Chapter 10: The Date She Wanted So Much (3)

Chapter 10: The Date She Wanted So Much (3)

TL: looloo

Schedule: 4/Week Wed-Sat

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For the first time, I tried on glasses and took a few selfies with Heena. We chatted and strolled around various spots.

While passing by the SPA clothing brands commonly found in malls, we browsed through some outfits.

"You'd look good in these shorts, Yeonho."

"In a bit, you'll probably get tired of seeing me in shorts because of the heat..."

"Me too! In summer, it's easy to pair them with a simple tee. Let's try a matching couple look!"

"Can't summer come any faster?"

The idea of matching outfits is so romantic. It's also nice to match accessories or shoes.

As we glanced through eye-catching stores, we briefly stopped by an arcade near the movie theater entrance.

I wasn't really into arcade games, and I didn't really know how to play any of them. We just decided to drop by while walking around the mall and slowly explored the inside with Heena.

"Seems like they have every game these days."

"You don't like these kinds of games?"

"They're fun with friends, but I wouldn't come to play them alone."

It's true that hanging out with friends, even just wandering the streets, has its own charm.

"What about that one?"

"Which one... Oh, the basketball game?"

What Heena pointed at was a basketball arcade game, a staple of most arcades.

It's technically called a "basketball game", but it's more of a ball throwing game. To score properly, you need to mechanically toss the ball in, almost like dribbling with one hand.

Still, it's a fun game to play when killing time before a movie.

"You like basketball, right?"

"I do, but this is a bit different from actual basketball."

"How so?"

"Remember the ball-throwing event from elementary school sports day?"

"I do."

"It's pretty much the same. You just throw it in as fast as you can."

"Oh, like that?"

"If we're just playing for fun, there's no need to be competitive... Wanna give it a try?"

"Yeah! Let's do it together!"

Rapidly, I approached the coin exchange machine and exchanged a 1,000 won coin. I had no time to hesitate, fearing Heena might pull out her wallet at any moment.

After getting the coins, we stood side by side in front of the game machine. I wanted to briefly explain the game to her, but there wasn't much to say.

"Just catch the ball when it comes down and throw it into the hoop."

"Got it. Let's do this!"

"Let's go!"

Upon inserting the two 500 won coins, the once mellow retro background music picked up pace.

Moments later, four basketballs rolled down.

Before they reached the bottom, I quickly grabbed one and lightly positioned myself before throwing. We weren't competing, just having fun with Heena, so there was no need to be overly serious.

Just a touch with the left hand!

Swish!

─Two points!

The ball cleanly passes through the rim, the sound of the chain in place of a net resounds, signaling a score.

"Yeonho, you're good!"

Even though the game had started, Heena's compliment reached my ears, sounding more appreciative of me than the actual shot.

Wasn't all the basketball I played leading up to this moment?

Fueled by Heena's praise, I focused more on accuracy than speed, sinking each shot.

Between my shots, Heena was also throwing forcefully with both hands, and surprisingly, she was doing well.

─Two points!

─Two points!

"You could keep up with me in a real basketball game."

"Really?"

"Absolutely!"

─Two points!

Seeing her visibly disheartened when I suggested we call it a day, I felt a mix of regret and joy in seeing such a side of her.

In no time, it was 5 pm.

It felt a bit early to part ways, but I thought it wasn’t a bad day for our first date.

"It’s not like today’s the only day. We can date anytime."

"True..."

"So, will you cheer up? Or should we meet tomorrow?"

"I’d like to... but I have a visit scheduled tomorrow."

"Then let's meet late tomorrow or on Monday. I'll come to you."

"Okay..."

My heart ached seeing her still looking so gloomy. I comforted her bit by bit as I accompanied her to the bus stop.

I wanted to walk her all the way home, but Heena declined. She insisted there was no need for the unnecessary effort.

As her bus approached, we exchanged final goodbyes.

"Today was really fun. Heena, you looked beautiful."

"Mm, thanks."

As she replied, she subtly wrapped her arms around my waist.

Before I could even react, Heena tightened her embrace.

For a moment, my mind went blank, and my arms flailed. But I soon pulled myself together and hugged her back.

The subtle fragrance that had teased my senses throughout the day now felt even more profound.

"I really enjoyed today too."

"Mm, take care on your way. Text me when you get home."

"You too. And next time, our date won’t end this early, okay?"

"Of course. I won’t let it."

"That’s a promise."

"Yes, a promise."

We locked pinkies and sealed it.

Then, she headed towards her arriving bus.

"Talk to you later!"

"Take care!"

"You too!"

With those words, the bus carrying Heena gradually drifted away.

It was then that I paused to reflect on the day’s date.

All day, I felt led by Heena. While I don’t believe men should always take the lead, I did feel somewhat pitiful reflecting on it.

Compared to Heena, who always looked out for various things, I felt like I hadn't done anything special for her.

I wasn't sure if sending Heena home early because of what happened at the arcade was the right thing to do. Maybe it would've been better to spend more time together, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

It's a bit late to think about that now.

"Well, I guess I'll do better next time."

With that resolve, I headed back to the shopping mall, thinking of buying things like handkerchiefs. After today, I realized that next time, I should be the one doing things for Heena.

I wanted to show her that I'm improving, bit by bit.

For her, who dresses up beautifully for me, puts effort into our dates, and is saddened by our departures.

Author's Note:

Posting this before heading to work. ;ᄉ;

Love you all!

Regarding the casual tone in the dialogue, I didn't use it much in school or even recently in real-life conversations. But a few years ago, when I started using Discord frequently, it became common when playing games with friends. I love games like LoL and PUBG. Due to their fast-paced nature, we often shortened our sentences, and this way of speaking naturally made its way into the novel.

Aside from the story with Heena, interactions with other friends or family are intentionally exaggerated. With Heena's parts being relatively calm and touching on emotions, I wanted to contrast them by making other sections feel lighter and more cheerful, almost like light novels.

Regarding the chat section, although it's reminiscent of KakaoTalk, I initially labeled it as just 'chat' and arbitrarily chose "999+" messages. But on reflection, and based on feedback, I realize "300+" might be more relatable and have made the correction.

About the pedestrian part, I wanted to convey the vibe of Hongdae station's second exit during its peak. On weekends, it could get extremely crowded. My intent was to depict how the "extremely beautiful" protagonist received attention in such a place, but it seems my description fell short.

Regarding the glasses store scene, it wasn't inside the store but in the busy part of a shopping mall. Please interpret it in the same vein as the previous scene.

Some dialogues and choice of words might be a bit off, and that's on me.

I tried to explain my writing intentions, but honestly, I've been out of writing for years, so I'm still a novice in many ways.

I'm sorry! ^.<

Thank you so much for the support and feedback!

Love you so much and thank you!

I'll return with the next chapter featuring Heena.