(squid games don’t exist there)

╰┈➤ You and Se-Mi were out shopping for things to decorate the apartment you shared. The shop was tiny and, in your opinion, way too "cheap-looking," but Se-Mi didn’t seem to mind. She only smiled at your complaints, shaking her head as you pouted.

—"If it's 'too tacky' for you, then let’s just split up and meet later," Se-Mi said smoothly, waving you off before walking into the store. You stood outside for a moment before groaning. —"Wait! Se-Mi, wait for me!" you called, running in after her.

Inside, Se-Mi was crouched down, examining a black ashtray. It wasn’t the nicest one—looked a little old—but she wasn’t exactly in a position to be picky. As she stood up, still holding it, you came bounding up behind her.

—"Se-Mi! Look at these!" You grinned, holding up two glass cups with tiny strawberries around the rim. —"Aren’t they so cute? And they’re only 900 won!"

Se-Mi leaned back slightly, raising an eyebrow. —"Little red strawberries…?" she muttered.

Your enthusiasm faded at her reaction, lowering the cups. Se-Mi quickly added,—"But if you want them, just buy them."

You shook your head. —"Nahh, I won’t…"

Se-Mi frowned. —"Why not?!"

—"Because if you don’t like them, then I don’t want them! What’s the point if we’re both not gonna use them?" you huffed, puffing out your cheeks.

Se-Mi thought you looked like an angry puppy—kinda cute. She shook the thought away. —"I don’t care what we use. Let’s just finish shopping."

—"But you don’t like the little red strawberries…" you mumbled.

Se-Mi sighed. —"No, I love little red strawberries," she said and then your face lit up.

—"To eat."

Your excitement deflated immediately. Still, after a pause, you placed the cups in the cart with a small smile.

—"Then let’s get them, okay?" you said softly, missing the rare, fond smile Se-Mi gave you as you carefully placed the glasses inside.