A Tight Squeeze
As I continued talking with Gong Haeseon, the back of my head began to prickle more and more. Feeling oddly self-conscious, I searched for the right moment to cut the conversation short and slipped in casually.
“…Thanks, Haeseon. You worked hard today too. That vortex you created was impressive.”
“R-really…?”
Even my half-hearted compliment brought a shy smile to her face, and the corners of my mouth lifted on their own. I wanted to scrape together every bit of praise I could think of, real or invented, but unfortunately I had a prior engagement today.
After exchanging a few more words with her, I told Gong Haeseon I had something to take care of and would head out first.
“Ah…. You’re b-busy…. Sorry, I kept you…”
“…It’s not that. I wanted to talk to you. Anyway, see you next week. I’ll text you.”
“U-um! Good luck with your part-time job…!”
Gong Haeseon had been wearing a somewhat apologetic, regretful expression, but the mention of me contacting her brightened her face a little as she said goodbye.
After parting with Gong Haeseon and stepping out of the classroom, I met eyes with Min Soyeon, who was glaring at me with a face that screamed displeasure. Arms crossed, eyes blazing—she was the spitting image of her mother.
“Sh-shall we go…?”
I pretended not to notice anything and spoke up, but she snorted and spun on her heel, marching off. Watching her back, which practically dripped with disappointment, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
If she acts like this toward me, what would happen if she actually got a boyfriend she liked? Wouldn’t she cause an incident?
…She probably doesn’t take after her that much, right?
The doors on the opposite side opened with a chime, and more passengers began boarding. Since it was the inner circular line, the flow of people getting on and off was heavy.
I edged a little closer to Min Soyeon, who stood tucked in the corner, and spoke to her quietly.
“Look at this. Isn’t it super cute?”
When I handed her the phone, she glanced at the screen and said, “…What is it?”
“It’s a new popup store at the place we’re headed. They sell a ton of adorable stuff. Want to stop by later?”
“…If you want.”
Despite her indifferent tone, her eyes never left the screen. The place we were going today was Pia Tower in the heart of Seoul—a massive luxury shopping complex packed with all kinds of stores, restaurants from every cuisine imaginable, and even a cinema. Right beside it sat a large amusement park and zoo, making it the perfect spot for enjoying a full day of culture and leisure.
Our original plan had been to eat lunch first and then catch a movie, but the zoo I’d looked up yesterday had been so appealing that I’d hastily changed the itinerary.
This is Beopwon Station. Beopwon Station. Please mind the gap as you exit…
I peeked at the window jutting out behind Min Soyeon and saw the huge crowd waiting on the opposite platform. A moment later the train stopped, passengers poured out, and the car gained a little breathing room.
But only for a moment. More than twice as many people as had left began flooding back in.
…This was getting uncomfortable.
I gently tugged Min Soyeon farther into the corner and stood in front of her like a shield.
“Please move all the way inside!”
“Let us on together!”
With so many passengers shoving their way in, I had no choice but to slide closer and closer to her. Little by little we drew together until, before I knew it, we were practically glued in an embrace.
“Huu…”
Min Soyeon, squeezed tight between my body and the wall, let out a faint groan. Her face flushed crimson, whether from frustration at being unable to move or something else.
“…You okay?”
When I spoke, she lifted her gaze. Her eyes looked hazy, almost feverish. Instead of answering, she bumped her forehead against my chest with a small thud.
She seemed to be having a hard time.
…Maybe I should have taken a taxi after all. I’d chosen the subway to avoid traffic, but it looked like that decision had backfired.
Feeling guilty, I murmured softly, “…Just a little longer and it’ll ease up.”
She didn’t reply. Instead she let out a long sigh and pressed her body even closer, leaning fully against me.
We stayed stuck together like that for about fifteen minutes.
“Whew…”
When the crowd finally surged out at our stop, we were able to disembark at last.
“Soyeon, are you feeling better? Want something to drink?”
Her face still burning red, Min Soyeon shook her head vigorously while catching her breath.
“Y-yeah…”
Slightly startled by the strange intensity of her response, I suggested we grab lunch first and led the way into the tower.
Just as I was finishing the baguette that had come as an appetizer, the server arrived right on cue.
“Excuse me. Here is your order.”
Margherita pizza, two different pastas, and a pair of ades—the combination young people ordered most these days. The presentation was better than I’d expected for the price. No wonder so many students came here.
Min Soyeon must have been starving too. She picked up her fork and glanced at me, her eyes practically begging me to hurry. I smiled without thinking and said, “You must be hungry. Let’s eat.”
“…Thank you for the meal.”
She immediately began twirling her pasta, so I picked up my own fork. As we filled our empty stomachs, I noticed something.
Hm? There were a lot of young couples here. In fact, every table in the restaurant was occupied by a guy and a girl. Seeing couples feeding each other affectionately or sharing loving conversation suddenly felt completely natural. Since the place was famous as a date spot as well as for its unique food, it made sense.
I thought nothing of it, rinsed my mouth with the ade, and was about to keep eating when our eyes met. Min Soyeon had set down her fork and was watching me with an oddly expectant look.
“…What’s wrong?”
“…Nothing.”
She let out a short, heavy sigh and quietly picked her fork back up. The atmosphere didn’t feel like she would tell me even if I asked, so I let it go. We finished the meal in that subtle, slightly awkward mood, then I led her toward the clothing mall.
“…Why are we coming here? I thought we were going to the zoo.”
“Yeah? Let’s just look around a little first.”
Min Soyeon wore an expression that said she couldn’t figure out my intentions. Truthfully, I hadn’t planned to stop here either. But as we passed by, I kept spotting outfits I thought would look beautiful on her, so I deliberately changed our route. I also had the card my wife had given me. How wonderful would it be to buy my beloved daughter a pretty outfit?
“Oh…. What do you think of that one?”
Min Soyeon looked where I pointed, her face twisting slightly. “…That?” Her expression suggested she was imagining something suspicious.
“I think it would look pretty on you. Try it on before we go.”
“…What? No.”
Her firm refusal nearly made my heart sink, but I couldn’t back down now. I casually slipped my arm through hers and tugged her along.
“Just once. Please? You already look pretty, but I think that would make you even prettier. Let’s just try it on.”
I felt a little ridiculous going to these lengths just to dress her nicely, but come to think of it, she had never liked clothes shopping much since she was little.
Min Soyeon glared at me, then let out a short sigh of resignation and followed. The result was more than satisfying.
“No matter whose daughter she is, she’s truly beautiful.”
“…W-what are you saying…”
The bright jeans and long-sleeved knit top suited her perfectly. I’d chosen them with the knowledge that she took after her mother, and sure enough the vibe was strikingly similar. It really was a relief she didn’t take after me.
“I’ll take this, please.”
“…Huh? You’re actually buying it?”
“One-time payment.”
Min Soyeon tried to stop me after the fact, but the card had already been handed over. Before she could protest, I quickly held up my phone.
“Soyeon. You look so pretty I just have to take a picture.”
“…You crazy bastard! Buying it without asking and now this…”
“I’m taking it.”
“Hey—!”
Click. Embarrassed to be photographed, she glared at the camera with a flushed face, and the shot came out perfectly. Since I’d bought my daughter’s clothes with my wife’s card, I planned to send her a proof photo later.
Even as Min Soyeon fumed, I brushed it off lightly, retrieved the card, coaxed her gently, and we left the store.
“…Are you insane? You don’t even have money, so why…”
“It’s fine. Spending on you doesn’t feel like a waste at all.”
“What?”
I understood her reaction. She still thought I was poor. She had no idea that I no longer was. Behind me was a balance large enough to rival an entire army and a black card that showered me with endless benefits. I couldn’t explain how I’d obtained such wealth, but I hadn’t done anything strange, and good was good, right?
While gently soothing her, I headed to the men’s section. Since she was in casual clothes, I couldn’t be the only one stuck in a school uniform. I knew my usual style, so I picked something quickly.
Swish—I stepped out of the fitting room and showed her. “How is it? Looks okay?”
She parted her lips slightly, scanned me up and down, and nodded repeatedly. Her reaction wasn’t bad, so it must have looked fine. The light jeans and crewneck sweatshirt ended up having a similar feel to what I’d chosen for her.
After our short shopping trip, we were finally about to head to the zoo when my phone began to vibrate in my pocket.
Wondering what it was, I pulled it out and checked.
The screen lit up with an incoming call from my wife.
Today was Friday—the day I was supposed to go see her.
“…Ah…”
I let out an involuntary sigh and stopped walking. Min Soyeon, who had been walking beside me, leaned in curiously. “…What is it?”
Startled, I quickly hid the phone and blurted, “…I-I need to use the restroom real quick!”
“…Oh? O-okay then…”
Min Soyeon gave a somewhat strange reaction, but my mind was too occupied by the call from my wife to notice.