episode_0016

“Team Leader Shin…?”

“Well, it seems like you really didn’t know…”

It’s actually strange to be pleased in that situation… Coming everywhere, picking fights, creating unnecessary trouble. How annoying it was to cover up mistakes quickly.

“So, everything you asked me to do…”

“That’s right.”

“Is that so…?”

Well… Rumors are just rumors, so I won’t take them too seriously, but even if they were true, I have no intention of accepting anyone else’s feelings. Especially since I’ve already rejected Suhyun’s confession, accepting someone else’s heart would be deceiving Suhyun.

And above all, Team Leader Shin doesn’t seem rational to me.

“Anyway, Director will probably start arranging things again soon, so think carefully.”

“What should I think about? He’s not my type.”

“Oh~? Director is someone who judges types?”

“Stop it.”

Manager Choi chuckled as he adjusted his tie and looked at me. He’ll do well on his own.

Rather than judging types, I simply have no intention of remarrying. I don’t want to create another family with Yuhee.

“I should treat Yuhee well.”

Yes. Yuhee is all I have.

~~~

The awaited weekend. The weather was exceptionally nice.

Through the crack in the door, the sun shone through the window as if showing off our home inside. The shadows reflected on the balcony window made it look somewhat eerie, as if soldiers were lined up in a row. Well, of course, it’s probably just the fence.

“Can I do well?”

The day trip Yuhee recommended… No, the outing. I can’t afford to disappoint her. The pressure and expectations kept me awake last night. In reality, my anticipation was even greater.

“…!”

Suddenly, something rose sharply beside me and passed by swiftly. It was wrapped in a pink pad, but it couldn’t hide the volume of the pure white object.

Moreover, the graceful curves flowing down the waist, and once again, the lace panties accentuating the perky buttocks protruding out.

“Why dress like that…?”

No, it’s not appropriate to call what my daughter is wearing scandalous. How should I put it? It was provocative. The place where underwear should naturally be worn in the morning suddenly became awkward, as if the situation had become embarrassing after seeing Yuhee. It’s somewhat fortunate that I’m not looking in that direction.

“…?”

Why isn’t she passing by?

If something had ended, I should be able to see Yuhee again, but she wasn’t in sight.

Then, I heard the sound of knives clashing on a cutting board, and the bubbling sound of soup boiling.

“No way…”

Cooking in that state…

Even on a hot day, it’s just awkward for a grown-up Yuhee to walk around in her underwear. As a father, is she not aware of propriety?

Although she’s my daughter, I wish she would be a bit more considerate of our relationship….

What should I do, should I leave? Should I just prepare breakfast as usual and go inside? No, these days we eat together, so is she planning to stay like this?

I can’t just leave things as they are. If Yuhee intentionally wore such clothes, then I have no choice but to act as if nothing is wrong.

Still, since it’s hard to see from the kitchen, indirectly signaling that I’ve gotten up might prompt her to put on some clothes.

“Phew…”

Fortunately, I didn’t run into Yuhee on the way to the bathroom.

After washing up neatly, I went to the kitchen.

“…?”

Contrary to my expectations, Yuhee was still in her underwear, wearing an apron over it. She hurriedly turned around to hide her back.

Yuhee’s face was as red as a beetroot.

“W-why did you wake up so early…?”

“Oh, it’s just…”

I checked the time and was startled. I thought it was around 9 o’clock, but it was actually 7 o’clock. Did my expectations get too high?

To prevent Yuhee from feeling embarrassed, I returned to my room and closed the door.

“Phew… Ugh.”

Surely, while washing up, it must have deflated, but it was puffed up like a tent.

“It couldn’t be… right?”

Hastily pressing it down with my hands, I eagerly waited for Yuhee to prepare breakfast.

—

Weekends are crowded. If weekdays are congested due to rush hour traffic, then weekends are clogged with people going out for leisure.

The black dolphin pants glimpsed beside me, contrasting with the sun reflecting off the white thighs, creating a yin-yang harmony.

Maybe because of the slightly visible bra under the white short-sleeved shirt, I kept glancing. It’s the same underwear I saw in the morning.

…I can’t focus on driving when I’m worried.

“The car. It’s lagging.”

“Yeah, it is…”

Rush hour.

It’s a little past 9 o’clock now, not exactly rush hour, but it seems delayed due to the weekend. If that’s the case, I should have taken the subway instead. The Yongin Line is open now; I think it would arrive faster than by car.

No, wait, why did I cut off the conversation after Yuhee finally started talking here?

“…”

An awkward atmosphere flows between Yuhee and me. It was somewhat okay at home, but the air, which had been gradually lightening, felt heavy again after the change of location.

“The car. Is there gas?”

“Yeah, I filled it up yesterday. Don’t worry. And…”

Um… What should I say next that she would like? No, can I continue the conversation with my daughter?

“The weather is really nice.”

“…Out of the blue?”

“Oh, no, I just…”

It wasn’t this awkward even when I first talked to Nayeong, was it because of the age difference… I mean, I could talk well with Soohyun… It was mostly Soohyun starting the conversation, and me responding.

Yeah… me responding…

“What are your plans for the vacation?”

“Vacation?”

It’s been about two weeks since Yuhee finished her semester and started her vacation. Come to think of it, I haven’t heard anything about what she plans to do during the break.

“Yeah. Well… My dad doesn’t know much about Yuhee, so… I want to get to know you better.”

“…”

Honestly, as I told Yuhee, I don’t know much about her. It’s natural since we haven’t communicated much.

By gradually getting to know Yuhee, both she and I might be able to develop a true understanding of each other, forming a genuine family relationship.

“…”

Perhaps the recent progress in our relationship backfired; it seemed to create an awkward situation. Yuhee kept staring out the window, deliberately avoiding looking in my direction.

“I’ll get a part-time job. I can’t keep living off Dad’s allowance forever.”

“I see.”

“And…”

Yuhee fidgeted and whispered softly.

“I will too.”

“…”

Did she think I didn’t hear her? Yuhee raised her arms to cover her face.

Still, seeing a slight smile on Yuhee’s reflection in the side mirror, I couldn’t help but smile too.

—

“Phew… Finally arrived.”

I arrived faster than when I searched for public transportation directions. It feels like tiny needles pricking my skin, as if I went from a cold pool to a hot tub after catching a chilly breeze.

“Were you cold?”

Yuhee didn’t mention the air conditioning, so she stayed without turning it off, but she seemed to be shivering slightly. Being in a white short-sleeved shirt, she must have felt even colder.

“Here.”

I casually handed her the cardigan I was wearing. Yuhee hesitated for a moment. Eventually, she draped it over her shoulders without putting her arms through.

“If you’re still cold, ask Dad for it again.”

“…Yes.”

I feel embarrassed about my actions. It’s a somewhat awkward feeling, almost cringeworthy.

“Two adults, please.”

“Are you purchasing the day pass?”

“Yes, we are.”

We arrived slightly after opening hours, so there weren’t many people, allowing us to buy tickets immediately. I consider this fortunate.

Guided by a sales clerk in a thin blouse and beige vest, we quickly made our reservation.

“Would you like a 20% couple discount?”

“Oh… um…”

A couple discount… Do we look like a couple? No matter what, I can’t swindle money through deceit.

“We’re actually family—”

“Yes, please give us the couple discount.”

“…?”

I hope this is okay…