Noah also knew.
Perhaps this uncle figure had surpassed the level of a close person in his life. It was just unclear whether it was love or affection, and certainly, it couldn’t be considered first love.
Noah clearly conveyed his thoughts through Tae-hwa’s gaze.
“Uncle is just like family.”
“…”
“And calling him your first love? That’s too much.”
“What’s too much?”
Tae-hwa questioned.
Noah firmly stated while intensifying his gaze towards Tae-hwa.
“First loves never work out, you know.”
Noah had seen countless couples who seemed like they would pluck stars from the sky for each other argue and break up.
It might happen to him and Uncle too. Why else would such sayings exist if it wasn’t common?
Noah felt fear.
“It’s enough as it is now. I’m not even sure if I truly love Uncle.”
“…Huh…Then, Noah, can you answer me one thing?”
Seeing Tae-hwa’s serious expression, Noah swallowed hard.
Tae-hwa asked a question that was almost domestic but could make Noah shiver.
“If Uncle gets a girlfriend, how do you think you’ll feel?”
“Uncle?”
Never thought about it. A girlfriend for Uncle?
“He won’t get one, right?”
“No, he’s good-looking and has a decent personality.”
“…He is kind.”
“See? People naturally like those traits.”
Ku-kung.
Noah felt as if the sky was falling. If Uncle got a girlfriend, their time together would naturally decrease.
And then…
“Isn’t there a chance he might leave me behind…?”
Of course, Noah didn’t think Uncle would, but anything could happen.
“…Tae-hwa.”
“Yes?”
“What if Uncle suddenly introduces a busty beauty as his girlfriend?”
Once the unsettling thought began, it snowballed. In the end, he saw himself being abandoned.
Reading Noah’s anxiety, Tae-hwa patted his shoulder and said,
“Don’t worry. You can still fix things if you try now.”
“How?”
“Make sure Uncle doesn’t even consider it.”
Tae-hwa grinned wickedly, like a child who had found something interesting. But Noah knew.
That Tae-hwa wouldn’t betray him again.
“Noah, contact Uncle.”
“What kind of contact?”
“Tell him to come back to our restaurant tonight.”
“…Okay. I sent a text. What next?”
“We need to practice. We shouldn’t act awkwardly. And we should buy some supplies.”
What on earth did he plan to do that required preparation and items?
Before Noah could ask, Tae-hwa cut him off.
“Get ready thoroughly. Mistakes won’t be tolerated.”
“Eh…what?”
“Changing from your usual self is key.”
“Uh-huh.”
“So let’s hurry. Time to transform.”
Transform?
The more Noah thought about it, the more confused he became, but he found it hard to voice his questions because of Tae-hwa’s confident expression.
Noah trusted Tae-hwa’s confident demeanor.
“Alright! Again!”
“O…o…please, Tae-hwa! I really can’t do it!”
“Tsk! Again!”
“O…too much…too embarrassing…”
“One more time! Look more flustered! Like you can’t handle how much you like him!”
“Aaaah…aaaah…!”
That trust soon turned into immense embarrassment.
+++++
“Please come in. Tae-hwa and Miss Noah are waiting in the room.”
“Yes, excuse me.”
Following the staff’s guidance, I headed toward a small room where Noah and Tae-hwa were waiting for me.
‘At least they’ve made up.’
I was relieved.
Although I had entrusted Noah with the task, I was quite anxious.
Regardless, Stella is an invaluable resource we can’t afford to lose. It’s also not good to leave Noah friendless.
Lost in these thoughts, I soon arrived at the door of the room. The crimson-painted door with a golden dragon painting was typically Chinese-style.
‘This place…’
It was familiar.
Just yesterday, I had dinner here. Back then, I entered hesitantly due to the chilly atmosphere.
But hopefully, today will be better.
Please, let’s avoid any uncomfortable vibes like yesterday.
“…Shall we go in?”
After taking a deep breath and opening the door, I saw Tae-hwa sitting on a chair. Noah, however, was nowhere to be seen.
“Welcome, Uncle.”
“Ah…thanks. Where’s Noah?”
“Looking for Noah as soon as you arrive? Please sit down and have some tea first.”
Tae-hwa sat at a large table sipping tea. His behavior was puzzling; why was he drinking when given?
I sat at the table and looked at the tea. The fragrant green tea had floating tea leaves.
After taking a sip to moisten my throat, I asked Tae-hwa,
“Did you reconcile well with Noah?”
“Thanks to you. We’re planning to become friends again.”
“Good. It’s great if you two can be friends.”
Noah must have done a good job. Well done.
I thought about rewarding him later with some cuddles. While pondering this, Tae-hwa gave me a small smile.
“By the way, would you like some snacks?”
“I can’t eat snacks before dinner; I won’t be able to eat the meal.”
“Really? We prepared some expensive ones.”
“…But snacks before meals taste especially sweet.”
Tae-hwa smirked. Seeing his smile, I added,
“However.”
“However?”
“When Noah comes, we’ll eat them together. We can’t enjoy such expensive snacks alone, right?”
“That’s no problem. Noah…”
Tae-hwa smiled slightly and clapped twice.
“Noah! Come in!”
“Noah?”
“Take a good look.”
What was he supposed to see?
Though I didn’t understand at first, it soon became clear.
Creeeak.
The door opened, revealing Noah standing there.
“Hello, I’ve brought some refreshments.”
Noah appeared completely different from usual.
Noah had transformed by 180 degrees.
Instead of his usual school uniform or hoodie, he wore a daringly revealing cheongsam. Somehow, his hair had been styled to appear waist-length.
All traces of his usual cuteness or calmness were gone.
Now, only the unique beauty of a woman remained.
A completely different appearance from what I was used to seeing.
For a moment, I was captivated.
Perhaps that’s why the words escaped my filter.
“Why…why are you staring so intently-”
“…You’re beautiful.”
“Huh?”
“…Ah…no! I mean…! The dress is beautiful! Hey, did you borrow this here? And what happened to your hair!?”
“Yeah…the dress is borrowed…and the hair is an extension…it took a lot of effort to make it.”
“I see…ha…haha…it suits you.”
With that, silence fell, and Noah quickly placed the snacks and darted over to Tae-hwa.
His face was flushed.
‘Too embarrassing…what do I do?’
‘Hang in there, Noah! Uncle already said you’re beautiful!’
‘W-well…maybe…’
‘You can do it, Noah! Keep going! You’re almost there! Deliver the final blow!’
As if he’d crossed some threshold. Although I was momentarily dazed…but only for a moment.
When I heard the murmurs, I snapped back to reality and chuckled.
I restrained my urge to joke around. I wanted to say something silly like “I want to take you out,” but…
‘That wouldn’t be right.’
If I did, Noah might really lose control. Shaking my head, I stood up and approached Noah.
Thud.
As I approached, Noah grew flustered.
“Noah.”
“Yes…wha…what is it, Uncle?”
I smiled gently at him.
“You’ve worked hard. Let’s eat.”
“Ah…there’s still more left…”
Whatever was left, I didn’t think I could handle seeing it. Surely, I’d blurt out something inappropriate.
No.
Our protagonist is a minor and has many responsibilities.
It’s problematic for someone like me to distract him.
As I grabbed Noah’s wrist and led him to his seat, he repeatedly muttered strange sounds like “Oh…oh…ohhh…”
Even after reluctantly sitting beside me, Tae-hwa still looked disappointed.
“…Such a waste.”
“What is?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re such a spoilsport.”
After lightly teasing Tae-hwa, I glanced beside me to find Noah still pouting.
This was another new expression.
Long-haired cat mode, Ice Queen mode, Cuddle mode.
And now, Angry mode.
Puffing his cheeks, he started throwing a tantrum.
“After all the hard practice…”
“…”
“To show Uncle, I spent hours preparing…”
“…”
“It was really difficult-”
“Alright, alright. What exactly did you prepare?”
“I’ll…show you.”
Swallowing hard, Noah stood me up.
We faced each other.
‘Did this kid apply powder?’
Noah’s skin looked paler than usual. His cheeks and lips were redder.
The scent of cosmetics tickled my nose, making my heart race despite knowing he’s underage.
I started self-hypnosis.
Snap out of it, idiot.
‘Remember, he’s a high school student…high school student…high school student…’
He’s like a little sister in high school.
Precious younger brother Noah.
After this mental prep, I could look at Noah without issue.
I was ready mentally.
‘Come on.’
At this point, I was ready to laugh off or brush aside any move.
“…”
Clunk-clunk.
Noah approached me.
His flushed face looked like it might collapse any second.
Suddenly, Noah stepped into my arms.
“Haa…”
With a moist breath, he gazed up at me with burning eyes.
I willingly met his gaze.
Noah uttered the word.
The word that drives most men wild.
“O…Oppa.”
“…”
“Oppaaaa…”
“…”
“…Oppa?”
…Oh, Lord.
‘This is cheating.’
