Chapter 26: Good things are enjoyed alone

Buzz–buzz.

Lying blankly on the bed, I stared at the ceiling.

The room was filled with the loud chirping of cicadas and the hum of the air conditioner.

‘This is what weekends are for.’

I lazily picked up my phone to open a novel app when a message notification popped up at the bottom of the screen.

[Seo Yuna: Hey, what are you doing today?]

The moment I thought about replying, I had a gut feeling it would lead to something annoying.

I ignored the message.

Another notification appeared almost instantly.

[Seo Yuna: I know you read it. If you don’t reply right now, I’ll spread a rumor about you secretly smelling your school uniform.]

“What?”

I stared at my phone in disbelief.

‘Was she seriously threatening me just because I didn’t reply to her message?’

With a sigh filled with annoyance, I sent a reply.

[Kim Dohyun: What?]

Her response came quickly.

[Seo Yuna: You said you’d hang out with me once my foot healed. How about today?]

A vague memory surfaced.

When Yuna injured her foot, I’d made that promise in a hurry to avoid dealing with her at the time.

‘She actually remembered that?’

‘So what? It’s not like there’s proof.’

[Kim Dohyun: When did I say that?]

[Seo Yuna: Before you got in the taxi. You promised we’d hang out once my foot healed!]

[Kim Dohyun: I don’t remember.]

[Seo Yuna: Fine, do whatever you want. But I’ll tell everyone you’re a pervert.]

‘Why is she doing this to me?’

I sighed as I looked at the screen.

I was already tired of being the center of attention at the academy, and a weird rumor on top of that would just make things worse.

[Kim Dohyun: Ugh, fine. Where do I go?]

As soon as I sent the reply, her message came through.

[Seo Yuna: The alleyway leading to the academy! Be there in an hour.]

Reluctantly, I dragged my heavy body out of bed.

‘So much for my weekend.’

***

At the alley leading to the academy, Yuna was already there waiting for me.

She was dressed in a white blouse and a flared skirt.

Her blonde waves glistened under the sunlight, and her earrings and bracelets added just the right amount of flair.

‘She really does look good in casual clothes.’

Noticing my gaze, Yuna approached with a mischievous grin.

“Does it suit me?”

I gave her a short reply.

“It’s okay.”

She burst into laughter, clearly amused.

“Don’t lie. You were staring.”

“When?”

“Just now.”

She spun around playfully and said, “Anyway, today, we’re doing whatever I want, so just follow me.”

I shook my head in disbelief.

“Where are we going?”

“Curious? You’ll find out if you follow me.”

After walking for about ten minutes, we arrived at an unexpected destination.

‘What the hell? Why here?’

Blue Cove.

A swimsuit store in the middle of the busy shopping district.

I froze in place at the entrance, unable to move.

“Here we are. What do you think?”

I gave her a baffled look.

“Why are we here?”

“To buy a swimsuit for tomorrow, of course. We’re going to the beach, so I need to be ready.”

“Did you really need me for this?”

With a sly smile, Yuna replied, “I was going to come with my friends, but they’re all busy.”

No way.

‘Someone like Seo Yuna, a social butterfly, didn’t have a single friend with free time?’

‘She was definitely lying.’

Every alarm in my head was going off, warning me that something bad was about to happen if I stepped into that store.

“Actually, I just remembered I have something else to—”

Ding-dong.

Yuna opened the store door and called out, “Stop making excuses and come in already. Don’t waste time.”

The store was filled with brightly colored swimsuits that screamed summer vibes.

The vivid colors and diverse designs were eye-catching, but for me, the whole scene was just overwhelming.

“Look at this. How about this one?”

Yuna held up a black bikini and asked.

Without even glancing at it, I replied, “Do whatever you want.”

“That’s boring. You have to tell me what style suits me.”

“I don’t know. Just buy something you like.”

“Tsk.”

Pouting at my disinterested response, Yuna walked deeper into the store and came back with something even more daring.

A white bikini.

The design was bolder, with thin straps around the waist and a revealing top.

“How about this?”

Holding the bikini up to her eye level, she gave me a playful smile.

I covered my face with my hands, feeling embarrassed.

“Why are you showing that to me? Just pick something yourself.”

Seeing my reaction, Yuna smirked.

“Why? Are you embarrassed?”

“It’s not about that. Why are you even asking me?”

Yuna brought the bikini closer to my face.

“Come on, does it suit me or not?”

The image of her wearing it flashed in my mind, and before I could stop myself, I blurted out my honest thoughts.

“It… it would probably suit you really well.”

Hearing my answer, Yuna’s face turned red.

Yuna’s playful expression briefly turned awkward, and her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out.

At that moment, a sales clerk approached with a professional smile.

“Oh my, you two must be a couple. You look so good together!”

From an outsider’s perspective, we must have looked like a young couple in love.

“Uh, uh, well….” Yuna stammered, flustered, but the clerk continued unfazed.

“Your boyfriend seems a bit shy. How about trying the swimsuits in the fitting room? It’ll make choosing so much easier.”

Yuna’s face turned even redder as she glanced at me nervously.

“Uh, I don’t think that’s necessary, right? What do you think?” She clearly seemed out of her depth, probably just intending to tease me but now caught in an embarrassing situation herself.

Suppressing a laugh, I replied to the clerk.

“Sounds good to me.”

Yuna turned to me with a horrified expression.

‘See? That’s what happens when you try to take control.’

I smirked as I watched her flustered state.

“It’s better to see for yourself and decide, don’t you think?”

“W-what?”

“Your boyfriend is quite thoughtful~” the clerk added, smiling warmly as she guided us to the fitting rooms.

***

“Oh, your skin is so beautiful. You’re lucky!” the clerk said cheerfully.

“Um, actually….”

“And you have such a good eye for swimsuits! This one, that one, and this one too!” Without hesitation, the clerk handed Yuna several swimsuits.

“Here you go! Try these first—they’ll look amazing on you!”

Yuna tried to refuse.

“It’s really okay. I can just pick one myself….”

“Nonsense! Your boyfriend is waiting. Hurry up now!” The clerk’s enthusiasm was unstoppable, and Yuna was practically pushed into the fitting room.

I sat in the waiting area, staring blankly at the store’s colorful decorations while trying to compose myself.

‘Deep breaths… Stay calm. Think of something else, like the national anthem or something.’

I had been uneasy ever since Yuna held up the white bikini earlier.

‘This kind of scene is why romantic comedies are so popular.’

After a while, the fitting room door opened slightly.

“Um… How does this look?”

Yuna stepped out hesitantly, wearing the black bikini she had chosen earlier.

The black fabric contrasted strikingly with her fair skin, enhancing her natural beauty.

The slightly bold cut of the top accentuated her figure.

‘Wow….’

I almost let out an audible gasp but managed to hold it in.

‘No, don’t react too much. Take it slow—very slow.’

I tried to avert my eyes after a quick glance, but my gaze was already fixed on her.

Feeling my unfiltered stare, Yuna’s face turned as red as a tomato.

“Why are you staring like that?!”

Her voice carried a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

Judging by the redness of her ears, she was thoroughly flustered.

I steadied my voice and replied, “It suits you.”

“That’s it? That’s all you have to say?” She stomped her foot in frustration.

‘I can’t let this get to me.’

If I overly complimented her now, she’d buy it immediately.

I needed to stall.

“I’m not sure. Maybe another one would look better?” I suggested.

“R-really?” Yuna, looking uncertain, went back into the fitting room and shut the door.

She came out again shortly after, wearing a more vibrant sky-blue bikini.

It was cheerful and playful, giving off a livelier vibe than the first one.

She turned her head slightly, seemingly shy. “What about this one?”

I covered my mouth with one hand, pretending to think.

“Hmm… Maybe?”

“What kind of answer is that?!” she grumbled, frustrated.

“I’m just not sure.”

“Ugh, you’re so annoying.”

With that, Yuna retreated into the fitting room once more.

I exhaled deeply, trying to calm myself.

‘Whew… That was close. Just one more to go.’

Finally, it was time for the last swimsuit—the one I had been dreading the most.

The door opened, and Yuna stepped out, visibly nervous, fidgeting slightly.

It was the white bikini from earlier.

The thin straps hugged her slender waist, and the bright color complemented her pale skin perfectly.

‘Oh… my… God.’

I was at a loss for words as I stared at her.

“W-what? Why are you looking at me like that?” Yuna stammered, her face burning bright red.

I quickly turned my head and muttered, “It doesn’t suit you.”

“What?”

“Bikinis don’t match your style,” I said firmly.

“…Really? Is it that bad?” Her voice sounded dejected.

I nodded. “Yeah. You should just go for a rash guard instead of risking a sunburn.”

“…You think so? That might be better, actually.”

Yuna nodded slowly, seeming convinced, and went back into the fitting room to change back into her clothes.

I leaned back in my chair, feeling triumphant.

‘Good things are meant to be enjoyed alone. That’s the way it should be.’