SCT-Novel Chapter 141: Preparations (3)
Chapter 141: Preparations (3)
The first semester ended, and so did the summer session.
Now, as we step into July, Han-gyeol and I will soon have to part ways for a while.
As the days I can spend with Han-gyeol grow fewer, my heart refuses to settle.
The thought of a life without him already fills me with sadness and regret.
The bed we shared.
The sofa we sat on together.
The dining table where we ate side by side.
In a home filled with memories of us, I’ll have to endure a year and nine months.
But I have to stay strong.
After all, the one who’s truly enduring this is not me, but Han-gyeol.
My sadness and regret would only add to his worries right now.
The best I can do is to show him even more love and affection.
Though it’s unsettling to know I can’t do much else, I’ve decided to focus on cherishing the present.
“Eun-ha, I’m heading out now.”
“Mm, take care~”
“I won’t be back too late.”
“Alright, have a good time~”
Tonight, Han-gyeol is having dinner with his friend, Jang Yujin.
“I might drop by my parents' place while I’m at it.”
Since I’d be alone, I thought I’d pick up some fall clothes and restock on kimchi from home.
Dressed comfortably, I took the subway to my family’s house.
“What brings you here unannounced?”
As soon as I arrived, I saw my brother sprawled on the sofa, as expected.
“I didn’t come here just to see you.”
“Neither did I say I was glad to see you.”
“I came because we’re out of kimchi at home, so I thought I’d grab some, along with my fall clothes.”
“Where’s Han Han-gyeol? Didn’t he come with you?”
“Nope, he has dinner plans with a friend.”
I took out a container from the kitchen drawer and headed to the kimchi fridge.
“Ah, that’s too bad~ I wanted to see him.”
“You won’t be seeing him much from now on.”
“Why? Is he going to the military?!”
The word “military” made me freeze for a moment.
I turned to him and nodded slowly.
“He is? When?”
“He’s expected to go in September. He applied for the Air Force.”
“Wow... Yeah, some guys go right after the first semester ends. Are you sure you’ll be able to wait for him?”
I frowned slightly at his question.
“What’s with that? Of course, I will.”
“Everyone says that at first. My ex-girlfriend also said she’d obviously wait~.”
My brother turned back to the TV.
Yes, he did have a girlfriend before he enlisted.
However, they broke up when he was a corporal.
Though I didn’t want to bring up a sore subject, I asked carefully.
“What did she say when she broke up with you?”
“There were things we couldn’t understand about each other. Looking back, it probably would’ve ended that way anyway.”
“But can’t people work things out by talking if they don’t understand each other?”
My brother glanced at me slightly.
“Do you think it’s that simple?”
“I don’t want you to push yourself too hard, either. If you wait for me like this, it would make me the happiest.”
This time, it was his turn to continue.
“I won’t be disappointed if you can’t go on a date when I’m on leave. Sure, I’d miss you, but I want you to keep studying diligently and waiting for me, just as you are now. I’ll be working hard, too, while I’m in the military.”
“You always work hard, no matter where you are.”
I gently placed my hand on his cheek.
“But I’ll still visit you at least twice a month.”
“Really? You don’t have to, though. If my base is far, even once a month could be difficult.”
“Then, promise to set aside at least an hour for me every day! I want to hear about your day, and I’ll share mine with you. How’s that? A fair deal, right?”
I clearly communicated my wishes without making him feel pressured.
“What if I want to talk more?”
“Then just say so!”
“But what if you’re busy?”
“Then we’ll make up for it by talking even more the next day~”
I answered with a bright smile, and, seeing my face, he seemed convinced.
“Are you serious? Don’t just say this and end up overthinking things on my behalf.”
“Absolutely! No need to worry!”
Hearing my response, Han-gyeol beamed with a gentle smile, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close.
“Thank you... for saying that.”
“Oh, come on, it’s nothing! Hey, let’s take one more trip together before you leave for the military!”
“Sounds good~ Where should we go?”
“Hm... Busan! I want to see the ocean again.”
“Busan sounds perfect. What do you want to do there?”
“I want to feed shrimp crackers to the seagulls!”
Han-gyeol burst into laughter at my answer.
“Pfft—! What? That’s all?”
“Why are you laughing?! I’ve only seen it in videos; I’ve never done it myself! It looked so much fun...”
“It’s not feeding them; it’s more like having them snatch it from you. What if they steal all your shrimp crackers?”
“In that case, I’ll just grab them by the neck—bam!”
“It won’t be as easy as you think~”
“Something tells me I could pull it off.”
With a smile, he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
“You’re so quirky sometimes.”
“Talking about shrimp crackers makes me want some.”
“Should I go out and grab some for us? Maybe some cold beer, too?”
“That sounds amazing—let’s go, quick!”
“Guess I’ll need to freshen up again.”
I leaned in and whispered softly into his ear.
“Want to shower together?”
“Now I feel like I should shower first.”
“No way~ Shrimp crackers come first~”
“Alright, alright. Let’s head out.”
“Yup!”
With that, we were off for an impromptu snack run.
--- The End OF The Chapter --
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