ALL NOVEL Chapter 93
[Chat Room with Lee Ga-yoon]
– Lee Ga-yoon: It feels like it’s been a while since we last greeted each other.
– Lee Ga-yoon: I think we have something to talk about, right?
– Ah.. yes. I’m sorry for lying.
– Is it about Gawol? Or Camelian?
– Lee Ga-yoon: Both. There’s no need to apologize.
– Lee Ga-yoon: Actually, Eun-chae wants to apologize too.
– Lee Ga-yoon: Ah, it’s about Camelian. I have something I want to say as well.
– Lee Ga-yoon: If you permit me, I’d like to take you. Of course, if it’s uncomfortable, you can decline.
– I don’t think there’s a need to receive an apology…
– But it’s okay to meet.
– I’ve sort of sorted things out in my heart.
– Lee Ga-yoon: Then, are you free on Friday?
– Yes, that’s fine.
– The time doesn’t matter either.
– Lee Ga-yoon: Great! See you on Friday evening.
– Lee Ga-yoon: I’ll treat you to dinner.
*
In Korea, the word “massage” has a bit of a negative image.
It’s probably because of the strong connotation of being shady.
But not all establishments are like that, and the act of massage itself isn’t inherently bad.
During my time as a Kendo player, I always had muscle pains.
Any part of my body was affected by the previous day’s training.
My family wasn’t poor, but we definitely weren’t in a position to spend money recklessly either.
So, during my athlete days, I never really had a massage.
Sometimes, my teacher would rub my shoulders, but only that much.
Even that felt something like a courtesy.
For some reason, adults had this strange habit of rubbing shoulders frequently.
To me, massage was a completely unfamiliar culture.
“Are you really going in?”
“Are you embarrassed?”
“A little…”
No.
Actually, a lot.
“This place isn’t weird. I’m sure you’ll end up liking it if you try it once.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“It’s okay. Everyone’s scared at first.”
Anyway, I didn’t view the word “massage” through colored glasses.
Not to mention, the place Elderin led me to looked quite luxurious at a glance.
This wasn’t some shady place; good people must be providing proper services there.
I knew that well in my head.
But… would it really be okay?
Letting someone else touch my body already felt like a huge hurdle.
Plus, I mean, I’d have to get undressed, right?
“Are you really going in?”
“You’ve come this far. Are you trying to back out now? That’s the condition I made.”
“Ugh, okay… I’ll go.”
We had a variety of conversations in the car.
Basically, Elderin said she would help me out in many ways.
Among them, she mentioned lending out her studio or supporting me with broadcasting equipment and setups if needed.
On the condition that I’d avoid gloomy thoughts, grant three wishes, and participate as a guest on broadcasts.
Honestly, those were just words of condition… She didn’t ask for anything disadvantageous.
In fact, during this meeting, Serin took care of everything.
I just had to show up and spend time.
Objectively speaking, I should have been thanking her many times over.
So, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse, but the moment I entered the changing room with the staff’s guidance, I had to stiffen.
“Please take a brief shower. You can wear the disposable underwear in the cabinet. I’ll wait outside.”
“I’m supposed to undress here?”
“It’s just girls, what’s the big deal? You said you went to all-girls school, right?”
Uh, no, I went to a boys’ high.
Boys’ middle, boys’ high, and physical education university here.
Guilt started creeping up.
By the time I realized it, whoosh-, my breath was taken away.
Next to me, Yuserin was starting to take off her clothes.
I thought Elderin had a much more girlish vibe than San-sae.
But seeing her well-maintained figure made that thought vanish.
The black underwear revealed beneath the white shirt was seriously giving off the vibe of an adult woman.
In embarrassment, I swiftly turned my head.
My face flushed, and I bit my lips slightly.
Now that I think about it, Elderin was quite an established figure as a female streamer.
Someone recognized for her beauty by countless people.
In contrast, I had just been swinging around a wooden sword in the gym, turning into a couch potato.
I hadn’t felt it in the warmth, but now, eye stimuli made me feel a bit dizzy.
“Is Da-eun not going to undress?”
“I’ll undress after you go in first…”
“Okay. If you need help, just let me know anytime.”
Fortunately, Elderin just kept smiling brightly, not bothering me much.
I turned away and checked if the shower booth door was closing with a sound.
Finally, I started undressing, tidying up my clothes.
Just in case someone sees, tap tap tap.
I went into the booth and locked the door.
The inside was much cleaner and more luxurious than I expected.
‘So this kind of thing is a hobby of the upper class? By the way, the underwear I was wearing seemed really expensive… wait a minute.’
Get a grip.
clap clap. I patted my cheeks a couple of times and began to wash my body.
Fortunately, the moment water touched my body, random thoughts seemed to fade away.
It was of no meaning.
Having never experienced a massage before, I cluelessly didn’t know.
The disposable underwear for massages was far smaller than I had thought.
Is this really what they want me to wear?
No way?
*
The cold air touched my skin.
Maybe it was because summer was approaching, and the air conditioning was already on.
Or maybe it was because my body was slightly wet, but it felt a bit chilly to me.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to wander around exposing my white skin.
There were clothes prepared to wear underneath the cabinet.
A light beige lounge gown. It didn’t completely cover my body, but it wasn’t too embarrassing either.
“Did you say not to touch below the left knee?”
“Yes. Just a gentle touch is okay, but no pressure.”
“I’ll inform the staff in charge.”
As much as I’d prefer not to have anyone touch my body, I couldn’t say that to the smiling staff.
It would also be disrespectful to Serin, who brought me here.
But truly, it seemed like money was the ruler of the world.
Expensive places, from service to everything, felt different.
Instead of using crutches, I was supported by staff into a fluffy chair.
In front of the chair was a foot bath, each exuding the scent of hinoki wood.
As Elderin and I settled in to soak our feet, the staff bowed and left.
“Ah, this feels warm.”
The water in the wooden tub gave off a subtle herbal scent.
The pleasant smells filled the air, loosening my mind a little.
I had wiped my hair roughly, but moisture still lingered in it.
The front of my hair was bothering my eyes, so I swept it back.
As I did that, I felt someone’s gaze from the side.
Specifically, directed toward my chest.
“Why are you looking at me like that…?”
“Just. I didn’t expect Da-eun’s figure to be this good. Did you wear the wrong clothes before?”
“…”
“Can I touch it?”
“Absolutely not!”
That couldn’t have been heard.
I definitely didn’t just say anything.
My face wasn’t blushing at all.
Fortunately, before too much time passed, two massage therapists entered.
They must have heard not to touch my left foot, as their hands calmly moved towards my right foot.
As warm fingers brushed against my foot, they pressed down on the sole.
“Eep…!”
Unintentionally, a sound escaped me.
Korean massage therapists did well considering they’re deaf, but the problem was Elderin sitting next to me.
Her mouth curled up as if she was fighting laughter.
I wanted to hide my face out of embarrassment.
But doing so would make it too obvious.
So I just partially covered my mouth and turned my gaze away.
“Don’t. Laugh too much.”
“Alright, sorry.”
That didn’t feel very sincere.
I wanted to say more, but I couldn’t.
It seemed that my body was more sensitive than usual.
Fingers meandered between my toes, bringing a vivid sensation.
The soft skin, free of calluses, was gently pressed.
With each soft squeeze, something felt like it was melting away.
Happiness felt like it was dissolving in my blood vessels.
‘Uh, ah. What should I do? This feels really good…’
Just by pushing my soles, it could feel this refreshing?
I felt resentful that I couldn’t let them touch my left foot.
The fingers kneading my soles slid up a bit.
They rolled over my heels or Achilles tendons, as if they were sweeping my calves.
This is the expertise of professionals, I thought, as my mouth inadvertently dropped open.
How long had I been lost in thought?
While the therapist wiped my wet legs with a towel, I regained my composure.
I noticed a small droplet I hadn’t wiped off on the back of my hand.
The therapist looked at me and smiled warmly.
Once we awkwardly smiled at each other, her polite hand gestured towards the center of the room.
It seemed like she meant to lie down on the bed.
Ah, right.
The feet were just the beginning.