Arriving at the car dealership right on time, one vehicle was neatly parked out front.
'Oh...'
I let out a short exclamation under my breath.
Honestly, it was just your standard boxy kei car.
The kind of light vehicle you see everywhere.
Plus, it was only a temporary ride, picked out without much thought.
Still.
'It's pretty.'
Being my first car made it feel special somehow.
I might've hugged it if this were the old me.
"We've handled all the basic payment and insurance paperwork, and the license plates are issued just as we discussed in advance. Before you drive off, a quick rundown of the options..."
I closed my eyes slightly as the dealer ran through the details.
Why were there so many procedures?
'I wonder if foreign cars are even more complicated.'
If this was complicated, anything more would be a nightmare—definitely not simpler.
How much time passed as she explained?
Honestly, nothing crucial, but I listened attentively anyway.
The least I could do was pretend to pay attention when she was putting in so much effort.
"...And that's how it works. Anything else you're curious about or need?"
"No, I'm good."
Finally over.
I took the keys with her farewell, slid into the driver's seat.
The engine hummed to life with a faint tremble. Feeling that pleasant vibration, I eased my foot onto the accelerator.
As I gently pressed down and crept forward, not only my helpful dealer but even the other staff inside came out to wave me off.
Was this standard?
"Thank you!!"
Who knows.
I lowered the window at her goodbye, gave a casual nod, and pulled out onto the street.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Whew..."
The cigarettes I'd quit suddenly came to mind.
People think you only smoke when you're in a bad mood or stressed, but that's not always true.
Times like now, when you're excited.
A smoke in moments like this hits different—way better than usual.
Still, I'd quit, so no plans to start again.
'No hardship bad enough to make me relapse.'
Even after dropping cash on a kei car outright, I still had nearly 500 billion left.
Money didn't even feel real anymore.
A sense of detachment washed over me; I shook my head.
'Don't get cocky and blow it on something stupid.'
Business, gambling, stocks, crypto.
Steer clear.
Just live quietly off deposit interest forever.
I gripped the wheel tight with that in mind.
Speaking of which, having a car was definitely nice.
The biggest perk right now? No more trudging around in the blazing sun.
Cool AC.
And the sheer comfort it brought.
Commuting in summer used to leave you fresh in the morning but sticky and miserable by evening.
No more commuting, sure, but even without that, no worries now.
"Nice weather, light traffic..."
Perfect for a drive.
Basking in the crisp AC breeze, I cruised the open road.
New car vibes made forward momentum feel exhilarating.
A tune escaped my lips unbidden.
And the nav handled directions flawlessly.
Brand new, responsive touch, smart as hell.
Team Leader's nav barely registered taps.
They say objects take after their owners.
Maybe it matched him perfectly—stubborn, ignoring everyone.
I chuckled to myself at the thought.
[Right turn at the next corner. Then left in 500 meters.]
I smirked briefly, then flicked the wheel smoothly for the right.
First car in my name, but not my first time driving.
Specialty was driving in the army; chauffeured Team Leader plenty too.
Jeeps, vans, company commander's foreign whip, even his clunker "Science No. 7."
This kei car felt lighter than those, a touch unfamiliar, but I kept cruising.
Destination: real estate office. Might as well wrap up a place to live while I'm out.
Mid-yawn, stretching it out.
"Shit..."
A mid-size sedan cut in front without signaling.
Slipping in recklessly, I honked instinctively.
Hoooonk—
Kei car horn was kinda cute.
Basic manners: hazards on, apologize.
But this guy showed zero sign.
"Well, now."
No apology—instead, window down, arm out pointing to the shoulder.
Like I'd follow? Crazy.
"Not a gangster; no one's telling me to pull over."
Figured I'd dodged a turd and ignore, but now high beams on, tailing me.
Missed those PSAs: "Road rage is murder"?
Or more likely, not the type to watch 'em.
'Gonna follow all the way, huh?'
Ignoring seemed pointless; he'd keep it up. So I pulled over as he wanted.
Parked on the shoulder; he screeched in behind and hopped out, the road rager.
Looked clean-cut, actually.
Jet-black hair, trendy style all dolled up.
A bit delicate-looking, not thug vibes—just nasty temper?
"Haa..."
Short sigh, turned my head.
Not scared.
Unless he had tiger or dragon tats on both arms.
Normals can be scarier, sure, but no bat or kitchen knife here.
Long as I stayed put, fine.
"Hey, get out!!"
Looked pissed as hell.
No reason to exit, so cracked the window.
His fault anyway.
"Why."
Lowered just enough to glare, tone curt.
"Why? This bi... bi... bitch!!"
Suddenly flustered, face red, fumbling words.
Not here to yell?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
28-year-old fashion model Kim Min-hyeok.
He was rushing to a late schedule when that kei car honked at him, and he lost it.
Already doomed for a tongue-lashing, then dissed by some puny kei car?
Furious enough that ignoring and speeding to a scolding felt the same as delaying more.
Opened his window, jabbed at the shoulder.
But,
"That bastard..."
The kei car ignored him and sped off.
Seeing that, he flicked on highs and gave chase.
Luck held; soon the kei car pulled over meekly.
Kim Min-hyeok parked his 48-month financed mid-size right behind.
Pondered his words as he stomped to the driver's side.
"Hey, get out!!"
Yelled loud, tapped the window.
It whirred down slightly.
Head visible, he clocked a woman—planned to rile her up calling her "auntie."
But,
"Why?"
"Why? This bi... bi..."
The word stuck in his throat.
No one would call her auntie.
And she was the prettiest he'd ever seen.
Couldn't tell long or short hair from the glimpse, but that glossy black.
Then sharp eyes caught his.
Slightly provocative, but overall fierce—no, alluring beauty.
In short, Kim Min-hyeok.
'Ah...'
Fell at first sight.
Fumbled for reasons, played it cool.
"Girl!! Seriously!"
Wrapped it up lamely.
The woman who'd smitten him stared in disbelief, unleashing.
"You cut in without signaling, dangerously. And chasing with highs? That's reportable road rage, you know?"
Kim Min-hyeok stood firm, silent.
Just gawking like an idiot.
"Follow again, I report."
No room for reply, window up.
She peeled out.
"Ah."
Snapped out of daze by his blaring phone.
[You fucker!! Where are you!!]
"Sorry. Got in a road beef..."
[No excuses—10 minutes, now!!]
Fuming mall owner's voice; he climbed back in.
'Hope I see her again...'
Pushed aside the chewing-out, replayed her face, drove off.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Weirdos everywhere..."
Shook off the oddball, drove to the real estate office.
No nearby lot, parked a bit away, strolled leisurely.
Sun too warm; instantly hot.
Training clothes on a day like this was the issue.
'But can't exactly wear women's clothes.'
Imagined myself in ladies' attire briefly.
Weird vibe hit quick; shook my head.
'Hurry up and winter, damn it.'
Wished for chill as I eased open the agency door.
"Hello..."
"Welcome~ Got an appointment?"
Door swung in; middle-aged guy at the computer stood, approached.
Realization: folks usually call ahead for viewings.
Old me always did.
Mental note: mistake. Shook head.
"Ah... no."
Nodded slightly, pointed to sofa beside.
Not a total no-go, apparently.
"Studio? Two-room?"
Sat; he quizzed, took seat opposite.
Shook head again: here for apartments.
"No, looking at apartments."
"Ah~ Apartments. Seen any? Jeonse lease?"
Jeonse? No way.
Moneybags or not, I wasn't dumping cash like that.
Monthly rent over key money any day.
"No, outright purchase..."
"Purchase... purchase?"
Eyes narrowed at me.
Surprise was old hat now.
Nodded vaguely back; he pondered, ran hand over thinning hair.
Worried it'd accelerate fallout.
"...Any specific building or price range in mind?"
More thought, then cautious query.
Nodded.
Spotted one en route.
"Allstate near the station."
Solid-rep brand apartment.
Quick phone search pegged sales at 6-10 billion; seemed fine.
Saved it on a whim.
Passed by driving; building stood out nice.
Didn't love it? Plenty others anytime.
Decision made easy.
But the agent eyed me sharp, tone edged with irritation.
"Kid, you serious? Not messing around?"
"Pardon?"