Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Our First Date
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#90
Waaang-
Is it because I couldn't sleep from excitement, just like the night before a school picnic?
I slept right through my alarm and ended up snoozing for a whole extra hour.
The moment I forced my heavy eyelids open, I rushed through washing up, then put extra care into my makeup than usual.
I slipped into the outfit I'd agonized over late into the night and stood in front of the mirror, fiddling with my hair, striking this pose and that one.
Before I knew it, the appointed time was almost here.
Ugh... that dress might look better after all?
I was just about to try it on when the doorbell rang—ding-dong.
Who could it be at this hour? I checked, and there stood Jun-woo's mom—no, wait, not yet.
My future mother-in-law was at the door.
I couldn't very well make my future mother-in-law wait, so I hurried to open the door and greeted her brightly.
"Hello, Mother~!"
I put extra emphasis on "Mother" with a cheerful smile, and she looked startled for a moment.
But she soon broke into a warm smile and welcomed me.
"Oh my, Seo-ah. You look so pretty today! Who are you trying to impress, dressing up like this~?"
...You know full well.
Her teasing question felt a bit mean, but I couldn't lie.
Swallowing my embarrassment, I answered honestly.
"You know... There's only one person I want to show this side of me to..."
"Kyaa! Seo-ah, how can you be this cute? Jun-woo doesn't deserve you!"
Ubuub... My makeup's gonna smear...
Mother couldn't hold back and pulled me into a tight hug right there in the entryway, rubbing her cheek against mine—which was sweet.
But that last comment was too much, even from her, so I peeked my head out.
"Jun-woo's the one who's too good for me... He's too much for someone like me."
In a small but firm voice.
With unwavering eyes conveying my true feelings, she looked at me with pleased eyes.
"My goodness, you two are exactly alike."
Did Jun-woo say the same thing to her?
Of course he did—way to go, Jun-woo! I cheered inwardly as she rummaged in her wallet and pulled out a card for me.
"Use this to treat Jun-woo to something nice today. First date... right? Whatever it is, don't worry about the money—just have fun."
I tried to refuse at first.
But "first date" struck a chord deep in my chest, and I found myself taking the card.
"Hee... Thank you. I'll get something delicious with Jun-woo using this."
"Good~ Jun-woo's been eating nothing but chicken breast lately because of his workouts. Make sure he eats something tasty for once."
She grumbled cutely about how he never listens to her anymore.
But more importantly, I'd gleaned some key info, so I quickly memorized it.
If Jun-woo's been sticking to chicken breast lately... I had a good idea what to get him today that he'd love.
Thank you, Mother...♡
#91
Even though I'd checked a dozen times already.
I gave myself one last once-over in the mirror, fussing with my hair and outfit.
I even spritzed on a perfume I thought Jun-woo would like.
"I'm heading out~"
The moment I confirmed it was time to go, I stepped out the door, heart pounding with anticipation.
The meeting spot wasn't far.
I'd barely been walking when it came into view, and with every step closer, my heart thumped faster and faster.
I've seen Jun-woo every single day for 13 years.
But as lovers rather than childhood friends, we're total newbies.
...What did I usually do?
How did I act when we met up outside? What expression did I make, what did I say?
I groaned, digging through my memories, when a scary thought suddenly hit me.
What if... I'm the only one thinking of this as a date?
We agreed to meet today, but we're not officially dating yet...
I never straight-up called it a date.
If I'd gotten all excited for nothing... it would sting a little.
—When do midterms even end...
The sudden anxiety made me kick a small pebble on the roadside to calm down.
Arriving at the spot with half excitement and half worry, I saw Jun-woo already there, even though I'd come early.
The sight of him made me feel like a fool for ever doubting.
Joy welled up from the depths of my heart, a smile spreading across my face—it had no choice but to.
Because Jun-woo there.
Unlike usual, with his bangs swept up, anyone could tell he'd put effort into dressing up for today—it showed even from afar.
He was always handsome, but right now, he was dazzlingly cool.
—Jun-woo, you never disappoint me.
I'd stupidly forgotten again.
You've always been like this.
With every step toward him, my heart, which had been fluttering before, now felt like it would burst.
I didn't need to worry about what to say or what face to make when we met.
The moment our sparkling eyes met, locking each other in.
There was only one thing to say, one expression to show.
"Jun-woo, you look amazing today too."
Meeting his affectionate gaze, I smiled brightly, pouring all my feelings for him into it.
My honest heart.
#92
As expected, Jun-woo was trying to take me to my favorite restaurant, not whatever he wanted.
You idiot.
You're probably thinking, 'Double workout tonight...!' right now.
His foolish yet endearing consideration—from workouts to the little things—made my lips curve up.
I knew it was all his love for me.
But Jun-woo.
Just like you think of me, I've been thinking of you all day too.
Taking his warm hand and entering the steakhouse, my face lit up so obviously that I couldn't help but laugh.
We sat by the window and I took off my coat, feeling Jun-woo's intense gaze from across the table.
He probably thought he was making eye contact.
But I could plainly see his eyes darting, trying to sneak glances elsewhere.
His cute attempt to be discreet embarrassed me a little too, knowing where his gaze lingered.
I was thinking, Just look already... when suddenly he handed me his cardigan, like he wanted to cover me up.
Like with the swimsuit before, whenever he showed his possessiveness like this, my body heated up a bit.
My body is yours to see forever, yours to touch, yours to... do whatever with.
I didn't hate how he didn't want to share even a little with anyone else.
No, his fervent desire for me made my heart race—it was lovable.
His cardigan was pretty big on me.
Honestly, not the comfiest for eating in.
But it still held his warmth and scent from moments ago.
—Mmm, perfect.
I couldn't resist soaking in his "Jun-woo energy," and he looked flustered.
Sorry, Jun-woo.
I can't compromise on this.
—You have to love even this side of me, got it?
I was sure he'd accept me, no matter how bothersome.
#93
I was honestly curious.
What swimsuit had Jun-woo picked?
Since he hates me showing skin, probably a one-piece or rash guard, I figured.
But seeing the two he chose, I went, Hmm~?
One was a one-piece as expected, but more revealing than I thought.
The other was a white bikini with frills.
Jun-woo.
Didn't you say not too revealing...?
Is this not revealing by your standards...?
Or did desire win out over possessiveness...?
I wondered inwardly but didn't let on, since he'd picked them for me.
If I complained about exposure here, he'd probably make me wear something hijab-level next.
Jun-woo agonized for 30 minutes over the two before finally, painstakingly, choosing the white frilly bikini.
Taking the one he'd struggled over into the dressing room, I put it on and looked in the mirror.
"Wow..."
It's not like I'd never been to a pool or beach, but a bikini was a first.
My immediate thought seeing myself was.
—This is kinda sexy...?
I'd never thought my body was sexy before, but now I got why he wanted nothing too revealing—it looked plenty sexy.
—Wait, but he picked this...?
Is this safe enough...?
It screams desire victory no matter how I look...
It'd bugged me since we entered the store, but since he'd chosen it thinking of me, I wanted to show him even if I changed later.
So I pulled the waiting Jun-woo inside. He averted his eyes at first, flustered, then went speechless at my swimsuit.
He didn't need to say "pretty" or "suits you."
His ragged breathing, his eyes glued to my body, his flushed excitement.
That alone vividly told me what he felt seeing me.
My heart pounded, face heating up.
"...How's it look?"
I knew from his eyes, but I wanted to hear it.
The moment I asked, like a trigger.
He couldn't hold back anymore and hugged me tight.
His firm, large body enveloped my soft one, his emotions flooding me, making my breath quicken with excitement.
A tingling heat rushed through my whole body.
He felt it too—something huge pressing from his lower half made me jolt.
...Is this normal size?
I'd never seen any... videos or anything, so I didn't know averages, but...
The feel alone screamed "big."
...Gotta study up. Along with that thought.
Unable to find words for his feelings, he hugged me tight, groaning about going crazy.
I was struggling too.
But knowing why he was holding back.
I made one promise.
Hoping it'd ease his heart even a little.
"Just wait a little... Just a tiny bit longer."
The day we become one isn't far.
That day, I'll give you everything.
#94
After that, per our parents' wish to join us for dinner, we ended up eating with them.
Jun-woo's face screamed "I don't wanna go," but... sorry, Jun-woo.
I really wanted to talk about our living together.
Plus, get Mom and Dad practicing "Mother" and "Father" ahead of time.
We had to tell our parents about us soon.
That we won't settle for just being lovers.
After the dinner where our families grilled us, seeing your dazed expression and you whining that Saturday felt endless, I felt a twinge of guilt.
But.
How can I help it when even while complaining, you grant every single one of my requests?
You said the day felt long...
Hmm.
But closing my eyes still brings back the feel of being in your arms.
Lost in that sweet, thrilling afterglow, the day seemed to fly by too fast.
As if hearing my thoughts, you shivered and rubbed your arms, making me smile naturally.
I want not the end of the day here, but to spend longer with you.
Lying by your side, wrapped in each other's arms, feeling our warmth through a long night.
But we aren't allowed that yet, so spending just this short day together felt so regrettable.
I wish the trip would come sooner, even just one day faster.
And... maybe I should study a bit.
That thing was big enough to make me wonder if it's even possible.
The cool breeze made my flushed face burn even more.