Chapter 32: Games Really Are A Sickness... I Made A Mistake.
TL: looloo
Schedule: 4/Week Wed-Sat
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The sea trip brought significant progress in my relationship with Heena. Instead of heading straight home afterward, we took a detour: I dropped her off and even went on a date nearby before parting ways. It was fun, but I was left feeling quite exhausted.
When I arrived home, completely worn out, my entire family, including my parents, brother, and sister Yoonjung, were all eagerly waiting for me.
I assumed they wanted to hear stories from my trip, but they seemed curious about something else entirely.
"Did you guys... you know?" Yoonjung asked, with a hint of mischief.
"What are you even talking about?" I retorted.
I wanted to shrug off the topic, but everyone's curious eyes were hard to ignore.
"We didn't," I said flatly."Come on, don't hold back on us! I understand it might be a tad embarrassing, but I'm genuinely curious!" Yoonjung teased.
"Why would I speak up when you probably won't believe the truth anyway?"
It wasn’t just Yoonjung. My parents and brother seemed equally focused in this line of questioning. When they realized we genuinely hadn't done anything, the reactions were a mix of shock and disappointment.
It was deeply frustrating. As a student, I'm practicing restraint and maintaining a wholesome relationship. How could they react like this?
Their cold stares and lack of a warm welcome after my tiring journey hurt. I felt tears welling up. I quickly washed up and retreated to my room, seeking solace in my chats with Heena.
[Heena: I just finished showering! You got home safely, right? You must be exhausted, so rest up. Love you!]
Reading her comforting message, which felt more intimate than before, my heart warmed.
I genuinely wish I could just live with Heena.
If we end up at the same university, could we perhaps live together?
Although these thoughts seem distant right now, I can't help but daydream about a future where that might become reality.
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Raei Translations
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A few days have passed since I returned from my trip.
During this time, I fully enjoyed my break, resting comfortably at home and consistently spending time with Heena.
Meeting and simply hanging out was fun, but after the trip, I found a renewed desire to study. I even brought up the idea of incorporating some study time into our dates, but Heena only agreed after half the vacation was over.
So far, my days consist of either playing games with friends over voice chat or hanging out with Heena.
Today, however, was a day to meet my friends in person.
"Have fun. Even though I'll be alone, you should enjoy yourself."
"......"
Ever since the trip, her possessiveness has become more pronounced. It's nice to feel wanted, but sometimes it can be a bit much.
"Heena, didn't you meet your friends yesterday?"
"Yeah, but it was after our date! Don't sweat it."
This feels tricky.
While I prefer her being laid-back over her fretting over every detail, I wasn't quite sure how to respond.
I felt the pressure, my fingertips trembling.
I had nothing to say. I couldn't just cancel my plans.
What to do?
"Heena."
"Yes?"
"I love you."
She chuckled, clearly surprised by my sudden declaration, but she didn't seem to mind.
Okay, that went well.
"So, you're leaving your loving girlfriend to hang out?"
"Looks like it!"
I was at a loss for words, feeling both overwhelmed and amused.
It was only when I felt lightheaded that Heena's laughter reached me over the phone.
"I'm just teasing. Have fun today!"
"Phew... It seemed you were 90% serious, but okay."
"Only 90%?"
"You said it was a joke, right?"
She giggled, "Alright, I'll stop now. Text me later!"
"Sure, I'll text whenever I can."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
The call ended.
Despite the lighthearted nature of our conversation, I was sure she was mostly serious. I was so overwhelmed that I even changed my sweat-soaked clothes.
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Raei Translations
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I met my friends in person for the first time in almost ten days.
We'd been playing games together, except when I was with Heena.
When I saw them after such a long time, they sat around me in a corner of the PC café, staring at me as if they were about to pounce.
At home, while we were deep in our games, there wasn't much talk, although they did curse me out when I'd send a picture on the chat and then go silent.
I thought they'd just gloss over my travel stories since we were mainly focused on the game, but it seemed they were eagerly waiting to see me in person.
The atmosphere wasn't as tense as it had been that day in the classroom, but their faces seemed hungry for some kind of story.
Curious about their expectant looks, Kim Suhwang, known as the 'Big Guy', finally spoke.
"...Hey."
"What?"
"Did you... during the trip..."
"What happened during the trip?"
Then, as he hesitated, the guys around him seemed to urge him on with their eyes, making the atmosphere feel charged.
"...Did you do it?"
"Are you insane?!"
Was this really what they were so eager to know?
"Damn you all! Is that the only thing you're curious about?!"
"Of course! It's the most important thing, you dumbass!"
"Look at him getting mad! He did it!"
"Damn, really? I’m so jealous."
I shouted in disbelief, and insults flew from every corner.
Honestly, I wouldn't feel this wronged if I had done something.
"I didn't do it, you assholes!"
"Stop lying. Look at him bluffing."
"Looking at the pictures you sent, there's no way you didn't."
"While we were stuck at home, you went and saw the real thing, huh?"
Idiots envying me for something I hadn't even done.
Do I really need to convince these lunatics?
As I raked my hands down my face in exasperation, Jung Yoonsung, who had been silently watching the absurd situation, said with a shaky voice.
"Guys, calm down... I think Han Yeonho really didn't do it. If he had, he would be showing off in his annoying way..."
I appreciate that my friend of five years can see through me.
But their response to Yoonsung's words wasn't relief, but disbelief. Just like my sister Yoonjung had reacted.
"You two went together and... didn't do it?"
"You said it was a trip sponsored by your parents?"
"Plus, from what I heard, your girlfriend seems pretty assertive..."
"You went and did nothing?"
They looked at me incredulously. It was quite irritating, reminding me of how my family had reacted ten days ago.
"Yeonho..."
After a brief silence, Suhwang, who first brought up the topic, said in a somber tone.
"Could you possibly be impotent...?"
"That's it! I'm going to kill you, you bastard!"
Furious at the insult, I charged at him. Sometimes men need to fight, even when they know it's not right!
However, this guy, with his brute strength, effortlessly pins down both my arms, chuckling in amusement.
"We believed in you...!"
"Since that's the case, I'm suddenly in the mood for a game?"
"Totally up for a game tonight."
"Hey, what's with all the talking? Let's game!"
"You...bastards..."
Anger surged within me. In my boiling rage, a few would occasionally pat my back, trying to console me.
After teasing a young spirited guy like me, they all retreated to their places with monk-like smiles.
I desperately suppressed the urge to lash out at the game and everything else.
Phew, let’s calm down. If I had gone that far and not done anything, I'd probably have had the same reaction.
I didn't specify that we only got one room, but the fact that my girlfriend and I spent the night at the beach and didn't do anything... hmm.
Thinking about it again, even I found it strange.
"......"
Was I really too cowardly?
Honestly, Heena was way more proactive than these guys could imagine. Maybe I took her for granted... No, that's not it.
Considering how much trust both our parents placed in us, I wanted our relationship to progress more seriously.
I don't know if it was the right choice, but it was the best I could think of.
Plus, we did share an intense kiss.
Clearing my mind, I turned my gaze to the monitor. The guy sitting next to me, Suhwang, continued to strike up a conversation.
"How was Sokcho?"
"It was great. The timing was impeccable when we went. It wasn’t too crowded."
"Didn’t your girlfriend treat you to a lot the last time? Did she buy everything this time too?"
"Well... actually, my mom booked our accommodation. So, Heena's father gave us his card to cover our meals. That mostly took care of things."
"Looks like your parents handled everything. You hardly spent any money, did you?"
"If you exclude transportation, yeah, hardly spent anything."
Come to think of it, I should visit and thank them. Maybe after Heena's brother completes his military service. It might be a bit awkward, though.
While answering and maneuvering the mouse, this guy doesn’t seem to stop talking.
"How does it feel traveling with just your girlfriend?"
The question felt a bit pitiful. I mostly discussed detailed stories about Heena with Yoonsung, so he might be curious.
Wanting to focus on the game and end the conversation, I replied with a mix of seriousness and jest.
"It's always fresh and thrilling."
"Should I break your fingers starting from the joints?"
"Seriously though, you wouldn't know unless you’ve been in that situation, right?"
"That's a bold statement, Han Yeonho."
"Damn it, not my fingers! Sorry! I said I'm sorry!"
With all my strength, I managed to fend off the guy who seemed genuinely intent on breaking my fingers. It appeared he took my half-joking words with utter seriousness.
Ugh, those who are forever single can be so narrow-minded.
Author's Note:
The subtitle may change at any moment...
Both Yeonho and Heena have remained single throughout, before and after their regression.
My novel doesn't drift from its theme! It's purely about romance! All about being affectionate!
Kidnap-romance punch! Confinement-romance punch! Assistant-romance punch! Yippee!