A Hunter's Day Off
The streets they walked. It feels like a lot more eyes are on me. Mina had left the shop and was strolling the streets with Seokjun, but the gazes seemed to gather even more intensely than before. She fidgeted with the cuffs of her sweater, twisting the fabric between her fingers all the way up to her wrists.
It felt awkward wearing casual clothes instead of her usual suit after so long. Is it the sweater? The see-through knit was made of thick yarn yet riddled with holes like a net, clearly revealing the white shirt she wore underneath. Mina knew that wasn't the only reason, though. She couldn't miss the way passersby kept glancing at her from head to toe.
It's too late to change now anyway.
She vaguely understood that this was a positive sign. Though she hadn't meant to, she'd overheard people calling her pretty. Hehe, they said it suits me well. What mattered most was whether she looked pretty in Seokjun's eyes. She'd been embarrassed at first, but she was happy he was looking at her. She naturally slipped her arm through his as they walked.
That was when a booth on the roadside caught her eye.
"What is that?"
It resembled a payphone, but unlike the usual glass ones, this was an all-metal booth with no door—just a pink curtain haphazardly draped across the entrance.
Seokjun followed her gaze and answered, "It's a sticker photo booth."
"A sticker photo booth..."
Mina led him over, and sure enough, it was exactly that.
"It really is. The lettering is identical too."
She pointed at the 1+1 sign scrawled on the curtain like a convenience store promotion.
"They pretty much have to sell them this way, don't they?"
As Seokjun said, it was obvious once you considered who usually used sticker photo booths. Couples dominated the alley, so it would have been stranger if the owner hadn't installed one with that target in mind.
"Have you ever used one, Seokjun?"
"I've never had a reason to."
Of course. When would a man have any reason to step into one alone?
"Then shall we try it now?"
She had already confirmed the booth was empty. He followed her lead without protest, but an unexpected problem awaited them—the booth was far narrower than it looked.
"Mm."
"It's... really tight."
Mina's small frame had no issue, but Seokjun had to duck his head, and they had to press close together just to fit. Their clothes brushed with every shift, a sensation they were growing used to, yet the air inside the booth seemed to grow warmer. She quickly turned her attention to the screen.
As expected, they appeared even closer on camera than in real life. The booth was built for couples, but it was simply too small for two adults.
"Seokjun, bend down a little more."
She checked that his head wasn't poking out after he bent his knees, then took the photo. Four shots printed out in a strip near the coin slot.
"I thought these usually had more extravagant features."
"Ah, this machine must be old."
Of course the booth offered the usual assortment of decorative stickers and frames like any other, but Mina quickly scrolled past them. How could I use those? It's too embarrassing!
Somehow it had turned into an unmistakably couple photo, but her courage wasn't strong enough to add those pink hearts and sparkles. Things weren't certain yet—if she stuck those on, what would he think of her?
"They turned out pretty nice!"
The machine's quality left something to be desired; the photos were smaller than her palm. Still, Mina was satisfied simply because they were pictures of the two of them together. We actually look good together.
She had also left without properly checking her reflection, so she'd been secretly worried about her appearance. Especially since she was wearing her usual button-down shirt instead of a blouse that might have matched the sweater and skirt better. Fortunately, the photo showed the outfit looked surprisingly cohesive, as if the pieces belonged together. The colors even complemented Seokjun's clothes nicely.
"Hehe."
"Mina."
"Eep?! Did you call me?"
Mina had been smiling down at the printed strip when Seokjun's voice startled her. She turned, embarrassed by how her voice had cracked, but he didn't seem to notice.
"Do you know what you need when raising a dog?"
His question brought yesterday's meeting to mind.
"Is this about the dachshund?"
"Yes. We've decided to take it in, but we don't have any supplies ready."
It made sense. If you suddenly found yourself with a puppy, you wouldn't have any dog gear on hand.
"Of course. I may not look it, but I've been raising a Welsh corgi for years."
She was often away from home, so her dog wasn't very affectionate, but she had prepared all sorts of supplies to fill that gap and made sure to spend as much time as possible with her at home.
"Then could I ask for your help?"
"Sure. Hmm~"
Mina was about to accept when a good idea occurred to her. Hadn't she spent the whole month agonizing over her lack of excuses to see him? She needed a clear reason to meet Seokjun. Both of them were so busy with work that making plans was difficult.
"I have one condition."
"A condition?"
Mina looked up at him as he gazed down at her curiously. She planted one hand on her hip and pointed at him with the other. She knew it was a bit rude, but if she didn't do this, the matter would probably be postponed indefinitely again.
"If you have time next time, shall we meet like this again?"
When Seokjun let out a soft chuckle, she tilted her head, wondering if she'd done something wrong.
"You don't need to look so aggressive when asking someone on a date."
"W-who said I was being aggressive!"
Mina felt like she'd lost the upper hand and was being teased. As she stood there with her hand on her hip, Seokjun turned away, leaving her flustered about whether she should follow. While she shifted anxiously from foot to foot, his voice drifted back.
"There's still plenty of time left. Let's continue today's date and think about it."
"Ugh, really!"
When he glanced back, Mina's heart fluttered for no reason. She hurried to his side and walked beside him.
They bought suitable pet supplies at the store following Mina's recommendations, then wandered the neighborhood. Before they knew it, evening had arrived.
-Sizzle!!
"How on earth did you find a place like this?"
Mina marveled at the sound of oil splattering like raindrops on the hot iron plate as the meat cooked. Though she couldn't see the actual cooking, the rising smoke and the chef standing before it created an atmosphere rivaling any high-end restaurant.
This was the same place they'd stopped for lunch earlier—pasta and salad. Seokjun had reserved a table for dinner at that time. Looking around, many customers were already enjoying their meals, so without his reservation they might have had to search elsewhere or wait a long time.
The darkened street visible beyond the door, the soft glow of yellow lamps, and the jet-black wallpaper combined to create an atmosphere that naturally invited quiet conversation.
"I just happened to discover this place tucked in a corner."
"You don't know the owners of every restaurant nearby, do you?"
"Not quite."
Even the restaurant owner had recognized him and offered a light greeting. When she asked with obvious suspicion, he simply cut a piece of the complimentary bread and set it in front of her.
Mina thought it might actually be true as she dipped the bread into the green cream sauce that came with it. "Everything here seems delicious."
It was a broccoli-based cream that paired wonderfully with the brown rye bread. By the time they'd finished the bread—
"Your steak."
Mina gasped at the sight of the steak placed before them. It looked quite different from the typical steak that came to mind. Thick but long and plump like a forearm rather than wide. The surface was charred black yet generously coated with pepper and various spices. Around it lay garnishes of lightly charred onion, zucchini, eggplant, and asparagus. Pineapple chunks and sour cream topped the french fries, while green wasabi completed the appetizing arrangement.
"One more bread and two bottles of ale, please."
"Certainly."
Mina had been mesmerized by the steak when Seokjun's order to the server snapped her out of it.
"Not wine?"
"Red wine is supposed to pair well with meat, but I don't particularly like it."
She usually associated steak with wine, but the ale was delicious too, so it didn't matter.
"I've never seen a steak like this. What cut is it?"
"Chuck eye. You'll like it when you try it."
Following his suggestion, Mina carefully cut a piece. The knife initially struggled against the firm exterior, but as it sank deeper the meat yielded smoothly, revealing a pink ring and a deep red center.
"I forgot to specify my usual order, so it came out the way I normally eat it. Is that all right?"
"It's fine."
More than anything, she wanted to taste it quickly. When Seokjun thinly sliced the additional bread, added some of the vegetables, and ate, Mina followed his example. The first impression was salty, but the juices from the vegetables diluted it. The zucchini had softened from the heat, yet that only made it feel like part of the cream or sauce.
"Wow."
Finally came the wasabi that stung her nose, the crispy-yet-tender texture, and the rich juices that flowed out. Mina kept letting out exclamations without realizing how many times she'd done so.
"Did you like it that much?"
"I don't know!"
Click, click. Walking along the street illuminated by scarlet streetlights in the dark night, Mina avoided his gaze. She had been so absorbed in the steak's flavor that she'd even zoned out for a moment.
"I'm just curious how you know about places like that."
"When you live in one place long enough, you end up knowing all the good spots, don't you?"
She still wondered if that fully explained it, but since he had no reason to lie to her, she accepted the answer.
"Hoo, I should really head inside now."
Mina felt a pang of regret that it was already time to part, but she spoke anyway. They had already arrived in front of her house. She never imagined her usually boring holiday would turn into such an enjoyable day; the time had passed even faster because of it.
"Yes, thank you for today."
Seokjun lifted the bag containing the pet supplies she had chosen and smiled.
"Then you have to make time for me properly next time, okay?"
"If I can."
Mina puffed out her cheeks at his retreating figure—he still hadn't given a definite answer—but then she remembered the sticker photos and smiled. She could have given him half of them, but...
It's probably still too soon.
With a touch of lingering regret, she returned home and flopped onto her bed.
"Haa, I'm tired."
After walking around so long, she felt exhausted despite being a hunter. It wasn't painful so much as simply not wanting to move, but she grumbled anyway.
"In times like this, it would be nice if you had magic power too, Pomi."
"Krrung?"
At Mina's sudden remark, Pomi lifted her head as if to ask what she was talking about. Mina recalled the sight of the dachshund transforming into a giant monster. She didn't want that hideous, grotesque form, but it was true that if the little dog could handle simple errands, life would be much more convenient.
That's why she said, "Pomi, could you bring me a hairpin?"
There was no real need to ask the dog, and the hairpin was on the dressing table—far beyond the reach of a Welsh corgi's short legs. Of course nothing happened, but since Mina hadn't been serious anyway, it didn't matter.
"Ahaha, sorry. I'll just get it myse—"
But Mina couldn't finish her sentence.
-Whoosh!
The hairpin that had definitely been inside the box on the dressing table flew out and landed in her hand.
At the unbelievable sight, she turned her head in disbelief.
"Woof."
Pomi gave her a look that seemed to say how pathetic before flopping down to lie on her side.
"Eh?"