Chapter 74
Chapter 74
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: A Night Out with Ara Unni
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“Um, you absolutely cannot let go of this hand, okay? And no sudden moves either.”
“Victoria... that’s exactly what I want to say....”
I stepped out the front door, trembling all over.
I’d been clinging to Shin Ara’s arm like a rope, and before I knew it, I was out in the real world I’d only glimpsed through windows.
It looked like a quiet alley at first glance, but a bustling commercial district stretched out not far away.
Even with all the foot traffic, the street was spotless, which instantly explained the high rent.
But even seeing the peaceful street didn’t ease my tension.
This place is safe. We’re safe right now. I knew that in my head, but I was more worried about myself causing an incident.
Looks like I should’ve gotten drunk at home first instead of going out to drink.
I had no choice but to hang onto Shin Ara’s arm with all my might, like a cicada on a summer day.
“Huh? A new cosmetics store opened up over there. Wanna pop in for a sec?”
“Th-that’s a sudden move. Why are you trying to change the plan....”
“Hm? Shopping still too tough? You hate bras so much, I was gonna get you some nipple covers.”
“I’ll order online later. Let’s go straight to the beef place....”
And so we headed right to the Korean BBQ restaurant we’d reserved.
Luckily, Shin Ara’s workplace was nearby, so no worries about getting lost in the crowds.
I wanted to squeeze my eyes shut, but just in case, I memorized the way back.
Like a scout on patrol, I started scanning the surroundings carefully.
That’s when I felt people’s stares prickling like needles.
At first I thought it was paranoia, but overhearing the murmurs proved it wasn’t.
“Wow, that girl’s fucking gorgeous.”
“For real? Where? Holy shit, milf class is insane.”
“Huh? I meant the one in overalls. And anyone can see they’re not mother and daughter, you lolicon.”
“Shut up, milf perv.”
Besides the milf fans and lolicon, plenty of others were whispering.
Mostly admiring Shin Ara’s curvy figure, but sometimes I caught creepy lines like “Should I go ask for her number?”
Now that I looked, her outfit matched mine in color.
I was in a white tee and overalls; she had a white tee and a denim skirt.
If I looked like a kid, she looked like a model out for holiday fun.
No wonder the thirsty guys were staring.
I yanked her arm closer to protect her.
But a shrimp like me didn’t look like much of a goalkeeper, and sure enough, some guy sidled up slyly.
“You two look great together. Does your sister have a boyfriend by any chance?”
“Nope. But that’s kinda rude. Isn’t that a hurtful topic for single folks?”
“S-sorry.... Um, what about the little sis....”
“Fuck off, bitch.”
“S-sorry....”
Thankfully, the guy tucked tail and bolted.
Shin Ara had shut him down with an ice-cold glare.
Guess that explained why someone as pretty as her was single.
If I’d been that guy, I might’ve cried from the emotional damage.
“Victoria... you just swore in Russian, right? You can’t say that to strangers.”
“Yeah, I think I went too far. But Ara unni, you were scary too.”
“Yeah, you gotta be firm with guys like that.”
“Right? So cool.”
Thanks to that creep, my tension eased a bit.
Seeing someone casually hitting on girls made the crisis feel distant.
With that weird relief, I started taking in the street properly.
The bustling holiday district full of energy and leisure. The everyday scene stirred nostalgia.
Come to think of it, I’d always dreamed of sights like this.
Feeling closer to that longed-for normal life lifted my spirits.
“This is the BBQ place we reserved. I’ve been here a few times with folks from the center.”
“Yeah, let’s go in.”
We arrived at the restaurant and pushed open the door.
A wave of delicious smells hit us, making my mouth water.
Shin Ara’s recommended spot nailed the vibe from the interior design.
Every seat was partitioned off, perfect for after-parties with comrades too.
As I looked around, a server rushed over.
I worried they might recognize me, but thankfully, no such luck.
“Just the two of you?!”
“Yes, reservation under Victoria.”
“Right away! This way to your table!”
“Thanks.”
We followed the server to our reserved spot and sat.
We flipped through the menu while waiting for the banchan to arrive.
I checked the booze section eagerly, but disappointingly, only soju and beer—no real drinks.
Guess we’d eat here and hit a second spot for alcohol.
Soviets like me had a separate stomach for booze anyway—no issue.
I’d even brought ID for drinking age checks.
“What meats can I get for you?”
“Hmm... a mixed platter for now. Ara unni, we’ll drink elsewhere.”
“Sounds good. There’s this bar I’ve wanted to try.”
Soon the meat arrived, and our elegant meal began.
The quiet server grilled it expertly—no risk of burning.
Thanks to that, Shin Ara and I enjoyed a tasty, fun dinner.
The melt-in-your-mouth sirloin and savory, chewy short ribs were divine.
Same beef as Tushemka, but the taste and texture were worlds apart.
Explains why the comrades dissed my cooking.
Delicious meat, sides, and fair prices too.
Perfect after-party spot for comrades.
“Unni, let’s bring the comrades here next time.”
“Hm? Inviting me to your after-party?”
“Yeah, can’t do it without you.”
“Sweet. Looking forward to it?”
I finished eating and quickly settled the bill.
Shin Ara kept eyeing chances to pay, so I snuck it in while she was in the bathroom.
Sure enough, she came out, saw me, and gaped.
“What?! Already paid?”
“Yeah, I said I’d treat.”
“Argh! You got me! Fine, seconds on me!”
“Nope.”
Satisfied and full, we headed to a nearby bar.
Shin Ara’s client raved “My depression lifted there!”, but she’d never gone alone without friends.
Inside, plenty of patrons filled the seats.
A corner table was free, but with so many drunks, it felt more like a pub than a bar.
Noisy drinking makes booze more fun anyway.
The over-the-top energy was a tad scary, but it’d help treat my PTSD too.
“Hold up, you two. Kids aren’t allowed in here.”
Then the bouncer popped up out of nowhere.
The bar staff blocked me, treating me like a child.
At 145cm, fair reaction.
But it pissed me off despite understanding, so I whipped out my ID with a duck-lip pout.
“I’m an adult... here’s my ID....”
“Huh? For real?”
The server took it, eyeing me suspiciously.
Then he started scratching at it to check for fakes.
I got why, but he’d poke holes in it.
I tapped Shin Ara’s arm for backup.
“Excuse me, isn’t that too suspicious? The person’s right here—what if they get hurt?”
“Ah! S-sorry. Just one fingerprint check.”
“But why not check mine?”
“Ahem! Press your finger down hard here!”
“Excuse me?”
After much hassle, we finally got seated.
Only after multiple fingerprints.
But my duck lips stayed out.
I sat and ordered booze right away to prove I was an adult.
Vodka’s the only booze for me.
Perfect—a light 500mL bottle.
No need to lug home some crappy vodka.
“One bottle of Absolut please.”
“Yes, one 500mL Absolut... Wait, one 500mL Absolut?”
“Yeah. What’ll you have, unni?”
“Hmm... I want this cocktail... Did I hear right? You said vodka?”
Shin Ara and the server stared like “Really?”
They figured I couldn’t handle vodka.
But who am I?
Victoria Chernakoshka, with Siberian red blood.
Alcohol trash or not, 500mL vodka’s no sweat.
I puffed my chest: “Serve the booze now!”
“Order confirmed!”
“Go on... let Victoria do what she wants....”
The server zipped back with snacks and drinks.
I cracked the vodka and filled my glass to the brim.
Table set—time to toast.
I cheered Soviet-style with Shin Ara.
“Davai!”
“D-Davai!”
And the one-shot followed naturally.
Big breath in, then slammed it down my throat.
But no harsh burn I’d braced for.
True to its clear, tasteless, odorless rep—no flavor or scent.
Just warm heat spreading through my chest.
Felt like real vodka at last—eyes wide.
“Oh?”
“V-Victoria? You okay?”
“Davai!”
“Eek!”
I grinned at Shin Ara and downed another.
Not to sleep or warm up—this was purely to get smashed.
A couple glasses in, excitement bubbled up.
No wonder Irina loved vodka, no wonder comrades went nuts for it.
Too late now, but I got their vibe.
If I’d known sooner, I could’ve joined in.
That regret led to a few more, and soon the bottle bottomed out.
“Unniii! See? I’m totally grown up!”
“V-Victoria... okay, no more drinking. Please?”
“Heh... Ara unni knows everything....”
“Ugh... sorry I didn’t stop you....”
“I gotta pee! Bathroom!”
“Huh? Yeah! I’ll come with.”
Sudden urge hit—I bolted for the bathroom.
Our table was right by it, so I could go solo.
Heard “That’s the men’s room!” from behind, but whatever.
I burst in, barely sat on the toilet, and yanked down my pants.
Stupid overalls wouldn’t budge.
Wriggling like shedding skin, I finally got them off—no disaster.
“Wh-what? This is the men’s room?”
Relieved, I dressed and hit the sink.
Big guys murmured around me, but clean soldier me wanted to wash hands.
Washing up, I caught my reflection.
Shaking water off, I stood before the mirror.
“Uh....”
Half-lidded eyes, flushed face, swaying body.
The girl in the mirror looked ready to topple at a touch.
Why was I like this?
Just 500mL vodka—no way.
“Ugh... I’m wasted....”
Totally smashed.
Feels goddamn great.