Ch.59Memory Loss (7)

# Unlike the Title, It Was Actually a Normal Movie

The movie was actually normal, unlike its title. In fact, it was so immersive it could be called a blockbuster.

Honestly, if they had just named it “The Talentless Mage and the One-Armed Swordsman,” it would have hit ten million viewers long ago.

Why do decent movies have bizarre titles while strange movies have normal ones?

But that question quickly disappeared as I became completely absorbed in the film. And now I’ve found my all-time favorite movie.

Does this mean I’ll have to tell people my favorite film is “Uwooow! Super Rare Magic Get www”?

I was thinking about this while reaching for popcorn when my hand touched Ju-an’s. I quickly pulled my hand away.

…Why did I pull away? Friends’ hands can touch occasionally, what’s weird about that?

But for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to reach for the popcorn again. Am I full from eating just that much? Given my current physical condition, that’s entirely possible…

I don’t know. Let me just focus on the movie.

…I’m having trouble staying focused.

What’s suddenly wrong with me? I was completely engrossed just a moment ago…

I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll be fine soon.

***

The movie was definitely good. The content and acting were perfect with nothing to criticize, but for some reason, I couldn’t get fully immersed.

It must be because it’s a romance fantasy. What would I know about romance when I’ve never dated in my life?

I wonder if I’ll ever date before I die? If I continue living as a woman like this, I’ll probably die single.

Dating a man obviously makes me uncomfortable. But dating a woman makes me equally uncomfortable.

I mean, I’m a woman now, so how could I date a woman…?

…I’m definitely going to kill Agath when I get back home.

Besides, I don’t need to worry about this. Once I defeat the Demon King, I can return to being a man.

Whatever happens, I still want to experience dating. What would it feel like to share such sticky-sweet love?

“I want to date someone too…”

My thoughts accidentally slipped out. Might as well discuss this topic now.

“By the way, what’s your ideal type?”

“Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”

“Just curious.”

With that face and personality but zero dating experience. How high are his standards?

“Someone kind and pretty.”

“That’s it?”

“If possible, someone who can cook… no, forget I said that.”

Ju-an abruptly ended his sentence and quickly changed the subject.

“What about you? What’s your ideal type?”

“Someone cool and dependable.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah. And handsome would be even bet—shit, I misspoke. Of course I like pretty and kind people too.”

I think my brain got confused from watching so many scenes from the female protagonist’s perspective in the movie. Obviously, as a man, I prefer pretty women.

I’m really not myself today. Is this some lingering side effect from losing my memories?

Anyway, this is all Agath’s fault. When I get back home, I’m definitely going to kill her.

Let me change the subject first.

“I don’t think I’ll ever date before I die.”

“Why suddenly say that?”

“If I were a man, there might be a possibility, but now that I’m a woman, there’s no chance at all.”

“…That’s true.”

And the conversation died. I could continue from here, but Ju-an doesn’t seem in the mood to talk.

I don’t know why he’s suddenly acting like this, but I should try to cheer him up.

“Do you have someone you like?”

“I think I might.”

“Either you do or you don’t, what’s with ‘I think’?”

“I don’t think it could work out with that person.”

So that’s why his mood dropped. It’s quite shocking that there’s a woman he can’t date.

It doesn’t seem to be because of that orange-haired girl. She clearly seems interested in him.

…Could it be that he’s too oblivious to realize her flirting and thinks she’s not interested?

“A guy like you can’t date someone? Really?”

“That person shows absolutely no interest in dating.”

“No one’s like that. They’re probably secretly very interested in dating.”

“But they really don’t seem interested at all.”

“Then at least try. Otherwise, the train will pass by and it’ll be over.”

Having experienced the train named Ha-eun passing by without stopping, I know much better than Ju-an how regretful it can be.

At least give someone a chance. Do you know how unfair it feels when you don’t even get an opportunity?

But this idiot, whether from ignorance or worry, said:

“What if I try and things go wrong?”

“What if you just keep watching and the opportunity disappears completely?”

Despite my advice, Ju-an still seems anxious about something. This is so frustrating.

“Imagine that person dating another guy. How would you feel?”

“…I absolutely hate that idea.”

“Then you need to make the first move before that happens. What are you hesitating for?”

Ju-an thought for a moment, then spoke as if he’d made a decision.

“Alright. I’ll at least try.”

“Good thinking. Whoever they are, make sure you don’t let them go.”

Now Ju-an will obviously succeed with that person. With his face and personality, failure is practically impossible.

“…So who is this person you like?”

“Someone kind and pretty.”

“Any other characteristics besides that? Like hair color or something?”

“Probably… someone with orange eyes.”

Ju-an looked me over as he spoke. Wait, what color were that orange-haired girl’s eyes again?

…They’re orange.

“This person isn’t weird, right? Can I really trust them?”

“They’re absolutely trustworthy.”

“Maybe you should think about it more? This is someone you’ll spend your life with. You should be careful.”

“But I like that person too much to help it. That’s why I need to at least try before it’s too late.”

His answer was extremely firm. Because of that, the anxiety in my heart grew much stronger.

Is it really okay to entrust Ju-an to that orange-haired girl? She doesn’t seem very perceptive, and probably can’t cook well either…

Maybe she really isn’t interested in Ju-an. That would be fine.

…Anyone can see she’s head over heels in love with him. If Ju-an asks her out, she’ll say yes immediately.

Damn… should I not have given him advice? That orange-haired girl still makes me uneasy…

Okay, I’ll interfere. This isn’t because I have strange thoughts. This is all for my precious friend.

If a trustworthy partner appears, then I can trust and leave Ju-an to them. But that orange-haired girl is not trustworthy.

So I’ll interfere. For my precious friend.

After making that deep commitment, Ju-an spoke to me not long after.

“It’s getting close to dinner time. Is there anything you want to eat?”

“Not really. What about you?”

“I don’t have anything specific in mind either.”

“Then let’s just walk around and think about it.”

As we wandered aimlessly looking for a restaurant, Ju-an’s gaze suddenly fixed on something.

“…You don’t want to go there, do you?”

It was that place we went before. That homemade tteokbokki restaurant where I had to make about 10 servings without rest.

I looked at Ju-an just to check, but he avoided my eyes. So he does want to go there.

Doing that hard labor again? The thought alone is terrifying. Getting just one wish as a reward for all that work doesn’t seem worth it.

…Actually, thinking about it, it might be worth it. I might be able to use this to cut off that orange-haired girl.

“Alright, I’ll make it for you. But in exchange, grant me one wish again.”

“Okay, thank you.”

And so, just like before, we headed to the homemade tteokbokki restaurant.

***

I’m currently making the seventh serving of tteokbokki. My arms are incredibly sore. But I don’t particularly regret it.

Partly because of the wish, but mostly because Ju-an eats what I make so ravenously, as if he’s entranced.

“It’s nice to see you enjoying it so much.”

I said with a genuine smile.

When someone eats your cooking with such delight, you can’t help but feel rewarded. Maybe being a chef would suit me.

“Aren’t you tired?”

“Not at all since you’re eating it so well. So don’t worry and eat as much as you want.”

“…Thank you.”

Ju-an said with a slightly reddened face. But like before, he has something on his face again.

I naturally wiped whatever was on his face with a tissue. Then I quickly averted my gaze and said:

“Um… there was something on your face…”

This feels incredibly embarrassing. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, so why am I feeling this way?

Right, I did say some cheesy things. Of course it’s embarrassing when guys talk like this to each other.

…Let’s just finish making the tteokbokki.

***

Ju-an ate 10 servings last time, but now it’s increased to about 12 servings. My arms are insanely numb because of it.

It’s impressive that his capacity increased by 2 servings in just a week. I’m quite envious of that.

“Thank you. I ate well thanks to you. What are you going to wish for?”

“Let me think for a moment.”

I’d like to tell him not to meet that orange-haired girl anymore, but that would probably make him hate me.

Then there would be no point in getting this wish… what else could I use it for?

As I continued pondering, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

“By the way, did you notice anything strange when talking to me today?”

“Not particularly.”

“You kept calling me Lite.”

“…Sorry. I got confused for a moment.”

Ju-an said with an awkward smile. Anyway, I took a secret deep breath and got to the main point.

“Um… that is… could you continue calling me Lite from now on?”

After barely managing to get the words out, Ju-an looked at me with some confusion.

“I mean… well… officially my name is Lite right now, right? So… to avoid confusion when talking with others… no…”

I’m stammering because I’m flustered. Why is this so embarrassing…

But in contrast to my state, Ju-an calmly opened his mouth.

“Alright, Lite.”

“…Thank you.”

Fortunately, my intention seems to have been properly conveyed. So from now on, Ju-an will continue to call me Lite.

My steps feel lighter somehow. Is it because I ate well?

“Is this really what you want to use your wish for? I could grant this kind of request without it being a wish.”

“I don’t have anything else I want to wish for, so I’ll go with this.”

As we walked around chatting happily, it started to get dark.

“Should we part ways now?”

“Already?”

“It’s already completely dark outside.”

“…You’re right.”

It would be clean to wrap things up at this point. There’s not much else to do anyway.

But I feel somewhat regretful. I still want to hang out more…

Let’s just part ways here. We can hang out again next time.

“Then I’ll go first… Lite?”

Suddenly my body grabbed the collar of Ju-an who was about to leave.

“Can we hang out a bit longer?”

And words completely opposite to my thoughts came out of my mouth.

“No! I mean… it’s only 7 o’clock, right? That seems a bit early to call it a day…”

For people our age, 7 o’clock is definitely early. We’re not kids. What’s 7 o’clock? Even high school students usually hang out until at least 10.

“Alright, let’s hang out a bit more.”

Ju-an said with what seemed like a happy smile.

“Yes!”

My voice came out unable to hide my joy, just like Ju-an. Well, ending at just 7 o’clock doesn’t feel satisfying.

And so, the two of us set off again in search of something fun to do.