episode_0506

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“…So, you mean you still couldn’t make any friends for another year? Just like in high school?”

“I didn’t because I didn’t need to. Not couldn’t, but didn’t.”

“I’m only asking because I’m worried about you, unnie…”

December 22nd—the day of the promise with Seol Da-bin.

One day before that, December 21st.

With the final evaluation, the last schedule at the academy, also ending today, I decided to stop by Lee Ha-yoon’s place for a bit to celebrate wrapping up this year without any major issues.

Honestly, emotionally speaking, I find these girly commemorative things quite bothersome.

But at the same time, things like camaraderie—activities that can draw out positive emotions in human relationships—are something I can understand and accept without resistance.

Just like the upcoming hot spring trip, if opportunities like this arise in the future, taking the lead proactively would help with managing my reputation.

Even if it’s not particularly enjoyable, matching the mood and laughing along isn’t hard.

…But there’s one thing that’s been nagging at me.

After briefly glancing up at the already dimming sky, I rustled the warm bag in my hand and asked:

“Are you really okay with just chicken?”

“Huh? You don’t like chicken?”

“It’s not that I dislike it. It’s just that there are more luxurious options, so I wondered if you’d be satisfied with this.”

The source of the warmth was none other than fried chicken—a greasy, piping-hot batch packed from a shabby neighborhood joint nearby.

I’m sure it’ll taste good. I’m not denying that.

But no matter how good it is, it’s the kind of food you can easily get whenever you crave it.

As something to eat for a special occasion, doesn’t it feel a bit lacking?

Without thinking, I voiced that thought. Wondering if there was something I was missing, I lifted the bag to eye level and inspected it.

But all I could see was a dopey-looking chicken character printed on the bag.

“Luxurious…? Hmm… Luxurious…”

“You don’t like that kind of thing?”

“It’s not that I dislike it. How could I? I’m curious about hotel buffets too. But…”

“……”

“It’s burdensome. So, I’m fine with chicken. What about you, Ji-yoon?”

“…At the end of the day, it’s just food that disappears once you eat it. Feels like a fucking waste to spend money on anything more. This is enough.”

A waste, huh?

Gourmets who savor depth would be furious hearing that, but whatever.

I guess living frugally all this time has seeped into her bones.

That thought reminded me of when we first became close.

Just then, Lee Ji-yoon, walking slightly behind us, nudged my calf with the tip of her foot.

Stumbling, I quickly steadied myself, and in that moment, she closed the distance beside me and spoke in her usual blunt tone.

“We’re going on a trip soon anyway. The hot spring trip. We’ll eat then.”

“…I would’ve preferred taking you somewhere like Japan.”

“Next time. Besides, isn’t the place we’re going this time really nice? When unnie saw the price last time, she hiccuped—like, 100,000 won per night…”

“Still. It’s disappointing.”

“Ugh… Didn’t you just say it’s burdensome, you idiot?”

“……”

With that, Ji-yoon furrowed her brows slightly, overtook us, and walked ahead.

Dressed in nothing but a black long padded coat, like some random person.

Walking like a penguin, she then spun halfway and tilted her head at us.

“I just need you. Unnie probably feels the same.”

“……”

“So let’s just go eat chicken. Stop spouting nonsense…”

“……”

“……”

“……”

…Only after saying it did she seem to realize.

With words that made her cringe herself to death.

—

506

Today would likely be the last time I’d meet Seol Da-bin before December ended.

Waking up with slight fatigue, I stepped out of the pure white bed.

Checking my phone, it was already a lazy morning—past 10 o’clock, racing toward noon. Staring at the round screen, I pressed the button and turned it pitch-black.

Still, thankfully, it wasn’t that late.

I’d set an alarm for around lunchtime just in case, but at least I wasn’t that behind.

If my phone had been flooded with messages from Seol Da-bin demanding where the hell I was, my head would’ve been pounding.

In that regard, it was a relief.

Either way, it’d be best to get ready without delay.

So, after lightly stretching my stiff neck, I left the two still soundly asleep and headed to the bathroom.

I’d already told Lee Ha-yoon and Lee Ji-yoon they had separate schedules today, so even if I left first, they wouldn’t suspect much.

Besides, the timing was right after finals.

Somehow, I’ve been favored by the principal, so I often have free time, but the other teachers are different.

Whenever I go to the admin office for actual work, everyone’s busy, right?

If they’re swept up in that atmosphere, it’s probably fine.

Even by the time I finished drying my hair, Ha-yoon and Ji-yoon were still using each other as pillows.

Carefully closing the door so as not to wake them, I headed home.

Today’s schedule was simple.

Meet Seol Da-bin in the afternoon. That’s it.

The reason for meeting in the afternoon? Well… It’s not like there’s anything special.

Just like how we postponed the date until today, Da-bin said she’d adjust the schedule because she needed to meet during the day, not at night.

Apparently, she had plans to meet friends in the evening.

She’s dodged hangouts with all sorts of excuses until now, but she said today was non-negotiable, so I didn’t press further and just agreed.

I hadn’t heard Ha-yoon mention going out today, so it must be with other friends.

High school friends, maybe.

“Sigh…”

On the way home, I took out my phone and texted Da-bin just in case—nothing major, just confirming when exactly she’d arrive around lunchtime.

And just as I was about to slip my phone back into my pocket—

The screen I’d just turned off buzzed violently, signaling an incoming call.

“……”

Checking the caller ID, it was, of course, Seol Da-bin.

I’d just sent a message. Does this woman live with her phone glued to her hand?

…No, whenever we meet in person, she’s not even on her phone much.

If anything, she usually leaves it plugged in to charge.

Maybe the timing just lined up.

Clearing my throat briefly, I answered.

“Hello?”

-……

“Hello? Can you hear me?”

-…Hello.

“Why did you call?”

– Because you… …Ah, wait…

“……”

-…More importantly, you just texted me, so why did you take so long to answer?

Contrary to my expectations, had she just woken up?

Surprisingly, Da-bin’s voice sounded slightly groggier than usual.

The only time I’ve slept with her was when we drank with Baek Ji-ho, and even then, I slept on the living room couch, so this was the first time I’d heard her voice like this.

…But as I’d seen when I woke up earlier, it was already pretty late for morning.

Maybe she stayed up late reading webtoons or novels?

Anyway, no matter the reason, if I told her the truth about what just happened, I’d be prime material for her scolding.

So, for now, I just fumbled through the first excuse that came to mind.

“I dropped my phone. Picking it up and checking took a bit.”

-…Are you outside? Not at home?

“I was with Ha-yoon unnie yesterday. It’ll probably take… 5 minutes? To get there.”

Maybe I should’ve hidden the fact that I was with Ha-yoon, but it’s better to be honest than to pile on lies.

So, after answering straightforwardly and waiting, Da-bin’s voice returned through the speaker, accompanied by rustling sounds.

-…I’ll come a little later.

…I did ask when exactly she’d arrive.

As if not understanding the question, she gave another vague answer.

“No, I mean, when are you—”

After that reply, Da-bin hung up without even realizing what was wrong.

…Not an attitude I liked, but not incomprehensible either.

She’d probably just woken up. Half-asleep people act like that.

Besides, I know where she lives anyway…

Sigh. Letting out a shallow breath, I kicked a stray pebble and kept walking.

…I overslept.

“……”

Maybe it’s because my… period ended…

…My libido… rose a little…

Just a tiny bit…

So I couldn’t fall asleep right away at night…

…I ended up rubbing against the blanket between my legs.

…Should I masturbate or not?

If I do it now, won’t I feel a bit unsatisfied tomorrow?

It’s not like I’d ever be satisfied just using my hands anyway…?

Might as well hold out and wait until tomorrow…

Thoughts like that spun around in my head.

In the end, as a compromise…

“……”

I looped a dirty video.

Then just listened to all sorts of sounds through my earphones.

…Hoping it’d fill the void, even just a little, I fell asleep.

And after spending time in a daze like that—

A notification sound suddenly rang out, and I woke up without even realizing I’d been asleep.

“…Ah, fuck…”

I overslept.

Right here. Just this spot on the blanket.

Right here. Just this spot between my legs.

…Like I was in heat.

Whether I’d been grinding my hips in my sleep or—

It’s hard to dismiss as just pee.

Some kind of fluid, the kind you can guess.

Soaked it all wet.

I overslept.

“……”

…If I leave it like this,

Will it dry before I get back…?