Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Date (2)
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After leaving the lingerie store, Park Dahye strutted along with her shoulders held high, like she'd just won some PVP tournament.
That smug back of her head was seriously getting on my nerves.
She kept clutching her shopping bag to her chest, sneaking glances at me with a grin...
It was kinda pissing me off, honestly.
Is being honest a crime?
"Park Dahye, why do you keep staring? Got something to say?"
"I'm not the one staring—you are. You wanna see me in this, don't you?"
"Yeah, right. Total bullshit."
"Yeah, right. You definitely said you wanted to see."
"Yeah, complete lie. I wouldn't look."
"Yeah, you're dying to see it, admit it."
"Yeah, you try wearing that at home and you're out the door the second I see it. Instant eviction."
"Yeah, eviction reflexes activated. Already busted—you're imagining it all right now."
Oh, sharp one, huh?
Busted.
Yeah, I've imagined it plenty.
But I really won't look.
She seems clueless...
Lingerie isn't some cash item to boost NPC affinity.
That's the kind of thing only super close couples wear, where sex is a given—not something you throw on just for a back hug.
It's not just crossing the line; it's a straight sprint into sleazy territory.
Try dating first, you rookie.
"Not until dirt's in my eyes. No way."
"But you do wanna see it. I'll treasure this outfit, so just say the word anytime. Got it? Heehee."
Yeah, no way in hell.
I wanna see it, sure. But I won't. For real.
Dahye kept swinging the bag around, teasing me the whole way after that.
She's the one gunning for my body, yet she's thrilled over just a little banter.
Infuriating and annoying...
But whatever.
She does look good.
Better than nothing.
The streets were still swarming with people, eyes glued to Dahye everywhere.
Yet she was too fixated on me to notice any of it.
Her head's probably full of ways to mess with me right now.
I just hope this vibe lasts till the end of the date.
That's why I dragged her out of the house—to see her like this.
It'll be tough for now, but someday, I want her to break free from her shut-in gamer mode completely, striding these streets like she owns them, no glances over her shoulder.
Even without me there.
So, I'll sacrifice myself for the teasing.
Call it extending the buff duration with me as the offering.
On the way out of the fashion district, I bought her a dress.
A bright beige one perfect for spring weather.
The skirt fell to her ankles, covering those brutally pale legs of hers.
She seemed to like it, and the stares from passersby dropped noticeably—perfect.
Then we picked up our ordered burger sets and left the district entirely.
The paper bags we hugged smelled heavenly of fries,
and the gentle spring breeze carried a familiar floral scent.
Just cross one street, and we're at the park.
Picnickers were already out in force.
Bikers, arm-in-arm couples, strollers, dogs on walks.
Seeing the fresh green grass across the road had me excited too.
The weather's killer today—plop down anywhere in the park, suck down some cola, and it'd be paradise.
But when we crossed and looked down at the waterfront park,
an unexpected sight unfolded below.
"Oh yeah. Forgot about this."
Cherry blossoms.
Fully bloomed along the waterway, turning the park into a pink galaxy.
Fallen petals turned the canal strawberry milk, crowds swarming under the trees.
Whoa, packed like sardines.
Yeah, this time of year, it's always like this.
I'd been so buzzed on single-guy freedom that I ignored the cherry blossom reports.
Of all days, full bloom today.
Normally I'd call it lucky, but not now.
How do we handle this mob?
The upper park had room to walk at least,
but the entrance was shoulder-to-shoulder chaos.
I glanced at Dahye—yep.
Her face pale like when we first hit the fashion district.
Damn, buff reset.
I went all out with the teasing sacrifice to hold her attention,
but this horde? No chance.
Makes sense—if it were that easy, social anxiety wouldn't exist.
I've been there myself, so I got cocky. Mission failed today.
Shame, but date's over.
We'll eat burgers at home.
"Dahye, wanna head home for the burgers? Too crowded."
"Huh? Uh..."
But for some reason, she didn't budge.
Alternating looks between me urging her on and the teeming park.
Standing there's gotta suck—why's she hesitating?
"Dahye, what's up?"
"No... Seonghyeon, don't you wanna eat burgers in the park? Let's just do it."
"Burgers are fine anywhere. I'm good."
"But... I know. You're doing this for me. I don't mind the crowd at all."
Damn, she caught on.
"No need to push today. Park's not going anywhere—next time."
"I was really looking forward to it. I know you're worried about me... but I wanna eat burgers together in the park... Come on, let's do it."
"For real?"
"Yeah..."
If she says it like that, what can I say?
Worrying about her state is my business. If she's fine, who am I to argue?
But can she really push through this crowd?
No clue.
Just 200 meters in, and there'd be grass or benches.
If only we get that far—but anxiety's already clouding her face.
Still, she forced a smile.
"Let's go, Seonghyeon. Burgers in the park, like we planned."
That smile? Impossible to refuse.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ She descended the stairs with an anxious expression.
I followed close behind.
Hordes poured out of the park, shoving Dahye along.
Catching her as she's swept away is easy.
But in my arms, she squeezed her eyes shut, unable to walk further.
Cold sweat beaded on her forehead.
Seeing her like this reminded me of first meeting Kim Pokttal.
Her back as she silently plunged into the maze, facing thousands of dead ends and hundreds of crossroads.
How is she so brave, always charging into pitch-black labyrinths without hesitation?
Back then, I'd just run and keep running.
I think it every time, but maybe Kim Pokttal suited Warrior more than Priest.
Hell, same for me.
Sometimes I'd watch her steady advance and wanna slap a heel on her.
Still feels that way.
"Hey, Kim Pokttal."
"Y-yeah... Seonghyeon."
"Remember that? World Tree Labyrinth, Sector 1."
"Huh? Outta nowhere? Why?"
"Look ahead—it's totally Sector 1, right?"
Dahye followed my finger to the park sky.
A straight river of sky, pink cherry blossoms swirling around.
A scenery burned into our souls from familiarity.
World Tree Labyrinth Sector 1: boating the canal, fighting plant monsters.
It floated right above the park.
"Whoa... it really is..."
"No loot in Dryad's Tomb means debuff city, dummy. Here, wear this."
I handed her the hat I'd just bought.
A massive-brim straw hat that hid her whole face when worn.
"Ancient Tree Bark Hat. You know the effects?"
"Uh... yeah. Sleep immunity... and bind immunity."
I slipped sunglasses on her too.
"And this is Wickleed's Oracle. Gotta have it or poison resist drops. This setup clears Dryad's Tomb. Alright, Pokttal, let's go."
Then I grabbed both her hands, pressing tight against her back.
She alternated dumb stares between me and the sky before finally stepping forward.
Emotions transmitted through her fidgety hands.
No longer fear—more like absurdity and bursting laughter.
I could picture her giggling face from behind.
Go ahead, laugh it off.
But I'm watching you clear this dungeon.
Just 200 meters.
First two steps heavy, then light as air.
That earlier sweat? Forgotten.
Like the rank-48 Priest she was, she breezed through, reaching the adventurer's rest spot.
That's my Kim Pokttal.
Perfect partner.
No bench free, so we sat on some grass and unpacked the burgers.
Gulped cola, chomped a big bite.
Armored in Ancient Tree Bark Hat and Wickleed's Oracle, Kim Pokttal feared nothing.
Sauce smeared on her mouth, she brazenly licked her fingers.
I don't ask this much usually, but with Park Dahye, I always wanna.
"Good?"
"Insanely good!"
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