The dungeon smells like chicken. - Chapter 6

“I will do my best to help you.”

Michael answered with a grave expression. He looked as if he were ready to fight a million-strong army alone.

Sena, who had inadvertently laughed, spoke with a much calmer mind.

“Then let’s go shopping together.”

After parking the car in the shopping mall parking lot, Sena looked over at Michael in the passenger seat. He was looking out the window with curious eyes.

‘Come to think of it, I dragged him here a bit too suddenly.’

It was as if she had thrown this man, who had no knowledge, into another world.

Yet Michael was remarkably composed. He showed curiosity about the cars and passersby, but he didn’t make a ruckus or get excited.

He asked questions without interfering with the driving, and gently touched the windows and car seats. Still, the unfamiliar environment must have been quite stressful for him.

“I’m sorry for suddenly bringing you to a place like this.”

“No, I’m glad I can be of help.”

Michael smiled kindly. Sena suddenly felt her motivation surge several times over.

“Okay, then let’s go take a look.”

Sena felt the gaze of the people getting out of the car gathering on them. It was because of Michael, who was quietly following behind her.

He was wearing her grandfather’s coat to cover his tattered clothes. The outdated design made him look like he was in vintage fashion when he wore it. With his broad shoulders and tall stature, the coat suited him well.

‘At this rate, it won’t be too difficult to find clothes for him.’

Today’s outing was to find clothes for Michael.

Sena felt sorry for tearing his clothes. Since she couldn’t undo the ruined outfit, she was planning to buy him some new clothes.

‘He’ll need a few more clothes to live here.’

Buying a lot at once would be a large amount, but Sena had a comfortable income. She had a decent side job, even though she didn’t have a regular job.

‘Her ex-boyfriend had pestered her to get married because of that.’

Sena shook her head as she recalled the unpleasant memory.

At times like this, she had to let loose and go on a shopping spree. Shopping was the panacea that healed everything.

“I’m sorry, but our store is mainly for smaller people.”

However, Sena’s ambition to film ‘The Cute Lady: Michael Edition’ was frustrated from the start. Michael’s build was simply too large, and there were no matching sizes.

Eventually, they were referred to another store.

In this vast shopping mall, there were only two stores that had sizes that fit Michael. One of them was an underwear store.

Sena decided to visit that one first.

‘I didn’t ask because I was embarrassed, but he must be bare underneath.’

She led the bewildered Michael to the underwear store. Dazzled by the brilliant lighting and unfamiliar things, he quietly followed behind Sena.

“Welcome.”

The store employee said, unable to take her eyes off Michael. The large foreigner seemed curious.

Sena asked the employee for recommendations. Michael, who belatedly noticed the mannequin wearing the clothes, turned pale.

“I’m sorry, but…”

“You’re not planning to wander around without any underwear, are you?”

The resistant Michael was easily defeated by Sena’s words. He cooperated quietly even when the employee was measuring his size.

Sena rejected the leopard print underwear that the employee had brought for the dejected Michael. Instead, she chose a simple blue striped one and paid for it.

“This is the most normal one. Go change and come out.”

“…Huh?”

“See if it’s comfortable? Just go and try it on.”

Michael was as silent as a stone statue. Sena stretched the waistband of the underwear on both sides, trying to show him how to wear it, but Michael jumped up as if he had seen a snake. Sena instantly lost the underwear.

Michael, with a tearful expression, went into the dressing room and came out shortly after with his head bowed.

“How is it? Comfortable?”

Michael’s ears turned bright red at Sena’s question. Covering his face with both hands, he nodded slightly.

Sena paid for a few more similar-design underwear as spares.

Then came the real shopping. Sena rummaged through the store, pulling out things that seemed to suit Michael.

Michael, who didn’t know he was out to buy his own clothes, was greatly flustered.

“I don’t need such nice clothes. What I’m wearing now is enough.”

“It’s not that expensive, you know. I tore your clothes, so this is my compensation.”

“But…”

“The clothes I have now are embarrassing for me to wear. What would people think?”

Sena held the clothes she had chosen against the gloomy Michael. His light hair color suited both dark and light colors well.

“This one also looks like it would suit you very well.”

The browsing employee subtly promoted her own taste. The dress the employee chose had a deep neckline that would look nice on the wearer.

“Wouldn’t this color be better?”

“Oh, yes, this side is definitely better. How about matching it with these pants? It’s one of our best-selling items these days.”

“Hmm, if you put it together like this, it would be better to add something on top.”

“I just happen to have the perfect piece!”

The two women quickly reached an agreement. Michael stared blankly at Sena. Sena happily handed him the selected clothes.

“Okay, now go try it on.”

The hesitant Michael couldn’t resist the expectant gaze and went into the dressing room.

It seemed as if Sena had chased him away after showing him how to zip up the pants.

The first outfit he came out in was a white striped shirt with black jeans. With the employee’s recommendation, adding a black knit sweater made it look quite presentable. His long legs were especially accentuated.

“Isn’t it too dark?”

Sena, tilting her head, then picked a dark blue checkered shirt and charcoal-colored sweater.

The jeans were skinny, and his backside looked even better than in the black jeans. She evaluated it coldly.

‘His butt is quite pretty.’

“Oh, this is really nice.”

The employee also sincerely praised it.

They couldn’t give up the black jeans, so they chose a gray knit with a zipper detail on the sides. It was an outfit with a white t-shirt layered underneath.

They also added two box-style t-shirts and a pair of loose cotton pants.

As for the neat jacket, it didn’t match the clothes they had already chosen, but Sena couldn’t bring herself to discard it. So she additionally picked a soft sweater.

Michael went in and out of the dressing room countless times, following the demands of Sena and the employee. While the two women were like wet grass, full of vigor, Michael was gradually getting tired.

The two, who had wrung out the perfect set for Michael, exchanged a handshake filled with camaraderie. Thanks to the consideration of the employee colleague, they were able to complete the purchase at an employee discount rate. Sena left the store with a light step, followed by the tattered Michael.

Finally, they went to look for shoes that would fit Michael. Disappointingly, there was only one pair of pristine white sneakers that fit him. Since there was no choice, they bought that. They even had the mishap of forgetting to get socks.

Sena looked up and down at Michael, who was laden with shopping bags.

“It seems we’ve got the basics covered, but since we only looked at one store, it feels a bit lacking. Shall we go check out some other places?”

“…Huh?”

Michael made an expression as if the world was about to end.

Though he didn’t say it, he seemed quite exhausted. If it were Jaegeun, he would have fled after the third outfit change.

“Are you very tired? It may be a bit lacking, but we can buy the rest next time.”

Thinking that today wasn’t the only day, Sena readily backed off. Just as she was about to turn around, Michael hastily opened his mouth.

“I, I’m truly grateful. I will never forget this grace.”

“It’s nothing special, don’t feel burdened. It’s not really a grace or anything.”

“You are the first person who has bought clothes for me.”

Taken aback by Michael’s sincere words, Sena couldn’t help but feel moved. She could see the genuine gratitude and emotion in his eyes.

“Well then, let’s go get something to eat. You must be hungry after all that shopping.”

“Eat…” Michael repeated the word in a daze, and then his eyes lit up with excitement.

Sena smiled at his adorable reaction and led the way to the food court. She wanted to find a simple and comforting meal that Michael would enjoy.

As they walked through the bustling shopping mall, Sena noticed people stealing curious glances at Michael. It was understandable – his tall, muscular frame and distinct features made him stand out. However, Sena felt a twinge of protectiveness, not wanting him to feel uncomfortable.

“Don’t mind them, just focus on me. What kind of food do you like?”

Michael contemplated for a moment before hesitantly responding. “I… I’m not sure. I’ve never had the chance to try many different foods.”

Sena’s heart sank a little at his admission. “Well then, let’s explore some new things together! How about some simple Korean dishes? I know a great restaurant here.”

Leading him to a cozy Korean restaurant, Sena ordered a variety of dishes – bulgogi, japchae, kimchi fried rice, and more. She wanted Michael to get a well-rounded taste of Korean cuisine.

As the food arrived, Michael’s eyes widened in wonder. “This all looks so delicious. I’m not sure where to start.”

“Just take your time and try a little of everything. Don’t be afraid to ask if you need any help with the chopsticks.”

Sena watched as Michael cautiously took his first bite, his expression shifting from uncertainty to delight. “This is… incredible! The flavors are so complex and wonderful.”

Seeing the pure joy on his face, Sena couldn’t help but smile warmly. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Please, eat as much as you like.”

Michael dove into the meal with enthusiasm, savoring each dish. Sena was happy to see him relishing the food, his worries and fatigue from the shopping trip seemingly forgotten.

As they finished their meal, Michael leaned back with a content sigh. “That was the most amazing food I’ve ever tasted. Thank you, Sena, for introducing me to this.”

“It was my pleasure. I’m just glad you liked it.” Sena paused, then added, “You know, we can come back here anytime you want to try more Korean cuisine. There’s so much more for you to discover.”

Michael’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I would love that! I feel like I’ve been missing out on so much, and you’ve opened up a whole new world for me.”

Sena couldn’t help but chuckle at his infectious enthusiasm. “Well then, consider this the start of a delicious adventure. Now, shall we head back? I’m sure you’re ready to rest after all that shopping and eating.”

As they made their way back to the car, Sena couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment. Spending the day with Michael, seeing his wonder and gratitude, had been a truly rewarding experience. She looked forward to many more adventures and discoveries with him in the days to come.