WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS
Translator/Editor: Ryuu
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◈ My Platinum-Blonde Childhood Friend is Too Pretty
Chapter 17: It’s the Same even in High School (1)
March.
The high school entrance ceremony had ended, and it was time to gather in our assigned classes and introduce ourselves.
Lee So-yeon stood upright, watching a friend introduce herself with a serious demeanor, yet causing a bit of laughter among the others.
"I'm Alicia Cecilia Blomvall. Please call me Alicia. My Korean is better than yours, so don't ask me if I'm good at it."
Despite the introduction, before, during, and after, the students' eyes never left Elli. It was expected.
Unlike before, most high schools now allowed freedom in hairstyles, but brightly colored dyeing was still off-limits.
Thanks to this, Elli's bright platinum blonde hair stood out the most since the entrance ceremony.
Not just her hair, but also her eyes, pale skin, tall stature comparable to many boys, and her figure accentuated by the well-fitted uniform made her the center of attention.
Being the focus was nothing new for her since elementary school.
And in the next class where Lee Do-yoon was, surely everyone was admiring his handsome face as well.
While Elli's Nordic features made her stand out, Lee Do-yoon was equally handsome.
'Really a couple of exceptional beauty and handsomeness.'
Lee So-yeon thought this, casually ignoring the glances of other classmates towards Elli sitting next to her, recalling the phone call they had last month.
─It wasn't a kiss, but we did peck. Hmph, Lee Do-yoon really wanted to, so I just went with it.
─Well, it wasn't bad, you know?
Despite her brusque tone, there was an underlying joy as she bragged for hours, and So-yeon happily listened to the almost-couple's romantic tales.
Hearing that they had pecked, So-yeon's heart fluttered with excitement for her dear friends, Elli and Do-yoon.
She felt fortunate to be close to such kind and fun individuals, beyond their beauty and handsomeness.
Yet, after hanging up the phone that day, she felt a pang of envy.
While happy for the progress in Elli and Do-yoon's relationship, she couldn't help feeling a slight ache in her heart, knowing she had secretly bought chocolates for someone.
There was a part of her that still envied Elli, but she vowed never to reveal these feelings.
Two weeks into high school.
Although So-yeon managed to attend the same high school as Elli, they were unfortunately not in the same class again this year.
However, over the past two weeks, there was so much talk about Elli that it almost felt like they were in the same class.
It was the same in middle school; eventually, everyone got used to it, but initially, Elli's stunning platinum blonde hair was the talk of the class.
It was inevitable for Elli to be a hot topic.
Thankfully, things had improved, and as students got to know each other better, they became more preoccupied with their own friendships.
Even now, Do-yoon was hanging out with new friends he had made in high school, pushing desks together and.
─tha- tha- tha- thats a pimp name slickback!
Playing music from his phone and.
-Thud, thud, thud, thud!
"Damn, Do-yoon, why are you so good?"
"A real pro here. Should we record this and put it on Tac-Talk for a million views?"
"With Do-yoon's looks, it could hit ten million."
They were engaged in the latest dance crazes like superconductors, levitation, slickback, etc., which were silly but somehow cool if done well.
After seeing it on Tac-Talk, Do-yoon had been practicing a little every day, and it had become a huge trend among first-year students.
Skillfully showcasing his moves, Lee Do-yoon couldn't help but smirk at his own prowess.
"See?"
"Shit, how do you do it? I keep tripping over my feet."
During the short ten-minute break, the high school students' determination turned desks and danced around as if they were cleaning in 30 seconds.
"Wow, amazing! Hey, Lee Do-yoon~ do it again. I'll record it on my phone."
And so, even the girls who had stood up because of this were watching and enjoying the fun, creating a lively atmosphere in the class.
"Can you show it one more time? I practiced for an hour before bed yesterday..."
The buzz in the hallway suddenly quieted down, and without warning.
-Slide!
"Hey, what are you doing?"
Elli barged in.
Entering through the back door, her platinum blonde hair instantly drew everyone's attention in the noisy classroom.
She glanced around, looking displeased, and glared at Lee Do-yoon with a look that said she wasn't happy with what she saw.
Do-yoon averted his gaze slightly under her intense stare.
"...Just hanging out."
"Want to die? I told you not to do that."
"No, it's not dangerous. It's not like I'm doing it on the street..."
"I said no."
"Sorry."
Elli, who had always disliked Do-yoon practicing this dance for fear of it looking dangerous, immediately scolded him.
Meanwhile, the classroom had fallen silent at Elli's entrance, everyone overwhelmed by her strikingly foreign appearance, even after two weeks had passed.
Being close to Elli always felt different, no matter how used to her everyone thought they were.
"And why aren't you checking your messages?"
"Ah, did you send one?"
"You want to die?"
"Sorry. What was it about?"
"Your gym clothes. Hand them over."
"The top? Just a sec."
Do-yoon fetched his gym top from the locker at the back. He hardly wore his winter gym top.
Since middle school, he had preferred to play and run around during PE, wearing it only briefly at the beginning and then taking it off, with Elli often borrowing it, wearing it more than he did.
She claimed hers fit too snugly, a strange logic.
It seemed she planned to continue this practice in high school, borrowing his clothes for their first outdoor PE session.
Do-yoon didn't mind since he rarely wore it.
"Here. You might as well keep it."
"No need. You have PE fifth period too."
"True, but I hardly wear it."
"Wear it. Don't catch a cold."
"Got it."
After a brief exchange, Elli left the classroom with his gym top, likely to change quickly for PE.
During Elli's whirlwind visit, the girls whispered among themselves and moved to another spot to chat.
Having seen Elli visit Do-yoon daily since the first day, the boys remarked.
"Man, her hair color is so freaking cool."
"She's stunningly beautiful... Lucky bastard, Lee Do-yoon."
"Jealous of that soccer kick."
"Damn, sharing gym clothes with your girlfriend sucks."
Their comments were filled with anger and jealousy.
Lee Do-yoon could only offer an awkward laugh in response.
The teasing and jokes, even hidden middle fingers during class, continued until the fourth period ended.
Though a bit hurt by the sudden change in his friends' attitudes, Lee Do-yoon understood their feelings.
After all, Elli often visited him during breaks and always during lunchtime.
Like now, as soon as the fourth period ended, Elli entered their classroom.
-Slide
She pulled a chair from an empty desk next to hers, sat down close to Lee Do-yoon, and leaned her head on his shoulder while fiddling with her smartphone.
"This kills my appetite even before we start eating."
"Hey, Lee Jin-woo. Were they like this since middle school?"
"Surprisingly, yes. Probably since elementary school."
"Damn."
Do-yoon understood why his classmates might find their closeness irritating.
Though they complained, they soon rushed off to the cafeteria, leaving Do-yoon to ask Elli.
"When should we go eat?"
"Let's wait. So-yeon went to the staff room."
"Really? Well, today's menu isn't great anyway. Shall we go later?"
"Okay."
Heading to the crowded cafeteria now would only make Elli the center of attention, so they usually went later.
In the increasingly empty classroom, Lee Do-yoon and Elli spent time together, feeling the weight of her small, platinum blonde head on his shoulder.
Since upgrading their bisou on Valentine's Day, Elli had become more comfortable showing this level of affection in front of others.
As a result, rumors that they were a couple had spread throughout the school in just a month, even though they weren't officially dating yet.
"What do you want to do after this?"
"Let's go shopping."
"With So-yeon?"
"Yeah."
"Then should I go alone today?"
"You can hang out with the others."
"No, I'll go draw. I got a commission recently."
"Suit yourself."
Their conversation flowed easily, the distant sounds of chatter and laughter surrounding them, but their immediate vicinity remained calm.
Do-yoon asked in a soft voice.
"What about our bisou today?"
-Pause
At his question, Elli stopped browsing clothes on her phone.
Still leaning on his shoulder, she turned her head slightly to answer, her cheeks faintly blushing despite trying to maintain a composed expression.
"...Wait in your room later. I'll come."
"Okay. Got it."
Their gazes met, and their lips touched. Despite the daily routine, the initial thrill hadn't faded.
Each bisou still made their hearts race and filled them with joy.
Lee Do-yoon found himself thinking about it, and Elli seemed to do the same, her gaze lingering on a particular spot.
As the moment stretched, a dreamy look appeared in her eyes.
-Thud!
"......"
"......"
"…Sorry. Really sorry. I was trying to leave quietly, but..."
Behind them, Do-yoon's middle school friend and otaku, Min-jae, stood awkwardly, looking genuinely embarrassed.
Do-yoon couldn't help but laugh. It was a bit disappointing and embarrassing, but not a big deal.
However, Elli seemed slightly annoyed at the interruption.
"......"
She stared coldly at Min-jae, though it was probably just a brief sulk, as he was one of the few boys Elli didn't mind due to his timid yet kind nature.
So, Lee Do-yoon cheerfully suggested.
"Wanna join us for lunch later?"
The late lunch was delayed further as they waited for Lee So-yeon, but they eventually arrived at the cafeteria, which wasn't completely empty, with some students playing outside or others who preferred to eat later like them.
Lee Do-yoon, Elli, Lee So-yeon, and Seong Min-jae chatted over their meal.
"Then let's stop by there later and check out the lipsticks too. The new color they released seems like it would really suit you, Elli!"
"That? I think it'd suit you better."
"No way! It was totally meant for you!"
The girls discussed their shopping plans while Lee Do-yoon and Min-jae talked about their shared hobby.
"Did you see the update on Let's Play? The new series for the first quarter."
"Just the first episode. The background art was so beautiful I paused it to draw."
"Oh, was that the inspiration for your last piece? The one you posted on Pixiv. That was really well done."
"Yeah, I just captured the vibe and added my own twist."
"That anime might be worth studying. The animation director is quite famous."
"Really? No wonder it was impressive."
Their conversation flowed easily, each pair engrossed in their topics.
Min-jae, though not skilled in art, knew a lot about anime and manga, making their discussions enjoyable.
Occasionally, Do-yoon would draw a character Min-jae liked, and in return, he'd sneak him some test papers from cram school during exam periods—a win-win.
As they chatted, So-yeon suddenly pointed at Do-yoon.
"If that's the case, why not bring Do-yoon along? The TenTen hoodie would look great on him, don't you think?"
Elli, with a sparkle in her eye, examined Do-yoon, intrigued by So-yeon's suggestion.
"How about it? You could even wear it as a couple... Oh, right, not yet. Anyway!"
"...Not a bad idea. Do-yoon, just come with us today."
"To go shopping with you?"
"Yes. Got money?"
"I mean, yeah... Okay, let's go."
Money wasn't an issue for Do-yoon. He had his allowance and had been earning from commissions since middle school.
Now, he was even taking on larger freelance projects.
Although he often went out with Elli, they didn't spend much, so he had plenty saved up.
Elli always tried to split expenses 50-50, matching her allowance, which kept their spending low.
But when buying clothes for Do-yoon, Elli enjoyed using his ample funds to choose outfits.
So, at Elli's command—more of an order—Lee Do-yoon's plans changed again. He could take his time with the illustration.
Agreeing, he was about to finish his meal when he remembered Min-jae.
"Want to come along, Min-jae? If you've got nothing else."
"Uh..."
Min-jae hesitated, glancing around before declining.
"No, I'm going to watch anime at home..."
"Too bad."
After his refusal, Do-yoon returned to his meal, sensing an odd atmosphere and looking up to find.
"......"
"......"
A smiling yet somewhat intimidating So-yeon and an impassive Elli staring back.
Ah.
Lee Do-yoon understood why Min-jae had declined.
During the fifth period PE class, Lee Do-yoon, wearing the gym top Elli had returned, stood with friends on the field, chatting.
"How does it feel to share gym clothes with your girlfriend?"
"Um... both my body and heart feel warm. And she's not my girlfriend..."
"Fuck off. Bullshit."
"Why the hell are you asking?"
After some initial volleyball toss practice, they had free time, but with only about ten minutes left, they refrained from engaging in full games like soccer or basketball, choosing instead to chat.
Wearing his gym top, still fragrant with Elli's scent.
"Damn, it's so hard. Lee Do-yoon, show us again."
"You think you can do it just by watching?"
"Stop bullshitting and just show us."
They naturally gravitated back to doing the slickback dance, spurred on by the spacious field and their sneakers.
At Jin-woo's request, Lee Do-yoon casually positioned himself, hands in pockets.
Elli had warned against it, but it seemed harmless enough.
Or so he thought, until a slip caused by the chilly breeze and hands in pockets led to a fall.
"Ah!"
-Tumble!
As he lay on the ground, his friends' laughter filled the air.
"Ahahaha! Idiot!!"
Embarrassed and in pain, Lee Do-yoon realized the folly of his actions, feeling the consequences of his stubbornness.
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