Chapter 16: Getting Overwhelmed at My Girlfriend''s House

    TL: looloo

    Schedule: 4/Week Wed-Sat

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    As soon as I woke up in the morning, I calmed my heart. Last night, I did have some trouble falling asleep for a while, but when I opened my eyes, I was surprised by how clear my mind was.

    Since it was early, I could hear the chirping of sparrows outside the window, and the sunlight seeping in was so refreshing.

    Yes, it was a good morning.

    Perfect for going out to have fun.

    At my girlfriend''s house!

    The moment I heard her say "Do you want to come over and hang out at my house tomorrow?" all sorts of imaginations filled my 18-year-old healthy high school boy brain.

    Of course, it''s not like that, but I guess it''s natural for some thoughts like that to pop up unintentionally, right?

    With light steps as if I was floating, I finished washing up. Even though I don''t usually eat breakfast, today I took out some cereal and filled myself up properly.

    There was no deep meaning to it.

    I just didn''t want my stomach to rumble and ruin the mood.

    After washing the bowl I ate from and brushing my teeth again, I came out to see my mom in the living room, glancing at me while watching TV on and off.

    Since I usually don''t get up until past 12 on weekends, it''s very rare for us to run into each other this early.

    "Going out?"

    "Yeah."

    "To see your friend?"

    "Yeah, I''ll probably be back in the evening."

    "Your girlfriend?"

    "Yeah. You saw the picture right?"

    It comes out of nowhere. But I expected that my mom had already found out, so I wasn''t surprised.

    I regularly send my mom Kakaotalk messages to let her know when I''ll be back late or if something comes up, so there''s no way she hasn''t seen my profile picture.

    It''s not like my mom and I don''t send each other Kakaotalk messages like I do with my older brother. Just less often with my dad.

    "What''s her name?"

    "Lee Heena."

    "Same age?"

    "Yeah."

    "I see. Bring her over sometime."

    "Okay, when I get the chance."

    "Drive safely."

    "Yes, mom."

    And with that, my mother focuses back on the TV. I guess you can see our family''s laidback style.

    Do most moms not usually care this much about their son''s girlfriend? Or is it because I''m the youngest? She''s probably kept a close eye on my brothers'' relationships too.

    Well, I guess this kind of appropriate indifference suits our family. It''s always been like this.

    To be honest, I often find this kind of feeling more comfortable. Not interfering too much.

    -Drrrrlrrring

    Just then, my phone buzzes and I quickly take it out to check.

    [Heena: You up?]

    [Yeonho: Yep, all ready.]

    [Heena: Can you come now then?]

    [Yeonho: Really? Is that okay?]

    [Heena: Yeah, my parents just left!]

    Oh geez. I thought you asked me to come when your parents would be home?

    But I didn''t cluelessly ask.

    [Yeonho: Then I''ll head out right away.]

    [Heena: Okay! Let me know again when you get off the bus!]

    [Yeonho: Got it (cat running emoji)]

    I could feel the horses in my mind galloping. Of course I don''t have any desire to miss an opportunity that comes my way.

    But separate from those feelings, we haven''t been dating very long, and if you exclude childhood play dating, she''s my first girlfriend, so I kind of wanted to take it slowly and enjoy the process.

    "You''re not hungry, are you?"

    "No, I had breakfast."

    "Let''s eat a bit later then! Oh, this is my room."

    "Ah, okay."

    A sudden rush of nervousness hit me as I entered my girlfriend''s room for the first time.

    Upon entering, her room looked ordinary at first glance.

    The overall vibe of the house was exceptionally neat, with everything in its place, and the room was slightly larger than mine.

    Between all the neatness, I noticed cute bedding and stuffed animals, and next to them stood a rather large wardrobe. There were no clothes scattered nearby, indicating she kept it well-organized. It''s somewhat disappointing.

    On the other wall, there was a desk lined with various books and reference materials. Above it hung a corkboard with various photos pinned to it.

    I approached, thinking there might be family photos, but to my surprise, there was not a single family picture. Most of them were couple photos of Heena and me, with only two solo pictures of myself.

    I remembered posing for those photos, but seeing them displayed made me blush.

    My god, had she printed these out and decorated her room with them?

    As I stared blankly at the pictures, Heena began to boast with pride.

    "They turned out great, didn''t they? There''s a place nearby that does this kind of printing, so I get them made as soon as we take them."

    "There''s a place that does that?"

    "Yes! It''s not as expensive as you''d think, and this way, even without my phone, I can see your face anytime."

    "That''s really sweet of you."

    Her direct comments never fail to surprise and delight me.

    However, setting my feelings aside, this kind of decoration looked quite good.

    Of course, it might be difficult to decorate as extensively as Heena did, but printing one or two photos to place on a desk seems like a nice idea.

    Moreover, it was fortunate that the photos weren''t printed on fragile paper but on thicker material. After all, it''s a paid service.

    "Maybe I should print a few photos too."

    "Really? I''ll tell you where later. Let''s print them today! It''ll be quick!"

    "Alright, let''s stop by later."

    Heena''s overwhelming excitement at my suggestion was palpable.

    "Ah! Then I should print some with you."

    "Do you have ones you haven’t printed yet?"

    If my memory serves right, it seems like all the good photos are already up.

    "I''ve printed everything I have, but I want to take and print some new ones today!"

    Heena said with a thoughtful frown.

    I guessed she was pondering how to pose for the photo, so I leaned against the wall, waiting for her. Soon, she seemed to have an idea and clapped with delight.

    "Yeonho, want to sit here?"

    "On the bed?"

    "Yes!"

    Following her suggestion, I casually sat down on the bed.

    I thought she''d sit next to me for the photo, but to my surprise, Heena approached and sat on my lap, gracefully crossing her legs to the side.

    "Hee... Heena?"

    "Just wait, I’m turning on the camera."

    After a moment with her phone, she handed me the smartphone with the camera app open, wrapped her arms around my neck, and drew her face close to mine.

    Truly, I felt Heena''s presence with every fiber of my being.

    "Yeonho, say cheese~"

    "Cheese..."

    I managed to retain my composure and snapped a series of photos.

    In that moment, a realization hit me.

    Heena intended to "overwhelm" me today.

    Author''s Note:

    To all the readers who enjoyed, thank you for your hearts, comments, and recommendations today.

    I''m elated that many appreciate the changing perspectives in my novel. Love you all!

    The next segment from Heena''s perspective will be out after this "girlfriend''s house" chapter. As for the mature content... they''re minors, so it''s restricted!

    Thank you.