episode_0009

All of Lee Seo-ha’s memories remain in my mind.

The same thing happened to the parents of my childhood friend, Ha Yu-jin.

Even though it was a few years ago, I remember him as a really nice person.

It must be all thanks to you two that Ha Yu-jin was able to grow up properly.

“Hello. Sorry for being so late.”

I apologized as politely as I could.

In place of Lee Seo-ha, who had not come until now.

It wasn’t my action, but as the owner of my body, I had to do my duty.

Ha Yu-jin’s parents smiled and nodded their heads.

“It’s okay. Why did you come here even now?”

“Then, it’s not too late at all.”

As I remember, they were good people.

We should maintain a good relationship in the future.

Because I will become closer to Ha Yu-jin.

“What? Don’t you like her more than your own daughter?”

Ha Yu-jin puffed out her cheeks and made a pointed expression.

I wanted to poke her cheek with my finger, but I decided to hold back since I was in front of my parents.

“Don’t stand there. Come in first.”

“Yes, then excuse me.”

I took off my shoes and put them away neatly.

And then I followed Ha Yu-jin inside.

There was already a variety of food prepared on the table.

I think this is the kind of situation where the saying, “your legs are bent” is used.

It must have taken a long time just to prepare, so I was truly grateful.

The empty seats were filled one by one, and soon everyone was seated and the meal began.

Ha Yu-jin and I sat next to each other, and Ha Yu-jin’s parents sat across from us.

When I raised my head, I saw my mother, but I didn’t feel particularly burdened.

“I will eat well.”

“I didn’t prepare much, but eat a lot. If you need more, let me know.”

“This much is a lot. When I eat alone, I just fill up and eat.”

“Oh my, should I pack some side dishes for you when I go later?”

Ha Yu-jin’s mother covered her mouth with her hand as if she was surprised.

By the way, why are you so young?

Even if you said that she was an older sister with a big age difference from Ha Yu-jin, I would believe it.

It seems like your father is truly blessed.

“Thank you for your consideration, but it’s okay. I’m grateful that you invited me to dinner, and I can’t cause you any more trouble.”

“What kind of nuisance is this? Who are we? It’s okay. Take it with you when you go home.”

“Then I will accept it gratefully, despite my shame.”

It would be rude to continue to refuse, so I decided to accept it moderately.

Anyway, I think I’ll be eating with Ha Yu-jin for the time being.

And above all, my mother’s cooking skills were outstanding.

The food I’m eating now is all delicious.

“All the food is delicious.”

“I’m glad it suits your taste. But I’m worried that Eugene is studying these days and causing trouble.”

“I’m fine. As you said, I’m not the only one left.”

Yes, not someone else, but a prospective family.

To be honest, rather than feeling like a nuisance, I felt grateful.

Even if we didn’t have to plan ahead, it was basically like they created an opportunity for us.

Besides, I thought it was a problem, but I didn’t study hard enough.

He is a model student who diligently reviews what he has learned and even previews his studies.

So, these days, Ha Yu-jin can’t help but look so pretty.

Whenever we’re at home together, I always feel like hitting on you.

Ha Yu-jin, who was listening to my conversation with my mother from the side, said.

“That’s right! I won’t cause trouble wherever I go!”

“Oh my, you speak well. I thought Seo-ha was kind and took care of me.”

“… I know that.”

Ha Yu-jin said that and glanced at me.

But you do express your true feelings properly in front of your parents.

This makes me want to come here often in the future.

After that, we continued to enjoy our meals and chat occasionally.

How much time has passed like that?

The spoon’s movements slowed down and the meal ended naturally.

“I ate well.”

“I ate well.”

Ha Yu-jin and I spoke almost simultaneously.

Then my mother answered with a smile.

“Yeah, I’m glad it suits your taste.”

“Yes, it was really delicious.”

While I was talking to my mother like that, Ha Yu-jin noticed me and poked me in the ribs with her elbow.

As I tilted my head, wondering if she had something to say, she whispered in my ear.

“When are you going?”

“Well? It’s not really urgent.”

Since I’m going back home anyway, why would I read anything other than novels?

In that case, it would be better to stick with Ha Yu-jin a little longer.

Ha Yu-jin nodded at my words and turned her gaze to her mother.

“Mom, I’ll go to the room with Seoha.”

“Oh, okay.”

Ha Yu-jin got up from her seat, and I followed her.

As she went up the stairs to the second floor, there were two doors lined up side by side. Ha Yu-jin headed towards the inner door.

As soon as I opened the door, the scent of blueberries wafted in from inside.

I felt like I could tell whose room it was just by the smell.

‘This is Hayujin’s room.’

Judging from the fact that I couldn’t remember anything in particular, it seemed like I had never been there before or if I had, it had been a long time.

Ha Yu-jin’s room was completely tinted blue.

Everything from the furniture, the blankets, the pillows, and even the doll on the bed were all dolphin dolls.

It was a room that suited her really well.

As I was casually looking around the room, something caught my eye.

There was a pair of underwear with polka-dotted patterns, like the apron I saw last time, lying on the floor.

Did you buy it to match your underwear and apron?

I really can’t stand this.

Should I keep my mouth shut since my parents are below me?

“Okay, wait a minute!! Don’t look!!”

Ha Yu-jin belatedly checked the underwear that had fallen on the floor and hurriedly covered my eyes with both hands.

The vision was dark and I couldn’t see anything.

But it’s already too late.

“Close your eyes and don’t open them until I tell you it’s okay to open them?”

“Okay.”

I closed my eyes as Ha Yu-jin told me to.

Honestly, I would like to use this as an excuse to do something bad here, but I decided to give in because my parents are there for me.

It must be your first time, so I feel bad if I ask you to hold back your screams.

Soon, the sound of a closet opening and closing was heard.

Maybe she put her underwear in.

“You can open your eyes now.”

When I opened my eyes, the underwear that had been on the floor was gone, as expected.

I wanted to try it on, but it’s a little disappointing.

Ha Yu-jin sat down on the bed, and I naturally sat down next to her.

Ha Yu-jin’s mouth moved, and then her voice came out.

“Lee Seo-ha, thank you.”

“What?”

“You came to my house today. And you had a nice meal with your family. Honestly, I was worried because I knew you were having a hard time.”

As I expected, Ha Yu-jin was concerned.

Maybe Lee Seo-ha really felt bad.

I may not be able to fully understand the guy’s mind, but I think I can at least give some reassurance to those around him.

“It’s okay, everything. So you don’t have to worry about it.”

“Ugh… .”

Ha Yu-jin answered in a gloomy voice.

The poor fingers are twitching.

“What’s wrong? Ha Yu-jin is dead?”

As I said that, I ruffled Ha Yu-jin’s hair.

I didn’t like seeing that guy, who was supposed to be bright and charming, become gloomy.

I also didn’t like the idea of worrying about things for no reason.

If it’s okay, then just know that it’s okay.

I’m not stupid.

When I finally took my hand away, Ha Yu-jin’s hair was literally a mess.

Sharp eyes turned towards me.

“What are you going to do with your hair?!”

“Who would be so down?”

“Whose fault is it…!”

“Don’t you know?”

Ha Yu-jin opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, then let out a deep sigh.

Then he took something from the desk and handed it to me.

It was a comb for combing hair.

“Comb it. Then I’ll look at it.”

“Yeah, yeah-.”

I answered appropriately and took the comb from her.

He slowly combed her tangled hair.

Maybe it was because my hair was nice, but my messy hair quickly became calm.

“Okay, that’s it.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

Did it feel good to have your hair combed?

A faint smile spread across Ha Yu-jin’s face.

“I’m going to study tomorrow too?”

“Come.”

“Okay, I’ll go.”

Ha Yu-jin said that and leaned her head on my shoulder.

We stayed like that for a while without saying anything.

How much time has passed like that?

“I guess I should go now.”

“Are you going…?”

“I have to go. I can’t just sleep here.”

“But that’s… .”

“We’ll see each other early tomorrow morning anyway.”

Ha Yu-jin nodded slowly as if she felt regretful.

Soon I left Ha Yu-jin’s room to go home.

And he stood at the front door and bowed his head to Ha Yu-jin’s parents who came out to see her off.

“Thank you. I’ll come again next time.”

“Come anytime.”

“Okay, be careful.”

Finally, I waved back at Ha Yu-jin, who was waving at me, and after saying goodbye, I started walking towards home.

* * * * *

A few more days passed like that.

As I returned home after dropping Ha Yu-jin off as usual, a KakaoTalk message arrived.

[Where do you want to go play tomorrow?]

It seemed like my childhood friend wanted to go on a date.