NOVEL NEXT Chapter 71
Today, I finally have a break from broadcasting.
Not that there’s any particular reason; summer is approaching, and my closet is emptier than a scarecrow’s brain, so I need to shop to fill it up.
In the past, I would have gone shopping early and tried to be back by 6 to start the broadcast, but today, thanks to the viewers threatening to “die” if I turned on the stream, that’s not happening.
Why? Because today’s shopping trip is just me and Older Sister Seo-ha!
“Seriously, they say that, but everyone is so nice at heart.”
I can’t help but laugh remembering how the viewers reacted last night when I mentioned my shopping plans, saying, “You’re going to buy clothes with your crush and come back empty-handed?”
They’re more invested in my love life than I am!
On the other hand, I’m filled with gratitude for these viewers who can understand my situation.
I should extend tomorrow’s broadcast a bit!
“Uju!”
“Ah, Sister! I’m sorry! Did you wait long?”
After parking the car, I spotted Seo-ha hanging around near the entrance.
Even though there are still 30 minutes until our meeting time, had she come out early to wait? I nervously approached, feeling guilty, but she waved her hands dismissively.
“No, I just got here myself.”
Her tone, which used to feel distant, now sounds casual, and, weirdly, I feel proud.
I’m glad I spoke up!
“It’s hot; should we grab a drink while we’re at it? Do you like bubble tea?”
“I love it! It’s just that I never get to have it!”
Since it’s a bit late for lunch, we decided to just nab some drinks and head to the department store.
Wow, it’s so hot! I heard this year’s heatwave is breaking records, but this is ridiculous. Breathing feels like a workout.
Especially since I’m usually a bit of a wuss when it comes to heat. I want to get into the shade ASAP.
Whoosh.
“S, Sister?”
I was panting like a dog with a fever when suddenly, Seo-ha reached out to wipe my forehead.
Caught off guard and ready to swat her hand away, I felt the soft cloth pressing against my sweaty skin, calming my sticky discomfort even slightly.
“It’s so hot, right? You’re completely drenched.”
“N-no, I’m fine! But your handkerchief is getting dirty…”
“Just wash the handkerchief! Now stop avoiding me and come over; it’s fine!”
Um, it’s not that I’m shy or anything.
It’s just that the way she’s dressed for summer is a bit loose, and being so close while she looks down at me feels… um… awkward.
This sister, usually so sharp-minded, sure lets her guard down in peculiar situations.
“Uhm, Sister, if it’s okay, I can wipe it myself…”
“Oh come on, stop that and come here! …Huh?”
After pulling away, Seo-ha seemed to finally notice where my sight was fixated, as her eyes widened and she looked down at herself.
Oh no, I messed up.
Kang Woo-joo, you dumbass! You should have played it cool. Of course, she’d notice if you acted weird.
Honestly, I’m beginning to get sick of myself for never having held a girl’s hand properly.
“Ha, is that what it was?”
“Y-Yeah? What do you mean…?”
As I nervously thought of all the worst-case scenarios, Seo-ha smirked and withdrew the handkerchief, tossing me a playful look.
“Mmm, it’s nothing. I just realized you’re a guy!”
“Of course, I’m a guy…”
With a voice that crawled out of me, I rubbed my forehead.
So, she caught on, huh? Is there a rat hole I can hide in? No? Well, dig me a grave, and I’ll jump right in!
“Seems like you really are a guy. Hmph.”
“…?”
With a mix of satisfaction watching my shame, Seo-ha took my fingertip and gently led me to a nearby bubble tea shop.
I don’t know why I suddenly feel happy, but I’m just glad she doesn’t seem mad.
*
With our bubble teas in hand, we stepped into the department store nearby.
Originally, I thought we’d hit one of the regular shops I often visited, but today, Seo-ha suggested a better place, and what could I do but follow her lead?
But wait, how can a simple t-shirt cost over 200,000 won? Is my eyesight failing me?
Sure, I’m not exactly struggling for money at the moment… I mean, to be frank, I’m doing quite well financially. But such expensive clothes? Never! I’m getting a little jittery.
“If it’s okay, Uju, do you have a preferred style?”
Seo-ha, surveying the displays and mannequins with sharp eyes, changed her tone to a warm one.
Hmm, a favorite style… honestly, I don’t particularly care. I’m not one to fuss over clothing, and I wear whatever looks presentable and isn’t too dirty.
“I guess something ordinary…?”
“Would that style work?”
“Y-Yeah, it looks similar.”
I pointed to a mannequin in a green short-sleeve shirt and black slacks, and Seo-ha finally seemed to understand my taste, resting her chin thoughtfully.
“Ah, let’s check that out! I think there’s something you’ll like there!”
“Sure thing.”
She pointed to a specific brand store, naturally taking my hand, leading me along.
Since I know nothing about clothes, I just trailed behind her.
“Welcome! Is there a particular style you’re looking for?”
Once we arrived at the store, a sharply dressed female employee welcomed us in a very polite manner.
Considering that workers in my usual clothes shops were typically high-energy, encountering such a calm and classy employee caught me off guard.
The shop feels oddly upscale, but given it’s a department store, I guess that’s expected.
“Could we see some shirts and pants suitable for summer for this gentleman?”
“Yes, we actually have some new arrivals. Would you like to take a look?”
“Sure.”
Also, Seo-ha’s manner towards the staff suggests her confidence, asking for exactly what she needs while being polite without coming off as rude. It exudes a kind of grace.
I can’t quite put it into words, but it gives off this vibe of a rich girl, you know?
“Hmm…”
But still, this place looks like it has a pretty steep price range.
I can’t peek at the price tags with Seo-ha around without getting caught, so I can’t help but feel a bit nervous. Maybe those prices are only affordable for the truly wealthy?
I’d gladly spend all my money buying her clothes, but thinking about something for myself just feels silly to hesitate.
“Uju, why don’t you try this one on?”
“What is it, Sister?”
Seo-ha, who seemed to be whispering with the employee, gestured for me to come over as she held out a garment in her hands.
When I got closer for a look, it turned out to be a shirt that carried a somewhat similar vibe to what I previously pointed out. The sleeves were a bit longer, and the color was navy blue instead.
Looking closely, even the collar is a different style. It’s practically a different shirt at this point.
“I thought this would go well with what you picked before. What do you think?”
“Sounds nice! I’ll go try it on.”
It definitely looks sharp and cool, fitting my taste, so I picked up the accompanying shorts and headed to the fitting room.
But why are the price tags missing on these clothes? Typically, the tags should be attached to the neck for tops and around the waistband for bottoms. It’s completely gone.
“Maybe some places just don’t have them listed?”
If I’d ever bought clothes at a department store, I would know for sure.
Anyway, enough of this foolishness; I better change quickly so I won’t keep her waiting!
Clunk.
“Sister, I’m ready!”
“Really? Let’s see…”
After quickly changing and stepping out, Seo-ha turned to me with a bit of a blank look.
What’s up? Am I not pulling this off?
“Are you okay? Does it not suit me that much?”
“Oh no…! It looks just right! I think changing the color for similar styles would suit you perfectly!”
“R-really?”
Honestly, looking in the mirror, I can’t tell if it suits me. But since she said so, I’ll take her word for it.
“How many colors come in this style?”
“There are three colors for the tops: navy, dark green, and white. As for the bottoms, there are black, ivory, and navy, totaling six.”
“Okay, I’ll take all three of each! Oh, and could you also show me some sandals and shoes that match this style?”
“Sister?”
Wait a minute! I didn’t plan on buying so much!
I only expected to grab a couple of tops and maybe a few pairs of bottoms; now, I’m in a situation where I’m suddenly buying three of the same style of clothes in different colors.
But before I could protest, a staff member rushed off and returned with a few pairs of sandals and shoes as Seo-ha requested.
As she browsed, she suddenly turned to me with a question.
“Uju, what shoe size do you wear?”
“Huh? Oh, I’d say around 275….”
“275? Just to be sure, let’s try them on…”
With a pensive expression, Seo-ha examined the shoes and sandals laid out before her, scanning me top to bottom like a crime scene before pulling something out from her handbag and handing it to the employee.
A black card.
“I’ll buy everything here, including the ones I just requested. Can I take my time looking around for the rest?”
“Yes, absolutely, madam.”
…Sister?