episode_0016

16.

“Wow! That was delicious!”

Exiting the restaurant, Lee Subin patted her satisfied stomach with a content expression.

Her brisk steps transformed into a wobbly gait. It was evident how satisfying her meal had been.

She smiled contentedly and then looked at Han Hyojin this time.

Moments before entering, she had been momentarily distracted by a whisper in her ear, but now a clear and distinct rationality reflected in her eyes.

Chewing over something in her mind, she lightly touched her chin.

“What are you thinking about?”

Curious, she asked boldly.

“I hesitated for a moment because the meal was so satisfying.”

“Oh, are you a regular here like Subin? Shall I tell you the location of the restaurant? It’s probably one of the best Western restaurants near the school anyway.”

“If that’s an option, it’s an option, but I was actually considering acquiring it instead. I suppose I didn’t quite like the ambiance of the place.”

“Uh… I see.”

Her way of thinking was different from that of an ordinary person.

Giving up on understanding, she envisioned a future where she would refer to the chairman as the CEO. It didn’t seem much different from the present…?

“Indeed, she’s more human than an octopus.”

Nodding approvingly, she finally turned to Park Ayeong.

Among the student council members, she seemed to have the biggest appetite, with lips slightly greasier than others’.

Her smile was subtly alluring, with lips curved upwards, exuding a charm that could uplift anyone’s mood.

Though tempted to leave her be forever, there was nothing more embarrassing than realizing it while out in public, so she decided to gently wipe it off.

She took out a sky-blue handkerchief from her bag. The cloud embroidery resembled Park Ayeong’s hair, making it feel like a couple’s item.

It suited her better than expected. Sending praises to her aesthetic sense, she casually approached and stole a kiss from Park Ayeong.

“Huh? What are you doing? What’s going on?”

Park Ayeong looked at her puzzled.

“Nothing, just wanted to give you the handkerchief as a gift.”

“A gift? Oh! A gift… Did you pick it out yourself?”

“Well, do you think someone else would have picked it for me?”

“I guess not…? Hehe. It’s been a while since I received a gift, so I’m not sure how to react…”

Although Park Ayeong’s words trailed off, her blushing face revealed her genuine joy.

Her reaction was quaint and endearing. Feeling the satisfaction of giving a gift, the atmosphere around them awkwardly shifted.

We awkwardly mingled without blending in or getting intoxicated.

Seeing this, an unexpected Lee Subin jumped in, full of enthusiasm.

“If you’re giving gifts, thank you! I’ll cherish it! Love you! Let’s end with a kiss! If we kill the mood, it’ll be uncomfortable for us!”

“…Is that so? Is saying thank you enough to end it? But… isn’t a kiss a bit premature? We’re not even close…”

“That’s what I mean! That’s what I mean! Argh! I’m dying of frustration! This is why we can’t date or get married!”

Lee Subin tapped her chest in frustration.

Hyojin subtly joined in from the side, adding fuel to the fire.

“Even if you’re not that close, wouldn’t kissing bring you closer? Nowadays, there’s even a saying ‘post-X meeting.’”

Her provocative statement sparked a fierce debate.

Perhaps high school had transformed into a cult-like group of demons…

Admiration aside, as her sole adversary, it was now necessary for me to mediate the situation.

Looking at Park Ayeong’s swirling eyes, I feared she might break down.

“Alright, let’s stop here.”

“Ugh, Vice President, you’re asking for too much after just buying gifts. Could you at least stay 20 meters away from us for now? It’s a bit uncomfortable talking to someone who discriminates against people…”

A cutting insult pierced through like a dagger.

Even a seasoned martial arts master might need to brace themselves for death. Fortunately, there was a bulletproof vest inside the bag.

“I certainly didn’t just buy things for Ayeong.”

From the bag, she pulled out two handkerchiefs.

One was embroidered with a black cat, giving off a cute impression, while the other sparkled like the sun in a bright yellow, luxurious handkerchief.

“Take one each.”

“We didn’t do anything…”

Isubin pretended to decline and had already taken the handkerchief.

Quite quick-witted.

It made you wonder if that was Isubin’s charm.

Now, only the bright yellow handkerchief remained. She turned to Han Hyojin walking beside her.

“Chairwoman, please take one too.”

“Baseless kindness exists in this world…”

“Who said there’s no reason? This is a bribe, a bribe. A pre-bribe for the chairwoman who will look after us and lead us for a year.”

“Hmm… it’s a kickback.”

With that explanation, she also casually took a handkerchief.

“You didn’t lie about it being a kickback and bury sleeping pills, did you? Wake up to find your limbs tied up naked… Tsk… I wouldn’t doubt you buried them.”

“Nonsense.”

“Tch.”

“Why are you sticking out your tongue!”

Anyway, the atmosphere seemed to lighten. I was curious about the next plan.

“So, Subin.”

“Yes?”

“Do you have a next plan?”

“Of course! I thought about it last night… No, while eating earlier! We don’t have a single photo together, right?”

“Earlier…?”

“Oh~, let’s overlook the trivial things! Come on! So, the next location I prepared is here!”

Isubin stopped and pointed at the building. The sign read ‘Life Snapshot,’ and inside were groups of high school girls.

As all the photos were just ID pictures, it was inevitable to feel a physical aversion.

While I hesitated and stopped, the members were different.

“Is this a place where students take pictures as memories and post them as stars? It’s fascinating to see it for the first time.”

“I’ve been here a few times with my friends.”

Their behavior was peculiar; they were all high school girls.

I recalled the fact momentarily forgotten. The two moved their steps and were already inside the shop.

Thinking I was left alone, a delicate arm wrapped around mine.

“Senior Doji. Aren’t you coming in?”

“I want to go in, but… there’s a barrier…”

“A barrier? I’ll break it for you.”

Snap! Isubin gave a small shout and dragged me inside.

Clang! The first thing we felt was the cool breeze from the air conditioner. The lighting was brighter and cleaner than the sunny morning outside.

Frowning and looking back, the interior that wasn’t visible through the glass came into view.

Various accessories and props hung on hangers and shelves. There was a large full-length mirror and nearby, hair tools including a hair straightener and combs.

I blinked. Instead of a repulsion towards the pink atmosphere, curiosity and interest prevailed.

“It’s fascinating…”

“Fascinating, right?”

Isubin, with her nose up, playfully tapped my head.

“What’s that?”

“You’re cute.”

“I know that too!”

As we chatted, we joined the others.

“Chairwoman, how about this cat headband here?”

“I’ll pass. My natural beauty doesn’t need adornments.”

“Who knows…?”

The two were choosing props. Isubin explained after hearing their conversation.

“Choose props here. Then go inside to take pictures. There are many cute filters, so you don’t have to choose props for sure.”

“I see… Park Ayoung today, Vice Chair Park Ayoung.”

Ayoung, who had been eyeing the chairwoman, sullenly removed the cat headband.

Then our eyes met, and she quickly perked up and offered me the headband.

“Would you like Jinwoo to wear it instead…?”

Contrary to what Ayoung asked, she didn’t listen to any answers. Instead, she fidgeted and raised her chin to put on the headband.

“Are you going to wear it?”

I snatched the headband from her hand and put it on Ayoung’s head in reverse.

“It suits you a hundred times better.”

“I wanted to see someone else wear it rather than me…”

“Ah, only those who are willing to put a headband on someone else are prepared to have it put on themselves.”

“What are you talking about?”

We headed to the photo booth with just Park Ayoung’s headband prop in hand.

The line inside the store wasn’t too long compared to the number of people.

A quick scan revealed there was a peculiar reason for that.

“As expected, selfies are taken in front of mirrors…”

High school girls who had finished their shoot were gathering in front of a full-length mirror, taking selfies.

I don’t understand why they’re taking selfies instead of using a machine at a photo store.

“Is there something special about it?”

As my mind wandered, my head tilted dangerously. People came out of the booth.

“Whatever.”

Clearing my unnecessary thoughts, I entered the booth with my companions.

The interior was subtly spacious. Even if four people each struck their desired pose, would it still be roomy enough?

“Come on. The president stands in the center, and Doji and I will be on either side! Ayoung, go stand wherever you want!”

Although giving Park Ayoung the choice, the looks and gestures were clearly directed towards the side.

“Where should I stand~?”

Noticing this, Park Ayoung teasingly smiled and hesitated around me and Isu Bin.

Around the second hesitation, unable to bear it anymore, Isu Bin grabbed her arm and placed her in the adjacent seat.

“Stand here!”

“I was thinking of doing that from the beginning.”

“Never mind.”

She recoiled slightly but her eyes crinkled. It’s like Hong Gildong, who can’t express joy when happy and simply says things are good without showing it.

Thinking like that, Isu Bin stepped forward and operated the camera.

“Select 4 out of 8 shots, design on the left? Right? Which do you prefer?”

“I’ll leave it up to your choice.”

“Okay! Then let’s go for a long vertical shot and as for the frame? There are Christmas-themed ones and ones with blue cats running.”

“Per shot? Or apply to all?”

“Apply to all!”

“Then let’s play it safe with white or black. It’s less burdensome when taking them home, right?”

“Sounds good!”

Click-click – Isu Bin had finished setting it up without us noticing.

“When you press the button, it takes the picture! Let’s start with a V-pose!”

“Can we make it a double peace sign? I won’t turn my eyes away as a compromise.”

“There’s no need to ask for permission! Just do it!”

With a click, Isu Bin pressed the button.

Click-click-click –

Sound effects played, and she drew a V with her fingers.

Snap!

“Done! Shall we link arms next? Pair up first with your neighbor. Then all four of you link arms together!”

“Sure.”

Without hesitation, Han Hyojin linked arms with me. The warmth of our skin passed through our thin shirts.

Normally, this would be the time for banter like ‘You wouldn’t reject skinship, would you?’ but no such words were spoken.

Just as I felt a strange sensation and was about to turn my head, Isu Bin pressed the button.

Click-click-click –

Sound effects rang out. My head wouldn’t turn back. The pounding of someone’s heart transmitted through the arm. I couldn’t tell if it was mine or theirs.

“…”

“…”

Should I look back at Han Hyojin now…?

As I pondered, the atmosphere changed, making my chest itch and feel awkward.

Snap!

And the shutter sound interrupted my thoughts.

“Next!”

Isu Bin’s voice completely cut off the moment.

I took the opportunity to unlink arms and looked at Han Hyojin.

“What are you looking at?”

“…”

“Hmm… Anyway, I’ve already unlinked arms for the next photo. Let’s hurry; others are waiting, aren’t they?”

“Yes.”

A flat tone.

Perhaps the earlier heartbeats were just a misconception.

It must have been a misconception.

I dismissed those few seconds as a misunderstanding.

My heart felt lighter.

“Doji, next pose!”

“Okay.”

***

Thud – Eight photo prints fell into four piles.

That’s how it was, the price was either 8,000 won or 6,000 won, I think.

“Shall I transfer the money to your account?”

“Nope! I’ll cover this! A round of applause for my generosity, everyone! Clap clap clap!”

“Woah, our Subin is the best….”

Even if it’s just a soul, please put some effort into it, Ah Young….

While Lee Subin was fine with that, he said.

Snickering, he bought the photo.

The photo that stole my attention was the second one. It was of Han Hyojin and me linking arms.

As expected, Han Hyojin in the photo was expressionless. She seemed neither happy nor embarrassed.

“Seems like even your eyebrows twitched. Are you displeased?”

Tsk. Lost my appetite. I should give a warning before doing it next time.

***

When Do Jinwoo’s gaze landed on Han Hyojin’s eyebrows, a different place entered the minds of the two who had lived together for three years.

“…Why are you blushing?”

“What? Feeling shy?”

It was her cheeks.

The reddish hue of the cherry blossoms that lightly appeared between her brown skin.

Pak Ah Young and Lee Subin were puzzled as they looked at it.

The protagonist of the photo, Han Hyojin, held it close to her heart, throbbing deeply.

“…”

As if judging herself, she muttered that she was like a horny bitch.