episode_0014

14

No point in hiding it.

It was my first time at Daiso.

In this day and age, most things could be solved with just a few clicks on a computer or phone from the comfort of home.

“This building is oddly tall and narrow, isn’t it?”

“Well, there are wider ones too… Though it’s definitely smaller than a big-box store.”

Lee Hayoon, walking ahead of me, lifted what looked like a shopping basket as she spoke.

She seemed quite familiar with the place—her movements were smooth and confident.

“So, what do you need?”

“Hmm. I think I could use some bowls. Maybe some cooking utensils too.”

“All kitchenware, huh?”

“Ever since I started living alone, I’ve just been ordering delivery. Figured it’s about time I tried cooking.”

Crafting a convincing lie was easier and simpler than expected.

All it took was mixing a sliver of truth into a pile of meaningless falsehoods.

The excuse I used to lure Hayoon here—that I needed household supplies—was a lie.

The claim that I hadn’t been living alone long and thus lacked essentials? Also a lie.

The idea that, despite over a decade of living alone, I couldn’t cook? Another lie.

The only truth in all of it was that, up until now, I’d only ever ordered delivery.

From yesterday to today.

The meals I’d eaten at home barely amounted to one full serving.

“Do you have any seasonings?”

“I think I have salt, at least.”

“Then you’ll need soy sauce, doenjang, sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes…”

Muttering to herself, Hayoon typed notes into her phone before briskly heading up the stairs.

Even after the training session that left her bruised, her energy hadn’t waned.

Her jet-black ponytail swayed lightly as she moved. Watching the hem of her hoodie barely cover her hips, I followed.

“We can get the seasonings at a convenience store or supermarket later. Let’s focus on the other stuff first.”

“They don’t sell them here?”

“Nope. So let’s pick out a frying pan first. Best bang for your buck. By the way, do you have a gas stove at home?”

“Yeah. Gas.”

Would induction be different?

I could cook, though not particularly well, so I wasn’t sure—but I nodded anyway.

Hayoon’s emerald-green eyes darted around before she plucked a frying pan from the shelf.

After scrutinizing the tiny print and price, she wordlessly dropped it into the basket without explaining her choice.

Not like I’d understand even if she did, so I let it slide.

“What about a spatula? Soy sauce dishes? Food containers? Chopsticks? Are bowls this size okay?”

“…….”

…Speaking of which.

I’d planned to stick close and tease Hayoon while enjoying the shopping, but her earnest sprinting through Daiso was more exhausting than expected.

This wasn’t part of the plan.

Glancing around, I spotted a few other customers scattered about.

Not many, but not too few either—maybe five people on this floor, including Hayoon and me.

Most seemed to be stopping by after work for necessities.

Me, in a stiff gray jacket barely covering my waist and a plain black tee.

Hayoon, layered in an oversized hoodie over her academy uniform, diligently picking out items.

I briefly wondered what others might think of us before—

“Huh? This bowl’s already chipped…?”

Carefully.

I wrapped an arm around Hayoon’s waist.

…Well, “wrapped” might be too strong. “Brushed against” fits better.

I just stood beside her and draped my forearm around her waist, that’s all.

“……Hm, …uh….”

“…….”

Hayoon instantly fell silent.

Not just that—she started stammering like a broken record, words failing her.

She glanced between the bowl in her hands, my face, and back again before finally setting it down and blinking rapidly.

Her reaction was cuter than I’d imagined.

And yet, just last night, we’d been swapping saliva in a heated kiss.

“What’s wrong?”

“…….”

Hayoon’s gleaming emerald eyes creaked toward me like rusty hinges.

Then, mechanically, she reached for another bowl.

It was the same one she’d just put back.

“That one’s chipped, like you said earlier. Let’s leave it. I think this one’s better.”

“…O-oh? Then… let’s go with that….”

“Don’t you need to check it? I wouldn’t know.”

“I-It’s just a bowl… What’s there to… check….”

As if unfamiliar with the sensation at her waist, Hayoon kept fidgeting with my right arm resting against her stomach.

The way she kept nudging it made it seem like she wanted me to let go.

What to do? I want to see her flustered a little longer.

“Then let’s take this bowl. What’s next? Did you say we should grab some batteries?”

“…Yeah… The door lock… still uses them.”

“Got it. This is the kitchenware section, so we should head downstairs. Maybe grab some towels on the way….”

“…….”

When I tightened my arm around her waist, she flinched but obediently followed.

Her gaze kept darting toward other shoppers, but I ignored it and led the now-quiet Hayoon down the stairs.

By the time we finished shopping,

I finally released Hayoon’s waist and stepped out of Daiso with a surprisingly heavy load.

No idea about the total cost, but it didn’t matter—it wasn’t like Daiso was expensive.

Though the shopping trip was just an excuse to lure Hayoon out, the items were genuinely needed. I’d have to organize them once I got home.

Judging by the volume, it’d take at least 30 minutes.

“We can grab the seasonings at a convenience store later… Thanks for making time today, Noona. Next time, dinner’s on me.”

“…….”

“Noona?”

“…….”

Was the traffic noise drowning me out? No response, even though she was right beside me.

I called her again, but the result was the same.

Pulling my coat tighter against the winter wind, I glanced down at Hayoon—her expression was blank, as if her soul had left her body.

Hmm. All I did was briefly hold her waist.

Who knew someone who could chatter nonstop for minutes would short-circuit like this?

Pausing mid-step, I turned and blocked Hayoon’s path as she walked mindlessly.

Only then did she snap back to reality, eyes widening as she stopped in her tracks.

Our height difference meant her nose was level with my chest.

“Noona.”

“…Huh? Wh-what?”

“I said thanks. For helping me today. You must’ve been busy.”

“Oh… It’s nothing. I’m not working today.”

“Surprising. I thought you worked part-time every day of the week.”

“Every day? ……When I went to pick you up at the infirmary earlier, I texted the convenience store owner. Told him I was too tired to work today.”

“…….”

“So he said he’d cover for me until evening.”

Hayoon, hands stuffed in her hoodie pockets, gulped audibly.

“Th-that means… I can help a little longer.”

“Yeah?”

“O-of course, it’s nowhere near enough to repay you for the free treatment…”

To make up for that, I’d need an hourly rate of 3 million… no, 4 million…

Mumbling to herself, Hayoon lowered her head—maybe because of the cold wind—before peeking up at me.

“…Where’s your place?”

“…….”

“I-I’ll just help you unpack. That’s all.”

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

“…….”

“…….”

“21,520 won. Need a bag?”

After grabbing the last of the seasonings, I stuffed them into the Daiso bag and headed to my apartment.

Just because I earned well didn’t mean I splurged on a fancy place. It wasn’t any nicer than Hayoon’s neighborhood.

Just an average area.

More two-room units than studios.

At least here, unlike Hayoon’s neighborhood, people followed basic social contracts—like using proper trash bags.

No trash-digging stray cats, either.

“It’s on the second floor.”

“…The first floor’s the parking lot, so technically the third?”

“No. If you count it that way, it’s the third.”

“Ah…”

#6050

I pressed the call button to unlock the first-floor entrance, then took Hayoon up to my unit.

…I’m a little nervous.

I’d fantasized about devouring a hero, but actually doing it was a first for me too.

Stay calm.

Don’t get too excited and ruin it from the start.

You’ve practiced plenty.

How far a first-timer can go.

The point where they lose themselves.

The pacing needed to pull them in before they can think.

You trained with villains who were at least decent-looking.

Steeling myself, I tapped the keypad.

Beep beep.

Hayoon glanced curiously, but I didn’t bother hiding it.

If the roles were reversed, sure—but if Hayoon walked into my place, it’d mean she wanted to be devoured.

“Not much to look at, but come in.”

“Doesn’t seem so bad…”

The studio was saturated with the scent of a man.

Now, Hayoon’s fresh, clean fragrance slowly seeped into the space.

A shame. Had I known, I’d have cleaned up.

I wasn’t the tidiest by nature, so only the basics were taken care of.

The bed’s comforter was haphazardly bunched up, and the table in the center still held a pizza box from before—before the regression.

And the water bottles I’d left scattered on the floor. Kind of embarrassing to show someone.

Should’ve tidied up.

“…Nice place.”

“You think so?”

“Most studios are smaller than this, aren’t they?”

“It’s 330 square feet. Not tiny, but not huge either. There are 360 and 430-square-foot units too.”

“Then maybe I’ve only seen the really small ones.”

Thud, thud.

Hayoon kicked off her shoes and immediately began scanning the room like an excited puppy.

If she had a tail, it’d be wagging furiously right now.

“You’ve got a computer too.”

“What home doesn’t have one?”

“Just reminded me of Jiyoon. She’s into games. Shooters.”

“Hmm… Not really my thing.”

She was gaming when I visited yesterday, so it must be a hobby.

I made a mental note before clearing the pizza box off the table and unpacking the bags.

The frying pan and other Daiso purchases cluttered the floor.

“Pass me the vinegar? New pans need to be washed first.”

“Oh, I can do it.”

“It’s fine. I’ll handle it. I’m the noona here….”

“Then I’ll leave it to you.”

True to her word about just helping unpack, Hayoon didn’t even glance at the bed before heading to the kitchenette.

Hmm. Watching her, I grabbed the newly bought bowls and utensils and followed.

I hadn’t expected to jump straight into sex, but this was a bit of a letdown.

…Whatever. There’s plenty of time.

An opportunity will come if I spend more time with her.

Just as I approached Hayoon—

“Noona.”

“Huh? Wh-what?”

Her shoulders jerked—she’d been spacing out while filling the pan with water.

“Don’t scare me like that. Here, I brought the bowls. These need washing too.”

“O-oh. I’ll do it. It’s just… you surprised me….”

Hayoon squeezed dish soap onto the rinsed pan.

“…….”

“…….”

Her ears burned red.

Pretending not to notice.

Acting like she wasn’t thinking about anything indecent.

Squirt. Squirt.