out as she swept her soft hair to one side; those plump, glossy pink lips glistening softly...
I could list off every beautiful detail without hesitation.
But they all led to one conclusion.
So I shared that conclusion with her, hoping my overflowing feelings—too big for words—would reach her somehow.
She fidgeted her fingers in our clasped hands, embarrassed.
Her cheeks flushed pink—blush or something more?—as she looked at me.
"How pretty?"
"No comparison. Can't say."
"What kinda answer is that…"
She whispered "idiot" while poking my side with her free little hand.
Yet she smiled so happily it made me grin too.
"Jun-woo."
"Yeah?"
Glancing around, wondering if we should get going, I turned at her voice.
"You're looking super cool today too, Jun-woo."
Her shy, beaming smile hit me...
And I whipped my head away.
No mirror needed to know my face was beet red.
#79
It was lunchtime, so we held hands and wandered looking for food.
Tteokbokki spots, mala tang, pasta places, pizza joints—whatever.
From experience, her tastes weren't wildly different from other girls', even if her looks were on another level.
...Gonna have to double my workout when I get home.
I was managing my diet, but no way I'd ask her to accommodate that.
As I scanned options with that in mind, Han Seo-ah suddenly gripped my hand tight and tugged me along.
"Jun-woo, look over there!"
Following her pointed finger, I saw a famous chain steakhouse.
"Steak?"
I gave her a puzzled look—you've never suggested steak before—but damn, she's pretty.
No, focus.
Every time I looked at her, it was like my childhood friend turned magical girl in full sincerity mode—eyes practically too bright to handle, making it hard to stay sane.
"Yeah, let's get steak, Jun-woo."
She pulled me with her cute hand, eager to go. I hesitated, then spoke up.
"Wouldn't pasta be better?"
I wanted our first date to feature food she loved.
She probably felt the same, but my pride as a guy wouldn't allow it.
She lit up happily.
"'Cause I like pasta?"
"...Yeah."
"Hee, thanks. But—"
She stepped closer.
"Jun-woo, you're working out for me."
"So shouldn't I support you by going along?"
"Next time we can hit a place I like."
Right? Her seeking agreement was just too lovable—what even is this creature?
Every new side of her I discovered after thirteen years...
It made my feelings—already maxed out—swell even more, to a worrisome degree.
"...Okay. Pasta next time. A good spot."
We casually locked in our next date like it was a given.
"Yeah! Let's do it."
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked up at me. I made a mental note to search pasta places the second I got home.
#80
Heading into the steakhouse for that protein-packed beef was great, but...
True to form, the menu prices hit hard for two high schoolers. As I sweated internally, she noticed and waved it off reassuringly.
"Jun-woo, I wasn't gonna tell you this, but…"
She whispered carefully.
"Your mom gave me her card this morning. Said to eat something yummy today."
"My mom did? For real?"
"Yup!"
Ta-da! She whipped out Mom's actual card. Relief and bewilderment hit at once.
"It really is…."
"See? Order whatever. Let's eat good."
Scraping Mom's card suddenly made everything feel right.
Mom—no, Mother. Thank you…!
Then a mischievous thought struck. I teased with a playful grin.
"But 'Mother' already?"
She'd always gotten along great with Mom, calling her "auntie" or "sis."
Her cheeks pinked as she shot back a cheeky look.
"Gotta practice sometime."
Right? Her expression left me speechless for a sec.
She giggled at my stunned face, then shrugged off her coat—revealing the killer figure underneath.
—Gotta hit the gym hard.
The thought was automatic.
"Whyyyy?"
She caught me staring and said it all cute-like.
If intentional, mission accomplished.
Without a word, I slipped off my cardigan and handed it to her.
"If the coat's uncomfortable, wanna wear this?"
—You're too sexy right now.
I kept that to myself.
She took it, slipping it on with a flourish.
"Whoa, Jun-woo. Look, it's huge."
She showed off the sleeves swallowing her hands, only her cute fingertips peeking out.
Seeing her so happy in my clothes tickled something deep inside.
"Too big? Uncomfy?"
"Nah, that's why I love it."
She buried her nose in the cardigan, sniffing deeply. Suddenly, anxiety hit.
"...Does it smell?"
"Yeah, Jun-woo smell."
—I'm doomed.
"Sorry, gimme it ba—"
"Hee—love it too much."
I fumbled to grab it back, but she ignored me, rubbing her face all over it happily.
"Huh? Jun-woo, what'd you say?"
"...Nothing."
As long as she likes it.
That cardigan was officially off-limits for washing from today on.