Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: Birthday Gift - 3
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I thought it would suit her perfectly.
Not because my gift sense was all that great, but because the person receiving it was Yerim.
Of course, that didn't mean I could just grab anything, so I had my own criteria for picking out the gift.
The pattern had to feature cats, since she loved them. The color had to be pink, the shade that sparkled in her eyes every time she looked at me. And most importantly, the material had to be soft silk for comfort while sleeping.
After carefully scouring shopping sites with all that in mind, I finally found pajamas that were just perfect.
They were already so cute on their own, but add Yerim to the mix, and it'd be cuteness plus cuteness—super cute, right?
Just imagining it made my lips curl up with a grin, so I happily hit purchase.
But seeing Yerim actually wearing the pajamas right in front of me? Reality far exceeded my expectations.
Or rather, it blew my imagination out of the water.
Her fidgeting with the innocent pajama pants and hem, embarrassed by my unblinking stare—it went beyond cute; it was the kind of adorable that could make you go "poof" and melt.
Maybe because they were thin silk.
Her body's outline was fully visible through the fabric.
Did I buy something sexy by accident?
Weird... The product name was definitely something like "Cute Cat Pajamas," wasn't it?
I hadn't realized it before: if a certain area is particularly large, it can make the fabric around the stomach puff out a bit.
Why does it feel so sexy...?
There's no exposure at all; it's just sleepwear.
I was flustered with myself for finding Yerim's appearance sexy.
"Oppa."
"Y-Yeah?"
"Can I ask why you chose these pajamas...?"
I snapped out of my trance at her genuinely curious question.
"Well, I was thinking about what would suit you... and came across these. So I picked them."
"I see...?"
"Yeah."
As I was about to ask if she liked them, Yerim smiled brightly and took a step closer.
"And...?"
"...Huh?"
Even as I stammered in surprise, she just kept smiling at me without a word.
Why?
How could she look at me with eyes so full of certainty, convinced there was more to it?
As if those shining eyes could peer right into my heart.
Even if I said, "That's it," she'd smile nonchalantly and reply, "I see...?"
But that's not what she wants.
And if it's not what you want... then I don't want it either.
"...You won't laugh if I tell you?"
"Mm, I'll decide after hearing it..."
"...Then I won't say."
"Ah, I won't laugh... Promise."
"...You're already laughing. What promise?"
Despite my gruff tone, she beamed and held out her pinky. Seeing her like that... well.
It was just.
Just nice.
I felt like no matter what I said, she'd accept it with that same smile.
But even if she'd accept it all, it didn't make it any less embarrassing.
Like making a confession, I covered my face with my hands, knowing full well it wouldn't hide anything.
"...They're pajamas, right?"
"Yes...?"
"...Pajamas are for sleeping in."
"Yeah, that's right...?"
"...So, at least tonight, when you're sleeping."
My face burned so hot under my hands that I wondered if I'd get burns.
"...I wanted you to think of me. That's it."
Before saying it, all I could think was how I'd die if she laughed.
But after blurting it out, I suddenly worried she'd be disgusted.
"I don't know what to say..."
Ah. The latter, huh.
Her eyes, always so beautiful, were too scary to look at right now, so I couldn't lower my hands.
"So, lower your hands, Oppa..."
I wanted to ask why, but her words had some kind of magic. The moment I heard them, my hands slowly slid down.
What came into view was her beautiful figure, just as before.
And her pink eyes sparkling at me, as always.
"If you keep hiding with your hands, I can't convey my true feelings..."
She couldn't even see the color of her own eyes.
Yet she spoke with such certainty about what color they must be now.
That feeling came across clearer than a thousand words. I couldn't help murmuring to myself.
You're special, after all.
"And Oppa..."
"...Yeah?"
"If that's the reason, you didn't have to choose pajamas..."
Before I could process what she meant, she continued with a "but."
"I'll think of you once more. Every day."
Looking at her smiling up at me, I finally understood the answer from earlier.
It wasn't the pajamas that were sexy.
It was Yerim.
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"Those pajamas aren't uncomfortable or anything, right?"
I calmed down a bit after putting some distance between us, seeing her smiling at my flushed face.
Once I was calm, it hit me that I hadn't asked for her review of the pajamas, so I did belatedly.
"Uncomfortable...?"
"Yeah, like if the fabric irritates or the size doesn't fit..."
"Size..."
She mumbled and glanced down, so I followed her gaze and...
Gasp.
The massive something I'd been trying not to look at—and the hand resting on top—came into view.
"......"
"......"
...Is it okay for me to even ask about this? Isn't this sexual harassment?
But seeing her poke and prod around silently, I wanted to touch it too, damn it, snap out of it, Han Woojin...!
"...Does the size not fit right?"
"It's not uncomfortable... but it feels a little tight."
I couldn't bring myself to ask where it was tight.
"Sorry. I'm not... great with that stuff."
How would I know unless I'd bought it before...?
ABCDEFG—so many letters.
I knew Yerim was well-endowed, but not the exact size, and asking her directly would make me a total creep with no defense.
"Student, what's the recipient's height and age~?"
"Around 160 cm, 14 years old... But, uh, she's a bit big. Compared to other kids..."
"Oh my, lucky you~ You don't know your girlfriend's cup size?"
".........Yeah."
"Hmm~ This size should be perfect then!"
...Don't worry, lady.
I'd done my research on sizes for 160 cm women.
It was supposedly above average for our age group's 160 cm women, and the consultant lady confidently recommended it.
Yerim said she was small, so I had nothing to say.
......I told you she was big, lady.
The consultant might feel wronged if she heard, but right now, I felt the most wronged.
"Mm, no, it's fine. Even if it's a little tight, it's not uncomfortable..."
"...You sure? We can exchange for a different size."
Yerim shook her head firmly, as if it really was okay.
"It's the first birthday gift from Oppa, after all..."
"Thanks...?"
"Next time, you can learn so it won't be such a mystery..."
...Learn what? How?
The thought flashed through my mind.
But in front of her expectant smile, I could only awkwardly smile back.
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Afterward, as we left the room, Yerim's dad dropped his teacup in shock at her wearing pajamas.
Thankfully, Yerim quickly hugged him, saying, "Dad, thanks for the gift, even if it's late," which calmed(?) him down fast.
[A happy daughter makes for a happy dad's brain]
Forgetting the painful memories and taking only the happy ones... Good for you.
After such a fun time, before heading home.
Auntie called me and Sea aside, seeming like she had something to say.
But after opening and closing her mouth several times, she finally said it was nothing and to see us next time.
Why?
In that farewell, in her expression as she looked at us.
It felt like there was a hint of apology.
But what it was for.
At the time, we—I—couldn't know.
♪♬♪♬
"Ugh, what the hell, some jerk calling on a Sunday morning..."
After successfully celebrating Yerim's birthday yesterday, I went home satisfied and slept soundly.
But my phone rang early in the morning, putting me in a foul mood.
Whoever it was, they were dead. I answered.
"Wha—morning call already...?"
"Oppa, did you sleep well...?"
"...Oh, it's you~ I slept great. You sleep well, Yerim?"
......Yeah. It's the weekend; calls are fine.
I felt a bit like I'd done something wrong, but.
Coming from Yerim, even a call at dawn would be innocent. Anyway.
"I slept well too... But Oppa, weren't you mad just now...?"
"...No idea what you mean. Why would I be mad, haha..."
"Your voice sounded angry, like you just woke up."
"......Would I ever—"
"Not content with snapping at me, now you're lying too...?"
"...Sorry. I didn't know it was you."
"You wouldn't have if it was me...?"
"Ah, of course not."
I groveled in a crawling voice until a topic I could say confidently came up, raising my tone, and Yerim giggled.
I'm saved...!
"Hee, kidding... Sorry for calling so early."
"Nah, no need to apologize. Call anytime. Even at dawn."
"What if you get mad again out of nowhere...?"
"......Forgive me."
She keeps pulling these unfair moves.
But starting the day with Yerim's lovely voice made even the sunlight—which had annoyed me for being too bright moments ago—feel warm now.
"Oppa, do you know what this is?"
"What?"
"It's a video call..."
"...Huh?"
What? Is my ear being broadcast live right now?
...It looks clean, right? It's fine, right?
I hurriedly covered the phone screen with my blanket.
"Ah, why cover it..."
"Sorry. I just woke up and look a mess... Anyway, what's with the sudden video call?"
"Not okay...?"
"It's okay, just sudden..."
"Mm, actually..."
"Actually?"
"I wanted to show you how I look after sleeping in the pajamas you gave me..."
"Huh?"
"Don't wanna see...?"
I want to see it so damn bad.
To reiterate, it wasn't just wanting to see—it was dying to see.
Bad enough to hurl the blanket off the phone.
"...I'm really not looking good. Can you wait a bit?"
"Then what's the point... I called right after waking up too."
In my mind, Angel Woojin was saying, "Woojin, you can't show your crush your bedhead!"
Devil Woojin countered, "Who gives a damn, wash up later—don't you wanna see bedhead Yerim?"
The debate didn't last. Me and Devil Woojin ganged up with "What the hell's this guy saying" and killed Angel Woojin.
Giving in to desire, I peeked the blanket aside,
"Ah. Oppa, finally looking...?"
"Whoa."
Devil Woojin whispered, "Told you to listen to me."
Acknowledged.
Seeing Yerim smiling brightly on the screen, the earlier dazzling sunlight felt like nothing.
I could only gape at the screen, mouth wide open.