Chapter 55: Like Red Lotus

Chapter 55: Like Red Lotus

Tojo Karen had failed in her first love.

That was an undeniable fact.

She had experienced just a week-long puppy love, but Karen earnestly tried to change herself to match the other person.

Although she was cleanly rejected due to her hasty actions led by her heart, the aftermath of the rejection didnt last as long as she had anticipated.

Probably because she had the reassuring presence of Kim Yu-seong by her side.

She first saw Kim Yu-seong when he came to the kendo club room for dojo storming.

He had instantly defeated Fuma-senpai, the only person in the school Karen acknowledged as strong, and honestly, from the perspective of the average student, he was like a natural disaster.

Among the people she knew, only her father, Naoto, and his right-hand man, Uncle Takeyama, seemed as strong as Kim Yu-seong.

She started getting seriously involved with him from the time she first gave love advice to the transfer student, Rika.

He seemed like a blunt guy, hard to read from the outside, but it became clear after having a direct conversation that Kim Yu-seong was just awkward at conversing with people, not inherently bad-natured.

After realizing this, Karen slowly opened her heart to Kim Yu-seong.

The decisive moment came when he silently comforted her after she was rejected by Sakamoto.

Thinking back, Kim Yu-seong was always there, right by her side.

Sharing emotions together, whether in joy or sorrow.

It was impossible not to fall for such a kind man.

However, Karen couldnt be honest with her feelings.

Because she thought she didnt deserve to.

Kim Yu-seong was the boyfriend of another friend, Rika.

If she confessed her feelings to such a person, their current close relationship would undoubtedly collapse.

So she tried to be satisfied with just being friends.

If only there wasnt the appearance of a new rival.

The Russian exchange student, oblivious to everything, proposed dating Kim Yu-seong on the very first day of her transfer.

Karen naturally intended to support her friend Rika.

It was the logical thing to do.

But Rikas response shattered her delusions.

Huh? Ryu-chan and I arent in that kind of relationship! What are you talking about, Karen-chan!

Hearing that, Karen felt as though she had been hit hard on the back of the head.

After all, Kim Yu-seong and Rika had never said they were dating.

It was just Karens assumption that they were in a relationship.

Upon this realization, Karen could no longer lie to her heart, which she had ignored until now.

She had fallen for Kim Yu-seong.

Not just as a friend, but as someone of the opposite sex.

There was a chance for me too

It was the moment Karen finally stepped into the chaotic situation surrounding Kim Yu-seong.

After eating the bingsu, we studied for about two more hours.

Ugh~ Im exhausted~

I cant do any more~

Weak. You got tired so soon.

As soon as 6 oclock struck, our exam study session ended.

Probably because it was almost time for dinner, and we judged it would be too much to continue studying.

Karen, lying on the desk, asked,

I started devouring the side dishes and rice on the table with gusto.

Karens father complimented me on eating in such a manly way, but honestly, I hardly paid attention.

It was uncommon for a high school student to indulge in such luxurious food.

After refilling my rice and soup five times, I was finally full.

What surprised me was that, despite my hearty appetite, I finished around the same time as everyone else.

We expressed our gratitude to Karen and her father for the delicious meal by bowing our heads.

We enjoyed the meal.

It had been a truly delicious meal.

Karen saw us at the door.

Naoto, Karens father, insisted we stay the night given our apparent exhaustion, but I politely declined, feeling it would be an imposition.

Moreover, we hadnt brought any toiletries or a change of clothes.

For some reason, he gave me a look of regret and smacked his lips, but that was probably just my imagination, right?

Riding back home in Sashas black armored car, just as we had in the morning, I told my mother, who inquired whether I had eaten, that I had dined at a friends house.

It was now 8 p.m., so it was nearly time to close the shop.

I tidied up after the last customers and washed the remaining dishes in the kitchen.

Oh my, you must be tired from studying all day. Go inside and rest.

Nah, this is nothing. You must be more worn out than I am.

Saying that, I let my parents relax on the outdoor chairs and finished the remaining cleaning.

With my wet hands wiped on my apron, I noticed my parents laughing at a TV variety show.

Seeing them like that, I felt guilty for being the only one who had enjoyed a lavish meal, so I nonchalantly asked my parents,

You havent had dinner yet, have you? Is there anything specific youd like to eat? Ill make it for you.

Oh my, whats gotten into our son? To hear you say such commendable things all of a sudden.

I can be like this sometimes too.

I replied with a smile, and after a moments thought, my mother responded,

Then make me a rolled omelette, please.

And what about you, Dad?

Anything is fine with me.

In that case, Ill prepare the chili shrimp you often enjoy.

I searched through the kitchen fridge and began to carefully prepare a meal for them.

When I brought the food out, my father pulled out a chair, inviting me to sit next to them.

I placed the food on the table first, then took a chilled beer from the fridge and handed a glass to each of them.

Oh my, our son is so thoughtful.

Embarrassed by Mrs. Imijas compliment, I rubbed the back of my neck and carefully poured the beer into their glasses to avoid creating foam.

Then my father guzzled the beer and let out a satisfied grunt.

This is what makes it worthwhile. 1

If you need more snacks, just let me know, and Ill make more.

Why dont you have a drink too?

Im fine. Ill drink when Im an adult.

I spent some time chatting warmly with my parents, enjoying a brief moment of family harmony.

The night of Saturday evening deepened like that.

ED/N: In Korean, this phrase is used metaphorically to express a feeling of satisfaction or fulfillment from one's work or actions.