My Platinum-Blonde Childhood Friend is Too Pretty - Chapter 28

WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator/Editor: Ryuu
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◈ My Platinum-Blonde Childhood Friend is Too Pretty

Chapter 28: Preparing for a Date with a Childhood Friend (2)

As the evidently professional woman approached with a friendly demeanor, I couldn't help but ask, out of reflex,

"Who are you?"

"That's harsh~"

***

Admittedly, my question was half in jest but her usual appearance didn't quite match up with the current setting, prompting my involuntary inquiry.

"Where's Elli? What are you doing here alone?"

As she looked around and inquired about Elli's whereabouts, I recognized her as the Noona living in the same apartment building, right across from our place.

Her name is Bin Sun-woo.

With Sun-woo as her surname and Bin as her given name, she's a 25-year-old who started working a couple of years ago. Having lived in our apartment complex from an early age, she's quite familiar with both Elli and me.

We've even gone out to eat with her and my hyung, Jeongwoo, on several occasions.

"Elli's with another friend. I'm here to buy something."

"What about school?"

"Midterms just ended today."

"Ah, midterms... I miss those days."

"What brings you here, Bin Noona? Your office isn't around here."

"I took a half-day off for some shopping. This underground mart has a wide selection of alcohol."

"Ah, alcohol."

That explained it.

Bin Noona, as I call her, has a penchant for alcohol, which might seem surprising given her appearance.

Most times when I see her around the apartment, she's almost always intoxicated.

That's why I've grown accustomed to her slurred voice, which momentarily threw me off when I heard her clear voice today.

"So, where are you headed?"

Her unfamiliar, soft-spoken manner of asking my destination felt strangely new. Regardless, there was no need to be secretive about it, especially since she wasn't likely to spill the beans to Elli.

"I'm heading to a store called Noid."

"Noid? Are you getting a couple ring?"

"Yeah, for Elli and me."

"That sounds fun. Can I tag along?"

Her genuine curiosity piqued my interest, and I thought it might actually be helpful to have her company.

"Your company would be appreciated. I really need to pick and order something today. Help me choose?"

"Elli would prefer something you chose on your own, wouldn't she?"

"I'll be the one choosing, but I could use some help with the aesthetic aspects... Wait, maybe it's pointless to ask you..."

"That's a bit harsh, don't you think? I can have quite the eye for these things if I put my mind to it."

Ultimately, she would have accompanied me regardless of my response, and having someone to consult seemed like a good idea.

Although I would have preferred to bring So-yeon along for advice, avoiding Elli's notice made that impossible, which was disappointing.

Considering I usually saw Bin Noona clutching a can of beer, I wondered if she'd be of any real help. However, given her current, somewhat decadent charm, I decided to trust her judgment.

-Ding!

"Welcome!"

Greeted by the cheerful staff, we entered a shop dazzling with an overwhelming array of accessories.

While there was a section dedicated to couple rings, I couldn't head straight there.

'These necklaces look pretty too.'

Several other pieces seemed like they would suit Elli, tempting my desire to explore further.

As I diligently surveyed the store and Bin Noona gently chuckled, letting me take my time, the staff approached us, probably due to the lack of other customers, and offered assistance after observing us for a moment.

"...If you're looking for couple rings, this line here is currently trending..."

"No, she's just a... well, a bit too into alcohol for..."

"Though I do have a thing for younger guys, an 8-year age gap is a bit much..."

Caught off guard by their assumption, we both waved our hands to clarify the misunderstanding.

Despite the obvious age and attire differences, the staff's accommodating attitude was appreciated, even if the assumption was off base.

I knew I could always support Elli in her endeavors, even if she chose a path like Bin Noona's, indulging in alcohol, but that wasn't my preference.

With our vehement denial, the staff simply smiled more brightly and continued to assist us.

"So, you're looking for a couple ring for your girlfriend?"

"Yes, exactly. Could I see what you were mentioning earlier? The trendy couple rings..."

"Of course, right this way."

That marked the beginning of an extensive presentation.

From the couple rings popular among current couples to more affordable options considering I was a student, and even some pricier selections, perhaps in case Bin Noona decided to pitch in.

I examined each option closely, envisioning which would suit Elli best and which she would like.

Then, halfway through, Bin Noona made an intriguing comment.

"Gold rings are always a safe bet."

"Gold? Why?"

"In case you break up, you can sell it at a good price."

The idea of choosing a ring with a potential breakup in mind left me somewhat disdainful.

Yet, Bin Noona playfully added, drawing a curve with her eyes,

"I'm not saying you two will break up. Just that some people consider that when buying. Right?"

Caught off guard, I looked at the staff, who awkwardly avoided my gaze and offered a vague response, which frankly surprised me.

I mean, if you're going to date with that kind of mindset, why bother? But then again, there are all sorts of people and relationships.

While I was determined never to part ways with Elli, I shook off those needless thoughts and refocused on the rings.

"Does gold really resist tarnishing?"

"Yes, its value hardly changes due to its resistance to tarnish. Silver, on the other hand, is prone to tarnish and doesn't hold its value as well."

Putting Bin Noona's comments aside, the durability and value retention of gold made it an appealing choice.

The price jump for gold was significant, but with about 1 million won in my budget, it wasn't entirely out of reach.

However, nothing gold seemed to match Elli's image, so I continued my search until...

"Hey, Do-yoon."

Bin Noona tapped my shoulder, drawing my attention.

I was half-regretting bringing her along, but when I looked her way...

"How about this? It seems perfect for you and Elli."

"...Oh?"

She pointed to a silver ring that immediately captivated me.

It was beautiful.

The design, with a small gem encircled by a slightly spiraled band, seemed tailor-made for my platinum princess, Elli.

"I like it... This is the one."

"See? I told you it was worth bringing me along."

"Yeah, I was doubting it 10 seconds ago, but now I'm glad you're here."

"...Do-yoon, you're too honest."

No further contemplation was needed. The moment I saw the ring, I knew it was the one.

My only concern was the price, given the attractive gem in the center.

As I inspected the ring the staff handed me, my decision solidified.

"I'll take this one, please."

***

After ordering the couple ring with our initials engraved, I stepped outside. The rings wouldn't be ready immediately, but I was assured I'd receive them by the middle of next week.

"Thanks, Noona."

"If you're grateful, you can help me out sometime too."

"I will. Actually, hyung's having a performance soon. Want to come with me?"

"I'd appreciate that."

I expressed my gratitude to Bin Noona. Even if I might have found the ring on my own, having her there made the process smoother and more certain.

I felt truly thankful, especially since the ring was exactly what I wanted.

To show my appreciation beyond inviting her to hyung's performance, I gestured towards the mart and offered,

"Need help with your shopping?"

"I'm buying quite a bit, but I'll request delivery, so it's fine."

Bin Noona lightly brushed off my offer and gently tousled my hair with a kind smile.

Despite the height difference making us look a bit odd together, she's been patting my head since I was shorter, so we didn't mind the small imbalance.

"I'm off then. Elli might get jealous if she finds out I was with you."

"Elli doesn't really... care about Noona anymore."

"That hurts~ Anyway, exams are over, so go have fun with your friends. I'll leisurely browse the alcohol selection before heading home."

"Alright. Thanks again, Noona."

We said goodbye at the entrance to the mart.

With my main task accomplished and feeling elated, I made my way to the exit stairs, smiling broadly.

But then...

-Bzzzzz!

My phone in my pocket began to vibrate. I didn't immediately check it, instead...

"...?"

I paused at the sight of two familiar faces staring intently at me.

Chae-hwan and Jin-woo stood there, each holding a Krispy Kreme donut, looking at me with a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.