episode_0163

To briefly summarize the reason why Jaehyuk couldn’t make it to his studio apartment on time, it was something like this.

Realizing he hadn’t prepared a birthday present, he hurriedly went out into the city early in the morning.

Unfortunately, he ran into some cultists wandering the streets, and due to their persistent pestering, he had to struggle to break free and ended up being late for a while.

…The message he had promised to explain what had happened at the bar would probably be sent in such a rush due to being harassed by the cultists.

After hearing everything, it was somewhat understandable that he headed straight to a cocktail bar in the city, which helped ease some of the built-up frustration, but it was still far from enough to alleviate the disappointment of not receiving warm birthday greetings and a hearty dinner table.

Even though I knew there was no point in getting upset with someone who comes off as arrogant, I couldn’t help but burst out in anger towards Jaehyuk.

“…If you had prepared earlier, this wouldn’t have happened. Why do you always procrastinate and make things difficult?”

“Sorry.”

“Can’t you get rid of the habit of only preparing when it’s right in front of you? It’s causing problems every time, why do you keep insisting on it?”

“I’ll change, I was wrong.”

Although I had intended to express all the things that had been bothering me for a while, the attempt to be brave and confrontational melted away like ice cream in the sun with just one warm hug.

“…Let go.”

“I can’t do that.”

“If I tell you to let go?”

“What if I don’t want to?”

It seemed like he thought of me as a golden retriever wagging its tail happily if he just hugged me. But I’m not that easy, thinking that my anger would dissipate just like that?

I didn’t struggle to break free.

Of course, it wasn’t because I wanted to smell the strange scent emanating from Jaehyuk’s body or enjoy the warmth enveloping my body. It was just that if he got hurt because I didn’t control my strength properly, that would be a big problem. That was the only reason.

“…I hate you.”

He said he didn’t like it, so why didn’t he let go?

Looking at him with a cold gaze, expressing my displeasure, Jaehyuk awkwardly smiled and kissed my forehead.

Smack –

“Hey, wha-what!?”

Momentarily taken aback by the sudden kiss, my lips started to twitch uncontrollably.

I should be angry, I should be disappointed, I should be annoyed.

But with just one kiss, the lingering dissatisfaction quickly dissipated, and a sense of contentment filled the void left by those feelings.

Right, it was because of unavoidable circumstances that he was late, right? Honestly, if I got this upset, wouldn’t I be more careful next time?

No, I should still nag a little more.

Just a hug and a kiss shouldn’t make me look like an easy woman…

“As an apology, when we get home, I’ll let you drink 100ml more than usual. Now stop being mad, okay?”

Alright! Showing that much sincerity, he must be ready to fight if I push him further.

“Hehehe… Huh?! Do you have something else to say behind my back?”

If the hurt feelings had completely disappeared, it would be a lie, but I laughed because it seemed a bit ridiculous to get angry again.

To hide the embarrassed smile on my face, I buried my face in Jaehyuk’s chest and pretended to forgive him.

“…”

“…”

As we stood there embracing without saying a word, the perspective of a third party began to be felt as time passed.

Burying my face deeper into my hands to hide the overwhelming embarrassment washing over me, I pretended not to notice, prompting the boss to let out a deep sigh and give me a reprimand.

“…So, how long do you plan on doing this? We’re opening in 30 minutes, you lazy bunch. What are you doing instead of working?”

“I’m sorry.”

“I apologize.”

How embarrassing must it have been?

Feeling apologetic, I hurriedly tried to make my way into the cocktail bar, only to be quietly called back by the boss.

“Jaehyuk, you go in first, Jiyoo? Stay here for a moment.”

“Yes, yes? W-what is it that you need me for?”

In a public place, the boss stood with crossed arms, a stern expression on his face, as if trying to point out excessive affectionate behavior.

Preparing myself to gracefully accept whatever he had to say, I waited with determination.

“It’s nothing much, here, a birthday gift. Use this money to buy something delicious with Jaehyuk.”

“Thank you…?”

“Why are you asking in a questioning tone? Aren’t you grateful for this small amount of money?”

“T-that’s not true! O-of course, thank you! I’ll make good use of it, boss!”

Contrary to my expectations, the boss didn’t continue with his scolding and instead handed me the birthday gift.

…Well, more like.

Receiving a thick envelope as a birthday gift, it didn’t sound like nagging anymore.

“…Yeah, don’t use it for weird things. And, speaking of giving you money, isn’t this a bit too much? If you’re going to do it, please do it as usual. You know, nicely, cleanly, sensibly?”

“Haha, I guess my emotions got a bit out of hand earlier. I’ll be more careful.”

“Well, I’m in a supportive position so it doesn’t matter… Anyway, be more careful from now on. Happy birthday, now go in and get to work.”

“Yes, thank you, boss!”

Perhaps, today.

Might turn out to be quite alright?

Feeling the unpleasant sensation dissipating, I harbored a faint hope in my heart.

But unfortunately, that hope shattered into pieces less than 30 minutes after the store sign changed.

“Excuse me, sir? How do you find the White Russian taste? Is it to your liking?”

“No, out of all the White Russians I’ve had… this one tastes the worst.”

“Yes, yes?”

I was certain.

I might not know much else.

But at least, it seemed like today would be a day to remember for a lifetime.

Contemplating whether to pour White Russian on the head of a guest who seemed like a real but not real scammer.

I silently prayed in my heart that this day would pass quickly.

—–

Was it a short video I saw before? I remember it from a novel.

Someone said that.

Luck always regresses to the mean.

So, even if it’s tough right now, if you don’t give up and wait, luck will eventually come your way.

…Ah, I remember now.

Thinking back, it was from a novel based on a gacha game, where the protagonist consoles himself after his gacha fails.

I never saw the scene where luck regressed to the mean. The next chapter didn’t come up after that line.

Judging from the sad note in the author’s postscript about going bankrupt, maybe the author lost interest in the novel after the gacha failed?

Enough nonsense, anyway.

With more troublesome guests than usual, the closing time finally arrived.

Reflecting on the challenging day that had been etched into my memory, I began to prepare to quickly head back home.

“What incredible thing must be waiting for me that made me go through such a hellish day.”

Due to the chaos caused by the numerous scamming guests, I ended up leaving work late despite moving swiftly.

As usual, I exchanged farewells and walked home with Jaehyuk. Unable to contain my melancholy, I blurted out the thought I had at dinner once again.

“…I really think that today is probably the worst day ever.”

“Really? Why do you think that way?”

“Well…”

As I was about to answer, I turned my gaze towards Jaehyuk, feeling puzzled by his question.

Why is he asking when he already knows? Is he teasing me right now?

Furrowing my brows, I looked at him, only to be met with a mischievous smile that held no meaning.

Feeling like I couldn’t grasp the situation, I started to express my annoyance by poking Jaehyuk’s side.

“Amusing?”

“Uh, yeah?”

“Do you find this amusing?”

Ruining my once-a-year… and as a vampire, my first birthday, what’s so enjoyable that he’s laughing so happily?

As I exploded with anger that I had been holding back while dealing with difficult customers, I realized that the situation was turning strange.

Jaehyuk chuckled, then lowered his head and started rambling in a hesitant voice.

“No, I just thought, you know, maybe it’s too early. There are still two hours left until the end of the day. Do you know? Could the worst turn into the best in those two hours?”

“…That’s impossible, you fool. What can you do in such a short time?”

“You always say that people don’t know about life. How about expecting a birthday gift that only I can’t receive?”

“Come to think of it, you haven’t received it yet. What did you prepare that’s so special?”

I urged him to stop being annoying and tell me, but Jaehyuk just smiled sadly and didn’t say a word.

As we expressed our doubts, we arrived at his studio apartment.

Passing through the communal entrance and climbing the narrow stairs, I could smell something familiar.

…This is Hyeeun and Junghyun’s scent, right?

Judging by the faint lingering scent, it seems like they’ve been here and gone for quite some time. What could they have been doing?

Expectation and curiosity grew within me.

Each second felt like ten, and the usually short distance we walked felt incredibly far.

What will be waiting at the end of this anxious wait?

With a hopeful heart, I arrived at the entrance of the apartment.

I took a deep breath and cautiously reached for the doorknob.