Episode 40. Responsibility
Episode 40. Responsibility
"Hmm......"
I stared intently at my reflection in the mirror.
I was wearing the clothes Seyeon had bought for me yesterday. There were various types, but I didn't really need to think too hard about it. I had originally planned to wear something similar to a school uniform anyway.
Besides, the only other options were overly feminine items like dresses, so there was virtually no choice.
So I woke up this morning, washed up neatly, and immediately put on the clothes... but there was one slightly troubling part.
What to wear as the outer layer.
Looking at the blazer and cardigan on the floor, I somehow let out a sigh.
Both were pretty, but in different ways.
As Seyeon had explained yesterday, the blazer, being closer to formal wear, had a sharp, cool feel, while the cardigan, being more casual, gave off a fresh and light impression.
I alternated between the blazer and cardigan nearly a hundred times, continuing to agonize over the decision.
'This is so girly of me.'
In the past, I would just grab any clothes hanging on the rack and go out.
...No, actually, I didn't really have many reasons to go out.
But seeing myself unable to go outside because of an outer layer really makes me feel like I'm acting like a girl.
"What should I even wear?"
Muttering in a sulky voice, I finally made a decision after a few minutes.
I decided to wear the cardigan. I thought a friendly impression would be better than an overly cold one.
And now, finally ready to go out...
"Ah, right."
The sensation I felt under my feet on the floor felt strange, and I realized I hadn't put on socks.
Hmm... Socks.
At the clothing store yesterday, Seyeon had bought me something else she said would suit this look.
They were jet-black over-the-knee socks that came up above my knees.
'...Even so, this is a bit much.'
Knee socks are kind of... not that different from stockings, right?
I can't clearly express what it is, but it feels more... niche, I guess.
Because of that, I couldn't bring myself to wear them as readily as I would stockings.
In the end, I put on the white socks Seyeon had given me as supplies before and went outside.
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The weather was very clear. The sky was literally sky-blue. A deep blue sky without a single cloud, as if neatly painted with a brush. The sound of the wind reached me briefly but clearly. The temperature was just right, neither hot nor cold.
Starting off on such an auspicious note, my mood gradually lifted. A faint smile bloomed on my face.
My current destination was school. I had to meet Seyeon.
Since I have no money at all, I can't take public transportation to the university district by myself.
Stretching my arms up towards the sky, I thought to myself.
'Since Seyeon handles everything, it's really convenient.'
Food, clothing, shelter, training, sparring, transportation costs, etc......
Practically, Seyeon was responsible for more than half of my life.
'...It's really amazing.'
We're not family, just classmates who met for the first time on March 2nd.
How can someone help a complete stranger so diligently without uttering a single complaint?
From what I heard yesterday, she said she has a personality that enjoys doing things for others.
"Is that really all there is to it?"
First of all, Seyeon seemed incredibly wealthy. Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense......
So is that why she has the leeway? Enough to charitably take in a dirt-spoon orphan?
'I should ask her later.'
I can't live off Seyeon's help forever. The day when one person gets tired of another inevitably comes. Even if neither person has a particularly bad personality.
The day Seyeon gets tired of me (if we assume that happens) will coincide with when she no longer feels a reason to help me.
So I need to know the reason. Why is she so obsessed with me, giving me money and food?
That way... maybe the days we can stay close will last longer.
Even excluding the help I receive, Seyeon is a friend I don't want to lose.
While lost in those thoughts, I soon reached the school's main gate.
'Not here yet?'
I was debating whether to call or not, and was just about to walk to the dormitory instead.
"Kyaaah?!"
As I was entering the school grounds, someone hugged me tightly from behind.
Startled, I let out a scream. For about 0.1 seconds, I thought I was being kidnapped.
"Seyeon?"
"You came early."
I recognized her thanks to the faint, sweet scent she emitted.
...The chest pressing softly against my back also played a part.
"I thought my heart was going to drop out......"
"Sorry."
Seyeon said that while rubbing her face against my shoulder.
Still holding me tightly, I looked around while shuffling along with her attached to my back. There was a stone pillar next to the school gate; she had probably been hiding there.
"Hmm......"
Imagining Seyeon crouching behind the stone pillar, holding her breath to surprise me, made me feel strangely mystified.
Only after the taxi arrived did Seyeon let me go. Only then could I properly see her.
Seyeon was wearing a beige shirt made of a material that seemed like it had gotten wet, fluttering loosely, and a long skirt that reached below her knees. I went over, touched the sleeve, and asked what kind of clothes these were, and she said it was a linen shirt.
'Now that I think about it, this is the first time.'
The first time I've seen Seyeon in casual clothes.
It definitely felt different from her school uniform or gym clothes. She looked much more mature and elegant.
Anyway, Seyeon led me and put me in the taxi.
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We arrived at the university district following the same route as yesterday.
As soon as we got out of the taxi, Seyeon called Eunbyeol on her phone.
"We're here, where are you guys? ......Ah, then we'll come to you. Yeah."
Then, just like yesterday, she grabbed my wrist and headed into the alley.
'Did those three meet up first?'
It seemed like they originally planned to hang out as a trio, and Eunbyeol had dragged us into it.
Anyway, as we were walking hard through the crowded streets, Seyeon suddenly held something out to me.
It was a pink card with a cute animal character drawn on it.
"What's this for...?"
"Use it while we're hanging out with the kids today."
"......"
'I see.'
Since the university district has various things to enjoy, there will probably be many occasions to spend money. If Seyeon keeps paying for my share every time... it might not look good.
I thanked her and put the card in my pocket.
After walking for about ten minutes like that, we stopped in front of a building.
"...They're here?"
"Yeah."
I leaned my head slightly to peek inside.
It seemed to sell beauty-related products like cosmetics. Something like Olive Young. Of course, the name wasn't the same.
'So... they sell hand cream, lipstick, that kind of stuff.'
Anyway, we went inside. Immediately, a slightly chilly air and a peculiar scent were felt.
I think I know what it is.
This was the smell that subtly wafts from school girls. That unique, artificial, and intense fragrance that suddenly hits you when you pass by them.
It was the scent often called perfume smell.
I felt my heart strangely pounding as I moved my feet.
The store was incredibly wide for a simple shop. As if I had entered a plaza, I turned my head here and there, then quickly walked towards where some noisy sounds were coming from.
In front of a long display counter were the three we were supposed to meet. Eunbyeol... is Eunbyeol. The one with long hair is Minjeong, and the one with short hair is Chaerin, right......
Perhaps sensing our presence, Eunbyeol turned her head first.
"Oh! Seyeon and Yubin are here."
We smiled and nodded. The other girls next to her shyly waved their hands. It was practically our first meeting, so it was a bit awkward.
"What were you looking at?"
"Ah, this......"
At Seyeon's question, I looked in the direction Eunbyeol pointed.
'What is it?'
A cylinder about the size of a finger. If I had to say, it looked like a lipstick.
"Tint?"
"Yeah."
Ah... so it was a tint.
I don't know the difference from lipstick, but I know it's something you apply to your lips.
Eunbyeol then opened a few samples and applied them to the back of her hand.
"This is pretty. They say it's new."
"Uh, uhh......"
I was slightly flustered as she suddenly brought her hand close to my face. It smelled like fresh hand cream.
'I honestly don't really get it.'
Even after becoming a girl, I've never worn makeup.
"Yubin, don't you want to buy anything?"
"It's okay. I'll just watch."
While I stood there awkwardly smiling and staring blankly from behind, the girls chattered away and giggled. I guess girls this age find it fun just to talk.
As I was just watching them, I decided to strike up a conversation with Chaerin, who was holding something interesting.
"Hoo......"
First, take a deep breath.
"...What's that?"
"This? A camera."
Chaerin answered kindly, though she seemed slightly awkward.
A camera?
Now that you mention it, it really was. A round lens with a square body. There was a handle attached below.
'A camera? Why?'
Before I could even ask, Chaerin immediately continued.
"I'm filming a vlog."
"Oh... a vlog......."
Seeing me staring intently at the lens with fascination, Chaerin grinned.
"Introduce yourself."
"Introduce myself...?"
"Yeah. Over here......"
Chaerin suddenly placed me next to her and pointed the lens at us.
"Okay, say hello."
Really...?
To suddenly become video material like this.
It was a bit embarrassing and awkward, but if I suddenly ran away, it would seem weird, so I decided to just go along with it.
That's right. I'm someone who cares more about other people's gazes than my own feelings......
In the end, with a flushed face, I waved at the camera.
"Ah, hello, there......"
"Pfft!"
Chaerin giggled and poked me, seemingly finding my terrified appearance ridiculous.
"This is Yubin, a classmate of ours......"
Chaerin continued explaining to the camera. I just stood next to her, rolling my eyes nervously.
Looking over at Eunbyeol, those three were already close, their faces full of smiles. How can they be like that......
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After leaving the cosmetics store, we... no, the four of them excluding me, really talked nonstop. The conversation kept going, one topic leading to another.
That alone would have been fine, but they kept ending their sentences with 'Right, Yubin?' forcing a response, so I had to nod hard and answer. My voice trembled terribly when I replied, but they all giggled, saying it was cute. Why on earth......
Ah, and Minjeong was more sociable than Chaerin. She asked if I used SNS like Instagram, played with my hair with her fingers saying it had a pretty texture, suddenly pinched and stretched my cheeks, or abruptly took selfies telling me to smile.
I was a bit taken aback. With her long hair and round glasses, she seemed like she'd be calm, but it was the complete opposite.
Also importantly, Chaerin was filming all of that with her camera.
'Wow... insane......'
Yesterday, I thought I might last about 30 minutes.
No. I overestimated myself.
Five minutes was the limit. I already feel like my stamina is drained.
"Huff, huff......"
"What do you want to do now?"
"Should we have lunch? None of you have eaten, right?"
...The next plan was made on the fly like this.
Anyway, the place we arrived at for the meal was a tteokbokki chain store. As expected.
"Yubin, can you handle spicy food well?"
"W-well. I guess I can eat as much as others?"
"Then I'll order the spicy flavor~"
When time passed and the amount of tteokbokki placed on the table came into view, I couldn't help but be astonished.
A large bowl of tteokbokki with extra glass noodles, rice balls, vegetable tempura, squid tempura, shrimp tempura, dumplings......
'Are we really going to eat all this?'
While I was dumbfounded, my mouth hanging open stupidly, everyone took pictures with their lenses pointed at the bowl steaming profusely.
Click- click-
The atmosphere felt like I should take one too, so I took a picture.
Then, slightly dazed, I scooped some food onto my small plate and took a bite.
'......Huh?'
What is this.
"Cough...! *Cough*, *cough*, guh......"
A pungent sensation crept up, my eyes welled up with tears, and I kept coughing.
Seyeon, sitting next to me, immediately looked at me.
"Yubin, are you okay? Is it spicy?"
"*Cough*, sob... This, *cough*, I think it's too spicy......"
"What? Didn't you say Yubin can handle spicy food well?"
Minjeong tilted her head and handed me a Coolpis.
While coughing, I took the Coolpis with both hands and gulped it down.
"I, I didn't know it would be this spicy."
"Ahaha......"
Chaerin smiled mysteriously.
She probably filmed me suffering from the spiciness too, right?
Anyway, we continued our meal. The tteokbokki was spicy but delicious. The tempura was crispy and oily, an irresistible taste. After eating only school meals for a while, eating food like pasta or tteokbokki felt like a luxurious gourmet experience.
A little while later.
"Wow......"
A sigh of admiration escaped my mouth unconsciously. They really finished the entire bowl. How big are their appetites...? Could it be because they're Hunters?
"Yubin, it was delicious, right?"
"Uh, yeah."
Seyeon poked my wrist and asked. I answered in a slightly awkward voice.
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We wandered the streets aimlessly again. As expected for a weekend, there were tons of people. I felt many eyes on me like yesterday, but thanks to Seyeon, I could walk with my shoulders back and a smile.
'Why are there so many fortune-telling tarot shops everywhere.'
Maybe because it's a street frequented by many couples?
They probably check things like love luck too.
Similarly, there were many dessert places. Baked ice cream, croffles, crepes... The windows were wide open, so you could clearly see the food being made.
'Even though I came here once yesterday, it's still so fascinating.'
After passing countless people and buildings.
"Let's take pictures!"
Eunbyeol, who was at the front, pointed at a sign and spoke. It said 'Life Four Cuts'. It was my first time seeing it, so I don't know if it's a name that exists in reality.
'Is it like sticker photos?'
Judging by the booth with its entrance covered by a tent, it seemed so. There were props like sunglasses and animal hats too.
We played around, putting the props from the shelves on each other (mostly me), and when the booth became empty, we quickly went inside.
"How many should we print?"
"We can print ten and each take two."
While the original three members touched the screen and decided something, Seyeon explained how it works to me.
It takes a picture every 10 seconds... So don't we have to decide the poses in advance?
Despite my worries, the shooting started immediately.
"What should we do for the first one?"
"Just a peace sign...?"
So for the first cut, everyone made a peace sign with their fingers next to their faces.
"This time... a heart?"
The second was making a heart with their hands.
"Flower base?"
The third was making a flower base while winking. I didn't know what a flower base was, but Seyeon quickly showed me, so I managed to strike the pose at the last second.
And then, the last one......
"What should we do for the last one?"
"Let's just do whatever."
"Okay."
"......"
Whatever?
'...What on earth should I do?'
The only poses that come to mind are peace signs or hearts.
But that's a repeat......
'Since it's a group photo, even if they don't show it, I feel like they'll scold me in their hearts if I mess up......'
While I was frozen like that, time helplessly passed.
5.
4.
3.
2......
"Yubin, just stay still."
Suddenly, Seyeon's voice was heard close to my ear.
1.
Click-
'......!'
It happened in an instant.
A hot, soft sensation touched one of my cheeks with a *poke*.
Then, with a *smooch* sound, Seyeon moved away from me.
"Ah......"
Just now, that was......
Whirr- whirr-
The machine made a sound and spat out the photos from the output slot.
Even as the other girls saw the photo, asking what we were doing, giggling and squealing, grabbing and shaking me, I didn't feel like responding.
My heart was beating like crazy, spreading hot blood throughout my body. I barely lifted my trembling fingers and touched my cheek, which was burning hotter than I could have imagined.
"What is this, really what is this......"
Half my mind had flown to the sky, and I just muttered those words like a parrot.
Really, what is it......
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After that, we took a few more pictures using props before we could come out.
Feeling the cool wind outside, my head seemed to cool down a bit.
I took out the first set of photos we took to look at them.
The last cut clearly showed me getting a cheek kiss from Seyeon.
Seyeon had her eyes gently closed, and I had a slightly dazed expression.
'...Even this, if it's between girls, is it okay?'
Judging by the other girls' reactions earlier, it seemed so.
I should search online about it later.
"...Yubin."
I was walking aimlessly, spacing out, when Seyeon called me from beside me.
"Huh? Why?"
"About earlier, did it bother you? You didn't look too happy."
For a moment, the surroundings seemed to fall into a sleep-like silence.
I stared blankly at Seyeon for a second, then snapped out of it and answered.
"It's not that! Actually......"
Uh, hmm......
How should I continue?
I liked it too?
'Ah, that's a bit.'
That would make me seem like the pervert instead.
As I was agonizing over it, Seyeon smiled and spoke again.
"I was worried I made a mistake, but I'm glad. Hehe......"
"Yeah, it's really okay."
"Then I'll do it again next time. A kiss."
"Ah, w-well, that......"
Seeing me flustered and stammering, Seyeon laughed softly.
"Just kidding, Yubin."
"......"
Saying that, Seyeon quickly walked towards the three who had gone a bit ahead.
Lagging behind a little, I tried to say something to her retreating back, but feeling shy, I just closed my mouth.
Anyway, I trudged along to catch up with the girls.
The next place we went to was a karaoke room.
It was a coin karaoke place, so I thought it might be cramped for five people, but it was surprisingly spacious.
'Karaoke, huh.'
Sing in front of four girls, right now.
Without even a chance to escape to the bathroom, the girls pushed the remote towards me, telling me to sing first.
"Sigh......"
I let out a sigh and scanned the popularity chart, searching for a song.
Maybe because it's a different world, there were many songs that exist in reality but not here, and vice versa.
'Isn't there just something safe......'
After pondering to the point of boredom, I finally chose a popular song with low high notes and sang. My voice trembled and my skills were lousy, but the girls responded well, seemingly proud that I just sang.
Everyone sang really well. No one was particularly outstanding, but each had their own unique charm. For example, Seyeon sounded mature and clear, and Eunbyeol sounded cute and bouncy.
Maybe it's because their natural voices are good.
Like that, I sang whenever my turn came. Every time a note came out of my throat, I felt like my energy was draining, but thanks to Seyeon sticking close by and encouraging me, saying I sang well, I managed to endure somehow.
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We spent about an hour and a half in the karaoke room, I guess.
Back on the streets, we now really wandered around aimlessly. We went into an arcade to play claw machines or basketball games, went into a cafe to chat for a long time before leaving, went into an Artbox to buy various things and leave. Before I knew it, it was already getting dark in the evening.
'It's about time... to go home.'
The atmosphere seemed to have shifted that way already. Since Chaerin's vlog recording was finished too.
So we naturally headed towards the subway station.
Clunk- clunk-
The train made a heavy noise as it shot forward like an arrow.
'It's been a while since I rode the subway.'
Lost in strange sentimentality, Seyeon poked my cheek and spoke.
"Yubin, did you have fun?"
"Huh? Hmm......"
I hesitated slightly before answering.
Honestly, it was exhausting. Running around all day, diligently responding to the girls' chatter, singing... Both my body and mind were completely tired.
But if you asked if it wasn't fun... that would be wrong.
Laughing and chatting with friends like today... was my first experience.
This, it was more enjoyable than I thought.
So I nodded.
Then Seyeon smiled contentedly and stroked my shoulder.
'...Can I ask now?'
Glancing sideways, those three were giggling and talking amongst themselves.
They probably wouldn't hear.
I tightly grabbed Seyeon's sleeve and whispered in a small voice.
"Seyeon. There's something I want to ask."
"Yeah. Tell me slowly."
Her reaction was as if she knew I would do this.
"I... don't really get it. Why are you so good to me? Even if I ask every time, you just say it's okay and don't tell me."
"......"
"Honestly, it's scary. If you do this and then suddenly disappear, I'll just... become a fool again. A dirt-spoon orphan fool."
"...Don't say it like that, Yubin."
"S-sorry. But still... I want to know. What kind of feeling do you have towards me that makes you help me......"
After finishing my words, my heart pounded. The clunking, clunking sound of the subway seemed like a heartbeat.
Seyeon stared at the floor for a moment, then turned her head to look at me, then turned her gaze back to the floor.
"...That is."
Finally, Seyeon's voice, small but clear and resonant.
"Perhaps......"
"Perhaps...?"
"Responsibility, I guess."
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After getting off at the subway station, we split into a 4 vs 1. Those who live in the dormitory and those who live at home.
Naturally, the 1 was me.
I still had the card Seyeon gave me in my hand. I tried to return it, but she told me to keep it, saying to use it from now on.
My heart feels poked and sore. Not because I committed a crime.
I just kept thinking about the word 'responsibility'.
Responsibility.
The duty or burden one must bear for what is theirs.
For example, a team leader feels responsibility for their department. Parents feel responsibility for their children. An owner feels responsibility for their pet.
Then what kind of responsibility does Seyeon feel towards me?
...It's not like she thinks of me as a pet, right.
Then what is it really.
Even as I walked home thinking about it, no answer came.
But it was definitely a deep and special feeling.
As night fell, the temperature got a bit chilly, so I put my hands in my pockets. Something was there. It was the photos we all took together today.
I immediately took out the one that happened to be in my hand.
Coincidentally, it was the first one we took, the one where Seyeon pressed her lips to my cheek.
I stared intently at the image. The glossy paper reflected the pure white moonlight, shining brightly.
Seyeon never took her lips off me. Well, because it's a photo, it stays like that forever, until the end of this world.
Wishing reality could be like that too, I trudged along the dimly lit alley.
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"I really want to eat Yubin up."
At the same time, Seyeon muttered that as she entered her room.