Chapter 84: A Change of Style

“Is there a hair salon nearby?”

New line:

“Is there a hair salon nearby?”

“Hair salon?”

Seung-hyuk looked startled at Hyun-woo’s question.

Well, considering he didn’t even realize his bangs had grown so long they completely covered his forehead, it was obvious he wouldn’t know any hair salons.

Shaking his head, Hyun-woo stepped out of the department store and scanned the area.

Fortunately, since this was a busy district, a hair salon was easy to spot.

Even though it was late in the evening, the sign was brightly lit.

It looked like it would stay open for a while.

“Let’s go there.”

“Sigh….”

“Hurry.”

After trying on several outfits like a display mannequin, Seung-hyuk must have been worn out without realizing it.

But Hyun-woo, whose mind was completely occupied with fixing his hair no matter what, walked ahead without noticing.

“Welcome.”

As they entered the salon, a friendly-looking staff member greeted them.

Lowering his head politely, Hyun-woo asked,

“We didn’t make a reservation, is that okay?”

“Yes, that’s fine.
Are both of you getting your hair done?”

“No, not me.
Just him.”

“Understood.
But since it’s late today, we may not be able to do perms or coloring.”

“A haircut is enough.”

“Yes, please wait just a moment.”

The employee disappeared into the back, likely going to call for a stylist who was free.

Hyun-woo took a look around the salon.

There weren’t many customers at this hour, but it seemed like the place would be popular during the day, being in a busy district.

And the tidy interior was nice.

He didn’t know how skilled the stylists were, but judging from the mostly young clientele still inside, the sense of style here was probably reliable.

Not bad, considering he didn’t even search beforehand.

Hyun-woo waited for the stylist with quiet expectation.

“Hello, who will be getting their hair done?”

“He will.”

“…I see.”

The stylist, who had first spoken to Hyun-woo, turned toward Seung-hyuk.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

She understood.

That feeling of discovering an unpolished gemstone.

Just like the clothing store staff earlier, they had all reacted the same way.

To the eyes of stylists and shop clerks, someone like Seung-hyuk was a raw gem waiting to shine.

“I heard you’re getting a haircut…
Do you have any particular style in mind?”

“No.”

Of course he didn’t.

Before he could embarrass himself further, Hyun-woo spoke for him.

“Cut everything overall, including the bangs.
Especially the sides—leave only the sideburns, and trim the rest closely.”

“Ah… yes, yes.”

The stylist was briefly startled, but soon nodded.

That did sound like the cleanest option.

“Um… would that be okay with you, sir?”

“Yes.”

“This way, please.
We’ll shampoo first.”

The stylist confirmed with Seung-hyuk—who simply nodded without hesitation—and guided him to the shampoo station.

A short while later, after shampooing, Seung-hyuk sat in the chair nearest the entrance.

Hyun-woo took a seat in the waiting area.

He wasn’t going to hover beside the stylist giving nitpicky instructions.

“Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Ah….”

The same staff member approached him again.

“No, I don’t drink coffee.”

“Then how about juice?”

“Juice is fine.”

“I’ll bring it right away.”

He almost said yes to coffee out of habit, but managed to catch himself.

Soon, a glass of orange juice was set in front of him.

They were even offering drinks to someone who wasn’t getting any service done.

How thoughtful.

He would definitely remember this place and come again.

Hyun-woo took a sip of the orange juice.

“Hyung, I’m done.”

“Ah—”

Hyun-woo turned his head casually—

And froze.

He stayed perfectly still, juice still in his hand, blinking.

“What?”

“Uh….”

Surprised by his reaction, Seung-hyuk asked again.

Meanwhile, behind him, the stylist was smiling proudly, as if showing off a masterpiece.

“I was worried at first because your hair has a very strong personality, but once we cleaned up the bulk, it looked really good.”

“Ah… yes.”

Just like the stylist said, his hair was stubborn.

Strong natural waves and thick strands that refused to stay flat.

Which was why when it got a little long, it turned into a wild forest like before.

But after cutting according to Hyun-woo’s instructions, the change was dramatic.

His clean and open face was fully visible now.

It was impossible not to stare.

“How is it?
Doesn’t he look incredibly handsome?”

“…Yes.
He does.”

The stylist looked proud as she asked.

Hyun-woo could only nod.

Seung-hyuk, unfamiliar with having his vision unobstructed, gently touched his newly shortened bangs.

“We’ll pay now.”

“I’ll pay for this.”

“No, I brought you here.”

Before Seung-hyuk could argue, Hyun-woo quickly handed over his card.

“Please come again!”

The stylist even came to the entrance to see them out, despite it being just a haircut.

She must’ve been extremely satisfied with the result.

If someone with a face like his came into your hands as a stylist, you’d feel rewarded too.

Hyun-woo walked ahead, trying very hard not to look directly at his face.

“Hyung.”

“……”

“Hyung, look at me.”

“……”

This kid.

He was purposefully testing him.

With a sigh, Hyun-woo turned.

“What.”

“I’m hungry.”

“……”

Right.
They hadn’t eaten dinner.

Hyun-woo realized he was hungry too.

“Is there somewhere open nearby…”

“It’s almost 10 PM.
Nothing’s open.”

“……”

Most restaurants were closed.

Only barbecue restaurants and bars still had their lights on.
Hyun-woo hesitated.

He knew Seung-hyuk didn’t like barbecue.
And going to a loud bar was also…

While he stood there lost, Seung-hyuk lightly tapped his shoulder.

“What about that place?”

“Where?”

Hyun-woo turned and blinked.

“A bar?”

“They have private rooms.”

“Hmm….”

A private room bar.

He had been to one during college group outings.

It was quiet and comfortable compared to crowded bars.

“You’re okay with that?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Surprisingly, he was the one suggesting it.

Well, it was definitely better than going somewhere loud and crowded.

“Then let’s go.”

“Yes.”

They entered.

“Welcome. Table for two?”

“Yes.”

“Right this way to a private room.”

There was not even a hint of judgment in the employee’s expression.

In an omegaverse world, two men going to a room bar together was nothing unusual.

Moments like this really did make the omegaverse feel convenient.

Hyun-woo followed into the room, feeling strangely nervous.

“So, what should we eat?”

Inside, instead of a menu book, there was only a small ordering tablet on the table.

“There are a lot of side dishes.”

The screen scrolled endlessly with food options—snacks, Korean dishes, Chinese dishes, Western appetizers…

Choosing would actually be harder.

While Hyun-woo frowned, thinking carefully, Seung-hyuk spoke.

“How about this?”

“…?”

He had picked something immediately.

When Hyun-woo saw the item he chose, his eyes widened slightly.