Shopping with Strings Attached
After returning home, it was already lunchtime by the time Park Taemin finally woke up. He sat there in a daze, staring blankly. Recalling the events of the previous night, he let out a soft chuckle.
'What a fun skill.'
"Ugh!"
Stretching with a groan, Taemin shook off his grogginess. He threw in a load of laundry, rinsed some rice, and started cooking. After scarfing down a meal that doubled as breakfast and lunch, he headed to the Hunter Market to sell the materials from yesterday's hunt.
The materials fetched him 62 million won. Add in the 7 million from Choi Dong-chan, and he was sitting on nearly 70 million won.
About the same as last time. Taemin invested most of it in potions. Sure, a huge chunk of cash vanished, but he was confident he'd earn even more, so he didn't feel the slightest regret.
After buying the potions and stepping out of the shop, he made his way toward the parking lot. Just as he was about to get into his car, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Excuse me."
Turning around, he saw a woman he knew (sort of) standing there, looking at him. It was Song Min-ji.
"Oh? Min-ji?"
At Taemin's casual greeting, she approached.
"Yep, it's me. Wasn't sure from behind."
"What brings you here?"
"Sold some materials and was heading out when I spotted you."
"Ah, yeah... Do pretty well?"
"Just over 6 million. Dong-chan covered the rest?"
"Yeah, he sent it this morning."
"Huh? Weird, mine hasn't come through yet. Aren't I getting special treatment?"
"Haha, no way..."
An awkward silence stretched out after that. Neither had much to say.
"Well, I should get going..."
Taemin started to say goodbye and climb into his car, but Song Min-ji grabbed him.
"Wait."
"Yeah?"
"Got anything planned today?"
"Nah, nothing specific..."
"Wanna go shopping together?"
"Shopping? Like... gear?"
She burst out laughing at that.
"Is that all you think about? Regular shopping. Department store."
"Oh, department store."
"Come on, it'll be fun. It's my apology for being rude before. I'll get you a gift. I was just hot and exhausted, so I was on edge."
"Nah, I wasn't that bothered..."
"Come on. My treat today. This your car, right?"
She pointed at the passenger door.
'What the hell did she eat to act like this?'
Taemin sensed something off, but with no plans, he figured it could be a nice change of pace. He went along with it.
On the way to the department store.
"So, what're you shopping for?"
Taemin asked to break the awkward silence of just driving.
"Clothes, people-watching, whatever. You know, killing time?"
"Ah, got it..."
That was the end of the conversation.
Taemin wasn't used to being alone in a confined space with someone like this. Closest thing recently was his old boss at the restaurant. And being alone with a woman? That was ages ago.
His words came out shaky, his mind blank. In the awkward vibe, he flicked on the radio. Classical music flowed out, easing the tension a bit.
They hit a red light. Checking the side mirror, Taemin stole a glance at her profile.
Sharp features, striking and refreshing—a classic Western beauty. Not exactly his type, but pretty enough to turn heads anywhere.
'Different from how she looked in the dungeon.'
Without realizing, he sized her up, his gaze drifting downward. It kept going until it locked onto her legs, fully exposed under her short skirt.
Right then—
Beeeep—!
The horn blared from behind. He jolted, whipping his head forward, face burning red for no reason.
Song Min-ji muttered casually, like it was nothing.
"Don't sweat it. Traffic's always nuts here."
Luckily, she had no clue what happened.
'Get it together, you perv. Not the time to ogle legs.'
Whipping himself mentally, he focused on driving and soon pulled into the department store lot. They parked and headed inside.
It was a weekend, so the place was packed, swarming with shoppers.
Song Min-ji spoke to Taemin, who stood there scanning around blankly.
"Where to first?"
"Anywhere's fine..."
"Hmm. Clothes then."
"Huh?"
Her arm suddenly linked with his, startling him. But his body was already moving with hers.
They ended up at a men's clothing store. She picked out a few outfits, held them up to him, then shoved him into the fitting room with them.
Dazed, he changed. When he stepped out, she clapped like a seal and gave him a thumbs-up.
"Wow, suits you perfectly. You look like a totally different person!"
"For real?"
"Check the mirror. See how you look."
He did, and yeah—a completely new guy stared back. Clothes really were wings.
Song Min-ji bought three outfits right there and gifted them to him. He protested it was too much, but she swiped her card anyway and thrust the shopping bags at him.
Next was the shoe store, where she got him two pairs.
"This is way too much."
"These days don't come often. Got clothes and shoes... Belt next?"
"Huh?"
In the end, she even got him a belt. His hands were full of bags.
"Alright, think that's it. Let's head out."
"What about you?"
"I don't need anything. Too much already."
"Then why here?"
"Apologize and treat you. Know a great spot nearby? Let's eat."
Linking arms again, she headed for the elevator.
Taemin had no idea what was going on, but it wasn't bad, so he didn't overthink it.
They left the store and went to a high-end hanwoo beef place.
Song Min-ji ordered various cuts without asking.
"Come here sometimes. Meat's amazing—straight from the source. Bet you'll crave it weekly."
Taemin nodded silently as she explained like the owner. At minimum 70,000 won a serving, it had to be good.
When the meat arrived, she started grilling.
To an ex-barbecue worker, her skills were a disaster. But he couldn't stop her insisting on doing it herself.
"Here, eat. All done."
"Thanks. You eat too."
"I skip lunch. On a diet."
"Then why...?"
"Wanted to show you a good spot."
"Ah..."
"Eat up. I'll grill—you just eat."
That's when Taemin sensed something off. Even accounting for her slip-up, this level of kindness?
As he chewed a piece, he stared at her. Their eyes met; she shyly looked away with a smile.
Even a romance noob like him got it now.
'Green light?'
98% chance, he figured. What sane woman drops millions on clothes, drags you to a once-in-a-lifetime steakhouse, grills for a guy she's met twice?
Everything she did screamed it.
'What's with her? When did she fall for me? Guess I'm not bad-looking.'
Feeling smug, he shoveled in the meat. No harm welcoming it—Song Min-ji was a solid catch.
First impressions aside, she'd explained that day.
The meal ended on a good note. Sipping ssanghwacha dessert, they exchanged slightly awkward glances.
They both hesitated, then spoke at once.
"Hey, by any chance..."
They flinched, reaching for their glasses.
"You first."
"No, go ahead."
"I'll go then."
Passing the baton, Taemin braced for her confession, heart pounding.
'Don't screw up the poker face.'
Mentally prepping, he waited. Finally, she spoke.
"We have a hunt next week. Our team's short a tank. Heard from Dong-chan you might be busy, but could you join if possible?"
"Huh?"
"We've hunted together, so why not keep going? I don't beg like this usually, but we really need your skills. Item split'll be better for you."
Taemin blanked at the curveball, then snapped back.
'What the—?'
Yeah. It was all to recruit him. Those two days showed her his value too well.
He spoke up.
"The gifts then...?"
"Oh, that's separate. No pressure. Just for my screw-up before."
She said no, but it was straight-up bribery.
Who drops three outfits, two pairs of shoes, a belt, and a 500,000-won meal over one bad day?
Now seeing clear, Taemin's judgment kicked in.
Song Min-ji pressed again.
"Did I overdo it? Not saying you have to. Just hoping. Terms aren't bad..."
"Well, I..."
"No rush. Think it over."
The meal ended sour. Taemin went home.
Staring at the bags, he thought.
'Should've ditched them there. Didn't expect a taxi.'
Nose pierced now. Obvious bribe. Ditching it would trash his rep.
Maybe no future dealings, but it bugged him.
'Gotta join once?'
As he pondered, a text pinged.
"Kinda feel bad, but she says it's not a bribe."
The next day, Taemin bustled through his morning prep for the hunt. Packed simple snacks and such, then drove from home toward Gapyeong.
Unlike Seoul, Gapyeong had tons of abandoned mountains, making dungeon access easy.
Today's spot: the Mine.
Skipping the familiar Desert Zone to clear a lower dungeon quest. Rewards were meh EXP, but maybe decent gear or weapon drops—like his Sai-toon dagger.
He was banking on that.
"Alright, let's go."