episode_0020

“Ugh.”

One person openly displayed displeasure. Though I wanted to give them a piece of my mind, it wasn’t the right place for that. Here, I needed to act maturely and wisely.

Another person, with a smiling face, spoke kindly to me.

“Are you her guardian?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“What is your relationship with her?”

“Well…”

What should I say…?

I am a father. Yuhee’s father. But if I were to claim that here, Yuhee would undoubtedly become the subject of ridicule. It would be hard to believe that a grown man and his daughter came here for leisure unless it was a family group trip.

However, I couldn’t say I was her boyfriend either. That would be disrespectful to Yuhee.

“…”

Yuhee hid behind me, trembling slightly in fear. Judging by the situation, it seemed like those people had ill intentions towards Yuhee.

“Is he your boyfriend?”

“Yes. Yes? Oh… yes.”

“…!”

…Why did I impulsively answer ‘yes’ as her boyfriend? It would have been better to endure insults about being a family member than this… Why did I respond with ‘yes’ reflexively?

“Oh~ It seems like your girlfriend got lost~ We were trying to find her.”

“…That’s highly unlikely, isn’t it? She’s just a kid. Besides, she only went to the restroom; she wouldn’t move around alone.”

“…”

“You were trying to take Yuhee somewhere, weren’t you?”

“…”

The kind expression on the man’s face twisted. As if his plan had been exposed, he seemed to sense that things wouldn’t go well if he continued down this path, so he let out a deep sigh.

As the man, who still seemed ready to strike, made a gesture, the kind man followed him out of sight.

‘Those bastards… If I meet them at work, I’ll make them pay.’

I wanted to follow and settle the score, but I would likely lose in a fight, and I might end up leaving Yuhee behind. With that thought, I gave up.

Turning to Yuhee, who was holding onto me, tears welled up slightly in her eyes.

“I called──”

“Yuhee, are you okay? What did those people do to you?”

“…Yes.”

“Thank goodness…”

When everything was over, along with the applause from the crowd, what seemed like the ending BGM played, signaling the end of the parade.

“In a moment, fireworks will begin at the Plaza of Encounters.”

This plaza, located deep within the heart of the area, a bit away from where Yuhee and I had rested during the day, surrounded by cafes and restaurants, was the Plaza of Encounters.

Well, the fireworks wouldn’t actually come from there; it was probably just indicating the best viewing spot. In reality, there was no other place outside that could accommodate as many people.

“…Should we go?”

“Yes.”

Fortunately, Yuhee seemed fine, and asking about the situation now would be bothersome and worsen the mood. Sometimes, it’s best to let things slide naturally.

Hand in hand with Yuhee, we headed towards the fireworks display.

~~~

As the sun set and many people left for home, there were still many lingering around. Several staff members were already on standby, illuminating the paths and managing safety lines in case of any accidents.

Of course, a significant drawback of this setup was that unless you were at the very front, it was challenging to watch the show. Cutting in line wasn’t an option, so I came up with a solution.

“Would you like to come with me for a moment?”

Whether watching the neighborhood fireworks 30 years ago or the Han River fireworks in Yeouido 25 years ago, rooftop views were always the best.

At the Plaza of Encounters, there was a building with a staircase-like arrangement of chairs leading up to a space used for relaxation. Normally closed, the second-floor balcony was always open for fireworks displays at night.

“Phew…”

Fortunately, it seems to be open. I realize the importance of preserving traditions once again. It’s not exactly what you’d call tradition… but as long as it’s open, it’s fine.

Not many people seem to know the location here; in a space where there could be a hundred, less than twenty people were gazing at the sky.

“Why did we come here…?”

“It offers the best view.”

“What──”

As if interrupting Yuhee’s words, flames suddenly soared into the sky from a distance, crackling as they spread out in multiple directions. Green, blue, and red flames expanded in their own unique shapes, creating a spectacle.

“…!”

Yuhee stared at the flames with her mouth agape. Seeing her amazed expression brought a proud smile to my face involuntarily.

She must be seeing such a spectacular display of fireworks for the first time. At least, I don’t remember ever taking Yuhee to see fireworks. It feels like it’s been a long time since I witnessed such bright and magnificent fireworks.

─Crackle, boom, boom, crackle, crackle.

Below, flames continued to rise like rockets, while above, flames triggered a chain reaction, continuously bursting into fireworks that literally never ceased, showering down golden rain. The cheers from the crowd added to the excitement.

“I love Dad too……”

I think I won’t be able to forget this explosion and the flowing spectacle.

May Yuhee also not forget this sight.

I hope that when recalling today’s fireworks display, we can laugh and call it a memory.

~~~

“Yes. Hello?”

“Hello… Sorry to bother you on the weekend.”

“You mentioned you had time… Is there something I can help with?”

“Well….”

“Yes…?”

The day after advancing my relationship with Yuhee, the new team leader called without fail.

It was nothing other than shopping. Due to receiving comments about his plain attire, he asked me to accompany him for shopping. I have no idea why he chose me out of all our team members.

─The new team leader likes the boss.

Director Choi’s words flashed through my mind.

If such rumors were circulating, there’s no way I wouldn’t know. Unless I was truly clueless. Was I…?

Of course, the new team leader is not my type. Not that he’s unattractive, but he has a plain appearance. I prefer women who look a bit more provocative. Like Nayeong or Suhyun…. I mean, based solely on appearances. Solely on appearances.

If even superiors criticized his attire, then he really must not know how to dress. I thought the same when I saw him; people are indeed judgmental.

And he persistently bothered me so much that he even caused a rift between Jung and me. If his actions were meant to please me, he should reflect a bit.

“Alright, I understand for now.”

But still, if he asks for help, I should assist. I should confirm if those rumors are true. People’s attire can change the atmosphere; I’ve seen it many times. The new team leader will manage somehow.

“So, when should we meet?”

“Are you free today?”

“……”

Well… I didn’t take any leave, so today would be just right. It’s also still morning.

“How about meeting after lunch?”

“Okay.”

“…”

It should be a good time to meet, but because of the rumors, I feel oddly uneasy. After ending the call, I went to the living room where Yuhee was.

“Yuhee. Dad will go out for a bit.”

“……Okay.”

Even if I talk to the new team leader on the weekend, Yuhee doesn’t seem upset. She has opened up to me. Although our conversations are still limited, it seems like there’s more compared to just texting. I feel like I’m gradually conquering Yuhee, which gives me a sense of accomplishment.

“Dad.”

“Yes?”

“Aren’t you going to eat…?”

“Oh… I’ll eat before I go.”

And Yuhee herself seemed to be softening towards me little by little.

~~~

“Was it here that we agreed to meet…?”

I drove to pick up the new team leader. They must be wealthy, living near Yeoksam Station. They say they can walk to work. How envious.

“Have you arrived?”

A text came from the new team leader first. It’s better to do this kind of thing over text.

“Yes. I’m in front of exit 6.”

“I’ll come down.”

As the traffic light turned green, someone with a fresh aura could be seen running towards me from afar. She was a woman in an ivory-colored frilly dress with glasses on.

Perhaps she bought a smaller size as her chest protruded noticeably, and the skirt covered only half of her thighs, exuding sexiness. Wearing brown sandals with heels, she gave off a youthful vibe.

The new team leader might say he could retire now even if she wore only half of what she has on.

“Oh my…”

The sudden thumping heartbeat heads this way. Soon after, the passenger seat door opened, and she naturally fastened her seatbelt next to me.

“You’ve been waiting~”

“…Who are you?”

“What!? Sir. It’s me, Shin Yejin.”

“…Really?”

The new team leader dresses this well…?