episode_0028

Episode 27: Korean-style Friendship-building Activities (2)

“MT…?”

“Yeah.”

Han Seyeon fell silent.

The answer that should have come out immediately.

She relayed the news right after dinner.

There was no obligation, but as a family member, she had to convey it.

She didn’t expect this kind of expression in return.

“There’s some allowance left.”

“Where’s the money?”

Money, money, money.

That darn money.

It was a complicated yet straightforward issue.

Seemingly crumpling her pride, Han Seyeon’s eyebrows lightly furrowed.

Of course, that wasn’t the intention.

From Han Seyin’s perspective, it was just an event she had to attend and mention.

For Han Seyeon, having to pay money made the situation uncomfortable.

Doesn’t sit well with her.

Even though she was the eldest. What’s money got to do with it?

Why did it have to become so uncomfortable and awkward like this?

“I’ll give it.”

“No, it’s not necessary. I just mentioned it. I’ll be back.”

“It’s fine. Take it when I offer.”

Upon reflection, nearly three weeks had passed since the last allowance.

100,000 won per month.

An absurdly insufficient amount for a student to spend.

No, it was practically equivalent to a housewife’s living expenses rather than personal desires.

Even if asked for additional money, she only mentioned it in truly necessary situations.

A pang of emotion surged deep within Han Seyeon’s heart.

She said nothing.

She would even decline if offered money.

She knew all her actions and words were considerate of her elder sister.

That’s why her heart felt even more pained.

Afraid tears might fall, she quickly changed the subject.

Taking out two 10,000-won bills from her wallet.

“This, this isn’t necessary. You have money, right?”

“It’s been almost a month. Consider it an early payment.”

“Okay…”

Thank you.

Han Seyin muttered.

Hesitation, downward glances.

The awkwardly clenched bills felt inadequate.

This sight evoked sympathy once again.

Unconsciously, Han Seyeon gently stroked her head.

If she acted nonchalant, maybe she wouldn’t notice.

She was surprised at herself for doing so.

Twitch, twitch.

Simultaneously, her body trembled.

An awkward atmosphere lingered in the air.

“Sorry…”

“It’s okay…”

Awkwardly.

When Han Seyin raised his head, Han Seyeon forced an awkward smile.

Many things had changed in a month.

They could handle everyday conversations without a hitch.

Though situations like this were a bit awkward, their bond was still precious.

Enjoyment is enjoyment.

Yet, the awkward atmosphere persisted.

Their gazes lost focus.

Then.

Han Seyeon’s eyes widened.

What came out of her mouth was something that couldn’t happen in a normal sibling relationship.

“If you want to…”

“Yeah?”

“You can.”

Her body stiffened awkwardly.

Han Seyin avoided eye contact.

Was it embarrassing to say it outright?

Looking away, he seemed more endearing than ever.

His mouth opened, but no words came out.

It wasn’t a failure to understand his intentions.

It was an action driven by instinct rather than rational conversation.

“Your hands are warm, Noona.”

“Uh, uh…”

A typical compliment.

Was it awkward because she kept stroking his head?

The heated air quickened Han Seyeon’s heartbeat.

Thump, thump.

There was no time to catch her racing heart.

When was the last time she had caressed her younger brother’s head?

She felt the soft, silky hair.

The gentle movement of her wrist.

It felt like petting a young kitten for the first time.

Her heart raced uncontrollably.

With closed eyes, a face that felt the touch approached enchantingly.

I need to calm down. I have to calm down.

Han Seyeon swallowed her saliva and composed herself.

“Stop.”

“Ah…”

Was it too boldly touched?

Han Seyin’s body abruptly turned away.

“I have to make food.”

“Yeah…”

Should I order in?

It was money squeezed out of him against his will.

Nevertheless, he barely held back the urge to pat her head again.

Clattering of tableware.

Han Seyeon simply gazed at him for a long time.

***

A week passed quickly.

Nothing special happened during that time.

The usual routine?

Jung Ayeong getting slapped.

Occasionally, even Kang Hyeon hitting me.

Then Jung Ayeong wailing again.

Kim Hyeongmin smiling?

It was just another typical week.

If anything changed, it was Kang Hyeon’s expression.

Her face turning darker with each slap.

I understand. She likes me.

And there was one more issue.

“Ugh…”

Today marked over three weeks since school started.

In other words, almost a month without self-comfort.

There was desire.

It was hard to resist when surrounded by pretty girls with good figures.

Literally no time to relax.

Upon arriving home, he had to cook for Han Seyeon.

His only personal space was the restroom, but he didn’t feel like it due to the effort of finding privacy amidst family members.

But doing it at school or elsewhere wasn’t an option, right?

So, there was a slight unease creeping in.

“Surely they’re not monitoring, right?”

[I recommend doing it as soon as possible.]

“Come to think of it, if you do it, can’t you see it?]

[…….]

This is insane.

Anyway.

He stepped forward, leaving behind the hologram maintaining silence.

He felt slightly more relaxed than usual.

Since they gathered at school to take a rental bus for a group trip, it resembled a math field trip despite being called MT.

How long did it take?

On the way passing by the school, he could meet Jung Ayeong in front of Daiso.

“……”

“H-Haha…”

Look at this shameless act.

With a large bag on her shoulder and a Daiso bag, Jung Ayeong awkwardly smiled.

“Good morning.”

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

She didn’t ask for a reason.

At this point, it was almost like a playful gesture.

Anyway.

She and I safely arrived at school.

Large buses were parked in rows.

She and I occupied the front seats.

Although the room assignment was tight due to the timing, where else would we be?

“Do you want to sit by the window?”

“No, you sit. Seyin.”

“Yeah.”

Naturally, she was my seatmate even on the bus.

For some reason, Jung Ayeong clenched her fist as if making a resolution.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Oh, uh, nothing…”

What kind of expression is that?

When asked about her thoughts, she hastily looked far away like a startled deer.

[You have earned 20 points.]

What could she be thinking?

Between the turned faces, her twitching lips felt eerily sinister.

Yeah… that could be possible.

Anyway.

The rest of the schedule was simple.

A few hours on the bus.

Arrival at the lodging.

Being in the stuffy city and then coming to a place with fresh air made me feel relieved.

Forests and trees.

It might have been a bit excessive, but the large pension-style lodging calmed my mind.

No need to worry about the genre changing.

All the students gathered, and the mundane itinerary began.

Wearing uniforms and gowns felt oddly nostalgic.

Of course, it didn’t apply to Jung Ayeong and me.

We got our rooms assigned, unpacked, and settled in.

Lunchtime drew near before we knew it.

Being close to her felt no different from usual.

It was somewhat expected.

This place was a team-building activity, akin to a Korean-style retreat.

But why were there two people who should not be spoken to under any circumstances?

As similar as chalk and cheese, they said.

Perhaps the only comfort was that we were not alone but together.

“If you feel overwhelmed, you can leave.”

“Thank you.”

Acting as a sort of scapegoat meant not having to follow the schedule?

After eating, outdoor activities commenced.

Teams were quickly formed for a sports competition.

Was it a coffee-making contest?

The girls played soccer, while the boys either watched or formed teams for other sports.

This did not apply to me and Jung Ah-young.

I wasn’t feeling well, and she was expected to feel unwell.

It might have sounded like a ridiculous excuse, but the atmosphere was surprisingly welcoming.

The teacher, playing the role of a guide, kept a watchful eye, though not very reassuring.

This was a unique experience in its own right.

I may not have attended a retreat like this in my past life, but to come this far and face exclusion?

Oh, how peculiar.

And then, when evening came and recreation time arrived,

I witnessed a rather peculiar sight.

“They seem to be drinking.”

“Let’s not get involved.”

Kim Hyung-min and several girls.

What was strange was the absence of Kang Hyeon-ah, who usually guarded them like a bodyguard.

People exiting the decorated stage.

They held black envelopes in their hands, and green bottles were also visible.

Isn’t alcohol usually consumed at night?

It seemed a bit odd, but I couldn’t intervene further.

After the chess competition ended,

the long-awaited courage training began.

“With the person you want…”

“I volunteer!!!”

All eyes turned towards us.

Jung Ah-young, grabbing my right hand tightly and raising it high.

It was an unexpected event during the day.

Cheers like thunder echoed across the darkened field.

Though Jung Ah-young blushed belatedly upon noticing the attention,

she did not let go of my tightly held hand.

“…Y-yes.”

I understand that feeling.

I’m just as flustered.

How flustered must the teacher be?

There was no sign of the timid Jung Ah-young.

Well, she was still the same, but

her confident display of courage training was reminiscent of a general.