The Cruel History of Group Projects - Date Plans and a Gentle Kiss
I had a simple way of categorizing dates: those between lovers, and those that weren't. My relationship with Ji-ah existed in that hazy gray area—more than sex partners, but not quite lovers.
Back in my studio apartment, I sat down to plan our date and immediately hit a wall.
"I've... never been on a date before..."
Only then did the crucial realization hit me. That's right. Ha Hyun-do had never gone on a date. Sure, Yoon Seo-yeon and my little sister had dragged me out a few times, but those weren't dates—they were forced labor sites. The labor ministry would probably have a heart attack if they saw how those two treated people.
A real date meant to advance a relationship. For someone who had been a virgin loner until meeting Ji-ah, this was completely foreign territory.
"What do I do?"
I picked up my smartphone and decided to search 'how to go on a date.' When you're stuck, the internet teachers will help!
I typed in things like '12 Ways to Date Women!', '11 Steps to Asking a Woman on a Date!', and 'Tips to Make Your Date Fall for You!' The search results flooded the screen.
After skimming through them, one common thread emerged: knowing each other's common interests was the foundation.
With that conclusion, I found myself deep in thought.
"Hmm..."
What did I actually know about Ji-ah...?
Ha Hyun-do didn't know much about Lee Ji-ah. She could probably recite every detail about me from memory, but when it came to her, I had almost nothing. This was a big problem.
People could fight over whether sweet and sour pork should be eaten with the sauce poured on or dipped. So what about hobbies? Food preferences? The meals she'd prepared for me at my place had mostly catered to my tastes. The only clue I had was that she'd chosen noodles at the school cafeteria last time.
The cafeteria menu was pretty diverse—usually five or six options. The fact that she'd picked noodles meant something. Did Ji-ah like flour-based dishes? For now, I jotted down 'noodles' in my notebook.
She didn't seem to handle spicy food well, so let's think carefully. What about hobbies?
They say you can tell what kind of person someone is by looking at their room. The day Ji-ah had confessed her secrets to me, her room had been stark and barren, completely devoid of any personal touch. Compared to Yoon Seo-yeon's or my sister's rooms, it felt incredibly dry. There wasn't a single item that a girl her age would typically be interested in.
Even tomboyish Yoon Seo-yeon had a vanity table in her room. Maybe Ji-ah didn't keep personal items because she couldn't take them with her when she regressed? The only things that had stood out in her room were a few books on the table.
'Books, huh... Reading?' It was very much like Ji-ah. I should consider stopping by a bookstore during the date. I was about to write 'bookstore' in my notebook when Ji-ah's empty room flashed through my mind again.
'Maybe I should buy her something to decorate with?' I'd have to think more about what kind of item would be good.
After roughly sketching out a plan, I needed to check my bank balance. My mom sent me some living expenses, but I didn't have that much money I could spend freely. Still, I was willing to dip into my living allowance if necessary.
I clutched my head, planning my very first date, and eventually fell asleep.
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'Is there anything weird? My hair, my clothes...'
I was waiting for Ji-ah at the school front gate where we'd agreed to meet. I'd arrived fifteen minutes early and was checking my reflection on my smartphone screen.
I'd styled my hair with the wax my sister had left at my place, nagging me to dress up more, and chosen the cleanest outfit I owned. While silently thanking the online teachers who'd emphasized cleanliness above all else, Ji-ah arrived.
"Hi, Hyun-do! You dressed up today. It looks good on you."
"Thanks. You look great too. You're early. We still have some time before we agreed to meet."
Ji-ah was wearing a black knit sweater with a checkered mini skirt. The white cross pattern embroidered right at the center of her collarbone drew the eye, emphasizing her femininity. Below the dark checkered mini skirt, she wore black thigh-high socks that reached above her knees. The contrast between her pale thighs and the black socks created a perfect harmony.
It was as if the clothes had been made specifically for Ji-ah from the beginning—they perfectly highlighted her appearance. She seemed to particularly favor black clothing. Even her combat suit had been primarily black.
Hmm. Black clothes do have a slimming effect, but they can also look a bit gloomy. Maybe I should try getting her into brighter colors sometime?
"Come on, it's better to arrive early and wait than to be late, right? And aren't you here way ahead of time too, Hyun-do?"
"No, I just got here. Have you eaten lunch?"
"Not yet. I was a bit busy."
"Then let's eat first. I haven't had lunch either."
I took Ji-ah's hand as naturally as possible and gently pulled her along. Contrary to my worry that she might dislike it, Ji-ah simply wriggled her fingers against mine and followed without complaint.
The warmth from her hand felt nice. Her slender, delicate fingers intertwined with mine.
What was Ji-ah thinking about right now? Was she remembering the life she'd walked with me before her regression?
"I have a place in mind. Is pasta okay?"
"Pasta? Pasta's fine. I like noodle dishes."
"Perfect. Let's go there then. I heard it's a famous spot."
We walked side by side toward the restaurant, hands still linked. The place was quite crowded. Even though it was still early for lunch, it was packed with what looked like couples.
We found a table for two facing each other and ordered. I got the meatball chili pasta, while Ji-ah chose the cream pasta.
While we chatted, the server brought our dishes, and they looked incredibly appetizing. The meatball chili pasta was dressed in bold red, while the cream pasta looked like it was wearing a pure white wedding dress, finished with a sprinkle of herbs.
The chewy texture that hit the moment I bit into the noodles was excellent. Meanwhile, Ji-ah was twirling her cream pasta into neat little bundles before popping them into her small mouth and chewing.
It must have suited her taste perfectly—she made satisfied little humming sounds as she ate, and it was adorable.
After chewing for a while, Ji-ah seemed to realize I was watching her. She swallowed the pasta still in her mouth and spoke up.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?"
"No. It's just cute how well you're eating."
My honest thoughts slipped out unintentionally. Having received an unplanned compliment, Ji-ah's eyes darted around nervously. She seemed flustered.
After looking everywhere but at me, her face grew hot. She started fanning herself with her hand.
We spent our time eating pasta together before leaving the restaurant.
"You were teasing me while I was eating. That's mean."
"What can I do when it's the truth? Let's go."
"By the way, what did you prepare? I already took care of the preliminary arrangements."
"Ah, I was going to buy a few things, but I just ordered them online instead. Today, I came out to go on a date with you."
"What?"
"I said I came out to go on a date with you."
The regressor made a slightly dazed expression before looking up at me. For some reason, that look filled me with a strange sense of victory.
I took Ji-ah's hand again and carefully led her forward. She didn't pull away.
"Let's go. Want to get coffee?"
"...Yeah. I'd like that."
The regressor quickly shook off her dazed look and smiled. Yeah. Ji-ah was most beautiful when she smiled.
The gloomy expressions she'd shown me yesterday while talking about heavy topics didn't suit her at all.
After that, we spent time at a cafe. Ji-ah, curious about my americano, took a sip only to stick her tongue out at its hot, bitter intensity. She declared it disgusting and nearly teared up. Then she took a sip of her own cafe mocha and melted instantly.
We left the cafe and walked together when a bookstore suddenly caught my eye.
"Let's stop by the bookstore for a bit."
"A bookstore? Sure, I should see if there's anything I want to buy too."
Once inside, we browsed while chatting. As we passed the self-help section, a familiar book caught my eye.
You Can Do It Too! Self-Awakening Methods Even a Pet Dog Can Learn!
It was the pseudo-sounding book I'd seen in the school library. The author's pen name was Jane Doe. Despite the title and author name that practically screamed cult, the content had actually been surprisingly solid.
As I made an ambiguous face at this subtle reunion—unsure whether to feel glad or what—Ji-ah approached me.
"Ah, I wrote that."
"What?"
"I tried writing it once after a regression and it did pretty well. I didn't expect to see it here too."
Ji-ah looked at the book with deep emotion. I checked the spot where it had been displayed again. There was a huge sign declaring it last year's bestseller.
A bestseller? This thing? But since Ji-ah wrote it, I couldn't really say anything...
Ji-ah burst into laughter as she watched my expression change rapidly.
"Ahaha. Look at your face. It's too cute."
"It was actually better than it looks. The content was solid compared to the title..."
I put down You Can Do It Too! Self-Awakening Methods Even a Pet Dog Can Learn! Ji-ah had already picked up several books and placed them in a basket.
So Ji-ah had this side to her too. She smiled more than I expected and had a bright, lively personality.
While thinking that, something in the corner caught my eye. I secretly added it to the purchase without Ji-ah noticing.
By the time we left the bookstore, the sun had already set. Streetlights illuminated the darkness that had settled in its absence.
On the way back to my studio, Ji-ah glowed brightly under the streetlight in the darkness.
"You don't have to walk me home. I'm an Awakened too, you know?"
"I just want to spend more time with you."
"..."
"What's wrong?"
"Today was fun. It reminded me of the old days a bit too."
"The old days?"
"Yeah. The first time I went on a date with you."
"Really?"
"The date course was exactly the same. Pasta, then a cafe. Walking together, then the bookstore. And finally, walking me home."
Ji-ah smiled faintly as she spoke. She seemed to be savoring both her memories from before the regression and the new memories we were creating now.
The future Ha Hyun-do must have had the same concerns as me.
When I thought about it, now seemed like the perfect time to give her the gift I'd secretly bought.
"Wait. I have something for you."
"What is it?"
It seemed the me from some other time hadn't prepared a gift. I pulled out the neatly wrapped item from the bookstore bag and handed it to Ji-ah.
It was a stuffed doll of a brown bear and a white rabbit holding a heart-shaped cushion together.
Ji-ah's eyes widened as she received the gift, freezing in place. Feeling a bit awkward, I continued.
"Your room felt too empty when I visited last time. I thought you could decorate it a bit."
"Ah, yeah. Thank you. This... this never happened before."
"Uh, yeah. Right."
Her reaction was weaker than I'd expected. Was a doll like this not good after all? I suddenly felt like punching the face of my past self who'd thought this was a great idea.
What if she thinks it's weird?!
Unaware of my inner turmoil that had started rolling around again, Ji-ah looked at the doll before hugging it to her chest.
We walked in brief silence until we arrived in front of Ji-ah's studio building.
Standing in front of the door lock, Ji-ah looked up at me.
"Thank you for thinking of me. Today was really fun."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I didn't waste your time today, did I?"
"Not at all. Today was one of my more relaxed days anyway."
Ji-ah buried her face in the doll she was holding.
"Hyun-do. Can you close your eyes for a moment?"
"My eyes?"
"Hurry."
Closing my eyes for a moment wasn't difficult. I waited with my eyes closed, and then something soft touched my lips.
Surprised by the sensation, I opened my eyes and met Ji-ah's gaze.
"You opened them?"
"You didn't say not to."
"That's true."
Ji-ah pulled her lips away briefly before pressing them against mine again. It wasn't the lewd kiss with tangled tongues like when we had sex—it was a kiss that simply shared our warmth.