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Translator: penny
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Shall We Kiss?
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"Hey. We're bored, wanna kiss?"
Strange. Unfamiliar.
This feeling had been vaguely there ever since the moment I first laid eyes on you.
It must be because of the three-year gap.
We'd kept in touch through calls and KakaoTalk, but in those three years, we hadn't actually seen each other face-to-face even once...
Even when I spotted you walking toward me from afar and recognized you instantly, it still felt oddly strange and unfamiliar.
Even so, after exchanging a few words, this ticklish emotion would fade, and I'd forget all about it.
My prediction came true when we bickered while filming the vlog, and I figured it'd be like that the whole trip as we wandered around recording.
But nope.
There was this sense of familiarity, like we'd filmed together several times before, even though it was our first.
I was secretly impressed watching you naturally play to the camera, fitting the vlog concept perfectly.
Is this really the mechanical Kang Yumin I know? Turns out he's a natural-born entertainer?
Anyway, since the vlog's star was Ever's Han Chaewon, I pushed aside random thoughts like the likeability signals the members taught me and acted as naturally as you did.
When we ate, we caught up on each other's lives; at the temple, we captured the scenery on camera.
In the process, I sometimes felt the familiar you I knew hadn't changed, and marveled at the new sides I didn't know...
But whatever it was, it was you, so I didn't mind too much.
...Though my curiosity about you only grew.
"Whoa~. The ocean~."
"You still have energy to run? You're insane."
"You're the one who just got discharged and already has no stamina?"
"I poured all my twenties' youth into that 1 year and 6 months. I'm a powerless old man now."
"Eek. Does that make me an old lady?"
"...You're really gunning to get chewed out, huh?"
"Eyel? Kang Yumin, your senses are still sharp~?"
"Haha. Guess I'll bite twice."
I waved you over as you trudged toward me, looking drained.
Around 6:30 p.m.
The sunset painted pastel hues across the sky—an absolute stunner.
The waves carried on a gentle breeze crashed like grains of sand on the beach, and amid this painting-like scenery, people captured the moment in their own ways.
"Camera's off."
"Let's take a light walk before dinner. Perfect for clearing the mind."
I held a chocolate parfait, you a milk tea, matching our strides.
As we strolled endlessly along the beach chatting about the scenery, we waved back at a playful kid passing by.
The child scampered to their parents and pointed at us.
The parents gave a slight bow.
We nodded back politely in silence.
"Think we looked like a couple to them?"
"Don't say stuff that'll ruin my appetite before dinner."
"Okay, okay. Lately, I've just found kids so cute and adorable?"
Even I knew that was appetite-killing talk, so I switched topics fast.
You glanced at the kid's retreating back, then turned with a smile.
"You've always liked kids."
"I like them even more now. Someday, I wanna get married and have a daughter who looks just like me~."
"Her husband would have it rough. Han Chaewon and Mini Han Chaewon... Oh."
"You. Camera's off, so you're saying whatever pops into your head?"
"Bench over there. Let's rest. Ugh, already this tired—what'll I do later."
Despite your groaning complaints, you bolted over.
No way acting could pull that off.
How is your ad-libbing that awkward?
'Tch. I'll let it slide since you're cooperating with the shoot.'
I followed silently and sat beside you.
The two-person bench was perfect for gazing at the horizon.
Prime for zoning out, so we stared at the view in silence for a while.
"It's been forever since I did nothing like this."
After about five minutes of blank staring, I spoke first.
"How long since we zoned out together like this?"
"First time since elementary school? You started trainee life in middle school."
"Hee, has it been that long already? Time flies."
"Where'd you learn that 'hee' reaction? It's seriously lame."
"Our cutie May does it all the time."
"So romantic it makes me wanna be a 'star' in the sky. Yeah. Lame."
"Too late. I'll tell May later. She'll go, 'Hee, Yumin oppa's so mean~'?"
"...Whoa. That'd be cute."
"What about me?"
"Wow, time flies~."
See? Bites down and refuses to call me cute.
Even if May's the cutest, I'm cute too, you know.
I knew you wouldn't say it, but as an ENFP, the sulkiness bubbled up anyway.
Still.
'He's gotten better at saying cute now, huh...?'
Back in school, you'd only call animals cute—red pandas and cats. Now you use it for people? Shocking.
...Man. Shocking that I'm shocked by this.
I chuckled and sipped my drink right as you did.
Mine was nearly gone, but your milk tea was still half full.
"Looks tasty?"
"...What, learn mind-reading in the army?"
"Wipe your drool first. How could I not notice you staring?"
"I'm a big eater, but I don't drool...?"
"Anyway, have a sip."
There you go, offering the drink.
My eyes naturally went to the straw your lips had touched.
I've done kiss scenes; indirect kisses won't make my heart race now.
We're past that age and relationship anyway.
"Thanks~."
I winked and sipped through the straw.
If the chocolate parfait was a violent sweetness roaring 'Submit to my ferocious sugar!!' like a tall hero (with killer dimples)...
The milk tea was a subtle sweetness whispering 'I'm sweet, but it'll be fine, right?' like a suited fox guy (who rocks glasses).
I love sweet things either way, but if picking one, the fox-guy milk tea you could sip forever...
*Slurrrrrp.*
That ominously familiar sound.
I cautiously opened my eyes, which I'd closed to savor it.
First thing: your dazed expression meeting mine.
Glance down—empty cup, presumably your milk tea, in my hand...
"You said one sip...?"
Our eyes met again; your face was blank, one corner of your mouth twitching.
Oh no.
You're scary when mad.
"It was so good I lost control. Hehe."
I whipped out the aegyo triple set with prime idol angle.
"Hehe? You must be crazy."
But childhood friend perks.
Tch, it just fueled your anger.
"The code of the jianghu has hit rock bottom..."
Your disbelieving face, brows furrowed tight.
You were mad, sure, but light enough for jokes to fix.
Normally, we'd bicker playfully, spout nonsense, and it'd blow over...
But.
The serene beach, sunset beautifully aglow.
You and me, close enough to gaze deeply into each other's eyes.
Suddenly, it hit me.
Now's the time to check your feelings.
I locked eyes.
Likeability signal one: eye contact.
No matter the gender, people avoid eyes with crushes—universal truth.
Plus, I'm the world-renowned girl group leader.
'Whether he likes me or not, Yumin dodging eyes wouldn't be weird.'
Nine out of ten turned away from my stare.
I imagined you awkwardly looking away and gazed steadily.
1 second. 2 seconds. 3...
Wait, your face looks different.
Your jawline was always sharp, but now your whole face seems sleeker.
Skin flawless—no one'd guess you were in the army months ago. Short drop-cut hair fits the trend and suits you perfectly.
Before I could wonder when you started following trends, your eyes.
'...Pretty.'
I've felt it the whole time staring: your eyes are stunning.
Were they always this pretty?
I've met idols praised for pretty eyes, but none left me entranced...
"Uh?"
Strange. Unfamiliar.
Flustered. Weird.
What? Why'd I look away?
"Oh ho. You know you messed up?"
"...Y-yeah. Sorry. I didn't mean to drink it all."
"Don't do it again. Even after years, this drives me nuts."
You grumbled, glared, then stared at the sunset.
I was stunned by the unexpected, but luckily, you zoned out quick.
"...Unbelievable."
Luckily, the sunset was a blinding orange.
+++
Evening after sunset viewing.
Thief's foot aches, they say. To break the awkward vibe, we hit an izakaya even knowing you don't drink.
"Idol or not, if you get wasted, I'm ditching you."
"Don't worry! I never get hangovers!"
"Don't get wasted."
"Cheers~."
"...Sigh, drink in moderation."
Clink.
Your cola and my full beer glass clinked cheerfully.
Even at our separate table, the place buzzed.
After quick tasting notes on the food like lunch, I figured we had enough footage and turned off the camera.
Occasionally too noisy.
You asked if I was okay.
Still uneasy in crowds, but seeing you chat easily with strangers now—time really passes.
"How many languages do you speak?"
"Fluent like Korean: English, Japanese. Can communicate, read, write: French, German. Chinese ongoing."
"Five languages?"
"Yep."
"Say something in French!"
"...You drunk already?"
"Say in French, 'Chaewon's so pretty and lovable~'."
"...Yeah. You're drunk."
You shook your head with a loose laugh.
"Just eat," I said, dipping meat in sauce and chowing down heartily.
We ate in silence.
Food was great, booze went down easy. Felt a twinge seeing you sip nothing...
One glass. Two. Three.
Tipsy buzz lifted my mood; loving this moment.
But didn't overdo it.
Bamboo grove morning, acclaimed udon here for lunch, then train to Enoshima—packed schedule.
Thought I'd paced myself fine...
"I told you not to finish it..."
Why the grumpy look?
"Waste money? Just two left—can't leave 'em."
"Sounds like two shots to outsiders."
"Ta-da~! Two beer glasses~."
"..."
On the way back to the dorm.
Off the main drag, the dark street was quiet.
Random wink; you scowled like you'd seen something gross.
Dude. Han Chaewon winking—normal to like it, right?
Pouted, about to snap, but whatever.
"Generous me will let it slide~!"
Grinned wide and hooked your arm.
Close up: warm, deodorant scent wafting.
"...Sigh. Good we filmed the ending before dinner, or what a nightmare..."
"Hey! Nightmare? What's hellish about hanging with me~?!"
"...What to do. Idol or not, wanna abandon you."
"Abandon? Ahh...! Let's all love organic~!"
"...Gonna lose it."
Perfect joke, and you hold back laughter.
'Grinding those teeth hard, punk.'
Your face scrunched constantly at me.
Fine, fine. I'll laugh it up in my good mood.
"Ehehe~."
"...Never drinking with you again."
"No way?! I drank alone! So next time, you drink too?!"
"...Walk straight."
Bickering about drunkenness got us home quick.
Escorted drunk me to my room, gentlemanly.
'I'm fiiiine~.'
Didn't expect this side from Yumin.
Glad to discover new you.
Already 10 p.m.
Should shower and prep for bed ASAP thinking of tomorrow.
"But too good a mood to sleep now~."
Swayed side to side, pondering.
Call you over, snacks, chat all night?
Decided and bolted up.
"Yumin'd regret sleeping too~."
Hung jacket neatly, headed to door.
"Han Chaewon. Open up."
Your voice, perfect timing.
Childhood friends—we're telepathic.
Whoosh, eased door open, peeked out.
You'd hit the conbini; paper bag in hand.
"Whoa~! What's this~?"
"Hangover meds and ice cream. Please eat and sleep——."
"Whoa, so thoughtful~!"
"Hey, you...?!"
Same wavelength, huh?
You wanna chat all night too?
Grabbed your arm, yanked inside.
You tensed to pull away, but...
Heh. I do jiu-jitsu and boxing for fun.
"Wait, hold on?!"
Took control, dragged you in, shoved onto bed.
Stuff spilled messily from bag onto sheets.
"You're insane?!"
"Insane...? I'm not~?"
Your panicked face.
Arms up hiding flushed cheeks—adorable.
...Why? Why so cute?
"More handsome than cute..."
"...What?"
"Huh? Face went full baby mode. Yumin, you hear that?"
Face burned redder at my question.
Your dumbstruck look made me giggle.
"But true, so whatever~?"
Crept onto bed.
Teasing too much? You sulked away.
Grabbed your face, knees blocking escape at your waist.
Released hands to sides of your head, leaned in, eyes locked.
"See? Handsome fits better than cute...?"
Wanna stare forever.
Tease endlessly for no reason.
"Hey. We're bored, wanna kiss?"
Sigh, whispered in your ear.
"Hey, Han Chaewon. You're drunk. Super suspended license drunk...!!"
"That again...? Told you, not drunk~."
"Kill the booze breath first...!!"
"So mean! Even if, telling a girl her breath stinks hurts~."
Pouted, vented grievance.
You blushed, jerked head away—my sulk met mischief, soothed.
Steal a kiss now—what embarrassed, cute face?
'Yeah. I did drink...'
Reached for drink you bought.
Chocolate milk—must-have in Japan.
For a kiss, sweet chocolate beats bitter booze.
Poke, straw in, gulped.
Store was cool earlier; head throbbed...
"———."
Whoa, what'd I do?
Sobered up instantly.