“By the way, it’s still early, but do you want to come to my house?”
“How about just a simple celebration party?”
Yoonhwa looked surprised for a moment at Seojin’s suggestion, then broke into a bright smile and nodded.
“Really? Is that okay? Can we go together?”
Seojin answered with a grin.
“Of course! Thanks to you guys, I really had a great time today.”
“Kangtae will come, Hyun will come, and Yoonhwa will come—let’s all go together!”
Seojin marched ahead energetically, leading the way, while the other three followed her.
As they walked, they exchanged the lingering excitement and emotions from the performance, their steps light and cheerful.
“My house isn’t too far from here.”
“Just a little further to walk,” Seojin said.
Yoonhwa surveyed her surroundings with curious eyes.
The friends followed Seojin along the bustling streets.
They stopped in front of a house so large it would dwarf Hyun’s.
Yoonhwa’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“This is your house??” she asked with wide eyes.
The house featured a modern design and had a spacious garden adorning the front yard.
Brightly shining windows, neatly arranged flowers, and trees enhanced the house’s beauty.
Hyun’s heart felt heavy as he watched Yoonhwa’s eyes sparkle upon entering Seojin’s house.
He couldn’t help but recall his small, humble home and began to worry.
‘Does Yoonhwa think about my house?…
“When compared to Seojin’s vast and splendid place…
“I can’t help but feel embarrassed…’
Noticing Hyun’s downcast expression, Yoonhwa cautiously approached his side.
She gently took his hand and spoke in a warm voice.
“Hyun, is there something on your mind?”
“You look so troubled.”
“Ah—Hyun… it doesn’t matter what your house is like or how big it is.”
“What’s important is the moments we share together.
“The fact that you’re my friend is enough to make me happy.”
Hyun’s heart warmed at Yoonhwa’s words, and he realized how ridiculous his unnecessary worries were.
A smile of relief slowly spread across his face, filled with gratitude towards Yoonhwa.
Hyun regained his cheerful demeanor.
Seojin called out in an annoyed tone, urging the two.
“Hey! What are you two doing over there?”
“Why isn’t everyone coming in quickly? Hurry up!”
Kangtae added with a smile, “What were you talking about that got you both smiling?”
Hyun’s face turned red as he quickly entered Seojin’s house with Yoonhwa and Seojin.
The moment Yoonhwa stepped inside, she was left speechless by the spacious and lavish interior.
The other two were already familiar with Seojin’s house.
Bright sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the room.
Seojin led Yoonhwa and Hyun inside.
“Come in, come in!”
“It’s not bad to explore our house on a lovely afternoon!”
Seojin said cheerfully.
Hyun quietly watched Yoonhwa’s joyful expression and felt relieved.
He had worried about what Yoonhwa would think of his modest home, but seeing her happy despite the different environment comforted him.
The bright living room filled with sunlight exuded a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Kangtae naturally went to the kitchen to grab a drink.
Seojin led Yoonhwa to the sofa, which Yoonhwa carefully sat on.
The sofa was made of soft leather, and as soon as she sat down, she leaned back and let out a comfortable sigh.
“Wow, this is so comfy. Seojin’s house is really different…”
Yoonhwa said in a joyful tone.
Hyun carefully sat beside Yoonhwa, admiring her happy expression.
He thought it was a relief that she could enjoy herself in such a different environment.
However, a small worry still lingered within him.
He wondered what Yoonhwa would think of his humble home and if she would be disappointed.
Understanding Hyun’s concern, Yoonhwa gently held his hand and comforted him.
“Hyun, I’d love anywhere, as long as you’re there.”
Hearing Yoonhwa’s words, Hyun felt lighter and grateful towards her.
At that moment, Seojin playfully broke into the conversation.
“Oh my, is it already this sweet and cozy? Is this where romance begins?”
“Hyun~… Yoonhwa is too good for you.”
Hyun panicked at Seojin’s remark and gently pulled his hand away from Yoonhwa’s.
Seojin noticed Hyun’s struggle to pull away and found it amusing.
Despite Yoonhwa’s gentle appearance, there was unexpected strength in her grip. Hyun’s face grew even redder, but he remained silent.
“Um, Hyun, what’s with you? Can’t even break free from Yoonhwa’s hand?”
Seojin quipped, mixing surprise with a hint of mischief in her voice.
Hyun shyly glanced down at the ground without saying a word.
Yoonhwa realized the situation and burst into laughter at Seojin and Hyun.
“Oops, oops! I must have squeezed too hard without realizing~”
She gently released Hyun’s hand and apologized.
Seeing this, Seojin chuckled and jumped in with a joke.
“Wow, Hyun really has to treat Yoonhwa well from now on!”
“I never knew our Yoonhwa was this strong!”
Kangtae smiled slightly at the duo of Hyun and Yoonhwa.
“You both make a great pair. Seeing this kind of scene warms my heart.”
With Kangtae’s words, everyone burst into laughter, and the initial awkward atmosphere quickly transformed into a cheerful one.
While Yoonhwa perched on Seojin’s wide couch, she spotted the remote control beside her and asked.
“What’s this? It looks fascinating…”
Kangtae, taken aback, responded, “You don’t know what a remote control is?”
Seojin smiled at Kangtae and replied,
“Kangtae, Yoonhwa said she lived in a forest, so she doesn’t know anything~ We have to teach her everything.”
Kangtae, intrigued, responded, “Oh, I see… So that’s why she’s so tall?”
Seojin held up the remote control for Yoonhwa to see.
“This is for operating the TV.”
“TV is… um… how do I explain this? It’s a machine where people can watch various stories or information through the screen.”
Yoonhwa’s eyes widened as she stared at the TV.
When Seojin pressed the power button on the remote, the screen lit up, and images and sounds started to flow.
Yoonhwa gaped as if witnessing magic.
“Wow… is this all real… no, are these people’s stories? How can something like this be created?”
Seojin smiled at Yoonhwa’s pure curiosity and continued explaining.
“Yeah, what appears here are different programs.”
“You can watch news, dramas, variety shows, and learn a lot.”
Yoonhwa became utterly engrossed in the world of TV, changing channels with the remote.
The group enjoyed their time watching TV together, with laughter and excitement filling the air.
As time passed, Yoonhwa began to feel hunger creeping in.
Her face gradually showed signs of growing hunger.
“Um… I’m getting a bit hungry…”
“Can I have something to eat?” Yoonhwa cautiously asked Seojin.
Hearing Yoonhwa’s words, Seojin chuckled and gestured to Kangtae.
“Kangtae, since Yoonhwa says she’s hungry, let’s prepare something simple to eat.”
Kangtae hesitated for a moment, glancing at Seojin. His expression showed he was reluctant to cook.
Seojin noticed his hesitation and playfully threatened him.
“What? Aren’t you hungry alone?”
“If you don’t help now, I’ll tell Mom to buy fruit from another store for you instead of your shop.”
Kangtae sighed and laughed at Seojin’s words.
“Alright, alright. I’ll help.”
The two finally headed to the kitchen together, and Kangtae started preparing a simple dinner menu under Seojin’s guidance.
Laughter and playful banter filled the kitchen as the two worked.
Seojin looked excited as she pulled out ingredients, directing Kangtae along the way.
“Hey, you chop the vegetables. I’ll marinate the meat.”
Kangtae began washing the vegetables under Seojin’s direction. Although his movements looked practiced, he seemed a bit unsatisfied.
Seojin glanced at Kangtae while seasoning the meat.
Carefully, she grabbed Yoonhwa’s drink and sneakily filled it with alcohol from a bottle she pulled out of the fridge.
Kangtae witnessed this scene and gasped quietly.
“Seojin! You can’t do that! Are you trying to sneak alcohol to Yoonhwa?!”
Seojin replied with a playful expression.
“Don’t worry. If Yoonhwa has a little drink, the atmosphere will become livelier. I have to finish this before Hyun notices.”
“It should be fun~”
Despite still looking uneasy, Kangtae ultimately agreed to Seojin’s plan.
The two continued preparing dinner.
Seojin grilled the meat in the pan, filling the kitchen with a delicious aroma.
Kangtae paired the vegetables with sauce to create a fresh salad.
The kitchen was filled with mouthwatering smells, and Yoonhwa, having caught a whiff, sneaked into the kitchen and said to Seojin.
“Just a little bite—”
Seojin pondered for a moment upon hearing Yoonhwa’s request, then brightened up and replied.
“Dinner is still not ready, though.”
“In the meantime, how about this?”
Seojin walked over to the fridge, pulled out a slice of cake, and offered it to Yoonhwa.
Yoonhwa’s eyes sparkled as she received the ice cream.
“Thank you!! Seojin! It smells so sweet~!”
Yoonhwa enjoyed her cake while watching Seojin and Kangtae cook.
Meanwhile, Hyun, left in the living room, gradually felt his eyes grow heavy due to yesterday’s tension and today’s fatigue.
He quietly settled down, feeling his strength waning as he drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Hyun’s steady breathing filled the living room, contrasting beautifully with the bustle of the kitchen.
Seojin and Kangtae were deeply involved in food preparation, occasionally joking with each other to keep the atmosphere joyous.
Yoonhwa savored the sweet and cool ice cream, her face lighting up with a happy smile as she watched the two’s antics.
For Yoonhwa, these ordinary yet special moments were new and magical.
As the delicious aroma from the kitchen intensified, Yoonhwa began eagerly anticipating dinner.
After finishing her ice cream, Yoonhwa approached Seojin and Kangtae to ask if there was anything she could help with.
Seojin laughed and responded to Yoonhwa’s suggestion.
“Yoonhwa, you already look so happy with just ice cream, so that’s enough for us.”
“We’ll take care of the rest.”
Kangtae exclaimed in surprise, “Who do you think you are to turn down help…?!”
Seojin shot a glare at Kangtae, saying, “I’m the owner~.”
Kangtae looked taken aback by Seojin’s response.
Kangtae set the table while Seojin poured soda into three cups and added alcohol to Yoonhwa’s glass.
Kangtae still disapproved of Seojin’s actions but felt powerless to stop her.
Yoonhwa walked into the living room and gazed at Hyun as he slept.
Seojin, noticing Yoonhwa’s attention, flashed a playful smile.
“Yoonhwa, wake Hyun up for me. Give him a good thump!”
Yoonhwa hesitated for a moment but then approached Hyun and gently nudged his shoulder.
“Hyun, it’s time to wake up.”
“We need to eat~”
Seojin watched Yoonhwa’s rather soft taps in mild disappointment.
Hyun slowly opened his eyes to Yoonhwa’s gentle touch, momentarily taking stock of his surroundings as he woke.
His expression mixed confusion from just waking up and the embarrassment from Seojin and Kangtae’s playful laughter.
“What’s going on…? Is there something up??”
Hyun asked in a sleepy voice.
Seojin burst into laughter and replied, “Nothing much, just trying to wake you up.”
“Lunch? Oh, dinner… it’s all ready~”
Kangtae felt somewhat complicated about Seojin’s antics but tried to enjoy the situation.
In fact, he felt slightly anticipatory.
“Hyun, hurry up. I prepared something delicious for you.”
Seojin said loudly, “I made it, you know!?”
Yoonhwa felt relieved seeing Hyun wake up without any pain, helping him to stand.
“Thank goodness. Hyun!”
“I’m hungry; let’s go eat quickly~”
The four gathered around the dining table set up in the living room.
A colorful dinner menu prepared by Kangtae and Seojin spread across the table, and everyone’s expressions were filled with eager anticipation for the meal.
Yoonhwa lifted the clear cup of drink in front of her and took a sip.
She seemed momentarily surprised by the unfamiliar taste but didn’t give it much thought as she continued drinking.
With each sip, Yoonhwa felt her mood improve.
Seojin subtly watched Yoonhwa’s reaction, internally cheering.
The meat on the table, perfectly grilled by Seojin, burst with savory flavor and was crispy on the outside while tender on the inside, melting deliciously in their mouths.
The salad, prepared by Kangtae, combined fresh vegetables with a sauce providing the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, tantalizing their appetites.
As Hyun popped a piece of meat into his mouth, he couldn’t help but marvel.
“Wow, Seojin, you really grilled this meat well.”
“You could be a chef.”
Yoonhwa’s face gradually reddened as she sipped her drink, and her speech started to become a bit slurred.
“What is this… Why is my head…”
“Feeling a bit dizzy?”
Seojin chuckled inwardly at Yoonhwa’s reaction but feigned innocence.
“Maybe it’s just too delicious, Yoonhwa.”
“It’s just because the food is so good~”