Graduation Day Promise
Na-eun came to the PC Bang while submitting her university application, and I taught her how to play games.
She liked reading manga and secretly enjoyed watching anime too, so I figured games would suit her well and recommended one.
She was hesitant at first, but she quickly got the hang of it and started having fun...
...and now she's totally hooked on gaming.
Should I be happy about this or not?
Once she starts university, her studies will ramp up big time. It varies by department, but from what I know, nursing has a heavy workload too.
Starting games now could be risky. If she gets addicted, I might end up bowing my head in apology to Na-eun's parents.
But it's still before university starts anyway. She hasn't even had her high school graduation yet—it's tomorrow.
Telling a high schooler who hasn't graduated yet, "You'll have tons of studying in college, so go easy on games," would be pretty cruel, right?
So I kept my mouth shut and decided to game with her.
Na-eun was totally immersed in Shooting Ground, the first game I'd taught her. That's why she called me out today too.
Instead of booting up my home PC, I threw on some clothes and headed out.
Her computer couldn't run Shooting Ground properly, so we had to go to the PC Bang.
Basically, it was a PC Bang date with Na-eun.
Honestly, it felt pretty good. Any date with Na-eun is bound to feel great.
I know exactly what it means that dates with her make me happy.
Yeah, I have some special feelings for Na-eun. It's been exactly a year since my ex-girlfriend dumped me, and here I am with these emotions.
I don't know if that's okay. Honestly, I don't even want to think about it.
I just want to let these feelings flow naturally.
"I'm heading out~"
I put on my winter coat and stepped outside. Honestly, it's a bit chilly for me—I'm weak to the cold.
Still, I chose the winter coat over a puffer jacket because it suits me better.
As I slowly made my way to the PC Bang, I spotted an incredibly lovable girl checking her phone on the first floor of the building.
I walked up to her and poked her soft-looking cheek with my finger.
-Whoosh!
Na-eun jumped in surprise, looked at me, then gave a shy smile and greeted me.
"Oppa, good morning!"
"Yeah, good morning... though it's already lunchtime, isn't it?"
"Still~ You probably just woke up."
"Nah, I was up this morning too."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I get up at that time even without work. You must've come from school."
Na-eun was dressed like your typical Korean high school girl: uniform with a puffer jacket.
"Yup, this is my last day wearing this uniform tomorrow anyway."
Thinking about it, yeah. She's spent the last six years in that uniform, and it's about to end.
It made sense. She might miss it later, even if she doesn't now, so she's wearing it while she can.
Me? I never really missed my uniform. I wasn't the type to wear it properly anyway.
I didn't mod it or anything, but I skipped the undershirt or vest sometimes. They're uncomfortable.
Compared to that, Na-eun's a model student. She looks like an influencer because she's so pretty, but she follows all the rules.
That's part of why I fell for her.
"It's cold—let's head in quick."
"Okay...! Let's go together!"
Na-eun naturally snuggled right up to me. It was so casual, but honestly, I wish she'd hold back a little.
I might get the wrong idea.
Maybe that "wrong" idea is the right one. Even so, I decided not to dwell on it.
She's still a high schooler, after all. I shouldn't think beyond that.
We went into the PC Bang together, and Na-eun naturally paid and headed inside.
I already had credit loaded, so I was just going to follow, but...
"Na-eun?"
She headed to a section I hadn't expected.
Following her, what appeared before me was a seat I never saw coming.
"Oppa, how about we sit here today?"
It was a couple's seat—a huge sofa for two, with two computers side by side.
Obviously, I'd only sat in one once before.
Just that one time with my ex at the PC Bang.
She didn't game at all, so she just did course registration and watched videos, I think.
Even so, it was a decent memory because at least back then, she tried to understand my hobbies and life.
Now it's just an annoying past, post-breakup.
Thankfully, today that past gets overwritten.
Thanks to Na-eun, this sweet and pretty girl.
"...Should we?"
"Yes! Hurry and sit!"
Na-eun plopped down with a beaming smile, turned on the computer with an excited voice, and I sat right next to her, booting mine up too.
As the computers started up, I casually asked her,
"By the way, Na-eun, aren't you gonna buy a computer or something?"
"A computer?"
"Yeah, it'll make college life easier."
"Oh... well... I'm getting your laptop, Oppa."
"My laptop?"
"Yeah, and I'm not buying one because I don't know if I'll live at home or get my own place yet."
Made sense.
Computers aren't light, small, or cheap.
Buying one rashly when you don't know your living situation is unwise.
Plus, if she's getting Seung-min's laptop, that'll be fine. That guy's not the type to buy cheap, and he's probably got a desktop separately anyway.
"Fair enough, worth thinking about."
"Yeah, and..."
"And?"
"If I get into Jinhan University with those scores, I'll probably get a scholarship. Worst case, I can buy one with that. My brother's laptop isn't bad, but it's pretty old."
Very smart. Our Na-eun's clever.
I nodded and sincerely praised her.
"Smart move."
"I'm pretty smart, right?"
Yeah, you are. Way smarter than me.
After praising her inwardly a few more times, I logged into the PC Bang computer, launched the game, and we had a blast playing together.
About two hours into gaming with Seonwoo oppa, I figured it was a good time and asked him.
"Hey, oppa."
"Yeah, Na-eun?"
"Um, I have a wish... could you grant it for me?"
"A wish? What is it?"
His voice, so willing to grant any wish, got me all hopeful, so I threw out a question that might be a bit rude.
"...I'm graduating tomorrow, you know."
"Right?"
"...So, can't you come celebrate with me?"
"What about Seung-min and your parents?"
"They're all coming."
Mom and Dad are coming too. My brother will show up at least.
No way our super close-knit family would miss the baby graduating.
But...
"Still, I want you to celebrate with me too, oppa."
I wanted the person I like there too. That's my wish.
I looked at him with that wish in my eyes, and Seonwoo oppa asked hesitantly,
"...Is it okay if I come?"
"Of course! We can eat together too!"
"Eating together after is one thing, but graduation meals are family stuff."
"Still, at least come! Please!"
I pleaded earnestly, and he nodded.
"Of course I'll come—I never said I wouldn't."
"...You really will?"
"Yeah, I'll dress as sharp as I can."
'I'll dress as sharp as I can'—he has no idea how sweet that sounds.
"Oppa, thank you so much."
"No need to thank me—it's your request, so of course I'll go. Not a big deal."
His words kept making me smile. How is such a kind, cool guy by my side?
"No, really, thank you. Seriously."
So I'll make him mine, no matter what. This chance won't come twice.