Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Date (7)
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The real date with my little sister had finally begun.
At first, we followed the standard date course, driving around to take in the beautiful scenery.
Then we expanded our range, heading out to various provincial spots.
We went to Tongyeong together and cracked open some oysters, shared honey bread in Gyeongju, and dug into bibimbap side by side in Jeonju.
Honestly, at the start, I didn't think it would go this well.
Even if she said I was just playing the role of her boyfriend, we were still siblings, so there had to be some natural resistance between us.
I figured calling it a boyfriend thing wouldn't change the atmosphere much from how things already were.
But surprisingly...
"Um... wanna try this?"
"Uh... sure."
The vibe shifted.
We started out dating like normal siblings, but as our outings hit the third, fourth time, and the frequency ramped up...
We grew closer, and the mood genuinely started feeling like a real couple's.
"I saw this trending on Insta! Let's check it out!"
"Sis, you got time for that?"
"Of course. You're the most important thing to me, little bro. The guild can wait."
"Don't say that..."
Now, grabbing lunch at trendy spots together had become our everyday routine.
"Does this look pretty?"
"Yeah, it suits you."
Whenever my little sister headed out on a date with me, she no longer acted like the big sister figure.
She was just a normal girl.
I was thrilled the quests were progressing smoothly, but watching her change bit by bit left me with a strange feeling in my chest.
What on earth was my little sister thinking when she treated me this way?
I was dying to know what was really going on in her head.
As I ruffled my complicated hair, lost in all sorts of thoughts while sitting in my room...
-Knock knock.
A cautious knock echoed from the door.
Usually, the only one who came to my room was my younger sister, but lately, things had shifted a bit.
Probably my little sister.
"Hey, bro... you in there?"
Sure enough, it was her voice.
"Yeah, come in."
"Can I?"
"Sure."
With my okay, the door creaked open slowly, and in slipped my little sister, her hair rollers dangling comically from her head.
She was dressed casually in a baggy T-shirt and short gray shorts, but for some reason, she had makeup on even just lounging around the house.
She'd toned it down to avoid getting caught, but I was sharp enough to notice. Her lashes looked lightly curled with clear mascara, and her skin tone was subtly brighter—barely noticeable unless you looked close.
"..."
Why was my little sister wearing makeup even at home?
She used to trust her natural beauty and go completely bare-faced around the house.
"Um... Ha-seong... mind if I sit on the bed?"
"Uh..."
She used to flop right onto my bed without asking, sometimes even hugging me tight.
Now she was hesitating just to sit down, all prim and proper.
"What's up?"
"Oh? Uh... I wanted to talk about where we're going tomorrow."
At first, she'd eyed me suspiciously when I suggested heading out together, but now she treated our outings like a given.
Under her expectant gaze, I mulled over options and remembered our old promise about the amusement park.
"How about the amusement park tomorrow for real?"
"Ooh, amusement park! Sounds perfect!"
Her face lit up with joy. She hadn't said it, but she'd clearly been hoping for that.
Honestly, I'd have preferred somewhere quieter with less hustle—fewer people, more chill activities.
But her happiness came first.
"Hehe, they say the roller coaster here's insane! Oh, and the pork cutlet curry looks bomb too..."
Even after settling tomorrow's plans, she didn't leave. She plopped down beside me, chattering away like a sparrow.
I just listened quietly.
For two whole hours.
"Phew..."
After making sure the family had a hearty breakfast, and prepping lunch and dinner ahead, I finally retreated to my room for serious prep.
Our first outings had been super casual on my end, but at some point, her efforts ramped up.
And I started matching her energy.
-Whirr.
I spent five, ten minutes on the blow dryer instead of just a quick pass.
I even used hair products, despite hating the sticky feel.
I agonized over my clothes and picked the cleanest, sharpest outfit.
Once I was ready, I opened the door.
"All set?"
My little sister greeted me.
A crisp white blouse paired with slim-fit jeans that showed off her figure.
Textbook date attire.
"Yeah, good to go."
"Hehe."
We stepped out together, her beaming innocently.
Whoosh.
She immediately linked arms with me.
"This much is fine... right?"
"..."
I had no clue what her benchmark for "fine" was.
Was this okay as family?
Or as pretend boyfriend and girlfriend?
"Whatever you want, sis."
"Got it."
Arm in arm, we rode the elevator down.
The mirror reflected us—a picture-perfect couple to any stranger.
These close-contact moments used to feel so awkward.
Now they felt natural, familiar. And that scared me a little.
Boom. Pop.
Time flew, and it was late night before we knew it.
The clear night sky glowed under bright moonlight.
The amusement park, nearing closing time, was alive with a parade.
Fireworks burst in dazzling displays.
A glittering procession marched to upbeat music.
Couples, friends, and families snapped photos on their phones or shared sweet kisses, soaking it all in.
Amid the massive crowd stood Da-jeong Jeong with her little brother.
In the packed park, she'd disguised herself with a cap and mask, but she stole a glance at her brother beside her.
Tall, handsome guy.
He seemed mesmerized by the rare fireworks, eyes glued to the sky.
'Tch, he's here with me.'
A twinge of annoyance hit her as he focused on the explosions instead. She poked his side.
"Huh? Something wrong?"
He could've gotten mad at the poke, but he turned with a gentle voice, totally unfazed.
They were siblings at heart, even if playing lovers right now.
She couldn't straight-up demand his attention, so she made an excuse.
"Nah, just... too many people here. Even disguised, I'm scared we'll get spotted."
He scanned around, then looked apologetic as it clicked.
"Oh, sorry. Should've thought of that. Let's head out."
She'd just been petty, throwing out a flimsy reason, but his sincere apology pricked her conscience.
Still, knowing his focus was on her now felt great, so she didn't back down and followed him.
"Excuse us, coming through. Thanks!"
He led the way, parting the crowd, and she trailed quietly behind.
As an S-rank tanker facing monsters, Da-jeong was always out front.
Yet here was her non-awakened brother, fragile as he was, forging a path for her.
She got why women craved guys they could rely on.
Being protected, cherished—it felt better than she'd imagined.
"Whew..."
Finally breaking free of the thick crowd, he wiped sweat from his brow with a relieved sigh.
Da-jeong pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed his forehead.
"Good job."
"Hey, boyfriend duties. This is nothing."
"Heh, whoever ends up as your girlfriend is gonna be one lucky girl."
Just role-playing brought this much joy.
Whoever actually became his girlfriend would be over the moon.
I'm jealous...
So jealous...
"Nah, not really thinking about that."
He blushed at the praise, waving it off.
Even as her blood brother, that shy look was adorable.
If some other girl saw this cute side of him...
No woman in the world could resist falling for him.
"..."
The thought of another woman taking her place, seeing these moments—it made her chest tighten.
Like swallowing five sweet potatoes whole.
How to shake this off?