WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator/Editor: Ryuu

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◈ My Platinum-Blonde Childhood Friend is Too Pretty

Chapter 33: Elli’s Dating Rules

"Yes, I asked, and they said we can take the first train tomorrow. There were still seats available."

─... Do-yoon.

"Yes, Mom?"

─Elli isn't up to something, right?

"What? No, how could Elli be up to something with this..."

─But! Ever since last weekend, something seems...! Do-yoon, should I just come and pick you up?

"It's fine. It takes forever to get here. By the time you arrive, it'll be time for the first train."

─Ugh...!

"I'll spend the time at a 24-hour cafe nearby and then take the train."

─Phew... Alright. Be careful and call if anything happens. I'll answer right away. Send me a message before you get on the train in the morning too.

"Got it. See you tomorrow, Mom."

─Okay.

─What did Do-yoon say?

─He said he'll stay at a nearby cafe and take the first train.

─It's a relief there's something like that...

-Click

I ended the call, barely catching Dad's faint voice in the background. 

A sudden announcement explained that the KTX was delayed due to an unforeseen issue, and the train wouldn't be running tonight.

Fortunately, we had the option to either get a refund or exchange our tickets for the first train tomorrow. We chose the latter.

The problem now was how to spend the time until then. Lodging wasn't an option, and as minors, we couldn't enter karaoke rooms or PC bangs at this hour.

As we pondered what to do, a station staff member informed us of a nearby 24-hour cafe, so we decided to head there.

Despite the unexpected situation, the staff's kindness and the clear directions they provided reassured us. Calling our parents was the last resort, as it would take hours for them to drive here, and it felt too burdensome to ask.

After ending the call, I looked at Elli, who had finished her call with her mom and was now looking at me, still holding onto my arm.

"What did your mom say?"

"She said to call if anything happens and to message her before we leave in the morning."

"Hmph. What's this about me being up to something?"

"It was just a joke~"

"...Well, it's true that this is nice."

"Huh?"

"Let's go to the cafe. I want a mocha."

"Oh, should I order something less sweet and share it with you? How about a latte?"

"Let's get an Americano."

"Americano sounds good."

We arrived at the cafe and ordered a cafe mocha and an Americano as we had discussed, then headed to a cozy corner.

Despite the early hour, there were quite a few people there. It wasn't crowded, but there were enough people to make the place feel lively and comforting.

Instead of sitting across from each other, we sat side by side on a sofa facing the window, talking.

With our hearts aflutter, we talked about things we had been too busy kissing to discuss earlier.

Turning slightly to face each other, our hands clasped together on the table, sipping our cool drinks leisurely.

"Elli,"

"Yes."

"As my girlfriend from now on, there are things you need to keep."

"Oh~ What if I can't keep them?"

"You'll lose your life."

"Scary. I'll definitely keep them."

It felt strange. Although the conversation was similar to ones we'd had before, Elli's voice and gaze felt gentler.

Our feelings for each other hadn't changed just because we confessed, as we had liked each other even before. 

But now, being in a relationship with my childhood friend did feel different. Seeing the stronger affection in Elli's eyes, and feeling my own love for her grow, it seemed more intense.

"Listen carefully. First rule."

Elli extended her fingers, making my heart pound. I was curious about what rules she would set. I felt confident I could keep them, but I was still curious.

So began the first of Elli's dating rules.

"Don't hang out with other girls."

"I didn't hang out with other girls before... Even Lee So-yeon?"

"She's fine. But you must report to me. And if you have to be with another girl, report it."

"Like when I met Bin noona last time?"

"Like that. If it's a brief meeting, I'll allow post-reporting, but don't hide it."

Not hanging out with other girls without Elli knowing. It wasn't difficult since I had always done that.

Given that this was the first rule, it was probably the most important and worrying for Elli.

"Next..."

"By the way."

"What."

"Elli, if you ever have to be with someone else, let me know too. We'll both follow this rule, okay?"

Since I felt the same, I interrupted before she could continue with the next rule. Smiling as usual, I revealed a bit of my possessiveness.

Hearing my words, Elli's cheeks turned bright red, and our clasped hands grew warmer.

"There's never a time I'll be with another guy,"

"Yeah, I know. I trust you."

"But if it happens... I'll contact you. Though it won't happen."

"Okay. What's next?"

"The next one..."

Elli's second dating rule.

"From now on, bisous are always kisses."

"What kind of kisses?"

"The kisses we did today."

"Hmm, what if I want to do other kinds?"

"You can do those too, along with the kisses. Don't ask obvious questions."

"Ah, so always kiss and then other kinds if we want? Got it."

I welcomed the second rule wholeheartedly.

Maybe it was because it was the first time, but the sensation was still vivid.

As Elli's red lips touched mine,

Exchanging breaths,

Our tongues intertwining,

Saliva mingling,

It was an erotic, sticky kiss that elicited an involuntary reaction from my teenage body.

The lie I told Elli back in middle school could very well become a reality.

Once we started kissing, the line between bisous and kisses blurred.

Now, it was clear.

From now on, bisous were kisses. It was an act of intimacy between lovers.

"......"

"......"

Talking about bisous made the atmosphere tense. We both felt our gazes on each other's lips.

Elli's chin lifted slightly, and I didn't miss the opportunity to lean in.

-Smack...

"Chup... Chup..."

Not as long as on the Ferris wheel or the platform, but as Elli sucked on my lower lip and I on her upper lip, we shared a moist, lingering kiss.

After that, we resumed our conversation as if nothing had happened.

"And."

Elli's third dating rule.

"No carrying burdens alone."

"...? What's that mean?"

In response to my question, Elli showed me her left hand, displaying the pretty ring on her ring finger.

"How much did this cost?"

"It was cheap. Around 100,000 won."

In truth, it was 170,000 won with the initials engraved, but it wasn't a lie.

"How much did today's trip cost, including the return fare?"

"......"

"Tell me."

"About 190,000 won."

"So, together that's... No, the ring was probably more expensive, so about 400,000 won."

"......"

She's sharp! It's not the first time I've used such an excuse!

Elli wasn't upset about the expense. She was always generous when it came to spending on herself or our outings.

"For a while, our outings..."

Elli nodded slightly as she heard the costs.

"I'll cover the date expenses, so just know that."

Using the word "date expenses," she informed me of her decision, befitting our status as a couple.

I realized that "no carrying burdens alone" meant I shouldn't spend excessively on my own.

I had been earning quite a bit from illustration commissions, and I tended to spend more money, which must have bothered Elli.

This rule was one I had some objections to.

"Elli."

"Be quiet. No objections."

"Just hear me out."

"I don't want to."

-Whisk!

Her platinum hair swayed as she turned her head away, refusing to listen.

I found it cute but wrapped my arms around her waist and rested my head on her shoulder.

Enjoying her slim body and the delightful scent of her hair, I whispered in her ear.

"We're a couple now."

"......"

"If you had more money than me, you wouldn't hesitate to buy me things, right?"

"...I don't know."

She said she didn't know, but I did. If Elli had more money, this rule wouldn't exist.

I was sure.

"Spending money on clothes or food for you isn't a waste. I feel the same. I want to do more for you, and now that we're dating, that feeling is stronger."

"......"

"I won't insist on paying for everything or buying everything for you, but let's not be too strict about who spends what."

As I spoke, I kissed Elli's ear.

-Smack

"Eep..."

"How about it?"

"...Just don't spend too much."

"Alright. If I start wasting money, tell me. What's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine."

"Hmph..."

I succeeded in convincing Elli. After kissing her now red ear once more, I let go of her slim waist and returned to my original position.

Elli pouted and looked at me again.

"...Next."

"Yes. What's next?"

Elli's fourth dating rule.

"Don't lie to me."

"Of course."

"Not even little lies. Never."

"I promise."

I wasn't the type to lie anyway. Occasionally, I might tell a white lie, but it was rare and never malicious.

For example, I had lied about hanging out with friends to surprise Elli with the couple rings, but I didn't consider that a bad thing.

So, I checked.

"So, like this time, when I lied about hanging out with friends to get the couple rings, what about that?"

Elli seemed to think for a moment before shaking her head.

"...No. From now on, just do it with me. Tell me about it."

Even though she appreciated the surprise, it seemed she preferred us doing things together.

"Got it. I'll do that from now on."

If that's what Elli wanted, I could manage it. Honestly, trying to keep things from her was difficult anyway. It seemed better to include her from the start.

Having agreed to the fourth rule, I waited for the next one.

"Lee Do-yoon."

"Yes."

"You promised not to lie to me."

"I promise. I won't."

"Then tell me."

"Tell you what?"

Elli asked,

"Do you watch porn?"

"......"

Footnotes:

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