Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Date 1
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The next day.
There was nothing different from usual. I woke up to the sunlight streaming in through the window, stirred fully awake by the sound of Si-eun cooking, and ate the lunch she had prepared.
Even during the meal, we didn't breathe a word about our afternoon plans. We just exchanged the same trivial chit-chat as always.
After finishing my rice, I waited with a tense heart, and before I knew it, the appointed time was drawing near.
I threw on my going-out clothes and stepped out of my room. Si-eun was standing there waiting for me.
She wore a black blouse paired with a pleated skirt. A brooch adorning her chest stood out as the signature touch.
Nothing about the individual pieces seemed all that special. But on Si-eun, they gave off an air of luxury.
And with her curves standing out so clearly even against the dark fabric, I found myself spacing out before I knew it. Si-eun's looks really are this stunning. I reconfirmed an obvious fact.
"How do I look?"
Sensing my gaze, Si-eun asked with a blank expression.
For a split second, I considered just saying she looked pretty, but in a very uncharacteristic move for me, a wave of shyness washed over me.
"Hm... You look all grown up."
Dissatisfied with my response, Si-eun arched an eyebrow.
"It's not that I look grown up. I am grown up."
She placed both hands on her hips and thrust her chest out proudly. Yeah. That part definitely looks the most grown up.
"Is that so?"
"A third-year in university? That's an adult. Old enough to drink."
"You shouldn't drink, though..."
Well, even if she couldn't handle alcohol, that didn't change the fact that she was an adult. Having left her teenage years behind, it was only right to see her as one.
She snorted and headed for the entrance. An aura thick with displeasure radiated from behind her, but I decided to ignore it completely.
Wandering around near school carried too much risk.
The places to hang out, eat, or grab a drink were all pretty much the same. If Si-eun and I strolled around here together, I could guarantee we'd run into at least three students from our school within ten minutes.
Which was why we were currently taking a taxi several subway stops away. Our destination was a department store inside one of the stations.
"We're... going there?"
When I told her the destination, Si-eun looked a bit troubled.
"Why? You hate it?"
"No, it's just..."
Si-eun hesitated without finishing her thought, then muttered, "Whatever, fine," and clammed up. I had no idea what she'd been about to say, but since she said it was okay, it probably was.
"But if we're going there, couldn't we just take the subway?"
"Can't risk running into someone I know at the station."
"You don't know anyone."
"You do."
She shut her mouth, seemingly accepting my point.
Well, truth be told, I just didn't want to go because the subway would be packed with people.
That was why we'd taken a taxi, but the department store we arrived at was overflowing with crowds. Everywhere I looked, the view was filled with people's heads. I was already starting to feel dizzy.
"Lots of people."
"It's the weekend. Plus, it's a department store connected to the station, so foot traffic's high."
She had a point. It'd be wise to get used to the crowds for the rest of the day.
Steeling myself, I started walking. I slowed my pace a bit to match Si-eun's stride.
Soon enough, she came up beside me and matched my steps.
We'd only taken a few steps when a group passed between us from behind.
With so many people around, even a slight gap let others squeeze through. A quick glance around confirmed it—most groups were sticking close together.
We should probably do the same.
I grabbed Si-eun's arm, feeling her flinch. Gently tugging her closer narrowed the distance.
"If we get separated, it'll be a hassle. Let's stick closer."
"...Got it."
In the end, we were close enough for our shoulders to brush.
Being so near Si-eun, her fragrance wafted strongly over me. Had she put on perfume today?
"So? Where are we headed?"
I raised my voice to cut through the surrounding noise.
"Gonna watch a movie."
"A movie?"
"This place has a theater, so that's the plan. We can browse whatever catches your eye on the way."
"Okay."
Si-eun nodded at my plan. Her hair swayed, sending another wave of that pleasant scent my way.
We took escalators up to the theater. Escalator to escalator, then another transfer, repeating the process a few times.
In the middle of it, Si-eun tugged hard at my sleeve.
"What's up?"
"Over there."
She pointed to a store on the floor we were currently ascending to.
"I wanna check that out."
"Sure. Let's go."
I agreed quietly and got off at the next stop. As I headed toward the store she'd indicated, Si-eun followed behind.
The place Si-eun had pointed to was none other than a kitchenware shop.
Did they mostly sell dishes here? The walls were covered with bowls in various patterns and functionalities.
I figured bowls were just for holding food, but maybe people who cooked thought differently.
At a glance, these didn't look like cheap stuff from a place like Daiso. Probably some expensive brand exclusive to spots like this.
I asked Si-eun as she moved around inspecting the bowls.
"Don't people usually look at clothes or necklaces on dates like this?"
"No need to waste money on a necklace. And I can buy clothes anytime if I want. But kitchen tools are for home use. So don't I have to browse with you?"
I see.
Come to think of it, Si-eun's taste in clothes was way better than mine anyway. No reason for her to shop for outfits during our time together.
Of course, by that logic, her taste in bowls was probably superior too. But since these were for our house, maybe the final say needed to come from the owner.
Eventually, Si-eun pointed to one bowl and asked.
"What do you think of this?"
"Dunno. Looks like a bowl."
"What kind of reaction is that?"
"Any bowl with your cooking in it would taste great to me."
"You sure know how to talk..."
Si-eun let out a little "pfft" of laughter.
In the end, I hadn't helped even 1% with picking the bowl, but her expression didn't look bad.
A bit further in, I spotted a few aprons hanging on one side.
Not just that—there were also smaller items like spatulas and ladles.
What exactly did this place sell? Dishes, utensils, aprons... Was it a store that gathered every kitchen gadget imaginable?
Lost in such idle thoughts, I glanced sideways. Si-eun was staring intently at something.
Following her gaze, I saw a rack with a few aprons hanging on it.
Si-eun often wore aprons when cooking. She skipped them if there was no risk of splatter since they were a hassle, but usually, she had one on.
She handled all the meals at our house, so it made sense she'd need an apron often.
"Looking to buy an apron?"
She shook her head at my question.
"No. Just glancing."
"Well, if you wanted one, I could've bought it as a gift."
"No need. I can afford my own apron."
Even as she said that, her eyes flicked back to the aprons. It was clearly on her mind. No point pretending otherwise—she could've just been honest.
No helping it. I'd have to step in.
"Hm, I'm curious what you'd look like in a different apron."
"Huh?"
"Why don't you try one on?"
She seemed to mull it over for a moment.
"...Okay."
She reached out toward the rack.
The aprons hanging there were a few plain solid-color ones, plus one strawberry-patterned and one floral.
They were meant to protect against food splatters, yet the designs were surprisingly varied. Even something worn only at home had its own fashion, apparently.
After picking up and examining several, Si-eun walked over to me holding two aprons.
One strawberry-patterned, one floral. Interestingly, the plain solid ones hadn't made the cut.
"Which looks better?"
"Hard to say. When it comes to clothes, my judgment probably isn't the best to follow."
"Well..."
She trailed off, then whipped her head away before continuing.
"...You're the only one who sees me in an apron anyway."
"Hm. True enough."
Yeah. If she needed someone else's opinion, I'd be the number two choice after herself.
Time to pick one, then.
"This one."
"Got it."
I pointed to the floral apron, and she hung the other back up before turning around. Looked like she'd decided to go with my pick.
I followed her to the counter, where the clerk greeted us with a smile.
"I'll help you check out."
Then she added,
"You two must be newlyweds?"
"Ah, no."
I denied it with an open palm, and the clerk blinked in confusion.
Si-eun handed over the money and said to her,
"He's just... the guy next door."
"Ahaha. I see."
Who goes bowl-shopping and apron-picking with the neighbor? But luckily, the clerk didn't pry. Thanks.
On the way out after buying the apron, I asked Si-eun, who was clutching the bag to her chest.
"Like it?"
"Yeah. Looks good."
She smiled as she answered.
"Glad to hear it. Would've been bad if you hated the one I picked."
"It's not that. It's because you picked it..."
She stopped there, pressing a finger to her lips.
Because I picked it... Was she planning to hit me or something if she bought it and ended up hating it?
If so, then all was well.
We'd spent so much time on the apron that quite a bit had passed. We hadn't decided on a movie yet, but they usually ran about two hours. Better get moving.
"Shall we go?"
Si-eun nodded with her head bowed low and came up beside me.