It’s a traditional market in front of the mart.
Such a unique structure. I feel like I’ve never seen anything like this before.
By the way…
“Wow. Those chicken skewers look delicious! Maru would love them.”
Hehe, Maru likes chicken even more. How about chicken wings?
“I think it would be better to buy a unique pig’s feet burger for her.”
Why are these people acting like this? Why does every sentence have an adjective attached to it, as if I would like it?
What is this pig’s feet burger?
“Maru, are you okay over there?”
“It’s not uncomfortable, but… could you just put me down?”
Right now, I’m riding on the commander’s shoulders, with both of my hands held by Nunu and Bada, looking like an odd sight.
Anyone who sees us would think we’re a family out on a trip. How embarrassing.
“A little disappointing, but can’t we just go to the mart like this?”
“Puu…!”
“Haha, I got it. You don’t need to puff up your cheeks like that.”
When I made a sulky face, the commander finally lowered me down.
Hmph, you only understand when I say it. Where did the sharp-eyed commander go? Bring him back!
Still, I need to hold their hands. I might lose them.
“I’m not a child…”
“But you never know. Our Maru is an adult, so she can understand this, right? Okay? Please.”
“…Alright.”
I nodded reluctantly.
As the commander said, there’s always a possibility. What if I get lost and caught by a bad person?
Of course, I would never do something childish like that. But who knows.
Even if I have the mentality of a strong man, if someone lures me with pudding, my body might just follow, thinking it’s right.
I even ordered pudding absentmindedly last time. I can’t promise the same thing won’t happen this time. Hmm.
“Here.”
The commander extended his hand.
It must mean to hold it. By the way, his hand is enormous.
I alternate between looking at my small, pale hand and the sturdy, rough hand of the commander.
Ugh, the size difference is huge. His one hand could easily cover both of mine.
“Maru?”
“Ah, yes!”
After letting out a small sigh inside, I took the commander’s huge hand.
…Wait a minute, where did Nunu and Bada go?
Normally, they would be fighting over who gets to hold my other hand, but why are they so quiet?
What’s going on?
“Hehe.”
As I tilted my head to look for them, I heard a familiar laugh from behind.
It was Nunu’s unique laugh.
When I turned around, I saw the two of them whispering to each other while looking in my direction.
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about them. Let’s go together, just the two of us. That way, we won’t get lost, and it’ll be better.”
Huh. What’s going on?
Normally, they would have been tugging me around, but why are they acting like that?
Hurry up.
“Hehe… Wait, really?
My hand is empty now.
Aren’t you going to hold it…?”
Why?
“Maru, what’s wrong? Let’s go.”
“Yes, yes.”
It feels weird holding just one hand.
I keep feeling a sense of emptiness and longing, so I keep fiddling with my hand.
“Hehe, I was right, wasn’t I?”
Hehe. So this is what playing hard to get is.
“Well, it’s also called training.”
That sounds too inappropriate, so let’s call it a distraction play.
It feels like there’s a rather chaotic conversation going on behind me.
“…Hmph.”
I tried to ignore Nunu and Bada’s words and quickened my steps.
Who cares?
I’m not upset that they didn’t hold my hand. It’s just that I don’t need to listen to things that don’t concern me.
So, I’m not upset.
Even if they ask me to hug them later, I’ll refuse. I’ll turn down any pats too.
Hmph.
Anyway, while I was walking, holding the commander’s hand, something happened.
“Oh, it looks like you’re out shopping with your dad. Want to try one of these?”
“Yes, yes? No, that’s…
…The kind-hearted market people keep offering me food.
This grandmother just saw me staring at the chicken skewers and handed me one with a lot of sauce on it.
That’s the problem.
Whenever I show even the slightest interest in something, they seem to sense it and come over, offering me all kinds of things.
I’m getting tired from all these people approaching me.
It’s hard to refuse because they smile so kindly, giving off the vibe of a friendly neighborhood uncle. How can I say no?
I’m not that cold-hearted…
I’m not a kid!
“Yes, yes, I want to be an adult. Be a cool person like my dad.”
Ugh, it’s unfair.
They’re treating me like a little kid.
And why is the commander acting like my dad? He doesn’t look anything like him!
Thank you.”
I want you to deny it, you bad uncle!
“Our Hyunsoo was like this too. Brings back memories.”
Suddenly, the grandmother patted my head and got lost in her memories.
Ugh, really. I can’t refuse…
What’s going on? Did they put honey on my head or something? Why does everyone keep patting my head when they see me?
Is there something so addictive about it? It wasn’t like that when I patted it last time.
I don’t get it.
“Ah, this old man is blocking the way of young people too much.”
“It’s okay. Is this for me?”
Alright. Since our young lady is so pretty, don’t refuse and take it.
This is the best-selling item in our shop.
……Thank you!
I don’t know anymore.
Getting free chicken skewers is nice, isn’t it?
Sigh.
-Sniff sniff.
The chicken skewers look delicious.
The smell is nice and savory, too.
Oh, there’s teriyaki sauce on it.
How did they figure out so accurately that I like this?
“Is it tasty?”
“…Yes. It’s delicious.”
“Haha, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
Here, try one more.”
With a gentle smile, the old lady hands me a hot dog and rice cake skewer.
Grandma, why do the dishes keep increasing?
I can’t eat all of this.
And you’re not even taking money for it.
Could you please stop giving me more?
Oh, right, where did I put that…
After briefly looking inside the shop, the grandma brings out a bowl and hands it to me…
Inside the bowl, there’s tteokbokki, sundae, fried food, and even fish cakes.
Am I seeing this wrong?
What on earth is this?
Why is she giving all this for free?
Something feels off…!
“Here you go.
Since our young lady eats so heartily, it’s a gift.”
…Hiccup.
No, that’s a bit…
I can’t even finish the snacks I’m holding right now…!
“Oh my, what is all this?
My Maru eats a lot already, so I was worried.
Thank you.”
“Commander?!”
“That’s right.”
I was about to refuse since it seemed like too much, but the clueless commander took the bowl.
What are you doing right now?!
“Commander, no matter what, this is…”
“Oh, you should call me Dad.”
…This man, seriously.
“Shh, Maru. Just this once, play along.
Everyone came without eating, so this much should be fine, right?”
“If you like free stuff too much, you’ll go bald faster.
Dad.”
“Ugh, ughhh.
You little rascal.
Today should be officially called Papa Day.”
“What are you even saying now…?”
Ugh, I feel dizzy.
Why is this guy so excited today?
“So, my grown-up Maru, how was it getting pampered by grandma?”
“Shut up.”
Ignoring the teasing commander, I bowed my head to the grandma in thanks and left the shop.
“Ah! Maru! Over here!”
The commander had already secured a table and set up all the food.
Next to him, Nunu and Bada were waving at me.
They had been walking around just fine without me, but now they finally noticed my absence?
Hmph.
“Maru?”
…What?
Why are you tilting your head like you don’t understand?
I stuck my head out.
Hurry up and pat me.
“…You’re not going to pat me?”
Do I really have to say it out loud?
You always do it normally.
Hurry up!
It’s not every day you get this chance.
…Right?
Anyway.
“Our Maru has turned into a spoiled baby.”
“See? I told you this method works best.”
“You’re right.
But we shouldn’t do it too often.
What if Maru gets sulky?”
I could hear them talking in front of me, but my focus was entirely on my head.
I pushed my head out even more to signal for pats.
Oh.
Wait, did I push too far?
A soft, squishy sensation touched my head.
This texture feels oddly familiar…
No way, is this Nunu’s chest?
“Hehe, you must have been in such a rush to lean in like this.”
My vision spun for a moment as my body was effortlessly lifted.
Before I knew it, Nunu had spun me around and pulled me snugly into her embrace.
“Wh-whoa?”
I was completely caught off guard.
Her grip was so strong that even if I struggled, I couldn’t budge an inch.
…Wait a second.
Something’s not right.
“This time, it was Maru who wanted it.
No complaints, okay?”
“I’ve been waiting for this moment.
Maru, I won’t let you go now.”
Why do their eyes look so intense?
Let me go!
“Hehehe.”
Hiiiiiik!
Oh my god.
Save me!!!