Chapter 38: It’s Quite Hot Today (Please Keep Following)

The banks of the Han River were still bustling with a steady stream of people even as night fell. There were young couples sharing intimate moments just like them, and other citizens out for a stroll.

However, Lin Shouxia had no interest in admiring the Seoul nightscape today. His attention was entirely captured by the girl beside him, watching her somewhat impulsive way of relaxing.

"One serving of tteokbokki." Recalling the portion of two bowls of ramen the girl had consumed earlier, the man standing at the stall added two red bean fish-shaped buns before weaving through the queue to return to her side.

"You must be hungry. Let's eat something first."

Having wandered around Seoul for a while, Lin Shouxia had not forgotten the original purpose of their outing. He spread out the rented picnic mat and sat down with the girl.

The weather today was not particularly pleasant. A date by the river on a winter night wasn't exactly a great idea, but with someone important by his side, the biting cold wind no longer felt quite so harsh.

Karina took off her scarf, lazily stretched her back, and then looked at the food in Lin Shouxia’s hands, her eyes lighting up.

*Should I try to be a bit more reserved?* She thought. *I shouldn't let him think I'm the type who eats so much.*

Karina rolled her eyes, cleared her throat, and deliberately feigned a look of slight burden: "Why did you buy so much food? How could one person finish all this?"

"If you can't finish it, we can leave the rest."

"Wouldn't that be a waste of food?"

"Then... leave the rest to me."

Lin Shouxia shifted his body, intentionally shielding Karina behind him. There were many young people around the Han River, and as the leader of aespa, Karina faced the risk of being recognized.

"Forget it." The girl picked up a fish-shaped bun and stuffed it into the man's mouth. "I don't want you eating my leftovers."

She noticed his subtle movement to block her from view and covered her mouth, giggling softly.

"What are you laughing at?"

Taking the tteokbokki out of the bag and placing it in her hands, Lin Shouxia curled his index finger and gently flicked the girl’s nose.

"Hey!"

Faced with his sudden gesture, Karina frowned, her pupils dilated slightly, and she froze in place. No one had ever done this to her before. And no one else would yield to her and consider her needs in everything like Lin Shouxia did.

"I am... the older sister here!"

Karina looked at the man who kept touching her with great dissatisfaction, but he just smiled at her, his expression suggesting he would indulge her in anything.

"Oh, Karina noona."

The man smiled, his fingers twitching as if to reach out again, only to be driven back by the girl’s small fist. Just as he prepared to counter, he felt the soft, smooth touch of skin against his nose.

He froze for two seconds, and then the smile on his face became so wide he could no longer manage his expression.

"Hey!"

Karina was now somewhat annoyed and embarrassed. How had this guy become so mischievous? How on earth did Lin Yinglu teach her younger brother!

"Eat your tteokbokki." Ignoring her protest, Lin Shouxia picked up a piece of rice cake and fed it to her. Watching her cheeks puff out, he felt inexplicably happy.

"Don't do that."

"I’ll get fat."

Though she complained, Karina’s mouth never stopped. She chewed and chewed, looking like a cute hamster.

"You're already very thin. You should eat when you need to; excessive dieting is bad for your health."

Only after becoming an artist did he realize how inhumane the legendary "body management" periods could be. Between starving oneself and high-intensity dance practice, it was a miracle that anyone’s body didn't collapse under such pressure. He had heard that some female trainees even lost their periods due to strict dieting. Why sacrifice one's physical health for a dream that felt so out of reach?

"You’re actually thin enough as it is. Remember to eat properly, cut down on the ramen, and eat more healthy carbs and fats."

"Got it."

"You're so naggy."

"Fine, I’ll talk less, and you eat more."

Karina couldn't help but roll her eyes. Didn't Lin Yinglu say this guy was supposed to be somewhat aloof? His public persona was that of a quiet singer, so why was he so talkative lately? Still, strangely enough, it wasn't annoying.

*Whatever, I'll eat,* she thought. *I am hungry anyway, and I don't have any schedules for a while. I might as well eat a lot—hopefully enough to eat him out of house and home.*

Though if they only ate street food, she’d probably burst before he went broke...

"Is there a chance to win an award this time?"

After finishing the tteokbokki, Karina picked up a fish-shaped bun and cast a glance at the boy beside her. His debut performance had been exceptionally good; if not for the conflicts with year-end stages, he would have had a high chance of taking a first-place trophy.

"Not much of a chance." The man handed her a tissue and leaned back lazily, looking at the brightly lit buildings in the distance. "By the time I debuted, the candidate voting was almost over. It’s not really my turn this time."

It was a bit of a pity. Having had a perfect start, only to lose the chance at the Rookie of the Year award simply because his debut date was late. But there would always be opportunities next year.

"There will be chances next time." Slowly swallowing the last bite of the bun, Karina clapped her hands, ready to leave.

A picnic by the river was quite romantic, but it was too cold now. Sitting still for too long would only let the chill seep into their bones, and besides... there were simply too many people around. Their identities were special; if they were recognized, it would easily lead to unnecessary trouble.

Just as she stood up, a group of young people approached from the opposite direction. Lin Shouxia noticed their gaze, and before he could warn Karina, who was still wiping her mouth with her head down, he pulled the girl into his arms.

"Wh-what’s wrong?" The girl’s body stiffened. Resting in Lin Shouxia’s arms, she felt her cheeks burning and her heart racing.

"Someone's there?"

"What?"

"Someone noticed us." Lin Shouxia whispered, gently shielding the girl’s head with his hand and turning slightly to show only their backs.

Fortunately, this area was a popular spot for young couples, so the two of them embracing didn't draw much attention. The group passing by only glanced at them a few times before continuing on their way without looking back.

Lin Shouxia held the girl in his arms vigilantly for a long while, only daring to let go reluctantly after confirming there were no further threats.

Karina’s cheeks were flushed. She covered them with her hands, and for some reason, she found herself missing the warmth of that embrace.

"Are you okay? Was I too rough just now?"

"N-no."

"It’s a bit hot."

Shaking off those messy thoughts, Karina quickened her pace.