Chapter 15: Cute

Chapter 15: Cute

Even as a high schooler, I couldn’t just go empty-handed to a friend’s house for the first time. A fruit basket seemed overly formal, and a box of energy drinks felt more suited for a hospital visit, so neither option appealed to me.

In the end, I bought a roll cake from a local bakery and made my way to Eun-ha’s house.

After walking for a while, I reached my destination.

The moment I pressed the intercom button and stepped into the elevator, I was hit with an overwhelming sense of nervousness. Finally, the elevator doors slid open, revealing the hallway that led to Eun-ha’s front door.

-Ding-dong-

As soon as I pressed the doorbell, the front door opened immediately. There stood Eun-ha, dressed in casual clothes to greet me.

She wasn’t wearing pajamas, but she looked comfortable.

“You’re here!”

“Yes.”

“Come on in!”

Following Eun-ha’s lead, I walked inside. At the shoe rack, I encountered the curious gazes of Eun-ha’s family members.

From the right, there was Eun-ha’s cousin sister whom I’d met before, then Eun-ha’s mother, and finally Eun-ha’s older brother.

I was aware that Eun-ha’s father was often busy, but it seemed he wasn’t around even on the weekend.

“A-ah, hello. I’m Lee Han-gyeol, a classmate of Eun-ha.”

I bowed politely, but all I got back were curious glances. It was slightly awkward...

“Aunt, that’s the guy.”

“Hyun-joo, your voice is too loud. Han-gyeol, was it? Come on in. I’ve heard a lot about you from Eun-ha.”

“Eun-ha talked about me at home?”

“Oh my—of course. We’ve heard so much we’re practically tired of it—”

“Mom! Stop embarrassing me! Everyone, go back to your rooms!”

“Ah, what? I was just telling the truth. Are you embarrassed?”

“Aunt, she’s probably embarrassed. After all, a guy from the same class is visiting.”

“Sis, you too?! Han-gyeol! don’t take them seriously! They’re just teasing!”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Feeling more at ease thanks to Eun-ha’s mother’s warm reception, I took off my shoes and proceeded further into the house.

“Ah, I brought this. It felt odd coming empty-handed.”

“Oh my, how thoughtful of you. I’ll bring the roll cake to your room.”

“Thank you.”

“Did you come to set up Eunwoo’s computer today?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

So, Eun-ha’s brother’s name was Eunwoo. Come to think of it, this was my first time seeing him in person.

Our eyes naturally met.

“Ah, can I call you Eunwoo Hyung?”

It seemed like he somewhat resembled Eun-ha. Would it be impolite to say siblings look alike?The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.

“No, I should be the one calling you Han-gyeol Hyung. I apologize for welcoming such an esteemed guest to this humble place.”

He is an interesting character.

“No need for that. Speak casually. Then where should we go?”

“I’ll take you to my room... this way.”

“Haha...! Sure.”

He was a bit hard to read in some ways.

“Then Eun-ha, I’ll be assembling the computer in Eunwoo Hyung’s room.”

“Ah... okay! Let’s go eat something delicious later, on Hyung’s dime.”

“Sure, sure. See you later?”

Just as I was about to part ways with Eun-ha, her cousin Hyun-joo suddenly interrupted.

“What—? That won’t work. You’ve come all this way, you should also take a look at Eun-ha’s room-”

“-Ah, Sis! I’ll be in my room with you, so if he needs anything, he can call me. And Han-gyeol if my brother does anything weird, scream! I’ll come running right away!”

It seems Eun-ha was embarrassed to show her room, so she pushed her sister Hyun-joo into her own room.

-Thud.

As the door closed, I entered the room across from Eun-ha’s, Eunwoo’s room.

“So, this is it.”

“Did you keep all the original boxes?”

“Eunwoo, you’re a computer science major and you can’t even assemble a computer?”

At Eun-ha’s question, I paused and looked at Eunwoo.

“Stop looking at me like that. It’s embarrassing.”

“Just because you are in computer science doesn’t mean you would be adept at hardware.”

Then I said to Eunwoo.

“Hahaha! You sure know your stuff!”

“Haha... Is this much wire management good enough?”

“Yes! I’m more than satisfied.”

“Then let’s check if the computer works.”

I picked up the assembled computer and headed back to Eunwoo’s room. After connecting the power and the monitor, it started up perfectly.

From there, we completed the basic settings and wrapped things up.

“Whew—It’s done. Call me if you have any more problems.”

“Ha...Han-gyeol Hyung...!”

Eunwoo suddenly hugged me.

“What are you doing to Han-gyeol—! Get off!”

“Thank you..! Let’s go eat! I’ll treat you.”

“Back off!”

Eun-ha pulled Eunwoo away from me and stood in front of me.

“Eunwoo, you’re noisy. Just give me your card! I’ll go eat with Han-gyeol!”

“What?! It’s only courteous for me to treat him myself!”

“When did you become so considerate!”

If I had to choose, I would prefer to have a meal with just Eun-ha.

“Why don’t we eat at home?”

“Huh?”

“You can have dessert outside with Eun-ha, but let’s eat at home first.”

“Ah! In that case, I’ll gladly accept.”

“Great~”

Deciding to eat a home-cooked meal from Eun-ha’s mom, the rest of us headed to the living room.

The four of us debated what to do and ultimately decided on playing a game. I naturally thought of the fighting game I had played with Eun-ha before.

“Eunwoo Hyung, how about a round of a fighting game?”

“Oh—Is that a challenge? I accept.”

I asked Eunwoo if he wanted to play a game, but Eun-ha, sitting on the sofa, chuckled softly and said,

“Look at the second-in-command trying to take charge.”

“What did you say?! Come down here. Let me show you what ‘My real powers and skills’ is.”

“Forget it. Play with Han-gyeol. He’s good too.”

“Come down while I’m still asking nicely. Don’t trip over your own arrogance.”

“Forget it. Han-gyeol, my brother always uses the same combo. Just know that and you’re good!”

“Hey! Stop giving tips! Are you taking his side because he’s your friend?!”

“Taking Han-gyeol’s side is a hundred, no a thousand times better than taking yours!”

Eun-ha and Eunwoo seemed quite close. Eventually, the sibling showdown began, and I sat on the sofa, watching the game with Hyun-joo noona.

Just then, Hyun-joo noona gently tapped my arm and cautiously asked,

“What do you think? Isn’t Eun-ha so cute?”

“She really is. She has a different aura at home. Very cute.”

“Hehe... Eun-ha! Han-gyeol says you’re cute!”

“Wha—?!”

Eun-ha’s body twitched as she looked visibly surprised.

“He says you’re very cute~”

Was Eun-ha blushing because she was embarrassed by my comment, or was it because she was starting to have some feelings for me?

--- The End OF The Chapter ---

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