My Girlfriend Is Very Good to Me

Saturday morning.

The day of my very first date.

I was worried that excitement might keep me awake, but after the tiring events of yesterday, I drifted off to sleep quickly.

Thanks to that, I was up before dawn, giving me enough time to freshen up and dress casually.

Though when it comes to dressing, due to the strict hair regulations, there wasn't much I could change with my hair, and I didn't have many clothing options to ponder over.

I settled on simple slacks, a light tee, and a cardigan on top. Given it's early summer and I'd probably be walking around a lot, I thought it'd be convenient if I needed to take it off and carry it around.

It seems Heena should be available without issues today.

[ Heena: I'll try to match your time~ ]

[ Han Yeonho: I’ll leave on time too ]

[ Heena: Yeonho, don't rush.. Be careful if you’re driving, okay? ]

[ Han Yeonho: I’m taking the subway, so no worries lol ]

[ Heena: Okay! See you later! ]

Looking at our recent chat, my heart raced.

I need to calm down before leaving...

"......"

"...Anything you want to say?"

It seems my fussing around looking for my slacks, which I assumed mom had placed in my brother's room, had been noisy. My older brother, who had seemingly been awakened by the noise, was now lying down and watching me with a tired expression.

"Where are you off to?"

"Just hanging out."

"You were quite noisy this morning."

"Sorry~"

"Speaking of which, your friends were frantically looking for you yesterday. What happened?"

"Did those idiots message you?"

"Yeah. They asked about you before you came home yesterday. I forgot to tell you."

Those crazy guys. Just because we added each other while playing games doesn’t mean they should be messaging my brother.

Of course, I still haven’t checked that group chat from yesterday.

"I think I came home late after meeting a friend and missed their messages."

"Hmm..."

"Why the reaction? Aren’t you working today?"

"I am."

That’s quite the curt response, even for my brother.

"Well, take care."

"Hey, when will you be back?"

"Not sure? Maybe in the evening?"

"Let me know if you haven’t eaten by after 6."

"Why?"

"Yoonjung suggested we eat together."

"My sister-in-law? C'mon, when you guys are on a date, stop inviting me."

"She only calls for meals."

"You two should just eat... Anyway, got it."

Yoonjung, my brother's girlfriend of four years, is six years older than me and feels more like a sister. They've been dating since they were twenty. She even waited for him during his military service. From my perspective, they truly seem to be in love.

Given the age gap, she finds me quite adorable. She occasionally invites me on their dates. Whenever we hang out, it's either at a PC café or for a meal.

Considering this, she might be a good person to seek relationship advice from. Maybe I should consult her when I have the time.

"I'm heading to bed. Enjoy your time with your girlfriend."

"Oh? You knew about her?"

"I didn't, but Yoonjung mentioned it yesterday. She asked if you had a girlfriend."

We rarely chat, so even if I changed my profile picture, he wouldn't likely notice. But it's surprising that Yoonjung picked up on it before our family did. I feel like mom and dad might know, but they haven't commented on it.

"Did you see her photo?"

"Yeah, she's beautiful. Just making sure, you're not being fooled, right? Be cautious of those Shincheonji types."

"Not that damned Shincheonji thing again..."

"Turn off the lights when you leave."

"Sleep well..."

To be honest, I had my initial doubts too. My feelings are a bit mixed now.

I'll think more about it once I'm there.

I should arrive earlier than Heena and wait for her.

---

Raei  Translations

---

It's currently 10:30 a.m.

I thought I'd be able to arrive earlier than Heena since our agreed meeting time was 11:00 a.m. I didn't want to keep Heena waiting, and I felt the need to arrive a bit early to calm my nerves.

I regretted not having taken some calming medicine before coming.

As I ascended the subway station stairs, I could feel not only my heart but also my fingertips trembling. We'd agreed to meet in front of a fast-food restaurant, so as soon as I reached the top, turning left would bring the rendezvous point into view.

However, even the edge of the staircase seemed unusually congested. While it was near a bustling area and always crowded on weekends, today it felt even more jam-packed than usual.

Curious about the commotion, I squeezed through the crowd and followed the direction of their subtle glances.

To my surprise, they all seemed to be leisurely watching something or someone.

Their eyes were fixated on a beautiful young woman standing slightly tilted next to a tree. She was glancing at her phone, her fine eyebrows slightly furrowed, looking somewhat anxious.

She had slightly asymmetrical bangs that reached her eyebrows and long silky black hair. Her facial features were both delicate and distinctly refined. Her light makeup and the subtle shimmering earring she wore complemented her look.

Anyone could tell from her pale beige wrap knit, a light brown wool skirt above her knees, pristine white socks, deep wine-colored flat shoes, and a shoulder bag that she was dressed for a date.

Like everyone else, I too couldn't take my eyes off her, marveling at this woman who was clearly waiting for someone.

And that someone was me.

It was almost unbelievable. I blinked, rubbing my eyes before looking again.

I always knew Heena was beautiful from our past two encounters, but seeing her so meticulously dolled up today was truly in another dimension. Her stunning appearance dominated the entire scene.

I felt I should approach her immediately, apologize for making her wait, and start our date with a smile. But I found myself rooted to the spot.

However, I began to feel uneasy yet oddly flattered by the many eyes on "my girlfriend." Knowing I couldn't stand there dumbly, I slowly began walking towards her.

One step.

Two steps.

As I waded through the crowd to approach her, the atmosphere slightly shifted.

Would anyone guess I was Heena's boyfriend? Or would they just assume I was another guy trying to hit on her?

As I approached, she caught on to the changed mood around her, glanced up, and our eyes met. To the surprise of many watching, she greeted me with a radiant smile.

"Yeonho!"

Heena ran to me and immediately grasped my hand with both of hers. Her touch was so soft it gave me chills.

She looked so different from when I last saw her alone, her expression now clearly contrasting.

"You're early."

"I thought I was, but I'm sorry for being later than you."

"It's okay~ I kind of rushed because I thought you might do that."

"Did you wait long?"

"Mmm, not really."

Her smile grew as she continued, something clearly making her happy.

"You could've called. I would have hurried more."

"Well, I... I wanted to wait for you."

"Why did you want to wait?"

For a split second, her beaming face seemed to falter at my question.

"I knew you'd come, and not too late this time."

"So, you're telling me off for being late?"

"No! They say waiting is part of the date experience, right? So, our date just got extended. Win for me!"

"Fine, next time I'll be 3 hours early."

"That's cheating! No more of this!"

Holding hands in front of the station and having this exchange, I felt slightly embarrassed.

Of course, I didn't think everyone was staring at us, but because of Heena, I felt a tad self-conscious.

If we continued like this, we'd probably just look at each other until our time ran out. I took her hand and led her away.

I had initially planned to have lunch here, but given the atmosphere, I thought it best to look elsewhere.

Holding her hand as we walked, my heart raced, and I felt sweaty.

As I led the way, Heena seemed to quietly follow. She let go of my hand momentarily only to grasp it again, our fingers interlacing.

When I looked at her with a puzzled expression, she said,

"I like holding hands this way. We are a couple after all."

Seeing her determination, I had no more to say. Honestly, I preferred it this way too.

Stop it, lips! Don't curve into a smile!

Don't laugh like a fool!

You don't need to be cool or anything, but at least don't look stupid, Yeonho!

I mentally scolded myself.

The first date, with the perfect girlfriend, and intertwined hands.

I tried to get a hold of my overwhelmed senses. And though a bit shy, I wanted to tell her something every boyfriend should.

"You know, I forgot to mention earlier."

"Hmm?"

"You look really beautiful today. I was genuinely surprised when I saw you at the subway station."

"Am I that pretty?"

"Yeah, very much so."

"Hehe... I'm glad. I fretted a lot this morning."

Why do I feel even more embarrassed when I'm the one giving the compliment?

Heena let out a smile that seemed slightly bashful at my compliment. Even that gesture was endearing.

I made a conscious effort to maintain my expression and focused my gaze straight ahead. When I caught a glimpse of Heena glancing up at me from beside me, I felt like I might break into a silly, uncontrollable laugh.