Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Season of Romance
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It was a cold winter day, four days before Christmas, on the day of the winter break ceremony. As we were heading home, Eunhee Sister stopped us and asked,
"Are you girls doing a Christmas party?"
Inha and I had parted ways with our friends and were walking across the school field when we suddenly ran into Eunhee Sister. After a brief greeting, we both looked puzzled at her question. Tilting my head, I asked,
"Christmas party? Why would we do that?"
As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized my mistake. Oops. I quickly corrected myself.
"No, we're not."
Come to think of it, Eunhee Sister has a boyfriend. Yeah, so she probably is. Christmas party.
Honestly, I don't think Christmas parties are that common in our country. If anything, families might have a modest gathering, couples go out together, or friends exchange gifts. Or maybe attend a church or cathedral event.
Our family doesn't really do parties like that. We'd just have dinner with Inha's family as usual on Christmas, go to bed, and wake up to find presents by our bedside. That's about it.
If there's any real highlight, it's the mountain of gift boxes piling up at Auntie Seona's place. That's definitely a sight to see.
I know our other friends don't do anything special for Christmas either. We've never exchanged gifts among ourselves. Now that I think about it, maybe we should.
Inha tilted her head slightly and asked,
"Why? Is there a problem with you and your boyfriend, Sister?"
"You little! What problem!"
Eunhee Sister waved her hand dismissively, her face flushing with shyness. Oh my, oh my. I grinned mischievously. Not that a kid like me should say it, but she's in the bloom of youth~.
"Why are you laughing?"
"No reason."
I brushed it off lightly. Eunhee Sister cleared her throat and got to the point.
"So, if you two don't have anything else going on, how about joining our party? It's just among our group..."
Inha and I widened our eyes in unison.
"Your group's party?"
"If it's just your group, why us?"
"Well, even though we're gathering organization members, it's not everyone—just the people we know. It ended up being a decent-sized group, haha. But then I realized how many people we have in common with you two."
"Who's coming?"
At Inha's question, Eunhee Sister counted on her fingers.
"Me, Seonghu, Yoon, Juyeon, Je-hyeon who's joining as a guard this time, and Cheonho. Plus your teachers. You two are definitely getting one-on-one tutoring, right? So you know Jeongmina, Kang Jeonghyeon, Lee Baekhan, Nam Yeona, and Yoo Min Sunbae. That's why we thought inviting you would be fine. It's basically just our circle having fun. Though a few seniors you don't know will be there."
"Hmm..."
Honestly, for a second, I blanked on Kang Jeonghyeon, Lee Baekhan, and Nam Yeona. But with my master and Teacher Min's names in between, they must be other kids' teachers.
'Huh? But Teacher Min right now...'
I tilted my head at a sudden realization, and Eunhee Sister urged,
"So, what do you say? Coming?"
I pondered for a moment, glanced at Inha, pondered some more, then said,
"First, we'll check with Mom and the others, and confirm the time and place."
"Oh, right. I'll text you later."
"Okay."
We waved goodbye to Eunhee Sister and, instead of heading straight home, stopped by the shopping district. Something we needed had come to mind.
Those "somethings" were materials for making accessories. Club activities had turned accessory-making into a full hobby for me. That's why I'd decided to try making some without a pattern this time.
Thinking back... Sure, I'd dabbled in it in my past life too, but what really sparked my interest this life was probably Inha's necklace. The crude one I'd made using magic for the first time, with a magic stone as the centerpiece. Seeing it around Inha's neck always made me feel embarrassed yet proud.
Inha had grown to enjoy our club activities too. It might not be the perfect fit for her, but it was definitely fun. Unlike me, who sometimes bungles threading or attaching decorations, Inha's handiwork was meticulous, producing perfect, clean pieces following the patterns. Her skill sometimes sparked a weird jealousy in me.
While buying specialized accessory materials at the stationery store, my eyes wandered to some piercings. Piercings, earrings—then I spotted some childish star-shaped ear cuffs.
They were designed to clip on without piercing. A small ring with a hollow star-shaped plastic charm dangling below. 3,000 won. A yellow, childish style I'd never thought suited me. But somehow, I was convinced it'd look great on me. I stared at it, lost in thought.
"What're you doing?"
I'd stopped picking materials to gaze elsewhere, so Inha came over and asked.
"Huh? Oh, that..."
Too good to pass up. I held the star ear cuff to my ear and asked,
"Hey, Inha. Does this suit me? What do you think?"
"...That's an earring?"
"No. Ear cuff. You can wear it without piercing."
"Oh?"
Inha looked at me for a moment, then nodded with a smile.
"Yeah. It suits you. Pretty."
Whoa! I let out a small gasp. Inha called me "pretty." A beauty's "pretty" packs a punch. I decided to buy it on the spot. As Inha came closer, she checked out the same type.
"What would suit me?"
"Hmm... Yeah. Honestly, most ear cuffs might not suit you..."
We're used to matching everything. I started pondering ones for Inha. Luckily, there were plenty of cute options. Even mature styles that wouldn't suit kids. There were ear cuffs that wrapped the whole ear too.
But those were too adult. The ear cuffs were mostly too childish. Picking for Inha took serious thought. Yet she seemed like she'd rock anything. Fashion's finish is the face, after all!
After trying various ones, Inha picked a ring-style ear cuff like mine, but navy with a gold-rimmed ribbon charm. It looked stunning on her.
"That flower one would've suited you too."
I eyed a triple flower ear cuff, smacking my lips a bit.
"Looks uncomfortable."
"Yeah?"
True, it wraps the whole ear.
We paid and were about to teleport but decided to walk a bit. Along the way, I checked a text from Eunhee Sister on my phone. About that Christmas party.
'Let's see, location... Oh! Master's house? Starts at 4 PM on the 24th? Earlier than expected. And...'
"Whoa. All-nighter. Makes sense for an adults' party."
Below, she'd added, 『We'll send you home early^^』. Yeah, that makes sense.
"...Huh? Christmas party? What?"
"Yeah. 4 PM on the 24th."
"Isn't that kinda late?"
"Hmm, well... Yeah."
Am I weird for thinking 4 PM isn't late? I made an awkward face.
At home, we told our parents about the party. They said it was fine as long as it wasn't too late. Our teachers and familiar seniors were attending, and we don't do Christmas parties often (almost never), so no issue.
Auntie Seona and Uncle Jeongmin were invited to another event with Korea's elite—couldn't skip it, but it worked out.
Mom and Dad could have a cozy date for two. Maybe dine out.
But Auntie Seona planned to call Je-hyeon Brother to look after us.
I protested that.
"Ugh, no need! I can watch the kids... We're already planning to..."
"Oh, you. Still, a thank-you is polite."
Only then did I relax and nod. If that's it, fine.
Relieved, I called the friends. Group video call popped up a translucent screen. We adjusted the size.
[What?]
[Group call? What's up?]
Hansu and Hyunho were confused or excited, while Minhee beamed, waving, and beat us to it.
[Oh! Inha, Eunha! Heard about it? Christmas party! My brother just told me.]
"Yeah. That's why we called. You heard too?"
[Christmas party? What's that?]
Hyunho and Hansu hadn't yet. She'd told us to spread the word. Minhee heard first since her brother was attending.
Minhee excitedly explained. Home party at Master's house, dinner out.
'Ah, dinner out.'
Her real brother, the original invitee, knows more. They'd order food instead of cooking. Not bad.
"But Master cooks well? High cooking skill..."
Clatter.
A door sound, then Je-hyeon Brother appeared behind Minhee. He'd overheard and answered my curiosity.
[Too bothersome.]
He looked puzzled.
[But you call Jeongmina 'Master'?]
"Haha..."
I smiled awkwardly to hide it. Embarrassing nickname around non-friends. Je-hyeon Brother smirked.
[Too bothersome? Huh, even for Christmas?]
Hyunho looked baffled at the answer. Je-hyeon Brother stared at him, then asked,
[What do you kids think a Christmas party is?]
[Uh...? Christmas... is Christmas! Party's playing on Christmas?]
[Right.]
[Yeah.]
"......A day off."
Kids who like cooking didn't get it, but I kinda did. Christmas is a holiday, right? Day off? I've thought that since past life. Even going out with a boyfriend on holidays felt like a chore, honestly.
I muttered quietly, avoiding eyes. Je-hyeon Brother chuckled.
[Yeah. Casual party. Just chill, chat, play, relax.]
Oh, exactly~. I got it. Yeah, that's the vibe for that day.
In the end, we all decided to go. Days flew by, and Christmas Eve arrived. Meetup for us: Minhee's house. Auntie Seona thanked Je-hyeon Brother and entrusted us to him, so Inha and I followed his lead. Hansu and Hyunho joined at Minhee's too.
Once gathered, straight to Master's. Snacks at home, play a bit, all arrive including busy folks, dinner out, back to play...
Only difference from normal home party: everyone brought a Christmas gift. I prepared safe ones for all. Inha too.
Before the party, meeting lots of people, so I dressed up carefully. White sweater turtleneck, star ear cuff from before, hair in half-up pigtails with furry ribbon. Cut to bob last year, now past shoulders after a year and half. Jeans below, black cape coat with warming magic. Done, I thought,
'Huh. Not very kid-like.'
True.
I packed my small handbag. Women's bags are black holes by legend; here, literally.
'Phone, wallet, umbrella just in case, and... good? Self-defense items?'
I'm cautious by nature. Packed a stun gun too—common here. Add lightning magic... potent. Thinking of Inha sticking with me,
'Just in case.'
All set, I teleported to Inha's. Mom and Dad already out on date. Auntie Seona and Uncle Jeongmin at their party. Straight in.
"Inha, ready?"
"Ah."
Inha, brushing hair in mirror, turned. Frowning,
"Not yet. Hair won't comb."
"What were you gonna do?"
"Just. Ponytail. Not working."
"Hmm... Want me to?"
"Yeah."
Inha's bad at styling her own hair. It's long too.
"Low or high ponytail?"
"Low."
I tied it loosely low. Glossy black hair swayed under my touch. Sigh, Inha could make hearts race with a fingertip, for real.
Inha checked, grabbed her coat, put it on, came over.
"Ready."
"Good. Let's go."
"Yeah."
Student ID teleport to Minhee's—we'd saved coords from visits. Doorbell, Minhee out. 3:50, exact time.
"Come in!"
"Others here?"
"Yeah. Hansu and Hyunho just arrived. Wait a sec! Me and brother almost ready! Oh, come in!"
"Okay."
Shoes off at entrance, inside. Robot tidying mess. Mana colors showed Hansu and Hyunho in living room. Headed there.
"Hi. Long time no see—three days."
"Oh, Eunha. Hi?"
"Yo, you guys here?"
Smiled and greeted. Hyunho bright as usual; Hansu nodded lazily from seat. Eyes met; I smiled reflexively, he looked shy, averted gaze. That's Hansu's cute side—shy guy.
Inha and I sat near. Hyunho eyed me, surprised.
"Huh? Eunha, you pierced your ears after all?"
"No. Ear cuff."
"Ear cuff? No pierce?"
"Yeah."
Showed by removing it. Used to earrings since past life, no mirror needed. Hyunho peered curiously.
"Whoa, no-pierce ones exist."
"Yeah."
Put it back. Then thudding feet—Minhee rushed over. Pigtails, bunny-fur outfit, red cape over.
"Ready! Let's go."
Je-hyeon Brother and Cheonho Brother behind. Je-hyeon Brother dressed sharper than usual—heart skipped. Wow, seriously... He's hot even to me with someone I like, and actually my type. Haha...
...No, really, his looks are my type. Can't help it. Pure physiological flutter.
"Before teleport... Eunha."
Calming heart, he called. Looked up puzzled; he offered hand.
"Just in case, hold my hand."
"...? Okay."
Grabbed without question. Inha pouted beside.
Then, darkness surged, enveloping us. I squeezed eyes shut.
Not first time teleporting via Je-hyeon Brother's power. But long distance first. Peeked eyes open.
Teleport usually: blink, arrive. Today, something off.
Pitch-black... water-like darkness. Yet everyone visible clearly. Utterly clear, transparent dark. Looked up. Eyes met Je-hyeon Brother's.
Then, all sensations gone.
Wrapped-in-darkness feeling vanished; winter chill hit body. Looked up.
Wooden house. Tall trees everywhere, like forest. House in forest center. Knew instantly.
"Master's house."
"This is?"
Minhee asked; I looked puzzled.
"First time for you guys?"
"Yeah! Your master's house is pretty!"
"Yeah. I've barely been outside."
"Master~ Heard it before, but you really call Mina that?"
"Ah... Yeah."
Oops, caught again. Blushed. While embarrassed, Je-hyeon Brother strode to door, rang bell. Beep, door swung open. Intercom; no one there.
Followed him in single file. Christmas decor simple in living room, different from usual. Headed there with friends, but turned at delicious smell. Snack-like, not dinner. Already bought? Or...
Followed scent to kitchen. Voices.
"Hey, cooking's a hassle. Back off."
"Aw, I'm cooking too? But should've baked cookies earlier. Or just buy 'em?"
"Mine taste better. Spur of moment. My sister's like that."
"True~. Mina Sister's like that. Junhwi's snacks yummy~!"
Slipped into kitchen quietly. Teacher Junhwi frying something in pan; Teacher Min beside, tongs in hand, glued to him. One arm around waist, chin on shoulder. Seeing them, odd feeling. Tiptoed closer.
"Teachers. Cooking?"
"...Huh?"
They startled unusually at me. Junhwi Teacher wordlessly palm-pushed Teacher Min's face off. Teacher Min whined cutely.
"Pushing my face, mean."
"Shut it, interrupting. ...When'd you get here?"
"Just now."
"Oh... Yeah, noisy over there."
Living room voices rising—not just kids, but earlier seniors and teachers.
"But weren't you not cooking?"
"Basics: sides, snacks, drinks."
"Uh..."
This country's adult age: 15. After, drink, smoke fine. Advise against till growth ends, but... Only we kids can't drink here.
Hmm, twirled hair, asked,
"What're you making?"
"Hungry?"
"Kinda...?"
Grinned playfully; Teacher Min smirked, popped cupcake in mouth. Chewed.
"Junhwi's special cupcakes. Super tasty?"
"Mm-hmm."
Grabbed from mouth, smiled.
"Tasty."
"Yeah. Go play then."
"Okay."
Munched out. Glanced back at cozy expressions, earlier pose—sparked mischievous imagination. Teased,
"And Teachers, no lovey-dovey in kitchen~. Oh, you match well though!"
Joke, of course. Realized I felt comfy enough to joke. Yeah, they're comfy now. Left kitchen.
Crash! Thud!
Then, kitchen clatter. Glanced puzzled at unseen kitchen, grimaced.
Uh... Too embarrassing joke? Okay, no more next time.