Chapter 16: Is It An Illusion?

 

“How’s it? Does it suit your taste?”

 

“Yes, it’s really delicious! I’m glad I didn’t eat outside.”

 

“Hehe... You sure have a way with words, don’t you?”

 

“I mean it, though!”

 

“Alright then, eat as much as you want. Let me know if you need more.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

We were all seated at one dining table, enjoying our meal together.

 

Han-gyeol neatly picked from the various dishes. Watching him eat, my mom wore a contented expression. I was silently grateful to Han-gyeol for making her smile.

 

Intermittent small talk continued until the meal came to an end.

 

I got up to clean up, and Han-gyeol also immediately rose from his seat.

 

“I’ll help with the cleaning.”

 

“No, you don’t have to. You’re our guest, so just relax in the living room.”

 

“Ah, but that would make me feel more uncomfortable, Aunty. I’ll help Eun-ha clean up.”

 

“Really? Then I’ll leave it to you two. Work together and make it quick.”

 

My mom didn’t object either.

 

“Alright then, I’ll count on you.”

 

“Anytime.”

 

Together, Han-gyeol and I moved the empty dishes to the sink.

 

I was just about to put on rubber gloves to start washing when I saw Han-gyeol still right beside me.

 

“You can relax in the living room now.”

 

“No, I’m comfortable here beside you. Let me help.”

 

“Uh...?! O-okay. How about I scrub and you rinse?”

 

“Sure. Can you move a bit to the side?”

 

I lathered up the dishes and passed them to Han-gyeol, who rinsed off the suds with water.

 

It was just dishwashing, but for some reason, it made my heart flutter a bit.

 

I stole a glance at Han-gyeol’s face, but he seemed nonchalant, simply focused on rinsing the dishes.

 

“You two look just like a married couple.”

 

My older brother, who was sipping water behind us, made another unnecessary comment.

 

“What—What are you talking about?! Stop spouting nonsense and go back to the living room!”

 

“Why are you getting so worked up? I just made a casual observation.”

 

“Hahaha! You two do seem very close. As an only child, it makes me a bit jealous.”

 

It was an embarrassingly straightforward comment, but Han-gyeol didn’t seem to mind.

 

He silently turned his attention back to the sink and continued rinsing the dishes.

 

“Um... sorry about my brother’s stupid comments.”

 

“Don’t worry about it. I can see why he might get that impression.”

 

“What?!”

 

I couldn’t help but raise my voice at Han-gyeol’s nonchalant response.

 

“Hahaha! I’m just joking.”

 

“Seriously, Han-gyeol, you’re not bothered by such comments?”

 

“Well, they’re a bit embarrassing, but it’s not like I hate hearing them.”

 

“Wha—?!”

 

“It’s another joke~”

 

“Hey!”

 

“Haha! Sorry, just hand me the next dish.”

 

Turned out, Han-gyeol was quite the prankster.

 

After we finished doing the dishes, we enjoyed some fruit in the living room.

 

Mom, however, seemed intensely curious about Han-gyeol.

 

“Do you usually help out a lot around the house?”

 

“I wouldn’t say ‘a lot.’ But if I see something that needs to be done, I’ll give it a hand.”

 

“Is that so~? Would you like to be our son-in-law?”

 

“Would you accept me?”

 

“Of course~ You’re more than welcome.”

 

Mom and Han-gyeol got along like peas in a pod.

 

The embarrassment, as always, was mine to bear.

 

“Ah, Mom! Han-gyeol, stop it!”

 

“Sorry, it’s just that your reactions are so entertaining, Eun-ha!”

 

Blushing furiously, I lightly thumped Han-gyeol’s arm.

 

“Aha-ha! Ouch! I was wrong, sorry Eun-ha!”

 

“Hahaha! You two are so entertaining!”

 

Ever since Han-gyeol arrived at our house, laughter filled the air. And thus began a more serious conversation. Mom shot another question at Han-gyeol.

 

“So, you and Eun-ha are buddies, huh? You didn’t know each other before, right?”

 

“No, I knew what she looked like from passing her in the hall. We only became classmates this year.”

 

“Eun-ha, did you know him?”

 

“Um? To be honest, I really didn’t know Han-gyeol. This is the first time I even noticed his face, and we’re in the same grade.”

 

As I candidly answered, my brother chimed in.

 

“Wow, that’s harsh. Han-gyeol knew you, but you didn’t know him? How ruthless.”

 

“It’s not untrue, but... this isn’t your cue to jump in, is it?”

 

“Han-gyeol, didn’t I tell you? My sister isn’t exactly the epitome of kindness and warmth-- urgh!”

 

“Quiet! Stay put!”

 

I threw a pillow at my brother’s face. Finally, he calmed down a bit.

 

“It’s pretty rare for a boy and girl to be just friends. You two must really get along?”

 

Hyun-joo, my cousin sister, looked at Han-gyeol and spoke. If there was anyone I should be more cautious around than my older brother, it was her.

 

“I was surprised too. Eun-ha and I aren’t old friends, but we clicked instantly.”

 

“Exactly, right? In such cases, you either really get along or one side is trying super hard to fit in.”

 

“I guess so? Eun-ha is considerate, so we both make adjustments for each other.”

 

“See? If you’re making adjustments for each other, you might as well be a couple.”

 

“Ah, sis! Han-gyeol and I are not like that!”

 

“Hahaha! Sorry, sorry!”

 

“Seriously...! Enough with that talk!”

 

After banning that line of discussion, we spent time engaging in light conversation. Most of the questions were about Han-gyeol, but no one tried to link him and me romantically any further.

 

Time passed, and eventually, Han-gyeol started to prepare for his departure.

 

“Well, it’s about time I head home. Thank you for the wonderful meal.”

 

“Sure, come again? I’ll prepare something different next time.”

 

“Haha, your words are more than enough. I’ll take my leave now.”

 

“Alright.”

 

After grabbing his bag, Han-gyeol stood up and I followed suit.

 

“I’ll walk you out a little.”

 

“No need, it’s still cold outside. Stay in.”

 

“I insist. I’ll at least walk you to the entrance.”

 

“Alright, then. I’ll be going now. See you next time.”

 

Han-gyeol laced up his shoes and bowed courteously.

 

“Bye, come back and visit.”

 

With that final exchange, Han-gyeol and I left the house. We were waiting for the elevator when our eyes met. Startled, I instantly looked away.

 

“What’s the matter? Are you avoiding my gaze? Are you mad because I teased you?”

 

“No—?! Not at all.”

 

Why did I do that?

 

“Today was really fun.”

 

“Wasn’t it a bit chaotic? You might have found it tiring.”

 

“What? I actually liked the hustle and bustle. I’ll visit again.”

 

“Next time, come when it’s quieter, then. It’s usually too loud.”

 

Wait, did that sound weird?

 

A feeling of unease crept in, and when I looked up, Han-gyeol seemed utterly flustered.

 

“Look, Eun-ha. No matter how close we are, I can’t just come over to an empty house with just a girl in it.”

 

“That’s not what I meant! I was just saying it’s nice when it’s quiet!”

 

“Haha! Don’t worry, I know it was just a slip of the tongue. Everyone often makes those.”

 

“Haha... I should be more careful.”

 

“Was it a Freudian slip?”

 

“No! Ah? The elevator’s here!”

 

“Then, I’ll be going. Go back inside, Eun-ha.”

 

“Ah? I’ll walk you to the entrance.”

 

I offered to see him off, but he shook his head, refusing.

 

“It’s still too cold outside. You might catch a cold, just go inside.”

 

“I’m really fine...”

 

“Do you want to spend more time with me?”

 

“You—!”

 

“Haha! Just kidding. See you at school next week?”

 

“Uh, yeah... Take care? Text me when you get home.”

 

“Sure. Take care.”

 

After exchanging handshakes, the elevator door closed. When I returned home, everyone was still talking about Han-gyeol.

 

“Ah? You’re back early? What happened?”

 

“Han-gyeol said it was cold outside and told me to go back in.”

 

“Look at this! Now it’s a hundred percent confirmed, you know?!”

 

“Really... But isn’t that something a kind-hearted person would say? Some people are just considerate.”

 

“Ah! I’m going crazy! Eun-ha is exactly like you, aunt! Anyone can see Han-gyeol likes her!”

 

I quickly interjected into their conversation.

 

“What are you guys talking about?!”

 

“Eun-ha, Han-gyeol definitely likes you. Didn’t you feel anything?”

 

“No, no! Han-gyeol said he’s liked someone for a long time!”

 

“But what if that’s you? You didn’t feel anything at all?”

 

At Hyun-joo’s question, a flurry of memories flashed through my mind. But all of those could have been coincidences; it was hard to conclude that Han-gyeol liked me based on that. However, a recent comment from Han-gyeol lingered in my ears.

 

Why am I thinking about him saying he’d be really happy if I were his girlfriend?

 

It could’ve been a joke... but my heart fluttered strangely.

 

--- The End OF The Chapter ---

 

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