Driving Lessons (4)
"……."
Aside from accidentally stumbling upon online ads or streamers, I’d never actually set foot in an adult toy store. I’d only ever caught glimpses of couples, groups of women, or groups of men walking into them from the outside. The mere fact that I was walking into one alone made me feel incredibly embarrassed.
"Wow… look at this."
"Oh! That’s pretty~"
"*Vrrroooom~*"
I was only here for a pickup, so I gathered my courage and stepped inside. Thankfully, it wasn't like opening a noisy classroom door where everyone suddenly goes silent.
"…….."
It went without saying, but the place was packed with all sorts of adult products. From dildos to vibrators and masturbators. Still, since it was in the middle of Hongdae and had floor-to-ceiling glass windows, there weren't many that looked realistic. Most were solid colors like pink or purple to make them look as mundane as possible.
I’d always wondered if people actually bought these things openly, but it turned out they really did.
"Are you really going to buy this?"
"Well, am I supposed to buy a fake one?"
"What if you get caught?"
"Eh. Nobody cares about my room, so even if I leave it out in the open, they won't know."
The cup-shaped masturbator I always saw. I’d looked it up once; apparently, a Japanese used car salesman created the brand after seeing adult toys that looked too obscene. That must be why it became popular—it looks like an ordinary ornament on the outside. If I were to buy one, I’d probably go with that company. Not that I need one.
"Wow. Does this actually fit?"
"I like this size better."
Next was the dildo section. They were shaped like penises, but instead of a skin-tone and pink combo, they were neon pink.
"Eh. That’s too small."
"My ex-boyfriend said he was 18 centimeters, but it hurt too much. I think 15 or 16 is just right."
"You’ve already… experienced it?"
"……."
People say it’s a crowded place, but for me, this was way too spicy. I tried to brush it off, but when they started talking about sizes, I couldn't help but listen. It stung my pride a little that it wasn't bigger than 18 centimeters. And I had a feeling it would be a good match for me.
"What’s this one for?"
"Oh~ that’s the one. You use it with the clit-stimulator here."
"Aha."
Among the dildos, there were occasionally double-ended ones with a part that curved upward above the main insertion point. It was for stimulating the clitoris. Most of these weren't manual dildos but vibrators that buzzed or moved automatically. New information entered my brain. These people didn't look like employees, so why did they know so much? Were they professional masturbators?
"Wow. Touch this. It’s insane."
"Ugh. Something about it is weird, isn't it?"
Beyond the section visible through the glass, I entered a tented area on the second floor. Unlike the plastic-looking ornaments outside, this place was filled with things that looked truly raw.
"But it doesn't feel the same. It’s like a high-end version of a stress ball, right?"
"Really? It’s different from the real thing?"
"Of course it’s different. Are you a virgin?"
There were silicone breasts on display. Just the breasts and nipples sitting there, which was quite embarrassing to look at. Plus, they were stained from how many people had touched them. *'So it really is different.'* The size was similar to Mom or Chaeyu’s, but the feeling was completely different. Breasts don't feel this mushy when you grab them. They’re firmer, and every time you touch them, you feel a strange sensation at your fingertips.
"Noona. How’s this one?"
"This wrist part is too big. Don't you have a smaller one?"
"Should we ask?"
"You ask."
Next was the SM corner. It was filled with hardcore gear, from handcuffs and gag balls to whips and candle wax. There were things I’d only heard of, like double-ended dildos or strap-on types—things I was seeing in person for the first time. Of course, there were also milder items, like cosplay outfits for events.
'This isn't the time for this….' It was such a brave new world that I almost forgot the real reason I came here. I was secretly curious about what Mom had actually bought.
"…I’m here for a pickup."
"Of course~ May I have the name of the person who made the reservation?"
"That is…."
The employee went inside after I gave them Mom's name. Maybe she hadn't bought much, as they brought out a nicely wrapped shopping bag of a standard size. Why wasn't it a black plastic bag? Why did it have the logo plastered all over it? And why were there handles on both sides?
"Thank you~ Have a good day~"
I hid the bag, hurried back to the car, and loaded it in. I peeked inside, wondering what kind of items were in there.
'What on earth is this used for…?' Along with a vibrator that looked expensive, there was an outfit with a design I’d never seen before, even when I was with Chaeyu. I didn't want to take it out, so I just looked at it, but I couldn't tell what it was. It was folded—or maybe crumpled—so badly I couldn't even tell its shape. Whatever. I’d know once I brought it to Mom. Personally, I was hoping for lingerie, but if it were Mom, she would have bought nice underwear from an expensive boutique, not a place like this.
'I just hope she doesn't make me wear it….'
Until I got home, I drove the car while naturally cursing at the driver in front of me.
"I’m home… are you up?"
"Oh, you're back. Where have you been?"
"……Just running an errand for Mom."
Dad was lying on his side on the sofa, watching TV. I quickly hid the requested item behind my back. If he caught me, he’d definitely ask what it was.
"Wow… I actually slept for a while."
"Yeah. You should rest on the weekends."
"Right… that’s why you’re always lazing around."
"Do as you please."
"Is Chaeyu at work?"
"Yeah. She’s probably in the middle of her shift."
We chatted naturally as I headed to my room. I’d simulated a scenario where Mom might be sleeping in my room, but thankfully, that didn't happen.
'What on earth is this… this outfit….' I finally took out the clothing I’d only glanced at. It looked like a bunch of strings, and it seemed impossible to actually wear. Would Mom get mad if she knew I’d looked at it beforehand? It seemed like she wanted to surprise me.
Whirrr-!
"…!"
I didn't think it would start working right away. I hadn't set anything, but it let out a vibration louder than a razor.
"Son. What’s that noise?"
"It’s nothing!"
I quickly shoved the items back into the shopping bag and hid them. It was so loud I almost got caught. ……What was Mom thinking, asking me to do this?
"I’m off tomorrow."
"Oh, really? That’s great."
Dinner time, with everyone eating together after Chaeyu got off work. She was bragging to me that she had the day off tomorrow.
"Since you’re off, do the dishes."
"Ehh~? No way."
"'Ehh~'? What do you mean? If you don't do them, I won't give you any food."
"That’s so mean. Right, Oppa?"
"I mean, I’ve been doing them all myself…."
When it was just Dad and me, I naturally did them all alone. Since Dad raised me by himself until I could fend for myself. Even I think I’m a filial son.
"Hmph. Nobody is on my side."
Chaeyu puffed out her cheeks, sulking, and rested her feet on my chair while glaring at me. I signaled with my eyes for her not to be so upset.
"Park Chaeyu. I told you not to use your phone while eating."
"I’m doing the dishes tomorrow, so let it slide."
"No. That’ll spoil you."
"I’ve been an adult for a long time now, you know?"
"Even so, you’re still a baby in Mom’s eyes."
"……."
Suddenly, my back pocket vibrated. It seemed Chaeyu had sent me a text. I pulled out my phone, wondering what she’d written.
…As if. I’d have to go see her in a bit.
"Oh. Oppa is on his phone."
"Hey… this is—"
"You’re already done eating, Oppa. You, don't dawdle and finish your food."
"I know. Seriously."
Chaeyu hurriedly shoveled food into her mouth, pretending to be angry. Mom saw that and scolded her for eating too fast. Honestly, she was completely different from how she used to be.
"I’m done."
"Go brush your teeth and head in."
"What a hassle…."
Dad went to the bathroom to brush his teeth, and Chaeyu and I cleaned up the table.
"…?"
The moment I handed the plates to the sink, Mom nudged my side with her elbow. I immediately understood why and answered her question in a very low voice.
"It’s in my room."
"Can you bring it to me?"
"Yes…."
I’d forgotten to give her the shopping bag because Mom was sleeping, and I’d just let it slip my mind. I had to get this bag, which had the adult toy store logo plastered all over it, to Mom without Chaeyu noticing.
"……."
It wasn't even hidden; it was sitting right there on my desk. It would have been a disaster if Chaeyu had seen it. She would have immediately realized I’d bought it at an adult toy store.
"Mom."
"Yes?"
I quietly called Mom into my room. Mom took the shopping bag and smiled brightly.
"Thanks. For granting my wish."
"It’s nothing…."
"Did you see what’s inside?"
"……Actually, I did."
"How is it?"
"I don't know what it is."
"Really? I guess you don't know much about these things yet?"
"Chae—it’s my first time seeing it…."
"Look forward to it."
"…!"
Mom stroked my hair, then suddenly grabbed the back of my head and pulled me toward her. Her soft lips brushed intensely against mine.
"You startled me…."
"Sleep well."
"…Good night."
Mom left my room with a relaxed air, but I had to stay put, my heart still racing from the surprise. Wait, where was I going again?
Right. I had to go comfort Chaeyu.
"Why are you only coming now?"
"I was just tidying up my room…."
I turned off the living room lights and naturally headed to Chaeyu’s room. The moment night fell in our house, the real night began in Chaeyu’s room.
"Annoying…."
"But she did keep doing the dishes for you."
As I sat on Chaeyu’s bed, she naturally climbed on top of me. I felt her body heat and comforted her.
"That’s true, but… she says it so matter-of-factly. I wish she’d be at least half as gentle as you, Oppa. Her tone is so annoying."
Of course, Mom was right. Chaeyu was her only daughter. It was only natural for her to be strict, as it would be a disaster if she brought home some weird guy. Even if I were in her shoes, I’d be strict if I only had one daughter. The problem was that Chaeyu was living with that "weird guy."
"Ugh…."
But Chaeyu was right, too. Lately, Mom’s tone had been sharp. I supposed she was stressed out because of the pop-up store opening.
"I’ll try to talk to her. I think she’s stressed because she’s doing something new lately."
"Yeah… *hiccup*."
I could feel Chaeyu’s frustration through her tongue. I wrapped my arms around her waist and held her gently.
"Haa…."
"Do you feel a bit better now?"
"Yeah…."
"Want me to take you for a drive tomorrow?"
"Yeah. Take me—*ugh?!*"
Chaeyu hugged me and buried herself in my chest. When I subtly poked her with my tent, she flinched and pulled back.
"Ah, not today…."
"Why?"
"…It’s that time of the month."
"Aha."
No wonder. I had smelled something heavy.