Will Kang Gyeol's Imagination Become Reality...?
After coming back from Yoo Harang's officetel, the group chat exploded with questions, but I ignored them all. There wasn't really anything I could say. I was the one feeling the most confused. In the end, I promised to message later and set my phone down.
Lying in bed, replaying the day before, I must have kicked off the covers a dozen times. I'd grin like an idiot, then bury my face in the pillow remembering my stupid antics. Exhausted from barely sleeping, I'd doze off for a bit. Then wake up and kick the covers again. I sat there in a daze like that.
"Kang Gyeol... you gonna eat or what?"
"Ah, sorry. Yeah, I'll eat."
Kang Yeoreum's irritated voice pulled me out of it, and I had a late dinner. Tonight's menu was her homemade kimchi jjigae. She didn't seem the type, but Kang Yeoreum was actually a great cook. Even when Mom and Dad lived with us, she helped out a lot, and after they left for overseas work, she basically handled most meals. Sorry to say it, but her food was tastier than Mom's, so I was all for it. Plus, she'd lose it if I skipped meals for games or whatever, so I made sure to eat properly—at least when she was around. When she wasn't, I'd just order something.
And right now. I'd shoved all my tangled thoughts to the back of my mind and was fishing for pork in the stew when—
"Hey."
"Yeah?"
"You wanna date Langi?"
"……."
My sister's calm question hit me like a brick. She tossed out this super sensitive topic casually over dinner, like it was no big deal. I nearly spat out my rice in shock, but my brain kicked into gear, scrambling for how to respond.
No reason to hide it. There were no secrets between her and Yoo Harang anyway. The way Yoo Harang had acted toward me yesterday, and how I'd acted toward her—it would all reach Kang Yeoreum's ears. She might already know from while I was in my room.
Still, talking about this with my own sister felt way too awkward. I rolled my eyes and mumbled, "Uh... um... yeah... probably?"
"Say it clearly."
"I... wanna?"
"You're dead."
"I want to date her."
I dropped my head as I said it. I hated spilling this to my sister so honestly, but I couldn't lie about Yoo Harang. Kang Yeoreum would flip for real. Especially since a slip-up could wreck all three of us. Heart pounding, I snuck glances at her, waiting for her reaction. But she just continued, her voice surprisingly gentle and soft.
"Give it a shot. Langi gets lonely easy, so visit often."
"Yeah, of course..."
She gave her blessing easier than I'd expected. And in that moment, I felt even more certain. If her mom had tipped her off and there was zero chance, she'd have stopped me cold. She could've smoothed it over before any confession. Once words are out, no take-backs. But cheering me on like this? It meant all those vibes from Yoo Harang yesterday and this morning were a solid green light.
-My lips twitched uncontrollably. I worried my cheeks might rip through my skin and shoot to the sky. Gotta finish eating and message Harang unnie already, I thought.
But Kang Yeoreum wasn't done.
"And."
"Yeah? What? Need something? I can run errands, no prob—"
"Langi said no pouncing till you go to college. Run if she tries. Got it?"
"......What?"
What the—? My brain short-circuited. Yoo Harang pouncing on me? What was this nonsense? Wasn't it the other way around? Did I hear wrong?
She glared, driving it home. "No sex till college."
"......"
"Answer me. Got it?"
I was too stunned to speak, like a kid getting scolded. What could I even say? I still didn't get it. I just nodded meekly.
"...Okay."
"Good."
Only then did she calmly eat again. I glanced at her, then picked at the meat. Her words had so many issues. Like, obviously I'd be the one pouncing, not her. And as a healthy high school guy, how could I refuse if she did? But setting that aside...
...the idea of getting naughty with Yoo Harang suddenly felt real, and my heart raced.
She cooked, so dishes were on me. After cleaning up, I headed back to my room to collect myself. The confusion faded, replaced by bubbling excitement I couldn't contain. I stifled laughs alone, did awkward happy dances to vent, even googled "things to watch out for with your first girlfriend." Technically, we hadn't even talked dating yet, so chugging kimchi soup was fair game—but honestly, I was 99% sure.
After thrashing around like that and calming down, I finally booted up KakaoTalk on my computer. I wanted to message Yoo Harang first, but with her mom possibly still there, I held off. I just sent, "You free now?"
Okay, now Seobin first.
Ah, he was with Sena. What time was it, and they were still together? Wait, no—they said they got back late today, so maybe just meeting up now? Busted anyway.
I never imagined this. They bickered but got along great as siblings, so it wasn't impossible. While soothing unexpected Seoin, a new notification popped up at the top.
Ha... all three were together... For consulting, girls might be better, but spilling my love life felt embarrassing. No choice—we agreed to meet all four tomorrow in the group chat. Could be good actually. Harang unnie was unique, but still a girl. Super feminine too. Other women would know better than a clueless solo like me. No matter how long I'd known her, guy blind spots exist.
We chatted a bit more casually, then—not a text, but a call from Yoo Harang.
-I bolted upright.
"Ahem! Hello?"
Yeah. Saw your text, so I called.
"Ah~"
What's up?
"No... nothing specific... um..."
The second we connected, words failed me. Nothing particular to say. I'd just called on impulse, emotions overflowing. Brain racing, but no topic surfaced. We usually bantered easily even on sudden meets. Now? Blank slate.
But I couldn't stay silent.
"I... just wanted to hear your voice, unnie."
…….
It slipped out unfiltered. My face burned, but it was honest. Decent start? No reply for a solid 30 seconds. Had my bold move killed it? Anxiety rising—
Me too.
"Huh?"
I wanted to hear yours too.
"......"
Her soft echo filled me with joy. Couldn't contain it without moving. I barely held back a whoop, snorting out a laugh.
"Pfhuh... "
Relaxed now. My blank mind filled with colors again. Banter flowed easy, like always.
"How's your mom? She head home?"
Yeah. Just now.
"No issues?"
Nah. Dinner together, then she left.
"Ah~ Just checking on you since it's your first time solo?"
Probably. Dad came too.
"Makes sense. I'd worry too if it was my daughter."
Yeah?
"Duh. I'd set a 4 a.m. curfew, no solo living."
Runaway.
Words poured once the ice broke. This was us. Almost forgot amid the new tension.
"Unnie, what movie Saturday? Anything you wanna see?"
Whatever you want.
"Nah~ We always do mine. Your pick sometimes~"
Enderman then.
"No, I always catch the Marvel ones..."
Wanna see that.
"So stubborn."
We planned Saturday naturally, debating films, chatting comfy. The ease was back, but that ticklish thrill lingered. Similar to usual calls, but different. Savoring the subtle shift, I realized we'd talked long. Her parents had visited right after we slept; she must be beat.
Swallowing regret, "Gonna hang up. Rest up, unnie."
...Yeah.
"I'm off to shower too... Ah."
…….
"......"
Screw-up. Casual slip yanked yesterday's memories: her pale skin, those round breasts peeking, slim waist, smooth thighs—No!! What am I thinking?! Huge blunder, now reminding her?!
"......Gotta go!! Unnie! Talk later! Bye—!"
Gyeol.
"Y-Yeah? What?"
...I'll call tomorrow too.
"...Anytime if you're cool with it."
Yeah. Tomorrow then.
"Yeah. Looking forward to it."
-Click. Call ended.
-Thud. I collapsed onto the bed.
Brain fog. Dizziness. Lost, thrilled, calm, panicked—rollercoaster emotions. Maddening, but not bad.
We weren't official yet, but damn close. Was this a "some"? No experience, but felt way past that. With that Yoo Harang. The one who made me question human beauty limits. On the verge with her friend.
Staring blankly at the ceiling, I touched my lips unconsciously. I'd always wondered how food fit in her tiny mouth. Those lips. Gazing into her seemingly aloof but warm eyes. Pressing mine to hers.
What would it feel like? That moment, unimaginable yet soon to come.
I couldn't wait.