Chapter 18: Dressed in Courage

4: These Aren’t My Clothes

I don’t have many clothes.

Before becoming an angel, my wardrobe was just summer and winter outfits, plus a few coats. That hasn’t changed much. If anything, my closet’s emptier now since most of my old clothes don’t fit this body anymore.

But I never cared much about clothes, and rotating through palette-swapped versions of my cat-printed T-shirt every day is enough for me, so I don’t mind.

…

Well, my closet isn’t completely empty. There are those flashy women’s clothes Jimin bought for me last time.

But I don’t touch those.

It’s only natural. Despite how I look now, I was a guy just over a month ago. Even though I’ve been a girl for a month and even went through a period, my taste in clothes hasn’t suddenly changed.

Yup.

I have no intention of wearing skirts. And I thought I never would in the future either…

– Garam! I’m so excited to meet tomorrow!

“… Yeah, me too.”

– I figured browsing stores might be tough for you, so I bought tons of clothes already! Just come to my place!

What can I do? It’s my karma.

The day of becoming Jimin’s dress-up doll is now just one day away.

“Is… is this the place?”

Following Jimin’s address, I arrive at a grand, standalone house.

A garden sprawls in front, and behind it stands a large house with a white base accented by sleek black lines. Its sharp, angular design screams “modern” at first glance.

It looks insanely expensive. I stand at the gate and press the intercom.

Ding-dong.

…

While waiting, I fiddle with my halo. It’s warm.

…

– Garam!

“Oh, uh, hi.”

A welcoming voice crackles through the intercom, and the gate opens. And then—

“Eek!”

Something huge tackles me.

“GaramIreallymissedyouyoursoftcheeksandwingsIwantedtohugyousomuchI’vebeenwaitingforyouforeverhowmuchImissedyouyou’retoocuteIcan’t—”

“Eep! Mmph… urk…”

Something big, soft, and squishy engulfs me. I can’t breathe. It feels familiar, like déjà vu, and then… I pass out.

…

……

………

“Huh!”

An unfamiliar ceiling.

I wake up lying on a sofa. I put a hand to my chest to check my heartbeat. Yup, still alive. Thought I was a goner.

“You’re awake?”

“Yeah… how long was I out?”

“Just a minute.”

Only a minute? Phew.

Feeling my senses return, I sit up on the sofa.

“Sorry, Garam. I got carried away again…”

“No, no, it’s fine. I didn’t die, so we’re good.”

I must be the only one who’s almost suffocated in someone’s chest twice. A unique experience, I guess.

I glance around. The interior matches the exterior—clean white, sharp angles, exuding a modern vibe. The tasteful decor makes me gasp in awe without realizing it.

This is a rich person’s house?

“Your place is gorgeous…”

“Hehe, thanks! I put a lot of effort into decorating.”

As I gawk, Jimin stands up.

“Wait here. I’ll grab something to eat.”

“Oh, thanks.”

She returns with a tray of chocolate chip cookies and a bottle of regular-brand milk.

“I thought rich people drank fancy milk, but this is pretty normal.”

“Pfft, even rich people eat normal stuff.”

A new fact learned.

But that’s not the point. The cookies. Chocolate chip cookies, no less.

“Ehehe…”

My mouth waters just looking at them. The faint chocolate aroma pulls my body toward the tray. My halo glows brighter as I lean closer.

Up close, the sweet scent is even stronger. The beautiful chocolate chips, the crisp texture of the cookies.

Just looking, I can taste them in my mind. One bite, and the cookie would crumble crisply, bits dancing on my tongue as the chocolate melts, creating a sea of deliciousness. A sip of milk would wash away the richness, smoothly sliding down my throat.

Then I’d grab another cookie, another sip of milk… an endless cycle, a trap of resonance. What else could this be?

“Hehehe…”

“Go ahead, eat!”

Hap!

My hand snatches a cookie and shoves it into my mouth. One bite.

Crunch!

The sweet, addictive, thrilling taste is just as I imagined. The moment it hits my tongue, a jolt races through my nerves.

My body moves on its own. My jaw won’t stop. I take a sip of milk.

The smooth milk washes away the crumbs, clearing the way for more cookies.

My legs bounce. My wings flutter. My halo shines brightly.

“Hehe…”

“Can I take a picture?”

“Sure!”

Whoops.

I almost let her snap a photo while I was lost in bliss. Dangerous. Targeting me at my weakest moment. I can’t let embarrassing pictures like that get taken.

Never!

Jimin’s tail droops, and she looks dejected. Her big, sparkling eyes stare at me.

…

Even with those eyes, no way.

No!

*

And then, the moment I dreaded arrives.

“Let’s try on clothes! I got tons for you to wear!”

“Haha… you really don’t have to…”

“Come on, let’s go! This way!”

I follow Jimin to a room filled entirely with clothes. An entire room just for storage.

And all the clothes… are sized for me.

“… Jimin, are these all…”

“Yup! We’re trying them all today! I already cut holes for your wings, so don’t worry!”

Oh no.

Ignoring my stunned expression, Jimin rummages and pulls out a frilly pink dress.

“Starting with a dress might be a bit much, don’t you think? I was a guy, you know.”

“What does that matter? It’ll look great on you. And you’re a girl now!”

“Still…”

“Try it on, you’ll change your mind. Come on, quick!”

Jimin, usually gentle, is buzzing with excitement. Her tail swishes, tapping the floor.

Jimin, calm down a bit.

“Hurry!”

“Fine…”

My clothes are forcibly removed, and the fluttery pink dress is put on me. A hair clip appears from somewhere, pinning my hair, and sandals are slipped onto my feet.

A ribbon is tied at my waist, and Jimin makes me face the mirror.

“….”

“How is it? Looks good, right?”

This is…

I can’t speak.

The frilly pink dress flows softly, my silver hair cascading over it, giving off a mystical vibe. The hair clip, pinning my bangs to one side, sparkles, adding a touch of charm. The brown sandals on my bare feet give a fresh, picnic-ready look.

My slightly taller height—still youthful—sheds some of the “cute” vibe, leaning into “pretty.”

With my wings and halo behind me, the reflection looks like a cute angel visiting the mortal world.

And that’s… me.

“Ugh…”

It’s not my first time wearing women’s clothes, but before, I kept my eyes shut, waiting for it to end. This is the first time I’ve really looked at myself in them.

I shrink in embarrassment, my pale cheeks flushing red, stark against my white skin and hair. My bare toes wiggle in the sandals, doubling my shame.

Even with underwear, I feel a breeze down there, a sensation I can’t get used to.

My halo dims, as if embarrassed too.

“What do you think?”

“….”

“You’re speechless, it’s that good!”

I nod slowly, unable to argue, my face still red. Admitting it feels like defeat.

Ugh, so embarrassing.

“Let’s try more! We’ve got about 99 outfits left!”

“What?”

Jimin pulls out a pile of clothes, all women’s, and I feel dizzy.

I want to go home.

Badly.