Chapter 34: Comic book window (2)

Part 3

• Yo, thanks so much. Mom and Dad are already beaming just hearing a good kid’s helping out lol
• But if I help, it might make things busier
• ‘Cause your face pulls too much attention????
• Nah, ‘cause I’d suck at it lol. Heading over now~

I sent the message and immediately pressed the phone’s lock button. The buzzing notifications carried Youngjin’s indignant tone, but I’d check them later. Grinning, I started getting ready to head out.

Fresh from a shower, I just needed to brush my teeth and wash my face. This face didn’t really need makeup, and I’d never learned how anyway. Still, to show some effort, I lined up toner, essence, lotion, and moisturizer, slathering them on. My wardrobe hadn’t changed much since my transformation, so picking an outfit was quick—I’d memorized the new stuff.

“…Heh.”

The now-silent phone brought an image of Youngjin sighing dramatically, making me chuckle again. I grabbed it, skimming messages like You’re good at mental math and You’re handy, right? before opening the internet to look up hair-tying tutorials.

Referencing Seongyoon’s technique from yesterday and online guides, I wrestled with my hair in front of the mirror. A white t-shirt, ivory button-up, and navy jeans—simple, but with my hair neatly tied up and the cap on, I looked decently put-together.

“…Cap might be a bit mismatched.”

But I could just take it off if needed. I’d doubted if this was enough, but after experiencing the cap’s stare-shielding power yesterday, it was becoming a staple for outings.

Nodding with satisfaction, I grabbed my wallet and phone, leaving my room. I caught a glimpse of my parents on the sofa, watching TV.

“Heading out?” Dad asked, glancing over as the door opened.

“Yeah.”

His brief look and my short reply were met with a faint smile. A sudden thought hit me—on a Sunday meant for rest, was I making them worry by going out? They said they believed I was okay now, but I knew they still fretted.

Feeling like I was up to something sneaky, I stole glances at them. They didn’t seem overly concerned about me going out alone, but who knew what they were thinking?

“Want a ride?” Dad offered.

“…No, just grateful you’re okay with this.”

“You’re not a kid. It’s just a part-time job.”

He waved dismissively. Mom, who’d been listening quietly, spoke up with a hint of hesitation.

“But if it feels even a little tough, tell Youngjin’s mom or us, okay?”

“Umm… I’m a bit worried about explaining to Youngjin’s mom that I’m Yoonseo.”

“What’s the plan with Youngjin?” Dad asked.

“He said he’d explain it well, but…”

“If it feels like a misunderstanding’s brewing, call us. Got it?”

“Haha… Yeah, I’ll call if it comes to that.”

A bit of unease lingered, but I’d committed, so dawdling would just waste time. They hadn’t set a specific time, just said to come by, but no need to be late when I was the one who offered.

“I’ll eat lunch out, so don’t wait for me.”

“Call if you’ll be late. I’ll pick you up.”

“Okay.”

Dad clammed up, turning back to the TV, his casual demeanor masking his usual quiet worry. Classic Dad.

“I’m off, then.”

No reply came. Mom just gave a small wave with a warm smile. That was enough. Nodding to myself, I quietly headed for the front door.

Part 4

The bakery was still in prep mode, empty of customers, with a quiet air lingering. The warm, sweet scent of fresh bread wafted from the kitchen, contrasting the slightly chilly vibe of the dimly lit front, illuminated by just a few lights.

“…I mean, I heard you had some kind of condition, but…” Youngjin’s mom said, her voice soft but brimming with surprise.

“Haha… Yeah, it’s a bit of an unusual look now, isn’t it?”

Her warm tone clashed with the shop’s somber atmosphere. Surprise, yes, but not suspicion.

Their reaction was… different from what I’d braced for. I’d expected skepticism or awkwardness, but both Youngjin’s parents radiated pure astonishment, with little else mixed in.

“Um, it’s probably hard to believe unless you’re family who’s seen it from the start…”

“Oh, you think we don’t believe you?” Youngjin’s dad said, catching my cautious nod. They exchanged sly smiles, their gazes shifting to Youngjin beside them. My eyes followed naturally. Caught off-guard by the sudden attention, Youngjin’s eyes narrowed in confusion.

“…What’d I do?”

“No way this guy could talk properly with a pretty girl like this unless it’s legit—no scam or coercion here,” his dad teased.

“Right?” his mom chimed in.

“What the…” Youngjin muttered, exasperated.

Her dad’s playful jab was followed by her mom’s soft chuckle. Youngjin, glaring like he wanted to argue, sighed heavily and shut his mouth.

“If you just agree, it makes me feel bad for you,” I said.

“…Better than them thinking I’m lying,” he grumbled.

The idea that Youngjin, a lifelong bachelor, could casually chat with someone like me was proof enough of my identity. Was that a sign of their trust in him? Maybe he wasn’t that pitiful after all.

“Anyway, you’re really Yoonseo, right?”

“Yes. I know it’s hard to believe…”

“No, no, we believe you!” Youngjin’s mom insisted. “We’re just worried you’re pushing yourself because of our son’s stubbornness.”

Her slightly drooping eyes betrayed her concern. That’s right—they’d always been like this. Always more worried about others than themselves, choosing to struggle rather than ask for help.

“No, really, it’s fine. I was thinking I can’t just loaf around at home forever. Working with people I know? I’m the one who’s grateful.”

“Just put on an apron and stand out front, and we’d pay you for that alone,” Youngjin’s dad joked.

“What kind of nonsense is that!” his mom snapped.

A strangled yelp escaped him, followed by a sound somewhere between a thwack and a pop. I didn’t see her arm swing, though… probably.

“Ahem. Yoonseo, you’re polite, gentle— we’d love your help! And, um…” Youngjin’s mom trailed off.

“It’s okay, you can say whatever. I’m used to it now.”

“Haha…” She let out an awkward laugh. I could guess the rest of her sentence was about my changed appearance, so I preemptively gave her the green light. It wasn’t meant maliciously, so what’s the harm?

“Thanks for saying that, really. Honestly, the last part-timer’s looks brought in a lot of business. She was cute, drew a crowd of young folks.”

“Haha… I’m not sure my face would have that kind of pull.”

“Oh, come on! You’re way cuter than she was. Just flash a smile through the glass, and customers would line up!”

“Joking, right?”

It wasn’t just the words but their effort to lift my spirits that warmed me. I’d worried they might be put off by a guy turning out like this, and I’d braced for more negative reactions than positive ones when meeting familiar faces.

“Anyway! Since it worked so well, we got a cute uniform ready, but no one to wear it…”

…That’s unexpected.