episode_0375

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True to the name of a “stroll,”

The place where Lee Jiyoon’s footsteps halted after taking the lead was a riverside walking path along the Han River, dotted with uneven patches of lush greenery.

An ecological park, to be precise—if one could call it that.

The air was thick with the fresh scent of grass, and carefully cultivated flower beds lined the path, adding to the charm.

Around us, joggers brushed past lightly, dogs sniffed at each other, and their owners exchanged small talk.

A few elderly folks strolled leisurely with canes, while some cycling enthusiasts sped down the distant bike lanes, showing off their pace.

Though it didn’t seem like a popular spot for couples,

the woman once called a witch seemed satisfied, nodding to herself as she spun halfway around to take in the view.

“…This is harder than I thought. Walking all the way here.”

“Haa… Jiyoon, you only ever play games at home, so of course it is.”

“Games?”

“Right? If you just hung out with friends like normal, a distance like this would be nothing.”

“No, I used to, but lately I’ve been exercising a lot—”

Perhaps because she said it with a smug grin,

she was immediately subdued by her sister, letting out a tiny yelp about her joints being dislocated or something.

Leaving the bickering sisters be for now, as usual, I stepped onto the wooden walkway layered with fallen leaves.

The gaps between the planks were filled with sand, suggesting it had been here a while, and faint rustling sounds from the underbrush hinted at small wildlife.

Probably a mole passing through the weeds.

Looking closer, I spotted a few mysterious burrows here and there.

Maybe that’s why.

Again, it truly felt like a place befitting the name “stroll.”

A place meant purely for walking and nothing else.

A slight deviation from expectations.

“…”

Weird.

I thought Jiyoon would have some ulterior motive.

Like using the walk as an excuse to pull something strange—that seemed more her style.

Did she really just want the three of us to walk together?

Or was she still hiding her true colors?

Gazing at the Han River flowing calmly between the green foliage, I rolled my stiff shoulders and approached the sisters.

…Well, who knows what’ll happen later, but sometimes this isn’t bad.

With my sexual urges thoroughly sated, I indulged in a rare moment of peace.

375

The stroll was just a stroll.

We walked slowly along the path where summer grass sprouted,

helped a couple take photos against the backdrop of the Han River between towering trees,

sat on stone steps to admire a cool fountain and rested for a while.

Just the three of us sharing idle chatter.

That was all.

As time passed, I glanced up at the sun slowly sinking westward and silently scratched my cheek.

Given how bright it still was, I never imagined anything bold would happen here.

Honestly, I wondered if she’d called us out just for this ordinary walk.

If it had been an offhand suggestion while eating ramen earlier, I wouldn’t have thought much of it—but she brought it up while straddling Hayun as she slept.

So I’d expected something hidden behind the word “stroll.”

Turns out I was overthinking it.

“…Now that we’re out here, it kinda smells like exhaust.”

“It’s the smell we’ve lived with forever, and the one we’ll keep living with. No point complaining now.”

“Sigh… Still, it’s not like we can fly around on ice or something.”

“Why not? I’ve seen it before. In America or Japan, there’s even a hero with that whole concept.”

“It’d look so cringe… Those people are all attention-seekers…”

“…Yeah. It would stand out.”

By now, we’d walked about 10… maybe 12 km.

As I tried to gauge where we were, Jiyoon—frowning slightly—adjusted her cap and stepped closer.

Unlike me or Hayun (who was in the restroom), she looked visibly exhausted.

She’d struggled just getting here, so it made sense.

Was 10 km really that hard?

I briefly considered offering support but stopped, thinking someone might see.

…We should hit a convenience store first.

She looks like she needs a drink.

Ah, maybe we should just take a taxi back.

I was lost in these light worries until Hayun returned from the restroom.

“Let’s see… Yep, we’re close.”

While I blankly watched passersby, Jiyoon pulled out her phone and power bank, nodding at the map on the screen.

After a moment, I spoke up.

“What is?”

“What do you mean? Our destination.”

“Destination?”

“Mmm~ Still a secret? I already told Hayun, but I think it’ll be more fun for you to see it yourself.”

“…Sure. It’s probably nothing too weird.”

“Heheh…”

Smiling like her sister, she pocketed her phone.

Glancing down at her, I adjusted my crossbody bag and replied flatly.

Now that I think about it, she was the one who suggested we rest.

She also planned the route, saying we’d do this and that along the way.

There’s nothing particularly interesting around here, but if we walk a bit further, we’ll hit a commercial district—so her destination is probably somewhere there.

Too basic to even call a deduction.

As I tapped my heel against the ground, a voice called from afar.

“Sorryyy… Took longer than I thought…”

“It’s fine. Wasn’t waiting long.”

“Now that Hayun’s here, let’s go. …Ah, but first, a quick stop at the convenience store.”

By the time our idle chatter—like how strangers would probably think we were siblings—wrapped up,

we found ourselves weaving through crowds more often. We’d apparently passed the edge of the commercial district.

I hadn’t walked this way before, so I didn’t notice immediately, but the weekend bustle was unmistakable.

It was only 5:30 PM—too early for drinking—so it wasn’t packed yet…

But I could already imagine the chaos in a few hours.

Scowling at the thought, I nudged Jiyoon’s shoulder.

I didn’t want to stay out too late.

“So, where’s this destination you mentioned?”

“Well…”

She started casually but then pursed her lips and glanced sideways.

Following her gaze, I saw a girl who’d been chatting animatedly now frozen with an unnatural expression.

…Her flushed cheeks spread all the way to her ears.

That stiff, flustered face.

“Hayun.”

“Y-Yeah?”

“Wanna tell him instead? About the place we’re going.”

“…Didn’t Woojin already know? Why doesn’t he?”

“Of course he doesn’t. I never told him.”

“Then shouldn’t you have discussed it first before—”

“Hm? Was there a need?”

“Of course…! I mean… Obviously…”

Was there even anything to “discuss”?

Listening to the sisters, I stepped aside for another passerby and pondered.

The first thing that came to mind was tattoos.

Even if they were okay with it, I’d refuse—I hate how they look, and the process isn’t easy either.

But nothing else came to mind.

What is it?

“Just tell me now. We’re almost there anyway.”

“Hmm~ Well, it’s nothing that special… Oh, we’re here.”

Cheerfully, Jiyoon pointed at a sign.

Following her finger, I saw an English-lettered storefront.

“…”

…But what caught my eye more than the sign

was the display window beneath it.

“…”

The unmistakable sight of adult toys in the window,

paired with Jiyoon’s quiet voice ringing clearly in my ears:

I’ve already discussed with Hayun what we’re buying.

You two go ahead first.

…The sky is pretty cloudy.

It is nice weather for a walk, but—

“Why’s this park so crowded?”

“It’s the weekend, so everyone had the same idea. Plus, there are lots of good restaurants here. And the weather’s nice.”

“I guess… Did all of Seoul gather here or something…?”

The park Baek Jihyo led us to was so packed it sucked the energy right out of me.

My vague plan was to walk around somewhere scenic to shake off last night’s drinks,

relax at a café,

have a reasonably priced dinner, then head home in good spirits.

But from the start, it’s been…

Ugh…

“Let’s go somewhere else. I can’t breathe here.”

“Where?”

“We’ll figure it out. It’s not like this is all Seoul has.”

“…Hmm. How about the observatory? That cable car thing was pretty fun, remember?”

“Ugh…”

Not a bad memory, but I wasn’t feeling it.

Right now, I just wanted to wander aimlessly.

Or lie on a soft bed and recharge.

Arms crossed under my chest, I kept pondering as we left the crowded park entrance.

“Anywhere more open? The observatory is fine, but I mean literally open. Outside.”

“Well, around here… Han River Park? Though it’s a bit early for that.”

“Han River… That sounds better than this.”

The Han River.

Not a bad idea—I sometimes jog there when the mood strikes.

Since I don’t usually come this far, the view would be different.

So I walked with my boyfriend,

discussing where to eat as the sun dipped—somewhere reliable or a new adventure—when…

“…Huh?”

In the distance.

A familiar face.

“They’re here too?”

“Who? Someone you know?”

“…Yeah. A classmate, her… boyfriend. And her little sister.”

“Where… Oh, the school nurse?”

“Yeah. The nurse. …Wait, hey! Hayun!”

“But the nurse is…”

Seo Woojin, Hayun,

and Hayun’s little sister.

“Wow. Fancy meeting you here. Is this your boyfriend?”

“D-Dabin… What brings you here…?”

Woojin looked the same as when I saw him in the infirmary,

while Hayun wore a slightly uncomfortable, troubled expression.

And in contrast—

“…Hello.”

The moment she saw me,

Hayun’s little sister smiled brightly.

Really pretty, that little sister.