My Platinum-Blond Childhood Friend Is So Pretty

19 – 06. Unchanging Even After Becoming High School Students -3

In the strange atmosphere that had subtly changed in an instant, Lee Soyeon continued to wave her hands in apology.

“Just kidding, it was just a joke~ Why is everyone looking like that!”

With slightly better control over her expression than a moment ago, Soyeon tried to laugh it off, as if to emphasize that it wasn’t genuine.

I knew it. Maybe Ellie already knows.

Her words, saying it was a joke, were both sincere and insincere.

It was Issuyeon who had already announced the start of the prank by using the words granddaughter and boyfriend from the beginning, and it seemed that she still naturally continued the prank. But unknowingly, it was not just a spoonful of sincerity…but about five spoons.

I could tell.

From the beginning, Issuyeon’s pranks boasted a long-standing tradition since elementary school.

During elementary school, she openly provoked Ellie, saying things like “I also like Yido-yoon~”.

In middle school, she played pranks by spinning around, not only in simple romantic relationships, but also in incidents like the adult video incident in 8th grade.

With a cute and pretty face, and a seemingly innocent bright smile, she enjoyed seeing my and Ellie’s reactions.

Because of that history, I know.

In fact, I know that Issuyeon still likes me, and she is making an effort not to show it anymore, unlike when she was in elementary school.

And I also know that Ellie likes me as much as Issuyeon does.

“I see you’re planning to prank me again. It’s a bit too much to come all the way to my house to do that.”

I responded to her sincere prank with another prank. And just like me, Ellie seemed to have the same thought, as she brushed her platinum blonde hair back.

“It’s fun. Bring it on. By the way, the evaluation item is cooking.”

She accepted the challenge, but without any seriousness.

Just as Issuyeon wanted.

I answered as if it was just a joke.

“Ah, come on~ You really think you’re good at cooking! How ridiculous!”

She laughed with relief, her face blossoming.

As we were about to naturally move on as if nothing had happened, during this brief moment of happening, our mom, who couldn’t possibly be aware of Issuyeon’s subtle mistake as much as me and Ellie, rolled her eyes around.

“Oh, if this is what Soyeon can do, it’s too much for a potential granddaughter-in-law~ By the way, I had something to talk to Yerin… I’ll be at the neighbor’s house. Call me if anything happens~”

Saying that, she ran away to the neighbor’s house.

“……”

“……”

“……”

Thanks to that, the atmosphere became awkward again, so I quickly changed the subject.

“You couldn’t go shopping today because of me, right? Do you want to see what it was? It was a hoodie, right?”

About the hoodie that I couldn’t buy because I got hurt, actually I didn’t know what kind of clothes it was and couldn’t even look at it, but if Ellie asked me to buy it, I would have bought it.

Then Isuyeon blushed slightly and asked in a hesitant tone.

“I’ll show you! It’s been really popular lately! Seventeen, the one Seonho wore…”

Even her slightly flushed face looked a bit embarrassed as she rushed to explain.

Seeing Isuyeon like that, Ellie let out a small sigh and pointed to my room.

“Go into Doyoon’s room and check on the computer. I’m tired of using my smartphone.”

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“Oh, um, can I go in?”

“His room is just the same as before. Doyoon, go in first and change your clothes.”

“Okay, wait a bit. I’ll change quickly.”

-Snap!

“Yeah! Hurry… No, change carefully and slowly! You hurt your foot, remember!”

“Oh, right… Ugh… I did hurt it, didn’t I… It hurts…”

“Do you want to die, seriously?”

***

As we hurriedly changed our clothes and the three of us chatted and looked at various outfits on the computer in my room, we were soon able to laugh and talk as usual.

“I wanted to see this T-shirt too! But the collaboration ends tomorrow… It’s such a shame. It would have been perfect if we went today.”

“It’s all because of Doyoon. Should we just kill him? If I see him dancing that weird dance again in a few days, I might really go crazy.”

“Hmm… Should I just die and apologize?”

“Oh, why~ Actually, even if we went today, there would probably be hardly any sizes left. Most likely?”

The same distance as always. With familiarity.

“You know, because I saw Doyoon’s sprained foot, should we go next Monday? I really want to see you guys wearing matching hoodies~”

“Yeah, that works.”

-Sigh…

“As long as he doesn’t go crazy again and hurt his foot.”

“I won’t do it anymore… Trust me.”

“I’ve heard that line at least five times since last week.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Amut-eun, are you okay too, Doyoon?”

“I’m naturally fine.”

Lee So-yeon already, with a face that seemed to be enjoying herself, had planned our schedule until the first appointment of the next week.

She chattered on for a while about where to go, what clothes to look at, what clothes to buy, what snacks to eat, and so on.

“Ellie, are you going to continue with the S-curl for a while? Your hair waves look really pretty this time. Right, Doyoon?”

“Yeah, it looks really beautiful. It suits you well.”

“…Well, I guess. I like it too.”

“You’re really lucky! Ellie works so hard every day to maintain this hair…”

“Hey, be quiet.”

“hehehe… You know, right?”

“I know, I know.”

“Ha… So-yeon, you’re dead.”

“hahahaha, sorry!”

While worshiping the sudden Ellie, they also chatted. Once all the various emotions were set aside, So-yeon and I were inevitable followers of the platinum princess.

Before we knew it, a couple of hours had passed, and it was evening.

In the dark outside, when So-yeon was about to go home.

“Oh, So-yeon. Long time no see, huh? So-yeon, have dinner here with us.”

“Oh, yes! Thank you…”

Ellie’s mom was in the kitchen with our mom, and she grabbed So-yeon, who had come out of the room, inviting her to dinner.

And somehow.

“Eat some of this too. Really, what will you do being so thin like this?”

“Yeah. Eat a lot~ And be friends with our kids in the future too.”

“Yes… Th-thank you.”

Under the blatant attention and the assault of delicious side dishes in front of her, So-yeon ate her meal with a slightly awkward face.

After that, as soon as the meal was over, So-yeon stood up. It was too late to fuss more about her appearance.

“Thank you for the meal! It was delicious! I’ll come over again next time!”

“Come anytime~”

“Yeah, yeah. Doyoon, walk her… Oh, right, your foot is injured.”

“Doyoon, you stay in your room. I’ll walk her to the front. The bus stop is close anyway.”

“Yeah. Goodbye, So-yeon.”

“I can go alone… Doyoon, see you tomorrow~”

Ellie and So-yeon, still in school uniforms, left the house, and I saw them off at the entrance.

And as I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth, I heard the voices of the ajumma (middle-aged woman) and my mom.

“Really, Doyoon messed up~”

“It’s our son’s fault… Ah, it’s tough even when our son is so handsome.”

“hehehe, Elly said the same thing before. That’s why it’s hard to manage.”

“Even though Elly doesn’t seem like it, she’s subtly like a fox.”

“It’s even better because she’s a fox~ Wouldn’t it be interesting if Elly came to live with us after getting married?”

“It might be interesting… There won’t be a dull moment, I guess.”

“Right?”

They conversed loudly, as if telling me to listen, and I entered the bathroom, letting their words pass through one ear.

It’s awkward to react when I’m squeezed in.

***

With Soyeon gone and probably having hurt my foot, I decided to work on the freelance illustration I had planned for today.

[Macdunaldo: Yes! For the overall hairstyle, please change the color to the feel of Nano’s short hair in the six-part character! The pose should be as similar as possible to the photo I sent. And for the clothes…]

I started from the rough sketch, looking at the subtly detailed requests of a web novel author.

Reviving the experience of countless commissions, I, who drew with a sense of responsibility commensurate with the substantial amount of money received, was engrossed for a couple of hours until the flow was momentarily interrupted.

Suddenly, I thought about Soyeon.

Our precious friend who has liked me since elementary school and still likes me, and also likes Elly.

I was genuinely grateful to Soyeon.

She liked me but made an effort not to show it in her own way, and despite that, she continued to be a friend.

In fact, it was quite common for someone to develop feelings for me or Elly, try to get close to us, and end up getting hurt and distancing themselves alone.

So, although Elly and I weren’t as close as one might think, given Elly’s reserved nature and the jealousy of girls due to male attention, it was even more severe for her.

In such a situation,

Soyeon always stayed by our side as a good friend, subtly managing our image from behind.

She claimed it was secretly done, but I, too, noticed things through the guys and was aware of it.

Soyeon always said it was fortunate for her to attend the same school as us.

But in my opinion, we were fortunate to be in the same school as Soyeon.

She was that good of a friend.

And that thought.

-Thud

Elli, who is probably entering my room right now, is no exception.

But that doesn’t mean I can accept Soyeon’s feelings or expect Elli to give in.

We didn’t need to mention our careful consideration or the current relationship between the three of us.

Just treat Soyeon as a grateful friend.

“Are you far?”

“No. I’ll finish it now.”

Elli, who was already dressed in pajamas, leaned against the door and waited for me to finish.

Engrossed in my thoughts, I realized it was already 10 o’clock. I quickly tidied up what I was drawing and sat on the bed.

It’s a bit uncomfortable to embrace Elli while standing.

And as soon as I sat on the bed, Elli walked towards me and spoke.

“Spread your legs.”

“What?”

“You injured your left foot, right?”

“Well… yes, but why my legs?”

Without answering my question, Elli took one step closer.

And on my spread legs, on my right thigh.

“…!”

I just sat there. My right knee and thigh were pressed down by Elli’s weight and a strange warmth.

Elli stayed like that, embracing my knee.

-Sniff…

Pulling my neck closer, not a kiss… but a sniff, and I, surprised and reflexively, pulled Elli’s body closer.

-Sniff

Our lips briefly touched. Holding Elli, who still had the warmth of water, in my arms.

Just like in the morning, I enjoyed the sensation of soft lips, enough to melt even now in the night.

Even after that sniff, Elli didn’t immediately get up, but still sat on my lap, pressing their forehead against mine and calling my name.

“Lee Do-yoon.”

“Yeah.”

“…”

“…?”

For a moment, Ellie said nothing.

Simply staring into my eyes with her beautiful ones, she slowly released her arm from around my neck and placed it on the side of my face.

– Gently

Softly, she caressed my cheek.

I didn’t know why she suddenly did that, but I quietly accepted her touch.

And then.

“Yeah. It’s still mine.”

Murmuring like that, she spoke to me.

“I’ll come pick you up tomorrow, so wait in your room.”

“Uh, yeah. Got it.”

“If you need any help, let me know.”

“It’s not anything that requires help, really… Oh!”

Since there wasn’t anything I needed help with, I was about to pass off Ellie’s offer as a kind gesture.

“Actually, I have a little bit of pain. If you give me a massage one more time tonight, I think I’ll be able to sleep well despite the pain. Is that okay?”

I expressed my honest desire, whether it was help or anything else.

Without saying anything else in response to my plea, Ellie simply.

“Hmph.”

She smirked and raised the corner of her mouth. Satisfaction crossed her blue eyes.

And once again, Ellie’s face came closer.

– Lightly

Her lips touched mine once again, and since it was something we were doing for each other, I reciprocated.

– Lightly…

And then, the weight and warmth of Ellie on my lap, and the strangely pleasant sensation, disappeared.

“Sleep well.”

“Yeah. You too.”

With those parting words, along with a goodbye gesture, Ellie returned home.

I sat for a moment, feeling the lingering presence of Ellie in the room, and then obediently lay down on the bed.

Today, there were small happenings at school and at home.

But still…

It was an ordinary day, not much different from usual, she thought.

***

Two hours ago.

Isuyeon smiled with a hint of complexity as her beautiful friend, who had always been confident and cool, made a wry smile while seeing her off. She knew it was because of the mistake she had made earlier.

However, it was just a mistake in attempting a playful prank that failed to control the tension, and Isuyeon had no intention of taking Idoyoon away from Ellie. She had never entertained such thoughts.

She wanted to see the two of them standing side by side, talking happily forever.

Yet, Isuyeon felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

“If another girl had said such a thing, I would have glared at her and chased her away.”

Because it was her, and she knew that Ellie was feeling sorry for becoming like her, a subtle joy welled up.

Back in the first year of middle school, she had been the subject of Ellie’s caution.

But now, she was glad to be the kind of presence that, despite knowing they both liked the same guy, could be forgiven as a close friend rather than a rival.

“Why bother liking someone alone and then closing your heart alone?”

It was Ellie who had said similar words around last year.

Unlike those words, she could see Ellie paying a lot of attention to her.

Though it was somewhat amusing and tempting to play pranks, it was an incident caused by her own mistake. Therefore, Isuyeon spoke to her beautiful platinum-haired friend who was seeing her off.

“Hey, Ellie.”

“What?”

“I’m going to cut my hair this weekend. Would you like to come with me?”

“….”

“It’s really tough every morning because of my hair. It just won’t do anymore.”

“How much are you going to cut?”

“Just a slightly shorter bob like in middle school. With wispy bangs for a windswept look! I’ve been admiring that style for a while now.”

“It’ll probably suit you.”

“Really? Do you think it’ll look good on me?”

It was true that she started growing her hair because of Idoyoon. However, cutting it was not solely for that reason.

It was simply because it was too bothersome and difficult every morning. The admiration for Ellie, who managed her beautiful platinum hair every day, had grown to the point where it was visible.

Of course, there was also the intention to clearly show her feelings to Ellie.

“If you’re going, let’s go early. Afterward, we can have lunch together.”

“Then I’ll have spicy stir-fried beef!”

“Not that. I don’t like that.”

“You say it’s not spicy enough~ Can’t you start with level 1?”

“Eat something else.”

“Well then…”

Iso-Yeon hoped that Eli would understand her sincere feelings.

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Like this.

She wanted their relationship to continue, where they could laugh and chat happily together, even more than just liking Yoon Doyoon.

***

Monday.

With a determined heart and newly styled hair.

When her friends gathered around like bees, asking what happened.

During the break, Iso-Yeon, who ran into Eli, didn’t ask for a reason like the others.

She simply smiled brightly, just like always, with a twinkle in her eyes.

“What’s this, you got a haircut? It suits you well. You look pretty.”

As if it were obvious, Eli complimented her.

To that, Iso-Yeon sighed and confided in the Ellie next to her, whose heart was pounding uncontrollably.

“Don’t you think Yoon Doyoon is the problem too? He should learn not to honestly compliment others.”

“That’s true.”

“Huh? Why?”

Well, still.

Because that’s Yoon Doyoon, and because that’s what I like.

Iso-Yeon.

Just like when she was in elementary school, and just like when she was in middle school.

“No, thank you!”

Even now, as a high school student, she brightened her smile and replied unchanged.