Matching Tattoos
The moment Min Soyeon suggested we get matching tattoos, my head started spinning. The fact that she was extending the offer to me made it clear she was completely serious. Of course, I wouldn't mind. Compared to my previous life, my mana reserves were pathetically low; a small boost wouldn't hurt. And if I placed it somewhere discreet, it wouldn't be an eyesore.
But... I couldn't stand the thought of Soyeon getting a tattoo on her body. If she truly wanted one that badly, I'd swallow my tears and support her. Anything less than that, though? Absolutely not.
“...You don't like the idea?”
Her question seemed to test the waters, probing my feelings. I chose my words carefully before answering.
“...What kind of tattoo did you have in mind?”
She immediately pulled out her phone as if she'd been waiting for this and began searching. Soon she handed it to me, speaking in a shy tone.
“...Th-this one.”
...Ah.
The instant I saw the tattoo design she'd shown me, a cold sweat trickled down my spine. The tattoo Min Soyeon wanted was a ring shape meant for the finger. And of all places, it was designed for the left ring finger.
“...This? This is what you want?”
“...Isn't it pretty?”
I'd asked tentatively, wondering if she was serious, but she looked at me as if seeking my approval, clearly attached to the design.
No. This couldn't be. It wasn't possible...!
I kept denying it internally, telling myself it couldn't be true, but anyone could see it. This was an invitation to get couple tattoos together.
No matter how much we'd become different people, getting matching couple rings with my own daughter? What kind of comedy was this?
I quickly racked my brain, trying to come up with a gentle way to refuse. That's when Soyeon thrust her hand forward again, swiped to the next image, and said:
“...Or this one.”
The next photo was even worse. A woman's hand with a small 'J' and a man's hand with an 'S'. The fact that she'd found such a perfectly on-the-nose image made it obvious she was dead serious.
“...What do you think?”
Snapped out of my daze by her subtle urging, I pretended to be unaffected as I handed the phone back.
“...It's certainly unique.”
“...So you don't like it?”
She pressed for a real answer, as if my response wasn't enough. I'd tried to dodge the question, but I'd failed. At this point, I had no choice but to turn her down as gently as possible.
“...Sorry. I don't think it's that pretty.”
Soyeon looked momentarily flustered, then quickly schooled her expression. She quietly stuffed her phone back into her bag.
“...If you don't like it, then never mind.”
She seemed a little hurt. There was nothing I could do about it.
I'm sorry, Soyeon...
No matter how much I love you, couple tattoos are where I draw the line...
*
Maybe it was just my imagination, but Yu Jihwan seemed off today. It was like he was hesitating about something. I couldn't pinpoint exactly what felt different, but the subtle change was unmistakable.
I'd gone through all the trouble of meeting my 'friends' and spent the entire weekend crafting strategies, only for things to start like this. It felt incredibly anticlimactic.
Still, it was fine. Even though the first operation — 'couple tattoo' — had failed, I still had plenty of plans left.
Last weekend, I'd urgently contacted my friends for help. True to their loyal natures, they gathered without complaint. After a long meeting, we devised the perfect strategy.
My friends had focused on the 'Toyland field experience' and 'meeting with Mom.' They insisted the plan had to begin at Toyland and end with the introduction to my mother.
According to 'Choco,' if you don't tie a man down properly, he can slip away at any moment. Therefore, the standard approach was to drive the stake in deep first, then slowly tame him.
It was true that neither Jihwan nor I had officially said we were dating. It just... naturally happened. I'd thought that was nice, but my friends unanimously declared it too dangerous.
What if he suddenly changed his mind and left? How would I hold onto him then? As expected of experts on men, they saw the risks I hadn't even considered.
...Of course, my Jihwan would never do that...
But I agreed that I needed to nail things down properly. That's why I'd prepared today's operation. The goal was to make our relationship official, then push things forward all at once.
...Though the part about having to kiss in front of people was a bit worrying...
After that, if I could just get through the meeting with Mom and make a strong impression, it would be over. Who would dare betray the daughter of the Sword Empress? Who would dare touch the Sword Empress's son-in-law?
Once I got past this hurdle, Jihwan and I could live happily ever after.
...Ever after...
With such a perfect plan in place, I could endure being rejected for couple tattoos. It was a little disappointing, but...
...Just a tiny bit...
*
Perhaps because I'd been rejected on the tattoo suggestion, we arrived at the station in a slightly awkward atmosphere. We boarded the direct express train to Toyland that had just arrived. Since it was a high-speed train, the seats faced each other rather than the usual subway arrangement.
“...”
Min Soyeon, sitting across from me, kept her lips pressed tightly together and stared out the window. She didn't glance in my direction even once. She didn't seem angry, but she was definitely sulking. It was hard to comfort her right away.
If I tried to cheer her up now, I'd have to do something for her, but I had no idea what she'd demand after bringing up couple tattoos. Caught between a rock and a hard place, a heavy sigh escaped me.
I was racking my brain, desperately trying to figure out how to appease Soyeon, when—
This station is Toyland Entrance. Toyland Entrance Station.
About five minutes until we reached Toyland. A place of memories I thought I'd never visit again. It had been years since I'd come here with Soyeon. I didn't want to ruin her memories.
This was driving me crazy... What should I do?
My thoughts were a chaotic mess. It felt like my chest might explode. Was I really supposed to treat this adorable, lovable child so coldly? As her father, couldn't I even take care of my one and only daughter?!
I hurled a torrent of curses at the 'System' that had created this frustrating situation, but of course, it offered no response.
Time passed without an answer, and soon the train came to a stop.
“Class A! Is everyone here?”
Before we knew it, it was time to gather. Our class assembled at the Toyland entrance. After taking attendance, our homeroom teacher gave us a few announcements. They were simple missions.
Collect five different stamps in the mission book. Ride three attractions and take proof photos. And take ten photos with your partner.
The teacher held our 'temporary ranks' hostage and demanded we enjoy ourselves properly. The students seemed to relish the teacher's coercion and began chattering excitedly.
I welcomed the teacher's demands as well. After all, this was a legitimate chance to create memories with Soyeon.
After listening to a few more precautions, the students began to disperse at the teacher's signal.
“Everyone have fun, and meet back here at four o'clock!”
Amid the noisy scattering students, I was examining a pamphlet, thinking of using the missions as an excuse to walk around with Soyeon, when—
“...J-Jihwan...”
Someone called out from behind me. When I turned, Gong Haeseon stood there, holding a pamphlet and fidgeting nervously.
She approached with a shy greeting, then spoke in a somewhat regretful tone.
“...It's too bad we can't walk around together...”
I could only offer a smile. There was nothing I could say to her. Anything I said here would only hurt her.
When I kept my mouth shut and simply looked apologetic, Gong Haeseon made a slightly sad face. The guilt stabbed at my heart. This was my burden to bear.
Then, Gong Haeseon suddenly put on a determined expression. She pressed close to me and opened the pamphlet.
“...You said you've been here before, right? Wh-where's the fun stuff? It's my first time, so I don't really know...”
Seeing her somewhat pitiful appearance filled me with immense guilt. In the end, I let out a short sigh and pointed at the pamphlet.
“...These two spots are famous, so make sure to check them out. ...With your friends.”
I withdrew my hand with a small smile. Apparently satisfied even with that, Gong Haeseon smiled shyly and kept thanking me.
“...Th-thank you, Jihwan... If we run into each other while walking around, please say hello...!”
I simply smiled quietly without saying anything else. After waving her off and sending Gong Haeseon away, I looked around to find Min Soyeon.
And then...
“...”
My eyes met Min Soyeon's. She'd been silently watching me the entire time. She stared at me without blinking once.
“...Soyeon?”
When I called her name cautiously, she slowly closed and opened her eyes before speaking.
“...Let's go.”
She approached, lightly took my arm, and led me deeper into the amusement park.
...Had her mood improved?
It was a subtle reaction to say she'd completely forgiven me, but it seemed her feelings had eased. That was a relief.
*
In a room bathed in pure white light, dozens of men and women dressed head to toe in black gear sat in a circle.
“Please watch over us...”
One man clutched something tightly to his chest as he prayed to someone.
“The Lady was so beautiful... I'm truly fortunate to have seen her before I die...!”
A woman was praising the Lady's beauty with her colleague.
And one woman was...
Tap. Tap-tap. With a pleased expression, she stroked her phone, exchanging messages with someone.
Another woman who had been quietly observing finally spoke to the one fiddling with her phone.
“...Miju unnie, who are you texting so diligently?”
The woman called Miju unnie kept her eyes fixed on her phone as she answered.
“Our youngest.”
The woman beside her immediately leaned in close to Miju to peek at the screen.
“Haeseon?”
“Yeah.”
The woman watched the messages between Miju and Haeseon for a moment before muttering in a somewhat sorrowful tone.
“...She won't meet him, right?”
Miju froze at the words, then turned her gaze slightly and called out to the woman in a warning tone.
“...Gabin.”
“Why? What if she does meet him! We can't let our sweet Haeseon get hurt.”
Miju stared at Gabin for a moment before turning her attention back to her phone.
“...Let's do this right...”
Leaving those words behind...