Chapter 51
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: Let's Kiss, Chaewon
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Summer. Night. Sky. And stars.
Having lived my whole life in the city, there's always something strangely wondrous about gazing up at the summer night sky and taking in all those stars with my own eyes.
"Let's rest here. There are too many mosquitoes if we go any farther."
At the edge of the glamping site.
The break from our walk came at a serene wooden rocking chair, the kind you could tie a rope to and swing back and forth.
You sat on one side first, and I settled in close beside you with a smile.
I took off my outer jacket and draped it over you.
"Can't have our celebrity Chaewon catching a cold now."
"...Thanks."
"So. What did you want to talk about that had us walking all the way here without a word?"
"...Nothing like that."
Your lips pouted out just a bit, your face all sulky.
Anyone could see it was a face begging for some comforting hugs.
"Didn't we promise? You'd tell me anything, and I'd listen."
"......"
"I could even hear you out if you cursed me."
I turned my head, trying to hold your gaze steadily, and finally you glanced sideways at me.
I flashed a smile full of "I'm ready to listen" vibes...
"...Then go serve in the army again, Kang Yumin."
It wasn't just a wound—it felt like someone had gone wild sprinkling chili powder all over it.
My head went blank for a moment from that curse I'd probably never hear again in my life.
...Did I screw up that badly?
"Pfft. Is that the face of someone who could take a curse like that?"
Still, seeing your expression soften meant your sulk had eased up some.
You should be glad I like you this much, seriously.
"I mean it figuratively, but what if you really cursed me...?"
"You hate it that much?"
"It's like telling you to go back to trainee life. You'd like that?"
"Whoa. Got it right away."
"Ugh. Just thinking about it gives me chills. Stop. End of story. No more of that."
My body shivered automatically at the spine-tingling words.
I made a firm face and gestured for you to cut it out with my hand. You tilted your head slightly and gave me a playful smile.
"I'll listen to you, so give me my reward."
"Reward? What reward?"
"Good adults who listen well get treats, right? Come on. I'll be good and listen, so reward me."
"...Wait, are you the delivery fee? Adding charges bit by bit?"
Your head bobbed emphatically with an "of course" look, leaving me dumbfounded, but what could I do?
When your cute girlfriend asks, her boyfriend has to deliver.
"So. What reward do you want?"
"...First, give me your hand."
You hesitantly extended your hand, palm up.
There was no one around but us, so I slipped my fingers between yours, interlocking them with your fidgeting hand.
"This time, stick right next to me."
I pulled my body close, eliminating any gap between us.
"Kiss my head."
I turned slightly and pressed my lips to your hair.
"Tell me what you're feeling right now."
"You use good shampoo...?"
"You're out. That pisses me off for real."
You scrunched up your face and shoved my shoulder.
The more we touched, the clearer it became why you'd been sulking.
Ah, you want confirmation of my love. You want to feel my affection. You want to be loved right now.
"I love you."
That realization washed over me like a wave, making me smile.
Yeah. It was literally laughable.
People call me a cold-blooded freak with no emotions, saying I lack empathy...
But just by locking eyes with you and feeling each other's warmth, I could tell exactly what you wanted.
"I love you, see?"
"I don't know... Love me or not."
"I wasn't gonna say this, but do you know what it means when a guy kisses your hair?"
"No. Why's that matter?"
"———He wants affection from you."
"......"
"What you want right now is my love, and what I need to say is 'I love you.' And about that feeling I didn't mention earlier..."
———You're so cute, Han Chaewon.
"I've been thinking about it all day."
I smiled and gently stroked your hair.
Curious what face you'd make, I pulled back a little...
"...For real? You thought I was cute?"
Your eyes darted away then met mine again, your lips twitching up in a grin.
It was exactly the face I'd hoped for.
"You were in high spirits all day. It was great seeing the fully dolled-up Chaewon after so long, and fascinating to watch you play around with girls your age. So yeah, cute."
"———."
"But why was such a girl pouting like that? I wonder when exactly you started wanting me to confirm my love..."
I pulled your hand closer and softly kissed the back of it.
I waited quietly for your answer, gazing up at the sky for a moment.
"...It was jealousy."
Admitting jealousy embarrassed you, so you hung your head low, your voice barely a whisper.
I'd half-expected it, but it still didn't quite hit home, so I nodded softly.
"Jealousy... Did I do something today to make you jealous?"
"That's the problem. That's exactly your problem, Kang Yumin!"
"Whoa."
"How can you set up a fox trap like that and pretend you don't know?"
Seizing the moment, you raised your voice.
Lots bottled up, apparently—you twisted your body fully toward me, staring me down.
"The girls said you're cool."
"And that cool guy likes you, right?"
"They said you'd be great as an actor. Especially the male lead in a rom-com."
"The female lead's sitting right here. Rom-com, melodrama, erotica—whatever, I'll only do it with you."
Even I thought it was a perfect model answer, flowing like clear water.
Your lips curved into a smile at the spot-on response, but then you nibbled your lower lip and switched back to sulky Han Chaewon mode.
"......Ideal type."
"Ideal type? That thing from earlier?"
"Who were you thinking of?"
"...Wasn't thinking of anyone?"
"Don't lie! How can someone with no thoughts immerse themselves like that?!"
It was a trivial scene long gone from my memory. But recent enough to reconstruct easily.
Yeah, I pictured the scenario Yerin suggested, but no specific person came to mind.
With you arms crossed and eyes wide, waiting to hear it—did I even have time to imagine?
...No point saying that, though. So I ran the algorithm again for another model answer.
"That's what I was doing. Figuring out how to mention you as naturally as possible."
"...You were only thinking of me?"
"Obviously. When I talk girl groups, what's the first thing I mention?"
"...Ever."
"Game over right there. The second they asked for my ideal type, I thought, 'Gotta say Chaewon.' I was just deep in thought finding a smooth way to drop your name."
"......"
Your face screamed "anger gone."
Idiot. That's why it's so easy to fall for you even more. Stop making me swoon, you bratty one.
"That's why you were sulky at the end?"
"...Actually, there's more."
"What else?"
"You getting along so well with the members... it was like..."
"Jealousy again?"
You nodded silently, all bratty.
Just a week ago, you'd bragged about being cool, no jealousy, sorry for being a boring girlfriend.
You knew it too, so I stifled a laugh at the absurdity and picked a nit on purpose, turning the tables.
"Why are you so natural talking to girls?"
"If getting along with the opposite sex gets me scolded, half the world would be in trouble."
"Those girls aren't your girlfriend."
"...Can't argue with that."
Your barrage of sophistry left me chuckling dryly.
Normally I'd tease back hard, but today? Special mercy.
She's just too cute.
"Fine. As your boyfriend, I deeply apologize for being too natural chatting with other women."
"Yeah. Your fault."
"And for not fully grasping your jealousy. I'm truly sorry."
"You're only off the hook 'cause you said it that nicely? No more next time?"
"Yep."
I stroked your head as you leaned on my shoulder with a little laugh.
"...I'll add it to my mistake notebook later. Sorry for the nonsense."
Even when throwing a tantrum, you'd apologize and own up later.
One of the countless reasons I love Han Chaewon.
"While you're writing that notebook, remember the good stuff I did too."
"...Good stuff?"
"In other words, cute things that deserve praise. I'll list them."
I stepped away from the chair, standing in front of you.
This time I took both your hands, bent my knees, and looked up at you with a smile.
"First, remember this morning on the train when I gave you the window seat?"
"...Yeah. I said I wanted it."
"Then at dinner, grilling the meat just how my girlfriend likes it—remember that?"
"Slightly crispy. Yeah. It was delicious."
"Plus, when we drank, I gave you hangover meds, kept telling you to drink water, and even peeled sweet potatoes for you nice and carefully."
"......"
"All totally praiseworthy boyfriend material. I nailed it, right?"
Listing them out surprised even me at how much there was. You looked shocked too.
Maybe feeling sorry and grateful for not noticing a day like this—you looked flustered...
"I deserve a reward too."
Yeah, I'm really spoiling you today.
I never do cutesy stuff mixed with charm since I can't stand self-indulgent aegyo, but on a day when my girlfriend's this adorable, maybe a little pout is okay?
Thinking that, I widened my eyes and gazed up pleadingly.
"Pet my head too. Nice and thoroughly, so I can feel how grateful you are. Got it?"
You nodded without a word.
Still eye-locked, I leaned my head over your thigh...
"...How's that? Feel my gratitude...?"
Your small, delicate hand trembled slightly as it wove into my freshly washed hair, gently stroking from crown to ends.
"Hmm. Not just gratitude, I think."
"What else besides gratitude?"
"Knowing Han Chaewon like I do, this touch means you want skinship too. Right?"
Your lips curved up slyly.
"Guess what kind."
I grinned back and stood.
I planned to telepathically guess your desired touch while staring into your eyes, but...
"A tight hug was only my number three."
"That's fine. I'm doing it 'cause I want to."
Funny worry, really.
We hadn't met in days, no skinship all day, and now we finally could.
Just do everything I want. Done.
"Idiot. What're you saying."
"What makes me happy makes you happy too, right?"
"...True."
"This time from behind."
You stood and turned your back to me at my words.
Your obedient response was cute, stirring something in my chest—I wrapped my arms around your waist quickly but gently.
Resting my forehead on your shoulder, the fresh scents of body wash and shampoo hit my nose together.
Your hand came over mine at your waist.
"Bracelet. You wear it too, Min."
"Wasn't planned, but it's our first matching couple item. Gotta flaunt it openly on occasions like this."
"Yeah. I'll wear mine for a while too, using that excuse."
"What next? Rings or necklaces are too obvious—maybe clothes?"
"Pajamas. No one sees, so matching PJs."
"Good idea? We can browse online later, or shop together if we get the chance."
"Promise? Even if I pick something cute, you'll wear it?"
"...Maybe once."
"Yesss. Gotta get Kang Yumin in animal PJs~."
You rattled off trendy duck pajamas and all sorts of animals.
Whatever it was, I knew I'd never wear it except when seeing you.
"...Today was fun."
Summer. Night. Sky. And stars.
Having lived my whole life in the city, there's always something strangely wondrous about gazing up at the summer night sky and taking in all those stars with my own eyes.
Even so, far in the future, I won't remember this moment.
I'm starting to appreciate nature's beauty more with age, but without that swelling emotion, it won't be an unforgettable instant.
"Next time, just us camping like this. I'll cook then too."
"Definitely. We have to go together."
Because of you.
With you by my side, I'll remember the fresh pine grass scent and the deep valley stream smell.
This summer's warmth, the night breeze's refreshment, the sky's brilliance, the stars' twinkle—as memories.
You make my life special.
"Let's kiss, Chaewon."
Yeah. This moment will stay lovely in my memory forever.
For sure.