Chapter 25: Same Day (3)

Yejin’s behavior had subtly changed after my lunchtime antics, but it was her own fault. Who told her to tease me? She started it.

Actually, her reaction was so amusing that I teased her during breaks, poking her cheeks and messing with her hair.

But her obvious fluster each time was hilarious. She’d flinch whenever I touched her; ignoring my impulse to tease her would be criminal.

As a result of my relentless teasing, Yejin finally realized I was playing pranks.

That’s why she was walking beside me now, her lips pursed, her steps brisk and annoyed, as if emphasizing her anger.

“Yejin… are you mad?”

“I messed up…”

“You were oblivious; you toyed with my feelings…”

Feeling slightly guilty, I apologized. Yejin mumbled, looking down. What? I raised an eyebrow; she looked at me and sighed.

What? Was I wrong? Honestly, if she spoke so quietly, how could I hear? Feeling slightly resentful, I looked at her, quickly backing down at her gaze.

“You’re right. I’m at fault…”

“Ugh. Let’s go; Eunji’s probably waiting.”

“Okay…”

I wanted to joke about sighing shortening lifespan, but she seemed too angry. I followed silently.

I watched her short brown hair as we walked; we arrived at her classroom, where Eunji was waving.

She was my savior from this situation. I waved happily back. Yejin sighed again before saying we should leave.

Another sigh! That’s three. Three strikes and you’re out; did I do that bad? I looked miserable.

Eunji assessed the situation, glancing at Yejin and me before patting Yejin on the back, encouraging her.

What? I expected Eunji to remain neutral; I felt betrayed. They exchanged a few words.

“Natural, right?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“What are you two talking about?”

“Uh… nothing! Let’s go eat mapo tofu. I’m starving after having bread for lunch.”

They still avoided my question. I noticed Eunji deliberately changed the subject but gave up. We needed to leave.

After some turmoil, we left school. I didn’t know the way, so Yejin and Eunji led the way.

Yejin and Eunji argued about which mapo tofu restaurant was better, but we decided to settle it with rock-paper-scissors.

Eunji won, jumping for joy. Ignoring her, I whispered to Yejin, who looked disappointed.

“Let’s go to your restaurant later.”

Seeing her disappointment pained me. I hoped this would cheer her up; her reaction confirmed it.

…It felt a little excessive, but it achieved my goal. I watched Yejin, her disappointment gone.

We headed to Eunji’s chosen restaurant. Unlike other places, this one had a self-service topping bar.

I stared blankly at this unfamiliar system. Yejin, who had already paid, approached.

“Need help?”

It was overwhelming, so I nodded. Yejin took my hand and helped me choose toppings.

She often asked, “How about this?” I nodded for the toppings I liked. The bowl was shaping up nicely.

After a while, she said it was enough, paid, and handed me the bowl. I nodded, turning to join Eunji at our table, instinctively grabbing her arm.

“?”

“Ah… th-thank you… for helping…”

I’d wanted to thank her, but I couldn’t speak properly.

Flustered, I mumbled something and headed to the counter. Did I stutter? I don’t remember; I was flustered. But I definitely felt grateful.

After paying, I joined Eunji and Yejin. The atmosphere was good. I was sitting next to Eunji, facing Yejin.

Yejin smiled subtly; she’d heard me. I’d been worried she hadn’t.

We chatted casually until the mapo tofu arrived. I’d paid last, so mine came last.

They watched me, anticipating my reaction to the mapo tofu. I avoided their gaze and started eating. The restaurant mapo tofu was far better than the school’s.

The atmosphere was pleasant. I could talk easily and enjoy the delicious food. It was new and enjoyable; I wanted to return.

After finishing, we chatted briefly, gathered our things, and left. Eunji left first since her route was different; Yejin and I walked together.

Looking up at the darkening sky, I walked with Yejin. We reached the point where we parted ways.

I jokingly pretended to cry about having to leave; Yejin laughed and waved.

“It was really fun today.”

“Huh?”

“Thank you again, seriously.”

The sudden shift made Yejin blink before laughing. She waved brightly.

“I’ll text you later!”

“…Okay.”

Walking home alone wasn’t bad. She said she’d text me… I smiled, remembering her words.

I’d been worried about our first private meeting. But today was fun.

“I keep feeling someone behind me. It’s probably my imagination.”

It was probably my imagination. I arrived home safely.

I greeted Mom and showered. Yejin had texted.

[Yejin: Home?]

[I’m home. You?]

I replied and checked other messages, including the moderators’ group chat. The empty chat made me realize how limited my social life was.

But I made new friends! Thinking positively, I checked the moderators’ group chat.

And found work: Hwajuyeon’s message instructing me to manage the cooking competition posts. I should’ve ignored it. This is annoying. I was tired after showering.

Still, I had to work. I opened my laptop and logged onto the community.

[Title: Kimchi Stew is the Best][8]

[Author: 00]

(Image of ruined kimchi stew)

Adding tuna cans? It’s impossible not to drool.

[Likes: 2 / Dislikes: 6]

[All Comments]

00: Lesbians…

Loo: Who eats this crap? Lesbians.

Kim Jia: Add “Cooking Competition)” to the title!

00: Thank you!

00: Does the assistant mod think this is food?

[Title: Cooking Competition) Cooking with a lobster—something everyone has at home!][13]

[Author: 00]

(Cute pink-haired girl crying)

So…sorry. I don’t have that. I just wanted to show Bocchi… What? You’re not angry?

Everyone clearly loves Bocchi!

[Likes: 0 / Dislikes: 3]

Managing the posts was easier than expected. I just commented on posts without “Cooking Competition” in the title or deleted obvious trolls.

I was reading posts when one caught my eye.

[Title: The head mod just keeps posting all day.][6]

[Author: 00]

(Girl with twintails, hands on her hips)

Please be careful.

That’s all!

[Likes: 32 / Dislikes: 2]

[All Comments]

00: But honestly…

LOO: Hey.

It’s a continuation of the head mod impeachment post from this morning.