episode_0025

Almost being dragged like a kidnapping victim on this hot springs trip

And how far have we traveled?

As we got closer to our destination, proving it to be a hidden gem known only to those in the know, I could feel the sparse population and the distance from the city becoming more apparent.

No wonder it reminds me of when I visited Director Baek’s house last time. Is living in secluded places a trend these days…?

“Oh? Uncle, is that the ryokan over there?”

“Oh, have you already seen it? That’s right.”

It was indeed the ryokan that appears in Japanese anime and subculture.

The unique lodging culture of healing hot springs baths that soothe bodies far from Korea, tatami floors with green backgrounds, and course meals delivered individually to each room rather than buffet-style, although initially causing aversion, through continuous efforts, had transformed into the current popular spot.

“No matter when you come here, the atmosphere is always great, right?”

With the crimson-colored autumn leaves gently falling and adorning the ground with vibrant hues, this naturally mystical place seemed even more distinctive due to its untouched beauty.

… By the way,

I can’t keep pretending to be sick forever, so I should probably start getting up soon, right?

“Mmm…”

“Have you already woken up…?”

“Dad, are you awake?”

“Bro, are you up? Haha, waking up at such a perfect timing.”

“Haha, yeah.”

“Oh? There are hardly any cars in the parking lot? Looks like not many people came this week?”

“Huh? Then where are the pretty ladies?!”

“Well… maybe they’ll gather if we wait a bit longer, perhaps tomorrow or the day after?”

“Ah, boring.”

Nowhere to retreat anymore.

Oh well, let’s just enjoy ourselves a bit since we’ve come this far. It’s better to relax, right!

Although Geum Taeyang and his crew are a bit annoying, well… could there be a bigger problem than this?

… However,

It didn’t take long for me to realize that the issue lies with this guy’s mouth.

.

.

.

After parking the car,

We arrived at the entrance of the ryokan, also known as Sisiodosi, where the bamboo waterwheel welcomed us with a loud, clear sound.

Taeman, Taeyang, and I, carrying our hefty luggage, stood at the entrance of the ryokan.

Swoosh!

Upon opening the door, we were greeted by neatly organized shoe racks and endlessly stretching corridors.

In front of the door, a beautiful woman who appeared to be the hostess greeted us with a formal bow.

“Welcome, esteemed guests who have taken the precious time to visit us.”

“We will provide the utmost service to ensure you have a pleasant rest.”

The service and demeanor were so overwhelming that I felt burdened just by looking at her.

“Ah… yes, thank you very much.”

Though I say this, considering the abundance of beauties around me lately, I thought that the average appearance of women around me had significantly increased.

Should I say my standards have risen? They say you shouldn’t judge people by their appearance, but that’s instinctual.

Before getting close enough to open up and understand someone’s heart, all you can do is judge based on appearance.

The hostess had a striking appearance that surprised even me.

With her hair styled to one side, bright red lips, a beauty mark accentuating her mature charm, and wearing a perfectly fitting traditional Japanese yukata as if it were tailored for her body.

Being around my age or possibly older, the hostess had flawless skin without a single wrinkle or blemish.

Truly, she boasted a level of beauty that could make most young people envious.

… But why does she seem oddly familiar?

It feels like I might figure it out if I think a little more, but just a slight difference prevents me from recognizing her, leaving me frustrated internally.

Meanwhile, Taeman, unable to contain himself any longer, starts his typical behavior.

“Uhyo, the hostess! Your sexy figure hasn’t changed even after half a year, huh? You don’t seem to age at all, right? Are you a married woman with a child?”

“Ah..!”

What is this person saying right now!

Immediately mocking me upon arrival.

“I.. I apologize, I will apologize on behalf.”

“Hehe.. It’s okay. Since it’s been half a year and your low-class thug vibe hasn’t changed, I’m even more delighted to see you.”

“Oh… Really?”

Gooosh

Although her eyes were smiling, the lady was not laughing at all.

I could feel a chilling aura emanating from her, as if she was freezing me in real-time.

This person.. something’s off.

Looking closely, you can see the veins bulging on her forehead!

Most women would be speechless with their faces dried up, but she seemed to be laughing confidently, as if Taeman had experienced this more than once.

Like a lumberjack relentlessly chopping down a tree that never falls..

They seem like an unexpectedly good match.

Engaging in a fierce battle of wits that sparks fly from each other’s eyes for a moment,

The lady made the first move.

“Heh.. Leaving guests in the cold foyer for too long would be a terrible thing to do. As I am busy with facility management, I will assign one of my staff to assist you.”

Saying so, she pressed the call bell, and a response came from afar.

“Yes~ Just a moment!”

Thump thump!

It must be quite tiring to walk back and forth in this corridor.

…But why does that voice sound familiar?

Thump thump!

It can’t be true~ I thought, but maybe..? I wondered as the footsteps grew louder.

Thump thump!

And there, turning the corner, was a face I knew very well.

“…Manager Choi?”

“Eh? Director?”

Why is Manager Choi here..?

“Oh my, you two seem to know each other.”

“If you’re the manager..! The man that Mina kept talking about until she was blue in the face seems to be a guest. How did this happen by chance?”

“…Huh? Mina..?”

“Oh, Mina is my daughter.”

“What?!”

So that’s why I felt uncomfortable until now.

Although they didn’t look exactly alike, their overall features and harmony made them look like mother and daughter, both beautiful.

Sometimes, was she boasting to help her mother’s work..?

“Oh.. Mom, when did I talk about him endlessly..!”

“Look at this girl. She spent all day bragging about Director Choi in my ears.”

“Ohhh!!! I don’t know anything~ I didn’t hear anything~~”

Oh

Manager Choi, who always laughs and acts lively in front of me or at work, is embarrassed and can’t move in front of his mother..

Indeed, people need to be seen again to be understood.

His awkwardness might be somewhat amusing.

“Tsk”

“..Manager Choi, is this something to laugh about?”

Manager Choi immediately regains composure.

His cold expression is just like hers..

“Ahem..”

“Haah anyway, let me guide you to the reserved room. Follow me.”

“Okay kids, let’s go.”

“Just a moment.”

Sigh

Oh no, what now, let’s get out of the foyer.

I turn my head and look at Taeman’s face as he grabs my shoulder.

.. What’s wrong with him?

It seemed like nothing much, but his eyes widened and his mouth gaped open as if he were surprised.

“Wow”

Even you, Taeyang?

“… Did Hyung have a lover?”

“Did Dad have a lover..?!”

“What? No, that’s not it!”

Even mentioning a lover, Manager Choi, who I heard was just senior and junior colleagues at work, would feel bad.

“Manager Choi, sorry, don’t mind what they say…”

“You and a lover….”

“?”

“Haha, Taeyang, me, and Manager Choi living together peacefully, even having a new child…”

Manager Choi murmurs something while bowing deeply.

“Manager Choi..?”

If you act like this, what will become of me..

“Hahaha!! As expected, you’re paying for looks? You didn’t mess with our sister for no reason, right? Were you secretly maintaining this kind of relationship while pretending not to care? Who’s the golden boy here?”

“Where’s a good place for a wedding these days? Instead of this, I should pull out all my connections and create a remarriage venue like no other, just for you, bro!”

“Hmm… I understand everything. Dad, even Mom will understand from up above how much I’ve struggled until now.”

“Looks like spring is coming for Dad too.”

“I said no!”

The world hates only me!

Navigating through the chaotic situation caused by everyone’s misconceptions except mine,

I finally arrived at a comfortable room following Manager Choi’s guidance.

Was it really this difficult to walk a few steps to reach the room?

“Well then, I’ll see you again during mealtime, Director.”

As if distinguishing between work and personal matters, Manager Choi closed the door with a welcoming heart, ready to dive back into work mode.

*Door closes*

*Sigh*

“Ugh…~”

Feeling drained as soon as the door shut, I lay down on the prepared blanket.

“Phew, finally getting some rest now.”

“Haha, bro, is it okay for you to just lie there quietly? Shouldn’t you go help your hardworking girlfriend at work?”

“Yeah, what are you doing without Dad noticing?”

“.. It’s even hard to respond now, so exhausting.”

They’ll probably tease me with this bait for a month.

“We still have quite some time before mealtime, so why don’t you guys lie down and rest a bit too?”

“Hey hey! After coming all this way to have fun, why tire ourselves out for nothing! Let’s flirt with the hostess instead!!”

“I wonder if there are any celebrities around to spot or not~”

“Haha, the hunt for the top-tier beauty begins!!!”

… They won’t kick us out, right?