Bamboo Forest Manager

Each Person’s Sense of Crisis

“Ah, my leg still hurts.”

The stopped vehicle.

From the middle point, Choi Yi-seo had separated the kids, making it easier to get comfortable, but the shock was still very much present.

As I pressed my knees, I could hear Seo Ye-rin and Yoo Ah-rin in the backseat snickering and mocking.

“Do some exercise.”

“What are you going to do if you can’t even endure that?”

“You’re such a shameless bunch.”

Look at them blaming me for what they’ve made.

I know they’re anxious because of something they talked about with Yoon-ji yesterday, but I wonder what they discussed to make them act like this.

‘Well, they wouldn’t go that far even while shopping.’

As Han-gang and Chan-woo told me last time, wouldn’t shopping help lighten the mood?

Once you start spending money or consuming something, people tend to feel satisfied.

“Let’s go, we’re almost there.”

As I opened the door to step outside, the two people in the backseat grabbed Choi Yi-seo’s shoulder, who was sitting next to me.

“What, what’s going on?”

When a flustered Choi Yi-seo asked what was up, the two, now wearing sunglasses and hats, began to complain.

“Why didn’t you dress like this when you came?”

“Choi Yi-seo, isn’t the dress code very different from what we agreed on?”

“Haah, what kind of dress code is this? You guys are being way too extra.”

Honestly, I agree with Choi I-seo.

Well, just because I’ve been on TV doesn’t mean everyone knows me.

No, I didn’t even show my name or face on the broadcast. I’m just known as the youngest son of the Wooju Group.

From noble mtl dot com

Besides, it’s late, and since we’re the only ones in the VIP lounge, I thought it wouldn’t really matter.

“No way! I-seo has to change just like us!”

“Who does she think she is, acting all pretty by herself?”

“You guys are so weird—!”

Hands reaching out from behind quickly engulf Choi I-seo. Her desperate scream echoes as she’s dragged to the back seat.

“Ah! What, what are you doing?! Why are you taking it off?!”

“Come here! I knew this would happen, so I brought an extra set in my bag!”

“I wonder if this is how Kim Woo-jin felt when he was undressing her? Surprisingly exciting!”

As Choi I-seo’s clothes start to come off in the back seat, I quietly closed the door.

The driver had already stepped out to make a call as soon as we arrived.

Time passed like that.

Creak.

The door opened, revealing three little thieves wearing sunglasses, hats, and even masks in the dead of night.

“Phew, it felt like punishing a b*tch.”

Seol Ye-rin looked satisfied and proud.

“I felt like I was Kim Woo-jin.”

Yoo Ah-rin said she felt like she was the one undressing her.

“Ugh…”

Choi I-seo, with a sulky face and drooping shoulders. Especially her outfit was the worst; she looked like she was wearing some old man’s hiking gear.

“You guys look like you came here to steal something.”

Don’t they look like they’re here to rob a department store at night?

Well, anyway, since we were all set, we entered the department store with the little thieves.

It wasn’t closing time yet, so there were quite a few people around, and their gazes subtly drifted our way.

“See? We’re not really standing out to people.”

Seol Ye-rin said with a smile behind her mask.

‘True, usually Seol Ye-rin attracts more attention than this.’

Due to their outstanding appearance, they tend to capture everyone’s attention wherever they go.

Even with sunglasses, a mask, and a hat, they stand out, but people just brush it off, so it’s probably less than usual.

Arriving at the VIP lounge, under the gaze of onlookers.

It was smaller than other stores, but the interior, along with the furniture and decor, exuded a luxurious atmosphere.

You could feel that a lot of money had been poured into this place, giving customers the impression that they had become someone significant.

‘How on earth did they rent a place like this?’

It would be hard to rent such a place even if you offered a lot of money.

No matter how influential an older brother or father might be, it would still be difficult.

‘Who has connections here?’

A hint of curiosity crossed my mind, but my attention was drawn to the staff who had come out to greet us.

“Hello.”

The staff bowed their heads immediately, greeting us politely.

Perhaps because they were dedicated VIP lounge staff, they were all strikingly attractive, and their gestures while greeting us radiated elegance.

“If you need assistance, our staff can accompany you one by one to guide you through the products—”

“No, no. We’re fine. We’ll manage on our own.”

“Understood. We hope you have a comfortable shopping experience. We have refreshments and drinks prepared, so please let us know if you get tired while shopping. Additionally, if you need anything else, just let us know, and we will prepare it for you right away.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you.”

Feeling awkward, I passed by the staff, and Yu Ah-rin subtly slipped next to me and whispered.

“Pro.”

“What?”

“They’re not laughing at our outfits.”

“……That’s true.”

If people dressed like us entered a VIP lounge, it wouldn’t be strange for them to be kicked out immediately.

Even if they had already been informed, accepting it without a change in expression could be called professional.

“Hey, but isn’t there a monthly fee to get into a place like this?”

“Probably? Honestly, I’m not sure how we managed to rent it.”

“Does the chairman have a soft spot for us?”

Yu Ah-rin smiled, playing coy.

On a normal day, I would have said she looked pretty.

“Wearing sunglasses and a mask, I don’t feel much excitement.”

“Ciiing.”

“But can we shop separately in the lounge?”

The question was quickly resolved.

There was a separate store in the lounge, and it was stocked with travel-related items as if it had been prepared just for us.

From the obvious essentials like swimsuits to suitcases, handbags, clothes, cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry like necklaces and rings, and even sunglasses.

The setup made it seem as if everyone here knew exactly where we were going, which was almost amusing.

“Everything is definitely ready.”

As I scratched my cheek in disbelief, Yoo Ah-rin stared blankly at me before suddenly turning her gaze my way.

“I love you, Woo-jin.”

“Why do you feel so dirty?”

Is this the taste of love tainted by capitalism?

“Wow, having a good boyfriend means enjoying this kind of luxury!”

Yoo Ah-rin dashed off eagerly.

And following her was Seo Ye-rin.

Finally, Choi Yi-seo glanced at me, gauging my reaction, and then approached me quietly.

“Is this really okay?”

“Why? Is it too much pressure?”

“Of course it is.”

“Forget it, just go buy some clothes. You look a mess right now.”

“T-This is—!”

Choi Yi-seo, who was about to make an excuse, let out a deep sigh and took off her mask.

“Ha, fine. Since it’s been provided for us.”

Muttering something like a self-justification, Choi Yi-seo followed the two of them.

* * *

“Hey, what do you think of this?”

“…….”

The lounge was surprisingly spacious, and the store inside was unexpectedly large.

Thanks to that, I naturally got separated while shopping.

Right now, I was being pulled by Yoo Ah-rin, trying on various things.

“Hmm, this looks good on you! Wear it like this.”

“Why are you choosing my things instead of your own?”

At first, I was sure she was just picking out her own clothes.

But Yuarin was only focused on selecting my things, ignoring her own.

“I have plenty to wear, but you don’t.”

“No, I got a lot of clothes this time too.”

I said she didn’t have to go this far to help me, but Yuarin didn’t stop.

“Ah, why? I want to try this too. Dressing up my boyfriend and all that.”

“…….”

With that, I found myself at a loss for words.

But there was something I had been wanting to ask.

“Are you acknowledging me as your boyfriend?”

At some point, it seemed she had started to recognize me as her boyfriend.

Wasn’t this the same Yuarin who insisted that a relationship with three people was absolutely impossible?

“……?!”

Yuarin, startled by my question, slapped her shoulder in annoyance.

“Shut up! I didn’t acknowledge it!”

“What’s with that? You’re being so wishy-washy.”

“I don’t know! Just go away! Ugh, I shouldn’t have helped you.”

Feeling embarrassed, Yuarin eventually pushed me away to another spot.

As I was looking around, Seoyeon quietly approached with a sly smile.

“Woojin, which one do you think is better?”

She then showed me two swimsuits.

Both were quite different in style; the first was a white bikini in an X shape.

The second was a red off-shoulder bikini.

It definitely seemed like Seoyeon would look pretty in either.

“Buy both.”

What’s there to think about?

Just buy both, and that’s it.

But it seemed Seoyeon wasn’t satisfied with my answer.

“I’m asking which one is better, Woojin.”

“Hmm, since we’re going to swim a lot anyway, why not just buy it and take turns trying both on?”

“…….”

Right, I guess my answer didn’t sit well with you.

After a moment of thought, I decided to give Seo Ye-rin the answer she might want to hear.

“I think the white one looks good? If you pull it slightly to the side, you can wear it right away.”

“Right? I think so too—”

Seo Ye-rin’s expression, which had been about to break into a bright smile, suddenly became subtle.

What’s going on? She definitely heard what she wanted, but she looks strangely uncomfortable.

“Hmm.”

I thought maybe she was going to question me, but Seo Ye-rin tilted her head and walked away.

I wondered why she was acting like that, but since Choi Yi-seo called, I moved in that direction for now.

“What’s up? Are you going to buy something?”

Choi Yi-seo was looking at cosmetics, unlike the other girls. It was a bit amusing to see her expression noticeably hardening as she checked the prices one by one.

“Too expensive, Woo-jin.”

“Yeah, I know. Isn’t our trip not expensive?”

“That’s true, but…”

“That’s a spot your father prepared. If we don’t buy anything, it’d be rude to your father who set it up for us.”

“Phew, yeah. I know.”

Knowing that, Choi Yi-seo also couldn’t easily say she wouldn’t buy anything.

In the end, she handed me a sunscreen and asked.

“You don’t have sunscreen, right? I saw you didn’t have any last time. Make sure to put it on.”

“Oh, right. I should do that.”

I used to wear it.

Back when… I was dating Yoon-ji.

“Still, eating good food makes your skin nice.”

Choi Yi-seo pulled my cheek as I got lost in thought.

Seeing her chuckle like that made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

It felt exciting, I guess.

“Do you think I need anything else besides sunscreen? I just realized I’m out of cleansing foam.”

“Really? But isn’t buying it here a bit too expensive? For things like this, buying outside wouldn’t really make much difference in effectiveness.”

“Hey, stop worrying about the price. Since your dad set this up, it’s better to just buy it.”

“Phew, yeah. I guess so.”

“Since we’re at it, how about we get matching expensive couple rings? What do you think?”

It seemed like a good idea, and in fact, Choi I-seo’s eyes sparkled at first.

“…Are we really going to wear the same thing, all four of us?”

“Ahem.”

I had no choice but to turn away at the question of whether we were all going to wear the same couple ring.

“Or are you going to wear three rings? Me, Ye-rin, and A-rin?”

“No, that’s just not right.”

It’s not like we’re hip-hop artists wearing three rings each.

“How about this? You wear a ring, Ye-rin wears a necklace, and A-rin wears a bracelet.”

“I really think that’s a terrible idea, Woo-jin.”

“…”

“Ugh, forget it. Do you have any shorts? I noticed you didn’t have any when I was packing your stuff last time, so let’s buy some of those.”

What’s going on?

“I-seo.”

“What? I said we’re not getting couple rings.”

In response to Choi I-seo’s indifferent reply, I honestly expressed the feeling I had just now.

“I’ve been feeling this way since earlier. It’s kind of… like shopping with my mom, not my girlfriend.”

At those words.

Thud.

Choi I-seo dropped the sunscreen she was holding and looked at me with a bewildered expression.

* * *

“Hey.”

“Ow! What?!”

Yoo A-rin poked Seo Ye-rin in the side as she seriously contemplated two swimsuits in turn.

Startled, Seo Ye-rin turned to see what was going on, but A-rin’s gaze was directed elsewhere.

“What’s up—”

Seo Ye-rin also shifted her gaze to where A-rin was looking and was left speechless.

What caught her eye was Choi I-seo pinching Kim Woo-jin’s cheek.

I know it’s funny to feel jealous over something so trivial when I’ve already done everything I could.

But.

“What… is that youthful vibe like in a drama?”

At Yuarin’s mumble, Seoyeon quickly lifted her head and looked at her.

“Right, right! That’s it! I finally understand what’s missing!”

When she showed the swimsuit earlier.

Kim Woojin’s response was shockingly adult-like, and in truth, Seoyeon wanted that.

But.

‘It felt kind of empty.’

I’ve heard that after being in a relationship for a long time, you eventually hit a plateau.

Seoyeon just felt exactly that.

Yuarin bit her nails, nervously mumbling.

“Why… doesn’t that kind of atmosphere come out when I’m with him?”

Fresh yet warm.

Even without pressing their bodies together, just a brief and simple touch could fulfill their hearts with that kind of feeling.

Seoyeon nodded in agreement.

Yuarin imagined.

If she were sitting next to him, what would Kim Woojin say?

“What’s up? Why are you acting all silly? You trying to get yourself killed?”

He’d probably joke around like he does with his close friends!

Seoyeon also imagined.

If she were in that spot.

“Ugh, why? You want to do it here in the changing room? That’s dangerous, you know.”

She’d probably scold him like a mother would!

Both of them felt a chill run down their spines, starting to sense a crisis in their current relationship.

Meanwhile.

Choi Iseo, whom they envied, was also feeling a sense of crisis of a different kind.

“Uh, uh, Mom?!”