episode_0029

High above,

An overwhelming atmosphere emanated from the irresistibly large, adorable products.

Among them was the giant teddy bear that Mina had been eyeing.

Usually, I would have just passed by without hesitation since these things are all about luck, but the situation is different now.

One of my closest colleagues at work desires this item, and it doesn’t sit right with me to ignore it and move on.

Alright.

Let’s give it a shot.

When engaging in this type of product-grabbing game, observation is key.

Before diving in, it’s crucial to observe what other customers are doing and strategize accordingly.

By determining if the prizes are fixed in place, you can kill two birds with one stone.

Fortunately, with some skill and luck, many people were drawn to this spot as it offered a much cheaper way to obtain the doll compared to buying it at a souvenir shop.

Clang-clang-

“Congratulations, customer!”

The sound of bells rang out as prizes tumbled over, indicating that this place operated with integrity.

To prevent customers from easily winning, they had widened the gap between the toy guns and the prize display shelves for a more challenging experience.

“Oppa? What are you doing here? Let’s go explore somewhere else now.”

As I earnestly watched, Mina suddenly appeared beside me, following my vanished figure.

She seemed lost in thought as she followed my gaze towards the display shelves.

Upon spotting the doll she desired, Mina sent me a dissuading look.

“Oppa… Are you trying to win that doll?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… With its size, even if you shoot it multiple times, it seems unlikely to fall over, right?”

“I’m fine with it, so don’t worry too much. Let’s continue on our way.”

“You’re so kind that it’s almost embarrassing; you must be doing this for my sake, so I feel good, but…”

Normally, due to her nagging, I would have compromised and stopped. But why is it that at this moment, Taeyangi’s words come to mind?

“Women like it when men take the lead and do things for them.”

“It makes them feel secure and gives them someone to rely on.”

And…

“Men need confidence! It’s better to try and regret than not try at all.”

“As long as you don’t overdo it and enjoy within reasonable limits, don’t worry too much.”

“… If you put it that way, then I’ll go along, but if it doesn’t work out, we’re leaving, okay?”

“Sure, sure.”

Alright, I’ve got Mina’s approval.

Let’s start slowly.

I hand the cashier money and receive toy bullets, standing in front of the shooting range.

Three thousand won per shot, but if you nitpick, you won’t even get started.

Hmm, indeed.

Even though the distance seemed quite far when observing, it feels more real up close.

They must be avoiding losses in business.

Still, it’s worth a try.

When aiming for the prize, the best spots to hit are the head or the relatively lighter upper body to topple it easily.

Just like when I went on dates with my wife, I often aimed for the head and easily won prizes.

She loved it, too.

Now, it’s a bittersweet memory.

Fueled by that experience, my confidence is soaring.

I focus all my attention and firmly press the gun’s trigger near the shoulder area.

Aligning my sight with the gun’s direction,

I fix the front and rear sights to overlap, creating two circles.

Ah, this cool yet familiar sensation—it’s been a while.

It’s time to return to Sergeant Park Minsu of the Republic of Korea Army, who has been through thick and thin!

All preparations are complete.

Now, it’s all up to luck.

“Phew…”

It may seem foolish, but there’s something cool about this scene that even passersby and those who shot before are holding their breath, watching intently.

Bang!

In the tense atmosphere, a lackluster gunshot rings out.

The bullet, anticipated by all, flies in an arc.

And at the end of its trajectory…

Clunk!

“?”

“?”

“…?”

…. Darn it.

Everyone looks around with puzzled expressions.

Nothing fits and it’s frustrating to pass through thin air.

The problem is, it was correct.

It wasn’t the head of the special large doll I was aiming for, but a strict product.

“Uh… Oh! Congratulations! Customer!”

Jingle jangle—

Even the host hesitates slightly before sending congratulations belatedly.

“Whatever it is … this is still impressive! You won the prize in just one shot!”

Mina, who was watching from the side, comforts me so that I don’t lose heart.

But why do I feel more hurt..?

Suddenly, an urge comes over me.

“Add 10 more shots here!”

“?! Oppa!”

Success means special large doll; failure means beggar, right!

.

.

.

30 minutes later

After my own lonely and solitary battle ends,

Mina and I were walking up the promenade to reach a prime spot to watch the highlight of the festival, the fireworks.

Snuggled comfortably in Mina’s arms is the special large bear doll.

“Hehe..”

“…”

This is probably what they call a mix of joy and sorrow.

As soon as my long-dormant competitive spirit flared up, I shouted without hesitation.

Fortunately,

I got it cheaper than when buying at the store.. Or not?

Still, looking at Mina holding the bear doll with a proud smile, I don’t feel so gloomy.

Rather, I feel proud.

“Thank you, Oppa.”

“It’s nothing~ It’s something I can do for you.”

“Hehe, even though it was nice to see you being all relaxed, it was also nice to see you blushing and embarrassed all of a sudden, right?”

“Oh..! Don’t tease me, or I won’t do it anymore.”

“Yes yes, the master of claw machines.”

“Tsk..”

“Thank you so much, Oppa.”

“Anyway, I did it for you, so it’s worth it.”

“I like your kindness, Oppa.”

“Since you say it like that, it feels rewarding! Just tell me next time! I’ll do all the picking for you.”

“… But I think your wallet might be in danger if you keep going like this, so just buy them with money.”

The fervent atmosphere from just a moment ago seems unshakeable.

Constantly chatting with Mina, how long has it been?

Before we knew it, we had arrived at the prime spot Mina had told us about.

Initially, we were going to the place mentioned by the guide, but Mina said she knew a better place, so we came here.

She seems confident about the local geography, but who knows.

As we climbed up the hill, the place I had intended to go to was visible in the distance.

“Phew.”

“I almost went there, that would have been a disaster.”

“Right? You listened to me well.”

Looking down below, where people were crowded as if suffocating, it seemed like everyone had gathered for the festival.

“How could you miss such a great place? Impressive.”

“This is my territory! Finding hidden spots is a piece of cake.”

In contrast, this place seemed to be known only to a few, showing fewer people.

Go Mina!

We laid out the picnic mat she had brought and sat comfortably in a good spot.

To make the perfect viewing experience, we quickly set up some snacks and even grabbed two cold cans of beer!

Chh-click—

The sound of opening a can that brings refreshing coolness to the hand and makes you want to drink just by hearing it.

Seems like Mina had the same thought as we exchanged glances.

“Cheers!!”

We toasted immediately and gulped down the alcohol eagerly.

“Ah~”

“This is great!”

This is happiness!

What more could you ask for? A healthy body, the sun shining brightly(?), and…

If you want more from here, it’s just greed.

“Whew~ I’m really lucky this year. Oppa came to help my parents, and coincidentally, the festival is happening too, so we came together..”

“Is this real or am I confused right now?”

“Is this a dream?”

“Huh?”

It was just a casual remark, but Mina, as if unable to believe it, immediately pinched her cheek.

Her action was so childlike that I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! Why are you taking it so seriously?”

“Really! I got scared for a moment, thinking it might be true!”

“Sorry, sorry.”

“I’m happy too. Being here with you, enjoying the festival, forgetting about our busy lives, and healing without any worries.”

Indeed.

Indulging in nostalgia, leaving precious memories in real-time as if regretting not coming, Taeman might have to give a good gift later.

I wonder what the kids are up to now…?

They said they were coming to the festival, so they should be around here. Whether it’s unfortunate or fortunate, I didn’t get to meet them.

I hope they’re having a good time like me.

“Do you remember me, oppa?”

“Hmm?”

“When we first met.”

“Oh, Minah, was it not long after you first joined?”

“You were so determined and impressive, running around trying your best. It’s been several years already~”

“Haha, yes. Since I only helped out at the inn during my social life, I didn’t know much and struggled.”

“But thanks to that, you approached me first to help with my work, which laid the foundation for our relationship until now.”

“I think I’m lucky.”

“What nonsense..”

I just approached a junior who seemed to be struggling and helped out, becoming a mentor to guide them. After that, Minah worked hard, gained recognition from superiors, and improved her reputation at the company.

Receiving such respect, I feel like I’m walking on air.

“Talking about work makes me think of our team members~ I wonder if they’re all resting well?”

“Since it’s a rare holiday, it would be nice if they rested well.”

After a moment,

As if remembering something fun, Minah brightly suggests taking a selfie together.

“Since it’s a rare occasion, let’s take a commemorative photo! How about it?”

“Should we?”

It seemed suspicious, but since it would be a loss not to take a picture in such a beautiful place, I agreed without much thought.

“Okay, say cheese~”

“Smile, oppa! Say ‘cheese’~”

Click!

“Wow, it came out nicely! I’ll send you the picture on Kuptok later.”

“Thanks~”

After saying that, like sending a message to someone, Minah focuses on Kuptok.

Thinking she must be catching up on overdue messages, I absentmindedly gazed at the scenery without noticing Minah’s subtly rising smile.

Kuptok!

Kuptok!

The mansion in the mountains

Not all maids rest even during holidays.

Just like sending soldiers on leave in appropriate numbers, the same goes for this place.

And the maids who didn’t take or couldn’t take leave regretted not going out then.

One woman, receiving a manicure from a maid, twisted her face like a demon, scaring even those who had taken care of her as if she were a full-time maid.

And what made this lady, who was almost like a plant in the greenhouse, angry was a photo sent by a certain man from the fox year, chatting flirtatiously.

(Photo)

(Photo)

Crazy Fox Year: Haha, jealous?

Splat

“This damn b****…”

… Looks like I’ll have to suffer as much as I healed.