Winter Break (4): No More Girls Over
Steam filled the bathroom, thick and white.
Knock knock.
U Hana, who had been washing herself in the warm water, flinched and hunched her shoulders at the sudden knock.
Who else in this house would knock on the bathroom door? It had to be Lee Min-woo outside.
Soon, his voice came from beyond the door.
"I left some clothes out front. If the size doesn't fit, call me—but keep the door closed."
"Uh, okay…."
She perked up her ears, and the sound of footsteps fading away reached her.
U Hana finished washing thoroughly, dried herself off completely, and stood in front of the door.
"Ahem, coming out?"
No response, of course. He wasn't there anymore.
She cautiously opened the door.
As expected, no one was in front of it. Instead, on the floor sat a large ziplock bag, several thick articles of clothing, and a neatly folded blanket.
And from far off came the clatter of dishes. Lee Min-woo must have been cooking something. Strangely, the sound felt peaceful.
U Hana picked up the clothes first. An oversized crewneck sweatshirt.
…Doesn't seem like his sister's.
It was bigger and thicker than she'd expected. The pants, at least, looked like long training pants from his sister.
Hmm, if I drape the blanket over top, skipping underwear won't show.
And I can stuff my wet clothes in the ziplock.
…Must be because he has a sister. So thoughtful.
U Hana gathered everything, got dressed, and stepped out from the master bedroom—right into Lee Min-woo in the kitchen.
Oh right, no makeup. She suddenly felt a rush of embarrassment.
"You gonna dry your hair?"
"Wh-where's the hairdryer?"
"Oh, on the bathroom shelf… Guess I forgot to mention it."
"I'll go dry it."
U Hana practically fled back to the bathroom.
She turned on the dryer, letting the warm air tousle her hair.
In the mirror, she saw herself: oversized sweatshirt, drying her hair.
Then, on impulse, U Hana grabbed a lock of her hair and brought it to her nose.
She sniffed lightly.
Is this… Lee Min-woo's shampoo scent?
It was from the master bedroom, so maybe different—but it felt similar.
Smelling it on herself felt oddly unfamiliar.
U Hana sniffed it once more for no reason, then shook her head in embarrassment at herself.
After fully drying her hair and emerging, Lee Min-woo approached from the kitchen, holding out a mug.
"Drink this first."
U Hana took it reflexively.
It was a mug of warm yuja tea. The heat felt comforting in her hands.
She took a cautious sip. Sweet and tangy flavors slid down her throat. Warmth spread slowly from her fingertips into her body.
For some reason, U Hana zoned out.
……What is this?
Healing day or something?
The world had felt like it was out to get her… but in an instant, everything flipped.
Soaked in the rain, almost couldn't get home, everything piling up and ruining her mood.
Now, in a warm house, wearing someone else's clothes, wrapped in a blanket, sipping yuja tea.
Tears threatened to well up, but she held them back.
If I cry here too, I'll look like a total mess.
She took another gulp from the mug for no reason.
That was when it happened.
Beep beep.
The sound of someone punching in the door code at the entrance.
"Gasp."
U Hana inhaled sharply without thinking.
And she was surprised at herself for being so startled. Click.
The door opened, and someone entered.
It was obvious at a glance: Lee Min-woo's sister, whom he'd mentioned.
Lee Da-kyung and U Hana's eyes met.
Damp hair still, blanket draped over, sipping tea. Anyone could see she'd just showered and come out fresh and fluffy.
And at the entrance, a soaked coat tossed carelessly….
Lee Da-kyung's eyes widened.
"Whoa, no way!"
The performance at Yeoul.
To be precise, it wasn't quite a full performance—just the closest thing to one, a run-through—but that explained why everyone was sprawled out here and there when I arrived.
A short breather before the full rehearsal.
Yeoul's president, Lee Na-hee, seemed to have planned to show me that run-through from the start.
Clubs like this usually didn't let first-years in. Especially not ones like the theater club with such a tight schedule.
So Lee Na-hee had told me to drop by during winter break… and once I got there, I just watched what was basically a performance rehearsal.
After it ended, I talked with Lee Na-hee alone.
She asked what I thought with a super proud look, so I told her the good points I'd noticed, no holding back.
Just from her expression, I could tell she loved the theater club.
Without any special conditions, she said to come by once the semester started. Basically an invitation to join.
Was she checking if I really enjoyed acting?
Maybe I'd passed her personal test.
On the way out after declining the after-party drinks, I stopped at a convenience store for an umbrella, headed to the bus stop, and spotted U Hana.
Head down, getting soaked in the rain.
I could guess the situation, so without a word, I brought her back to my place.
She was super awkward, showing sides I'd never seen before.
And now.
U Hana and my sister had run into each other.
"Whoa, no way!"
"Don't get the wrong idea—come in."
I gestured for Lee Da-kyung, who was backing away at the entrance, to come inside.
Beside her, U Hana was flailing her hands around.
"N-no, it's n-not like th-that…."
Why's she panicking all by herself?
I poked her back discreetly from behind.
She jumped and turned to glare at me.
"Calm down."
She clamped her mouth shut and nodded.
Maybe because she'd just showered, her face looked much softer than usual. Not a huge difference, but her dried hair and gently relaxed eyes made her whole vibe seem gentler, fluffier.
"This is my sister. Sixteen. Lee Da-kyung."
"Uh… sister. Right. You mentioned. I was just worried about misunderstandings."
"Say hi. This is my friend, U Hana."
"…."
Lee Da-kyung approached cautiously, step by step.
"Hi. First time seeing my brother bring a girl home."
"…Yeah? Hi. Got caught in the rain, so Min-woo helped out."
"Figures…. That's my pants, though."
"Oops, sorry. I washed 'em clean…."
"It's fine."
Lee Da-kyung eyed U Hana in her pants, the clothes over them, and even the blanket. Then she nodded knowingly.
"Hmm. Got it. Sis, wanna come to my room for a sec?"
They seemed to communicate with just eye contact.
"I'll finish up what I was doing. Oh, Da-kyung—you eating?"
"Nah, I ate already."
I'd been making omurice, but no need for extra if she wasn't eating.
I went back to the kitchen, set a plate on the table, and laid out a spoon.
Lee Da-kyung's door was closed, and low voices murmured inside— the two of them talking.
More time passed than I thought.
I'd set the table and was about to call them when Lee Da-kyung emerged with U Hana.
"Whoa… sis, no lie—you're the biggest I've seen like you. The blanket fooled me. No way my underwear would fit…."
Then her eyes met mine.
"Eavesdropping?"
"You were talking loud."
"Let's eat."
U Hana bolted to the table and sat. Probably didn't want more chat.
Still avoiding eye contact a bit, embarrassed—but way better than her earlier gloomy face.
I sat naturally across from her; Lee Da-kyung plopped next to me, propped her chin, and stared at U Hana.
U Hana scooped some omurice, and her surprised "not bad" face lit up plainly.
"Tasty."
U Hana ignored Lee Da-kyung's staring and ate heartily on her own.
Well, that's her personality. She'd just been extra down today.
Then U Hana suddenly asked Lee Da-kyung.
"But is it true Min-woo's never brought a girl home before?"
Lee Da-kyung narrowed her eyes thoughtfully before answering.
"Hmm… yeah. He brought one other friend once."
"Who?"
"Kinda chubby guy…."
"Dong-rak?"
I was shocked she'd guessed right away.
"You know Dong-rak?"
"Uh… seen him around a few times. Seol knows him more. He mentioned you're friends."
"First time aside from that oppa."
"I see… So what do you do at Min-woo's house?"
"Mm… not much…."
She glanced at me.
Lee Da-kyung already knew about the web drama shoot—parents knew, so it was inevitable.
But I'd told her not to blab, so that's why.
Lately, I spent most time in my room: easel and canvas up, painting, or reading art books. She'd know that.
Eh, no big deal spilling it. Episode 1 drops soon anyway. Hiding it longer's pointless.
But Lee Da-kyung opted not to say.
She turned her head, then suddenly looked toward the balcony, pointing.
"Oh, rain stopped."
I checked— the hazy window from moments ago was brighter now.
Just a shower, apparently.
"It really stopped."
"…."
U Hana stared at the balcony too, but didn't look thrilled. Probably didn't wanna go home.
"Wanna hit a café after eating?"
Her shoulders twitched at my question.
"Get some air. Something sweet might lift your mood."
"M-my mood?"
Guessing her vibe, I added,
"Rain makes you kinda down, right?"
"Oh… yeah."
I turned to Lee Da-kyung.
"You coming?"
"Why would I? Crazy?"
Her strong recoil threw me.
"'Crazy' level?"
"Da-kyung, it's fine. Come with."
Even U Hana coaxed, but Lee Da-kyung stubbornly shook her head.
"Not going. Oh, maybe meet friends again. Rain stops the second she shows up."
She muttered to herself, then shoved her chair back and stood.
"Have fun. Oh, talk to oppa before you go."
"What about?"
"Not important. Just."
I met U Hana's eyes, tilted my head.
After finishing eating.
I pushed U Hana—who insisted on dishes—to pack her wet clothes bag. Handed her my long padding too.
Sleeves big enough to cover her hands; she flapped them happily. Looked in a good mood.
"Heh. Clothes… I wore 'em too."
"What clothes?"
"Huh? Nothing. Lend me a hat too."
"Sure."
I gave her the hat, glanced at Lee Da-kyung's room, then said,
"One sec."
"Okay."
I sat U Hana on the sofa and went into Lee Da-kyung's room. She'd said she had something before we left.
She eyed me to close the door, so I did.
"Lending those pants was payback for that concert ticket you wanted last time…."
"Wha—yeah? What?"
"Too pricey, right? I'll cover it."
"For real, oppa?"
"…."
I'd planned to say no prob, but her eyes sparkled instantly, so I played dumb.
After that settled, Lee Da-kyung got serious.
"Oh, you seem clueless about this world, so lemme explain."
"…This world?"
She lowered her voice.
"Web drama's dropping soon. You're basically an idol now, right?"
"Idol… debuting, yeah?"
"You really don't get it… Sadly."
Lee Da-kyung raised one finger, declaring solemnly like a doctor with a terminal diagnosis.
"Oppa, you can't just bring girls home anymore."