episode_0014

After enjoying a steaming hot bowl of udon for the first time in a while and taking in the fresh morning air, I woke up from a deep sleep before noon and felt satisfied to greet a pleasant morning.

However, why does this mister not wake me up until this hour? How long does he plan on sleeping? I got up from bed, stretched lightly, and started looking around the room for him.

But his figure was nowhere to be seen in his open room or anywhere in the living room. Feeling puzzled, I turned towards the entrance and noticed that his shoes were missing, realizing that he had gone out.

Leaving without a word, how rude. Am I getting a bit annoyed?

With such thoughts in mind, I took out my smartphone and dialed the mister’s number.

Although there was only one phone number saved in my contacts labeled “Mister,” why do tears suddenly well up…?

Feigning a bit of sadness and wiping away tears, I heard the mister’s voice through the phone.

“Oh, you’re up? Sorry, I had to meet someone outside. You were sleeping so well, so I just left.”

“Mister, why do you go out without saying anything? I’m trying to act upset~”

“It doesn’t sound like you’re upset… Anyway, I’m busy, so should I hang up?”

What could be so urgent for this mister on a Saturday afternoon… Normally, he would insist on sleeping until this hour or stay holed up in his room playing games. And the mister who always informed me of his plans suddenly without mentioning any appointments?

“What’s the rush? Meeting a friend? Or is it your lover~?”

Just mentioning the word “lover” elicited a rough cough from the other end of the phone. It seems like that was the right answer, seeing as he only coughed without saying anything. I hope this clueless mister will be a bit more considerate today.

“Oh, anyway! I might be late today, so don’t starve or anything until I get back. Got it?”

“Yeah, yeah! Got it. Don’t worry about me, just enjoy some quality time with your lover~”

Feeling proud of the mister’s stuttering voice, I hung up the phone. I did hear about his lover, but the fact that he’s actually going to meet them is quite unexpected, especially since I didn’t hear any phone calls inside the house. Honestly, it doesn’t sit well with me…

“But still, that mister. He may be clueless and absent-minded, but he has a good heart, so he must be continuing to date his lover. Well, it’s not my place to worry about it, right? Then what should I do in this empty house all alone?”

With no special plans, I started vacuuming and began organizing the dried laundry on the living room table. Even though it’s understandable on weekdays, it’s already starting to feel boring without the mister, the only person I spend time with.

After finishing all the cleaning, I found myself with nothing to do, so I leisurely turned on my smartphone and browsed the internet, stumbling upon a cooking blog.

Not only did it share great restaurant recommendations, but it also had a plethora of baking and cooking recipes, making my heart flutter. I immediately followed the blog and bookmarked it.

Lunch should be made with the ingredients here. Hmm, let’s start by filling our stomachs with a simple sandwich and then try making some cookies. I’ve been wanting to make them for a while, but I never had the time to do so.

The crab meat sandwich here seems like the perfect choice. Luckily, all the ingredients are already prepared at home, so it won’t take much time. But we’re out of cookie ingredients, so I’ll have to go get some later.

*

“Turned out better than expected, huh?”

The cookies I made turned out to be chocolate chip cookies. Lately, I’ve been craving sweet foods, so I chose a recipe with chocolate in it. Even though it was my first time making cookies, the result seems satisfying, unlike what I had anticipated.

Most of all, the chewiness when you split them in half! I can already imagine how delicious they will be. Once I finish the cookies, I should prepare some coffee to go with them.

– Click

As I set the plate of cookies on the living room table, I heard the sound of the front door opening. It’s strange, the man who went out on a date with his lover wouldn’t be back so soon, would he?

“I’m back…”

No way. Who else would come into this house besides the man and me? As the man, who seemed lively when he called, slowly revealed himself with a hoarse voice, I couldn’t muster the courage to ask why he came back so early.

I don’t know what the reason is, but it’s definitely a failed surprise date plan.

“Come in, sir. I made cookies, want to try them?”

I tried to offer a taste with a brief greeting, but the man shook his head, showing no interest, and walked towards his room.

Seeing his slumped shoulders, I felt a bit concerned. I don’t know if the man made a mistake or if his lover is the problem, but how dare they make our man feel down. How should I cheer him up?

“Have you had lunch? The cookies turned out well… Should I suggest having a drink?”

As I thought about something that could lift his spirits, I remembered the beers tucked away in a corner of the fridge that the man brought home on the day he was so drunk. Even though I said I wouldn’t interfere, I secretly filled a few bottles, but this simple man didn’t even touch a single one in front of me.

“Alright, I’ll show some kindness. He must be feeling down, so I’ll have a drink with him.”

After making up my mind, I stood in front of the firmly closed door of the man’s room and knocked.

“Sir, care for a drink?”

But the man didn’t even respond. Is he taking a nap, or is he crying his eyes out due to some unfortunate event?

“Come on in.”

What, he’s not crying. I was going to comfort him like a child if he was sobbing. A little disappointing.

*

While suggesting to have a drink was fine, it seems to have had the opposite effect. No, this man. He’s not talking more or bursting into tears as the alcohol kicks in…

“Sir, say something.”

After sitting on the edge of the bed with a small table in front of us and drinking together for about 15 minutes, this man. He’s on his fourth beer, not looking me in the eye or saying a single word. Why is he drinking so much bitterness? I’m drinking quite a bit myself, but still.

However, is this man the type to become quiet when he drinks? Or is there something so serious that he just hangs his head and drinks?

Because of the gloomy atmosphere emanating from this man, the air around me feels heavy, and I can’t help but break out in a cold sweat for no reason. How is this man going to take responsibility for this atmosphere!

“Hey, Joo Eunhye.”

As I glance at the man and silently resent him in my mind, he suddenly turns towards me and calls out my name. Did he hear me!?

“Yes, yes?”

Caught off guard by his action, I stutter as I put down the cup of beer and wait for his response.

“Do you see me as a boring man?”

“Hmm?”

Although he didn’t seem energetic, I could tell from the serious way he spoke that his girlfriend had probably ended their date over such a trivial issue. They’ve been dating for quite a while, so how could she not know him well enough?

“She seems to get bored of me quickly when we’re together. She didn’t suggest breaking up over this issue, but she started showing a cold attitude towards me more and more.”

With that statement, the man takes another sip of his drink and doesn’t say anything more. Have we reached a point where we’re starting to get on each other’s nerves? But that woman doesn’t seem to see it. How enjoyable it is to be with this man. And it’s fun to tease him too… Ah, maybe it’s because he’s the only close person I have?

Seeing our man devoid of energy, did he have high expectations for today… But how much longer is he going to keep drinking? I won’t be able to suggest going for a walk at this rate.

Well, why would I go out looking like this in the first place. I should just let him drink as much as he wants today and go to sleep. Maybe it’s because of the alcohol, but I’m feeling so good that I’m worried I might say something unnecessary to him.

“Should we postpone going out to tomorrow~”

“Tomorrow what?”

Oh my. I let it slip out by mistake. Oh well~ Since I’ve already said it, should I suggest going somewhere tomorrow? Alright, Joo Eunhye will dedicate a precious Sunday for this man!

“Hey, if you have time tomorrow, would you like to go somewhere with me? Like to an amusement park~”

“Me? I have time, but I don’t really want to go to a noisy place like an amusement park… There are too many kids there.”

Where does this man not want to go? He’s just going to sleep in on Sunday anyway. What idea can I come up with to lure this lazy man out… Oh, I got it!

“Then think of it as practice for a date? I’ve never been to an amusement park before, so I wanted to go at least once.”

The man stiffens for a moment at my statement. Why is he acting like that~ Did he get nervous because I mentioned it was a date practice? Or does he not want to go with me? Despite his hesitation, he nods in agreement, and I grab his hand, bringing my face closer to his.

“So it’s settled? There’s no backing out later if you don’t feel like going!”

All this trouble because of our man. Well, at least I’ll get to go to the amusement park thanks to him. Ah~ I’m looking forward to tomorrow!