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I could continue the story without any major issues after that.

How I managed to navigate the situation was a mystery, but somehow the amusement park story ended on a positive note. I ended up getting the chance to go on a date with my older sister.

Besides, the amusement park wasn’t far away, being right in Seoul, which meant we could have fun during the day and then head elsewhere for the evening. Whether it was watching a movie together or having a nice meal somewhere, there were plenty of options.

Or we could even enjoy a drink together, like today.

Speaking of drinks, it seemed my sister wasn’t too weak with alcohol.

She easily downed a glass of beer. At least she didn’t go overboard and eat more snacks than she drank.

But that didn’t mean she wasn’t slightly tipsy; after her second beer, she was giggling a little.

She leaned slightly forward, resting her elbows on the table, barely keeping her balance.

Not enough to fall over completely, though.

“Are you okay, sis?”

When I cautiously asked, she waved her hand with a smile.

“Ah, no, no, I’m not gonna collapse from this….”

Even while saying that, she picked up a few cold fries and popped them into her mouth.

I wasn’t really concerned about her collapsing, though.

I glanced at the clock; it was nearly ten. Maybe it would be better to take my sister home instead of encouraging her to drink more here.

After all, I had things to do tomorrow.

“Hey, should we get up soon?”

“Eh?”

When I asked with a worried expression, she looked at her smartphone on the table.

“Oh, has it gotten so late already…”

With that, she wobbled as she stood up.

Hmm, thinking back, I might have to agree that my sister was somewhat weak with alcohol. Not that she couldn’t handle at least half a glass of beer—but two beers were evidently pushing it.

I helped steady her as she wobbled.

I supported her while she put on her coat, feeling a bit of warmth radiating even through the fabric.

As she took a deep breath, a sweet scent of alcohol wafted through the air.

“I’m sorry for insisting on coming out for drinks…”

“It’s fine, it happens.”

I said with a smile to my sister, who seemed a bit embarrassed.

She wasn’t so unsteady she couldn’t walk, though.

“No way.”

As I slyly tried to calculate the bill, she grabbed my hand and handed over her card.

I could’ve insisted on splitting the bill, but since she looked really happy about treating, I decided to just let it go.

It wasn’t that cold yet, but outside the shop, it felt especially chilly. Maybe that was the effect of having a drink inside. Your body warms up while drinking, but as time goes by, it can feel even colder once you step outside.

“…”

“…”

We walked in silence.

I couldn’t tell if the quiet was because my sister didn’t have the energy to talk or if we had simply run out of things to say.

Still, it didn’t feel awkward.

Whether it felt like colleagues or just an older sister and younger brother who knew each other, or simply the vibe of two people getting along—it was clear there was a connection between us.

We arrived in front of her building, just like usual.

Even though we had spent more time than usual together, I felt a hint of regret about parting ways.

“Well, see you, sis.”

I wanted to say that I was heading in.

Just then, she leaned against me.

And then stumbled again.

I swiftly reached out to catch her.

With a soft thud, she leaned against me.

Facing each other, she was practically right in front of my face.

“…”

“…”

Just a bit.

If I moved just a tiny little closer, our lips could brush against each other.

Her face, looking up at me, was flushed.

Was it because of the alcohol? Or because she was shy? Or perhaps something else…?

“Siyun.”

She looked up at me quietly, calling my name.

A soft, nasal tone escaped her lips. I found that endearing.

I couldn’t bring myself to speak.

I felt her arm wrap around my waist.

Surely, that was more than just being comfortable.

My heart raced. It wasn’t just because I had been drinking.

Even though we were both dressed quite warmly, I could feel her body heat.

The places we touched felt hot.

For a while, we just stared at each other quietly—

*

Siyun’s face was bright red.

Her wide eyes looked a little shocked yet beautiful.

Was she appearing so lovely because I had feelings for her? Or was it that she reminded me of someone I liked?

I still didn’t know. My heart was uncertain.

Certainly, not long ago, I wouldn’t have felt this way even when seeing a pretty woman.

I had never really had memories of loving a woman. Well, I had a crush on only one person, who happened to be a guy. So maybe I could have liked women too.

But still.

Liking Siyun without sorting through my feelings for her felt like I was trying to play both sides.

While wrestling with thoughts like that, I still thought her face was beautiful as we looked at each other, so closely together.

Just a bit.

If I moved in just a little more, our lips would definitely meet.

I leaned in just that little bit.

Our noses brushed against each other.

Now, if I moved just a tad more forward.

A sweet scent lingered in the air.

Between that sweet breath was the smell of alcohol.

…Alcohol smell.

—Wait a second.

I suddenly opened my eyes wide.

“No way!”

I had unconsciously moved closer, and I jerked back from Siyun, almost falling over as I released her from my embrace.

“Y-you, sis!?”

Siyun hurriedly propped me up, and thankfully, I didn’t fall over.

Ah, the alcohol hit me hard.

I recalled what I was about to do, and my face flushed with embarrassment. That wasn’t because of the drink; it was because of what I had almost done.

If I had kissed her at that moment, I would’ve surely reeked of alcohol.

…After all, it would have been my first kiss.

While I didn’t mind, I also didn’t want to be that girl who would have her first kiss while reeking of booze.

If possible…

Inside, I screamed while holding my head. So embarrassed and humiliated.

I could see Siyun blinking.

“Ah, um, thanks for getting me back home!”

As soon as I said that,

“Ah, yeah…”

Siyun replied in a dazed voice.

Ugh.

I’m sorry.

Truly sorry.

I messed it up at the end.

Honestly, I wanted to keep holding her just like that. I wanted to try kissing her—there were so many thoughts swirling in my head.

But thinking about doing everything for the first time in a drunken haze didn’t feel right.

I knew that I was being incredibly particular.

I realized that but…

Still…

As I let go of her, she also pulled away.

Just a moment ago, she was stumbling and now I was completely sober.

And the mood had shifted.

“So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Uh, yeah. See you tomorrow….”

After saying that, I waved my hand and quickly turned away, heading back to my apartment.

Before entering, I glanced back, and Siyun awkwardly waved at me with a smile.

Holding back the urge to tear my hair out, I stepped inside my apartment.

Once I was in my place, I jumped onto my bed without even changing my clothes and twisted around.

Ah, how am I going to face Siyun tomorrow?

I didn’t fall asleep until some time later.