episode_0396

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…This is harder than I thought.

If I try to act the same way Hayun does, it just feels like something a cutesy little sister would do—way too embarrassing for me.

On the other hand, if I wait for Baek Jiho to act like Seo Woojin and just react accordingly, well… he’s not the type to do that in the first place.

Sure, technically, I’m a year younger than Jiho, but…

We’ve always lived as if I were the noona since we were kids…

Sigh.

I only wanted to pick up a few things—figure out what guys like.

I thought I could use this chance to smooth over the slight awkwardness between Jiho and me.

But why is something so trivial this difficult?

“Teacher, wanna get a little closer?”

“Hmm… Then how about I just—”

“Eh? Huh? Wait—?!”

“Yeah, just like that. Here…”

Somewhere in Ihwa-dong’s mural village.

In front of a mural I’d often seen in friends’ photos, Seo Woojin wrapped his arms around Hayun from behind and smiled toward the smartphone Jiho was holding up.

Sure, the height difference meant Hayun’s forehead ended up lightly covering Woojin’s mouth, but I could still see the playful glint in his eyes.

Click, click.

Standing beside them, listening to the sound of photos being taken, I stared blankly at the two.

Woojin, as usual, was smiling casually.

Hayun seemed embarrassed at first, but before I knew it, she’d settled into being treated like a doll.

Now, I just had to imagine replacing those two with me and Jiho.

If Jiho hugged me, I’d probably grumble at first before reluctantly staying still. That kind of vibe.

So I let my imagination run wild for a moment.

“……”

Yeah… this doesn’t feel right.

The reverse is even worse.

“The weather’s nice, so the photos are turning out great. Maybe yesterday’s rain washed away all the fine dust.”

“Really? Let me see… Wow. Woojin, look at this.”

I let out a quiet sigh, side-eyeing Jiho, who was still holding the phone after taking their pictures.

Not that I can’t do it, of course.

If I really tried, I could.

But if we’re talking about whether it suits us… well… it’s a no.

First problem: Jiho and I don’t have the same height difference as those two.

We’re almost the same height.

I’m on the taller side for a girl, and Jiho’s just around average for a guy.

So if he tried to hug me from behind like that, forget just covering my lips or nose—he’d probably end up blocking my entire forehead.

The mood would be completely different from what we’re seeing now.

Second problem: our personalities.

Not just mine—Jiho’s too. Everyone’s.

Sure, I could tone down my usual indifference and play the obedient girlfriend if I tried.

But Jiho? No way.

He’d rather keep things like we did in elementary school—just easy, comfortable friends.

The only time he ever laid a hand on me was when he was drunk and the mood got fuzzy.

Unless he’s completely wasted like last time, I doubt he’d ever treat me like that.

“Would you two like a photo together? I can take it for you.”

“Ah, no, no. Daebin and I aren’t really into that stuff. We’ll keep taking yours.”

“……”

…Which is why I made sure to schedule the bar as the last stop.

But now I’m in trouble because I still haven’t learned anything useful to try on my boyfriend.

Earlier, during lunch, it was cute when Hayun held out her fork to Woojin, saying, “Try this, it’s good.”

But if I did that, it’d probably come out more like, “Hey. Eat this.”

Earlier, on the street, it was adorable when Hayun accidentally met Woojin’s eyes and grinned.

But if I did that to Jiho, he’d probably just ask, “You eat something weird?”

Besides, I don’t even want to do that cringy stuff.

…So what should I do to make us feel like a couple instead of a married pair with 20 years under their belt?

Is there a way to create a romantic vibe without it being awkward or cheesy?

Maybe I should just grab his hand like those two are doing.

It’s sweltering, but… should I?

I was staring at Jiho’s hand gripping his phone when—

“What?”

“…Huh?”

“You’ve been staring at me for a while now.”

Noticing my gaze, Jiho tilted his head.

“Got something to say?”

“…No. Not really.”

“Seriously? I thought maybe I had something on my face from lunch.”

“……”

Should we hold hands too?

If he asks why, how should I answer?

Those two have been doing it since earlier.

If he says, They just started dating, so of course they’re like that, how do I respond?

If I just snap, Just hold my damn hand like a normal couple, would that be too aggressive compared to Hayun?

Would he let go after 10 minutes, complaining about sweaty palms?

I cut off my own thoughts and spoke.

“Uh, no reason. But there is something I wanna ask.”

“What?”

“The photos. Aren’t we taking any?”

If he wanted to, I wouldn’t say no.

Since we’re in public, I’d even try to lift the corners of my mouth instead of keeping my usual stiff expression.

Holding hands, hugging like those two just did—whatever.

Just say the word, Jiho.

This kind of leading question is so obvious.

Which is why I already knew his answer.

“Nah. Too lazy. Sun’s too hot anyway. Plus, what kind of photo would we even take? It’d just be cringe.”

“…Ah. Okay.”

“What? You want to? You’re the one who always said you didn’t get people who take pics like this.”

“I know. I think it’s cringe too… Just thought I’d ask. In case.”

…Having known Jiho since we were kids, I’m well aware he has zero tact.

So of course I knew this was coming.

I knew it, and yet—

The board game café Hayun had insisted on visiting.

After playing a few popular games, I let out a sigh of relief—at least here, I could beat that couple.

Hayun’s comment—It’s so much fun with you, my sister, and Woojin!—made me flinch for a second, but thankfully, she didn’t mean anything weird by it.

From Da Vinci Code to Rummikub to Splendor…

Jiho and I won every single one, which only made them more determined to play “just one more” after returning from the bathroom.

Guess they really enjoyed it.

Maybe we should’ve played stuff like this together more often.

“Ugh… Honestly, we only won because of luck this time…”

“Luck helps, but you still need to use your brain. That’s probably why noona’s having fun.”

“…So you’re saying I’m having fun because I didn’t notice it was just luck?”

“That’s not how I meant it.”

With Jiho also heading to the bathroom, only Woojin and I were left at the table.

After a moment of hesitation, I propped my chin on my hand, sipped my drink, and studied him.

While the others were away, he neatly stacked the game chips we’d used.

Maybe it’s because we shared a few secrets back in the infirmary, but…

Honestly, this feels more comfortable than when all four of us are together.

Obviously, I just mean comfortable.

When Hayun’s around, I’m too busy observing how she acts with Woojin.

When Jiho’s around, this weird frustration keeps bubbling up.

Plus, Woojin knows why I suggested this double date…

In short, we’re at a level where we can speak bluntly.

If I really pushed it, I could even jab him with something like, So, was it fun having Hayun and Jiyun at the same time?

Never thought I’d end up thinking like this while alone with him.

After another sip, I glanced toward the restroom and continued.

“…Since they’re gone, mind if I ask? What do you think? About me and Jiho.”

“About what, exactly?”

“Don’t play dumb. As a couple—does anything feel off?”

“Hmm…”

As expected, not an easy question. Woojin rubbed his chin.

After a moment, he straightened up and answered calmly.

“Honestly? You two look like an old married couple. In a bad way.”

“I told you. That ‘stale’ feeling, or whatever.”

“I even nudged you earlier about taking a photo, but you refused.”

“I brought it up again later! I even asked if we should take one, but—!”

“Ah, so that’s what you were whispering about before the photo.”

“…I’d be fine with even half the vibe you and Hayun have.”

Maybe remembering the scene from earlier, Woojin smiled faintly and grabbed a snack.

The crisp sound made me reach out too, and he slid the plate toward me.

It was already within reach, but…

Guess his job as a health teacher made kindness second nature.

I gave him a grateful look and popped a snack into my mouth.

“……”

“……”

The taste was sweet but with a bitter undertone, slowly spreading across my tongue.

After a brief silence, Woojin spoke quietly.

“Not to overstep, but…”

“Don’t worry about it. Just tell me. What’s the issue?”

“‘Issue’ might be too strong.”

“Then what is it?”

A third-party perspective is often more accurate than the involved parties’.

So when I pressed him, Woojin gave a troubled smile.

“Maybe being too close is the problem. You said you’re childhood friends, right?”

“I know. But even so… I can’t just cut out all those memories now.”

Since no memory-altering heroes or villains have shown up yet, that’s pure fantasy.

As my expression soured, he tapped the table lightly.

“I’m not saying you should erase those memories. Just…”

“…”

“Maybe try creating some distance? Like how the ground hardens after rain—ever heard that?”

“It’s a saying. ‘After hardship, strength.’ Something like that.”

It’s a common proverb—no way I wouldn’t know it.

“You don’t need hardship, but maybe a little space would help you appreciate each other more.”

“……Hmm…”

“For example, instead of sticking together all the time, try spending some time apart.”

I get the gist.

Instead of flailing around like I am now, I should change up the routine we’ve had for years.

But I’m not sold.

What if creating distance just makes things worse?

Especially with male-female relationships—wouldn’t that backfire?

After some thought, I shook my head lightly.

“Never mind. Maybe I’ll just get him drunk later…”

Pfft. “That’s… also a solid plan. Very realistic.”

…Now that I think about it, this feels like I’m the one getting advice.

Does this mean I owe him two counseling sessions later?

I quickly erased the thought like wiping away pencil marks.