Chapter 192: Buying a Swimsuit for the First Time in My Life!

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The summer vacation meeting, which had seemed like it would drag on forever, was resolved in an instant thanks to Ra-hee unnie. Soon after, we were able to head out to eat in a warm, cheerful atmosphere.

After the meal, we made our way to a nearby café. Since the restaurant was crowded with other customers, we decided to chat more comfortably in a private room at the café.

“So, let’s set the vacation for four days, from the 26th to the 29th, and make the trip a two-night, three-day stay. That should work, right?”

“Yes, we’ll probably be tired from traveling anyway.”

“It’s not like staying longer automatically makes it more fun, so this seems just right.”

As we reviewed the roughly finalized vacation plans, the CEO asked So-eun unnie to jot down the schedule.

“Unnie, what should we do when we get there?”

“First, we’ve gotta have a barbecue party. And we absolutely have to push Jia unnie into the water.”

“W-Why are you picking on me?!”

“If we’re doing a barbecue, we should probably prepare meat too. I’ll need to contact the caretaker.”

While the others eagerly planned activities for the villa, I sat alone in the corner, sipping my mocha latte.

Honestly, I had no idea what people even did on trips. The only knowledge I had came from anime, but that was way too biased. I couldn’t just suddenly suggest smashing watermelons, could I?

“Speaking of which, does everyone have swimsuits?”

“Mmm, I need to buy a new one.”

“Me too. Since it’s been a while since I traveled, I’ll get a new one.”

“Might as well all get new ones, right?”

Before I knew it, the topic shifted from activities to swimsuits. I slipped back into observer mode, quietly watching the scene unfold—until…

“What about you, Da-jeong? Are you getting a new swimsuit?”

“Huh? M-Me…?”

Like a predator spotting prey, Yuna’s head snapped toward me as she closed the distance and fired off her question.

A swimsuit? Oh, right. I’d have to wear one too. But even so, the idea of wearing a typical girls’ swimsuit felt like a high hurdle…

“C-Can’t I just wear, like, a hoodie or something instead?”

“No way! If you’re just sitting on the sand, fine, but you can’t go into the water in a hoodie!”

“Ugh…”

Well… she had a point. I guess I had no choice but to wear one. I prance around in fluttering skirts all the time so making a fuss over a swimsuit now would be weird, huh?

Maybe I should check out a swimsuit store first? I don’t even know what kinds exist. If all else fails, I could just ask the staff for recommendations…

“Hey, Da-jeong. This might be a rude question, but… have you ever been to the beach before?”

While I was lost in thought, Jia unnie approached me with a hesitant expression. The question itself wasn’t rude, but her apologetic look made me feel even more awkward.

“N-No, I haven’t. So I’ve never bought a swimsuit either, and I don’t really know what to get…”

“Ah…”

When I shook my head, faint sighs escaped from the others. Ra-hee unnie, in particular, looked like she hadn’t considered that possibility, biting her lip with a guilty expression.

I-I’m fine, really. It’s not like never having been to the beach is something to be ashamed of. If anything, I’m excited to go for the first time with everyone.

“Well, since we’re on the topic, why don’t we just go shopping right now?”

“Huh?”

Just as the slightly uncomfortable silence settled in, Chae-yoon unnie shrugged and shattered it like it was no big deal.

“I mean, think about it. If it’s Da-jeong’s first time buying a swimsuit, having people to help pick one out would be easier. And the rest of you were planning to get new ones anyway, right? So why not all go together now?”

“Oh…!”

“That makes sense.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Everyone murmured in agreement, nodding along. It sounded like a solid plan to me too—since I was clueless about swimsuits, having help would be a lifesaver.

“CEO! We don’t need to stop by the company again, do we?”

“Nope, no need. We only gathered today to eat and discuss, so we’re done here.”

“Nice!”

“Then let’s go right now, unnies!”

Chae-yoon unnie, acting as our representative, checked with th just in case. When she got the green light, everyone pumped their fists. Yuna, ever the leader, immediately raised her fist and stood by the door like she was ready to sprint to the swimsuit store.

But Jia unnie, the eldest, held her back and turned to the CEO and So-eun unnie for one last confirmation.

“What about you two, CEO and So-eun unnie?”

“I’m good. I bought a new one recently when I went shopping with my parents.”

“Same here—I got one when I went shopping with friends. Don’t worry about us and go have fun.”

With that final confirmation, Yuna, now free of obstacles, threw her hands up and declared:

“Woohoo! Then let’s go!”

Luckily, Ra-hee unnie had driven, so we took a quick detour and soon found ourselves on the way to the swimsuit store.

As expected of peak swimsuit season, the store was packed with customers—though, since it specialized in women’s swimwear, all the shoppers were women.

There were maybe one or two men who looked like they’d been dragged along by their girlfriends, but that was it.

“Whoa…”

My first impression upon entering the store?

“There are this many kinds of swimsuits?”

In my mind, women’s swimwear fell into two categories: the classic bikini and the one-piece.

But in reality? There were too many to count. Some even looked like flowy resort wear rather than swimsuits. Contrary to my assumption that swimsuits were all about high exposure, many designs covered a surprising amount of skin, which caught my eye.

“Da-jeong, you don’t like anything too revealing, right?”

As if she’d read my mind, Ra-hee unnie cut straight to the point while we browsed the store together.

“I think it’d be a little too much for me.”

“I figured. Then how about we look for something with minimal exposure, like a one-piece?”

I nodded vigorously, feeling reassured by Ra-hee unnie’s understanding of my preferences. Without thinking, I clung to her like a cicada latched onto a tree.

“Excuse me, are you looking for anything in particular?”

“Yes, actually. We’re trying to find something for my younger sister here—maybe a one-piece or a style with less exposure?”

“Ah, in that case, I have just the thing to recommend. Would you like to come this way?”

Following the clerk’s guidance, we stopped in front of a swimsuit displayed on a hanger. Oddly, it came in two parts: one resembled lingerie, while the other was a modest, matching set with a skirt-like bottom.

“This is a monokini style, popular lately among customers who prefer less exposure. The inner piece is worn like a bikini, and the outer layer covers it, reducing the risk of slipping while keeping the look elegant. The ruffles also add a cute, voluminous touch.”

Honestly, I didn’t fully grasp the explanation. So… I’d wear the lingerie-like piece first, then layer the rest over it?

It would drastically reduce exposure. Plus, the skirted bottom meant my thighs wouldn’t be fully visible—a definite win.

“Da-jeong, what do you think? Want to try it on?”

“Y-Yeah… I’ll give it a shot.”

Though I still felt hesitant, Ra-hee unnie and the clerk had put in so much effort. Steeling myself, I took the swimsuit and slipped into the fitting room.

“Huh? Unnie, did Da-jeong already pick one?”

“Yeah, she’s trying on the clerk’s recommendation.”

“Then I have to see it first!”

“Wow, you’re all on the same wavelength.”

The members’ voices drifted in from outside. They’d scattered earlier to shop but had apparently regrouped.

Ugh… Now I was even more nervous. Could I just walk out, claim it looked awful, and change back?

No, that’d be too dishonest.

Gritting my teeth, I followed the clerk’s instructions: inner piece first, tie the straps, then layer the outer part.

Okay… done, I think?

I turned to the mirror.

…Do I look okay?

Honestly, I have no idea. It just feels weird.

Maybe it’s because it’s my first time wearing a swimsuit?

“Da-jeong, are you done? Need help?”

Jia unnie’s voice made me flinch.

“N-No, I’m changed! It’s just… kinda embarrassing to come out…”

“Oh, come on! It’s just us.”

“Yeah! The first time’s always awkward—you’ll get used to it!”

Chae-yoon unnie and Yuna chimed in. Then—clunk—a sound at the door.

W-Wait—?!

“Alright, come out!”

“H-Hang on—!”

I lunged for the door, but it swung open before I could lock it. Reflexively, I grabbed the curtain-like fabric hanging nearby like a lifeline.

Creak—

The door opened.

And there I stood, face-to-face with the entire group’s expectant stares.

“S-Sorry… I don’t think it suits me…”

Clutching the fabric tightly in embarrassment, I mumbled the words timidly. The members stared at me blankly for a moment—then—

“Holy—! Da-jeong, you look so cute right now!”

“Whoa, our Da-jeong’s cuteness is next-level. Let’s go with this!”

“You’re so pretty! It’s exactly the vibe I was hoping for.”

“It’s like you’re wearing a dress, not a swimsuit. Gorgeous, Da-jeong!”

They practically charged into the fitting room, showering me with praise.

…Huh?

…Wait, really?

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