Vol. 3 Chapter 77 – Side Story 2: Cooing, Cookie Part 9  

Translated by Springlila

Even if school ended at 6 p.m., it couldn’t be considered evening. The sunlight wasn’t as intense as it had been between 2 and 4, but the residual heat was still present. Like summer, it was just unbearably hot.

“Hot…”

I took a fan in my hand and fanned it against my forehead and neck, but it was still hot. I touched the sticky skin on the nape of my neck. Lim Dae-han, who was walking alongside me, stopped. I also stopped for a moment in our walk and looked up at him. Lim Dae-han tilted his head and looked down at me.

“What?”

I asked him as soon as he just stared at me.

Lim Dae-han raised his hand and touched my bangs.

“Shall we study outside today?”

I was planning on going straight to Lim Dae-han’s house, but he made an unexpected suggestion. I shifted my gaze. I looked down at the school playground, where one or two people were walking, and then up at Lim Dae-han.

“Do whatever you feel like.”

And we simply ate naengmyeon and charcoal grilled ribs for four people in a downtown area near our house before going to a quiet cafe. The shaved ice we ordered had already reached the bottom, and the cold citron ade made from crushed ice next to the shaved ice was refreshing.

I fumbled my way across the table and lifted the cup. I almost choked when I sucked on the citron ade. But I wasn’t childish enough to take it out of my mouth, so I shook my body and swung the mechanical pencil in my hand.

Lim Dae-han was learning English through listening. He used his earphones and dictated the sentences on the back page. I was moved to see his hand continue to write English sentences. He began memorizing 200 English words per day last year and began to shine at a certain moment.

I looked at Lim Dae-han with a moved expression and then returned my attention to the problem book I was working on. Lim Dae-han worked hard, but I must do the same. I’ve gathered my thoughts.

The sun was setting when I finished studying and went outside. My stomach was stuffed from the drinks and desserts. Lim Dae-han continued to feed me as if raising me. A little after ten o’clock, I had to go home, but it was a pity to leave for nothing. Just cross the street, and my apartment was right there. There were a lot of people outside because it was summer.

I called after noticing Lim Dae-han staring blankly at the traffic light.

“Dae-han.”

Instead of responding, he shifted his gaze to me.

“Shall we go for a little walk?” I asked because I knew he couldn’t possibly refuse. Lim Dae-han readily nodded his head when I made the offer.

It was convenient to have a walking path within the apartment complex at times like this. Lim Dae-han and I took a walk there. Even though the air was warm, it had a distinct atmosphere for a summer night, so it was pleasant to go for a walk. Even after walking without a word for a moment, Lim Dae-han spoke up.

“Ki Young-hyun.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m studying very hard.”

Do you want a compliment? He placed his hand on the nape of his neck as I looked at him, as if embarrassed. I put the back of my hand on my cheek because it was hot. I said quietly, “Yeah…”

“Still, I didn’t want you to overwork yourself. You are still doing well.”

It was sincere. It was good to study hard, but it was not good to endure and study despite his hand injury. Despite the fact that there was a way to take online classes when sick, Lim Dae-han stuck to his method.

Lim Dae-han licked his lips for a moment.

“… I want to go to the same university as you.”

I doubt anyone could hear those words without feeling overwhelmed.

I curled my lips, but I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. He must have noticed my smile despite the fact that I had my hand over my mouth. Lim Dae-han only tilted his head here and there. I took a look around and gently touched Lim Dae-han’s hand. I couldn’t hold his hand because it was in an alleyway of the apartment complex, but when my finger touched Lim Dae-han’s finger, he lightly touched mine as well.

It wasn’t as good as clasping, playing pranks, or tickling your fingers, but it was still fun.

“… I also need to study hard like you.”

I finally couldn’t help but said it. Lim Dae-han answered briefly.

“Yeah.”

The vibration of the voice remained like a lingering sound for quite a long time. I really liked Lim Dae-han. It was enough to overcome the heat of summer night.

***

I was eating breakfast at home. The side dishes were simple miso soup and egg rolls. I looked up at my older brother, who was eating across from me. My older brother ate his meal quietly and expressionlessly. I was curious as to what was wrong with him. What’s going on?

However, contrary to my worries, my older brother, who was silently concentrating on his meal, put the spoon down aloud.

“Ki Young-hyun.”

“Yes…”

“You know Mom and Dad are going on a trip today.”

Nod. I nodded my head in response. In my family, where there were frequent exchanges between relatives, we used to go on a trip with our relatives once or twice a year, but this summer I didn’t go on a trip without fail.

I also wanted to go on a trip with Lim Dae-han, but it was delayed until winter. First and foremost, I was in my third year of high school, so I needed to attend school and study. And I didn’t want to distract Lim Dae-han, who was studying hard. I was the first to suggest that we go on a trip after the entrance exam in the winter, and Lim Dae-han didn’t object. The students had to carry out their responsibilities as students.

But why does hyung tell me that our parents were going on a trip out of the blue? I looked at my older brother, waiting for him to say something. My older brother drank water. I looked at my older brother strangely and took up the phone next to me. I received a message from Lim Dae-han and responded quickly.

My older brother and I didn’t communicate much, but we didn’t stop talking. It took me years to get used to it. And because we’ve been together almost every day, we can communicate even when we don’t talk. Anyway, there were some things that were difficult to put into words.

“It’s Saturday tomorrow, so come home and study.”

“What?”

“Come home and study, with him.”

I frowned between my brows, confused by what my older brother had said. I thought about what my older brother had said. Return home and study. Since it’s Saturday. Come home. With him?

“Who?”

I asked again, not knowing who it was about. My older brother closed his eyes tightly. He appeared to be enduring his frustration.

“Who do you think is who?”

“No way… Lim Dae-han?”

“Yeah.”

I tilted my head with chopsticks in his mouth. I made eye contact with my older brother.

“Why?”

I was just asking because I didn’t understand. What’s the point of coming home with Lim Dae-han?

“Why. Can’t I take a look?”

“What’s wrong with you, really…”

In the end, I couldn’t take it any longer and blurted out the words. My older brother’s face hardened into an openly sullen expression.

“Hey.”

After my older brother’s serious tone interrupted my words, I ended up keeping it low. I slowly shook my head.

“I can’t do it at home…”

“Don’t be indebted to their house every day.”

He’s living alone…

However, I was afraid of what my brother would say if I said this, so I pressed my lips together and didn’t say anything. I had that much sense. I put the last spoonful of rice in my mouth. I put a spoon that I no longer needed in the bowl after scooping out the soup a few more times. I stood up and grabbed a bowl of soup and rice.

“I will ask. It might be inconvenient to Lim Dae-han.”

“Yeah.”

Unlike the person who suggested it first, my older brother quickly became gloomy. I washed the dishes while tilting my head.

Lim Dae-han… would he agree?

***