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Chapter 19 - I Like Eun-ha-ssi
Chapter 19 - I Like Eun-ha-ssi
Chapter 19 - I Like Eun-ha-ssi
Chapter 19: I Like you, Eun-ha-ssi
TL: Aniea
“Puhaha-! Woo-ju ssi, you were totally nervous, right?”
“……”
Kekeke-
It was by far the biggest laugh I had ever seen from Kim Eun-ha. She was busy teasing me to the point of tears.
In response, I quietly lifted the menu to cover my face, feeling relieved that this place wasn’t Kim Eun-ha’s family home.
“Croaker cheese seaweed roll, Korean beef trotters, Seokchon water… It’s full of dishes I’ve never seen in my life. These are served as a course meal, right?”
“Hmm. Are you trying to change the subject because you’re embarrassed?”
“Such pranks are bad for the heart, so please refrain as much as possible. I’m not yet ready to face Eun-ha ssi’s family.”
“Hehe. How cute.”
“……”
Feeling like I would continue to be teased no matter what I said, I shut my mouth and looked around.
This kind of experience is something people often can’t buy even if they wanted to. I should memorize as much as I can for when I act later.
‘It looks more like a gallery than a restaurant.’
There were that many unique art decorations. The path from the entrance through the garden to here felt more like a home than a simple restaurant.
There was only one table where we were sitting. Of course, it was long enough that it seemed like it could easily fit ten people.
“The structure is quite unique, isn’t it?”
“Indeed.”
“The chef here wants this place to be a complex space where people can feel Korean culture, rather than focusing solely on cooking.”
“I see. Since I haven’t been exposed to such spaces much, it feels somewhat exotic to me, but it might be different from the perspective of foreigners.”
“Right.”
Kim Eun-ha smoothly continued the explanation. Apparently, celebrities including Prince Andrew of England had visited this place.
They only take one table reservation per day and prepare food only for those guests all day long.
“It must be quite expensive.”
“About 1 million won per person?”
“…This will be the most luxurious meal of my life.”
No sooner had I finished speaking than the chef who first guided us came to our location with his staff.
With soft smiles on their lips, they politely greeted us, and we slightly bowed our heads in response.
“Hello. My name is Kim Dae-han, and I run this place. It is truly an honor to have both of you here today.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“First, let me briefly introduce our staff and today’s menu, and we will soon bring out the prepared food. Starting from the far left…”
Chef Kim Dae-han smoothly continued his explanation, and as soon as all introductions were over, the prepared food began to be served immediately.
Watching the whole process, I thought that indeed, expensive places offer a different level of service.
‘It’s like looking at an artwork.’
Chef Kim Dae-han explained not only the types of ingredients with each dish but also where they were sourced from and the meaning behind them.
It was not just about the dishes; his pride and passion for the entire space were clearly conveyed.
‘The food is also served in sync with the pace of the guests’ eating.’
The staff frequently checked the amount of food and seemed to maintain an appropriate speed.
It didn’t feel like we were being watched from somewhere; they just seemed to manage it cleverly on their own.
Was it because it was my first time? I thought this level of service was quite impressive, but according to Kim Eun-ha, it’s not necessarily so.
“Actually, in terms of service level, there are places much better than this. But they tend to have a much more solemn atmosphere.”
“That would be somewhat burdensome for me now.”
“Right. From the dress code to all sorts of little manners, you need to be aware of everything. You might not even know where the food is going.”
Indeed.
Like during script readings, if there’s no script or significant details required, acting as Kang Joo-heon as usual should suffice.
But how would I know the etiquette of eating formally in a fancy restaurant?
Learning from just books or videos clearly has its limits in certain areas, and anyone with a bit of knowledge could easily spot that.
“So, that’s why you brought me here.”
While getting used to the luxurious atmosphere, a place where Kim Eun-ha and I could comfortably chat alone. Essentially, a beginner’s course.
“Right. This experience will be a great foundation for when you act as a chaebol. It will also be helpful when you dine with my family later.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
I said it with all sincerity. The old me wouldn’t have even known a place like this existed. Thanks to Kim Eun-ha, my horizons are broadening.
Hehe-
Kim Eun-ha laughed as she looked at me, then looked straight into my eyes and spoke.
“That’s what I like about you.”
“Huh?”
“Saying thank you when you’re grateful, and admitting what you don’t know. It’s surprisingly rare to find someone as honest as Woo-ju ssi.”
“…I consider myself to be quite ordinary.”
“Not at all.”
Kim Eun-ha shook her head decisively, as if there was no room for debate. The frustration below that gesture was palpable.
It seems she’s accumulated a lot, knowingly or unknowingly, from running the department store.
‘…It won’t be easy.’
Especially since the service industry, which is prone to misanthropy, involves dealing with VVIPs who are particularly challenging.
“Did something happen today?”
“…No.”
It was only for a moment, but I could read a hint of discomfort hidden beneath his expression.
There was definitely something. But given Kim Eun-ha’s prideful nature, it’s unlikely she would open up to someone about her troubles.
‘Let’s not forcibly pry.’
That would only stir up a hornet’s nest. It’s better to align with her mood for now and smoothly change the subject.
“I like Eun-ha-ssi.”
“Eh?”
Kim Eun-ha sounded foolishly surprised by my sudden confession. Realizing what she had done, she quickly composed herself and retorted.
“Are you trying to get back at me for teasing you earlier?”
“No. I’m serious.”
“Hmph. It’s my wealth you’re after, isn’t it?”
Kim Eun-ha snorted, dismissing the idea. But I had anticipated this reaction. I kept a leisurely smile on my lips and said.
“To be precise, the wealth is ‘also’ nice. Where else can you find a woman as beautiful and financially successful as Eun-ha ssi?”
“Why did you leave out ‘young’?”
“You’re still young.”
“Still?”
“People age eventually.”
“…You never lose a word battle, do you?”
Smirk-
Kim Eun-ha glared at me fiercely as I simply smiled, but the corners of her mouth twitched slightly.
‘That’s why life needs humor.’
Life is inherently difficult.
Although there are degrees of hardship, it’s certain that all humans continuously suffer from their own concerns and circumstances.
Appropriate humor can lighten a heavy atmosphere and alleviate gloomy feelings to some extent. This has been scientifically proven.
Kim Eun-ha is surely aware of this too. That’s probably why she laughs along with my childish jokes.
‘Thanks to that, I can also throw jokes comfortably.’
If every joke I made was met with a cold response, I wouldn’t be able to have such comfortable conversations with her.
We would have stuck to strictly business talks, and even this luxurious meal would have felt like just another work obligation.
Kim Eun-ha must be thinking something similar. Proving my point, she threw a playful joke in return.
“So, you’re saying if a woman with more money, a prettier face, and younger than me comes along, you’d fall for her?”
“No.”
“That’s unexpectedly decisive?”
“Because such a woman wouldn’t approach me without any ulterior motive. Unless she’s part of a cult or looking for a career-oriented husband.”
Zap-!
This time, the look in her eyes was definitely filled with a will to live, unlike before. In response, I quickly raised both hands to show my unconditional surrender.
“Even if such a situation arises, I wouldn’t leave Eun-ha ssi for someone else.”
“···Let’s hear why.”
“Because I’ve already made a contract with Eun-ha ssi.”
“What if I say I’ll let you terminate the contract without any conditions?”
“I still wouldn’t leave.”
How can I believe that?
…I was about to throw a joke, but stopped myself. The look in Kim Eun-ha’s eyes was oddly serious.
Of course, Kim Eun-ha isn’t a fool who takes every joke literally. But there are things that shouldn’t even be joked about sometimes.
“I like Eun-ha ssi.”
“I’ve heard that before.”
“···I don’t know what Eun-ha ssi thinks of me, but I am spending the most meaningful time of my life right now.”
This was no joke.
I am truly grateful to her.
After all, wasn’t Kim Eun-ha the one who threw me a lifeline when I was just enduring life, powerless against the flow of fate?
Thanks to her, my father could receive proper treatment, and sunlight has reached my mother’s voice, which was always filled with worries.
‘Above all, my life has changed the most.’
I got a car, and a house.
The suit I’m wearing now,
The food and drinks I consume.
All were gifts from her.
And there’s more.
I became the lead in a drama I couldn’t even dream of, and I even did script reading with a senior actor I’ve always respected.
“At least as far as I remember, I can confidently say that this moment I’m spending with Eun-ha ssi is the happiest. I wouldn’t trade it for all the money in the world.”
“……”
Kim Eun-ha was silent for a moment. But she didn’t avoid my eyes. Instead, she looked into mine as if trying to see the truth.
The atmosphere rapidly became awkward.
In response, I let out an awkward laugh and said,
“In other words, it means my body’s price has gone up! I hope you’ll consider that during the next salary negotiation. Ahaha···.”
“Permanently frozen.”
“Ack-”
The most resolute voice in the world.
Thus, the negotiation(?) unfortunately broke down, but fortunately, her mood seemed softer than before. I achieved my initial goal, at least.
“Are you done with your meal?”
“Thanks to you, I’m full.”
“Then, let’s slowly head out.”
Kim Eun-ha quietly stood up. We thanked Kim Dae-han, the chef, and the staff, then went outside.
“Eun-ha ssi, the car is that way?”
“You said you’re full, right? Let’s take a light walk for digestion.”
“Then at least change into sneakers. Climbing a hill in such high heels will scrape your heels.”
“I can handle this much.”
Kim Eun-ha walked ahead as if she wouldn’t accept any objection. Reluctantly, I also started to follow her up the hill.
During the climb, we didn’t speak to each other. It wasn’t exactly awkward, but it just wasn’t the right atmosphere for conversation.
“……”
“……”
One step.
Another step.
Kim Eun-ha’s breathing became more rapid with each step up the hill. However, she didn’t utter a single word of complaint and continued to move forward.
The heavy light from the streetlamps above our shoulders added to the weight as we climbed the slope.
“Eun-ha ssi.”
“Huff… What is it?”
“Shall we start heading back down?”
Swoosh-
Kim Eun-ha’s head turned upwards. She pondered for a moment while trying to catch her breath. Meanwhile, my gaze fell on her heels.
“···I knew this would happen.”
I quickly stepped in front of her and turned my back, then immediately bent my knees. Her voice came from behind, flustered.
“···Woo-ju ssi!?”
“Stop talking and get on.”
“I’m fine.”
“How do you plan to go to work tomorrow with those legs? Your socks are completely soaked red with blood. Quickly take off your shoes and get on my back.”
“······.”
I could feel her hesitating.
Then, I slightly turned my head back to meet Kim Eun-ha’s eyes. I opened my eyes as lazily as possible towards her, who flinched.
“I’ll only count to five.”
“I’m fine, really. I can…”
“If you don’t get on quietly, I’ll carry you over my shoulder. 5, 4, 3···.”
“Okay, okay! I’ll get on, happy?”
Unable to withstand my sincere persuasion, she finally got on my back, albeit reluctantly.
“Ugh-!”
“···Hey.”
“Just kidding. You’re lighter than I thought, gave me a shock. Are you even a celebrity? You’re not short, but why so light? This would roughly be forty···.”
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Kim Eun-ha hit my head as if to shut me up. Perhaps because she felt sorry for being carried, her hands were incredibly gentle.
“Let’s go, then.”
“Huh? Woo-ju ssi, where are you going!?”
“Weren’t you eager to see something up here? Since we’ve come this far, let’s at least reach the summit.”
“It must be heavy…”
“If you know that, cling to my back like a cicada. It’s harder if you’re half-heartedly clinging on.”
“······.”
Swoosh-
Seemingly deciding she couldn’t change my mind, Kim Eun-ha quietly entrusted her body to my back.
Perhaps because of the sweat from climbing, there was a strange sensation as if our skins were touching. This led to an involuntary exclamation from me.
“···Oh.”
“······!?”
“Aaack-! What did I do!? My ear! My ear! It’s dangerous! You might fall and get hurt!”
“Just die, you pervert.”
Aaaah-!
Kim Eun-ha pulled on my ear for quite some time.
Despite the significant pain, I endured, fearing she might fall and hurt herself, almost resulting in my ear being torn off first.
Sigh-
Kim Eun-ha let out a loud sigh, as if meant for me to hear. While I contemplated whether I should put her down, she leaned against my back again.
The sensation felt much clearer than before, but based on the lessons learned, I kept my mouth shut.
“Let’s get moving already.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Thud-!
With her urging (or rather, whipping?), I started climbing the hill again. Although the path was much tougher and more challenging than expected, a smile somehow never left my lips.
*****
TL Note: This marks the end of today’s mass release.