Chapter 67: Dialogue

 

After enjoying a variety of foods including sashimi, we turned on the gaming console.

 

Han-gyeol and I played a few rounds before passing the controller to Dad.

 

“Ah, we should make this interesting with a bet. Hey, son-in-law, how about a little wager?”

 

“Sure. What kind of bet?”

 

“How about a simple favor?”

 

“Alright. I won’t go easy on you.”

 

“Haha, my daughter, Han-gyeol is challenging me?”

 

“Han-gyeol, do well! Dad might lose, you know?”

 

“Don’t underestimate experience.”

 

Eventually, the match between Dad and Han-gyeol began.

 

Though I felt sorry for Dad, I eagerly cheered for Han-gyeol.

 

“Han-gyeol, Dad doesn’t know the combo moves well. Just corner him and keep hitting low.”

 

“Daughter…? Even if it’s just a game, aren’t you too biased towards Han-gyeol? I feel left out.”

 

“Dad, I think you’ll ask Han-gyeol for a difficult favor.”

 

“You caught me. Ah! He really is just hitting low!”

 

I watched Dad and Han-gyeol play intensely from behind.

 

Dad was gritting his teeth and fervently pressing the controller, and Han-gyeol was equally focused.

 

Ever since Han-gyeol started visiting our house, it seems to have become more lively and warm.

 

I don’t dislike quiet, but I wish our home was always bustling.

 

A home where someone is always there to welcome you back and see you off.

 

Thinking of such a future with Han-gyeol made me incredibly happy.

 

I think it will be very blissful.

 

“You’re better than I thought. I didn’t think you’d be good at games.”

 

“I practiced to play with Eun-ha. You’re good too, sir.”

 

“I can’t keep hearing from my daughter that I don’t know the combos.”

 

I’m extremely happy now, too.

 

As time passed, the bet ended with Han-gyeol’s victory.

 

He looked at me joyfully.

 

“Eun-ha, I won.”

 

“Yeah, you did great! What will you ask for your favor?”

 

“What should I ask for? Will you really do anything?”

 

Han-gyeol immediately looked at Dad as if he had something in mind.

 

“A man should be decisive. I won’t hesitate.”

 

“Wow, that’s so cool. Then, I’ll say it.”

 

I was incredibly curious about what Han-gyeol was about to ask for.

 

I couldn’t even guess what it might be.

 

“So, what do you want?”

 

“I’d like to go on a 1-night, 2-day trip with Eun-ha after the college entrance exams.”

 

At Han-gyeol’s words, both Dad and I were stunned.

 

We never imagined Han-gyeol would ask for something like that.

 

“A trip for 1 night and 2 days with Eun-ha?”

 

“Yes. Of course, it will be after the exams and once we both turn twenty.”

 

“So, you mean to say you want to go on a trip just the two of you?”

 

“Yes, that’s right.”

 

Dad was hesitant to respond to Han-gyeol’s proposal.

 

But just moments ago, he boasted about being decisive like a man.

 

“Alright. I’ll allow it.”

 

“Wow, really? Thank you so much.”

 

“But it has to be next year. There is no such thing as premature timing.”

 

“Understood. Thank you for permitting it.”

 

Han-gyeol smiled contentedly and then looked at me.

 

I never knew Han-gyeol could be so direct in asking for permission from Dad.

 

“Eun-ha, you should thank your father too.”

 

“Oh- Uh, thanks, Dad, for allowing it.”

 

Still, Dad seemed slightly worried.

 

I’m not usually a doting daughter, but I tried to ease Dad’s concerns.

 

“Dad, you’re the best.”

 

“Hmm-!”

 

“Right. Father, you are the best.”

 

“Hmm-!”

 

When Han-gyeol joined in, the corners of Dad’s mouth lifted slightly.

 

“Did Dad just smile? Han-gyeol, you saw it too, right?”

 

“Yeah, yeah. I definitely saw it.”

 

“Are you kids teasing an adult now?”

 

“But you’re smiling, aren’t you?”

 

“What can I do? It’s funny. Indeed, it’s better to go with permission than sneak away.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Once Dad seemed convinced, Han-gyeol and I burst into laughter.

 

“Eun-ha, should we start cleaning up?”

 

“Yeah, let’s tidy up. Dad, you rest.”

 

“Ah, how can I? I should help too.”

 

“No, it’s okay. I want to do it with Eun-ha.”

 

“Alright. I want to clean up with Han-gyeol too.”

 

Han-gyeol was tactful, making sure Dad didn’t feel burdened.

 

I also pitched in, and Dad nodded silently.

 

“I’m all for relaxing~!”

 

“Yes. Please take a rest~”

 

Han-gyeol started clearing the dishes and headed to the kitchen.

 

“Dad. What do you think about Han-gyeol?”

 

“I already heard from your mom that he’s a good kid.”

 

“Really? What do you think now that you’ve met him?”

 

“Now that I see him, he’s even better.”

 

“Right? I’ll go help Han-gyeol too~”

 

I got up from my seat with a smile. But then Dad asked me.

 

“Daughter, are you happy now?”

 

“Yes. Incredibly happy.”

 

“Then that’s all that matters.”

 

As Dad smiled, I smiled back at him.

 

After finishing the cleanup with Han-gyeol, we prepared to leave.

 

Han-gyeol, with his bag on, greeted at the shoe rack.

 

“Father, I had a great time today. I hope to see you again when the opportunity arises.”

 

“Sure. Come visit often. I was glad to meet you too.”

 

“Yes. I’ll see you next time.”

 

“Dad, I’ll walk Han-gyeol out a bit.”

 

“Okay. Go ahead.”

 

Han-gyeol bowed to Dad one last time before stepping out of the house with me.

 

“Han-gyeol, you weren’t uncomfortable because of Dad today, were you?”

 

“It was only enjoyable. I’m grateful he thought well of me.”

 

“Really? That’s a relief.”

 

I quietly interlocked my hand with Han-gyeol’s.

 

“Oh right. Where should we go for our trip?”

 

“What do you think, Han-gyeol? Maybe a ski resort since it’s winter?”

 

“I like that idea.”

 

We took the elevator down and, as usual, strolled around our complex.

 

“Han-gyeol, how about we take a walk around the lake park before heading home?”

 

“We always say ‘just one round’ and end up walking for an hour.”

 

“True. So, shall we walk for an hour then?”

 

“No way. Your dad might get bored. Let’s just head in today, as much as I hate to.”

 

Han-gyeol gently wrapped his arms around me.

 

When he does this, I just don’t want to let him go.

 

“Let’s go home and tell your dad all about us. He seemed really curious.”

 

“My dad? What did he say when I went to buy the sashimi earlier?”

 

“Hm? Just asked how we’re getting along and how you’ve been lately. I think I gave him a vague answer. You should tell him more details.”

 

“Was there anything else he said?”

 

“Man-to-man loyalty, I guess. Can’t quite spill everything~”

 

It seemed like Han-gyeol was hiding something.

 

“...”

 

“What? That’s intriguing! I know, But if you’re curious, let’s go in and ask. Your dad might feel left out if you’re just with your boyfriend. Today, let’s tell him how we met and what we’ve been up to. You know, since he hasn’t been home much, he hasn’t had many chances to talk.”

 

Han-gyeol was right.

 

Definitely... Dad’s been busy and hasn’t been home much, so we haven’t had many opportunities to talk.

 

I decided to have a bit of a conversation with Dad, now that I no longer just keep my feelings to myself.

 

“Okay. Shall I head in now?”

 

“Yeah. Tell me later how it went.”

 

“If we talk all day, can I call you even at dawn?”

 

“Of course. I’m going. Be careful going in, Eun-ha.”

 

“Take care. See you at school tomorrow. Sorry, I can’t walk you further.”

 

“No worries. Just go in. I’ll watch you enter.”

 

“Okay. Going now~ Bye~”

 

After receiving a handshake from Han-gyeol, I entered the house.

 

“Did Han-gyeol leave okay?”

 

“Yes. He left fine.”

 

Dad was lying on the sofa, just watching television.

 

“What are you watching, Dad?”

 

“Billiards. Amazing how they make those shots.”

 

“Dad, do you like billiards?”

 

“Huh? Just watching it out of curiosity.”

 

“Oh, I see.”

 

I leaned back against the sofa.

 

Talking to Dad about Han-gyeol and me was a bit embarrassing.

 

But since Dad seemed curious, I mustered up some courage.

 

“Han-gyeol has been my classmate since senior year.”

 

“Huh? Why bring that up suddenly?”

 

Talking about this while facing Dad was still a bit difficult.

 

“At first, I just thought he was a nice guy. He’d help carry heavy things and explain things I didn’t understand. He even came over to help my brother build his computer and was nice to Mom and my brother. For White Day, he made chocolates for me and comforted me when I did poorly on the March mock exam. I was really grateful for that.”

 

Since Dad didn’t respond, I continued.

 

“He’s mature, kind, and caring. We study hard together, go to karaoke, and eat a lot of tasty food. We even went to an amusement park during the last midterm.”

 

“Really? Did you enjoy it?”

 

“Yes. It reminded me of when we all went to the amusement park together.”

 

Dad looked intently at my face.

 

“We didn’t have that much fun that day, did we?”

 

“Really? I only remember it being super fun.”

 

“Ah… really?”

 

“Yes. Why?”

 

“Nothing. It’s nice to see you dating so sweetly.”

 

“Right? I think so too.”

 

I smiled, and Dad responded with a smile that looked just like mine.

 

“Ah, right. Han-gyeol thinks a ski resort would be nice.”

 

“Sweetie, you don’t ski or snowboard, do you?”

 

“That’s true. Dad, do you have any ideas? Somewhere with beautiful snow?”

 

“Daegwallyeong Snow Festival is nice, but it’s definitely cold.”

 

“Then let’s skip it. Can’t have Han-gyeol catching a cold.”

 

After that, I forgot to reply to Han-gyeol’s messages and talked more with Dad.

 

“But why are you telling me all this suddenly, sweetheart? Need some allowance?”

 

“No, just Han-gyeol said you were really curious about us.”

 

“Oh, is that so? Then you don’t need money?”

 

“Well, if you’re offering, I won’t say no…”

 

“Hahaha! Alright! I’ll transfer it to your account. Buy something tasty with Han-gyeol.”

 

“Okay! Thanks, Dad.”

--- The End OF The Chapter ---

 

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