Golden Age
"Excuse me."
As Yu Seoyeon and I chatted away like that, a chef in his mid-40s entered the private room. He politely asked our permission before stepping inside with a young assistant who looked like his sous-chef. They began setting up a portable table and cutting board.
Oh...
Finally, he pulled a live rockfish from a large basin and placed it on the board. The fish thrashed so wildly that its tail slapped the board with vigorous force even as the chef held it down.
"......"
I swallowed hard, holding my breath at the sight. Seoyeon, on the other hand, watched with a bored expression—she must come here often.
Thwack!
As we watched, the chef wrapped the fish's body in a towel, gripped his knife backward, and struck its head with the flat of the blade. The rockfish, which had been flopping desperately just moments ago, went limp without a fight.
One hit KO.
I clicked my tongue in admiration.
"Want some booze?"
Seoyeon suddenly asked me.
I tore my eyes from the fish and looked across at her. "Nah, I'm good. I got hurt and all... trying not to drink if I can help it."
"Yeah?"
She nodded, looking understanding. Meanwhile, restaurant staff came in and loaded the table with side dishes and wraps for the sashimi. In no time, the table was overflowing with food—so much that I worried the legs might buckle.
To think I'd live to see a spread like this.
I marveled at the banchan while the chef finished slicing and placed the rockfish sashimi proudly in the center.
...Damn.
The pristine white flesh was mouthwatering. Sliced into perfect rounds to fit the plate, each piece showed off the chef's skill—no rough edges, all cut razor-thin and bite-sized.
"Eat up."
Seoyeon tapped the plate with her chopsticks as I stared.
I chuckled softly and picked up my chopsticks. "Thanks for the meal, sis."
"Y-yeah!"
She looked ready to burst into laughter, barely holding it together. Her lips twitched like they might stretch ear to ear.
That happy about it?
I tilted my head for a second before shrugging it off as personal taste and grabbing a piece.
"Ah."
I popped it straight into my mouth without dipping. It melted on my tongue after a couple chews—sweet yet nutty, with a subtle chew, and not a hint of fishiness. Doubting every sashimi I'd ever eaten before, I reached for another.
I've been eating garbage all this time.
Good call asking her to buy dinner. Sure, I'd felt a twinge of unease about such an expensive meal earlier, but now? I hoped she'd treat me like this as often as possible.
"Like it?"
Seoyeon asked.
I nodded eagerly. "Yeah, it's delicious."
Her eyes sparkled. "Want more?"
"Huh?"
"Don't hold back—just say it. I'll get you anything. Actually, I'll order."
She rang the call bell, summoned a server, and ordered grilled fish. Soon, platters arrived, including the rare and precious sweetfish.
"......Eat up."
She beamed, piling food my way. I indulged, savoring every exquisite fish until my belly was stuffed.
"Thanks for the amazing meal, sis."
She grinned from ear to ear and stood. "I'll treat you again sometime."
"Hell yeah."
No way I'd turn that down. Passing up free grub from an older sis? That'd be straight-up stupid. This was peak bliss—my life's golden age, no exaggeration.
"That good, huh?"
"Yeah, amazing. Haven't had anything this tasty in forever."
Maybe ever. I smiled contentedly as we left the restaurant, climbed into the car, and pulled out of the lot.
"Hey."
We'd been driving a while when Seoyeon called out.
"Yeah?"
I turned to her. She gripped and released the wheel repeatedly, lips moving silently. Then, glancing at me, she mustered her courage.
"Wanna come over for tea?"
"......"
My heart pounded. No way.Must've misheard. But her sidelong glances confirmed it.
I swallowed and stared ahead. What do I do?
Logically, "No." My nurse said be back by 8. Plus, this could be a trap—lure me in, tase me, torture me for info. Worst case, murder.
...Bullshit!
Only one right answer here.
"Sure, sounds good."
She lit up like the sun and floored it. Clearly thrilled. Yeah, I was sure now—like "wanna grab ramen?" sure.
Me, living the dream!
I whooped inwardly as we headed to her place.
"Apartment? Live with family?"
The car entered the complex, so I asked.
"Nah, solo."
She parked in the underground garage and killed the engine.
What?
Mysteries piled up. Intern with a car and her own place? Sure, parents might've hooked her up, or family abroad... but something about her didn't fit.
...Chaebol heiress?
Had to suspect it now. I swallowed dryly, got out with her, and followed into the building.
The elevator ride was awkward silence. Needed to break it, but words failed.
"Weird?"
She asked just as it dinged.
We stepped in. "Nah... happens."
"Right?"
She flashed a brilliant smile and hit 20.
My heart raced harder as we climbed. First time in this spot—never imagined as a guy.
Seduced by an older woman, invited home!
Bliss overload. I stifled a grin, stepped out on 20, and entered.
"Come in."
She let me go first. I nodded and stepped into the cozy 20-pyeong space—feminine and cute, unlike her vibe.
"......Tea coming right up—sit."
"Yeah."
I plopped on the sofa. She filled the pot and grabbed teabags.
So tense.
What to say? Should I man up and lead? I racked my brain for ex-GF memories pre-army, but they wouldn't come—army must've wiped 'em. Or Seoyeon's image kept intruding.
"What're you thinking?"
Caught empty-handed, she handed me tea.
I smiled awkwardly. "N-nothing... nice place."
"Right? All my doing."
She puffed up proudly. Praising the house—always a winner.
"Um......"
"But......"
We both started after sipping, then blinked at each other.
I recovered first. "You first, sis."
"Ah....... Y-yeah."
She scooted next to me, her sweet scent hitting me. Clutching her cup, nibbling her lip... stunning. If Elena the succubus was Western peak, Seoyeon was East-West perfection.
"......Thanks."
"Huh?"
Her sudden gratitude startled me.
She smiled bitterly. "You must've hated me... but you saved me."
"......"
"I wouldn't have."
"No, if it were you......"
I started to protest, but she shook her head.
"I'd have let you die—'perfect,' right? You were bugging me anyway."
"......"
"Especially if you were the perp... no way I'd let that slide."
She gnashed her teeth.
"That's overthinking it."
"You're too damn nice—people call that a pushover."
I frowned. "Pushover? This is normal......"
"I'd have kicked you out, not even let you in."
"Eunha was there—I trusted her. We've been roommates months."
"That close?"
"Yeah, lives close, great personality. Rare these days."
She chuckled. "True, rare."
She sipped, glanced at me. "......Sorry for doubting you."
"No worries. I'd suspect me too. And that perv... gotta catch him."
I met her eyes firmly. Ironic from the culprit, but it'd clear the air.
"Pushover to the core."
She laughed, giving her first real eye smile.