This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 335

Words are fundamentally the results of refined thoughts.

Of course, there are plenty of people in the world who skip even that basic process… but let’s stick to that for now.

The reason we sometimes struggle to speak properly or stammer in specific situations is often due to a sort of filter that exists between our thoughts and our words not doing its job.

The fact that Yoonseo and the Senior standing in front of me are just gauging my reactions, unable to decide what to do, is probably due to that too.

I, on the other hand, have been in the kitchen the whole time, so I’m not quite sure how things have unfolded, but anyway, I came down to let them know they succeeded in dramatically reaching a compromise. However, now that I’m here, I’m suddenly reminded of their earlier snarling at each other like they would never see each other again, which makes me feel a bit awkward.

Both Yoonseo and the Senior appear to have made some sort of agreement, their faces slightly red, unsure how to handle the situation… and as I’m witnessing that scene, a chuckle escapes my lips.

‘Well…’

If they’ve made up, that’s all that matters.

Is there really a need for them to share the details with me, though?

Of course, saying I’m not curious about how they resolved things would be a lie… but if I actually hear it, we’ll probably just end up feeling embarrassed.

So here I am…

“Well, if you’ve taken a break, let’s get right to it, shall we?”

Pretending to be oblivious seems to have hit the mark.

“Um… what should I help with first?”

“I just need to cut this, right?”

The two of them, who had been glancing over at me from the sidelines like they were on a factory tour, scuttled closer after some shy shuffling.

As we were preparing the party, an unexpected trouble did indeed arise, but after overcoming that, I managed to…

“All… done…”

I barely wrapped up the preparations for the party.

Of course, as a result, Yoonseo, the Senior, and I all ended up feeling half-dazed.

“Dogun…”

“Yes…”

“Next time… let’s just order in…”

Given that the Senior, rumored to have amazing stamina, would say something like that, it speaks volumes.

“Yes… that seems right…”

“I told you we should just order in.”

“Well, who knew it would take this much effort…”

“Seriously… you really are inept in strange ways…”

Could it be that we’re so exhausted we lack even the strength to complain?

“Ugh… my hands smell like dough…”

Normally, I would have followed that up with at least a couple more remarks, but as I helped the now-dragged-out Yoonseo, it seems the living room preparations were wrapping up as well.

“What? I was going to help if you hadn’t finished yet, but it looks like you’re all done already?”

The door connecting to the living room creaked open, revealing Chae-rim looking relatively lively.

“You all look really tired… if I had known this would happen, I would’ve come to help sooner.”

The issue, though… was Chae-rim’s outfit.

I distinctly remember her wearing casual attire just earlier; did she manage to change while taking a break?

While it didn’t look overtly dressed-up, Chae-rim was certainly wearing something more put together.

And that wasn’t all that was important.

“Sis, did you… put on makeup?”

“Huh? Ah…”

I asked because I noticed a strangely sweet scent emanating from her movements, and perhaps it was a little embarrassing for her to be caught.

Just for a moment, her cheeks turned a rosy hue as she smiled bashfully and nodded.

“Well, it’s a party, even if it’s at home… it just didn’t feel right to stick to the usual style, so I wanted to feel a little festive… does it seem weird?”

“No, not at all…”

Unlike what Chae-rim was worried about, it actually didn’t seem odd.

It just felt a bit… unfamiliar.

I suppose I was so used to seeing her in comfortable attire at home that suddenly seeing her dressed up, even simply, felt strange.

As I inadvertently fixed my gaze on her…

“Umm, I’m just going to step out for a moment.”

Yoonseo, who had been slumped over in exhaustion like all her energy had been drained, suddenly shot upright as if she’d never been in that position.

Then, without waiting for a chance to stop her, she dashed out of the kitchen.

Following her was none other than the Senior.

“I’m going to take a quick shower…”

“Shower?”

“Yeah, I think I smell a bit after cooking.”

“Ah…”

Given that she prepared a ton of food for the party, I could understand why she wouldn’t want to linger around smelling like it.

Meanwhile, just as I was nodding along at the Senior’s retreating figure…

“Dogun.”

“Yes?”

“Are you going to… not wash up?”

Suddenly, the arrow of attention was turned on me.

Caught off guard, I couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

“W-Wait, should I wash up?”

“Isn’t that better?”

What is with this pressure-filled suggestion?

Well… to be honest, I could wash up if I wanted, but…

“It’s unfortunate, but I’m too worn out…”

To say I’m exhausted would be an understatement.

Right now, I don’t even want to twitch a finger.

This is all due to having been overworked while preparing food for the party, much more than Yoonseo and the Senior were.

And now they want me to shower?

Isn’t that a bit much for someone who has just spent hours cooking?

“Are you tired?”

“Yeah, well… it’s true… I’m not trying to be lazy, I just really don’t have the strength to even lift a finger. Can you see how my arms are just hanging limply?”

“Really?”

“Seriously! So, unfortunately, I’ll have to pass this time…”

Just as I was about to declare my resolve to participate without hesitation…

“Then…?”

Out of nowhere, a peculiar smile spread across Chae-rim’s face as she leaned in closer—

“Should I wash you?”

As if two steps shrank down to one, and right at that moment, those words flowed into my ears.

“Joining like this… really wouldn’t be polite to the others! I’ll hurry and wash up!”

In a near-collapse state, I had no choice but to spring up at Chae-rim’s sudden comment.

And honestly, no matter how much I may have strayed from moderation or patience lately, even I couldn’t justify that situation.

If it were just Chae-rim and me alone, it might’ve been one thing, but with the Senior, Bora, and Yoonseo about to return, if they ever caught us doing something like that…

I might find myself being the dish on the party table instead of the food.

“Are you sure you can manage on your own? You said you’re tired…”

“I can do it; something has to be done.”

“You could just ask your sister for help.”

“I-I’ll ask later… later, I swear.”

Despite my determined resistance to prevent that from happening… thankfully, it appears Chae-rim wasn’t being serious.

“…Okay?”

“Yes, yes…”

“Then hurry up and wash, and change into something new.”

“Y-Yes…”

For someone who made my heart stop with that unexpected remark, Chae-rim was surprisingly compliant.

Thanks to that, I was able to slip away from the kitchen and head towards my room.

‘Truly…’

They say the most dangerous wind is the one that comes late, and Chae-rim was just that.

Though it was a mix of misunderstanding and alcohol-fueled courage, back when our relationship first changed, I at least felt a hint of innocence.

Yet, the passing time seems to only amplify the risqué moments.

Especially lately, out of nowhere, I find myself flustered by her unpredictable timeliness.

Even now…

Having successfully escaped Chae-rim’s grasp, my heart still races, beating faster than ever.

Anyway, I suppose it’s about time to wash up.

But before that, I should probably calm my shaking legs, which have been through a marathon of a staircase from the first to the second floor.

Having finally settled my trembling limbs and gone for a shower, changed my clothes, and even spritzed Chae-rim’s gifted perfume, I headed back down…

“Is that you?”

“What took you so long… did you take a shower?”

“You’ve changed clothes?”

Did everyone somehow gather just to wait for my arrival?

“Now that Dogun’s here, shall we finally kick this off?”

As soon as I joined the group, the party commenced.