Chapter 40
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: This Is Going to Spark Controversy
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This is going to spark controversy, isn't it?
For celebrities—especially idols—dating was inevitably their Achilles' heel.
Only after gaining seniority, earning unwavering fan support, and confirming the partner was a decent person could they expect positive reactions and cheers for their love.
So, in my and Chaewon's case, we had to consider at least one factor—strictly speaking, two.
"I've got seven years under my belt, but I'm only twenty-four now."
Should I call it soaring success that let me snag the youngest team leader spot?
If judged purely by tenure, most fans would shrug and think, "Well, it was bound to happen eventually"...
But the problem was my young age compared to that tenure.
Considering most public relationships started after twenty-five on average, it was no wonder heads would tilt in doubt.
Honestly, setting all that aside, the most important thing was this.
"Have I lived a decent life up till now?"
I clasped my hands together and murmured solemnly.
Me, Kang Yumin, age twenty-three.
Currently reflecting on my life for the sake of dating my childhood friend.
"Yumin, what kind of life have you lived so far?"
Chaewon held her smartphone like a mic, thrusting it toward me.
I glanced at her thoughtful expression and replied softly.
"Decent life, my ass. All I did was study—nothing else."
Me, Kang Yumin, age twenty-three.
Twenty-three years on this earth, and I'd done nothing.
That was my conclusion.
"I know. You've lived such a boring life till now."
"...Ever heard of defamation by truthful statement?"
"Be honest—you only started having fun after hanging out with me. Have you been to an amusement park? A water park? Camping?"
"...True. And all of it was my first time—with you."
"Seriously, Kang Yumin. Without me, how were you planning to survive your boring life?"
You flopped down, using my thigh as a pillow, and flashed a bright smile.
Your words about how good it felt when I stroked your hair had made my hand naturally reach for your head.
"Other than trips with you, I really just studied. Especially in high school—after your debut, I stuck to home, school, academy. Only hobby was steady taekwondo."
"So now, the issue is past controversies. What do we do? You've had one rumor throughout school."
"Which one?"
"Me. The endless 'when are they dating?' couple rumors."
Chaewon pointed at her own face with a finger.
It was ridiculous, but undeniably true—no room for argument—so a laugh slipped out.
I playfully pinched the tip of her nose.
"Yeah. This is going to spark controversy, huh?"
"Han Chaewon Has Been Dating Since Before Debut. Boom—headline number one."
"...Hey, that sounds way too sensational."
"You think Forever will let you off easy?"
"...Oh. Yeah, that really would stir things up."
If we gauged die-hard Forever fans by concert attendance, last year's world tour drew 1.5 million.
Factor in those who failed ticketing...
Whatever the number, it'd be the most affectionate backlash of my life.
Alright, enough of that.
"Should we hold off on going public for a bit?"
"Right now would be tough for me too. But if you want me, you've gotta brace for this, babe."
Chaewon grinned, stroking my cheek.
One seductive smile, and all my worries vanished.
"Not ready yet—return to sender—."
"......"
"...Nah, couldn't do that no matter what. That was never an option. Come on—I fought so hard to hold your hand. Han Chaewon is mine forever."
"......"
Chaewon listened in that dead-eyed stare, then slowly nodded belatedly.
She guided my hand to her stomach—a clear signal for rubs—so I quickly traced circles.
Okay, lesson learned.
Back then, it'd be a laughing matter, but now I knew such jokes had a high chance of getting me scolded.
...So this is what it means to fear for your life.
"Wanna set some ground rules?"
I hurriedly changed the subject to lighten the mood.
Thankfully, it piqued her interest—she blinked at me.
"Rules?"
"We know each other well, but we're both dating newbies. To avoid fights from our clumsiness, let's talk things out upfront."
"Like sharing what we want from each other?"
"Yeah, and stuff we don't want too. Just get to know each other as lovers. Dating means even small things can hurt."
"Love it. Seriously, Minah! I've always wanted to try this!"
"First rule: Write everything down. We can edit later."
"I'll write!"
Her face lit up as she hopped up, grabbing the nearby iPad.
Unlocked it with my face, then poised the Pencil to jot.
"First: Express feelings honestly, no matter what."
"Good one."
"If something's on your mind, say it right away. Stay calm, no yelling—listen patiently."
"Add: 'No reverse swing if talks fail.'"
"Gotcha~."
The Bratty One wrote it down with genuine regret.
Hard to believe this was an idol-slash-girlfriend's face, but I brushed it off and kept going.
"After a fight, immediate skinship on the spot?"
"What kind?"
"Crush her in a tight hug, then kiss till she's dizzy?"
"...Isn't this for making up? Revenge skinship is a first."
"But wouldn't it work great?"
"I won't suffocate, right?"
"Wanna test if you can breathe?"
You twisted slightly, big eyes sparkling at me.
Our gazes met; yours drifted down slowly, blatantly staring at my lips.
Closing the distance with a sly grin—like, how could I resist?
"Didn't we ban push-pull games?"
Right. No reason to hold back anymore—I couldn't anyway.
A quick peck instead of a full kiss.
Then, a vengeful nibble on your lower lip with my upper teeth.
"Bet? Who goes crazy first?"
I smiled, thumb caressing the lip I'd nipped.
"I've got confidence."
"......"
"You love bets. Not this time?"
"...No bet—do it right."
Clearly on the verge of pouting.
As you closed in grumpily, I pulled you into a hug, patting your back.
"We're equals. Add this: Make requests, never orders."
"......"
"You'll write it, right?"
I waited with a smile; she pouted furiously but scribbled it down.
Ta-da—the iPad held high showed the line in big font, highlighted with stars.
"Done."
"Thanks. Pretty handwriting."
"...That's it?"
Annoyed, sulky, yet blinking eagerly—couldn't resist.
I stared, then smiled faintly and closed my eyes.
"I told you yesterday, Chaewon."
Just do it—.
No sooner said, soft warmth spread across my lips.
Fierce tongue play pouring out emotions. Ragged breaths brushed faces; opening my eyes as lips parted revealed your glossy ones.
"Yesterday and today's practice paid off, huh?"
I smirked, thumb lightly wiping your lips.
"...Be honest. You've dated before."
"Thanks for the praise. But for someone with kiss scenes, your skills are kinda—."
"Banned. Never brag like a mature actress again, okay? Stop."
Chaewon jammed a finger on my lips, silencing me.
Her flushed face screamed embarrassment.
Makes sense—during that kiss scene, she'd boasted to me about transcending idol art limits as a mature actress.
Even in behind-the-scenes, her shameless logic: "It looks like a kiss, so it is. Deny it and you're a loser guy."
Yeah. Knew she'd get rekt someday.
Didn't expect my kiss to do it.
"Add this too?"
She nodded shyly, slowly typing on the iPad.
Bigger font than before, three stars.
I chuckled, stroking your cheek with my knuckles.
We kept adding clauses all day.
Don't hide tough stuff—talk it out.
Fifteen years together means we read faces and tones anyway—no calling it whining.
Maybe skip later, but weekends: hand-written letters.
Any content, any length—just try.
Avoid misunderstanding bait from the start.
If stuck, be honest, focus on solutions.
Acknowledge financial gaps, but value care for each other most.
If sulky for no reason, wait patiently till she opens up—shower thanks and affection after.
Plus favorites in skinship, things to fix—listened all day.
Long history meant many made sense, but some weird "why promise that?"
But today was about facing each other as lovers...
"...Violators grant the other absolute command rights—no refusal. Or pay 100 million won."
"100 million? Isn't that overkill—not some dog's name."
"Just keep the promise. No confidence?"
"...Why skip SATs? This brain's Seoul Uni material."
We signed off and wrapped up.
Dusk had fallen outside.
Dinner: her craved spicy noodle stir-fry delivered.
Then a movie to kill time.
"Let's go out."
Stir-crazy indoors, you suggested a walk—I hesitated but nodded.
Already past 10 PM.
Nearby just apartments—no one but residents to worry about, mostly workers heading to jobs tomorrow. Low chance of encounters strolling.
Fever eased too—perfect for a light walk.
Hats on, tumblers with fave drinks, out we went.
New complex with great landscaping—park-like, scenic.
Hand in hand, slow strolls around.
Spotted a gazebo in the playground—sat, soaking in quiet summer night.
Moon shone unusually bright.
"Minah."
"Yeah."
"I'm all better, so home tomorrow?"
"Up to you. I'll miss you, though."
"...Really? You'd miss me?"
I murmured; she turned with sparkling eyes.
My rare blunt affection lit her up with a beaming smile; I gave a soft one back.
"What guy wouldn't miss his girl leaving? Plus, next meet's filming."
"...I see. You like being with me too."
"Obviously, Bratty One."
I swung our joined hands, kissed your handback.
Gazed casually into your eyes; you kissed mine lovingly in return.
"You'll talk, right?"
Your voice came softly, out of nowhere.
"...If not, I wouldn't set the mood."
"I'll listen fully—confess everything. I want all your feelings."
"Of course. Promised."
Said so, but lips wouldn't move.
Where to start?
Shallow smile, a hum of thought—answer was one.
"Still complicated. Even now, loving you freely."
Start from the beginning.
Even holding you, facing 'that day' wasn't easy.