Chapter 31
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: The Three Siblings' Meal
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If only today had been a weekday.
Sunday morning dawned with sunlight stabbing at my eyes, and as expected, both sisters were lounging around somewhere in the house.
The silver lining was that by the time I opened my eyes, they'd already retreated to their rooms.
...And why was that a relief? Because I had no clue what face to make when seeing them right now.
'Especially with Sujeong... Sigh, no good. I'll grab breakfast and head out for a walk or something.'
Pulling at my hair in bed changed nothing.
Instead, I figured I'd go for a run to shake off the tension, so I darted to the kitchen fridge while the coast was clear.
That plan seemed flawless at first glance.
Unfortunately, predicting the movements of sisters holed up on the second floor was impossible from the start.
"Ah...! J-Jigu."
"Su-Sujeong? Uh... just came down for some water?"
"Yeah, and you... going for breakfast? You're running pretty late."
"Yeah. But there's not much in the way of side dishes, so I was just gonna have some milk to tide me over."
As I rummaged around for something decent, I bumped right into Sujeong coming down the stairs.
Of all people, it had to be the one I least wanted to run into at home right now.
She seemed to feel the same, avoiding my eyes and fidgeting with the ends of her hair instead of coming closer.
'I expected this, but it's even more awkward than I thought... With the feel of that moment still so vivid in my chest, what can you do.'
Last night, when I got back to the room, Sujeong was already asleep.
I didn't know if it was real sleep or just pretending, but I turned away without a word and lay down quietly.
As if brushing off what happened earlier as a momentary lapse.
As if we could still chalk it up to a one-time fluke.
...That's what I told myself, but after something like that, there was no way I'd drift off easily.
I tossed and turned all night, barely sleeping, and now dark circles were stark under my eyes as proof.
And for some reason, Sujeong—who'd fallen asleep first—had matching shadows under hers.
"Um, no side dishes in the fridge? I made a bunch last time..."
"Guess we ate them all. Sorry, sis. I've just had a huge appetite lately."
"Oh, no worries. After discharge, craving outside food is normal. I should've thought about a guy's appetite... Sorry."
"Why are you apologizing? Prepping sides twice a week is work enough."
"Still, I've been thinking too much from my own perspective. Usually... I don't deal with guys much."
"R-Right, talking about meals? Let's eat together more from now on, haha."
In our house, the five siblings split the chores, and Sujeong handled side dishes and grocery storage.
Mealtimes and appetites varied wildly, so cooking and dishes were every person for themselves. But the basics were always prepped in the fridge by her.
So she bit her lip, checking for any leftover ingredients.
I insisted it was fine over and over, but I couldn't stop her from grabbing the frying pan in the end.
"Let me do this much at least... You're already helping me out so much, Jigu."
"It's really fine... If anything, I've been helped more."
"Huh?"
"What? ...No, not that help! Wait, that is help, but—I mean more like emotional, mental support...!"
"Oh... Yeah. You've found some peace of mind... Glad to hear it."
"Wait, not that kind of peace! Sure, it helped with that too, but that's not what I—!"
In the middle of chatting, something came out that could be taken the wrong way.
Sujeong's cheeks flushed as she turned her head away.
But her ears turning beet red from behind gave away exactly what she was imagining.
I hurriedly tried to explain, but no matter what I said, it seemed to sound off to her.
"Um, wanna sit down...? Cooking's dangerous, so stay back a bit... Yeah."
"You mean 'cause it's hot and risky, right? Not hunching your shoulders like you're guarding against something weird?"
"Wh-What's weird about it? We're sister and little brother."
"R-Right. Just sister and brother... Ahem."
"Anyway, it's hot... So step back a little."
"Yeah... The frying pan's hot, right? Ahem."
For normal siblings, they'd probably stick close without a second thought.
But I took a step back anyway, dragging out a chair unsteadily.
"...What are you two doing?"
"Eek?! G-Geumbi? When'd you wake up?"
"I've been up ages. When you opened your eyes, Sujeong sis and I weren't there, right?"
"Oh, right, yeah. But why are you down here...?"
"Why do you think? Thirsty, came for water. More importantly, what's with the noise? What were you two up to?"
Sujeong alone was messing with my head enough, but now Geumbi shuffled into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes.
She acted casual at a glance, but subtly glancing at Sujeong showed she wasn't totally chill.
"...Why are you staring?"
"Nothing... Nope."
Things had been awkward with Geumbi since that kiss incident.
It wasn't huge enough for apologies or explanations, but too embarrassing to just gloss over.
Pulling it out dragged time, leading to pointless bickering or averted eyes whenever we crossed paths now.
"Oh, Geumbi. When'd you get here? You eating too?"
"You've been chattering with Jigu a bit, didn't hear? Making something fancy?"
"N-No, just... Jigu was hungry, so a little omurice..."
"Hmm~ Mind making mine too?"
"Of course! Made extra for the others anyway. Sit and wait."
"Thanks, sis~! Best sis ever. So cool!"
"St-Stop with the obvious flattery. It's embarrassing."
Geumbi perked up chatting with Sujeong and plopped right next to me.
Meanwhile, Sujeong blushed to her other ear, shy from the praise, and I felt the tense air lighten up all around.
'Phew, good thing. With all three together, no awkward solo moments.'
Ideally, the two of them would face each other and chat away.
Then I could scarf down quick and bolt outside.
"Alright, done... Huh? Geumbi, why'd you sit there?"
"Huh? No real reason?"
"No reason and you pick Jigu's spot?"
"Well, if I had to say... Didn't wanna get in your way while cooking? Sink's closer over there."
"Oh, yeah... True, you'd be in the way here, hehe."
Sujeong set steaming omurice on plates, claiming we'd waited long enough.
But handing one to Geumbi, she flinched, scratching her cheek with a wry smile for some reason.
'What's that? Bad feeling... Uh?'
A plate of steaming omurice landed in front of me too, and Sujeong picked up chopsticks, coming to eat with us.
But she skipped the empty seat opposite and pulled her chair up to my right instead.
The first shocked was me, of course, as her shoulder brushed mine.
Next was Geumbi on my left, eyes wide round.
"Sis? Why sit there?"
"Huh? No real reason...?"
"No, there's tons of space opposite. Kinda weird."
"Hmm, well. Thought it'd be nice for the three of us to sit side by side, hehe."
Sujeong smiled back at puzzled Geumbi.
Seeing the cook smiling, Geumbi couldn't press further and shut up.
'Ow. Why kick me? What'd I do?'
For some reason, Geumbi's kick flew my way.
No idea why, just pure injustice, but with Sujeong eager for feedback, I couldn't complain.
"Let's eat."
"Dig in... sis."
"Enjoy, you two~ Ehehe."
One bite, and the eggs melted softly in my mouth, eyes going wide.
No sauce but ketchup, yet the nutty-sweet flavor danced on my tongue. I swallowed and praise burst out.
"This is so good? What, did you take cooking classes while I was gone?"
"What, over this? You've eaten my sides plenty."
"Fridge stuff and fresh off the pan are different. Wow, should've tried other fresh sides too."
"Heh, yeah? If you want, Jigu, I'll call you next time I make some."
"For real? Thanks~!"
"Nah, you enjoying it makes me happier... Love you, little bro."
Clatter.
While cooing over the food with Sujeong, something dropped on my left.
Glancing over, Geumbi was picking up fallen chopsticks, mouth flapping silently.
"Ah, uh, sorry. Still half-asleep... Hard to use chopsticks, haha."
No one asked, but Geumbi muttered to herself and grabbed new ones.
Sujeong peeked at her too, asking how it tasted.
"Geumbi, good? To your taste?"
"Yeah, it's fine. Sis really knows her way around cooking."
"Hehe~ Right? Thanks, Geumbi~."
Sujeong beamed innocently again, but that was it.
Geumbi eyed her wistfully as the chat died, her gaze screaming 'That's all...?'
Sadly, Sujeong's eyes had already swung back to me.
"Hey, Jigu. Enough food? Might be light for a guy. Forgot again."
"Nah, perfect for breakfast."
"Yeah~? Okay, got it. Hehe."
"...Sis, you didn't ask if mine's enough?"
"Huh? Geumbi, I gave you your usual amount? Just checking on Jigu since his appetite picked up post-discharge."
"Oh, right? Gotcha... Hmmm~."
Sujeong recalled our earlier talk, planning to adjust portions.
Geumbi chimed in briefly but chewed sulkily, unsatisfied.
Until plates emptied, Sujeong kept chirping away.
Geumbi's lips pursed more with each passing minute.
"Jigu Yang."
"Yeah? What's up, Geumbi?"
"Come up for a sec. Need to talk."
"Huh? Uh, sure... Wait a bit."
After brushing teeth post-meal, heading back, Geumbi called from the stairs.
Clueless, I grabbed my phone and headed up. She dragged me to her room and locked the door quick.
"What's this? Suddenly why, sis...?"
"Cut the why. Jigu, something happen with Sujeong sis?"
"What?!"
"Don't lie. I can tell from your eyes."
Did she sense something in the kitchen? Or suspected before?
Geumbi blocked the exit, pressing in.
I swallowed, scrambling for an excuse, but she gave no time to think.
"Won't talk...? Guess I'll ask your body."
"Huh? Wha?! S-Sis?!"
Geumbi shoved me hard onto the bed.
I lay there dazed, pinned under her.
This look in her eyes was all too familiar.
But getting pounced like this... No matter how often, it never got old.
'Though lately, it feels like it's happening extra often.'
Even in the repeat, my heart pounded like the first time.
Hearing it, Geumbi's face drew slowly closer to mine.