Chapter 46

‘Gym uniforms… gym uniforms…’

After returning home via public transportation, I had dinner with Si-yoon as usual and then sat on the couch.

Staring blankly at the TV that Si-yoon had turned on beside me, my mind kept wandering to other thoughts.

The sight of students training in gym uniforms at the sports field flashed through my head.

Shouldn’t I get one too for when I go to the dungeon? Unlike other hunters who prepare functional combat gear, I just wander around in casual clothes. If it’s a serious battle, I’d wear my nun outfit.

Leggings would probably feel much better than jeans or sweatpants… The material’s different, so it should have great elasticity and breathability.

…Though come to think of it, I’ve never even worn anything that clings like that. It’s not underwear, but wearing it as outerwear does make me feel a bit self-conscious.

“Hmm…”

I rested my elbow on the armrest of the sofa and absentmindedly rubbed my upper lip.

While lost in thought, stroking my lips, Si-yoon spoke up from beside me.

“Big sis, is something bothering you?”

“Eh? Huh?”

“You seem distracted.”

“Did it show?”

When I looked at her confused, Si-yoon smirked and replied,

“You don’t know your own habits, huh? You always fidget with your cheeks or lips when you’re thinking about something.”

“Is that so? …Now that you mention it, it’s true.”

I belatedly removed my fingers from my face, realizing I had been doing exactly that.

“I’ll listen if you want to talk about it!”

“It’s nothing major…”

I lightly explained about the female students’ outfits I saw at the sports field.

“Pfft, really? That’s nothing!”

“But I said it was from the start!”

“When I first wore leggings, I felt a bit… well, slightly ‘awkward,’ you know?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“But now it’s no big deal! Once you try them, you’ll realize you were worrying over nothing!”

“Really…?”

Since Si-yoon, who shares my gender identity, says this, it does sound convincing…

“Are they really comfortable?”

“Hmm… You’ll know once you try them. They are. Plus, there’s another advantage!”

“Oh? What’s that?”

Another advantage? My curiosity piqued as I gazed at Si-yoon’s slightly parted lips.

My teasing younger sister deliberately paused before speaking.

“They’re versatile! You can wear them not just for exercise, but casually while hanging out or even when you’re not working out!”

“Ooh…”

Thinking back, I’ve seen people wearing them on the streets, not just at the Academy.

“Wait a sec!”

Si-yoon suddenly jumped up and briskly walked to the wardrobe, rummaging through it.

“Found it!”

She turned to me holding a few pieces of clothing – the same kind worn by those students I mentioned earlier.

“They’re from when I used to work out.”

“Used to?”

“…Well, I haven’t been going out much lately.”

True, now that she mentions it, Si-yoon isn’t the type to go out often. I nodded in understanding.

“I’ve been busy!”

“…I didn’t say anything.”

She gave me an indignant look that didn’t affect me, then pouted and handed me the clothes.

“You were curious, right? Try them on!”

“Just a second!”

Before I could refuse, Si-yoon forcefully thrust the clothes into my hands.

Somehow, I ended up taking them.

“I remembered something I need to do, so I’ll be in my room!”

With that, she disappeared in an instant.

“…Hmm.”

That definitely didn’t look like someone with something urgent to do.

I sighed deeply and looked at the clothes in my hands.

They were a loose-fitting t-shirt and leggings. The fresh laundry scent tickled my nose.

…It’s not like a crop top that shows my midriff, and it’s loose-fitting anyway. Should I just try them on? No one will see inside the house, and it’s just me admiring myself, right?

I glanced at Si-yoon’s closed door.

Would she really sneak out and surprise me after making such a show of going inside?

Having made my decision, I carefully changed into the clothes.

This is only the second time since returning to Earth that I’ve borrowed my little sister’s clothes. I haven’t borrowed any since the first day.

I’m struck by how much things have changed from back then. Not just gender-wise, but now Si-yoon is even taller than me!

I stood in front of the mirror after changing.

The softness of the t-shirt and the elastic feel of the leggings created a sensation that was both foreign and comfortable. Though loose-fitting, the shirt wasn’t overly large, hugging my chest slightly and wrinkling a bit.

Hmm, still… surprisingly decent, actually.

The gentle compression of the leggings feels nice.

I alternately lifted and lowered each leg forward, pulled on the fabric of the leggings, adjusted my shirt by pulling at the fabric near my chest, and rotated my waist.

Finally, I raised one leg high to form a straight line.

…I just randomly thought of doing this. I wondered if it would work, but wow, it really does.

In the full-length mirror, I see the silhouette of a woman with her leg fully extended. Is it because of the posture? My reflection looks familiar yet strangely unfamiliar.

I giggled at the odd feeling.

“…Yeah, they’re fine. Approved!”

I lowered my leg and nodded in satisfaction.

Besides, I already promised Ji-a that I’d make gradual efforts. Using this outfit as a starting point wouldn’t be bad.

My reflection gives a bright smile.

After staring at it briefly, I turned around and approached Si-yoon’s door, knocking.

Knock knock—

As if waiting by the door, it immediately opened.

“…How’s it look? Alright?”

“Hmm…”

Si-yoon inspects me from head to toe.

“Suits you well! But…”

“Huh?”

Along with the compliment, Si-yoon’s expression turns sour, muttering unhappily,

“Hey… what’s with your… um…”

“What, uh…?”

At Si-yoon’s soulless question, I responded bewilderedly.

…This line sounds oddly familiar for some reason.

Hmm, must be a mistake. It’s a common phrase on the internet.

“That, it’s not strange, right? Still feels a bit awkward though…”

“…Yeah. Actually, it suits you too well, which is the problem.”

With that, Si-yoon’s spirits suddenly dropped as we sat on the living room sofa together.

We browsed shopping malls on my laptop, picking out new clothes.

Si-yoon taught me various new terms: one-mile wear, athleisure looks. These were all words I’d never heard before. The varieties ranged from hip-enhancing leggings to skirt leggings.

I awkwardly stroked my thigh while trying to memorize the sudden influx of clothing terminology.

The texture of the leggings is strangely addictive.

Anyway, I did order a few items, but whether I’ll purchase more in the future is uncertain.

Once I get used to a few basics, that might be enough…

That was today’s thought.

* * *

The next afternoon,

I was watching Momobin’s live stream on TV in the living room while looking at my laptop on the table.

How should I teach Ah-reum efficiently?

I considered throwing her off a cliff lion-style, but…

I’m worried that harsh treatment might just give Ah-reum a traumatic experience.

Ah, was that story about lions wrong? Anyway.

I’m pondering other methods.

“Hmm…”

First, show her lots of cool and flashy moves?

I can do everything, but showing off won’t be very effective for learning.

Should I throw her into a goblin-filled area with all kinds of buffs and enhancements?

No, that’s the same as my original thought.

Perhaps teaching her step-by-step is best?

Ask what she’s learned recently in her major studies, provide some advanced lessons separately, and…

When I saw Eun-byeol reading books at the library, it seemed like E-grade content was pretty basic.

Hmm, good. This seems like the safest approach.

The basics will be covered in the Academy’s major courses, so I’ll handle the advanced learning.

There’s absolutely no rush for Ah-reum’s growth.

Though I need to continue refining the detailed plan, I’ve finally established the overall framework.

I must raise our Ah-reum to become a capable supporter! Hehehe…

“Keeeee!”

Stretching my arms wide,

I glanced at Momobin’s broadcast playing in the background.

Today’s game was a platformer genre.

A simple format where you defeat enemies, collect items and equipment in an adventure action style.

The tight time limits frustrate players, inducing mistakes.

The more I watch, the more impressed I am with how well-made the game is.

《Keuuu…》

– How is this dying?

– Totally unfair

– Die again? Die again? Die again?

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

As soon as Momobin’s character died, the expected comments flooded in.

I should join in the fun too.

Typed a sentence I’ve seen somewhere before.

Though buried under countless comments, it doesn’t matter.

It’s about enjoying it together, right?

《Try it yourself if you think it’s easy! Dodging and hitting sounds simple but it’s hard!》

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Nope, not gonna do it

– Really ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Momobin shouted, unable to recover mentally.

…Huh, should I try it myself?

Normally Momobin speaks softly and politely.

But when playing cruel games, she occasionally zones out like this.

I wonder how it would feel to actually play.

Searched for the game Momobin is playing online.

It costs only a few thousand won.

Since I originally had an account and just haven’t played recently,

I restored it, purchased the game, and installed it.

The installation size was small, so it was quick.

《Alright, watch closely. I’m clearing this level.》

While listening to Momobin’s voice, I started playing the game myself.

Since I’ve watched the basics on the broadcast, I just need to experience it directly.

For a couple hours, I got absorbed in the game.

It’s been a while since I played, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Just as I was rotating my wrists to loosen my muscles after playing,

“Ahh, that’s right.”

An important schedule came to mind.

Simultaneously, I thought of a way to use my time more efficiently.

This is a sudden opportunity to give Ah-reum advanced lessons.

Leaving my laptop aside for a moment, I took out my smartphone.

To contact Director Jang Han-soo from the Management Bureau.