No Dating in My Second Life
I thought there would be no such thing as dating anyone in this second life. The passion I'd poured into my first life had cooled to nothing after all that betrayal, and carrying those memories, I'd resolved never to chase pure love again.
But here I was, defying that vow, holding Mary's hand. It was as if fate was teaching me the path—from childhood friends, to lovers, to lifelong partners.
"Yes, everyone. The bride and groom are about to make their entrance. Please welcome them with applause~!"
Cheers and applause erupted from all sides, every eye in the seats turning to Mary and me. Familiar faces to me, people from Mary's life... The crowd showered us with genuine blessings, and a soft smile bloomed on her lips.
"Everyone's watching us."
"Yeah."
"They're all celebrating us."
"...Looks like it."
Her hand gripped mine tighter, our steps syncing effortlessly despite the tension. "You're happy too, right?"
In the midst of that warm reception, her quiet question made my chest itch. I whispered back softly, "And you?"
Truly. Did she have no regrets about facing this future with me?
"Do I really have to say it out loud? It's embarrassing."
She swatted me playfully, as if taking my question the wrong way, and quickened her pace. Before I knew it, we stood before the officiant.
He faced us and asked, "Bride Mary, do you swear here and now to spend your life with Groom Kim Cheolsu?"
"I do."
No hesitation. A faint shyness colored her face, but her gaze held steady, unwavering. As if she truly, deeply had no regrets about choosing me as her partner.
"Groom Kim Cheolsu."
For some reason, my heart swelled. The officiant turned to me directly. "Do you swear to protect Bride Mary at all times, and to build a happy family with her?"
This might be my last chance. I'd sworn to live my life in solitude, to turn my back on a woman who loved me.
"...I do."
Absurd. I'd already accepted her; that's why I was here. Even the negative values from my first life faded before the truth of her love, which I'd felt all along. I had a duty to meet her expectations. The desire to make this girl—who'd drawn true love from me—happy blossomed in my heart right there.
"Then, to seal your vows, a kiss..."
One step forward to bear the fruit of that feeling. I hesitated just a moment, but she pulled my hand firmly, parting her softly pursed lips toward me.
"You'll make me happy, right?"
Her voice carried a hint of anxiety, but even more expectation in that whisper.
"...I'll make you happy."
Her answer felt so endearing that as I replied, her lips drew closer. Step by step, she lifted her face until we were inches apart.
It would've terrified my old self, but I welcomed it without doubt—the soft, moist touch of her lips on mine, that warmth...
Savoring that vivid sensation in this blessed moment, my pounding heart brought one certainty.
This wasn't a dream. The kiss from this lovely girl in my arms couldn't be some fleeting illusion.
Yes, this was reality. The fruition of our confirmed feelings. No regrets lay ahead. Deep in my heart, I held a fierce conviction: only happy days with her until this life ended.
-Beeeep!!
A harsh noise shattered it all, my mind flashing awake. Every sensation vanished, my consciousness sucked into distortion.
And...
****
-Beeeep!! Beeeep!!
"Gah!"
The all-too-familiar alarm jolted me awake. I fumbled to silence my smartphone, clutching my pounding head as I pieced together the situation.
Mary was gone. The guests, the venue... Even my clothes were pajamas, not a tuxedo, and this body was still a teenager's, not an adult's.
"A dream...?"
Impossible. That touch, those emotions— so vivid, still lingering like reality. How could it all be just a night's fancy?
"Oppa~ You up?"
The voice from outside my room reminded me: I was still in my dependent teen years.
"Hurry and wash up, come to the table. Entrance ceremony today—you said you need to leave early?"
Entrance ceremony. Amid the fading headache, it hit me. Today was the start at Hyeoeun High School, the pivotal high school life in this second chance. Stepping in required resolve.
"...Ha."
A hollow laugh escaped. Marriage? Ridiculous. Why had I pushed her away with harsh words?
"No way I'd... with Mary..."
No matter how real, it was just a dream. Accepting that, I dragged my sleepy self to the sink for a long splash of cold water, hoping it'd cool the heat.
'You'll make me happy, right?'
But it lingered. That whisper from the illusion, the feel of her lips— no amount of scrubbing washed it away. As if we'd truly been that close, etched into this body.
"Oppa?"
"Coming right now."
Forget it. Just a ridiculously vivid dream. Even if she still harbored feelings, I'd never reciprocate.
Reaffirming that, I sat at the kitchen table, eyeing the breakfast spread, and tossed a casual question to my sister. "Mom and Dad?"
"Already at work. Both seemed busy this morning."
She ladled soup into my bowl with a ladle, flashing an innocent smile.
"So~ Your cute little sister made breakfast with love in their place~ Eat up before it gets cold~"
...Preparing meals early for her sleepyhead brother. Impressive for a middle schooler. I sat, savoring it with quiet admiration.
"Your cooking's improved a lot."
"Hehe, all thanks to Oppa's lessons."
True, I'd taught her manners well. Her childish temper from toddler days was gone. As I ate, she spoke from across the table.
"By the way, Oppa, good dream or something?"
"...That obvious?"
"Yeah, your face is a bit flushed—not like usual."
Damn, echoes of the dream. Ignoring it to finish eating, she clapped and guessed, "Oh, did things progress with Mary unnie?"
"Nope."
"...You denied that quick, Oppa."
Better than her example making me puke. I clicked my tongue, downed some soup to wet my throat, and replied.
"You know. Mary's just a childhood friend. Our family's common, hers is worlds apart— you get that, right?"
"Pfft. What does that matter in love? If you like each other, date."
"That's not it..."
"Keep denying, and Mary unnie'll feel sorry."
Hmph, knowing us long made her think we'd make a fine couple. Kids her age ship anyone on screen.
"Or maybe someone else caught your eye? Or someone you're gonna meet soon?"
"...Meet soon? What?"
"New school, new classmates. Maybe deeper bonds than with Mary unnie."
She eyed me warmly, amused. Uncomfortable, I averted my gaze to my plate.
Still nagging, "You pay Oppa way too much attention."
"Girls our age love romance stories~"
Love. She tossed it out casually, like she'd experienced it beyond mere longing.
"Love's great. Once you try it, your worldview changes. It'll be meaningful for Oppa too."
Ha, the kid I'd changed diapers for, giving advice. But the talk wasn't pointless. I set down my finished utensils.
"Well, new semester— gotta make some friends."
Sure, precious second youth deserved friendships. No girlfriends, though.
****
The entrance ceremony marks a turning point for new students. One should approach it reverently, but ironically, heading there, I felt only sticky discomfort.
Sunlight meant to bless us hid behind clouds, relentless rain damping the mood further. And the subway car, barely boarded, was packed to bursting.
Damn, capital rush hour's no joke. Don't need a seat—just breathing room.
-Clunk, clunk.
Squished like bean sprouts for over ten minutes amid the crush, doors opening and closing as passengers shuffled. Soon, familiar uniforms dotted my view—same school, awkward newbies like me.
Some might end up classmates... Better memorize faces for friends. Scanning the crowd, my eyes landed on a nearby girl.
Plain vibe, emotionless amid the throng, engrossed in a literature book. Top-student material, like me.
Diligent even here. Admirable drive—even for my second-life self.
But watching didn't last. Glancing around her, I spotted a suspicious man nearby.
Obese, sweaty face. Suit and briefcase screamed office worker, but his heavy breathing ignored all around—right by her ear.
"Huff, huff."
...That's rough for a high school girl physiologically. Probably no malice. Dismissing it, my eyes dropped—then I noticed the glint in his hand, angling toward her.
Precisely under her skirt, phone camera upturned...
"Hey, check this out?"
I'd tried not judging by looks. Turns out, total creep.