Chapter 8: The Date She Wanted So Much

    TL: looloo

    Schedule: 4/Week Wed-Sat

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    Saturday morning.

    The day of my very first date.

    I was worried that excitement might keep me awake, but after the tiring events of yesterday, I drifted off to sleep quickly.

    Thanks to that, I was up before dawn, giving me enough time to freshen up and dress casually.

    Though when it comes to dressing, due to the strict hair regulations, there wasn''t much I could change with my hair, and I didn''t have many clothing options to ponder over.

    I settled on simple slacks, a light tee, and a cardigan on top. Given it''s early summer and I''d probably be walking around a lot, I thought it''d be convenient if I needed to take it off and carry it around.

    It seems Heena should be available without issues today.

    [ Heena: I''ll try to match your time~ ]

    [ Han Yeonho: I’ll leave on time too ]

    [ Heena: Yeonho, don''t rush.. Be careful if you’re driving, okay? ]

    [ Han Yeonho: I’m taking the subway, so no worries lol ]

    [ Heena: Okay! See you later! ]

    Looking at our recent chat, my heart raced.

    I need to calm down before leaving...

    "......"

    "...Anything you want to say?"

    It seems my fussing around looking for my slacks, which I assumed mom had placed in my brother''s room, had been noisy. My older brother, who had seemingly been awakened by the noise, was now lying down and watching me with a tired expression.

    "Where are you off to?"

    "Just hanging out."

    "You were quite noisy this morning."

    "Sorry~"

    "Speaking of which, your friends were frantically looking for you yesterday. What happened?"

    "Did those idiots message you?"

    "Yeah. They asked about you before you came home yesterday. I forgot to tell you."

    Those crazy guys. Just because we added each other while playing games doesn’t mean they should be messaging my brother.

    Of course, I still haven’t checked that group chat from yesterday.

    "I think I came home late after meeting a friend and missed their messages."

    "Hmm..."

    "Why the reaction? Aren’t you working today?"

    "I am."

    That’s quite the curt response, even for my brother.

    "Well, take care."

    "Hey, when will you be back?"

    "Not sure? Maybe in the evening?"

    "Let me know if you haven’t eaten by after 6."

    "Why?"

    "Yoonjung suggested we eat together."

    "My sister-in-law? C''mon, when you guys are on a date, stop inviting me."

    Heena ran to me and immediately grasped my hand with both of hers. Her touch was so soft it gave me chills.

    She looked so different from when I last saw her alone, her expression now clearly contrasting.

    "You''re early."

    "I thought I was, but I''m sorry for being later than you."

    "It''s okay~ I kind of rushed because I thought you might do that."

    "Did you wait long?"

    "Mmm, not really."

    Her smile grew as she continued, something clearly making her happy.

    "You could''ve called. I would have hurried more."

    "Well, I... I wanted to wait for you."

    "Why did you want to wait?"

    For a split second, her beaming face seemed to falter at my question.

    "I knew you''d come, and not too late this time."

    "So, you''re telling me off for being late?"

    "No! They say waiting is part of the date experience, right? So, our date just got extended. Win for me!"

    "Fine, next time I''ll be 3 hours early."

    "That''s cheating! No more of this!"

    Holding hands in front of the station and having this exchange, I felt slightly embarrassed.

    Of course, I didn''t think everyone was staring at us, but because of Heena, I felt a tad self-conscious.

    If we continued like this, we''d probably just look at each other until our time ran out. I took her hand and led her away.

    I had initially planned to have lunch here, but given the atmosphere, I thought it best to look elsewhere.

    Holding her hand as we walked, my heart raced, and I felt sweaty.

    As I led the way, Heena seemed to quietly follow. She let go of my hand momentarily only to grasp it again, our fingers interlacing.

    When I looked at her with a puzzled expression, she said,

    "I like holding hands this way. We are a couple after all."

    Seeing her determination, I had no more to say. Honestly, I preferred it this way too.

    Stop it, lips! Don''t curve into a smile!

    Don''t laugh like a fool!

    You don''t need to be cool or anything, but at least don''t look stupid, Yeonho!

    I mentally scolded myself.

    The first date, with the perfect girlfriend, and intertwined hands.

    I tried to get a hold of my overwhelmed senses. And though a bit shy, I wanted to tell her something every boyfriend should.

    "You know, I forgot to mention earlier."

    "Hmm?"

    "You look really beautiful today. I was genuinely surprised when I saw you at the subway station."

    "Am I that pretty?"

    "Yeah, very much so."

    "Hehe... I''m glad. I fretted a lot this morning."

    Why do I feel even more embarrassed when I''m the one giving the compliment?

    Heena let out a smile that seemed slightly bashful at my compliment. Even that gesture was endearing.

    I made a conscious effort to maintain my expression and focused my gaze straight ahead. When I caught a glimpse of Heena glancing up at me from beside me, I felt like I might break into a silly, uncontrollable laugh.