My Platinum-Blonde Childhood Friend is Too Pretty - Chapter 30

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Translator/Editor: Ryuu

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◈ My Platinum-Blonde Childhood Friend is Too Pretty

Chapter 30: Finally, Our Beginning (1)

The next day, I woke up early to the sound of my phone's alarm.

Usually, I would've tossed and turned for another five minutes, but today, I sprang out of bed as if jolted awake.

It was 7 a.m.

Elli must have already gone out with her mom to get her hair done.

Of course, she didn't always do this, and it wasn't for every special occasion… The extent of her dressing up was a bit random, depending on Elli's mood.

But today, I knew. I knew Elli would put in the extra effort.

So, although I couldn't match her dedication by going to a hair salon, I wanted to make at least a minimal effort.

I immediately left my room and headed to the bathroom.

'Wash up, eat, get dressed… and absolutely, under no circumstances, forget the ring.'

As I bathed, a pleasant mix of nervousness and anticipation made my heart flutter.

I took extra care in grooming, paying attention to every detail of my face, and afterward, I even asked my mom for a favor.

"Mom, can you help me dry my hair?"

"Look at my only son, going on a date with the girl next door and treating his mom like a maid…"

-Whirrr!

Despite her teasing, mom carefully dried my hair with the dryer and helped style it.

"Thanks, mom. I couldn't do it without you."

"Hmph. Don't lie."

"Come on, I'm grateful. You totally reminded me of Elli just now."

"How dare you compare me to that fox next door! Want me to turn you into Astro Boy?"

"Sorry~"

"Anyway, be careful on your way, and call me if anything happens. Dad will be home all day, so he can come pick you up."

"I doubt that'll happen, but okay."

"Check the train time carefully. The transfer from the subway to the train can be confusing, so it's better to go early and wait."

"Got it."

Mom's concerned words warmed my heart.

Though she can be a bit overbearing at times, I truly appreciated how she always treated me like a friend and showered me with love.

"Did you decide what to wear?"

"Elli sent me a KakaoTalk message yesterday. Light blue jeans, a T-shirt, and that cardigan we bought last fall. The overall look is quite bright."

"You’re just doing whatever she pleases..."

"It's always been like that. Honestly, it's convenient having everything decided for me."

-Zip!

"Ouch!"

"Already under the thumb of your future wife! Now go eat!"

***

After eating the breakfast mom prepared and getting dressed, I sat on my bed and waited quietly for the appointed time.

Well, not so quietly. I was fidgety with an odd sense of tension, while also mentally reviewing the plan for today's date.

'Take the subway to the train station, then take the train to Gwangju, and from there, head to the amusement park.'

Simple, but...

The plan was to enjoy a normal date until before evening, then ride the Ferris wheel in the evening and confess while looking at the night view.

This was the most romantic plan I could come up with.

I could have arranged some cringeworthy event with my friends' help, but I didn't want to go to such lengths.

Besides, although Elli and I had become more comfortable with public displays of affection, she preferred it when we were alone.

I also remembered Elli saying last year that she wanted to visit a place with a Ferris wheel this year.

So, without chatting with friends or killing time on the computer, I sat there fidgeting and playing with the ring case in my pocket for an hour.

It was 10:15 a.m.

I left home 15 minutes earlier than the agreed time because I couldn't sit still. I wandered around the apartment corridor, waiting for Elli to come out.

A short while later, at 10:25 a.m.

-Click-

The door to the next apartment opened.

"...Wow."

"What?"

"You're so beautiful."

"Hmph. I know."

The platinum princess appeared. The moment I saw Elli, I couldn't help but utter those words like a fool.

Truly, my childhood friend who becomes more beautiful each day.

Her platinum blonde hair, each strand seemingly alive, lightly revealing her forehead with waves, shimmered beautifully.

Elli's lightly made-up face further accentuated her beauty.

Dressed similarly to me in light blue jeans, a T-shirt, and a beige cardigan, Elli's outfit, while not including a skirt, exuded femininity. The light colors gave off a vibrant spring vibe, making her look like a princess out for a stroll.

The outfit seemed considerate of the long walking times ahead, even though we weren't planning on riding many attractions.

By the way, Elli also picked out the shoes, so we were both wearing the same white sneakers.

Bought earlier this year, they were matching couple's sneakers from the same brand and design.

At this moment, we looked like a couple who had coordinated outfits for a date, unmistakable to anyone who saw us.

Elli's mom, covering her mouth and giggling behind her, was visible as Elli came out, but she closed the door behind her, not wanting to intrude.

In the quiet apartment corridor, Elli and I stood facing each other.

And then, without anyone initiating.

-Peck

We moved closer, embraced, and our lips met.

At that moment, I thought I might lose my mind from the bliss.

Elli's lips were softer than yesterday, the slight coolness adding to their moist allure.

I thought this before, but I truly wished to stay like this forever.

Elli's scent was sweeter, and up close, her eyes and skin shone so brightly they nearly blinded me.

As we parted our lips, I barely managed to hold onto my senses and reached out my hand to her.

"Let's go."

"Okay."

The white hand of the princess lay atop mine.

Somehow, it felt like our first date.

We, still childhood friends but soon to be lovers.

***

Holding Elli's hand firmly, we walked together.

We held hands all the way to the nearby subway station, and even as we got off to transfer to the KTX[1], our hands remained intertwined.

Throughout the walk, we felt occasional glances from passersby.

But as always, we paid no mind to others, focusing solely on each other.

"Isn't it a bit chilly today?"

"Not really. We're not late for the train, right? Make sure to check."

"We have plenty of time. Should we buy a soda before boarding? I'll treat..."

"Put your wallet away before I break your wrist."

Her threats were as fierce as ever, but Elli, who usually insisted on splitting the date expenses, probably didn't like that I was spending significantly more today.

But I couldn't back down today. I wanted to do everything I could for my beautiful childhood friend.

"I want to treat you."

So, uncharacteristically firm, I stopped at a nearby convenience store.

After picking out Elli's favorite soda, I was about to pay when...

"Keep your money in your pocket before I crush your hand."

"......"

"Just try taking it out."

Elli's serious tone made me obediently keep my hand in my pocket.

I wondered if she'd let me take the lead on expenses once we officially started dating.

"Here, that'll be one thousand five hundred won."

"Here you go."

While we had been wandering around the store, attracting numerous glances, the cashier, now sounding somewhat flustered, completed our transaction.

Stepping outside the convenience store, we paused to quench our thirst.

Drinking from the small PET bottle, even Elli's cautious sips seemed picturesque.

Suddenly, the reality of kissing those red lips every day felt surreal.

I couldn't fathom how her beauty seemed to intensify with each date, drawing even more glances today than usual.

But regardless,

"Here, have some too."

"Thanks."

We shared the soda like it was the most natural thing. Having kissed on a daily basis, there was no need for reservations now, and I drank from the same spot Elli had.

After taking a big gulp and screwing the cap back on, Elli reached out to adjust my hair.

-Swish

Her slender fingers, with their gentle touch, made it a remarkably pleasant experience.

I beamed with joy, filled with that pleasant feeling, and Elli's cheeks flushed with a coy expression.

"Lee Do-yoon."

"Yeah?"

"…Keep doing that today."

"Doing what?"

"Smiling. If you're not smiling when our eyes meet, you're dead."

"Ah. Okay. I can do that."

"Don't hold onto the bottle; give it here. I'll put it in my bag."

"I could carry it..."

"With a bag right here? Why carry it? Just give it here."

"Then, let me carry the bag for you..."

"Just hold hands. How much longer are you going to let go? Want to die?"

"Sorry."

Even her threats sounded sweet as I grinned and took Elli's hand again.

Then, checking the time, I suggested,

"Should we go ahead and wait? It'll be here in 20 minutes."

"20 minutes… Yeah, let's go."

Though I was accustomed to subways, taking the KTX was a new experience. If we ever needed to travel far, we usually went by car with Dad, not by train.

So, to avoid getting lost, I double-checked the platform location several times as we moved.

Upon reaching the platform and waiting for the train,

-Click

We sat down and took a selfie together, a departure photo to send to our parents. Our heads were close together, Elli with her eyebrows slightly furrowed in a sly face, making a 'V' with her fingers, and me, laughing beside her.

"Pfft..."

"Why are you laughing?"

"No, it's just... the photo turned out well."

The photo had a vibe that felt very us, which made me laugh.

After sending the photo along with a message, we boarded the soon-arrived train.

Seats were surprisingly scarce when I reserved a week ago, but luckily someone had canceled, and I quickly snagged the last two seats at the back of the car.

Elli took the window seat, and I sat by the aisle.

-Sigh

As soon as we settled in, Elli brushed her hair aside with a sigh and then,

Looked at me and nodded silently.

In response, I instinctively

-Chu

Pecked her on the lips.

"Hmph."

Accompanied by a contented hum, a satisfied smile appeared on Elli's lips.

And we, still in this moment,

-Tightly

Held hands.