《Bamboo Forest Manager》


 Chapter 0: Prologue

    Chapter 0: Prologue


    The Bamboo Forest.


    Derived from the ssical and yet most famous tale of The King has Donkey Ears.


    A ce where peoples secrets were exposed.


    Even in modern times, there is always a Bamboo Forest.


    It refers to anonymously-run universitymunities when proper nouns are in use.


    Concerns about university life, unfolding incidents, lost and found, entertaining stories, quotes of the day, etc.


    Although it is a ce where many stories are told, there arent many that are actively managed.


    Among them, Gahyeon University was especially known for its thriving Bamboo Forestmunity.


    -Anonymous33: Who hoarded all the sausage bread at the convenience store today?


    Anonymous12: Saw someone eating them on the bench in front of the central entrance.


    Anonymous60: Its that guy from the Construction Engineering Department whos into broadcasting: saying it was thest.


    Anonymous33: Fuck.


    Starting from such simple stories.


    -Anonymous21: There are some high school students smoking in the alley next to Pump Chicken, is there anyone from the physical education department who can help me?


    Anonymous11: I am a freshman from the protective service department, I am on my way right now.


    Anonymous90: An oldie of the physical therapy ising too. I will give them a nice treat.


    Anonymous54: I will go and bring thew book from the school too.


    Anonymous12: Should I bring an animal from the veterinary department then?


    Anonymous85: I am majoring in video arts, can Ie and film that for a bit? It is for an assignment.


    They can also connect people who need help with those that can help.


    -Anonymous67: Have you seen the new Love at the Top? Man, I wish Miu had at least tried to hide her stic surgery, lol.


    Anonymous19: Nursing majors feeling called out by this, if you are going to start bbering about something you cannot handle, then dont bother paying attention to it, lololol.


    Of course, it also served as a means for someone to release their stress or curse others.


    -Anonymous69: I wanna fuck so bad!!


    Or it became a tool to express ones deepest desires.


    Anyway.


    Thus, Gahyeon University became actively involved with its own anonymous postings, often being featured in othermunities and the media.


    And I was the administrator responsible for managing this Bamboo Forest (a metaphor for the anonymous posting culture in Korea).


    Yawn.


    I sighed as I watched the posts continuously appear on the Bamboo Forest on my phone.


    The macro automatically deleted posts containing banned words, but I had to manually check each one that included images.


    -Anonymous69: Me jerking off (photo)


    Upon seeing the post with a photo of a Western woman spreading her legs wide open to show her panties, I immediately pressed the delete button.


    Insane bitch.


    People often attempted to terrorize the forums with photos, and it was regrettable that they chose to behave in such a manner.


    You single ones, please, hold yourselves back.


    Being the administrator didnt mean I wanted to ess the users personal information.


    My role was straightforward: to keep the bulletin board clean, and I had no idea who those troublemakers were.


    Such individuals probably had no friends and were likely eating alone.


    Like me.


    Why did it hurt me, even though I had just insulted those troublemakers? I quickly devoured the sandwich I had bought from the convenience store on my way to the next lecture.


    Since I had nowhere else to be, I might as well y some mobile game or clean up the bulletin board.


    As expected, the ssroom was empty.


    A few had arrived early, like me, but all were equally indifferent to one another.


    I chose the corner seat and sat down to y my game.


    Hey! Does that make sense?


    Im telling you, right? Its true. Thats why I said we should break up right away.


    Arent you a psycho?


    A group of female college students rushed in with their coffees in hand, all appearing to live each day with great effort.


    Hmmm.


    At their center was a familiar face, a girl with ck hair, in and unadornedpared to those she entered with, yet she stood out.


    She was Seo Yerin, who, like me, was a student of English Language and Literature.


    Even in a department with a high female-to-male ratio, her looks had sparked so many rumors that not only her male ssmates but also the seniors had their eyes on her.


    Well, guys like that should choose carefully.


    I wasnt too sure about the others, but her innocence must have made her the first love of many guys.


    Hey, dont talk about boyfriends in front of Yerin, okay?


    Seriously, has it been twenty years of being single then?


    Ahem! If I had a face like Yerins, I would be changing guys every day.


    Hey! Enough now! Stop!


    Blushing, she fended off her friends with little whines and shoves and rushed straight to the seat in front of me.


    It seemed they sat near me not because they were paying any attention to me, but because they were all speaking so much amongst themselves that they ended up choosing those seats.


    Actually, a few of Seo Yerins friends seemed to recognize me, giving me the impression they wanted to move to a different seat.


    Oblivious to all this, Seo Yerin, who had already taken her seat, immediately pulled out her phone.


    She checked her phone to see if she had received any alerts, then rested her chin on her hand as she began to tap on something that seemed important.


    I end up seeing her even when I dont want to.


    ying games on my phone, I caught a glimpse of what Seo Yerin was doing in front of me.


    Bamboo Forest?


    Seo Yerin was busy on the universitys Bamboo Forest site.


    Well, now, this is fun.


    Seo Yerin seemed to consider posting something. Although I couldnt see the content of what she wrote, I could slightly make out how she pressed the post button.


    An alert popped up.


    As an administrator of Bamboo Forest, I had to maintain anonymity.


    And its not like I have much interest either.


    Since I had zero curiosity about what Seo Yerin had posted.


    I turned the game off andunched the Bamboo Forest app.


    Oh?


    I ended up eximing without realizing it.


    The eyes of the girls in front of me all turned to me at once, including Seo Yerin.


    Unsure whether she knew we were in the same department or not, I found myself looking intently into Seo Yerins dark eyes without even realizing it.


    Because.


    Seo Yerins anonymous post was a single-lined entry.


    -Anonymous69: Ah, I want to have sex sooo bad!


    It was none other than Anonymous69, staying true to their desires.

 Chapter 1: Anonymous69

    Chapter 1: Anonymous69


    Ivee across numerous absurd situations in life, but this was something else.


    How should I put this.


    Ah, hello, youre Woojin right? Kim Woojin?


    Could Seo Yerin, who is calling me by my name with those innocent doe eyes, really be the Anonymous69, who is tarnishing the forum?


    Could I be misunderstanding something here?


    Uh, yes.


    You must have taken a few liberal arts sses. I didnt know.


    Yes, I didnt know either.


    My response hade out indifferent, but in reality, I was maintaining myposure by controlling my emotions.


    H-have fun in ss.


    Perhaps my indifferent tone came out a bit rude, Seo Yerin couldnt continue the conversation and decided to offer me unexpected words of encouragement.


    Whats with that tone?


    Is he in the same department as Yerin? Do you know him?


    Ive just seen him around.


    Seo Yerins friends began to quietly bad-mouth me because of my attitude, clearly displeased with me.


    Even though I mighte off a bit rude, I didnt really care what other people thought about me.


    And well, there it was, a post by Anonymous69, on my phone screen.


    Gently pressing the delete button on the post, I wrote a formal warning message.


    [We inform you that your frequent spamming has resulted in a one-day suspension from the bulletin board.]


    And-


    <em>Whoop!</em>


    Simultaneously, Seo Yerins phone went off.


    This is a dead giveaway.


    I was sure of it.


    Regarded as the departments goddess, admired by ssmates, seniors, returning students to continue their studies, even the teaching assistantsSeo Yerin was using anonymity as a shield to pour out her desires into the Bamboo Forest.


    Yerin, what is it?


    Did someone send you something weird?


    No, its nothing.


    Even though I could only see the back of her head, it seems like her expression didnt look too good in her friends eyes.


    Seo Yerin suddenly got up, then gave a thin smile.


    Ill step out to make a quick call.


    Her hand holding the phone trembled so slightly. Even though her voice was as gentle and calm as usual, and yet there was something unusual about her which made her friends let her go without stopping her.


    And a whileter.


    A message came through the 1:1 inquiry chat with the administrator.


    -Anonymous69: Please unblock me.


    Woah.


    Shes so serious about this.


    But well, this cannot be done.


    -Administrator: You cannot be unblocked because you spammed.


    I never expected that I would be talking to Seo Yerin. Of course, she was just lodging aint now, and I was simply responding with professional detachment.


    -Anonymous69: I did not spam. I only posted one thing today, you know that right?


    -Administrator: Youve posted two today. I deleted one in which you attached a photo.


    Didnt she just post a photo showing a womans panties just earlier? No one could have imagined that Seo Yerin was the one posting something like that.


    -Anonymous69: I usually post that much. Posting just two things isnt really considered spam.


    -Administrator: But you post every day. And thats enough reason for a ban.


    -Anonymous69: Pout.


    Nice.


    -Administrator: Take the day off ande back.


    But that elicited no reply.


    I wondered if Seo Yerin would step back into the ssroom, but that wasnt the case either.


    Did she go to the convenience store?


    Amidst the strangely unsettling feeling


    -Anonymous69: (Photo)


    -Anonymous69: A bribe


    Eukk!?


    Without realizing, I let out a bizzare scream at the sight of the photo of a woman wearing just their panties on my phone.


    Ah, shit.


    Excuse me, youre spitting.


    Im sorry


    After apologizing to Seo Yerins annoyed friends, I tried to take a deep breath with effort.


    Even as I worked to regain myposure, Seo Yerins messages constantly bombarded my phone.


    -Anonymous69: Is the admin baiting me?


    -Anonymous69: Are you cold?


    -Anonymous69: Turned on? Are you leaving me hanging?


    -Anonymous69: Please respond.


    After calming myself down, I quickly tried to send a reply but


    But this picture is.


    The woman in the photo is wearing ck see-through panties. Although only the lower body is visible, something about her lean thighs and legs felt so eerily simr to Seo Yerin.


    The floor tiles and the wall look like the universitys bathroom?


    That thought struck me in an instant.


    I swallowed hard.


    Seeing that there was no reply, my suspicion gradually turned into conviction.


    Yet, the rational response came.


    -Administrator: Im not going to unban you. And please do not post such pictures on the bulletin board.


    -Anonymous69: Not to your liking?


    -Administrator: Yes.


    -Anonymous69: Pout, impotent bastard.


    She was really testing my patience.


    I was really going to let this slide, but that wont happen anymore.


    -Administrator: But isnt that our universitys bathroom in the background?


    Though I sent the question to instigate panic, no answer came back for several minutes.


    As I continued to wait, it wasnt a response that came back, but Seo Yerin herself.


    Her face was bright red, not knowing where to look at.


    Yerin, are you feeling alright?


    I want to ask the same, your face has suddenly turned so red.


    Werent you speaking to someone? Who is it? Please dont tell me it was senior Han Kang.


    Woah, is that senior still hanging around Yerin?


    Yerins friends immediately clung to her, caring for her as they noticed that she wasnt feeling well.


    No, its nothing like that. Im just tired, that is all.


    Seo Yerin, trying to put on this small smile as she somehow tried to make an excuse.


    The feeling of dissonance was intense, still unable to believe that she, with her pure and innocent look with that lovely scent when she came close, had indeed sent such messages to me just moments ago.


    Then is she wearing ck see-through panties under that silk skirt of hers?


    There is a mole on her thigh too.


    As a man myself, I became engrossed in the photo for a moment before snapping back myself to reality and shaking my head.


    Even so, this isnt right.


    Feeling a bit of guilt run through me, I deleted the photo right away, although the conversation history was saved.


    I could look at it anytime, but I pretended like I didnt know.<hr>


    Yawn.


    Gahyeon Universitys Bamboo Forest is different from those of other universities.


    What is different is that Gahyeon Universitys Bamboo Forest isnt operated and managed by the University.


    Normally, the university manages the ounts but at Gahyeon University, its really just an individual, and thats me, I am the one who manages it.


    Officially, Gahyeon University doesnt have its own Bamboo Forest forum.


    However, it got activated through an app created as a joke by this distant senior, and the administrator ount was passed down to me.


    At first, when the senior who knew about it handed it over, I was even a bit shocked.


    Somehow, Gahyeon Universitys Bamboo Forest has be themunity to which I devote most of my time each day.


    Its because I dont have any real-life friends, right?


    I sit in a corner seat at the caf, sipping my coffee noisily and checking the posts on the Bamboo Forest on myptop.


    Today too, Bamboo Forest was circting busily as always.


    -Anonymous17: Going to Uncle Blood Sausage Noodles and Rice.


    -Anonymous212: But Samsoon noodles tastes awful, you know?


    -Anonymous17: Its my uncles ce.


    -Anonymous212: I will try making an acrostic poem with Ro.


    -Anonymous276: Are there any clubs recruiting in the second semester? My timetable is so messed up that I have too much free time.


    -Anonymous54: They areing.


    -Anonymous98: I hear their footsteps.


    -Anonymous77: JLY! The Lord loves you. You can join us immediately if youe to the East Room. We give out crosses too.


    -Anonymous276(author): I already go to church.


    -Anonymous88: I take refuge in the Buddha. We are dly weing you at the Buddhist Practice Society anytime. We have chanting sessions every Friday and we go hiking once a month.


    -Anonymous276(author): Sorry, actually, Im not religious.


    -Anonymous185: The Truth club for the none religious ones. Come and talk trash about other religions. asionally we mess around with the other religion clubs.


    -Anonymous276(author): Fuck.


    Truth be told, Im not sure if I can say that all this is healthy, but it surely is running actively.


    Gahyeon Universitys Bamboo Forest required a separate app to use, but even so, it had a pretty decent user base.


    At the orientation, they even taught new students how to use this app.


    When I joined as a freshman this year, I learned about it from the seniors too.


    As I was looking at thetest posts on the Bamboo Forest on myptop in the caf, I sensed someones presence.


    When I casually looked up, there was a familiar face standing in front of me with a coffee in hand.


    Her hair was a short bob with a navy hue, and her figure signified a healthy beauty.


    She was dressed in tight training pants and a blue zip-up hoodie.


    Choi Yiseo.


    She was the student representative of our English Language and Literature Department.


    Even though I knew her name was unique and she was the student rep, I was a bit taken aback that she was looking right at me.


    Is it okay if I sit here?


    Choi Yiseo pointed to the seat opposite me, asking me a question. She wasnt as active as Seo Yerin when it came to socializing, but she didnt shun others either.


    Perhaps it can be described as a typical trait of leaders. Well, she was a girl who fits the role of ss president very well.


    Be my guest.


    We werent that close, but I nodded. There were no other vacant seats in the caf, so she must havee over since we were acquainted.


    Choi Yiseo sat down on the opposite side.


    I closed the window of Bamboo Forest on myptop andunched a game. There was a two-hour gap between my sses right now, which was more than enough time to y.


    Choi Yiseo also seemed to take no interest in me, just sipping her coffee and looking at her phone.


    Tsk, no match.


    I couldnt y a dynamic 5:5 in the caf, so I just yed a normal strategy card game.


    Did you finish the English literature assignment?


    It looked like she got tired of using her phone, and before I knew it, she was looking at me from the other side of myptop.


    I didnt expect her start a conversation with me, but I replied without much difficulty.


    Yes.


    I definitely remembered it being a task about submitting a report on the difference between English and American literature.


    It was an awful assignment which required a thoroughparison of representative authors and their works.


    Being in the second semester of my freshman year, I also grumbled about the desire for more free time in this workload.


    Hmm, so youre already done with it.


    Was she trying to continue the conversation and failed? Choi Yiseo mumbled to herself and sipped her coffee.


    It was a tad strange, it seemed like she wanted to say something, looking around as if her lips were itching to start a new topic.


    What is it that you are curious about?


    Well,st semester you


    Annoyed by her hesitation, I asked and Choi Yiseo seemed about to speak.


    Yiseo!


    A tall man entered the caf.


    His height was the first thing youd notice, and it ended up being our departments sturdy and well-built Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    I wondered if he had nned something with her as he headed in our direction, but upon seeing me sitting across from her, he frowned.


    Kim Woojin?


    I was a bit surprised that he knew my name, but he didnt look that happy to see me.


    I just nodded slightly in greeting, but Ahn Hyeon-ho treated me like I wasnt even there, speaking to Choi Yiseo.


    Lets go, the professors are waiting.


    Yeah, got it, we can leave now.


    Okay.


    Choi Yiseo and Ahn Hyeon-ho headed out of the caf. In the midst, I overheard Ahn Hyeon-ho asking her why she was sitting with me.


    Theyve finally left.


    I stretched and turned off the game, then re-entered the Bamboo Forest.


    It was tempting to see that posts have umted since Ist looked at it an hour ago.


    -Anonymous69: It isnt the school bathroom though?


    -Anonymous69: The level of delusional fanboying this admin has is truly shocking.


    Seeing the sudden text from Seo Yerin, I burst out into loudughter.

 Chapter 2: Nice But Not Turned On

    Chapter 2: Nice But Not Turned On


    <em>Wooong.</em>


    <em>Wooong.</em>


    <em>Wooong.</em>


    A dark room.


    Even at dawn, the light from the ringing cell phone brightly illuminated the small studio apartment.


    Ugh, shit. Just what time is it now?


    With no one to contact me, I squint at my phone only to see notifications sting from the Bamboo Forest app.


    As the sole administrator of Gahyeon Universitys Bamboo Forest, its naturally impossible for me to manage it at dawn.


    Because of this, posts causing incidents and idents often appear during the early hours, though its initially an anonymousmunity.


    Rarely do posts that pose such problems not appear.


    Naturally, mentioning someones real name results in an immediate ban and deletion of the post, albeit sometimes btedly.


    Therefore, posts targeting individuals often appear, usually targeting when I, the administrator, am asleep.


    Well, whatever.


    Usually, when there is such a noisy alert, it is because something has gone wrong in the bulletin board.


    Who is it this time?


    Last time, it was a female student who targeted a professor but was caught forcing her own unreasonable argument.


    Curious about what it might be this time, I turned my phone on.


    [01:47]


    The time disyed on the screen is quite early. Although I went to bed early, isnt it the time when people in their twenties are usually lying in bed scrolling through their phones between 1 to 2 a.m.?


    Ughh.


    And it is also the time when most incidents happen.


    But when I actually enter the Bamboo Forest, I am greeted at dawn with a sentimental atmospherephotos of beer, nightscapes, a few lines of poetry, etc.


    It seems like inside the Bamboo Forest, only emotionally charged people who got caught up in the sentiment of these hours were active, and there was no incident this time.


    Ahh.


    Only then did I realize that something hade through at the 1:1 inquiry chat and I checked it out.


    Seo Yerin?


    Anonymous69.


    So Seo Yerin had sent quite a numerous of messages.


    -Anonymous69: Answer me, answer me, answer me, answer me, answer mee.


    Seeing the most recent message there had actually given me creeps. I wondered why she was doing this so I scrolled up.


    What is this!


    There was another photo in the middle and this time it was just slightly revealing her thighs by lifting up her skirt.


    However, the mole on the inside of her thigh said it was likely to be Seo Yerin.


    -Anonymous69: Admin, it has been a day and I am still blocked.


    -Anonymous69: Didnt you say you would remove the ban after a day?


    -Anonymous69: Unblock me, please.


    -Anonymous69: I will be good from now on the BB.


    BB means Bulletin Board.


    -Anonymous69: Unblock me, damn it!


    -Anonymous69: Are you jerking off to the photo I sent earlier?


    -Anonymous69: Admit it, that was pretty hot, right?


    -Anonymous69: Fucking bastard


    -Anonymous69: (photo)


    -Anonymous69: I guess Ill need to send an explosive one, haha.


    -Anonymous69: Review it, please.


    -Anonymous69: Answer.


    -Anonymous69: Answer, answer.


    -Anonymous69: Answer me, answer me, answer me, answer me, answer mee


    And after that she continued texting the same thing.


    Apparently, the admin to user 1:1 chat doesnt show when messages are read, so she must have thought that she was being ignored.


    -Admin: Its 2 a.m. right now.


    When I answered, holding back my annoyance, a reply came fairly quickly.


    -Anonymous69: Youre so slow to answer, give me your number.


    I wonder if this is what being an Inte troll feels like.


    Thinking back to how Seo Yerin acted in the department, it was giving me theplete opposite feeling.


    What kind of expression would she be having when sending these texts?


    -Admin: Asking for the personal details of the admin will result in a 3-day ban.


    -Anonymous69: Bro, I apologize, I had a bit too much to drink and stepped out of line.


    Bro my ass.


    -Admin: and because it is a 24 hour ban, you will have to wait for about 10 more hours before it is lifted.


    -Anonymous69: I even gave you a bribe, please let me off the hook just this once.


    -Admin: Thats not possible.


    -Anonymous69: Ah,e on now, you know youre tempted right.


    Ah, this is getting so annoying.


    There was no way to block the 1:1 chats, so her replies kepting.


    -Admin: I am not.


    To be honest, how could I not be? But I had no choice but to say that to not disappoint myself as a human being.


    I nced at it casually without bothering to save the photo or anything. I was a person that still possessed at least a modicum of decency.


    Seo Yerin did not respond.


    Maybe she fell asleep?


    Just as the thought came in, the reply came.


    -Anonymous69: Tsk.


    She is so full of herself.


    Well considering how those around her constantly hype her up and how Seo Yerin herself views herself.


    I am well aware of just how proud she was of herself.


    -Admin: FR (for real).


    -Anonymous69: Are you gay? Or impotent? Or maybe into lolis (young girls depicted in a cute manner).


    -Admin: No no. I have normal tastes. But those pictures just dont please the eyes.


    -Anonymous69: _|_ (middle finger)


    -Admin: NG (No Good)


    -Anonymous69: _|_|_


    Is this how the conversation will continue?


    I switched the phone to silent mode, annoyed with all the notifications and closed the app.


    Silence takes over the room and darkness descends once more.


    Pulling the nket up, awake, I am tickled by the distinctive scent of a rose-scented shampoo from somewhere.


    Its not the scent of my shampoo.


    I bury my face in the pillow pretending I cant smell it.


    The violently overpowering scent of phytoncide deodorizer envelops my nose,peting with the other smell.


    And like that.


    I was able to gradually fall asleep.<hr>


    Damn it.


    Early in the morning.


    Arriving at the lecture hall at 9 a.m., I rub my sleepy eyes forcefully as I let out a huge yawn.


    I was really feeling the difference between 9 a.m. as a high school student and 9 a.m. as a college student.


    Why on earth did I pick a ss scheduled at this time?


    I remember being incredibly preupied back then. As a result, I just haphazardly added the sses with avable seats and that led to this situation.


    I must be mad.


    I promised myself to never schedule a ss at 9 a.m. again and took my seat.


    Well, since this is a major course it is better to get it over with early.


    But I couldnt understand why a required course was at 9 a.m..


    Later in my college life, when I am thoroughly worn out, doing this will feel like death.


    Ugh.


    It wasnt just me, even the others seemed to be in a simr state. It felt like a gathering of the defeated. There seemed to be quite a few people who hadnt evene.


    I sat in my spot and used my textbook as a pillow to squeeze in a brief nap.


    <em>Tap tap.</em>


    Did I doze off?


    Startled by the thought that I fell asleep, I quickly lifted my head. The professor was standing in the hall, greeting the students.


    The professor just arrived.


    Whispering to me after tapping with her pen, is the ss representative, Choi Yiseo.


    She spoke with an unbothered face, but a cool scent wafts to me.


    It smelled more of a deodorant than a perfume, to mask the smell of sweat?


    Dressed in a violet hoodie zip-up and sweatpants, it was obvious at a nce that she had rushed to ss after working out.


    I almost camete because of working out this morning, thats why I look like this.


    Noticing that I had scanned her attire, her posture retreated slightly. Her expression stayed the same, but she seemed to be discreetly conscious of it.


    Yeah, seems like it.


    I answer nonchntly but subtly tilt my head to check if I smell like sweat.


    Her expression didnt show it, but it seemed like she was subtly concerned about smelling too.


    The professor began the roll call and I responded with my chin propped on my hand.


    But then.


    Seo Yerin?


    Yes.


    I see Seo Yerin sitting right next to Choi Yiseo, raising her hand when her name is called.


    Shed put on some simple make-up, but one could notice the exhaustion on her face, probably because she sleptte.


    Sleptte?


    Leaving aside as to why Choi Yiseo was seated next to me for now, I turn my phone on with a sense of disbelief.


    Choi Yiseo frowned at me for ying with my phone, but this isnt high school, this is college.


    Im responsible for my own actions, so I discreetly tilt the phone to check the Bamboo Forest app, without her seeing.


    This morning, I woke up in such a hurry that I didnt get to check it.


    Themunity board was the same as usual, chaotic and yet peaceful.


    This is how it normally is.


    And.


    Woah.


    [Inquiries 101.]


    Anonymous69.


    So, it was the stack of notifications that came in from the 1:1 chat with Seo Yerin.


    It seemed like she continued babbling on alone after I fell asleep. And now Im scared to read it.


    Could she have stayed awake until I answered?


    Looking at the time, it seems like she kept sending messages until just before she left for the lecture.


    This is nerve-wracking.


    Since I blocked Anonymous69 yesterday during lunchtime, there are still another four to five hours left.


    ncing over the messages, most of them were spammy messages seeking validation whether the photos were good.


    She sent a few more photos, but most of them were within the limits of showing her panties.


    What do I do with her?


    While I pondered it over, Choi Yiseo had turned her head, worried about Seo Yerin.


    You look pale. Did you keep up with the seniors who wanted to go drinking yesterday? I told you that you could skip it if you didnt feel like it.


    So it was true that she was out drinking yesterday.


    In response to her question, Seo Yerin forced a smile and shook her head.


    No, I cant be the only one dropping out when the entire department goes.


    For the record, I skipped out too.


    Despite being from the same department.


    I didnt know.


    Is there a department group chat without me in it?


    I felt a bit of needless disappointment, but honestly, even if they invited me, I wouldnt have gone.


    Maybe a lot of people had dropped out like I did, even though she said the entire department went.


    And Seo Yerin, who met my gaze, waved at me with a bright smile.


    Hey, Woojin. Youre attending this lecture too?


    Yes, kinda messed up my schedule.


    I feel the same way. I guess well see each other often then.


    Guess so.


    Then shall we have lunch together after this ends? Its a three-hour thing, so it should be done by noon.


    Sure, sounds good.


    She is so kind.


    Before, she couldnt even remember my name but now she calls it out with certainty after just one meeting.


    Besides, there is this thoughtfulness in how she looks after me, aplete stranger to her, as if we are colleagues in the same department.


    The way she asked if I had any preferences with such warmth and tenderness made me feel the warmth from her kindness.


    Yiseo will eat with us too right?


    Uh-huh, yep.


    By including Choi Yiseo, she maintained her natural persona which prevented anyone from getting the wrong idea.


    Could this really be the same person who was whining about wanting to use the bulletin board till dawn and sent inappropriate photos?


    Was I mistaken?


    Could it be that all that was just coincidence, and Im actually misunderstanding Seo Yerin?


    That thought crossed my mind.


    With a feeling of just in case.


    I moved my hand which was holding the phone and tilted the phone to respond to Anonymous69.


    -Admin: NG


    Unable to send a long message, I decided to keep it clean and simple with this one.


    <em>Woong.</em>


    At the same time, the notification on Seo Yerins phone went off and, startled like a beggar who hadnt eaten three days sitting down for a feast, she checked her phone.


    And her previous expression of affection turned stiff.


    Whats the matter?


    Her behavior was so conspicuous that even Choi Yiseo asked with concern, to which Seo Yerin smiled and shook her head.


    Nothing.


    It was obviously not nothing.


    And then.


    She began to type out a message with her thumbs.


    Thank goodness I put my phone on silent.


    -Anonymous69: Fucking bastard. Just do it.


    After leaving that one line behind,


    Ill be back from the restroom in a moment.


    Seo Yerin got up from her seat with a chilly smile.

 Chapter 3: The Ex-girlfriend

    Chapter 3: The Ex-girlfriend


    Did I do something unnecessary?


    The disconnect I felt between the Seo Yerin in front of me and Anonymous69 was so wide, it felt like a fuse had been lit, and my suspicions were solidifying.


    -Admin: Anonymous69, stop sending weird photos.


    -Admin: If you send such photos one more time, you will be permanently banned.


    -Admin: And you will not be able to use the bulletin board.


    I replied right away but there was no way to confirm whether it had been read or not.


    Anxiously hoping it had been read, I was turning jittery when Choi Yiseo, seated next to me was staring deeply at me,


    What is it?


    I wondered why she was suddenly acting like this.


    I hadnt the chance to ask her earlier, but why did she have toe sit next to me in ss, when I was asleep?


    Especially since the 9 a.m. ss meant that there would be many empty seats due to people self-dering it as their own free period.


    Choi Yiseo started the lecture with a furtive nce at the professor, then took a slight inhale.


    Can I ask you something?


    She seemed adamant about asking regardless of whether I was okay with it or not. Wondering if she had any specific question for me, I nodded.


    Go ahead.


    Having set down her pen, Choi Yiseo asked,


    Did something happen with Yoon-jist semester?


    Yoon-ji.


    Thats an unforgettable name.


    I was lost in thought for a moment, and I frowned as I asked her,


    Why are you so curious all of a sudden? Oh Yoon-ji just finished the first semester and applied for a leave of absence right after.


    I was actually more curious as to why Oh Yoon-ji was brought up here, who had gone on a leave of absence right after the second semester of freshman year.


    Ahh


    Perhaps as it was a sensitive topic for me as well, my voice came out sharper than I intended.


    Choi Yiseo hesitated for a moment and looked a little awkward and embarrassed.


    No, sorry. I shouldnt have brought it up.


    Was this what you wanted to ask me at the caf yesterday?


    Remembering how her question had been cut off by the intrusion of the senior, Ahn Hyeon-ho, she asked with a curt nod.


    Im sorry if it made you ufortable.


    Yes, it was ufortable. But Im curious as to why you took a sudden interest in Oh Yoon-ji.


    Yoon-ji was my friend from high school.


    A friend from high school?


    This was surprising.


    Since Oh Yoon-ji never mentioned anything about knowing Choi Yiseo.


    Thats why I was curious. Yoon-ji has always been a good leader, and she was often the center of attention among her friends since high school, but then she suddenly took a leave of absence.


    I often saw her hang out with you during the first semester, and I was curious about it.


    Choi Yiseo seemed to think she had crossed a line and was sincerely feeling sorry, seeing her like that made me wonder if I responded too harshly.


    We dated briefly.


    I responded, sighing.


    We broke up due to personality differences. It must have been awkward for her to attend university with me around. Maybe she wont return until I enlist in the military.


    Ahh.


    Realizing that the conversation had delved into a personal matter, Choi Yiseo scratched her head to think of a right way to respond.


    Sorry.


    Its fine, its normal to be curious.


    I replied with a light shrug.


    Feeling a bit down, I checked my phone out of habit, and I could see many notifications.


    Ah, right.


    I was surprised by the sudden talk about the first semester, but then remembered that Seo Yerin was right there.


    Messages from Anonymous69 were lined up.


    -Anonymous69: Are you really telling me not to send photos?


    -Anonymous69: If I send them, will you really ban me permanently?


    -Anonymous69: Mr./Ms. Admin.


    -Anonymous69: Answer me


    -Anonymous69: Answer.


    -Anonymous69: Answer, answer, answerrrrr.


    It seemed like the messages were simr tost nights. My sullen mood is now turning into confusion.


    -Admin: Yes, I will permanently ban you.


    The answer came back instantly.


    -Anonymous69: .


    -Admin: You have around four hours left, so wait till then.


    After all, wouldnt it be over by the time we finished attending the lecture and ate lunch? I often check the Bamboo Forestmunity too, but this person is way addicted to it.


    -Anonymous69: Then at least be honest about this.


    -Admin: Yes?


    -Anonymous69: Did that photo really not turn you on?


    Huh, seriously.


    Was it necessary for her to be harping on that? What kind of thoughts did she have about such sexual preferences?


    But.


    It wouldnt be good to continue provoking her for no reason.


    She really could send me a few more revealing shots now. And the thought of her in the bathroom doing all that made me dizzy.


    -Admin: Ahh, I was so turned on. Right, I was. I even did it once yesterday with that photo, happy now?


    It seemed like she needed a response of this level to satisfy her, and indeed it took some time before I received an answer from Seo Yerin.


    Choi Yiseo nced over at Seo Yerin seat worriedly.


    Maybe shes acting like this because she doesnt know how to respond when confronted so directly?


    With that, I jumped in.


    -Admin: But you know? Why is it so important whether I am turned on by a photo or not?


    And the response came almost instantly.


    -Anonymous69: Are you insane!? Thats because its my favorite! Im angry because my favorite part got ignored! Ill do it another twenty times.


    Theres no way that can happen.


    Just move on.


    -Admin: Yes, I get it, youve been making such a fuss, so I decided to show some spirit too. The photo looks great. I will use it well. Are you done now? Please stop sending more in the inquiries.


    Saying that, I closed the app.


    There was no reason for me to expect any more messages, and Seo Yerin came back quickly.


    With a face as red as a beet.


    Yerin, are you feeling unwell somewhere?


    Choi Yiseo looked worried at Seo Yerin, who didnt seem to be feeling well, but Seo Yerin just shook her head.


    No, no, there was something slightly ufortable, but its all okay now. If its okay with you, can you show me what you wrote down? Ill buy you a coffee.


    If youre offering free coffee, Ill show you everything.


    Choi Yiseo knows how to joke too, eh?


    When I sneaked a nce at them, Choi Yiseo shielded her notes with her body.


    I also had a few things I couldnt write down as I was texting Seo Yerin.


    Are you buying me coffee too?


    The way she forced a change in the air seemed awkward, but to me it somehow looked nice.


    Without realizing, I let out a chuckle and replied,


    Two cups of coffee seems a bit much, so how about a slice of cake?


    Ah, didnt they say that they sold cakes here that are high in protein and low in fat? How about you buy me one of those?


    What on earth is a protein cake?


    Like a native newly discovering fire, I could only nod at the mention of this novel inventionpletely new to me.<hr>


    Three servings of pork.


    Looking at the stir-fried spicy pork served in front of me, I picked my spoon up. The spicy scent paired with the sweet and savory seasoning. On top of that, this ce even adds a sunny-side-up egg.


    It was conveniently located in the front of the University, so the prices are student-friendly.


    By now, the restaurant was filled with male students and so all the gazes were drawn to us.


    Have a good meal.


    At my words, Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo sitting across from me, picked up their spoons with reluctance.


    Does it have to be spicy pork?


    Ultimately it was Choi Yiseo who broke the silence.


    At her question, I pointed to the menu.


    The spicy pork here is just 7,000 won.


    Nowadays, one would be praised for being savvy if they could get a meal for 7,000 won. Plus there are many side dishes whiche with it.


    No, its not about the money.


    Ahahha.


    Seo Yerinughed awkwardly as she agreed with Choi Yiseo.


    It seemed like both of them didnt like the choice of food I ordered.


    I made a scissors gesture with my hand and presented it to them.


    Then win, you losers.


    I really thought you were going to pick rock.


    Dont decide such things out of prejudice.


    I won the rock-paper-scissors for the selection of menu, and we managed toe here.


    In the first semester, because of my ex-girlfriend Oh Yoon-ji, I couldnt even look at the stir-fried spicy pork, but since the second semester I had the freedom to choose what I wanted and I woulde here.


    This ce is a hidden gem. Try it.


    I dont hate stir-fried pork that much.


    Seo Yerin smiled pleasantly as she carefully took a bite of the pork, spearing it from the sauce, in her mouth.


    And she chewed on it a few times as she went Hmm!.


    It really is a nice ce! Its delicious.


    Donte here too often though. Its so crowded its hard to get a seat.


    Hmm, I guess so.


    It tasted good but they gave me the impression that they wonte back again.


    Choi Yiseo sighed and picked out the onions and spring onions from her dish with her chopsticks.


    Seeing that, both I and Seo Yerin watched her at the same time, causing her to respond in embarrassment.


    Ah, no, I have been working out because I wanted to shoot a vlog. That is why stir-fried pork is a bit


    Then you should have said something earlier.


    I couldnt since I lost.


    That made sense too.


    Shooting a vlog, Yiseo? Really? But it feels like you could already shoot one right now!?


    Seo Yerin began topliment her and Choi Yiseo scratched her head, feeling embarrassed for no reason.


    Although people say that half of womenspliments are pretentious, it was clear that Seo Yerin meant every word she said.


    Woah, show it to meter! Do you go to the gym? Do you have a personal trainer? If you know a good ce, let me know.


    Yes, I do. I also asked the trainer about good ces to shoot a vlog, so let me know if you need anything.


    Seo Yerin doesnt seem to need to go there either.


    Looking at the pictures she sent to me, she didnt need to work out


    But, oh well.


    Seeing her eat the stir-fried pork with a happy smile, I too, feel pleased.


    If youre not going to eat your pork, give it to me.


    Pointing to the leftover food for Choi Yiseo, her expression turned mildly irritated and she said,


    Ill eat it.


    It seems that the flood ofpliments from Seo Yerin had an effect. Watching Choi Yiseo start eating carefully, Iment nonchntly,


    Eating carefully will not keep you from gaining weight.


    Yah!


    Its not like what I said is wrong.

 Chapter 4: No Eating

    Chapter 4: No Eating


    After finishing the meal and even having coffee in caf,


    Kim Woojin had gone off to the PC room, while Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo were still in the caf, continuing their conversation.


    They werent particrly close, but neither of themcked social skills.


    Especially Seo Yerins lively and friendly manner of speaking appealed to Choi Yiseo, who was very decisive with her personal interactions.


    Woojin is really something else.


    Woojin.


    Seeing Seo Yerin address him casually, Choi Yiseo gave a slight smile and a nod.


    Really, to pass up the chance to have coffee with you and rush off to a PC room.


    Uh? Ah? N-no that isnt what I meant.


    Despite saying that, Seo Yerin was well aware of her good looks and the effect she had on people.


    And yet, she was a modest person.


    Hes a nice guy.


    Watching Seo Yerin fumble awkwardly with her mug at her lips, Choi Yiseo responded jokingly.


    Its not something I just said either.


    Yes.


    Even her slightly annoyed look was cute. Choi Yiseo had her own brand of confidence but it was of a different vibe from Seo Yerin.


    She found herself envious of the warm atmosphere.


    Oh wow! Yiseo, can you tell me a bit more about physical training? What should I expect if I go?


    Youre interested in it? Are you nning to take a Body profile?


    I dont know about Body profile, but I do want to try it out. Ive been feeling a little insecure about my body recently.


    Hm?


    Insecure?


    What did she mean by that?


    A body which anyone would think of as being well-managed, with everything in the right ce. Actually, it was even surprising that she could maintain her body like this without properly working out.


    Somebody said that I dont look that good.


    What! Who said that? Wasnt it just something they said without much thought? Does that even make any sense?


    Choi Yiseo, who was getting angry as if it was her own business. Not only did she dislike that someone had casually uttered denigratingments about another persons body, but among those, the fact that they insulted Seo Yerin felt like it was just someone looking for an excuse to bad-mouth her.


    Haha. It was just something they said without thinking. That person did say it wasnt trueter. I might be worrying unnecessarily.


    Haa, seriously, there are so many weird people going about these days.


    Sighing, Choi Yiseo shook her head.


    While it was surprising that someone said such words to Seo Yerin, it also made her realize that even this girl couldnt avoid being bad-mouthed by someone.


    Just ignore what they say. Its obvious that theyre just jealous. But if you really want to have a proper PT (physical training) session, I can talk to the trainer for you. They teach in a very systematic manner.


    These two were bing friends naturally.<hr>


    Ahh, did I make the schedule with my feet or something


    It felt like someone had drilled through my chest after finally being done with the Tuesday schedule which had lectures for five straight hours.


    The 9 a.m. ss ended at 12 noon, and I had no more sses until 5 p.m..


    Even ounting for mypromised state when I was enrolling for sses due to the breakup with my ex-girlfriend, Oh Yoon-ji, I still wanted to go back in time and give my past self a good punch to the face.


    I spent time ying games in the PC room or managing the Bamboo Forestmunity but I hated being stuck at the University for five hours.


    I shouldve gone back to my studio apartment to get some sleep.


    Thinking that would have been a better option, I began to think about what to have for dinner by watching the sunset.


    On the way home.


    There was a stream and the walking path there was well-maintained, so I saw a lot of people jogging.


    Maybe I should try working out too.


    Come to think of it, its been a while since Ist exercised. ming it on managing the Bamboo Forestmunity feels like an excuse when working out only takes an hour or two a day.


    Shh, since I thought of it, why not just try it?


    I took my phone out to see if I could buy some decent running shoes first. Everything starts with the right equipment, right?


    And yet, my finger, out of habit, went for the Bamboo Forest app instead. I checked it so often that I opened it unconsciously.


    Most of the posts on Bamboo Forest were more or less the same.


    -Anonymous70: Did anyone leave their wallet in the Nursing Room 110 today? I left it at the student council office so you can go pick it up there.


    -Anonymous46: Anyone up for hanging out just for today? If we hit it off, a one-night stand can happen too.


    -Anonymous66: Me! Me! Me!


    -Anonymous34: How about going to karaoke and then having a drink? It is on me tonight.


    -Anonymous69: Is sex an option?


    -Anonymous46: I am a guy.


    -Anonymous66: Fuck.


    -Anonymous34: Fuck


    -Anonymous69: Fuck dont post that stuff bastard.


    -Anonymous46: Then why dont we all grab a drink then, bros?


    -Anonymous12: I am hungry, any dinner suggestions?


    -Anonymous69: I just want to have sex so bad!


    Although various posts were made, since there werent many people at this time, not many responses came.


    Of course, there was a bit ofmotion generated by posts from attention seekers, with guys flocking to it as if in solidarity.


    But more than that, there was one name which caught my eye.


    Shes back again.


    Anonymous69.


    I figured theyd post again once the ban was lifted.


    But isnt it ridiculous to see her pretending to be a guy, subtly fitting in with the men. Doesnt she have friends to eat dinner with or prepare to go out for drinks?


    If it was Seo Yerin, the men would probably be texting her asking her out for drinks every day.


    Well, it doesnt seem like any special management is needed.


    Its a fundamentallyissez-faire bulletin board.


    Those kinds of posts just get passed by with a so what attitude.


    Now, returning to the search on buying new running shoes. In that brief moment, the screen lit up, and I nced to see this familiar face run towards me.


    Not the purple hoodie she had on today, but Choi Yiseo was in a blue jersey which clung tight to her body.


    This certainly matched with her navy color bob, but I couldnt help but wonder why she was always in workout attire every time we met.


    It seemed like she was jogging with her earphones in.


    How bothersome.


    I just pretended not to see her and lowered my gaze back to the screen and Choi Yiseo didnt bother stopping to speak either, she just jogged by.


    Hey.


    Was what I thought.


    Surely she had passed me, but a few secondster, she called out to me. I turned my head to see her with hands on her hips and a subtle look on her face.


    Why didnt you bother saying hi?


    You didnt say hi either.


    Choi Yiseo took her earphones out and retorted.


    I thought you would do it.


    And I thought you would do it.


    Our conversation ran in parallels.


    Whatever the case, it was true that neither greeted each other. Finally, she gave up and said,


    Hello.


    Right, hello.


    Is the lecture over now? You must have taken quite a lot today?


    Just two.


    You were with me at the 9 a.m. lecture.


    And I have another at 5 p.m..


    Huh.


    Though she seemed to be holding back, I could see the corners of her lip turn up slightly.


    Wow, must be nice. With such a long break, you can just rx before you go.


    Why are you rubbing salt in my wounds?


    Why would anyone call this a constion?


    Good luck with your workout.


    I sigh, waving my hand. It seemed like she noticed the running shoes I was looking at on my phone screen.


    Are you buying running shoes?


    Choi Yiseo casually asked.


    I frowned and said,


    Dont you need to exercise?


    That was the finish line.


    Im considering buying them.


    She said she intended to run only till here. So what more can I say? I just vaguely answered her and she immediately checked the watch on her wrist.


    Have you eaten?


    This was unexpected.


    No.


    Then lets have dinner together. Ill rmend a good ce for running shoes. Did you do sports back in the day?


    No


    Well, theres a brand thats good for beginners.


    Honestly.


    Now its getting to a point where I was turning suspicious. The Choi Yiseo I saw from one step behind gets along with people but was rather selective with them.


    Did something happen with Yoon-jist semester?


    She said Yoon-ji is her friend from high school.


    The covnersations we had during the lecture today came to mind, I got this odd feeling but then the thought that her friendliness is simply because she thought well of me as a person came up.


    it is making me curious for some reason.


    Im not the type of person who can contain my curiosity, and I especially want to know what kind of rtionship exists between Oh Yoon-ji and Choi Yiseo.


    I extended my fist to her.


    Uh?


    She looked taken aback, so I responded nonchntly.


    Were having dinner right? Rock-paper-scissors.


    As realization dawned that this is how were going to decide the menu,


    Phew.


    Choi Yiseos expression turned serious.<hr>


    The cheese pork cutlet here is really tasty.


    Shut up.


    Choi Yiseo, who was looking at the pork cutlet restaurants menu across from me, red at me in annoyance.


    Ahh, all the exercise I did today will be going to waste.


    With just todays effort, its not like youll achieve what you want.


    This is annoying. I really thought you would throw a rock this time.


    I dont think about all that when I throw something.


    Sighing at my response, Cho Yiseo began to rummage through the menu and it seemed like she was surprised with the variety it presented.


    Theres chicken drizzled in oil. Maybe Ill have that instead.


    Its a fried chicken but its served with veggies like lettuce and onions, all mixed in soy sauce seasoning.


    Honestly, I think of it as a more luxurious sd.


    Ill have to go for the cheese pork cutlet set.


    Lunch was spicy stir-fried pork, and dinner was pork cutlet.


    It really is a day of feasting.


    Confident that I could eat like this tomorrow too, I ced the order with the server and went to get some water.


    Like most houses near college areas, it was often self-service for water and side dishes. Its a trade-off for reduced prices and some level of service.


    When I brought water, Choi Yiseo pressed her phone to my face.


    It was an online shopping mall disying a range of shoes.


    Choose from these. Since you said you dont care about the brand, let me know what design you prefer.


    Youre a lot more serious than I thought.


    Could it be that shes trying to make me her exercise partner or something?


    I heard that people who worked out usually prefer doing it with someone else.


    With an unsure attitude, Izily scrolled through the screen when,


    Yiseo?


    A puzzled voice was directed at our table.


    I had a feeling that this happened before. It was at the cafst time and I was also with her then.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho?


    Before I knew it, Ahn Hyeon-ho from the English Language and Literature Department was standing in front of our table.


    He was frowning, looking back and forth between me and her.


    What are you guys doing here?


    Uh? Well.


    Choi Yiseo started to respond to the mans sharp tone, but I interrupted, resting my chin on my hand.


    Eating.


    What else would we be doing here if not eating?


    Ahn Hyeon-ho red at me, clearly dissatisfied with my indifferent tone.

 Chapter 5: Not Anonymous

    Chapter 5: Not Anonymous


    Eating?


    Yes, eating. Why wouldnt wee here for some pork cutlet?


    Tsk.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho sharply inhaled as if offended by my answer. The reason for his behavior wasnt hard to guess, but I wondered if he had to be this hostile to me.


    Can I join you two?


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, who had shown his displeasure, suddenly smiled and casually asked Choi Yiseo.


    Choi Yiseos face, which was somewhat rxed until then, now adopted an expressionless state.


    No.


    As I responded from the other side, both of them turned to me.


    Sorry, but Im in the middle of a private conversation with Choi Yiseo. It would be ufortable to have someone else join us now.


    Despite my words seemingly apologetic, it was a clear signal for him to get lost.


    Ah Huh, interesting.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho scratched his head and then looked directly at me as he nodded.


    I get it. I was a bit slow to notice.


    With that, he left.


    He definitely didnt apologize, and even when returned to his table, he continued to give me the stink eye.


    He hasnt yet shed off that high school attitude yet.


    Well, it was expected.


    It hasnt even been a year since he graduated from high school. He must have been someone like a typical tough guy in high school.


    After all, Ahn Hyeon-ho was handsome and had a good build too.


    Choi Yiseo looked at me with eyes full ofplex emotions.


    Im not sure what those looks meant, but rather they informed me that her motives for approaching me werent just out of friendliness.


    For the running shoes, I think the ck ones from earlier would be a safe and good choice.


    Ah, you seem to like the safe choices. I see.


    Choi Yiseo, having agreed, began to search in earnest for running shoes.


    She nced over at Ahn Hyeong-ho in the midst of it, and looked as though she had something to say, but she didnt speak and let it pass.<hr>


    After having dinner with Kim Woojin, Choi Yiseo was on the way back to her studio apartment. She was sharing it with a friend from high school, and her steps on the way home felt oddly heavy.


    <em>Woong.</em>


    Her phone rang.


    Checking it, the name which appeared was Minji.


    Hello?


    -How was it?


    Minji asked right away, to which Choi Yiseo responded with a sigh, and using the call as an excuse, she sat down on the bench ced along the riverside.


    What do you mean by that? We just had a meal.


    Responding to the detached words, Minji snapped back in irritation.


    -No, Im not asking about that. How is that bastard? You cant be saying that you ate with dick Woojin right?


    Right.


    Do they really have to call Kim Woojin that?


    Minji talked about Kim Woojin that way even though she had never met the man, all because of what she heard.


    And if she spoke seriously about him, then Choi Yiseo would get asked why she was taking Kim Woojins side.


    -How is dick Woojin doing? Is he struggling because he broke up with Yoon-ji? Or is he looking for another girl?


    He isnt looking for any girl now. Theres no indication of that. And we didnt talk about Yoon-ji.


    -Ah, pity. You need to do better. You know that Yoon-ji is having a hard time because of him, right?


    Right.


    -Just catch one piece of gossip about him. We can inte it on the inte using themunities and forums. Your Bamboo Forest has be really active, right?


    Bamboo Forest.


    An anonymousmunity at Gahyeon University.


    Choi Yiseo doesnt participate in it.


    Choi Yiseo, who had been listening to the story with an indifferent look, seemed to have lost her vigor and so Minji provided a more provocative suggestion.


    -Then how about tailing him discreetly?


    What?


    Was she hearing it correctly? Choi Yiseo was shocked and asked but Minji continued confidently.


    -No, its for Yoon-ji, since were all best friends from high school, we might be able to help her out like this.


    No, even so


    -Yoon-ji dropped out right? She didnt even tell us what happened. That bastard must have done something.


    Im her friend too.


    Such thoughts went through Choi Yiseos mind, but they didnt make it out as a response.


    -Well, its just a suggestion. I dont mean for you to really do it. Ah, and when youe by, bring shampoo, weve run out.


    Okay.


    <em>Click.</em>


    The call ended, and Choi Yiseo exhaled a deep sigh while clutching her cellphone with both hands.


    How did it alle down to this?


    Surely, until high school, these were the friends she was close with then how did the rtionship get this twisted?


    Minji says its because of Kim Woojin.


    But Choi Yiseo judged it coldly as shifting the me.


    Moreover, Kim Woojin, whom she had hung out with just for a day, hadnt felt like a bad guy.


    Rather it was Ahn Hyeon-ho, who constantly demanded attention from her, that was problematic.


    -English Language and Literature Department, Ahn Hyeon-ho: Yiseo, do you have any lectures tomorrow?


    As such messages kepting in, Choi Yiseo closed her eyes, weary with exhaustion.


    I just want to throw my phone away.


    And now that she thinks about it, she hesitated to tell Kim Woojin that Ahn Hyeon-ho was a famous bully in high school.


    She avoided talking about it, feeling that it could be considered gossiping, but Choi Yiseo wondered if she was making a mistake.


    Ah, I really dont know.


    Choi Yiseo closed her eyes for a moment, squinted against the light from the streemp, and, encouraged by the night breeze, tapped her cellphone.


    Rather


    She thought back to when she was eating pork cutlet earlier; that was when she felt somewhat at ease.<hr>


    Whats this now?


    Early morning.


    Although yesterday I had a 9 a.m. lecture, todays sses were bunched in the afternoon so I could wake up at leisure.


    While brushing my teeth, I was browsing the Bamboo Forest posts from the morning when I came across an odd one.


    -Anonymous287: Theres someone in my major whom I cannot stand. What do I do about him?


    It could have been just a normal grumbling post if that was all there was to it.


    -Anonymous11: Why?


    -Anonymous287: Honestly, it is annoying to see him hovering around a girl who isnt even interested in him.


    -Anonymous11: Lolol you are just jealous of watching an alpha male.


    -Anonymous287: What the fuck, if this were high school, I would have just beat him up and that would be the end of it.


    -Anonymous11: Then go beat him up and then pay settlement money too. I too want to see the popr jerk get smacked.


    -Anonymous287: He isnt that popr. Just a loner in ss, the anti-social type. Couldnt stopughing when I saw the sight of him taking a pork cutlet to his date.


    -Anonymous11: Lol date lol pork cutlet lol


    Is this referring to me?


    The conversation that continued seemed to be about me. Moreover, the timing was quite coincidental.


    Just yesterday, didnt Ahn Hyeon-ho show jealousy after seeing Choi Yiseo and me alone together?


    Moreover, pork cutlet was indeed the dish that we had yesterday.


    And then, thest part.


    -Anonymous287: Haa, if I get a chance, I will beat him up this time.


    Such an aggressivement.


    They really have nothing better to do.


    Anonymous287 became known as Ahn Hyeon-ho to me, yet there was no specific reaction in my mind.


    If I get hit, I just take the hit and get some money off him, isnt that the end?


    Although my wallet isntcking thanks to the allowance my parents give me, I think I could practice being filial in this manner.


    Ive already got to know two people from the department.


    Anonymous 69 is Seo Yerin.


    Anonymous287 is Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    Both were popr people in the department, but in reality, they were ugly and fiercely dedicated to their desires.


    Even right now.


    -Anonymous69: Ahh, I want to fuck so baddd!


    I could see the post that Seo Yerin uploaded today. In the past someone would have told her to stop or would have spoken out in annoyance.


    But not anymore.


    No feeding the morons.


    The abbreviation of dont feed the morons was very well-practiced in Bamboo Forest.


    Then.


    -Anonymous69: (Photo) Todays jerking off material! Swisssh!


    The moment I refreshed the bulletin board, I saw a new message that Seo Yerin had posted. Rushing to check the content, there was a photo showing a womans panties.


    Insane woman!


    I immediately blocked her.


    [Dear student, you have been suspended from using the bulletin board for one day for posting sexually explicit material.]


    I did wonder if a one-day suspension was too short. Honestly, didnt they cause a huge fuss when they were suspended for just one day, after thest incident through the 1:1 inquiry?


    I wasnt confident about enduring her antics for another two days though.


    Did she really just upload her own photo?


    On an anonymousmunity?


    Out of curiosity , I rechecked the post and thankfully, it didnt seem to be Seo Yerins legs.


    There was no mole on the thighs and the legs were thicker than hers.


    At least she isnt stooping that low.


    I just felt relieved.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    As expected.


    -Anonymous69: Insane speed. Isnt it too early?


    Seo Yerin had initiated a 1:1 inquiry.<hr>


    -Anonymous69: Insane speed, isnt it too early?


    Seo Yerin, lying on the bed and looking up at her phone, smiled with satisfaction at thement she sent.


    When the Bamboo Forest, where she had been venting her secret desires, had banned her for a day, she feltpletely lost.


    She kept checking the time, wondering when the ban would be lifted.


    That was why she only whined to the admin and secretly sent pictures of herself.


    It was an immensely thrilling pleasure. Perhaps it could be called a provocative sense of liberation.


    She couldnt post her own photo on themunity for fear of who might see it, but the admin was just one person, and since she had to hide her identity anyway, it didnt matter.


    Why isnt there a response yet?


    Feeling anxious, Seo Yerin kicked the nket with her feet.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    The alert came immediately.


    -Admin: Please. Stay within limits.


    Huhu, hehehe!


    Seo Yerin who sat up in bed, had her fingers moving swiftly.


    -Anonymous69: Why cant it be posted in the unimunity? There shouldnt be anyone under 19 in there at all?


    -Admin: Are you not aware of thews against the distribution of pornography?


    -Anonymous69: Instead of looking it up, go jerk off.


    Her heart was pounding as she looked at the chat.


    It hadnt even been thirty seconds, but Seo Yerin couldnt help but wonder why their response was so slow.


    -Senior Han Kang: Yerin, should we go to the caf that I mentionedst time?


    Ah, seriously.


    She swiped the message away without even reading it, irritated that she got a response from a weird senior but not the one she was waiting for.


    After all, she only had lectures in the afternoon, so she could just say she slept in and missed it.


    -Admin: Sigh, Anonymous69, please keep it down. This is really hard for me.


    Hehehehee!


    Why is this persons reaction so entertaining?


    Although this child-like whining was amusing, she had no intention of stopping.


    -Anonymous69: Then unban me, please.


    Do not unban.


    Honestly for Seo Yerin, getting immediate responses and fulfilling her desires more provocatively through the 1:1 inquiry was better than the anonymous forum with no answers iing.


    -Admin: I only banned you for a day on purpose, you know? I can overlook the weird posts, but please, really, no more pictures.


    -Anonymous69: Do you want more? Should I send you the collection from my 1TB hard drive?


    -Admin: I really want to curse at you now.


    Hehe!


    Seo Yerin sprang up and immediately turned on the camera.


    What kind of photo should she send this time?


    Wearing just a baggy T-shirt and sleep pants, she tried out different poses in front of a full-length mirror and then thought,


    I should ask Yiseo to introduce me to a personal trainer.


    Last time, in order to get proper revenge for the admin calling her useless, she fueled her passion to the best of her abilities.

 Chapter 6: Group Project

    Chapter 6: Group Project


    -Anonymous69: Admin, admin, admin, admin.


    Why does it feel so noisy even though Im just reading it? Seo Yerin seemed to have a talent for writing, clearly conveying the speakers intention.


    -Anonymous69: How was it? Did you use the photo I sent you thest time? The actress is pretty, isnt she?


    I didnt want to reply, but ignoring it wasnt the best option as nonsensical messages kept umting on my phone.


    Just a few days ago, didnt they send over 100 inquiries in the middle of the night because I didnt reply?


    -Anonymous69: No reply? If you unban me, Ill spread rumors on the board that the administrator is a 3-cm premature ejactor. Lol.


    -Admin: Where on earth did you learn such vulgarnguage?


    The reply came back almost instantly, showing how fast she was typing on her phone.


    -Anonymous69: Why are you pretending to be so clean? Everyone knows this much these days.


    -Admin: Youre the only one being dirty here.


    -Anonymous69: Im not dirty, I havent seen any dirty stuff.


    Is this for real?


    Each message was so much more shocking that I decided to ignore them.


    -Admin: Im off to a lecture. I wont see anymore inquiries you send.


    -Anonymous69: (Photo)


    -Anonymous69: Getting excited during the lecture and calling for the admin!


    Seo Yerin sent another photo.


    This time it was a photo of a womans butt, with just the panties on, but clearly showing both cheeks.


    It seemed like she took and sent the photo herself, though I wasnt certain.


    Sigh, whats with her and all theseints?


    With Seo Yerins looks and character that she disys, she could easily ask any guy passing by to go to a hotel with her.


    Why does she need to hide behind anonymity to express her deepest desires like this?


    After that, Seo Yerin didnt send any more messages to me, and I too went out after quickly making some ramen due to afternoon lectures.


    Being able to walk to the university without needing to take a bus is definitely a plus point anyone should consider.


    -Anonymous91: Exerciseic3 (Photo)


    -Anonymous111: Hello, my fellow students! Im Popo, a mukbang broadcaster! Ill be eating king crabs at 9 oclock tonight, so please watch me and give me lots of love!


    -Anonymous33: Everythings fine with what you said, but please stop hoarding items from the convenience store. Theres nothing left for us to eat.


    -Anonymous111 (person in question): Im sorry! Ill be more careful next time!


    -Anonymous54: Are you the 22-year-old from the construction department? I heard youre making money by eating because the construction department is doomed for any growth.


    -Anonymous111: Well, my grades did plummet.


    -Anonymous54: LOL


    -Anonymous67: Recent trends in LOF, sad support item builds, and gamey strategies.


    -Anonymous74: Im a sophomore in the dental hygiene department. Is there anyone who wants free scaling? I need volunteers for an exam.


    Oh, theres a newic about exercising.


    Naturally, checking the Universitys onlinemunity was part of my routine on the way to school. I enjoy reading aic post just as I arrive at the ssroom.


    I thought I manged to time my arrival just right, but I got there faster than expected.


    Next time I could probably leave a littleter from home.


    Then, a familiar and tiresome female student stepped into the ssroom.


    Seo Yerin walked into the ssroom.


    It was a surprise to have a few sses inmon, but I pretended not to notice.


    Seo Yerin, too, chose to sit with her friends rather than beside me.


    We identally made eye contact in the middle of the ss, but she just gave a small smile as a greeting.


    Every time I see her, I feel like the weird one because of those different thoughts.


    Anyway, I forced myself to look away, trying not to pay her any attention. It seemed like even Seo Yerin was busy talking to others to care about the Bamboo Forest right now.


    A few minutester, the professor entered and the lecture began.


    And then.


    This semesters assignment will be reced with a group project.


    The professor made an unwee announcement.


    Youll produce a short film in English, about 20 to 30 minutes long. Later, through the TA, Ill exin the detailed evaluation method.


    I thought the professor had a kind demeanor, but he surprised us with this unforeseen announcement.


    The story and acting will be included, but theyre not the main focus. English subtitles are mandatory. And it would be nice if you prepared a script in advance to distribute it amongst yourselves too.


    Ah, this is insane.


    The reaction from the other students was simr to mine, but surprisingly, some of the newer students seemed excited about it.


    Seeing their reaction, the professor continued confidently.


    This assignment is often popr among students. Since it involves making a movie, studying while watching movies has been deemed to be helpful too.


    The professor exined in a confident voice,


    Todays lecture will be an hour long, and the other hour will be used for group members to meet and discuss.


    Its good that the lecture time got shortened.


    I just hope for decent group members and that doing my part in the group project would suffice.<hr>


    I wondered if wed draw lots for groups, but instead, we were told to form our own groups, and if there was anyone who couldnt find one, they should go see the professor.


    Ahem, Ill submit this list of members to the professor, said a senior female student, who appeared to be a sophomore in English Language and Literature, as she began writing names down.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, Han-kang, Seo Yerin, and whats that young friends name?


    I replied politely when she asked.


    Kim Woojin.


    Okay, Woojin. Im Min Ju-hee, a sophomore in English Literature, so you can call me senior Ju-hee.


    Yes, senior Ju-hee.


    I cant trust you guys with the task, so Ill be the group leader, and well use the group chat formunication purposes. If you dont want to die, make sure to reply within an hour.


    Quite a rough senior, isnt she?


    But she seems rather reliable.


    I was very grateful to Seo Yerin for stopping me on my way to the professor and including me in this group.


    Sigh.


    Of course, having Ahn Hyeon-ho, who openly dered hed beat me up in the anonymous forum, was a bit of a concern.


    But the ufortable one here was him, not me.


    I just need to trust our group leader, who seems ready to drive the bus, and get on board while waving my hand (Drive the bus means to do the hard work).


    Noona, lets do well!


    Its good that we have many people from the English department.


    Seo Yerin said with a bright smile as she looked at me.


    The gender ratio wasnt that unbnced either.


    It seems weve somewhat matched up for making a film.


    Should we start by dividing roles? Yerin would be perfect for the lead role.


    A cheerful and handsome guy dered. Unlike the slightly delinquent Ahn Hyeon-ho, he was the epitome of a handsome, model student.


    He had the aura of a man who could be the lead in a drama.


    The perfect lead.


    Was his name Kang Han-Kang?


    Even when reversed, its still Han-kang. Our senior Han-kang, who suggested Seo Yerin for the lead role, but I thought it would be nice for Han-kang himself to also take the lead role.


    A melodrama with just the two of them flirting and being sweet to each other would be enough to get us a solid final score.


    If the video looks pretty, wed surely get bonus points.


    Me, the lead?


    Seo Yerin responded with a hesitant expression. She didnt seem too keen, but everyone else was hoping she would take the lead role.


    I felt the same way too.


    Yes, Yerin has that pure and innocent vibe, so if we shoot a youth or romance film with her, it woulde out well, wouldnt it?


    Han-kangs suggestion was supported by the others.


    Right, that sounds good? Yerin has such a pretty face too.


    We dont need many props or a specific location for those kinds of films, so it wont take much time or money.


    Wow, that sounds nice.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho also smoothly joined the conversation, and Seo Yerin was just shyly standing there.


    I just watched the situation unfold with my chin propped up with my hand.


    It seemed like if Seo Yerin took the lead role, we could get a decent score. But it didnt seem like she could handle either filming or editing.


    Whats happening? What are you saying?


    Senior Ju-hee, who just submitted the team list, asked us as there was a noisy discussion happening.


    Senior Han-kang briefly exined.


    Uh, nothing.


    And she responded by raising her middle finger.


    We are the third team, right? From now on, we are not citizens of the Republic of Korea, Democracy does not exist for us.


    Senior Ju-hee boldly dered to us by pointing her thumb to herself.


    I am the dictator here, I decide it all. If you want good grades for yourself, follow me.


    Woah


    I was truly in awe at her actions for a moment there and everyone turned to me, but then they all resumed normalcy.


    Honestly, I almost pped.


    It felt like a new recruit watching Joan of Arc charging across the battlefield with a g.


    All that didnt matter to me.


    Seeing Senior Ju-hee scribbling something down in her book and throwing it at us.


    I have roughly divided the roles. Write down what you think you can do along with your number and then leave. I will announce it all in the group chat.


    Should we call her a leader from now on?


    Maybe, for a few seconds I just fell for her.


    After everyone else wrote theirs down, I picked it upst and wrote down filming and editing.


    Filming can be done through a phone and for editing, I could do simple slicing of views without any fancy effects.


    Oh, you know how to edit?


    Senior Ju-hee, who was watching what was being written from behind, asked.


    I can do the basic cut and paste stuff.


    Thats more than enough. Well, they dont expect something out of the box from us. Its fine as long as we dont do terribly and since there are hardly any students from the film department here, it should go well.


    Looks like my role is decided.


    Then lets leave. Ill send a group message in a few days. Lets meet once a week and create stable progress for this.


    Senior Han-kang tried to whine a little by looking cute, about wanting to do everything at once, but the iron fist of senior Ju-hee was too much for him to tackle.


    As soon as she did a fake punch, he backed off with his tail between his legs.


    Well, the group project seemed like it would sail smoothly. After all, we had Min Ju-hee carrying most of the weight and a dictator on the side.


    The lecture ended and everyone began to move into small groups.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho still held a grudge against me, his gaze would constantly follow me around, but I just ignored him and went on my way to the next ss.


    <em>Woong.</em>


    My phone vibrated.


    I checked to see if it was senior Ju-hee who was done with the creation of the group chat.


    -Anonymous69: In the middle of a lecture I was attending, someone was masturbating with their pants on. That had to be the admin, right?


    Seo Yerin, who was pressured to be the lead actor, was here to relieve her stress.


    It was insane no matter how I tried to reason it.


    -Admin: Do you want to be perma-banned for sexual harassment?


    -Anonymous69: Just joking, sorry, admin, love you!


    I noticed earlier that she even wrote the role of an actor near her name.


    -Anonymous69: Ah, I want to have sex so fucking bad!


    Well, whatever.


    It was Seo Yerin who vented to me what needed to be said in the forum.

 Chapter 7: An Actor’s Physiognomy

    Chapter 7: An Actor¡¯s Physiognomy


    Having a university life, the group project, which is ranked as a top-tier annoying experience, was resolved a lot better than I expected.


    -Anonymous69: I want to have sex so fucking bad!


    Theres a reason for this celebration, and shouldnt one at least thank dictator Min Ju-hee, who dered about leading us?


    -Anonymous69: Ah, I want to eat her out so bad.


    Usually, from choosing the group leader, to the silent battles, group projects are well-documented on ces like YouTube.


    We were just lucky to meet such a good senior.


    If we get a good gradeter, I would definitely buy her a coffee to show her my gratitude.


    -Anonymous69: Ah, I want to spread my seeds out so bad!


    -Admin: Please keep it a little modest.


    But why is this person acting like this?


    The group project went well, and looking at senior Min Ju-hee, it seemed like she would make a good job out of it.


    Although the afternoon was packed with lectures, on the way to the next ss, I stopped by the caf on campus to order a coffee. Eventually I decided to respond to Seo Yerins inquiry which I had been ignoring.


    -Admin: Why are you doing this?


    It seemed like Seo Yerin was relieving her stress through these actions.


    The question was, what exactly had caused her stress today.


    -Anonymous69: Wanting to do something is one of the three basic desires of a human.


    -Admin: So why are you dumping it onto me?


    Usually Ill get a reply within three seconds, but now it was taking longer. I wondered if she had gone into another lecture.


    -Anonymous69: I cant send this to someone who knows me.


    The response came back quickly.


    -Admin: The thought of you venting your desires to me and then acting all innocent is really giving me the creeps here.


    What is it though, that was stressful?


    While waiting for the coffee, I tried toe to a conclusion and then I noticed some familiar faces approaching.


    The group members I had to shoot a movie with.


    It was Kang Han-kang and Seo Yerin.


    Seo Yerin?


    I wondered if she hadnt been sending me inquiries due to ss, and now I understood why the dy in response.


    Yerin, do you want to go to the Snack bar in front of here, for dinner? The atmosphere there is known to be pretty good.


    Ah, Im not feeling that good today, so I wanted to rest. Please offer me next time.


    After answering him, she checked her phone and her lips curved into a slight smile.


    And the reply flew to me right then,


    -Anonymous69: I dont do life-cosy. Actually I wander around like this on the outside too.


    Then who is the person I am looking at right now?


    She had this awkward smile unable to get away from senior Han-kang and continued to listen to him.


    The two naturally walked to the counter where they bumped into me, waiting for the coffee.


    Uh, that


    Senior Han-kang looked at me like he was trying to say something, but then remained silent.


    Seo Yerin came up to me, passing him by and said,


    You came here to get coffee too?


    Im not drinking it here, I have to head over to the next lecture.


    Ah, right! Woojin! Youre Woojin right? Lee Woojin!


    I wondered what he was thinking so hard, but it seemed like he forgot my name. Well, that happens. I should have had an easy to remember name like Kang Han-kang or something.


    Wouldnt Baek Du-san (an active volcano in South Korea) be nice?


    Its Kim Woojin, senior.


    Seo Yerin corrected him, and he apologized, feeling sorry.


    Ah, sorry, Kim Woojin. Ill make sure to remember it now. I wont get it wrong the next time.


    Weve only met today so its understandable if you dont remember it.


    Just in time, they informed us that the coffee was ready, so I went to pick mine up.


    Naturally, Seo Yerin and senior Han-kang went to the counter to ce their order and our paths crossed again then.


    And Seo Yerin, who was kind to others, went out of her way to strike up another conversation with me.


    What ss are you taking?


    Introductory Japanese Conversation.


    I enrolled in it as an elective, thinking it would help to understand some when I decided to head over to Japan for a visit.


    But then, I received a bit of an unexpected response.


    Oh? Im on my way to the same ss now?


    Is that so?


    This is good. I was unsure about the location of the ssroom, could you help me out?


    I sneaked a nce at senior Han-kang, who was smiling as usual but it was clear that he didnt seem that happy with my presence.


    Ah, fuck, so troubling.


    Because of Choi Yiseo, I was already being misunderstood by Ahn Hyeon-ho, and now, I wondered if I had to be misunderstood by another senior who I barely knew because of Seo Yerin.


    Right. Ill wait outside then.


    There was no need to be too cautious, right? Its not like I was interested in Seo Yerin.


    As I stepped outside the caf to wait for her, Seo Yerin came out, holding a coffee.


    Senior Han-kang didnte out.


    Senior said he has amon room in the building and went there. Lets go to ss.


    It seemed like he felt a bit burdensome to be with us, and as the atmosphere lightened up, a slight smile appeared on her lips.


    Even as we walked, she frequently checked her phone.


    Could she be waiting for a reply?


    I remembered not responding specifically to Anonymous69, and felt there was a bit of spection, but I couldnt send anything to her right now.


    Even though I am curious how Seo Yerin would react if she found out I was the admin, I never had the hobby of intentionally making someone feel ashamed though.


    Its really fortunate that senior Ju-hee is handling the project this time right?


    Her kindness shines through even now.


    Seo Yerin brought up a topic which both of us could rte to, even though it would have been fine to just stay quiet.


    Right, I am so impressed by how reliable she felt.


    Right, you seemed really happy earlier. I saw you p your hands.


    You saw that?


    It was funny.


    Her giggle was surely nice. The phrase perfect for an actress fit her the best.


    Senior Ju-hee might have you do the editing?


    Well, I just have to piece it together. You seem like youd be put into acting?


    When I responded like that, Seo Yerins face had slightly darkened. Then, seeing her reflexively check her phone felt a bit sad to me.


    Of course, the phone screen stayed ck, receiving no response.


    Right? Seems like it.


    A subtle tone of voice.


    It seems like the reason I felt bad was probably because she was rmended to be an actor.


    Yah, you should be an actor.


    Sorry, but I am not the only one to decide.


    With that face and those internal thoughts, if not an actor, what else could she possibly do?


    It seems like youd fit a certain role well.


    A tragic lover or a ssic female character?


    An insane woman?


    What?


    Seo Yerin red at me, stiffening. Realizing I spoke out of habit, I gestured to her with my hands and exined.


    No, no, sorry. I misspoke. I mean, roles with a bit of madness. Like Harley Quinn or Jinx.


    Think about it, Seo Yerin being the same person as Anonymous69 is close to no different from method acting.


    And she, in my view, would perfectly fit the role of a crazy woman.


    Really?


    Seo Yerin looked at me nkly. But the atmosphere didnt seem as bad as it was mixed.


    Rather, the corners of her lips were rising, in a bit of a strange happiness vibe.


    Right, somehow, you seem to fit those kinds of roles well. And you know, crazy female characters need to be somewhat pretty to be charming? You are perfect for those things.


    Pfft, is that supposed to be apliment?


    It is a greatpliment as such.


    You dont need to act, just bring out your true nature.


    Be thankful to your parents for giving birth to you with that face, and having that real personality of Anonymous69.


    It seems like you would do well if some sexual jokes were added too.


    I added this extrament but that was me being honest. It was a bit of a mischievous thing because I had been harassed by Anonymous69.


    Sexual jokes?


    Seo Yerin answered with a bright smile and I wondered what was so funny.


    I dont know how to do that.


    Now.


    I almost retorted without realizing it.


    Honestly, I felt a sudden urge to show that I was the admin of the Bamboo Forest, but I clenched my hand holding the coffee and held back.


    I felt proud for holding back too.


    Now?


    Seo Yerin tilted her head, echoing the word, and I forced a smile and said,


    Now you can start learning them too? I think youll be good at it, I can see the talent you have for it.


    Huhu, really?


    The talent must have been in full bloom for a long time.


    It was supposed to be a shy smile, but for some reason, it felt to me like a warrior from a murim novel hiding their power and scoffing at the opponent.


    Dont try too hard though.


    Seeing as you are already doing too much.


    Why would you even try, you fool.


    Seo Yerin lightly tapped on my shoulder with a smile. Though the casual touch made me feel a bit closer to her, it also made me wonder if getting closer to her would be a good thing.


    This.


    My backhandment seemed to have identally stirred Seo Yerins taste, making our rtionship a bit closer.


    Of course, when we arrived at the ssroom, it was natural for me to sit next to her.


    So, you know about Jinx too? You y LOF?


    After finishing the coffee and biting down on the ice, Seo Yerin cautiously asked.


    From her question, it seemed like she yed LOF too.


    Now this is unexpected.


    She didnt seem like someone who ys games at all.


    Well, could I have known from her looks that the person next to me was one who enjoys making sexual jokes every three seconds without a pause?


    Obviously not.


    Judging someone slowly by the face isnt all.


    Yes.


    Really? What tier are you? I am in Bronze 4.


    Ah, right.


    I responded with a bright smile.


    Actually, I dont y.


    Given her nature I thought she would politely ask me to y duo with her, so I firmly answered.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    Seo Yerin puffed her cheeks and then hit me on the shoulder for no reason.


    A-actually I am in Silver ording to my skills!


    If you are in Bronze 4, then your real skills are probably iron.


    You heartless person!?

 Chapter 8: Company Commander

    Chapter 8: Company Commander


    The beginners Japanese conversation ss truly only taught the most basic content.


    It was to the point where I wondered if it was even alright to learn this kind of stuff at a university, but there was nothing to be done about it.


    On the other hand, it might be because my Japanese understanding level is too high. Since I received early education through anime during my high school years, I could understand a fair bit.


    Of course, I couldnt speak exactly like how they spoke in animes.


    Yawn~


    The important thing was that not only I, but also the diligent Seo Yerin was yawning and looking bored.


    She seemed to think that she too was learning stuff that was too basic, and her eyes were zed over. She would asionally check her phone and seemed a bit down, and when I stealthily checked mine, Anonymous69 was still sending messages in the inquiry.


    I was a bit startled that Seo Yerin could have caught me if I hadnt set my phone on silent for ss.


    Well.


    Based on the tedious lecture, we automatically began to look for something entertaining.


    Seo Yerin wrote something down with her pen in the corner of her notebook and passed it to me.


    [What is your tier?]


    Thinking about it, I remembered something about her being in Bronze 4 earlier, but the professor came in before I could mention my tier.


    Seo Yerin made eye contact with me and then gestured with her eyes telling me to write it down, so I penned it beneath hers.


    [t.]


    Her eyes shone as she quickly wrote back.


    [Really?]


    [But the feeling is like I am in Gold.]


    As I wrote that down she turned to me as if she wanted to say something like, what kind of person are you?


    And I immediately added more below.


    [I might seem like it, but in reality I am Silver 2.]


    Haa.


    Seo Yerin sighed in disbelief and then immediately scribbled something down.


    She wrote so quickly that it did feel like a scribble.


    [Bronze-Silver-Gold.]


    If its Gold as I said, it would be cool.


    If its Bronze then isnt it just a struggle? Theres a clear reason why the tiers are divided.


    Bronze is Bronze, Silver is Silver, well, I believe so.


    [Bronze-Silver-Gold]


    [I dont think someone from Bronze should say that.]


    [Bronze-Silver-Gold]


    [Why do you think the Silver and Bronze are divided then?]


    [Bronze-Silver-Gold.]


    This woman


    I gritted my teeth and red at Seo Yerin, who was covering her mouth, trying to contain herughter.


    The skill of provoking people which she used when she was Anonymous69, is emerging in reality.


    [Shall we have a go at it,ter?]


    As a proud South Korean Silver in gaming, I immediately challenged her.


    [Come at me.]


    Seo Yerin epted my duel without hesitation and I was a bit surprised that she epted so readily without any hesitation.


    Could it be that she was taken in by the spirit to fight?


    With a bit of hopeful heart, I casually asked.


    And your position?


    Top.


    Seo Yerin said confidently.


    Bronze 4 tier is on the lower side. It was terrifying enough to consider that as easy. How much of a mess is she to even fail at that position?


    This persons outward appearance, actions, and her speech over the inte are all so different.


    When seen as Anonymous69, it definitely felt like this. Before I knew it, Seo Yerin was subtly revealing her true self without even realizing it.


    You?


    Now pushing the book aside and whispering, Seo Yerin spoke and I answered, but it was with a strange feeling of shame.


    Support


    Pffft!


    Are you looking down on support right now?


    Its because the supporters work hard to provide back up and assistance, that the ranged dealers get called princes, and the topne crazies get called as generals.


    No, lets do a 1v1 when you have timeter.


    I felt slightly intimidated.


    Come on.


    But still, I am a Silver 2 support right? That person right there is a Bronze 4 topner. They say topners do nothing but 1v1 like backstreets thugs all day, but there has to be a difference in level.


    Maybe I should practice 1v1 today.


    As I was lost in such thoughts, the lecture ended before we realized. I had another ss after this so I immediately headed out and Seo Yerin said that she had no more sses for the day, so we parted ways.


    Ah, I have to reply.


    While I was on the way to the next ssroom, I took my phone out and messages continued to pour in.


    It seems like the phone exploded with notifications now that the lecture was done, even though I was focusing on the conversation and hardly looked at it before.


    -Anonymous69: Dont ignore me.


    -Anonymous69: Admin, you impotent bastard, I said dont ignore me.


    -Anonymous69: AAAAAAAAANSWER ME.


    Ugh.


    There are so many piled up messages that it felt like a task to even look at what to reply to.


    -Admin: What answer? I was in a lecture, so I couldnt respond.


    -Anonymous69: Does the admin also take sses?


    I was momentarily startled, but then I remembered that there arent many Basic Japanese Conversation sses at this time.


    So, I naturally responded.


    -Anonymous69: I heard the admin is a white-haired, frail and beautiful girl?


    Where had she even heard of such things? Her range of knowledge felt so impressively broad, almost too broad for me.


    -Admin: That is not true.


    -Anonymous69: WTF, I have been hitting on you thinking you were this white-haired, frail and beautiful girl? Not sending anything more in inquiries now.


    I knew she would send another inquiry right after saying that. So I just continued to ignore it.


    <em>Woong.</em>


    My phone rang again but it wasnt Anonymous69 this time.


    -Captain Ju: Woojin, its senior Ju-hee. Do you have time today?


    Our captain.


    The Joan of Arc of group projects.


    A message from Min Ju-hee, my senior, so I responded right away.


    -Kim Woojin: I have one more ss left today, and its two hours long. There will be some time after that.


    -Captain Ju: Okay, thene to the collegeputerb after it ends. I have something to ask about the assignment. Ill buy you dinner.


    -Kim Woojin: Okay, but could you tell me where theputerb is?


    -Captain Ju: Its a building next to the auditorium where the orientation ceremony was held. Youll see it as soon as you step into the multi-purpose room.


    -Kim Woojin: I understand.


    -Captain Ju: Are you going to the military or something? Whats with your talking? Set your tone.


    -Kim Woojin: Setting.


    -Captain Ju: (emoticon)


    Senior Min Ju-hee used a tiger emoticon to say hurry up.


    Her charisma was so overwhelming that I even ended up doing a military cosy for speaking.


    Even though I havent even yet served in the military.<hr>


    I arrived at theputerb after my lecture.


    Senior Ju-hee was fiddling with the mouse, doing something. Her grip seemed a bit odd making me wonder if she wasnt that great withputers, but then she began to type with the hunt-and-peck method.


    Woah.


    Seeing a 21st-century sophomore student handling aputer and typing like that felt strange to me.


    Is she really the reincarnation of Joan of Arc?


    Honestly, at this point, shouldnt she be called a primordial being in modern humanity?


    Senior, I am here.


    As I approached, offering one of the two sports drinks I bought from the vending machine, senior Ju-hee immediately turned around.


    Oh, youre here. Good choice with the drink?


    Despite the words, her expression was far from happy. It seemed she was stressed about something happening with theputer.


    <em>Click.</em>


    Senior Ju-hee opened the cap with her tough grip and immediately gulped it.


    <em>Crush.</em>


    Crushing the can as if to disy her own feelings, she said,


    Are you nning to decide on a few scripts first? Were thinking of arranging them to suit our taste, but Im not sure how much editing skills you have.


    So, it hase to editing after all.


    Ive found a few videos rted to editing. Tell me what you think is possible from here.


    The videos that senior Ju-hee yed around as she asked about editing techniques.


    Probably, she wanted to select the most efficient script after filtering out what I can do and what skills I have.


    Her work method felt so quick and precise.


    Contrary to her way of speaking.


    I can do everything up to 7 minutes, but almost everything after that is above me. Though I think that I might be able to do it if I can learn.


    Really? Then, what do you think about this?


    Hmm, I kind of get the feeling. But I guess I will have to learn it once to be sure of it.


    Dont just copy things, but if you can add in such effects, I think it will greatly enhance the visual appeal.


    Really? That seems doable though. These days, its well shown in YouTube videos.


    Ah, youre a pretty good one. So reliably impressive. If only the others were half as good as you.


    As they exchanged various views, an hour passed.


    Hungry? Ill buy you food. What do you like?


    If it is at such ate hour


    Pork belly ce?


    Ah, pork belly then? The Hanjip one is famous for that. But it would be closed by ow.


    No wonder she is a senior.


    Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo didnt like it, but senior Ju-hee could immediatelye up with anything rted.


    Judging by the way she was smacking her lips, it seemed like even she wanted it.


    How about Manna pork cutlet?


    If we go there now, theyll fry it in used oil now, so it wont taste that good. We should go for lunch, the owner changes to fresh oil for the kids whoe for lunch.


    What now?


    Realizing she knew more about my favorite ces than I do made me feel like the Monkey King in the palm of Buddha.


    It was likeing across someone with incredible talent and experience.


    Yah! I forgot. Lets go drinking. I know a ce where we can have side dishes as a meal? Lets have a simple meal with a couple of drinks.


    You like drinking?


    I love it!


    She really did seem to love it.


    I nodded my understanding, and the senior said she would stop by the dorms to change and then leave for the ce.


    Outside the building.


    As the weather began to turn chilly, I huddled up, hands in my pockets and looking at the people who passed by.


    Hmm? Isnt that Kim Woojin?


    A sharp yet familiar male voice was heard. Wondering who was calling me, I turned to see people from my department walking past.


    Hey, Woojin, what are you doing here?


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, a fellow student, called out to me.


    I thought he hated me. He even cursed me on the anonymous Bamboo Forest site, saying he wanted me dead.


    But there was a reason why he was acting this way.


    Because Choi Yiseo, the student representative, was beside him.


    Aha.


    Was he expecting me to be jealous of him?


    Choi Yiseo raised her hand in greeting, and I quickly waved mine too, wanting them to get on their way.


    At Ahn Hyeon-hos lead, they came up to me.


    Hey, Woojin, what are you up to here? On the way home?


    Ahn Hyeon-ho was definitely smirking.


    Well, if this makes you feel better, I guess it doesnt really matter, so I just nodded.


    Ah, I have some assignments to do after the lecture, so Im heading home now.


    You want to join us for drinks? Will youe?


    The others were curious as to why Ahn Hyeon-ho was so keenly looking out for me, but instead he was stepping closer to Choi Yiseo as if to unt his close rtionship with her.


    Actually, Choi Yiseo wasnt even looking at Ahn Hyeon-ho but at me.


    Just as I was about to say no.


    Yah, what are you all doing to my boyfriend, you jerks.


    A female voice came from behind.


    With her hands deeply buried in the puffy jackets, senior Ju-hee walked up with a bright smile.

 Chapter 9: This Is Sex

    Chapter 9: This Is Sex


    Yah, what are you people doing to my boyfriend?


    Although the manner of speech felt rough, the tone of voice was light. Thats why the first year English Literature students also took it with augh.


    Uh, senior Ju-hee?


    Senior, you are dating him?!


    Hehe, it would be nice if I was, right?


    Despite what was said, it was too obvious that it was more of a joke than to be taken seriously. It felt exactly like when middle-aged men cracked jokes.


    It wasnt exactly pleasant, but since it was Captain Ju, they all just let it slide.


    Group


    Senior,e drink with us!


    Right! We want to get closer to you, senior!


    Min Ju-hee was especially popr among the girls, probably because of her down-to-earth nature, and it seemed like she might have the girl crush appeal too.


    After all, cool women are more liked by other women.


    Umm?


    However, Min Ju-hee sneakily nces in my direction. It seemed like she was hesitant because she didnt want me to join a drinking session against my will.


    And honestly, I didnt want to join them.


    But that didnt mean I particrly preferred having a meal or drinks with only my senior either.


    After all, earlier on we had the assignment as a topic, so it didnt matter what we talked about, but it is different now.


    Its okay.


    As I nod and assure her its no problem, her lips slightly lift into a smile and she yfully hits my back.


    What now, I thought youd hate such a thing?


    I do hate it.


    But it would be somewhat wrong to ruin the mood now, wouldnt it?


    Besides, it wouldnt be a big deal if I eventually vanished from the group drinking halfway through.


    Actually, I was counting on that, so I could ept it all without much thought.


    The bar was decided as the ce where the others wanted to go, not the original ce we had in mind. They said we absolutely had to go because they had already made this reservation over the phone and spoke about how nice the food there is.


    Meals arent avable at this time.


    As we entered the bar, found a seat, and sat down, the server spoke to us with a smile.


    Should we leave?


    Senior Ju-hee seriously said because she couldnt leave me hungry for too long but I shook my head.


    Its fine, Ill get filled with a few snacks and a beer.


    The others had already eaten, so they came to the bar specifically for drinks and ordered beer along with some dry snacks and sds.


    What kind of sd is this?


    Though I thought that, it appeared to be a simple Caprese sd with tomatoes and cheese artfully arranged on lettuce leaves, topped with some sauce.


    It wasnt to my liking though.


    The kids were either smoking or off to the bathroom for the girls to freshen their makeup, all leaving a gap in the talks.


    Senior Ju-hee went off to smoke and handed me the menu, telling me to get something to eat.


    The menu was filled with numerous types of alcohol for about two pages and then when I flipped the side dishes section.


    Ah


    Dried snacks, French fries, sausage and rice cakes, pizza, sd, nachos, assorted sausages and more.


    There really was a wide array of side dishes in this ce.


    I wasnt one who is usually this picky about food, but for some reason I didnt even feel like eating a single thing here.


    Not great?


    Choi Yiseo, who had been sitting close to Ahn Hyeon-ho, subtly moved to a seat next to me.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho had gone off to smoke with a couple others so he wasnt seated here.


    Umm, I wonder if they can add rice to the assorted sausages? Maybe with kimchi?


    Can that happen?


    Choi Yiseo looked at me as if I had said something absurd to her.


    I wish I could buy some instant rice now.


    While feeling regretful, I scanned the menu when Choi Yiseo pointed at pizza.


    You dont like pizza?


    Well, pizza is just a thinyer of dough with cheese and pepperoni on top.


    Its not that I dont like it. Its just not a meal for me.


    There is no use in calling me picky.


    I am a Korean who thrives on the power of rice.


    Well, I knew it from the way you were looking at the menu.


    Having gone through the day of pork stir-fry and pork cutlet, Choi Yiseo shook her head as if she was dizzy.


    I decided to ignore that and maybe fill myself up with some dry snacks and beer.


    Are you really dating senior Ju-hee?


    Choi Yiseo rested her chin on her hand, and asked in a low voice so that the others around the table couldnt hear it.


    No, we were just together for a group project.


    I had a feeling that Choi Yiseo had approached me with an ulterior motive, like thest time, so these questions didnt really do anything to me.


    Really?


    It seemed like she was relieved at that, but it wasnt because she saw me as a normal person.


    Hmm.


    I got this feeling that she was d, and that meant she had some other reason. Ever since the ex-girlfriend had been brought up, Oh Yoon-ji, Choi Yiseos attitude had been a tad unsettling.


    And.


    This time she drew closer and whispered.


    Be careful of Hyeon-ho. He was famous for being a bully in high school and he doesnt seem to like you that much.


    Im telling you because were in the same department, I dont want to create a weird atmosphere by having two students from the same department fighting.


    Well, I know that.


    Because he has been busy writing posts insulting me as Anonymous287 on the Bamboo Forest.


    I nod and reply that I get it, to which Choi Yiseo sighed.


    I thought that she might have another question, but this time, it was something else.


    Do you know about the Bamboo Forest?


    The anonymousmunity of Gahyeon University?


    As soon as I answered, her lips tilted up a little. She seems happy that I know about this.


    Do you visit it often?


    Sometimes? There are fun people and posts whiche up.


    What is this?


    Why did Choi Yiseo suddenly decide to speak about the Bamboo Forest?


    I see.


    Your question is kinda weird?


    I was about to ask more when


    What is it?


    Ahn Hyeon-ho and his friends, who were done smoking, returned and Choi Yiseo moved back to her seat.


    What were you two talking about? It seemed fun?


    Sitting down with a smile, Ahn Hyeon-ho asked, though his smile was forced, and the look in his eyes said that he thought that I was up to something unfavorable.


    Just talking.


    So, what about?


    If it had been just Ahn Hyeon-ho and me, the atmosphere would have turned hostile.


    What now? Is Ahn Hyeon-ho jealous?


    Are you trying for Yiseo? Our Yiseo is off limits!


    Look at him get all serious! Using his authority on the ss rep of all, insane!


    Ah, what are you saying? I just wanted to join their conversation.


    The students whom we came with passed it off with thoughtlessughter, and as the beer we ordered arrived, the subjects of conversation all changed.


    Woojin, what did you order?


    Aftering back from her cigarette break, senior Ju-hee tapped me on the shoulder and asked. Judging from the perfume scent which emanated from her, it seemed like she tried to mask the scent of smoke out of manners.


    Im fine just filling it with beer.


    I would feel sorry if you did that.


    Its alright.


    And time passed after that.


    After drinking a lot, senior Ju-hee kept apologizing and telling me to fill my stomach with the beer.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho also seemed to subtly get Choi Yiseo to drink through the drinking games.


    I lightly responded to what senior Ju-hee said, making space for the girls in the department to open up and talk to senior Ju-hee.


    They thanked me and quickly took my ce.


    Now then.


    It is time to slip away.


    I sent a quick message to senior Ju-hee and sneaked out.


    Has it been around an hour?


    I did drink a little, but I wasnt stumbling or too drunk to control my body.


    Ah, Im starving.


    Despite having had some beer and snacks, I wasnt feeling full, rather I felt even hungrier.


    Just as I was about to head to the convenience store nearby.


    Where are you going?


    Choi Yiseos voice came from behind.


    ncing back, I saw Choi Yiseo looking at me nkly.


    Considering that shed drunk a few sses more than me, yet showed no change in her expression, shows that she has a high tolerance to alcohol.


    Why are you here?


    Ahn Hyeon-ho kept trying to make me drink, it was annoying so I left.


    That sounds like you ruined the mood.


    It wasnt that bad.


    But Choi Yiseo, saying it wasnt wrong, thrust her hands into her coat pockets and turned her head.


    I want to be someone who can clearly say no when I dont like something.


    The fact that her sentence began with I want to meant that she hasnt been able to do it then?


    More importantly, where are you going? Sneaking off by yourself, were you nning on going home?


    Ah, Ive sent a message to senior Ju-hee.


    How about your stomach? Did you eat enough?


    It seems like she remembered that I said I wanted to have something.


    No, so Im heading over to the convenience store.


    Pointing to the store in front of us as I spoke, I waved my hand to her.


    Then, take care.


    As I stepped in the store and was deciding on what to eat, Choi Yiseo followed me in.


    What will you eat?


    Ramen and the triangle kimbap.


    Sounds nice.


    For Choi Yiseo, who has been working out for her body profile shoot, it might be somewhat cruel to see me choose this menu.


    I was about to ask why she wasnt heading home now, but then I remembered that I hadnt asked about the Bamboo Forest matter earlier.


    Lets eat together. Ill buy, so pick something.


    Offering to join in the little luxury that a convenience store offers, Choi Yiseo smiled and responded.


    Whenever Im with you, I end up snacking on more food.


    So dont you want to eat? Its rare for me to buy anything.


    Thats true.


    I dont buy things for others.


    Choi Yiseo, finding my words ridiculous, grabbed a spicy vored ramen and said.


    Kimbap too?


    Itll make you fat.


    Choi Yiseo, as if she was provoked by my words, snatched up a tuna triangle kimbap.


    After paying, we sat facing each other at a table outside, waiting for the ramen to cook.


    The PT is going to be so mad at me.


    Choi Yiseo said with a bitter smile. I thought that there was a slightly awkward atmosphere, but neither of us were the type to force another into conversation.


    We just checked our phones.


    [Unread: 46]


    Woah.


    Upon checking, I realized that I havent checked into the Bamboo Forest for several hours now, so when I logged in I found many messages awaiting me.


    The important thing was that they were all sent by the same person.


    As expected, Anonymous69.


    -Anonymous69: Are you upset, admin?


    -Anonymous69: Please respond, I said I was sorry earlier.


    -Anonymous69: Its okay if you arent a frail, pale beauty too.


    -Anonymous69: Or are you actually a frail, pale beauty?


    -Anonymous69: Soy sauce, milk, carton of egg.


    -Anonymous69: Assignment due tomorrow.


    Now theyre just using it as their personal notepad, knowing just exactly how to push my buttons.


    I wanted to unblock them but that would be unfair.


    Without responding, I ignored the messages and looked up.


    Choi Yiseo looked as if she was checking her phone and was too sad.


    Is something up?


    Feeling something odd like wanting to throw the phone away, my hand trembled.


    The ramen is done.


    I spoke as I separated the chopsticks and thanks to me, Choi Yiseo put her phone down and began eating the ramen.


    It isnt fully cooked?


    Right.


    Actually, it was slightly undercooked, but Choi Yiseos expression had changed back to normal.


    After a couple of bites, I got to the main point.


    Why did you bring up the topic of the Bamboo Forest?


    You remember it?


    Choi Yiseo, who had casually asked about the Bamboo Forest during the drinking session. It was a question that came out of the blue and when I asked her about that it caused her to look down at her ramen and confess.


    Yoon-jis high school friends.


    Oh Yoon-ji.


    The name of the girl I dated and broke up with during the first semester has beening up too frequently now.


    It seems like theyre nning something because theyll write about you on the anonymous Bamboo Forest.


    Even if its anonymous, only the Universitys students can use it.


    Choi Yiseo didnt answer, but this was enough of an answer for me.


    High school ssmates of Oh Yoon-ji, who are also students in Gahyeon University, one who is already right in front of me having ramen.


    Well, just be careful. If you see the post on the site, tell the admin immediately to delete it, okay?


    I couldnt tell what kind of rtionship this woman had with her friends from high school, but it didnt seem like a good one.


    Was she worried about me?


    Choi Yiseo started eating her ramen, looking a bit more rxed.


    Ah, I really hope they prepared it well.


    I dont know what nonsense people will say there, but I hope that they all grit their teeth at night in hatred and thump the keyboard loudly.


    I wanted to show them how futile the act of sniping on someone was, and my fingers were itching to do just that.


    The long post they had painstakingly prepared and pieced together.


    The pleasure of waking up in the morning, yawning, and then deleting it in just three seconds.


    Anonymous69. This is what sex is like.

 Chapter 10: Running Mate

    Chapter 10: Running Mate


    Hmmm.


    I felt a bit of an odd sense of dj vu as I looked down at my phone.


    Specifically, it was an odd look at the Bamboo Forest site that appeared on my phone screen.


    Why havent I seen it recently?


    Anonymous69.


    In other words, Seo Yerin hasnt been posting on the bulletin board recently.


    There was a time when she was acting like she would die if she didnt post it, so it was somewhat worrying that she suddenly vanished.


    Was I overthinking this?


    The way I see it, Seo Yerin seemed to relieve the stress she faced in reality by saying the things she never would in real life as Anonymous69.


    All the same, if she resolved that in reality, there would be no reason to venture into the Bamboo Forest.


    Did she get a boyfriend?


    It was all a shot in the dark, but perhaps it wasnt that strange.


    Well, its a good thing that the Bamboo Forest got cleaner with one spammer disappearing.


    Actually, some users were also saying that it was nice that the persistent posts by Anonymous69 have vanished.


    The problem is.


    Should it be called the conservation of fools?


    As soon as Anonymous69 vanished, one more stood out.


    It was none other than Anonymous287.


    It was Ahn Hyeon-ho, a student in the English Language and Literature Department.


    -Anonymous287: How about just bumping into someones shoulder for starters? If you dont apologize and smirk as you pass by, wouldnt that piss the other person off?


    He was asking almost daily in the Bamboo Forest about ways to pick fights with other people without making others feel too badly.


    The important thing was that he thought this was helpful, and among the users of Forest, thements were frequently made.


    -Anonymous209: Thats just being tantly rude. Isnt it better to subtly make them feel bad?


    -Anonymous11: No, no this person just intentionally wants to stir things up. But since the opponent is aplete coward, they are tantly picking a fight.


    -Anonymous209: Ah, for real?


    -Anonymous11: This person always brings in their own way to pick fights that they think of. It is kind of interesting to watch. They are useful.


    -Anonymous75: Agree, there are a lot of tant ones. I tried what this person suggested thest time and well, it worked out good. It was satisfying to see them fuming over something which was the bare minimum which they couldnt evenin about.


    -Anonymous287: Ha, I just wish they would throw the first punch so I could have no regrets. I am confident I could beat them with a smile under the guise of self-defense.


    -Anoymous287: Moreover, it seems like theyre dating a senior from our department. Shit, why are they eyeing someone elses girl.


    They arent some eelementary school kids.


    Calling the police would only escte the situation, potentially leading to a settlement and if things go wrong, even a criminal record.


    It really felt like dealing with a child, hoping that I would start the fight first.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho had been making annoying remarks recently, or had a tendency to hit and run away.


    Seeing this actually makes me think less of it.


    Since hes fully expressing his thoughts here, it makes me feel absolutely nothing.


    Even if he picked a fight with me, he is the one who ends up feeling anxious about it.


    -Anonymous90: When is the sex oneing? Why dont I see them anymore?


    -Anonymous11: You want to see him?


    -Anonymous90: They are fun.


    -Anonymous11: Go jerk off, you virgin.


    -Anonymous90: ? why are you picking a fight?


    -Anonymous11: Its fun.


    -Anonymous243: Honestly, isnt my step sister practically my girlfriend?


    -Anonymous65: Bullshit.


    Euh.


    All these posts areing up.


    Hoping that the members of the Bamboo Forest will help me out. I wonder if Ahn Hyeon-ho can really make me angry.


    <em>Ding-dong!</em>


    While I was somewhat managing the Bamboo Forest, the doorbell rang. It wasnt a visitor, but it seemed like a delivery had arrived.


    As soon as I received the package and opened it, there was a pair of ck running shoes inside that Choi Yiseo had rmended to mest time.


    Hmm, not bad?


    They looked good in the pictures, and I quite like them. Trying them on and jumping in ce, I felt a sudden urge to go for a run.


    Ah. She asked for a photo.


    Choi Yiseo had asked me to send a photo via Kakaotalk once the running shoes arrived. I sent a photo of me wearing them and a couple minutester, a reply came back.


    ss rep: Come outside


    Kim Woojin: ?


    Suddenly?


    ss rep: If you got running shoes, you should try running in them. Hurry up ande. Ill run with you.


    Is she really trying to make me her workout buddy?


    Have I just caught the bait she threw?


    I dont hate it.


    Honestly, because there was an impulse inside me wanting to try out the new running shoes I just bought, I couldnt refuse.


    Shhh.


    Since she also tried to help me regarding the ex-girlfriend, Oh Yoon-ji.


    Kim Woojin: Where?


    ss rep: Lets meet in 10 minutes at the starting point of the stream and walk away.


    Kim Woojin: No no, 20.


    ss rep: If you answer like that one more time, youll regret it when we meet.


    Kim Woojin: Too far.


    I couldnt help but be suddenly polite, thinking of Choi Yiseo looking down at the phone coldly.


    ss rep: How long will it take?


    Kim Woojin: 20 mins.


    ss rep: Then if you run, it will take 5 minutes. Lets meet in 10. If yourete, you buy dinner.


    Kim Woojin: Stop being unreasonable


    But the number 1 on myst message never disappeared. It seems Choi Yiseo has already started getting ready to leave.


    Ah, seriously.


    I felt the urge to put on the shoes and run but I never expected that such a sudden situation will arise.


    Although I was shocked, I quickly changed into my workout attire and went out on the walking path.


    Oh, 9 minutes.


    Huff! It feels like Ive run on everything, right?


    What now?


    I managed to run here in just under 10 minutes but honestly, I felt exhausted. I felt the urge to stop but Choi Yiseo fiddled with her smartwatch and exined.


    Lets just run for about 10 minutes for now. We wont go too fast and lets run at a pace which suits you.


    Ive run for 10 minutes already.


    It took 9 minutes, but why doesnt it count that I had to run all the way here?


    That was a warm-up.


    Isnt warm-up also a part of exercise? I think I ran very hard.


    Fine, fine, lets go.


    Saying so, she patted me on the back making me wonder why she was being this familiar with me, but eventually I was pushed and began to run.


    Youre being too pushy.


    Its for your health. You eat pork belly, pork cutlet, and ramen, so you need to exercise.


    I agree that I had to exercise though.


    Are you still thinking about what you atest time?


    As if.


    While continuing to push on my back, Choi Yiseo gritted her teeth.


    It wasnt me, but the PT who got angry. Asking what I ate to gain weight in just one day.


    Go, go!


    Choi Yiseo, seemingly all the more energetic by the thought of working out, became livelier. Judging by theughter in her voice, she seemed to be enjoying herself.


    It felt more like the joy of running freely than just the pleasure of giving me a hard time.


    After running for a while.


    Aha, how long have we been running?


    20 minutes? We didnt run much though.


    Opposite me, who was panting and trying to catch her breath, Choi Yiseo was stretching her body like she was alright.


    You should continue working out. Your stamina is really bad.


    Huff! Huff!


    How about running with me every morning? What do you think? We could jog in the morning and then head to morning sses together. You have a 9 a.m. ss on Tuesday right?


    Dont you have friends?


    Are you really the one asking me that?


    You said you live with a friend. You can do it with them?


    I decided to change the topic since it would put me at a disadvantage but the response was a bit odd.


    Hmm?


    Choi Yiseos expression darkened swiftly.


    It felt like she didnt want to mention the friend she was sharing a home with.


    Are things with the high school friend not as great as I imagined?


    Though it felt odd, Choi Yiseo nced at me and asked.


    Are you checking the Bamboo Forest board?


    Ah, yes. I check it from time to time.


    In reality, I check it every day.


    Almost every hour at that too.


    Ill text youter.


    There was no need to ask what the message would be. It has to be about sending me a message timed with when Oh Yoon-jis high school friends would target me.


    Is that alright?


    Since wevee this far into the topic I thought I should ask, feeling a tad doubtful. Its almost like betraying her friends.


    Its not because of you.


    At my question, she rubbed her hands and mumbled.


    Looking at what the guys are doing, it feels like watching a cult move. Yoon-ji, the person involved, isnt saying anything, yet they keep ming and bad mouthing you.


    Thats not right. Once the issuees out into the open, Ill gather everyone and talk to them about it. Ill make sure you dont get hurt.


    Its tough having the wrong friends.


    Choi Yiseo was in that situation now.


    Sigh.


    Feeling sorry for her, I patted her on the shoulder and her sweat-drenched blue hair was giving out a refreshing scent to me.


    ?!


    Surprised, she pulls away. She seemed flustered, wondering what I was doing but I decided to change the topic.


    What will you have for dinner? Ill buy.


    My turn to decide then?


    Should we go with rock-paper-scissors then?


    No, Ill decide.


    As I extended my hand, she seemed to remember her previous two defeats which led her to eat oily pork, so she backed down.


    And a sly smile rose.


    Theres this sd ce which is really nice around here. Lets eat there.


    A sd ce that tastes good?


    I frowned at her yful expression as she knew how much I abhorred such food, and so I reached out with my hand.


    Lets do rock-paper-scissors.


    No. Hurry up and follow me.


    Having lost the power to decide, I had no choice but to trudge along behind Choi Yiseo.


    Ugh, Ill buy then.


    Seeing my displeasure, she patted me on the shoulder and I responded with a bright smile.


    Hurry up now, noona (elder sister).


    Ugh.

 Chapter 11: Karaoke

    Chapter 11: Karaoke


    Haaa! Haah!


    Seo Yerin, catching her breath and looking exhausted, sweat dripping for the first time in a while. It was tough, but once it was all done, there was a sense of refreshment and pride.


    You did a great job. Considering that this is your first time, Im surprised at how good your posture was.


    R-really?


    Seo Yerin, ustomed topliments, found it different however when it came to physical movements.


    It was the first time she receivedpliments for exercising, so a proud smile formed on her face.


    Yes, youre really good at it. I think our member Yiseo would be really shocked if she saw this.


    Hehe, I too had fun today.


    Seo Yerin, introduced to the personal trainer by rmendation of Choi Yiseo, met with a female trainer. Thanks to that, she came across someone with a good personality who taught her the exercises in detail.


    Seo Yerin liked it a lot when during exercises or when using the workout equipment, everything was exined one by one, including why she had to do it, the structure of the body, and the muscles involved.


    Heading to the shower, Seo Yerin looked her body over in the mirror.


    Even though she had just started working out, she felt somewhat different.


    Uh, haha.


    She had always thought she had a pretty body. She didnt exercise, but she paid attention to her diet every day and did simple stretches.


    The PT also praised her, saying that her body was really pretty even without working out.


    Right? Not that bad, right?


    But what about this version of herself?


    No appeal?


    Ugh.


    Seo Yerin grumbled to herself recalling the message from the admin.


    Though they were strangers, it was precisely for that reason that she could show a side of herself which she couldnt show anyone else.


    She could reveal her true nature which even her parents arent aware of.


    It wasfortable.


    The fact that she could reveal herself to someone who didnt even know her, feltfortable and safe to her.


    An Admin she barely exchanged a few words with.


    Probably a man. He didnt bother denying when teased about having a girlfriend.


    She didnt know which grade or major he was in, but that made it even better.


    Hehehe.


    Thinking about it, she hadnt been able to enter the Bamboo Forest due to being swamped with assignments.


    Eager to upload a post in the Bamboo Forest, her fingers itched as she quickly washed up andunched the Bamboo Forest while drying her hair.


    The Bamboo Forest was the same as usual.


    ncing down, there were a few people who missed her or were happy she vanished, nicknaming her the Sex God.


    The Bamboo Forest wasnt entirely incapable of whats colloquially known as amunity bond.


    But in the end, perhaps because they are all students at the same University, there werent many people you get along with in themunity.


    The names were all anonymous with only numbers attached, so bing a known figure there wasnt easy.


    Am I known?


    The thought of bing a known figure called the SEX GOD in the Bamboo Forest made her shoulders shake with pride.


    She wondered what the admin would think about it and was also excited.


    Perhaps they were sighing, just like the messages they sent.


    Heh.


    Thinking about it made her feel good, like some grade schooler wanting to y a prank on their crush.


    Then I should announce myeback.


    Listen up!


    Open up!


    The Sex Chaser has returned!


    The moment she confidently typed on her phone, wearing just her panties in the gyms changing room.


    -Senior Han-kang: Yerin, are you done with your workout?


    Her bubbling excitement cooled rapidly. The sensation ofing back to reality didnt feel good to her.


    Thinking about it, she brushed his call off earlier by saying she was going to work out.


    It was clear that she was disying ack of interest, so why is this still happening?


    Seo Yerin sighed, and yet the message she sent didnt reflect her feelings.


    -Seo Yerin: Yes, Im done.


    -Senior Han-kang: The guys and I decided to head to karaoke, you want to join us?


    Karaoke?


    That sounds nice.


    She wanted to sing the song from the anime she watched yesterday, but that would just render the atmosphere awkward for her.


    Add to the fact that it was Senior Han-kang who asked her, it didnt seem that weing.


    But.


    -Senior Min-woo: Yerin, what are you doing now?


    -Senior Jin-sung: Hi?


    -Senior Jeong-min: I want to go home, in the middle of the lecture now. Where are you?


    While she was working out, Seo Yerin sighed as she checked the flood of messages in her inbox.


    There was a senior who had confessed and been politely rejected, but there were also those who, perhaps because she didnt speak firmly, hadnt given up yet.


    I need to make it clear.


    But she couldnt do it.


    She wanted to tell them firmly to stop contacting her, but she was worried about how It might affect her image in the department.


    Senior Han-kang: Everyone from the department is here. We will be hanging out with members of the student council.


    Senior Han-kang seemed to be the best option. After all, the student council members were there too.


    I was going to thank Yiseo for introducing me to the PT, so this works out well.


    Since its the student council, there would be other close friends there, and not just Choi Yiseo.


    Seo Yerin: Yes, Ille.


    In the end, Seo Yerin typed out her response with an impassive face, hiding her true feelings.


    Sigh.


    Brushing her slightly damp hair back, she entered the Bamboo Forest again and shouted.


    -Anonymous69: Ah, I wanna have sex so baaaad!


    The roar announcing the return of the Sex God was truly amazing.


    -Anonymous90: You have returned, JOAT!


    -Anonymous11: Damn, the forums are going to get dirty again. Whats the admin doing?


    -Anonymous69: Jerk


    -Anonymous123: LOLLLLL


    -Anonymous75: Admin is going to drag this one to the room of truth now.


    -Anonymous69: Getting ready to getid in the room of truth.


    -Anonymous82: Werent you blocked before? Guess youll be blocked again.


    -Anonymous90: The Dark Knight of Gahyeon University, Even the admin cannot handle JOATs desire.


    -Anonymous11: These types are usually losers who cannot even get to a brothel house. Seriously, what is the admin even doing?


    Ah, I am getting so many responses?


    Normally such tant spamming would get her banned, but today her hit rate was good.


    -Anonymous69: Currently sucking up to the admin.


    Since she didnt specify what it was, maybe she wouldnt get banned.


    The admin knows that banning her would only make things more troublesome.


    Ah.


    Anonymous69 doesnt need to consider the feelings of others or notice their reactions.


    How fun!


    Although Anonymous69 was definitely Seo Yerin herself.


    For some reason, she truly wanted to embody Anonymous69.<hr>


    What is this?


    Why am I here?


    Though I am puzzled, I needed to face the current situation.


    I am spending time at a karaoke bar with the English Literature students, the student council, and seniors.


    Dont forgeeettttt! Every thingggg about youuuuu!


    The seniors loud singing was shocking. He looked like a quiet person with sses, but he transformed once he grabbed the microphone.


    I was feeling a bit sorry that I havent even memorized names even though its already the second semester.


    Sorry.


    Choi Yiseo, who was sitting next to me, turned slightly and whispered.


    Of course she should apologize.


    Dont turn your head towards me. He is ring at us.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, who was mingling with the seniors across from us, was watching us with the gaze of a hawk.


    He must be worried that we might do something.


    Im sorry for that too.


    Choi Yiseo must know that Ahn Hyeon-ho had his eye on her.


    But it seemed like she couldnt outright refuse him due to their positions as the Department representative and vice representative.


    Well, it is a bitte, but to exin how I ended up in this situation


    After eating at a sd ce rmended by Choi Yiseo, we were on our way home when we happened to run into a group.


    We had no choice but to join them in order to deny the persistent questioning about whether we were out on a date or not.


    Saying we werent up for it would mean that we didnt want them to interrupt our time alone.


    I can just leave after a while.


    Just like thest time at the bar, slipping away in the middle would be enough.


    Yiseooooo! Its really not that we left you out! You know that right? It just happened that everyone there was a student council member!


    I get it, I understand.


    Really? Youre not upset? Id feel rather bad if you were. We should hang out together next time!


    Thats fine. I saw your message earlier. I just didnt respond because I was eating.


    Choi Yiseo was about to stand up, thinking it was the perfect timing as she started to get hassled by other girls from the student council.


    Hello.


    The karaoke room door opened and in walked Seo Yerin. Just by entering, she brought a subtle warm fragrance into the heated room.


    Yerin,e over here.


    Han-kang, the organizer of this gathering, quickly seated Seo Yerin in the empty seat beside him.


    Seo Yerin, who was suddenly pulled aside, looked visibly ufortable.


    But, since there were many people around, Seo Yerin being there didnt seem that out of ce.


    The college students, who were tipsy, were thrilled by the arrival of the pretty girl, and swarmed around her.


    Yerin, can you sing well?


    Woah, Im curious. Can you please sing once?


    Have you eaten?


    The fact that she had showered seemed to excite the men around, making them bolder than usual in their approach.


    Ahem.


    However, in front of them was senior Han-kang.


    Senior Han-kang, with a cough and a friendly smile, pushed away every one of thepetitors clinging to the flower named Seo Yerin.


    Yerin, you said you have been working out. Arent you exhausted?


    He overtly appeals to her by mentioning the information that she had been working out, implying that they have been in touch.


    It was a clear deration that, unlike the others, he alone was inmunication with her.


    Utterly disgusting.


    Was this some sort of battle of the male species?


    What fiercepetition.


    Meanwhile, its funny that Ahn Hyeon-ho continued to nce at Seo Yerin.


    After lightly nudging Choi Yiseo, who was being harassed by the girls, with a finger, I then gestured to Ahn Hyeon-ho with my chin.


    I smiled, with a look that said, look how a boy that likes her is getting distracted by another girl.


    Dont tease me.


    But Ahn Hyeon-ho, with only a brief nce, red at me for teasing him and bit down on his lip hard.


    I thought it was over, but then he hit me hard with an air fist.


    Is it because he works out?


    I should have just stayed put and not provoked him.


    With that thought in mind, I tried to find the right timing to leave but Seo Yerins side turned lively again.


    Woah! Yerin is going to sing!


    Cut off Han Ho-jungs song! Damn it, this guy ruined the mood by singing a bad!


    What are you singing?


    Given the karaoke remote, Seo Yerin looked down at it with a troubled expression.


    It didnt look like she wanted to sing and she looked distressed from being pressured by others.


    Choi Yiseo tried to intervene, noticing that Seo Yerin was ufortable, but it didnt really work.


    Just as Seo Yerin was about to push a button,


    <em>Woong!</em>


    Seo Yerins phone that was beside her vibrated. What was important was that the person who saw it flinched and then grabbed it.


    A faint smile spread across her lips as she checked who it was.


    I have an important call to make, so Ill be right back.


    Seo Yerin got up and quickly waded through the entire crowd to go out.


    Ahh, what is this!


    Ha, look at the timing.


    But what kind of call got her that excited?


    Did she get a package?


    Maybe a boyfriend?


    Ehh, as if.


    Regardless, the boys were all disappointed that they couldnt hear Seo Yerins singing.


    What kind of message was sent?


    Maybe there is only one who knows, and thats me.


    Because I am the one that sent it.


    -Admin: Do you want to die for real?


    -Admin: Answer within 10 seconds. Or else a perma ban.


    I deliberately sent a 1:1 inquiry using the post that was made earlier to talk trash about me.


    Actually, I wanted to ignore it.


    Sigh.


    It was because the sight of her shrinking back, looking pitiful in front of the boys, was just too sad to see.


    No one might know it, and Seo Yerin who received that help might not know it either. But I was feeling a little proud to have helped someone who was in trouble.


    Immediately, a response from Seo Yerin came through to my phone, which was set to silent mode.


    -Anonymous69: Meanieeeee Admin Meanieeeeeeee!!


    Shit.


    Did I just help her for nothing?

 Chapter 12: Just In Case

    Chapter 12: Just In Case


    -Anonymous69: Thank youuuuuuu!


    Ah, fuck.


    It wasnt a bad idea to send a message to Seo Yerin to help her escape a tricky situation, but the number of inquiries which came to me were no joke.


    Anyway, even if I just look at my phone, people here in the karaoke room wouldnt care much.


    But still, isnt it a bit of an odd feeling?


    -Anonymous69: Hey admin, where do you live? Choose between top and bottom and I will give you a kidd.


    -Admin: Werent you the one who sexually harassed me in a post? Do you really want to get perma banned?


    -Anonymous69: Weee, please let this slide just once. (shake shake)


    Truly insane.


    I get that she wants to be thought of as a man, but no matter how I see it, it just felt too vulgar to me.


    It was too vulgar for me to just let it slide just because she was enjoying it.


    -Admin: That is really vulgar.


    -Anonymous69: I mean, my heart is fluttering, what do you think?


    -Admin: Are you sure youre a guy?


    Still, knowing that you want to pretend to be a guy, I just continued going with the flow. I didnt want to get caught as the Admin of the Bamboo Forest either.


    -Anonymous69: Because I said my heart flutters?


    -Admin: Are you a girl? And do you expect me to believe that? A girl who talks about sex every day is attending the university?


    In reality, I dont really discriminate between genders, of course, women are allowed to feel that way too.


    But I wanted to reassure her now, so I deliberately spoke as if I was prejudiced.


    -Anonymous69: Girls can feel that way too.


    But maybe that ended up only provoking her more. She seemed to hope that her desires wouldnt be considered an anomaly.


    Sigh, this is getting tough.


    I felt like I had be some sort of psychologist. I didnt harbor any special feelings for Seo Yerin, but hadnt I just seen a glimpse of the life she lives?


    Being swayed around, and the need to be a good person might have made Anonymous69 more provocative.


    -Admin: Right. That I was mistaken about. Women can be like that too.


    Let us just correct the misunderstanding immediately. It is aplicated feeling of not wanting to reveal ones identity while also not wanting their existence denied.


    Well, I understand.


    Humans areplex creatures, right?


    But doesnt this reveal that shes a woman?


    Since Seo Yerin didnt want to share any information about herself, I thought she wouldnt want to reveal whether she was a man or a woman.


    -Anonymou69: But I am a man.


    The sight of desperately adding more at the end and forcibly covering it up was hrious.


    -Admin: You said your heart is fluttering?


    -Anonymous69: Isnt it gynastia? Hehe.


    Kuak.


    I couldnt help but break into a small chuckle, covering my mouth with my hand. What kind of expression was she making when she was writing this?


    Whatever it was, it was funny.


    Adding gynastia to this, along with a meme known for the unique breathing sound of otakus.


    I couldnt respond because I wasughing uncontrobly, and I felt strange gazes on me.


    Choi Yiseo was staring at me nkly from beside me.


    She had a look of wonder on her face, seeing meugh for the first time since we stepped into the karaoke room.


    Whats so funny?


    While she was being dragged around by the other girls, suddenly they started to sing a T-ears song.


    The atmosphere took a change for sure.


    Choi Yiseo tried to subtly move her hips to the side, but I gestured with my chin for her to go away.


    Hes watching.


    Due to the music he might not hear what were saying but Ahn Hyeon-ho was still ring at us.


    But earlier, he was looking at Seo Yerin.


    Ive been thinking about it.


    Saying so, Choi Yiseo eventually narrowed the distance. She seemed to be in a bad mood.


    Why do we have to be cautious of talking to other friends just because of a guy who isnt even fully interested?


    That


    Right, its not like he confessed to me. Its not like hes loyal to me alone.


    She was referring to how he had looked at Seo Yerin earlier.


    Are you upset about it?


    Wondering if Ahn Hyeon-ho looking at another woman was what made her upset, but then Choi Yiseo hardened her expression and punched my thigh hard.


    AH!?


    I really am going to die.


    What kind of athlete uses their fist so recklessly.


    I mumbled, rubbing my knee, knowing full well she didnt hit me with her full strength.


    Anyway, I get that she wasnt going to be so cautious.


    You should be careful.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho was a bully in high school, isnt that why she told me I have to be cautious?


    Ah, that.


    After a moments thought, Choi Yiseo nced around. And her eyes met Ahn Hyeon-hos for a moment but she quickly turned her head and whispered to me.


    You check the Bamboo Forest often, right?


    I do.


    Anonymous287. You know about that?


    Anonymous287.


    So Ahn Hyeon-ho was the owner of the anonymous ount pouring insults about me in the Bamboo Forest.


    Honestly, I wasnt that shocked.


    If she told me to look at the Bamboo Forest, then Choi Yiseo must be looking at it too.


    Then, there is no way that she wouldnt know what Anonymous287 speaks of.


    Because the posts were clearly targeting me and Choi Yiseo.


    You knew about it, right?


    When I didnt respond much, Choi Yiseo gave me a proud smile.


    Since youre close to him, tell him to stop. Its too obvious.


    I sighed and said, and Choi Yiseo, who looked like she just discovered something nice, covered her mouth and replied.


    Just pretend you dont know. Get it? As you can see, dont bother picking a fight with him for no reason. It looks like if you dont get angry and act first, he wont either.


    Right, right.


    On the contrary, Choi Yiseo seemed to be trying to make Ahn Hyeon-ho even more annoyed by tapping me on the shoulder.


    But, if she didnt care about me, she wouldnt go this far.


    Starting from targeting the high school ssmates, to finding out Ahn Hyeon-ho as Anonymous287.


    Arent we connected by our own secrets?


    That must be what lends it a strange sense of intimacy.


    So what were you looking at?


    Ah.


    I momentarily forgot because of Choi Yiseos interruption, but then I remembered I was texting with Seo Yerin.


    Since theres still no reply, it seemed like she was waiting.


    Just texting someone I know.


    As a friend?


    Not exactly.


    Uh?


    There was a look from Choi Yiseo wondering what I meant, but anyway, I checked my phone. Choi Yiseo subtly leaned back as if saying she wouldnt look at the phone.


    It is a form of consideration, and also a kind of manners.


    Woah.


    As expected, Anonymous69 had delivered a surprisinglyrge number of messages in a short amount of time.


    -Anonymous69: Ignoring me?


    -Anonymous69: Are you joking?


    -Anonymous69: So you ignore me just because I said I am a guy with gynastia.


    -Anonymous69: I am going to screenshot this and pin it on Bamboo Forest.


    -Anonymous69: Are you really ignoring me?


    -Anonymous69: I am actually a girl!


    -Anonymous69: You bastard! I am a popr girl! I get messages from at least three guys every day asking me out for meals!


    -Anonymous69: Trash!


    Huh.


    A smile rose up again. This time, it was clear what expression Seo Yerin would be wearing. Perhaps her face was red with anger.


    -Admin: No, its because I wasughing at you that I didnt see it. Gynastia Anonymous69.


    -Anonymous69: Haha, did I make youugh?


    Look at this, she immediately cheers up at the sound of her being called funny. The chat turned lighter right away.


    -Admin: So, please cut down on pretending to be someone else online. Whats with the 3 messages a day?


    -Anonymous69: Ha, sorry.


    When is Yerining back?


    Right, shes certainly taking a while.


    At that moment, I could hear the boys talking about Seo Yerin. It was about time to let her in.


    -Admin: I will let this slide since you made meugh. But dont make weird jokes with me next time.


    -Anonymous69:


    With thatst sentence feeling somewhat regretful, I casually put my phone away.


    In reality, as soon as I stopped responding, Seo Yerin slowly walked in with an awkward smile.


    Yerin, did you get a call from the PT? It was your first day of PT today right?


    Choi Yiseo subtly called out to Seo Yerin as she entered. Again, she was about to sit next to senior Han-kang but Choi Yiseo naturally brought her to the seat next to her.


    All thanks to a spot bing avable next to me.


    Ah, uh! Right! The instructor was incredibly kind and detailed in their instructions!


    Seo Yerin started talking with Choi Yiseo about the PT and the gym.


    I was feeling tired, pressing my hands over my eyes and letting the chatter of the two women next to me enter one ear and exit the other.


    Ah, I want to go home right now.


    I ended up staying for too long.


    Since I didnt have much presence anyway, I thought about sneaking home by pretending to go to the bathroom.


    Friend.


    A shadow cast in front of me.


    Senior Han-kang, who has gone out of his way toe to me, was wearing a pleasant smile.


    However, it looked so forced that it was dripping with insincerity.


    Due to the sudden action of senior Han-kang, everyones attention was focused on him, the music abruptly stopped, and silence ensued.


    I thought it was because of Seo Yerin.


    Since Seo Yerin, whom he had called, had sat next to Choi Yi-seo, I wondered if he didnt like it, but that wasnt the case.


    Senior Han-kang stood in front of me, looked me straight in the eye and asked,


    Did you call Yerin out?


    Excuse me?


    An unexpected question that sharply pierced my heart. I wondered how he knew but my expression remained stoic at the unexpected question.


    Nothing, I saw you fiddling with the phone when Yerin left.


    And then, as soon as you put the phone down, Yerin came back in?


    His perceptiveness was indeed sharp.


    While getting along so well with everyone and being called nice, the subtle pressure he could put on a person was surely intense.


    Senior, why are you suddenly!


    Yerin, be silent for a moment.


    Ah.


    Seo Yerin who tried to deny it urgently, was intimidated by his sharp remarks and bit her lip.


    While doing so, she looked really apologetic to me.


    Try being the way you are with me.


    Apletely different demeanor from Anonymous69, who is used to throwing odd sexual jokes and acting confidently.


    At senior Han-kangs words, the surrounding students began to mumble. Especially the guys around Ahn Hyeon-ho who began to speak vicious things to me.


    Woah, that sounds creepy. Whats this?


    Why do something unneeded like this and make us all look like weirdos?


    Is this gaslighting or what? Shit, this is the first time I have been made out to look like a fool for suggesting to sing at a karaoke.


    When the guys began to create an odd atmosphere, naturally, the women too looked at me like I was the odd one.


    Thinking the mood was good, senior Han-kang said with a somewhat soft look and a smile.


    No, Im not trying to be mean. I just feel like Ive ended up bing the bad guy now. It seems like the misunderstanding is a bit too much. It wasnt like I forced Yerin toe, I just invited her to hang out with us and.


    <em>Tak.</em>


    Senior Han-kang couldnt continue. The phone I threw at him hit him in the stomach and fell onto his thigh.


    What is this


    To him, who was nkly looking at the phone due to my unexpected actions, I said,


    1234.


    I told him the pin of my phone.


    Check it. See if there is Seo Yerins number in the phone or any messages from her.


    Hurry up now, I already gave you the pin.


    Suddenly standing up, I looked down at the senior, who was seated at the table.


    You wont?


    Sorry, but I didnt save the numbers of anyone from our department in my phone. We might be friends in the group chat, but I stored nobodys number.


    Of course, I never texted Seo Yerin personally either.


    All the talks we had were through the Bamboo forest, anonymously.


    Even if by some chance, senior Han-kang goes insane and opens the Bamboo Forest and finds out that I am the administrator.


    He wouldnt know that Anonymous69 is Seo Yerin.


    The whispers were getting on my nerves.


    Is it going to be that way?


    Yah.


    I found myself speaking a little out of line without realizing it.


    Now why dont you try that, you fucker.

 Chapter 13: A Good Day

    Chapter 13: A Good Day


    The atmosphere in the karaoke room turned chilly in an instant.


    Normally, there was no intention to escte things this roughly, but it was because of Ahn Hyeon-ho and the other boys constantly mumbling, looking for a moment to intervene in this.


    And because senior Han-kang in front had somehow provocatively stirred something within.


    Holding my phone, the senior fell into deep thought. The moment he checks it, there is no turning back.


    Crossing the line to confirm beyond this point meant having to see this through the end.


    Senior Han-kang met my gaze.


    The smile had vanished from his lips and he looked at me expressionlessly, as if trying to read my mind.


    Whether I was being baselessly bold or truly had nothing to fear.


    Open it.


    Urging him on like that, senior Han-kang eventually let out a light chuckle and then lightly patted me on the shoulder.


    Eh, I was joking. A joke. Let us not do strange things and spoil the mood.


    Did he choose to back down?


    Well, I knew he would, of course, if he really went through with it here, he would have a lot to lose. And he wouldnt like being humiliated in front of Seo Yerin.


    Right, Woojin. Whats with cursing a senior?


    Haha! No way, senior, what are you? Sherlock? How did you catch that? Your observation is amazing!


    Other students were reacting from behind like the audience at a broadcast station.


    It felt as if the moment just passed as if it could be lightly overlooked and I turned slightly to the side.


    Choi Yiseo tried to mediate by grabbing and firmly pulling on my sleeve, telling me to tolerate it and Seo Yerin just bowed her head, her expression invisible.


    But, her shoulders were visibly trembling.


    What is it?


    It was somewhat


    Unpleasant to see that.


    I had no feelings for Seo Yerin.


    But I did have some feelings for Anonymous69. The one who caused the most trouble, spammed, and spread odd photos.


    One could say that she is a troll deserving to be ignored. But who doesnt have a story if they are human?


    Now I somewhat sympathize with how Seo Yerin, a girl thats loved by all, turned into Anonymous69, and why she had no choice but to be pushed to such a corner.


    And because of that.


    <em>Tap.</em>


    I brushed off senior Han-kangs hand on my shoulder and said,


    I get that youre trying to hit on a pretty girl but dont cause trouble for others.


    Woojin, youre crossing the line here.


    Senior Han-kangs expression stiffened. Smiling, he was trying to contain the situation and step back, but I forcibly cornered him.


    Is she your girlfriend? Are you dating? If not, whats with this jealousy? Frankly, what would you do if I called her out separately?


    Does our Woojin have some special feelings for Yerin? Youre really putting in the effort, huh?


    Do not change the subject here you fucker, unless you want me to rip your mouth open.


    Special feelings my ass. It isnt like I have even talked to her as much. Its all because you look pathetic. Like a dog trying to getid, wagging its tail and jerking off.


    Haa, you dont understand our rtionship


    I dont care. So what?


    <em>Huu.</em>


    I took a deep breath.


    If there was a cigarette, I would have wanted to smoke it, the thought of hitting him was so strong in my mind.


    Well, hes a non-smoker, after all.


    Using your senior position to summon juniors and then act all high and mighty. nning to ply them with drink until they ckout from all the drinking and then take them over to a motel?


    What could be the words that represent Seo Yerins feelings without causing harm to her?


    Pathetic guy.


    I choose my words carefully as if throwing shit in the right part of the river.


    As a man, how embarrassing it is to see, bastard.


    <em>Kwang!</em>


    Shoving past him, I rushed out of the karaoke room.


    It isnt a great atmosphere, surely. Now that Im gone, they will all start bad-mouthing me too.


    Rumors will grow and people in the department will start to whisper.


    But what does it matter?


    It isnt like I have friends anyway.


    Rumors only matter if you have people close to you.


    Having no friends makes me invincible.


    .


    Damn it.<hr>


    Huh.


    The karaoke room which Kim Woojin just left.


    Voices carried over the mic, and the next oneined about the fight.


    Absurd. Look at how delusional he was being all by himself.


    Bro, do you think I should have just grabbed that jerk?


    Dont let that get to you, senior Han-kang. That kid is a loner so he cant read the room.


    Students wereforting him. But he couldnt even smile.


    Why?


    Haa, I feel like shit.


    To be honest.


    It was spot on.


    He knew that Seo Yerin was kind to others, but somewhat timid around men.


    That is why he would call her out like this once in a while, go with the flow and end up drinking together.


    And when she got drunk, obviously he was nning to take her to a motel.


    Considering she said she worked out, she must have been more tired. And he thought she would finally fall asleep quickly after a couple of drinks and he judged it as the right moment.


    Kim Woojins eyes, which had seen through his, still lingered on his mind.


    The desire, hidden within the smile, and excessive kindness was too cleanly exposed to a first year junior.


    Such a shame.


    For Han-kang, it had been a long while since he felt such shame.


    Haha, honestly, Im feeling a bit dizzy.


    He took an awkward look at Seo Yerin, who was unable to form her usual smile properly.


    She was staring nkly at the karaoke room door which Kim Woojin had just exited, and that somehow made him feel unpleasantly strange.


    Yerin, you know that he misunderstood right? I just wanted to be close to you and nothing more.


    Ah, yes.


    At least she doesnt mind.


    Seo Yerin was unable to fully understand the situation which happened. And he knew that if he pushed her more, something else would happen.


    Sigh.


    Kim Woojins eyes which had pierced through him didnt leave his mind.


    Especially when looking at Seo Yerin, it felt like the voice of someone who forcibly exposed the ws to others echoed.


    Guys, I apologize but I will leave.


    Han-kang shook off the other students holding on to him and stepped out.


    The mood is totally ruined.


    Kim Woojin, just because hes involved in that one thing, what is this?


    Haa, so ridiculous.


    It wasnt a situation to be singing in anymore. In the end, as the atmosphere settled, everyone added a few words to curse Kim Woojin.


    Is it really Woojins fault?


    Choi Yiseo crossed her arms with a reluctant expression.


    Of course, Woojins words are harsh, but from what I saw, wasnt the senior forcibly approaching Yerin? And wasnt it senior that first pushed Woojin making him look weird?


    Whats with you, Yiseo?


    Is our Yiseo drunk?


    The female students all clung to her, trying to stop her but she refused to back down.


    I didnt even drink, so how on earth will I get drunk? And I am not wrong about this. It isnt that Woojin did that, but it doesnt seem like senior Han-kang is a victim in this either.


    Yah, Choi Yiseo.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho red at her with a cold look.


    Kim Woojins words werent just for Han-kang. During his diatribe, Kim Woojin would turn to gaze at Ahn Hyeon-ho too.


    As if he was speaking to them.


    Are you dating him or something? Why are you taking his side? Someone who cursed at a senior and ruined the moodpletely.


    Sigh.


    Choi Yiseo crossed her arms with a sigh. She couldnt do it then in high school.


    That mistake was still wrapped around Choi Yiseos ankles.


    So.


    They will act differently now in college.


    Its about seeing the situation clearly. Not just being swept away under the carpet, but to judge people.


    Choi Yiseo answered calmly, and brushed off the other friends and took hold of Seo Yerins hand.


    Still only looking around wondering how she should react, Seo Yerin had no choice but to follow Choi Yiseo who led her out.<hr>


    Having left the karaoke and receiving a send-off from Choi Yiseo, Seo Yerin flopped onto her bed as soon as she got home.


    A lot had happened today.


    She had to shower, but she didnt feel like it.


    She just wanted to lie down, fall asleep, and wish for this day to end.


    But it was definitely a pleasant day though.


    The lectures were easy to understand, she learned to workout from the PT, earned the title of Sex God in the Bamboo Forest and had fun conversations with the admin.


    Ah, it was truly a good day.


    But in the end, everything was ruined.


    She still vividly remembered when Han-kang and Kim Woojin were fighting.


    She didnt want to see them mocking and swearing at each other in real life, even if it wasmon on the inte.


    Her head was spinning.


    What wrong did she do?


    While thinking about it,


    <em>Woong!</em>


    Her phone rang.


    Could it be senior Han-kang? Or Yiseo who saw her off?


    Or someone else from the department?


    She didnt know.


    She didnt want to check but her hand reached for the phone whose screen lit up the dark room.


    -Admin: Asleep?


    A personpletely unexpected contacted her.


    Uh?


    Seo Yerin was writing a reply the moment she eximed.


    -Anonymous69: ? What is it?


    There was no reason for the admin to contact her directly, since they decided to forgive her for what she posted.


    -Admin: What do you think about the Bamboo Forest?


    Why?


    Their tone seemed unusually gentle. Perhaps that is why, at some point, she wasnt replying as Anonymous69 but as Seo Yerin.


    -Anonymous69: Its fun. You can do whatever you want without anyone knowing who you are.


    -Admin: Right. Although some use that in a bad way, I too like that aspect.


    -Anonymous69: Did something happen today?


    Because, why all of a sudden?


    Why was this guy sending her such a text, and that too in the 1:1?


    But even so, Seo Yerin was engrossed in conversing with the admin.


    In the dark room.


    With the conversation on the phone as the sole source of light.


    It came to her like a single ray of light in the dimness of the day.


    -Admin: Iined a bit because being an admin is tough. You are the one I talk to the most in the 1:1, and the one who gave me the hardest time.


    -Anonymous69: Im sorry.


    -Admin: But, you know. You are also my favourite user.


    Huh?!


    The phone identally slipped out of her hands. Her nose was numb upon touching but she hurriedly checked her phone again.


    -Admin: Sometimes you cross the line, but you are one of the people who enjoy themunity the most and it is a proud thing for me to say as the admin.


    -Anonymous69:


    -Admin: I dont know who you are.


    -Anonymous69: I dont know who you are either.


    -Admin: Yes, that is true.


    We could be friends.


    That one sentence.


    Why did it touch her heart?


    Without even looking at the appearance, qualifications, or the personality of the girl named Seo Yerin.


    Merely hiding behind anonymity.


    Yet, it was genuine precisely because of that. It was a truly mysterious experience. And a touching moment.


    It seemed like they were offeringfort, but at some point, she was the one beingforted.


    -Admin: Im sorry, I had a bit too much to drink and ended up getting emotional. Ill be back to normal by tomorrow so dont post any weird photos.


    -Anonymous69: Ill try.


    -Admin: Lol


    -Admin: Good night.


    With that, the talk with the admin came to an end. She wanted to wish them a good night too, but for some reason that was hard.


    Tears welled up, and her vision blurred so she couldnt see the keyboard.


    Ah.


    After lightly wiping her eyes with her hand, Seo Yerin calmly closed her eyes.


    The end of a not-so-good day.


    Suddenly it felt like it turned for the better, while also bringing back a forgotten part.


    I should apologize.


    To Kim Woojin, who was misunderstood because of her.


    I should also say thank you.


    Even though it was just pouring out her own emotions, she still wanted to express her gratitude.


    She wanted to do that for Kim Woojin.


    She wanted to do it right away; she felt strongly about it.


    Check to see if I have Seo Yerins number or even a Kakaotalk message.


    She recalled Kim Woojins words.


    Right.


    She didnt have Kim Woojins number nor had she put up a chat room with him in it.


    She thought about adding him as a friend in the group chat right away. But she stopped herself.


    Tomorrow.


    Right, tomorrow, when she goes to ss.


    Ill ask him for his number.


    Shell try doing that.

 Chapter 14: The English Department And Karaoke Incident

    Chapter 14: The English Department And Karaoke Incident


    The next day.


    Seo Yerin was attending a lecture early on a Friday morning. Although it is said that the highlight of university life is having free hours, she wondered if it was needed to have them from the first year, so the diligent girl was busy taking notes.


    However, even though her hand was moving, her mind was drifting.


    Ive realized that wanting to meet doesnt mean you can.


    Seo Yerin had intended to go up to Kim Woojin, apologize for what happened yesterday, thank him, and ask him for his number.


    But since their schedules were different, meeting up as soon as she got to the university like in high school wasnt possible.


    What do I do?


    It might get pushed to next week, but she didnt want to dy this meeting so much.


    She wanted to apologize right away.


    We have ovepping lectures on Tuesday.


    There is a mandatory major ss at 9 a.m.. She remembered eating pork bulgogi with Choi Yiseo and Kim Woojin after finishing the lecture.


    Should I wait till then?


    While she was pondering over various things, the lectures ended. Seo Yerin moved on to have lunch with her friends as it was lunchtime.


    Being poor freshmen, they couldnt afford to eat out every day, so today they decided to buy sandwiches or triangle kimbap from the convenience store and eat them on the terrace.


    Yerin, are you alright? I heard there was this huge fight in the karaoke yesterday.


    The other ssmates, who were concerned about Seo Yerin due to the incident, asked after her.


    The important thing was that these ssmates werent at the karaoke.


    The rumors have already spread.


    It seems that the rumors have already spread.


    Seo Yerin asked with a worried look,


    How do you know?


    Just by the rumors going around? Kids were talking among themselves, and it even got posted on the Bamboo Forest.


    On the Bamboo Forest.


    Seo Yerin pulled her phone out to check the Bamboo Forest. There, indeed, was a noticeable post put up.


    -Anonymous46: There were people at the Great Karaoke yesterday. Looking like they were students of the English Department, seeing a junior curse at a senior made me think the world had turned upside down.


    Nowhere did they reveal names and though they spoke as if they were a witness, this was clearly written by a student of the English Department.


    An outsider could have heard the fight but there was no way they would know which department, nor be certain of the senior-junior rtionship.


    A rumor done on anonymity.


    But the countless outpour of replies underneath.


    -Anonymous11: Freshmen of 23ck some sense.


    -Anonymous190: Why were they fighting?


    -Anonymous46: It seemed to be because of a girl. There is a girl who is close to the senior and the junior boy is getting jealous out of no reason and acting out.


    -Anonymous87: How do you know so much about that? Arent you also from the English department?


    -Anonymous31: Everyone in the English department already knows who it is. Its just that a typical loner got to hang out once and got too excited.


    -Anonymous224: Lol.


    <em>Clench.</em>


    Her grip tightened around her phone. It was unbelievable that Kim Woojin suddenly became the perpetrator and was being ridiculed like this.


    Kim Woojin, that guy is not good news.


    Theres a reason hes always alone. Senior Han-kang was misunderstood because of that yesterday.


    Do you know Yoon-ji, who took a leave of absence after attending only one semester? That was also his doing.


    She couldnt believe it.


    No.


    Seo Yerin said it out loud, making them all turn to her.


    Since they were friends she got along with, Seo Yerin took a deep breath and began to exin.


    Woojin helped me.


    Seo Yerin had even put down the sandwich she wanted to eat, and exined about the situation which happened yesterday.


    The friends were shocked, and had no choice but to believe her since it was Seo Yerin who had said it so herself.


    Woojin did that?


    Ah I feel bad for him now. I feel bad talking about him wrongly just based on rumors.


    Right. Senior Han-kang is also a bit of a creep.


    She was thankful for their trust, but that wasnt the issue. The problem was that the rumor had already spread unfavorably and she was worried about how hurt Kim Woojin would be if he saw it.


    This wont do.


    Although she hadnt thought this far, Seo Yerin immediately added Kim Woojin as a friend in the group chat.


    She was originally nning to add him naturally after getting his number, but it seemed like she cant just sit silently here.


    -Seo Yerin: Kim Woojin, its Seo Yerin. Where are you?


    Wanting to meet and talk, Seo Yerin sent the text but


    No answer.


    Seeing that there was no reply made her more worried.


    Maybe his phone was off or even put aside after reading about the rumors.


    Ah, really.


    Seo Yerin buried her face in her hands, letting out a deep sigh.


    She was worried.


    Could it be that Kim Woojin is under unnecessary stress because of her?


    While she was lost in thought, one of her friends, Yu Arin, said,


    Should we do some media y?


    Tying her hair back, she swayed her ponytail like a tail and showed a sly smile.


    Media y?


    How so?


    Well write in the Bamboo Forest too. Saying all that is nonsense. Actually, Han-kang is the bad one.


    Why?


    Yu Arins lips were curling up, enjoying the current situation, thought Seo Yerin.


    Alright, lets do that.


    If it was to clear the false rumors about Kim Woojin any means was needed.


    After all, correcting false information with truth shouldnt weigh on ones conscience.


    Everyone, open up the Bamboo Forest. Download it if you dont have it.


    Ah, this is interesting.


    Feels like Ive turned into a hacker.


    Agent Yu Arin, turning on the Bamboo Forest.


    Under the lead of Yu Arin, Seo Yerins friends turned on the Bamboo Forest and began to flood the message board.


    -Anonymous299: I am a 23 student in the English Department. The Karaoke post wasnt true. It was the senior who hit on the girl first and the junior was protecting her.


    -Anonymous30: I am saying because of the strange rumors going around. Is it fun to spread ill rumors about someone who did good?


    -Anonymous59: Are you kidding me? Is this all what Gahyeon University amounts to? I can understand being bad but to switch the victim and the victim and the perpetrator, is this really the reality?


    Seo Yerin wanted to write a post too.


    She wanted to, but


    The Anonymous69 was holding her back more than ever.


    Unable to do this or that, Seo Yerin was approached by Yu Arin who asked her,


    Yerin, did you write a post to? Just go with the flow without revealing youre the person involved.


    Uh, ah! I-I was going to directly contact the admin.


    Hmm?


    Yu Arin thought Seo Yerins panic was odd but the situation was escting now.


    The reaction didnt take ce in the Bamboo Forest but rather happened in the English Literature Department and the department group chat.


    -Han Hyo-rin: Is the Bamboo Forest buzzing with talk about the English Literature Department right now?


    -Han Hyo-rin: (Photo)


    A screenshot of the Bamboo Forest post is uploaded.


    There were two screenshots, one being the initial karaoke diss and the other was the rebuttal by Seo Yerins friends.


    -Kang Seo-un: It is a bit much that they are making a huge deal out of a small argument between Han-kang and Kim Woojin.


    -Kim Dong-su: This totally ruins the image of the dept. It is one thing for the seniors to know, but it would be another if the professors hear about this.


    -Se Bom: But I heard the rumors that Kim Woojin was at fault? Guess not?


    Woah! Fuck. Did we just make a huge deal out of this?


    Im kind of scared now?


    Seo Yerins friends were causing a mess, thinking they had stirred up something bad, and Seo Yerin was worried too.


    Hehe, this is it. Ah, this.


    The person who caused the situation, Yu Arin, was ted, nodding as she checked between the Bamboo Forest and the group chat.


    Yu Arin, who usually had a light and yful image, seemed to be in a different mood than usual.


    Enjoying the thrill of stepping out of the light and yful image, seemed to be in a different mood than usual.


    Enjoying the thrill of stepping out of her usual routine, she giggled and pointed to the group chat.


    Its out there now.


    -Choi Yiseo: It seems like our department students are the ones spreading the rumors, so please, students of the English Department, dont post on the Bamboo Forest for a while.


    Choi Yiseo, the student representative, stepped in to mediate. Moreover, she dered not to post any strange messages on the Bamboo Forest.


    See, this is why being anonymous is great.


    Yu Arin didnt stop and continued to post. She didnt mention names, but she implied who the victim and the perpetrator were by mentioning seniors and juniors.


    Ah, Arin, isnt this too much?


    Eventually Seo Yerin tried to stop but Yu Arin just shrugged and said.


    He has been unfairly criticized, I need to do this much at least.


    While she did say so, Yu Arin wasnt the kind to care about Kim Woojin. She was the kind to enjoy things for herself.


    During that time, when the Bamboo Forest and the department chat were buzzing.


    All the posts about the English department and the Karaoke incident in the Bamboo Forest were deleted.


    Uh?


    An administrator notice popped up.


    -Admin: The Gahyeon University Bamboo Forest isnt the English Departments bulletin board. From now on, any posts regarding the English Department and karaoke will be blocked.


    If you dont want to get cut off, do not post anything regarding the English Department for a while.


    A strong response from the administrator of the Bamboo Forest.


    The reaction was heated.


    -Anonymous11: Finally, the admin is doing their job. Right, those English majors were quite a sight.


    -Anonymous190: It was fun though. Tsk.


    -Anonymous27: Take a good look at the level of the English Department before they leave.


    -Anonymous46: Absurd. What is the point of an admin controlling things on an anonymous free site?


    -Anonymous287:


    -Anonymous87: Hey, 46, you are an English major right?


    -Anonymous30: Aorry for muddying the waters for you.


    -Anonymous299: I apologize.


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous79: Look at the admins charisma.


    Ah, it was just getting fun.


    Yu Arin was disappointed, but the other students sighed in relief, thinking it was for the best and Seo Yerin felt the same way.


    She sneakily checked the chat but there was no response from Kim Woojin.<hr>


    -Anonymous69: Please delete the posts targeting the English Department. Someone is being falsely used.


    -Anonymous30: I am a student of the English Department, 23, the person who wrote about the karaoke is manipting the facts. In fact the junior was the victim.


    -Anonymous46: There are people contradicting my post, but they are just trolls, you know? Please dont delete my targeted post.


    -Anonymous287: Please delete the post targeting the English Department.


    Seo Yerin must be worried and concerned about Kim Woojin, who scratched his messy bird-nest hair as he looked at the 1:1 inquiry chat.


    There was one among them that caught his eye.


    Anonymous287?


    Even Ahn Hyeon-ho, who was pretending to be so great, sent a 1:1 asking to take down the post regarding the English Department.


    Kim Woojin, who was caught in between the fight of whether he is the victim or perpetrator, saw that the dispute hasnt ended in the anonymous Forest but continued in the English Departments group chat.


    Yawn.


    Having just woken up, Kim Woojin yawned and then checked all the rted posts and deleted them while leaving a notice behind.


    Hey down on the bed again.


    It was a nice Friday with no sses.


    Why are they making such a fuss over over nothing? Just let me sleep.


    For Kim Woojin, who had be the core of this incident, a Friday nap was more important.

 Chapter 15: Soup Kitchen

    Chapter 15: Soup Kitchen


    By the time I woke up, it was already 3 p.m..


    I chuckled looking at the clock, which was telling me I had lost half a day, even as I continued to struggle to move my body.


    Tomorrow is a day off for me too.


    And then.


    The day after is a day off too.


    How nice is this?


    I wondered if there had ever been such joy on my bed at the thought of having the next two days off, just wriggling my waist side to side.


    Thinking I had done enough exercises for the day, Iy with my back on the ground and turned my phone on.


    Woah.


    Normally it would just be gaming notifications or ads, but today my phone was flooded with texts.


    Is this what the life of a popr person feels like?


    It would be troublesome to check your phone right after waking up.


    Lets see.


    There were a few people who sent in 1:1 inquiries in the Bamboo Forest but most of it was pointless.


    Whats with this person?


    -Anonymous46: Are you messing around? Is it right to delete posts like this on a bulletin board where anonymity and freedom are important? And you even set them as a ban word, unlock it now.


    A quick check of the list of posts they had written revealed that this person was the very one who targeted me in the karaoke incident.


    Oh my.


    I couldnt figure out who they were, but I wondered if they really wanted to go this far to make me look bad.


    -Admin: I wont.


    I already exined the reason to them. There are often kids who think freedom means the ability to do whatever they can, but freedom has a meaning within the line of thew.


    Just freely allowing everything would turn it into a ce ofwlessness.


    It could be viewed as the difference between a lion in a zoo enclosure and one roaming in the wild outside.


    Anonymous46 must be from out department too.


    I thought that they might be one of the guys at the karaoke as I checked the messages. The department chat was exploding with messages, but I ignored it.


    After all, nothing of nutritional value everes out of there.


    The ce to confirm it.


    Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo what now, whos Yu Arin?


    I could understand Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo since weve spoken a lot recently but I didnt know who this other person was.


    Checking out their profile, I saw a girl with cat whiskers and ears in her selfie, her hair dyed a golden-yellow and I recognized her.


    Ah, so its her.


    She was the girl who stood out because of her hair color. I know her as a friend of Seo Yerin


    Im not sure why she sent me a message, but I decided to check Seo Yerins side first.


    It seems like the habit of Anonymous chat number 69 hase out, given the number of messages sent.


    -Seo Yerin: Woojin, its Seo Yerin, where are you?


    -Seo Yerin: Did you see whats happening in the group chat? About the Bamboo Forest?


    -Seo Yerin: Dont worry. Ill exin everything to the others, you did nothing wrong yesterday.


    -Seo Yerin: If its hard, contact me. Ill help you.


    -Seo Yerin: If its okay, can we meet and talk?


    -Seo Yerin: Where are you?


    -Seo Yerin: Woojin?


    Woah, what is this?


    I thought they were all making a fuss because I might have been hurt from the sniping posts on the Bamboo Forest or what the kids in the group chat were saying.


    -Kim Woojin: Just woke up. Going to eat.


    After saying that, I tried to reply to Choi Yiseo, but Seo Yerins response was surprisingly quick.


    -Seo Yerin: Where? Can we meet for a moment? I want to talk?


    -Kim Woojin: Going to the rice house restaurant in front of my house.


    -Seo Yerin: Take a picture of the store for me. I will go there.


    Look at that initiative from


    Why is she being this proactive?


    I thought she seemed a bit down yesterday, so I deliberately contacted her as admin tofort her, but maybe that wasnt needed.


    Seeing her oveing things on her own and moving with such passion, I wondered if I had done something unneeded.


    Yawn.


    Yawning, I checked the texts again and this time it was from Choi Yiseo.


    -Choi Yiseo: Did you see the post about you in the Bamboo Forest? Dont worry too much. Ill tell everyone that its just a rumor.


    -Choi Yiseo: Youre okay, right? Just reply once.


    -Choi Yiseo: Woojin?


    -Choi Yiseo: You arent asleep or something right?


    A-ahem.


    I was caught.


    I cleared my throat and then sneaked in a reply.


    -Kim Woojin: Good morning.


    Saying that I moved to the next message.


    -Yu Arin: Hi~


    -Yu Arin: I am Yu Arin, a fellow major from the ss of 23. This is our first time talking isnt it?


    -Yu Arin: Emoticon.


    The emoticon of a cat showing its front paws in greeting was quite cute.


    With that I replied.


    -Kim Woojin: What is it?


    I tried to reply casually and move on, but Yu Arins response came faster than I expected.


    -Yu Arin: What is it, you ask? You are currently the hottest topic in the English Department.


    -Kim Woojin: So?


    -Yu Arin: You really have a strong mind, lol.


    -Yu Arin: Just curious about what kind of person you are, so I decided to contact you.


    -Kim Woojin: Okay.


    -Yu Arin: You are a lot less fun than I thought.


    -Kim Woojin: You are ruder than I thought.


    Saying that I just left her chat, reading random posts in the Bamboo Forest felt more beneficial to me than talking to her.


    I put on some clothes and a hat, and headed out to get some food.


    Living in a studio apartment, I was quickly able to find a seat in the restaurant thanks to the abundance of eateries nearby.


    After ordering a beef soup special, I checked my phone again and found a reply from Choi Yiseo.


    Choi Yiseo: I feel embarrassed for worrying, but still, this is better.


    Choi Yiseo: Do you have time today? Let us workout in the evening.


    Workout?


    -Kim Woojin: I dont want to.


    The reply came back immediately.


    -Choi Yiseo: A body needs a workout. We never know.


    What did she mean by this?


    -Choi Yiseo: You said you would punch senior Han-kang, now we cannot have you look pathetic and beaten up.


    Now that I think about it, I did say something about punching him or rather, it was just the heat of the moment.


    Though I felt a rush of embarrassment at those words.


    I should at least be able to run away when I need to.


    Recently, the words of Ahn Hyeon-ho in the Bamboo Forest and senior Han-kang seem to be targeting me. And I realized I had to build up my stamina so I can at least run away if there are too many people aiming for me.


    -Kim Woojin: What time?


    Choi Yiseo: 6. Dont eat dinner beforeing. I found out from the PT about a restaurant which does amazing chicken breasts.


    What is a restaurant which does chicken breasts well?


    Last time it was sds and now it was chicken breasts.


    -Kim Woojin: But Im having pork cutlet for dinner.


    -Choi Yiseo: A heated debate.


    Choi Yiseo and I were opposed on what to have for dinner.


    Well, we can just eat whatever we want.


    Honestly, I wasnt too interested in eating together since thest time I did it, I got dragged to the karaoke.


    Moreover, I am eating at the stew ce now, and to exercise and eat dinner again in just three hours?


    Not possible.


    The moment I was about to go and get some hot lunch, a girl entered.


    Her hair, tinged brown by the sunlight, seemed glossy today. She nced around with a slight sheen of sweat on her face and upon spotting me, came closer with a bright smile.


    Woojin!


    Uh? Ah you came.


    Seo Yerins too happy greeting felt a bit awkward but it seemed like she hardly had time to think of it.


    She sat down and threw all the questions at me.


    Are you alright? Things must have been tough, right?


    Dont worry. Ill handle everything. Ive already talked with the others and I will speak with senior separately too.


    So dont stress too much about it.


    Lets just eat.


    Why does she keep talking when I want to enjoy the hot soup?


    I soothe her anxious thoughts and shove some rice into the hot pot.


    Dont worry, like I said, I have been asleep until now, so I dont know if anything happened and it doesnt really matter anyway.


    Ah.


    I wasnt close to anyone within the department to begin with, so rumors dont really affect me.


    Upon hearing that, her lips slowly moved up and she looked at me. But on her face there were emotions of slight bitterness and


    Im jealous.


    Envy.


    You really dont care about what people around you say, right?


    Well, yes.


    Whats the point of worrying about every little thing? I think it is needed to be aware of things but not to let it control you.


    Forget it, did you eat? If not, have something, my treat.


    No, Ill be buying. In return.


    Hm?


    Hesitantly, Seo Yerin raised her phone.


    Give me your number. I realized I didnt have it.


    To think that a day that someone like Seo Yerin would be asking for my number woulde. Of course, I knew it wasnt in a romantic sense, but it still made my heart flutter.


    After I entered my number, Seo Yerin looked at it for a moment and then smiled as she asked,


    What should I save it as?


    English Dept. Kim Woojin.


    What else can that be saved as?


    Thats how I would save it.


    That sounds too stuck-up.


    While she was thinking her soup arrived.


    I frowned as I watched her neatly stack every piece of blood sauage on the rice lid and eat modestly.


    Dont you know? The proper way to enjoy the soup is to mix it all in with the rice and eat it all together.


    This time, she didnt back down either.


    You need to have it like this to get a full taste of the vor. When the soup and rice mix, the seasoning turns odd.


    Isnt that the charm of soup with rice?


    The charm is dipping the sausage in wasabi soy sauce.


    Woah, you go all out.


    Ive been thinking since thest time but your tastes are simr to old men right?


    You mean I have a traditional pte passed on from generations? Thank you for thepliment.


    Just when I thought the conversation was flowing well silence took over.


    Dont we all have such times?


    When you talk about something but then you run out, leading to a moment of silence.


    Eating the rice thoughtlessly, without any particr thoughts.


    Woojin.


    Discreetly within the silence.


    Also, a tender and soft voice came.


    Like the spring breeze. Small but clear.


    And a gentle smile.


    Thank you.


    She expressed her gratitude.


    There was no need to ask what she said this for. So, I nodded in response.


    At some point, we were eating in silence.


    Yet, the thought that came was, this wasnt so bad.

 Chapter 16: PC Café

    Chapter 16: PC Caf¨¦


    After having the beef bone soup with Seo Yerin, we were out walking for a while.


    Actually, to be entirely honest, I was trying to go home, but Seo Yerin just followed me without saying anything.


    At first I thought about just telling her to head home, but that felt like I was kicking her out.


    Do you have anything urgent to do?


    I casually asked if she had other ns. Someone like Seo Yerin would usually have some other ns, right?


    She is very popr and has a pleasant disposition too, after all.


    None, I dont have any ns. Its usually time for my lectures now.


    But the words she said weighed on my heart, almost making me sick enough to throw up the beef soup I had.


    D-did you skip ss on purpose?


    I asked shocked but she just fidgeted with her fingers and said,


    Y-yes, I came here because I heard you were here.


    It wasnt like I had to worry about Seo Yerins grades, but the fact that she skipped a lecture to meet me felt a bit hard for me.


    I felt like I would be guilty if I just sent her away now.


    Is she fidgeting like that to make me feel guilty or something?


    The way she was fiddling with her fingers like a hamster somehow made her seem more pitiful.


    In reality, if I just sent her away now, she would be an insane person who skipped her ss just to eat a regr meal.


    Haa, but what is there for me to do with her


    I thought there would be nothing, but then this one thing caught my eye.


    A PC caf.


    It was a street where many college students living in the studio apartments resided, so naturally there were many ces to hang out.


    You said you y LOF, right?


    Recalling what I heard during thest lecture, I mentioned it and Seo Yerin also looked at the PC caf and nodded.


    Lets go.


    So, oddly, I ended up going to a PC caf with Seo Yerin.


    Looking at the time, it was 4 p.m. now.


    Since I was supposed to meet Choi Yiseo at 6 p.m., two hours seemed like the perfect amount of time to y games.


    As we entered the caf, the gazes of the many guys who were using theputers naturally turned to Seo Yerin.


    I couldnt help but wonder if they were always this good at multitasking, given that they just curse at each other and focus on their games, whenever I walked in before.


    Is she always going around giving off this vibe?


    I hesitated, feeling a little burdened at the intense gazes she was drawing to us.


    What is it?


    Seo Yerin, the focus of all the attention, asked me.


    No, its not that shes acting like this doesnt matter to her.


    She was just used to it.


    To stares from people around.


    Just by entering the PC caf, people started staring at us, whispering about her appearance and evaluations could be heard.


    Honestly, it was the first time I felt bad for her. I understood again why Seo Yerin was active under the pseudonym of Anonymous69.


    I like the corner seats.


    Ah, me too.


    Seo Yerin immediately responded to my words, so I deliberately gave her the seat next to the wall and sat beside her.


    Woah, look at that face.


    Go talk to her.


    Have you lost it? Shes here with her boyfriend.


    Those types of girls end up being celebrities, right?


    Even as I turned on the PC, the mumbling wouldnt stop. I could hear all they said which meant that Seo Yerin must have too.


    But she acted like nothing was wrong and turned on LOF.


    Woojin, whats your ID?


    I simply turned my head slightly to her question and took down the headset hanging on the wall and handed it to her.


    Put this on.


    But am I not sitting right next to you? Why use the mic?


    Uh, I always wear one when I y games.


    No.


    To be honest, I dont like wearing headphones that much. But it was better to just put this on now than listen to the talks floating around.


    I am not Seo Yerins boyfriend, so I have no reason to protect her, nor am I good at fighting just because I work out or have guts.


    So, Ill just ignore it.


    With that in mind, when I offered the headset again, she looked at me nkly for a moment and then nodded with a strange smile.


    A gaming expert huh?


    With a bit of humor in her voice.


    Although it was a bit odd to be sitting next to each other and talking through the headset mic, we eventually logged into the game.


    ID?


    I responded indifferently to Seo Yerins repeated question.


    Legeput.


    Legeput?


    Its an abbreviation for legendary genius supporter.


    It was originally a professional yers ID, but I just followed suit and made something simr.


    What about you?


    I sneak a peek at her screen.


    The ID of a topner situated in the Splendid Bronze 4 Tier.


    Did you win yourne?


    As I mumble, Seo Yerin clenched her fist and nodded, making a gesture as if showing off her biceps.


    I mostly win myne.


    Woah.


    I dont really want to y together anymore.


    Thats usually something people say when they me others, implying that won but the game was lost because of others.


    Seeing my expression, Seo Yerin pouted.


    What? Im telling the truth.


    Fine, lets just y.


    Since Im in Silver and shes in Bronze, we can queue for ranked games.


    We immediately started one.


    I chose a so cold grab type character among the supports, one which pulls the opponent right in front.


    Seo Yerins chosen character was this hairy barbarian, swinging two axes with a bare torso.


    That doesnt even suit her.


    Does she know how it looks for her to be ying a character with that face?


    Honestly, it was hard to imagine.


    Anyway, the game started.


    At the 3-minute mark exactly.


    -First Blood!


    Seo Yerin split the opposing character in half and secured first blood.


    Just trust me.


    Seo Yerin dered confidently.


    A smile formed on her lips, the happiest I had seen her for the day.


    The game continued from there.


    Seo Yerin smoothly sailed through the game, killing herne opponent five times in thene battle.


    Yah, all of them are gone, back off.


    The problem started after that.


    Even though I clearly briefed her, Seo Yerin stubbornly kept hitting the tower and was eventually killed by the opposing ranged dealer.


    A money shower.


    The opponent has fortified with items bought with Seo Yerins feeding money.


    -Opponent: Lol


    It was just that one line, but Seo Yerin bit her lip, trying to type something in response.


    Ah.


    Even when she pressed enter, Seo Yerins message didnt appear, and she just let out a slight exmation.


    Wondering what was going on, I checked.


    -Due to umted reports, the chat has been banned for the next five games.


    You got banned from chat?


    I was shocked as I said it out loud, and Seo Yerin mumbled, shrinking back.


    I-I was just the martyr.


    You must have really wanted to say something harsh.


    The game ended in defeat just like that.


    Seo Yerin, who had dominated thene, ended up losing because she continued with the 1:5.


    Sigh.


    As she looked at the defeat on screen, Seo Yerin seemed to lose her spirit and slumped back into the chair mumbling.


    Support difference.


    What the fuck!


    Wondering whether to yank out the keyboard cable and smack her on the head, or to pull out the monitor cable and smack her on the head at her taunt.


    I was about to curse and say something.


    But Seo Yerin just med me with her words and was grinning, saying it was fun.


    It is my first time ying with a friend.


    Ah. It was fun. Real fun.


    I didnt find it fun at all.


    Hehe, sorry. I got too excited ying together and just did this.


    Haa.


    Cant spit on a smiling face is what they say. Seeing Seo Yerin happy and saying she had fun made me think I shouldnt get too heated about the game.


    You could do it with the others too. Youd be happy if the boys youre close with asked you to join, right?


    When I said that, Seo Yerin scratched her cheek with a smirk.


    Usually, they just ask me to go eat or drink.


    You could suggest it then.


    Then people around me would say that Im seducing them? There could be more rumors of me dating them.


    Uh.


    This wasnt normal paranoia.


    The strange emotions disyed on her expression hade from experience.


    It could have been that in her high school, or in the first semester that such a thing happened.


    I thought I should offer her somefort, but I didnt have the words to say it, and we werent that close.


    Press ready, lets y the game.


    With those words, Seo Yerin also smiled and looked back at the screen.


    By the time we yed about three rounds, we began to sync.


    Through an odd duo of top and support, we werent doing badly.


    Especially from the second game, since Seo Yerin began to follow my lead, we managed to win.


    Yah! They are taking the dragon! Can youe here?


    I dont have teleport!


    Wonderful, you brat. While the enemy topes over whenever they are bored, you wont even show your face here!


    Stop fighting and back off! Im pushing for the inhibitor!


    But our team got wiped out trying to take on an unnecessary fight; I was the only one left, trying to escape.


    Block them from getting home! Ill try to end this!


    Suddenly, Seo Yerin, having both Ghost and sh, started to push the tower.


    I wonder if she is insane, but then her axe skills were no joke.


    And following my order, she would immediately risk her life to cut off the enemys return.


    One pulls, another hits, and another cuts off the return, intending to kill.


    Ah.


    I sigh in regret as I see my character turned into nothing.


    I managed to stop three, but two eventually made it back.


    Just when I thought the game would end with Seo Yerins death as well.


    -Enemy killed!


    -Double Kill!


    The sound of victory rang out in my ears.


    Surprisingly, Seo Yerin took the heads of the returning enemy.


    Achieving the remarkable feat of taking down one with each axe. Seo Yerin thenpletely destroyed the enemys base.


    Uh, uh?


    What appeared on the screen were letters that spelt Victory.


    Seo Yerin and I looked at each other at the same time. The adrenaline which surged in an instant exceeded the lethal dose, and we both took off our headsets and shouted.


    Generalllll!


    Thats meeee!


    Even if you act like a fool for 54 minutes and 30 seconds in a 55-minute game, being good for just 30 seconds can instantly make you a general.


    As I joyfully danced around with General Seo, the General looked pleased, took her shoes off and climbed onto the chair with both hands raised to enjoy this victory.


    General, general! General!


    Me! Its me! I am General Seo Yerin! Thats me!


    We were forgetting that we were in a PC caf and enjoyed the movement.


    Ah, for real?


    Then a chilly voice came from behind us. It was definitely autumn, so the air was cool and I thought it had to be the air conditioner.


    As I slowly turned my head there was this familiar voice.


    There stood Choi Yiseo, with one hand on her hip, looking at me, displeased.


    Dressed head to toe in her workout attire, no less.


    With a feeling of disbelief, I stopped praising the general and checked the time disy on theputer.


    [6:24]


    I stared at the clock and then sighed as I told Seo Yerin.


    Yerin, thats why I said we shouldve stopped 20 minutes before.

 Chapter 17: Sniper

    Chapter 17: Sniper


    Sigh.


    Choi Yiseo let out a sigh, her expressionplex. She clearly came to work out, but she couldnt understand why she was sitting in a cushy PC caf chair instead.


    She had originally nned to go to a restaurant that made various dishes with chicken breast, rmended by her PT, after finishing her workout.


    But whats actually in front of her now is a keyboard, a mouse, and high-calorie PC caf foods spread out in front of the monitor.


    What are you going to eat?


    Uh, yes, I


    Watching Kim Woojin choosing from the menu with Seo Yerin beside him, Choi Yiseo impulsively pped the chair with her palm in irritation.


    Why? I said I was sorry, thats why Im buying food.


    This is a PC caf?


    These days, PC cafs have variety on the menu, so dont underestimate the caf.


    Seeing him speak so confidently left her speechless and shocked. She was sure she would leave the PC caf the moment she found him, but, like being sucked into some swamp, she found herself being drawn in and sitting down with the two.


    Haa, it really is so diverse here.


    She never imagined that there would be dishes like eel over rice and sushi. But Choi Yiseo, who preferred to eat such things at a proper restaurant, wasnt interested in them.


    Just order me a coffee.


    Thats all? Im offering to buy. So eat more.


    No.


    Kim Woojin was the one paying, but she didnt feel like eating anything at the PC caf.


    This was the first time Choi Yiseo had ever settled down in a PC caf, so she felt a little uneasy.


    The only games she had yed were board games with kids or card games like poker.


    She had tried a few puzzle games on her phone but inherently, Choi Yiseo wasnt much of a gamer.


    Hmm.


    Kim Woojin, who had to calcte, filled his cup with Americano and then added a couple more dishes.


    We can order with theputer.


    Thinking this was a new invention, Choi Yiseo was surprised when Kim Woojin and Seo Yerin finished ordering the food and immediately began to y a game.


    After all, since they had canceled their ns, the two decided to enjoy as much as they could.


    While enjoying the game without headsets since Choi Yiseo was there, the food arrived.


    He ordered so much.


    Jajang ramen, kimchi cheese fried rice, dumplings, hot bars, Americano, and even miso soup.


    It seemed like a well-rounded selection.


    For reference, Seo Yerin ordered bibim noodles topped with pork belly, fried-rice cakes, and coffee.


    There- theres no room to put it.


    Choi Yiseo took Kim Woojins food, but there was nowhere to set it down.


    Grumbling for no reason, Kim Woojin nced at Choi Yiseos seat and then gestured with his chin.


    Take some for yourself.


    Sighing, Choi Yiseo eventually arranged the food on her seat like a spread.


    The quality is really good.


    Starting with jajang ramen, topped with a fried egg, the savory smell stimted the appetite.


    While he was sipping the iced Americano, which was left unattended. Kim Woojin quickly reached out and only took the fried rice, hot bar, and miso soup.


    Yah, Im busy, so you can have the rest.


    What?


    What kind of nonsensical talk is that?


    If you dont eat it now, it will not taste bad. Thebination with dumplings is good, so try eating it like that.


    Choi Yiseo pouted, but he was already focusing back on the game.


    Honestly, the rich aroma of the jajang ramen did arouse her appetite. She saw others around ordering Jajang ramen as well.


    Was I tricked?


    Did they deliberately order a lot with the intention to feed her?


    Feeling cared for in an odd manner, Choi Yiseo was about to eat the jajang ramen, and look at something on theputer, but.


    She just turned her chair to the side and decided to watch Kim Woojin y.


    Slurp.


    It is tasty.


    A bit too tasty.


    The part-timer at this ce must surely be a master at ramen making.


    It has been a really long time since she had jajang ramen. The sunny-side-up egg was perfectly cooked to a soft state, making it even nicer.


    Moreover, eating it with dumplings as Kim Woojin said, it was truly the best of the best.


    Jajang ramen was like a tiger that had been given wings in the form dumplings.


    This ce is a gem.


    Thinking so, Choi Yiseo continued to watch Kim Woojin y, making Hororor sounds.


    She couldnt understand what was going on, but she could tell that Kim Woojin wasnt doing well. Because the screen continued to turn gray.


    Why are you dying this often?


    As she asked while putting dumplings in her mouth, Kim Woojin sighed and answered.


    Because I am fighting 4 against 5.


    Why are you fighting 4 against 5?


    At that, Kim Woojin brought his face closer to Choi Yiseo, as if he had something to say. It seemed odd, but he whispered so that Seo yerin sitting next to them couldnt hear.


    Theres a huge troublemaker on the team.


    If it were the military, they would be lined up in front of the firing squad.


    Slurp.


    Instead of answering, Choi Yiseo continued to slurp the noodles causing Kim Woojin to nce at her.


    Gulping his saliva, he said with a smile.


    One bite


    Its all finished.


    Choi Yiseo showed the empty container of the Jajang ramen. She deliberately chewed on the food loudly to exaggerate the emotions as she ate.


    Umm.


    After taking a needless breath, Kim Woojin returned to his game. Actually, there was no longer any reason for Choi Yiseo to be here.


    She thought about going back.


    <em>Woong! Woong! Woong!</em>


    The phone rang continuously.


    Checking the message, it was from Minji, her roommate and high school friend.


    She hadnt checked the message, but she had seen all the contents ncing over them.


    <em>Tuk.</em>


    Choi Yiseo closed her phone, pretending not to see, and continued to watch Kim Woojin and Seo Yerin y.


    It wasnt interesting at all. She didnt even understand what they were doing.


    But.


    It was better than going home.<hr>


    What is it, where have you been?


    Upon returning home, Choi Yiseo felt her joyful mood dampen at the sound of her roommates voice.


    What should she say?


    She had thought that living with a close friend would be fun, but now it felt suffocating.


    Just, I was out with some university friends.


    At Choi Yiseos response, Minji continued to tap on theptop, making sounds through her nose. Though they attended different universities and Minji was known to have a decent social life, she had been cooped up at hometely.


    You should get some fresh air too.


    Like you, you want me to work out? No way. How do you manage to work out so much each day?


    Minji grumbled about being fed up with seeing Choi Yiseo work out three times a day.


    That


    Unable to bring herself to say that she was spending time with HIM, Choi Yiseo began to clean up the piled up dishes.


    Yiseo.


    Yes? What?


    There is someone named Ahn Hyeon-ho in your department, right?


    Her heart sank at that. Why was this guy being suddenly brought up?


    Same department.


    Hiding her expression with the work on the dishes, she replied and a bright smile came from behind.


    Really? Youre the department rep right? Then its amazing!


    What is?


    Forcing down her worried emotions, she sneakily turned to look at Minji, who was tapping on theptop.


    What was this girl doing?


    I know a guy who is close to him. I heard that guy is so insane. If hes in a bad mood, he lines people up and beats them?


    Is that so?


    Was he that dangerous?


    It was scary to realize that all the maturity he gained from the start of university was just this.


    Can you give me his contact? Outside, the oppa and I can handle the public opinion, but we need someone to handle things on the inside.


    Im here, right.


    Choi Yiseo offered to do it herself, fearing that involving Ahn Hyeon-ho would make things worse.


    You cannot handle those things, Yiseo.


    With a smile.


    And how can I trust you when youre getting close to him?


    A heavy blow to the head.


    What?


    Choi Yiseos eyes trembled. Minji, still typing on theptop, pierced through with her sharp tone.


    I changed my gym time recently and followed youst time. And there you are, jogging with him, Kim Woojin? Even ate something with him, all happy.


    M-Minji.


    Yiseo.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Minji closed herptop and asked with a grin.


    You enjoy betraying your friend?


    I-it isnt betrayal


    Our high school friend, Oh Yoon-ji, cannot even be contacted after she met that jerk. Do you remember how she cried and struggled because of him?


    But you get along so well with him.


    Minji chuckled hollowly and slowly approached Choi Yiseo. Tapping her on the shoulder and shaking her head like this weird madness had taken over her.


    Its fine. A woman can fall for a man. Though I wonder if that jerk is really all that great.


    Its not like that.


    She had never viewed Kim Woojin in a romantic light. It was just that she couldnt stand by and watch him being criticized for the wrong reasons.


    Im going to post a sniper post in your Bamboo Forest tomorrow. He was sniped once because of the karaoke incident on Friday, right? The timing is just perfect.


    He was the victim in the karaoke incident!


    So? Hes one who deserves to be punished.


    Even so!


    Fine. Yiseo just needs to stay still. After all, were friends.


    Saying that, she approached Choi Yiseo and snatched the cell phone from her pocket.


    You!


    You might contact him, right?


    Yiseo was at a loss for words. She had actually been thinking of contacting Kim Woojin right away.


    Our friendship wont change. We can just remain like this.


    Choi Yiseo, with her lips tightly sealed, couldnt push away Minjis embracing hands.<hr>


    Yawn.


    University students weekends are spent in a variety of ways. Someze around, some study for grades, and others work part-time jobs for tuition money.


    I was, of course, among the former.


    Today, after waking up in the afternoon andzing around, I checked the anonymous forum.


    -Anonymous11: Honestly, isnt the water of Gahyeon Uni just filthy right now?


    -Anonymous168: I will leave you with a verse of poetry for today. The autumn sky


    -Anonymous69: I wanna have sex so bad.


    -Anonymous111: Attention everyone, there is a joint broadcast at 9 p.m. tonight! Please look for broadcaster Popo!


    -Anonymous92: Who is the crazy person who didnt flush the third stall in the mens bathroom on the second floor of the library? Do you do this at home too? Doesnt you mother smack you on the back for it?


    So peaceful.


    Of course, the anonymous forum tends to quiet down on weekends. After all, students get busy with their personal time.


    I have nothing to do.


    There is nothing to do.


    Since I yed with Seo Yerin for nearly four hours yesterday, I dont want to y games for a while now.


    Seo Yerin mumbled that she wouldnt have to y for a week too.


    Neither Seo Yerin nor I yed games too much.


    Ah, Im so bored.


    I dont want to y, and I want to study even less. I would consider going to watch a movie but theres nothing good to watch.


    Just lying down during such a lethargic time.


    At moments like this, I think I could die unnoticed.


    <em>Woong.</em>


    The phone vibrated.


    Bored, I checked my phone and what was written there was:


    -Anonymous287: A man worse than a beast. Targeting a fellow English literature student who used to date Oh Yoon-ji, who is currently on a leave of absence.


    An unexpected sniping post. And one targeting me.


    Hahahaha.


    It seemed like the high school friends of Oh Yoon-ji which Choi Yiseo spoke about had begun the snipe.


    And Ahn Hyeon-ho is involved?


    If it is Anonymous287, then it has to be him.


    Well, whatever.


    As soon as it hit 1 view, I immediately deleted the post.


    Woah, they wrote so much.


    Even after scrolling down the phone screen several times, there was no end.


    I skipped reading it because it was bothersome, but they must have noticed it was deleted by me and uploaded it again right away.


    -Anonymous287: A man worse than a beast. Targeting a fellow English literature student who used to date Oh Yoon-ji, who is currently on a leave of absence.


    Delete again.


    -Anonymous287: A man worse than a beast. Targeting a fellow English literature student who used to date Oh Yoon-ji, who is currently on a leave of absence.


    Deleted again.


    After repeating this three times, a direct inquiry came in.


    -Anonymous287: Why are you deleting the posts? Can you be so reckless just because you are the admin?


    Admin: I told everyone not to write targeted posts about the English Literature Department on Friday, and yet you target them right on Sunday? Does the English dept only have such people?


    -Anonymous287: There is a victim here. The perpetrator is shamelessly walking around the uni. Does this make sense?


    -Admin: From my point of view, you are the perpetrator, dont dirty the board and stop spamming.


    -Anonymous287: Are you kidding me? A girl got raped! You crazy bastard! Should this be brought to public attention? Arent you also a student of the Uni? Do you like going to uni with a sex offender?


    -Admin: Gasp.


    -Admin: Post it again.


    After saying that, I immediately deleted the reposted message.


    -Anonymous287: You told me to post it. Then why did you delete it again?


    -Admin: Report that to the police lol.


    What a mess.


    Making someone out to be a sex offender.


    Me, who took a week just to hold hands and was asked by Oh Yoon-ji, if I was impotent.


    -Anonymous287: If you report it to the police, wont the case blow up? Do you want to smear the reputation of your uni?


    -Admin: Looking at who admitted, it seems like they hit a jackpot.


    -Anonymous287: You bastard.


    -Admin: Are you Batman by any chance? Why are you trying to catch a criminal?


    -Anonymous287: Stop bullshitting and dont delete the post.


    -Admin: Hmm, should I?


    -Anonymous287: You son of a bitch, are you even human? A kid is dying, and you call yourself an admin, youre just a psychopath arent you?


    -Admin: Gasp.


    -Anonymous287: Answer me properly. Dont delete the post.


    -Admin: Sigh.


    -Admin: Are you sure? Is he a sex offender?


    -Anonymous287: Yes


    -Admin: Alright, I wont delete the post again.


    As soon as I said it, the post was uploaded and then deleted too.


    -Anonymous287: You bastard!


    -Admin: Lolololololol so much fun lololololol


    -Anonymous287: Where do you live? I aming for you you bastard!


    -Admin: Lolololol. So scary! Repost it again.


    -Anonymous287: Youre just going to delete it again, nonsense!


    -Admin: I really wont.


    Well, what else could the guy do? He reposted it.


    -Admin: Fucking lololololol


    -Anonymous287: You fuck!


    With a broad smile I repeated the process of deleting.

 Chapter 18: Here We Go Again!

    Chapter 18: Here We Go Again!


    What are we doing today?


    Saturday had passed and now it was Sunday.


    Yesterday was a meaningful time.


    After all, I had fun messing with Anonymous287, the guy who posted that I was a sex offender.


    I cannot help but wonder, almost to the point of excitement, what kind of expression Ahn Hyeon-ho had on his face.


    But as a day passed, those fun feelings diminished.


    It was like how ying a game is fun only for that moment and once it ends the sense of emptinesses over.


    Ah, no more sniping?


    Out of boredom, I briefly skim through the Bamboo Forest posts.


    But seeing that nothing much had changed from yesterdays post, I felt more bored.


    It is amunity of the university, so it made sense that the Bamboo Forest was on rest at the weekends, but I still felt disappointed.


    Maybe I should work out instead.


    After pondering for a few minutes whether to do some exercise or not, I finally decided to and got up from the seat.


    While I was putting on my running shoes and stepping out, a call came through.


    It was Choi Yiseo.


    She has such great timing.


    Knowing that there was just one reason for her to contact me, I answered it.


    Right,e on, well work out.


    I knew she was going to suggest a workout right then since she had nothing to do on the weekends.


    Isnt she addicted to working out?


    -Huh?


    But there was a hint of surprise in her voice. Wasnt that the reason for her call?


    What, you didnt call to suggest working out?


    When I asked, Choi Yiseo hurriedly confirmed it.


    -Right! Right now! At our usual spot!


    With those words, she ended the call.


    Thinking about it, I wondered if she called me because of yesterdays sniping post.


    Ah, it could be that too.


    It seemed I hadnt been paying much attention because the sniper incident ended so uneventfully.


    Well, we can talk when we meet.


    As I headed to the starting point of the walking trail, Choi Yiseo was already there and it seemed like her house was close to it.


    Youre here early?


    Yes, I live close by.


    The blue hoodie matched her navy hair. I remembered how, back in elementary school, we used to yfully say that blue is for boys.


    Clearly, when ites to color, there is no fixed gender.


    Even in the blue hoodie, she has a dignified air.


    After a brief stretching session, we began a slow jog and Choi Yiseo nced around before she carefully said,


    Woojin.


    Why are you talking while running?


    If you wanted to say something you should have done it earlier.


    Why start a conversation when we were just warming up to run?


    But Choi Yiseo had her reasons.


    My senior friends are following us from behind right now.


    What?


    Whats this now? I almost looked around but then turned my head to meet her gaze, and my eyes froze there.


    I almost gave away that I was looking for them.


    So just run for now. Pretend like were naturally working out and continue to run until they get tired.


    You know I dont have much endurance.


    That is why.


    Choi Yiseo clenched her fists tightly.


    It seemed that she was trying to cheer me up.


    We need to do our best.


    Ahh.


    Those seniors are all smokers. So lets do our best.


    Why are they following us? Because of Oh Yoon-ji?


    Broadly speaking, yes.


    Choi Yiseo drew the line there, considering Oh Yoon-ji is the cause for all this. Even though Oh Yoon-ji had a strange nature, I wondered why she would go this far to hurt others.


    Well, anyway.


    You chose a terrible friend.


    As I reproached Choi Yiseo and ran ahead, she bowed her head and apologized.


    I really am sorry.


    With those words, we continued to run. I was out of breath, my calves felt like they were about to burst and I wanted to stop right then and there, but I kept running anyway.


    The moment we reached the end of the long walking path, my legs gave out and I copsed.


    Gasp! Gasp! I cannot run anymore. Just kill me.


    If those seniors have followed us this far, it might be time to face them.


    First, I will prepare to call the police.


    Even as I was gasping for breath, I took my phone out, ready to call 112, but Choi Yiseo, who was next to me, wiped her sweat off and looked around before she sighed.


    Doesnt seem like theyreing. Maybe they gave up halfway.


    Haaah! This is so damn hard!


    As I sat down on the ground, barely gasping for air. Choi Yiseo squatted in front of me.


    I am truly sorry.


    Ahh! Haa! Enough! Let us rest now! We can talkter.


    I felt like I would die from exhaustion.


    I just wanted to head home, take a shower or maybe go to a convenience store and buy some ORS drinks.


    Before the difort in my mouth and the heat of sweat had cooled down.


    <em>Wooong.</em>


    This unfair scene unfolded before the eyes.


    Electric scooter.


    I spotted a group approaching us on electric scooters on the walking path.


    Woah, this is really not right.


    Someone ran like a dog to barely escape and while another ising on an electric scooter with a cigarette.


    Did I do something wrong to deserve this?


    When I nced at Choi Yiseo to ask, her face darkened, unable to respond.


    Ugh.


    I let out a sigh and brought the phone to my ear while still sitting.


    Is this the police station?


    I decided to call the police.


    Who dares to act like a gangster in a nation with good public safety like South Korea?


    Yah! He is reporting!


    Catch him!


    Stupid idiots.


    I already told them exactly where I was.


    Yes, yes,e quickly, there are some strange men here trying to pick a fight for no reason. They seem like they will hit us.


    Riding the electric scooter, the person reached in front of me, but I had already hung up the phone and was recording a video with it.


    Do you think this is some crime movie where you can just show up in a group and beat me up?


    I smiled, causing them to hesitate.


    What now? You thought this would work? This is why people need to study. You thought it would be alright because your teachers in school always hushed up the incidents and covered it up for you when you beat other kids?


    This is society now.


    Do they realize that the shitty school they talked about was actually protecting them?


    You used to curse at your teachers and talk back, right? But in reality, they were just preventing you from getting into serious trouble.


    You bastard! Are you that confident? Calling the police! You sex offender!


    I really dont understand why youre calling me a sex offender or anything close to that.


    It was unfair, perhaps it is better that it turned out like this.


    Fine, lets call them, call everyone. The police, judges, prosecutors,wyers, lets call them all and thoroughly investigate everything, if I am guilty I will go to jail. Also call the FBI here.


    If they are going to push me this far, I will not just stand by.


    I abruptly stood up and approached them. Since it was a walking path, groups of people began to gather and watch this.


    Many onlookers had gathered.


    People with nothing in their heads dont even know that you cant hit other people! How dare you!


    Suddenly.


    My vision spun.


    With the sound of a phone dropping, a numbing pain spread across my cheek.


    Ah, fuck.


    I never expected someone to throw a punch in such a crowded ce. A person with poor emotional intelligence had lost it and hit me.


    You talk too much!


    Fortunately, only one guy did it.


    But this was my mistake.


    Who would have known that an adult, unable to control their emotions and end up causing such an uncontroble situation?


    Anyway, there are many brave people in the world.


    Woojin!


    Choi Yiseo rushed to me hugging me tightly to stop them from hitting me as she wrapped her arms around me.


    Yah! Yah! Youll get hit!


    Just stay still!


    I could feel not just the warmth but even her touch as she hugged me tightly. Not only my cheek, which felt hot from the hit, but my entire body felt the heat rise.


    But the situation wasnt one for feelingfort.


    Choi Yiseo? Arent you a friend of Minjis?


    Do not hit him! What did he do so wrong for him to be hit!


    Have you lost it? Your friend was sexually assaulted by this bastard!


    Who even said that! Yoon-ji never said such a thing to me and no one could even get in contact with her!


    The guy who had hit me sighed as he came close. This time, I pulled Choi Yiseo into my arms to avoid him when he tried to grab her by the hair and pull her to him.


    Although it ended up with me hugging her too tightly.


    Feeling the tickle of Choi Yiseos hair brushing against my cheek and nose.


    Ah, I should have been more diligent when it came to working out.


    I mumbled with a chuckle and Choi Yiseo turned to look at me with a sigh of disbelief.


    Are you reallyughing now?


    Uh, I am. Just thinking about showing how harsh reality can be is making me excited.


    What kind of!


    Anyway, it was time to get beaten until the police arrived. At that moment Choi Yiseo awkwardly tried to twist her body.


    Hey.


    An out of ce voice which came form the group of people. A dominating presence which took over the entire ce and without even realizing I turned my head toward the voice.


    Senior Min Ju-hee?


    The Joan of Arc of group projects.


    Captain Ju was striding to us, hands in her bomber jacket.


    I wondered why she appeared here suddenly but that wasnt the main issue.


    S-senior!


    Senior! Its been so long since weve seen you!


    The thugs who had followed us bowed to her and greeted her. I thought like this was some gangster movie happening, but she walked and stood in front of us.


    Yah, this kid is the only one in my group who can edit. What will I do for the project if you hit him like this?


    Its a relief that she cant edit.


    As I resolved to really ace a group project for once, I immediately shouted to senior.


    Ive subscribed to all the editing Youtubers and professional editing programs too!


    What


    Choi Yiseo looked dumbfounded at me, thinking that my words were out of the blue but senior Min Ju-hee bent down and chuckled, looking at me.


    Wonderful. Next time you are scheduling the sses, let me know. Let us add a few we can take together and work on some projects together.


    It would be an honor, senior!


    Oh my, you cutie.


    Senior Ju-hee patted me on the head and I shook my head back and forth in response to her touch.


    Girlfriend? The freshman ss rep? You found yourself a good man.


    Right, she found a good man!


    What are you saying!


    Getting dragged into things, Choi Yiseo punched me in the chest.


    Euk!


    Thanks to that, I sprawled right onto the ground, and Choi Yiseo, who had been holding me, let go.


    You are getting sued.


    Do it.


    A brief fight between us, but oh well.


    Senior Ju-hee turned her head to look at the thugs, just her presence made them go still.


    Just go. Whatever the reason you have for beating up the kids. It cannot be justified. And try not to run into me again.


    Haa, but noona (elder sister)!


    But noona what?


    Min Ju-hee walked to the one talking back to her and turned her head.


    Talking back to me now? Want me to remind you of the past? How about going home wearing only your underwear? Has it been so long since youst got hit that you dont remember it?


    I am sorry!


    I am sorry!


    The thugs bowed down in apology and grabbed their scooters and hurried to leave.


    You.


    I stood up and grabbed the shoulder of the thug who hit me, and smiled.


    Where are you going? Shouldnt you face judgment?


    Huh, why dont you just hit me back and call it even? Why make thingsplicated?


    Look at this one?


    Woah, look at you being so bold. I would like to see if you can be this bold at the police station too.


    I smiled as he tried to run.


    I wouldnt run if I were you. Well end up at the station anyway, and running now would be embarrassing for you.


    Huh, how much do you want? You want to settle it with money right?


    Woah.


    I barely managed to hold back a chuckle.


    Haaah! Nonsense. That red line deserves to be drawn.


    I have a lot of money. I dont need to settle for it.


    That


    What now? There is much time and I thought I was dying of boredom today, it will be nice to see each others face in court whenever I get bored.


    No, that


    What? Getting angry? Want to hit me again?


    From far, the police can be seen running towards us and seeing that he hurriedly bowed.


    I am sorry.!


    No, no! Dont apologize! Dont do it!


    I firmly refused and lifted him up.


    Even if you do that, nothing will change.


    W-wait. The thing is, I am on probation!


    The fuck?! Straight to jail then!


    Pl-please! I just got carried away for a moment!


    Back to jail! Lets go see the tattooed brothers of Zero Two Talent show!


    While I was making a fuss here, the guy knelt down and grabbed my pants.


    Please, please!


    Seeing that pitiful state, I sighed and patted him on the shoulder.


    Wiping the smile off my face, I said,


    Get your hands off me, you criminal.

 Chapter 19: Anonymous287

    Chapter 19: Anonymous287


    Aaaaargh!


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    Kicking the desk and throwing the chairs around, but Minjis anger didnt die down.


    Just yesterday, she had to watch as the lengthy post she spent nights writing disappear in just two seconds and that made her feel frustrated.


    Moreover, the fact that the admin kept deleting the posts and even provoking her made it impossible for her not to be angry.


    That fucking son of a bitch! Son of a bitch!


    As if having a fit, she was throwing things around and punching things down in rage.


    Aaaaargh!


    It wasnt just because of what happened, she was angry because she had received messages from close seniors and they had all exploded together.


    -Minji, sorry, but we are all at the police station now.


    -I havent mentioned your name or anything, but I think it is time to stop bothering him.


    -This guy is crazy.


    When they left they looked so confident, but now seeing them run away with tails between their legs, it was suffocating.


    Dick Woojin, that bastard!


    Was it right for a sex offender to be using the police?


    Is this the level of public safety that South Korea offers?


    Minji was gritting her teeth and trying to find other ways.


    <em>Woong.</em>


    Her phone vibrated.


    She had been scared because the seniors said they were at the police station, but when she checked the phone.


    My friend Yoon-ji.


    Oh Yoon-ji, who hadnt been in contact for a while, had called her.


    !


    She felt somewhat stuck in her thoughts but with trembling hands, she carefully answered.


    H-hello?


    -Hello? Sorry, Minji. I couldnt answer your calls because I was a bit busy recently.


    Ah, no, no.


    -But why did you call so many times? Same goes for Yiseo. Others have called many times too.


    She wanted to ask what on earth she had been up to to not even notice a call?


    Minji gritted her teeth.


    That, you know. Your ex-boyfriend.


    -What?


    The cold voice.


    It felt as if she came across a snarling beast, asking why she stepped into an area which she wasnt permitted to cross.


    H-he talks a lot these days! You broke up crying too, right?!


    -Yes.


    She is on the phone dripping with bitter emotions. But she soon smiled and answered.


    -But its alright. Because Ill be there soon.


    Uh?


    -We broke up, but it wasnt really a problem between us. There were other external issues for it.


    Minji mped her lips tightly.


    She felt as if the fog in her mind, cluttered with many thoughts, had lifted away.


    -So? What about Woojin? Did something happen?


    Th-that


    Minji rolled her eyes thinking about saying something but found herself lost for words.


    <em>Tap.</em>


    She hung up the phone and threw it away.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    The phone shattered upon hitting the ground.


    Huff! Huff!


    Oh Yoon-ji was always like that.


    Even their names suggested that they were as close as sisters, Yoon-ji and Minji.


    But in reality their lives were so different.


    I-I


    Memories of being coerced by her boyfriend.


    Memories of bringing in other people to share the bed.


    Memories of leaving her for another girl, dering her useless in the end. Memories of being hit and mocked when she finally tried to endure.


    All of that.


    Wasnt Oh Yoon-ji.


    But her own.


    She began to spiral into unbearable self loathing.<hr>


    Before I knew it, it was dark.


    The cold autumn wind and the rising stars made the mood better.


    It was Sunday and though I was bored, I felt a wee bit happy with how the day went.


    Of course, I dreaded having to go back to university the next day.


    That day was quite fulfilling.


    What was?


    As I said this while leaving the hospital, Choi Yiseo, who was beside me, nced at me and asked.


    Ive been to the police station, hospital, exercised, and seen the bad guys kneel and beg, and even smelled Choi Yiseos sweat


    <em>Puaak!</em>


    Ugh!


    A sudden low kick caused me to stagger momentarily. It didnt seem like she had learned it, but judging from how she did it, she must have a natural talent for hitting.


    Haa, seriously. Its a good thing you have a strong mentality. Ive been nervous all day.


    Ugh, I think I need to go to the hospital again?


    Like you said without showering.


    Ignoring the grumble, Choi Yiseo sniffed her own sweat.


    The sweat had dried but we hadnt been able to shower because we were dragged here and there. Of course, the same was true for me.


    Just go.


    How can I do that, its because of my friend that this happened.


    Choi Yiseo sighed as she spoke. It seemed like she was tired because she will have to meet the friend once she headed home.


    Did senior Ju-hee get home?


    Yes, she contacted me and said we should meet in the lecture hallter.


    I replied in response to the message I received from senior Min Ju-hee earlier.


    For your information, Captain Ju,


    Senior Min Ju-hee came to the police station with us to watch what would happen to those people.


    It seemed like they were once her close buddies but she didnt ask for any leniency or take their side either.


    She just watched over them with arms crossed as if it was herst act of loyalty.


    Freaking cool.


    Anyway, Captain Ju was a cool person in numerous ways.


    I had to go home but Choi Yiseo wouldnt walk faster.


    At some point, she slowed and then stopped.


    You know.


    She called to me cautiously. Hesitating with this odd attitude and her slightly red face conveyed a hint of shame.


    Can I stay at your ce just for this one night?


    This meant she didnt want to stay with her friend Minji for now. For some reason, she wasnt answering calls or texts, so it seemed like she was reluctant to meet her.


    I sighed and said,


    Of course not.


    How do you dare enter a strangers house so recklessly? Is that all? Are you after my body?


    Have you lost it?!


    Choi Yiseos face turned red as she screamed back. This drew a lot of attention to us and she walked past me quickly.


    Fine, I was a fool for asking.


    Yes, fool.


    I naturally moved closer to her side and pointed my hand at a tall building.


    Let us go there instead.


    Spa?


    A 24-hour spa.


    One can wash up, relieve fatigue, and even stay overnight while enjoying the hot rooms.


    While Choi Yiseo was nkly staring at the spa, I grabbed her hand and headed straight there.


    After receiving our spa clothes for the stay, I got off the elevator first since men were on the third floor and women on the fifth.


    Contact me once youre done washing up. Lets have dinner then.


    Ah, yes.


    Perhaps because everything was happening so quickly, Choi Yiseo was still nodding as if she was under some spell.


    I wonder if she can even wash up properly.


    Well, a dip in cold water should snap her out of her thoughts.


    It has been a while, but soaking my body in the hot water at the bathhouse made me rx.


    I had a gauze applied for the p I received, but I found it bothersome and just removed it and washed myself.


    After a quick wash, I entered the sauna and perhaps because it was the weekend, there were still many people around.


    There were many people in the sauna and it was spacious too.


    Even if Choi Yiseo were toe, it would be hard for her to find me.


    Normally, I would prefer a secluded spot, but to avoid any strange misunderstandings, I just chose a spot right in front of the huge TV.


    -Kim Woojin: I am in front of the TV


    I sent a simple message andy down on the mat. Was I more exhausted than I thought?


    Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.


    What? Are you sleeping?


    I heard Choi Yiseos voice.


    As I slowly got up, feeling a little refreshed, I noticed that many of the people around had already left.


    Even though it was the weekend, it seemed like no one was nning to stay overnight since tomorrow was a Monday.


    What now, how long did you wash?


    About two hours? It has been a while since I visited a bathhouse.


    Youll turn into boiled pork? You were cooking yourself.


    Enough of that, lets eat. Arent you hungry?


    Hearing that, I suddenly felt a pang of hunger. Although the food at the spa is somewhat expensive, there was a charm to having it there.


    Despite thete hour, fortunately, the restaurant inside was still open.


    Choi Yiseo ordered a soft tofu stew, and I ordered a spicy beef soup.


    Is it alright for you to eat stew?


    Its fine for today.


    Well, if she is okay with it, I had no problem.


    While waiting for the food, I checked the universitys anonymous site.


    I was wondering if there had been any new posts, and fortunately it was peaceful.


    -Anonymous57: Who was the bastard that told us to buy BRA stocks? I am down by 60 now.


    -Anonymous69: I wanna have sex so bad!


    -Anonymous86: Stop feeding the cats near the university.


    -Anonymous11: Does anyone know what happened on the walking path in front of the uni today? The police were there and it was chaotic.


    -Anonymous77: JLY! The Lord loves you. Immediate membership is avable if youe to the East Wing. Cross pendant as a gift too.


    -Anonymous111: Yes, since tomorrow is Monday and I have no sses, I am nning to do a 24-hour broadcast! Everyone is wee to join!


    Uh, there is something about us in the Bamboo Forest.


    If it is about the policeing, it must be about us. Then Choi Yiseo turned her phone on.


    Ah, right.


    Hm?


    She remained silent.


    An unbelievable statement popped out next.


    I have been banned from the Bamboo Forest.


    Youve been banned?


    Banned from the Bamboo Forest?


    Yes, I dont know much, but I have been suspended.


    At her words, I unwittingly entered the Bamboo Forest settings.


    From what she is saying it seems like shes been banned, and there is just one person I did that to as an admin.


    Anonymous287.


    The one who targeted me and was writing things up about me and Choi Yiseo.


    The user that I thought was Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    What is happening?


    My head began to hurt.


    I blocked Anonymous287 alone.


    There is no one else who has been blocked.


    Woah, that looks cool.


    Choi Yiseo smiled at the sight of the soft tofu stew.


    On the contrary my beef was being stirred and I continued to think.


    There are two possibilities.


    Either Choi Yiseo was lying about being blocked in the Bamboo Forest or she is implying that she is Anonymous287.


    If she had no reason to lie Then it will be thetter.


    What?


    Does this mean that the person I thought was Ahn Hyeon-ho was actually Choi Yiseo?


    I checked the post history of Anonymous287.


    Just eat and use your pher.


    Choi Yiseo mumbled something, but I had no patience to care. The trail of posts of Anonymous287.


    [Recent records of Anonymous287]


    -Anonymous287: There is this guy in the same dept I really cannot stand. What should I do?


    Anonymous287: Honestly, it is so annoying to see him hitting on the girl whos not even interested in him.


    -Anonymous287: It is ridiculous. If this was high school, we would have just ganged up and beat him up. And that would be the end of it.


    Anonymous287: Not a social butterfly, just a loner in the department. Laughed my ass off seeing him trying to act cool by taking someone out for pork cutlet as if it was a date.


    -Anonymous287: Sigh, if I get a chance, I will beat him up.


    Anonymous287: How about just bumping shoulders when we pass? If I dont apologize and smirk walking past, he will get pissed off right?


    -Anonymous287: Sigh, I just wish he would throw the first punch. I am confident I can beat him up with a smile on my face, my self-defense is good.


    -Anonymous287: Plus, it seems like he is dating a senior from our dpt. Damn, why is he eyeing someone elses girl?


    -Anonymous287: .


    -Anonymous287: Please delete the posts targeting the English Literature Department.


    -Anonymous287: A man worse than a beast. Targeting a fellow English department student who used to date On Yoon-ji, who is now on a leave of absence.<hr>


    Although it was a bit dizzying to see all the things she posted. Looking at the content, it was as if Ahn Hyeon-ho wrote it.


    But thest one.


    The post of me as a sex offender, upon seeing it, it couldnt be written by Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    If only students of the university could post on the anonymous forum, then Minji must have borrowed Choi Yiseos phone, who lived in the same house, rather than Ahn Hyeon-hos.


    So, the conclusion is


    Minji wrote only thest targeting post, and all the other posts were written by Choi Yiseo.


    Otherwise, there is no way she could have known the details of what was happening between the three of us.


    Why?


    Just why?


    Why did Choi Yiseo have to do such things?


    Why pretend to be Ahn Hyeon-ho and write such things on the forum?


    I could feel a chill run down my spine.


    What do I do then?


    It felt like the trust I ced in the person in front of me was shattering.


    Do you know Anonymous287?


    I remembered what she asked me at the karaoke bar.


    When I mentioned I was looking at the Bamboo Forest, Choi Yiseo herself mentioned about Anonymous287.


    And subtly let me know that it was Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    Be careful of Hyeon-ho. He was known to be a bully in high school he seemed to have a bad impression of you.


    It was also Choi Yiseo who warned me to be careful since Ahn Hyeon-ho was a bully in high school.


    Anonymous287.


    Targeted me directly.


    Openly let it be known that it was Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    So, what do I do now?


    I turned wary of Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    I was cautious, careful and took actions lightly.


    Thinking about it, if someone wanted to target me, they wouldnt post something on an anonymous board like this.


    If Choi Yiseo and I saw it, we would know it was about us, so they wouldnt have written it so tantly.


    You


    Hm?


    When I called for her, she stopped eating and turned to me, wondering what was up.


    You kept telling me to look at the Bamboo Forest.


    I said it because of the sniping, but there was another reason.


    I did?


    Choi Yiseo, through a faade of pretending to be Anonymous287, did it to pretend to be Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    Being this close to Ahn Hyeon-ho, it wouldnt have been hard to hear his ns or words.


    The reason for her doing it.


    Was to protect me.


    She was worried about Ahn Hyeon-ho being jealous of me and might try to harm me.


    There was some concern.


    Uh.


    I let out a low chuckle, feeling foolish for doubting Choi Yiseo like an idiot a moment ago.


    What now, why are youughing? You were just looking at your phone.


    She pouted and grumbled. Choi Yiseo made me shake my head without realizing it.


    Should I pretend I know this? I had this thought run through me.


    Do you want a drink?


    I just smiled and changed the topic. If she tried to help me without me knowing.


    Hmm? Suddenly?


    Its not really sudden.


    Without her knowing.


    Out of gratitude.


    I expressed my thanks.

 Chapter 20: On The Way To School

    Chapter 20: On The Way To School


    Ugh.


    I unwillingly opened my eyes due to the noisy surroundings. It wasnt anything serious but there was the sound of a man groaning loudly.


    Rubbing my eyes and darting a quick nce to the side, I saw Choi Yiseo asleep.


    In animations orics, in scenes like this, the clothes are disheveled or someone has to move closer to hear the breathing.


    Look at her sleeping so soundly.


    With a tidy posture and nothing out of order from her clothes, she was breathing quietly.


    Checking the time, it was still 7:30 a.m.. Since we both had morning lectures we had to be at the University by 10 a.m..


    We still have some time left.


    I wasnt sure whether to wake her or not, considering she might take a long time to get ready like yesterday. As I was thinking, I checked my phone and saw that there were quite a few messages.


    It was an inquiry sent by Anonymous69, who had been quiet over the weekend.


    -Anonymous69: Hi.


    -Anonymous69: I contacted you because I thought the admin might be bored.


    -Anonymous69: What are you doing? Jerking off in rhythm?


    -Anonymous69: Morning wood?


    Should I call this a stable consistency?


    Despite this being absurd, a sigh of relief came from me.


    Due to the recent incidents of targeted attacks using this forum, I found this tant and desire driven usage somewhat refreshing.


    -Admin: I just woke up.


    -Anonymous69: Morning erection?


    -Admin: Dont you have a lecture in the morning?


    -Anonymous69: Or are you just worn out from doing it too muchst night?


    Even if I try to be positive about her


    After thest time, I thought we could converse normally but she stayed unchanged as Anonymous69.


    How annoying.


    -Admin: There is a girl sleeping next to me.


    Sorry to Choi Yiseo, but I wasnt going to lie.


    After sending that reply, no response came for a while.


    -Anonymous69: Was the admin not a silver-haired frail beauty then?


    The response was a clear attempt to change the topic. I smiled.


    Seo Yerin was used to uttering lewd words but it seemed like she found it somewhat awkward to actually hear them.


    -Admin: She must have had a hard time. She isnt waking up. Well, she did go to bedte.


    -Anonymous69:


    Kik.


    I became slightly curious about what kind of face Seo Yerin was making now. If only I could see her flustered appearance now; it must be quite satisfying.


    -Anonymous69: What time did she fall asleep?


    After thinking, I said,


    -Admin: Around 4?


    It seemed about right since I fell asleep then. In the end, I woke up in the middle and went to bedte.


    But even so, Choi Yiseo slept around 1.


    No one asked for details so it isnt really a lie, right?


    -Admin: For your information, we were ready by 11 p.m..


    We had ate dinner and went back and forth between the spa and the ice room to digest all that we ate and talked a lot.


    Among them, the truth that Choi Yiseo didnt like working out but did it because she hated staying home was the most shocking.


    -Anonymous69:


    Seeing her silent, my smile widened.


    It felt like payback for the times when she would tease me.


    -Anonymous69: So, from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.


    -Admin: Lol


    I didnt say what we did and she didnt ask. Just letting them misunderstand, but there was no reply from Seo Yerin.


    What? Did she run?


    Thinking it ended a bit ndly, I considered watching some webtoons.


    But a chilling sensation spread down my spine.


    Would Seo Yerin, the Anonymous69, really run away?


    Would this ghost equipped with all sorts of sex mania, spamming and attention seeking nature do that?


    Suddenly, feeling scared, I entered the forum and there was this post by Anonymous69 written about 30 seconds ago.


    Anonymous69: Breaking news! Admin is a super virile giant, female conqueror, baby-making invader, guaranteed pregnancy maker, and a sex machine which doesnt need gas or fuel, giant ck man, golden sun. 180cm-80Kg-30cm, woke up refreshed after a hot night yesterday.


    This crazy woman!


    I said that out loud without realizing it and deleted the post.


    -Admin: Where do you live?


    -Anonymous69: Breaking news, climbers mistook the wood of Admin for Mount Everest and attempted to climb it.


    I immediately pped a 72-hour block on her and ignored her inquiries. It would be great if I could block that too, but there was no such feature.


    Grumbling, I shut my phone.


    What are you doing?


    Choi Yiseo, who was next to me, looked at me.


    Y-youre up?


    Yes, because you were yelling.


    Why are you so energetic with the phone?


    I was talking to some weirdo.


    You have friends too?


    Now theyre both giving me a hard time.


    You said you have a 10 a.m. ss. Start getting ready.


    Ugh.


    Choi Yiseo, who didnt want to get up, whined and checked her phone.


    Ah, its 8 a.m., let us lie down for another 10 minutes.


    Whatever you want.


    I thought I could catch a quick nap for those 10 minutes, but I justid down and looked at the ceiling.


    Woojin.


    She called my name softly.


    I didnt respond, but she knew I was listening and continued.


    What are you going to do about Minji?


    Isnt it heavy for the morning?


    I thought the topic was somewhat heavy, but she seemed to want to hear what I would do about it.


    Well, Im not nning to just let it slide, especially after what happened with Oh Yoon-ji.


    After all this, we cant leave the person involved alone, right?


    Shes not a bad person.


    I nod as she had a gloomy expression.


    I know. Thats why youre still friends with her, right?


    Choi Yiseo sat up slightly at those words. It seemed like she still harboredplicated emotions. Maybe she didnt expect me to trust her this much?


    Ever since I found out that Anonymous287 was Choi Yiseo, my trust in her has significantly increased.


    I dont think youck the ability to judge people. Until high school when you said you were close, she must have been a good kid.


    Coming to college getting a boyfriend, she seemed to have gotten stranger. I heard she broke up and since then she has been so sensitive.


    I see, Ill try talking to her. Im doing this just because shes your friend.


    If not, there was no reason to have this talk.


    Starting from the false rumors about me to inciting crimes, sorry, but Im not going to let it slide.


    I wasnt that lenient.


    Sorry, but if you did something wrong, you need to get punished. Thats how the world works.


    I absolutely will not let this slide. If youre her friend, dont expect anything like that from me.


    That is for Minjis well-being. Simply letting this slide will not solve anything.


    Even so.


    As I said, well try to talk. About the problem that has escted into this. I will listen to the reasons behind their actions to behave like this to someone they havent even met.


    That is how far my mercy went.


    <em>Sniffle.</em>


    Choi Yiseos eyes teared up as she hugged her legs to her chest and buried her head deep.


    Just by these reactions alone, I could tell she was truly a good friend.


    Just like senior Min Ju-hee at the police station yesterday.


    I shifted myself slightly to sit beside her and then ced a hand on her shoulder.


    It ended up looking like I was hugging her, but Choi Yiseo didnt move nor did she look like she minded it.


    I didnt have significantly different feelings either.


    I just felt that I needed to hold onto Choi Yiseo so she wouldnt fall apart.


    If you really care about this friend, then dont do anything. Just watch. Its enough to show you didnt give up on her.


    By letting her pay for her sins.


    It was enough to let her know that they could still be friends.


    Uh, euk!


    Trembling, she cried.


    I will try, Ill try to do that.


    Bravely, she said that she would give it a try and do what she had to.


    Right, cheer up now.


    There was nothing more I could do other than support her.<hr>


    That morning, a scene straight out of a drama happened, but it was real life and not a drama.


    Cough.


    An air of awkwardness was between the two of us on the way to university.


    I deliberately spoke to Choi Yiseo, who was trying to avoid my gaze with a red face.


    Luckily the ce to catch the bus is close by, right?


    Uh ah! Right.


    Seeing her flustered, it seemed like she was embarrassed about having cried earlier, though it isnt something to be ashamed of.


    This is exactly the time to be witty and make thingsfortable between us.


    Did you know that when you were crying earlier, it sounded like a dolphin?


    As I said that with a smile, her face turned icy. The way she looked at me was like I was some piece of garbage.


    Let us try some more magic then.


    Shall I guess what youre thinking right now?


    Is this guy brain dead or something?


    Is what youre thinking.


    As my shoulders slumped with a look of sadness, Choi Yiseo sighed and nudged me with her elbow.


    Try guessing what Im thinking.


    Why does this guy make things awkward by attending the 10 a.m. lecture?


    As I spoke with a smile, Choi Yiseo looked at me nkly for a moment before smiling and responded.


    I cant tell if this idiot has anymon sense or not.


    Still, the atmosphere became noticeably lighter. It seems that tackling the awkward topic had an effect of its own.


    We happened to take the same bus. Thanks to being early on the way, the bus was rtively empty, so we could sit together.


    I didnt have breakfast, so I should eat more for lunch.


    I was thinking of going to a ce which serves pork bulgogi or pork cutlet when Choi Yiseo chimed in from beside me.


    Lets eat together, my ss ends at 12 noon.


    Mine ends at 1 p.m..


    Will you wait for me?


    Although weve had the opportunity to have lunch or dinner together before, waiting to eat together was a first for me.


    Certainly, after yesterdays incident, our bond had gotten a little closer.


    Are you going to eat pork bulgogi or pork cutlet?


    Are those the only two things you have on the menu?


    Pork soup too.


    All three.


    If we rotate through these three, one can live an infinite cycle.


    Ahh, since Im the one waiting, can I choose the menu?


    Then go eat with the others.


    As I refused, she pinched my thigh.


    Ouch!


    Show some consideration now! Ill be waiting for an hour!


    Why dont you just go eat with the other kids? I like eating alone! Ive been doing that since the second semester began!


    All because of you!


    Choi Yiseo tried to say something but then firmly shut her mouth. And turned her head to the window resting her chin on her hand.


    Because what?


    Because of what, you brat? I broke up with Yoon-ji? So Im a loner? Because I got targeted?


    I didnt say that!


    Shut up! You already said that with your eyes! As a punishment, youll be eating pork belly twice.


    No way! Didnt I tell you I need to take a body profile photo?


    So what if you have to do that? You have no one to show it to anyway! You dont even have a boyfriend to begin with!


    Its not for boyfriends, you know? How can you even!


    Choi Yiseo who was speaking went silent. Then her gaze shifted elsewhere.


    Curious, I turned to see that Ahn Hyeon-ho was on the bus with us, looking at us in shock.


    There was a moment of silence.


    We looked at each other but fortunately, a student behind Ahn Hyeon-ho told him to move forward, making him move to the back of the bus.


    Ah, shit.


    Choi Yiseo nced at me, thinking about how we got misunderstood again.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho made her worried about when he would hit me.


    So much for someone who isnt Anonymous287.


    She was doing a good job of imitating Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    Even the vulgar way of speaking and sleazy writing.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho seemed to be sitting right behind us, but Choi Yiseo deliberately avoided talking to me.


    Should I get rid of Ahn Hyeon-ho for you?


    I whispered to her, causing her to look up.


    How?


    Theres a way, just trust me.


    As she frowned, looking anxious, I took a deep breath and smiled,


    And uttered one line.


    Woah, Yiseo, yesterday, you were amazing in bed


    <em>p!</em>


    <em>Ack!</em>


    She hit me.


    You fuck! I knew you would do something like this!


    I managed to stop Choi Yiseo, enraged and about to hit me a couple more times, by holding her hand.

 Chapter 21: Confession

    Chapter 21: Confession


    Monday was packed with lectures starting from 10 a.m..


    It felt like retribution for having created a free Friday on the second semester of the first year to rx.


    Ugh, Im so tired.


    Perhaps it was a small constion that I managed to keep my lunchtime at 1 p.m..


    When the lecture ended at 1 p.m. and I stepped out, Choi Yiseo was waiting outside the ssroom.


    She was standing and leaning against the wall, looking at her phone, wearing the department jacket which she must have left in the schools locker.


    Why are you standing around here?


    We agreed to have lunch together, but she didnt have to wait like this. She could have waited in an empty room or gone to a caf to have some coffee.


    I wondered why she bothered to stand around, making her legs more tired.


    We might run into the other guys here and if they ask to join us for a meal, well have to do that too since its awkward to refuse.


    Do insiders worry about that kind of thing?


    I found it strange that I was worrying about something Ive never cared about before in my life.


    Is there really someone who lives like that? Waiting in the hallway because someone might ask them to have a meal together.


    So, I get to choose what we eat for lunch right?


    Yes.


    As mentioned on the bus earlier, because of what happened in bed this morning, we decided that she would choose todays lunch menu.


    I thought we would end up eating something like a sd again anyway.


    But surprisingly,


    A pork cutlet restaurant?


    Choi Yiseo had brought me to a pork cutlet restaurant, which I was very happy with since I had been oddly craving fried food today.


    Are you serious? Theres no need to be considerate for no reason. I thought you were going to pay the price for being so stiff in bed.


    Ugh! You, d-dont say that.


    Choi Yiseo, perhaps embarrassed, her face slightly reddened as she lightly hit my shoulder again.


    I wondered if I was getting used to the punching but well, since it wasnt that painful, I decided to think of it as a form of friendly physical contact.


    Im going to eat heartily. I have to go and clearly inform Minji today.


    Aha


    So you should eat well too. We cant afford to be pushed back.


    So that was the reason.


    I always eat heartily.


    I am not one to be pushed around either.


    Hearing my words, Choi Yiseo seemed a tad relieved as we entered the pork cutlet restaurant together.


    Since I didnt have anything for breakfast, I ordered something called the jumbo pork cutlet which looked bizarrelyrge and she ordered a cheese pork cutlet.


    The fried chicken here is delicious.


    As I closed the menu, saying it was an excellent choice, Choi Yiseo looked around.


    Was she worried about someone being here?


    Dont worry, its 1 p.m. so its past lunch time.


    Uh? Ah


    Was that not what she was worried about?


    Fidgeting, Choi Yiseo kept looking around and then whispered to me so only I could hear.


    Um, did I do anything weird while I was asleep?


    Uh?


    Suddenly?


    Is it because of the movement?


    Im anxious, what movement?


    You were really sprawled out on the bed.


    Stop making it sound so weird!


    No, if you are sprawled out, you are sprawled out.


    Though it was a crude way to say it, it was true.


    It was fascinating, how one could sleep so sprawled out without a single sign of disarray.


    She didnte near me and slept so straight that I thought she could be a soldier.


    Ugh, fine, since you keep teasing me with that I wondered if I did something wrong in my sleep?


    Ahh.


    Did I make her feel anxious?


    She nodded with a smile.


    It was something for sure.


    ?!


    Choi Yiseo mmed the table, stood up, and immediately grabbed me by the cor.


    F-forget it! Forget it! I dont know what I did but just forget it!


    I remember her not having this image usually, but seeing her flustered like this is both funny and cute.


    She was shaking my head and I slightly felt dizzy, about to consider it as a joke.


    Before I could say anything, Choi Yiseo suddenly stopped moving.


    Uh?


    She let out a surprised voice and I wondered if the food hade but when I turned my head to where she was looking.


    There, Seo Yerin and Ahn Hyeon-ho with the other department students were bustling in.<hr>


    Ah, what is this!


    Today, it was 10 oclock when talks about cheering Ahn Hyeon-ho up together since he seemed to be in a bad mood.


    Although it was suggested to drink in the evening, the idea to eat lunch together came up.


    In the middle, there was a guy among the guys who grumbled about wanting to eat with his girlfriend from the same department, so naturally, the girls group also joined.


    Before he knew it, the group had grown to eight people.


    Of course, opinion on what to eat continued to diverge and it took a whole hour just to decide on the menu.


    Eventually, the meal intended to be had at 12 oclock had turned to 1 oclock and exhausted, all entered the pork cutlet restaurant.


    Woah.


    Eh?


    Everyone was taken aback at the bizarre sight which was unfolding in front of them.


    What is this situation now?


    Is Choi Yiseo, the popr student, and Kim Woojin, who had a strong loner nature, having their lunch together?


    Just the two of them?


    This was quite an interesting thing to talk about for people in their 20s, who would try to turn an eye contact into a rom drama and who only watched TV dramas of men and women as couples.


    Knowing it would be tactless to acknowledge them here, but they had already been noticed by the other side.


    The ones who could be called the mood makers rushed in, talking.


    Woah, what!? Is our ss rep on a date?


    Insane! Kim Woojin is a talent holder right? I didnt see it because he was quiet all the time, but this is amazing!


    Ah, no! Its not like that! Say something!


    Contrary to the flustered Choi Yiseo, Kim Woojin very normally said,


    I have no friends so she is eating with me.


    But that only ignited their talks.


    Yah! Why did you two have to eat alone? We can all eat together! Right?


    Right, right! Then shall we? Uh? What do you all say?


    Their teasing was over the line, prompting Choi Yiseo to consider joining them to avoid misunderstandings.


    No.


    Kim Woojin dered coldly, resting his chin on his hand. Not only Choi Yiseo, who was sitting across from him, but even Seo Yerin among the group, which had never seen Kim Woojin in such a mood before, was surprised.


    I dont like being around so many people.


    Ah, haha, I see.


    Yah, why do you have to make it awkward?


    What can I do? There might be someone here who spreads rumors like they did with the karaoke incident through the Bamboo Forest and to the English Literature Department.


    It was clear that most of the faces were those they had seen at the karaoke bar, so Kim Woojins words werent so wrong.


    Especially before Seo Yerin stepped forward, everyone knew but they either kept quiet or intentionally spread rumors about Han-kang.


    Fine, lets eat somewhere else.


    Fucking rude.


    Even when trying to get closer, theres always something.


    Grumbling, the group moved to another spot, leaving Ahn Hyeon-ho and Seo Yerin.


    Unexpectedly, Ahn Hyeong-ho was the first to speak, to Choi Yiseo.


    Yiseo, are you dating this person?


    Uh?


    You rode the school bus together this morning, I ride that every day but I have never seen you two in it till today.


    At those words, Seo Yerin flinched noticeably.


    Its not like that.


    Choi Yiseo smiled awkwardly.


    He didnt want things to get awkward between the representative and vice, so it was clear he was speaking with as much restraint as possible.


    This is a mess.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho wasnt just recklessly confessing, he wanted to check if Choi Yiseo had any feelings for him, which is why he was doing this.


    Even if she didnt have any feelings for him, Ahn Hyeon-ho didnt seem like he would give up on Choi Yiseo.


    It would be easier if he just said it out loud.


    Feeling frustrated, Kim Woojin scratched his chin and sighed.


    He understood this.


    Being first years and having to be together in various events in the future, Choi Yiseo probably didnt want to make things ufortable with him.


    Although Kim Woojin knew that Anonymous287 is Choi Yiseo, if things continued to be glossed over vaguely like this, Ahn Hyeon-hos vignce to Kim Woojin would likely persist.


    So.


    Kim Woojin, having momentarily arrived at a rather satisfactory answer and nonchntly said,


    I confessed and got rejected.


    ?!


    Choi Yiseos eyes widened as she turned to him and Ahn Hyeon-hos gaze shifted to him also.


    This was an unexpected bombshell.


    Kim Woojin with his arms crossed, nced at Ahn Hyeon-ho and Choi Yiseo.


    She said she had no ns to date anyone. She has to get the schrship and as the ss rep, she doesnt have the time to date with school events happening.


    I asked what could be so busy about it, but with the recent sniper thing and being the ss president, she must be quite busy for sure.


    Everyone was in shock, unable to properly speak. They hadnt expected such a revtion toe from Kim Woojin.


    Thanks to that, Kim Woojin was able to continue speaking.


    Even if you say there is no such thing as absolute. Well, you have to be a sophomore to even consider that direction, freshmen arent supposed to be interested in dating.


    Ahh


    Im not the only one, there are already three more who confessed and got rejected.


    Kim Woojin firmly closed his mouth as if he had finished speaking.


    R-right.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho seemed like he was at a loss for words and awkwardly moving his mouth before finally trudging back to where his friends were.


    Lastly, Seo Yerin, who had been quiet until now, red at Kim Woojin for some reason before she too left for her friends.


    Phew.


    After the two had left,


    Kim Woojin mumbled to himself with a victorious smile, facing Choi Yiseo who was staring at him with her mouth agape.


    I should have been an actor.


    Ha!


    Choi Yiseo looked as if it was absurd and at a loss of words, and tried to say something but found herself speechless.


    Thanks to this, Ahn Hyeon-hos attempts to flirt with her would significantly lessen and he wont be jealous of Kim Woojin anymore, who has already been rejected.


    Woojins public rejection is insane. He defeated a living confession with a dead one.


    Haa, Im speechless.


    Choi Yiseo could only let out a hollowugh now. How can he talk about this so nonchntly?


    Even if it was fake, the audacity and mental strength to openly talk about being rejected in front of others had to be acknowledged.


    Kim Woojin would surely brush it off as nothing whether she felt sorry or grateful.


    Because it was both impressive and something to be thankful for.


    Choi Yiseo decided to y it off lightly as well.


    But it isnt three people who confessed, but four,


    Choi Yiseo said with a smile.


    Kim Woojin looked at her with the most surprised expression and mumbled,


    Choi Yiseos form is crazy.

 Chapter 22: Coincidence

    Chapter 22: Coincidence


    Huh, Kim Woojin?


    I didnt see thating, but he seems interested in Yiseo.


    Anyone would want to have someone like Yiseo. Have you seen her lips? Theyre so plump


    Yah, thats sexual harassment.


    Cough!


    The group ended up eating separately, leaving Choi Yiseo and Kim Woojin alone.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho exined what he had heard, and everyone reacted with shock. There was a male student who made an over the linement but Ahn Hyeon-ho, who was interested in Choi Yiseo, stepped up to stop him.


    I guess I need to be thankful.


    Thanks to Kim Woojin, he was able to understand her current feelings, without confessing to Choi Yiseo.


    Since he nned to start dating from the second year, Ahn Hyeon-ho thought he should build a good and solid image till then.


    Ha, Ahn Hyeon-ho really has it bad for her.


    Since high school, Ahn Hyeon-ho was popr, with handsome looks, fighting skills, and connections with senior brothers and sisters.


    Actually, he was a bully who did well academically so it could be said that there was nothing he didnt have in high school.


    A girlfriend?


    It would be fair to say that he rarely went without one, having dated many.


    But Choi Yiseo, whom he met in university, was the most attractive woman he had ever seen.


    There were many rumors about the goddesses and angels like Seo Yerin and Ahn Hyeon-ho acknowledged her charm, but


    Choi Yiseo was assertive, she had her own principles, wasnt swayed by others, and was more attractive to Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    But why do I feel so nervous?


    Why?


    Kim Woojin clearly said he was rejected and Choi Yiseo had said she wouldnt date.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho felt that her gaze towards Kim Woojin was a little different from how she looked at other guys.


    Well, anyway, since he got rejected, hell lose interest in her now.


    If he didnt give up after being rejected and moved in even more, it was clear that Choi Yiseo would hate it even more based on her personality.


    Hyeon-ho, what do you want to eat?


    Cheese pork cutlet.


    Okay then, 3 of it then Yerin?


    He offered the menu to Seo Yerin, but she was too taken in with her phone that she didnt hear it.


    It was clear she was typing a strong message to someone.


    <em>Tap tap tap tap tap tap.</em>


    The phone is going to break.


    Yerin, what do you want to eat?


    Uh!?


    Thanks to her friend nudging her shoulder and pulling her back to reality, Seo Yerin quickly lifted her head.


    Even so, she was covering her phone so that no one saw it.


    Ah, I idiot pork cutlet.


    Idiot?


    Sirloin.


    Did you not say idiot?


    Meanwhile, it felt like her gaze was moving to the other table. Specifically to the one with Kim Woojin and Choi Yiseo.


    After cing her order, Seo Yerin immediately went back to tapping and her intensity was so profound that even her friends didnt want to interrupt.


    Yes, with Yerins poprity she must have a lot of contacts of those around her.


    Not just seniors but also for the alumni and teaching assistants, right?


    Ah.


    Upon hearing her friends words, the expression of many students darkened since they had feelings for her.


    Only Seo Yerin knew the truth, but she didnt even look at them, whether they misunderstood or not.


    Just.


    Continued tapping on the screens keyboard.<hr>


    The start of the second semester had just begun and Choi Yiseo had already received confessions from four men, which was truly insane.


    But actually, there was one more thing that was even crazier.


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    Of course, among the crazy people I knew, Seo Yerin was the one who stood out.


    What is she doing here eating pork cutlet of all things?


    This morning, she posted something odd and got herself blocked, but it seems her frustration exploded before she could eat her food that shes now spamming me with 1:1 inquiries.


    I thought about banning her permanently, which would prevent her from making the inquiries but I wasnt sure if that would happen.


    After all, Anonymous69 is one of the few notable names in the Bamboo Forest.


    Sex God isnt a nice title, but still.


    -Admin: What is it?


    Unable to hold back, I finally asked.


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: God


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: God


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: God


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: God


    Seo Yerins rampage showed no signs of relenting. Wondering why she was acting like this, I nced over to her side.


    With her head bowed, Seo Yerin continued her relentless spamming on the phone. She seemed to be burning with some kind of determination; it was an impressive sight.


    Is she stressed over something?


    The Seo Yerin whom I knew used Anonymous69 for venting it out.


    I clicked my tongue, thinking that Ahn Hyeon-ho and the others or some girls around her, contributed to her stress.


    As always, she cant even say what she wants to say to others.


    Even at the karaoke, Seo Yerin had a kind and virtuous image, so she might be unable to speak out on that subject.


    -Admin: Stop it.


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous69: S


    -Anonymous69: E


    -Anonymous69: X


    -Admin: If you do that, I will permanently ban you, stop.


    Upon the threat being ittered, Seo Yerins rampage finally ceased.


    -Anonymous69:


    -Admin: What is it?


    -Anonymous69: Just because.


    What did it mean by just because?


    -Admin: It isnt just because right?


    -Anonymous69: Justjustjust because.


    -Admin: Are you saying you spammed me like that just because? Youre being a lot crazier than usual


    -Anonymous69: Can there be friendship between men and women?


    Whats all this now?


    It was all so sudden.


    Yah, if youre going to do this, why did you ask to eat together?


    Choi Yiseo, who is focused on her phone, makes ament with a displeased expression on her face.


    You were the one who asked to eat together.


    Honestly, I forgot about Choi Yiseo because of Seo Yerin.


    Yah, is there such a thing as friendship between men and women?


    What are you suddenly asking?


    Right? Its out of the blue right?


    Since it was a topic I had never really thought over, when I asked her, she too began to think, with a fork in her mouth.


    Is there? Thats why Im eating with you.


    Thats nonsense. As expected your form is just insane.


    Heheh.


    Pleased with thepliment, she picked up a piece of pork and ate it.


    I gave that answer straight to Seo Yerin.


    -Admin: Of course there is. So, if a man and woman eat together, does that mean they are dating.


    -Anonymous69: They could be.


    -Admin: That is absolutely not possible. Dont tell me youre getting excited just because a girl agreed to have a meal with you. Thats just a trick to make you pay.


    -Anonymous69: Im popr, you know.


    -Admin: A guy who talks about sex all day is popr?


    -Anonymous69: .


    Well, if it was someone like Seo Yerin, just by agreeing to have a meal, there would be plenty of guys rushing to foot the bill.


    Since Anonymous69 is going along with the concept of being a boy, I responded ordingly.


    -Anonymous69: Are you popr, admin?


    -Admin: If I were popr, would I be talking to you?


    -Anonymous69: Right. Honestly, the thing about sleeping with a woman this morning, is a lie, right?


    -Admin: That is true.


    It wasnt a lie.


    Since I slept next to Choi Yiseo, at the sauna, it isnt a lie.


    I couldnt lose ground here.


    Even if she didnt know, Anonymous69 would fall for it immediately.


    -Anonymous69: .


    But why?


    No response came from Anonymous69. Once again, I stealthily checked out Seo Yerins table by turning my head to the side.


    She was gone by the time the pork cutlet arrived.


    What is it?


    I was wondering what it was, but the answer immediately came from my phone.


    -Anonymous69: (Photo)


    Puah!?


    I coughed without realizing and my throat felt blocked. The photo showed a woman seated on the toilet with her skirt lifted to reveal her panties.


    Along with the mole on the inside of the thigh, the bathroom background said this was a new snap in this restaurant.


    -Anonymous69: Who is hotter? She or your girlfriend?


    I hurriedly tried to reply to Seo Yerins unhinged action but that was a mistake.


    Ah, what are you doing that is freaking you out like this?


    Choi Yiseo eventually put her device down, and snatched my phone away in annoyance.


    As she grabbed it, she identally zoomed in on the photo.


    Eek!?


    Thanks to that, the photo of the woman lifting her skirt to show off the panties was exposed to her.


    Crazy! Crazy! You crazy bastard! What are you looking at while eating?!


    Of course, she gave me the phone back with a flushed face and yelled.


    In this situation,


    In what way could we resolve the misunderstanding?


    In this situation, where several coincidences could have be inevitable, I calmly and coolly exined to Choi Yiseo.


    Yiseo, please dont misunderstand.


    What is there not to misunderstand, you pervert!


    What else could it mean that I was looking at a photo.


    Uh?


    She looked at me, confused, so I gave her a thumbs up and said.


    I wasnt even the least bit attracted to you.


    And her fist came rushing towards me.

 Chapter 23: Minji

    Chapter 23: Minji


    Yerin, the pork cutlet is getting cold!


    Seo Yerin, who just came out of the bathroom, hurriedly rushed to her table.


    Her face flushed red, she sat down but didnt eat more than a few pieces of the pork cutlet, and just stared at her phone.


    Why isnt there a response?


    She thought she would at least get a reply, but why is the admin not even responding?


    C-could it be did he remove it?


    Thinking of this made Seo Yerins body tingle. Somehow, she felt a strange sense of achievement from the idea that she had stimted a mans sexual desire.


    Forcing her gaze to the pork cutlet and eating, she then heard her friends talking.


    But, Woojin and Yiseo left quickly, didnt they? It seemed like they ordered something simr to us.


    She must have eaten quickly because she didnt want to stay long.


    Yah, do you know Yiseo? Still, she is one who keeps up manners with the department people.


    Because shes the representative?


    While listening to the ramblings, Seo Yerin also poked her head out. And they two indeed had vanished from there.


    Once the two had vanished, she felt somewhat relieved andfortable. At the same time, she coldly began to ponder why she felt anxious moments ago.


    She had unwittingly relieved her stress to the admin, stress that had surged from within.


    But then, talking to the Admin ended up stressing her out again, making her annoyed and then leading her to take those risque pictures at a restaurant.


    Though there was no direct response from the Admin.


    Yerin, you have a ss with Woojin and Yiseo right? It must be tough.


    Right. Tomorrow


    Yes, tomorrow.


    After 9 a.m. ssst week, where they ate pork belly together.


    Ah, was that why?


    Wouldnt she, being stuck in the middle as a friend, feel awkward if Kim Woojin had confessed to Choi Yiseo?


    Especially since Kim Woojin is her only PC caf friend, shed feel sorry for Choi Yiseo who would feel ufortable with her hanging out with Kim Woojin.


    Pity.


    Choi Yiseo didnt y games, but still, the time they spent together in the PC caf was enjoyable.


    It was too bad that she couldnt experience that joy again.


    Woojin you fool!


    Why did he have to confess?


    From what she saw, Choi Yiseo didnt have such feelings towards him. And wouldnt she have consulted against it, if he asked?


    Ahh.


    Well, Seo Yerin was just grumbling while poking at her pork cutlet.<hr>


    It was Monday withte sses and it was by evening when I left the university.


    Choi Yiseo had finished her sses three hours earlier and said she would spend some alone time in the caf.


    But, because of thest time Minji had sent some seniors she knew, I was worried and then gave her my apartment key.


    I wonder if shes reached home by now.


    Since I gave her the address, she must be waiting inside. After all, there is nothing dirty in my ce.


    There is also nothing to steal and it was fine for her to go in. In a way, it could be said that I trusted her more.


    I should head straight there too.


    I was hungry because of the sses and even though I wanted to have dinner, it might be difficult considering the mess that had happened at lunch.


    Entering the house with two cups of iced Americano from the caf in front of the house.


    Yah, Im back.


    I was about to joke about how this feels like were a couple living together but then remembered that I lived here with Oh Yoon-ji during the first semester and my expression went nk.


    Uh-Ah! Youre back!


    Choi Yiseo was looking tense.


    Seeing her with her school jacket all zipped up to the neck, I let out a sigh.


    Ugh, just have the coffee.


    Uh!? Okay!


    I hand the coffee to her, as she was unnecessarily tense and yet, she wasnt making eye contact with me as she sipped her coffee.


    Im not excited about you so


    Youre really going to die.


    Ill sue you first.


    The hit from earlier still hurts.


    Sigh.


    Seemingly rxed with that, Choi Yiseo slowly got up.


    Lets go.


    Judging by those words, it seemed like she managed to sort out a couple of things.


    And I silently followed her.


    Its a lot closer than I thought?


    Im surprised too.


    The vi where Choi Yiseo lived with Minji wasnt too far away. This made me think that this is why we ended up running the same directions and distances during our workout.


    Phew.


    I gave a slight smile to her, as she took a deep breath from nervousness.


    If it doesnt go well, we can always beat them up.


    I-I wouldnt do that?!


    You hit me.


    Because you said weird stuff!


    After saying something like that, Choi Yiseo seemed more rxed and opened the door to head in.


    I just followed her.


    The house, where only women lived, was quite refreshing to the nose. It seems like they are using a good quality diffuser.


    Butpared to the fragrance, the interior was an entire mess.


    Theptop was split in half and shattered, clothes were torn to shreds and scattered all over as if they were put for execution.


    So much hair had been pulled out that tangled strands could be stepped on the floor with blood.


    Blood?


    Without realizing, I pushed Choi Yiseo and rushed in.


    Woo-Woojin?!


    Choi Yiseo was startled, not yet having seen the blood but I moved in to check.


    Bathroom.


    There was a girl holding a razor, with water filled in the sink.


    Uh?


    The girl, shocked at my presence, froze, but I reacted swiftly.


    I snatched the razor she was holding and threw it onto the floor.


    Whatre you trying to do with that? Fuck, if you wanted to die with that, you should have scratched it before!


    Uh?


    Are you insane? Youre in your 20s and want to give up already! If youve done something wrong, just be punished, repent, and live like a new person! Who said you wouldnt be forgiven?!


    Th-that


    You have friends, dont you! Even if you go to the police station, the crime isnt severe, the damage is minor so you will only get a p on the wrist! Just think of it as a semester for mental training!


    Ah, ah.


    Why remain the culprit till the very end?


    Th-this isnt the way.


    I held her trembling shoulders firmly and she seemed so fragile that she would break at any moment and even the most steadfast heart felt like it would crumble.


    When you think about itter all this will feel like nothing.


    Dont give up.


    I pleaded, whispering to her as I clenched her hand.


    Minji stared at me nkly for a moment before carefully pointing to the spray gel next to the sink.


    I-I was going to shave my leg hair


    I-it might have looked odd. I filled the sink with water and used it from there worried about the water bill.


    Is it that time of the month?


    Y-yes.


    Ahh, yes,


    I smiled broadly and nodded my head.


    Can you all leave now? I want to be alone.


    This is my house, why would I leave?


    Choi Yiseo, who felt a bit relieved, scolded her with a smile and I pushed Yiseo to the door and chased her out, closing it.


    Yah! Kim Woojin what are you doing!


    Shut it! I might die! I cannot live with this embarrassment!


    Why are you suddenly staging a skit in in our bathroom! What are you doing!


    I am going to die! I will die with this razor!


    You should have shed yourself already!


    Shut it!


    Why do you want to be the culprit till the end!


    Shut uppp!<hr>


    Ah, geez. Whats with the hotpot.


    Kim Woo-jin immediately grumbled at the moment of ordering the hotpot.


    He had eaten it several times before because Oh Yoon-ji liked it, feeling as if he had be a person from Sichuan district over and over again.


    You didnte out from the bathroom. You should have stepped out when we were choosing the menu.


    I needed some time, even for me.


    Kim Woojin thought he had a strong mentality, but even so, he needed some alone time, especially after a situation like that.


    He wondered if hell toss and turn in agony several times before falling asleep tonight.


    Ahh, it seemed like the atmosphere was serious.


    Thanks to Kim Woojins sudden actions, the mood was calmed down and Minji, who hadnt eaten since the day before, ordered spicy stew.


    But is spicy stew really the right choice on an empty stomach?


    Minji wants to eat it.


    Sitting with her legs crossed and hugging them to the chest, Minji looked at Kim Woojin.


    No, shouldnt the victim be the one to choose what they want to eat? Why is the perpetrator ordering whatever they want?


    Watching Kim Woojin grumble, Choi Yiseo smirked instead.


    After all that effort to try and save me earlier.


    Kuak!


    Kim Woojin grabbed his head with both hands. To him, Minji sincerely said,


    Uh, that thank you.


    Dont thank me yet! You better prepare to go to the police station right after having this!


    <em>Ding-dong!</em>


    Just then, the bell rang, signaling the arrival of the food and Kim Woojin seized the opportunity to leave the ce and rush to the entrance, leaving Choi Yiseo and Minji alone.


    There was much to say but first.


    Im sorry


    Minji sincerely apologized, acknowledging her wrongdoing. It seemed she had finally realized the terrible things she had done to her friend.


    I wanted to pass off what happened to me as something which happened to others. I thought it would be a lot more bearable if I pretended it was all for Yoon-ji and not me, who suffered at the hands of her ex-boyfriends.


    I see.


    But seeing that person made me realize I did something awful. He seems like a good person.


    Honestly.


    When she was holding the razor earlier. Minji couldnt say that she didnt think of it.


    It was just that shecked the courage and was concerned.


    I received a call from Yoon-ji and I met Kim Woojin in person. I finally feel like Im waking up to reality.


    Lets finish this meal. I will apologize to Kim Woojin and then go to the police station. I will confess everything I did and pay for what I did too.


    Minji.


    With tears welling up, Choi Yiseo hugged Minji tightly. As they talked over how things turned out, they felt relieved that this was all ending.


    Paying for your crimes is the right thing to do.


    Suddenly, Kim Woojin brought in the food and asked the two girls in an annoyed tone.


    Whats this? A vor that splits the tongue? Do you both really want your heads split open or something?


    And who decided to pay cash on delivery? Thanks to that my card was charged for this monstrous order.


    Minji slowly raised her hand.


    Fine, youll have your head split open by me before facing the judgment of the country.


    It was Kim Woojin, all ready with his sleeves rolled up.

 Chapter 24: Yet

    Chapter 24: Yet


    Minji was escorted to the police station. I had also quickly written a report and came out, but Choi Yiseo was already slightly tearing up.


    Its nothing serious anyway. At most, itll just end with a fine.


    I know, but


    Until just now, she was cheering me on, encouraging me by saying were friends forever, but it seems it was all bravado.


    Normally, I would have teased her a bit, but doing so here would make me seem insensitive.


    Youve had a hard time pretending to be strong.


    As I lightly patted Choi Yiseos shoulder, she sobbed and hung her head low.


    It seemed that my words had just made her emotions well up even more.


    Sniff, sob.


    Choi Yiseo, holding her face with both hands, trying hard to hold back. Since she wasnt my girlfriend, I couldnt offer my chest or give her a hug.


    So, I just patted her on the shoulder.


    Its a good thing. It couldnt be better.


    It was merely a simple constion.


    Choi Yiseos tears didntst long. In fact, the reason she cried was partly because Minji admitted her fault and the case waspletely over, which made her happy.


    Ah, how embarrassing.


    And after crying it out, she naturally regained herposure.


    Just like the original Choi Yiseo.


    Youre right, its a good thing. But seeing Minji enter the police station made me feel uneasy.


    Should I wait?


    Looking down at Choi Yiseo, who asked if she should wait for Minji to finish her interrogation, I replied with a cold, stale look.


    You should have worried about me like that when I was crying earlier.


    Mentioning how Choi Yiseo didnt even give me a nce when I was really struggling and crying earlier, it was rather Choi Yiseo who looked at me with disdain.


    Ive never seen someone cry because they ate something spicy before in my life.


    My tongue feels like its splitting, you know?! Who wouldnt cry if their tongue felt like it was splitting!


    Ugh.


    Choi Yiseo shakes her head with a sigh. The atmosphere, which had been heavy with tears just moments ago, now feels refreshingly cleared.


    Perhaps its partly because I voiced my own grievances, but maybe its just because the night air is so cool.


    Yes, a cool darkness has settled.


    The sporadic streetlights also cast a pleasant glow.


    Hey, at least you have a good friend. Right?


    Yeah, Minji is a good friend.


    On the way home.


    Walking through the streets, which have their own charm even in the dim light, we continued our conversation.


    What are you talking about? I was talking about myself.


    Do you always have to say that? Even if you dont, I would have said it for you.


    Tsk.


    I wouldnt normally say this but


    Choi Yiseo stops walking, smiles brightly, and looks my way.


    Yes, just this once.


    Her smile made even my hardened heart flutter, to the point where I could understand why Ahn Hyeon-ho fell for Choi Yiseo.


    Youre really a good no, a wonderful person, Woojin.


    The hirl illuminated by the moonlight and streetlights had a refreshing charm that made it hard to look away.


    I smiled back, trying to hide the heart-fluttering feeling I just had.


    Weve arrived in front of Choi Yiseos house before realizing it.


    I gesture for her to go inside quickly, but Choi Yiseo hesitates for no reason.


    It must feel a bit lonely to be home alone.


    Minji is undergoing police investigation and its uncertain when shell return, or she might even end up in detention.


    She might not end up in detention, but it would still be lonely.


    The friend she had just been sharing a bowl of Mtang with and chatting with is now at the police station, so its understandable if her heart feels uneasy and starts to race.


    I pushed Choi Yiseo, who was hesitating to take a step, and probably out of consideration for her, said,


    Go, and if youre bored, give me a call. With everything that happened today, you probably wont be able to sleep anyway.


    Okay.


    Im not saying you have to call no matter what! I need some me-time too!


    Me-time, whats that supposed to mean? Youre going to watch something weird again, arent you?


    .


    Youre not going to answer?


    Just go.


    Only after seeing that did Choi Yiseo finally move and head home. After waving goodbye, I too quickened my pace towards home.


    I figured she would call soon anyway.


    Sigh.


    The first thing Choi Yiseo did when she got home was take a shower. She washed and dried her hair to cool down her heated head and emotions as much as possible.


    Thanks to her hair only reaching to about her shoulders, Choi Yiseo spent less time drying her hairpared to other women.


    Sigh.


    She let out a faint sigh.


    Having finished washing up and changed into her night clothes.


    Looking down at her phone, Choi Yiseo was lost in thought.


    She needed time to organize her thoughts, but it wasnt because of Minji.


    It was because of Kim Woojin.


    Whats this?


    Choi Yiseo recalled the conversation she had with Kim Woojin earlier.


    Youre really a good no, a cool kid, Woojin.


    Why did I do that


    She had intended to say he was a good friend.


    But for some reason, she suddenly disliked that and changed her words.


    Because of that, she ended up saying he was a cool kid.


    She felt sorry for seemingly putting some distance between them.


    Should I call him?


    It took her a while to organize her thoughts while showering, but she wondered if that was okay.


    In the end, she couldnte to a conclusion about why she suddenly changed her mind, but she wanted to call Kim Woojin anyway.


    What should I do


    He might be sleeping


    Lets hang up if it rings three times.


    Thinking that, she made the call.


    <em>Doo-oo.</em>


    It rang once.


    <em>Doo-oo.</em>


    It rang twice.


    <em>Doo-oo.</em>


    The moment it rang for the third time.


    -Ye-yes, hello?!


    Kim Woojin, with a voice heavy with sleep, answered the phone. He seemed to have picked it up quite hastily.


    Were you sleeping? Sorry, Ill just hang up.


    Feeling sorry for possibly waking him up, I was about to hang up.


    -No? I wasnt sleeping.


    Your voice sounds sleepy? Anyway, I didnt really have anything to say, just called because I was bored.


    -I didnt sleep, okay? I was bored too. I even considered watching porn.


    -Thats how bored I was.


    Sigh.


    Although he said this, Choi Yiseo secretly felt pleased. It was obvious he had dozed off, but the fact that he woke up for her, even if it was from sleep, brought a smile to her lips.


    Since when?


    What was the trigger?


    Choi Yiseo briefly pondered when and what had made her time with Kim Woojin so enjoyable andfortable, but.


    No answer came.


    And she didnt particrly try to find one.


    Look at this. I recorded you talking nonsense in your sleep.


    No, if you fell asleep during the call, you couldve just hung up. Why did you even bother to record it?


    Tuesday.


    For Kim Woojin, it was a miraculous day starting with a 9 a.m. lecture followed by a five-hour break from 12 to 5 p.m..


    After the 9 oclock lecture, Im having lunch again today with Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin.


    Suddenly, Choi Yiseo ys a recording on her phone for Kim Woojin, who is sitting next to her.


    Its a recording of Kim Woojin talking in his sleep after falling asleep during a call yesterday.


    -Spicy, so spicy


    It must have been really spicy, huh? You keep saying its spicy even in your dreams.


    Choi Yiseo isughing joyfully, finding it amusing, while Kim Woojin grumbles, urging her to delete it.


    Seo Yerin, who is directly observing the two from the front, was quite embarrassed.


    Didnt he say he was rejected after confessing?


    I thought for sure itd be too awkward to eat together today.


    But the two of them are, on the contrary, very close. As if they are dating.


    Are, are you two dating? Did I intrude without noticing?


    Feeling slightly alienated, Seo Yerin cautiously asked.


    No, not at all.


    Kim Woojin waved his hands as he replied.


    Did you misunderstand because of what I said at the pork cutlet ce? That was a lie to get rid of Ahn Hyeon-ho. Why would I confess to Choi Yiseo?


    Ah-Aha! So that was it!


    Seo Yerin, her shoulders bouncing as if she finally understood, her expression quickly brightened, and she smiled brightly, sticking her head forward.


    Is it Woojins sleep talking? Yiseo, let me hear it too.


    Uh, umm. Here.


    Choi Yiseo, with a somewhat bitter expression, handed over her phone to let her listen to Kim Woojins sleep talking.


    - Spicy, spicy


    Woojin cant handle spicy food, huh? Shall we try something like killer pork cutletter?


    Killer.


    Seo Yerin joins the conversation, and once again, the table of three bes lively.


    Todays lunch is from a branded kimbap ce.


    It was Seo Yerins pick, who won rock-paper-scissors.


    Kim Woojin wondered why he had to stuff his mouth with kimbap that costs 7,000 won per roll.


    He suspected whether they included gold in the kimbap rolls to justify the price, but he ended up eating it anyway.


    Woojin, you said you have a break in your schedule next time.


    When Seo Yerin casually mentioned what she heardst week, Choi Yiseo snickered from the side and answered for him.


    Yeah, a five-hour break.


    Ha.


    Kim Woojin is Iron Man. Hes got a hole in his chest.


    Kim Woojin res at Choi Yiseo, who is teasing him from the side, as he puts a piece of kimbap in his mouth.


    For some reason, it tasted even worse.


    Considering it was a 7,000 won kimbap.


    It was supposed to be healthy kimbap, but he felt like it might actually make him sicker from the stress.


    Hearing that Kim Woojin had a five-hour break in his schedule, Seo Yerin suggested with excitement.


    Why dont we go to the PC caf? I have a character Ive been practicing.


    Seo Yerin, who wanted to go to the PC cafe again, asked with a fluttering heart.


    However, Kim Woojin scratched the back of his head for no reason and refused.


    Sorry, I have ns during the break.


    What ns?


    Who are you meeting?


    Kim Woojin was slightly flustered by the two people asking at the same time, but he immediately exined.


    I said its a n, but its more like Im going to see someone unterally.


    The two of them pressed their lips tightly at Kim Woojins response. It seemed he wanted to keep it a secret since he didnt borate.


    Its a shame. I was going to carry you, Woojin.


    Kim Woojin almost blurted out a curse in frustration but managed to hold it back.


    After all, he had things to do.


    Minji and Choi Yiseo might think that the story has ended just like that.


    But for Kim Woojin, an epilogue was still remaining.

 Chapter 25: Backstory

    Chapter 25: Backstory


    <em>Chop.</em>


    After attending a 9 a.m. lecture on Tuesday, Choi Yiseo spent time at a cafe with Seo Yerin after having lunch with Kim Woojin.


    It feels like it was the samest week.


    Although it was the same daily routine, Choi Yiseo felt that their rtionship had strangely be closer in just a week.


    Do you only drink iced Americano, Yiseo?


    Ah, its because of my diet. Ive been eating a lot of fattening food recently.


    You dont look like you need to lose weight.


    Seo Yerinplimented her with a smile.


    Usually, when receiving suchpliments, people often show jealousy or say it insincerely, but Seo Yerins tone was sincere.


    And so, Choi Yiseo quite liked spending time with Seo Yerin.


    The impression was that she was inherently kind, and her actions proved it.


    How about exercise? Does the instructor teach you well?


    Yeah! It was really nice! I felt like I was getting healthier.


    Since youre a PT member, you can use the gym anytime, so try to go whenever you have a chance. Or shall we go togetherter?


    Really? That sounds great! Theres some exercise equipment I wanted to try, but I couldnt ask because the instructor was busy with other members PT!


    Having fitness inmon naturally led the conversation to flow.


    They were exchanging this and that, saying they could even go tomorrow.


    So, Ive been jogging with Kim Woojin.


    With Woojin? Ah, right, you mentioned exercising together at the PC caf.


    Coincidentally, as the conversation turned to Kim Woojin, an awkward silence fell between them.


    Whats this? It feels awkward.


    Why is this happening?


    However, both of them didnt quite understand why they suddenly fell silent.


    Choi Yiseo was about to awkwardly change the subject, but unexpectedly, Seo Yerin took a direct approach.


    I wonder what promise Woojin has?


    Its strange since he doesnt seem to have any friends.


    Both of them shut their mouths again, disliking the situation for some odd, ufortable reason.


    <em>Sip.</em>


    They just drank their coffee.


    Taking a taxi from the main gate of Gahyeon University, it only takes 20 minutes to reach another school called Chungsim University.


    Although smaller in size and with lower entrance difficulty than Gahyeon University, Chungsim University was known to have a few departments that were considered better.


    A guy attending Chungsim University.


    His name is Choi Seo-jun.


    With a tall and handsome appearance, a sense of style in his clothing, and sharp wits, he was the type to be loved by many.


    Ah, dont lie!


    Im telling the truth?!


    Walking with his girlfriend, he openly boasts about their rtionship, but his phone is filled with chat records with other women.


    Even though he enjoyed a night with another woman just yesterday, the way he smiles at his girlfriend indicated hes an expert in this field.


    What are we going to do?


    Faced with his girlfriends question, Choi Seo-jun ponders for a moment before breaking into a grin.


    Shall we go to my ce?


    Hm.


    At Choi Seo-juns tant suggestion, his girlfriend tried hard to suppress a forming smile.


    It was both cute and pleasing that her boyfriend was already making advances, just after lunchtime had passed.


    After all, having a boyfriend so famous that even other schools know his name, and he wants her, felt good.


    Lets stop by the convenience store for some snacks to eat while we watch a movie on Netflix.


    Not disliking the idea, she subtly agreed while providing a different reason. The reason for going to the convenience store wasnt for food, but to buy contraceptives.


    Lets hurry.


    Choi Seo-jun, feeling good about the agreement, ced his hand on her shoulder. Urging her to move quickly, he says.


    Hey.


    A guy stands at the main gate of Chungsim University.


    His appearance isnt bad, but it seems he doesnt care much about dressing up, which significantly dulled his looks.


    Just casually wearing a ck sweatshirt, jeans, and Converse. It was the epitome of a college student who doesnt care about clothes, just throwing on whatever.


    Initially, Choi Seo-jun didnt realize the man was calling him and was about to pass by.


    Hwang, Ha-yun.


    The moment he hears the name, Choi Seo-jun stops in his tracks and looks at him.


    Whats wrong?


    His girlfriend looks at Choi Seo-jun in confusion, but there was no time to answer.


    The man continued to spill out names he knew.


    Choi Ji-an, Jong Ga-eun, Shin Seo-u.


    And then.


    Jong Minji.


    The man, locking eyes with Choi Seo-jun, walked towards him with steady steps. His eyes harbored a cold sneer and an even colder anger.


    Youve met quite a lot in two years, huh? Ruined quite a few lives too.


    Excuse me! Who are you to say this!?


    His girlfriend snapped at the man in anger, but the man only responded with a scoff.


    Ask him who those five people I just mentioned are.


    What?


    Who are you?


    Choi Seo-jun stepped forward with a lowered voice, looking ready to explode into violence, his veins bulging impressively.


    Me?


    Instead of being intimidated, the man smirked, finding his demeanor rather trivial.


    The person whos been left to deal with the mess you made.


    What?


    He wondered what the noise was, but then a group of people came rushing from the main gate.


    The moment Choi Seo-jun saw them, his eyes widened.


    Huh?


    Though the people who looked like thugs were one thing, the ones following them were faces he knew.


    The guys who had been waiting in Choi Seo-juns studio apartment.


    They were club friends who had given Choi Seo-jun 200,000 won each, promising to spend time today with their girlfriends.


    Their faces were all swollen as if they had been squeezed, and they followed with their heads down, covered in tears.


    What, whats this? What happened?


    His girlfriend, who knew nothing, looked around in confusion, and the guy exined with augh.


    Girlfriend? If you had gone to his studio apartment today with him, you would have had to deal with those guys. I heard he was going to let you do it for 200,000 won each.


    What did you say?!


    The five people I just mentioned. No one could stop them, just like you now.


    A cold voice pierces the heart sharply. The wind, now like a knife, cuts through the skin as it blows.


    Go on. Next time, choose a better man.


    At the guys words, his girlfriend looks at Choi Seo-jun in confusion, but Choi Seo-jun, unable to respond, just nkly assessed the situation.


    Exin! What does that mean!


    Even as his girlfriend cried out in frustration, there was no real answer.


    Should I call the police?


    Would that be better?


    Even as such thoughts cross his mind, the guys smile says it all.


    He already knows everything, that bastard!


    Given that he precisely named the five women, theres a possibility he has evidence of everything hes done up until now.


    He must have checked and deleted everything from the phones andputers of the women he discarded, right?


    Moreover, he even had ckmail material, so the women couldnt recklessly make a move.


    If youre going to report, then go ahead.


    !


    Are you confident?


    Choi Seo-jun was convinced that there was nothing he could do upon hearing the guys words.


    Seeing that he even brought people who looked openly like thugs, it was a clear message that he was serious.


    Or follow us. Instead of your girlfriend, well go to your studio apartment together.


    In the end,


    Choi Seo-jun had no choice but to follow him.


    Your studio apartment is nice.


    Entering Choi Seo-juns studio apartment, I look around with a smile.


    Themunication devices like phones andptops were on the desk, all their passwords unlocked, tantly exposing their secrets inside.


    And in front of him, five men were kneeling.


    Starting with Choi Seo-jun, the members of the club, which gathered under the name of a friendship club, were continuing a crazy rtionship where they shared women they dated in exchange for money.


    Im-Im sorry!


    We wont do it again! Really!


    The first two who shouted, taking the initiative.


    Thanks to being thoroughly beaten up in front of their apartments, they were definitely well-educated.


    I heard you guys have some kind of ckmail material? Something that made the women say they wanted the rtionship?


    !


    Ill give you everything including phones, so delete everything you have saved in emails or clouds and get it checked. The first two will be forgiven.


    As he dered while sitting on a chair, they quickly started moving, grabbing their phones andptops.


    Do, do you smoke?


    As I sat down, a gangster quietly approached me.


    He was Minjis senior who had hit me on the walking pathst time.


    Dont even try to run away in front of me.


    Yes! Understood!


    I liked the prompt response. Not just the guy who hit me, but the other seniors of Minji were also standing behind me, all tensed up.


    Seeing that, I gave them a slight smile.


    Dont be too scared. Weve an agreement, remember?


    An agreement.


    Originally, I had nned to make them pay dearly, but after hearing Minjis circumstances, I changed my mind.


    I would take their money, but instead of sending them to jail, we agreed on a different form of settlement.


    Ive deleted everything!


    Im done too!


    Here!


    As soon as I mentioned it was firste, first-served, they all rushed over and handed me their phones. Satisfied, I checked each one before collecting all the phones and cing them back on the table.


    If you didnt erase everything and got caught separately, youd be in real trouble. How do you think I found you?


    After briefly threatening them, I took the hammer that I had asked the thugs to bring.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    And then, one by one, the cell phones they had submitted.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    I smashed them, one by one.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    <em>Bang!</em>


    <em>Bang!</em>


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Technology is really good these days. They make cell phones so durable!


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Is it properly broken? Thats the SIM card, right?


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    After smashing all five cell phones, my arm started to hurt. I thought to myself that I definitely needed to exercise more.


    Ouch, my arm.


    The thug politely takes the hammer when I offer it.


    Sitting back down, I sighed while looking at the men who are still trembling.


    So, I said Id let two of you go, right? Who is it?


    Me! Its me!


    Me too!


    I was faster!


    Ah, its okay, no need topete.


    I shouldnt be doing this.


    It was a lie.


    Seeing their faces filled with despair, its hard to suppress myughter. It felt like watching some kind of drama.


    I know all the trashy things youve done. Normally, you should be judged by thew, but many of the victims said they just want to forget and dont need that.


    After all, to prove the crime, the victims needed to appear.


    Bringing up trauma requires extraordinary courage, and I respect that as well.


    Well, I dont really want to drag you to court after convincing the victims but just letting it go feels pretty shitty, doesnt it?


    Wait a moment!


    It was a mistake on our part!


    Thats right! It was because Choi Seo-jun persuaded us!


    I had no intention of listening to their pointless excuses.


    I was not on the side of justice either.


    I wasnt aplete viin either.


    Just an ordinary person.


    Even if I said that personal revenge was legally prohibited, when I saw the unfortunate stories and the iprehensibly lenient punishments, I would mutter that personal revenge seemed justified.


    That was the extent of my moralpass.


    Tell the hospital that you guys got into a fight and ended up like this. Got it?


    !


    Its fine to report to the police. Lets see who ends up worse off.


    Sorry, but


    I, have a lot of money.


    Saying so, I patted the thugs on the shoulder and stepped outside.


    Ill make sure youre dependent on the hospital for at least two months. If you mess around, youve got to pay the price.


    Understood!


    Take care!


    Thank you for settling this!


    <em>Clunk.</em>


    As I stepped outside and closed the door.


    The desperate screams of the men could be heard from inside.


    Sigh.


    Of course, it wasnt just because they agreed that they followed me like this.


    Being able to know the victims information as just a college student was actually a time-consuming task.


    It was something I couldnt do alone.


    When I casually checked my phone, there was a stiff message waiting.


    -Big Brother: Since I helped you this time, for a while


    Just as I was about to ignore it and close my phone.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    A call came in.


    I thought it was my brother, but the caller ID showed English Literature Department Choi Yiseo.


    Hello?


    As I answered, Choi Yiseo cautiously asked.


    -What are you doing? Are you still meeting the person you promised?


    -Woojin, I got promoted to Bronze 3!


    Seo Yerins voice ovepped with hers.


    I moved away so as not to hear the screams bursting from behind the door and answered.


    I just parted ways. Im about to head to school now.


    -Really? Do you know what time it is now?


    Hmm?


    Come to think of it, what time is it now?


    As I took the phone away from my ear to check the time, it was still 3 oclock. That meant there were still two hours left until the next lecture.


    3 oclock.


    -I had a meal, met someone I promised to meet, and we parted ways, but there are still two hours left until the lecture.


    Whats this.


    Is she teasing me?


    Then, lets go to a PC caf together


    I was about to suggest going to a PC caf together.


    -Our lecture has ended, good job.


    -Im going home!


    -Iron Woojins form is insane.


    -Like hes been shot.


    -Isnt being free for five hours like having a hole in your chest, not just being dead?


    -Kim Woojin, cut!


    <em>Beep!</em>


    The call was disconnected just like that.

 Chapter 26: In-App Purchases

    Chapter 26: In-App Purchases


    Yesterday had its share of events, but the end of the day came just the same, and the next day began just as inevitably.


    Thanks to the five hour break, I ended up sleeping the entire day and finally woke up around 11.


    I thought Wednesday would be leisurely since I only had afternoon sses, but by the time I got up, it was already time to leave after eating and showering.


    For lunch, I quickly satisfied my hunger with instant rice and side dishes bought from a store close-by.


    With just some seasoned vegetables, a fried egg, and a drizzle of Korean red chili paste with sesame oil, the bibimbap was easily prepared.


    While doing so, I checked the posts on the Bamboo Forest on my phone.


    -Anonymous111: Uh? Did you know that Popos Broadcast will be taking a break today?!


    -Anonymous11: IDGAD


    -Anonymous111: Uh?


    -Anonymous11: It means, I Dont Give A Damn, you bastard!


    -Anonymous111: :


    -Anonymous11: Is this your diary? Or a ce for announcements? Or what?


    -Anonymous 310: What, I thought it was a fight among people like me.


    -Anonymous300: I am from the department of Construction Engineering. Please tell me the name and department of the person who picked the fight with Popo.


    -Anonymous301: I am from the department of Construction Engineering. Please tell me the name and department of the person who picked the fight with Popo.


    -Anonymous302: I am from the department of Construction Engineering. Please tell me the name and department of the person who picked the fight with Popo.


    -Anonymous11: Honestly, Popo, the name itself sucks. Is it a grape ice cream?


    -Anonymous69: I am so bored. So bored.


    -Anonymous89: Did anyone find Buzz Pro at the store yesterday? I just bought it a week ago sad.


    -Anonymous157: This one?


    -Anonymous157: (photo)


    -Anonymous89: Yesyesyesyesyesyesyes! Thats the one!


    -Anonymous157: Thanks! Because of you I am having fun using it.


    -Anonymous89: ? You cannot use it because its synced with mine.


    -Anonymous69: Ah, I really want to have sex!


    -Anonymous90: Lord of sex has arrived. Another day full of arousal.


    -Anonymous11: Idiots are flirting here.


    Everyone seems to be living their lives with much zest today.


    It was slightly boring to see the Bamboo Forestmute smoothly flowing without any incidents.


    It is right for personal broadcasters to post their promotional content here as long as it isnt spam.


    Having someone pick a fight is pretty much an everyday urrence given how many people like that are around.


    After closing the smoothly sailing Bamboo Forest and taking a shower, I headed straight to University.


    Arriving at the University, where I had been untilst night, I felt oddly unsettled.


    I was dying of boredom over the weekend, but that didnt mean I was happy about the weekdays either.


    Thinking about it, the weekend seemed slightly better.


    As I stepped into the room, I felt this icy atmosphere which was from people ncing at me.


    Ah, right, this was the ss with the group project.


    Thinking back, there was senior Han-kang, with whom I had a bit of an argument with at the karaoke and even Ahn Hyeon-ho, who was ufortable with me due to the incident with Choi Yiseo.


    With a group project about filming a movie, wed have to see each others faces often, but now there were so many ufortable people.


    Moreover, from what I remember, most of them were friends of senior Han-kang, so they were bound to dislike me.


    Hmm.


    Well, what am I supposed to do with that?


    Just let this continue.


    If they dont like me, they should just drop the project and the ss too.


    I casually went and found my seat and turned on the mobile game I began yesterday. Its a collection type RPG game where beautiful girls fight using school life as a theme, and it felt pretty decent.


    Watching the cute little characters move around and fight in the game somehow calmed me, unlike my no-fun university life.


    Shh-should I spend some money on it?


    Maybe it wouldnt hurt to splurge a little on the girls who saved my free time yesterday?


    20,000 won is a bit much, maybe just try the monthly pass for 10,000 won and then stop.


    Since paying 10,000 won every month would be too much.


    Ah, shi-so bothersome.


    I was serious unsure about what to decide, desire tells me to spend the 20,000 won, but reason suggests that spending 10,000 won and checking in daily should be enough.


    Yerin! Over here!


    As I was in this painful dilemma, I suddenly heard a girls voice.


    Turning my head slightly I saw Seo Yerin, who was almostte, barely making it to the ssroom.


    Seeing that, the group of people with senior Han-kang waved their hands and called to Seo Yerin.


    It felt quite sly to use the female senior with him, and not Han-kang himself to call out to Seo Yerin.


    Because of the karaoke incident, Han-kang found it quite difficult to approach Seo Yerin openly, so he used his friend instead.


    Woah, thats impressive.


    Both Ahn Hyeon-ho who liked Choi Yiseo and Han-kang who liked Seo Yerin.


    Honestly, with as much effort they were putting in, it wouldnt be a loss if they even dated.


    After seeing people from another university intending on doing trashy things with the girl from yesterday, seeing them use their brains innocently like this made me want to support them a little.


    But more than that.


    Shh.


    How exactly should I handle the in-app purchase?


    But isnt ten thousand won a bit too much?


    Wont I get more attached to the game if I spent so much?


    30,000 won?!


    If I spend 30,000 won, it wont just be me who ends up ying this game, but the son I will have in the future will have to y it too.


    Thats the least I should do to get my moneys worth right?


    Tonights dinner was demoted to a small cup of ramen from the convenience store, but for a moment of pleasure


    <em>Tak.</em>


    Hello, Woojin.


    Uh?


    Seo Yerin sat next to me with a smile.


    Along with the cold breeze from outsidees a fresh scent of shampoo.


    Did you enjoy the lecture yesterday?


    Whats this, a challenge to duel?


    Thinking about it, she did tease me a little yesterday.


    Right, I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks, it made me y games, which were more fun.


    Hehehe.


    Trying to suppress herughter, she hangs up her coat on her chair. Thinking about it, it does seem cold since it is now autumn.


    Looking past Seo Yerin organizing her clothes, I saw Han-kang and his group looking over to our side and whispering.


    I was about to tell Seo Yerin that sitting here might not be best but,


    Uh? You y BLA too!


    Seeing my phone screen, her eyes began to shine as she scooted over.


    Ha, I dont care.


    Well, if she wants to sit next to me, its not like I can say anything to that. After all, she might have sat here with nowhere else to go or be ufortable elsewhere.


    ck Academy! You know this game! Its really fun!


    She made a fuss in this strange tone while pulling out her phone. Even though I didnt want to see it, I could see countless messagesing in.


    And she casually swiped them away with her finger, saying she can reply to themter and smiled, turning the game on.


    Woah, whats this.


    Max-level dazzling female characters everywhere. Its like theyre sitting on a golden throne; even the arena is top-grade.


    Isnt this game fun? The characters are pretty and cute, so its enjoyable to watch, right?


    Your characters look so strong and somewhat scary to me.


    Moreover, the games menu screen showed a girl in her panties.


    She really was enjoying this.


    Whats your nickname? Ill add you as a friend if you let me know. Have you subscribed to the monthly n? Did you reroll? Without a top tier character, this is a bit!


    While Seo Yerins knowledge about the game continued to pour out,


    another familiar face stepped in.


    Senior Min Ju-hee.


    Even though she had a coat just like Seo Yerins, why did she look like a gangster?


    It might be because her hair was a lot cker than others as if dyed, lending it a more vivid look.


    The senior nced around and then briskly walked over to where senior Han-kang was to talk.


    After that, she came to us.


    Guys, do you have time after todays lecture? I think we need to have a meeting, it will be for about ten minutes.


    Yes, thats fine.


    Of course.


    It was indeed because of the group project. The Joan of Arc of group projects who is serious about grades, and reliable.


    Then, the professor came in. Since it was awkward timing to go anywhere else, senior Min Ju-hee took the seat next to me.


    So if you set it to auto-hunting during the lecture!


    The professor had just entered the ssroom, so why is there another professor sitting next to me?


    Watching Seo Yerin continue with excitement and exin the game, I asked,


    How much did you spend on this?


    I work part time.


    No, Im asking how much you spent.


    Im an adult now.


    Do you not hear me?


    What I spend my money on is my decision.


    No, who said anything about that. I asked how much?


    As much as I love the kids.


    How much is that though?


    Bring your ear closer.


    Realizing what she meant as she asked me to get closer, I noticed that Seo Yerin and I were a lot closer than I thought.


    She was leaning towards me, trying to look at my phone so to whisper in the ear.


    And the moment she said it.


    What?!


    I looked at her without realizing.


    As I looked in shock, Seo Yerin awkwardly smiled.


    Thats how much I love them.


    Woah.


    I blurted out a confession without realizing it:


    Please love me too.


    W-what?!


    Just love me insanely! Be obsessed with me! Then, wont I also receive that much in spending?! Woah, thats insane! Seo Yerin, a woman crazy in love!


    Be-be quiet!


    A flustered Seo Yerin quickly covered my mouth with her hand. I got excited without realizing it because of the unexpected amount.


    Huh.


    Watching from the side, senior Min Ju-hee chuckled.


    How cute.


    It seemed like she found this amusing.


    I sneakily remove Seo Yerins hand covering my mouth to say,


    Senior, if you listen to this, you will also crave the love of Seo Yerin. Could it be that the reason for your poprity is huh!


    Ah seriously!


    Unable to finish the sentence as my mouth got covered again, I just stared at her.


    Dont say it. Do you understand?


    I nod.


    Can I let go?


    I nod again.


    The moment Seo Yerin removed her hand


    Five hundred!


    And my mouth was covered again.

 Chapter 27: Administrator

    Chapter 27: Administrator


    Yah.


    Uh?


    Despite being in the middle of the lecture, Seo Yerin was checking numerous things on her phone.


    I thought she wasnt listening to the lecture, but she clearly was taking notes of key points, showing she could do it all.


    Even though I called her, she wasnt throwing a single nce at me and often clicked her tongue. Wasnt she being too harsh on an ount which was just started yesterday?


    Did you eat oranges this morning?


    Uh? How did you?


    Startled, Seo Yerin quickly brought her hand to her nose, and then her face turned red, and she froze.


    I had it as a snack on the way here.


    I see, the oranges are a bit sour now, but you seem to have enjoyed it.


    Puffing her cheeks out as if asking me to not speak, Seo Yerin stuck her lips out making herself look cute and I found myself smiling without realizing it.


    <em>Woong.</em>


    My phone rang.


    Naturally my gaze turned to it.


    -Bamboo Forest message.


    My hand reacted first to the message which appeared, swiftly snatching the phone up. Then I immediately checked Seo Yerins reaction, who was staring nkly at the spot where the phone was.


    Did she see it?


    What if she did?


    What if she finds out Im the administrator of the Bamboo Forest?


    If she finds out.


    Upon reflection, it wouldnt be a problem even if she did. After all, the person I have been talking to as the administrator is Anonymous69 and not Seo Yerin.


    It might be a bit awkward if it was found out but I knew Anonymous69 was Seo Yerin and still talked to her.


    So it wont matter as long as I dont make any mistakes.


    Bamboo Forest.


    However, at Seo Yerins words, I tensed up. I had just thought it wouldnt matter if she knew, but facing this situation made me feel a bit nervous.


    You use the Bamboo Forest too!


    But her response was slightly off the mark.


    Uh?


    I use it often too. There are a lot of fun things posted there.


    You are one of the fun ones in there.


    It seemed like she thought I posted something on the Bamboo Forest and received ament on it.


    Should I be relieved about it?


    Well, right. A lot of interesting things get posted. Sometimes there are people that you wonder if theyre really attending the same university.


    Right, right. Its kind of like ying detective, trying to guess who posted what.


    There are times when direct attacks are posted.


    Ah


    Seo Yerin opened her mouth slightly, making a face as if she had made a mistake.


    It was a chance for me to naturally frame it as if I had criticized the Bamboo Forest with the karaoke incident that happened.


    I installed it to confirm if the sniping happened at that time, but I found quite a few interesting stories. So I have been watching it from time to time.


    I see. Its fortunate that bad memories can turn into good ones.


    Seo Yerin smiles and rejoices together.


    Being able to talk anonymously has its downsides, but it also has its merits.


    As I added that, Seo Yerin seemed to agree and nodded vigorously. As the conversation shifted to the Bamboo Forest, we began to talk, forgetting about taking notes on the lecture.


    Right! It kind of feels like Im saying things I normally couldnt? So it feels a bit freer to me.


    Youre not going around picking fights, are you?


    Anonymous11?


    Ah the one who goes around picking fights on every post, right?


    Right, people call them keyboard fights on the forum, I have been cussed out by that person too.


    I know.


    This morning, you and your follower were cursed for being affectionate with each other.


    But I dont really care about being cursed. Its like, I get to say what I want behind a mask and receive curses behind a mask too.


    Right, I didnt expect you to make such wide use of the Bamboo Forest.


    Its pretty nice. It feels like a masquerade party with verified people.


    Since only students of Gahyeon University get to use it, they are, in a way, verified people.


    And then theres the Admin.


    It came so suddenly that there was no time for my expression to even change. So, without any change, I became curious.


    Uh? Admin?


    The Admin is quitepetent. Good at the job and kind, which is something I like.


    Do you know them?


    No, I dont know the person. But Ive had a few talks because of inquiries.


    Ahh.


    Every time, I get the feeling that they are kind. Even when theyre nitpicky, they seem kind of nice.


    When talking about the Admin, Seo Yerins expression changed to a slightly nostalgic, adorned with a gentle smile.


    I felt worried and asked her.


    Youre not like, interested in them or something, right?


    At my question, Seo Yerinughed mischievously.


    Who knows? But I do want to meet them. Who knows? After being alone for 20 years. Maybe Ill finally get a boyfriend?


    That bad?


    Wait, it wasnt like the talk was anything special, what made Seo Yerin take such a liking to them?


    Anyway, I dont need to reveal my true self to that person.


    Seo Yerin whispered softly but audibly.


    Min Ju-hee, my senior, poked me in the ribs as I sat there, confused.


    Its nice that juniors are talking to one another, but its getting a bit noisy.


    Uncharacteristically, senior Min Ju-hee is even wearing sses. They really dont suit her though.


    Im sorry.


    Sorry, senior.


    As soon as we apologized, she added some words with a refreshingugh.


    Our smartie seems flustered because theres someone Yerin likes, right?


    What?!


    Seo Yerin looked at me in surprise, but I shook my head coldly at that.


    No, its not that.


    Perhaps it was because the denial was so firm and sincere.


    I-is that so? I must be mistaken then.


    Feeling awkward, Min Ju-hee went back to the lecture, and Seo Yerin looked down at her notes with aplicated expression.


    Just as senior Min Ju-hee said, I was flustered.


    But for myself.


    This was because I was flustered as I wondered if she liked the administrator.


    I should be more careful.


    I thought I should respond to the 1:1 inquiries with brief responses for Anonymous69.<hr>


    After the lecture.


    The team members gathered to make a movie, just as senior Min Ju-hee had mentioned.


    We didnt leave the ssroom but moved while just sitting around the desks casually, and seeing the seniors on senior Han-kangs side and he himself keeping their distance from me, made me want tough.


    At least, having Seo Yerin sitting next to me made it feel less empty.


    Thank you all for making time.


    Senior Min Ju-hee, who took on the role of team leader, stood in the center and began to lead the discussion.


    First, Ive been thinking about the content of the short film? Since melodrama or horror would cost less, Im leaning towards that. Any objections?


    Of course, no one said anything. Melodrama was expected and horror like B-grade horror movies, would be cheaper to produce.


    Just walking around the school at night could easily produce a horror story.


    I asked the professor, and he said the movies story structure andpletion level would also be reflected in additional points. So today, we are announcing that we are looking for a scriptwriter.


    Scriptwriter?


    Come up with a story and submit it. Whoever gets selected can skip the assignment from that day on.


    Oh?


    I couldnt help but let out an exmation. It seemed that not just I, but the other team members were all intrigued.


    Could we really skip the cumbersome assignment just by sending in a story?


    Ill post about two videos in the group chat. Juste up with a story of that scale.


    The idea of crafting a story seemed fun, and the possibility of skipping an assignment was what piqued my interest.


    But Woojin is out. Youll have to edit it with me.


    Ah.


    My shoulders stopped bouncing and slumped. I couldnt help but feel disappointed.


    Submit the script, anyone can except for Woojin. Got it?


    Was this the reason you gathered us?


    As the meeting seemed toe to an end, one of senior Han-kangs friends raised his hand and asked.


    It was a valid point.


    Couldnt this just be posted in the group chat?


    But senior Min Ju-hee shook her head.


    This is just an addition to it. I have something else to say.


    Then, Min Ju-hee senior looked between me and senior Han-kang and then bluntly dropped the bomb.


    You people fought, right?


    Ah, haha. Its not really a fight or anything.


    Senior Han-kang had this awkwardugh and stepped forward. Min Ju-hee ignored his words and looked at me.


    I just shrugged without giving any response.


    It was true that I had cursed at senior Han-kang and it was also true that things got twisted and I was sniped on the Bamboo Forest.


    Since the parties involved didnt fight, let it be known that they didnt fight. Even if they did fight, I will not tell them to reconcile. Rather.


    Firmly and intensely.


    Senior Min Ju-hee dered.


    Dont let that affect the project. If youre going to drop the lecture because you hate the bastard or you arent going to do the assignment, saying some fucking nonsense like that, then say it right now, because if thises upter, I will rip your mouth open.


    <em>Woah.</em>


    Senior Min Ju-hee momentarily went back to her past self. Senior Han-kang too, looked taken aback for a moment.


    I immediately raised my hand and said,


    I will do my best to edit, team leader.


    Yes, thats right. As expected, Woojins actions are so lovely.


    Eh, not at all.


    Blushing, I waved my hands in denial and friends of senior Han-kang made faces like they saw something they shouldnt have.


    I dont have that intention either.


    Right, Han-kang, you cant get out of it unless you have a warrant.


    <em>Woah.</em>


    Look at her gant form.


    Our Captain Ju is simply the best.

 Chapter 28: Do You Want To Try It?

    Chapter 28: Do You Want To Try It?


    Shall we go together to the next lecture?


    After the first lecture on Wednesday afternoon, there was a beginners Japanese conversation ss, and Seo Yerin ended up joining me naturally since she was taking the ss too.


    I remember thest time she went to a caf with senior Han-kang, but now she was moving together with me.


    Ah, feels like my back is being pierced.


    As we leave the ssroom, I could feel senior Han-kang staring at us from behind.


    Its rather prickly, and Im not at all pleased to be on the receiving end of such envy. I just wish he would take her away.


    Ha, crazy woman.


    Birds of a feather.


    Moreover, I caught a glimpse of senior Han-kangs friends, the second-year female students who were whispering among themselves.


    Im feeling oddly anxious now.


    Worried that odd rumors would start about me and Seo Yerin.


    Shall we stop by at a caf on the way? How about some coffee?


    Whether she knows it or not, Seo Yerin is cheerfully smiling and suggesting that we go to a caf.


    Phew.


    I understand her kindness, but shouldnt she be a bit suspicious of others?


    I couldnt tell if she was bold or just in clueless for just smiling and brushing off the attention she got from the seniors.


    Is there anything you want to drink? Not on the caf menu, but written on the chalkboard at the counter, theres something really delicious.


    Clueless. She has to be clueless.


    Do you like sweet things?


    I normally drink anything.


    Is that so? Then I should pick something unique for you.


    Uh?


    Hehe.


    Seo Yerin, finding something amusing in the menu, quickly dragged me along, insisting we go.


    Since we ended up together, we stopped by the caf to buy the drink which Seo Yerin mentioned before heading to the lecture.


    Hmm? This is a lot better than I thought.


    Really? Me too.


    I casually offered the straw of my drink to Seo Yerin who asked for a sip. After all, I ordered it because she wanted to try it, so naturally I intended for her to take a sip from it.


    Ah, hmm.


    Seeing Seo Yerin hesitate made me chuckle in disbelief.


    Youre a student in university now and youre hesitating over something as simple as an indirect kiss?


    No, its not that!


    What do you mean by that? You watch those pure loveics, dont you? Only looking at those romance webtoons.


    I said no!


    She timidly took a sip from the straw and pulled away.


    It is tasty.


    Her awkward response as if she was acting, clearly said that she was flustered.


    Seeing her eyes dart around and her face turn red just from this indirect kiss made me think.


    Is this really the one who talks about sex on the forum?


    Who would even believe the true appearance of the sex symbol, the Sex God, is blushing just because they used the same straw someone else had?


    Tell your friends if you meet a guy, for them toe along.


    Everyone says that to me.


    Youve chosen good friends.


    But Seo Yerin grumbled like she was wronged.


    Im good at spotting guys too? I have my own poprity, so I get a lot of contacts.


    Right, you look like that. So popr that guys send you messages every day asking you out for a meal, right?


    Her expression asked how I knew, but in our University, if anyone doesnt know Seo Yerin by face, they would be the weirdest one.


    Y-yes! I am popr!


    Woah, hearing you directly say it, doesnt give it that effect.


    You! No, its not that! But seeing me unswayed by anyone and not dating, dont you think its trustworthy?


    It seemed like she was trying to instill some confidence in her own ways, so I just shrugged and said,


    Isnt it rather that you have too many people trying to appeal, making it impossible for you to choose anyone?


    Euk.


    Just like being unsure of what to eat first when you have too many delicious items in front of you.


    Seo Yerin also found it difficult to meet someone or get to know them deeply because too many men were trying to appeal to her.


    Ugh.


    Well, I guess thates with its own set of problems.


    Though I felt a bit sorry for her, I also thought it was a problem of abundance for some.


    Woah, must be nice being so popr.


    It was just starting to annoy me.<hr>


    Bye, see you again.


    Yep, see you again.


    The boring beginner Japanese conversation ss had ended. Seo Yerin and Kim Woojin had to go to their respective sses now, so they parted ways.


    Since it was a basic and easy Japanese ss, both of them could turn into conversation partners and kill time.


    In the case of Kim Woojin, he had to attend the lectures alone from now on, but for Seo Yerin it was different.


    Yerin is here!


    Seo Yerin! Over here!


    Since the next lecture was a subject she had agreed to attend with friends, so naturally she joined her other friends.


    Are we going for dinner after this?


    What should we eat?


    Lets eat something which wont make us gain weight. My boyfriend has been hinting that Ive gained weight recently.


    Look at her subtly bragging about having a boyfriend.


    Seo Yerin naturally joined in the conversation with her friends. The three people she met now werent her university friends, but ones she went to high school with, which made their bond stronger.


    What is it? What are you thinking?


    Yu Arin, smiling as she linked her arms with Seo Yerin.


    Among her high school friends, Yu Arin was also in the English Department and had gotten closer.


    Um? Just.


    Just?


    Thinking about no longer hiding it, Seo Yerin decided it was a good chance and asked Yu Arin.


    Arin, did you post on the Bamboo Forest thest time?


    Ah, because of that Kim Woojin incident? Right, it was kind of fun.


    Yu Arin was the one who went with public opinion, even the ss rep, Choi Yiseo, told her not to, but she continued to post using anonymity as a shield.


    Have you ever contacted the Bamboo Forest Admin for anything?


    Uh? No, why?


    Right


    What? What is it?


    No, its nothing.


    Why did I ask?


    Thinking about it, she herself sent this inquiry to the Admin several times.


    There was no need to ask Yu Arin to confirm it.


    Seo Yerin was slightly confused because of the Bamboo Forest notification she had seen on Kim Woo-jins phone.


    Why did the messagee in like that?


    -Bamboo Forest inquiry.


    A notification hade in as if some inquiry had been made.


    For reference, when sending an inquiry to the Admin, the reply would be:


    -A reply has been made to your inquiry.


    That was it.


    Ive never received notifications like that even whenments were made.


    -Ament has been made on your post.


    Notifications woulde in in such a manner, not in the way that she saw on Kim Woojins phone.


    Could it be.


    If. If only.


    What if Woojin is the Admin?


    So, could that be why the notification came in like that?


    Not that a reply to an inquiry hade, but that such a message appeared when a user sent in an inquiry to Kim Woojin?


    Gradually, Seo Yerin began to get lost in her thoughts.


    Yah, I heard she got a boyfriend!


    Ah, I wasnt going to say anything.


    When Yu Arin and Seo Yerin were together, it seemed like the remaining two ended up talking amongst themselves and the conversation turned to boyfriends.


    So far, among the four, only one has a boyfriend, but now its split evenly.


    Really? Werent you the one saying you wouldnt date a guy for the sake of our friendship?


    The girl who got herself a boyfriend shook her head at Yu Arin, who smiled.


    Choosing between friendship and love is so outdated. It isnt like getting a boyfriend ruins our friendship!


    Your talk game has improved.


    Yah! Crazy one! She said it was sex before dating!


    Oh?


    Woah.


    Yu Arin and Seo Yerin eximed in unison. They had heard that there were rtionships where people turned intimate before officially dating, but they never imagined their friend would be one of them.


    So, like America.


    Yu Arin clicked her tongue.


    Woah, woahhh.


    Seo Yerin had a red face but was overtaken by curiosity.


    Come on then, why dont you spill the beans already!


    Thus Seo Yerin said, getting too engrossed in this epic saga which began with how her friend met her boyfriend.


    At some point, the doubt on Kim Woojin as the Admin of the Bamboo Forest was pushed aside.<hr>


    -Anonymous69: I wanna have sex so baaad!


    -Anonymous69: Ahhh, I really wanna do it rough!


    -Anonymous69: Just wanna stick my dick in a vagina and stir it the fuck up!


    -Anonymous11: What the fuck is this bastard raging out for?


    -Anonymous90: Looks like Mister Sex is in a good mood today!


    Why is she being like this now?


    After Tuesday lectures ended and I was on the way home,


    I couldnt help but chuckle at Anonymous69 for causing amotion and spamming the Bamboo Forest.


    Anyway,


    If you spam, you get blocked.


    I immediately blocked Anonymous69.


    -Anonymous11: The admin is finally doing something.


    -Anonymous90: Please be considerate of the well known users on the board, admin.


    -Anonymous11: Stop talking nonsense.


    Even though there were fewer students using the Bamboo Forest due to it being dinnertime, werent the two of them having a good time?


    After that, a few users wrote posts saying it was good that the admin took down the Sex God.


    This was an act of moving Anonymous69 to the inquiries.


    After all, it was obvious they would spam me the same way they did the board.


    I thought today would be a good day with no inquiriesing in.


    Uh?


    All was calm.


    Usually, when someone gets blocked, they kick up a fuss asking why they were blocked.


    Could it be!


    I remembered Seo Yerin looking into my phone during the lecture.


    It seemed like it passed naturally, but could she have noticed something?


    Perhaps, it was because I felt a slight chill that I began to walk quickly.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    And then in came this message.


    -Anonymous69: Admin


    Why is this making me anxious?


    The tone of the message felt so different from usual. I replied with a bit of tension.


    -Admin: Thank you for moving into a 24-hour block?


    I responded as usual.


    -Anonymous69: Have you ever had sex?


    Uh!?


    I let out a sound, causing another person walking on the path to nce at me.


    Whats with the person?


    What could have happened that she was so keen to know this?


    -Admin: I have.


    -Anonymous69: Ah, you said you slept with a woman before.


    -Admin: Right.


    Of course, that was just sleeping in a sauna with Choi Yiseo, but it isnt like I dont have experience.


    I had a girlfriend called Oh Yoon-ji in the first semester, and Oh Yoon-ji and I lived together in my studio apartment.


    -Anonymous69: How did it happen?


    -Admin: Why are you being like this today?


    -Anonymous69: Mr. Admin.


    Despite being the same texts, it somehow felt more significant. It seemed like I shouldnt read whates next, but.


    Seo Yerin was swifter.


    -Anonymous69: If its alright, let us meet.


    -Anonymous69: And try it?

 Chapter 29: Script

    Chapter 29: Script


    -Anonymous69: Should we give it a try?


    It wasnt like I didnt know what was being suggested; I wasnt that clueless.


    I wasnt sure why Seo Yerin was suddenly being this proactive, but the response was already determined.


    -Admin: Youre a guy.


    Since Anonymous69 is known to me as a male, its only natural to address her as one here.


    -Admin: I dont do it with guys.


    There was silence for a while after I responded like that. I began to feel a little nervous again wondering what she was up to.


    -Admin: Even if you really want to, doing it with a guy is really not okay.


    -Admin: I am no silver-haired frail beauty.


    While waiting for some kind of response.


    -Anonymous69: To think you were seriously expecting something lol.


    Phew.


    I was relieved to hear the usual responseing back.


    What happened though?


    It wasnt in her nature to suddenly bring such topics up, maybe she was feeling jealous that a friends got a boyfriend or something.


    Or maybe she found out that Im the Admin.


    I wondered.


    But then I thought if shed realized it, she wouldnt be sending me such messages.


    Even though weve gotten close, we werent this close.


    -Anonymous69: Do you have a girlfriend, Admin?


    -Admin: Yes, I do.


    Of course, I dont.


    But I thought to steer the conversation in a different direction as she might suspect me.


    -Admin: I told you I slept with a womanst time.


    -Anonymous69: It could have been a sex friend.


    Huh.


    The kid who turned their head away and blushed at the mention of an indirect kiss? Where did she learn all this stuff?


    -Admin: No, its not like that.


    -Anonymous69: So, did you have sex before or after you began dating?


    Ah seriously.


    I have no idea who it is, but I want to go and punch the person who put such weird ideas into Seo Yerins head.


    -Admin: Excuse me.


    -Anonymous69: Yes?


    -Admin: Did you watch some porn?


    -Anonymous69: .


    -Admin: Ive heard there are such people, but it isnt my style. I started dating my girlfriend first.


    -Anonymous69: Aha?


    -Admin: I dont know if you watched porn with that content or heard that from around you, but you need to live by your principles. Dont try to follow others just because they live that way.


    -Anonymous69:


    After that response, there was no need for me to send anything more, so I didnt.


    There were so many people around Seo Yerin and most of them are trying to hit on her or something.


    It seemed important to live ording to ones own principles.


    I understand that relieving stress as Anonymous69 is one thing, but ultimately you need to fix being swayed in reality too, right?


    Well, thats me being too noisy.


    Thats for them to figure out on their own. For me, its enough that my role as Admin wasnt discovered.<hr>


    Do you know the least desirable time to y a game?


    When youve been utterly defeated in the previous game?


    When youve been mocked by the opponent?


    It is precisely when a teammate who yed poorly starts cursing us.


    Thats when I least want to y.


    This is exactly such a situation.


    After finishing Thursdays lecture, I went to the PC caf to quietly enjoy some games on my own, but I turned off the game after being messed with from the first match.


    But since it felt like a waste to just sit there with limited time in the PC caf, I was thinking of what to do.


    -Captain Ju: Woojin, busy right now?


    Senior Min Ju-hee had sent a message.


    -Kim Woojin: No, Im not busy. I finished the lecture and am at a PC caf.


    -Captain Ju: Really? Zero PC caf in front of the uni?


    -Kim Woojin: Yes, right there.


    -Captain Ju: Stay there, Ille over. You didnt have dinner yet, right?


    Whats this now?


    Is she suddenly offering to buy me dinner?


    -Captain Ju: Ive got a few scenarios sent in from the guys? Lets take a look at them. Since youre editing, it would be good for you to see.


    -Kim Woojin: Ahhh.


    -Captain Ju: Andst time, I said lets have dinner but we ended up in a bar, because of the guys. Ill buy you what I couldntst time.


    Huh.


    So thats what this was?


    It seems like she was using editing as an excuse, but actually felt bad for not holding up her end of the dealst time.


    Since I slipped away in the middle and ended up eating ramen with Choi Yiseo.


    -Kim Woojin: Is beef okay?


    -Captain Ju: _|_


    -Kim Woojin: Pork?


    -Captain Ju: Letspromise and go for chicken.


    -Kim Woojin: Thats notpromising at all, thats going to what you want.


    Isnt this a huge downgrade from pork?


    -Captain Ju: But I did listen to your opinion.


    -Kim Woojin:


    -Captain Ju: Shall wepromise after seeing each others faces?


    -Kim Woojin: Actually, I love chicken!


    -Captain Ju: Lol cute.


    -Captain Ju: Itll take about an hour, so just y some games in the meantime.


    -Kim Woojin: Yes!


    Since it wasnt dinner time yet, I wasnt hungry and I thought of ordering ramen in boredom, but decided to let it be.


    And I didnt want to y games either.


    Ah.


    It urred to me that this meeting was about the script, and the person who decided on the script was missing from the group project.


    Well, thats not so bad.


    Honestly, except for Seo Yerin and senior Min Ju-hee, I dont get along with most of the group members, so Im thankful for whomever disappears.


    But.


    We should suffer together.


    I immediately turned on myputer and opened a document. As the editor, even if I tried writing the script, I cant opt out.


    But if I write it and it gets picked, doesnt that mean no one gets left out?


    Lol.


    It would be annoying.


    Like doing something good only to get screwed.


    Since it is a short film of about 30-40 minutes in length, the content can be simple.


    She said it should either be romance or horror.


    Personally, I wasnt into romance, so horror would be the right choice.


    If its horror, would it be done with preparing a ghost story and making the protagonists go through the horror experience based on that?


    The script seemed easier than I thought.


    I was about to move the mouse to look up a novel featuring a ghost-exorcism-shaman stuff I had seen before.


    Oh?


    A voice beside me said.


    The moment I heard it, the voice stuck in my head and it wasnt because it was attractive, but unique.


    As I casually turned my head, a girl with bleached blonde hair greeted me first.


    Youre Kim Woojin right?


    Yes.


    What was her name now?


    I remember her as a friend of Seo Yerins.


    She was the one who suddenly sent me a message during thest karaoke snipping incident and thenined that I was more boring than she thought.


    One moment.


    I tried to check the message to find her name, but I realized that I had left the chatroom.


    Of course, I didnt add her as a friend either.


    Ah, I cant remember. Just let me know your name.


    Huh.


    Yu Arin looked at me with both annoyance and disbelief as I was being too subtle.


    Then, the cool and handsome PC caf part-timer behind her answered.


    Its Yu Arin. Youre both first year students in English Literature right?


    Yes. Im Kim Woojin. You are?


    I am Jeong Chan-woo, a student at Gahyeon University, majoring in Architectural Engineering.


    Architectural Engineering?


    It isnt that it didnt suit him, but he seemed more like a celebrity to me. At least he gave off strong actor vibes.


    Jeong Chan-woo was a famous PC caf part-timer, and the female students often visited the PC caf to see him, which naturally led to the male students flocking here as well, to see the female students.


    Ive heard a couple of times that hes called the handsome guy of Zero Caf.


    Weve been friends since we were kids. Please look after her.


    What are you talking about? Are you my dad?


    As Jeong Chan-woo spoke, Yu Arin retorted and plopped down next to my seat.


    Give me ramen.


    ck bean ramen?


    Yes!


    Jeong Chan-woo began to boil the water right away, responding to Yu Arins whining like aint.


    I wonder why he let himself be swayed by such a person, but then I realized it wasnt my business to stick my nose into and went back to writing the script.


    What are you doing?


    Yu Arin peeked to my side, curious while waiting for the ramen to arrive. Even after theputer was turned on, she wasnt doing anything in particr.


    Do your own thing now.


    My response was blunt, not the best response, and Yu Arin shook her head.


    I dont y games. I came here because Jeong Chan-woo said hell give me free PC caf food and time because I was bored.


    Ahh. Im screwed.


    Its clear that shell continue bothering me if she is seated next to me.


    Thinking that I should change seats, I tried to get up but she grabbed my clothes and made me sit back down.


    Youre Yerins friend right? Doesnt that make me your friend too?


    Uh, nope.


    You seemed fun, but youre a lot less entertaining than I thought.


    You looked rude, but you are even more horrible than I expected.


    We red at each other, neither of us backing down. Yu Arin didnt seem like it, but she appeared to have quite a unique personality.


    So, what are you doing?


    Seeing the Korean writing window open on myputer screen, she looked puzzled.


    Ahh.


    Feeling like she would pester me till the end, I briefly exined.


    What? What?!


    For some reason, her eyes trembled as she shrugged, looking excited.


    Woah! Youre writing a script? That sounds so fun. A 40-minute short film shooting, right? Woah! I should have taken that ss too!


    I really love movies, you know? I likeing up with stuff like scripts too. Just wait, Ille up with something totally amazing.


    No. I dont need any help


    Yu Arin pushed my chair away and leaned forward, starting to look for various things.


    I wondered why she didnt use her ownputer.


    Just then Jeong Chan-woo came in with the ramen he made her and there was one for me too.


    On the house.


    Ah, yes, thank you.


    Yu Arin continued to tap away at theputer without even noticing that Jeong Chan-woo had arrived.


    Jeong Chan-woo nced over for a moment and soon went back to his spot.


    Something feels off.


    I felt a bit uneasy about being caught up in their strange rtionship.


    Even if its horror, the content is what matters most. Its a short film project right? Then it needs a sad ending.


    What?


    What is she saying?


    Yu Arin leaned back in the chair with legs crossed in response to my answer.


    She had the air of a detective exining a mystery.


    Its a short film right? That means it has a short runtime. So dont focus too much on the surrounding characters and make sure to focus the audiences attention on the protagonist only.


    I get that, but why the sad ending?


    Ah, be quiet now, Im exining.


    Well, there wont be sequels for it, and its not like well charge people to watch it. Its about making the audience immerse into the character with a hint of afterthought and taste.


    Because this is a project. Even if its sad, itll end up leaving an impression. It means to touch their emotions, and if that happens, youll get good grades for sure.


    Because its a project.


    Asting impression is what matters.


    Not a sad ending which stays back, but a refreshing sad ending. A sense of regret, and the feeling that it was bound to happen.


    Smile.


    Yu Arin smiled boldly.


    At that moment, the emotion of sadness is mistaken for being touched.


    Woah.


    Then it leaves a deep impression on the professor too.


    I almost pped for her.


    As if it felt like it made sense.


    Just trust this noona. Ill make sure your script gets selected and


    Again,


    she began to tap on the keyboard with a mischievous smile.


    All those who are acting and thinking about skipping the group project will end up shutting their mouths.


    Seeing that, I was taken aback and picked up the ramen that came in.


    I thought this when you sent me a message thest time too.


    Hmm?


    You have a pretty nasty personality.


    It was hard to describe her actions, watching group members skip out on the project and disliking it, as anything other than bad personality.


    She red at me for what I said.


    Dont eat the ramen. Its a service from my friend, so dont eat it.


    <em>Slurp.</em>


    Yummy!


    Chan-woo! Add one ramen to number 21!


    <em>Slurp.</em>


    How tasty!

 Chapter 30: Drinking Session

    Chapter 30: Drinking Session


    No, no. If we do that, the focus will once again shift to the supporting characters.


    I didnt want to listen to Yu Arin grumbling beside me, but surprisingly,


    truly surprisingly, everything Yu Arin said turned out to be a gem.


    Even though I wanted to object to it, her suggestions were really helpful for the project, so I couldnt actually say anything.


    They say the truth hurts the most.


    Ive heard that smart people who speak the truth are the most annoying ones, but really, I had no clue it would be this annoying.


    Dont forget, were making a 40-minute movie, okay?


    I understand.


    As I bit my lip and reluctantly answered, Yu Arin clicked her tongue in disapproval.


    While looking at the script, I wanted to pick a fight, so I said,


    But why add romance? We could just go with horror.


    Hmm? Its usually good to add a bit of this to help the focus.


    Then, does it have to be a female lead? There are more men in our group.


    What? Ah, I didnt think of that!


    Yu Arin clicked her tongue in frustration, realizing she had been writing the script without even considering who would be ying the roles.


    Is there anyone in the group I know?


    Most of them you would already know.


    After all, our group is made up of English Literature major students. Im not sure about the seniors, but I began to mention Seo Yerin, Ahn Hyeon-ho, senior Han-kang, and senior Min Ju-hee.


    What?


    Yu Arin looked at me with a nk expression.


    What?


    I wondered if she found something problematic, but then she hit me on the thigh.


    Ack! Have you lost it?!


    It hurt so much, and I wondered why she was doing this, but then Yu Arin began to erase everything she wrote.


    Shit! Are you going to shoot a horror movie with those luxurious faces? Are you trying to ruin everything by casting those who live off their looks?


    No, we dont even know who will take on the roles.


    As long as it isnt you. It doesnt matter since youll be editing! If Ahn Hyeon-ho or senior Han-kang take it, the male lead works, and the female lead has to be Seo Yerin.


    Are you the team leader or something?


    I looked at her in disbelief but she just clicked her tongue.


    You dont know how many love calls Yerin has received from the entertainment industry since high school, huh?


    .


    It didnt feel like she was exaggerating either.


    These are the kids who have had things handed in their lives because of their faces, and you cant evenprehend that.


    Seriously.


    Although Yu Arin wasnt as pretty as Seo Yerin, she wasnt ugly either.


    I wanted to say something but this felt like a subject I shouldnt broach.


    Even just filming a handsome guy and a pretty girl flirting with each other is already halfway to sess, and if that leads to romance, itll be easier for the female lead to immerse herself so lets focus on the female.


    Saying that, Yu Arin began to write numerous things.


    Shed already be ustomed to stretching her body and tapping on theputer, which was mine!


    Lets increase the romance content from what we wrote earlier. That way, we can also carry the tension of the horror aspects.


    Although horror and romance have beenbined, this time the emphasis was more on romance.


    I was just going with the flow and continued watching.


    Ho?


    An interested voice came from behind the chairs.


    As we turned our heads at the same time, there was senior Min Ju-hee, wearing a jersey and a white cap, an amused smile on her face.


    Senior Min Ju-hee?


    Yu Arin was shocked, wondering what was happening, but I raised my hand slightly and said,


    Shes supposed toe over.


    <em>p!</em>


    Why are you telling me that now!


    Yu Arin scolded me and hit me on the thigh again! But I just shrugged it off.


    She said she woulde meet me before I met you. Then why would I exin such a thing?


    Ah, youre so annoying. How did Yerin be friends with someone like you?


    Arent you the problem? Interfering with someone elses assignment?


    Despite our bickering, senior Min Ju-hee leaned on my chair and continued to read the text on the screen.


    Then.


    Im sorry, junior. What was your name?


    Senior Min Ju-hee spoke to Yu Arin directly.


    Its Yu Arin. We are both freshmen in the English Literature department.


    Right, sorry, we did drink together at the first semester MT, but I forgot your name.


    So the two briefly met at the MT.


    For the record, I didnt go to the MT.


    My ex-girlfriend didnt want to go because she hated the idea of me being around other girls, so we just hung around together.


    Have you eaten? I was nning to eat with Woojin, want to join us? Ill pay.


    Really?


    Yes, but could you send me what you wrote there to my email? I would like to discuss that.


    Seeing me anxious, Yu Arin smirked.


    I found her look so annoying that I immediately flipped her off.


    Yu Arin then cheerfully flipped me off with both hands.<hr>


    Sigh.


    Senior Min Ju-hee said it would be chicken, but we ended up at a pork belly restaurant.


    Eating pork belly and looking over the rest of the script was annoying me.


    Even though the script was sent in just one day, this was not a fairy tale nor anything close.


    The romance was too emotional with many explicit scenes and the horror was full of absurdities.


    Compared to the scripts Yu Arin had just written, the difference was significant.


    What nonsense is this


    Mumbling to herself, senior Min Ju-hee mmed down her empty soju ss and eximed.


    Right! Look at these jerks, just scribbling down something to skip the assignment. I even had to remove one because it was giarized.


    Oh.


    If you want to giarize, at least do it to a smaller extent. Copying a trending drama is sigh.


    Senior Ju-heeined as if it couldnt be helped. It seemed there were people bolder than she had expected.


    Moreover, Han-kang did this guy even include a scene where the male and female leads kiss? And then he says he doesnt want to be excluded. He might have just said that he wanted to kiss Seo Yerin!


    When did she drink so much?


    ncing ahead, the bottles were piling up like dominoes. Naturally, as we ate pork belly, we had to order soju.


    While I was sipping a few sses and reading the script, it seemed like Senior had gone all out.


    Ha! Yerin hasnt even had her first kiss, how can it be done there?!


    And Yu Arin, who was pacing with me, was beside me.


    How many sses are these? Two, three, four, five


    Looking at the two of them,pletely drunk and uttering nonsense. Even though Id drunk one bottle, these two had downed two bottles each.


    Inparison, the script you wrote is good! Our Arin should have been a member of the team.


    Me too! I should have signed up for that lecture too!


    Woojin will edit, Arin will write the script! Ah, if only we had just those two beauties, then everything would be so much easier!


    They were both speaking in high spirits, clearly in sync with each other.


    Since there was still some meat left from what we ordered, I was grilling it, thinking we should eat up and leave.


    Look at our beauty working again! Isnt he just adorable!?


    Min Ju-hee, drunk, pulled up a chair next to me.


    It was rare to see her arm-in-arm with me, with a smile.


    Yah! I heard everything! All agreed, right?!


    Ah, well. Yes.


    Come to think of it, the thugs who hit me were all acquainted with Senior Min Ju-hee.


    Seriously! Kind! Seriously, man! King!


    Senior, arm-in-arm, lifted her hand to pat my head. At this rate, Ill lose all my hair too.


    Is the meanie really being nice?!


    This time, it was the opposite.


    Yu Arin pulled the chair next to me, offering a bottle and a ss of alcohol.


    When did you even order another bottle?


    While being patted by senior Ju-hee, I red at her in annoyance, and Yu Arin stuck her tongue out.


    My treat!


    She poured the alcohol into the ss and was about to gulp it down.


    But why am I the only one drinking?


    She suddenly questioned her act.


    You should have one too!


    With a swift movement, Yu Arin offered her ss to me. I sighed, thinking that today I have stepped into trouble and took the ss.


    If she drinks any more, she wont be able to walk home. Then Id have to take her home.


    And I hate the thought of that.


    Im not a gentleman who takes care of a drunk girl whos not even my girlfriend after just a few conversations.


    Gulp! Gulp!


    After downing the alcohol, I put the fully cooked pork belly into my mouth. It was supposed to be a pleasant asion of getting a free meal.


    Ah, cutie! You eat so well! Eat more! More! Please bring us two more pork servings here!


    No! Dont give it to us! No!


    Senior Min Ju-hee insisted on ordering more.


    Yah! Why arent you drinking! Another bottle of soju here, please!


    No! Im not drinking, dont give it to us!


    Yu Arin kept pouring alcohol into the ss like a spring that never runs dry.


    Ah, Im so tired.


    I wanted to go home.<hr>


    Ah, seriously!


    Leaving the pork belly restaurant, I had somewhat anticipated this.


    Why has it turned so heavy, seriously! Im dying!


    Struggling through the night streets, sandwiched between the women who had guzzled down their drinks.


    Both of them are close to being dragged along, leaning on me, and it was utterly annoying.


    Where is Yu Arins house?! Senior can just go to the dorm, right?!


    Since the senior lived in the dorm, I could take her there, but Yu Arin was the problem now.


    I know! Know! The dorm address!


    Uh?


    Senior Min Ju-hee iled her arms in the air.


    Curfew!


    Curfew?


    She nodded, satisfied with my understanding.


    Ah, Im going insane here.


    I was going to take Yu Arin home first and then think about thister.


    Kuak.


    Before I knew it, she was leaning on my shoulder, drooling in her sleep.


    The drool stains my clothes, and without intention, I gripped Yu Arins hand tighter.


    Ah, shit


    Should I just leave them both here and go?


    The moment the impulse struck me.


    I thought of a solution.


    It was too wasteful to leave them both at a motel and too risky to abandon them on the street.


    But then, my house didnt have enough space either.


    So.


    I took my phone out.


    A few minutester.


    We arrived in front of the vi.


    A girl with a bob cut was ring at me, arms crossed and looking displeased.


    Haha, hello.


    When I greeted Choi Yiseo awkwardly with a smile, she turned her head slightly and asked.


    What hello?


    Are you bragging about drinking with two women?


    She was in a really bad mood.


    Maybe I shouldnt have called.


    Uh? You ignored my text about working out earlier, but now you call?


    Ah, did you text? I was too busy to see it.


    I was so distracted by those two earlier that I didnt properly check my messages and just made the call, leading to the disaster.


    So? What now?


    To Choi Yiseo, who was even colder than when we first met, I awkwardly smiled and replied.


    Well, since your house is big, I was wondering if you could let two people stay over!


    Haa! Such a pretty face and your cheeks are so squishy!


    Senior Min Ju-hee stretched my cheek, causing my pronunciation to go off. Seeing this, Choi Yiseo strode over and took Min Ju-hee.


    Minji! Help me out here!


    Minji, who had been to the police station.


    It seems she got off with just a fine, and she too, hurried over and took Yu Arin away.


    Ah, hello!


    I responded to her awkward greeting and then nced at Choi Yiseo.


    Wow, really, thank you. If it werent for you, I was about to drop those two off at a motel.


    You werent nning on doing anything weird, right?


    Me? To those two? Have you lost it?


    Then forget it.


    Upon her firm response, Choi Yiseo dismissed her doubts and helped Min Ju-hee lean on her.


    Perhaps due to her workouts she was strong, so it didnt seem that difficult for her.


    Tomorrow is your day off, right?


    Choi Yiseo inquired.


    Yes, Friday is my day off.


    Since tomorrow was Friday and I had the day off, I confirmed, and then she hesitated before suggesting.


    Do you want to go somewhere with me tomorrow if youre free?


    Hm?


    Not to some weird ce just something I want to do together.


    Seeing her speak shyly, I felt curious and agreed.


    Sure, lets do that.


    Really? No backing out then!


    As if concerned that I might change my mind, she quickly left with Min Ju-hee.


    What is it? Where does she want to go?


    I pondered, but then I thought it was a good opportunity since Id be bored tomorrow, so I started humming a tune.<hr>


    The next day.


    Damn.


    The ce Choi Yiseo brought me to was a gym.

 Chapter 31: Revealing Stories With Choi Yiseo And The Gym

    Chapter 31: Revealing Stories With Choi Yiseo And The Gym


    At the pork belly restaurant, Yu Arin ended up drinking heavily, and now she slowly opened her eyes.


    It was hard to believe that she was the same girl who had been drooling and leaning over Kim Woojins shoulder in her sleep, given the alertness in her eyes now.


    Uh? Youre awake?


    Choi Yiseo had nned to bunk with Minji after putting Yu Arin and Min Ju-hee in her bedroom.


    She was surprised to see Yu Arin awake when she entered her room to grab something.


    Yes, Im awake.


    Saying so, she got up from the bed. Just moments ago, she had been so inebriated that she couldnt even stand upright, but now, she felt different.


    What could that be called?


    You


    Was she even drunk?


    Choi Yiseo had her doubts but she didnt ask.


    Seems like Im all sober after a bit of a nap?


    Youve been in my home for just ten minutes?


    Although it was too dark to see her expression, Yu Arin was smiling.


    But it was slightly eerie and not a mere smile.


    Ah, Im getting a call.


    She casually picked up her phone and showed the screen, which disyed the name Jeong Chan-woo.


    Thanks for lending me the bed, I had a good nap. Maybe I should leave now?


    Choi Yiseo, who had been staring at Yu Arins back as she walked past her and out of the room, couldnt hold back and asked,


    Were you pretending to be drunk?


    Why? Were you curious if Woojin would do something weird?


    Although she had clung to Kim Woojin, pretending to be drunk when she was with him, the moment he vanished, she sobered up.


    Knowing she was Seo Yerins friend, Choi Yiseo couldnt let it go.


    For some reason.


    Because the ssmate in front of her just had the thought to test Kim Woojin.


    What are you pretending to be drunk for?


    But Choi Yiseos direct questions were smoothly dodged by Yu Arin, like a snake avoiding flowing water.


    I just woke up after a short nap, how funny is that?


    After a small sneer, Yu Arin grabbed the door handle and pulled it down.


    Im leaving? I only used the bed for ten minutes, but it felt nice.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Yu Arin left without answering; she was strangely unpleasant to Choi Yiseo.


    Once outside, Yu Arin strolled down the street.


    Her blonde hair stood out even in the dark night, drawing nces from passersby now and then.


    A few intoxicated men even attempted to subtly approach her.


    Excuse me! Are you a Gahyeon University student? Its me!


    Hahaha, is this guy trying to get her number?


    Given the proximity to Gahyeon University, it was natural for many students to be around. Yu Arin shot them a cold, disdainful look and continued on her way.


    Hey, you, student of Gahyeon University?!


    A drunk man grabbed her wrist and snapped at her.


    Ah, damn.


    Yu Arin cursed in annoyance, further provoking the man.


    <em>Whack!</em>


    Yu Arins kicknded squarely on the mans sr plexus.


    Ugh!


    The man, drunk and winded, doubled over.


    Blegh!


    He began to vomit on the ground.


    A precise kick.


    It was a technique that could onlye from proper training; too valuable to be merely disyed under the light of the streemp.


    Haa.


    Yu Arin gritted her teeth and turned back towards her house.<hr>


    Choi Yiseo mentioned wanting to go to the gym,


    I spilled the beans.


    At my words, Choi Yiseo who was beside me looked shocked, as if she had no clue what I was talking about.


    Choi Yiseo said she wanted to go to the gym.


    So, when I repeated it deliberately, Choi Yiseo blushed and promptly punched me in the shoulder.


    When did I ever say that!


    Ouch, that really hurts!


    She tends to hit hard when shes excited. Normally, being hit by a girl doesnt hurt much, but this one really does.


    Why is she using her fists like that when she works out?


    Choi Yiseo said she wanted to work out together. What are you thinking? Were in front of the gym right now.


    Despite my reluctance to enter.


    Why do they call it hell-th instead of health?


    I gave Choi Yiseo a thumbs up for at least asking.


    This is how you attract attention.


    All I learned from managing the Bamboo Forest was this.


    Well, lets go in. Its usually less crowded in the morning, but were here now because of you.


    If I didnt talk about buying running shoes to you, this future wouldnt have happened


    As I mumbled, feeling nostalgic, Choi Yiseo dragged me inside, telling me to stop talking nonsense.


    We were going to buy a one-day pass, but the PT instructor offered us a free days use, saying we were friends of Choi Yiseo.


    After changing into the gym clothes provided, I could see Choi Yiseo, who, unlike me, was quite impressively dressed for a workout.


    Form-fitting ck tights and a sleeveless tank top made her look very professional.


    Why do I look so shabbypared to you?


    Feeling inferior at the sight of her, I mumbled to myself, and Choi Yiseoughed as if she found it amusing.


    No, it suits you well.


    Im wearing ck pants and a ck t-shirt, what am I supposed to say when you tell me it looks good?


    Thats a good thing. Now hurry up, lets start with the treadmill.


    I walked here you know?


    Thats not the same.


    Of course it is.


    The gym was quiterge, so there was plenty of room to use the treadmills. Walking next to Choi Yiseo I got to the point.


    But why bring me here? Did the PT instructor say hell give you a discount if you brought a friend?


    You think I brought you here for that? Im just trying to get you to work out because I feel a bit uneasy. You told mest time that you would exercise.


    When?


    Did I say that?


    When I inquired, Choi Yiseo began to stumble and then muttered, gazing at the treadmill screen as if embarrassed.


    Thst time at the walking path when the thugs showed up.


    Ah! When you hugged me, then!


    Did you really have to mention that?


    How can you remember that?


    When I admitted that I had forgotten about it, Choi Yiseos eyebrows twitched slightly. It seemed like she didnt appreciate my response.


    Increase the speed.


    Suddenly, she ramped up the speed of my treadmill,pelling me to run.


    Having recently run with her, it wasnt too challenging to keep up with her pace.


    I felt a presence beside me.


    Despite the numerous treadmills avable, someone opted to position themselves right next to me.


    Hello.


    He was a stylishly handsome guy.


    It was Jeong Chan-woo, the good-looking part-timer at the Zero PC caf and Yu Arins childhood friend.


    Uh? Hello.


    Unlike me, he appeared familiar with this ce, as if this wasnt his first visit.


    Furthermore, the sleeveless workout attire he sported entuated his well-defined biceps, which were indeed quite impressive.


    Have you beening here long?


    Even while running, his breathing remained steady. Feeling overwhelmed, I slowed down to respond.


    No, just today.


    Ah, I see. Is that your girlfriend next to you?


    As Jeong Chan-woo inquired, I nced at Choi Yiseo and shook my head.


    No, shes just a friend from the same department. We decided to work out together since we were bored.


    ncing at Choi Yiseo, I noticed that she appeared a bit flustered, as if she didnt anticipate me being acquainted with someone like Jeong Chan-woo.


    In truth, we werent exactly acquaintances.


    I see.


    Jeong Chan-woos expression darkened slightly upon learning that she wasnt my girlfriend.


    Did Arin make it home safely yesterday? Shes not answering my calls.


    Ah!


    Realizing his concern, I replied with a smile.


    She waspletely drunk, so she stayed over at their ce. I just dropped her off and left.


    Yu Arin said she sobered up and went home right after you left.


    Eh?


    This raised the question of why she wasnt answering Jeong Chan-woos calls, and when I nced at him,


    his expression wasnt pleasant either. Still, he seemed relieved that nothing had happened between us and there hadnt been any trouble.


    Lets go, we didnte here to just run.


    At Choi Yiseos suggestion, we transitioned to strength training. I quickly said goodbye to Jeong Chan-woo and followed her.


    Someone you know?


    Right in front of the equipment, Choi Yiseo nced at Jeong Chan-woo and asked.


    Nope. I dont really know him. I was just introduced to him as Yu Arins friend at the PC caf yesterday.


    Hmm. That guy is pretty famous in the gym too. Famous for being handsome.


    As I suspected.


    I nodded while observing Jeong Chan-woo running on the treadmill.


    Even a guy can admit hes cool. I guess it makes me feel more out of ce in these shabby gym clothes.


    As I spoke, ncing down at myself in the mirror, Choi Yiseo chuckled.


    Forget it, you look better.


    If you want to tter me, at least do it right. Who would believe that?


    Im saying


    Choi Yiseo grumbled.


    Not wanting to embarrass her unnecessarily, I started working out.


    But arent there gyms where guests arent allowed?


    Not here, I asked before bringing you, and they said its fine.


    Oh.


    Well, that settles it.


    Today is my leg day, so youll do that with me.


    Well, lets do that then.


    I agreed without much thought, but honestly, I regretted it a lot. The workout, whichsted about an hour and a half, was agony, as if my legs were being torn.


    Its not that Icked strength, so I used some weight on the machines.


    Woah, Kim Woojin!


    Choi Yiseo appeared to be relishing it, steadily adding more weight and pushing me to my limits.


    She frequently adjusted my form with a touch, which initially excited me a bit, but eventually made me want to snap her fingers.


    F-fuck! Why are you doing this!


    I grumble from my spot on the gym floor, as Choi Yiseo, equally drenched with sweat, responds with augh.


    Doesnt it feel good? I started working out to avoid Minji by going out, but now I actually enjoy it.


    Are you out of your mind? It feels like only crazy people gather here!


    You always exaggerate things.


    Exaggerate? Seriously? Cant you hear those people cursing while lifting weights? Why do they willingly lift just toin about it?


    Maybe its some kind of battle cry?


    Whats the point of lifting if youre just going to drop it anyway?


    Youre a mess. Lets hit the showers and then maybe a caf since its too early for dinner.


    I need some sugar. Lets go quickly.


    I walk to the changing room with a towel around my neck, apanied by Choi Yiseo.


    A familiar face enters the gym.


    Seo Yerin, who seems to have finished her ss, walks in with a bag slung over her shoulder.


    Come to think of it, I heard that she started her personal training sessions on Choi Yiseos rmendation.


    Yiseo and Woojin?


    They coincidentally bump into each other.

 Chapter 32: Foreshadow

    Chapter 32: Foreshadow


    Yiseo and Woojin?


    As Seo Yerin entered the gym and we ran into each other head-on, I raised my hand slightly and greeted her, and she did the same with a smile, but.


    For some reason, her expression looked dark.


    Y-you went to uni? It was PT day.


    Choi Yiseo was trying to have a conversation from this side, and Seo Yerin epted it.


    Yes, I didnt specifically free any periods.


    As expected, the seniors also said that its good to handle the grades in the freshman year.


    They continued to talk about things but they didnt contain any specific topic. The forced continuation of the conversation made me feel a thirst, as if my throat was burning.


    Yah, when are we going to the caf? I really feel like Im l going to die.


    If I stayed there, I might end up drinking water from the showerhead while showering. The gym is good, but there are no paper cups ced by the water dispenser.


    There was a note stating that disposable products were bad for the environment, so they couldnt put out many.


    Choi Yiseo red at me, biting her lip as if Id said something I shouldnt have.


    It felt like she wanted me to shut up, but Seo Yerin had an awkwardugh on her side, disrupting the flow.


    I guess youre done with your workout, sorry for holding you up for no reason.


    No, its nothing to be sorry about.


    Seo Yerin then headed for the changing room.


    Ugh! Sometimes youre so perceptive, but at other times youre entirely clueless too!


    Choi Yiseo pped my shoulder and followed Seo Yerin into the changing room.


    Feeling bad for being used like that, I headed to the changing room too, but then,


    Excuse me.


    Jeong Chan-woo, who was lifting weights diligently until a moment ago, came over while wiping his sweat.


    Seeing him sweat, even I could feel that it was sexy, which made it clear that he was popr.


    The fact that I could feel the girls in the gym sneaking nces at him, all hinted to his poprity.


    Yes?


    It seemed like he had been keeping an eye on me, considering he approached me right after they left.


    You seem to be close with Yerin?


    Ah, since youre friends with Arin, you must know everything.


    Yu Arin was Seo Yerins high school friend, and Jeong Chan-woo was Yu Arins childhood friend


    It made sense for Seo Yerin and Jeong Chan-woo to be close.


    Were in the same department.


    As I responded bluntly, he showed a subtle expression. It seemed like he wanted to ask more, but considered it rude.


    What could it be?


    This feeling.


    Did you just find out that Seo Yerin also goes to the same gym?


    Jeong Chan-woo shook his head as I awkwardly continued to ask, noticing this as my back started to itch.


    No, its not that. Ive seen her working out a few times and even greeted her.


    But I didnt expect him to know her.


    Ah, I dont like his personality.


    Feeling slightly frustrated by Jeong Chan-woo, who was being cautious about the itchy part instead of scratching it, I asked him.


    Is there something youre curious about?


    Jeong Chan-woo, not expecting me to be this open, was flustered and his gaze faltered.


    Showing my dislike for beating around the bush, Jeong Chan-woo sighed and said,


    That, Arin and Yerin. Seeing you close to both of them reminded me of the past?


    Im not close with Yu Arin.


    Reminded him of the past?


    I used to be quite close with the two of them. Now its turned awkward.


    It doesnt seem that way with Yu Arin though?


    Werent they rather friendly with each other at the PC caf? Offering ramen services and even paying for her.


    However, at my question, Jeong Chan-woo had a bitter smile.


    Its because Arin is kind.


    She is?


    I couldnt understand how a person with a bad personality could be kind.


    Ah, anyway. I hope you treat both of them well. Theyre both good ones.


    Saying this, Jeong Chan-woo turned to leave, but with irritation within, I asked,


    You like Yu Arin, dont you?


    At my words, Jeong Chan-woo abruptly stopped moving and turned his head.


    Seeing his expression, clearly flustered, I could tell I hit the mark.


    But


    I do like her but I shouldnt be liking her.


    I frowned at his words, which seemed toe straight out of a drama.


    After only encountering sly and assertive people like Han-kang or Ahn Hyeon-ho recently, meeting someone like him felt somewhat refreshing, albeit strange.


    Ah, this is so frustrating.


    Sorry, but Id rather deal with Han-kang or Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    Since were the same age, lets speak informally and talk. Youre so concerned and worried about Yu Arin, but whats wrong with liking her?


    Ah, that.


    I get that my sudden confrontation had flustered him. Sorry, but I dont want any more stuttering on this side.


    With your looks, you could charm anyone. But you cant? Its because youre passive. Do you expect Yu Arin to juste up and kiss you if you dont say anything?


    Wh-what?!


    Just say it. Ill help you. Honestly, Ive had a crush on you since the time you gave me the ramen in the PC caf. Should I help you get on with Yu Arin?


    It was just me being nosy, but it was frustrating to see such a handsome guy hesitate.


    Besides, if I make a good impression here, maybe I could get some service at the PC caf too.


    That, well.


    Seeing his hesitation, I held out my phone.


    If you want my help, give me your number. If not, just leave.


    Staring nkly at the phone, he hesitantly typed his phone number and handed it back to me.


    Please help me. I want to make things work with Arin.


    At Jeong Chan-woos honest confession, I smiled and nodded.<hr>


    So I decided to help. Do you know Yu Arin well?


    After washing up, I asked Choi Yiseo while drinking coffee at a caf, feeling refreshed.


    I might have shown off in front of Jeong Chan-woo, but honestly, what do I know about Yu Arin?


    At most, I know she enjoys movies and writing scripts.


    I thought about inviting Jeong Chan-woo to join us in scriptwriting to hang out, but apart from that, I couldnt think of much else.


    <em>Chirp.</em>


    Choi Yiseo didnt respond either.


    No, she was actually ring at me disdainfully while sipping her coffee.


    But its intriguing, really. Honestly, for someone like Jeong Chan-woo, wouldnt everyone just fall for him if he confessed?


    <em>Slurp.</em>


    Hes attracting all the female customers at the PC caf by himself, and at the gym, everyones eyes are on him.


    <em>Slurp.</em>


    And it seems like even good-looking people have their own problems.


    <em>Slurp.</em>


    You might end up sucking ice through the straw. Whats with you?


    As I nced at Choi Yiseo, who was staring at me with her straw in her mouth, I couldnt resist and finally asked.


    What? Because of Seo Yerin? Do you think she feels left out after seeing us together?


    Hey, even if we underestimate it, Seo Yerin probably has at least ten times more friends than us.


    Considering I have at most one or two friends.


    Do you think someone like that would feel left out? She probably cant even focus on her workout with her phone buzzing.


    Besides, shes close to Jeong Chan-woo.


    Although Im not sure if theyre still close.


    Ahh.


    In any case, she broke her silence and sighed, as if she had been contemting something seriously but decided it wasnt right to remain quiet.


    You know about her.


    Uh.


    In response to Choi Yiseos words, I nodded, since she hadnt said much since we left the gym.


    Are you dating Yerin?


    And the question she asked camepletely out of the blue.


    What?


    It felt like I had been asked frequently if I was dating someone.


    For now.


    No.


    Naturally I denied it, but she was quite insistent.


    Dont speak like that. Look me in the eye and answer. Are you two not dating?


    I said NO! Ive gotten closer to her recently, but we arent dating.


    Have you forgotten what happened after the CCd in the first semester?


    I dated Oh Yoon-ji in the first semester, and broke up before the second semester, so why would I want to date another girl then?


    I answered with a shocked expression, but Choi Yiseo, on the contrary, furrowed her brows and sighed.


    Ahh! No, surely ahhhhh!


    Why is she acting like this?


    Seeing Choi Yiseo like this, it seemed like this wasnt just any other issue.


    Ah, seriously!


    <em>Thud!</em>


    Eventually, unable to contain her frustration, Choi Yiseo kicked me in the shin under the table.


    Ouch! Why are you taking it out on me!


    As I cried out in injustice, Choi Yiseo red at me with cold eyes.


    <em>Puah!</em>


    Its because of you that I am taking it out on you.


    No, why is she being like this?


    Just what happened in the locker room?<hr>


    One hour ago.


    Seo Yerin hurriedly entered the gym locker room upon seeing Choi Yiseo and Kim Woojin, changing her clothes while hiding her strangelyplicated feelings.


    Why?


    Just like when she saw the two of them at the pork cutlet restaurantst time, her heart felt constricted, and it was an odd feeling.


    Was she feeling left out then?


    Right, one could say it was a feeling of being left out. But then again, it wasnt like she only hung out with those two either.


    She had just been ying with other friends, so she couldntin about being left out of their trip to the gym.


    Why am I behaving like this?


    Seo Yerin felt frustrated as she retrieved her clothes, and then Choi Yiseo followed right behind.


    Ha, haha.


    An awkwardness lingered between them.


    Especially since theyre women, unless theyre really close, they dont tend to show bare skin to each other, so the awkwardness intensified further.


    In an extremely awkward situation, they quickly changed their clothes.


    That, Yerin.


    Choi Yiseo managed to gather some courage, but the timing was not great; it was right when Seo Yerin was taking off her pants.


    Ah, sorry.


    No, its fine. Were all girls here.


    Trying to y it cool, Seo Yerin replied with a smile.


    Why?


    Choi Yiseos gaze was fixed on Seo Yerin.


    More precisely, on Seo Yerins lower half.


    Uh-Yiseo?


    Despite Seo Yerin calling out in a flustered manner due to being stared at so intently,


    Choi Yiseo kept staring as if enchanted, and eventually, Seo Yerin hurriedly changed her clothes.


    Ah s-sorry.


    Finallying to her senses, Choi Yiseo stood there.


    Seo Yerin went out with an awkward smile, but she was a little displeased at what just happened.


    However, Choi Yiseo stood there, speechless.


    What?


    Because of


    Why?


    She had seen Seo Yerins body before.


    Just how?


    And it was from apletely unexpected phone screen.


    A mole on the thigh.


    Two beautiful legs without any traces of b.


    And the same panty.


    Why is there a picture of Yerin on Woojins phone?


    The picture of the woman with her panties showing, glimpsed on Kim Woojins phone at the pork cutlet restaurant


    was Seo Yerin.

 Chapter 33: Suspicion

    Chapter 33: Suspicion


    In the end, Choi Yiseo couldnt even eat properly with Kim Woojin and returned home.


    iming she forgot about her dinner ns with Minji, Choi Yiseos heart was full of confusion.


    Why did Kim Woojin have a half-naked photo of Seo Yerin?


    No matter how much she thought about it, Choi Yiseo couldnt find an answer and was left to her thoughts.


    Sigh


    As she sighed and trudged inside, a spicy scent hit her nose.


    It turned out that Minji was in the living room, eating the spicy rice cakes that she had ordered.


    Uh? Didnt you say you were going out for dinner after working out?


    It seemed like she hade back from the full-service hours which she had volunteered for the day and was now having this.


    Minji.


    Having recently mended her ties with Minji, Choi Yiseo felt she might be able to share her worries.


    And thus,


    sitting across from each other, forgetting all about the exercise they had done today and eating the spicy rice cakes, Choi Yiseo shared her concerns.


    It was a situation Choi Yiseo, with her ownmon sense, simply couldnt understand, so she felt she needed some help, even if it was the paw of a cat that she had to hold.


    What!?


    Naturally, Minji couldnt help but be shocked.


    N-no. You mean there was this half-naked photo of the goddess of your department on Kim Woojins phone?!


    For a moment, she wondered if sharing this was a mistake because Minji had a history of spreading strange rumors about Kim Woojin.


    But, Minji, who noticed her worry, quickly waved her hand.


    Im not crazy! To begin with, it doesnt seem likely that Kim Woojin would do something that weird.


    Thats what Im saying.


    Even she couldnt believe that Kim Woojin had those photos with some bad intentions.


    Lets think about it now. Is that really the photo of your departments goddess? It might not be.


    The moles, the body shape, and even the underwear were the same.


    Sigh.


    If Choi Yiseo is this determined, then it must be correct. Minji scratched her head and popped a spicy rice cake into her mouth.


    As she chewed on it, she pondered.


    Could it be that theyre just dating? Perhaps its a secret rtionship, and thats why theyre keeping it under wraps.


    Could it be?


    Choi Yiseo also found that to be the most usible exnation, but for some reason, she hoped it wasnt true.


    If shes a goddess, shed be popr among the boys, right?


    Yes.


    Seo Yerins poprity extended beyond her department; it epassed all departments at the university.


    Rumors suggested that she had even received offers from major entertainmentpanies during high school, and even now, as she strolled around, she was handed business cards and mens phone numbers.


    Given her poprity, it made sense that someone might want to continue dating her in secret.


    But why?


    This scenario didnt seem to fit.


    After all, Kim Woojin spent much more time with her than with Seo Yerin.


    What kind of girlfriend would be okay with her boyfriend frequently hanging out with another girl?


    Especially considering they had even fallen asleep together in the sauna.


    Furthermore.


    I-Im pretty fine too.


    She knew it might be a stretch to think of herself that way, but she believed that she, too, could be counted among the beautiful women.


    How could any woman overlook seeing such a woman constantly by her boyfriends side?


    Haa, it doesnt seem like theyre dating.


    Really?


    At Choi Yiseos words, Minji began to consider a different angle. Given Kim Woojins personality, the situation didnt seem dire.


    The reason for possessing a half-naked photo of a beauty from the same department


    Then, maybe, you know.


    Maybe?


    Minji hesitated momentarily, wondering if she was correct, and sneakily nced at Choi Yiseo.


    She had reached a conclusion but wasnt sure if it was appropriate to voice it.


    Why? What is it now?


    But with her friends encouragement, Minji tightened her fist as if she had made a decision and inquired.


    Before that, I have one question, Yiseo.


    Uh?


    Minjis serious demeanor made Choi Yiseo slightly anxious, and she nodded slightly.


    Do you like Kim Woojin?


    When Minji asked bluntly, Choi Yiseo was taken aback and waved her hands.


    M-me? Like Woojin? Not at all!


    Really?


    Why are you suddenly asking that?


    If its not that, then there seems to be no need for you to worry about Kim Woojin having a half-naked photo of a goddess.


    It wasnt an incorrect statement.


    Instead, Choi Yiseo began to question why she had been worrying until now.


    R-right.


    Hanging out with Kim Woojin was enjoyable andfortable, but if asked whether she felt any romance, the answer was no.


    And yet


    Observing Choi Yiseo confronting her emotions directly and bing confused, Minji stroked her chin.


    Well, if she were to give the answer she was thinking of


    In my opinion, the two of them are.


    The two of them are?


    As Choi Yiseo gulped and focused on Minji, who confidently stated.


    Friends with benefits.<hr>Haa.


    The arrival of autumn at Gahyeon University meant several things. It also meant that midterms were slowly approaching, so everyone was studying hard.


    Naturally, the atmosphere carried on in the Bamboo Forest.


    -Anonymous27: Is anyone taking Introduction to Economics with Professor Heo Minsu?


    -Anonymous: Im taking it, why?


    -Anonymous27: I missed a couple of lectures, so Im not sure about things like the scope of the exam.


    -Anonymous186: How many did you miss?


    -Anonymous27: 4, please.


    -Anonymous186: Without 3, its an F.


    -Anonymous88: Heres a tip on scheduling exams. First.


    -Anonymous275: Desperately need a cheat sheet for Counseling Psychology Statistics, considering up to 10.


    -Anonymous97: Should I just join the military? Feels like I have ruined my life.


    -Anonymous17: I want to ask my crush to study together, but how?


    -Anonymous23: What subject?


    -Anonymous314: Im fine, so just go ahead and talk. You are surely invited.


    -Anonymous69: I want to have sex so bad!


    -Anonymous90: I want to as well! Feeling so horny today!


    -Anonymous111: Everyone! Lets keep our spirits up today too! Midterms areing! Popo is cheering for you!


    -Anonymous300: Popo cheer up too!


    -Anonymous301: If you need any lecture notester, just let me know!


    -Anonymous302: Cheer up, goddess of the construction department!


    -Anonymous11: Seriously, stop stealing the Airpods now. I need them during exam times.


    Conversations rted to exams were naturally urring, but it wasnt just about exams.


    -Anonymous233: I wish the Gahyeon University Festival woulde sooner. I am surviving exams just to see it.


    The Gahyeon University Festival.


    In other words, the college fest.


    Although festivals are usually held in mid-May, Gahyeon University deliberately chooses this time for theirs.


    I heard its scheduled like this to avoid ovepping with nearby universities.


    Anyway.


    Since the midterms are done, the atmosphere on the board wasnt too hostile.


    Well, if were talking about hostility


    Choi Yiseo, who is ring at me right now, is the most hostile.


    Yiseo, whats wrong?


    It was lunchtime on Tuesday.


    Choi Yiseo and I had ovepping lectures, so we went to eat pork bulgogi for the first time in a while.


    Seo Yerin, who was sitting next to me, whispered and asked, but all I could do was naturally respond that I didnt know.


    I dont know, its been like that sincest Friday.


    Ever sinceing back from the gymst Friday, without even eating dinner and just leaving, its been like this continuously.


    Especially now, getting together with Seo Yerin, the res were even sharper.


    Is it because of the spicy pork?


    Sorry, but I won that rock-paper-scissors.


    Since you chose spicy pork, a little more consideration would have been nice.


    Are you suddenly not a fan of spicy pork?


    I stood my ground firmly, and Seo Yerins reaction seemed incredulous, but given the events since Friday, spicy pork shouldnt be the main concern.


    Sigh, Im not sure.


    Anyway, trying to change the subject, I turned to Choi Yiseo.


    Whats the n for the festival? I heard each department is organizing something.


    I heard that current students are almost obligated to participate. I thought Choi Yiseo, as the department representative, might have some insights.


    We havent decided yet. Maybe something like a street pub?


    Its somewhat reassuring that shes responding diligently despite her grumbling.


    After all, everyone does something simr. Its not like were in a Japanese anime.


    In Japanese anime, they have maid cafs, but if that were to happen at a college festival, it would be outdated immediately, dont you think?


    Seo Yerin flinched beside me.


    Curious about her reaction, she awkwardly picked up some side dishes with her chopsticks and started eating.


    Woo-Woojin watches anime too?


    Huh? Yes, I watch it often. Its entertaining.


    Isnt there a certain charm in anime that cant be found in dramas or movies? Sometimes lines that would sound cheesy in real life can be touching in anime.


    What are you staring at?


    Seo Yerin asked, leaning towards me. The moment I saw it, I grasped the situation instantly.


    Heh.


    Shes keeping her anime-watching habit a secret.


    Thats usible, considering.


    Reflecting on it, shes the type to conceal her gaming habits, so its unlikely shed openly admit to watching anime.


    Well, here and there. Lately, Ive been watching shows like Demon yer.


    Thats an interesting one I enjoyed it too.


    Choi Yiseo sighed, ncing at Seo Yerin who was muttering to herself.


    Phew, hey,e on now. Why are you so embarrassed?


    Ah, no. Its not that Im embarrassed.


    Are you embarrassed to watch anime? Is watching anime a crime? Are you ashamed of being an otaku?


    Woo-Woojin!


    The eyes of the students here to eat pork suddenly turned to us. Since there were just guys to begin with, they cast sneaky nces at our table, but now they were openly staring.


    I cant stand this. To not make you ufortable, I will write it in our departments group chat. Seo Yerin is an otaku.


    Ahh!


    Seo Yerin quickly snatched my phone and put it on the other side. For a moment, remembering the time she almost caught me as the Admin of the Bamboo Forest.


    With a sly grin, she gestured like it was nothing.


    Fine, fine. It was a joke.


    Haa, seriously.


    But honestly, its not something to be flustered about. As long as it doesnt harm others. Its fine.


    I dont watch anime.


    What a load of crap.


    After getting my phone back, the pork bulgogi was served just in time. I was about to eat it, but for some reason.


    Choi Yiseo, who was ring at me with a spork tightly gripped in her hand, had a gaze that was razor-sharp.


    Wait, what is it?


    I really didnt understand, so I asked. But Choi Yiseo just nced briefly at Seo Yerin and then silently started eating her pork stir-fry.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    Ah!


    That was while she kicked me in the shin under the table.

 Chapter 34: Crazy Talk

    Chapter 34: Crazy Talk


    If I had to pick the toughest period while attending university, it would obviously be the exam period.


    Just moving from one ssroom to another, you could see students whispering and talking about various exam-rted matters.


    It is also a time when the Bamboo Forest onlinemunity is particrly active.


    Yawn.


    I, too, was preupied with studying for the midterms.


    But there was this difort.


    I wish I had some friends at times like these.


    I regretted not having anyone to get lecture notes or simr help from.


    In the first semester, my ex-girlfriend, Oh Yoon-ji somehow managed to get them, and I remembered studying hard for the exams.


    But this time, without such help, I need to do well on my own.


    Ah, whats the scope of this again?


    The important thing is that I failed to properly check the scope of the exam. But I couldnt solely me myself for this.


    It was because of Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin that I missed the lecture content at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.


    Normally, I would have contacted Choi Yiseo, who is easy to talk to, but recently things have been vague between us.


    Should I say that she was avoiding me?


    Just what happened in the gym?


    Anyway, its clear that something happened.


    I thought about reaching out again by using the exam period as an excuse.


    After all, I wanted to avoid any misunderstandings building up.


    For now, she might be in a lecture so I decided to contact herter.


    I was passing by the English Literature Department office, nning to eat kimbap that I bought from the convenience store in the University where my next lecture would be.


    In front of me was Choi Yiseo, with an awkward sigh and a pile of boxes and tapping on her phone.


    What is it?


    Eik!


    She didnt see meing so she freaked out and hunched when I spoke to her. Her reaction was funny but I tilted my head in confusion, looking at the luggage.


    Whats all this?


    The professor brought some stuff which could be used for the festival.


    The professor brought something usable for the festival?


    Well, you know, like souvenirs he picked up while traveling? He said to hang them up if we set up a stall.


    Seriously, he sticks his nose into everything.


    Thanks to that, were going to end up with a stall with a unique atmosphere. I hope it doesnt have anything like creepy voodoo dolls or bizarre masks.


    So we need to put this up in the department storage. Which is why Im gathering people.


    Ah, right.


    I nod my head and back away.


    I thought I should try talking to Choi Yiseo just a moment ago, but now Ive changed my mind.


    It wouldnt be bad to keep some distance.


    Thinking that getting closer to her might lead to unnecessary trouble, I wave my hand.


    I see. Then, do well.


    I naturally went towards the vending machine, thinking about buying some juice.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Choi Yiseos handnded on my shoulder as she mumbled softly.


    Got one.


    Let go.


    English Literature, ss of 23, Kim Woojin.


    I havent eaten anything yet.


    A coincidence, neither have I.


    Looking at Choi Yiseo, who was determined not to let go, I sigh and bring up the thorn between us.


    You, we never talked about it before.


    Euk.


    You only call me when you need something, right?


    Upon hearing those words, Choi Yiseo hesitantly lowered her hand. It seemed she was aware of what she had been doing until now.


    Its not on purpose. I just need some time to organize my thoughts.


    Time to organize her thoughts?


    It really sounded like there was something happening.


    Um, how about we move this first and then talk? Maybe over lunch if youre okay with it.


    Phew, go inside and fetch the list of English department students.


    What?


    Hurry.


    Waiting for people to gather would be a waste of time. And it was too much for us two to move.


    Choi Yiseo brought the list from the department office and I casually ced a pen on top of it.


    Send a message in the group chat that the professor requested for this to be moved. Anyone who moves it should sign the list.


    You think theyll move it just because we ask?


    It was a response that wasnt weed.


    The professor said he would check the listter.


    Students particr about grades would naturally participate, and those with poor grades could also attempt to make an impression if they remembered while passing by.


    Especially during the exam period like now.


    He wont.


    Who cares.


    When I said I would send it if she found it troublesome, Choi Yiseo waved her hand and left a message in the departments group chat.


    Lets leave this in the department office so the assistant can see it. Just in case some weirdo only signs and leaves.


    This could also be a problem.


    Choi Yiseo and I signed on our side and picked the ones that looked the lightest.


    Lets go.


    Uh-huh.


    Choi Yiseo made a slightly awkward face, perhaps because it was resolved more easily than expected.


    After moving the stuff and stopping by the convenience store, I headed back to the ssroom only to find that half of the belongings had already been moved.


    Choi Yiseo, who wasnt even in the same ss but had toe to the empty ssroom with me out of consideration.


    She was looking down at the chicken breast sd she bought from the store, thinking about what to say.


    Honestly, ever since she bought the chicken breast sd, I couldnt help but think she was so obsessed with working out.


    Youre so addicted to exercise.


    Uh?


    Choi Yiseo, seemingly surprised that I struck up the conversation first.


    You wont eat something simr to dinner right? You arent even overweight or anything, so why go to such lengths?


    As I shrugged and asked if this wasnt an obsession, Choi Yiseo stared at me nkly for a moment before slowly smiling.


    You should work out too. You havent been running since I stopped calling you, right?


    Going for a run by myself turned out to be a lot harder than I thought.


    The fact that we were having this kind of conversation after such a long time felt important.


    Before we knew it, we were speaking normally and continuing our talks as if there was never a gap between us.


    In the midst of our talk.


    Phew.


    At the moment when the conversation got paused, Choi Yiseo exhaled, bracing herself to ask me something.


    What if.


    When she actually faced me, it seemed like she couldnt say it, so she turned away slightly and asked,


    What if?


    What if a girl uh, asked you to go to a hotel, would you go?


    What?


    What did I just hear?


    Blinking in disbelief, I looked at Choi Yiseo, but she had already turned as red as a tomato and was hanging her head low.


    And yet, having already brought it up, she didnt stop but continued.


    Uh, if a female friend suddenly says lets go to a hotel, will you go?


    Wait, does going to a hotel mean what I think it is? Not going there to eat a buffet, but for.


    As I trailed off, she nodded.


    Huh.


    So, it meant to have sex.


    Going to a hotel together?


    When I asked with a hint of curiosity, Choi Yiseo yelled.


    No, no! Im not saying lets go! Just if! If someone said that to you, what would you do?


    I thought you were tempting me.


    Have you lost it!?


    Choi Yiseo denied it while banging on the desk, watching her fan herself with her hand as if shes feeling hot and I thought,


    Lets just rify one thing. This question is important, right? Its the reason youve been acting weird around me?


    Y-yes.


    I cant figure out how the question became a matter of concern.


    Anyway, if Choi Yiseo has been worrying about this for days, I guess its only right for me to answer it seriously.


    Hmm.


    I stroked my chin under her gaze, staring at me intently.


    There isnt enough information.


    Is the girl pretty?


    Choi Yiseo momentarily grimaces, looking at me with disgust.


    Shes pretty.


    And yet, she answers.


    Very pretty.


    A very pretty girl suddenly asks me toe to a hotel? Is this a scam or cult?


    It shouldnt be I guess?


    Thats what I thought.


    Its nothing serious.


    Where is she then?


    Uh?


    We have to go now. Woah, Im excited.


    I should pay for the hotel. Youre saying shes very pretty. And its been a while since Ive had a girlfriend


    <em>Thud!</em>


    Choi Yiseos fist swung swiftly.


    But this time, as I was expecting it, I was able to block with my palm.


    Haha! Predictable.


    Ehh!


    After bickering back and forth several times, an exhausted Choi Yiseo huffs and asked,


    Youll really go? Even though shes not your girlfriend?!


    So a one night stand then or maybe it will turn into friends with benefits?


    Th-that one!


    Choi Yiseo agreed when I hit the right mark.


    Unsure what kind answer she was looking for,


    We need to go. Even if it means skipping ss.


    Not all men might be like this, but probably most would go? Its because a really pretty girl is tempting me. For me, I would go.


    If I had a girlfriend, I would obviously refuse, but thats not the case.


    Perhaps it was because I answered her question seriously, the expression of Choi Yiseo who initially red at me turned to one with disgust and then to seriousness.


    R-right, I see.


    Choi Yiseo, who now seemed to have realized something, also appeared sad.


    Thank you for being honest.


    Seeing her clench her fist, I felt a bit of pity and wondered why she was doing this.


    Now exin, why did you have to ask me this question?


    Sigh.


    I shrugged the shoulders and looked at Choi Yiseo, who couldnt answer.


    You arent seriously suggesting we go to a hotel, are you? Are you looking up ces online?


    No!


    Shh, damn.


    You son of!


    Eventually, unable to ovee the embarrassment, Choi Yiseo stood up with her fist raised.


    As I raised both hands to block, with each punch Choi Yiseos strength gradually weakened.


    And then, at some point, she ced her hand on my arm which was blocking.


    Yerin


    She asked in a choked voice.


    Is it true about you two being friends with benefits?


    ..


    ..


    Me?


    Y-yes.


    After sighing, I stood up.


    So, does it mean that I can go to a hotel with Seo Yerin?


    When I asked seriously, Choi Yiseos fists started raining down on me again.

 Chapter 35: Exam Period

    Chapter 35: Exam Period


    Sigh.


    Choi Yiseo finally calms down, exhales, and strokes her chest. Thanks to her good physical condition, her breathing isnt too raspy despite having justshed out a moment ago.


    Im the only one whos a mess.


    When I point out the marks that I got from the hitting, Choi Yiseo hesitates and then apologizes, seemingly sorry for what she did.


    Sorry, I got carried away.


    At least she calmed down now.


    A brief silence follows.


    Realizing that what I had said up until now was all in jest, Choi Yiseo scratches the desk with her finger.


    She seems both sorry and embarrassed for having thrown punches at me on impulse.


    Can you at least tell me why you thought Seo Yerin and I are sex friends?


    Feeling like everything that needed to be said has been said, I ask Choi Yiseo to exin. ncing at me, she begins to speak.


    Yes, because you had Yerins half-naked photo.


    ?!


    Im shocked.


    I sit up straight, my body tense.


    Seeing my expression change, Choi Yiseo, who is observing me, nods, certain.


    So it was a photo of Yerin.


    No-no its not like that.


    When I asked you what you were sending at the pork cutlet restaurant, you were looking at this half-naked photo.


    Ah, and called me disgusting.


    Seeing Choi Yiseo clench her fist, I go silent. If the conversation drags on, I wont even make it to the next lecture.


    I didnt know then, but it clicked when I saw Yerin changing in the gym locker room this time.


    Ah


    I let out an exmation without realizing it.


    Only now, truly only now, do the pieces of the puzzle finally fall into ce.


    But you dont seem to be dating either so I wondered if it was that kind of rtionship.


    Ha.


    I thought that unlike in high school, in university, it could end up like that for male-female friendship.


    How do I exin this?


    As I pondered deeply, I released a sigh and subtly handed over the phone.


    First off, I dont have such photos. Go ahead and search my phone.


    Although Choi Yiseo hesitated at those words, she began to check my phone. Luckily, I wasnt fond of taking photos, so there werent many.


    It was a relief that I didnt have any photos of Seo Yerin saved on the phone.


    But didnt you say that before?


    I began to exin to her.


    First, let me rify. Seo Yerin and I are not friends with benefits. We dont even see each other as romantic partners.


    At most, one could say we have recently be friends.


    Lies


    Choi Yiseo pouted, but I continued.


    Its true that I had those kinds of photos of Seo Yerin. But what you dont know is that she didnt send them to me.


    Hmm?


    I cant tell you where I got them from. This isnt for my sake, but for Seo Yerins sake. Yet one thing is certain.


    Everyone has secrets they find hard to share. If we are friends, you should overlook it and move on. If you cannot do that, then dont get involved with Seo Yerin without reason.


    W-wait!


    Choi Yiseo was taken aback by my strong stance and stood up.


    What are you saying? I should cut ties?


    I spoke in extreme cases. If you feel disgusted by such a person, just dont be with them.


    Although it wasnt good for Seo Yerin to act like that, everyone has things about themselves they want to hide.


    Bing Anonymous69 and venting desires in this manner meant being cornered in the rtionship with Seo Yerin.


    Realizing this, I continued to hang out with her, pretending not to care.


    Choi Yiseo didnt like my words, but she sighed and said,


    Just to be clear. There is nothing more to our rtionship than what I already know about the three of us, right?


    We have the same lectures on Tuesday, so we eat lunch together. If we get bored, we move to the PC room and work out for an hour.


    Thats the extent of our connections.


    Theres nothing more than that. This isnt a lie.


    As I stated firmly, she pushed back her bangs and nodded.


    Alright, I understand. I trust you.


    You do?


    Honestly, even after telling the truth, I thought it would be hard for Choi Yiseo to believe me.


    After all, just the fact that I had a semi-naked snap of Seo Yerin is enough to raise doubts.


    Ha, since you put it that way, Ill trust you. Ill treat Yerin as usual and overlook what I saw.


    Amazing.


    She was epting this?


    It was a moment when Choi Yiseo was amazing.


    But!


    As I sat up, Choi Yiseo looked down at me and warned,


    You cannot use that to do anything weird to Yerin. Got it? I really wont forgive you if you do.


    Dont worry about that. I have no intention of saying anything to Seo Yerin either.


    Phew, Ill trust you. Because its you after all.


    I felt strangely trusted. I wondered if it was because I helped solve Minjis case.


    It didnt seem like I did anything great during that time.


    Since I quietly handled the situation with Minjis ex-boyfriend, Choi Seo-jun, she wouldnt know.


    Strange.


    Well, its good to be trusted.


    I expressed my gratitude to Choi Yiseo, who trusted me, and added,


    But if Seo Yerin makes the first move, I wont refuse.


    As I dered that with a thumbs up, Choi Yiseo smiled and said,


    Her? To you?


    Youre underestimating me.<hr>-Anonymous147: Is it true there are no spots in the library? I have nowhere to study, sad.


    Sigh.


    Seo Yerin turned away from the library after seeing a post on the Bamboo Forest.


    With exams around the corner, finding a ce to study was proving to be difficult.


    And going home felt like she wouldnt study at all.


    Caf too noisy. And study cafs are probably full too.


    She had purposely distanced herself from her friends and used it as a natural excuse to avoid guys hitting on her, to study.


    But now, she found herself wandering around the school with no ce to study.


    She had already drunk half of the coffee she bought to enjoy while studying.


    Sighing, Seo Yerin was about to turn to the bus stop when,


    Are you sure you actually studied to get into this uni?


    Youve been really harsh with your words for a while now.


    Sitting at the outdoor lunch table were two familiar people studying.


    Choi Yiseo and Kim Woojin.


    Ah.


    Seo Yerin, who had been worried about the two bing awkward with each other recently, smiled when she saw them getting along.


    Then, she found herself turning around from heading to the bus stop and walking towards them.


    You two are studying?<hr>It was one thing for me to end up studying even after the lecture was done because I got caught asking Choi Yiseo about the exam scope.


    It could be understood that Seo Yerin wandered around looking for a ce to study in the meantime.


    After all, they were studying to prepare for the midterms.


    Ah, I cant trante this?


    Woojin, you need to memorize a lot of words.


    But the pressure from both of them about my English skills, from the front and the side, seemed unbearable.


    Sorry, but can you guys mind your own business?


    As I red at them and covered the book with both hands, Seo Yerin awkwardly scratched the back of her head, and Choi Yiseo clicked her tongue.


    Always the folks trying to save their pride.


    Did you get good gradesst semester? Mine werent that bad. I even had an A!?


    Getting a bit annoyed, I confronted Choi Yiseo, who touched her forehead.


    I got an A too.


    See that


    The rest were all A+s.


    Ah, stop with the pointless pride and just ask if you have any questions. I can already clearly see the future where you ruin your GPA and end up having to go to the military.


    Pfft.


    Yiseo?


    As I red at Seo Yerinughing, Choi Yiseo, seated next to me, immediately pressed my head to the notebook.


    Study.


    Damn.


    Even from the notebook, I could see the difference between us.


    I was using a notebook from the stationery store, but those studying withptops and tablets looked like real university students.


    But Im not passionate enough to use those things for my studies.


    Well, I tried to focus on studying again.


    Yah! You! What are you doing!


    A unique voice and a distinctive fruity scent hit my nostrils, and I felt this weight on my shoulder.


    Turning my head I see Yu Arin, who seemed to be passing by, pressing down on my shoulder with her hands and smiling.


    Yiseo is here too? Hi!


    Hello.


    Did Yerin fail to go to the library?


    Yes, it was full.


    As soon as she appeared, the atmosphere seemed to shift to Yu Arin.


    Although I was annoyed that she kept pressing down on my shoulder without letting go, I started to focus on my studies.


    Youre studying?


    If you dont want to die, get lost.


    Youre so mean, you should at least know to study well with your face, right?


    Yu Arin said this and then removed her hand, thrusting her phone right in front of my nose.


    !


    There was a photo takenst time when senior Min Ju-hee and Yu Arin were drinking together.


    A bizarre photo was taken where the two, drunk, were shoving chopsticks up my nose.


    You! When did you take this!


    I tried to snatch the phone away, but Yu Arin pulled it back.


    Hehe.


    Covering her mouth with the phone, she shed a smile and began to run.


    If you dont want this spread in the group chat, go buy Pepero from the store within five minutes, you loser!


    Go to hell in five minutes, I can smash your phone and tear your limbs apart and scatter them around Gahyeon University!


    I sprang up and immediately rushed at Yu Arin, who started running around the table in a circle trying to escape.


    But who am I?


    I was the man who could outdo Choi Yiseo, the human weapon, in physical activities.


    Hehehehe! That tickles!


    I was able to catch Yu Arin soon enough. Just as I was about to forcibly take the struggling girls phone,


    The sharp gazes of the two girls sitting at the table were ring down on me.

 Chapter 36: Confession

    Chapter 36: Confession


    <em>Bite. Bite. Bite.</em>


    The sound of Yu Arin munching on Pepero right beside me was grating.


    It didnt seem to bother the others, but perhaps because I wasnt fond of her, even her slightest actions got on my nerves.


    Hey, could you eat more quietly?


    <em>Bite. Bite. Bite.</em>


    I said, eat quietly.


    With a scowl, I reprimanded Yu Arin, who sneakily offered me a Pepero.


    Wanna try some?


    I already told you to eat quietly.


    Youre a hypocrite, taking it even as you say that.


    I shook my head as I epted the Pepero from Yu Arin. I wasnt going to let her off the hook just because of this.


    <em>Crunch, crunch. Crunch.</em>


    <em>Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.</em>


    I, too, started making noise as I ate the Pepero. Its practically a tradition to crunch on Pepero.


    While we were munching away, I soon noticed Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo staring at me.


    Ahem.


    Since I had scolded her and then copied her, it was no wonder they werent pleased.


    Trying to ignore their stares and refocus on studying, my attention kept wandering.


    Its about time they showed up.


    For some reason, even Yu Arin, who seemed like she would pass by, ended up studying with us.


    I wasnt thrilled about it, but having Yu Arin join us presented an opportunity.


    Sensing that the tension had eased, I cautiously brought up the topic, as if a snake were slithering across the wall, stealing a nce at my notebook.


    One of my friends ising to study with us, thats okay, right?


    Saying this and pretending to jot something down, my mind started racing.


    ncing up to gauge the others reactions, I saw that instead of studying, they were all staring at me.


    A friend? Who?


    Choi Yiseo inquired skeptically. Seo Yerin and Yu Arin also seemed intrigued.


    A girl?


    I replied NO to Seo Yerins cautious question.


    A boy.


    Then, Yu Arin interjected, asking,


    You have friends too?


    Speechless, the other two couldnt conceal their astonishment.


    So, Woojin has male friends too.


    Thats quite surprising, but also a relief.


    Why do I feel disgusted?


    Being openly disregarded by the three of them like this made me feel a bitplex, yet I couldnt deny it as I had nothing to say.


    I just waited for the moment to let them know I have friends too.


    But to call the personing in a moment as friend is a bit-


    Then, a guy appeared from across the street.


    Even from a distance, the sharp jawline and nose couldnt hide that he was handsome.


    Uh, youre here?


    As I waved my hand to wee Jeong Chan-woo, everyones gaze turned to him.


    The first to react was Yu Arin.


    She quickly turned her head to look at me, which shocked me a little with her unexpected reaction.


    Did she just re at me?


    And it wasnt a yful re, but one which looked dead serious. Of course, Yu Arin went back to her yful smile right away.


    Hello.


    Jeong Chan-woo, who hade to our table, greeted us with an awkward smile.


    It is surprising, but seems like everyone has met each other once before.


    This was true because Jeong Chan-woo was actually acquainted with some people at this table.


    Yu Arin and Seo Yerin were his close friends during high school, and although he had only seen Choi Yiseo at the gym, he was aware of her existence.


    Jeong Chan-woo is his name. He is my friend, he is kind and handsome, so please get along well.


    At first, it felt a bit awkward, and there was this odd atmosphere between Jeong Chan-woo and Seo Yerin.


    Hello.


    Yeah, hello.


    Still, they greeted each other, and he sat down, but I stood up and made Jeong Chan-woo sit in my ce.


    Choi Yiseo was next to me, but it wouldnt be hard since it was right opposite Yu Arin.


    Choi Yiseo red at me for a moment across Jeong Chan-woo, but the seating happened naturally.


    Ill talk about this after we finish studying and then at dinner. Alcohol might be hard during exam times?


    While I began to think things over, Yu Arin suddenly stood up.


    Is anyone thirsty? Im heading to the convenience store, should I get you all something to drink?


    Then Chan-woo will go too


    I was about to send Jeong Chan-woo, but Yu Arin caught my wrist with a bright smile.


    Chan-woo just arrived, and you want to send him on an errand again? Let the three of them talk. Youe with me.


    No, why me? I dont want to.


    Shouldnt someone carry the drinks?


    You cant even do that?


    I argued since it felt ridiculous to me, but I followed her as she dragged me, and it seemed like the atmosphere would only get weird.


    Haa, things are getting weird.


    I wanted to help in my way, but Yu Arin was slipping away.


    Well, the store isnt too far, so I went with Yu Arin and casually picked the drinks up when


    Yo.


    Yu Arin, not looking at the drinks, was ring at me.


    Hersheys chocte milk tastes the best. Chong is a bit


    Im not in the mood to joke.


    As I gave an answer not caring, Yu Arin called out with a serious look, so I straightened up from bending over to look for the drinks and saw her.


    What?


    What are you doing now?


    Choosing a drink?


    Holding up the two milkshakes, I replied, but this made her bite her lip and brush her bangs.


    Her morous blonde hair fluttered as if showing her anger.


    Why did you bring Jeong Chan-woo in? You arent even close to him.


    I am close. Better than you who suddenly butted in.


    Honestly, I wanted to get closer to him than to Yu Arin. As they said earlier, wouldnt having a male friend be nice?


    And I do like him.


    Ah, fine. Lets just move on from the past.


    Move on from the past?


    Why did you bring him here? If Jeong Chan-woo was suddenly called here like this, there should be some motive. You arent the type to suddenly invite someone.


    It seemed like she knew me well, and honestly, she hit the nail on the head.


    I am not one to increase the number of people at a party without reason; it was always bothersome for me.


    But since I couldnt reveal that Jeong Chan-woo likes her, I stayed silent.


    Jeong Chan-woo asked for your help to get along with me?


    ?!


    I looked at her with wide eyes. There was no need to hide anything; I was sure of it.


    Sigh.


    Upon seeing my reaction, Yu Arin red, looking annoyed.


    Dont you get it? I am telling you clearly. I have no feelings for Jeong Chan-woo, so dont do this.


    For real? Isnt it enough to just meet him once since hes that handsome? Maybe its because youve been friends since you were young that youre worried about ruining that?


    Nonsense. Its not my problem if it gets ruined or not.


    I dont get it at all. He has a good personality, he is handsome, and he has manners too. Why do you hate him so much?


    Ugh, now youre going over the line, fuck.


    Although she cursed, I just shrugged it off.


    Was it crossing the line? You couldve said something.


    Cursing is one thing. Im more of a friend to Chan-woo than you, so I want to take his side.


    You realize that you are a hard person to like?


    Im used to people disliking me. Havent you heard the kids in the department talking about me?


    When I responded as if it was nothing, Yu Arin looked shocked.


    Does your mental fortitude look like a mountain? Or is this just false bravado?


    Think whatever you want. If you wont exin, then decide on what to have. Chong or Hershey.


    When I asked, Yu Arin exploded and came at me.


    Chong! Its Chong, you bastard!


    I choose Hershey.


    Shut up! Get Chong!


    As we were bickering, the convenience store clerk gave us a look, so we quickly bought and left.


    While I was drinking my Hershey and Yu Arin was slurping her Chong on the way back,


    I confessed to him back in the day.


    Yu Arin dropped a shocking fact.


    What?


    Did I just hear that correctly?


    As I turned my head to look at her, she grumbled.


    But he didnt ept me. That was the end of it. I dont like Jeong Chan-woo now. I have no intention of liking him either, and to put it out there, all my feelings for him have vanished.


    So dont try to set me up with Jeong Chan-woo. Okay?


    Yu Arin began to walk briskly, clearly annoyed.


    Watching her back, I felt the back of my head go numb.


    Then, I caught up to her and asked,


    Sometimes, after receiving a proposition, do you start seeing the person differently?


    Ive heard this often, that even if one initially rejects a confession without thought, they start to care afterwards.


    At my words, she crossed her arms and looked up at me.


    So? Im not at all interested now.


    Her cold look said she was being sincere. She truly felt nothing for the guy called Jeong Chan-woo.


    And then,


    It seems something did happen.


    I was certain that something happened and it was not just a simple rejection of a confession, for Yu Arin to be this cold.


    But it wasnt my business to pry into it.


    After that, we arrived at the table without a word. All three of them were focused on studying without any talk.


    This stubborn one made uste!


    Yu Arin was back to her cheerful energy.


    It could be viewed as Yu Arin trying to not let the atmosphere turn weird.


    It was fascinating to see a girl who had been giving off a cold vibe now acting like this.


    While looking at Yu Arin, I softly whispered to her.


    Are you a psychopath?


    Just die.


    At my words, she just flipped me off.


    I did the same to her.

 Chapter 37: Whats This?

    Chapter 37: What''s This?


    The study session, ufortable in various ways, came to an end.


    We could only manage about two hours since it was outside, and it became cold and windy.


    Since we agreed to have dinner together, we were now contemting the menu.


    Lets settle this with rock-paper-scissors.


    As I extended my hand and made the suggestion, I received disapproving looks.


    Why not just go with the majority?


    Choi Yiseo, who had argued with me about this many times before, suggested apromise, but I declined.


    Are you saying you want to disregard the minoritys opinion? This is why society is in this state, all because of people like you!


    If we cant agree in an hour, then!


    Choi Yiseo was ready to punch me, and I backed away while shouting.


    No, lets discuss what we want to eat. I prefer rice. Lets go to a ce that serves it.


    Youre obsessed with Korean food.


    Choi Yiseo sighed as if she were exasperated with me and proposed another menu.


    How about chicken?


    Because you work out, right?


    Just because I do, doesnt mean Im suggesting we all eat chicken breast.


    Huh? But you just suggested it.


    Guys, what do you think?


    Choi Yiseo,pletely ignoring me, asked the others. It was her way of dealing with me, and it was an improvementpared to the past.


    Chicken sounds good.


    Yu Arin agreed.


    Im up for chicken too.


    Jeong Chan-woo immediately consented, and Yu Arin, feeling a connection, high-fived him.


    Just a moment ago, she acted as if she didnt even want to talk to Jeong Chan-woo, but now she was shameless in pretending that nothing was wrong.


    All eyes naturally turned to thest person.


    Almost in tears, they looked at Seo Yerin.


    Koreans survive on rice, right? Seo Yerin, you agree, dont you?


    Yerin, ignore him. Honestly, we all prefer chicken.


    Seo Yerin, ncing between me and Choi Yiseo, seemed to be contemting. I thought that if I chose my words carefully, I might be able to persuade her.


    Right? Lets go eat rice. A hot bowl of rice with a fried egg, and if we add spicy chicken stew, itll be so satisfying.


    Its three to two anyway; were going to eat chicken.


    Yeah, the pretty one gets two votes.


    After all, if one is good-looking, they tend to have more influence. At my words, Seo Yerin flinched in surprise and turned her head to Choi Yiseo.


    I-I want chicken too


    Ugh.


    I dont see whats so tasty about a few pieces of fried chicken.


    Though I wanted to go eat rice alone, Choi Yiseo began to drag me along by linking her arm with mine, forcing me to go along with them.


    Lets go now.


    Haah, whats so tasty about chicken.


    Its my first time seeing someone who dislikes chicken.


    Eventually, I was dragged along to eat chicken. Since it was near the University, it was fair to consider almost every chicken ce as a pub, and despite it being exam period, the ce was crowded.


    Well, not everyone is passionate about exams.


    Lets go inside and sit down.


    Choi Yiseo pushed me to the table next to the wall, forcing me in.


    You look like you might run away.


    I wont.


    Anyway, lets go in.


    Eventually, pushed by Choi Yiseo, I ended up sitting in the innermost spot, with Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin sitting next to me.


    On the opposite side, Yu Arin and Jeong Chan-woo sat down, creating a not-too-bad picture.


    We ordered the chicken half-seasoned and half-fried and another whole grilled chicken.


    It seemed like Choi Yiseosst bit of conscience was a roasted chicken.


    Im going out for a smoke.


    Huh? Me too.


    Jeong Chan-woo thought that he would look cool smoking, but it was somewhat unexpected to see Yu Arin doing it.


    Or maybe, it does suit her.


    With her blonde hair and tumultuous personality, she seemed like she would curse a couple of times while smoking.


    She imed she wasnt into games, but she had this vibe that shed excel at Sudden Attack in a PC caf.


    Arin started smoking?


    Seo Yerin nced at Yu Arin, looking puzzled, signaling she was unaware too. It appeared Yu Arin wasnt a regr smoker.


    Or maybe shes just following Jeong Chan-woo to chat with him.


    Whats going on?


    It seems usible.


    I might as well have a cigarette too.


    As I was about to get up, pondering whether Jeong Chan-woo was being scolded by Yu Arin, the two beside me nced up.


    You dont smoke, do you?


    Ive never seen you smoke before, though?


    Im going to start now.


    Despite the absurd reason, as I attempted to leave, Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin blocked my way.


    Just stay seated. Why put something harmful into your mouth?


    Exactly, Woojin. Have a candy instead.


    Eventually, cornered by the two, I had no choice but to sit down. Just then, the macaroni snacks arrived, and the three of us began picking and eating them.


    <em>Nom. Nom.</em>


    But Yerin, do you know Jeong Chan-woo?


    In response to Choi Yiseos query, Seo Yerin replied while munching on a macaroni snack.


    Yes, we were friends in high school.


    We were friends.


    Normally, I would have let it go, but for some reason, it bothered me today.


    Thankful to Choi Yiseo for initiating the conversation, I popped a macaroni snack into my mouth and inquired as well.


    Is something wrong?


    The question immediately caught their attention, and with just a nce at Seo Yerin, she didnt seem inclined to deny it.


    A little?


    Can you tell me why? Jeong Chan-woo mentioned that you three were close.


    We were, but I dont think I can share anything.


    Since she drew a clear boundary, I simply shrugged.


    I shouldnt have asked about something youre unable to talk about. My bad.


    No, Im sorry for saying it like this.


    There was a brief silence.


    Well, it sounded like something happened in high school which ruined their rtionship.


    I think Ill head to the bathroom for a bit now.


    Eventually, Seo Yerin felt the need to sort out her thoughts and got up to go to the bathroom.


    Whats this? Why am I the only one who doesnt know?


    As soon as Seo Yerin left her ce, Choi Yiseo immediately came to me, saying she had no idea what was happening.


    Is it because of what you said at the cafst time? That Jeong Chan-woo likes Yu Arin? Is that why you suddenly called him over today?


    Seeing her ask so many of the questions she was holding back, I could now tell how patient she had been.<hr>Ah, fuck.


    I got up from the floor of my home with a headache.


    I shouldnt have a hangover from just chicken and beer, but as I try to recall, the events ofst night slowly start toe back to me.


    Ah, that damn Yu Arin


    Yu Arin suggested going for a second round because just having chicken and beer didnt seem like enough drinking.


    She said she knew a bar and took us to an alcohol bar.


    Considering I was stressed because of the exams and slightly tipsy, the owner offered us a discount because Yu Arin was a friend, so we kept on drinking.


    The alcohol was good, and even though I usually dont drink wine, it went down smoothly, andter, they even brought out alcohol of a very high proof and threw a drinking party.


    This is the result now.


    Drinking until I ck out during an exam period. It was an act of madness that cannot be exined as anything else.


    I am holding my head; it seems like I, who is not affected by soju or beer, am different with expensive alcohol.


    I should have experienced expensive drinks.


    Rubbing my eyes in difort, I realized I learned something new.


    Yu Arin, go to hell.


    While cursing Yu Arin, I tried to check the time.


    You think of me the moment you wake up?


    A womans voice came from beside me, sending shivers down my spine, as if I was being pricked by thorns.


    Upon checking, I realized I wasnt lying on a thick mattress for a bed, but on a hard, wooden floor.


    Slowly, I lifted my head to check.


    Hello?


    Yu Arin, lying on the mattress and wrapped in my nket, was looking at me.


    Uh?


    I opened my mouth without realizing and eximed. It was all I could do at that moment.


    My mind was frozen, and my thoughts were halted.


    First, I needed to get her out of here. With that thought, I reached out and yanked the nket.


    W-wait! Im not wearing anything!


    Yu Arin spoke the unbelievable, no, the unwanted truth. I wanted to call her a liar, but a glimpse of her pale skin could be seen at the light tug.


    You insane woman! Why are you stripping in someone elses home!


    As I let go of the nket and stumbled back, I fell and Yu Arin burst intoughter.


    Hehehehe! Look at you! How hrious!


    Hrious? You find this fun? Why are youughing? Do you even realize where youre sleeping?


    Im sleeping on your bed, under your nket. Mmm, Woojin smells nice.


    The moment I saw her burying her nose in my nket, I felt like I would pass out.


    Pl-please, we didnt cross the line, right? Right?


    As I asked her in a low voice, she smiled brightly.


    Mmm, is it morning already?


    Another womans voice came from behind Yu Arin. The voice was groggy, as if she had just woken, and she slowly got up.


    Uh? This is?


    Seo Yerin, who was just roused from sleep yet still unted beauty, was there.


    What the fuck?


    What is happening here?

 Chapter 38: Drunk Nuisance

    Chapter 38: Drunk Nuisance


    Pfft.


    As Choi Yiseo made her way back to Kim Woojins house, carrying some hangover soup she had prepared, a small chuckle escaped her lips as she reminisced about the previous night.


    She hadnt anticipated seeing Kim Woojin so intoxicated.


    Kim Woojin, who boasted about his high tolerance for soju and beer, had unexpectedly engaged in a drinking contest with Yu Arin, opting for pricier and stronger alcoholic beverages, which led to their current predicament.


    He had insisted on his ability to handle champagne and wine well, but ended up consuming potent drinks with a high alcohol content.


    Eventually, Kim Woojin became thoroughly inebriated and started to stumble around.


    Dont gooo! Stay over at my ce!


    His sudden plea for her to stay over was rather endearing.


    Normally, she would have brushed it off.


    Right!


    In a simr state, Yu Arin, also heavily intoxicated, agreed to stay at Kim Woojins house.


    Observing the two drunken individuals making their way to Kim Woojins ce, the rest of the group couldnt just stand by and decided to follow them.


    In the end.


    The homeowner, Kim Woojin, passed out in his drunken stupor, while Yu Arin, who had initially nned to stay over, settled in for the night.


    With Kim Woojin asleep and not really counting as a presentpany, and if Jeong Chan-woo left for home, only the women would be left there, so they all ended up spending the night.


    At that moment, it seemed like a sensible choice, a decision so wise that even Solomon would have been impressed.


    I must have been out of my mind.


    Now that the alcohol had worn off.


    She couldnt help but question her own sanity. Even though nothing untoward had urred, the fact remained that three women had slept over at a mans house, that man being Kim Woojin.


    I wonder if Kim Woojin has woken up.


    She had intended to give him a piece of her mind once he was up. His plea for them to stay over had been sweet, but she couldnt just let everything slide.


    Arriving at his home.


    Standing in front of the door, she felt a mix of awkwardness and embarrassment.


    Carrying servings for four hangovers, she took a deep breath and entered.


    I am bac.


    KUAKKKKKKKK!


    As soon as she opened the door, a mans scream pierced the air.


    It was Kim Woojin, on the ground, holding his face in agony.


    Damn it! DAMMMNNNNN IIITTT!


    Puahahahah! M-my stomach! It hurts so bad!


    And there, in front of Kim Woojin,


    Yu Arin, wrapped in a nket on the mattress, wasughing uncontrobly.


    Yu Arin had gone to sleep naked, iming she always sleeps without clothes at home, and it seemed like she hadnt managed to get dressed yet.


    Kim Woojin is hrious! Its insane! Hahahha!


    What is happening here?


    When she left, Kim Woojin was asleep on the ground, and Yu Arin was looking at her phone.


    Is Yerin in the bathroom?


    She could hear the sound of water from the bathroom, indicating someone was washing up. Thankfully, Jeong Chan-woo, who was the least drunk, had bought toothbrushes and other toiletries from the convenience store.


    Woojin, there is shampoo here, can I use it?


    Shut up! Im feeling confused right now!


    Puahahahah!


    Ah, my head hurts.


    Choi Yiseo, not understanding the situation, approached with a bag of hangover soup in hand.


    Whats all this?


    Kim Woojin, surprised to see Choi Yiseo now, looked at her with wide eyes, then with a look of shock, turned to Yu Arin.


    Yiseo slept with us too, right?


    A valid point, but somehow it felt odd. Perhaps thats why Kim Woojins reaction is so intense.


    Fuckkk! Is this life? Is this?! How can such a tragedy happen?!


    Why is he acting like this?


    Unable to hold back any longer, Choi Yiseo sighed and asked Yu Arin, who seemed to be the cause of the situation.


    We had sex between the four of us, and its funny because he doesnt remember.


    What!?


    Right now.


    What did that girl say?


    Four of us?


    Sex?


    Then, Kim Woojin suddenly stood up and shouted loudly.


    Lets do it again! Shit, a man will never get to do a foursome again in his life, and not remembering it is so frus ugh!


    Choi Yiseo ran to Kim Woojin and kicked him in the sr plexus, causing him to fall, then stomped on him.


    Ah! You! Trash! What nonsense! You bastard!


    Kuak! Just once! Damn it! Its too cruel that the film gets cut after a foursome! If youve done it once, what difference does it make if you do it two or three times!


    You crazy bastard! We didnt do it! Just die! Drop dead now!


    Hahahahaha!


    Amid the continuous kicking from Choi Yiseo, Kim Woojin opened his eyes wide.


    Seeing Yu Arinughing behind Choi Yiseo, he realized he had been tricked.


    D-did we not do it?


    We! Did! Not!


    Choi Yiseo, now even delivering a ser kick, but Kim Woojin got up with a smile.


    Thats a relief!


    Is this guy a psychopath?


    Choi Yiseo asked, but Yu Arin, unable to hold back herughter, buried her face in the nket.


    Not doing it was the best, but if we did, we should at least remember it.


    Ugh!


    Looking annoyed and irritated, she red at Kim Woojin, who was still huddled up cautiously, and asked.


    So why are you in my home?


    Everyone out.


    Sigh.


    The moment Choi Yiseo saw Kim Woojin speaking so calmly, she felt something in her head explode.


    <em>Tak.</em>


    She then ced the bag of hangover soup for four, which she had been holding until then, on the ground.


    Youre going to die today.


    Wait! It was a joke! I was joking!


    Choi Yiseo, with her fist clenched, ready to charge, and Yu Arin, still buried in the nket, wasughing.


    It seemed like no one was going to save him, but then.


    <em>tter!</em>


    Woah, Woojin, you use a really good shampoo.


    Seo Yerin, who seemed to have just washed her hair, came out drying it with a towel.


    Is this Romance shampoo? It smells nice.


    Without a care about drying her hair, Seo Yerin was simply pleased with using good shampoo.


    Kim Woojin hunched over and peeked his head out, saying,


    I have a lot. Want some?


    Really?


    Yes, its my ex-girlfriends stuff.


    A moment of silence ensued.<hr><em>Slurp.</em>


    This is delicious.


    The group of us gathered around the foldable dining table, having breakfast.


    Technically, its already time to call it lunch, but luckily, it was Saturday with no lectures.


    Ah, this is helping with the hangover a bit.


    While eagerly eating the hangover soup, I nced at the unusually quiet group.


    Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo were eating with awkward expressions.


    Yu Arin just stared at me nkly.


    As soon as our eyes met.


    You seem unfazed.


    About?


    <em>Slurp.</em>


    I pondered her words as I continued to eat my rice mixed with hangover soup.


    Well, three girls slept in your studio apartment. And they are all pretty, right?


    Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo shuddered.


    I wanted to respond to Yu Arin before she could.


    So what? Nothing significant happened, we just slept.


    Its not a big deal.


    We usually have lunch together, so isnt this the same as before?


    I appreciate you giving me a ride home. As for Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo, I wont charge you for the instant rice or the lodging fee.


    If you did, you wouldnt make it to Uni on Monday. Youd be in the hospital.


    Choi Yiseo grumbled.


    It seems like shes been getting excited a lottely, but I dont think this was the original image she projected.


    Seo Yerin was burying her face in her rice, eating silently, as if staying overnight at a guys ce was that embarrassing for her.


    And me?


    Yu Arin lightly tapped my calves with her foot.


    Of course, you should pay. The lodging fee, the water bill for the shower, the electricity for drying your hair, instant rice, and so on.


    Eh, I wont.


    Okay, leave now then.


    Eh, Ill stay the night again.


    At those words, my body involuntarily flinched, and Choi Yiseo, along with Seo Yerin, turned their heads to look at Yu Arin.


    Yu Arin had this mischievous smile.


    Just kidding. Dont get so concerned.


    Please, just go. The other two are fine, but you, absolutely not.


    Cough! Cough!


    Suddenly, Yu Arin, who was eating, began to cough badly, as if something was stuck in her throat, and rushed to the bathroom.


    Seeing this, Choi Yiseo sighed and red at me.


    Dont say things like that to Yerin. Shes already having a hard time with her aversion to men.


    If someone like her from the Bamboo Forest says they want to have sex every day, are they having an aversion?


    Sorry.


    But an apology was immediately offered.


    The others didnt know it was her as Anonymous69, and when it was Seo Yerin, she tended to take every little thing as seriously.


    Well.


    After finishing the meal, the three of them left.


    It was a mess, but after all, they were the three who got caught in my drunken state and even brought me home.


    I said I would buy them a mealter. Choi Yiseo made sure to get a firm promise that they would choose the menu.


    Ah, Im sorry.


    I began to clean up the house, feeling sorry for the three who got involved with me.


    Sigh.


    I couldnt help but frown as I got a waft of a sweet fruity scent from Yu Arin on the nket.


    It wasnt just the nket that held the scent; the mattress was also full of Seo Yerin and Yu Arins scent.


    Ill take the nket to a coinundry and as for the mattress lets try spraying some deodorizer.


    Anyway, as I was doing that


    What is it?


    The scent of my ex-girlfriend, which seemed like it would never go away, felt like it had vanished from the nket and mattress.


    I found myself smiling, feeling happy.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    The phone rang.


    It was a message from an unwee visitor after quite some time.


    -Anonymous69: If a girl sleeps over at a guys ce, does that mean they are dating?


    -Admin: Generally speaking, yes. But there can be special circumstances, right? It isnt always the case.


    -Anonymous69: Can it be considered as having quasi-sexual rtions?


    -Admin: Not if they just slept without doing anything.


    -Anonymous69: I want to have sex.


    -Admin: That is a sudden sex attack.

 Chapter 39: Anonymous59

    Chapter 39: Anonymous59


    -Choi Yiseo: How many exams do you have left?


    As the exam period was slowlying to an end.


    Voices were lively both in the Bamboo Forest and within the University, suggesting that the exams were over for the most part.


    -Kim Woojin: 1.


    Me, Kim Woojin.


    I still needed more time before my exams were done. The lecture that was supposed to be on Thursday was postponed to Friday because the professor had some urgent matters.


    Because of that, I, an engineering student, had to go to University today to take an exam.


    -Choi Yiseo: Were nning to drink with our department mates tonight, do you want toe?


    -Kim Woojin: ? Youre asking me?


    -Choi Yiseo: Of course, who else?


    Huh.


    It seems like she was a bit confused since we have been hanging out togethertely.


    -Kim Woojin: Why would Ie?


    Sorry, but I am fundamentally not the type of person who enjoys socializing with others.


    Recently, Ive been hanging out with people because of this and that, but now is the time to return to my usual self.


    -Choi Yiseo: Arent youing?


    -Kim Woojin: I dont have any close friends there.


    -Choi Yiseo: You have me.


    From her tone, I could feel Choi Yiseos wish for me toe along.


    Sigh, why would she bother with me when she has so many more friends.


    To her, I am one of many friends, but to me, she is my only friend.


    In other words, if Choi Yiseo goes out to y with someone, Ill just end up being alone.


    Seo Yerin?


    Shes busier than Choi Yiseo.


    Shed probably be too busy being dragged here and there, having fun without even a moment to greet me.


    -Kim Woojin: Have fun.


    -Choi Yiseo: Youre really noting?


    -Kim Woojin: Yep.


    -Choi Yiseo: Dont answer like that.


    Choi Yiseo disliked the responses in ng since thest time. Anyway, since it was glossed over, she probably wouldnt pursue it.


    Now that the library would be empty, I thought of changing my surroundings and going to study there for today.


    Since my grades in other subjects arent that great.


    One positive aspect of the exams being lengthy was that they motivated me.


    After the previous exams were ruined, I felt driven to work harder on the uing ones, leading me to study more.


    As I entered the quiet library, I passed other students who, like me, were preparing for the final exam and found themselves a spot.


    The library was not just a serene ce to study but also one where it felt reassuring to know others were struggling with exams too.


    Hmm.


    I opened the book with the intention to study but ended up cing my phone on top of it. I considered listening to music while studying, but my fingers were already heading for the Bamboo Forest.


    There are still a few hours left until the exam.


    -Anonymous27: Midterm Celebration Omakase. (Photo)


    -Anonymous13: Where is this?


    -Anonymous27: Its at Hansin Intersection. The atmosphere is great, and they do a fantastic job too.


    -Anonymous13: Thanks, thanks.


    -Anonymous153: Well done to those who have finished their midterms! To those who still have exams, fighting!


    -Anonymous69: I want to have sex!


    -Anonymous90: You are being so straightforward today! I want to have sex too!


    -Anonymous11: Damn, they are back dirtying the ce again, fuckers.


    -Anonymous44: A ghost story from Osaka. This actually happened a few years ago.


    -Anonymous11: Everyone! Hi! Today Popo is doing a 24-hour broadcast to celebrate the end of midterms! Pleasee and visit us!


    -Anonymous300: Checking in for todays Popo broadcast with Geon-gong!


    -Anonymous301: Having apany dinner with Geon-gong on the broadcast.


    -Anonymous59: SFB.


    -Anonymous17: Seong Food and Beverages.


    -Anonymous69: Sexy?


    -Anonymous268: Sinsul Holding?


    -Anonymous59: So fucking bored.


    -Anonymous243: This quarters new lineup, I Reincarnated and Now I am a table, In another World, I am considered a Supreme Being?!, Me, the Strongest? No way!* Turns out I am!, My Girlfriend, Younger sister, older sister, cousin, rtive. The Girl next door turns out to be a battle


    -Anonymous11: What the hell is that, you freaking otaku. Seriously, we need to take out the sex maniac and this guy.


    The Bamboo Forest was peaceful in itself, but posts with discrimination or strong political biases were deleted.


    There were also several inquiries.


    -Anonymous11: Yeah, admin. Can you not kick out the sex freak and otaku, the damn streamers too? They are dirtying the Bamboo Forest.


    -Anonymous303: I suggest that people like Popo, who are the pride of Gahyeon University, should have a special ranking. If they write a post, it should appear at the top of the board. The reason is.


    Well, I have been ignoring these trivial inquiries thate in every day.


    Hmm?


    There was a suggestion at the top which I inadvertently missed reading.


    -Anonymous59: Hehe.


    -Anonymous59: Hehe.


    -Anonymous59: Hehe.


    Whats this?


    Spam posts received from just one person.


    Anonymous59 was someone who asionally posted things out of boredom. They could almost be considered a personification of boredom.


    There were always kids like this, but this time, the inquiry felt off.


    An uneasy feeling, but the important thing was that I couldnt check when the inquiry was sent.


    Ha, seriously.


    Since it wasnt officially done by a professional institute or university, but rather a graduate, the Bamboo Forest had its inconveniences.


    People said that was also the charm of Gahyeon Universitys Bamboo Forest, but honestly, from an administrators point of view, it was frustrating.


    Lets look at the list of posts by Anonymous59.


    Just as I was about to check the list.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    The phone vibrated, but this time it wasnt the Bamboo Forest, but a message.


    -Yu Arin: Youre noting today?


    -Yu Arin:


    Yu Arin sent this emoji of a cat ring fiercely. It seems like shes heard from Choi Yiseo.


    Did the two get closer recently?


    Thinking that they might have be friends after drinkingst week and sleeping over at my ce, I replied.


    -Kim Woojin: Yes.


    -Yu Arin: Why? Its boring without you.


    -Kim Woojin: Since when were we that close?


    -Yu Arin: We slept together, remember?


    -Kim Woojin: Dont use misleading words.


    -Yu Arin: If you donte, Ill spread the rumor to the guys that we had a foursome.


    -Kim Woojin: Im noting. The problem is for Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin, not me. Thats a lifetime achievement.


    -Yu Arin:


    The conversation ended with the use of a surprised cat emoji. I wanted to check the onlinemunity again, but I only had an hour left until the exam.


    Ah, shit.


    I turned the phone off and focused on studying.<hr>It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that I aced the final exam.


    At least, thats a relief.


    While I felt a bit disappointed about the other exams, I was pleased with how cleanly I did with this one.


    Should I order chicken and beer at home?


    And what if I y games too?


    <em>Kyaah!</em>


    That is sex!


    Humming on the way home, I spot this handsome maning out of the convenience store in front of the University from afar.


    Jeong Chan-woo!


    When I wave at him with a smile, Jeong Chan-woo also spots me and approaches with a slight smile.


    After the incident thatst time, we got closer. It was awkward when Yu Arin stayed in my home, but thanks to Choi Yiseo, we were able to clear up the misunderstanding.


    Woojin? You had an exam today?


    Jeong Chan-woo greeted me with a smile and asked kindly. I couldnt understand why someone like him liked Yu Arin.


    Yes, its thest one.


    You must be exhausted.


    As our paths collide, we spoke about this and that on the way back.


    Huh.


    Jeong Chan-woo leapt, looking at his phone, sighing, and writing something.


    Considering its Friday evening, I thought he might be getting a message from a girl.


    Bamboo Forest?


    Disyed on Jeong Chan-woos screen was the Bamboo Forest. When asked about it, since I ended up glimpsing it unintentionally, Jeong Chan-woo answered awkwardly.


    I work in the construction engineering department.


    Ah?!


    If its the construction engineering department, isnt Anonymous300 from there? I heard thatst year, a senior managing the Bamboo Forest got so annoyed that he lumped all the construction engineering students into 300 numbers.


    If we dont do this, we get an earful from the seniors. They all know what numbers we are.


    So, they arent exactly anonymous.


    What number are you?


    To my question, Jeong Chan-woo bitterly smiled and answered.


    321.


    Anonymous321, huh?


    It seems Ive never really noticed number 321, since the 300s are usually swarming.


    They even forced us to watch the Popo broadcast today. Ah, I hate that so much.


    I dont like the name Popo at all. Sounds like something an old man woulde up with.


    Thats a taboo word in our department.


    I thought he was a good one, but Jeong Chan-woo frowned while looking at the Bamboo Forest.


    Then he showed me something.


    Woojin isnt this about Seo Yerin?


    Hmm?


    What was disyed on the screen was a bit odd.


    -Anonymous83: Why do pretty girls flirt with guys when they arent even ready to date?


    It was a post that has been seen many times. It was a simple way to relieve stress.


    -Anonymous46: ? Is there such a person?


    -Anonymous83: Yes, and I really hate it.


    -Anonymous46: Which department?


    -Anonymous83: ELL.


    -Anonymous46: What are you saying?


    -Anonymous93: Ah, that person!


    -Anonymous167: Lol, I guess I wasnt the only one who thought of this.


    -Anonymous83: Moreover, the one they are dating is this social misfit who cannot even talk properly with other people.


    -Anonymous46: Birds of a feather flock together.


    -Anonymous11: Damn, is it another attack on the English department? Cut it out, bitches.


    -Anonymous83: Who even said it was about the English department? Youre overreacting, lol.


    -Anonymous167: But did that guy have a girlfriend?


    -Anonymous93: Isnt it known? It was a mess then, biting, and sucking each other off.


    We have our own issues, but you people seem to be having a hard time.


    Jeong Chan-woo turned off the Bamboo Forest app with a bitter taste, but for me, it was an issue I couldnt just overlook.


    It was about Seo Yerin.


    And the role of the boyfriend being cursed as a misfit was


    Me.


    It was clearly an intentional post.


    That fellow, Anonymous83, must have created such public opinion intentionally with his friends.


    Thanks to the umtedments, it naturally drew attention, causing many others to see it.


    Even if they dont know who I am right now, since Seo Yerin is so famous, everyone will find out that its her.


    Besides, Anonymous46 is the bastard who targeted me thest time.


    I had no idea such a mess would happen when my phone was off during the exam.


    As I hurriedly turned on the phone and checked the Bamboo Forest, there were many piled-up inquiries, but the post by Anonymous83 was still getting fuel added to the fire.


    -Anonymous67: Is English literature being struck again?


    -Anonymous288: The English department is full of snipers.


    -Anonymous83: Did I mention their names? There are so many bastards who have nothing better to do on Friday night than to shootments in the Bamboo Forest.


    -Anonymous69: Sex


    -Anonymous90: Sex God! Did you do well in your exams?!


    Meanwhile, Seo Yerin was typing sex in response to the post targeting her.


    If this was a resistance, it was her own form of it.


    Ahh.


    Just when I was about to delete the post.


    -Anonymous59: Friends Tripe.


    A question came in, perfectly timed. I frowned, wondering what this was about.


    The next message was shocking.


    -Anonymous59: Its our meeting ce, Woojin.


    Anonymous59 addressed me by name.


    And then.


    The message which followed came right on time.


    -Yu Arin: (emoji)


    It was an emoji of a cat licking its lips, eyeing its prey.

 Chapter 40: Misfit

    Chapter 40: Misfit


    The atmosphere at the tripe restaurant, where the English Literature students gathered to celebrate the end of midterms, was subdued.


    Not only freshmen, but sophomores and juniors were also present. Everyone was wary of one womans reaction.


    Seo Yerin.


    Everyone knew that the post that was just uploaded on the Bamboo Forest was targeting Seo Yerin.


    It was a relief that the Bamboo Forest Admin deleted the post, but the damage had been done with it having spread around.


    If it had been any other student, the atmosphere wouldnt have been this awkward.


    But with Seo Yerin, whom many wanted to befriend, caught in this situation, an odd tension arose.


    It was awkward to ask if it was true, and just as awkward for Seo Yerin to deny it.


    With her lips tightly sealed, Seo Yerin ced her hands on her thighs and bowed.


    Ever since she was young, misunderstandings arose from others due to her appearance, but this was the first time she felt bad intentions behind it.


    Realizing that so many people were openly targeting her, and now knowing that they were from the same English Literature department.


    Could it be


    That they are here in this gathering?


    With that thought, her body began to tremble. The idea that someone who anonymously ridiculed her could be in front of her, sharing her sadness and trying tofort her, sent shivers down her spine.


    She shouldnt have thought that way.


    Now she felt like she couldnt trust the people around her.


    Choi Yiseo!


    Suddenly, the voice of Kang Chang-sik, a third-year senior, called for Choi Yiseo.


    Yes, senior.


    As soon as Choi Yiseo responded, he mmed the table and began tosh out unexpectedly at her.


    Is this some kind of a joke? Why is there so much gossip about the guys? Is this the reputation youre creating for the English Literature department? Is this all you can do?


    Im sorry.


    You bastards! What do you n to do if the professors hear about this? Huh?! Since thest time, youve been saying whatever you want in the Bamboo Forest?


    We are sorry.


    Choi Yiseo continuously bowed her head, apologizing to the senior. The other third-years joined in to try to diffuse the situation.


    Yah, all of you, listen. Dont do any more weird sniping. Just get along. Do you understand?!


    After the words of the third-years, everyone agreed as if it had all been resolved.


    However, after that, Kang Chang-sik, the third-year who had shouted at Choi Yiseo, approached Seo Yerin and smiled.


    Hisrge body, having been active in the wrestling club until high school, stood out even more next to Seo Yerin, who had an average female build.


    Dont worry, Yerin. Im here for you.


    Ah


    Does he know?


    That many guys have tried to approach Seo Yerin in this manner.


    Therefore, Seo Yerin knew that the anger he had shown towards Choi Yiseo a moment ago was intentional, and she felt bad that Choi Yiseo had been scolded in front of everyone because of her.


    Its all because of me


    Seo Yerin nced at Choi Yiseo.


    Despite everything, she was telling others that it was alright, without being affected by it.


    Was it because Seo Yerins reaction wasnt great? Or was it simply because he wanted to share his heroic tales with his friends?


    Oppa will go smoke a cig, okay? Wait for me.


    Kang Chang-sik casually patted Seo Yerin on the shoulder a couple of times and headed out with his friends.


    Watching the seniors rush out, Seo Yerin wanted to rush towards Choi Yiseo.


    She wanted to apologize to her for getting scolded because of her.


    Ah, fuck.


    A sharp voice came from the female seniors at the next table.


    Behave properly at least. Why ruin the mood right after exams?


    I know, right. It makes no sense.


    Honestly, it doesnt seem like they were wrong. Right? We saw it too. Hanging out with that loser.


    Maybe she got paid?


    Thats crazy, thats more convincing than dating.


    The female seniors, making sure only Seo Yerin at the table could hear, didnt mince their words.


    Even as they bad-mouthed her, they didnt bother looking around. The moment Seo Yerin saw themughing and talking, her eyes widened.


    Ah


    They were seniors from the same group.


    Seniors she was working on a group project with to make a film.


    This is why back then.


    Despite senior Han-kang calling her, she sat next to Kim Woojin because she felt ufortable.


    Only now did she realize who harbored feelings at that time and she could guess who might have spread the rumors.


    It was the seniors.


    As Seo Yerin mumbled, the women stiffened and red at her.


    Watch where youre looking.


    Fuck, what the shit.


    Seeing the seniors, who could be the wrongdoers, curse openly, Seo Yerin wanted to speak, but.


    Her lips remained sealed.


    She clenched the fist on her thigh, unable to express the anger which made her feel as if she had no choice but to curl up.


    Just like the Bamboo Forest.


    If only she could be someone who could speak whatever she wanted.


    Like Anonymous69, not caring about others opinions and just living boldly.


    The moment she began to despair at herself for not being able to run and just sit there without doing a thing,


    a guy stepped forward and extended his hand to Seo Yerin.<hr>


    Friends Tripe.


    Seeing the seniors smoking outside, which Yu Arin had caught on her phone, I knew I hade to the right ce.


    Chang-sik was amazing.


    This guy was looking to get a girlfriend, but he finally did it.


    Was it hot?


    Laughing loudly were the third-year students, Kang Chang-sik and his friends. Beside them, first and second-year students were smoking with a look of mild unease.


    I noticed that senior Han-kang and Ahn Hyeon-ho were also there.


    What is it?


    Some students noticed me but the third-years who didnt know me, continued their conversation.


    What do we do about Yiseo?


    Ah, darn. Thats the n. Ill stick close to Seo Yerin, so you go and bad-mouth me to win Choi Yiseo over.


    They were lost in their own world, weaving the most far-fetched stories about Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo.


    I approached the seniors and greeted them.


    Hello, Im Kim Woojin, ss of 23. Sorry Imte.


    Uh? Kim Woojin?


    Was there such a kid?


    Kim Woojin Kim Woojin? Ah! Thats the one! The social outcast who got rejected!


    Pfft! This one? The one who got rejected for dating Yerin?


    The sight of the third-yearsughing in my face was annoying. Among them, arger one red at me.


    Woojin, hello? Im Kang Chang-sik, a third-year, your senior. Im from ss 18, but I went to the military, so understand that. Have you been to the military?


    No.


    Right? Whats a guy like you doing in a rtionship? You should just focus on your studies.


    A clear message to stay away from Seo Yerin.


    Theres a rumor going around that youre dating Yerin? Huh? Theres no way youre dating her, right?


    Im not dating her.


    Right?!


    Yes, Seo Yerin has someone else shes interested in.


    What?


    The senior, with a shocked expression at my words, turned to smile at the entrance.


    There, Jeong Chan-woo was escorting Seo Yerin.


    Yerin?


    Hes really handsome, right?


    It was such a stylish scene, as if they were filming a drama, with two people who could easily pass off as actors.


    Theyre not dating yet. Theyre high school ssmates, you know? Dont they look nice?


    I was relieved that Jeong Chan-woo had heeded my request. There were rumors about me, and since I couldnt go myself.


    As long as it wasnt Yu Arin, Jeong Chan-woo didnt mind being misunderstood by others.


    I told Yu Arin I would exinter, and Jeong Chan-woo dly epted my request too.


    Ah, no that.


    He must have thought that with someone like me as his rival, he could win her over.


    So, it must have been a clumsy attempt to check me by mentioning military service.


    But with Jeong Chan-woo as the opponent, the entire plot changes.


    No matter how confident the senior was in himself, that confidence would vanish the moment they saw Jeong Chan-woos face.


    Like a match made in heaven.


    It felt like a sacred and inviblend that couldnt be desecrated.


    The restaurant door opened, and the students of the English Literature department came out. A handsome male student and a pretty female student appeared like a scene from a drama.


    A situation that drew everyones eyes and piqued their interest, so they all ended up going out.


    In the midst of that, Yu Arin winked at me from among them.


    At the same time, she pointed at the female seniors. As expected, they were the team members making a short film together.


    Phew.


    My heart raced.


    Seo Yerin left.


    Rumors had spread that we were dating, but with Jeong Chan-woo together with Seo Yerin, it would naturally be known as a baseless rumor again.


    That should do it.


    That should do it?


    Uh.


    What a mess.


    Ah, the smell.


    Kang Chang-sik snatched the cigarette from his mouth and threw it to the ground.


    Due to the series of unexpected events, it seemed like Kang Chang-sik had no clue what was happening to him at the moment.


    Seo Yerin probably hates guys who smoke, you know? If you want to woo her, at least know the basics, right.


    What?


    And isnt it embarrassing for third-years who served in the military to be making a fuss over wooing a mentally hurt first-year and a first-year ss rep?


    I looked at the others with a smile. The gazes of all those in the English Literature department had turned to us.


    Getting angry intentionally and thenforting them. Is that all you people cane up with? Do you think you could charm someone that way? Theyll probably go home and curse you after.


    The insulted seniors couldnt even utter aeback.


    I turned towards the female seniors that Yu Arin had pointed to and addressed them.


    What are you staring at? Shows over.


    What?


    Phew.


    For those who didnt grasp my words, I seized the ashtray resembling a flower pot from the stores front and hurled its contents at them.


    Cigarette butts and ash scattered like snow, mingling with the coffee grounds below.


    The doused female seniors shouted at me.


    You crazy bastard!


    Ackk! My clothes! My clothes, you bastard!


    Spit! Spit! Its in my mouth!


    At that moment, the third-year male seniors who had cursed at me rushed to restrain me.


    I anticipated a punch, but it seemed they were mindful of their actions.


    Kim Woojin, have you lost your mind?!


    Did you just disrespect your seniors?


    While the seniors gripped my arms and scolded me, I responded with a genuine smile.


    I apologize, seniors.


    I truly meant it.


    I cantprehend this utterly toxic senior-junior culture where you gossip behind peoples backs, attack them anonymously, and exploit vulnerable young girls by luring them to motels.


    The seniors fell silent.


    Because


    You should be aware.


    I am a social misfit, you motherfuckers!


    With a wide grin, I definitively raised both hands which were caught, disying my middle fingers.

 Chapter 41: First

    Chapter 41: First


    Wait!


    Almost being dragged away by Jeong Chan-woo, Seo Yerin finally stepped out of the tripe restaurant and shook his hand off.


    She couldnt grasp the situation and was flustered by Jeong Chan-woos sudden appearance, so it took her some time to regain herposure.


    Whats going on? Why did you suddenly show up?


    Since Jeong Chan-woo, whom she hadnt been in touch with much since high school, suddenly appeared to whisk her away, Seo Yerin was bewildered.


    Jeong Chan-woo also seemed to shake off the overwhelming atmosphere once they stepped outside and felt the cold wind, awkwardly clearing his throat.


    Woojin called me for you.


    Woojin?


    It might seem like an unexpected name, but not really. After all, Kim Woojin was someone who got caught up in the rumors along with her.


    He was one of the victims getting criticized because of her,beled a social misfit.


    Yes, and if I showed up, naturally they would realize that the rumors spreading through the Bamboo Forest are baseless.


    Ah.


    It seemed strange, but it made sense. If rumors had spread about her dating Kim Woojin, but with someone like Jeong Chan-woo openlying to look for her, it would only be natural for the rumors to seem false.


    However, being associated with Jeong Chan-woo wasnt a happy situation for Seo Yerin.


    Jeong Chan-woo also looked unsure and sorry about what to do.


    Lets head home now. Ill take you. It must have been hard for you to be there.


    No.


    Seo Yerin clenched her fists.


    If Kim Woojin sent Jeong Chan-woo for her sake, then probably after she had left, Kim Woojin would havee looking for her.


    So.


    Ill go back.


    He was worried about me.


    Because of her, he got caught up in false rumors, and now he was probably thinking about taking action on his own.


    Seo Yerin immediately turned to head back to the restaurant, but Jeong Chan-woo stepped forward and stopped her.


    No! Woojin told me to take you home!


    And what about him! Isnt he the one whos facing the seniors all by himself!?


    T-that


    Seeing Jeong Chan-woo act in that manner made her even more certain now.


    Move. Its something which happened because of me. Kim Woojin doesnt need to take responsibility.


    Dering boldly, Seo Yerins steps past Jeong Chan-woo were quite fast.


    She hurried to the restaurant, but before she even arrived she heard a mans voice.


    Have I said anything wrong, you bastards?!


    Thats Woojins voice!


    Rushing, Seo Yerin turned the corner and the restaurant on the main road came into view.


    What wrong did I do!


    There, despite being caught by the third-years, Kim Woojin was still shouting at the top of his lungs.


    Uh?! Speak now! Tell me what wrong she and I did, you bastards!


    Twisting his body, he was shouting. There was also the sight of the female seniors covered in cigarette ashes and coffee stains.


    Was that Woojin too


    He was the only one who would do such a thing. But, Seo Yerin felt more worried than happy.


    Why are you speaking loudly saying we did something to Seo Yerin and you!? Suddenly you show up and make a mess! Ridiculous bastards!


    Right, how do you n topensate for the clothes?


    Your university life is ruined or what!?


    The female seniors were all yelling at Kim Woojin, but Kim Woojin showed no sign of backing down.


    Let me check your phones! The one who posted in the Bamboo Forest as Anonymous83! The ones who joined in on the gossip as 46, 93, 167! The Bamboo Forest in our University, you know that the anonymous number is fixed, right?


    He was sure of it.


    So show me. Ill check the phones and if the numbers are different I will kneel down here, but if it is the same, you will apologize and drop out, you bitches!


    They were the ones spreading rumors.


    Ah, let go!


    Kim Woojin finally shook the arms of the senior male students off and walked towards the women.


    Phone.


    Looking down at the senior girls, Kim Woojin scanned them.


    Show me the Bamboo Forest. Just show that to me and prove it, and Ill apologize for everything and evenpensate for the clothes and drop out of University.


    Now.


    All eyes were on the senior girls.


    All that was needed was to prove it to Kim Woojin. If only they could show that they didnt write the posts in the Bamboo Forest, everything would be solved.


    Why should I!?


    Right! Why should we show anything to you!


    The senior girls raised their voices in refusal, knowing all too well that it would be disadvantageous for them.


    You cant show it to me, right? Because its actually all of you who wrote them. 83, 46, 93, 167 are all of you.


    Such nonsense!


    Insane bastard! Dont cook stories up.


    Thats right!


    Kim Woojin cut their words off and no longer wanted to listen. His trembling fist balled with anger, and all his rage wasing out.


    Ah.


    Howpletely different from herself, who had just weakly ced her hands on her knees inside the tripe restaurant.


    Unlock your phones! Unlock them and then speak!


    Prove it now. Then Ill apologize for all this and step back, okay?


    Watching them hesitate, Kim Woojin began to hate them.


    Kim Woojin, who seemed like he would breathe fire at any moment, sighed and pressed his throbbing head with his hand.


    Hey.


    He spoke in a calmer tone.


    What wrong did she do?


    That.


    Not just about what happened today.


    It was a question that pierced the essential aspect of the girl called Seo Yerin.


    Tell me? What wrong has she done? What exactly did she do to you?


    No one answered.


    Even Seo Yerin herself wondered why she didnt think of this.


    Nothing wrong was done.


    A bitter expression.


    Rather, Kim Woojin himself looked sadder because he understood the intention of Seo Yerin.


    Seo Yerin knew it too.


    What did she do? Shes just a pretty girl. She doesnt brag about it nor does she flirt with boys because of it. She just goes to university!


    Appearance is a capability.


    Thats a current saying.


    Why does she have to bow her head? Why does she have to suffer while being conscious of all your opinions?


    People with too much capability are bound to be envied.


    Shes a good girl.


    Her eyes began to tear up.


    Before she knew it, tears were rolling down her cheeks and tickled her skin.


    Only then


    did Seo Yerin realize that she was crying.


    Her vision was blurry, but she forced herself to see what was happening by wiping the tears away.


    That person is


    Always thinking about others, shes a kind girl.


    Fighting for me.


    Shouting for me.


    Understood me.


    Heuk.


    The endless tears were annoying. She wanted to keep her eyes on the man over there, but the tears wouldnt stop.


    It was the first time.


    Right.


    It was so obvious that it felt like hearing it for the first time.


    That is how it was.


    I.


    Did nothing wrong.


    The moment she realized that, Seo Yerin couldnt help but sit down and sob uncontrobly.<hr>


    Just moments ago, the momentum was strong. Even when the seniors tried to stop me, I cursed at them with all my might, flipping them off.


    You could have spoken a bit more calmly, even so.


    Before I knew it, I was in the tripe restaurant and was sitting next to Choi Yiseo, listening to her lecture me.


    Of course, the ce was silent, the seniors all left leaving a few freshmen to handle the remaining food.


    I-I get it. But thats how it ended up.


    I wouldnt say it ended well just because the police showed up.


    Someone must have thought we were fighting and called the police, which led to the situation getting ambiguously resolved.


    From my side, maybe that was good.


    The atmosphere went down the drain for the tripe restaurant.


    I frowned at Yu Arin who was sitting across from me and munching on tripe.


    Actually, wasnt Yu Arin the main culprit for dragging me into this?


    Yah, dont get the wrong idea about Jeong Chan-woo and Seo Yerin. They arent in that kind of rtionship. I asked Jeong Chan-woo to take her home.


    By now, he must have taken her home, right?


    So what?


    Just dont misunderstand. Chan-woo is still single.


    I chuckle and give a thumbs up. Yu Arin, who didnt seem to like it, kicked my shin under the table.


    It hurt, but it wasnt too bad since I felt like I got one over Yu Arin this time.


    Because this was a subtle way of showing that I didnt give up on setting Jeong Chan-woo and Yu Arin up.


    At that moment, the first-year students came over.


    Yiseo, were leaving now.


    Ah, I see. You all went through a lot.


    The first years nced at me but said nothing.


    As Choi Yiseo went to see them off, only Yu Arin and I were left.


    When I stayed at your home.


    Yu Arin exined with a big smile, even though I hadnt asked.


    You dropped your phone, so I picked it up and then, an rm went off in the Bamboo Forest?


    Haa.


    A request came from the Bamboo Forest. Well, something like that. But it was strange. It wasnt like a reply came in, but rather it was an inquiry.


    What happened next could be understood.


    So you sent a query to the admin, and then the notification came to my phone?


    Right. You saw it?


    I did.


    I remember Anonymous59 sending three queries with just hehe. I thought it was an ufortable one, but didnt expect that to be from Yu Arin.


    Woojin seems to be enjoying university life?


    Yu Arin, leaning her chin on her hand, had a yful smile. Looking at her, I couldnt help but sigh.


    I never thought that I would be caught by Yu Arin.


    Its not bad. Im voluntarily sharing information I know, but things will be fun from now on.


    Yu Arin was grinning.


    She was delighted, saying there were countless ways to y around with it.


    I gesture towards her phone on the dining table with my chin.


    Check your phone. I sent you something.


    Uh? What did you send?


    Just check it.


    Yu Arin turned her phone on and checked the Bamboo Forest.


    Wh-what is this?!


    There, there was a notice for the users of the Bamboo Forest and numerous congrattoryments,


    -This is the Bamboo Forest Admin. Recently there have been indiscriminate postings of unverified sniping posts in Bamboo Forest.


    -It is overwhelming to handle it alone, so I have selected an admin to help me manage it.


    -For now, it is just one person, but we hope to select more in the future. Enjoy your time in the Bamboo Forest.


    -Admin Winner: Anonymous59.


    -Advantages: When posting, the title (Admin1) is added, favored by the Admin.


    -Cons: Unpaid, must check the board every 30 minutes, hard work goes unnoticed, underling.


    I-I hate this!


    Startled, Yu Arin was about to shout something at me with a half-crying face.


    From now on.


    I smiled broadly and offered a handshake to my new colleague.


    Please look after me, Admin1.

 Chapter 42: Slave

    Chapter 42: ve


    Right, take care. Youve worked hard.


    Choi Yiseo bid farewell to the first-year ssmates leaving the tripe restaurant.


    Ugh, Yiseo, youre the one whos really had it tough.


    I had no idea Kim Woojin was that insane. Wasnt he just a quiet kid?


    But it was quite satisfying.


    The events of today were quite shocking, so the first-years were also discussing it.


    There werements about crossing the line and curses directed at Kim Woojin, but many felt quite refreshed by the events.


    Is that alright then?


    The actions of Kim Woojin were criticized, but it seemed like there was some justification to them.


    The fact that the third-year female seniors couldnt properly answer and fled seemed to have yed a big role.


    Being the representative is tough.


    Right.


    Seeing her ssmates grumble and leave, Choi Yiseo sighed and went back inside the store.


    She was about to tidy up and head home herself when


    Yah! Take it down!


    Congrattions!


    Dont congratte me! Post a notice of cancetion right now!


    Omedeto!


    I am really going to kill you!


    Hontoni omedeto!


    Once again, a bigmotion unfolded inside the store.


    Naturally, the protagonist of the argument was Kim Woojin.


    Yu Arin, who had just been eating tripe with him, rushed at Kim Woojin to punch him, but he caught both her wrists and smiled.


    Let go! Let me go!


    No, I dont want to. If I let go, youll hit me. What kind of manners do you have towards the owner in the first ce?


    What owner?!


    What


    Kim Woojin cleaned up the water he spilled, so why is he having such a st with Yu Arin?


    Choi Yiseo felt annoyed but approached them with an expressionless face like before.


    What are you doing?


    However, the words that came out were chillingly cold. It was doubtful if the door was even open, given the coldness around.


    Kim Woojin and Yu Arin looked at Choi Yiseo in surprise at the same time.


    No! Yiseo! This guy!


    Yu Arin was about to use him, but Kim Woojin, having let go of her wrist, reached out to cover her mouth.


    It naturally looked like he was hugging her from behind, but the two seemed unbothered by the physical contact.


    Mmmphmmmph!


    Haha! I cant understand what nonsense shes saying!


    Mmmphmmph!


    Argh! She bit my hand, damn it!


    Yu Arin, who had her mouth covered with both hands, eventually bit Kim Woojins palm to break free.


    Spit! Spit! Ew, so gross!


    Yu Arin, who imed she was going to rinse her mouth and ran to the bathroom, had a face which was unusually flushed, unlike her usual yful nature.


    Woah, she really bit me.


    Kim Woojin was showing the bite marks to Choi Yiseo who said,


    Having fun?


    Choi Yiseo red at him with her arms crossed. She didnt like this even one bit.


    She felt left out, horribly, even though she had taken care of everything that happened.


    What? Im asking you. Is this fun?


    No, it isnt.


    Sigh.


    Watching Kim Woojin immediately back down, Choi Yiseo sighed. She wondered if Kim Woojin had any idea howplicated his university life would get from then on.


    I guess he doesnt care.


    Kim Woojin, she knew, would manage his university life on his own, whether it wasplicated or not.


    He was the kind of person who would never show up even if the seniors summoned him by using their year sentiment.


    Haa, Woojin. I really think you should work out. Im worried you might get beaten up by someone.


    Well, I might not know about fights, but I should practice running.


    Kim Woojin answered with a smile.


    Seeing his bright expression melted Choi Yiseos heart.


    I wont tell you to be cautious of others, but are you sure youll be okay with three years of uni life still left?


    Since youre the ss rep, youll inform me about any important events anyway.


    Thats true.


    Then its settled. As long as youre on my side, itll be fine.


    How can he say such things as if it werepletely normal to say? Kim Woojin, speaking as if she was his ve, somehow made Choi Yiseo bristle with annoyance.


    Dont assume that Ill always be on your side. My feelings could change too.


    Hmm?


    At those words, Kim Woojin tilted his head and replied.


    That would only happen if I did something wrong.


    You tend to think more logically than emotionally.


    Her standards are strict.


    But applies equally to all.


    Unless he made a particrly grave mistake, Kim Woojin was confident that Choi Yiseo, a woman not easily swayed by others, wouldnte to dislike him.


    Tsk.


    What is it?


    Feeling acknowledged, Choi Yiseo found her face reddening without her realizing.


    Pretending to cough, she covered her mouth with a clenched fist and turned her gaze to the side.


    She desperately used drinks she had as an oue of the redness.


    Lets go when Arines out.


    With everyone gone, Choi Yiseo suggested leaving the ce, and Kim Woojin stretched and responded.


    Right, Im so exhausted that I cant even stand.<hr>


    Saturday.


    The arrival of the weekend brought a pleasant lethargy. After the events of yesterday, just lying on the soft mattress filled me with happiness.


    Maybe Ill watch a movie on theptop.


    Theptop, rarely used except for gaming, was brought over and turned on while I was lying down.


    Then, notifications flooded in due to the messenger linked with my phone.


    Ah, right.


    I forgot I had turned the phone off because Yu Arin was being noisy.


    Since its the weekend, I thought the Bamboo Forest would be quiet, so I didnt bother checking it.


    But when I opened it, posts were being uploaded in real-time.


    Naturally.


    It was because of the new administrator announcement yesterday.


    -Anonymous175: If it was possible to select an assistant, they should have done it sooner.


    -Anonymous88: Seriously lol.


    -Anonymous113: So true lol.


    -Anonymous63: Seriously lol.


    -Anonymous98: There are inappropriate images, new one, do your job.


    -Anonymous258: This guy is obsessed with not working.


    -Anonymous98: Throwing in a photo.


    -Anonymous75: But why was 59 the chosen one?


    -Anonymous41: The Admin likes pizza.


    -Anonymous75: ?


    -Anonymous41: Rice pizza lol.


    -Anonymous69: Sex.


    -Anonymous90: in. Sex.


    -Anonymous44: A real zombie story from China. Hehe. This anecdote is


    -Anonymous169: The new Admin isnt doing the job. cking off and not deleting weird photos and political ones.


    -Anonymous41: I agree.


    -Anonymous88: The Admin is doing no work.


    -Anonymous258: Why isnt he doing anything when the Admin is favoring him so much? If it were me, I would be so happy.


    -Anonymous175: I agree. Being loved by the Admin should be enough.


    -Anonymous98: You have to check the board for 30 minutes a day, delete the shitty posts and dirty pics, take insults, and yet, not get paid. But still, favored by the Admin.


    -Anonymous41: Right.


    -Anonymous59 (Admin1): Fuck off.


    Oh?


    Yu Arin was the hot topic in Bamboo Forest.


    Naturally, the Bamboo Forest began to go wild.


    -Anonymous41: Lol, Admin1 has descended lololol.


    -Anonymous175: ve, wee lolololol.


    -Anonymous98: Admin, delete this (photo).


    -Anonymous169: Ah, fuck.


    -Anonymous59 (Admin1): You are banned, bastard.


    -Anonymous98: I apologize. Please dont ban me. I have no one else to talk to if not for this Bamboo Forest.


    -Anonymous258: Farewell then.


    -Anonymous63: So, you are working, ve number one.


    -Anonymous41: Did 98 die?


    -Anonymous59 (Admin1): Just crossed the Jordan River.


    -Anonymous41: Woah! The ve is doing their job!


    Pfft!


    Despite all the grumbling about not wanting to do it, when asked, she was doing it well.


    Honestly, even though I asked, I wondered if she would actually do anything, but she was being very diligent about it.


    She even wrote a post.


    -Anonymous59 (Admin1): The moment you post a weird image, an immediate permanent ban will be imposed. Just puked after seeing that disgusting photo.


    Setting strict rules like this was quite bold too.


    Shes sofortable.


    I should have hired someone like this sooner.


    While I was watching Yu Arin work like that,


    -Anonymous69: Why are you the Admin?


    The Sex God suddenly made a sudden appearance.


    -Anonymous59(Admin1): Knowing will hurt you.


    -Anonymous69: I want to know.


    -Anonymous59 (Admin1): Ignorance is bliss.


    -Anonymous69: I want to know.


    -Anonymous41: Finally talking about something other than sex.


    -Anonymous90: Quick, tell the Sex God! This person is responsible for the birth rate in Bamboo Forest!


    Everyone agreed with Anonymous69 and wondered why Yu Arin became the new Admin.


    It made sense.


    After all, Anonymous59 was just this unnoticed user who posted when they were bored.


    I guess, no reason to tell.


    But then.


    -Anonymous59 (Admin1): Found out the Admins identity.


    This person dropped a bombshell.


    Of course, the post was immediately deleted. However, the forum was active so everyone saw it.


    -Anonymous88: ???? Wasnt the Admin1 post deleted just now?


    -Anonymous258: What just happened? The Admin1s post got deleted in real time.


    -Anonymous243: The Admin is watching. Everyone, watch your mouths! Its God!


    -Anonymous41: Find it. I left everything in the Bamboo Forest.


    -Anonymous90: The situation just now. Admin1 discovered the identity of the hidden Admin and revealed they became the Admin1 due to that. But Admin who is watching it deleted it immediately.


    -Anonymous175: Even if we found out, we shouldnt act like we know.


    -Anonymous63: Thats so fucking creepy!


    This woman


    Its the first time I have seen posts in the Bamboo Foreste up this quickly, even on the weekend.


    I searched for my phone and turned it on to discover around 20 missed calls.


    All from Yu Arin.


    Not only that, but there were numerous messages piled up that I hadnt checked before she called.


    <em>Click.</em>


    The other side abruptly ended the call.


    Lets do this then?


    No matter how many times I called, she didnt answer. Gritting my teeth, I put on a jumper and hat before heading out.


    Stepping outside, I nned to ask Seo Yerin or Jeong Chan-woo where Yu Arin lives and then go to her ce.


    Sigh.


    A blonde-haired girl was standing right in front of my house. Yu Arin, wearing an oversized sweatshirt and a white snapback, exuding a fresh fruity scent, looked at me and then


    Ughhh!


    She headbutted me in the face.

 Chapter 43: Temptation

    Chapter 43: Temptation


    Sigh.


    Saturday.


    Not having witnessed the Bamboo Forest bustling with activity even on the weekend for a while, Seo Yerin let out a light breath.


    The turmoil in her heart from yesterdays events had somewhat settled down.


    Haaah


    However, recalling it made her face redden with embarrassment. It was lucky that only Jeong Chan-woo had seen her sitting on the street, crying.


    She wanted to go see Kim Woojin right away, but she was a mess from crying, and the police arriving had calmed the situation, so she returned home.


    Yes, she came back after that.


    I should have just met him yesterday.


    To be honest.


    She wanted to see him.


    She wanted to talk to Kim Woojin about anything.


    Argh!


    Seo Yerin, lying down, kicked the nket furiously. She had been researching how to be an admin of the Bamboo Forest.


    Honestly, she had been feeling conflicted because of the Bamboo Forest Admin, but now it was Kim Woojin that was making thingsplicated.


    Sigh.


    Even when asked about the Bamboo Forest Admin, the new one didnt respond.


    They might be busy with something or perhaps being scolded by the Admin.


    -Anonymous69: Wondering how great a person they must be to hide their identity.


    After sending a direct 1:1 message to the Admin, she checked her messages.


    It was a bit awkward to say it, but already five men had messaged her.


    With suggestions for lunch, dinner, or watching a movie.


    Among them was Kang Chang-sik, the senior who had been hitting on her the day before.


    Seo Yerin, who politely declined them all, couldnt help but wonder if Kim Woojin would message her too.


    But there was nothing.


    It was to be expected.


    Should I just ask him toe y a game?


    Lets go to the PC caf.


    Or maybe lets grab something to eat?


    Would hee out if she suggested eating spicy pork?


    Work out?


    Somehow, she felt like Choi Yiseo woulde with them. It isnt that she disliked Choi Yiseo, and it would be nice to have here along too, but.


    I want it to be just the two of us talking.


    Because of what happened yesterday, Seo Yerin wanted to have a talk with Kim Woojin, and it wouldnt be genuine with Choi Yiseo there.


    Sigh.


    About a week ago, she could text him without a problem. Wasnt there a time when she went to the soup restaurant to get Kim Woojins number after receiving constion from the Admin?


    Back then, it wasnt a huge deal.


    Why does sending a single message make my heart race so much?


    After taking a deep breath, Seo Yerin wrote and erased her text several times before finally


    -Seo Yerin: What are you doing?


    She just threw the message out.


    Even after 10 minutes.


    Even after 20 minutes.


    Wh-whats this?


    Even after 30 minutes, there was no response.


    It wasnt like him to be asleep at this time, and Seo Yerin knew that Woojin was someone who responds quickly to messages.


    Hmm?


    All she could do was tilt her head and wait.<hr>


    Ack!


    The headbutt had struck my body, giving it a strong blow.


    Due to Yu Arin throwing her entire body weight, I ended up falling back and copsing in the entranceway.


    Uwahahaha!


    For some reason, she was ecstatic as she stepped over me and entered the studio apartment.


    I tried to reach out to stop her, but only managed to graze her ankle and couldnt stop her.


    Having neatly taken off her shoes, which were more like slippers, she leaped onto the mattress.


    Uwaha! Im back!


    Lying on my mattress, I watched Yu Arin roll around, and this made my head throb.


    I did theundry to get rid of her smell, now wouldnt this just bring it back?


    Yah! Get out!


    Uhm! Woojin smells so good!


    This is insane!


    As I rushed over to snatch away the nket she was clinging onto with her arms and legs, she refused to let it go.


    After wrestling for a while, I gave up and threw the nket down in frustration.


    Why are you here!


    Right.


    Yu Arin was wriggling, holding onto the nket as she climbed back onto the mattress.


    Lying down, she hit the mattress and said,


    I feel so annoyed. Suddenly, I had to listen to stuff as if I was their caretaker. Even when I try to talk, they all just curse at me.


    Thats how Admin works.


    Well, fine. Honestly, the uni life did get a bit boring, so trying something like this out wouldnt be bad, especially since youre the Admin. But.


    But?


    I thought she wouldnt ept it easily, but Yu Arin raised her middle finger at me with a smile.


    I came here because I wanted to give you a taste of your own medicine for making me do this.


    Raameonnn! I bought ramen!


    While saying that, Yu Arin began to giggle and look at her phone.


    I couldnt help but feel shocked by her intention to abandon me.


    Arent you being too reckless?


    Coming to a mans studio apartment and lying on his bed as if she wasnt trying to tempt him.


    Hm?


    Yu Arin, seemingly surprised that I would say such a thing, briefly scanned her look.


    Then, she smiled and asked,


    Why? Feeling turned on?


    Sigh, your behavior. Youve annoyed me enough so go back now.


    Hmm?


    After ncing around, Yu Arin slightly lifted her sweatshirt and showed her white belly.


    The sight of her pale skin and belly button there was provocative.


    Got a condom?


    Yah!


    Impotent bastard. Not confident, huh?


    Seeing Yu Arin giggling andughing, my expression changed, and at some point, I stepped toward her and pushed her down.


    Kyaah!


    Yu Arin, on the mattress, finds this amusing. Her stomach was still exposed due to the clothes all disheveled and one of my legs was wedged between hers, making it impossible for her to escape.


    We were close enough for our noses to touch.


    Stay within your limits.


    Looking down at her lying there, when I said that, Yu Arin made a face as if it was absurd.


    Try it then.


    I thought it would be enough to stop there, but


    Yu Arin went a step further and grabbed one of my hands and put it on her chest.


    So? Try it.


    I was dumbfounded.


    I wondered why she was being like this, but having not masturbated since the breakup had my desires swell for a moment.


    <em>Throb.</em>


    When I gently squeezed the hand ced on Yu Arins chest, I could feel the softness which wasnt hidden by her clothes.


    Mmm.


    Yu Arin let out a slight moan.


    Just as I couldnt hold back any longer and was about to move, I caught a glimpse of Yu Arin who was smiling slyly at me.


    The moment I looked in her eyes.


    I was certain.


    Ah.


    She doesnt have feelings for me, right?


    Its not that she suddenly began to like me at some point.


    Shes acting like this for a reason.


    That was when I thought of Jeong Chan-woo.


    Realizing this, I withdrew my hand and stepped back with Yu Arin giving me a cold re.


    Are you really enduring this?


    Because my friend likes you.


    I had almost betrayed Jeong Chan-woo, sumbing to male desires. I had to admit that I was swayed by the chance without even realizing it.


    Yu Arin looked at me expressionlessly, perhaps not liking my answer.


    It was the scariest expression I had ever seen on her.


    Just why are you doing this? Starting with your sudden approachst time, why are you being like this?


    We had gotten closer, but there were times when it felt too close. Like now, for instance.


    You want to know?


    Yes.


    Ask Jeong Chan-woo. Tell me how he answers too, Im curious about it.


    I thought about doing it because I figured it might stop people from linking me and Jeong Chan-woo, if you and I Well, the reason I approached you was


    Yu Arin trailed off and looked at her phone.


    But from the appearance of her neatly dressed phone, it didnt seem like things would go that way again.


    Yeah, whatever it is, Im saying just one thing.


    Looking down at her, I advised her.


    It isnt okay to sleep around with just anyone. Not for Jeong Chan-woo, but Im saying this for your sake.


    Like those people from the university next to Minjis during the incident. Theres a chance that bad things might result from it.


    At my words, she turned her gaze to me and burst intoughter.


    Isnt this something that not just anyone will do? I thought it might be fine since it was you.


    Ah, which is why its not possible.


    Because I wanted to lose my virginity in the first ce.


    Virginity?


    Yes, virginity.


    As I stare at Yu Arin with a shocked look, she covered her lips with the phone and raised her middle finger.


    Your chance is gone, moron.


    I dont betray friends, so give me my phone. Ill break ties with Chan-woo.


    Hahaha! Insane bastard!


    Of course, it was a joke.


    But seeing herugh loudly, I couldnt help but feel not bad.


    Its a joke. Now go home. You shouldnt be here.


    Why? I wanted to stay for dinner. Lets order chicken. Arent we celebrating my new admin role?


    Ill treat youter, Im busy now.


    I was thinking of buying her a meal to encourage her to work well in the future.


    Lets call it even with that time when she took me home in a drunken state.


    Busy? With what?


    Ah, this is annoying.


    Its personal. Im busy. So leave.


    Ah, so what is it! Ive made the time toe here, so I need to know before I leave.


    Sigh.


    Seeing Yu Arin determined not to leave, I pped my forehead and said,


    I need to masturbate.


    Uh?


    Because I am horny and need to relieve it.


    Ah ha?


    So leave. I need to start looking for a nice video to do it.


    At my words, Yu Arin was shocked and scratched her cheek asking.


    Just do it with me here. Whats the problem with me seeing you run a toothpick?


    I guess Ill call Chan-woo to take you.


    Ah shit! Fine! Ill be in the bathroom while you do it!


    Go home! Why are you making a mess at my ce!


    Admin1 is hungry! Give me food!


    The serious atmosphere which was present till then had vanished without a trace, and the insults began toe in from both sides as usual.

 Chapter 44: Installing Mines

    Chapter 44: Installing Mines


    Lets have chicken.


    Yu Arin, still on my bed, was mumbling while looking at her phone.


    It seems she really nned to have dinner at my ce.


    Dinner at my house is ramen.


    Sorry but something like chicken will not make it into our dinner menu. Im not fond of chicken and I dont feel the need to buy it.


    Ah, why ramen. Lets have apany dinner.


    Lets dopany dinnerter when we call Seo Yerin, Choi Yiseo, and Chan-woo too.


    I thought I was being smart, but Yu Arin quickly caught on and light kicked back with her toes.


    Youre doing this because you want to make up for taking you home when you were drunkst time.


    This woman is so sharp.


    I was indeed trying to thank her for taking me homest time when I was drunk, along with making her Admin.


    Ah, chicken! Fine, lets eat chicken!


    Yu Arin kept kicking my back with her foot. While I wish she would vanish, the good smell somehow made my heart race like a man.


    Ah, shit.


    If only Yu Arin hadnt been doing weird things to tempt me, I wouldnt be looking at her in this way.


    Stop it now.


    Maybe I should call everyone and eat together?


    Dont make this that huge.


    After a bit of hesitation, I sigh, standing up. Since Im already prepared to go out and its the weekend, so maybe we should eat out.


    Where to?


    Lets eat. Its dinner time, so lets go, Ill treat you.


    Chicken?


    What chicken? Lets just head out and eat.


    Ugh! Since youre treating me Ille. What are we eating?


    Finally getting up, she put on her snapback and followed me, and I responded without much emotion.


    Heavenly Kimbap.


    Again.


    She stopped and crossed her arms, ring at me.


    Say that again.


    Were going to Heavenly Kimbap.


    They have these pork cutlets and tuna kimbap there.


    Didnt you say you had a girlfriend?


    Why sprinkle salt on the wound?


    No, you had a girlfriend and you stillcked this much sense? Youre taking me to Heavenly Kimbap now?


    Are you my girlfriend?


    We could still go elsewhere.


    You looking down on Heavenly Kimbap?


    Its not that, but while it has lots of options, the taste is just average.


    Its a clear fact that it cannot be tastier than the stores which sell just a specific menu.


    But Heavenly Kimbap has its own charm. If you dont want to eat, then go home.


    For real.


    Grumbling, Yu Arin had no choice but to follow in the end. Since Heavenly Kimbap was a bit far from home, walking there in slippers


    Hey.


    Yu Arin, who was walking while looking at her phone, nearly bumped into a pole but was pulled towards me.


    What are you doing? Dont use the phone while walking.


    Ah, sorry. This is more interesting than I thought.


    I wondered what she meant, and what appeared on her phone was the Bamboo Forest.


    Though it has cooled down from earlier, the Bamboo Forest was buzzing with stories about Admin1.


    Talking about me seems interesting.


    You like the attention, huh?


    Seems like it?


    Thinking about it, I hadnt been able to check my phone because of her.


    I had just told her not to use her phone on the street, so it felt weird to take mine out, so we went to Heavenly Kimbap.


    Ill have a cheese pork cutlet and tuna kimbap. You?


    Um, Omurice. And how about we order Jeolmyeon? To share?


    Fine.


    Im not fond of sharing food. It could be considered a sort of neurosis, given that my ex-girlfriend loved sharing.


    But I cannot resist pork cutlet with jeolmyeon.


    I was going to order just kimbap because jeolmyeon is big in size, but this way, I can enjoy both.


    After ordering, I was about to check my phone when Yu Arin put hers away and rested her chin on her hand.


    But why are you the Admin of Bamboo Forest? Did you find the previous admin like I did?


    She seemed curious about the Bamboo Forest.


    No, I just did it because a senior I knew told me to try it.


    It wasnt that interesting of a story.


    From the start, managing amunity was too much.


    I casually drink as I tell her.


    Dont try too hard, its better to take it easy. After all, its a universitymunity so not many will cross the line.


    I see.


    I was a bit surprised by how calmly she epted it. I thought she would be furious like she was at the tripe restaurant.


    Rather


    Did I choose someone whos better suited for the role?


    She seemed to enjoy attention and mentioned shes always bored.


    Seeing Yu Arin check the Bamboo Forest again, I take my phone out too.


    I was nning to y the mobile game Ive been intotely.


    Hmm?


    There was a message from someone unexpected.


    Seo Yerin?


    I wondered why she texted me over the weekend. The incident at the tripe restaurant happened after Jeong Chan-woo took Seo Yerin out, so she shouldnt have known about it.


    What? What?


    Yu Arin peeks out, seemingly catching me doing something interesting. I push her forehead away with my hand.


    Seo Yerin texted me.


    Yerin did?


    Yes, she asked me what I was doing. Maybe she wants to go to a PC caf?


    We havent yed games recently. Since its the weekend and she was feeling bored, she could have thought about going together.


    Hmm? Yerin did?


    Something about this girls sly smile made it all annoying.


    It seems like Yerin likes you.


    And she says something totally absurd.


    Uh? What are you talking about?


    As far as I know, its the first time Yerin has ever sent a message like this to a boy.


    How would you know that? Are you Seo Yerin?


    It is absurd, I responded, and Yu Arin clicked her tongue, flicking her fingers.


    Yah, if Yerin sends you a message asking to do something, it means shes kind of interested. How can a guy miss the chance?


    But so far, Seo Yerin has been this lifelong solo kind of person, so this must be her first time sending such a message.


    Youre writing a novel.


    Listening to her utter such nonsense convincingly made me feel like I was wasting my time.


    So, Choi Yiseo is interested in me too? She just sent me a text about going to work out.


    She looked annoyed at my words, sighed, and I began to look at my phone.


    Exercise or PC caf?


    Id prefer the PC caf, but having Yu Arin there would be annoying.


    Yah, is Chan-woo part-timing today?


    He probably spends the entire weekend at the PC caf.


    Then do we get service if we go?


    Yu Arin didnt seem to like going where Jeong Chan-woo was, ring at me, but she sighed and nodded.


    You will, and if Ie, youll get more.


    Donte. If we go to the caf together, he might misunderstand.


    Thats nice.


    Whats nice about that?


    I was about to suggestbining the ns and working out together.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    [Captain Ju]


    It was a call from Senior Min Ju-hee.


    I knew we were going to start filming the short film in earnest now that the midterms were done, but this was too fast?


    As soon as I answered it,


    -Woojin.


    Senior Min Ju-hees voice was low and filled with anger and irritation.


    Be it directed at me or someone else, I wasnt sure, but


    Yes, senior.


    The atmosphere was so tense that I spoke right away, and she sighed, asking,


    -What did you do at the tripe restaurant yesterday?


    Why do you ask?


    Since the senior wasnt at the restaurant yesterday, she wouldnt know what happened.


    And I thought it was strange that she was suddenly asking this.


    -The girls are dropping the assignment in a group?


    Ah


    -And they say its your fault? That you made a scene at the restaurant and so they cannot do it anymore.


    Se-senior! Can I exin this?!


    As I spoke urgently, she took a deep breath and said,


    -Woojin, Im not angry with you, and Im not curious or interested in who is wrong between you and the senior girls.


    -But you see.


    I gulped.


    It felt like a storm was brewing after this peaceful weekend.


    -Maybe skip the assignment?


    Just then, the food arrived.


    The kimbap, pork cutlet, and jeolmyeon in front of me resembled thest supper of a warrior heading into battle.


    -Haha, skip? Skip right. Is that even possible? Woojin, you can skip the assignment. A group project isnt everything in life.


    This was scary.


    -Ah, of course, you can skip it, but


    B-but?


    -I cant skip the assignment. The concept of skipping doesnt exist for me.


    -Woojin, what are you up to now?


    Im eating at the Heavenly Kimbap!


    -After eating that, do you want me to join in skipping by the base of those who skipped the assignments?


    Ah.


    In terms of folk games, it was like an ultralisk and a single marine dropping into the enemy base with a dropship.


    Ille. I happen to have a girl with a nasty personality by my side, you know? Shes someone who witnessed the situation at the tripe restaurant.


    Where? Where is this girl with a nasty personality?


    Yu Arin pretended to look around, searching for this supposed girl.


    Normally, I would have said something, but with senior Ju-hee on call, I couldnt


    -Can you eat in 30 minutes? Ill start moving.


    Understood!


    <em>Click.</em>


    The call ended.


    Sigh.


    I immediately sent a reply to Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo.


    -Kim Woojin: Im busy today, so I cant.<hr>


    Wow, so we are going to look for the seniors who skipped the assignment?


    Yes, it seems like a meeting has been arranged.


    That sounds like fun!


    While eating the omurice, Yu Arin felt excited about what was toe.


    Being with him makes things constantly fun.


    She really didnt like his idea of setting her up with Jeong Chan-woo, but starting from the tripe restaurant yesterday, to the Bamboo Forest, and now even going to fight with the senior female students.


    Coming to Kim Woojins house on the weekend would end up being fun.


    Wait.


    While watching Kim Woojin hastily eat the cheese pork cutlet, Yu Arin asked,


    So, will Yerin and Yiseo join us too?


    Have you lost it? I told them I had something happening so I cant meet them.


    Hmm.


    The moment she heard that, Yu Arin had an even more interesting idea. It wouldnt hurt to nt a mine which wouldnt make things boringter.


    Putting her spoon down, she immediately tapped on her phone.


    Hurry up and eat, Captain Ju will be here soon.


    Yes, one moment.


    Yu Arins move was to change the messenger status and profile picture.


    She set the selfie she took at Kim Woojins house as her profile picture.


    It was the photo taken on the bed and to others it would look like a normal photo.


    But to those who had been to his home, it wouldnt be hard to tell that Yu Arin was now at his home.


    For instance,


    people like Choi Yiseo or Seo Yerin who had stayed over at Kim Woojins home.


    Hmm.


    Moreover, she wrote the status message as, rolling around at a friends home.


    Hmm.


    Why are you being so cheeky? Makes me wanna crack your head open.


    Kim Woojin said looking at Yu Arin who was giggling.


    Just watch.


    Imagining what would befall Kim Woojine Monday, Yu Arin stuck her tongue out andughed.

 Chapter 45: Apology

    Chapter 45: Apology


    -Woojin: Im busy today, so we cant meet.


    Ah.


    Seeing the reply which came in several hourster, Seo Yerin felt a sense of disappointment.


    The excitement of visiting Kim Woojins house settled down, turning into a deeper sense of regret.


    As dinner time got closer, the day seemed to being to an end.


    Should I maybe get some alcohol?


    Wanting to soothe her somewhat lonely heart, Seo Yerin considered asking a friend to grab a drink.


    Hm? Arin changed her profile picture.


    Noticing that Yu Arins profile picture had been changed, she took a quick look at it.


    Oh?


    Without realizing it, Seo Yerin let out a sound. Because there, with a profile photo was the message rolling around at a friends house was Yu Arin on a simr mattress.


    Woojins house?


    Clearly.


    Looking around, it was Kim Woojins house. The background was a bit blurry but the unique atmosphere and the bed were the same.


    Because she had slept there once.


    Thinking back to that time made her face flush, but she soon calmed down.


    -Woojin: Im busy today, so we cant meet.


    After checking Kim Woojins message, she looked at Yu Arins profile picture.


    So this was the busy thing.


    <em>Grit.</em>


    For some reason, gritting her teeth, Seo Yerins lips curled into a smile but it wasnt in a positive way.


    Was it because he had shouted on her behalf yesterday but actually spent time with Yu Arin at a tripe restaurant?


    Or was it that he originally nned to meet Yu Arin separately?


    Various thoughts entered her mind, and Seo Yerin felt a bitterness in her heart, souring her mood.


    -Anonymous69: SexSexSexSexSexSexSexSexSexSexSexSexSexSex.


    She tried expressing her anger in the Bamboo Forest but that didnt help.


    Eventually, thinking about having a drink, Seo Yerin contacted one of her other friends.


    -Sorry, with my boyfriend.


    One friend refused saying she was with her boyfriend.


    So she contacted another.


    -Euk! Euk! Uh! Yerin! What?


    A voice that sounded incredibly rushed, along with heavy breathing, eager to hang up.


    Why did this situation sound so familiar?


    With a guy?


    <em>Click.</em>


    Just in case, the call was ended. It seems she was caught.


    Everyones got boyfriends.


    Out of the four friends who came up from high school, two found boyfriends, and one is presumed to be with Kim Woojin.


    She was thinking of asking a friend from the department to meet up. After what happened yesterday, calling people from the same department felt awkward.


    Ah, should I ask Yiseo to meet up?


    She had gotten quite close to Choi Yiseo, the department representative, and she wanted to thank her for the trouble she went through yesterday to sort things out, so she called Choi Yiseo.


    Yerin?


    The voice on the other side sounded upset for some reason. But Seo Yerin felt that it wasnt because of her.


    Skipping the small talk, she went straight to the point.


    Want to have a drink?


    Where do we go?


    The two understood each other well.<hr>


    It was around 6 p.m. when I met with Senior Min Ju-hee, a bit after some time had passed. We had dinner early, so there was plenty of time to meet someone.


    Senior Min Ju-hee was wearing the same jacket with a dragon on it, just likest time. With her long ck hair fluttering, she shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket, looking exactly like she was ready to fight.


    Senior, have you had anything?


    When I asked politely, she nced at me and said,


    Itsfortable to fight on an empty stomach.


    I see.


    It felt like I heard something I shouldnt have, but well, I understood the seniors determination.


    Next to me, Yu Arin was giggling, finding this fun and finally said,


    Ju-hee, try to end it with talks as much as you can.


    Including senior Han-kang who came to meet us.


    The second-year female seniors were all supposedly at the karaoke, and senior Han-kang was worried about senior Ju-hees rampage.


    If they are willing to end it with talks on their side, then fine.


    Passing senior Han-kang, senior Ju-hee entered the karaoke room. She briefed the karaoke owner on the situation and proceeded to Room 4.


    Turn the music off.


    Her cold voice hushed the previously noisy room.


    The female seniors, who had been singing joyfully, set down the microphone and adopted a more serious stance as theyposed themselves.


    Senior Ju-hee took charge.


    I too want to resolve this via discussion, you understand, right? If it were a presentation, I could handle it alone. But for a short film, the professor specified that everyone except the editor must participate.


    Had she consideredpleting the project with fewer people and consulted the professor about it?


    As expected, she always dealt with things promptly.


    You dont want to jeopardize your grades either. Do you want to repeat this course next year? Do you think youll find a group leader like me if were assigned another film project?


    Furthermore, self-assuredness. One could hardly find another leader like Captain Ju.


    I will assign you roles with fewer lines, just handle that. If you do, youll at least secure an A.


    Contrary to the tense atmosphere that seemed ready to explode, senior Ju-hee calmly suggested negotiation.


    Even senior Han-kang, who followed her, surprisingly supported her.


    What a joke.


    It seemed they were not pleased with the situation.


    Particrly, they were hostile towards me for following her.


    You dont want to proceed because of him?


    We can always retake the course if we fail. It doesnt affect us, though.


    I pondered whether I should intervene and stop senior Ju-hee from being so audacious.


    Please. I need to maintain good grades and secure a schrship.


    I couldnt help but feel surprised.


    Because it was senior Min Ju-hee.


    The bold yet seemingly ready-to-fight Min Ju-hee was now bowing her head.


    Although were in the same year, I am a year older because I repeated a year. I dont have the luxury of retaking it.


    So she was a year older than the current second-years; this was new information to me.


    Considering her strong nature, I wondered if the others would have a change of heart


    Its him who should apologize.


    The seniors pointed to me and dered.


    Throwing cigarette ash on us, badmouthing us behind our backs.


    And then yelling like hes right, demanding us to hand over our phones, with such arrogance!


    As they began to spill out curses aimed at me back and forth, their shameless behavior felt nauseating.


    Seeing senior Min Ju-hee bow her head, I couldnt help but feel soft.


    Schrship.


    I wondered why she was so fixated on the assignment; it seems she really needed a good grade for the schrship.


    If I bow my head here


    I still didnt think I did anything wrong. I had no desire whatsoever to apologize to those people.


    But then, seeing senior Min Ju-hee beside me, lifelessly bowing her head


    Such a cool person.


    Just this once.


    I thought that perhaps it wouldnt be too bad to bow my head for her sake.


    Sigh.


    Just when I was about to reluctantly bow my head and utter an insincere apology.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    I felt a strong pressure on my head.


    As I was turning my head, senior Min Ju-hee, who was about to bow her head, was ring at me, clutching my head like she would tear it out.


    What are you doing?


    Uh?


    You were going to apologize?


    Ah, yes.


    Seeing her desperate for the schrship made me think she must becking financial support.


    <em>Whack!</em>


    She pulled my head back, not letting me bow my head. But she applied so much force that my eyes were looking at the ceiling, with both my neck and scalp hurting.


    And then,


    These fucking bitches!


    <em>Bang!</em>


    As if kicking the table, a roughmotion ensued following her voice.


    Because of the pampering, they really think they are right! Stop now! Fuck! Fucking! Stop it, you bitches!


    You! You!


    I just bowed my head. Did you really have to hear an apology from a junior too? Before I came to meet you people, I heard all about the situation yesterday, you idiotic bitches!


    The three of them were speechless, like they had nothing to yell back.


    It is the thirsty one who digs the well. I bowed my head to you because I needed the grades. But why would someone who did nothing wrong and needs nothing bow their head to you!


    J-Ju-hee!


    She was still bending my neck so far back that I couldnt see, but it seemed like she was about to hit someone with the mic she grabbed.


    I saw senior Han-kang rush to stop her.


    S-senior! Please endure it!


    I too grabbed the hand that was holding my head and pulled her back with both hands.


    These damned things! Dont you dare catch my eye at school! Ill burn a hole through your head with a cigarette butt this time, you selfish bitches!


    Even though she was being restrained by two guys on both sides, she struggled and kept cursing them out. She really had what it took to be a general.


    Eventually, we went out of the karaoke room.


    Senior Min Ju-hee released me and, unable to contain her anger, she took out a cigarette and put it in her mouth.


    Lighter, shit.


    Ahh, calm down, Min Ju-hee.


    When senior Han-kang lit it for her, she deeply inhaled and exhaled the smoke.


    Senior Han-kang began to smoke too.


    Ah, sorry, Woojin. You dont smoke, right?


    Its fine.


    I said so, trying to fix my hair.


    Come here, Ill do it for you.


    Coming out of the karaokest, Yu Arin pulled my hair and started to tidy it up, so I left it to her.


    But seniors, are your grades fine?


    Uh, I dont know. I need to speak to the professor.


    Still, there will inevitably be deductions for the sake of fairness to other groups.


    Ill have to score well in other areas, like the story and acting. And do well in editing too.


    I will really do my best in editing.


    Ill help with writing the story too.


    Even though she isnt part of the group, Yu Arin raised her hand for the scriptwriting. Thest part is still iplete, so it needs work to be done.


    The important thing is the casting. There are only Yerin and me for the female roles.


    Let Woojin dress as a woman.


    Get lost.


    While responding to Yu Arins nonsense, I felt a sense of dj vu and asked her.


    Why arent you smoking?


    I dont smoke.


    Last time we went to the chicken ce, you went out to smoke with Jeong Chan-woo.


    That was to scold Chan-woo because he asked something weird.


    Sorry, Chan-woo.


    Ah, I feel like crap, I just want to drink. Yah, everyone follow me. Han-kang will buy us drinks today.


    Is she part of the group?


    When senior Han-kang awkwardly asked, feeling annoyed, senior Min Ju-hee pulled Yu Arin into a side hug.


    You need to prioritize the pretty girls when youre hanging out like this! Arent we much prettier than them!?


    Getting excited without even thinking about what was being spoken.


    But I joined in too.


    I agree with senior Ju-hee. But Yu Arin does look like an expired organic pudding.


    As I said that, Yu Arinughed and flipped me off.


    Die, you cockroachrva.


    Yah, you look like something that would never sell in a store, gathering dust and mold.


    Yah, you resemble the cockroach that identally got stepped on and killed.


    Ackkk! I dont care! Since it sucks, follow me and pay up! Or just give me your wallet!


    Whether we were fighting or not, senior Ju-hee was extorting money from senior Han-kang, and eventually, he came along to drink with us.


    The moment we entered the ce which he said was good,


    Ah!? Woojin!


    A familiar voice called out to me.

 Chapter 46: Jealousy And Ugliness

    Chapter 46: Jealousy And Ugliness


    I had a drink with senior Ju-hee and Yu Arin before.


    But I never imagined that senior Han-kang would join us for a drink.


    Thinking it was a uniquebination, I agreed to it.


    There, I bumped into Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo.


    The two of them drinking together was also an unexpectedbination, but we ended up joining them.


    Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseos gazes were continuously on me.


    What is it?


    Even when I asked why they were staring, they wouldnt answer and continued to re at me.


    Woojin! Lets sit over there!


    Yu Arin suddenly linked her arms with me.


    Whats with you?


    I wondered why she was suddenly being this affectionate with me, but Yu Arin kept pushing me away with a bright smile.


    What? Lets sit quickly.


    Sniffling and acting coquettishly, I wondered why she was like this, but then I felt the touch of her chest on my arm.


    Ahem.


    As soon as I sat down following Yu Arin, I noticed the gazes of two people constantly following me.


    Why are you looking at me like that?


    I asked why they had been staring at me, but they never answered.


    Kids, choose whatever you want. Today, Han-kang will pay for it all.


    Thanks to senior Min Ju-hee offering the menu, our gazes were directed there.


    Seeing senior Han-kang shocked but not stopping it, it looks like he was prepared for this.


    What do you want to eat, Woojin?


    Why are you suddenly acting so friendly with me, and whats with calling me Woojin? Just a moment back you called me a cockroach


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Yu Arin covered my mouth with her hand and continued to cling to me.


    Ugh, spending the whole day together means showing off various sides of oneself.


    Removing her hand from my mouth, I spoke to Yu Arin,


    Because it sucks, can you stop talking like that?


    Its not a joke. I feel like Im going to throw up. If you want to continue, go to the counter and get a ck bag for me to puke in.


    Hehe.


    Yu Arin pinched my thigh and then lowered her hand,ughing artificially.


    I wondered why she was acting like this, then I noticed the res from ahead.


    Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo were still looking at me while drinking the beer theyd ordered.


    Only then did I realize that something was wrong. Something was off. From Yu Arin suddenly acting friendly towards me to the two people in front of us ring.


    My radar, honed through dealing with ex-girlfriends, was telling me that I was now in danger.


    What is it, its clear that Yu Arin has done something.


    Seeing her being this nice to me suddenly made me think that something was up.


    What have you done?


    When I asked in a whisper, Yu Arin grinned like she was caught.


    I dunno


    If you make that short-tongued answer one more time, Ill turn your tongue into a beef tongue dish. Speak properly.


    I dont know.


    When I asked again, really annoyed, Yu Arin turned her head as if to run away and began to choose what to order from the menu with Senior Ju-hee.


    It cant be because I didnt go for a workout or games.


    Before I knew it, Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo had turned their attention to help choose from the menu, but it was hard to say that the issue was resolved just because of that.


    Hmm.


    I sneakily took my phone to check. I thought something was wrong when the two of them sent me a message earlier.


    Hmm?


    Its an updated profile, in which there is a selfie of Yu Arin disyed, and it was taken in my room, which made me frown.


    Yah.


    I tapped Yu Arin on the shoulder who was burying her face in the menu, and she ignored me.


    Yah.


    I tapped again, but was ignored.


    <em>Clench.</em>


    Kuak!


    Only after I grabbed her exposed side as if pinching her with my hand did she react.


    Have you lost it?!


    Her face was red which made me wonder if that was her weak spot, but well.


    Whats this?


    I asked, holding out Yu Arins profile, and she flinched.


    Why did you create a profile using a photo taken in my room?


    Because it turned out well.


    Take it down immediately.


    Why? It looks good.


    It did look good.


    But I dont want my room to be disyed. Did Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo feel ufortable because of this?


    Did they think I was dating Yu Arin?


    But


    Why does it concern them?


    Even if I rejected their request to be with Yu Arin, I wondered if they needed to be this sensitive towards me.


    Do they have feelings for me?


    It might be a stretch, but I naturally arrived at that conclusion.


    If the reactions of the two just now were out of jealousy, then there is no other way to interpret it.


    I need to smoke.


    Senior Han-kang, who was observing us, quietly stood up to smoke.


    Being with the main characters in the karaoke incident and drinking seemed a bit awkward for him.


    He seemed fine when it was just us, but with Seo Yerin present, he felt uneasy.


    Ah, senior Han-kang, Ille with you too.


    Yu Arin left to avoid me.


    I need to use the bathroom first.


    Senior Min Ju-hee headed straight to the bathroom with hands in her pockets.


    It was just me, Choi Yiseo, and Seo Yerin left.


    It felt a bit strange, but silence lingered among us.


    D-did you spend the entire day with her?


    Seo Yerin asked.


    I remember she wasnt the type to ask such things, which only made me more suspicious.


    Yes, we were together.


    There was no need to lie.


    I nodded honestly, and Seo Yerins expression stiffened slightly.


    What did you do?


    This time, Choi Yiseo took the lead and asked.


    Yu Arin suddenly came over to the house to eat, and after meeting with senior Ju-hee about the assignment and talking this happened.


    Both of them looked at me skeptically, but it seemed like it was my turn.


    Since you both asked, now its my turn.


    Huh?


    To ask a question?


    It seemed like they were taken aback by my words, but I continued.


    Do you guys like me?


    What?


    No, it seems like you two are jealous of me for being with Yu Arin. But theres no need for jealousy.


    Seeing them both speechless, I scratched my cheek.


    Hmm, I think I might need to think about it?


    There was no response.


    Seeing them searching for answers, I smiled.


    Ive made up my mind.


    What?


    Youve decided?


    To Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin, I responded with a thumbs up.


    Ill date Seo Yerin and marry Choi Yiseo wait, hold on!


    Choi Yiseo, who finished the skewers that came as side dishes, threw them directly at me. Not only that, but Seo Yerin also threw the shell of the grilled m at me.


    Youre insane! Thats what you are!


    There are things you can and cannot say!


    Ah. It was a joke! A joke! You both were taking it way too seriously, so I had to make a joke!


    I got up from my seat to avoid them. Both of them, fuming and with flushed faces, red at me.


    We dont like you! Girls naturally feel ufortable when their friends hang out without them!


    Y-yes! I thought maybe you didnt want to y games with me since I got demoted back to Bronze 4!


    Wow, that really makes me not want to y together.


    How can someone get demoted from Bronze 3 to 4?


    With cold eyes, I looked at Seo Yerin, who bowed her head as if she wanted to hide somewhere.


    Th-the teams fault!


    ming the team for it.


    On the inte, there are people who pretend to be perfect, but Seo Yerin was theplete opposite.


    In reality, shes kind and pretty, but online, she mes the team and talks about sex.


    I should go.


    As I stood up to leave the ce,


    I bumped into senior Ju-hee, who was on her way back from smoking.


    After ncing at me, she elbowed me and smirked.


    So, is Yu Arin a sex friend?


    You heard everything?


    More than that, a sex friend?


    Such a vulgar term being uttered so casually!


    Woojin is popr with thedies, huh? Is there a spot for me too?


    I want to ask if there is a ce for me with senior.


    I am falling hard today, Min Ju-hee.


    Hehe, I have no time for love because Im busy studying.


    As we yfully spoke and headed to the smoking area next to the store, Yu Arin and senior Han-kang were in the middle of some talk.


    Ah, Ill go.


    Seeing me, Yu Arin darted into the restaurant.


    She is so annoying.


    But I was thinking of letting it slide since she let me touch her chest.


    What were you talking about?


    Senior Ju-hee asked senior Han-kang what they were talking about as she lit the cigarette.


    Senior Han-kang had an awkward look as he exhaled the smoke before saying,


    I asked if Yerin had given up


    Huh, from what I can see, that one is not a normal crazy one.


    You have finally realized the true nature of Yu Arin.


    I marveled at the insights of the two seniors and joined in the talks.<hr>


    Seeing Kim Woojin leave with the two seniors, Yu Arin went back to her spot.


    Whether it was because of alcohol or some other reason, Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerins faces turned red as they drank beer, with nothing else left to do.


    Yu Arin, noticing Seo Yerin ncing at her from the table, smiled.


    I was with Woojin all day today.


    Yu Arin openly used Kim Woojin to provoke Seo Yerin in a sort of challenge.


    Uh?


    Seeing Seo Yerin all shocked, Yu Arin felt for the first time that she had gotten one step ahead of Seo Yerin.


    To be honest,


    it was a thrill that went beyond excitement, even pleasure.


    She knew it was shameful to feel that way.


    But she couldnt shake off the dirty feeling of using Kim Woojin, whom she was bing close friends with.


    Even in this way, she wanted to feel superior to Seo Yerin, even if it was just once.


    Ah, dont get me wrong. Its not like were dating, but he seemed pretty decent.


    As Yu Arin spoke, Seo Yerin continued to bow lower.


    Ah.


    Seeing Seo Yerin be timid, Yu Arin felt a sharp pain in her heart.


    Disgusting.


    I am truly vile and evil.


    But even so.


    There was a part of her that couldnt stop this.


    To Seo Yerin, who effortlessly captivated the man she had been secretly in love with for a long time, she wanted to feel superior in any way possible.


    How disgusting.


    With a smile, Yu Arin dered that to herself.


    At that moment, feeling even more repulsive for continuing to do something so dirty despite knowing it.


    Dont mess with Woojin.


    Seo Yerin was next to Choi Yiseo, who had her hand resting and was staring at Yu Arin.


    What?


    Cold yet frosty.


    Dont use Woojin because of your greed.


    Yu Arin was taken aback.


    She only knew that Seo Yerin had a subtle interest in Kim Woojin, but not about Choi Yiseo.


    This sight.


    Therefore, the sharp words nowing from Choi Yiseo.


    Is unpleasant.


    Pierced Yu Arin painfully.

 Chapter 47: Game

    Chapter 47: Game


    Whats this?


    After conversing with the seniors and feeling the chill outside, I entered first, and the ambiance at the table felt frosty.


    Choi Yiseo had her chin resting on her hands, ring at Yu Arin, who was beaming at me.


    Seo Yerin felt torn between the two, unable to choose a side.


    What now?


    I sensed several issues with this drinking session, yet no one offered any exnations.


    Just.


    Woojin,e and sit here.


    Kim Woojin, this way.


    Both gestured towards me, indicating a seat beside them.


    Earlier, I had chosen to sit next to Yu Arin because she motioned me over with her chest.


    However, it wouldnt be a problem to sit elsewhere.


    The real issue was that I found myself caught in the middle of their conflict. Well, there were a fewplications.


    Whats this, I feel like Jeong Chan-woo.


    Feeling like a heartthrob wasnt unpleasant. When else would I encounter a scenario where two beauties vied for him to sit beside them?


    Woojin?


    They both turned to me simultaneously. Yu Arin wore a bright smile, but there was an underlying tension.


    Choi Yiseo was openly ring at me.


    Why are you doing this?


    Even though I was clueless about the situation, did I need to contemte anything? I made a decision and moved to sit next to Choi Yiseo.


    Regardless of what urred with Yu Arin, she couldntpare to Choi Yiseo.


    Hmm.


    Choi Yiseo, tilting her head slightly, covered her mouth with her hand. On closer inspection, she seemed to be concealing a faint smile.


    On the other side, Yu Arin raised her middle finger.


    So what is it?


    Failing to grasp the reason for their standoff, I inquired again. Choi Yiseo, who had already grabbed some fries, fed one to me.


    You dont need to know.


    Im pleased to see you in good spirits.


    As I tentatively epted the fries, Choi Yiseo smiled quietly.


    Have more.


    And yet, she kept feeding me fries one by one, looking so pleased.


    Normally, I would have asked why she was doing this, but she seemed happily tipsy that I didnt want to spoil her mood.


    Omnomnom.


    I kept epting the food without muchment, even making sounds.


    You eat well.


    Did you only order fries?


    My tongue felt dry from the saltiness, so I asked, and Choi Yiseo shook her head.


    They sell sous-vide pork belly here. I ordered that. You can order it with rice.


    Oh? Thats thoughtful?


    Its already cooked so theres no need to grill it, but if you dont like it after trying, you can ask them to grill it a bit more.


    Interesting.


    Choi Yiseo definitely knows the kind of food I like. Though to be honest, rather than saying I have a specific taste, I tend to like anything that goes well with rice.


    You like Korean food or just rice?


    I never thought about it.


    Still.


    Choi Yiseo seems particrly interested in me today, so I give it some thought before answering.


    I think I like rice. Because I like anything whiches with it.


    When I go to a meat restaurant, I always end up ordering the soybean paste stew with rice. It made me think that maybe I do like rice.


    What about risotto or pf?


    I dont like risotto cause it feels a bit like porridge, but pf isnt bad since its like fried rice.


    Hmm, lets go to a pf ce next time.


    You are on a diet for the photos.


    I wondered why she suddenly said it, but Choi Yiseo suddenly nudged my shoulder with hers and said,


    Someone fed me pork bulgogi and pork cutlet for lunch, so thats the n which has been abandoned. Ill shoot during the winter break.


    Should I join?


    To watch the shoot?


    Yes.


    Pervert.


    When I said that with all my heart, Choi Yiseo elbowed me, but it didnt hurt.


    Well, after taking photos, well eat a lot, so someone has to go with me.


    Are you really drunk?


    With her talking this much, she must be quite drunk. Maybe the quarrel with Yu Arin just now was because of her being drunk.


    Hey, hasnt the food arrived yet?


    Ahem.


    Min Ju-hee and senior Han-kang seem to have finished their cigarettes and came back to sit at their table.


    Senior Ju-hee sat next to Yu Arin, and next to her, senior Han-kang sat, forming this 3:3 setup.


    Yu Arin, who was cursing at me a moment ago, started talking with senior Min Ju-hee and Seo Yerin, and the atmosphere turned rxed.<hr>


    Yawn!


    The next morning.


    I didnt drink much at the bar, so I didnt have a hangover.


    Still, under the pretext of having a hangover, I was eating beef soup when I got a message on the phone.


    -Seo Yerin: What time will you be here?


    It seemed like she was asking since we promised to go to the PC caf together yesterday.


    -Kim Woojin: Im eating now, so Ill head out right after.


    -Seo Yerin: Ill leave now too. I watched the tutorial for the new champ on YouTube.


    -Kim Woojin: You want to y the new champ?


    -Kim Woojin: Why arent you responding?


    -Kim Woojin: Hey!


    This woman.


    Seeing her lips tightly sealed, she must be thinking I would say no to it. After finishing the beef soup, we headed to the PC caf we visitedst time.


    On the way, I received a text from Yu Arin about managing the Bamboo Forest. As a punishment for annoying me yesterday, she had to manage it alone today.


    -Yu Arin: Its easy. Lol.


    Yes. Yes.


    It must be easy now.


    -Kim Woojin: You said yesterday you would do all the work for a week.


    -Yu Arin: Fine. Kim Woojin, stop making a fuss.


    There was a need to get ustomed to the duties of the Admin, and as a punishment for showing up suddenly at my house, Yu Arin was to manage the Bamboo Forest alone for a week.


    Its still early, so there shouldnt be any problems, but today is the weekend. And its not just any day, but Sunday.


    Do well on your own.


    It is absurd to say such things when she has just begun to manage.


    If one isnt savvy, they will struggle, and it will take time to get the hang of it.


    -Yu Arin: Youre just going to pass the work onto me to meet some girl.


    Since she wasnt wrong, I hesitated and decided not to reply as I headed to the PC caf.


    Jeong Chan-woo, who said he would be working part-time all weekend, greeted me and subtly pointed to the corner seat.


    Yerin is waiting over there.


    Youre working hard.


    Its work, what more can we do.


    Seeing Jeong Chan-woo smile kindly and tell me to enjoy the game, I couldnt understand why Yu Arin disliked him.


    Well, that must be personal.


    I was curious, but prying further might be crossing a line.


    For now, I head to where Seo Yerin was.


    Wearing the headset, she was practicing a newly released character, moving her hands here and there as if she saw something.


    Ugh.


    I grabbed both sides of the headset, stretched it, and let it go.


    Uh!?


    Making an odd sound, Seo Yerin looked up and smiled brightly.


    Woojin, youre here! I saved the seat next to me!


    Why are you practicing with that weird one again?


    No, listen Woojin. This character is really good. I practiced a lot.


    Please, stop practicing that. Just do what youre good at.


    Seeing Seo Yerin shout at me to trust her just once, I sighed and sat down.


    Have you eaten?


    No, I was going to order ramen.


    Then order it. Lets eat first.


    Seo Yerin fidgeted with her hands and looked at me. It seemed like she had something to say.


    Can you order it for me?


    You want me to buy it?


    No! Ill pay Its awkward to see Chan-woo.


    Both Yu Arin and Seo Yerin were the same.


    I was annoyed with how they were avoiding Jeong Chan-woo since thest time.


    I had just resolved not to care, but that didntst long.


    You dont like Chan-woo?


    Its not that. Its just a bit ufortable.


    A bit ufortable?


    Yes.


    Seo Yerins response indicated she couldnt discuss it, as before.


    Seeing her conceal it to this extent, it had to be about someone elses ws that she couldnt address.


    Well, if youre treating, then fine. What would you like to eat?


    Tempura udon.


    You have good taste. Is that all?


    Yes. I dont eat much.


    As I was about to click the mouse to confirm the order on theputer, a brilliant idea struck me, so I nced at Seo Yerin.


    In exchange for ordering.


    Exchange?


    Dont y the new champ.


    Chan-woo! Bring us tempura udon!


    Observing Seo Yerin raise her hand and call for Jeong Chan-woo, I nearly cursed her.


    Due to Seo Yerins strong will, we ended up dutifully using a new character in ranked games, only to face three defeats.


    Can I ask you something?


    Staring nkly at the word Defeat, I inquire.


    Why do you keep diving in when I ask you not to?


    For a solo kill.


    The enemy top keepsing to the bottom, why do you stubbornly push the top?


    I told you, for a solo kill.


    Then whyg behind in CS?


    Solo kill!


    I want to tear your head off! If youre going to do this, just y Tekken! Whats the point of winning in 1:1 when the team is losing! You want to go solo!


    Just as I was about to say more, a message popped up.


    What now?


    It was a series of photos sent by Yu Arin.


    -Yu Arin: Hey, what is this.


    -Yu Arin: Insane people, why are they posting pics of their poop and buttholes, freaking shit.


    -Yu Arin: I am feeling dizzy, I cannot do this.


    -Yu Arin: And, is it true that the religious club has taken over the bulletin board?


    -Yu Arin: I keep deleting them, but 3 new pop-ups open every 10 seconds!


    -Yu Arin: Save me pleaseeeeeee.


    Uh.


    So, the newbie is finally experiencing the hard work of managing the app.


    Though posting sexy pics like Anonymous69 does is a win-win for both you and me.


    Sometimes, there are those who post ridiculous memes, wondering why they even bother, and it was the Admins job to see and delete them all.


    Moreover, every Sunday, the religious clubs go wild.


    Its something that should be left alone, to pass quietly in its natural course.


    If left alone, they would eventually stop, but the moment you start deleting them, they start to make a mess, iming to be martyrs being oppressed.


    You learn by taking hits.


    Starting from now, for a week, you, Yu Arin, will taste what hell is.


    You will have to diligently delete and respond to all sorts of nonsense.


    It will be a time to see just how vile and ugly humans can be under the tag of anonymity.


    I hope you have a strong stomach.


    Feeling a presence, I looked at theputer screen to find that a game had started loading.


    It seemed odd that while I was chatting with Yu Arin, Seo Yerin started the game.


    Hey.


    Woojin, the game started.


    You picked Ignite again? I told you to take Teleport.


    A true womans choice is Ignite.


    A true mans choice is to beat everyone up regardless of gender, so follow me. Lets have a real fight.


    A true womans choice, no backing down.


    Is that a sexual joke?


    At my words, Seo Yerins face turned red as she forced herself to look at the screen.


    Th-thats not what I meant.


    Seeing her flustered like that, I wondered how she operated as Anonymous69.

 Chapter 48: Confrontation

    Chapter 48: Confrontation


    Ughh.


    Seo Yerin.


    Hm?


    As Kim Woojin limped and called her, Seo Yerin turned her head.


    They were exhausted from ying and were now doing their own thing.


    Just one more chicken leg, please.


    I ate them all.


    I only had one though?


    You should have spoken earlier.


    Your teeth are so strong.


    Watching Kim Woojin look disappointed, Seo Yerin nced at thest chicken leg beside her.


    She wasnt nning on keeping it; she just wanted to tease him.


    Suddenly, she remembered yesterday when Choi Yiseo fed French fries into Kim Woojins mouth.


    Even though they were drinking, seeing how naturally she did it, she thought,


    And the two arent dating.


    This meant that, even if they are friends, doing that shouldnt be a problem.


    Seo Yerin gulped and shoved the leg straight into the mouth of Kim Woojin, who desperately wanted it.


    Ugh!


    Kim Woojin grabbed his throat, suffering. Shocked, Seo Yerin began to pat him on the back.


    That hurts!


    Does your throat hurt?! Do you want to throw up?


    No, my back hurts!


    Ah


    Seo Yerin slowly removed her hand from Kim Woojins back, wondering if her recent workout had made her gain some strength and looked at her hand.


    Chewing on the piece that Seo Yerin had put in his mouth, Kim Woojin red at her.


    Are you an assassin? Trying to deep-throat me with that?


    Wh-what!


    At least put it in gently!


    Watching Kim Woojin chew on the leg, Seo Yerins face turned bright red.


    Although Seo Yerin had received advances from men, this was the first time someone had made such an outright sexual joke.


    From the start, Seo Yerins aura was mismatched with dirty jokes, embodying an innocent and pitiful vibe.


    But.


    Deep-throat.


    To be honest, that was in line with Seo Yerins taste.


    Hiding her dirty mind, she felt strange watching Kim Woojin awkwardly munch on the food.


    Woojin is doing it right.


    She wanted to crack that joke, but her lips refused to part.


    There was a distinct boundary between Seo Yerin and her naughty side.


    Ah, darn.


    Kim Woojin tsked, nibbling on the leg as he scrolled down with the mouse wheel.


    ncing over, Kim Woojin was engrossed in a webtoon.


    It was a youth drama set in a school, and Kim Woojin was visibly irritated; even his leg was fidgeting.


    A guy surrounded by attractive girls, but unable to make a move.


    A man who cant seize the moment. If it were me, Id take one straight to a hotel.


    You


    Ah, what? Its not wrong.


    Does he always talk like this?


    She remembered Kim Woojin not being like this, but his crude talk was amusing.


    Yet, in her own way, it was considerate of Kim Woojin.


    Knowing Seo Yerin enjoyed this kind of banter, as he recognized her as the Admin, he spoke those words for her.


    If it were you, who would you choose?


    At Seo Yerins question, asking him to pick one of several women, Kim Woojin gulped and replied.


    Yes. This one.


    The mouse pointer hovered over a morous woman sporting sses.


    At first nce, she appeared innocent and pure.


    Isnt the blonde one better?


    Although described as innocent, Seo Yerin chose a different character because she seemed in.


    A character who appeared strong yet kind to her own.


    Could it be described as a tsundere vibe?


    It was personally Seo Yerins preference, but the character was so well-crafted that it was clear a lot of effort had been put into her.


    Tsk.


    However, Kim Woojin had a negative reaction. He clicked his tongue, shaking his head.


    I dont date women with strong personalities. Its too much trouble.


    Is that so?


    Yes, just talking to a woman, and shell nitpick every word. Smile out of politeness, and shell make a scene. You dont want to see her when shes angry.


    I once tried to join a club and looked around, and thought about joining the band? But it turned out to be all girls.


    That night, I really thought I was going to die. Waiting in my room with just my underwear.


    Suddenly Kim Woojin went silent. ncing to the side, Seo Yerin had an ambiguous look.


    She was interested and wanted to keep listening, but the fact that it was Kim Woojins experience was what made her ufortable.


    Go on.


    <em>Tap.</em>


    She pushed Woojins hand from her elbow and took over the armrest.


    Leaning her chin on her hand, she urged him to continue, and Kim Woojin smiled.


    Im looking for webtoon rmendations of that kind.


    Forcing her gaze away, Kim Woojin scrolled down, and Seo Yerin, feeling somewhat sulky, ended up watching the webtoon with him.


    What?!


    Characters in the webtoon suddenly began to take their clothes off, and engaging in sexual activities!


    Is-is this an adult webtoon?!


    I am an adult.


    Kim Woojin calmly said.


    Seo Yerin stared at the screen with her mouth open.


    W-woah!


    She covered her face with her hands as she watched an explicit scene, but her fingers were spread enough to peek through.


    Her wide-open mouth seemed to revel in the erotic atmosphere of the webtoon.


    She nced at Kim Woojin when his mouse scroll wasnt moving.


    Wh-what are you doing? Its all moaning, havent you read it? Scroll down.


    Its paid content.


    Buy it with your own money and watch.


    Seo Yerin pouted and shouted as Kim Woojin looked at her with a cold gaze, implying how dare she think of watching paid content for free.


    Give me the name. Ill buy the entire series, but scroll down first! Im curious about what happens next!


    Put it in, shake it, and thats all. You can pay and watch it.


    I said scroll!


    Seo Yerin, who had stood up, began arguing with Kim Woojin. Despite the close distance, the two were in a struggle.


    Excuse me.


    A nd tone came from behind.


    Jeong Chan-woo, like an actor in casual clothes, had an awkward smile and warned them.


    You cannot watch adult webtoons in a PC caf.


    And so.


    Both of them fell silent and sat back down, and Jeong Chan-woo also sighed and turned away.


    Whats the title of that?


    Seo Yerin asked.


    Have a good time.


    Kim Woojin answered indifferently, and Seo Yerin immediately searched it on her phone.


    The slight pout on her lips showed anticipation.


    Nope?


    When there was no webtoon of that title, she looked back at Kim Woojin.


    Uh.


    Kim Woojin sneered and shrugged.


    No, you have a good time.


    Staring nkly at Kim Woojin, Seo Yerin nodded and dered.


    We break away from here.<hr>


    So?


    Choi Yiseo, who had been kicking the nkets hard while thinking about the actions she took after drinking beer with Kim Woojin yesterday.


    Since Minji, with whom she lived, had gone for volunteer service, she was feeling bored when she received a call from Kim Woojin and went out.


    Shockingly, Kim Woojin suggested meeting at the gym.


    What are you two doing?


    Seo Yerin was also there.


    As Choi Yiseo asked the two waiting at the gym, Seo Yerin answered with a determined look.


    Break away?


    What? So you want to fight?


    Sigh, listen, Choi Yiseo.


    Unable to understand, Kim Woojin approached Choi Yiseo and asked.


    If youre a heavyweight champion and some kid from the neighborhood wants to fight, how would you feel? Pitiful, right?


    Thats exactly how I feel right now. Like Im holding a milestone handle. Absurd, right?


    Bring it on, Kim Woojin.


    Youll end up dead if this continues.


    Scared much?


    Sc-scared?


    Kim Woojin is scared.


    Huh.


    Kim Woojin grunted as she brushed her bangs back.


    Come at me, woman! Think life is easy because you have a pretty face?


    Despite their talk of fighting, Choi Yiseo thought they were on the same level when she saw them in the gym. It didnt seem like they were going to fight.


    Since strength-wise, Woojin will have the advantage, its better to do some aerobics.


    Choi Yiseo suggested apromise.


    Both of them stood on treadmills.


    Lets see who runs longer at speed 10.


    Im really good at this.


    Think you can beat me, who trained with human weapon Choi Yiseo?


    The loser buys dinner tonight.


    Dinner? Is that all you can handle, Seo? Lets make it tomorrows meal too.


    Throw in some jeolmyeon with pork loin cutlet.


    Both if you just start running.


    After a brief standoff, they both began to run. Choi Yiseo joined in because she was bored.


    Heuk! Heuk!


    It had only been 10 minutes, and Seo Yerin began to pant.


    Even though she had started her gym training, it hadnt been long since Seo Yerin began working out, so it could be understood.


    After all, physical fitness doesnt improve in a short period.


    Heuk! Heuk!


    A bit so.


    Seeing Seo Yerin almost moan, Choi Yiseo felt a bit embarrassed.


    Men passing by were also ncing over, and some were even working out close by.


    Compared to that.


    Kim Woojin had a steady run. Perhaps because his legs were longer than the womens, the way he took his strides looked like a giraffe running.


    He must have worked hard.


    Choi Yiseo felt a sense of pride watching Kim Woojin, who seemed to have no problem running at this pace for 10 minutes.


    <em>Taang!</em>


    Choi Yiseo, who had been closely watching Kim Woojin run, immediately pressed the emergency button on Kim Woojins treadmill.


    What is it? Why did you do that?


    Looking as if he wasnt tired at all, Kim Woojin spoke after both treadmills stopped.


    Seo Yerin wins.


    What? Why?


    Choi Yiseo bit her lip, looking at Kim Woojin shamelessly.


    Youre running at speed 4 and pretending to run.


    Dont we get extra points for acting?

 Chapter 49: Save Me

    Chapter 49: Save Me


    At a table in front of the gyms changing room, Seo Yerin sat with her legs crossed, engrossed in her phone, waiting for herpanions in the designated area.


    Right behind her, someone was peeking at the phone screen while massaging Seo Yerins shoulders.


    That someone was me.


    Which ce would be nice


    Speaking with elongated enunciation and tapping on her phone, Seo Yerin resembled a sage from a drama.


    Since I ended up being the one to foot the bill for dinner, she was currently deciding on the venue.


    How about President Kim? Is there anything youd like to eat?


    Seo Yerin turned her head and gazed up at me. Despite the obvious trap, I responded with a smile.


    Oh my. If our President Seo wants to eat something, I am fine with it.


    Oh my, is that so?


    After all, Ill be the one paying.


    Making Seo Yerin ufortable might just break the bank.


    How about steak?


    Wouldnt that be too heavy?


    Pizza?


    Instead of foreign food, we should have our traditional pancakes.


    Pasta.


    How about noodle soup?


    Sushi!


    How about some warm mackerel stew!


    Its hopeless.


    My responses unwittingly leaned towards my personal preferences, which she didnt seem to appreciate.


    Yiseo, what do you want?


    Choi Yiseo, who had been observing our conversation with crossed legs, sighed and spoke.


    Since we worked out, eating something greasy wouldnt be good.


    Choi Yiseo would likely suggest something green. Despite the recent increase in the price of greens, it would be a better choice than meat dishes like steak.


    Lets go for steak for a protein boost.


    Its here! Lets eat there.


    In? Not out?


    Well


    No wait! Just because I lost a race doesnt mean I have to buy steak! Who supplements protein with steak!


    As I eximed, Seo Yerin shot me a re.


    Then you shouldnt have cheated. If we hadpeted fairly and you won, I would have had something cheap.


    Its because of a cheater like you trying to win that youre getting punished.


    Choi Yiseo added, shrugging. Having nothing to respond with, I got dragged to the steakhouse like a cow to the ughterhouse.


    Ill pay for the sd bar.


    Showing a bit of conscience, Seo Yerin stepped up to pay for the sd bar.


    Dont worry about mine. Ill handle it myself.


    Choi Yiseo patted me on the back, telling me not to worry.


    Forget it, you people.


    Once I have drawn the card I need to step up like a man, right? I boldly stepped ahead and refused.


    I can afford this much. Im not living some life of destitute.


    Woah.


    Hmm.


    The two quietly apuded looking at me. We were about to sit at the chosen table and order when,


    Ah


    A familiar face greeted us.


    It was senior Han-kang, who came to take our order, dressed in a part-timers uniform.


    Ah, hello.


    Seo Yerin awkwardly greeted him.


    You work here?


    Choi Yiseo spoke normally to Han-kang.


    Of course, I just remained silent because even though we drank together, the awkwardness didnt vanish.


    Ah, yes. Midterms ended so I began recently.


    Ah, right. I will order.


    Choi Yiseo, feeling ufortable because of me and Seo Yerin, took the initiative and finished ordering, sending the senior off cleanly.


    She was quick-witted as expected.


    Do you feel too ufortable?


    Seeing her ask me and Seo Yerin, it seemed like she was concerned.


    I dont mind. Im not the type to care about others anyway.


    I was just a bit startled, but I had no intention of eating while being conscious of him.


    But Seo Yerin was different.


    Uh, yes, its ufortable.


    Did something happen when we drank togetherst time?


    Seo Yerin appears even more uneasy now. Her somber expression suggests that the conversation from earlier is the cause.


    I went to the bathroom, and the senior followed me and confessed his feelings.


    Wow.


    I couldnt help but express my admiration. Naturally, I fell silent as Choi Yiseo shot me a re.


    But why the re? Shouldnt one be congratted upon receiving a confession?


    I clearly rejected him, saying I was sorry! But still, he asked me to think about it


    Think?


    He said he would wait, so if my feelings change, I should tell him.


    Ah.


    So, even though she turned him down, the other party wants to keep her in a somewhat pitiful situation.


    Indeed, someone like Seo Yerin has people like senior Han-kang waiting in line.


    While not on the level of Jeong Chan-woo, who naturally sparks discussions about his incredible looks among those around him, senior Han-kang is also considered a male god in the department, adored by girls.


    With that thought, I realized I was spending quite an impressive amount of time.


    Not just with Seo Yerin, but also with Choi Yiseo.


    Whether at the PC caf, gym, or here, it was all the same.


    nces wereing from all around at the two women, and at me, there was envy, jealousy, andparisons happening.


    I even caught someone looking at me and grumbling.


    Youre having a tough time.


    Choi Yiseo patted my shoulder from beside me, showing concern, and Seo Yerin seemed to feel somewhat relieved.


    But dont reject too much.


    So I spoke up.


    Both of them, not expecting those words, were taken aback.


    But it was my way of looking out for Seo Yerin.


    Objectively speaking, I think someone like senior Han-kang isnt a bad choice.


    Hes known to be polite, and he doesnt shy away from socializing.


    There are rumors about him being wealthy, and on top of that, hes handsome.


    Honestly, its rare for a person with such qualifications to be around.


    The only downside might be that hes a bit of adies man but that shouldnt be a problem for you.


    Would he even look at another woman if he is dating Seo Yerin? Probably he would avoid getting on her bad side.


    Youve never been in a rtionship, so it might feel like experimenting with someones feelings, but trying it out once isnt so bad.


    Why do you think the elders tell us to experience things at the right age?


    This was precisely the point on the boundary between pleasure and responsibility. Not necessarily leading to marriage if dating and maintaining the freshness of student times.


    There is bound to be a kind of romance that can only be experienced around this time.


    But my words darkened Seo Yerins expression even more. She looked at me with a resentful expression, and I wondered if I had said something wrong.


    Having heard the entire thing, Choi Yiseo was quite surprised by my opinion.


    Did you look at this objectively?


    Yes?


    It must be surprising for me to say all that, given that Ive got friction with senior Han-kang and even got sniped because of it.


    Choi Yiseo asked with a slight smile.


    So, what if you were to speak from a subjective perspective filled with personal feelings?


    Then


    Both women turned to me.


    Especially Seo Yerin, who looked anxious, felt somewhat odd.


    Nevertheless, I answer honestly.


    Id tell him to buzz off.


    Pfft.


    Seo Yerin finallyughed.


    Stop acting so cool and just go to the army.


    Ah, Woojin needs to enroll in the army.


    Right. When are you going?


    Why are you hitting me?


    Wasnt this a gossip session about senior Han Kang?


    Why am I suddenly being hurt?


    Ill write you a letter when you go, Woojin.


    Can you use cell phones now? Then I will send a message.


    Why does my stomach hurt when I havent eaten anything yet?


    Uh, strange.


    Why did the talks suddenly turn out this way?


    Well! I want to try wearing a beret! Lend it to me when youre on leaveter!


    Can we send things like parcels there? Let me know if you need anything.


    Im still a civilian now, you people.


    Why are they treating me like I am leaving for the military?


    The twoughed it off as a joke, chattering away, and in the midst, our food arrived.


    We were supposed to go to the sd bar, but we were so engrossed in our talks that we didnt get any.


    Senior Han-kang kindly came to serve, and we were in the midst of military talk.


    But will there be unification next year?


    Yes, even so. You have to go.


    Loyalty! Private Kim Woojin!


    Your steak is done.


    In the middle, the senior intervened, but we were engrossed in our own talks.


    There was this feeling of showing off to the senior.


    Woojin, Ill visit with friends. Among my friends, there are many pretty ones.


    If Yu Arin is among them, then Ill pass.


    But Arin is pretty too.


    Her voice is a bit bouncy with a fruity scent.


    The tomahawk steak is


    Yes, mine.


    As we ept the steak, we continue talking. Since senior Han-kang is here, we were just speaking about anything.


    Senior is too strong.


    How much are his feelings for Seo Yerin, that he is serving so slowly?


    Moreover, he was looking at Seo Yerin, and I wondered if this is what is called a handsome mans approach.


    How highly must one think of themselves to act like this?


    If it were me, I would have been scolded for doing that.


    A-Arin! Did you know she used to be a Taekwondo athlete?


    And Seo Yerin, who was getting the attention, kept spouting words.


    Taekwondo athlete?


    This was my first time hearing it.


    Yes, she was considered a promising talent, and there was so much talk about her! She even won awards atpetitions!


    Oh, is that so?


    No wonder her legs were so beautifully stretched out.


    Shes so flexible! She could easily do movements I couldnt!


    She surely looks flexible.


    I could tell that about Yu Arin just by looking at her. It was evident from her movements and actions when she came over to my ce, the way she used her legs to thump me on the back.


    H-her body is amazing too! She has muscles! Ah, but her body feels soft overall, so it feels nice to hold!


    Hmm, it was soft.


    Her chest was really soft.


    As I casually responded, pondering how to eat the steak, I chewed over what I said and lifted my head.


    Seo Yerin, who brought the topic up, and Choi Yiseo, who was listening beside.


    And even senior Han-kang, who was serving us.


    All of them were looking at me with surprised eyes.


    Hmm, I spoke in a way that could be misunderstood.


    If I just stay quiet, it is done.


    Pretending like nothing is wrong, I put the fork down and said,


    So what I meant is


    I am a master of quick-witted responses.


    Having been harassed by an ex-girlfriend, I have experience in spouting various excuses, so Im good at speaking up in these situations.


    What I have to say is.


    What I have to


    So.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    Just then the phone rang.


    A quick nce at the screen showed a message from Yu Arin.


    -Yu Arin: Save me! Im going to explode from the gossip!


    Fuck.


    Yu Arin, this colorful character.


    Save me first.

 Chapter 50: Moron

    Chapter 50: Moron


    Thatll be 117,000 won, please.


    Uh yes?


    Did I hear that correctly?


    Just for putting a few pieces of meat in my mouth, this is the amount?


    It was an unpleasant situation in many ways.


    I had offered to pay, and I should be cool about it, but strangely, my hand began to tremble.


    Not to mention, senior Han-kang was epting my payment with a bright smile.


    You seem to be in a good mood.


    I try to force a smile, but it doesnt work. However, the reaction seems a bit amusing to him, as he responds with an even more refreshing smile.


    Yes, something good happened?


    Take care.


    I reply curtly and head outside. I dont say it out loud, but it wasnt hard to notice that my crisis seems like good news to senior Han-kang.


    It could have been nice for me, close to Seo Yerin, to be mistakenly thought of as dating another girl.


    After all, it was true that the atmosphere was unusual.


    As we stepped out, Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo were staring at me.


    They seemed to want to say a lot, but the fact that they were hesitant to speak revealed the entire situation.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    <em>Woong!</em>


    Even amidst that, the phone kept ringing; it was Yu Arin trying to contact me, but the situation was so urgent that I forgot to put it on silent.


    It looks like youre getting a call?


    Seo Yerin subtly gestured towards the phone with her eyes. I wanted to say it was nothing, but now even a call wasing through.


    Give me a moment.


    Eventually, I moved away slightly and brought the phone to my ear.


    -Why are you answering only now!


    What is it?


    Because of Yu Arin, the situation is aplete mess, and when I finally got a call from her, I couldnt help but give a displeased response.


    Yet, despite the reaction, Yu Arin urgently started to exin her situation.


    -Did you see the chaos in the Bamboo Forest?!


    Ah no. I didnt. You were supposed to manage it.


    Perhaps, since it is my first vacation, I was enjoying it a bit.


    -Damn it! Check the Bamboo Forest! Please deal with this!


    You said it would be easy. It has to be nothing.


    -I am sorry! There is this huge fight among the religious clubs! They are even cursing at me, it is no joke!


    Ugh!


    Since ancient times, oppression of religion has always led to bacsh. They must have thought that the Admin deleting the posts was against them.


    -Ah, please. Admin, please solve this!


    -Boss! Master!


    Honestly, I have never thought Yu Arin would feel such responsibility without any benefit to herself.


    A normal person would have just ghosted or notified that they couldnt do it.


    I should have taught her how to do it.


    Feeling guilty for having thrown her into this without any guidance, I was about to say fine.


    Woojin, want some coffee?


    Choi Yiseo, with her arms crossed and ring at me, asked as if warning me.


    It is a phrase I could hear often, but ever since Yu Arin was mentioned, the atmosphere turned cold.


    Uh! Uh! Anything!


    Then Ill go buy with Yerin.


    Choi Yiseo left just like that. I finally had some free time, so I was about to manage the Bamboo Forest.


    -Was that Yiseo just now? Is Yerin with you too?


    It seems Choi Yiseos voice was heard over the phone.


    Yes, we just had a meal.


    -While someone is having a hard time, someone else had a meal with twodies?


    It wasnt such a great thing, so stop making unnecessaryments.


    Because the sympathy I had until now seems like it will evaporate in an instant.


    -Really? Yiseos voice didnt sound too good, right? What happened?


    Its because of you.


    Truthfully.


    I spoke out.


    It is my fault for not keeping my mouth shut.


    But lets just me it on Yu Arin for now. I shouldnt have given her an unforgettable softness.


    -My fault?


    Yu Arin, leaving the Bamboo Forest aside, prying into me, eventually I sighed and briefly exined the situation.


    -Moron.


    I got cursed at.


    -Did you enjoy touching my chest that much?


    It wasnt nice.


    -You want to die?


    What am I supposed to answer to that?


    Actually, it was nice.


    -Pervert.


    This fuc!


    I was about to curse back when Yu Arin burst intoughter.


    Afterughing for a while,


    Yu Arin, who must have teared up fromughing, caught her breath and said.


    Lets make a deal. You take care of the Bamboo Forest issue, and I will solve your situation.


    Youll solve it?


    -Yes, tell me your location. Ill go there right now.


    It felt a bit suspicious, but seeing Yu Arin speak so confidently made her somehow seem reliable.


    Im in front of Inbaek Steak House.


    -Did you eat steak? Woah, suddenly I dont want to help.


    While saying that, it seems she is changing clothes from the noise.


    -Before you go, could you sort out the Bamboo Forest mess for me? Is that possible?


    Well, its not that hard.


    Ive seen the message board in aplete mess several times, so this level of mess is easy for me. I have the authority and know-how too.


    After hanging up, I checked out the Bamboo Forest.


    Wow.


    It was a mess, just as Yu Arin had described, but on another level.


    -Anonymous77: JLY is merely spreading the teachings of the Bible. There is nothing evil about it.


    -Anonymous88: Namu Amitabha! Even todays hardships are part of our training, so control the anger and endure it.


    -Anonymous77: We spread the gospel through the Bible. All young people should wake up ande to the Lord.


    -Anonymous88: We live in a world full of confusion and hardships. However, there is no need to ovee it. Just let it flow.


    -Anonymous77: I warn the Admin1. Stop interfering with the Lords teachings. It is a sin.


    -Anonymous88: It seems that Admin1 is a bit emotional. epting teachings is a matter of freedom; let it follow its natural course.


    Its total chaos.


    Since it was the weekend and not many were using this, it was dominated by the religious clubs.


    -Anonymous11: Are you thinking that the Bamboo Forest is yours?


    -Anonymous11: Leave, you fools!


    Amidst that, Anonymous11, known for being a notorious troll, was single-handedly burning with fighting spirit, defending the Bamboo Forest.


    -Anonymous11: I am Satan, a long-haired rocker. I will beat up all the crosses and those fools today.


    Insane!


    It felt like crossing the line, but the truth is that the other side did it first.


    -Anonymous75: But really, Admin1 is terrible at the job.


    -Anonymous137: I agree. What is the Admin doing? Just hanging out after putting in some time?


    -Anonymous198: Isnt Admin1 currently being punished for their poor work? Comining while messed up.


    -Anonymous85: Wow! It is hot. Who is the guy?


    -Anonymous198: For your information, Admin1 is a girl, begging while getting spanked on the ass. Saying sorry. Then the Admin immediately


    -Anonymous243: Has anyone seen the Greatest Adult? Honestly, I am somewhat skeptical about this work. Because there is a big difference between the Japanese and Korean idols.


    -Anonymous11: Be quiet, you otaku. Know when to butt in at least. Cant you see the religious oppression happening right now?


    Such a mess, there is no mess like this one.


    Some specific individuals kept posting, keeping the board active, but it was a mess.


    In such cases, there is just one thing to do.


    Time for a change of water.


    Just delete all the posts written today.


    Of course, before that.


    Anonymous77, 88, and 11 get a day-long suspension each.


    After cleaning up the posts, I simply write one thing.


    -Admin: Those who were spamming, those who were fighting, are all suspended.


    -Admin: Especially JLY and the Buddhist Practice Group, posting without discretion. Club promotions are fine, but no spamming.


    -Admin: Let us take a break on the weekend.


    Then, the posts began toe in.


    -Anonymous289: Finally, the Admin is back.


    -Anonymous75: Where were you? I missed you.


    -Anonymous243: Admin, my anime review got deleted too, please restore it.


    -Anonymous85: 243, no one wants to look at it.


    -Anpnymous165: I just want to give you a peck!


    Things got sorted out.


    Of course, there were people who came to the 1:1 inquiries, but as soon as I spoke of the rules, they went silent.


    What are you doing?


    Just bought an iced Americano, okay, right?


    Just then, Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo came back.


    Ah, thats nice.


    I awkwardly smiled, trying to look pleased as I took the coffee.


    Both seemed to have had their own talks, wearing the same look, but I had to wait and see if this was good for me.


    Come to think of it.


    The situation was more prone to misunderstanding because Yu Arin had set her profile picture of my housest time.


    In fact.


    Isnt it a misunderstanding that there was something between Yu Arin and me? After all, I did touch her chest.


    But why am I getting this flustered.


    After talking with Yu Arin and sorting out the Bamboo Forest, I felt calm.


    Im not even dating them, so I guess I dont need to be concerned about their opinions.


    Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo cant pry too much either, even if they are curious because of that.


    Woojin.


    But in the end, Choi Yiseo broke the silence.


    Ah, no matter how lonely, isnt it wrong to just do it with anyone?


    Her face was red and her eyes were darting around.


    Right! Arin isnt a weird one, but still, since you two arent dating or something, that kind of rtionship is a bit!


    Seo Yerin quickly joined in, adding her piece. Its their way of giving advice between friends who arent dating.


    I understand that they are misunderstanding.


    Ah, damn.


    The fact that she was lying down in my home and I touched her chest was true.


    It is fair to say we did something quite simr, except we didnt actually have sex.


    But saying it outright wasnt easy.


    Guys!


    Then, from behind, Yu Arin came running, waving her hand. She had on this big hoodie, and her blonde hair was fluttering as she hurried over.


    Arin?


    The two were taken aback by her sudden appearance. I just kept my mouth shut, curious to see how Yu Arin would handle the situation.


    There was a message on my phone.


    -Yu Arin: I am almost there? I will pretend to be interested in you, so you need to put up a strong front.


    -Yu Arin: Then, no one will think its weird if you touch me.


    -Yu Arin: I am not usually like this. You have been misunderstood because of it and since you helped me out today.


    -Yu Arin: Consider this as a special service from your noona.


    -Yu Arin: (emoji)


    And finally, this cat emoji.


    I roughly got the gist of Yu Arins n.


    It seemed like she intended to make me out as some victim.


    Hi! Can I take Woojin for a moment?


    As soon as Yu Arin openly said she would take me, both of them flinched.


    Why?


    Choi Yiseo, who had a standoff with Yu Arin, asked coldly with arms crossed.


    Because Im going to Woojins house.


    She yfully said, pressing her finger to her cheek.


    To have sex.


    Lets go right now.


    For a moment, I thought someone said something.


    So I looked around, but there was no one there, and the other three girls were staring at me.


    Oh my, shit.


    Only then did I realize I was the one who said lets go right now.


    Shhh.


    Even as I pressed around my mouth with a finger, pondering for a moment.


    Youre a moron.


    Unable to make excuses to Yu Arin, who was looking at me with eyes filled with disgust.

 Chapter 51: Chocomong

    Chapter 51: Chong


    So you mean to say you just went out to have fun and ended up letting Woojin touch your chest to tease him?


    Yes.


    But you didnt actually sleep together?


    Right.


    Sigh.


    After hearing the entire story from Yu Arin, Choi Yiseo let out a long sigh and then looked at me with a shocked expression asking,


    What is this nonsense now?


    She must have wanted to curse me more but held herself back. Even I found what Yu Arin said to be absurd, but it was unfortunately the truth.


    Shockingly, it is all truth.


    As I spread my hands out like a magician in response, Choi Yiseos eyes twitched.


    It seems I had properly provoked her, but fearing I might get hit if I teased further, I cleared my throat and answered.


    I thought it would be unbelievable, so I tried to hide it. But really, nothing else happened.


    If we must get into specifics , it was a rtionship between the Administrator and the Admin1 of the Bamboo Forest.


    I cant say that in front of Seo Yerin though.


    Even if Choi Yiseo, who became permanently banned as Anonymous287 based on her student number, lost interest in the Bamboo Forest, I couldnt reveal that I was the Admin to Seo Yerin who is active as Anonymous69.


    Especially, since weve had frequent talks under the guise of personal inquiries.


    Just yesterday, Anonymous69 asked me to rmend some model numbers.


    This is so crazy.


    Watching Seo Yerin blush and look around because I touched Yu Arins chest, I mumbled to myself without realizing.


    How can someone be so different in front and behind?


    Personally, I find the behind more fun.


    Well, anyway.


    Yu Arin responds to Choi Yiseo, who is pressing her by saying shes fed up.


    But why do I have to talk like Im being interrogated? Are you dating him?


    Yu Arin bluntly asked Choi Yiseo and I perk my ears up at their talks.


    Were not dating.


    Choi Yiseo hesitated briefly before responding, and Yu Arin, looking as if she had caught her opponent, slyly smiled and said,


    Right? Then why do I have to hear all this from you? Kim Woojin and you are just friends. What does it matter to you if he touches my chest or sleeps with me?


    Although I find Yu Arins words annoying, she has a point. Even if Yu Arin and I were messing around, Choi Yiseo had no reason to interfere.


    I


    Just when I thought this incident would end with Yu Arins shamelessness and her self-destructive behavior triumphing.


    I might date Woojin after my term as ss rep ends!


    Such a statement, worthy of a news headline, burst from Choi Yiseos lips.


    Her face turned red, not from alcohol but from sheer embarrassment.


    What?


    The response took a moment to sink in, not just for Yu Arin but for me as well, the person in question, and Seo Yerin.


    However, facing our reactions, Choi Yiseo decided to be bold, crossing her arms and shouting.


    There is still the festival this semester, and Im busy being the rep, so I wont date but who knows about next year.


    Uh


    Now it was Yu Arin who was speechless, as if she had something stuck in her mouth.


    I am the closest to Woojin right now, and he is whom Im most interested in, so Im just marking my territory in advance!


    Choi Yiseo screamed, her face turning red.


    She kept pressuring Yu Arin, who was flustered because she didnt expect this response.


    So I am trying to keep weirdos away from Woojin. Are you interested in him?


    I am not sure if this is what one calls giving flesh to take bone.


    Or giving bone to take flesh. But from what I see, Choi Yiseo made a bold move.


    Well, anyway, thanks to the bombshell statement, she definitely seized control of the conversation, and the justification was there.


    In him?


    Yu Arin red at me at Choi Yiseos question.


    And then she scowled and shouted.


    Have you lost it? Whats so great about him!


    What!


    Why am I getting indirectly hit?


    With manners like shit! And a weird nature! What character is there for this timid guy who touches the chest but doesnt cross the line?


    Why are you attacking me now?


    I am suddenly getting beaten down by words.


    Upon hearing Yu Arins words, Choi Yiseo immediately said,


    Woo-Woojin does have some weird things, a lot actually!


    A lot?


    I looked at Choi Yiseo, but she wasnt even looking at me.


    His jokes are borderline and sometimes weird!


    Can we just go home now?


    This hurts me too much.


    Anyway, he is a good guy!


    After beating me up like this, then stering a band-aid on me? By saying that Im good?


    I am so grateful I could cry now.


    Am I that weird?


    When I sneaked a nce at Seo Yerin she just scratched her cheek and nodded.


    And she is the one in the Bamboo Forest as a Sex God.


    I suppressed the urge to ask that and sighed.<hr>


    Sigh.


    On the way home after several incidents, Choi Yiseos face was still flushed with heat.


    Im going crazy.


    Choi Yiseo wanted to take back what she said earlier.


    I might date Woojin after my term as ss rep ends!


    That statement came to her mind.


    It was actually a confession type not to lose to Yu Arin, but now she could only think of it as a stupid thing.


    AHHHH! Choi Yiseo! You crazy woman! What were you thinking when saying that!


    Choi Yiseo had arrived home but was too embarrassed to move and squatted down.


    She felt like she wanted to run off somewhere.


    Embarrassed to have confessed but the process and oue being the worst yed a huge part.


    Who in their right mind would confess during a fight?


    The feeling that Yu Arin kept approaching Kim Woojin made her think she had to put a stop to it, which was the biggest thought at the time.


    Even to the point of letting him touch her chest, wasnt Yu Arin getting closer stubbornly?


    She says shes not interested, but


    What woman would allow a man she isnt interested in to touch her chest?


    Kim Woojin has a strangely naive side, so Im worried he might end up dating her or something by getting dragged around.


    Upon further thought, it really seemed like a possibility, which suddenly scared her.


    Haa.


    Honestly speaking.


    Even until the moment before she spoke, Choi Yiseo hadnt clearly defined what kind of feelings she had for Kim Woojin.


    It wasfortable and they were close, but mentioning him fooling with another girl somehow made her ufortable.


    Through the conversations with Yu Arin, she was certain it was jealousy, and eventually, Choi Yiseo couldnt even hold back and blurted it out.


    It was somewhat fortunate that the threat to Yu Arin made her confident about her feelings.


    But since when!


    Starting from the Minji incident, she had spent time with Kim Woojin, walking together or sharing moments multiple times.


    The realization she came to was that she liked him more than just casually.


    There were no dramatic lines or situations like in a movie.


    On the contrary, the fact that she allowed her heart to be swayed every day, not by one specific event or words but simply by liking the person himself, wasnt bad at all.


    Huh.


    What should she think from now on?


    First, there are no ovepping sses on Monday, so fortunately, she can let it slide, but Tuesday starts early with the same sses.


    She was feeling a little nervous and worried.


    The way Kim Woojin nonchntly acted as if nothing had happened earlier kept flickering in her mind, making her clench her fists in irritation.


    If they meet on Tuesday.


    And he greets her like nothing is wrong, without showing any sign of care?


    Then know that you are dead, Kim Woojin.<hr>


    Yes, get home safe.


    Take care on your way home, Yerin.


    After dropping Seo Yerin off with aplicated look, Yu Arin stretched.


    Things have turned weird.


    The situation involving Kim Woojin had beplicated, requiring Yu Arin to intervene.


    It was because of Yerin that I approached Kim Woojin.


    Since high school, Seo Yerin had shown no interest in men; in fact, she had avoided them until now.


    It was clear that the approach to Seo Yerin was malicious, intended to provoke jealousy, just like others had done.


    The initial intention was negative, but it was not meant to be asting situation.


    She had no desire to date him. If he knew that Seo Yerin had feelings for him, he would choose her.


    The primary aim was to evoke jealousy in Seo Yerin.


    It was a petty and cowardly act of revenge against a friend, a small amusement in an otherwise dull life.


    Why did this weirdo get provoked?


    It was not Seo Yerin, but Choi Yiseo who felt provoked by her actions and said so.


    She had never expected Choi Yiseo to confess like that, but viewed from another angle, it seemed she had indeed created a sense of crisis.


    Ah, what should we do now?


    Even if Yu Arin didnt intervene, Choi Yiseo would approach Kim Woojin, and with a more threatening rival emerging, she was curious as to how Seo Yerin would react.


    Whats so great about that guy?


    Yu Arin clicked her tongue, pondering Kim Woojin.


    Both Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo.


    They were among the most popr in the department, so she wondered why they were so interested in him.


    Even if it wasnt love, it was evident they both liked him.


    Hes not my type in looks, and I dont like his personality. Hes not a bad guy, but he doesnt have friends to hang out with either.


    Reflecting on it, it was true.


    Why hadnt she noticed such a person in the first semester?


    Quirky, yet possessing a charming nature


    Yah! Im calling you!


    At that moment.


    A hand strikes down on Yu Arins forehead, and startled, she turns to find Kim Woojin looking annoyed.


    Kim Woojin?


    Ah! What are you thinking about that you dont even answer when someone is calling you?


    Just


    What are you mumbling about? You were probably thinking something bad again.


    How did he know?


    Why are you here?


    He left alone, looking sad when they said goodbye.


    I came back because I had something to tell you.


    Something to tell me?


    She wondered what he wanted to say suddenly, but he began to spill the beans without a care.


    On Sundays, the religious club usually posts a lot of spam. Dealing with that is like poking a hos nest.


    Ahhh.


    She wondered what he was saying, but it was about the Bamboo Forest.


    Timing is everything then.


    Looking at Kim Woojin, who had both presence and absence of mind, Yu Arin sighed.


    Honestly, she didnt want to hear anything else when her mind was confused.


    And if someone curses you, block them right away. Since all the inquiriese to me, you dont have to worry.


    Okay.


    As Admin, you need to maintain your dignity. If the subordinate gets swayed, it will undermine my authority too.


    Right.


    I usually block them for a day, but for those who get blocked again, I give them three days.


    Fine.


    And dont try to take the me and make me the victim like earlier.


    Fine.


    Yu Arin turned her head, wondering if she had heard correctly. When her eyes met Kim Woojins, he took a Chong out from the pocket of his jacket.


    You worked hard today. Drink this.


    While doing so, what he took out from the opposite pocket was his own Hersheys chocte milk.


    It meant he bought chocte milk from different brands. It seems he remembered her drinking Chong thest time.


    As Yu Arin epted the Chong, Kim Woojin sighed.


    Dont fight with them over silly things. They are the good ones.


    What about me?


    Why did she ask that?


    She didnt know why, but Yu Arin just wanted to ask.


    Youre a bad one. You always have some scheme and keep provoking others.


    The response was evident, and the atmosphere turned cold. Yu Arin was tempted to discard the Chong she just received. But


    But it seems like you have your reasons.


    She wondered what he meant by that.


    Seo Yerin, Jeong Chan-woo, and you. Something must have happened between the three of you during high school. And because of that, you turned a bit twisted.


    Right.


    But Kim Woojin also only knew up to there and didnt know any of the details.


    Does it make any difference if theres a reason?


    Shes a bad person.


    Adding to that, Yu Arin asked roughly, and Kim Woojin chuckled.


    If there is a reason, it means you became a bad guy. Then doesnt it mean you were originally a good guy?


    Simple.


    Too simple too.


    So simple that it made one wonder if it is possible to see the world this simply.


    Simpleton.


    As Yu Arin sharply said that, Kim Woojinughed, inserted a straw into the chocte milk, and took a sip.


    Youre the one whos tooplicated.


    Watching Kim Woojin respond, Yu Arin felt her previously confused mind clear up a slightly.


    Nothing had changed, but still, talking with him felt like a breath of fresh air.


    When I told the guys earlier that I was going to your room.


    Hmm?


    You deliberately said lets go. To avoid making the atmosphere weird. To divert the arrow to you.


    I dont know. I dont know.


    He was drinking his Hersheys milk, signaling that he didnt want to talk about it anymore.


    Sighing at his words, she felt strange but realized he was walking her home.


    Uh?


    Their paths home werent the same.


    Yet, he was walking by her side.


    Realizing this, Yu Arin noticed that he was seeing her off.


    The moment she realized that consideration was being shown without a word.


    Yu Arin walks, inserting a straw into the Chong he gave her.


    There was no need to match their steps.


    Because he was already doing that for her.


    <em>Sip.</em>


    The Chong tasted sweeter than usual.


    Ah! Its so sweet!


    To prevent herself from feeling weird, Yu Arin had no choice but to deliver a spinning kick to Kim Woojins butt.

 Chapter 52: Hospital Visit

    Chapter 52: Hospital Visit


    The midterm exam period hase to a close.


    Without a moments pause, the festival season had begun, vibrant and lively in contrast to the exam period.


    Typically, on Mondays, people would be dragging themselves around, looking deted, but not today.


    From the festival banners to the tents erected in the yground, it truly felt like the festival was kicking off.


    There were rumors circting about some rappers and a singer making appearances.


    It will be bothersome.


    I was somewhat doubtful about the festival.


    Especially after hearing that first-year students were almostpelled to participate, which only added to my negative feelings.


    Regardless, since it was Monday, I had no ns to meet anyone and thought I could just attend the lectures alone and head home after.


    A notification popped up in the English Literature department group chat.


    -Choi Yiseo: There is an announcement regarding the festival today, so please gather in Lecture Room 1 at 5 p.m..


    -Choi Yiseo: If you cant make it, inform me via DM.


    It was right after the final lecture, but I still didnt feel like going, so I messaged Choi Yiseo.


    -Kim Woojin: ss rep, I dont think I can make it today.


    -Choi Yiseo: Why?


    -Kim Woojin: A personal matter.


    -Choi Yiseo: Do you want to die?


    -Kim Woojin: Actually, I am feeling sick.


    -Choi Yiseo: You really wish to be sick?


    -Kim Woojin: You are being harsh.


    -Choi Yiseo: If you dont want toe, its okay not to.


    -Kim Woojin: For real?


    -Choi Yiseo: I told you not to reply with abbreviations.


    -Kim Woojin: I am sick, so I wonte.


    Woah, what!


    Honestly, I had just messaged Choi Yiseo as a joke, unaware that I could skip the event.


    I suppose its crucial to maintain a good rtionship with the ss representative.


    No point in wasting time needlessly, so I hurried and made my way to the lecture.<hr>


    Ah, why did I do that!


    Lecture Hall 1.


    Choi Yiseo was seated in the front row, sighing for no apparent reason.


    Except for those with truly unavoidable situations, all the freshmen from the English Literature department participated.


    It was the first festival they experienced since entering university, so the attendance rate was quite good as everyone seemed to be looking forward to it.


    A sophomore ss president and one of the professors were about toe and start talking.


    I should have just told him toe.


    Choi Yiseo was regretting letting Kim Woojin off.


    The reason was that Kim Woojins reputation was at rock bottom in the department so he might cause trouble if he came.


    Ah, but!


    Having confessed yesterday, it was both nice and difficult to see his face right away.


    So when Kim Woojin sent a message, she quickly chose the path that would immediately make her feel at ease.


    But when she couldnt see him, she felt disappointed. And she also started to resent Kim Woojin for sending a message as if nothing changed.


    Does he not care?


    She seemed to have confessed her feelings, so why did Kim Woojin send a message just like any other day?


    Her head was concerned with many things, and then Ahn Hyeon-ho, who was sitting next to her in ss, called her.


    Yiseo, when is the professoring?


    Hell be here soon.


    Something on your mind?


    Choi Yiseo nced at Ahn Hyeon-ho. She realized that Ahn Hyeon-ho had been quite obvious about his feelings for her, buttely, it seemed like he was holding back.


    It started from the time at the pork cutlet restaurant when Kim Woojin made the false confession and said Choi Yiseo didnt n on dating anyone.


    Has he moved on? Or is he hiding his feelings?


    If he gave up, then great, but if he was hiding it, she wanted to know.


    No, its just because of the festival.


    Did you hear about the celebrity whosing to the festival?


    I dont really know about it.


    She responded casually to Ahn Hyeon-ho, who kept starting various conversations.


    Yiseo.


    Seo Yerin approached quietly.


    She wondered why she, who had been chatting in another group of friends, suddenly came over.


    After ncing around, Seo Yerin asked in a low voice.


    Where is Woojin?


    Ah, he couldnte today.


    I see.


    She thought she would say more, but she walked away briskly. Watching Seo Yerins back with a lukewarm expression, someone else from that clique came over.


    It was Yu Arin with a listless expression.


    Why isnt he here?


    There was no need to ask who she was asking about, so Choi Yiseo said,


    You should contact him.


    Hes not answering, thats why.


    He says hes sick.


    She frowned deeply at that.


    Can you not see that thats a lie and you fell for it?


    How would you know its a lie?


    Ha, even he knows he is lying.


    He must have said he didnt want toe because of what happened yesterday.


    Did youe here to pick a fight with me?


    The two red at each other.


    There was a brief tension, but as soon as the professor and the sophomore ss rep entered, Yu Arin clicked her tongue and went back to her ce.


    Did you just talk about Kim Woojin?


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, who had been watching the entire thing, asked with a gaze, leaving Choi Yiseo no choice but to pretend she didnt hear him and look away.<hr>


    Huff!


    Watching YouTube while exercising, it was a hobby that Choi Yiseo would have praised, and her influence was significant in developing such an interest.


    She rmended an exercise YouTuber while we were eating together thest time, and I liked it.


    The way they talk is nice, and the variety of exercises they teach means there is never a dull moment.


    Moreover, it has injected some thrill in life, which otherwise consists of gaming or justzing around at home.


    <em>Ding-dong!</em>


    The doorbell rang while I was focused on sweating. Wondering who it could be, I decided to open the door.


    Hello.


    There Choi Yiseo stood with her hands in her pockets, hiding her embarrassment.


    Uh?


    Her unexpected presence shocked me, but in her hand was an envelope with food ingredients and medicine bought from the pharmacy.


    You said you were sick.


    And you believed that?


    Forget it! Hurry and move in! Someone might see!


    Choi Yiseo pushed me with her hand, came inside, and I have never imagined her to be one who acted like this, not even in my wildest dreams, so I was taken aback.


    It smells of sweat.


    She nced around the room and looked at me questioningly. It seems the smell of sweat had spread around the room with the recent workout.


    Ah, I was just working out.


    Feeling embarrassed about the smell of sweat around, I scratched the back of my head, and Choi Yiseo looked at me with surprise before breaking into a smile.


    I like the smell of your sweat.


    !?


    What is she talking about suddenly?


    But seeing her unembarrassed meant that she was thinking nicely about me working out.


    If you have more to do, keep going. I will prepare food.


    Youll cook?


    Suddenly I wondered why she was acting like this, but Choi Yiseo lifted the envelope she brought.


    We decided to run a tent at our festival. Ill show you roughly what well make then.


    Why bother


    Because you need to make it.


    Am I the chef?


    It seemed like I ended up in the kitchen section because I didnt go. I had something I wanted to say but Choi Yiseo sighed and said,


    Of course. Did you think you would serve?


    Thats not it.


    Serving, which requires dealing with people, is definitely less suited for me than just opening cans in the kitchen.


    This time, our sales are going to be pretty good, so you need to be well-prepared. It will get busy.


    Sales will be pretty good?


    I thought about what she meant there, before understanding and nodded.


    Ah, because of Seo Yerin and you?


    Not me.


    At the University, there is a famous goddess, Seo Yerin, serving tables, so naturally, it was crowded. Since the spotlight is on her, Choi Yiseo, who is rtively unknown, will naturally attract attention as people flock to her.


    Well, thats why you should look at the pub menu. Its not confirmed yet, but since you are part of the kitchen team, youll have to attend that meeting, okay?


    Woah, this is so annoying.


    I sincerely didnt want to do this.


    At my reaction, Choi Yiseo chuckled and immediately headed to the kitchen.


    Though calling it a kitchen is a bit of a stretch, even if it is technically the same space in a studio apartment.


    Can I use the pan and oil?


    Whatever you wish. Ill take a shower.


    Of course.


    I quickly grab some underwear and clothes to change into and head to the bathroom. Then, I sneak a nce towards Choi Yiseo.


    Seeing Choi Yiseo preparing food, wearing an apron, and taking out various things gave me a strange feeling.


    Tsk.


    Thinking how pathetic I was, I went to bathe. The reason I felt pathetic was because of the sight of Choi Yiseo like that, and the current time didnt seem too bad.


    Because of my ex-girlfriend, Oh Yoon-ji, I didnt want to bring another woman home.


    But seeing her like that made me feel oddly emotional.


    I should take a cold shower.


    Hoping to clear my head, I took a cold shower and came out to see the table set.


    It was a bit disappointing that there were only snacks like sausage, vegetable stir-fry, and corn cheese.


    It seems she finished cooking while I was washing up since they are dishes that can be prepared quickly.


    Try it. You need to know the taste to give your opinion during the team meeting.


    I wasnt nning on giving any opinions.


    Hurry up.


    Sitting in front of the dining table, I start eating one by one. I wanted to say it tastes incredibly good, but it was just average.


    Average.


    Hearing me say so, Choi Yiseo puffed her cheeks and lightly hit my shoulder.


    Even these small gestures seem cute to me. I guess Ive allowed myself to open up to her more than I realized.


    Yiseo.


    Setting down my chopsticks, I begin to speak. I had nned to discuss this when we meet tomorrow, but since shes here, the timing doesnt seem bad.


    I dont n on doing CC anymore.


    Saying thank you, youll meet someone nice, all those words are meaningless and only serve to prolong the pain.


    Lets end it quickly.


    I expressed my true feelings.


    I was hurt too much by Oh Yoon-ji. So, I dont n on meeting anyone or pursuing anything like that.


    Choi Yiseo gazed at me as I spoke. Perhaps she had expected such a response; she didnt seem too surprised.


    Instead, she rested her chin on her hand and inquired.


    If I ask you to touch my chest now, would you do it?


    Yes.


    Was that wrong?


    But then again, if shes permitting it, would it be wrong to decline?


    Wait! Its instinctive! Who would refuse when given permission to touch!


    Sigh.


    Choi Yiseo let out a deep sigh.


    Then, with a small chuckle, she replied.


    I dont n on dating anyone immediately either. Ill only start meeting and dating people next year.


    I-is that so?


    Indeed, she mentioned something simr yesterday.


    What if, by that time, my feelings for you have faded?


    True, you can never predict peoples feelings.


    I never imagined I woulde to think this way after Oh Yoon-ji, whom I adored so much during the first and second semesters.


    So lets just be friends for now. Lets get to know each other and consider it while being friends. We got close too quickly to jump into dating.


    Right, that sounds sensible.


    I felt a bit relieved.


    Ultimately, my bond with Choi Yiseo hasnt changed much from what it is now.


    Shes one of the few friends I have in the department, so I cant afford to lose her like this.


    But the chest?


    With the mood lightened, I asked, and she moved next to me.


    And she thrust her chest forward.


    Go on.


    ?!


    The curves in front of me.


    The chest of a woman, firm and stic from working out, beautifully shaped, is ced before me.


    Meanwhile, my mind raced.


    She didnt say I have to catch it with one hand.


    Given Choi Yiseos personality, shell tell me to let go once I catch it.


    Thinking to let go after catching it with both hands, I put both hands out.


    <em>Clench.</em>


    Choi Yiseo slips her fingers between mine.


    Seeing my expression turn to disappointment, she smiled.


    Not yet.


    Not yet?


    Does it mean it will be allowedter?


    A flicker of hope sprang up in me.


    Choi Yiseos face drew closer to mine.


    I had no time to react.


    <em>Bang. Bang. Bang.</em>


    Yah, are you faking illness?


    At that moment, Yu Arin came knocking on the door.


    Our breaths were close, almost touching each other, our noses almost brushing.


    A brief silence followed.


    How many messages will you ignore? Come out already!


    Yu Arin kept calling, so I awkwardly smiled, pretending this never happened, and pulled back.


    Ill go open the door.


    Just as I was about to stand up and release our interlocked fingers,


    both shoulders were grabbed, and I was seated back down. My bodys center of gravity shifted back as I momentarily fell over.


    Choi Yiseo climbed on top of me and kissed me right then.

 Chapter 53: Kitchen Team

    Chapter 53: Kitchen Team


    Open the door!


    Yu Arin was pounding on the door roughly.


    As the door finally opened, she was about to scold Kim Woojin for faking illness and beingte, but


    Uh?


    Hello.


    Unexpectedly, it was Choi Yiseo who opened the door. Moreover, she seemed slightly out of breath, and her face was flushed, making it feel like shed seen something she shouldnt have.


    Choi Yiseo usually had a sensual feel to her body because she exercised.


    But, how should she put it?


    Now she seemed to exude sexiness.


    Why are you here?


    Choi Yiseo answered Yu Arin, who asked in confusion, with a rxed smile.


    I came to visit. I heard Woojin was sick.


    Ah


    But just like you said, he was faking it. He still had plenty of energy left.


    <em>Flinch.</em>


    Whats this?


    Yu Arins shoulders trembled. Kim Woojin had walked out briskly from a somewhat delicate situation.


    What is it? Why are you here again?


    Kim Woojins face was also red, and he was breathing heavily. His slightly disheveled clothes were noticeable.


    Have you eaten dinner? If not, lets eat together before you leave.


    But then, out of nowhere, Choi Yiseo was inviting her inside. She felt like she shouldnt, but,


    Excuse me.


    Having practiced Taekwondo since she was young, Yu Arin didnt back down and stepped in confidently.


    Though she entered with confidence.


    There was the pungent smell of a man.


    Even though the window was opened for venttion a little due to the chill outside, the smell hadnt vanished.


    Moreover, seeing Kim Woojin freshly showered, with a fluffy look, made it obvious he had bathed just now.


    Were opening the pub, right? Choi Yiseo made it so I have to work in the kitchen.


    Kim Woojin tries to give a reason, but she knows too well that this was an excuse.


    Then, Choi Yiseo added something.


    Woojin, can I shower now?


    Uh?


    I sweated a bit earlier, and my body feels sticky. Ive got my workout clothes with me, so I can change into them.


    Ah, well thats fine with me.


    Kim Woojin nodded without much thought. Choi Yiseo looked at Yu Arin and smiled as she entered the bathroom.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    The moment the door closes.


    Did you sleep with her?


    Yu Arin asked, using him.


    Kim Woojin frowned as he sighed.


    Sleep? What sleep? We cooked food.


    Though she nced at him with a doubtful gaze, Kim Woojin shook his head and picked up the piece of sausage and vegetable stir-fry which Choi Yiseo made.


    It seems like a lie?


    Nope. If I had done it, I would still be doing it.


    What an act.


    Act? I dont even show off.


    Seeing Kim Woojin casually shrug it off, Yu Arin felt relieved.


    It didnt seem like they did anything serious given the atmosphere.


    What is this, why am I feeling relieved?


    She didnt have any feelings for Kim Woojin. She had no intention of getting into a war with no chance of winning against Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin.


    Ah, its my fault for worrying.


    Saying so, Yu Arin threw a palm-sized box right at Kim Woojins face from her pocket.


    Whats this?


    It didnt hurt much even though she hit him, and upon checking, it turned out to be cold medicine.


    What? You thought I was sick?


    Nope. Just brought what I was having.


    But it doesnt look like its been opened?


    It was buy one, get one free, so I brought the other.


    Kim Woojin just let it slide, wondering where you get medicine on a buy one get one free.


    Anyway, eat this before you go. Youll probably be too busy serving to get a chance to eat.


    At those words, Yu Arin starts to reach for the chopsticks with a pout, then suddenly stops moving.


    But then she casually picks up a sausage and asks,


    Why would I be serving?


    Hmm? You wont be serving? I heard they pulled all the good-looking ones to serve.


    I heard they even asked senior Han-kang to help with serving. It sounded serious.


    It must have been an attempt to cater to everyones needs.


    No?


    Right.


    Yu Arin, with her head bowed in embarrassment, and Kim Woojin, sincerely not understanding why, asked if there was a problem.


    Shut up!


    Yu Arin suddenly stood up, turning her body to hide her red face.


    Dont act up, you jerk!


    Wh-what!?


    Im leaving!


    It was simr to the night they had Chong.


    Feeling that staying any longer would make things odd, Yu Arin ran to the door.


    No!


    Yu Arin reminded herself.


    Its not like my heart is pounding now!


    There is no way she would have felt her heart race for such a guy!


    To be attracted to someone I wanted to use?


    There couldnt be anything more pathetic than that.


    Besides, that ce is a war which I shouldnt step into!


    She had no intention of fighting with two people who were visibly interested in Kim Woojin.


    Get yourself together, Yu Arin.


    Tapping her cheeks with her palms, Yu Arin quickly walked home.<hr>


    What?


    Suddenly, Yu Arin threw the medicine at me and ran out. It was almost as if she came and went in an instant, like I saw a mirage.


    But, her unique fruity scent still lingered, tickling my nose.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Woojin, this door doesnt close properly.


    Choi Yiseo came out then, drying her hair with a towel, and looked at me, tilting her head.


    Arin?


    I dont know, she screamed something and left?


    What did you do?


    She looked at me with suspicion, which hurt me.


    I did nothing.


    Did you say you wanted to touch her chest again?


    No! I didnt! And what do you think of me? As some chest-obsessed freak?


    Youre not?


    No.


    If you touch it now


    I wont touch it, I said I wont, you woman!


    She really thinks of me as someone driven by sexual desire.


    As I shouted back, she chuckled, sitting next to me and drying her hair.


    Her appearance was seductively appealing.


    You dont see the hairdryer? I bought a good one.


    Yes, I saw it. You use Dyson?


    My ex-girlfriend left it because she said it was a good one. I didnt buy it, so I decided to throw it away, but then when I checked the price, I decided to use it more carefully than my ex-girlfriend did.


    You saw it, then why didnt you dry your hair?


    Just because.


    Watching her yfully smile, I realized she deliberately came out with wet hair.


    Did you watch some drama? Saying that men get excited seeing hair being dried?


    No.


    It seemed right considering how flustered she looked.


    Choi Yiseo sighed and covered her face with her hand before saying,


    Dramas are very realistic.


    Hehe.


    Pleased with the response, she let out a snort and pushed the remaining food towards me.


    Hurry up and eat it. Its all cold now.


    Right, I should.


    Though my heart pounded, I forced myself to ignore it and just ate the remaining food.<hr>


    As Ive said before, during the festive time, the Bamboo Forest is abuzz with rted discussions. It was especially easy to get information about other departments with which there was no interaction normally.


    -Anonymous135: How many departments are running bars? Its like everyone is doing it?


    -Anonymous81: Bars are a bit easier.


    -Anonymous42: Plus, its good for drinking, lol. You can just make the juniors work and tell them to bring snacks.


    -Anonymous69: I want to have sex!


    -Anonymous90: I want to have sex!


    -Anonymous44: All smiles with Seoul Station ghost story. There have been many homeless people there since the old days


    -Anonymous111: Yo! Everyone! Hello! Its BJ Popo here! Its almost festive time! Actually, I have joined the cheerleading team! I will be live streaming on the day of the festival, so please watch and have fun!


    -Anonymous315: We must absolutely protect our Popo.


    -Anonymous316: We must absolutely protect our Popo.


    -Anonymous317: Our Department of Aerospace Engineering is always with Popo.


    -Anonymous243: Is there any department running a maid caf?


    -Anonymous11: This freaking otaku. That kind of thing only happens in Japanese anime, you crazy bastard.


    -Anonymous81: Honestly, I do want to see it, especially looking forward to the Department of Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Theatre and Film.


    -Anonymous11: The Department of Theatre and Film is about ys, you idiot.


    -Anonymous81: ? How would you know? Are you in that department?


    -Anonymous11: Then what does that department do?


    -Anonymous81: Right.


    -Anonymous243: Lets talk somewhere else. I keep getting notifications.


    -Anonymous11: Damned otaku bastard.


    -Anonymous126: Everyone expects a lot from the Theater and Aerospace departments, but honestly, I am looking forward to the English department. There is someone there who overshadows the theater department.


    -Anonymous82: Seriously.


    -Anonymous69: Sex.


    -Anonymous90: You seem confident.


    -Anonymous126: Does that person have a boyfriend?


    -Anonymous195: There are tons of people after them.


    Ah, seriously.


    They didnt mention any name so it felt odd to delete it, but I can tell it was Seo Yerin.


    Its Tuesday, so Ill be having lunch with Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo.


    But now, I am on my way to the English Department office.


    Ah, why are they gathering so early.


    Because there is a kitchen team meeting for the fest.


    Before I knew it, there was talk in the group chat to which I was invited about meeting up for lunch today.


    I originally nned to ignore it, but Choi Yiseo insisted Ie, so I had no choice but to be dragged along.


    Its so bothersome.


    I naturally didnt want to do it, but I also disliked it because the situation seemed like it would be a mess at first nce.


    The operation of the pub is led by the first years, and only those among the second, third, and fourth who want to help do so.


    In reality, there are no third or fourth-years, and which second-year would want to help? Instead of enjoying it?


    So it was up to the first-years. But what can they do when they are still shedding their habits from high school?


    I hope theres at least one person who has a part-time job.


    Hoping theres someone who has experience, like working in a restaurant kitchen, to take the lead and guide us, please.


    Arriving in front of the office with such earnest hope.


    If it wasnt for what the professor said, I wouldnt have helped.


    There, senior Min Ju-hee was lining the freshmen up, wearing a tight ck Adidas jersey with hands in her pockets.


    Ah, Jesus.


    How many people can make a group feel at ease just by being seen by one person?


    The kitchen team is so cool.


    Our Captain Ju, this time stepping in as Gordon Ramsay.

 Chapter 54: Anonymous90

    Chapter 54: Anonymous90


    So the menu itself isnt bad. But the taste is just nd.


    In front of the assistants office.


    Senior Min Ju-hee, with her arms crossed, was exining stuff. Standing in front of her were the first-year kitchen team.


    Has anyone tried making and eating it? I tried it yesterday at the dorm with some kids.


    Of course, no one responded. Even if it is the kitchen team, who would have tried it right after the menu was decided?


    I tried it.


    Unless it was me, who even went to the trouble of doing it at home.


    As I hesitantly raise my hand, the other students look at me.


    They seemed surprised that I had tried it, but there was also this look of mockery, wondering how much I was looking forward to this festival.


    However, senior Min Ju-hee, as expected, smiled and gave me a nod.


    You, as I thought, are good.


    This time the first-years look back and forth between me and her, surprised at us.


    It seems like they didnt think that senior Ju-hee would think highly of me.


    So how was it?


    Like how Senior said, its passable. But I wouldnt want to eat it again.


    If Choi Yiseo hadnt made it, I wouldnt have had it at all. Even Choi Yiseo looked troubled after making it.


    Right? Its a recipe fromst year, but it seems like it needs some changes. Lets see who here is good at cooking.


    No one raised their hand.


    Seeing this, senior Ju-hee frowned slightly and then she asked again.


    Anyone who often follows the recipes from YouTube, can at least manage a stew, or lives alone, raise your hand.


    Even those who live alone?


    As soon as she asked that way, a couple raised their hand, and the senior nodded.


    Lets change the menu. It wont take long. YouTube can be studied, and simple modifications can be done. Try it once, thats all.


    Then what about the rest of us?


    At the junior girl who eagerly asked, Senior smiled and said.


    Move the luggage.


    You people will bring things like kitchen utensils. And from setting up the tent, you guys will have to do everything else.


    The hammer of judgment fell on those who wanted to escape by not being able to cook.


    There was a mood of wanting to switch to chefs now, but it was all toote.


    Well, we arent going to do it right away. Just know this for now. And


    Uh, Ju-hee?


    The assistant teacher peeked their head through the door which had been turned.


    They contacted us saying they are disciplining the kids here.


    What?


    Senior Ju-hee looked at the juniors, wondering what this was about.


    Did something happen?


    No! Nothing at all!


    No!


    This really made it feel more like imposing strict discipline. But the teaching assistant didnt take this seriously because he knew what being a senior was like.


    Were about to disband, so Ill wrap this up quickly.


    Yes, thanks.


    The assistant slipped back inside and senior Min Ju-hee scratched the back of her head and spoke indifferently.


    Im doing this because the professor asked me to. But when I do things, I am one to do it right? Let us get along well without stepping onto the bad side.


    Yes!


    As everyone was moving away after the talk, senior Min Ju-hee flicked her finger and called me over.


    Yes, Senior?


    She nced around and then asked quietly.


    Did I speak too harshly?


    Uh? Youre thinking about that?


    She seemed like one not to care at all.


    No, I might speak a bit strongly sometimes because of old habits, but didnt I try to be kind to everyone?


    Your definition of kind seems quite broad, Senior.


    It was an announcement, what she did just now.


    Normally when doing such tasks, its better to be strong than kind. You know.


    Right, because there are kids who wont do the work.


    The words of senior Ju-hee stung me a little.


    If it wasnt for her, I would have been one of thezy bums.


    Well, as long as its okay. After the festival, well start shooting the short film in earnest. Just take note.


    Yes, I understand.


    As I saluted and saw her off, senior Ju-hee chuckled.


    And you havent even been to the military yet.


    My enthusiasm instantly cooled.<hr>


    So I told him straight. Its okay to do it.


    Youre insane! Thats crazy! Youll be in trouble for that!


    Its not that easy to happen!


    Woah, a gamble with life.


    <em>Sip.</em>


    Seo Yerin was sipping her coffee, listening to her friends explicit story for the night.


    She was in the coffee shop with four friends she had known since high school, and two of them have boyfriends with intense stories to tell.


    She was interested, but too shy to join in.


    My boyfriend suddenly suggested doing it while sucking on ice.


    Ice!?


    Yes, so we passed ice from mouth to mouth while doing it. It was surprisingly nice. Exciting and pleasurable.


    Should I try it then?


    Go ahead, its quite nice.


    Sigh.


    Seo Yerin exhaled softly. Despite drinking cold coffee, her head felt hot.


    Take it easy, guys, Yerin is getting embarrassed.


    Yu Arin, sitting opposite, sipping from her straw,ined. The other two shrugged.


    Yerin needs to know this too.


    Right, shes too nave. Thats the problem. She needs to meet some guys!


    Yu Arin agreed with that statement. However, thinking about the guy Seo Yerin is currently interested in, she didnt want to rmend it.


    Do you have to date for sure? Yerin can do it when she wants.


    You have to meet someone at this age.


    Right. Especially since Yerin is quite popr, she needs to develop an eye for men.


    While doing so, the two friends quickly shifted their target to Seo Yerin and began to talk.


    Yerin, try meeting a guy at the fest. Make sure he goes through an interview with us.


    Well filter out the weird ones for you. Do you have someone youre interested in right now?


    No.


    Seo Yerin felt someonee to mind for a moment but quickly denied it and changed the topic.


    However, the two long-time friends noticed that there were changes in Seo Yerins feelings and exchanged nces.


    Yerin, its not just about speaking outright, its important for you to gain experience with men like this.


    Right. That way, youll be able to recognize when the right manes along, you know.


    I-it isnt just me, Arin is here too!


    Eventually, with her face turning red, Seo Yerin resorted to a slightly underhanded method to shift the focus.


    The other two friends also looked at Yu Arin, but,


    Whats up with her?


    There is Chan-woo.


    I told you to not link me with him.


    Yu Arin immediately frowned and got annoyed. Since they were high school friends, they knew about Jeong Chan-woo, so the two werent too worried about Yu Arin.


    Its pure love.


    A childhood friend whos breathtakingly handsome? Isnt that something straight out of a fantasy novel?


    Sigh, if you like him so much, you take him.


    Yu Arin, who genuinely had no interest in Jeong Chan-woo, was met with iprehensible looks from the two friends.


    How can anyone dislike that face?


    Im serious, if Chan-woo confesses? I would strip right there and dash to his bed.


    Bitches.


    Deeming the talks worthless, Yu Arin turned her attention to her phone.


    Whenever Jeong Chan-woo is mentioned, Yu Arin had a sharp reaction, so they shifted the topic back to Seo Yerin.


    Seo Yerin was pondering various things on her own.


    Am I too conservative?


    Right now, both her friends are deeply connected with their boyfriends. One even experienced the culture of sex before dating.


    Yu Arin, for instance, had yfully let Kim Woojin touch her chest, which she heard aboutst time.


    Although she didnt like it, she didnt view anything odd between Yu Arin and Woojin.


    Should I take an active approach?


    Being called a Sex God on the anonymous side, but a fool in reality.


    She wondered if this could be a chance to reveal more of herself.


    Um?


    Yu Arin, who was looking at her phone, let out a gasp. As she frowned and tilted her head in confusion, her two friends couldnt help but ask out of curiosity.


    What is it?


    This girl really knows how to make people curious.


    Seemingly not intending to do so, Yu Arin showed the phone screen.


    -Anonymous90: Revealing the identity of Sex God Anonymous69.


    Whats this?


    A friend who didnt usually check the Bamboo Forest asked, tilting her head, and another friend exined in detail.


    There is this sex-crazed person in the Bamboo Forest. They consistently post about wanting to engage in sexual activities every day.


    If they put that much effort into dating, they would have seeded by now.


    Yep.


    Yu Arin agreed with the conversation, but the issue was what came next.


    -Anonymous90: I will give you one hint every day  a student in the English Literature and Language department.


    Theyre from our department, so Im curious.


    Typical English Lit level.


    You people really have fun with the Bamboo Forest.


    The three of them began to chat among themselves about this interesting topic, chuckling.


    Uh?


    There was one person here.


    Who couldntugh.

 Chapter 55: Butts

    Chapter 55: Butts


    -Anonymous90: I will give you one hint every day  a student in the English Language and Literature department.


    Whats this?


    After chatting with senior Ju-hee, I wandered into a random empty room and started ying a game on theptop I had with me.


    It was a moment when my morale was being worn down by the schedule that shattered the illusion of a five-hour break.


    I checked the Bamboo Forest after noticing a message from Yu Arin.


    -Yu Arin: Our department again. Shouldnt you do something by now?


    Ignoring the yful jab, I scrolled through thements under Anonymous90.


    -Anonymous11: The dog bit its owner lol.


    -Anonymous175: Its you folks again, English Lit?


    -Anonymous28: But can we really tell? Isnt Sex God just writing about sex all day?


    -Anonymous229: You never know.


    -Anonymous198: Is this just because they cant get attention from the Sex God?


    Luckily, most people werent taking Anonymous90s words too seriously.


    Given the anonymous nature of themunity, it was impossible to discern anyones identity.


    -Anonymous75: What are you talking about? Its possible to find out.


    The dwindling me suddenly sparked back to life.


    -Anonymous75: Anonymous59 became an admin by uncovering the main Admins identity.


    -Anonymous75: If the admin concealed it well and there was a way to reveal their identity, then someone like Anonymous69 who posts daily could be identified, right?


    Yu Arin, seriously!


    Everything she does seems to be unhelpful. She really deserves some kind of punishment.


    Even though I would usually block them.


    Ah, my head hurts.


    There was a simple reason as to why the situation wasplex. This person could guess the English department to which Seo Yerin belonged.


    What if I ignore and block, and then its somehow revealed that Anonymous69 is Seo Yerin?


    For some reason, the sudden change in Anonymous90 made it difficult to predict their next move.


    They might just post it on the department board or something.


    Ignoring it so that Seo Yerin can handle it herself is also an option. Actually, if its me, it would be afortable method.


    Ah, this is why I shouldnt make friends.


    Even though it was only a short time, perhaps because of the affection built up while spending time together, I was worried.


    Especially since I know how much Seo Yerin stresses because of other people.


    Wherever she goes, she attracts attention, and it isnt umon for her to hear people whispering and even experience sexual harassment.


    To quietly relieve the stress of daily life, she was active as Anonymous69 in the Bamboo Forest knowing this.


    If this gets exposed too, who knows what could happen to her. Taking a leave of absence or even dropping out.


    I sent a message to Yu Arin.


    -Kim Woojin: Where are you?


    -Yu Arin: At the caf near uni. Why? Coming?


    -Kim Woojin: You need toe.


    -Yu Arin: Fuck you.


    -Kim Woojin: Seriously, Im at the 3rd building. Hurry up.


    -Yu Arin: Liberal Arts building? Thats far.


    Though she says that, she doesnt reply whether shesing or not. Meanwhile, I twist the theme of the Bamboo Forest a bit, annoyed.


    -Admin: Admin1 messed up badlyst Sunday, thinking of dishing out punishment. Any good ideas?


    This should lessen the attention on the Anonymous90 snipe post.


    -Anonymous274: You havent punished them yet?


    -Anonymous16: Just strip them of the admin role. Honestly, Sunday was hard to watch.


    -Anonymous98: Unpaid and they get punished? Such a shitty ce.


    -Anonymous175: A p on the wrist, ten times.


    -Anonymous198: Like I saidst time. Tie them up and spank them on the ass until they say I am sorry~.


    -Anonymous62: That sounds exciting.


    -Anonymous129: 198 is really disgusting with the damn delusional fantasies.


    -Anonymous11: You have to take responsibility, Admin. Youre the one who chose someone so shitty at the task.


    It seemed that everyone knew my post was a joke, and yful responses came up.


    There were a few who seemed serious, but I didnt have to respond to them separately.


    This should do.


    I managed to divert the attention that Anonymous90 had. Now, looking at Anonymous90s post, I sighed.


    Then I received a 1:1 inquiry.


    -Anonymous69: Excuse me


    -Admin: What is it?


    Of course, Seo Yerin must have seen it and be shocked too. Seo Yerin might not know, but Anonymous69 is being targeted in this unfamiliar situation.


    -Anonymous69: Uh, its not something the Admin identally leaked, right?


    It made sense that she suspected me.


    If information leaks from an anonymousmunity, then it has to be from someone managing it.


    -Admin: I dont even know who that person is, or anyone is. How do I leak anything?


    But I cannot know everyone here. Seo Yerin should know that too.


    -Anonymous69: Right? I asked something useless. Sorry.


    It made sense to suspect.


    No, rather it would be odd if she didnt suspect me.


    -Admin: But you really must be an English major then? Saying that because you got caught.


    -Anonymous69: Sex!


    Oh my.


    Look at her, resorting to nonsense because she couldnt say anything else.


    I suppress theugh, finding it slightly cute and continue.


    -Admin: I wont delete the post. If I do, people might think it is true. Plus as Admin, I need to check how Anonymous90 figured out your identity.


    Anonymous69: Sex!


    -Admin: So dont worry. Dont react and just act as you usually do. Okay?


    -Anonymous69: Sex!


    -Admin: Youre making me not want to help.


    -Anonymous69: Thank you.


    Look at him bowing immediately. It is a pity I couldnt see what expression she was making.


    -Admin: You are a Bamboo Forest user. Dont worry and just writefortably. There arent many ces where you can relieve stress.


    In fact, there are many, but ces as clean and with verified users like our Bamboo Forest are rare.


    -Anonymous69: I will send you some material for masturbation.


    -Anonymous69: (photo)


    Ah, seriously


    While saying that, my eyes were already on the screen.


    Huh?


    I thought it would be a pic of Seo Yerin, but there was a Western woman with a sensual body.


    I saved the photo to the album and casually asked.


    -Admin: Is this a different one? Where is the one you usually send?


    -Anonymous69:


    -Admin: ?


    -Anonymous69: Well, I feel a bit sorry.


    -Admin: To me? Sorry?


    What does she mean by sorry?


    -Anonymous69: No, not to you. I feel a bit bad for someone I know.


    I didnt understand what she was talking about, but it wasnt bad. It meant she was mentally stable enough for her not to send me such things.


    Thats a relief.


    If I, the Admin, were a bad person, Seo Yerins panty snaps would have been spread around.


    -Admin: I actually prefer this type.


    After asking her to only send this particr type of photo, I checked the picture again.


    Shh.


    Is this my type?


    I guess I do like them fuller. Maybe because my ex was average?


    Just as I was about to ask who this model was.


    Ah, should Ie backter then?


    A voice, cool yet filled with disgust, pierced through my neck.


    It wasnt a mistake; my neck was actually grabbed, and the grip was strong too.


    The fresh scent of fruit.


    A bubbly voice I have grown used to now.


    Blonde hair touching my cheek feeling almost like a snakes lick.


    Is this the type of women you like?


    Seeing this Western woman on the screen, Yu Arin asked me, so I slipped the phone away and said,


    Youre back early?


    Look at you changing the subject, tsk.


    Ahem.


    Do you think a girl like that would like someone like you? With a nasty nature, sinister, and you want such women?


    Then a good man who would like someone like you ah, there is Chan-woo.


    You!


    Yu Arin tightened her grip around my neck. She is supposedly trained in Taekwondo, and her grip was proof of it.


    Ouch! Okay! I wont speak about Chan-woo!


    Phew.


    Yu Arin, who finally released my neck, sat beside me and handed me Hersheys chocte milk.


    Then, she took out her Chong and started drinking it.


    Thank you.


    So why did you call me?


    Due to Yu Arin arriving quickly, I hadnt yet organized my thoughts.


    In truth, it was more because my head was still muddled from talking with Anonymous69.


    I have something to do. Its rted to the Bamboo Forest.


    I thought so isnt it too much to exploit me without paying? This doesnt evene with a schrship or credit.


    Its a punishment for doing a horrible job on Sunday.


    Ugh! Ack!


    As I spoke, Yu Arin choked, pushed her milk pack away, and stood up.


    Then, with her face turning red, she clutched her butt and shouted with wide eyes.


    I-I will not get hit on the butt!


    Uh?


    You jerk! Where do you find a woman who gets excited from getting spanked! All that getting hit and being submissive is fantasy! You pervert!


    What are you on about?


    Despite my shocked response, Yu Arin still held her butt with her hand and pointed at theptop.


    W-werent you talking about the Bamboo Forest?


    What nonsense are you reading now ah?


    Because of the post I made, there was a discussion on how to punish the new admin.


    Among them, Anonymous198 was receiving support.


    -Anonymous198: Its about tying them up andying them on the ssroom desk or something, and spanking their ass.


    -Anonymous198: If they are wearing stockings, or something, rip those while hitting.


    -Anonymous198: Make them fall so hard they eventually beg Pl-please! Please!


    -Anonymous11: You are shit.


    -Anonymous85: I support 198. And users need to check if Admin1 is punished.


    -Anonymous243: Is it really possible to drool and fall like Kotori-chan in reality!?


    -Anonymous10: Cant all these people be expelled?


    Fuck.


    Why did I have to see these messed up stuff?


    Thinking my eyes were tainted, I gave Anonymous198 a one-hour ban, noting the reason as because he pissed me off.


    With a face as red as a beet, Yu Arin red at me, huffing, and I sighed.


    Sit your butt down.


    Shut up.

 Chapter 56: A Mouse Caught

    Chapter 56: A Mouse Caught


    It was meant to be a witty jest, but it backfired. I managed to calm Yu Arin down, who was on the verge of calling the authorities, and got her to sit.


    Yu Arin, still visibly tense, let out a sharp exhale through her nose as she resumed drinking the rest of her Chong.


    I inserted a straw into the Hershey¡¯s and timidly adjusted theptop so Yu Arin could see better.


    ¡°Anonymous90. We must uncover how this individual uncovered the identity of Anonymous69.¡±


    Upon hearing my words, she appeared puzzled and responded.


    ¡°Huh? Did they guess correctly? Was that ¡®Sex¡¯ person really from our department?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Wow, who could it be?¡±


    Yu Arin reclined in her chair with her feet up on the desk, taking a sip of her Chong before furrowing her brow and remarking.¡°Hold on. So, you know who the ¡®Sex God¡¯ is?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Huh? How? Am I close to them?¡±


    Too close, actually.


    You¡¯ve been friends since high school.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. Don¡¯t attempt to reveal their identity on the forum.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m curious, though.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for curiosity. Finding Anonymous90 is what matters.¡±


    ¡°What!¡±


    Yu Arin sulked, her expression indicating displeasure. Since this wasn¡¯t the first or second time I¡¯d seen her like this, I checked the posts by Anonymous90.


    [Recent Records of Anonymous90]


    -Anonymous90: I want to join in too! I¡¯m feeling pumped today!


    -Anonymous90: You¡¯re being brief today! I want to engage in ¡®Sex¡¯ too!


    -Anonymous90: ¡®Sex Master¡¯! How did your exam go?


    -Anonymous90: Just a simple ¡®Sex¡¯.


    -Anonymous90: I must urgently inform the ¡®Sex God¡¯! This person is boosting the birth rate in Bamboo Forest!


    -Anonymous90: Just now, Admin1 uncovered the identity of the covert Bamboo Forest Admin, who became an Admin as a result, but observed the Admin promptly deleting the post.


    -Anonymous90: I¡¯m craving ¡®Sex¡¯ so badly!


    -Anonymous90: Seems like you¡¯re all fired up!


    -Anonymous90: I unveil the identity of the ¡®Sex God¡¯, Anonymous69.


    - Anonymous90: I will give you one hint every day ¨C a student in the English Literature department.<hr>


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this just a crazy bastard?¡±


    Yu Arin, who was checking the records, suddenly got annoyed and made a disgusted face. It definitely felt much more excessive than Seo Yerin, known as the Sex God.


    Maybe it was a kind of zealot.


    ¡°It does seem a bit much.¡±


    ¡°Too much. Hey, this is like a cult. They didn¡¯t just lick but shoved it all the way into the mouth.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t this bad, even I would ignore it. The Sex God is being stalked then.¡±


    Is Seo Yerin also being stalked? I felt a bit sorry for her.


    Thinking about it, ignoring the only person who almost worshiped her on the forum with clenched teeth might have been a way she learned through her real-life experiences.


    Since Seo Yerin mostly didn¡¯t respond to men contacting her to hit on her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue to look.¡±


    Yu Arin leaned towards me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see.¡±


    I pushed her head with my left hand and scrolled down with the mouse as the scent of fruit spread.


    [Recent Records of Anonymous90]


    -Anonymous90: When will the Sex Gode? Why do I not see them?


    -Anonymous90: It is fun, right?


    -Anonymous90: Why are you picking a fight?


    -Anonymous90: You have returned, JOAT!


    -Anonymous90: The Dark Knight of Gahyeon University, even smacking down the Admin! The JOAT of libido!


    -Anonymous90: The Sex God has arrived. Another day full of erections!


    -Anonymous90: The Sex God seems to be in good condition today!


    -Anonymous90: Please show some consideration for the board¡¯s named figure, Admin.<hr>


    ¡°This guy, no matter how much we go through, it doesn¡¯t end.¡±


    ¡°He really fell for the Sex God, huh.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t figure out what made them like this, but it was bothersome for us.


    Should I call for cyberstalking or something?


    Yet, at the same time, my mind was trying to make sense of this.


    ¡®Maybe a first year?¡¯


    Most of the posts here are focused on Anonymous69. Apart from that, there isn¡¯t much writing ormenting happening.


    When I think about it, Seo Yerin has been active since the middle of the first semester, so I suppose they appeared around the same time.


    But.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    Yu Arin leaned in close to theptop screen. Irritated as I could only see her head, I nudged her aside.


    ¡°Wait! You¡¯ll end up licking the screen at this rate!¡±


    ¡°Look at this!¡±


    There was a post that might be helpful regarding Anonymous90.


    [Recent Record of Anonymous90]


    -Anonymous90: I also attend physical therapy, I will deal with them physically.


    ¡°Physical therapy?¡±


    It was ament on a rtively recent post.


    -Anonymous21: There are high school students smoking in the alley next to Pump Chicken. Is there anyone from the Department of Physical Education who can intervene?


    -Anonymous11: Department of Security Studies, ss 21, will head over immediately for university security.


    -Anonymous90: I also attend physical therapy, I will deal with them physically.


    -Anonymous54: I will bringw books from the Department of Law.


    -Anonymous12: Should I bring an animal from the Department of Veterinary Medicine?


    -Anonymous85: I am in the film department, can Ie and film a bit? I need it for an assignment.<hr>


    ¡°Huh? Is this a call for full mobilization?¡±


    Among them, I recognized a few users but chose to skip them over.


    It appears to be a post that has attracted some of the famous anonymous users in the Bamboo Forest.


    ¡®Physical therapy.¡¯


    My hunch is that it could be a freshman who changed courses, so I decided to revisit their previous posts.


    [Recent records of Anonymous90]


    -Anonymous90: Selling test answers.


    -Anonymous90: Anyone up for drinks? It¡¯s so boring.


    -Anonymous90: Assignments are such nonsense. Did the professor even try doing them himself?<hr>


    Although I skimmed through a couple of posts, nothing caught my attention.


    Still, continuing to look through, it was clear where they belonged.


    ¡°It¡¯s been almost 4 years since the records started, right? Then there¡¯s a high chance of them being a senior.¡±


    I agreed with Yu Arin¡¯s words, but¡­


    ¡°A fourth-year senior still in the Bamboo Forest?¡±


    Especially since Anonymous69 always gets the firstment whenever they post, it seems like they are someone who always checks.


    ¡°Yah, this might be a hard one to find.¡±


    After all, the seniors are almost noting to uni with their job hunting.


    ¡°It¡¯s so ambiguous.¡±


    The situation turned troublesome.


    Even if we just decide to go to the Department of Physical Therapy, who knows what will happen?


    If they are a senior, they are likely preparing for the national exam in the library or out on practical training.


    ¡°I think we should give up. We don¡¯t know anyone in the department either.¡±


    I sighed at Yu Arin¡¯s words, as she shrugged.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t have friends.¡±


    ¡°I really want to kill you. You pretend to have friends.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s Chan-woo.¡±


    At my words, Yu Arin rushed at me like a cat, raising her arms above her head.


    ¡°You are dead.¡±


    The moment the name Jeong Chan-woo came up, her reaction turned to that of a Taekwondo girl.


    Even as I push her, I think.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Something sparked in my mind. I remember the person in question is a fourth-year student who is frequent in the Bamboo Forest.


    ¡°Fest!¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    This girl bites my arm, but I ignore her and continue.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t theye to the festival? A fourth-year who still hangs out in the Bamboo Forest wouldn¡¯t miss the festival right?¡±


    Continuously watching the app means¡­


    It means they have time to spare.


    I figured they would attend the festival if they were still around the uni.


    ¡°Sooo waa.¡±


    (So what)


    ¡°Let go, it smells like saliva.¡±


    Personally, I thought the chances were high. Moreover, since it¡¯s a festival I could naturally approach the Department of Physical Therapy.


    The problem was.


    There were still two days left until the festival.


    And they were releasing information about Seo Yerin each day, and the festival wouldst two days.


    ¡®Just endure it well.¡¯


    This depends on Seo Yerin.<hr>


    Two days passed, and it was the day of the festival.


    Surprisingly, time passed ndly.


    -Anonymous90: Second ¨C Anonymous69 tends to avoid people.


    I let it slide the second time.


    Because I thought they were speaking about Seo Yerin¡¯s nature to avoid men.


    Up until then, Anonymous69, who was stressed, gave so many inquiries.


    Mostly about sex.


    But on the day of the festival.


    We realized that we were taking the case way too seriously than we thought.


    -Anonymous90: Third ¨C Anonymous69 is a guy.


    ¡°This fucking bastard.¡±


    Of course, therees swearing. It was ridiculous and infuriating that he was speaking without knowing anything.


    Thinking about it, how could this Physical Therapy department person possibly know the identity of Seo Yerin?


    He¡¯s hardly ever at school, that too.


    Even while preparing the pub¡¯s kitchen, I couldn¡¯t help but hit my forehead in frustration whenever I thought about it.


    And of course.


    -Anonymous11: Is he a moron? Then, does this guy have many friends?


    -Anonymous276: He is just speaking nonsense, right? For attention?


    -Anonymous85: Attention-seeking bastard.


    -Anonymous178: Would a girl say she wants to have sex every day? If there is such a person, then introduce me.


    Anonymous90 was being criticized in the Bamboo Forest. Of course, they would be scolded for such a vague story.


    Seeing that Anonymous69 didn¡¯t reach much either, people were more convinced.


    -Anonymous69: Ah! I want to rage so badly!


    -Anonymous11: Try to stop your follower from going insane.


    Moreover, perhaps because Anonymous90 thought their identity was unknown, Seo Yerin was doing well.


    ¡®Ah, well, this is typical for an anonymousmunity, right?¡¯


    Just write something nonmittal and run. That¡¯s all there is to it. I felt childish for taking this too seriously just because Seo Yerin was involved.


    How funny.


    And shockingly.


    The incident hadn¡¯t even ended yet.


    While I was busily organizing the kitchen under the department¡¯s tent and checking theyout, senior Min Ju-hee came.


    ¡°Uh, Woojin?¡±


    With an expression that said it was awkward.


    ¡°Uh?¡±


    I wondered if something had happened while I was in the kitchen. Senior Ju-hee nced around and then quietly asked.


    ¡°D-do you write in the Bamboo Forest?¡±


    ¡°Uh?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ the kids say you have been spamming weirdly in the Bamboo Forest. That it¡¯s ufortable to be around you. If it¡¯s a misunderstanding, I¡¯ll clear it up for you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Suddenly, the characteristics of Sex God written by Anonymous90 get listed.


    -Anonymous90: I will give you one hint every day ¨C a student in the English Literature department.


    -Anonymous90: Second ¨C Anonymous69 tends to avoid people.


    -Anonymous90: Third ¨C Anonymous69 is a guy.


    In other words.


    A male person in the English department who avoids people.


    I was sure.


    Anonymous90 must have written the post without knowing anything. How they knew it was the English department, I had no idea, but that could be skipped.


    It was clear that they knew nothing about Anonymous69¡¯s identity, especially since they got the gender wrong.


    This was an idental catch.


    ¡°This is insane.¡±


    I got caught.

 Chapter 57: True Education

    Chapter 57: True Education


    ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to the kids first. You don¡¯t have any reason to feel hurt.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t feel hurt.¡±


    I reply with an awkward smile, and senior Min Ju-hee reassured me by patting me lightly on the shoulder.


    ¡°Right, you don¡¯t seem like someone who would get hurt over such a thing.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Still, you might feel this is unjust, so I¡¯ll talk to them to avoid any misunderstandings.¡±


    Even though I think the kids won¡¯t believe it just because she takes my side.


    The fact that senior Min Ju-hee doesn¡¯t get swayed by such rumors and trusts me made me feel good.


    After all, it means she trusts me unconditionally.¡®I don¡¯t have such a bad uni life then.¡¯


    Still, it¡¯s nice to have a cool senior trust in me.


    Leaving the exnation to the other kids to senior Ju-hee, I started to get back to my work.


    ¡°Sex God, you¡¯re here?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s voice came from behind.


    As I frowned and turned back, Yu Arin was looking at me with an amused smile.


    ¡°Aha, so this is what you were looking for? You wanted to have sex that badly?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So, should I set you up then?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, then leave.¡±


    ¡°Haha! That¡¯s funny! No, isn¡¯t that Anonymous90 targeting you? How does it all fit so right?¡±


    ¡°A coincidence. That guy doesn¡¯t know it all.¡±


    From the start, even the gender was wrong, so there is no way Anonymous90 knew about Seo Yerin.


    At my firm answer, Yu Arin sighed.


    ¡°So, hearing you say that, Anonymous90 was wrong?¡±


    Without saying much, I affirmed and she smiled.


    ¡°The part about being from the English department? That part was correct then?¡±


    ¡°It has to be a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, tsk. Moron.¡±


    Yu Arin crossed her arms with a click of her tongue. Her voice was filled with confidence.


    ¡°The second and third days, even I could tell they were guesses. It was essentially one or the other.¡±


    -Anonymous90: Second ¨C Anonymous69 tends to avoid people.


    ¡°Whether an outsider or not, it¡¯s rare for someone who wants to have sex anonymously and spams it every day to be a social butterfly.¡±


    It was a gamble worth trying.


    -Anonymous90: Third ¨C Anonymous69 is a guy.


    ¡°Male or female, it¡¯s also one of the two. Simrly, since it¡¯s more likely to be a man, it¡¯s what was guessed then.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Watching Yu Arin¡¯s confident look, I began to get drawn into her talk.


    ¡°Then what about the English department? Our university has so many departments, how could they pinpoint this?¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    Yu Arin, iming to be bored, handed me her phone. It disyed the posts of Anonymous69.


    ¡°Anonymous69?¡±


    ¡°How did they know? To find out, I did exactly what Anonymous90 did. And it became clear.¡±


    In the end, it wouldn¡¯t be wrong to think of Anonymous90 as a stalker of Anonymous69. It means Yu Arin read the posts by Anonymous69.


    ¡°Most of them were useless spam, repeating the same thing. Always up to some sex-crazed stuff.¡±


    <em>Tak.</em>


    Yu Arin pointed her finger at thements section.


    ¡°Anonymous69 doesn¡¯t normally leavements, but do you see what the posts theymented on have inmon?¡±


    Looking at the screen she showed me, I couldn¡¯t help but naturally understand even though I didn¡¯t want to.


    ¡°¡­They are all rted to the English department.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±


    Upon hearing my words, she nodded and smiled brightly. It seems she wanted more praise for the answer she found.


    ¡°In posts rted to the English department, Anonymous69mented on every single one. Be it about the karaoke sniping or when they spoke about the tripe restaurant or when it was about Yerin.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°All of them were posts about the English department, so Anonymous90 was making a guess, wondering if Anonymous69 might be from the English department.¡±


    Even if that wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°If not, just brush it off by saying ¡®oh well¡¯.¡±


    Because it¡¯s anonymous.


    A stabbing pain began at the back of my head.


    Even though I felt fine a moment ago, a subtle emotion arose for the person known as Anonymous90.


    They probably wrote this with augh.


    Thinking it¡¯s no big deal if it¡¯s wrong, they took a casual stab.


    Actually, Seo Yerin and I responded to it fussily and seriously.


    ¡°I need to meet them.¡±


    I wanted to meet.


    I felt I could only discern my emotions by seeing Anonymous90 in person.


    ¡°Uh? Meet? Are you still trying to find them?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will clear my name in the process.¡±


    ¡°¡­Can I help?¡±


    When Yu Arin asked, I shook my head.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll look by myself. You¡¯ve helped enough.¡±


    Yu Arin seemed dissatisfied with my unimpressive answer, puffed her cheeks, and quickly left.


    After that, I also began to focus on the kitchen work. The part I was in charge of was spicy pork.


    It¡¯s surprisinglybor-intensive, but it¡¯s a menu that can be quickly prepared if done in advance.


    To taste it and to see how long it would take to cook here, I started cooking as a demonstration.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Before I knew it, Seo Yerin was standing next to me, staring nkly. She was wearing a white shirt and a ck skirt, the same outfit as Yu Arin.


    It seemed to be the uniform for the ones serving.


    ¡°Wanna try?¡±


    As I asked, still focusing on the pork, Seo Yerin nodded.


    She must be hungry.


    ¡°Step back a little. The sauce might spurt on you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes!¡±


    Seo Yerin scurried behind me. She seemed quite excited, standing close and continuing to watch the stir-fried pork.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    ¡°What? Just wait.¡±


    ¡°The other kids are saying that you wrote something weird in the Bamboo Forest.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    What is this situation now?


    With an expression of disbelief, I turned my head, and Seo Yerin began tofort me with a smile simr to that of the Virgin Mary, patting my shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know it¡¯s not you.¡±


    Right.


    Because it is you.


    ¡°And it¡¯s not a bad thing, right?¡±


    Really?


    ¡°Se¡­ sex isn¡¯t weird. We¡¯re adults now, so it¡¯s time we get used to that sort of thing.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I support you Woojin. Even if you write such posts in the Bamboo Forest! I am always¡­!¡±


    <em>tter.</em>


    Eventually, I put the frying pan down and turned the gas off.


    ¡°Sex fiends are bad people.¡±


    Then, turning to Seo Yerin, I dered.


    ¡°Uh?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re bad. Because they¡¯re stering such posts everywhere. Right?¡±


    Seo Yerin, not expecting me to react like that, was flustered, moving her hand back and forth as she spoke.


    ¡°B-b-but I thought there was a line being upheld¡­.¡±


    ¡°Ah, where¡¯s the line being upheld for spamming? It¡¯s just crossing the line if it makes a person frown.¡±


    Seo Yerin, with her face red, tried to speak, her mouth twitching.


    ¡°If-if the line was crossed, the Admin of the Bamboo Forest would have intervened!?¡±


    She looked so shocked that she misspoke. I smiled and shook my head.


    ¡°The Admin might have given you one too. How could anyone look kindly upon someone who constantly speaks about sex and sex?¡±


    ¡°Se¡­!¡±


    ¡°Uh? See. You can¡¯t say it now. How can you call someone who talks so crudely every day as if it¡¯s alright?¡±


    ¡°I-it doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re a bad person if they¡¯re not nice!¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s eyes were trembling. I stepped closer to her and ced my hand on her shoulder to not let her escape.


    ¡°You can¡¯t even say ¡®sex¡¯. You think it¡¯s a word that shouldn¡¯t be said, right?¡±


    ¡°N-no! Se¡­x isn¡¯t bad!¡±


    ¡°You cannot say it, Se.¡±


    ¡°Se¡­! Se¡­!¡±


    ¡°Se? Se? In the end, you can¡¯t say it either! You think Anonymous69 is a bad person, right?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Then say it!¡±


    ¡°Se,x!¡±


    Perhaps this is what it feels like to shout softly. Seo Yerin pped her hands and shouted to the sky.


    I shook my head like a boxing coach, pressing her more.


    ¡°Right! You jerk! Sex isn¡¯t bad! Why are you so flustered then!¡±


    ¡°Sex!¡±


    ¡°Again!¡±


    ¡°Sexx!¡±


    ¡°One more time¡­!¡±


    Just as I was about to make her shout again, what entered my view was Choi Yiseo with an expression that indicated she couldn¡¯t understand what was happening.


    ¡°Sex! Sex! Sex!¡±


    The moment our eyes met.


    ¡°Sex! How can an adult woman spout such words so recklessly; how udylike!¡±


    Even though I tried to cut her off.


    ¡°Sexxx!¡±


    Despite being stopped, Seo Yerin couldn¡¯t regain her consciousness and continued to mumble.


    Eventually, with her head heated up, Seo Yerin went out to get some air.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Choi Yiseo looked at me with an expression of disbelief.


    ¡°What happened for her to be like that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t even imagine how the situation got to that.¡±


    Of course,


    I, too, am regretting reacting so strongly to Seo Yerin¡¯s behavior in frustration.


    Let me say one thing.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault.¡±


    It was clearly Seo Yerin¡¯s fault, and she was being punished.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who had been ring at me sharply, sighed and said,


    ¡°Did you see the work schedule posted in the group chat?¡±


    ¡°I did. I had to hold myself back from reporting it to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.¡±


    Seeing the schedule of working from night till dawn with hardly any break time disgusted me.


    ¡°We have no choice, but I¡¯ll buy you something delicious when we can rest.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re offering, I won¡¯t refuse.¡±


    There is no need to refuse when someone is offering to help us out.


    ¡°Right? Our breaks ovep. So let¡¯s hang out then.¡±


    ¡°Ri¡­ght?¡±


    I was about to respond without thought when my lips suddenly tightened.


    It felt like it wasn¡¯t quite a date. But already, Choi Yiseo was moving to the servers.


    ¡®¡­Or am I mistaken?¡¯


    I wondered if it was something we said without much thought.


    But before leaving the kitchen tent, Choi Yiseo turned her head and gave me a small smile, as I stood there, confused.


    ¡°It¡¯s a date.¡±


    Ah.


    ¡°Ri-right.¡±

 Chapter 58: Outing

    Chapter 58: Outing


    <em>Screech!</em>


    ¡°Oh, this is delicious! If it can turn out like this, there will be no problem.¡±


    Senior Min Ju-hee¡¯spliment after eating the stir-fried pork made me shrug. At my reaction, senior Ju-hee chuckled, patted me on the shoulder, and then headed towards the other kids.


    ¡°If you serve pork like this, who are you nning to feed? Even for a university bar, is this supposed to be edible?¡±


    ¡°The outside is all burnt, and the inside is undercooked! It¡¯s so obvious you¡¯ve never done this before. I told you to practice at home.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this hard thing in the rolled omelet¡­? Ah, didn¡¯t you at least check properly!? There¡¯s a piece of shell in here!¡±


    Observing her move around andment among the other kids, I could tell she couldn¡¯t help butpliment me.


    There were kids who did well, but since we had to sell food, it needed to meet a certain standard.


    ¡®¡­Thank goodness.¡¯I did well to only cook stir-fried pork for several days. Of course, there was also the reason being that I liked it.


    Since the bar starts in the evening, having finished the inspection early, I had some time left.


    Normally, I would have stayed in the kitchen, but since the kids¡¯ looks towards me weren¡¯t very kind, I stepped out.


    ¡®Well, speaking up won¡¯t change anything.¡¯


    Even if senior Min Ju-hee denied it on my behalf, without presenting evidence and just denying, it wouldn¡¯t have been believable.


    In this regard, I also thought it rather fortunate that Seo Yerin did not get outed.


    The hall was bustling on its own. Though when I say hall, I just mean the chairs and tables set under the tent.


    ¡°Bring me the tape to stick the menu up!¡±


    ¡°Where did the wooden chopsticks and stic spoons go? I don¡¯t see them?¡±


    ¡°I told you we didn¡¯t buy any! We need to go to the convenience store to get some!¡±


    It was mainly Choi Yiseo and Ahn Hyeon-ho, the vice rep, moving things along. Even though there were sophomores around, they were idly chatting among themselves only to kill time.


    Not just Choi Yiseo, but Seo Yerin and Yu Arin were also seen, busy with their respective tasks.


    When Seo Yerin and I made eye contact, she blushed red, thinking about what had happened before.


    It seemed she was sulking aftering back to her senses.


    Yu Arin red at me indifferently and asked me not to y around and help, but I gave her the middle finger and refused.


    The hall was getting organized and nearlypleted.


    Just like us, the other festive booths were also getting organized, and people were beginning to trickle into the bar to take a look.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a few people go outside to promote.¡±


    I thought it would involve handing out flyers, but apparently, that causes litter, so the student council said no to flyers.


    So, the chosen method of promotion was to write promotional phrases on small ckboards and walk around with them.


    Carrying a ckboard around here and there for promotion seemed like a good enough strategy.


    If things get busy, we can just call them back with a phone.


    Moreover, maybe people wanted to do it because it gave them a chance to look around the fest.


    ¡°First¡­ Yerin.¡±


    Choi Yiseo hands over the board to Seo Yerin as if she was awarding some certificate.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a round ande back. It should be fine near the entrance.¡±


    Choi Yiseo had this look of difort, and it wasn¡¯t hard to see why.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you so you don¡¯t end up wasting time getting hit on. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    It was because of senior Han-kang, who appeared by her side naturally.


    With senior Han-kang stepping in, the other first-years went silent, and Seo Yerin looked around in confusion.


    Then, our eyes met.


    ¡°¡­You look nice.¡±


    Honestly, I could understand that Seo Yerin might feel ufortable around senior Han-kang.


    But it was good to see the image of them together.


    At first nce, they looked like a handsome man and beautiful woman, making anyone likely to cast them a second look.


    I gave a thumbs up, a sort of encouragement that wasn¡¯t really encouragement, and Seo Yerin bit her lip and started to walk towards me.


    ¡°Senior, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Uh? O-okay.¡±


    Suddenly, Han-kang followed right behind the proactive Seo Yerin.


    Whatever the case, now that the two of them have set off, I wonder if there¡¯s hardly anyone who can beat our department in terms of promotion.


    After that, Choi Yiseo handed the chalkboard to people who seemed likely to promote well.


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided.¡±


    Suddenly appearing next to me there was Yu Arin holding the board.


    ¡°Eh?¡±


    I was wondering what she meant but Yu Arin soon crossed her arms and started dragging me away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back!¡±


    Dragged away by Yu Arin, I sneak a look back to see Choi Yiseo crossing her arms and lips pouting.


    As soon as our eyes met, she immediately pretended as if nothing happened and resumed focus on her work.


    Once we were a bit distant from the booth, Yu Arin immediately let go of my arm and showed her annoyance.


    ¡°Ah, the smell of grilled pork.¡±


    ¡°¡­Psycho?¡±


    Until a moment back, she was yfully dragging me along but now she was pushing me away.


    I wondered what was with her but Yu Arin shrugged and said,


    ¡°Let¡¯s go check the Physical Therapy booth.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Didn¡¯t you want to go there alone?¡±


    Yu Arin suddenly said she wants to go together. She said she would go alone but Yu Arin¡¯s steps were already heading there.


    I thought she might need help, but looking at her face, that wasn¡¯t it.


    She probably just thought it looked fun and wanted to join in.


    It took a while to find where the Physical Therapy department¡¯s booth was, but since we were walking around for promotional purposes, it wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    Upon arrival, the booth was in full swing.


    ¡°Grip strength measurement?¡±


    They were holding an event where people who exceeded a certain level in grip strength measurement would receive a souvenir.


    It wasn¡¯t just that, looking behind, they were doing a variety of things like measuring blood pressure and shoulder massage.


    ¡°No fun.¡±


    The response came quickly but I agreed with Yu Arin. This was kind of boring.


    ¡°Wow! Are you a couple? Come this way!¡±


    As we approached a student who was looking at his phone until now immediately greeted us with a smile.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t dating you moron.¡±


    Yu Arin drew a line right then.


    I nodded in agreement.


    ¡°She has someone she¡¯s flirting with.¡±


    I said this thinking of Jeong Chan-woo, but Yu Arin, noticing, immediately looked up at me and growled.


    I avoided her gaze and went in.


    I paid the participation fee and measured my grip strength, but as expected I was nowhere near the required level.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s too bad.¡±


    After exerting a lot of strength the first time, I shake my hand which was tingling to loosen it up and as I am about to take the grip strengthener, I casually strike up the conversation.


    ¡°Excuse me, are any fourth-year students here?¡¯


    ¡°Uh?¡±


    It must have been a sudden question that made the student look flustered, but I awkwardly smiled and said,


    ¡°Ah, there was this senior I was hoping to meet today, so I was wondering if they were here.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    The student tilted their head, seemingly thinking of it as a vague reason.


    However, they shrugged as if thinking there is no reason for me to hide and said,


    ¡°None of the fourth-year students are here. They might be out for practical training or preparing for job applications separately? If you¡¯re looking for them, the library might be the best ce.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    Upon showing a hint of disappointment, the student thought for a moment and then said, pping his hands.


    ¡°Are you talking about senior Eun-woo?¡±


    Senior Eun-woo?


    ¡°I heard they graduated and became teaching assistants. Did they mention going to grad school?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So, they might apany professors.¡±


    It was a subtle gain, but progress nheless. This person, Eun-woo, could very well be Anonymous90.


    ¡°Is there any indication of when they might arrive?¡±


    ¡°¡­Nope.¡±


    The dental student shrugged, hesitant to respond. Perhaps due to my keen interest, they chose to remain silent.


    ¡®Disappointing.¡¯


    I learned that some fourth-year students attend the fest. If they aim to advance beyond the fourth-year to be teaching assistants, the Bamboo Forest might prove beneficial.


    I was on the verge of leaving, considering Eun-woo as my prime suspect.


    ¡°Woah!¡±


    Yu Arin, clutching a grip strengthener, raised both hands and cheered.


    ¡°F-female top score! It¡¯s a new record!¡±


    She beamed, delighted at setting a new record in the female grip category.


    ¡®She¡¯s here to have fun.¡¯


    I assumed she came to find the man, so why did she seem so joyful?


    Well, she received a simple keychain as a prize, hardly worth the entry fee we paid.


    Despite her disdain for the prize, she was ted about her new record in the female grip strength category and began humming a tune as she strolled around the festival once more.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s head to the convenience store. We need to buy some chopsticks and spoons.¡±


    ¡°Is this why you wanted toe with me? We should head back now.¡±


    In response to my query, Yu Arin couldn¡¯t contain her happiness and shrugged.


    ¡°How can I wander around with someone who needs to cook pork stir-fry in the kitchen?¡±


    She has a point.


    If Captain Ju finds out, she¡¯ll surely have a few words for us.


    After purchasing the required items and each of us grabbing a chocte milk each, we made our way back to our tent.


    Thanks to the duo of Seo Yerin and senior Han-kang, customers started arriving early, despite it being too soon to start serving drinks.


    I immediately went to the kitchen and took my ce.


    ¡°One stir-fry pork belly.¡±


    As soon as the order of spicy pork came in, I began to stir fry. After quickly making the spicy pork, I cut some tofu into small pieces to put on the side and was about to hand it over to the server when,


    Choi Yiseo was waiting.


    ¡°Where were you?¡±


    As she asked, taking the pork, I smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°To the Physical Therapy department booth. They are doing a grip strength test.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Dragging her words, Yiseo mumbled indifferently and left.


    ¡°Then I guess I shouldn¡¯t go there.¡±

 Chapter 59: Festival

    Chapter 59: Festival


    ¡°Three servings of pork belly and two tuna rice balls!¡±


    Choi Yiseo called the order out towards the kitchen. At her words, I immediately take out the marinated meat and put it into the frying pan.


    The already hot frying pan quickly starts to cook the meat, and the female students assisting me, next to me, begin to diligently slice tofu.


    It seems our pub has be famous for its pork belly, as the stir-fried pork belly was selling like hotcakes.


    So, originally a solo task, senior Ju-hee assigned an assistant to me. She was originally making tuna rice balls, but since it seemed that that area didn¡¯t require that many people, she was dragged over here to help.


    Of course, at first, she pouted and didn¡¯t even want to talk to me.


    But as I just busily worked and gave calm instructions, it seemed like her displeasure towards me had somewhat softened.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re doing well.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±At first, she couldn¡¯t even spread the tofu evenly, so I gave her some tips and now she was getting better at it.


    When praised, the girl smiled proudly and ced the tofu next to the pork belly.


    Three dishes were ready in no time.


    I handed them over to the servers who came to pick up the food.


    One for Seo Yerin.


    One for senior Han-kang.


    One for Choi Yiseo.


    After they were sent, I stretched and sneaked a peek at the time, and it was already 7 p.m.


    I heard that starting from 8 p.m. onwards, a guest singer¡¯s performance starts and goes on until 11 p.m.


    ¡°Do you know who the guest singer is today?¡±


    As I prepare for the next pork stir fry, the girl answers without hesitation.


    ¡°It¡¯s HI.¡±


    HI?


    I frowned, wondering if that was really a name, and she asked back with a surprised look.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know HI? The famous rapper.¡±


    ¡°A rapper named HI? Then what about BYE?¡±


    ¡°Not funny.¡±


    ¡°Ahem, just make the tofu.¡±


    Feeling awkward, I spoke and the girl, finding it funny, let out this lightugh and immediately started tearing into arge block of tofu.


    Then.


    ¡°Hyun-ah! Where did you put the can opener?¡±


    A girl who had been busily making tuna rice balls, approached us from their side.


    It turns out the girl next to me, was Hyun-ah.


    Until just a moment ago, Hyun-ah seemed upset, thinking she had been excluded from the rice ball team, but now she seemed to have cheered up and informed them.


    ¡°Uh? That was borrowed from another department, so they took it back.¡±


    ¡°R-really?! I-I need that to open the can!¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t all of them already opened?!¡±


    Some guys were holding arge four-pound tuna can, not knowing what to do. A disaster urred becausemercial tuna cans, unlike those sold in stores, don¡¯te with an opener.


    It seems they tried poking it with chopsticks or a knife, as there was a hole there, but they couldn¡¯t pierce through it entirely.


    ¡°Bring it over.¡±


    Since there were no orders for pork now, I immediately reached my hand out and they, with subtle looks, hesitantly handed me the can.


    ¡°And a knife too.¡±


    Receiving the knife which was used to slice the tofu, I then ced the tip of the knife at the edge of the circle and hit the base of the handle with my palm.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    The knife pierced through the lid of the can.


    A scene reminiscent of a hammer hitting a nail.


    I pull the knife out and ce it next to the previous spot and repeat.


    When about half of it was opened, I twisted the lid with the knife and it naturally opened halfway.


    ¡°Now. You go and wash the knife.¡±


    After handing over the tuna can and the knife, they took them, looking bewildered. There were no words of thanks.


    It seems like there was something they wanted to say¡­


    ¡°An order came in! What are you doing with the tuna rice balls! We¡¯re falling behind!¡±


    Ju-hee, who was in charge of making rolled omelets, pointed out sharply, and the kid holding the tuna can dashed away like an arrow.


    ¡°Where did you learn that?¡±


    ¡°Ugh, put the knife down and then talk.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ sorry.¡±


    Hyun-ah stealthily approached.


    Since she asked while holding a knife, I gestured with my chin to put it down.


    ¡°When I first began living alone. I thought it would be good to stock up on spam and tuna cans, so I bought a few of those.¡±


    ¡°¡­Did you eat all that by yourself?¡±


    ¡°With my girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Hyun-ah¡¯s expression changed. Knowing Oh Yoon-ji, who had taken a leave of absence from the same department.


    It seems she thinks she touched on a topic she shouldn¡¯t have brought up.


    ¡°Well, anyway, since I didn¡¯t have a can opener at that time, I looked up stuff on Youtube and so on.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Hyun-ah nodded as if she understood. Then, feeling a weight behind my knees, my body involuntarily staggered backward.


    ¡°Ugh!!¡±


    The moment I let out a ridiculous scream and barely managed to regain my posture. Seo Yerin, who had been behind me, somehow moved to my side and said with her usual friendly smile,


    ¡°Two servings of spicy pork belly!¡±


    ¡°¡­What did you just do?¡±


    ¡°Uh? What do you mean?¡±


    You¡¯re pretending not to know?


    Although I looked shocked, Seo Yerin simply walked away and I sighed as I went to take out the meat I had prepared.


    The eyes of everyone in the kitchen were all on me. It seemed to be because of the scream that I let out.


    ¡®Ah, damn it, Seo Yerin.¡¯


    I started to cook the spicy pork, trying to hide my slightly red face from embarrassment and the heat from the frying pan.


    Then, Hyun-ah, who had been watching from the side, asked as if she found this amusing.


    ¡°What was that just now? Yerin is so funny.¡±


    ¡°Funny? It¡¯s embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re close with Yerin. I thought you two would be awkward with each other because of the random rumors spreading.¡±


    ¡°Well, rumors are just rumors.¡±


    There were quite a few rumors circting about Seo Yerin. In the end, all of it turned out to be baseless.


    ¡°Cut the tofu. We need to hurry up.¡±


    Hyun-ah continued cutting the tofu on the next te. I ce the pork belly next to it on the table by the hall.


    They¡¯ll take it, so I can leave it here.


    I thought it was another brief moment of rest, but then this song from the stage had reached out to us.


    I heard there were students participating in the singing, so that¡¯s how it was.


    There are also people going out for department or club booth promotions.


    ¡°We have people to go out too.¡±


    Hyun-ah casually mentions, knowing that I was focusing on the song.


    ¡°Uh? Really? who?¡±


    ¡°Yiseo, Yerin, Hyeon-ho and senior Han-kang.¡±


    ¡°¡­What kind ofbination is that?¡±


    All four of them getting on stage?


    ¡°Originally, it was just Hyeon-ho and senior Han-kang who applied to go up, but they decided to include the other two to promote the pub.¡±


    ¡°Do they sing well?¡±


    ¡°Yiseo is pretty good. Well, it isn¡¯t really about singing well, it¡¯s just promotion so it¡¯s not really that important. And also¡­¡±


    <em>Swish.</em>


    Waving her hand in front of her face with a sly smile.


    ¡°The four of them have quite the looks.¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    Thanks to Yerin and senior Han-kang going out to promote earlier, we had so many peoplee over here.


    Also, it shows how intense the hunting was that Choi Yiseo had to write huge letters on the front of the booth asking not to ask for the employees¡¯ numbers.


    ¡°Ex-excuse me¡±


    At that moment, someone from the tuna rice ball side came to me with a tuna rice ball in a disposable te.


    ¡°Ah, as a thank you for what you did earlier. Eat this while you work.¡±


    Was it alright to just eat this?


    I nced over at senior Ju-hee, but she was working and just smiled at me, pretending not to care.


    ¡®As expected of the Captain.¡¯


    She is so flexible with her thoughts. If she was a guy, I would have asked to enlist into the military together.


    ¡®Should I try it?¡¯


    I¡¯d probably get pped if I asked her that.


    ¡°Right now, all the seats are taken, so we¡¯re only taking orders for drinks. So have this.¡±


    They were making a fuss and urging me to eat the tuna rice balls. I just stared at them nkly and then began to stir fry the pork.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have it together.¡±


    Finally, the pork and tuna rice balls were ready.


    Feeling awkward to gather and eat inside the kitchen, we stepped out of the tent.


    A cold breeze blows, and a stage could be seen in the distance. It was ambiguous but not bad for watching.


    Somehow, because I ended up holding a te, naturally people gathered around me and began to use chopsticks.


    Thinking back to the reactions when I first started the pub, it seems the perceptions of me have changed a little.


    The inside became a little more spacious, and the other kids also came out and gathered around.


    ¡°This. I made it. Doesn¡¯t it just melt in your mouth?¡±


    ¡°Eh!? Does it taste burnt?¡±


    ¡°Is it really alright for us to have this amongst ourselves?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the big deal about this? Did youe here to work part-time? You came to enjoy the fest.¡±


    One by one, they gathered and talked, and I stayed among them.


    I¡¯m not talking to anyone in particr, but just observing guys and girlsugh and chat nearby was surprisingly not unpleasant.


    The night of the fest.


    It could be considered a special bonding time amongst the kitchen staff of the pub.


    ¡°Try this.¡±


    That¡¯s when senior Ju-hee came over to me. On the te was a rolled omelet with cheese, which she seemed to have made herself.


    ¡°Hmm! The cheese and eggs blend together so perfectly¡­!¡±


    ¡°Stop with the unnecessary talking and just eat.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee cut off my exaggerated remarks. But seeing her smile as she spoke, it seemed she wasn¡¯t really upset.


    Just then, the four faces in charge of our pub¡¯s appearances were hurriedly called to the stage.


    Seo Yerin, Choi Yiseo, Ahn Hyeon-ho, and senior Han-kang were going to sing the song Hyun-ah had mentioned earlier.


    ¡°Ah, the kids are going!¡±


    ¡°Fighting!¡±


    ¡°Let the Department of English Language and Literature dominate!¡±


    ¡°Actors on actors! So pretty and cool!¡±


    Shouting their lungs out, the English Literature students cheer, and the four, fueled by the support, wave their hands as they leave.


    Definitely.


    I felt a surge of belonging, an emotion I hadn¡¯t noticed during normal times.


    Emotions strangely heightened, feeling the camaraderie.


    But knowing well that once the festival ends, we¡¯ll return to how we were as if it never happened.


    Therefore,


    ¡®It¡¯s all because of the fest.¡¯


    It isn¡¯t too bad, just enjoying this moment that won¡¯te again.

 Chapter 60: Drunkenness

    Chapter 60: Drunkenness


    Ah, ahoo.


    Seo Yerins voice trembled so much that she hit a wrong note. Her face turned red with embarrassment, but it seemed like the audience in front of her took it well.


    Seeing that there wasnt muchmotion, she thought so.


    Actually, there were people who shouted that it was cute, but even that made Seo Yerin embarrassed.


    At least, thanks to Choi Yiseo by her side giving her a reassuring look, she was able to calm down and focus on finishing the song.


    Yes! That was the performance by the four from the English Department! Please give them a big round of apuse!


    The audience pped and cheered at the shout of entertainer MC.


    Farther away, the English Departments pub booth could be seen, and they were the ones making a fuss and cheering loudly.


    I-I will never do it again!Anyway, it felt like she was going to die of embarrassment.


    She was regretting falling for the seniors coaxing at that moment.


    The host grabbed the mic and walked to her.


    Having seen the stage, we should do an interview, right? Actually, from the first time I saw you there was something I really wanted to ask.


    The host in front of her asked Seo Yerin with a big smile.


    Which agencys trainee are you?


    What!?


    Surprised by the question, she was startled, but the host joked around.


    No, I have been to many festivals, but I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you. Even more beautiful than my celebrity colleagues, you see?


    Ah, yes, thank you.


    Seo Yerin shrank in embarrassment. But the host kept the mood from dropping and asked with a smile.


    Have you ever been scouted by an agency? No?


    Ahahah.


    Feeling awkward, she tried to smile, but it seemed like he wouldnt back down without an answer, and it could make the atmosphere weird.


    Y-yes.


    She was trying to do her best in hiding her embarrassment, she answered and the host was happy with the response and shouted.


    Woahhhhhh! How could we miss such a gem! Remember, no pretending not to know me when we next meet again! Now! Next person! Oh my! We have another beautifuldy here!


    Seo Yerin felt slightly dizzy, but her mind felt at ease once the stage and interview were done.


    I heard you came to promote the pub. You said you are the department representative?


    Yes, I am Choi Yiseo, the freshman representative of the English Department.


    Unlike Seo Yerin, Choi Yiseo exuded ease in her gestures and tone.


    Responding with a gentle smile, her reaction was a lot warmer than Seo Yerins.


    Is everyone here serving?


    Yes.


    Woah! Now even I want to go there. Do you have any menu dishes that youre confident in?


    You need to try the stir-fried pork. The person making it is very skilled.


    Stir-fried pork! That sounds so good! If you could say one thing to the peopleing to the pub?


    Choi Yiseo took the mic, cleared her throat with this loud ahem and smoothed her voice.


    Please drop by the English departments pub frequently. But no number-hunting. The members are having a hard time.


    Her voice was calm and soft, making her polite request morefortably received by the people.


    Right! No number-hunting! The people here might already be taken! How about you, representative Yiseo?


    The host seemed to like how Choi Yiseo wasfortably responding, and asked more questions.


    With a bit of an awkward look, Choi Yiseo didnt even try to dodge the question.


    I dont have someone Im dating. But theres someone Im interested in.


    With that single statement, the atmosphere all heated up. Choi Yiseos courage to speak so openly and the curiosity about who won the heart of this beauty brought in screams and cheers.


    Woahh! Our Yiseo has really got a way with words! Alright! Shall we move on to our handsome guys next?


    The mic was then directed to Ahn Hyeon-ho and Han-kang. Ahn Hyeon-ho was a bit nervous, but Han-kang skillfully answered the questions, thanks to his experience on the stagest year.


    Yes! Everyone! That was the stage of the English department, filled with beauties and handsome ones. Next up is!


    Following the guidance of the host, the four of them came down from the stage. Though quite nervous, they could consider the promotion itself adequately aplished.<hr>


    Choi Yiseo, die.


    The hustle began anew after the four from the English department returned from the stage.


    It seems that a huge price was exacted from the four faces of the department making their appearance.


    Thanks to that, the theater and film departments, known for their above-average looks, wereing over to check our people out orpete.


    Choi Yiseo, dying.


    Just. Move your hands.


    Hyun-ah, who was helping, scolds me while cutting the tofu. Since all she has to do is roughly cut the tofu with a knife, she was speakingfortably.


    Four more servings of spicy pork!


    Yu Arin peeks out from the entrance of the hall and delivers the message. Seeing me frown, Yu Arin grinned.


    Pork is getting insanely popr.


    I should ask for a different menu starting tomorrow.


    Hurry up, chef, everyones waiting!


    I almost threw the pork at Yu Arin, who was winking adorably, but I held myself back.


    I had already finished the amount I had nned for the day, and was in the middle of hastily taking out what I had prepared for tomorrow from the refrigerator in the office.


    Choi Yiseo, please die.


    Maybe she heard me mumbling as if I was casting some spell.


    From the hall, Choi Yiseo sighed and trudged towards me.


    I didnt know it would be this busy either.


    Ah, Choi Yiseo.


    Im sorry. Ill buy you something delicious during the break.


    I responded with a look of shock at Choi Yiseo, who was whispering so only I could hear and was about to leave.


    When do we have a break? The customers are continuously pouring in.


    Ah


    The influx of customers was so relentless that breaks had be a thing of the past, leaving us with no choice but to work continuously.


    At my response, Choi Yiseos face fell.


    But its a relief.


    Honestly, if I were to wander around the festival alone with Choi Yiseo, wouldnt it be known that I was the person shes interested in?


    Especially since Ahn Hyeon-ho answered the same question in the same manner, and was still subtly keeping an eye on Choi Yiseo.


    What a pity.


    Saying so, Choi Yiseo looked straight at me, seemingly expecting a certain answer.


    Right.


    When I responded in kind, she seemed to feel a bit better and briskly walked back alone.


    Itsplicated.


    I said I wasnt interested in dating, and Choi Yiseo also replied that she wasnt thinking of dating anyone at the moment either.


    But every once in a while, when she approached me like this, there was this tendency to make me impulsive.


    I should also visit the dentist.


    Anonymous90.


    Having found a suspect that seemed usible, I wanted to go check it out, but today, that proved too difficult.


    Sighing, while receiving the nagging from the assistant next to me as I worked.


    <em>ng!</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>Kuaaak!</em>


    With a heavy yet dull sound, screams rang out.


    You fucking bastard!


    And with that, a rich stream of curses came next. Being the closest to the exit, I wondered what happened and went out.


    Tables were messily scattered around, and the pork dish I had diligently prepared was all wasted, strewn on the ground.


    Above them, this male student was breathing furiously through his nose while holding a soju bottle upside down, whereas another male student was crouching while holding his head as if he had been hit on the head, and a female student who seemed shocked sat down next to the crouching man.


    As soon as I saw this, I had this rough feeling.


    That the man holding the soju bottle must have suddenly swung it. I didnt know the reason, but I didnt have to intervene.


    With the broken bottle in his hand, his eyes were all red. It was clear that his face was oddly red, indicating he was heavily drunk.


    This bitch, you like him that much? Fucking woman!


    The drunk guy began to yell at the female student next to the fallen man.


    Breaking up and then dating immediately? Tell me honestly, you met him while you were still dating me, right?


    Nonsense, you crazy bastard!


    The two people began to shout at each other. The woman, even with tears falling, seems unjustly loud in her screaming.


    Ex-excuse me, just a moment!


    In the situation where no one would step in, was our old woman Choi Yiseo taking the lead, but-


    Shut the fuck up bitch! We are talking!


    Since he began to threaten her with the broken soju bottle, Choi Yiseo couldnt get any closer.


    And perhaps because Choi Yiseo was threatened like that


    Without realizing it I went up next to her and grabbed her hand and shoulder, pulling her back.


    Woojin?


    Its dangerous, so step back.


    Choi Yiseo, who was in the kitchen, was startled by my sudden appearance. I sent her back and told her to call the police for now.


    A situation where the soju bottle could be swung again at any moment towards the crouching man or woman.


    Fellow student? Please calm down. Acting like this will only ruin your life.


    I try to divert his attention by smiling and approaching with my hands raised.


    What about you!


    Then, the anger which was directed at the two of them lost its way and turned towards me.


    He threatens me to get lost while grumbling and holding the soju bottle out.


    Dont butt into the conversation! Do you want me to smash your head in too?!


    The man was now holding another soju bottle in his other hand. If he swung or threw it, it would be disastrous.


    It was hard to talk to someone who refused to listen.


    Then, Yu Arin caught my eye.


    She was tying her hair back with a hair tie and cut a certain part on the side of her tight ck skirt with scissors.


    The moment I saw that, I immediately yelled,


    Youre getting dumped by girls because of this, you bastard! Are you flustered, smashing someone on the head with an alcohol bottle?! Im embarrassed for you, grabbing a weapon because you got scared! Get lost! No, didnt you lose it and thats why you broke up?!


    Insane bitch!


    Just as the drunk guy charged at me in anger,


    <em>woong!</em>


    A gust of wind blew by.


    With a clean path, Yu Arins foot soared up and struck the drunk guy right in the chin.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Like a martial arts movie scene, the drunk guys head snapped to the side and he fell over.


    Hoo.


    Having neatly regained her stance, Yu Arin nced down at the downed drunk man, and peered at me.


    The moment she wore a smug smile on her lips,


    Woahhh! Yu Arin, what was thatttt!!


    So freaking cool!


    Hand! Start by letting go of the alcohol bottle!


    Cheers erupted around me, and with a kind smile, I gave Yu Arin a thumbs up, thinking to myself,


    ck skirt with ck panties, how provocative.

 Chapter 61: Day 2 Of The Festival

    Chapter 61: Day 2 Of The Festival


    Day 2 of the Festival.


    Due to yesterday¡¯s incident, the English department¡¯s pub closed early, and after finishing the clean-up, it re-opened today.


    Since the spicy pork was so popr yesterday, I came out early to start the preparations.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    In front of the kitchen tent.


    I couldn¡¯t help but look shocked at the barbecue grill ced right in front of the path where people would be walking.


    As I stared dumbfounded, senior Ju-hee walked up to me with a torch, charcoal, and lighter fluid.


    ¡°The professor is supporting us with this. Our spicy pork stir-fry was very popr yesterday.¡±


    ¡°You want us to cook the pork on coal now?¡±


    ¡°Well, yes. It¡¯s the professor¡¯s personal belongings, so we need to be careful with this.¡±


    It did look quite luxurious. While I thought it had to be expensive, it only made me sigh.


    ¡°Using the grill allows us to cook more than with a frying pan, so it¡¯s be more convenient¡­.¡±


    Although it wasn¡¯t exactly like selling street food, I wasn¡¯tfortable grilling pork belly in front of passersby.


    ¡°Thanks to that, maybe even more people wille to eat? Plus, I heard our restaurant got mentioned a lot on SNS and such.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee patted me on the back and smiled at me.


    ¡°All thanks to you.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Honestly, it wasn¡¯t exactly a happy urrence. I never expected that by just trying to make delicious spicy pork it would lead to this.


    The other pub menu being subpar must have helped us too.


    ¡°Have you ever grilled with coal before?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have been camping before.¡±


    ¡°Oh, then I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡±


    Saying so, senior Ju-hee slipped into the kitchen tent. Being essentially the chef, there must be a lot to do.


    Moreover, there were minor idents in the kitchen yesterday, so there could be things to improve.


    Because she¡¯s serious about everything.


    ce the coal underneath, and light it up with a torch. Once it seems to catch fire, stoking the coal soon gets it fully ignited.


    ¡®Honey, the fire has finally started.¡¯


    ¡®You worked hard, my husband! I will grill the meat!¡¯


    Indeed, the frequent suggestions from my ex-girlfriend Oh Yoon-ji to go to various ces were helpful.


    The first time, it was a struggle just to get the me started.


    Staring nkly at the rising mes, memories of the past naturally came to mind.


    Realizing that happy memories can also leave a painful mark was truly a unique experience for me.


    It seemed that more time was needed for me to digest and move on from the memories with Oh Yoon-ji.


    ¡®Honey? Husband?¡¯


    ¡®Search thoroughly, Kim Woojin.¡¯


    I thought about grilling something since I started the fire. It was only around 4 o¡¯clock, so there was still time before the opening of the pub.


    I sneakily took a mushroom from the kitchen and grilled it with some pork.


    It was my first time grilling pork belly over coal, but the aroma was so strong that it pierced my nose.


    ¡°Kyaa!¡±


    It made me want to chug down a beer.


    The moment I was sure it tasted even better than yesterday,


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    Two pretty girls approached me. They were hesitating and trying to conceal their embarrassment.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    At first, I wondered what it was about, but the moment I saw them shyly blushing, something hit me hard.


    ¡®Could it be¡­?¡¯


    It¡¯s a festival.


    And what¡¯s indispensable at a festival if not a new encounter?


    Am I now among the ranks of men who are being ¡®hunted¡¯?


    Han-kang, Ahn Hyeon-ho, Jeong Chan-woo, and some others.


    Kim Woojin is now there.


    ¡°When does this start selling?¡±<hr>


    ¡°The bar opens at 6, so you can eat it then.¡±


    ¡°Can I only eat it at the pub? Do you sell it separately?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we only sell it as a side dish, not separately.¡±


    ¡°Ah, right. I understand.¡±


    The two women, students, leave without a hint of regret or any other business.


    Damn.


    Just as I was thinking ¡®how typical¡¯, eating the remaining pork, I heardughter from behind.


    ¡°If you thought it was a hunt and got excited, you¡¯re a moron, Kim Woojin.¡±


    Yu Arin, giggling, was currently soaring in poprity within the department.


    ¡°Moron.¡±


    And Seo Yerin, who has been receiving advances from countless men since the festival yesterday.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Lastly, Choi Yiseo, with her arms crossed, looking at me with eyes full of hate.


    The three of them looked at me with eyes full of ridicule and disdain, and honestly, I felt a bit wronged.


    ¡°Yah, why couldn¡¯t it be exciting? I¡¯ve never had my number asked for or experienced anything like that.¡±


    I tried to defend myself, but the three, who were used to getting asked for their numbers, remained unimpressed.


    ¡°Are you having that all by yourself? Give me some too.¡±


    Yu Arin approached with chopsticks in hand. Normally, I wouldn¡¯t have given her any because I was annoyed with her mockery.


    ¡°Yu Arin, the pork belly fan, acknowledges this.¡±


    ¡°Eh? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Right. There is such a thing.¡±


    Since she showed me something good yesterday, I offered her some pork belly as a thank you and she tapped my shoulder in surprise after taking a bite.


    ¡°Yah! What¡¯s this?! It is so delicious!¡±


    ¡°Uh, I am the big brother!¡±


    I replied with a bit of pride, and then Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo also came over, took a bite andplimented the taste.


    ¡°There¡¯s a reason Woojin kept talking about the pork belly.¡±


    ¡°Ah, obsessed with spicy pork stir-fry, aren¡¯t you going to end up opening a pork restaurant?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that serious.¡±


    Three people genuinelyplimenting others.


    Naturally, the conversation shifted to what happened yesterday.


    ¡°Gasp.¡±


    Yu Arin, who had been fussing for more grilled meat, suddenly inhaled and, with her chopsticks still in her mouth, darted into the tent.


    Following her, Seo Yerin also sneakily stepped back and entered the same ce.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    There was Jeong Chan-woo from the Department of Architectural Engineering,ing this way, holding a sign.


    Chan-woo was on the receiving end of gazes from the female students around him as he walked.


    Even Ahn Hyeon-ho and Han-kang from our department, who are considered to be handsome, had stepped back, making me feel proud to be his friend.


    I heard that the poprity of the Department of Architectural Engineering exploded because Chan-woo went on stage yesterday.


    I heard there was even a fight among the girls.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    Chan-woo waved his hand in greeting. Despite his cold look, Choi Yiseo and I already knew that his personality isn¡¯t like that, so we responded.


    ¡°You must be having a hard time.¡±


    ¡°The Engineering department must be busy.¡±


    I heard that their side was running a deli festival booth,sellingrge quantities of meats, sausages, bacon, and pork belly.


    ¡°Come visit, I¡¯ll give you lots of delicious things,¡±


    Chan-woo says with a slight smile.


    Even though we casually talked abouting over, we understood why Yu Arin and Seo Yerin ran inside.


    ¡®Ugh, what nasty girls.¡¯


    Why avoid such a nice person like Chan-woo.


    I don¡¯t know about Seo Yerin, but I heard that Yu Arin used to hang out with Chan-woo before she met me.


    It seems like she¡¯s been avoiding him a bit too muchtely.


    ¡°Th-that, um¡­¡±


    Chan-woo seems to have something he wanted to say as he sneakily nced inside the tent.


    I pointed directly inside with a smile.


    ¡°Go on in. Yu Arin is in there.¡±


    ¡°Can I?¡±


    ¡°Why not? You¡¯re friends with Yu Arin.¡±


    Shrugging in response, Jeong Chan-woo went straight in. The interior of the tent seemed to heat up once again with the arrival of a handsome guy of a different ss.


    Although he appearedst time at the tripe restaurant ying the role of Seo Yerin¡¯s potential love interest, it might seem strange now that he¡¯s appearing as Yu Arin¡¯s friend.


    ¡®What¡¯s the problem¡­¡¯


    Anyway, I should be thankful that a handsome guy came.


    I was grinning, thinking Yu Arin¡¯s disgusted face would be worth seeing, when Choi Yiseo, who was next to me, was also looking at the tent Chan-woo stepped in.


    And with a not-so-pleasant expression too.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    When I asked if something was wrong, Choi Yiseo looked at me. Her expression looked soplicated.


    It was clear she had something she wanted to say, but in the end, Choi Yiseo couldn¡¯t spit it out and, tapping my shoulder, pointed with her fingertip to a phrase attached in front of the tent.


    [No hunting]


    ¡°It¡¯s prohibited.¡±


    I shrugged in disbelief at her words.


    ¡°When do I have time to hunt? I feel like I would be grilling pork belly all day.¡±


    ording to senior Ju-hee who posted on SNS, today might be even busier than yesterday.


    Thanks to therge grill, at least I¡¯m able to cook a lot more at one go.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean.¡±


    Perhaps I missed the point, Choi Yiseo grumbled and whispered softly for others not to hear.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t allowed to be hunted either.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Get it?¡±


    Choi Yiseo looked cute nervously warning me, but¡­


    Let¡¯s make sure to do what needs to be done first.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t just giving my number work?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No! You people are used to men hitting on you, so it¡¯s nothing! But if a womanes for my number, I am fodder for drinking sessions for life¡­!¡±


    <em>Pak!</em>


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s fist flew right at my shoulder. It wasn¡¯t heavy so it didn¡¯t hurt.


    <em>Pak. Pak. Pak.</em>


    ¡°I get it! Stop hitting me now!¡±


    I had no choice but to say alright, as she continued to hit my shoulder wordlessly.


    ¡°I will kill you, for real.¡±


    Choi Yiseo grumbled and walked away.


    I remember how she seemed rather aloof at first¡­ I guess one really has to get to know someone.


    Then-


    <em>Paaak!</em>


    A pain of an entirely different dimension originated from by butt.


    ¡°Euk!¡±


    Startled, I quickly checked behind, holding my butt, only to find Yu Arin there, with a red face.


    ¡°Have you lost it? What¡¯s with that sudden change? It hurts a lot you know!¡±


    I wondered if it was because I let Jeong Chan-woo inside, but Chan-woo had already left to promote his booth.


    ¡°It¡¯s not because of him!¡±


    Yu Arin red as she grunted through her teeth.


    ¡°What did you think ¡®ck skirt, ck panties¡¯ meant, you jerk!¡±


    Ah.


    ck skirt, ck panties.


    She figured out the meaning.


    But I can¡¯t back down now.


    Instead, I responded more boldly, puffing out my chest.


    ¡°Could you possibly let me off with just one hit?¡±


    ¡°Offer your butt before I hit your face!¡±<hr>


    Though I argued that hitting me twice for seeing her panties when we even touched chests seemed a bit excessive, I ended up getting hit five times.


    Yu Arin definitely learned Taekwondo, as she didn¡¯t beat me to the point of being unable to work.


    Once again, evening approached.


    The night air was cold, but standing in front of the grill I felt warm, which didn¡¯t seem so bad.


    Or maybe, it¡¯s just because I¡¯m struggling so much with grilling the meat that I don¡¯t feel the cold.


    ¡°Here, for three.¡±


    Hyun-ah is still enjoying the benefits of being next to me today. When I put the grilled meat on a te, she takes it to her side and then ces some cut tofu on it.


    We¡¯ve gotten to be a good pair, able to talk now without any awkwardness between us.


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely convenient having the meate out this quickly.¡±


    After passing the meat to the servers, she removed pocket cheese from her pocket and sticks it on the wooden stick and begins to grill it.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°For me?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one more.¡±


    I was a bit surprised when she gave it to me, but I ate the cheese and waited for the next order.


    ¡°Woah, what¡¯s that?¡±


    The light pink hair was striking even from a distance. I thought it would be a celebrity but then Hyun-ah next to me began to say,


    ¡°It¡¯s Popo! Woah! It¡¯s my first time seeing him in person.¡±


    ¡°Popo?¡±


    A name pretty easily considered to be that of an old man¡¯s dog.


    He was a popr figure in Architectural Engineering.


    The broadcaster personality, Popo.


    ¡°Ahh.¡±


    But to me, he was more familiar as Anonymous111.


    ¡°So that¡¯s what he looks like.¡±


    I had no idea.

 Chapter 62: Date

    Chapter 62: Date


    ¡°Right now, at the Gahyeon University Festival, let¡¯s go to the hottest street stall! It is the English Department¡¯s pub! I heard their spicy pork is really delicious!¡±


    Popo was saying something to the phone attached to the selfie stick. It seems like they were broadcasting live, and it was my first time seeing someone do this.


    It was kind of fascinating, but due to the crowd that gathered, it was annoying to me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try smashing it!¡±


    Smash what, exactly?


    Popo, who had sneakily moved closer to me, smiled as she (Popo is a woman!) asked,


    ¡°Hello, do I order here?¡±


    Maybe because she is a broadcaster.


    She was definitely beautiful. I¡¯ve heard she¡¯s a mukbang broadcaster, but considering mukbang, she seemed quite petite.


    ¡°Please order inside the pub.¡±


    In case I don¡¯t appear on the broadcast, I lean my neck back to answer Popo and she enters with a smile.


    Probably because she¡¯s a popr figure in the University, the pub is noisy inside, with male students trailing behind Popo.


    Chan-woo was there too.


    ¡°Eh? Why are you here?¡±


    When Chan-woo, who was being dragged along in the back, was called, he sighed, scratching his cheek.


    ¡°The seniors forced me toe because they wanted me to appear on Popo¡¯s broadcast.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Haa, why me.¡±


    Considering they said they were busy with the deli festival, yet they brought Jeong Chan-woo all the way here, so it must mean they were serious.


    Naturally, the number of female viewers would explode if Jeong Chan-woo appeared as a guest on the broadcast.


    ¡°Good luck.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you too.¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo gestures and goes inside. As I start grilling pork again, Hyun-ah next to me, opens her mouth and poking me in the side, asking,


    ¡°Do you know that person?¡±


    That person?


    ¡°Chan-woo?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the handsome god from the Department of Engineering. Woah! I heard he came to our booth earlier, and it¡¯s true! Insane! How handsome!¡±


    He truly is handsome.


    ¡°Can you introduce me to him?!¡±


    ¡°I can introduce you. But you know there are a lot of rivals, right? You think you can win?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    At my words, Hyun-ah pouted and look at the meat I was grilling.


    At least, she¡¯s clear-headed about her chances, which was nice.


    Then,


    ¡°Woo-Woojin! An order of 20 servings of pork belly hase in!¡±


    Seo Yerin urgently informs me of the order, momentarily shocked, but I remember that Popo is a mukbang broadcaster.


    ¡°Wait for a bit, please.¡±


    After entrusting the tongs to Hyun-ah, I immediately head to the main tent, but Seo Yerin stops me.


    ¡°Yah, where are you going!¡±


    I sigh as I look at Seo Yerin, who has stretched out both arms to block me.


    ¡°I was going to say if you don¡¯t want to start a fight, change it to two servings.¡±


    ¡°No way! We are live! And I think you¡¯ll lose!¡±


    Look at this girl?!


    ¡°Are you nning to live off this for the rest of your life? It¡¯s only until tomorrow, what does it matter if something bad spreads?¡±


    ¡°Oh my!¡±


    Seo Yerin pushed against my chest with both hands, trying to stop me as we continued the back and forth.


    ¡°Woojin, change the 20 servings to 5.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who sneaked up on the side, told us.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it.¡±


    Choi Yiseo left with a smile. It seemed like she somehow managed to switch the order from 20 to something else.


    ¡°Choi Yiseo is the best!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Although I hinted for her to agree, Seo Yerin sighed and left me alone.<hr>


    The endless stream of customers seemed to have stabilized at some point.


    Because a pub is essentially a ce for drinking, and once people sit down for drinks, they tend to stay for a long time.


    With the tables full, there were few orders for more side dishes, and it was just a matter of busily bringing out more drinks.


    ¡°Go and have some fun.¡±


    Wiping off the sweat with a towel, I looked at senior Min Ju-hee.


    ¡°Uh?¡±


    ¡°Go have fun. I¡¯ll handle the pork belly when ites. You¡¯ve worked too hard.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Everyone else took a break or went out to have fun for an hour or two, but you¡¯ve been working nonstop. Go on and enjoy yourself.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    As soon as I epted, worried that the offer would be rescinded, senior Min Ju-hee chuckled and patted me on the back.


    ¡°You worked hard. Thanks to you, this year¡¯s fest will make a record-breaking profit.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±


    But even if we made profit, it wouldn¡¯t be going into our pockets.


    It will all go into operating expenses.


    With others taking a break and only a few of us left at the pub, the atmosphere felt lighter.


    As I take the apron off and step away from the dreaded grill, Hyun-ah, who had been with me, approaches.


    ¡°What are you going to do? If you¡¯ve got nothing else, want to hang out?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I didn¡¯t expect to receive such an invitation. Surprised, I stared at her and Hyun-ah asked with a yful smile,


    ¡°Curious why you¡¯re being so sex¡­y?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°Pfft! It¡¯s not like you have any ns anyway. Since there are boys going, you should join us too.¡±


    Ah, so it wasn¡¯t just me being invited.


    It seems like a n for those who are free to move as a group.


    ¡°I have ns.¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s hard to believe. Well, have fun then.¡±


    ¡°¡­Why is that hard to believe?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not just going to squat somewhere on the stairs and y games right? Going ¡®Sakura-chan kawaii¡¯ and all that.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even say hi to me if you see me.¡±


    Hyun-ah leaves with a giggle. Anyway, I quickly change my clothes and send a message from a spot not too far from the booth.


    A few minutester.


    Choi Yiseo, who hurriedly put on her coat, approached me, had slightly flushed cheeks, making me wonder if she had been drinking.


    ¡°What, I thought you left on your own.¡±


    As soon as she arrives, Choi Yiseo flicks me lightly. It wasn¡¯t forceful, but more like an affectionate gesture.


    ¡°You said you wanted to meet.¡±


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d just let it slide because you were busy.¡±


    ¡°It might be bothersome if people like Ahn Hyeon-ho find out¡­¡±


    I thought it was the start of another gloomy jealousy.


    ¡°But it¡¯s funny to think about walking on eggshells because of someone like that.¡±


    At my words, Choi Yiseo chuckles and stealthily approaches. I thought she was going to put her arm around me, but she hesitated for a moment and reached out awkwardly, keeping her distance.


    ¡°Th-there! There¡¯s this ce which sells caramelized fruits, let¡¯s go there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never tried it before.¡±


    ¡°Me neither.¡±


    It was a bit of an unexpected situation, but this was the start of a delicate date.


    The atmosphere wasn¡¯t bad.


    We ate the fruits, tried shooting air guns, and even got something like a health check-up.


    Originally, I should have gone to look for Anonymous90, but because I went with Yu Arin, Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t even nce in the direction of the Physical Therapy Department.


    It wasn¡¯t a bad atmosphere though.


    It was slightly disappointing that there was no physical contact.


    It felt like Choi Yiseo was intentionally avoiding it. In any case, there was distance between us.


    ¡°Uh, it seems like it¡¯s time for us to head back.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, looking at the time on her phone, regretfully spoke while hesitating about what she wanted to say.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sit on the bench there and rest for a while.¡±


    When I pointed to the empty bench, Choi Yiseo nodded and headed in that direction.


    We nkly watched the festival.


    A guest singer was performing, so all the attention was focused there, making this ce less crowded.


    Probably, people from our department were there too.


    ¡°I¡­ have something to say.¡±


    ¡°Yes, go ahead.¡±


    Since I was waiting for this, I replied with a smile and Choi Yiseo visibly rxed a little.


    ¡°You see¡­¡±


    Just as she was about to say something after taking deep breath,


    ¡°Excuse me!¡±


    Someone interrupted our silence. I quickly turned my head to the voice of a woman I had heard earlier.


    It was Popo, the streamer I had seen before.


    But now, the atmosphere around her was strange, with her pink hair hidden under a hat and hood and she was wearing a in gray hoodie.


    Popo, catching her breath, asked,


    ¡°I-I am sorry, but can you help me?¡±


    Was she being chased by a fan?


    I looked up at her and said,


    ¡°No, please leave.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I am in the middle of a serious conversation, so please go.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, sorry.¡±


    Popo said that and just left. I was curious but I wasn¡¯t that into it to care. Choi Yiseo tilted her head.


    ¡°Usually, you¡¯d help them out in that situation.¡±


    ¡°Me? Help her? Why would I help someone who ordered 20 servings?¡±


    And now wasn¡¯t the time for that, wasn¡¯t Choi Yiseo mustering up her courage to speak something important?


    Sorry, but Choi Yiseo is more important to me than a broadcaster like Popo.


    Realizing this, Choi Yiseo seemed sorry for Popo but grateful to me.


    ¡°You know, I feel a bit sorry.¡±


    Sorry?


    I wanted to ask back but didn¡¯t.


    I didn¡¯t want to interrupt her flow.


    ¡°At the festival this time¡­ more people showed interest than I thought.¡±


    Putting it mildly, she probably meant she got hit on. It would be believable for someone like Choi Yiseo.


    Even if there¡¯s a warning sign in front of the pub not to do it, when one is drunk, would they care about such things?


    ¡°Honestly I was a bit annoyed. It¡¯s bothersome. It might sound odd, but I felt malicious gazes on me.¡±


    ¡°Not strange at all.¡±


    For her to feel that way.


    Fidgeting with her hands, she sighed.


    ¡°B-but then suddenly, I had this thought. That, I, I might be doing the same to you¡­¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    It was hard for me to grasp the context of her words. So I needed time to organize all that in my head.


    ¡°So you mean you were worried that you were clinging to me too much?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes.¡±


    So that was why she deliberately avoided physical contact today; now I get it.


    Choi Yiseo was sneaking nces at me as she waited for me to speak. Thinking she¡¯s taking it too seriously, I exhale and said,


    ¡°Not all men are like that.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I mean, I wee anyone unless I really hate them.¡±


    ¡°Wee everyone¡­?¡±


    Was my wording off?


    Choi Yiseo looked at me with disgust.


    ¡°No, I meant that¡¯s just how I say it. Well, I¡¯m not exactly popr, so I am grateful to anyone who shows kindness to me¡­ though dating is a different thing.¡±


    ¡°¡­Trash.¡±


    Choi Yiseo mumbled and I just shrugged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t hide it. I have no ns to date anyone now. That won¡¯t change either.¡±


    Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t bother to ask why. She knew it was because of Oh Yoon-ji, a ssmate of hers.


    ¡°You have lingering feelings?¡±


    ¡°Hardly.¡±


    I answered with a chuckle, and Choi Yiseo looked at me like she wanted to read my mind.


    Well, I made my stand clear. I kept the promise because Choi Yiseo asked me out, but I had no intention of dating.


    It seemed Choi Yiseo had sorted things out, so she sighed and nced at me.


    ¡°Then, what if¡­ someone just asks you to go to a hotel?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    This was unexpected, but Choi Yiseo seems serious.


    ¡°There are people like Yu Arin who just let you touch their chest.¡±


    That-


    ¡°Shh, that¡¯s a different thing.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Given the chance, I would want to.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m being honest.¡±


    Now with a look of genuine disgust, Choi Yiseo red at me, making me want to utter some excuse.


    ¡°N-no! It¡¯s not like I would do it with just anyone! Of course, if some unknown womanes up and asks me, I would refuse!¡±


    ¡°What if she¡¯s pretty?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    She hit the nail on my head.


    No wonder she¡¯s so good at studying.


    As I firmly kept my mouth shut, Choi Yiseo clenched her fist so I tried to say,


    ¡°How pretty are we talking?¡±


    ¡°You son of¡­!¡±


    Choi Yiseo rushed at me with her fist clenched. We bickered for a moment, but the heavy atmosphere from before was lifted.


    I thought this was enough.


    ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s not like I would do it with just anyone.¡±


    ¡°What if Yu Arin is asking?¡±


    ¡°¡­I would.¡±


    If I hadn¡¯t seen that movie, I would have resisted. Too bad.


    Choi Yiseo was getting angry.


    ¡°What about Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Oh my, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Choi Yiseo cooled her head with a hand fan.


    Then, she sneakily nced around and asked,


    ¡°So what about me?¡±


    ¡°Should we go to a hotel?¡±


    As I ask with a sly smile, Choi Yiseo¡¯s expression turns serious.


    ¡°Find one.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I said yes. Turn on the app.¡±


    At Choi Yiseo¡¯s bold response, my body flinched without realizing. After ncing down at the phone I ask.


    ¡°You¡­ are you being serious?¡±


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°¡­Think about it carefully. Being too impulsive isn¡¯t good either.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Think calmly, am I a guy who can sleep with anyone? Experiencing it this way isn¡¯t good for you¡­!¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Choi Yiseo smiled at my words. That¡¯s when I realized I was baited.


    ¡°All talk and no action.¡±


    While crossing her legs and sitting down, Choi Yiseo unted being at ease. Realizing that she was trying to confirm if I was really as indiscriminate as I imed, I said,


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll make you cry today!¡±


    I jumped up shouting in excitement, but Choi Yiseo chuckled.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote now.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by toote! How can someone¡¯s feelings change in just a couple of seconds?!¡±


    I want to go this time!


    I won¡¯t stop!


    Though I shouted, Choi Yiseo got up, linked her arm with mine and began to drag me to the English department¡¯s booth.


    ¡°No. At least for today, I dislike you for being annoying.¡±


    Today?


    My heart fluttered slightly but my mind calmed it down. Though it felt like it was all sorted, my mind felt muddled again.


    As I was being dragged by Choi Yiseo, I wanted to organize my thoughts.


    ¡°We¡¯re not dating, so I won¡¯t push you as I was doing so recently. It isn¡¯t my ce to meddle with whom you are close to or spend time with.¡±


    Though it made me wonder if Choi Yiseo had been that pushy, if she says so, then she must be right.


    ¡°Still.¡±


    Poking me in the side, Choi Yiseo whispered.


    ¡°At least allow me to be a bit jealous.¡±

 Chapter 63: The Last Day

    Chapter 63: The Last Day


    Another day passed, and it was thest day of the festival.


    The spicy pork stir-fry was still popr, and fortunately, today we were not taking orders from any other customers.


    Thanks to surpassingst years¡¯ earnings by several times on the second day, we decided not to work today.


    So we became a pub exclusive to the English department and we were enjoying it ourselves.


    ¡®I shouldn¡¯t havee if it was going to turn out like this.¡¯


    I thought maybe I shouldn¡¯t have bothered attending the festival today.


    But it was the perfect time to look for Anonymous90, whom I hadn¡¯t been able to look for thest two days due to it being busy.


    ¡®I wonder if I really need to look for them now.¡¯


    It seemed unnecessary to fuss over a clue which has already been resolved long ago.But still, I wanted to try looking for them.


    I was curious about who the person following Anonymous69 was, along with the strange feelings I had regarding him.


    ¡®And I told Seo Yerin I would solve it.¡¯


    Well, even though I¡¯d promised, I was not really putting much weight into it.


    While the professors and students were having a drinking party, I was about to head towards the Physical Therapy department after grilling some pork.


    ¡°Where is our pretty oneeee!¡±


    Senior Min Ju-hee, who seemed to be drunk on soju, walked towards me with a bottle in hand.


    If you were to choose someone who had a hard time recently, she would definitely be in the top five.


    She led the kitchen, rapidly helping the kids grow, and there was no part of the kitchen workflow or many others that hadn¡¯t been touched by senior Min Ju-hee¡¯s hands.


    I was genuinely relieved to be doing a group project with this senior.


    As soon as the senior saw me, she slung an arm around my shoulders and leaned in.


    With the scent of alcohol and a certain heft, they were quite the passionate person.


    ¡°Why are you working alone again? Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s go drink our fill. It is thanks to you that we can rx today?!¡±


    ¡°Woah, senior, you¡¯re so drunk.¡±


    I had seen them with the professors, looking quite intoxicated .


    The senior immediately dragged me to the table where they had been sitting.


    Most of them were sophomores, and notably there was senior Han-kang, whom I didn¡¯t have good ties with.


    While the other seniors seemed somewhat ufortable at my presence, senior Min Ju-hee, whether due to drunkenness or ignorance, simply passed me a drink.


    ¡°Cheers! Cheers!¡±


    More ufortably than expected, the drinking session went on.


    Following senior Min Ju-hee, other seniors also clink sses with me and drink.


    Then, senior Ju-hee had to leave the table when called by professors.


    The seniors sneaked nces at me, and a subtle tension fills the air.


    ¡®Maybe I should just go.¡¯


    I was about to excuse myself from this ufortable gathering, but senior Han-kang, sitting opposite me, poured me a drink and said,


    ¡°Sorry for the weird misunderstanding at the karaokest time.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    I thought an apology was certainly possible. I didn¡¯t dwell on it or give it much thought.


    Because it felt more like he was saying it to start a conversation rather than actually being sorry to me.


    ¡°Woojin, let¡¯s talk man-to-man.¡±


    Senior Han-kang offered his ss.


    I clinked sses with him and drank it down before nodding.


    ¡°Yes, tell me.¡±


    ¡°Is there really nothing between you and Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t tell if it was the bitterness of soju or the topic being distasteful.


    There was a time when I really liked Seo Yerin, feeling like I wanted to date her, but now, it seemed more like an obsession.


    ¡°What are you curious about?¡±


    Senior Han-kang hesitated at the question. Knowing his personality well by now, he seemed conscious of not wanting to provoke me, which I enjoyed.


    ¡°You are close with Yerin. That is why I¡¯m worried.¡±


    ¡°You have to tell me what you¡¯re worried about. Are you worried about us flirting, dating, going to a hotel, or something like that?¡±


    At my question, senior Han-kang flinched. Not just him, but the other seniors were also looking at me with disgust.


    Now it¡¯s clear they don¡¯t want to be involved with me, which was quite satisfying to see.


    ¡°Senior, I have been rooting for you in my own way, you know? But Yerin doesn¡¯t like you.¡±


    They say there¡¯s no tree that won¡¯t fall after ten strikes. But that¡¯s about trees.


    Not people. Especially in the case of women.


    In fact, continuing to confess after failing often results in even stronger rejections.


    ¡°Just let her go at this point. There are plenty of other girls interested in you. If you look around, why insist on Seo Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Woojin, I think you¡¯re crossing the line.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know? I¡¯ve been living my university life outside the lines. There was a time when the third-year seniors called me through a group chat and you pretended not to know.¡±


    There was a time when, after serving intestines at the restaurant, the third-year seniors called me, and I just ignored them and went on.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too obsessed with her. It looks bad.¡±


    ¡°Haa, you¡¯re interested in Yerin, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re steering the conversation in the worst direction.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but sigh in disbelief.


    ¡°Sure, think whatever you want. I am tired of talking now, I will be leaving.¡±


    Annoyed, I immediately stood up and headed outside. It was the perfect timing since I had to go to the Physical Therapy department.


    ¡®I am so sick of this.¡¯


    Seeing Seo Yerin and Jeong Chan-woo, they might look pretty and handsome. But it isn¡¯t always a good thing.


    ¡®Was it Lee Eun-woo, a senior in the Physical Therapy side?¡¯


    The talk of graduating and even bing a TA in grad school is still fresh in my mind.


    He must be someone who knows how to elegantly say he wants to be a modern day ve.


    When I went to the department booth, they were having their own little drinking session.


    Since it was thest day, I was able to locate the senior among the professors after asking around.


    ¡°Did you say you were looking for me?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I wondered if I was seeing things correctly. A small stature, tousled hair, and on top of that, a modest chest and round sses.


    ¡®Is she a woman?!¡¯


    From Anonymous90 to the name of Lee Eun-woo. I was somewhat thrown into confusion because I had naturally assumed this person was a man.


    ¡°A-are you Lee Eun-woo?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me. Why are you looking for me?¡±


    When I asked just in case, the person on the other side sighed with irritation.


    It seemed they were on guard because I had suddenly shown up.


    ¡°Do you use the Bamboo Forest?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lee Eun-woo flinched and trembled for a moment.


    Upon seeing that, I didn¡¯t stop and immediately pressed on.


    ¡°You¡¯re Anonymous90, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯vee looking for you.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Lee Eun-woo¡¯s expression nked out and then slowly she began to open her mouth.


    ¡°Ah¡­ ahhhh!¡±


    And then, as I realized something she pped her hands once and grinned. Surprise was brimming despite her goofy look.


    ¡°You must be Anonymous69! I don¡¯t know how you knew! But you came to find me!¡±


    ¡°Anonymous69?¡±


    Her overly happy reaction made me wonder but then she clung to me and said,


    ¡°D-do you have time tonight?¡±


    Suddenly, the question Choi Yiseo asked me yesterday shed through my mind.


    What would you do if someone asked you to go to a hotel?


    Why?


    I never imagined that question could turn to reality this quickly.


    ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, Yerin, you really need to be careful. The unnies don¡¯t say it for no reason.¡±


    ¡°Men know men better, he really is not it.¡±


    Before she knew it, Seo Yerin was dragged to the second-year table and listened to the voices of her seniors while sipping the soju offered to her.


    The other seniors with Han-kang were talking about Woojin.


    ¡°Did Woojin really say that?¡±


    Seo Yerin asked back in disbelief and as if waiting for this, they began to speak.


    ¡°Right. When I asked if he was interested in you, he didn¡¯t even deny it!¡±


    ¡°Just leaving room with some possibility. Maybe he thinks he has a chance with you.¡±


    ¡°I thought he was doing well all this time, but it turns out he is the same.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious he has a crush on you.¡±


    Various conversations were exchanged. Listening to the exaggerated words of the second-years, Seo Yerin eventually got up from her seat cautiously.


    ¡°I will go get some fresh air for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Take care.¡±


    ¡°Ah, we made you ufortable.¡±


    ¡°We are sorry.¡±


    Seo Yerin stepped out of the tent, ignoring the words of her seniors. She tried to catch her breath, unable to suppress theughter which came from her lips.


    ¡®Ah, what¡­ Kim Woojin.¡¯


    The seniors had warned her that Kim Woojin was clinging to her and for her to be cautious.


    ¡®Hehe, pretending not to care but it bothers him huh?¡¯


    Rather, Seo Yerin found this entire thing amusing.


    ¡®Where is Woojin now?¡¯


    Thinking of teasing him with this, Seo Yerin looked for Kim Woojin.


    But he was nowhere to be seen inside the tent. Yu Arin, who had drunk a lot and was feeling nauseous, could be seen in the corner drinking Chong.


    ¡°Arin, have you seen Woojin?¡±


    ¡°¡­Kim Woojin? Nope?¡±


    Yu Arin, after looking around, realized that Kim Woojin wasn¡¯t there and clicked her tongue before saying,


    ¡°He must have gone to the Physical Therapy department.¡±


    ¡°Physical Therapy? Why?¡±


    At those words, Yu Arin nced at Seo Yerin and took the straw out of her mouth.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It felt like a bit of a casual response, but Seo Yerin said she understood and slipped away.


    ¡®Physical Therapy department. Physical Therapy department.¡¯


    She checks the booths as she goes. It took some time because there were people asking for her number.


    ¡®Uh?¡¯


    But at the Physical Therapy department¡¯s booth, there were only students from the department having a drinking party, and Kim Woojin wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡®He¡¯s not here?¡¯


    While thinking about going back, she decided to look around for a bit.


    Behind the Physical Therapy Department tent,


    hidden by the shade of the tree, came the sound of people¡¯s voices.


    ¡°I said I am not.¡±


    ¡®Woojin!¡¯


    The moment she heard it, Seo Yerin¡¯s eyes shone as she headed there.


    It felt like people were talking, so she waited near the tent to surprise him when he came out.


    ¡°I am not Anonymous69.¡±


    Kim Woojin¡¯s voice came from inside the tent.


    ¡°I am the Admin of the Bamboo Forest.¡±


    Thispletely sobered up Seo Yerin¡¯s drunken mind.

 Chapter 64: Resolution

    Chapter 64: Resolution


    ¡°Yes, I am Anonymous90.¡±


    Seeing Lee Eun-woo so readily admit it made me feel a bit flustered.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re Anonymous69. That means you¡¯re the infamous Sex God in Bamboo Forest, right?!¡±


    Moreover, the reaction I¡¯m seeing now is unusual for a typicalmunity user.


    Normally, if someone unintentionally reveals their identity, they would be displeased or deny it.


    But Lee Eun-woo in front of me seemed rather happy with this confrontation.


    ¡°To think we¡¯d actually meet in person?¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment, why do you think I¡¯m Anonymous69?¡±


    When I asked what her basis was for making that judgment, Lee Eun-woo chuckled as she ced her hand on my chest.Startled at her sudden approach I hastily stepped back, and she seemed to like that reaction, licking her lips.


    ¡°Ah, your reaction is delicious. So cute. You seem like a freshman, mind if I speak informally to you?¡±


    Is she insane or something?


    Why do I feel like I keep meeting weird people after entering this University?


    ¡°You must taste good. I want to eat you up.¡±


    ¡°E-e-eat what?! I¡¯m a human being!¡±


    ¡°Huh? Maybe eat me??¡±


    Seeing her make such bold sexual jokes, I could see why she was a devout follower of the Sex God¡¯s jokes.


    ¡°No. Stop talking nonsense. Why did you even think I was Anonymous69?¡±


    Lee Eun-woo, cing her hands on her hips, shrugged at my words.


    ¡°Because the only people who woulde looking for me about the Bamboo Gorest are followers of Sex God.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I guessed it right, didn¡¯t I? Seeing as you onlyment on posts rted to the English Literature Department, it seemed exactly like something you would do.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I thought I made a logical inference. Even though they were hidden in the Bamboo Forest, the person involved must have felt a tickle on the back of their neck and couldn¡¯t just let it be.¡±


    My head throbbed, and a sigh escaped. And the subtle yet continuous touching of my body made it clear that I needed to set things straight with her right away.


    ¡°It¡¯s not me, you know?¡±


    ¡°Shy, unlike how you are in the Bamboo Forest, eh? Those types often harbor a lot of sexual desire inside.¡±


    Wow, I really didn¡¯t see thising.


    Really, one shouldn¡¯t judge people by their appearance alone.


    At first nce, she seemed like the diligent student type, but talking to her now, her sexual desire was overflowing?


    This wasn¡¯t her first time doing this.


    Lee Eun-woo, once again cing a hand on my chest, was nonchntly pressing down on my nipple with her thumb, showing she wasn¡¯t new to this.


    ¡°Ah, just stop!¡±


    As I angrily pull away, those around us began to stare.


    She¡¯sing on so strong because she thinks I¡¯m the sex-crazed Anonymous69, isn¡¯t she?


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are they fighting?¡±


    ¡°Are they breaking up at the festival?¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    Voices of people around us started wondering. Because of my recent shout, attention was now focused on us. I was sighing as I looked around.


    I pointed towards the back of the tent.


    ¡°I¡¯ll exin over there.¡±


    Talking about Anonymous69 and the Sex God here would be quite the spectacle for all, wouldn¡¯t it?


    Lee Eun-woo followed me with a suggestive smile. The thought that I was entering a tiger¡¯s den crossed my mind, but since I was stronger, I figured it shouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Lee Eun-woo, with a flushed face from drinking, leaned against a tree that was behind us.


    The timid character seen at our first meeting had vanished without a trace, and before me she was now a woman disying her charm.


    Removing her sses like some ordinary action, yet it felt like an explicit trick at seduction.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never done it in a ce like this. Doesn¡¯t it seem too naughty? I¡¯ll try to keep my voice down.¡±


    ¡°I really want to kill you right now.¡±


    I sighed deeply, pressing on my forehead. I wasn¡¯t sure where to start exining to her, but first.


    I needed to make something clear once again.


    ¡°Are you a virgin? Usually, those who post such things inmunities are normally virgins.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no virgin.¡±


    ¡°Ah, why get all shy now that we¡¯vee this far?¡±


    Is this theposure that someone older has?


    She smirked, but her gaze kept drifting towards my lower body, making me feel as if I was butt naked in front of her.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not the Sex God, then who are you? There¡¯s no one else who woulde looking for me about the Bamboo Forest.¡±


    While she continued to flirt, I wanted to satisfy my curiosity before revealing my identity.


    ¡°Why did you want to meet the Sex God at all? No, why did you make a false usation only to reveal your identity?¡±


    Did she finally think we were getting somewhere?


    She traced down her finger near her jaw and said,


    ¡°To sleep with them.¡±


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°I did it to sleep with him. You see a guy who¡¯s obviously full of sexual desire but is a virgin, tantly asking to be eaten up in his post every single day, and you think I¡¯d just ignore that?¡±


    Woah¡­


    ¡°I am now an assistant teacher in the University now, you know? It¡¯s a bit much to mess with the new students in our department, and it¡¯s hard to meet people my age with simr tastes.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So, looking at the active period, it seems like I caught a guy in his first year who knows nothing about sex and tried to have a sex friend.¡±


    Wow.


    Such people actually exist then.


    Earlier, she said the shy ones have these untapped sexual desires within.


    Seeing more of it, I could tell it was more about herself. Despite the timid appearance, inside, there was a sexual desire exploding from her.


    ¡°What did you think would happen by responding like that?¡±


    ¡°It was fun in its own way. Like instigating a liking? If it worked, great; if not, unfortunate then.¡±


    Then, she took another step towards me. Slyly inserting her knee between my legs as she whispered.


    ¡°But it was the right way, wasn¡¯t it? And it was a jackpot.¡±


    ¡°Keep your distance. How many times do I have to say it for you to understand?¡±


    I push her away too many and speak of my intention.


    ¡°It¡¯s not me.¡±


    Perhaps it¡¯s because I¡¯ve denied it so much. Now that she was starting to take it a bit more seriously, I hesitated for a moment before telling Lee Eun-woo.


    ¡°I¡¯m not Anonymous69.¡±


    Thinking about it.


    I was just the Admin. It¡¯s not like I was making money or gaining any benefits from it.


    Just moderating the app, that¡¯s all.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Administrator of the Bamboo Forest.¡±


    I casually reveal a truth that¡¯s surprisingly not too heavy to hear. It was something that shouldn¡¯t be discovered by people like Seo Yerin, but it wouldn¡¯t really be a big problem for others to know it, right?


    ¡°The Admin?¡±


    Lee Eun-woo looks at me with a bewildered expression, not expecting this in the least.


    She opens her mouth dumbfoundedly, stammering, as if trying to say something, but can¡¯t seem to get the right words out.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get weirdly obsessed with Anonymous69. They¡¯re not the person you think they are.¡±


    First of all, she¡¯s a woman.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to probe each other¡¯s identities for no reason. I came here today to teach you a lesson. Don¡¯t mess around threatening to reveal identities in an anonymousmunity.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Like this. Someone you¡¯ve never met before could suddenly show up. If it had been someone truly deranged instead of me, it could have been dangerous for you.¡±


    Even if there¡¯s minimum discipline in a universitymunity.


    Still, you never know when and where some weirdo might pop up to attack you.


    ¡°If you write about today¡¯s incident in the Bamboo Forest, or if word starts to spread about it, be prepared for the consequences.¡±


    Regaining herposure, Lee Eun-woo takes a deep breath, leans against the tree behind her with arms crossed.


    ¡°What can you even do? Thinking of deleting posts and blocking to stop this? You¡¯re just an Admin.¡±


    I looked at Lee Eun-woo, who was wearing a smirk, and let out a heavy sigh.


    Finally.


    I took a step forward and warned her, looking down at her from head to toe.


    ¡°Should I send a record of our chat to the professor in charge of your course as to what you¡¯ve been up to?¡±


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°Should I post it as a notice? If you reveal my identity, you should think about getting exposed too. Should I spill that Anonymous90 is a crazy bitch who can¡¯t act her age and tries to lure freshmen to a hotel for sex?¡±


    Isn¡¯t there a famous saying?


    When you gaze too long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes right back into you.


    Well, even if the real meaning is different, it was a sentence that could still be used here anyway.


    We were holding the same card called ¡®expose each other¡¯s identity¡¯. The only problem was that the card on this side was the ace of spades.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to graduate school and working as a teaching assistant, right? Do you want the department students to whisper every time they see you?¡±


    It wouldn¡¯t matter if it was me, I would one day graduate and just shrug it off. Of course, it would only be her loss, though.


    ¡°Ah, no¡­ I, I didn¡¯t n to talk or anything¡­!¡±


    <em>Thud!</em>


    I mmed my hand against the tree trunk above Lee Eun-woo¡¯s head. Her being on the shorter side made it just the right height for me to intimidate.


    ¡°Surprisingly.¡±


    Only now did the timid appearance I first saw re-emerge. Looking down at Lee Eun-woo, who was trembling, I gave her a smile with a sense of victory.


    ¡°Feels shitty when rumors spread that you¡¯re obsessed with sex, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    I am sure of this.


    ¡°I¡¯ve experienced it once already because of you.¡±


    When the festival started.


    Because of the rumors that I was a sex freak, I had to endure strange looks from those all around.


    ¡°Shall we see how far we can go? Who benefits from a fight to the death? A woman, who, instead of acting her age, bes obsessed with sex? Or just an ordinary university app administrator, who is going to graduate from the university and not be a teaching assistant?¡±


    Even as I spat the words out in a rush, I was clearly convinced that I had nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of.


    It seems she feels the same as she looked up at me with a tearful face and replied,


    ¡°Ah, no, I didn¡¯t mean that I was going to do anything¡­!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak informally with me.¡±


    I gritted my teeth and warned her, trying to take control of the situation, and she gulped before continuing,


    ¡°I, I, I wasn¡¯t saying I would expose you or anything. I was just asking.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep my mouth shut! I¡¯ll write that everything I posted in the Bamboo Forest was just my imagination!¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ Please, I beg you. I still have to attend University. If a conservative professor like mine finds out about this, it¡¯ll be a huge problem for me.¡±


    Appearances and inner selves differ.


    When I first saw Lee Eun-woo, if she had seemed like a frivolous woman from her appearance, this kind of threat wouldn¡¯t have worked on her.


    But the fact that she had to fish for men anonymously meant she was crafting a certain image at school.


    The one with more to lose was bound to be scared.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not create a situation where we both end up embarrassed.¡±


    I step back and take a deep breath. The cool air made the heated atmosphere feel refreshing.


    After seeing Lee Eun-woo write in the Bamboo Forest that the sniper targeting Anonymous69 was a result of her own delusion, I was about to leave when¡­


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Lee Eun-woo called out to me.


    I wondered what more there was when she hesitantly asked,


    ¡°Am I going to be the second administrator?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. It¡¯s just that I heard that if you find out the identity of the Admin, you be another admin¡­¡±


    Come to think of it, Yu Arin had written something like that.


    ¡°Being an admin as someone who¡¯s a graduate assistant? Just quietly go about your uni life and leave.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, I understand!¡±


    Though I said that, Lee Eun-woo looked somewhat disappointed.


    But since it wasn¡¯t my concern, I left her alone and returned to the English department¡¯s stall.


    ¡®One problem solved for now.¡¯


    Though she was a bit troublesome, I felt a sense of aplishment that it was somewhat resolved.


    ¡®I should go home now.¡¯


    Since the stall wasn¡¯t operating anymore, I decided to sneakily pack my things and head home, and so I stepped into the tent.


    ¡°Kim Woojinnnnn!¡±


    For some reason,


    Seo Yerin, who was heavily drunk, suddenly stood up from her seat and called out to me.

 Chapter 65: Greetings

    Chapter 65: Greetings


    ¡°Kim Woojinnnnn!¡±


    Seo Yerin, calling out my name loudly as she pointed at me. The surroundings were noisy due to the drinking party, so it didn¡¯t stand out much, but the eyes of the people near her all darted to me


    ¡°Come hereee!¡±


    Seo Yerin was calling out while thumping the seat next to her with her hand. Yu Arin and other first-year students were also sitting nearby.


    ¡®Why is she that drunk!¡¯


    The Seo Yerin I knew was someone who could control her alcohol.


    Despite having just turned 20, she was well aware that it was quite dangerous for her to get so extremely drunk that she couldn¡¯t even control her body.


    After all, at thest drinking party, she had shown restraint by putting her cup away once she had drunk a certain amount.


    ¡°Hurrryyyyy uuppppp!¡±Seo Yerin, drunk, continued to call out to me. I was going to refuse since I was supposed to go home, but I ended up sitting next to her because she was stubbornly calling me.


    ¡°Why did she drink this much?¡±


    It was originally Yu Arin¡¯s seat, so naturally I ended up sitting between Seo Yerin and Yu Arin.


    Thinking it was a good chance, I quietly asked Yu Arin in a whisper, but she just shrugged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. She suddenly came in and started drinking insanely?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°By the way, she did ask where you went earlier.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    I was about to ask what she meant by this, but there was a sensation on my chin. I was being forcibly turned towards Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Look heeere! I¡¯m calling youuuu!¡±


    ¡°What calling?¡±


    I brushed off Seo Yerin¡¯s hand that was holding my chin and asked back, but she just stared at me, making eye contact.


    ¡°¡­What is it, why are you acting like this?¡±


    Since there was no reason to avoid eye contact, I asked while looking right at her.


    ¡°Heeheehee.¡±


    She let out this strangeugh and quickly turned her head away.


    ¡°What are you looking at, you jerk?¡±


    After doing all this, if she is looking elsewhere herself, what does she expect me to do?


    So, when I called her out, Seo Yerin kept avoiding my gaze, looking here and there.


    It seemed more like she was enjoying the fact that I was calling her, rather than being shy with the situation.


    ¡®Ah, damn.¡¯


    And naturally, the gazes that fell on me. It didn¡¯t really matter since the second-year seniors like Han-kang since they were at a different table.


    But the first-years were staring at me and Seo Yerin with slight surprise.


    Just like when Hyun-ah first saw us, they seemed to find it fascinating that Seo Yerin and I, who were involved in various incidents, were close to each other.


    ¡°You two seem to get along very well.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was beside me, clicked her tongue and ced a soju ss in front of me, then poured me a drink.


    ¡°Yah, I was about to leave.¡±


    At my words, Yu Arin frowned clearly.


    ¡°What are you saying, are you running away because you¡¯re a lightweight drinker?¡±


    ¡°The provocation is so trivial that it only makes me want to sigh.¡±


    Though I said that, when I actually looked down at the soju ss, I felt the urge to chug it down. The stress I had received from being with Lee Eun-woo earlier seemed to throb at the back of my head.


    ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    As I held the soju ss out to Yu Arin, she grinned and clinked sses with me, and drank it down.


    I poured the alcohol into my mouth, and just like that, the drinking session began.


    As if gargling my consciousness.


    Or as if trying to disinfect my brain.


    Once we started drinking, it continued endlessly.


    The drunken voices of the people around felt like a rhythm urging me to drink faster.


    ¡°Wow, you can really chug it down.¡±


    Yu Arin next to me kept pouring drinks into my ss as if she were a serving vending machine.


    ¡°Woojin, you drink so well!¡±


    Before I knew it, Seo Yerin, who had clung to my shoulder and was wafting with the smell of alcohol, disoriented me with her presence, as if she were emitting some pheromones.


    ¡°Pretty oneeee! My arm¡¯s gonna fall off!¡±


    For some reason, even senior Ju-hee, who had pushed aside other first-years to sit across from me, was offering me a bottle of alcohol now.


    As I kept pouring alcohol into my mouth, the incident from thest time suddenly sparked to mind.


    ¡®Get a hold of yourself, Kim Woojin!¡¯


    The day I got so drunk and whined to the girls to sleep over at my ce.


    Though I don¡¯t remember it because I cked out, I couldn¡¯t afford to make a fool of myself here again like that day.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m going to step outside.¡±


    After taking a sip of water, I stood up and headed outside. Seo Yerin, who had been asleep leaning on my shoulder, almost fell over and woke up.


    ¡°Ugh, damn.¡±


    Outside, the festival performances were still in full swing. I was surprised to find it was only 9 o¡¯clock, I was thinking it was muchter because I had drunk so much.


    I peeked at another table.


    I had been wondering where Choi Yiseo had gone since I hadn¡¯t seen her for a while, but it turned out she was listening to the professors, probably because she¡¯s the ss rep.


    ¡®She¡¯s having a hard time.¡¯


    But, that should make her look good in front of the professors.


    Watching Choi Yiseo navigate social rtionships, she seems to feel my gaze on her and taps on her phone, then points at it with her finger.


    ¡®Huh?¡¯


    A gesture to check my messages.


    I checked the recent message from her.


    -Choi Yiseo: Are you having fun with the others?


    -Choi Yiseo: Do you want to die?


    I held my breath involuntarily at the rather eerie phrase in the second one.


    But when I looked at Choi Yiseo again, she was yfully smiling and warning me to be careful with a clenched fist.


    So, I just smiled back and gave a slight wave of my hand.


    ¡®Ah, now I¡¯m starting to sober up.¡¯


    I stretch simply while straightening my back. As I loosened up, the alcohol seemed to wear off a little.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    Just then, a heavy weight pushed into me from behind.


    I almost stumbled forward but managed to regain my bnce and when I looked behind, there was Seo Yerin, frozen in the posture of having fallen on me.


    She was still, with her eyes fixed on the ground, frozen. I wondered what was going on, but it seemed to be nothing as she sluggishly corrected her posture again.


    ¡°Where are you goinggggg.¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m going out to get some air.¡±


    ¡°I seeeeeeeee.¡±


    Why is she really acting like this?


    ¡°Why did you drink so much today? You controlled yourself so well thest time.¡±


    ¡°Did I?¡±


    If it wasn¡¯t Seo Yerin, it would be hard for me to endure the level of cutesy slurring with her words.


    I was about to suggest she should stop drinking and go home to sleep.


    ¡°Everyone! Have a great night! And make sure to find a good connection here. You know, the one where you want to go to a hotel at eye contact with someone.¡±


    It was a joke from the rapper on the stage. The people aroundughed out loud at it.


    Even though it seemed a bit exaggerated, the important thing was that Seo Yerin was staring intently in that direction.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    Then she called me, her voice full ofplex emotions.


    ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Is sex really that great?¡±


    ¡°Ha-have you lost your mind?!¡±


    Without realizing it, I quickly looked around, but fortunately, there was no one nearby to hear her say this.


    Although for some reason, Yu Arin was ring this way.


    ¡®Is she blurting things out because she¡¯s drunk?¡¯


    I thought it was because she was drunk, but Seo Yerin didn¡¯t stop there.


    ¡°My friends¡­ they all have ns today. They¡¯re spending a hot night with their boyfriends now.¡±


    ¡°Loser Seo Yerin, so you¡¯re drinking with Yu Arin because of that?¡±


    I tried to change the subject with a forced joke in the conversation, but Seo Yerin looked at me with a pout.


    ¡°Do¡­ does it really change the world?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡±


    It¡¯s the same.


    What would change with that?


    If anything, it¡¯s probably that the fantasies built up from porn slightly disappear.


    ¡°But whyyy! Why do they all say let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s do ittt! Why is that?!¡±


    ¡°Hey, this won¡¯t do. You need to go home now.¡±


    Seo Yerin seemed like she might be a real-life Sex God, so I was about to tell Yu Arin to take her home.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home!¡±


    Seo Yerin, holding onto my waist, wouldn¡¯t let go of it.


    After struggling a few times to get her off, I eventually decided to just go along with her.


    But since it felt odd for just the two of us to go, I called out to Yu Arin toe with us, and she readily followed.


    ¡°Arin.¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo came to pick up the drunken Yu Arin. Yu Arin¡¯s expression immediately soured, but Chan-woo¡¯s expression was unusually serious today.


    ¡°Arin, could youe with me separately?¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo, seeming to have something he wanted to say, politely asked Yu Arin, but for some reason, Yu Arin looked at me, as if passing the decision to me.


    ¡°Go with him. I¡¯ll take Seo Yerin home and then head home myself.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin shot me a look that clearly showed her displeasure, yet she didn¡¯t refuse to go with Chan-woo.


    It seemed that she too had noticed that Chan-woo was acting differently than usual.


    In the end.


    Yu Arin left with Chan-woo.


    Hoping their serious conversation would end peacefully, I was about to take Seo Yerin with me when¡­


    ¡°Hey, guys.¡±


    Senior Han-kang approached us.


    I thought we had slipped away quietly without anyone noticing, but we were caught by the very person I least wanted to encounter.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m taking Seo Yerin home because she¡¯s too drunk.¡±


    As I said that, senior Han-kang stepped forward. It seems like he thought he needed to stop me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll-I¡¯ll take her home.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ What are you trying to do? I¡¯m just taking her home, okay?¡±


    Especially now that she was drunk, she was spilling everything that she does as Anonymous69.


    It would be troublesome if someone else hears this¡­


    But the senior here was persistent.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you I¡¯ll take her home? Woojin, I really want things to work out with Yerin. Cut me some ck.¡±


    Probably because if he were in my shoes, he would never have just sent Seo Yerin home, that was why he was blocking me.


    ¡°So frustrating¡­!¡±


    ¡°Senior.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had been leaning on me, quietly stood up and looked at senior Han-kang with bright eyes.


    Considering she was drunk, her pronunciation was oddly clear, and her posture was straight.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with Woojin.¡±


    Only now did I realize that I have been deceived.<hr>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    On the way home.


    Kim Woojin, who has been silent since a while ago, made Seo Yerin unavoidably anxious.


    She had drunk quite a bit, but her mind was still clear. It was a time when she could tell that she was stronger against the alcohol than she expected.


    On the contrary, the fact that she had deliberately acted drunk was busted, so she had nothing to say.


    The Admin of the Bamboo Forest is Kim Woojin.


    From the moment she found that out, her heart kept pounding and it was hard to suppress the surging emotions.


    If she didn¡¯t pretend to be drunk, it was hard to even start a conversation.


    She thought about this and that and traced back.


    There were quite a few embarrassing things, including sending him her own photo.


    But anyway, Seo Yerin was only happy that he was the Admin.


    But even after knowing that.


    She couldn¡¯t say anything to Kim Woojin.


    Talking about her true self, her true feelings, as shown through the Bamboo Forest, was harder than she thought.


    ¡®Am I still the same?¡¯


    Or am I not ready yet?


    The moment that thought crossed her mind.


    ¡°Is this the ce?¡±


    Arriving at Seo Yerin¡¯s studio apartment, Kim Woojin looked around, awkwardly greeting her with his hands deep in his pockets.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll get going. I was going to buy you a health drink¡­ but it seems like you don¡¯t need it.¡±


    Kim Woo-jin slowly walked away.


    Watching his back, Seo Yerin feels a surge of emotions. He is essentially the only one she can show her true feelings to.


    Is it right to keep hiding her true self, even in front of him?


    If so, for how long?


    If she keeps suffering until her heart¡¯s limit bursts, wouldn¡¯t it be toote by then?


    ¡®Woojin¡­¡¯


    He already knows about her ugly side called the ¡®Sex God¡¯ through the anonymous forum called the Bamboo Forest.


    ¡®Just once, let¡¯s be courageous.¡¯


    To show it.


    The moment that thought crossed her mind, Seo Yerin was already sprinting forward.


    She barely managed to grab the hem of Kim Woojin¡¯s shirt and stopped him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not drunk, right. You ran so well just now.¡±


    She thought that the guy standing in front of her, making unnecessary remarks out of awkwardness, was cute.


    But now that she had caught him, what should she say?


    Amidst various concerns,


    Seo Yerin amusingly recalled the most familiar thing to her.


    ¡°Ah¡­!¡±


    And it was also the least suitable phrase.


    ¡°Ahh!¡±


    If one were to be precise.


    It was a sort of greeting that transitioned them into a new phase of their rtionship.


    ¡°I want to have sex!¡±

 Chapter 66: Anonymous69 And The Admin

    Chapter 66: Anonymous69 And The Admin


    Seo Yerin¡¯s studio apartment did not quite fit the image of what one would call a studio apartment.


    It was just an ordinary two-story detached house, and she was using the second floor all by herself.


    And I never imagined I would end uping here either.


    ¡®She lives alone in a ce like this?¡¯


    Can this even be called living alone?


    Shouldn¡¯t it be called living independently by now?


    ¡°Coe in quietly.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who brought me into the house, was as red as a beet, but she didn¡¯t seem drunk anymore, as she wasn¡¯t slurring or staggering.


    ¡°We can¡¯t get caught by those living below.¡±Below?


    Is she talking about the first floor?


    I was wondering what she meant, but Seo Yerin exined in a whisper, as if she was embarrassed to speak about it.


    ¡°My-my parents live on the first floor.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s not really living alone, is it?¡±


    ¡°N-now, it¡¯s independently! I do everything like cooking and cleaning! They said I had to know how to do it myself, so they won¡¯t interfere¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    I felt like I understood what this was all about.


    Perhaps it was apromise between her parents and Seo Yerin.


    They must have known too.


    How high their daughter¡¯s market value was.


    Worried that anyone might pester her and she might end up going down a strange path.


    But they also wanted to foster her independence.


    While both sentiments coexisted, it led to the creation of her current living situation.


    ¡®¡­Does that mean I shouldn¡¯t havee here?¡¯


    Seo Yerin, unaware or not that she was essentially driving a nail into her parents¡¯ hearts, took her shoes off and stepped in.


    She nced at me and gestured with her hand, urging me toe in quickly.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    As soon as I entered, a living room that was quite meticulously organized came into view.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this¡­¡±


    Should I say ¡®not used¡¯?


    Perhaps because it was too spacious, the living room, with only furniture ced around, didn¡¯t feel like it was utilized that much.


    Anyway, it definitely smelled too good to be considered a single¡¯s room.


    ¡°Wait, just a moment.¡±


    Then, Seo Yerin dashed into her room. I caught a glimpse through the crack of the door; her own room was slightly messy.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    It seems that she only used her own room. And that it wasn¡¯t very well-maintained either.


    Sitting on the sofa, I checked the time.


    It was 11 p.m.


    Sighing, I waited for the alcohol to wear off a little and nearly dozed off.


    ¡°Woojin?¡±


    ¡°Huh? What?¡±


    Suddenly waking me up, there was Seo Yerin in front of me, cozily dressed in a baggy white tee and pajamas.


    I already knew from my ex-girlfriend that such a style could make a man¡¯s heart beat faster.


    But Seo Yerin¡¯s appearance had a more devastating effect than I thought.


    ¡°Are you sleeping?¡±


    With her arms crossed and a sulky expression, Seo Yerin looked at me. I waved my hands and replied naturally as if I could sleep now.


    ¡°Not at all! I was just thinking about what we should talk about next?¡±


    At those words, Seo Yerin¡¯s cheeks turned red again. Then she hurried off to the fridge.


    What she brought back was wine and a mug.


    ¡°There are no wine sses at home¡­¡±


    I don¡¯t know where she learned to drink wine from a mug.


    ¡°Then why do you have wine at home?¡±


    ¡°It-it was a gift.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Perhaps the man didn¡¯t offer it as a gift?


    He must have thought of doing something with Seo Yerin while drinking that.


    ¡°I thought I couldn¡¯t do it sober.¡±


    Saying so, Seo Yerin tries to open the wine with an opener. Seeing her struggle more than expected, my still groggy mind suddenly clears up.


    ¡°Wait, wait! I didn¡¯te here to do that!¡±


    At my words, Seo Yerin nkly stares at me and asks back.


    ¡°Y-you didn¡¯te here for that??¡±


    This is crazy.


    ¡°I came here to talk. Not as Seo Yerin and Kim Woojin to do¡­¡±


    But as Anonymous69 and as the Administrator.


    Adding that, Seo Yerin¡¯s face turns red again. It seems there¡¯s still a sense of dissonance to being called Anonymous69 in reality.


    ¡°First, let¡¯s talk about how you knew about me.¡±


    I had my suspicions, but it was necessary for her to say it.


    ¡°I-I also want to know how you knew about me!¡±


    Seo Yerin wanted to know why I already knew her identity as Anonymous69 before she revealed it herself.


    ¡°So¡­¡±


    Just as I was about to speak.


    Suddenly, I found myself at a loss for words.


    The thought of telling her that I deduced she was Anonymous69 from the photos she sent me, wearing only panties, felt heavier than expected.


    This, it¡¯s not easy to talk about once I sober up.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s get this open first.¡±


    Suggesting we open the wine and talk over drinks, Seo Yerin eagerly handed me the bottle as if she had been waiting.


    ¡°Open it.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do it? Give it to me.¡±


    <em>Creak, creak.</em>


    ¡°Oh, the opener broke!¡±


    ¡°Huh? Did I push it in too deep?¡±


    ¡°Does this mean we can¡¯t drink it?¡±


    ¡°Bring a knife and chopsticks!¡±


    <em>Thud, thud.</em>


    ¡°Th-the cork bits fell into the wine!¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s fine to just drink it.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, what is this!¡±<hr>


    ¡°Breaking news.¡±


    Drunk and sitting on the floor, leaning against the sofa, I read the words on my phone with indifference.


    ¡°Admin is a Super Virile Giant, Female Conqueror, Baby Invader, Confirmed Pregnancy Bringer, Fuel-unneeded Sex Machine, Giant ck Man, Golden Sun, 180cm-80kg-30cm, Woke up refreshingly after a hot night.¡±


    ¡°Do-don¡¯t say it!¡±


    Seo Yerin, who was lying on the sofa in a daze, suddenly got up and kicked me with her foot.


    It was one of the inquiries Seo Yerin had sent to me as Anonymous69 before.


    ¡°Breaking news ¨C climbers mistook the wood of Admin for Mount Everest and attempted to climb it.¡±


    ¡°Just¡­ die already! Don¡¯t say it!¡±


    Now she rushed at me, trying to snatch my phone away, but I kept reading as I moved further back.


    ¡°¡®Do you just want to stick it in and move it around?¡¯ You¡¯ve written a ton of crazy stuff, Seo Yerin.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not me! I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s not me!¡±


    Covering her ears and thrashing about, Seo Yerin suddenly lifts her head and looks at me.


    ¡°That was the day you said you slept with a woman.¡±


    Seo Yerin slowly approaches me. Her face, flushed from the alcohol, now carries a look of reproach.


    ¡°Who was it?¡±


    ¡°Personal privacy.¡±


    ¡°You just exposed all of my privacy.¡±


    See how she¡¯s acting now?


    ¡°Then don¡¯t write stuff like this to me! Why would you send your picture to someone you don¡¯t even know in the first ce?! Do you know that¡¯s dangerous to do?¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    At my words, Seo Yerin starts to back away, hesitating. I don¡¯t miss a beat and keep firing at her.


    ¡°If it had been some weirdo, what were you nning to do! Why create a situation where you can be taken advantage of!¡±


    ¡°So, that¡¯s why I haven¡¯t sent any recently.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Yes, that¡¯s true.


    Last time, she sent me a photo of a Western actress, and me saying she was my type.


    At least she seemed to havee to her senses a little.


    Was it because I hesitated?


    Seo Yerin pointed her finger at me, fuming as she shouted.


    ¡°First of all! You also looked at mine and judged! Saying it wasn¡¯t attractive! That it was mediocre! Last time, you said the actress¡¯s photo was more to your taste!¡±


    ¡°¡­That was so you wouldn¡¯t send more, so I deliberately said that.¡±


    ¡°Then am I better than the actress?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Honestly.


    I did find the actress¡¯s body more to my taste. How can I resist Western stuff, huh?


    ¡°Eek! After saying that, you¡¯re keeping my photos? You have them all; are you using them for your dirty fantasies?!¡±


    ¡°Funny.¡±


    I confidently held my phone out and replied.


    ¡°1234. You know the password, right? Check it yourself. See if I saved even a single photo of you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I was confident.


    It was my own form of conscience and consideration towards her. I hadn¡¯t saved even one photo of her among the ones she sent me.


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    Seemingly displeased, Seo Yerin grumbled without even checking the phone and flopped back onto the sofa.


    I too tried to sit back in my original spot, but my vision swayed, and I stumbled and fell into the seat.


    ¡°Ah, crazy.¡±


    I had forgotten that I was somewhat weak to alcohol like wine. It felt like I hadn¡¯t drunk much, but I was already dizzy from it.


    Moreover, I had already been to the festival bar for the first round.


    ¡°This won¡¯t do.¡±


    Though this time of being honest and open with each other was quite enjoyable for me, I felt like I would fall asleep if I stayed here any longer, so it seemed time to finally leave.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to head out now.¡±


    As I forced myself up, intending to go home, my clothes were pulled back, and I ended up plopping down on the sofa again.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin pulled me back to sit without a word. She kept her mouth tightly shut, yet she didn¡¯t let me go, creating a strange atmosphere.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? I said I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t muster much strength in my body due to the alcohol. I needed to control my intake, or I might ck out from drinking any more.


    ¡°Do you remember what we talked about back then?¡±


    Seo Yerin suddenly started to reminisce.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember and I said I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what she wanted to talk about, but loud warning bells were already ringing in my head, telling me I shouldn¡¯t stay any longer.


    I was about to get up slowly, but Seo Yerin¡¯s leg, which had somehow found its way onto my thigh, was preventing me from getting up.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d be able to meet me once, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Ah¡­


    I suddenly remembered her asking to meet out of the blue.


    ¡°And.¡±


    What did I say then¡­


    My head wasn¡¯t working well because I was drunk.


    ¡°If it¡¯s alright to meet.¡±


    I realized a beat toote what Seo Yerin was slowly revealing as the answer.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try it once.¡±


    Seo Yerin had somehow climbed on top of me.


    The sensation of her ass on my thighs felt distinctly lumpy, and we both exhaled breaths tainted with the smell of alcohol.


    Was it that which further intoxicated me?


    Feeling my lower half harden, I found myself staring at Seo Yerin without realizing it.


    She looked down at me and smiled slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s cute.¡±


    ¡°Wh-hat?¡±


    I tried to say something, but it was already toote. Our lips ovepped, and a tongue with the sweet yet bitter taste of wine awkwardly entangled itself with mine.


    Slowly parting our lips, Seo Yerin whispered into my ear.


    ¡°You know I have a mole on my thigh, right?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I do.¡±


    At my response, Seo Yerin chuckled and asked,


    ¡°Want to see it?¡±<hr>


    ¡°Yerin! You were let loose because of the festival yesterday, what time did youe in?!¡±


    I suddenly woke to an irritated voice probably, belonging to her mother.


    There was bright sunlight streaming in.


    Looking around, I was in Seo Yerin¡¯s awkwardly tidied room, on her bed.


    And.


    ¡°Ah¡­?¡±


    Next to me, the naked Seo Yerin was sound asleep. She had her arm around my waist and seemed to have no intention of letting go.


    ¡°Shit?!¡±


    I thought I might have cked out, but that wasn¡¯t it.


    I¡¯m sorry, but I remember it clearly.


    It happened.


    We did it.


    Unable to resist Seo Yerin¡¯s temptation, I ended up acting like a beast.


    At that moment, variousplex emotions were pressing down heavily on my entire body, driving away the fatigue.


    ¡°Goodness, how long is this child going to sleep?¡±


    The sound of the front door opening was heard.


    It meant that Seo Yerin¡¯s mother was home.

 Chapter 67: Dark Evolution

    Chapter 67: Dark Evolution


    ¡°Ah, how long is this child going to sleep?¡±


    The loud voice of Seo Yerin¡¯s mother from the main door of the second floor set off an rm in my head.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    She seemed puzzled as she stepped in and paused for a moment, but I hurriedly woke Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Yah! Yah! Wake up!¡±


    ¡°Umm.¡±


    As I untangled Seo Yerin¡¯s arms that were tightly wound around my waist, she sluggishly got up and looked around.


    The nket slipped off, revealing Seo Yerin¡¯s chest, and my face turned red as my eyes inadvertently followed, but I pretended not to notice anything which was being shown and said,


    ¡°Your mother is here! She¡¯s outside!¡±¡°Eh?!¡±


    Startled, she stared at me. It seems she hasn¡¯t yete to her senses.


    ¡°Wow¡­ wow!¡±


    She was eximing at the sight of my body, but, I¡¯m sorry, now is not the time for that.


    ¡°Wake up! Your mother is here!¡±


    ¡°Wha- Mom?!¡±


    Only now did she seem to hear me, hastily getting up.


    ¡°Eek?!¡±


    Then, realizing that she¡¯s naked, she quickly starts to put on her clothes.


    ¡°You-you can¡¯t look!¡±


    ¡°Ah, damn.¡±


    Although we¡¯ve seen everything there is to see, that was an impulsive act done under the influence of alcohol.


    So, what I want to say is.


    The moment I saw the ample ass of Seo Yerin, who had her back to me and was bending over to put on her sleep pants, my member couldn¡¯t help but harden.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    I had no choice but to admit that there¡¯s a reason why so many men fall for Seo Yerin.


    Senior Han-kang, the paradise you wanted to see is right here.


    It is worth risking your life for.


    ¡°Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Ah! Mom! I¡¯ming out now! I was just getting dressed!¡±


    At the sound of her mother¡¯s voice, Seo Yerin hurriedly left the room. I, who was hiding under the nket, also tried to find my clothes that I had shed like a wormst night¡­


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    No matter how many times I look around, my clothes are nowhere to be found. Wondering what the situation was, I started to recall yesterday¡¯s events.


    ¡°Shit¡­¡±


    They¡¯re outside.


    That¡­ I remembered that my clothes were scattered on the living room sofa like a snake skin, where we had started our action.


    My mind went nk.


    I had to resolve this situation somehow, but I couldn¡¯t think of a way to do it.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    ¡°Ah, Mom!¡±


    And, of course.


    ¡°Men¡¯s clothes in the living room, men¡¯s size shoes at the entrance.¡±


    At that moment I saw her mother entering the room and looking down at me with a cold stare.


    ¡°Ah, hello.¡±


    I greeted her, trying my best to cover myself up.


    ¡°Is that our daughter¡¯s nket?¡±


    It seemed already a minus point that Seo Yerin¡¯s nket was the only thing avable for me to cover myself with.<hr>


    After getting dressed in the room, when I came out to the living room, Seo Yerin¡¯s mother was waiting, seated on the sofa, and Seo Yerin was kneeling on the floor.


    ¡®My ce is over there, then.¡¯


    I was about to kneel next to Seo Yerin, but her mother sighed and pointed to a dining chair with her hand.


    ¡°Bring a chair over.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I can sitfortably then.


    ¡°Uh, mom, I too¡­¡±


    ¡°What.¡±


    ¡°¡­really like kneeling.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who immediately backed down and wagged her tail to her mother, turned sullen and hung her head low.


    As I brought a chair over and sat down in front of her mother, she went straight to the point.


    ¡°Student, your name?¡±


    ¡°Kim Woojin. I¡¯m in the same English department as Seo Yerin.¡±


    ¡°CC (Campus couple), huh?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    There was an ufortable echo.


    Anyway, I just don¡¯t like the name ¡®campus couple¡¯ itself. I don¡¯t like it being shortened to CC either. That¡¯s why I also dislike any anime character named C.C.


    ¡°Not really?¡±


    So, you¡¯re asking if Seo Yerin and I are a couple right now. I was at a loss for words.


    We did have sex yesterday, but there was no conversation rted as to what it was between us.


    There was a need to redefine our rtionship, but to say we¡¯re not a couple now¡­


    ¡®Ah, this is driving me crazy.¡¯


    Because that would mean hitting rock bottom with her parents¡¯ trust in Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Ye-yes, we are.¡±


    Forcing myself to speak, next to me, I saw the corners of Seo Yerin¡¯s lips rise slightly.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Her mother, looking back and forth between Seo Yerin and me, sighs again.


    It seems there are various concerns about what we did, so it was some time before she spoke again.


    ¡°Both of you are already adults, and since it¡¯s university, I suppose it¡¯s natural to think that way¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s mother earnestly requested something of me.


    ¡°Can you break up with her?¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    ¡°Stay out of this.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Unable to withstand the pressure from her mother, Seo Yerin mped her mouth shut again, and both of them focused their gazes simultaneously on me.


    ¡°I might be what is considered to be a conservative, but I still don¡¯t think that Yerin is at the stage to be dating someone.¡±


    ¡°But she¡¯s already an adult?¡±


    When I asked back, her mother nodded and answered,


    ¡°Being in a rtionship is honestly a bit shocking, but mistakes can happen at this age.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I hope Yerin meets a man when she¡¯s older and more mature than she is now.¡±


    At her mother¡¯s words, I couldn¡¯t help but hesitate for a moment. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t deny what she said.


    Since I had been badly burned by love in my younger days.


    But still.


    ¡°I think there are some experiences that can only be had at this age.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°If you try to control everything too much, you might end up achieving nothing.¡±


    I understand that she¡¯s a precious daughter to them, but excessive repression will likely have a negative impact on Seo Yerin.


    Anonymous69 in the Bamboo Forest is one case.


    It made me think that not only the views of friends and others, but also family repression must have contributed to it.


    ¡°These are my words as someone who has been Seo Yerin¡¯s boyfriend until now.¡±


    About three minutes or so ago?


    Was that the duration I have been Seo Yerin¡¯s boyfriend?


    ¡°We¡¯re breaking up.¡±


    Goodbye, ex-girlfriend.


    Still, you were better than my ex-ex-girlfriend.


    Memories briefly sh by, the moment we started dating three minutes ago still vivid in the mind.


    ¡°W-Woojin!¡±


    Why are you so shocked now?!


    We weren¡¯t really dating, after all.


    I looked into her mother¡¯s eyes and answered seriously.


    ¡°After all, I am just a stranger. The words I just said are just my thoughts. I know that ultimately, you will care about Seo Yerin a lot more than me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So, I will do what you ask of me.¡±


    Her mother stared at me intently, then opened her mouth slightly as if to say something, but she ended up saying nothing.


    Seeing that, I assumed she had nothing more to say and stood up from the chair.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for the sudden situation you had to witness here¡­ You must have been quite surprised. If there¡¯s a chance to see you again, I¡¯d like to show you a better side of myself.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I wonder what she¡¯s thanking me for.


    I bowed entirely low and then walked out.


    I hurried outside because I heard her father on the first floor.


    ¡®Wow, I can finally breathe a little easier.¡¯


    My chest, which had felt suffocated and blocked, now seemed to feel light.


    I decided to grab a bowl of soup from a nearby restaurant on my way home, then go home to shower and sleep.


    While eating the soup.


    And once again on the way home.


    Once more while showering.


    And finally, once when Iy down on the bed.


    Thoroughly.


    Really thoroughly thought about it.


    It¡¯s a bit awkward to say this but.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t this a huge win for me?¡¯


    After all, I did sleep with Seo Yerin¡­


    Well, it¡¯s not like it¡¯s super important, but if we really have to weigh the pros and cons, it¡¯s all gain for me, isn¡¯t it?


    Since the festival ended yesterday, today is the weekend. Thinking I should really just lie down and sleep all day today, I casually checked my phone.


    There were countless messages from Seo Yerin.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: Woojin.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Woojinnnnn.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: What are you doing?</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Woojinnn, what are you doing?</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Did you go home?</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Have you eaten anything?</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Are you sleeping now?</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Please answer me</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Woojinnn</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: I¡¯m asking you to answer me!</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Answeransweansweansweransweransweanaswer</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Answer me.</li></ul>


    ¡°Wow, shit.¡±


    I¡¯ve experienced this once before.


    It was exactly like when Anonymous69, whom I manage in the Bamboo Forest, was whining for me to unblock them.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: Just took a shower and amying down.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Ah-haaa.</li></ul>


    What¡¯s this now?


    The atmosphere,pared to the messages just above, feels infinitely lighter, and a little awkward too?<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: What will you do now?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Sleep.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Again?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: ¡­¡­</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Your mother would be angry if she saw you like this again.</li></ul>


    Wouldn¡¯t she be furious, asking why we¡¯re messaging when we¡¯ve just broken up?<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: Right. I got grounded today.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: (Emoticon)</li></ul>


    Sending a crying hamster emoticon is just so Seo Yerin.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: But tomorrow¡¯s possible for me. It¡¯s the weekend, wanna go to a PC cafe together?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: ¡­No.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Then, karaoke?</li></ul>


    The moment I saw that message, I realized I might have been wrong.


    ¡®Ah, it was Seo Yerin¡¯s first time.¡¯


    She was one who had her first experience with me, so of course, there would be interest in what happens next. Now is the time she would be most curious about me, but Icked consideration for her.


    I didn¡¯t send any messages.


    As soon as I called, Seo Yerin picked up before the dial tone even started.


    ¡°Ah! Woojinnn!¡±


    Her voice was already dripping with cuteness.


    ¡°But, about yesterday.¡±


    The story I was about to tell wasn¡¯t a very pleasant one.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°I should have held back more. We¡¯re nothing to each other, yet we did it because we were drunk and intoxicated beyond control.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I feel bad thinking it could have been a precious memory for you, and I ruined it without consideration.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You can be angry, curse me, or even hit meter if you want.¡±


    For a second,


    only the sound of her breathing could be heard over the phone.


    ¡°It was me who seduced you though?¡±


    Seo Yerin bluntly stated.


    ¡°Why are you sorry? I should be the one apologizing. I made you do it with someone you have no feelings for.¡±


    Huh?


    ¡°Woojin, don¡¯t worry too much. I also consider you a precious friend, so I don¡¯t want to lose you.¡±


    ¡°I-is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, so don¡¯t worry. Let¡¯s get along well again as friends from Monday.¡±


    What¡¯s this?


    She¡¯s epting this all too easily.


    ¡°Ah, because we had sex, does that mean we¡¯re not just any friends but sex friends?¡±


    ¡°¡­Let¡¯s, let¡¯s just be friends.¡±


    It seems like Seo Yerin had grown a step from within. Whether that was good or bad, I wasn¡¯t yet sure.


    Is this what they called a dark evolution?


    ¡°Then see youter, Woojin. You must be tired, sleep well.¡±


    ¡°R-right¡­¡±


    <em>Click.</em>


    As soon as the call ended, a hollow silence ensued. I felt that something was wrong and shivered from a chill.


    ¡°I should turn the electric mat on.¡±


    As soon as I turned the electric mat to full and covered myself with a nket, I was able to sleep soundly.<hr>


    <em>Click.</em>


    After ending the call, Seo Yerin gently ced her phone on her chest and closed her eyes.


    Seo Yerin brought it up to her nose because the aftereffects of their sex still strongly lingered on her bed and nket.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    At first, it was definitely painful like everyone said it would be.


    Was it because she was notpletely drunk?


    The pain quickly subsided, and a wonderful pleasure naturally flowed into her body.


    It was a much more satisfying time than she thought. It felt like a dream, as if she could return to that moment if she fell asleep again now.


    What Kim Woojin thought about the sex wasn¡¯t really important to her.


    What¡¯s important is.


    It was important that Kim Woojin had sumbed to her temptation yesterday.


    If he fell once, he could fall again, and that was human nature.


    Mom?


    Unexpectedly.


    After Kim Woojin had left.


    ¡°He¡¯s a good kid,¡±


    she said, leaving her remark.


    But none of that was important to her now. Seo Yerin had just experienced a turning point in her lifest night.


    And it was with someone better than she imagined, at a time better than she imagined too.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Chasing down his lingering scent on the nket with her nose, as if writhing.


    ¡°I want to do it again.¡±


    Seo Yerin promised herself there would be a next time.

 Chapter 68: After-Party

    Chapter 68: After-Party


    <em>Woong!</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>Woong!</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>Wooong!</em>


    The normal vibration wakes me up gently. And the familiar ceiling, and the familiar room.


    The terror I felt when I woke up in Seo Yerin¡¯s room just before is still stuck vividly in my spine, so while feeling relieved, I reach out for the ringing phone.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo -</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The moment I see the name disyed, my heart drops as if I¡¯ve done something I shouldn¡¯t have and got caught by the police.


    First, I gulp down the feelings that rise and carefully move my finger to answer the call.<ul><li>What¡¯s up, why did you pick up only after so many rings?</li></ul>


    Hearing Choi Yiseo¡¯s usual voice and tone, a sense of peace settled in the corner of my heart.¡°What time is it now?¡±<ul><li>Were you sleeping? Even if this is the weekend it¡¯s too much right.</li></ul>


    ¡°Why sprinkle salt on a peaceful weekend?¡±<ul><li>Sigh, I was going to suggest we work out, but you won¡¯t do it, right?</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­I worked out really hard yesterday.¡±<ul><li>You¡¯re lying. You just went straight home after being at the tent yesterday.</li></ul>


    That is true.


    It¡¯s been a while since I worked out, and that is why I am tired.


    But since I can¡¯t say this to her, I casually brush it off without a proper response.<ul><li>Have you had dinner?</li></ul>


    ¡°Is it already time for dinner?¡±<ul><li>It¡¯s 6 o¡¯clock.</li></ul>


    Is it already 6 o¡¯clock in the evening?


    I took the phone from my ear to check, and it was true, it was already evening.


    Realizing I was more tired than I thought, I yawned while answered.


    ¡°Yaaawn! I want to sleep more.¡±<ul><li>What are you even saying?</li></ul>


    ¡°I said I want to sleep more.¡±<ul><li>Then do that. You¡¯reing tomorrow, right?</li></ul>


    Tomorrow?


    ¡°What¡¯s happening tomorrow?¡±<ul><li>We decided to have a gathering to celebrate the end of the fest tomorrow. It¡¯s been announced in the ss group chat too.</li></ul>


    Hearing this, I tilted my head, unsure.


    ¡°We drank at our tent on thest day of fest. Isn¡¯t that enough for all?¡±<ul><li>That was because we drank with professors and seniors included. This time, we¡¯ve only invited those who worked at the tent, so even the third-year seniors won¡¯t join us.</li></ul>


    So, she¡¯s telling me not to worry about the people I feel ufortable around.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been drinking all day.¡±


    I let out a sigh of disbelief and muttered, and surprisingly, Choi Yiseo agreed to it.<ul><li>¡­Honestly, I don¡¯t want to go either.</li></ul>


    After all, Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t seem to enjoy drinking gatherings that much either.<ul><li>You still have toe. Many people have started to think highly of you this time, so it won¡¯t be bad for you to join us.</li></ul>


    ¡°Really troublesome, you know.¡±


    Staying in my room, cracking open a beer and watching Netflix alone seemed better.<ul><li>It¡¯s a chance to naturally get closer to the others. Thanks to this event, the rumors about you are going down too, so at leaste and show your face.</li></ul>


    ¡°Are you my mom or something?¡±<ul><li>I¡¯m just being supportive.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±<ul><li>¡­¡­</li></ul>


    A moment of silence suddenly descended.


    Without realizing it, I found myself at a loss for words, and it was the same on the other side.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to be embarrassed after saying it, just don¡¯t say it.¡±


    When I spoke casually, throwing it out there, Choi Yiseo¡¯s voice also rose slightly in tone.<ul><li>I-it was a joke!</li></ul>


    I could tell just by looking that she must be panicking, her eyes spinning too.


    ¡°Why do you call and suddenly talk aboutmitting and supporting.¡±<ul><li>Enough! Hang up now! You wait and see what happens if you don¡¯te! I¡¯ll raid your house for the second round!</li></ul>


    <em>Click.</em>


    Choi Yiseo hung up just like that.


    Herst words were genuinely frightening, so I felt like I should at least show my face.


    ¡®Am I going to meet Seo Yerin again?¡¯


    It felt awkward.


    Seo Yerin acted as if it was nothing during our call earlier, but I wondered if she might end up unable to speak properly out of embarrassment as time passed.


    ¡®Considering she can¡¯t even say ¡®sex¡¯ in real life.¡¯


    I probably thought she¡¯d just avoid me if our eyes met, my face turning red.


    Wondering how many days this would go on for, I hoped I could handle it well so it wouldn¡¯t seem weird to others.


    ¡®I¡¯m tired.¡¯


    Maybe because I used my body too much for the first time in a while, but fatigue hit me hard.


    So I closed my eyes and fell asleep again.<hr>


    The next day, Sunday.


    It feels heart-wrenching as Saturday had vanished but if asked what I actually have to do, I¡¯d have nothing to say.


    ¡®Looking back, it sucks.¡¯


    I was annoyed because I went to school due to the fest, even though it was supposed to be my free day.


    There are few things as infuriating for a uni student as having to go to university on an off day.


    But I was on my way to the PC cafe. I wasn¡¯t with anyone, but I had a reason to be there.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re here?¡±


    To meet Jeong Chan-woo, who spends all day working part-time on weekends.


    This morning, out of the blue, he contacted me asking if I coulde to the PC caf¨¦, so I did.


    I was bored, and since I had to go to the after-party anyway,ing here didn¡¯t feel too objectionable.


    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡±


    Our Chan-woo, generously offering even ramen on the house. I can¡¯t bring myself to dislike him, even if I wanted to.


    ¡°Fried Udon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll boil it for you as soon as you take a seat.¡±


    I took a seat in a corner and started browsing webtoons, and Chan-woo soon brought the food in.


    Fried Udon, a hot dog, and even dumplings.


    ¡°What¡¯s this, I didn¡¯t order this much though?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s on the house.¡±


    ¡°Ha.¡±


    From now on, Jeong Chan-woo¡¯s enemies are my enemies. Chan-woo and I are one, so beware, Yu Arin!


    While eating the ramen he brought, I sneak a nce at Chan-woo. Sitting next to me, Chan-woo seemed to have something he wanted to say, but was pondering on how to say it.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you go in with Yu Arin the day before yesterday? Did it go well?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seeing him struggle to speak, I spoke for him, and Chan-woo let out an awkward chuckle.


    As I slurp my udon and look at Chan-woo, he finally starts talking, scratching his cheek.


    ¡°I confessed to Arin.¡±


    ¡°Woah¡­¡±


    It was a bolder statement than I expected. Isn¡¯t that how things are rumored on the inte?


    Usually, a confession isn¡¯t about challenging but rather confirming the emotions.


    But that¡¯s only applicable to ordinary people.


    For an ordinary person like Kim Woojin, the hurdle to even get to a confession is quite high. It¡¯s hard to be confident that the other person likes you.


    But look at Chan-woo¡¯s face.


    Grabbing anyone passing by and asking for their number, nine out of ten people would give it to him, wouldn¡¯t they?


    For Chan-woo, confessing was neither a challenge nor a confirmation, but rather a deration.


    Saying outright, ¡®Let¡¯s date¡¯.


    But then.


    ¡°I got rejected.¡±


    ¡®Why her of all people!¡¯


    Why confess to one of the ten? It was frustrating, but knowing that the heart doesn¡¯t always follow one¡¯s mind, I calmed myself.


    ¡°You¡¯ve had it tough.¡±


    After cing the cup down, I pat Chan-woo on the shoulder. However, his eyes still harbored a longing for her.


    ¡°I won¡¯t give up.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I want things to work out with Arin. I¡¯m serious.¡±


    Could this be considered obsession? Yu Arin is practically living in a romance novel for him, isn¡¯t she? If someone like him is obsessed.


    ¡°Woojin, help me out. I heard you had a girlfriend in the first semester.¡±


    What¡¯s the big deal about it?


    Even as I sighed, there was something I wanted to confirm.


    ¡°Let me ask just one thing.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Yu Arin said she confessed to you in high school.¡±


    At my words, Chanwoo flinched and shivered.


    It was something Yu Arin had told me, but he didn¡¯t seem to expect that I knew.


    ¡°Was it that you didn¡¯t like her, but after she confessed, you suddenly saw her as a woman or something?¡±


    If not, there would be no reason for Chan-woo to reject Yu Arin¡¯s confession.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    But an unexpected answer came back.


    ¡°I¡¯ve liked Arin since we were kids.¡±


    ¡°Shhh, am I hearing this correctly?¡±


    As I dug at my ear and asked him to repeat it, Jeong Chan-woo also brushed his bangs back and hunched his body.


    ¡°You might not believe it, but it¡¯s true. I¡¯ve only ever liked Arin. Even when I rejected her confession, it wasn¡¯t my true intention.¡±


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about now, I am lost.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just, just that I made a mistake.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo seemed unwilling to say more. The term ¡®dark history¡¯ would be an understatement here.


    ¡®Guilt then?¡¯


    Seeing Jeong Chan-woo looking like he was harboring such feelings made me feel somewhat sorry for him.


    But I wondered if it was really okay for me to recklessly offer to help Jeong Chan-woo here.


    ¡®I want to hear Yu Arin¡¯s side of the story too.¡¯


    Even though I¡¯ve be close enough to share secrets with Yu Arin, the idea of using some scheme to get closer to Jeong Chan-woo started to feel a bit wrong.


    ¡°Sorry, Chan¡­¡±


    Just as I was about to refuse,


    <em>woong!</em>


    My phone rang.


    Checking it quickly, how could the timing be so perfect? It was a message from Yu Arin.


    It¡¯s content was so unusual that I couldn¡¯t help but frown.<ul><li>Yu Arin: Hey! They¡¯re saying they¡¯ll reveal the admin¡¯s identity in the Bamboo Forest, and your photo is up!</li></ul>


    ¡°What?¡±


    Although it was a bit awkward in front of Chan-woo, I hurriedly opened the Bamboo Forest app with goosebumps.


    ¡®Who? Who could it be?¡¯


    The only ones who know my identity are Seo Yerin, Anonymous69, and Lee Eun-woo, the assistant from the Department of Physical Therapy, Anonymous90.


    And Yu Arin.


    The senior who handed over the position of the Bamboo Forest¡¯s administrator has already graduated, so that¡¯s out of the question.


    Anyway, let¡¯s check the Bamboo Forest.<ul><li>Anonymous59(Admin1): Revealing the admin¡¯s identity (photo)</li></ul>


    The post about revealing the identity was written by Yu Arin, and there was a photo of an orangutan uploaded.


    ¡°This son of a¡­!¡±


    ? Anonymous11: No wonder the management of Bamboo Forest was a mess. Thought it was on the level of an intelligent monkey.


    ? Anonymous75: Lololol, isn¡¯t this person gonna get blocked again?


    ? Anonymous198: Let¡¯s go straight to disciplining, Admin. Tie their hands and smack their butt!


    ? Admin: From now on, anyone sympathizing here gets banned.


    ? Anonymous54: Everyone, shut up!


    ? Anonymous276: Run away!


    ? Anonymous69: Wanna have sex.


    ? Anonymous90: Sex!


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Woojin?¡±


    Chan-woo was puzzled as I suddenly let out a deep breath. I asked him to wait a moment and then immediately sent a message to Yu Arin.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: You¡¯re so dead.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Lolololol, if it¡¯s the trembling scared admin, then it¡¯s super funny lololol</li><li>


    Yu Arin: You thought it was really leaked after seeing the picture attached, right? It¡¯s simr to when you look in the mirror lololol</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Are youing to the after-party today?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Yeah, I¡¯m going to beat you up there.</li></ul>


    It seems like she¡¯s acting this way because she ended up going to the festival¡¯sst day with Jeong Chan-woo alone.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: I¡¯m taking Chan-woo to the after-party.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: ?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Sir?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Admin, Sir?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Why is heing?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Don¡¯t do it</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Really, don¡¯t do it, alright!</li><li>


    Yu Arin: I¡¯m noting.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: I said I¡¯m not going there!</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Ah, really, please!</li><li>


    Yu Arin: You jerk!</li><li>


    Yu Arin: dirty bastohfnkfnffmnfkfnwfnkwf¡¯fflfm</li></ul>

 Chapter 69: After-Party (2)

    Chapter 69: After-Party (2)


    ¡°Um, the thing is¡­ Woojin.¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo called out to me from behind.


    Just hearing his deep voice calling my name made me feel like a supporting character in a noir film.


    With Jeong Chan-woo as the lead.


    And I¡¯d probably make my appearance, get shot, and die right away.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Is it really okay for me toe along?¡±


    Even though we had arrived right in front of the after-party location, the pork belly restaurant, Jeong Chan-woo was still hesitating.


    It was our tent¡¯s after-party, and he might have felt it was not right for him, a civil engineering student, to join.Normally, that would be the case.


    If the roles were reversed, I wouldn¡¯t have gone either, not even if I was paid to attend.


    After all, it¡¯s about reading the room, and the party costs are being borne from the department¡¯s earnings, so it would just be freeloading.


    But.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been curious sincest time.¡±


    Crossing my arms, I asked Chan-woo honestly.


    ¡°Do you, or Seo Yerin, not know the usefulness of having that face, or do you know but are pretending not to?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    As soon as Jeong Chan-woo arrived, the people who should be thankful first were clearly visible. Specifically, the expressions of the female students.


    Especially since Chan-woo often stopped by our booth during the festival, he must have properly made his presence known.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in. If they say no, I¡¯ll take responsibility for bringing you here. This was decided from the moment I looked for a substitute for the PC caf¨¦ shift.¡±


    If they say no, Chan-woo and I can just leave and grab something to eat together.


    Upon entering, we could see that most of the tables at the pork belly restaurant were upied by students from our department.


    ¡°You¡¯re from Gahyeon University¡¯s Department of English, right? Sit anywhere you¡¯refortable.¡±


    The owner, carrying side dishes, also greeted us with a big smile.


    Initially, I intended to drop Chan-woo off at Yu Arin¡¯s table, but unfortunately, that table was already full.


    Because of Yu Arin¡¯s friend, Seo Yerin.


    With the two of them at the same table, it was only natural for people to flock there.


    Although it was regrettable, the sight of Yu Arin¡¯s expression twisting unpleasantly upon noticing us was satisfying enough.


    I casually take a seat at an avable spot.


    At first nce, groups were already seated together, opening bottles of soju, engaging in their own conversations, or ying drinking games.


    For now, Chan-woo and I sit down and order two servings of pork belly.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chan-woo sneakily surveys the surroundings.


    Although he asionally makes eye contact with some girls from our department, he cautiously asks after gauging the atmosphere.


    ¡°Woojin¡­ by any chance¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t I have any friends?¡±


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Would I be grilling meat with you right now if there were any friends?¡±


    I replied indifferently while grilling the meat.


    Choi Yiseo, who noticed my arrival btedly, hurried over. Choi Yiseo was the ss rep, so she was sitting at the same table with the vice representative Ahn Hyeon-ho, the secretary, and the treasurer.


    ¡°You¡¯rete.¡±


    pping my shoulder and grumbling, Choi Yiseo quietly takes the seat next to me.


    Then she seated at the table didn¡¯t pay much attention to anyone else and took the tongs I was holding.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Then, she started grilling the meat instead of me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already eaten, so don¡¯t worry about grilling and just eat.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    What¡¯s this?


    This nice, fluffy feeling.


    Maybe it¡¯s because Choi Yiseo mentioned being a supportive partner yesterday, but I strangely find herself caring for me.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m okay not eating.¡±


    Chan-woo, still conscious of gazes from our department peers, insisted on not eating the pork belly.


    It was funny yet regrettable to see him so serious, especially as he kept sneaking nces towards Yu Arin, seemingly longing to join her even then.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, really. Just eat. Woojin almost ate for three at the tent, so it¡¯s no problem if you join us.¡±


    ¡°I guess so.¡±


    I had eaten with more effort than necessary. A sigh of frustration escaped me, enough to make me want to hit my forehead and grab a soju,menting the harshness of reality.


    ¡°That means you did well.¡±


    Choi Yiseo flipped the meat over and poured some c, which was unexpectedly not alcohol.


    ¡°Drinking too much continuously is bad for your health.¡±


    ¡°¡­What¡¯s with you since before?¡±


    Why do I feel like a husband being cared for for his health? Even as I looked at Choi Yiseo with mixed emotions, she smoothly caught my gaze and pushed the cooked meat towards me.


    ¡°Eat. You won¡¯t stay long anyway, right?¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    I dide, but I only nned to show my face, eat, and then leave. I wasn¡¯t even considering a second round of food or drinks.


    ¡°Wrap it in lettuce and eat. You like garlic, don¡¯t you? Should I grill it?¡±


    ¡°¡­Grill it. And the kimchi too.¡±


    ¡°Right, right. Eating just meat isn¡¯t great either.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, finding this somewhat amusing, started grilling this and that with a grin. Honestly, it was a bit of an overwhelming care, but then again, why refuse when she¡¯s offering to grill the meat?


    This must be something close friends do for each other.


    ¡®Is that so?¡¯


    Pretending not to know the truth even when you do know the truth was also a skill one needed to have.


    ¡°You look good together.¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo, sitting across from us, looks at us andments.


    Perhaps it¡¯s because of the heat from the grill in front of us, but my face suddenly felt hot, and though Choi Yiseo covered her mouth with her hand while resting her chin on it, she didn¡¯t seem to be in a bad mood at those words.


    ¡°Excuse me!¡±


    Then, a girl with a ss of alcohol approached our table. It was Hyun-ah, who had been in charge of the cooking of the pork belly with me at the pub.


    The kitchen assistant, already drunk, asked Chan-woo with a flushed face.


    ¡°I-I lost in a drinking game, could you pour me a drink?¡±


    ¡°What nonsense.¡±


    Watching the scene from the side, I couldn¡¯t help but blurt out in disbelief, and Hyun-ah immediately red at me sharply.


    ¡°Kim Woojin, shut up okay.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s a penalty for a drinking game, I¡¯ll pour it for you.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t ept a drink from a yboy like you.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see that it was all nonsense in the Bamboo Forest?¡±


    Why are we talking about this? Anyway, Jeong Chan-woo, who awkwardly poured her a drink, was caught between us.


    Seeing Chan-woo¡¯s awkwardness, I casually asked Hyun-ah.


    ¡°Are you at Yu Arin¡¯s table?¡±


    ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Because Chan-woo and Yu Arin are high school friends. Take him and stay together. We have a serious conversation to take up now.¡±


    I know I¡¯m being shameless and pushy, but what can I do if that¡¯s just my character?


    Chan-woo must have seen it as a chance and stood up immediately. After being rejected once before, it seems this guy has changed and is ready to take action.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Oh my.¡±


    Hyun-ah immediately takes Chan-woo away from the table.


    And seeing her give a thumbs up towards us, it seemed she was quite happy to have brought Chan-woo to their table.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re getting along well with the others, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Before I knew it, Choi Yiseo had grilled various things and ced them in front of me, smiling happily.


    It was somewhat jittery and embarrassing, so I pretended not to notice and just kept eating.


    ¡°Here, eat this too.¡±


    She even wrapped a lettuce wrap for me.


    ¡°Yah, this is a bit¡­¡±


    I appreciate the sentiment, but we weren¡¯t dating, and doing this at an after-party seemed a little too much for me to handle.


    Especially since there were people ncing over at us from time to time.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    But Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t say anything, just holding out the wrap. Just her stare at me was enough pressure.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    As soon as I opened my mouth slightly, her lips lifted into a smile and she put the wrapped meat inside my mouth.


    Wow, why did she wrap it so huge!


    ¡°Is it good?¡±


    ¡°Sssohashyyy.¡±


    ¡°Hm? What did you say?¡±


    It¡¯s just a wrap.


    Somehow when I was focusing on chewing, someone sat next to me.


    Both Choi Yiseo and my gaze simultaneously turned in that direction, initially thinking Chan-woo had returned.


    ¡°Woojin, you¡¯re here.¡±


    But sitting there was Seo Yerin, smiling brightly.


    ¡°Moat?¡±


    What?


    Honestly.


    To be really honest, Seo Yerin made me ufortable right now. Although she said it was nothing and to let it go on her side.


    After all, we had spent the night together.


    It was a situation that would naturally make anyone feel uneasy and ufortable, not just with Seo Yerin, but with any woman, this would be the same case.


    ¡®She came here by herself?¡¯


    So, I thought today wouldn¡¯t be the day to have a conversation alone with Seo Yerin.


    As Anonymous69, she could spill anything she couldn¡¯t say in words, but in reality, she couldn¡¯t say anything to people¡¯s faces.


    With the thought of dying from embarrassment just by saying sex, I wondered how long it would take for her to speak again with the man she had sex with.


    Thinking that a natural conversation would be impossible, I intentionally avoided her for a while.


    ¡°Look at those chubby cheeks.¡±


    Watching Seo Yerin poking my cheeks with her finger as I ate the wrap Choi Yiseo made.


    I realized that things were flowing in a different direction from what I had expected.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    I push her hand away, telling her to stop, and Seo Yerin burst intoughter.


    ¡°So cute.¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    ¡°Hehe, why are you so cute today?¡±


    What¡¯s this?


    Why do I feel like I can see a tail wagging behind Seo Yerin?


    Is this really the Seo Yerin I know, who would self-destruct from embarrassment at every moment?


    Even though she had drunk a little, this reaction was definitely different from usual.


    ¡°Ah, Choi Yiseo. You wrapped the meat wrap so big, I almost dislocated my jaw.¡±


    Having barely swallowed the wrap, I joked, but Choi Yiseo stared at me with a subtle expression.


    Feeling awkward, I tried to eat again, but the meat waspletely burnt.


    ¡°Hey! The meat is all burnt!¡±


    I eximed in surprise, but Choi Yiseo slowly put the tongs down and coldly replied to me.


    ¡°You grill it then.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Did I do something wrong just now?


    Just as I was about to ask that question, Seo Yerin stretched out and grabbed the tongs quickly.


    ¡°Then I should grill it for you?¡±


    Suddenly, the scent of Seo Yerin¡¯s shampoo gently permeated my nose.


    How does she still smell so good after eating meat?


    Seo Yerin started grilling the meat instead of Choi Yiseo. And Choi Yiseo was looking at me with her chin taut.


    ¡°Yah!¡±


    Sorry, but I have no time to care about Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°You really suck at grilling meat!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I snatched the tongs away in annoyance after seeing Seo Yerin¡¯s clumsy skills burning the meat, charring it ck.


    ¡°Ah, seriously, because everyone just caters to you, you don¡¯t even know how to grill meat. Do you know how to pour water into ramen or you don¡¯t even know that too?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, this too, you know. There¡¯s something called skill in doing things. It¡¯s not for nothing that people adjust the cooking for steak to be rare or medium, get it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just pork belly though¡­¡±


    ¡°Pork belly isn¡¯t meat then? What else can you do besides having a pretty face? You should be thankful to your parents, seriously.¡±


    A satisfied smile formed while looking at Seo Yerin, who was pouting.


    This is Seo Yerin.


    Acting all high and mighty.


    The practice of grilling meat deliciously for my ex-girlfriend ising in handy here.


    What a shitty feeling.


    And so, our table was in a bit of a mess right now.


    ¡°Wow, it¡¯s so warm.¡±


    Senior Min Ju-hee, who had just arrived from the cold air outside, took a seat where Chan-woo had been sitting.

 Chapter 70: A Friendly Competition

    Chapter 70: A Friendly Competition


    ¡°Pretty one, pour me a drink.¡±


    I felt the atmosphere lighten somewhat thanks to the arrival of senior Min Ju-hee.


    Truly like the venttion system of a barbecue restaurant, which always works right.


    I obediently poured her a drink and asked senior Ju-hee,


    ¡°Where have you been, Senior? You¡¯rete.¡±


    ¡°Hm? Are you nagging me for beingte now?¡±


    Senior Ju-heeughed heartily as she drank. Her demeanor suggested she didn¡¯t need thepany of anyone else to enjoy her drinks, embodying the spirit of true independence.


    ¡°I was ying billiards with friends.¡±


    ¡°You y billiards?¡±Honestly, I was a bit surprised when I heard it, but I could easily picture senior Ju-hee ying billiards among middle-aged men,plete with a cigarette dangling from her mouth.


    Of course, now that there are designated smoking areas, she wouldn¡¯t actually smoke there.


    ¡°I do? Do you y, Woojin?¡±


    I smiled and responded to Senior Ju-hee, who seemed like she would immediately invite me to y a game of billiards now.


    ¡°I¡¯ve only ever yed pocket ball.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, fuck off.¡±


    Isn¡¯t it a bit strange for a woman to say this?


    ¡°That¡¯s insane sexual harassment.¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    Seo Yerin next to me burst intoughter, but I ignored her. She¡¯s almost in her teenage phase where sheughs at anything remotely sexual.


    ¡°No, but why pocket ball? Usually, when kids go to y billiards, they y four-ball.¡±


    ¡°¡­I yed it with my ex-girlfriend.¡±


    Silence suddenly fell.


    The gazes of the three people shifted away from me to elsewhere, apparently thinking it was a sensitive topic for them to continue.


    Well, it was a bit awkward.


    ¡°Then how did you end up ying, Senior? Girls usually don¡¯t go to billiard halls together.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    After briefly looking down at her ss, senior Ju-hee reached out for another drink and downed it.


    As if she¡¯s gearing up to tell a story.


    ¡°Uhm, well, since you¡¯ve shared your story.¡±


    I thought there might be some special reason.


    ¡°Back in high school, I tried billiards because I liked the feel of beating kids with a cue.¡±


    I wish I hadn¡¯t heard this.


    ¡°Then I guess I shouldn¡¯t go to a billiard hall with you, Senior.¡±


    ¡°Keuk, is it just the billiard hall you should avoid though?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee said jokingly, but the hint that simr episodes could happen elsewhere gave me the creeps.


    Would she hit people with a keyboard in a PC room, or with a mic in a karaoke room?


    She takes another sip of her drink and nces at the two girls next to me, shrugging.


    ¡°But Woojin really has a talent. He¡¯s got two pretty girls from our department by his side?¡±


    Without realizing it, I found myself scanning the two of them. When I thought about it, that was indeed the case.


    The spot between Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo was of considerable value, enough to cause the others to nce over the table and subtly disy their jealousy.


    ¡°I¡¯m, like, so awesome, right.¡±


    As soon as I shared my honest thoughts, both of my thighs were pinched. They both secretly signaled to me without others noticing.


    Because both sides were pinched, my waist bent, and my hands went down to rub the area they pinched.


    ¡°This is the life. The life, damn, when will I ever get to date?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee finds our situation cute and decides to fill her beer ss with soju.


    This could lead to some weird drunken behavior if not careful.


    ¡°With someone like you, Senior, I¡¯d think there¡¯d be one or two people interested in dating you.¡±


    Watching Choi Yiseo speak almost like a team leader in the workce, senior Ju-hee shook her head.


    ¡°Ugh, in high school, the kids were cowards, you know. They¡¯d run away just by making eye contact with me, so when would there be a chance to talk?¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s not like that now.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, prompting a toast by extending her ss. The four of us each picked up our ss, clinked them together, and downed them.


    ¡°Keuh! Hey, well, what can we do. Right now, there¡¯s no time for dating because we¡¯re studying. I need to get a full schrship.¡±


    ¡°That is¡­ quite rtable.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, ncing my way and agreeing. Her words about seeing each other next semester shed through my mind.


    ¡°Still, wouldn¡¯t it be better to date now?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    But then, somewhat unexpectedly.


    Seo Yerin, who swallowed her drinkst, chimed in, and senior Ju-hee expressed interest in her words.


    ¡°You have to speak carefully. If you say you¡¯re interested in dating here, there won¡¯t be just one or two wolves rushing in to take a bite.¡±


    When the senior said that, I felt the pork belly restaurant get slightly quieter. As if everyone was paying attention to every single thing Seo Yerin said.


    Yet, Seo Yerin didn¡¯t hesitate and spoke boldly.


    ¡°There are things you can only experience at this age. I think I¡¯d feel regretful if I entered society without having dated.¡±


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s also true. Yerin will soon catch a man.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee is making fun, saying that someone like Seo Yerin could get a boyfriend simply by just talking.


    Then, the topic of conversation naturally shifted to the feststage.


    Senior Ju-hee, showing interest in Seo Yerin, started to ask in detail.


    ¡°Really? Did you really receive a business card?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes¡­ But I apologized and declined the offer.¡±


    ¡°Is it true that Lee Jun-min asked for your number during the festival?¡±


    ¡°¡­Uh, um, yes.¡±


    Seo Yerin, asionally ncing at me with her head bowed, answered. Her expression seemed worried, and I wondered why.


    After typing something on her phone, I received a notification.<ul><li>Anonymous69: Don¡¯t worry.</li></ul>


    ¡°What are you worried about?¡±


    ¡°Wha-!? Wh-What are you suddenly talking about!?¡±


    As I openly looked at Seo Yerin and responded, she hit me in fluster.


    I couldn¡¯t just sit still, this feeling as if we were secretly exchanging nces.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Meanwhile.


    Feeling my clothes slightly stretching, I checked beside me to find Choi Yiseo lightly pulling on the hem of my pants.


    ¡®Sigh, I don¡¯t know anymore.¡¯


    Pretending not to notice, I kept on drinking, when this time, senior Ju-hee¡¯s target turned to me.


    ¡°Speaking of which, Woojin, we¡¯re going to start filming the assignment soon, just so you know.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about work at a drinking party now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are. Since Yerin is here, it¡¯s the perfect time.¡±


    The scenario we had created together with Yu Arin. Thanks to that, the scenario privilege disappeared, and no one could escape from the assignment; we were forced to participate without any excuses.


    ¡°What about the seniors who said they wouldn¡¯t carry out the assignment?¡±


    Wasn¡¯t it at the karaoke where senior Ju-hee made a scene and cursed at them to fuck off?


    The answer was already clear from the sight of senior Ju-hee noisily munching on the meat.


    ¡°What of them? Those girls re at me every time I pass by. We¡¯ll do it without them.¡±


    ¡°Is that really okay? Didn¡¯t the scenario need some women?¡±


    I understand it¡¯s about courage among female students.


    In our group, there are only two girls, senior Ju-hee, and Seo Yerin.


    ¡°We need to find someone to act¡­¡±


    While saying this, senior Ju-hee sneakily turns her gaze towards Choi Yiseo.


    Is this why she brought up the group project?


    When I too look at Choi Yiseo, she, who was grilling meat with the tongs, bes flustered.


    ¡°Me? Me?¡±


    ¡°Yiseo has a pretty face, a good personality, and as the ss rep, isn¡¯t she also very responsible?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee asks me.


    While pouring more alcohol into Choi Yiseo¡¯s ss, I respond,


    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s all there is to her? Choi Yiseo is also physically strong because she exercises, subtly considerate of others too, and has such a deep inner sense.¡±


    ¡°Wow, really?¡±


    ¡°Ah, of course. Where else can you find such a woman?¡±


    ¡°Wow! If Yiseo is like that, wouldn¡¯t she help out if she knew even a little about our team¡¯s tough state?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee smiled broadly and tantly revealed it, causing Choi Yiseo to sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy, and I¡¯ve never tried acting before¡­¡±


    But even as she says that, her expression is light. She nces at me, shakes her head, and continues.


    ¡°It¡¯s too bold, but since I liked hearing thepliment, I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Yay, actor secured. For now, the lead role goes to team member Yerin. Yiseo, we¡¯ll give you the smallest part possible.¡±


    ¡°Please do.¡±


    Then, senior Ju-hee and Choi Yiseo start talking about the project.


    At that moment, Seo Yerin, who was staring at me from the side munching on pork belly, was seemingly expecting something to happen.


    ¡°Do you want apliment too?¡±


    When I roughly guess, Seo Yerin nods her head vigorously.


    ¡°Hmm, you have two eyes?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And two ears, nice.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Your nostrils are ring, nice.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Continuously eating meat, good job. You¡¯ll be a pig.¡±


    ¡°Three.¡±


    ¡°Good at counting numbers. Good job.¡±


    ¡°Two.¡±


    ¡°Counting backwards, but still, good job.¡±


    ¡°One.¡±


    ¡°Trying to punch while being angry but not looking scary at all, good job.¡±


    ¡°You fuck!!¡±


    Seo Yerin started to grumble and punch me.


    ¡°Oh my.¡±


    As I blocked Seo Yerin¡¯s punches and chuckled, her punches turned faster.


    It was bing harder to endure, so I suddenly stood up and ran away saying I had to go to the bathroom. I had to use the public restroom near the stairs as there wasn¡¯t one inside, so I went out.


    After finishing my business anding out of the bathroom, standing there was¡­


    Unexpectedly, senior Han-kang.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    With a rather serious expression.


    Yet, his unyielding demeanor exuded confidence and even a sense of intimidation.


    ¡°I heard everything earlier. About Yerin.¡±


    ¡°¡­You mean the part where Seo Yerin showed interest in dating?¡±


    The senior nods at my words.


    ¡°You have really sharp ears.¡±


    ¡°Stop joking around.¡±


    I backed off, worried that I might actually get hit. I¡¯d probably lose if we fought.


    ¡°I told you thest time. I genuinely like Yerin and I¡¯m pursuing her.¡±


    ¡°That you did.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t hold back anymore. I¡¯ll seriously express my interest, invest time to build a rtionship, and then confess.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to step aside. I¡¯m saying, let¡¯spete. A fairpetition.¡±


    A pang of guilt hit me.


    How on earth could I tell him that after drinking together, I ended up spending the night with her on a whim?


    My heart was torn, and I felt like I had be a bad person immediately.


    ¡°Th-that¡­ Senior.¡±


    ¡°What, Woojin.¡±


    I mulled the subject, but what should I say? After mulling over this and that, eventually.


    ¡°Le-let¡¯s both do well!¡±


    When I offered a handshake, senior Han-kang sighed and firmly grasped my hand.


    ¡°Right, let¡¯s do well.¡±


    I¡¯m so sorry.


    I¡¯m really sorry.


    ¡°I, I¡¯ll go get some air. You go on ahead inside.¡±


    Saying so, I went downstairs, and the senior said one more thing as he looked at me.


    ¡°I think I might have misunderstood you a bit. Whether one of us ends up dating someone or if both of us fail. Let¡¯s have a drink together sometimeter.¡±


    ¡°Th-that sounds good!¡±


    Saying so, I quickly went outside.


    A pang of guilt hit me.


    I don¡¯t know why I can¡¯t shake off the feeling of bing a trashy man like those found in manga.


    ¡°You¡¯re here!¡±


    At that moment, Yu Arin jumped down the stairs. She was fuming, with her fists clenched.


    ¡°Did you really bring Jeong Chan-woo? And even seated him at our table? And you, surrounded by three girls, just loving it over there?¡±


    ¡°Good timing. Can you hit me a few times?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re dead¡­! Huh? What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I said, hit me.¡±


    I feel like I won¡¯t be able to forgive myself if I don¡¯t get hit.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask, just hit me. I hate myself.¡±


    As I say so, she slowly closes her eyes.


    Yes, I need to feel this pain for now¡­


    <em>Whack!</em>


    ¡°Argh! Are you crazy! Wait a minute! It hurts like hell!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t hit me!¡±<hr>


    The day after the after-party.


    Since there are no sses or meetings with anyone on Monday, I just quietly spend the day at uni.


    Having ramen and convenience store kimbap for lunch, I was ying a mobile game, ck Academy, when I suddenly got this message from an unexpected person.<ul><li>Senior Han-kang: Did you hear the news?</li></ul>


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    I was wondering what this was about as I popped a piece of kimbap into my mouth.


    Then, a message from someone else came right after.<ul><li>


    Captain Ju: Ah, damn it, please.</li><li>


    Captain Ju: Why is the world so cruel to me?</li></ul>


    ¡°Uhm?¡±


    I was about to ask what happened, but then another message came from senior Han-kang.<ul><li>Senior Han-kang: Please take good care of Yerin.</li></ul>


    And almost simultaneously, the next message came.<ul><li>


    Captain Ju: That bastard Han-kang</li><li>


    Captain Ju: Got the draft notice, says he¡¯s wasting a semester to join the army.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­Huh?¡±


    Are they performing some kind of gag here?

 Chapter 71: Hunt For Han-kang

    Chapter 71: Hunt For Han-kang<ul><li>


    Captain Ju: We are going to have to fight Han-kang for real now.</li><li>


    Captain Ju: I¡¯ll show you how to use a pool cue.</li></ul>


    A very ominous deration kept raining down on me with threatening words.


    It seemed like she might actually end up killing someone today, so I felt like I had to follow along.<ul><li>Kim Woojin: I have one more lecture left, could you wait for me till it¡¯s done and then we¡¯ll go together?</li></ul>


    Thinking I needed to buy some time for her to cool down, I sent a message agreeing with my senior.<ul><li>Captain Ju: Sure. Think about what weapon you¡¯ll bring along.</li></ul>


    ¡®Is she for real?¡¯


    I had a hard time because of the female seniorsst time, and now senior Han-kang is stirring up this trouble, so she seems quite off the rails. Hoping that the fire would die down with time, I moved along to attend my next lecture.


    Even while listening to the lecture, honestly, I couldn¡¯t concentrate on it. And I wasn¡¯t the type to study hard, and something felt off, so I checked my phone constantly.Based on what I knew, there was a system to dy the enlistment for students during the semester if a draft notice was issued.


    With not much remaining of the second semester, wouldn¡¯t it be better to postpone it and return after finishing his sophomore year?


    ¡®What, does it really exist?¡¯


    Indeed, there was a system in ce to postpone the draft notice for university students.


    I thought senior Han-kang could also postpone it.


    ¡®It¡¯s not a big deal.¡¯


    Thinking that, I sneakily entered the Bamboo Forest. I hadn¡¯t checked it much recently since I left it to Yu Arin, and with the provocative situations in my daily life because of Seo Yerin, I wanted to calm my mind.<ul><li>Anonymous44: The cursed doll with a perpetual grin. This story is a well-known urban legend, but there are many variations that have subtly spread. Actually¡­</li></ul>


    The horror story enthusiast who always stirs up ghost stories in the Bamboo Forest.<ul><li>Anonymous243: Looking for someone to go to the convention with. We¡¯ll mainly check out the new releases this quarter and¡­</li></ul>


    And the anime enthusiast who talks about anime all day long.


    ? Anonymous11: Stop reeking of sweat and go y in your own turf.


    The quarrelsome troublemaker, always ready to pick a fight anywhere, anytime.<ul><li>Anonymous59(Admin1): sfb</li></ul>


    For some reason, Yu Arin naturally joins in, only to whine about being bored.<ul><li>Anonymous69: I wanna have seexxx!</li></ul>


    Just another day for the same old sex-obsessed person.


    ? Anonymous90: I wanna have seexxx!


    Anonymous90, too busy yet never ceasing in their adoration. Student of Physical Therapy, Lee Eun-woo.


    Amid the usual nonsensical posts, with humor or grumbling posts going around,


    one post caught my eye.<ul><li>Anonymous307: ? I got this from SNS, but isn¡¯t this the alley next to themercial district at Gahyeon Crossroads?</li></ul>


    And with that, an address was provided, leading to a dark alley where a man and a woman stood facing each other.


    The person filming seemed to be secretly recording from the end of the alley.<ul><li>Yesterday, in front of a certain university, a legendary confession scene happened.</li></ul>


    [I like you!]


    The screen was too dark to see faces, and the voice was low, but.


    The silhouette and clothes looked familiar.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t that the same outfit senior Han-kang wore yesterday?¡¯


    Isn¡¯t the person on the other side Seo Yerin?


    [I¡¯ve been appealing to you like this so many times. Honestly, you already know how I feel, but are you just testing the waters or something?]


    [Senior¡­]


    [No, I don¡¯t mind you doing that. But why with a jerk like him? There are plenty of other guys. Huh? Honestly, am I that uglier than him? Shorter? Poorer? No, right.]


    It seems the name was intentionally muted. That¡¯s how desperately the uploader wanted to post this.


    [Senior, don¡¯t badmouth ¨C.]


    [Did I say anything wrong? It¡¯s because it hurts my pride. It disgusts me to see you getting along with him. I¡­ sigh, damn it. I never imagined I¡¯d be jealous of such a person.]


    [Senior, I don¡¯t want to date you. And I don¡¯t want to hear you badmouthing ¨C.]


    [Just tell me why I¡¯m not good enough. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve been unkind to you, right? ¨C.]


    [Sigh¡­]


    Seo Yerin finally sighed and answered.


    [He¡¯s good in bed.]


    [¡­What?]


    [There, I said it. So let¡¯s stop this.]


    [No, no! Wait a minute! Wait a minute! What did you just say?!]


    As Seo Yerin tried to leave the alley, the video ended with the uploader hastily running away.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but stare nkly at the screen where the video was uploaded. I didn¡¯t understand what was happening, but I reported the video and then deleted the reposted article on ourmunity¡¯s ¡°Bamboo Forest¡±.


    I didn¡¯t know about it spreading on SNS, but if it was someone from our department who attended the dinner yesterday, they might recognize the outfit.


    More importantly.


    ¡®This senior¡­¡¯


    Didn¡¯t he clearly say something about having a friendlypetition with me?


    He said he saw me in a new manner. Didn¡¯t he say no matter who ends up dating, we should have soju together?


    The spot where I was hit by Yu Arin yesterday started to hurt for no reason. If it was going to be like this, I shouldn¡¯t have gotten hit at all.<ul><li>Kim Woojin: Senior, is there a system for dying military service for students?</li></ul>


    After I sent that message to senior Han-kang, a response from him came after a while.<ul><li>


    Senior Han-kang: Yeah, it exists. But I can¡¯t do that.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Why?</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: There¡¯s this thing for it. Apparently, I¡¯m not the right person for it ording to the procedure?</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: I¡¯ve already checked it out. Thanks for worrying, Woojin.</li></ul>


    ¡®Is this guy for real?¡¯


    When he doesn¡¯t speak like himself, I get a suspicious feeling, you know?<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: Did you see how mad senior Ju-hee was about you missing the group assignment?</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: I talked to her, and she was pretty angry. But it¡¯ll be alright. Ju-hee said it thest time, didn¡¯t she? If there¡¯s a reason she can¡¯t do anything.</li></ul>


    Is he relying on that and acting all brave in front of her? Because Senior Min Ju-hee will keep her word?


    But this seems like a different situation to me.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: Let¡¯s be honest, Senior.</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: £¿</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: You applied for military enlistment because you were embarrassed after confessing to Seo Yerin yesterday, right?</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang : ¡­Did Yerin tell you that?</li></ul>


    ¡®This crazy bastard!¡¯<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: There¡¯s a video of you circting on SNS, you know about it? I¡¯ll send you the link, so go and ask them to take it down, saying it¡¯s you in the video.</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: ¡­¡­</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Do you think senior Ju-hee will let this slide? I heard she¡¯s gathering weapons. She even asked me toe with her.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: And didn¡¯t you say something about having a fairpetition? That I¡¯m a decent guy. That we should have a drink sometime.</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: ¡­And you said you weren¡¯t interested in Yerin, but you¡¯ve already gone as far as you could with her.</li></ul>


    ¡®Ugh.¡¯


    This is a little heart wrenching.<ul><li>


    Senior Han-kang: Woojin, how about we make a deal?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: What deal?</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: Help me avoid getting caught by Ju-hee. If we get through today, Ju-hee will calm down a bit.</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: All you have to do is stick with Ju-hee today and brief me on your location.</li><li>


    Senior Han-kang: Right? Woojin.</li><li>


    Moron: Woojin?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Ah, yes.</li></ul>


    I couldn¡¯t reply immediately because I was changing Han-kang¡¯s name in contacts.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: But there¡¯s nothing I gain from this?</li><li>


    Moron: Then, is it okay if I talk to Yiseo?</li></ul>


    ¡®Look at this bastard?!¡¯<ul><li>


    Moron: I¡¯m quite perceptive you know. I can see that Yerin is interested in you and that you and Yiseo are not in an ordinary rtionship.</li><li>


    Moron: Just help me for one day. Please, really. Woojin. I¡¯m begging you.</li></ul>


    Sigh.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: Then, from now on, call me hyung.</li><li>


    Moron: ¡­¡­</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: If not, go die at the hands of senior Ju-hee. You¡¯ll probably get all your teeth knocked out before you can even say anything to Choi Yiseo.</li><li>


    Moron: Woojin hyung.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Yes, Kang</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll help you. No matter what senior Ju-hee says, she can¡¯t be that serious.</li></ul>


    She¡¯s already shaken off her past and is living as a new person, so how much more could she possibly overdo it?<ul><li>


    Moron: Well.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Well?</li><li>


    Moron: Yes.</li></ul><hr>


    ¡°This fucking guy.¡±


    I shouldn¡¯t have just let Han-kang¡¯s words slide. After all, I was someone who had seen senior Ju-hee in her raw form, just as she entered university at the same grade.


    Puffing angrily, senior Ju-hee, who had somehow procured a billiard cue, was furiously tapping on her phone. It seems like she was trying to find out where Han-kang was.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: In front of the convenience store bench at school.</li><li>


    Moron: Confirmed.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Confirmed?</li><li>


    Moron: ¡­Yes.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Respond properly.</li><li>


    Moron: Yes¡­</li></ul>


    After sending the message, I sneak a peek at senior Ju-hee. She was inquiring about Han-kang¡¯s location in the sophomores group chat.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t want to help Han-kang, but I thought I should at least calm senior Ju-hee down who seemed extremely enraged¡­


    It felt like things could really blow up if handled poorly.


    ¡°Still, since the warrant¡¯s out, wouldn¡¯t it be a bit much to criticize?¡±


    As I cautiously spoke, senior Ju-hee¡¯s eyes red with anger as she red at me. Then, instead of a cigarette, she chewed on the lollipop she was eating and replied,


    ¡°Did you know that that jerk confessed to Seo Yerin yesterday?¡±


    You saw the video then?


    It¡¯s been taken down.


    How did you manage to see it in that brief moment?


    ¡°Seeing that a student can dy military service but chooses not to, doesn¡¯t it just reveal his true nature?¡±


    You¡¯ve also looked up the military enlistment system for students? As expected, you handle things well.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: If you get caught, you¡¯re really dead in her hands.</li><li>


    Moron: ¡­¡­</li></ul>


    ¡°Sigh, let¡¯s go, Woojin. That bastard is in the volunteer room right now.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee, who immediately slung the billiard cue over her shoulder, ran. I took the baseball bat Senior had brought for me and followed right behind, sneaking a message.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: Are you in the volunteer room now?</li><li>


    Moron: Yes, my ce is already marked.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: On my way there.</li></ul>


    No reply.


    It seems he¡¯s running away right now.


    ¡°I¡¯ll shove this up his ass until it sticks out of his mouth, that fucking son of a bitch.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Woojin, you know what? That bastard can¡¯t go to the military. Because of me, he won¡¯t be able to serve actively and will get disqualified after a re-examination.¡±


    I gulped while following behind senior Ju-hee, who dered ominously.


    Even if Han-kang is aplete moron, he doesn¡¯t deserve to die like this.


    Hopefully, after today, Senior Ju-hee will calm down.


    Then.


    Suddenly, a message came to me.


    I thought it was Han-kang, but it was someone quite unexpected.<ul><li>


    Yu Arin: Hey.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: What¡¯s this?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: (Photo)</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Isn¡¯t this senior Han-kang and Yerin?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: But more than that.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Aren¡¯t you the one silenced in there?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: What does ¡°good at sex¡± mean?</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Silently putting the phone in my pocket, I pretended I hadn¡¯t seen anything and followed senior Ju-hee quietly.

 Chapter 72: Hunt For Han-kang (2)

    Chapter 72: Hunt For Han-kang (2)


    <em>Kwaang!</em>


    ¡°Don¡¯t even move a muscle! You fucking bastard!¡±


    Harsh words exploded from senior Ju-hee, who kicked open the volunteer club¡¯s door.


    The people inside the club room were initially startled, but, overwhelmed by the uninvited senior Ju-hee¡¯s force, they were rendered speechless.


    After quickly scanning the interior, senior Ju-hee, fuming, asked the people inside.


    ¡°Han-kang! Have you seen Han-kang?!¡±


    Who could lie in response to the question asked by someone holding a cue stick, with veins protruding on their neck?


    ¡°Well¡­ it seemed like he was going to a karaoke.¡±


    ¡°Karaoke?!¡±¡°Yes, he said he was going to Taeyang Karaoke!¡±


    Why does he go around telling people where he¡¯s going?


    Is it some kind of confidence that I¡¯ll somehow cover for him in all situations?<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: Are you at Taeyang Karaoke?</li><li>


    Moron: No no, PC room.</li><li>


    Moron: I lied to the guy from volunteer club room about going to karaoke.</li></ul>


    Still, he¡¯s human after all.


    Taeyang Karaoke being almost in the opposite direction of the PC room made it not a bad ce for a bluff.


    ¡°Ohh, my apologies.¡±


    After calming down a little from the thought of having missed him, senior Ju-hee bowed to the club in apology, then politely closed the door and left.


    Then she started walking briskly while tapping on her phone.


    ¡°Se-Senior? Taeyang Karaoke is in the opposite direction?¡±


    When I asked, senior Ju-hee answered, gritting her teeth.


    ¡°I received a tip that the bastard is at the PC room now.¡±


    I have no idea who gave her the tip¡­<ul><li>Kim Woojin: Emergency. Senior Ju-hee is heading to the PC room.</li></ul>


    Han-kang doesn¡¯t reply anymore.


    It seems he¡¯s on the run.


    On a Monday evening, we found ourselves in an unexpected chase.


    After the PC room, it¡¯s Kimbap Heaven, then the billiard hall, and finally, the karaoke room.


    The moment we entered the karaoke room, the only ce left where senior Han-kang could be, senior Ju-hee put her phone down.


    ¡°Senior, first calm down and we can¡­!¡±


    <em>Crack!</em>


    My jaw was suddenly seized.


    Pulled by senior Ju-hee¡¯s grip, I wasid down on the karaoke room table.


    Senior then climbed on top of me, looking at me with murderous eyes.


    ¡°Missed at the volunteer club room, missed at the PC room, Kimbap Heaven, and even the karaoke room?¡±


    ¡°¡­!?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a traitor among us. That¡¯s the conclusion I¡¯vee to¡­¡±


    Senior Ju-hee, holding both sides of my face with one hand, looks down at me with a smile. Contrary to the pleasant scent, her smile alone exudes eeriness.


    ¡°There are only the two of us here?¡±


    <em>Squeeze!</em>


    ¡°Ugh!?¡±


    Her grip is so strong that my lips are pushed forward. I felt Senior Ju-hee¡¯s rough breaths touching the corner of my mouth.


    ¡°I am not a traitor¡­¡±


    ¡°Woobubub?!¡±


    Senior Ju-hee put her legs on my arms to stop them from moving.


    ¡°So it¡¯s not you?¡±


    Sitting on my chest, the insides of her thighs are clearly visible, but it wasn¡¯t a big problem since she was wearing jeans.


    ¡°Woojin, I¡¯m not a thug. I also save money, get insurance, and live like that.¡±


    ¡°Se-Senior!¡±


    ¡°I too have something called friendship. But if you trample on my friendship feelings.¡±


    ¡°It-it¡¯s not like that!¡±


    ¡°I be a thug then.¡±


    Senior slowly loosens the strength in her hand.


    She was giving me onest chance to speak.


    ¡°Se, self-study room! He said he was going to the self-study room!¡±


    I immediately became a whistleblower.


    ¡°Phew, take your phone out.¡±


    As soon as I took my phone out to show the chat with Han-kang, senior Ju-heeughed, finding it ridiculous.


    ¡°Burgers, chicken, pizza, bossam? Wow, Woojin. You¡¯re really making a killing, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Looking at the coupons I got from senior Han-kang, senior Ju-hee clenched her hand tighter again.


    ¡°It¡¯s for dinner! A dinner after the group project is done!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Slowly getting off of me, Senior climbed down and shoved my phone into her pocket, saying,


    ¡°This is confiscated until we meet Han-kang.¡±


    ¡°Ah, of course! My lord!¡±


    Immediately submitting to senior Ju-hee, I sprang up and said,


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a taxi. I¡¯ll pay for it!¡±


    Even while we were in the taxi, senior Ju-hee insisted on sitting in the back with me. With one arm around my shoulder, she gently touched my cheek, barely able to contain her anger.


    I became a Senior¡¯s stress doll, just quietly submitting without being able to do anything.


    Eventually, we arrived at Han-kang¡¯s studio apartment.


    <em>Knock knock.</em>


    As I knocked on the door, Han-kang¡¯s voice came from inside.


    ¡°Ah, I wrote a request to leave it out¡­¡±


    Even amidst this, he had ordered for food delivery. Right, all of this makes sense.


    Since he only managed to eat a single roll of kimbap at Kimbap Heaven before he fled, he must have been hungry.


    <em>Creeeak.</em>


    Why does the sound of the front door opening feel so eerie?


    ¡°Leave the food and¡­ ugh!¡±


    <em>Puak!</em>


    Right then, senior Ju-hee¡¯s kick pushed Han-kang¡¯s abdomen, entering inside.


    ¡°Woojin, stay outside, unless you want to die.¡±


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Just like that, the door closed, and Han-kang¡¯s screams began to burst out from behind the door.


    ¡°Aaack! Aaaaaack! Ju-hee, wait a moment! Ju-uuuuust a momeeeeent!¡±


    ¡°My bone, you hit my bone! Ugh! You are hitting my bone!¡±


    ¡°Please, just a moment! Noona! No, this isn¡¯t really¡­! Aaack! Kim Woojin! Kim Woojiiiiin!¡±


    <em>Thud!</em>


    It seemed he tried to escape, but the door shook with a thud and didn¡¯t open because I was leaning against it.


    ¡°You son of a biiiiitch! Selling me out!? After eating everything, you sold me ouuuuut!?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    At that moment, a delivery person wearing a helmet approached me. He was holding a pizza, which seemed to be for Han-kang.


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here for a delivery, right? Please leave it.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    He looked somewhat ufortable, but the delivery person left the pizza and went away, perhaps due to other deliveries he had to fulfill.


    ¡°Kim Woojiiiiiiiiin!¡±


    ¡°Did you order Hawaiian pizza?¡±


    It seemed like waiting until the end wouldn¡¯t be boring, thanks to the pizza¡¯s arrival.<hr>


    ¡°Delivery.¡±


    ¡°Yeeep!¡±


    Upon receiving another pizza, I entered to find senior Ju-hee adjusting her posture, as if she had been waiting. She didn¡¯t like Hawaiian pizza, so I ordered a pizza with extra pepperoni for her, which seemed to be perfect for her.


    ¡°Woojin, I¡¯ll enjoy the meal.¡±


    ¡°Please eat a lot, Senior.¡±


    Watching this, Han-kang pouted his lips and muttered.


    ¡°It was ordered with the coupons I sent.¡±


    But, as expected, Han-kang¡¯s grumbling didn¡¯t reach us, and we started to focus on devouring the pizza, ignoring anything he said.


    It was a relief that Senior Ju-hee decided to use her fist instead of hitting Han-kang with the billiard cue; otherwise, Han-kang wouldn¡¯t even be pouting right now.


    Perhaps it helped that senior Ju-hee had time to cool off while moving around here and there?


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re not really going to enlist, are you?¡±


    After eating a slice of pizza, senior Ju-hee immediately got to the point. Han-kang momentarily lost his words, frowned.


    ¡°Please, take it easy. Is it right to run off to the military just because you got dumped by a girl?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°And why did you even confess? Anyway, I¡¯ll talk to Yerin, so don¡¯t act awkward around her.¡±


    Trying somehow to get Han-kang back on track. If Han-kang drops out too, the group project would truly be doomed.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°What now. Sigh, we¡¯ll switch roles so that Hyeon-ho or Woojin takes the lead, and you¡¯ll be in a supporting role where you won¡¯t have to see Yerin as much.¡±


    ¡°Eh?! Me?¡±


    Though it seemed out of the blue, senior Ju-hee sharply red at me.


    ¡°Got something to say?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    Traitors should keep their mouths shut.


    Well, she¡¯s saying that to soothe Han-kang right away, and since I have to edit anyway, I thought the lead role would probably shift to Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    ¡°Ju-hee.¡±


    Han-kang opens the conversation cautiously. For some reason, he slowly kneels, and the atmosphere feels tense.


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not because of that that I¡¯m enlisting.¡±


    ¡°Ah, please.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee sticks close to me and presses her forehead against my shoulder. It seems like she¡¯s the one who¡¯s supposed to be in pain, but strangely, I¡¯m the one who feels it.


    ¡°Woojin, please shut that guy up! Please, make him stop ruining my life.¡±


    ¡°Stop it! Senior Ju-hee¡¯s life points are already at zero!¡±


    I shouted, wrapping my arms around senior Ju-hee, but Han-kang cautiously nced around and opened his mouth.


    ¡°Well, actually¡­ That time, when I confessed to Yerin.¡±


    ¡°Please! Shut up! I don¡¯t want to hear it! Just say you¡¯ll be doing the assignment! It¡¯s not like I¡¯m asking for something difficult, you crazy bastard!¡±


    ¡°Ouch! Se-Senior, it hurts!¡±


    Senior Ju-hee, who is hugging me tightly like a girl watching a horror movie. The only difference is that she¡¯s so strong I feel like I¡¯m going to be crushed to death in her arms.


    ¡°So¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really dragging it out! You¡¯re already in deep trouble! Just spit it out, you bastard!¡±


    ¡°Come on, say it! I¡¯m going to die at this rate!¡±


    I feel like my waist is going to snap, seriously!


    ¡°I¡­ I slept with another girl.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°No shit?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee and I look at the Han-kang at the same time. Did we hear that right just now?


    ¡°It was because I was feeling lonely and my life seemed so miserable. So, I just took a girl I know and slept at my ce?¡±


    Suddenly, Han-kang¡¯s speech starts to speed up. Is it his own firm determination to spill everything before a volcano erupts?


    ¡°But my parents came to my studio apartment the next morning and caught me! Because of that, they checked my phone and saw all my rtionships with girls and immediately told me to drop out and enlist in the military!¡±


    Wow.


    ¡°My father is a soldier, so he¡¯s very strict about this! I really don¡¯t know how it came to this, but I¡¯m sorry, Ju-heeeee!¡±


    Saying that, Han-kang immediately got up and ran to another room. It seems that kneeling earlier was to gain the momentum to stand up.


    Before I knew it, the strength in senior Ju-hee¡¯s arms, which had been holding me tightly, loosened. Seeing her fumbling on the floor with her hand, searching for something, I pointed in the direction with my chin.


    ¡°It¡¯s over there.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee picked up the cue stick that was rolling on the floor of the living room.


    ¡°Right, thanks.¡±


    And then she dashed towards Han-kang¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m really going to kill that guy today!¡±


    Yes.


    He should just die.


    ¡°Come out! Come out now! If you really don¡¯t, I¡¯ll break the door down!¡±


    <em>Bang bang bang bang!</em>


    The force with which she was pounding on the door seemed like it would really break it, but now I too wanted to join her in beating up Han-kang.


    ¡®Is that guy even human?¡¯


    The very day he tells me that we canpete in good faith, he cowardly confesses first and badmouths me.


    After sincerely confessing his feelings to Yerin, when he gets rejected, he sleeps with another girl for some mentalfort?


    Amidst all this, his rtionships with women are soplicated that he gets caught by his parents, and he ends up enlisting immediately.


    He¡¯s quite the remarkable senior.


    At this point, it¡¯s almost like he¡¯s part of the university¡¯s dark side.


    I was hoping to get beaten up by senior Ju-hee all day, I was about to finish the remaining pizza.


    <em>Wooong!</em>


    A vibration from my pocket.


    ncing at my phone, I saw-<ul><li>Seo Yerin -</li></ul>


    That Seo Yerin had called.


    ¡°Hello?¡±<ul><li>Uh, Woojin¡­</li></ul>


    ¡°Yes, hello Seo Yerin. Thanks for thepliment. Seems like you were very satisfied with the sex?¡±<ul><li>¡­¡­</li></ul>


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just brag about it in the group chat then? That Woojin is just a legendary sex king.¡±<ul><li>Sorry¡­¡­</li></ul>


    ¡°Or you could have introduced me as a living fuck machine. That sounds a bit cooler.¡±<ul><li>I-I¡¯m sorry.</li></ul>


    ¡°Shut up! You living doll! You¡¯re good for nothing except your pretty face! You should be filial to your parents! Thank them for giving birth to you!¡±<ul><li>But, I¡¯ve been ignoring everyone else¡¯s calls!</li></ul>


    ¡°Of course, you should! You are¡­!¡±


    Even as I was shouting at Seo Yerin, I saw senior Ju-hee finally unlock the door, enter, and start beating Han-kang, who was hiding under the nket.


    ¡°¡­Hey, leave a message like this to the person who posted the video on SNS earlier.¡±


    The moment Seo Yerin heard my brilliant revtion, her voice became noticeably lighter.<ul><li>I¡¯ll do it right away! Woojin, you¡¯re a genius!</li></ul>


    Praising myself foring up with such a way to turn the situation around in an instant, I hung up the phone.


    Then, the phone rang again immediately.


    <em>Wooong!</em><ul><li>


    Yu Arin -</li><li>


    Hello¡­!</li></ul>


    <em>Click.</em>


    I hung up immediately to show that I didn¡¯t want to talk, intending to join senior Ju-hee in beating Han-kang up.


    <em>Wooong!</em>


    The phone rang again.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    I was about to hang up again, but-<ul><li>Choi Yiseo -</li></ul>


    Seeing a different name on the screen, I took a deep breath and very carefully answered the phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡±

 Chapter 73: Jogging

    Chapter 73: Jogging


    There is a level of tension that we experience when skipping sses at the academy and subsequently receiving a call from mom.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo -</li></ul>


    And I am experiencing the same sort of tension as those days when I see Choi Yiseo¡¯s name on the iing call disy right now.


    Should I answer it?


    There was a moment of hesitation, but eventually, my finger touched the screen to answer the call as the phone kept vibrating.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    As I cautiously and carefully answered the phone, from the other end¡­<ul><li>What¡¯s up, why did it take you so long to answer?</li></ul>


    I heard Choi Yiseo¡¯s voice, which wasn¡¯t much different from usual. The moment I heard it, I felt the tension in my body release and I turned calm.


    The video itself was taken down quickly at our request, and I immediately deleted the post from the Bamboo Forest too.


    In fact, only someone like Yu Arin, who needs to stay in the Bamboo Forest, might have seen that video.Registered under the student ID of Choi Yiseo, Anonymous287 had previously been blocked, as I mistook her ount for Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s.


    Since Choi Yiseo doesn¡¯t use SNS, it was naturally impossible for her to know about the original post.


    ¡®Thinking about it, I don¡¯t have to be afraid.¡¯


    Even though I¡¯m in a somewhat delicate rtionship with Choi Yiseo, she¡¯s not my girlfriend, after all.


    ¡®But why do I feel so guilty?¡¯


    Despite questioning why I feel ufortable about spending a night with Seo Yerin, I responded with a joke for now.


    ¡°I came to senior Han-kang¡¯s house with senior Ju-hee. Because of a group project.¡±<ul><li>Hmm, that¡¯s a pretty uniquebination.</li></ul>


    Indeed, what a uniquebination.


    ¡°I think senior Han-kang might end up abandoned in the Han River today. The culprit would be senior Ju-hee.¡±<ul><li>¡­What¡¯s happening?</li></ul>


    I back away subtly.


    The screams from senior Han-kang were so clear, one might think it¡¯s from a scene of torture.


    Seeing senior Ju-hee fighting with all her might, I vow never to mess with her again.


    I can¡¯t believe I had the nerve to brief her on her position.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m a bit busy because of that. Why did you call?¡±<ul><li>Ah, you said you were going to shoot a movie. I was wondering when it would start.</li></ul>


    ¡°Hmm, there¡¯s been a change, so I think I need to ask Senior. I¡¯ll check and get back to you after I¡¯m done here.¡±<ul><li>Okay¡­ Are you going to work out today?</li></ul>


    Having recently fallen in love with home training, I answered with a confidentugh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it, I think my body has gotten better recently. Feels like more muscles?¡±<ul><li>Alright, see you then.</li></ul>


    <em>Click.</em>


    Choi Yiseo showed a lukewarm response. I felt relieved, as if a weight had been lifted off my chest. Was it like oveing a huge mountain?


    ¡°Argh! Help meee! People of the neighborhood!¡±


    ¡®I should join the fray too.¡¯


    Those are men and women.


    Enemies of both genders.


    I was seriously considering asking Senior Ju-hee if we should proceed with a castration n.


    <em>Wooong!</em><ul><li>Yu Arin -</li></ul>


    Another call came in.


    Eventually, I sighed and answered the call.


    ¡°Ah, what?¡±<ul><li>Wanna die? Why are you ignoring my calls and messages.</li></ul>


    ¡°There was something up. What¡¯s up.¡±


    Yu Arin, faced with my confident tone, seemed to get even more annoyed and grumbled.<ul><li>What do you mean, ¡®what¡¯s up?¡¯ Are you seriously asking me that?!</li></ul>


    ¡°Ah¡­ because of the video earlier?¡±<ul><li>Wow, impressive. You don¡¯t seem bothered at all. Are you happy that it¡¯s spread that you¡¯re good at sex?</li></ul>


    ¡°That was practice for the short film.¡±<ul><li>What?</li></ul>


    This is exactly the excuse I came up with. I told Seo Yerin and the SNS uploader to exin in such a manner.


    If we send in a real practice videoter, they¡¯ll apologize and upload the video themselves.


    ¡°It was for a project practice, you know? Seo Yerin and senior Han Kang are the leads in the film they¡¯re shooting this time. We were practicing for that.¡±<ul><li>Have you forgotten that I helped you with the script? There¡¯s no such scene in it, you know?</li></ul>


    ¡°Ha, acting like you¡¯re part of our team now? Sorry, but that¡¯s something we discussed and added on our own.¡±


    Where does this outsider get off interfering in the matters of our group?


    If we say that¡¯s how it is, then that¡¯s how it is.<ul><li>Weren¡¯t you supposed to write the script in English?</li></ul>


    ¡°We can practice acting in Korean.¡±<ul><li>Ha, make that excuse usable to Yiseo, you bastard.</li></ul>


    Huh?


    Why bring up Choi Yiseo all of a sudden?


    ¡°Choi Yiseo wouldn¡¯t know. Since the original and reposted articles have already been deleted.¡±<ul><li>¡­¡­</li></ul>


    ¡°We just spoke on the phone earlier? She wasn¡¯t embarrassed or distant, but just in case, I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t say a word to Choi Yiseo.¡±


    There was a moment of silence.


    Then, Yu Arin clicked her tongue and answered.<ul><li>You fool.</li></ul>


    ¡°Why, moron.¡±<ul><li>Because Choi Yiseo and I watched it together.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Shit.¡±<hr>


    ¡°Are you here?¡±


    The scenery of the walking path at sunset was always the same, but today it felt strangely poignant.


    Perhaps it was because of the female student with deep blue hair, warming up in her workout clothes, waiting for me within thendscape.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here.¡±


    As I waved my hand lightly in greeting, Choi Yiseo also smiled and responded to me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how hard you¡¯ve been working out at home, but let¡¯s see some of your skills.¡±


    Saying so, Choi Yiseo signaled for us to start running, and I immediately began sprinting beside her.


    Suddenly, I wanted to salute the future of Han-kang, who would be doing roll calls and jogging every morning from now on.


    ¡°Hoo, hoo.¡±


    Choi Yiseo runs with a steady breath.


    Her appearance didn¡¯t much differ from usual either.


    Not too slow, not too fast, I run alongside her, matching her steady pace.


    We didn¡¯t engage in any talk.


    After all, we weren¡¯t rxed enough to chat while working out.


    Just like that, we were running, and before we knew it, we had reached our usual finishing point.


    ¡°Let¡¯s run a bit more.¡±


    Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t stop there but went further, and I followed suit.


    ¡®I guess my stamina has improved greatly.¡¯


    The reason I stopped here when I first ran was just one. Because I couldn¡¯t run any further.


    There was a physical limit, a set finish line to my body. But today, I was easily surpassing it.


    I sneak a nce at Choi Yiseo. As if I could keep running even after crossing the finish line.


    It seemed like she, too, was trying to surpass her own limits.


    Strangely, my heart fluttered.


    ¡°Huff, huff.¡±


    It was almost 30 minutester when Choi Yiseo finally stopped. Yet, seeing that her breathing wasn¡¯t very rough or ragged, it seemed like she could run some more.


    ¡°Haahh! Haahh! Phe!¡±


    Lying sprawled on the ground, I felt like I would die of breathlessness any moment now. I had been a bit proud of my slightly improved body strength just minutes ago, and it would have been nice if I had been satisfied with that.


    Thanks to the long run, it had already gotten dark around us, the streetlights were on, and we had ended up at the far end of a walking path where people seldom ventured.


    ¡°It¡¯s so damn hard, for real!¡±


    I almost crawled to a nearby bench and sat down, and seeing that, Choi Yiseo quietly took the seat next to me.


    Even though we ran together, Choi Yiseo, whose breathing had already returned to normal, asked while looking in the direction where the stream flowed, though it was too dark to see clearly.


    ¡°Have you given some thought to some things?¡±


    From her tone of voice, it was clear that what she was about to say was quite serious.


    ¡°At first, I was angry.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I even thought about folding you in half and killing you.¡±


    What is it?


    Why does she talk as if it¡¯s actually possible for her to do that?


    Although it was momentarily chilling, I continued to listen to Choi Yiseo¡¯s words.


    ¡°Then, I felt disappointed.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And after that, I felt like I was being stupid.¡±


    I wanted to say something, but I couldn¡¯t say anything. After all, the fact that I had slept with Seo Yerin remained unchanged.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m not your girlfriend. I said I wouldn¡¯t interfere, but when something like this actually happens, it was hard for me to understand it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Even so, I wondered if I really had to like you this much.¡±


    The words pierced my heart like a dagger, but I had no reply.


    Being passive in rtionships, it was only natural for me to follow Choi Yiseo¡¯s conclusions if she hade to one.


    After all, it¡¯s not like I could change anything about what had transpired.


    ¡°I even thought about just taking you to a hotel.¡±


    ¡°Cough.¡±


    ¡°But then. It felt like I would be cheapening my integrity.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It would be my first time experiencing this. It would be too unfortunate for myself to do it just because I¡¯m blinded by jealousy, as if it¡¯s apetition.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I agreed.


    It was foolish to ruin meaningful moments just because someone else did it and feel the need to hastily follow.


    ¡°Am I too slow?¡±


    Choi Yiseo slowly turned her head and asked me, making eye contact.


    ¡°Everyone seems to be bing adults so quickly. Things we couldn¡¯t do in high school are happening in the blink of an eye.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So, honestly, I was a bit worried. Wondering if I¡¯m on the right path.¡±


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s hand gently reached out and caressed the back of my hand.


    It contained a certain amount of affection.


    ¡°I wanted to confirm that today. Whether it¡¯s right for me to go at my own pace or not.¡±


    The soft smile that formed on her lips was also Choi Yiseo¡¯s own way of answering.


    ¡°It seems right. That it¡¯s right for me to go this way.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No matter what others do. After all, you are conscious of me.¡±


    At those words.


    My mouth opened slightly without realizing it.


    It wasn¡¯t wrong.


    When I had sex with Seo Yerin.


    The first thing I worried about was Choi Yiseo.


    When the video spread, when the call came, when we agreed to meet.


    I was always concerned about Choi Yiseo.


    Before I knew it.


    The moment I realized that the person named Choi Yiseo had taken up a significant ce inside me.


    A night breeze blew to me.


    Riding on it, Choi Yiseo gently leaned on my shoulder.


    ¡°This is my pace.¡±


    Slowly, but surely.


    I could feel that the person named Choi Yiseo wasing closer to me.


    ¡°I-I smell like sweat¡­¡±


    Whether that was unpleasant.


    Or reminded me of an ex-girlfriend.


    Or my emotions were more confused than I thought.


    I¡¯m not sure, but I tried to push her away forcibly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind your sweat smell.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, on the contrary, wrapped her arms around me and clung closer, and I involuntarily tensed up.


    ¡®Why does even her sweat smell strangely sweet?¡¯


    It was fragrant, and strangely stimted a man¡¯s sexual fantasies.


    The soft chest wrapped around my arm, along with the pheromones it seductively gave out.


    Even if I wanted to pull away, there was nowhere to run since I was sitting on the bench.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve sorted things out.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who spoke with a sense of relief, then rose from her seat. As the touch, warmth, and scent of her arm disappeared, a strange sense of regret overcame me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat, to your house.¡±


    She mentioned it with a refreshing smile, out of the blue.


    ¡°¡­My house?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I told Minji that I would sleep over at your ce tonight.¡±


    At those words, I stared nkly at Choi Yiseo before responding.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have condoms?¡±


    ¡°This idiot¡­!¡±


    <em>Ppuk!</em>


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s fist flew at me right away. Some habits never die.


    As I huddled on the bench, Choi Yiseo pounded on my back, shouting.


    ¡°Just now! Just before! You said you wouldn¡¯t do that! You said okay that we¡¯d go slow! Just! Because I want to be with you! That¡¯s why!¡±


    ¡°No, no! Anyone would have misunderstood the way you said it just now!¡±


    This is really unfair!


    Somehow, I struggle, grab Choi Yiseo¡¯s wrists, and stand.


    Choi Yiseo, puffing and blushing, res at me.


    ¡°Honestly though, right? You spoke in a way that would cause me to misunderstand, right?¡±


    ¡°Huff! Huff!¡±


    Catching her breath, Choi Yiseo pouts and answers.


    ¡°Yeah, honestly, I was a bit annoyed, so I deliberately spoke in a way to make you misunderstand. Because I wanted to hit you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    She¡¯s so clever.


    As I slowly let go of her hands, Choi Yiseo rotated her wrists, ring at me.


    ¡°I told you, I hope you can overlook a bit of jealousy.¡±


    ¡°I have no intention of even tolerating your punches.¡±


    When I said that, Choi Yiseo crossed her arms and replied.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop by the convenience store and get some alcohol. You¡¯re really dead today. Prepare yourself.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You did it with Yerin, didn¡¯t you? You¡¯re going to regret it big time now.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Curious about what exactly I would regret, I asked Choi Yiseo, but she just turned around and walked away.


    Anyway.


    Today, it seems like Choi Yiseo is going to sleep over at my ce.

 Chapter 74: Woojin’s Room

    Chapter 74: Woojin¡¯s Room


    <em>ck.</em>


    Normally, entering one¡¯s home brings peace to their mind and stability to their heart.


    But today, as I took my shoes off in the entrance and looked around the house as usual, strangely, my heart fluttered.


    ¡°Clean up and live here.¡±


    Because Choi Yiseo was right behind me.


    Calmly entering, Choi Yiseo sighed and began to tidy up my house a little.


    Having been here several times before, and even having stayed the night, she moved naturally in this familiar house.


    ¡°Hey, go take a shower first. You sweated and didn¡¯t wash up.¡±


    ¡°Ah, right.¡±As I stopped Choi Yiseo from organizing the bedding and tossed her a towel, she quickly entered the bathroom, seemingly feeling sticky too.


    Since she had bought underwear at the convenience store earlier, she could wear that, and I decided to lend her something like my workout clothes to wear.


    ¡°Ah, shit.¡±


    Choi Yiseo was taking a shower in the bathroom.


    As I listen to the sound of the water and put the alcohol I bought from the convenience store into the fridge, ventte and clean the house, I suddenly find myself reminiscing about the past.


    I had to pick some clothes out for her, so while rummaging through the closet, I spotted an oversized T-shirt that my ex-girlfriend used to wear often.


    ¡®¡­Would it be crossing a line to give this to her?¡¯


    But there was nothing else suitable for her to wear in my closet.


    Moreover, honestly.


    There¡¯s nothing sexier in the world than a girl wearing only arge T-shirt and panties.


    ¡°Woojin, can you bring me some clothes?¡±


    At that, I hesitantly took the T-shirt I was holding and said,


    ¡°I-I couldn¡¯t find any suitable pants, so I brought arge T-shirt.¡±


    <em>Creak.</em>


    The door opened slightly, revealing Choi Yiseo¡¯s face. She seemed to re at me sharply but took it without a word.


    ¡®What, she¡¯s going to wear it then?¡¯


    Really?


    It was given in a ¡®let¡¯s just try by asking first¡¯ manner, but she¡¯s really going to wear it?


    Waiting outside with a slightly flustering heart, it feels somewhat simr to when Oh Yoon-ji first came to my house and took a shower.


    As my heart flutters, I take a deep breath filled with the cold outside air.


    ¡°I told you to fix the door, that doesn¡¯t close well.¡±


    Choi Yiseoes out shyly, hesitating.


    With her hair still not fully dry, she wraps a towel around her neck and pulls down the hem of her T-shirt with her hand. But it¡¯s a bit above her knees, so her thighs are visible.


    I almost let out an exmation without realizing it, but I barely managed to hold it in.


    mping a hand over my mouth and giving her a thumbs up as if moved by her appearance, Choi Yiseo sighed, but didn¡¯t seem too displeased by it.


    ¡°You should take a shower too.¡±


    ¡°¡­Fuck.¡±


    Is this a tease?


    Isn¡¯t this just asking for trouble?


    Going to the bathroom with my butt pushed out backward.


    In the middle of my journey, Choi Yiseo asked me why I was walking like that.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a healthy man.¡±


    I gave a somewhat logical reason and went into the bathroom to start washing myself.


    ¡°¡­Sigh.¡±


    I deliberately take a cold shower to calm my mind. But still, perhaps due to the strong impact of Choi Yiseo just before, the tension in my body doesn¡¯t ease.


    I decided to break a taboo.


    <em>Squeeze.</em>


    I squeeze out some of the shampoo from the bottle that was stuck in the corner.


    A luxury romance shampoo, with a notable rose scent. It¡¯s expensive, but it was just left there without being used.


    It was my ex-girlfriend¡¯s.


    ¡°Now I am a sage.¡±


    Smelling my ex-girlfriend¡¯s shampoo, my excitement not only calmed down but my mind became cool and collected.


    Now, I was almost impervious to everything.


    Today, Choi Yiseo told me she wouldn¡¯t do it, and it was also my own determination to keep it that way.


    Because of that, my head now smells like roses, and it creeps me out as if my ex-girlfriend is right next to me.


    After finishing my shower and going out, Choi Yiseo was lying on the mattress I slept on, looking at her phone.


    ¡°You¡¯re out? I ordered steamed chicken for dinner, is that okay?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    As long as I can eat, everything is fine. It doesn¡¯t really matter unless it¡¯s something extremely spicy likest time.


    ¡°But what do you usually do?¡±


    I was wondering what to say, but it seems Choi Yiseo had the same thought.


    ¡°I usually watch YouTube or movies on OTT? If not that, then I y games.¡±


    Lately, I¡¯ve been mostly ying games.


    ¡°Games? What kind of games?¡±


    I thought she would ask about movies, but I didn¡¯t expect Choi Yiseo to be interested in games.


    ¡°You¡¯re not really interested in games, though?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that. I¡¯m just curious about what you do.¡±


    ¡°¡­So, we y a game before the food arrives?¡±


    When I asked casually, Choi Yiseoughed as if it were obvious.


    ¡°It¡¯s your house, why are you asking for my permission. Just go ahead.¡±


    Then, Choi Yiseoy back down on the mattress and started using her phone again.


    It seems like she was chatting with someone, probably Minji, I guessed, as I turned on theptop ced on the folding table and sat cross-legged.


    Since the mattress was right behind me, theptop screen was fully visible, but there was nothing to be embarrassed about anyway.


    I was about to start a game when¡­<ul><li>LaneWon: hi?</li></ul>


    Just then, a friend from my friend list messaged me. A troublemaker with the nickname of a Bronze 3 topner.


    It was Seo Yerin.


    ¡®Why is she ying a game right now?¡¯


    Kids like Seo Yerin always seem to have ns with friends, right?


    While thinking it was unfortunate to have met her online, I didn¡¯t reply and quietly started matching in the game.<ul><li>


    LaneWon: ?</li><li>


    LaneWon: Why are you ying alone?</li><li>


    LaneWon: I got promoted to Bronze 3.</li><li>


    LaneWon: Let¡¯s y together.</li><li>


    LaneWon: Yah.</li></ul>


    I was hoping for a quick match.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    Eventually, even my phone rang.


    <em>Wooong!</em>


    ¡°Woojin, you getting a call?¡±


    Choi Yiseo asked with a sideways nce. Feeling strangely nervous, I cautiously answered the phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡±<ul><li>Why are you ignoring me?</li></ul>


    The voice was quite annoyed.


    ¡°Sigghhh.¡±


    Since the conversation could get lengthy and Choi Yiseo might overhear, I eventually invited Seo Yerin to the game.


    ¡°Instead, I¡¯m not using the mic today, okay?¡±<ul><li>Why? It¡¯s better with a mic. Youined, so I even bought a separate headset for it.</li></ul>


    We had met a few times in the game, so I hadined about the poor mic quality she had.


    ¡°The headset is wireless, and I didn¡¯t charge it.¡±<ul><li>Can¡¯t we just talk like this?</li></ul>


    ¡°Hmm, no.¡±


    <em>Click.</em>


    I hang up and start the game.<ul><li>


    LaneWon: What¡¯s up?</li><li>


    LaneWon: You¡¯re really irritable today, Kim Woojin.</li><li>


    LaneWon: Did you do the ck Academy daily quest?</li></ul>


    Still, the conversation naturally shifted in another direction without it seeming too odd.


    It¡¯s like, this is the payback for how I¡¯ve been treating Seo Yerin.


    The game proceeded as usual. Seo Yerin, with the ming double axes, lived up to her nickname by securing two solo kills in thene phase, but afterwards, she wandered around like a lost beast.


    Diligently assisting as a support for the long-range dealer, I was busily moving around the map.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    That¡¯s when I felt a weight on my shoulder.


    Choi Yiseo, resting her chin on my shoulder, was staring intently at the screen.


    The breath brushing against my cheek made my body stiffen without me realizing.


    ¡°Is this fun?¡±


    ¡®What is it?¡¯


    Did shee to my house to hang out and is now upset because I¡¯m ying games alone?


    For a moment, that thought crossed my mind, but judging by her tone of voice and the atmosphere, that didn¡¯t seem to be the case.


    It felt like she was genuinely curious about what I was doing.


    ¡°Somewhat?¡±


    As I tried to focus on the game while answering, this time I felt a soft touch on my back.


    Not only that, but also the touch of Choi Yiseo¡¯s hands wrapping around my waist.


    I wondered what kind of situation this is, but the danger ping in the game was ringing an rm for me to snap out of it.<ul><li>


    LaneWon: What are you doing?</li><li>


    LaneWon: Lost your mind?</li><li>


    Heavenly Genius Support: Sorry,gging</li><li>


    LaneWon: Don¡¯t download porn while ying the game.</li><li>


    LaneWon: ¡­Give it to me if you do?</li></ul>


    ¡°This person speaks so vulgarly.¡±


    Choi Yiseo frowned, but still, she didn¡¯t leave my side. Feeling Choi Yiseo sticking close behind me, I take a deep breath and remind myself.


    ¡®Calm down, buddy.¡¯


    Just as I was preparing to scold myself, Choi Yiseo¡¯s hand that was wrapped around my waist moved lower.


    <em>Ding-dong!</em>


    ¡°Ah, the delivery is here.¡±


    She moved away from me and went to the entrance.


    Thinking that home delivery has saved me from Choi Yiseo, I pressed surrender, and the jungler and mid ADC, who had been cursing until now, agreed.


    The surrender vote passed with 4 in favor and 1 against.<ul><li>


    LaneWon: ?</li><li>


    Heavenly Genius Support: I¡¯m busy, gotta go. Bye</li></ul>


    Seo Yerin, who had drilled a highway through the tower, was flustered and tried to ask what was going on, but I quickly shut myptop and cleared the table.


    ¡°I need to use the bathroom.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll set the table up then.¡±


    Leaving Choi Yiseo to set up the food behind, I immediately went into the bathroom and made a call.


    After several rings, the answer came.<ul><li>Hello?</li></ul>


    ¡°What on earth is Choi Yiseo doing?¡±


    It was Minji, who was living with Choi Yiseo.


    We¡¯re not exactly on good terms, but since we¡¯ve already resolved our past issues, we could hold a conversation.


    Moreover, she was the only person likely to have answers to Choi Yiseo¡¯s strange behavior.<ul><li>Ah¡­</li></ul>


    Indeed, Minji¡¯s voice was slightly shaky as if she was flustered.


    Considering she was talking to Minji earlier, she must have discussed the current situation to some extent.<ul><li>So, you¡¯re the one from the department, with Yerin? You slept with her, they say.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±<ul><li>She was really preparing hard to scold you today. Earlier, when she said you were ying games, I even taught her how to tempt you subtly.</li></ul>


    ¡°It was you?!¡±


    No wonder it felt like a demonstration by an almost fully trained instructor!<ul><li>But, I really defended you to Yiseo. You¡¯ve already dated Yoon-ji and all! Among kids your age, there are even those who go to establishments, but I said you¡¯re into wholesome stuff!</li></ul>


    ¡°There are kids who go to those ces?¡±<ul><li>¡­Some of my friends do?</li></ul>


    ¡°Damn.¡±


    I sigh, realizing the bitter truth, and hang up.


    Anyway, I figured out Choi Yiseo¡¯s intention. It¡¯s about trying to tempt me, but the important thing is.


    ¡®I said I wouldn¡¯t do it.¡¯


    In other words, this is Choi Yiseo¡¯s assassination strategy to burst my bubble and kill me.


    I open the bathroom door and step out.


    Choi Yiseo, sitting down, called out for me to eat.


    ¡°What will you do if I end up pouncing on you?¡±


    Now is not the time to eat.


    First, we need to sort out today¡¯s affairs.


    Thinking that I had noticed her n, Choi Yiseo also slowly stood up and crossed her arms.


    It¡¯s theplete opposite of how she was clinging to me and being affectionate just a moment ago, now she was cold.


    ¡°If I refuse, you won¡¯t do it, right?¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re provoking me like this? Sorry, but I¡¯m also a man.¡±


    At my words, Choi Yiseo shrugs and snorts before saying,


    ¡°No contraceptives then, I guess? If you¡¯re going out to buy some now, I¡¯m going home.¡±


    Believing there were no condoms, she made a fuss. Knowing that I would at least maintain some basic standards.


    ¡°Always.¡±


    I pulled out a box from my pocket, small enough to fit in the palm of my hand. On the ck box was a picture of a celebrity with a sly smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m a prepared man.¡±


    ¡°¡­When did you buy that?¡±


    ¡°When you were choosing the alcohol.¡±


    As I shake the box with a smile, Choi Yiseo hits her forehead and sighs.


    It seems she couldn¡¯t check this since I was the one who paid. It was possible thanks to the convenience store clerk who helped hide this and process the payment.


    ¡°Surrender and lie down, Choi Yiseo.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    You¡¯ve provoked me too much.


    You should know that by just wearing a T-shirt is already crossing a major line.


    At my words, Choi Yiseo pointed to the steamed chicken with a disgusted expression.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat the steamed chicken first. It won¡¯t taste good if it gets cold. There are ss noodles too.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It was a bit disappointing, but she isn¡¯t wrong. The night is long, so the moment I slowly approach the table¡­


    Choi Yiseo, as if in a movie, steps back and then, with a running start, vaults over the table to deliver a kick to my sr plexus.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Kim Woojin!¡±


    As I fell to the ground, my waist bending like a bow, I never let go of the box of condoms I was holding.


    But Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t give up either, climbing on top of me and continuing to pound me.


    ¡°Let go! Let go! Let this go! At this rate you¡¯ll break a bone with my punches! Let it go!¡±


    ¡°Ugh! Ugh! It hurts! You crazy woman! It hurts!¡±


    ¡°Let go! I told you! Just let go!¡±


    ¡°Your panties are showing! Grey, damn it! I told you to buy something in a prettier color!¡±


    ¡°Shut up! I wasn¡¯t going to show you anyway! We¡¯re only holding hands and sleeping tonight!¡±


    ¡°Give it to me!¡±


    ¡°Give what! If we do it now, it¡¯s because you¡¯re anxious about Yerin!¡±


    <em>Puk!</em>


    Eventually, my body went limp and slumped due to the straight punch to the chest from Choi Yiseo.


    Snatching the condom box from my hand, Choi Yiseo then ran to the window, opened it, and threw it outside.


    ¡°You, persistent woman¡­!¡±


    Clutching my chest at the pain, I crouch and sigh, at which Choi Yiseo points at the steamed chicken with a refreshingugh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    What is there to eat now?


    ¡°You¡­!¡±


    ¡°What? Are there more? If so, bring them out.¡±


    There¡¯s no more.


    I should have bought one more.


    Feeling a bitter sense of defeat, I shout out in a final act of resistance.


    ¡°Transfer 6,600 won to my ount, you wicked woman!¡±


    Give me back the money for the condoms you threw out!

 Chapter 75: Tuesday’s Lecture

    Chapter 75: Tuesday¡¯s Lecture


    In the dark room.


    Lying on the mattress, I was looking up at the ceiling.


    I could feel Choi Yiseo¡¯s presence, who seemed to have used the same shampoo I did, a fragrant scenting off her skin.


    While looking at her with her eyes closed, I gave her a slight smile.


    ¡°Did it hurt?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    There was no particr response.


    Was she flustered then?


    ¡°Sorry, I should have been gentler while doing it.¡±¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Still no response.


    Even though it¡¯s too early to fall asleep. Moreover, I could feel a slight clench in the hand I was holding.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t hold myself back.¡±


    <em>Squeeze.</em>


    Now, Choi Yiseo is digging into the back of my hand with her fingernails. But I continue to speak.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s the first time, it must have¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    In the end.


    Unable to bear it, Choi Yiseo res at me as she slowly opens her eyes. As to her reaction that seems to ask what nonsense I¡¯m spouting, I pout and answer.


    ¡°Image training.¡±


    ¡°What kind of image training is this?¡±


    ¡°Assuming it happened, like, what you would say?¡±


    Of course.


    There was no progress with Choi Yiseo.


    In the end, after getting beaten up by her, having my condom taken away, eating steamed chicken, drinking alcohol, and watching a movie, we ended up sleeping.


    The movie wasn¡¯t romance but action, so only a longing for battle remained in my body.


    Despite being a man and a woman in the same room, any fluffy and lovely atmosphere had already been ventted out the window.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡±


    Choi Yiseo closes her eyes again with annoyance. It seems my attempt at role-ying wasn¡¯t to her liking.


    Just then, feeling an itch on my left calf, I let go of Choi Yiseo¡¯s hand to scratch it.


    <em>Clench.</em>


    Choi Yiseo snatches my hand back again.


    ¡°My calves are itchy.¡±


    ¡°Just get up and scratch it with your other hand.¡±


    Still with her eyes closed, she responds indifferently. It¡¯s absurd to see her not wanting sex yet not letting go of my hand.


    Eventually, I scratched my calf with the other hand andy back down again. Choi Yiseo was still holding my hand, but since she said that that is as far as she goes, I neither advanced nor retreated.


    Our tightly intertwined hands seemed determined not to let go.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know.¡¯


    I forcibly suppressed the excitement surging through me and slowly closed my eyes.


    I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll be able to fall asleep tonight.


    But I guess I have to at least try to get some sleep.<hr>


    Isn¡¯t there something like this thing?


    Where upon waking up you find a beautiful girl clinging tightly to you, hugging you.


    Honestly, I was a bit hopeful since it¡¯s a clich¨¦ situation in Japanese anime and manga.


    ¡°You¡¯re really sharp.¡±


    Upon waking up, Choi Yiseo was sleeping with the exact same posture and distance like a soldier.


    Thinking about it, I remember she did the same when we slept in the sauna too.


    Carefully releasing the hand of the peacefully sleeping Choi Yiseo, I check the time.


    It was 7:30 a.m.


    Waking earlier than usual must be partly because I was tense with Choi Yiseo beside me.


    Conversely, Choi Yiseo, perhaps having gone to bedte due to simr tension, is still soundly asleep.


    Her breathing softly in her sleep was so lovely that I wanted to take a photo of her.


    ¡®What to eat for breakfast?¡¯


    Is it because I just woke up?


    Or is it because the scent of my ex-girlfriend¡¯s shampoo ising from my hair?


    The excitement from yesterday has calmly settled, and my rational mind is now thinking about breakfast.


    Looking back now, I think I must have been crazy. Even if Choi Yiseo tempted me, the fact remained that I was about to do it with someone who wasn¡¯t even my girlfriend.


    ¡®Is this really my fault?¡¯


    Isn¡¯t the person who tempted the other at fault?


    Anyway.


    After waking up and regaining my senses, I hurried to the bathroom to wash up.


    Although I preferred rice in the morning, since I had steamed chicken yesterday, I thought about going to a bakery to buy something like a sandwich for breakfast after finishing my shower.


    Choi Yiseo, who seemed to have woken up, was sitting up looking nkly on the mattress.


    Her messy hair looked quite adorable.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    As I called out to Choi Yiseo while drying my hair, she looked up at me nkly. Then, startled, she wrapped herself with the nket.


    ¡°Ah, oh? Th-that¡¯s right!¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re embarrassed now?¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m not embarrassed?¡±


    I can clearly see that you¡¯re regretting the actions you took yesterday, right?


    I¡¯ve been through it once myself, so it doesn¡¯t seem too strange to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to buy some bread for breakfast. Do you have anything you¡¯d like? ¡°


    ¡°Ah, anything is fine. I¡¯m fine with eating everything.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Wearing only a coat, I step outside. As I close the door and lean against it for a moment.


    ¡°Aaaaah!¡±


    A scream sounded from inside.


    ¡°Choi Yiseo, you¡¯re crazy! Crazy woman! Crazy woman! Craaazy womaaan!¡±


    ¡°Die! Just die! Please dieeee!¡±


    ¡®Isn¡¯t that the sound of the nket getting ripped?¡¯


    After enjoying Choi Yiseo¡¯s reaction of hitting the nket and mattress while screaming, I went to the bakery as nned.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re back?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, awkwardly waiting for me looking like she¡¯d already washed up. She was wearing the same clothes as yesterday, and not the T-shirt I gave her.


    It was fortunate for Choi Yiseo that we went to a coinundry after eating yesterday.


    ¡°I bought some bread. Got some milk too.¡±


    She immediately takes out a sandwich from the paper bag.


    ¡°A vegetable sandwich for you, who¡¯s going to take a body profile photo.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Plus, unsweetened in yogurt.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And finally, a chocte donut to blow all your efforts out the window at once.¡±


    As I hand over all three with a smile, Choi Yiseo nkly looks at what I gave her and then bursts into a slight chuckle.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? If you were going to do this, why did you buy the first two?¡±


    ¡°Actually, giving up after trying is the most entertaining to those watching, isn¡¯t it? You eat chicken breast for a diet, but then you end up ordering fried chicken an hourter, right? So, you eat both chicken breast and fried chicken, consuming more than before you started your diet.¡±


    While talking about such trivial matters, I tear open a bread wrapper. It looks delicious, being freshly baked and still warm.


    ¡°Should I eat it on the go?¡±


    Checking the time, it¡¯s already 8:30 a.m. There¡¯s a lecture at 9 o¡¯clock today, so it seemed better to go to the ssroom early and eat there instead of eating now.


    ¡°Ah, right. You have a 5-hour break today.¡±


    ¡°¡­Thanks for reminding me of something so pleasant.¡±


    When will the hell of a 5-hour break on Tuesday ever end?


    ring at Choi Yiseo, who pointed it out specifically, I grab the bread. Then, suddenly looking at Choi Yiseo¡¯s current state, I add something more.


    ¡°If it makes you feel better, put on a hat and a mask.¡±


    Since Choi Yiseo had short hair, her hair dried quickly, but I wondered if it might be a bit awkward since she hadn¡¯t put on any makeup.


    ¡°I don¡¯t usually wear makeup much¡­ But still, lend it to me.¡±


    There are quite a few people who don¡¯t like to show their bare faces, but in the case of Choi Yiseo, it¡¯s either because she doesn¡¯t usually wear makeup or she¡¯s confident in herself, she didn¡¯t seem to have much of an aversion to either.


    Anyway, I stepped outside with Choi Yiseo, who had put on my hat and a mask.


    Running a little, we arrived in 20 minutes. It was nice having a house close to the university.


    After locating a spot in the corner, I took the bread out. It had cooled a little, but it still tasted good.


    ¡°Hm? It tastes good, maybe because it was bought in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t sandwiches supposed to be fine regardless of the time?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Or did they im it was fresh after it came processed from the factory as in yogurt?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    As I was teasing Choi Yiseo, who was making strangements, a cold breeze quietly approached.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    It was Seo Yerin, who I had yed games with yesterday. Initially, she greeted me with a smile, but as she sat down and saw us eating bread, she tilted her head in confusion.


    ¡°Hmm? Did you twoe together?¡±


    ¡°Cough! Cough!¡±


    Choi Yiseo, seemingly caught off guard, started coughing. I patted her back as I responded.


    ¡°We bumped into each other at the bakery on our way here. Seems like she overslept too.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    Seo Yerin smiled and slyly pointed at the sweet red bean bread I was eating.


    ¡°Let me have a bite.¡±


    Normally, I would never share, but today it felt like I had to give in, so I reluctantly offered it.


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    I wondered if the pretty kids always make such noises when they eat, but anyway.


    I just let it slide, thinking it was cute.


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    And then, as if a tram was moving forward, she stuffs even more red bean bread into her mouth.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Finally, after finishing the bread, Seo Yerin smiles contentedly. She¡¯s got bread crumbs on her cheeks but covers her mouth with her hand andughs modestly, really making me want to flick her on the forehead.


    It¡¯s not a big deal since there are plenty of other breads to eat. I would have given her some if she had asked.


    This time, I took out a cream bread, and Seo Yerin tilted her head.


    ¡°But your taste in bread is kind of old-fashioned.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I thought so too.¡±


    Choi Yiseo immediately chimes in, as if she had been waiting for this.


    ¡°You look that way because you only gorge on bread and cakes with strange names at caf¨¦s.¡±


    Sorry, but this isn¡¯t outdated, it¡¯s called having solid roots.


    Red bean bread, cream bread, streusel bread, etc.


    Who would dare call these fundamentally rich breads outdated?


    When we had almost finished eating the bread,


    Seo Yerin, who had been staring at us nkly, said with a bright smile,


    ¡°Should we have rice for lunch today? Since we ate bread?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    How can you push your noncking roots of bread, and for lunch at that? No matter how much we have the three musketeers of fundamental bread, how can itpare to a hearty and warm bowl of soup or spicy pork stir-fry?


    These are the very foundation of fundamentals.


    ¡°Is there anything you want to eat for lunch, Yiseo?¡±


    ¡°Huh? I can¡¯t really think of anything particr¡­.¡±


    And between them, with me in the middle, they continued their conversation. ncing at Seo Yerin, who was smiling pleasantly, it seems she hadn¡¯t noticed anything unusual.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    My phone vibrated.


    I stepped back a little so as not to interrupt their conversation and checked my phone.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: Yiseo¡¯s hat.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Wasn¡¯t it at your house?</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A chill ran down my spine the moment I saw one of Seo Yerin¡¯s hands under the table, while she was still talking andughing with Choi Yiseo.


    I was amazed that she could send a text without even looking at her phone¡¯s keypad, and at the same time¡­


    ¡°Woojin, where did you buy this bread? It¡¯s delicious.¡±


    Seeing her grin mischievously,pletely unrted to the content of her message, gives me the creeps.

 Chapter 76: Video Shooting

    Chapter 76: Video Shooting


    Even if Seo Yerin had found out where Choi Yiseo got her hat from, the lecture still went on as normal.


    Every now and then, Seo Yerin would subtly flirt with a smile, not just tempting but feeling like a warning to me, which was a tad bit scary.


    After the lecture, it was lunchtime.


    Normally, Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo would have lunch together.


    But today is a little different.


    Team members for a group project were sitting at the same table.


    Although the number has decreased a lot since we first gathered, we eventually did gather.


    ¡°Is everyone here? Shall we just go with stir-fried pork?¡±


    The menu was stir-fried pork, but it wasn¡¯t me who decided; it was decided by Team Leader Ju.Should I say it was as expected of senior Ju-hee? Her judgment in selecting the lunch menu is excellent.


    ¡°As I mentioned in the group chat, we¡¯re starting to shoot from today, right? Let¡¯s hurry and aim to finish shooting by next week and then move on to editing.¡±


    We ended up deciding on a shooting period of two weeks.


    Although making a short film was quite a bothersome task, there were intriguing aspects to it.


    After all, we were writing the screeny and acting by ourselves.


    ¡°Has anyone not seen the screeny, roles, and script that I¡¯ve uploaded in the chat?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee nced around. Since everyone seemed to respond positively without any objections, senior Ju-hee sighed in relief.


    I can¡¯t imagine what would have happened if someone said they hadn¡¯t seen it.


    ¡°Some will start shooting right after lunch, and others will miss out due to sses. But in the evening, we¡¯ll all definitely gather. Most of our scenes are set at night.¡±


    The movie was a mix of melodrama and horror, so it was often depicted at night.


    ¡°The lead was supposed to be Han-kang, but that bastard died, so Ahn Hyeon-ho decided to take over.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho scratches the back of his head awkwardly with a smile. Normally, one would feel burdened by a leading role, but Ahn Hyeon-ho seems to feel no such thing.


    ¡°The female lead will be yed by Yerin. And these two came as substitutes because they were left out and the second-year girls have left our project¡­¡±


    Senior Ju-hee then points to Choi Yiseo and Yu Arin, who are sitting in a corner.


    ¡°The two of them agreed to help. I talked to the professor about the second-year students being absent.¡±


    Seeing her satisfied expression, it seems the three second-year girls must have really made an impression on the professor.


    ¡°Honestly, we haven¡¯t even started yet, but the group project is already heading towards despair.¡±


    Just then, the spicy pork stir-fry was served.


    ¡°I hope you won¡¯t make my life any more tiring than it already is, and one thing I can say for sure.¡±


    As if giving a toast, senior Ju-hee dered honestly.


    ¡°Just listen well to what I have to say. Then, I¡¯ll carry the group project like a boss.¡±


    Really.


    ¡°She¡¯s so cool.¡±


    I think I¡¯m falling for her.<hr>


    ¡°Having five hours of free time is really a blessing.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee¡¯s words pierced me rather painfully. I was about to ask what she meant, but she corrected herself with augh, thinking she had misspoken.


    ¡°No, I mean, you can make good use of your free time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Right now, we were waiting for our turn to shoot on a bench in a corner of the University.


    Since we weren¡¯t doing anything professional and could just shoot with a phone, we didn¡¯t need any special equipment, which made it possible for us to shoot right away.


    Unexpectedly, the problem arose from a peculiar ce.


    ¡°So- so what?!¡±


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    The moment Senior heard Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s pronunciation, she pped her forehead with her palm and let out a deep sigh.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to hit a wall like this.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, whose pronunciation is so messed up it¡¯s a wonder how he got into university.


    Not only that, but he also can¡¯t memorize the script properly, causing continuous retakes and dying the entire shooting process.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who you¡­¡±


    ¡°Shithead! You,e here! Ah! I¡¯m done! We¡¯re going straight to correction!¡±


    Senior Ju-hee dragged Ahn Hyeon-ho away, leaving Seo Yerin to sneak up to my side.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you reply?¡±


    And then she immediately snapped at me.


    Even though just a moment ago, she was asking things like, ¡°Woo~Ji~n! Want to drink c?¡±, ¡°What time does your lecture end?¡±.


    As soon as there was no one around, she turned cold and red at me.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I was afraid to ask what kind of reply she was expecting, thinking I¡¯d really get scolded, so I kept my mouth shut tightly as Seo Yerin pinched my thigh hard.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your hat, Yiseo¡¯s hat.¡±


    ¡°I could have one just like it!¡±


    ¡°Do you expect me to believe that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell me the truth.¡±


    Seo Yerin, smiling slightly, ces her hand on my thigh. It seemed like physical contact had be more frequent from her, a frequency that couldn¡¯t just be chalked up to my imagination.


    ¡°Did you sleep with Yiseo?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not mad. Why would I be mad? We¡¯re not in any kind serious rtionship. You can date and have girlfriends.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell me. Okay?¡±


    It feels like being tempted by a witch with some candy. After all, it was already found out, and as Seo Yerin said, we weren¡¯t really in that kind of rtionship anyway.


    ¡°I just slept and left. Nothing else happened.¡±


    ¡°¡­Really?¡±


    ¡°Really.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Honestly, I thought Seo Yerin would get angry even if I said this. The atmosphere felt exactly like that.


    But.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s fine.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but be surprised at seeing Seo Yerin¡¯s expression change to one of relief.


    The atmosphere was really as if it didn¡¯t matter at all to her. No, rather, the sense of ease was oddly infuriating to me.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t hold back, call me.¡±


    Saying so, Seo Yerin sneakily moved her hand that was on my thigh inward.


    ¡°Mom?!¡±


    I instinctively jumped up to avoid Seo Yerin¡¯s hand, and my reaction seemed to amuse her as she wiggled her fingers andughed.


    ¡°Woojin¡¯s reaction is interesting to observe.¡±


    ¡°Ah, are you crazy?¡±


    ¡°Why, we¡¯re partners, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    While saying so, Seo Yerin quietly rises from her seat. Shees over to me and pats my shoulder, issuing a sort of warning.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just spend recklessly.¡±


    After ourst encounter, it was clear that Seo Yerin was changing in some way.


    Leaving me behind with a cool smile, Seo Yerin heads towards senior Ju-hee and An Hyeon-ho.


    Even though we had the sex that she had been so desperately proiming about wanting, I wondered if it was really possible for a person to change like that.


    And yet, the fact that I was the only one who knew about this change sent shivers down my spine.


    Just like Seo Yerin and Anonymous69 were the same person, hiding and living their life.


    Even now, talking with a smile while hiding her true self¡­ It was enough to secure the lead role in a movie.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the convenience store for a bit.¡±


    Watching An Hyeon-ho receiving a crash course from senior Ju-hee, I subtly step away.


    It¡¯s still a bit early for the 5 o¡¯clock lecture to start, but thanks to Seo Yerin, staying this close has be somewhat ufortable.


    ¡®Why has she turned like this?¡¯


    Seo Yerin is undergoing some changes.


    It seems like things are heading in a not-so-good direction, and I wonder if I should step in to correct her?


    But then I wondered what I could possibly do.


    After all, wasn¡¯t I the one who would easily give in whenever approached with a wagging tail? That was the case with Seo Yerin, and yesterday too.


    ¡®I need to keep it together.¡¯


    Thinking that it could spell trouble if I get more involved with her, I was walking away when¡­


    ¡°You loser! What are you doing!¡±


    I¡¯m not a loser, so I didn¡¯t turn around, but I immediately felt an impact on my back.


    Yu Arin, who had pped me on my back with her palm, came up smiling slyly.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be filming? Why are you ying hooky here?¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    I never thought I¡¯d feel this way. Seeing Yu Arin somehow made my restless heart feel at ease.


    Is it because she openly picks fights with me and gets annoyed to my face?


    Somehow, that made me feel much morefortable.


    She used to be someone with hidden agendas, but the moment I realized that her issues with Chan-woo and high school had nothing to do with me¡­


    It somehow became easier to deal with her.


    There were hidden agendas, but it feels like everything¡¯s out in the open now, making it easier for me to be with her.


    ¡°Did youe to buy a drink? Here, get one too.¡±


    ¡°Are you offering to buy? Then I¡¯ll have a Haagen-Dazs¡­!¡±


    ¡°No, buy it with your own money.¡±


    ¡°Jerk, you always make it sound misleading.¡±


    Saying so, Yu Arin picks up a Chong from the convenience store.


    ¡°Are you heading to the shoot now?¡±


    While casually picking out drinks for the people filming, I ask, and Yu Arin answers with a voice raised in excitement.


    ¡°Yes! Honestly, I¡¯m totally looking forward to it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve always liked stuff like movies.¡±


    Since she enjoyed movies and writing scripts, Yu Arin probably wanted to be involved even if it wasn¡¯t her project.


    I figured she¡¯d be happy too if we got good grades on this project.


    ¡°But it¡¯ll be a while before you get to shoot. We haven¡¯t even filmed a few scenes yet.¡±


    ¡°Eh? Why? It feels like it¡¯s been two hours since lunch?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see when you get there.¡±


    Because of the super carry from the English and Liberal Arts department, we¡¯re not making progress. Seeing that, Yu Arin might burst intoughter and enjoy it, I guess.


    ¡°Ah, I want to do it quickly. I even practiced in front of a mirror.¡±


    ¡°¡­So what.¡±


    I was about to head back to the shooting location after paying nonchntly when Yu Arin grabbed me.


    ¡°Hey, can you check if my acting is okay?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Ah,e on! I¡¯m helping you with your assignment!¡±


    Ugh.


    I ced the bag with drinks on the outdoor table in front of the convenience store and looked at Yu Arin.


    She took out the Chong we just bought, sipped it noisily, then took a deep breath and red at me.


    ¡®Oh, not bad?¡¯


    The emotions were better captured than I thought.


    Did Yu Arin¡¯s role include something like that?


    ¡°Fucking cool today!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Fuck you! Arts!


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Kiss my ass! Shh!¡±


    Finally, Yu Arin flicked her middle finger up like some rapper, shrugging her shoulders.


    ¡°Fuck off!¡±


    ¡°¡­Is that all really in the script?¡±


    I hadn¡¯t looked at the script properly, but was there really something like this?


    ¡°No? It¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°This is just for the insult. Ah, how refreshing.¡±


    With an expression of relief, she removes a Hershey¡¯s chocte milk from her bosom and hands it to me as if hitting me on the chest.


    Then, Yu Arin runs away as if fleeing.


    Dumbfounded, I watch her receding back and let out a hollowugh.


    ¡°That girl really is insane.¡±

 Chapter 77: Lucky Ahn Hyeon-ho

    Chapter 77: Lucky Ahn Hyeon-ho


    ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m exhausted.¡±


    After the 5 p.m. ss, it was already p.m. by the time I came out. I really don¡¯t understand why the professor held his sses until this hour, especially when he looked so gloomy too.


    Do professors also have their own preferred teaching times, like some kind of sweet spot?


    It was a ss that made me think of various things.


    Well, after ss ended, I would normally be the first to rush home.


    But today, unfortunately, I have to go work on an assignment.


    ¡°Ah, how annoying.¡±


    I¡¯m not sure if Ahn Hyeon-ho has improved, but honestly, I just want to run away.


    Not to mention, seeing Seo Yerin suddenly going on a rampage was a bit unnerving too.¡®¡­Should I just say I forgot and bail on them?¡¯


    My head tells me that I shouldn¡¯t do that because of senior Ju-hee, but my body just wants to lie down on my bed at home right now.


    I¡¯m an editor for the short film, so I wonder if there¡¯s a need for me to be at the filming site.


    ¡®Ah, let¡¯s think about it.¡¯


    Even if running away is a little too much, I was thinking of going to the senior and saying that I don¡¯t need to be at the filming site today.


    I was quite seriously thinking about this while sitting down, that I could persuade them if I tried.


    ¡°There he is!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s trying to run! Catch him, catch him!¡±


    Loud voices came from the front of the ssroom door.


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin are running towards me, making a fuss, and even Choi Yiseo seems to be standing guard at the door.


    It seems they came to catch me, thinking I might bail.


    In an atmosphere where it feels like I should be running away, Yu Arin quickly runs over and grabs me by the nape, pushing me down.


    ¡°You little jerk! Caught you! Just stay right here! You can¡¯t hire awyer, and you have to go work like a ve now!¡±


    ¡°Go fuck yourself.¡±


    As I swatted Yu Arin¡¯s hand in annoyance, she sighed with a deted expression.


    ¡°Kim Woojin, you really can¡¯t read the room, can you? No wonder you have no friends.¡±


    ¡°I have friends, though?¡±


    ¡°You son of a¡­!¡±


    Yu Arin, not having been told who I was referring to, realized it immediately and hit my shoulder with a fuss.


    Seo Yerin, who arrived a beatter than Yu Arin,ughs and picks up my bag that was ced on the seat next to me.


    ¡°Woojin, let¡¯s go. Senior Ju-hee and the others are waiting.¡±


    Was senior Ju-hee deliberately mentioned to prevent me from running away?


    ¡°Why are you here instead of filming?¡±


    ¡°When we said it looked like you were going to run away, they told us to go fetch you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Am I surprisingly easy to predict?


    I don¡¯t know how they got it so right, but because of Seo Ye-rin, who was picking up my bag in case I ran away, and Yu Arin, who was waking me up, I had no choice but to be dragged along.


    As we reached the door, Choi Yiseoughed and offered some kind of constion.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, the senior said she¡¯d treat us to dinner.¡±


    ¡°Has Ahn Hyeon-ho gotten any better?¡±


    ¡°In his own way, I guess. Senior Ju-hee has been teaching him well.¡±


    It doesn¡¯t make sense that he can¡¯t memorize a few lines of English dialogue when the fist is right in front of him.


    These guys can talk so easily because they haven¡¯t seen senior Ju-hee beating someone up on the banks of the Han River.


    ¡°There¡¯s this all-you-can-eatmb ce for dinner. That¡¯s where we¡¯re going.¡±


    ¡°¡­What¡¯s with the all-you-can-eatmb?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s like a Japanese-style pub. Senior Han-kang said he¡¯d treat us today because he feels sorry to us.¡±


    It¡¯s not so much about apologizing¡­ it¡¯s more like if he didn¡¯t do that, he¡¯d really be in trouble with senior Ju-hee.


    I can still vividly recall him being rolled up like a mat.


    ¡°But we cannot shoot if we drink, right??¡±


    ¡°It will either be no drinking or just drinking a little.¡±


    Chattering away like this, we headed towards where the seniors were.


    Choi Yiseo was still wearing the hat I gave her, but it seemed she didn¡¯t realize that Seo Yerin had noticed.


    ¡°Have you ever triedmb? I¡¯ve never had it before.¡±


    Yu Arin chimed in from the side.


    Now that I think about it, neither have I.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t. Don¡¯t they often sell it at skewer ces?¡±


    ¡°Do they sprinkle spices on it here too? It seems like they do that at the skewer ces.¡±


    ¡°Is the ce we¡¯re going to a skewer restaurant?¡±


    ¡°Probably not? I checked the menu beforeing here, and I saw a picture with meat on the bone like chicken legs.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the quality of leg meat a bit poor?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯smb. Eek! Dog crap¡­!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Damn brat! That¡¯s so not funny! You don¡¯t know when to draw a line with that mouth of yours! Just blurting out whateveres to mind!¡±


    I got beaten up by Yu Arin right after making a crude joke.


    While Yu Arin and I were debating passionately about the unknown meat, Choi Yiseo, who had been quietly watching us, chimes in.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it something like Jingisukan? In Hokkaido, Japan, they sell amb dish called Jingisukan.¡±


    ¡°Really? You¡¯ve been there?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been on a ne, so I¡¯m jealous of you!¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I just saw it on YouTube.¡±


    ¡°Oh? I think I¡¯ve seen it too. That was a travel YouTuber¡­¡±


    The three of us started withmb, moved on to Jingisukan, and then the conversation shifted to traveling to Japan.


    As we were discussing where we¡¯d like to go and what we¡¯d like to do if we traveled to Japan together¡­


    <em>Swoosh.</em>


    ¡°¡­?!¡±


    I felt a sensation on my butt.


    I thought that something had identally brushed against me lightly.


    <em>Squeeze!</em>


    A small hand began to squeeze one of my butt cheeks.


    ¡°Ah! I want to ride on the Sapporo train too!¡±


    ¡°That was on a variety show a long time ago. Since then¡­¡±


    Taking advantage of the moment when Yu Arin and Choi Yiseo were engaging in a friendly yet unlikely conversation, I stealthily turned my head.


    ¡°Hehe.¡±


    There was Seo Yerin, looking up at me with a yful smile.


    As our eyes met, she applied more pressure with her hand while squeezing my butt.


    ¡®Stop it.¡¯


    I mouthed a word to her, but Seo Yerin sticks out her tongue slightly without letting go of her hand.


    Only after forcibly pulling her hand away and pushing Seo Yerin away could I detach myself from her.


    ¡®This is really crazy.¡¯


    It¡¯s bewildering how she acts like a wild horse once the reins are off.


    ¡°Ah, the seniors went ahead to secure seats.¡±


    That¡¯s when Choi Yiseo, who checked her messages, stopped in her tracks. It seems we need to head out of the uni.


    ¡°Take a taxi¡­ senior Han-kang said he¡¯ll cover everything.¡±


    Damn, Han-kang.


    I was about to call for a taxi through the app, but luckily there happened to be one parked at the school entrance, so we just took it to themb skewer restaurant.


    ¡°Yerin, is it okay to have a meal with senior Han-kang?¡±


    Yu Arin was worried about Seo Yerin halfway through.


    ¡°Huh? It doesn¡¯t bother me at all.¡±


    Seo Yerin gave a refreshing answer, showing she didn¡¯t mind, to the extent that Yu Arin who had asked, seemed more flustered.


    And so, we arrived at the restaurant.


    The store definitely had a Japanese vibe to it.


    There was a cherry blossom tree model a little bit shorter than a person in the front, along with Japanese dolls, anime figures,nterns, and such, arranged with a certain charm.


    The interior also had the feel of a bar you might see in a Japanese drama.


    ¡°You¡¯re here?¡±


    Senior Han-kang was waving and weing us with a smile. Though he was smiling, the shadow on his face suggested he must have spent quite a bit of money for all this to happen.


    But considering the mess he left on his way out, this much spending seemed justifiable.


    I hope he considers the money he used to spend on wooing girls as settled by spending it on us.


    After all, there won¡¯t be much to spend on once he¡¯s in the military¡­


    For some reason, there were beer sses on the table, and senior Ju-hee especially seemed to have already drunk quite a lot, with her 50 beer ss already half empty.


    Moreover, like an uncle talking about politics, she firmly seated Ahn Hyeon-ho right next to her.


    ¡°Try it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you want to die?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, you bastard. Should I pull your tongue out and grill it here on the brazier? What kind of pronunciation is that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    It seems she is still coaching Ahn Hyeon-ho. But I could say he has improved a lot more than before I went into the lecture.


    Probably senior Ju-hee would be satisfied with that level, but it seems she got a bit more aggressive because of the alcohol she had imbibed till now.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry but¡­¡±


    ¡°I will end up eating your tongue. I¡¯ll have to eat it like ox tongue. Woojin, you want some?¡±


    Senior, sitting across from me, directly asked. Meeting eyes with Ahn Hyeon-ho, I frowned immediately.


    ¡°Eating that would be like kissing him.¡±


    ¡°Yuck, sorry.¡±


    Senior, who was about to put the tongs in Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s mouth, immediately put them down.


    I was going to grill the meat myself, but a staff member did it for us, so I just sat quietly while waiting for it to be done.


    ¡°Senior, are we not filming today?¡±


    Eventually, Choi Yiseo asks cautiously. I thought we were only going to eat and then work on our assignments, but drinking would cancel all that, wouldn¡¯t it?


    Senior Ju-hee immediately sighs deeply and res at Ahn Hyeon-ho again.


    ¡°Thanks to you guys doing so well, we filmed more than nned today. But because there was one person who couldn¡¯t properly shoot even a single scene.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    ¡°Since he said he¡¯d memorize everything and practice by tomorrow afternoon, we¡¯ll have to do it right from then on.¡±


    It seems we couldn¡¯t shoot the scenes involving Ahn Hyeon-ho, so we ended up filming more of the other roles.


    I guess tomorrow might turn into Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s solo shoot.


    ¡°And it¡¯s a bit much to just buy you spicy pork for helping out.¡±


    I almost retorted by saying what¡¯s wrong with pork but managed to hold back.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve checked the schedule and it seems we¡¯ll have plenty of time to restter, so don¡¯t worry. From what I¡¯ve seen today, the shooting doesn¡¯t seem like it will take too long.¡±


    For us, shooting starts as soon as we press the button on our phones. Since we don¡¯t need to worry about the details like lighting or audio or mics, as long as the acting is decent, the shooting time can be drastically reduced.


    ¡°So, you guys should drink too. You¡¯ve all worked so hard today, and though it¡¯s just the beginning, please bear with us a little longer.¡±


    With senior Ju-hee¡¯s permission, we eagerly ordered beers and began to chug them down.


    Just as the heat from the grill in front of us seemed to gently waft out, the atmosphere at our table was gradually bing more lively.


    I have a lecture tomorrow, so I¡¯m drinking less, but the mood was not bad.


    Seeing the moment as an opportunity, I subtly took the seat next to senior Ju-hee.


    ¡°Senior, I have something to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    As Senior was about to stand up to smoke, my words made her sit back down awkwardly.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing editing, am I not?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Actually, I was the one who suggested the script too, and it was thanks to me that we got Yu Arin to help us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true as well. You¡¯re very kind.¡±


    Senior patted my head gently. With the mood feeling good, I continued with a smile.


    ¡°The truth is, I¡¯ve been learning some editing skills, so I¡¯ve been a bit short on timetely.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go that far.¡±


    ¡°Ah, but it¡¯s good to get good grades. Andter on, I could even work as a YouTube editor.¡±


    I had no such ns, but it was just a convenient excuse to use near the senior.


    ¡°So, the thing is. Actually, I¡¯ve been a bit short on time recently. Between lectures, studying, editing¡­ It¡¯s been a bit hard for me to follow around for the shooting.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    After all, I don¡¯t even have a role.


    I do listen to things likeposition and precautions during editing, but honestly, I could receive those via messages too.


    ¡°Could you possibly exempt me from all this?¡±


    As soon as I got straight to the point, senior Ju-hee nodded and replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s a fair point. We¡¯ve been asking too much of you already. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°No, no! It¡¯s not like that, Senior.¡±


    Nice.


    I forcibly suppress the corners of my lips from turning up as I respond to senior Ju-hee.


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything I can help with, please call me anytime.¡±


    ¡°If I need something, I will. But I¡¯ll try not to call if possible¡­¡±


    ¡°If Kim Woojin is out, I¡¯m out too.¡±


    At that moment, Yu Arin, who was sitting across from us and listening to our conversation, interjects with augh.


    Wondering if I heard her correctly, I look at her.


    ¡°Good luck.¡±


    Yu Arin, pronouncing her verdict right then.


    She knew exactly how to ruin my mood.


    ¡°Trying to exclude yourself now?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear I¡¯m practicing editing at home?¡±


    As I sigh and speak, Yu Arin responds with a sly smile.


    ¡°Just install some editing software on yourptop.¡±


    Look at this woman?!


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re not saying all this without having installed it, are you, Woojin?¡±


    Next to me, senior Ju-hee grips my thigh tightly.


    Of course.


    Of course, I hadn¡¯t installed it, damn it.


    I only intended to appear diligent, without actually nning to be.


    After all, editing is just about attaching videos and adding subtitles, isn¡¯t it?


    ¡®What¡¯s this, why do I feel like I¡¯ve be Lucky Ahn Hyeon-ho?¡¯


    Thinking about it, I started to feel a tad intimidated because I seem simr to that guy who didn¡¯t memorize the script.


    ¡°Is there aptop in your bag? Take it out and show me. If you¡¯re scared, just die then!¡±


    Yu Arin shouted with augh, thinking she had the upper hand in this conversation.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who had drunk quite a bit of beer, was saying that the side dishes were delicious.


    ¡°I think we need Woojin.¡±


    She began to join in on the flow which Yu Arin had created.

 Chapter 78: Ghost

    Chapter 78: Ghost


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Yu Arin and Choi Yiseo caught me trying to slip away from the filming site. Actually, I could have naturally slipped away, but suddenly the situation started to turn strangely.


    ¡°Let¡¯s look at hisptop, Senior! Then, you¡¯ll see there¡¯s nothing but porn rted videos in it?!¡±


    For some reason, Yu Arin¡¯s mention of ¡®porn¡¯ made Seo Yerin flinch, but let¡¯s skip over that.


    Riding on her momentum, Yu Arin excitedly bangs on the table, applying even more pressure on me.


    ¡°And where do you think you¡¯re escaping to!¡±


    ¡°Anyway, you barely have any shoots, so why are you doing this to me.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! What¡¯s the difference between you and this bastard who hasn¡¯t memorized the script?¡±


    Even though I¡¯m not scheduled for many shoots, I wonder why Yu Arin is doing this to me.She¡¯s always loved messing with others. So fox-like.


    Listening silently to the conversation beside her, senior Ju-hee slowly lifts her hand from my thigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes?¡±


    Yu Arin, who was all excited and shouting, pauses and then stealthily nces at senior Ju-hee, as if to confirm she was hearing correctly.


    ¡°Anyway, editing starts only after all the shooting is done, so it¡¯s not really a big problem. It¡¯s one thing to do additional shooting during editing, but editing while shooting justplicates things too much.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Somehow, the low expectations from senior Ju-hee unintentionally turned out to be a good thing for me.


    Realizing her scheme didn¡¯t work, Yu Arin sits down with a thump, feeling disappointed.


    ¡°Too bad.¡±


    ¡°But do install some editing software. If you start installing and learning it when it¡¯s time to begin, then¡­¡±


    Senior Ju-hee warns, subtly pointing at Ahn Hyeon-ho with her thumb.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to learn by getting beaten up just like this one.¡±


    ¡°¡­From today onwards, I will study very hard.¡±


    Anyway, Yu Arin¡¯s orchestrated crisis was resolved. It could be said it was thanks to the wise leader¡¯s insight.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re not helping?¡±


    Yu Arin, who had gone silent, was asking Choi Yiseo for support. I wanted to tell her it was disgraceful, but Choi Yiseo, sipping her beer, said,


    ¡°But there¡¯s no reason not to join in, right?¡±


    Despite having drunk, Choi Yiseo¡¯s eyes, still sparkling, pierced through me.


    ¡°Listening to the story, it sounds like what we¡¯re doing now amounts to nothing.¡±


    I was at a loss for words.


    The lifeline that had saved me, by saying there¡¯s no need for editing software since we¡¯re filming, was now bound around my ankle.


    ¡°From the start, Arin and I got involved in this project because of Woojin, so it doesn¡¯t seem right for you to just exclude yourself.¡±


    ¡°Do you really¡­ need to do that to feel better?¡±


    I asked Choi Yiseo, but she didn¡¯t answer, perhaps thinking that I was abandoning her.


    ¡°Hmm, it does seem a bit off to leave the two people who came to help because of you.¡±


    After a moment of thought, senior Ju-hee said with a smile.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go with a majority vote.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡±


    The violence of democracy overwhelms me!<hr>


    Wednesday.


    So, the next evening.


    While a chilly wind was blowing, I was sitting on a bench with a nket over me, looking at my phone.


    Of course, I was browsing the Bamboo Forest as usual.


    Today, the message board was being used more actively than usual.<ul><li>


    Anonymous11: If you¡¯ve used the toilet, flush it, you bastards. If my son or daughter did this, I¡¯d really break their cor bone.</li><li>


    Anonymous301: Why is there no Popo broadcasts these days?


    ? Anonymous302: Agree, there was no notice either.


    ? Anonymous303: They¡¯re not evening to school.</li><li>


    Anonymous90: I want to have sex!


    ? Anonymous11: Go y with the owner.</li><li>


    Anonymous243: I¡¯ll review a few new releases this quarter. First off¡­</li></ul>


    It seems not much different from usual, but people were truly posting at their own pace, not caring about anything.


    The reason the Bamboo Forest was bustling was because there was a separate hot topic circting.<ul><li>


    Anonymous237: ¡®SPW¡¯ is definitely better. It had a clean finish till the end.</li><li>


    Anonymous84: Did you not know ¡®DIC¡¯ episodes 1~10 were epic? I literally broke all my ns to catch DIC live every day.


    ? Anonymous93: For real LOL</li></ul>


    These were the two dramas that had recently concluded.


    ¡®To Shout Passionately to the World¡¯ and ¡®Dream Illusion Chronicles¡¯ were the topics of debate on which drama was better to watch.


    I wasn¡¯t sure where it started, but the Bamboo Forest has been on fire with this topic for already 30 minutes.<ul><li>


    Anonymous75: But ¡®Dream Illusion Chronicles¡¯ really dropped the ball in the second half. It got so draggy.


    ? Anonymous159: It was so fun up until the middle and it just seemed tock stamina in the second half, but it wasn¡¯tcking to the extent of calling it bad.


    ? Anonymous39: Agree with this. Honestly, ¡®To Shout Passionately to the World¡¯ isn¡¯t bad, butpared to the peak of ¡®Dream Illusion Chronicles¡¯, it¡¯s just average.</li><li>


    Anonymous98: Drama noobs are really so crude. ¡®To Shout Passionately to the World¡¯ is much better. From the beginning to the end, the story isplete.


    ? Anonymous189: Because of Miu, ¡®To Shout Passionately to the World¡¯ wins. Miu acting cute because she¡¯s out of money alone beats ¡®Dream Illusion Chronicles¡¯ lol


    ? Anonymous316: What nonsense when we have Princess Hwan-ae.


    ? Anonymous55: I thought Jeong Soa was really born in that era. Her role as Princess Hwan-ae was insane.</li></ul>


    Like this.


    They were fiercelyparing the two dramas in all aspects.


    As someone who hasn¡¯t watched either, I was just casually managing any over-the-line posts.


    asionally pondering upon the female leads of each drama.


    The clips of Miu and Jeong Soa being posted.


    ¡°Miu looks cute, and Jeong Soa has an elegant vibe.¡±


    Considering that SPW is a modern drama and DIC is a historical drama, it seemed like they were perfectly cast for their roles.


    Personally, I found both of them to be beauties to the extent that it was hard to choose one over the other.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Then, an arm wraps around my neck.


    As a headlock is applied, I hear a voice by my ear.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who had gone to the shoot earlier, had returned. It seems like it¡¯s break time.


    ¡°¡­Just looking at the school¡¯s Bamboo Forest.¡±


    As I cautiously lower my phone and reply, Choi Yiseo¡¯s grip tightens a bit more.


    ¡°No, they were talking about which actor is prettier in the Bamboo Forest, so I was reading that.¡±


    ¡°Who said what?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re gripping too hard.¡±


    I might faint if this goes wrong.


    Choi Yiseo slowly loosens her grip around me and chuckles, patting my shoulder.


    ¡°Just kidding. Did senior Ju-hee say to go to the assistant and ask for the lecture room keys if you have nothing to do?¡±


    Is it because of the shooting in the lecture room? I put my phone in my pocket and slowly stand up, stretching.


    ¡°Where are the keys to the lecture room?¡±


    ¡°She said she¡¯d give us whatever is avable.¡±


    ¡°Captain Ju is very thorough with her work.¡±


    ¡°C-Captain?¡±


    That¡¯s how it is.


    As I was about to hurry back, seeing Choi Yiseo sending me off made me wonder if something was wrong.


    ¡°Hey, in the end, there¡¯s nothing for me to do here.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Choi Yiseo, pressing her lips together at my words, seemed a bit sorry, realizing more than she thought that I had nothing to do.


    ¡°Yes, you take good care of the actors. Buying them drinks, bringing them bread¡­¡±


    ¡°You mean like a bread shuttle?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Unable to deny it, Choi Yiseo turns her head away sharply. She sighs and stretches her stiff neck.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s my duty, so it¡¯s only natural that I suffer, but it¡¯s a bit boring.¡±


    At first, we watched the acting together, butter I just ended up waiting on a bench.


    Like I was in charge of looking after everyone¡¯s stuff.


    ¡°I¡¯ll y with you when Ie back, so go ahead.¡±


    ¡°What ying?¡±


    Ridiculous.


    Choi Yiseo seemed embarrassed after saying it, unable to reply.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back, so think of something to do before then.¡±


    I said it with a smile, feeling unnecessarily sorry, and then headed to the assistant¡¯s office.


    Seeing that the assistant hadn¡¯t left work yet, I thought they must be busier than I expected.


    ¡°Ha.¡±


    The assistant¡¯s office.


    A key hanging lonely on the doorknob.


    Since the lecture room number wasn¡¯t used, it seemed necessary to check which one it was.


    It¡¯s probably one of English 1, 2, 3 lecture rooms.


    ¡®How creepy.¡¯


    Having rarely stayed long at uni at night, I didn¡¯t know, but the corridors I usually walked through without much thought seemed quite ominous.


    As if a long-haired ghost mighte running at me.


    ¡®If a ghost appears, first, I¡¯ll feint with a jab while pretending to throw a hook, then go straight into a headlock¡­¡¯


    As I think of my own method of dealing with ghosts, I check each ssroom one by one.


    ssrooms 1 and 2 are both busts.


    That leaves only number 3.


    It¡¯s the ssroom farthest away, so I trudge down the hallway towards it.


    ¡®No, maybe it¡¯s better to fight more cautiously than with a jab. Pretend to run away, and when it follows, hit it with a backspin elbow¡­¡¯


    The key fits neatly into the lock of the English 3 ssroom.


    I was about to open the door when¡­


    <em>Click-click.</em>


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    The door was locked from the other side.


    That means it was originally unlocked.


    ¡°***! **!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that¡­¡±


    This strange sound suddenlyes through the crack of the door. I wonder if I heard it right, but even when I pressed my ear to the door, the bizarre sound continued to echo.


    ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯


    Should I run ?


    Should I fetch Yu Arin or senior Ju-hee? Or maybe An Hyeon-ho would do too?


    First of all, it seemed necessary to bring someone good at fighting.


    ¡®But wouldn¡¯t it be amazing if I really filmed a ghost?¡¯


    I stealthily took my phone out and started recording. This is my debut as a ghost hunter YouTuber.


    It¡¯s definitely going to hit ten million views.


    Being an English major, I was confident I could handle interviews from abroad without any issues, and as I turned the key again, the lock opened.


    <em>Creak!</em>


    I opened the door and entered.


    The dark ssroom.


    The phone¡¯s light brightly illuminating the inside.


    Towards the auditorium side.


    ¡°Haang! Harder!¡±


    Two people, undressed, pounding each other.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Ironically, both were people I knew. A third-year male student and a second-year female student, both from the English department itself.


    <em>Click.</em>


    Before I knew it, I had turned the light on.


    ¡°Kyaaak!¡±


    ¡°Wh-what the fuck!¡±


    The ssroom was bright with the lights on.


    Upon seeing me, the two of them panicked and hurriedly started to put their clothes on, while I, dumbfounded, let out an exmation.


    ¡°Holy shit.¡±


    ¡°Sh-shithead! Put your phone away!¡±


    ¡°Turn the lights off too!¡±


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    I immediately turned off the lights and put my phone down. Somehow, I had managed to take a direct shot, but honestly, it felt like my phone was getting dirty, so I deleted it right there.


    ¡°Seriously, even if you¡¯re in heat, how can you do it here?¡±


    <em>Click.</em>


    There was no answer, so I turned the lights on again.


    ¡°We get it! We¡¯re sorry, so just turn the lights off!¡±


    <em>Click.</em>


    Maybe the teaching assistant was toozy to bother, so he just left the door open and only locked it from the outside.


    This couple must have seen the ssroom door open by chance and wanted to spend a stimting time different from a usual location.


    ¡°Ju-just pretend you didn¡¯t see anything! Got it?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t we talk somewhere else!¡±


    <em>Click.</em>


    ¡°I get it, so don¡¯t die of embarrassment.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t turn on the lights!¡±


    ¡°Why do you turn the lights on every time we speak?!¡±


    Both of their faces turn bright red as they avoid each other¡¯s gaze. They¡¯ll probably go home and thrash me under their nkets.


    ¡°Please go, I think I need to air this ce out.¡±


    At my words, the couple ran off like arrows.


    I turn on the ssroom lights and head towards the window. It seemed necessary to open the window and ventte the room because of the musty smell inside.


    As I open the window, the wind pours in, causing the curtains to flutter.


    And then.


    <em>Click.</em>


    The ssroom lights went off.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I involuntarily shrank back. Wondering what was happening, I looked towards the entrance.


    A long-haired woman was standing by the door.


    It was too dark to see clearly, but a chill ran down my spine at the sight of the woman¡¯s figure, and I unknowingly took a step back.


    ¡°A ghost?!¡±


    I wondered why she didn¡¯t show up when those two were together earlier, but now it¡¯s bothering me?


    <em>Thud.</em>


    It started to approach me, one step at a time.


    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer.¡±


    <em>Thud.</em>


    ¡°I said don¡¯t!¡±


    <em>Thud!</em>


    ¡°Really! I¡¯m warning you! You¡¯ll be in trouble if youe closer!¡±


    <em>Thud!</em>


    ¡°If you¡¯re a virgin ghost, you should have gone after the couple who were together earlier, why are you bothering me?!¡±


    <em>Thud!</em>


    ¡°Li-living people and dead people shouldn¡¯t cross boundaries!¡±


    <em>Thud!</em>


    ¡°No, in novels, saying this usually appeases the spirits, so why doesn¡¯t it work here?!¡±


    <em>Thud!</em>


    ¡°If, if I die, I¡¯ll be a ghost too! Can you handle the difference in strength then?! How will you deal with the aftermath¡­!¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    The ghost burst intoughter.


    No, the moment I heard the voice, I knew.


    ¡°¡­Come here.¡±


    The moment I recognized who it was, they snapped their fingers and called me over.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Seo Yerin tried to run away with a smile, but I was faster. I quickly ran and caught Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Ah! Seo Yerin!¡±


    After catching her, I couldn¡¯t really do anything, so I just burst out in annoyance, to which she justughed uproariously.


    ¡°Ahaha! You shouldn¡¯t cross the boundary between the living and the dead!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m seriously going to die.¡±


    ¡°It was innovative actually. Threatening me that I¡¯d have to deal with you as a ghost if you died was quite fresh.¡±


    ¡°Can you handle me right now then?¡±


    ¡°Hehehe! Why didn¡¯t youe earlier? I was on my break and came looking for you because you weren¡¯t there.¡±


    ¡°Ha, you can¡¯t even imagine what I¡¯ve been through.¡±


    At my words, Seo Yerin jumps and asks.


    ¡°Oh right! What was that talk about a couple earlier?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    I briefly exined what happened here without mentioning any real names.


    The reason I didn¡¯t mention any real names is partly because I didn¡¯t know their names¡­


    ¡°Here, they were, like, doing it?!¡±


    Surprised, Seo Yerin stands near the podium where the man and woman were biting and sucking each other earlier.


    ¡°Yeah, they were really going at it, shaking their hips, and just when I walked in¡­!¡±


    As I excitedly exin, mimicking their position, suddenly Seo Yerin looks at me quietly.


    ¡°Why are you trying to tempt me?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, exining it in such detail. Are you saying you want to do it with me here?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡±


    ¡°Kim Woojin, you¡¯re quite the yer, huh?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not. It¡¯s because you watch too much porn that your thought process goes that way.¡±


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Seo Yerin approaches me without replying.


    Though she seems to be walking lightly, strangely, her footsteps reverberate loudly.


    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer.¡±


    <em>Thud.</em>


    ¡°I said don¡¯t!¡±


    <em>Thud.</em>


    ¡°Really! I warned you! If youe closer, it¡¯ll be big trouble!¡±

 Chapter 79: Kiss

    Chapter 79: Kiss


    There was no hesitation in Seo Yerin¡¯s steps as she walked towards me through the darkness.


    I could tell something had changed after breaking the barrier called the hymen thest time, but I wondered if she was being too aggressive, to the point ofing across as rash in her decisions.


    Even as I tried to back away, I soon found my back against the window.


    Seo Yerin, standing in front of me, was staring intently at me. Thanks to the moonlight seeping in through the window, I could see everything from her facial expression to her pale skin and bright eyes.


    Unknowingly, my heart started to race at the sight of her, illuminated clearly by the moonlight.


    Was it because of the tension between us now?


    Or was it because of the silence, and the moonlight shining down on us like a spotlight?


    Focused solely on the person called Seo Yerin, my mind was filled with nothing but genuine wonder.


    ¡®She¡¯s beautiful.¡¯Normally, I would have just brushed it off, but focusing on her like this, I could see why Seo Yerin was so popr among people.


    It wasn¡¯t just her attractive appearance, but also her considerate personality and kindly manner when speaking.


    It was the first time she showed me, and only me, her quite unique aspect as Anonymous69.


    A twisted sense of superiority entered my heart at the satisfaction of it.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Seo Yerin gently ced her hand on my chest. Contrary to the oppressive atmosphere she had been bringing on until now, her touch was soft.


    ¡°Why are you ignoring what I say?¡±


    ¡°Ignoring? What did I ignore?¡±


    Since I didn¡¯t remember ignoring anything Seo Yerin said, I asked her what she meant, and she took one more step closer with her lips slightly parted.


    A distance so close our chests might touch. Seo Yerin stared straight at me, as if asking if I was serious.


    ¡°I write every day.¡±


    ¡°¡­Writing in the Bamboo Forest?¡±


    When I asked doubtfully, she nodded slightly. Isn¡¯t she just up to her usual flirty antics?


    I didn¡¯t think it was too strange since she usually posted anonymously as Anonymous69.


    ¡°It¡¯s what you usually do.¡±


    ¡°But now you know me. And, that¡¯s why¡­¡±


    The post saying she wanted to have sex.


    The moment I realized it was a message and a signal directed at me, I couldn¡¯t help but get flustered.


    After all, I never thought she would talk to me about the usual spamming she does in the app.


    ¡°I thought you were just writing it.¡±


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    The hand that was ced on my chest stealthily moves up to my shoulder. Seo Yerin wraps her hands around my neck, interlocks her fingers, and clings to me.


    Even as I think I must push her away, the scent emanating from Seo Yerin, her seductive gaze enticing me, and the warm, gentle touch against my chest.


    My reason tells me to push her away immediately, but my instincts are whispering to hurry up and explore her.


    Last time, it was the expensive alcohol and the peculiar atmosphere that naturally led to us having sex.


    This time.


    I felt myself getting intoxicatingly drawn to the woman named Seo Yerin.


    This was far more addictive than the expensive alcohol she offered thest time, more peculiar, and it drove me impulsively.


    ¡°I want a kiss.¡±


    Seo Yerin pouts slightly.


    I was about to respond by tilting my head slightly as well.


    But the moment a cold wind blew in from outside the window, the heat that had risen in my head cooled down again.


    ¡°Ah, no!¡±


    Desperately straightening my neck, I pull my head back.


    ¡°We¡¯re not even dating. We shouldn¡¯t be doing this¡­!¡±


    It happened in an instant.


    Standing on tiptoes, Seo Yerin, who had tightened her grip around my neck, pulled me in for a kiss.


    The lips that collided were too forceful, the entwining of tongues somewhat clumsy, and though her mouth tasted of peach from the iced tea she must have had beforeing here.


    Even within the kiss filled with her determination, Seo Yerin was concentrating solely on the kiss, her eyes tightly shut.


    ¡°Huh!¡±


    As if she had forgotten to breathe, Seo Yerin parted her lips and gasped for air.


    ¡°Hey, you¡­!¡±


    As I was about to say something, wiping my moist lips, Seo Yerin clung to me again, as if she didn¡¯t want to hear it.


    This time, her stiff tongue stubbornly began to try intertwining with mine again.


    Seo Yerin cautiously opened her eyes that she had been keeping shut. Her pupils were hazily unfocused, as if intoxicated.


    In the midst of the kiss, the moment Seo Yerin¡¯s touch lightly met my increasingly tense lower body.


    ¡°Ah, really.¡±


    Unintentionally, I lifted her thighs from below.


    Having lifted her like that, I made her sit on the desk next to us, and thinking it was now okay, Seo Yerin carefully detached her lips and looked at me.


    And then.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    Very softly.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    Also intoxicatingly.


    ¡°Just a sex friend.¡±


    She whispered to me, making me move even more impulsively.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to cross the line the second time, having already crossed it once. The moment we kissed again, seeking only pleasure without responsibility.


    <em>Click.</em>


    ¡°No, they said they were looking for the kids¡­¡±


    The ssroom lights turned on, and the door opened, and in walked a tall man.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Should I call it d¨¦j¨¤ vu?


    The important thing is that the roles have changed.


    Earlier, I was in the role of a witness, but this time I was the one being witnessed.


    ¡°What¡­ is.¡±


    Upon entering the ssroom, senior Han-kang looked at me and Seo Yerin with a baffled expression of shock.


    I hurriedly opened my mouth, but Seo Yerin, as if she didn¡¯t want to let go, held my lower lip between her teeth.


    ¡°Se-vior, no-wat-u-wink!¡±


    (Senior, it¡¯s not what you think!)


    My pronunciation was muddled.


    I barely managed to detach from Seo Yerin and fiddled with my lips. The pain was enough to make me worry if it was torn.


    Trying to exin to senior Han-kang, who was staring at us nkly in confusion.


    Seo Yerin, who got up from the desk, pouted and let out a small sigh.


    ¡°We were almost done.¡±<hr>


    ¡®Why is that?¡¯


    In the middle of filming in the ssroom.


    It was a scene where only Ahn Hyeon-ho appeared, so the other actors were resting.


    Choi Yiseo, who stealthily approached me as I sat in a chair, suffering.


    I inadvertently gasped, unable to speak, at her expression, asking if there was a problem.


    Certainly, Choi Yiseo had said it too, that we were nothing to each other. Therefore, it was right to be unaffected by what had just happened.


    ¡®Why do I feel guilty then?¡¯


    I nce at Choi Yiseo, who is staring at me, theny my head down on the desk again.


    Strangely, looking at Choi Yiseo made me feel as if a lump was growing in my chest, as if I had done something terrible to her.


    ¡°Yerin, what are you doing there?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Just. Sitting.¡±


    Moreover, additionally,


    Seo Yerin had been sitting on the desk where I had been holding her, in the same position since earlier.


    As if to constantly remind me of what we were doing.


    I sneak a nce at Seo Yerin, who is chatting with Yu Arin, before lying down again, like a turtle hiding in its shell.


    I still don¡¯t understand why this situation has happened to me, and I wanted to hit myself for sumbing to temptation constantly.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, are you hurt? Or are you just bored because the shoot is taking too long?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I just hate myself right now.¡±


    ¡°What are you even talking about?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who sighed while looking at me, stealthily reaches out to grab my ear.


    ¡°Let me show you something interesting, listen.¡±


    Though it seemed out of the blue, I slightly lifted my head because Choi Yiseo kept pulling on my ear.


    Covering the area around my ear with her hand, Choi Yiseo suddenly kisses my cheek.


    There was no sound.


    But the sensation was clear.


    ¡°¡­?!¡±


    Startled, I instinctively looked towards Choi Yiseo, who turned her face away, cheeks flushed.


    Forcing herself to look towards Ahn Hyeon-ho and senior Ju-hee, Choi Yiseo casually tossed ament out.


    ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s fascinating, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°It-it¡¯s so sudden that it¡¯s fascinating for sure¡­¡±


    ¡°Minji told me that doing things suddenly like this has a good effect on people.¡±


    While saying so, the fact that she couldn¡¯t meet my eyes for even a moment was the epitome of innocence.


    She gave off a chic first impression and outward appearance, but how could she flirt so innocently? Choi Yiseo seemed both mysterious and charming at the same time.


    ¡®¡­It¡¯s fascinating.¡¯


    It was a fresh peck, rather different from the passionate kiss I shared with Seo Yerin.


    Yet, both managed to make my heart pound in the same way. They say that every person has their own charm, and I was experiencing that with my whole existence right now.


    How should I put it?


    My heart, which had been confused and muddled because of Seo Yerin, felt as if it had been purified by Choi Yiseo.


    If it were fantasy, Seo Yerin would be a subus, and Choi Yiseo would be like a saint.


    At that moment.


    An arm wraps around my neck from below, someone yanking my head up.


    ¡°Oh my!¡±


    Suddenlying to the seat in front of me, Yu Arin executes a clumsy wrestling move on me.


    ¡°You just died.¡±


    Then she says with a smug look, which is ridiculous to me.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you filming? It seems like you¡¯re always just ying around in here.¡±


    When I tease Yu Arin, she gets irritated and ms the desk before shouting.


    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting. Do you know how hard I¡¯m working here? I¡¯m almost the lead.¡±


    ¡°You mean the viin.¡±


    Yu Arin ended up being the ultimate viin in our movie. I thought we shouldn¡¯t give a significant role to someone who¡¯s practically a guest on our project, even though she was originally just the cheerful friend of the female protagonist.


    Originally, senior Ju-hee, who was supposed to y the ultimate viin, ended up with a big role but because she was too busy with everything from shooting to leading, Yu Arin, who was very interested in this area, took it on.


    ¡°But, where did senior Han-kang go? He said he was going to look for you a while ago.¡±


    ¡°¡­He said he was busy and went home.¡±


    Senior Han-kang went straight home. Although he did swear at me profusely before he left.


    Later, when Seo Yerin joined us and we were having a small talk.


    ¡°Guys, gather around. Let¡¯s shoot the group scene and go home. I have to work on it too, so Woojin will do the shooting for that one scene.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Senior Ju-hee called out to us.


    We were shooting in the corridor, so I hurried out.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    There was senior Ju-hee, unexpectedly with her hair tied up in pigtails and wearing a skirt.


    The moment I saw her, I knew.


    Originally, it was the role of a lively character meant to just freshen up the atmosphere that was taken up by Yu Arin.


    However.


    How should I put this?


    It¡¯s like putting sliced cheese on top of traditional soup noodles.


    Still, it¡¯s awkward to just keep silent, so I force apliment out.


    ¡°I-it suits you¡­¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want your mouth ripped open, shut up.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±

 Chapter 80: This Cold Sensation

    Chapter 80: This Cold Sensation


    ¡°What are you taking, about?¡±


    (What are you guys talking about?)


    Wow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare me like that, I¡¯m really scared of ghost stories!¡±


    (Don¡¯t talk about scary things like that. I¡¯m really scared of ghost stories!)


    I¡¯m even more afraid of this.


    It¡¯s not a joke, can someonee home with me today and sleep over? I want to hold hands because I¡¯m scared.


    Except for Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Hyeon-ho, let¡¯s cross our arms!¡±(Hyeon-ho, let¡¯s link our arms!)


    ¡°O-OK.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho awkwardly nods and links arms. The moment I saw that, I had no choice but to lower the phone I was filming with.


    ¡°W-we should do it again.¡±


    I¡¯m not particrly fond of Ahn Hyeon-ho, but I¡¯m feeling a bit sorry for him right now.


    If possible, I¡¯d like to just let it slide. I¡¯m not doing this to bully Ahn Hyeon-ho, and who would like it to be dragging on an assignment?


    But in the script, it was clearly¡­


    ¡°Yah.¡±


    The fresh and lively expression of senior Ju-hee, who had been linking arms with Ahn Hyeon-ho until just now, changed.


    The way she res with a stern face is utterly chilling.


    ¡°How many times are you going to mess up? You were doing fine in the other scene just a moment ago, what is with you now?¡±


    Senior¡¯s pigtails flutter this way and that.


    Seo Yerin, Choi Yiseo, and Yu Arin, who are supposed to follow, take a step back, openly showing they don¡¯t want to get involved in this discussion, and I too wanted to just pretend I didn¡¯t see it.


    Han-kang, that bastard, was wise to have run away from all this.


    ¡°Huh? Let¡¯s do well, Hyeon-ho. At this age, wearing pigtails and linking arms with a junior, acting like an empty-headed girl is killing me.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Senior!¡±


    ¡°Right, if mistakes like this happen next time, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll do to you.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s shoulder was lightly tapped by senior Ju-hee in a manner that was both threatening yet not-quite-threatening. If I were the male protagonist, I would have immediately started crying and said I couldn¡¯t do it.


    Senior took a deep breath and readjusted her posture. Just as suddenly, she¡¯s wearing a bright expression and smiling radiantly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Suddenly, everyone¡¯s gaze focused on me.


    I couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter at Senior¡¯s lively expression, looking like something out of a children¡¯s cartoon.


    ¡°Is it funny?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee approached me slowly.


    No, honestly, this isn¡¯t my fault, is it? If someone in front of you acts in a way that¡¯s so obviously meant to make youugh, how can you notugh?


    ¡°Senior, I remembered a funny story I heard yesterday, and that¡¯s why Iughed.¡±


    As I try toe up with some excuse while watching Senior walk to me, senior Ju-hee stands firmly in front of me and asks,


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s not funny, you¡¯re dead. Go on.¡±


    ¡°¡­Once upon a time.¡±


    <em>Pwack!</em>


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    A strike to the shoulder from senior Ju-hee that came out of nowhere. As I involuntarily let out a cry, senior Ju-hee res at me with her fist clenched.


    ¡°The beginning is already boring.¡±


    I¡¯ll admit that.


    Trying to think up something on the spot, I ended up saying something useless.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go once more. Focus and let¡¯s finish this in one go.¡±


    Watching senior Ju-hee¡¯s back as she starts to focus again on returning to the lively and cheerful Min Ju-hee, I was amazed that a schrship could change a person this much.


    For your information, Ahn Hyeon-ho ended up causing three NGs and was struck a few times by senior Ju-hee before it was all done.<hr>


    The movie shooting continued even on weekends. Although there were some rough patches at the beginning, once we got into a flow, it didn¡¯t take long to shoot a scene.


    ¡°Aaaaaah!¡±


    Screaming and falling down, that was the cute look of senior Ju-hee. By now, I can say I¡¯ve gotten used to it, having seen that several times.


    Honestly, the first time I saw that, I had nightmares.


    ¡°Cut!¡±


    As soon as the filming of the dead and cute-looking Ju-hee ends, the senior springs up.


    Then, she immediately unties the two hair ties she¡¯s wearing and throws them into the trash can.


    ¡°Ah! Finally, it¡¯s over!¡±


    Yes, today is thest day for cute-looking senior Ju-hee.


    Since senior Ju-hee died in the story, there¡¯s no need for her to appear anymore.


    For reference, the reason for her death is the somewhat bizarre setting that Yu Arin put cyanide in the coffee senior Ju-hee drank, with reasons unknown.


    ¡°Wow, was it filmed well?¡±


    Yu Arin, who is the scriptwriter, actor, guest, charger, ve #1, and manager,es to stand next to me to check the video we filmed.


    Senior Ju-hee was shy in speech, but her acting was somewhat top-notch.


    ¡°Right? It¡¯s not for nothing that Senior entrusted me with the filming, right?¡±


    Ever since we filmed oncest time, I¡¯ve just been continuously filming.


    It wasn¡¯t that I was specifically assigned this duty, but rather I volunteered for it, because after filming a few times, theposition and cuts naturally came to mind when editingter.


    Even now, after putting down the phone I was using for the filming, I was briefly jotting down the editing points that came to mind in a separate notebook I had brought along.


    ¡°Umm? Yah, we got an inquiry.¡±


    Yu Arin, watching the video on my phone, subtly handed it over. I wondered what it was about, but it turned out to be an inquiry from the Bamboo Forest.


    ¡°What were you thinking, letting someone else get their hands on this?¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ve been a bit careless recently because of the filming.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not trying to bring a ve #2, are you?¡±


    ¡°Why? Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to bring them?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s not like I need them desperately. But wouldn¡¯t it be convenient to have them around? Plus, there¡¯s the fun of bossing around a sessor.¡±


    What kind of session¡­ No, is this Han-kang?


    Even if they are brought in, I¡¯m not sure if #1 and #2 would realize each other¡¯s identities.


    Since Lee Eun-woo, a senior in the Department of Physical Therapy is still active as Anonymous90, would not inform Yu Arin even if she became Admin No. 2.<ul><li>


    Anonymous243: Manager, did you see ¡®My Childhood Friend is the Daughter of a Dragon yer, but I¡¯m the Dragon?¡¯ that I mentionedst time?</li><li>


    Anonymous243: It¡¯s a real masterpiece. From the perspective of an anime expert like me, it¡¯s rated 4.6/5.0. You should really watch it.</li></ul>


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Yu Arin frowns deeply as she checks the inquiry on behalf of someone else.


    ¡°243, that¡¯s the otaku known as the anime expert, right? The one who always gets beaten about by No. 11.¡±


    It could be said that Anonymous11 was a dedicated puncher for troublemakers. But, Anonymous243 showed little to no reaction to Anonymous11.


    ¡°Does this guy even send these to you?¡±


    ¡°Would this guy only send them?¡±


    Since the inquiry function was essentially a 1:1 chat with the Administrator, there were quite a few people who used it to say what they wanted like this.


    Just then, another inquiry came in.<ul><li>Anonymous69: I wanna have sex so bad!</li></ul>


    ¡°Wow, this person even does this through inquiries.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Why on earth did Seo Yerin, who said she¡¯d bete because she had an appointment today, send me this inquiry?


    Not wanting to know, I ignored it but still slipped my phone into my pocket.


    I didn¡¯t want to identally scroll up and show Yu Arin that I had been talking privately with Anonymous69.


    ¡°That person is too much. How many months has it been since they¡¯ve been acting like a sex-crazed bird?¡±


    I almost blurted out that she was her high school ssmate and best friend, but I forced myself to swallow the words, wanting their rtionship to continue.


    ¡°I only manage the bulletin board, so I had no idea that such inquiries kepting in.¡±


    Upon realizing my troubles, Yu Arin nods and pulls a lollipop out from her pocket.


    I thought she might be giving it to me because I¡¯ve been having a hard time, but it went straight into her own mouth.


    Feeling somewhat annoyed, I casually tossed ament at Yu Arin.


    ¡°Yah, but isn¡¯t the script turning a little too melodramatic? It wasn¡¯t like this when we wrote it in the PC caf¨¦. Right?¡±


    I remember it being a story with a ghost and a sprinkling of romance mixed in.


    But now, it¡¯s turned into a story where a psychopathic girl kills all her friends because of the boy she likes.


    At my words, Yu Arin also chuckles bitterly.


    It was as if the writer had penned not what they desired, but what the world wanted to see.


    ¡°Since the professor is a bit older, I heard he prefers these kinds of trashy dramas. Senior Ju-hee asked seniors from the third year, and they said that something this intense has scored well in recent years.¡±


    ¡°Huh, I thought it was about thepleteness of the story or something.¡±


    ¡°It seems that to the professor, this is what constitutes a high form ofpleteness. From what I see, the professor must be a fan of morning dramas.¡±


    As we giggled and shared stories, Yu Arin¡¯s phone suddenly rang.


    She has quite a few friends, so she often gets calls.


    Since I was right next to her, naturally, I saw the phone screen.<ul><li>Pyo Jinho -</li></ul>


    ¡°Thest name is Pyo?¡±


    I thought it was an unusual surname, but Yu Arin just stared down at her phone screen and then subtly turned her body.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go take this call.¡±


    Yu Arin just left as she has.


    I wondered what senior Ju-hee was doing, but it seems like she went to the designated smoking area to smoke.


    Seeing her expression still crumpled, it seems she really disliked doing all that cutesy acts.


    ¡®The shooting is graduallying to an end.¡¯


    There are still quite a few major scenes left to shoot, but even so, there¡¯s less time left than what we¡¯ve already spent filming.


    Honestly, my hands have been quite itchytely.


    I downloaded an editing program and have been learning through YouTube, and editing turned out to be quite an interesting field to step into.


    Although it was for an assignment, I wanted to properly use what I learned through YouTube, so I deliberately subscribed to a paid editing program for a month.


    ¡®I really want to try it out quickly.¡¯


    At first, it was bothersome, andter, I started it while being conscious of senior Ju-hee¡¯s re.


    But in the end, isn¡¯t it good that I¡¯m learning various things on my own and taking an interest in others?


    Seo Yerin, Choi Yiseo, and Ahn Hyeon-ho decided to join uster, so I thought I could rest for a while.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    A ringing phone.


    Thinking it must be either Seo Yerin or Choi Yiseo since speaking of speak of devil, always brought the devil to me but.<ul><li>Jeong Chan-woo -</li></ul>


    Unexpectedly yet pleasantly, it was Chan-woo. He must be working at the PC caf¨¦ since it¡¯s the weekend.


    ¡°Moshi moshi.¡±


    I answered the phone with a smile.<ul><li>Woojin.</li></ul>


    Chan-woo¡¯s voice sounded serious.


    Though the characteristic noise of the PC caf¨¦ could be heard in the background, his voice was lowered as if something was up.<ul><li>Is Arin there with you now?</li></ul>


    ¡°She¡¯s here, but she went to answer a call for a moment.¡±


    Hearing my words, Chan-woo let out a sigh of relief and then made a request.<ul><li>Could you stay with Arin today, if possible? And keep her away from our PC caf¨¦.</li></ul>


    ¡°That¡¯s not difficult. But I want to know why.¡±


    I¡¯m not so nice as to just help people out without any reason. I wanted to know why, but then I heard someone calling Chan-woo from over the call¡­


    It seemed urgent, so Chan-woo quickly exined.<ul><li>Sorry. I¡¯ll exinter, I promise. Or¡­ just tell Arin that Pyo Jinho came.</li></ul>


    Pyo Jinho?


    ¡°Uh¡­¡±


    I was about to say that that¡¯s who Arin was on the phone with.


    <em>Click.</em>


    But Chan-woo had hung up.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    The atmosphere felt strange, so I decided to go to where Arin was supposed to be.


    ¡°Arin?¡±


    There was no sign of Arin anywhere.


    I felt a chilling feeling.


    There was a time before when something like this happened, but I can¡¯t quite remember when.


    ¡°Arin!¡±


    Anyway, from Chan-woo¡¯s call, there were more than one or two ominous signs.


    ¡°Where are you!¡±


    Suddenly, because she wasn¡¯t the type to disappear without a word, I frantically searched for Yu Arin¡¯s number while continuously looking around.


    ¡°Hey! Yu Arin!¡±


    ¡°Ah, why are you calling me, you jerk!¡±


    It was then that Yu Arin walked out of the restroom in the distance. She was annoyed, shaking the water off her hands.


    ¡®Ah.¡¯


    I remembered when I had felt this way before. It was like the time I went to see Minji, thinking she had made an extreme choice, and I had panicked.


    ¡°Why are you calling for me like that?¡±


    Grunting, Yu Arin approached, and I answered seriously.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call you though?¡±


    ¡°Bullshit. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I told you, I didn¡¯t call for you? I was singing a pop song. You are in~.¡±


    Since I didn¡¯t know any pop songs, I was just humming, and Yu Arin looked at me with a disgusted expression.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to do a shit show, do it from atop a toilet seat.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Would you just look at this woman!

 Chapter 81: Pyo Jinho

    Chapter 81: Pyo Jinho


    ¡°What¡¯s with that look on your face?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee asks while tapping out her cigarette on the ashtray. Apparently, the cutesy act was quite stressful for her, seeing as how she had smoked a chain of cigarettes, leaving the cloying smell of cigarette smoke on her body.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡±


    In reality, it¡¯s just embarrassing because I¡¯ve been making a fuss all by myself, not that there¡¯s an actual problem.


    Even though Chan-woo sent an urgent message, Yu Arin is right here, so there shouldn¡¯t be a big problem.


    ¡°He says he wants to sing.¡±


    Yu Arin pointed at me and butted in from the side. Sometimes I think about cracking her head open, but today I felt an even greater urge to actually do it.


    ¡°What song? If you want to sing, shall we go to karaoke?¡±


    ¡°¡­No.¡±I didn¡¯t really want to sing, and having seen several times senior Ju-hee¡¯s intense performances at karaoke, I didn¡¯t particrly want to go either.


    Senior Ju-hee too, not being sincere, dusts off her clothes while checking the time.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it about time for Hyeon-ho to start showing up?¡±


    Seo Yerin said she¡¯d bete because she has ns with friends, and Choi Yiseo is going to arrive around dinner time because she decided to do some volunteer work with Minji.


    It¡¯s about time for Ahn Hyeon-ho to arrive.


    I took my phone out to call and ask where he was. Before filming the movie, I wasn¡¯t exactly on good terms with Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    But now, surprisingly, our rtionship has evolved to at least being able to have a conversation.<ul><li>Hello?</li></ul>


    ¡°Where are you? Senior is waiting.¡±<ul><li>¡­I¡¯m almost there.</li></ul>


    Preventing any unnecessary words by deliberately mentioning senior Ju-hee, I was satisfied with the sound of Ahn Hyeon-ho running, so I ended the call.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho arrived, and after wondering what to eat for ate lunch, we eventually decided to go for spicy webfoot octopus.


    I can¡¯t handle spicy food, but I heard they have other selections there too.


    For example, things like pork cutlet or pizza.


    ¡®Why do they sell pork cutlets and pizza at a webfoot octopus ce?¡¯


    I had such concerns in my mind, but I didn¡¯t voice it. These days, it wouldn¡¯t be just one or two restaurants that were like that.


    ¡°I can¡¯t eat anything too spicy.¡±


    As I ordered from the menu, Yu Arin, sitting next to me, suddenly started patting my head.


    ¡°Oguogu! Our Woojini! Can¡¯t eat spicy food? Should I suck the seasoning off for you?¡±


    ¡°Get lost, you crazy woman.¡±


    ¡°Oguogu! Where did you learn to say that? Do you like being treated like a baby because you sounded like one when you were calling for me earlier?¡±


    ¡°Senior, can you teach me how to fight? I want to beat her up.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    The mention of a fight made senior Ju-hee and Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s eyes, sitting opposite me, sparkle.


    Perhaps because they bothe from a background of being the strongest, they seemed quite interested in this topic.


    ¡°Arin? To win, wouldn¡¯t you have to take a leave of absence with Han-kang and just die in the gym?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I saw it at the pubst time, Arin¡¯s roundhouse kick was no joke. Have you been going to the gym for a long time?¡±


    Is it that the strong recognize the strong?


    Faced with the question from senior Ju-hee, Yu Arin thought for a moment before scratching her cheek and saying,


    ¡°I¡¯ve won a championship in a tournament before.¡±


    Huh?


    ¡°A tournament?¡±


    As I asked in surprise, Yu Arin seemed somewhat embarrassed and nodded her head with a pause.


    ¡°Then, could you be a national representative?¡±


    ¡°It would have been possible if I went to the nationalpetition and won a medal, I guess? But I didn¡¯t go.¡±


    While speaking, I briefly caught a glimpse of her expression darkening for a second.


    Feeling like she didn¡¯t want to say something, I immediately responded with a smile.


    ¡°We should probably cancel the face-off then.¡±


    As I yfully changed the topic, the conversation shifted from Yu Arin to fighting.


    ¡°No, the match Jeong Ho-han is ying in is insane? It¡¯s not just about strength, but the technique¡­!¡±


    ¡°Did you see it too, Senior? Wow, I screamed so loud at home that I got hit by the roommate I live with.¡±


    While UFC was the hot topic, as for Ahn Hyeon-ho I thought it made sense, but for senior Ju-hee to also be interested¡­


    ¡®It fits them well.¡¯


    I was surprised by how well they were getting along, more than I thought for sure. It¡¯s a bit awkward to say this to someone like a senior, but maybe she was born as the wrong sex.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you watch stuff like UFC?¡±


    While having some spare time, I nudged Yu Arin, who was browsing through the Bamboo Forest, and asked. She shook her head vigorously.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of watching men sweat?¡±


    ¡°¡­Don¡¯t ever say you want to exercise.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Then, finding something amusing, she giggles and swiftly shows me her phone.


    ¡°Hey, look at this.¡±


    It was a post uploaded to the Bamboo Forest, attached with a picture of a sprawled-out cat.<ul><li>Anonymous99: Where do you sell this? Tell me quickly. I¡¯ll go buy it. (Photo)</li></ul>


    ¡°Cute, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    The white cat looked adorably stretched out like a steamed bun.


    Yu Arin¡¯s eyes were sparkling as she looked at the photo. I wondered if she liked cats because she resembled one too.


    No, Yu Arin is not a cat but a fox?


    But my eyes were more drawn to thements section.


    ? Anonymous11: Give more photos of it.


    The troublemaker and fighter, Anonymous11, surprisingly responded normally to the post today.


    This had quite an aftermath.


    ? Anonymous243: Why aren¡¯t you freaking out today?


    ? Anonymous11: Shut up, you otaku freak. Don¡¯t butt in when normal people are talking, you reek of sweat.


    Starting with the appearance of Anime geek, who is usually criticized daily.


    ? Anonymous125: LOL


    ? Anonymous90: I wanna have sex!


    ? Anonymous69: I wanna have sex!


    ? Anonymous70: The Sex God iste today. Now, 69 is outdated.


    ? Anonymous167: Even the troublemaker finds peace thanks to Godly Cat.


    ? Anonymous305: I¡¯ll also post a pic of my Jjong (Photo)


    ? Anonymous11: Kick out that bastard.


    ? Anonymous70: Sharp as a knife when ites to dogs.


    ¡°Ah, seeing this makes me want to join in the conversation.¡±


    Yu Arin giggles while looking at the Bamboo Forest, but being an administrator, she can¡¯t just recklessly post anything onto the bulletin board.


    ¡°Just do it.¡±


    ? Admin: ve No. 1 has a cat-like appearance.


    As I post ament with my phone, a flurry of otherments pour in like a thread. Most of them were asking to know more about ve No. 1 or to see a photo of them.


    ¡°Sigh, is this really okay? Aren¡¯tmunity admins supposed to write as little as possible and remain neutral?¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I should just stare nkly and manage without even participating in themunity?¡±


    ¡°That¡­ makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about what others think and just do it. It¡¯s anonymous anyway, dummy.¡±


    Ah, no.


    Let me correct that.


    ¡°Only you and I know.¡±


    As I say this with a slightugh, Yu Arin, who has been looking at me nkly, starts fiddling with her phone, her shoulders shaking with excitement.<ul><li>Anonymous59(Administrator No. 1): The admin looks like a dog.</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous11: No wonder he seemed like a jerk to me.


    ? Anonymous283: What breed? Chihuahua? Husky? Jindo dog?


    ? Anonymous59 (Admin1): ? I just called him a dog because he¡¯s a jerk. But he looks like a gori.


    ? Anonymous60: Lololol


    ? Anonymous90: I wanna have sex!


    ? Anonymous69: Sex¡­¡­


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Staring intently and calling out, Yu Arin is covering her mouth with her phone,ughing at something amusing.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t feel too bad about it either.


    It wasn¡¯t just anonymous insults thrown at me; it felt like we were sharing secrets known only to us, creating this sense of camaraderie, perhaps.


    ¡°Ahaha! Hey, look at this reply. There¡¯s a meme saying it looks like you.¡±


    Yu Arin, sticking out her tongue and making a teasing face, shows me a meme of a dog and bursts intoughter.


    Her hitting my shoulder andughing felt unusually innocent, for Yu Arin was always sly.


    Before we knew it, the gazes of two people sitting across from us were on us.


    The UFC talk seemed to have ended, as both parties were staring intently at each other.


    ¡°Be honest with me now.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee asked with a cheeky smile.


    ¡°Are you two dating?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°With this trash?¡±


    What? Trash? Sorry?


    ¡°No, how could I date someone who looks like a used tissue?¡±


    ¡°What? A used tissue? If I¡¯m a used tissue, then you¡¯re covered in shi¡­!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee, watching us,ughed heartily. It seems she found our serious argument fun to watch.


    ¡°Woojin is honestly quite close with girls, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m only close with a few specific people.¡±


    I could count them all on one hand.


    ¡°And those few specific people happen to all be pretty ones?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t deny what senior Ju-hee said.


    ¡°If it¡¯s Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo¡­ then, yes, that is all.¡±


    ¡°This jerk. Why am I excluded?¡±


    Yu Arin charges in again from right beside me. I said she¡¯s like a cat, but moments like this make her seem like a puppy too.


    ¡°But personally, I think Arin suits you better than the others. You two being all cozy and affectionate creates a nice atmosphere.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I think so too!¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho immediately agrees with Senior Ju-hee. His bright smile is baffling, but it seems he hasn¡¯t yet given up on Choi Yiseo.


    Maybe he¡¯ll try harder to woo her next semester?


    ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯m not nning to be a CC (Campus couple), so I won¡¯t be dating anyone.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s a relief. I was worried about what I¡¯d do if you took Senior¡¯s advice and confessed to me.¡±


    Yu Arin sighed in relief, hitting her forehead. I really wanted to smash her on the head, and I barely managed to hold back.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s just something to say. Think of it as Senior being a bit foolish.¡±


    As soon as senior Ju-hee finished speaking, the food arrived for us.


    I thought squid with pizza was a bizarrebination, but surprisingly, it went well together, which was a little shocking.


    Perhaps the spiciness was bnced by the greasiness of the pizza.


    While we were eating.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    A phone started ringing at the table.


    I thought it was someone¡¯s phone, but Ahn Hyeon-ho awkwardly smiled and stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this call ande back.¡±


    He said and went to answer the call.


    ¡°Yes, Jinho hyung.¡±


    At that moment, Yu Arin quickly turned towards Ahn Hyeon-ho. Her eyes fluttered in surprise.


    That name was also in my memory.


    ¡®Pyo Jinho?¡¯


    It was the first time I had heard of it today, but it was a man that left a strong impression from his name alone.


    Now, he was on the phone with Ahn Hyeon-ho.

 Chapter 82: The Confession

    Chapter 82: The Confession


    The atmosphere turned heavy in an instant, and it wasn¡¯t just my imagination. There could have been someone with the same name among Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s acquaintances.


    After all, the name Jinho wasmon one to listen.


    But the timing was too coincidental.


    I¡¯d heard from Jeong Chan-woo that Pyo Jinho hade, and that Yu Arin had also received a call from him. Naturally, I couldn¡¯t help but assume it in such a manner.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to use the restroom for a moment.¡±


    ¡°But the food just arrived?¡±


    Leaving behind senior Ju-hee, who seemed to enjoy the squid quite a bit, I headed straight for the restroom.


    Yu Arin looked at me suspiciously, but since she didn¡¯t have a clear reason to doubt me, she couldn¡¯t stop me and just stayed in her ce.


    Pretending to go to the restroom, I stealthily changed direction towards Ahn Hyeon-ho.Outside the store, smoking a cigarette and taking a call, Ahn Hyeon-ho had a somewhat ufortable expression as he continued only to listen.


    ¡°Yes, yes, hyung. No, it¡¯s not like that at all.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, who seemed quite focused on the call, didn¡¯t even notice me approaching him. Staring nkly from behind, I boldly eavesdrop on Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    ¡°Sigh, hyung. Even though I¡¯m in the department, I don¡¯t know all the kids in our department.¡±


    That can¡¯t be true.


    ¡°Yu¡­What? Who? Yu Arin? Hyung, I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯ve never heard of such a person.¡±


    Hmm?


    I wanted to ask if he hadn¡¯t just been talking about Taekwondo with someone sitting across from him, but I decided to wait silently for now.


    ¡°Yes, hyung. Let¡¯s have a drinkter. Yes, yes. I understand. I¡¯ll check it out. What did you say the name was? Yu Rin-gi? Ah¡­ Yu Arin.¡±


    ¡°Pfft.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter, and because of that, Ahn Hyeon-ho, who realized my presence, turned back, startled.


    ¡°Ah, no. It¡¯s nothing, hyung. Yes! Yu Arin! I¡¯ll definitely look for her!¡±


    After hanging up, Ahn Hyeon-ho, unaware that the cigarette in his hand was burning down, yelled at me.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up with you! Why are you eavesdropping on someone else¡¯s call?¡±


    ¡°Yu Rin-gi, that had a good sense.¡±


    I should tease him a lot moreter.


    ¡°No, what is it? Why are you listening to someone else¡¯s call without permission?¡±


    Facing Ahn Hyeon-ho, who was questioning me, I shrugged and answered.


    ¡°Pyo Jinho, he was the one who called, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­What, you know Jinho hyung too?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s my first time hearing that name today.¡±


    ¡°Hm? Your exnation is too weird to follow.¡±


    From Anh Hyeon-ho¡¯s perspective, he couldn¡¯t understand at all what I was talking about right now.


    But it wasn¡¯t important for him to know about it, and the only thing I wanted to ask right now was one.


    ¡°Why are you hiding about Yu Arin?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You were eating together with her right in front of you.¡±


    An Hyeon-ho¡¯s reason for hiding Yu Arin intrigued me. It didn¡¯t seem like he had any special feelings for her.


    Looking at me, Ahn Hyeon-ho, seemingly overwhelmed, put a cigarette in his mouth. It was almost burnt out, so he had to take a puff and throw it away, not even serving as a time filler.


    ¡°Senior Pyo Jinho, he¡¯s a really bad person.¡±


    It seems so.


    I¡¯ve never seen his face, but it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve felt dislike for someone whom I haven¡¯t even met.


    ¡°I¡¯ve only seen him a few times indirectly¡­ but there are so many bad rumors about him, it¡¯s better not to get involved with such a man.¡±


    ¡°¡­I thought you liked that kind of thing.¡±


    Mumbling that he seemed like a university student who can¡¯t get over his bullying days, Ahn Hyeon-ho frowned at my words.


    ¡°I¡¯m a uni student now. I barely made it here by studying insanely in my senior year of high school, so I can¡¯t live like I used to back then.¡±


    ¡°Woah.¡±


    As I thought.


    Thinking about it, it seemed that Ahn Hyeon-ho had never really shown any rough edges since I¡¯ve known him, except when he was jealous of me over Choi Yiseo.


    It was just that his jealousy was so intense.


    The Anonymous287 who was helping Minji target me was actually Choi Yiseo trying to protect me, and not Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    ¡®Come to think of it, didn¡¯t Choi Yiseo end up ruining his image?¡¯


    Well, that also meant Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t like Ahn Hyeon-ho clinging to her.


    ¡°Honestly, you do seem a bit different. I still thought you were messing around like you did in high school.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Unable to deny that that was the case until recently, he keeps his mouth firmly shut.


    ¡°Senior Han-kang as well, and senior Ju-hee too. We have many seniors around us to learn from, don¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°Senior Ju-hee, maybe, but senior Han-kang?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a senior from whom there¡¯s quite a bit to learn, you know?¡±


    Was he talking about flirting with girls?


    It was a moment that showed how well Han-kang had crafted his image among the juniors.


    It made me wonder if that¡¯s why everyone was so nice with him, even when he was being unreasonable to others.


    ¡°Anyway, there shouldn¡¯t be any reason for senior Pyo Jinho and Yu Arin to get involved. Even if he¡¯s a senior, can he really find her?¡±


    Saying this, Ahn Hyeon-ho suggests we head back to the table. If we don¡¯t go now, Yu Arin and senior Ju-hee might have almost finished eating all the dishes we¡¯ve ordered.


    I am starting to see Ahn Hyeon-ho in a slightly different light now.


    ¡°But you¡¯re not dating Yiseo, are you?¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho suddenly stops walking and asks me. I wondered why he hadn¡¯t asked me this yet, and it was also a question that was embarrassing to answer.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ not dating?¡±


    ¡°What kind of answer is that?¡±


    ¡°Getting to know each other? Just talking casually?¡±


    ¡°Yiseo said she would start dating from next year. And you were rejected once already.¡±


    Ah, right.


    I even lied about that to get rid of Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    ¡°Originally, getting rejected once is also a strategy. It¡¯s about making the other person aware of me going after them.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ That¡¯s a strategy I couldn¡¯t learn from senior Han-kang.¡±


    ¡°Damn it. That guy has never been rejected. He¡¯s the type to say if there¡¯s no bread, eat cake.¡±


    He was rejected by Seo Yerin, but it was practically a TKO, so how could Ipare?


    ¡°Hoo, sorry, but I¡¯m not giving up on Yiseo. When we were both ss representatives, I just felt it. At first, she seems cold to all, but once you get close or start dating, she¡¯ll treat you really well.¡±


    ¡­She does seem like she would treat someone well once she gets to know them.


    ¡°And she takes good care of herself.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You might not notice because she often wears sportswear, but Yiseo has quite the figure?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Plus, those who exercise have an amazing¡­!¡±


    ¡°Shit! I¡¯m not letting someone like you have Choi Yiseo, you bastard!¡±


    ¡°¡­Who are you to give her or not give her to me. Guys can share this kind of talk.¡±


    After kicking Ahn Hyeon-ho on the butt as he was boasting some heroic tale, I went straight into the restaurant.


    ¡°Did you two make out?¡±


    Yu Arin chirped as she saw the two of use in together.


    ¡°Yurin you talk too much.¡±


    ¡°This brat, that was my middle school nickname.¡±


    Somehow, it just stuck to my mouth greatly when it came to calling her.


    ¡°I bet fried yuringi would taste good.¡±


    Suddenly craving fried food, I mumbled to myself and sat down, and Yu Arin frowned as she snapped back at me.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that sexual harassment?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡±<hr>


    The shooting continued until evening.


    Seo Yerin joined us in the middle, and finally, when Choi Yiseo arrived, everyone was finally gathered.


    The shooting went smoothly, and Yu Arin, ying the role of a crazy woman, was doing it quite refreshingly, so personally I wanted to keep it.


    ¡°Keke.¡±


    During a short break.


    Laughing at Yu Arin on the screen, going berserk with a knife, Seo Yerin quietly approached and sat next to me.


    Now, it was almost routine for her to ce her hand on my thigh naturally.


    I¡¯ve tried brushing it off several times, but each time, sheughs teasingly while saying, ¡®Does it bounce back up with this? Cute, isn¡¯t it?¡¯ which annoys me, so I just leave it be.


    ¡°Do you think the shoot went well?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, honestly, since all our ssmates are pretty good-looking, if I can edit it well, I think we¡¯ll get an A.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll do great. Call me if you need any help.¡±


    When she says things like this, you can tell she¡¯s really kind. She¡¯s considerate and has a way of calming anxious people with burdens on them, which is exactly why Seo Yerin is so popr in ss.


    ¡°Sorry, but could you take a look at one thing for me?¡±


    Look at her, asking for a favor even now.


    Since it¡¯s our break time and I¡¯m not busy, she¡¯s being polite to me, clearly feeling bad for bothering me.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Choose one of the two.¡±


    Ah, is she asking me to look at clothes or something?


    I¡¯m not particrly good at dressing myself, but I do have an eye for fashion.


    I was dragged around by my ex-girlfriend, looking at all sorts of clothes.


    My ex-girlfriend was very interested in things like clothes. That doesn¡¯t mean she was extravagant or only bought luxury brands.


    ¡°Ah, shit.¡±


    I stop thinking about Oh Yoon-ji and look at the phone Seo Yerin handed me.


    There.


    A woman wearing cat ears, and only a bra and panties, standing there pretending to be cute.


    ¡°This one.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    What is she trying to show me right now?


    Casually swiping to the next screen, this time there¡¯s a woman wearing a cow bikini.


    ¡°Or this.¡±


    What does she expect me to do with this?


    This damn girl.


    ¡°What about it?¡±


    I started to dislike myself for having praised Seo Yerin for being kind just a moment ago. When I ask why she¡¯s showing me this, Seo Yerin answers with a smile.


    ¡°For the next time we do it.¡±


    In a moment of temptation, I almost chose without realizing it, but I bit my lip and answered.


    ¡°Neither of them suits you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with the cow. That¡¯s something they do in the West. They¡¯re voluptuous there.¡±


    <em>Squeeze.</em>


    Seo Yerin pinches my thigh lightly.


    But it¡¯s not like it was wrong.


    ¡°And the first one.¡±


    I turn the photo back to the first one while biting my lip. I point behind the woman wearing a ck cat bikini.


    There¡¯s a ck tail attached, but I¡¯m not exactly sure where it¡¯s attached to.


    It might simply be attached to the panties, but if not.


    ¡°Do you know where this is attached to?¡±


    As I point to the tail and ask, Seo Yerin¡¯s face turns bright red.


    ¡®She suggested it knowing where it went?¡¯


    Let¡¯s leave right now then.


    ¡°Is this really a big deal? Cut down on the porn.¡±


    ¡°¡­Ah, it didn¡¯t look painful though.¡±


    ¡°It looks like it doesn¡¯t hurt because the trainers are skilled. Ah, how many adult videos have you even watched?¡±


    ¡°¡­You even rmended some to me before.¡±


    Ah.


    ¡°Yawn! I¡¯m sleepy.¡±


    She closes her eyes as if copsing.


    Why did I even rmend those things to her?


    ¡°Was this outfit from one of those videos too?¡±


    ¡®Shit.¡¯


    I hate myself for suggesting this to her, thinking I¡¯d never get caught, and rmending it to Anonymous69.


    I barely managed to push Seo Yerin off, who kept clinging and whining, and ran away.


    Wondering what the others were doing, I nced around and then heard a voice from behind a tree.


    ¡°Yiseo, you know it too, right.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho?


    And Choi Yiseo is there too?


    I wondered what it was about, but then a chilly feeling ran down my spine.


    ¡®Actually, getting rejected once is also a strategy. It¡¯s about making the other person aware of me.¡¯


    As the advice I gave today came to mind, I smacked myself on the head.


    Without realizing it, I moved in that direction, and the moment I clearly saw the two of them.


    ¡°I like you. Let¡¯s date.¡±


    A fresh yet somewhat ssic confession slipped out of Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It¡¯s not a joke.


    It was the first time I¡¯d ever seen Choi Yiseo¡¯s expression sour like that.

 Chapter 83: A Precious Person

    Chapter 83: A Precious Person


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It was dinner time.


    Today¡¯s shooting had ended, and as everyone was slowly wrapping things up, I stayed next to Ahn Hyeon-ho, who was sitting on a bench.


    He nced at me with resentful, angry eyes, tried to say something, but eventually just sighed deeply and shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of you.¡±


    I understand his desire to me me, but ultimately, the choice was his to make.


    ¡°You¡­ man you- you rushed in too fast.¡±


    No matter how much you like Choi Yiseo, you can¡¯t just go confess to her out of the blue.


    It wasn¡¯t like a scourge, but seeing him push his face forward, I couldn¡¯t help but quickly avoid the spot.¡°You didn¡¯t exin it to me in detail.¡±


    Looking at Ahn Hyeon-ho, who continued to me me while covering his face, I could only sigh.


    It didn¡¯t seem like he truly believed it was his fault, but rather that he just needed someone to ce the me, which felt somewhat pitiful to me.


    ¡°Sigh¡­ if you were popr in high school, didn¡¯t you date a lot? Why are you so inexperienced when ites to it?¡±


    Didn¡¯t those kids just rotate among each other, dating multiple people?


    ¡°That was only because the girls came to me.¡±


    ¡°Just go and die already.¡±


    The audacity he had was so absurd that a clicking of the tongue was inevitable at his words.


    After all, in middle and high school, looks and strength are prioritized over grades, so someone like Ahn Hyeon-ho would have been considered a top catch.


    Imagining the battles among students to win a good-looking guy over just made me feel even more disgusted.


    If girls approached him just because he opened his mouth, what was there to study?


    ¡°Anyway, are you giving up on Yiseo now? It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen her make such a fierce expression at someone.¡±


    ¡°¡­How much did you see?¡±


    ¡°I ran away right after seeing you confess. Gore isn¡¯t really my preferred genre.¡±


    Wasn¡¯t it practically an ¡®Ahn Hyeon-ho dismemberment¡¯ show?


    It was a time when Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s limbs were bursting out from here and there, just without the bloodshed.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho looked somewhat relieved.


    Then, he clenched his fist and answered.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to give up. It¡¯s hard to find a girl like Yiseo.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I wanted to agree, but I didn¡¯t. It seemed like it would just create a subtly awkward atmosphere between us.


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°Hm? Me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re interested in Yiseo too. That¡¯s why you confessed, and you¡¯re going to try to date her seriously in the second semester, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    It was difficult to answer.


    I had no intention of being a CC, so the chances of developing a romantic rtionship with Choi Yiseo were rather slim.


    Honestly, I¡¯ve recently felt that those walls are gradually crumbling.


    This is probably because as time goes by with memories of Oh Yoon-ji, Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo kept knocking the wall down¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    That was my honest feeling.


    It was a topic difficult to share with anyone, but since Ahn Hyeon-ho was not important to me at all, I felt it was somewhat easier to open up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be jealous if I end up dating Yiseo.¡±


    What would my heart feel like then?


    Thinking that it needs a cold diagnosis, but as soon as I closed my eyes, the expression Choi Yiseo had when looking at Ahn Hyeon-ho came to mind.


    ¡°Will that be okay?¡±


    That was the only answer which came from me.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho also seems to acknowledge it, heaving a deep sigh as he sweeps his bangs back.


    While we were unintentionally having this deep conversation, it seemed like the others had finished packing up and were approaching us from the other side.


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    Choi Yiseo clicked her tongue as she looked at me.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    It was precisely me Ahn Hyeon-ho was looking at, which caught me off guard.


    The sight of Choi Yiseo genuinely being annoyed with me was quite precious to see, yet it immediately made me wonder what I had done to wrong her.


    ¡°Sorry¡­¡±


    But unexpectedly.


    Hearing Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s apology from beside me, I found myself ring at him without realizing.


    ¡°Why are you sorry?¡±


    Seeing Ahn Hyeon-ho trying to sneakily stand up while avoiding my gaze made me feel even more uneasy.


    I quickly grab the hem of his clothes, making him sit back down, and ask.


    ¡°What are you sorry for, you bastard?¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡±


    That? what?


    ¡°The confession strategy¡­ I told her that you told me about it.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°That- at that time, I was so flustered that I thought I had to make up some excuse for what I did¡­!¡±


    Is he fucking insane?!


    ¡°Hey! I just told you that such a method exists, when did I ever say to rush to Choi Yiseo right away and give her an honest deep confession?!¡±


    I immediately started beating Ahn Hyeon-ho with my fist. He seemed really sorry for what he did, and only putting up his hands to not get hurt at all, which made me even angrier.


    ¡°Sorry¡­ I really am sorry.¡±


    So now, in Choi Yiseo¡¯s eyes, I am.


    A unique piece of shit trying to introduce the girl he likes to another guy.


    As Choi Yiseo approached closer, I made eye contact.


    Choi Yiseo mouths something to me with her lips, unnoticed by Yu Arin and Seo Yerin next to her.


    ¡°You think it¡¯s cool?¡±


    Not at all.


    ¡°Are you thirsty?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not?¡±


    Choi Yiseo immediately raises her finger.


    Thanks to her repeating it once more, I finally understood what she was saying.


    ¡°Ah, you mean I will die?¡±


    As I saw her nodding, instead of feeling the satisfaction of getting the answer right, a sigh naturally escaped from my mouth.<hr>


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, I¡¯m telling you!¡±


    After parting with the other members of the group, I was returning home with Choi Yiseo, making excuses in my own way.


    No, not excuses.


    I was confirming the facts.


    ¡°So it¡¯s not, then?¡±


    Choi Yiseo asks with a sly expression.


    The cold eyes which were directed towards me earlier had softened a lot.


    ¡°You know, I told you thest time that I confessed. That was just an excuse I made up on the spot. Why would I tell him to confess to you?¡±


    Did my sincerity reach her?


    It seems that Choi Yiseo¡¯s heart had softened a little.


    ¡°You misunderstood.¡±


    Choi Yiseo said as she slowly approached me.


    ¡°Right? So, next time, before you start beating me up, could you at least listen to what I have to say before you hit me?¡±


    ¡°¡­It was beyond my control.¡±


    Thanks to her rushing at me with fists raised right after parting with the others, I just ended up getting neatly beaten.


    From Choi Yiseo¡¯s perspective, she must have felt like I was trying to keep my distance from her by deliberately introducing Ahn Hyeon-ho, so I understand her reason for reacting like that.


    Anyway, now that the misunderstanding is resolved and things have be a bit morefortable, Choi Yiseo starts to grumble under her breath.


    ¡°What do I do about Hyeon-ho now? Ah, why did he have to confess!¡±


    As I mentioned before, given their positions as the representative and vice representative, the two were bound to sh or get involved with each other in daily activities.


    In the midst of that, Ahn Hyeon-ho went ahead and confessed, leaving only awkwardness for theiring meetings.


    Earlier, Ahn Hyeon-ho felt awkward being around Choi Yiseo and so left on his own ord.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have to try your best. To not be awkward.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I replied, thinking I could give a satisfactory answer to her problem, but it seems like it wasn¡¯t the response she was hoping for.


    With her cheeks slightly puffed, Choi Yiseo asked me,


    ¡°What would you have done if I really dated Hyeon-ho?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re asking me that?¡±


    ¡°No, I mean, I could get tired of you and go for another guy. Life is a real battle. You know?¡±


    That¡¯s true.


    I think I had a simr thought earlier.


    ¡°What can I do?¡±


    This was my attempt at a right answer. After all, Choi Yiseo doesn¡¯t say anything when she sees me mingling with other girls.


    Even knowing that I spent a night with Seo Yerin, she couldn¡¯t say anything to me because she wasn¡¯t my girlfriend.


    To put it bluntly.


    We¡¯re friends.


    We might have crossed the line slightly at the start, but that was the extent of our rtionship.


    ¡°Just like you don¡¯t say anything to me, I can¡¯t say anything to you if you meet other men.¡±


    If she were to date someone else, I could at least congratte and support you.


    Choi Yiseo res at me with an expression of extreme annoyance.


    ¡°Do you have that kind of preference? Like, having things taken away from you?¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    How could anyone possibly like that?


    Well, there might be people with such preferences. There are people in the world who enjoy eating poop, after all.


    But I can confidently say that I¡¯m not one of those iprehensible types.


    ¡°I¡¯m definitely not into that kind of thing.¡±


    As I firmly respond, Choi Yiseo crosses her arms and pushes me for an answer.


    ¡°Then, why can¡¯t you speak directly? Can¡¯t you at least tell me not to go to another man?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the right to do that¡­¡±


    Right?


    Adding that word, Choi Yiseo seemed to get upset again, biting her lip.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never say what I want to hear, will you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Sighing, Choi Yiseo looks around. We¡¯re almost home, but she stops walking and stares at me, tears welling up slightly in her eyes.


    ¡°You- you¡¯re sex friends with Yerin, right?¡±


    ¡°That is¡­¡±


    ¡°I let it slide when you had Yerin¡¯s photo. But now it¡¯s clear, isn¡¯t it? Right?¡±


    It definitely wasn¡¯t the case then.


    ¡°If I get to make an excuse, it really wasn¡¯t true when you asked that time.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s skip that. So, you¡¯ve done it now, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    It feels like I¡¯m turning into some kind of trash in her eyes. I¡¯m pretty sure I went around firmly nailing down that I wouldn¡¯t do CC.


    ¡°But why do you think I¡¯m not saying anything to you?¡±


    ¡°¡­Be-because you¡¯re not my girlfriend?¡±


    I thought that was the reason.


    In fact, Choi Yiseo has said this now.


    ¡°There¡¯s that. But that¡¯s not all.¡±


    ¡°Then?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re having a hard time.¡±


    At that moment,


    I was at a loss for words.


    Choi Yiseo, who was staring straight at me, pressed her lips together as if pausing.


    Despite my wish to not have her say any more, she seemed to read my mind and immediately dered,


    ¡°You¡¯re struggling with rtionships with women because of Yoon-ji. Even if it¡¯s just physical rtionships, you¡¯re rejecting emotional connections with women around you.¡±


    Cowardly.


    I was a coward.


    Understanding and being considerate of such cowardice¡­


    It was the Choi Yiseo standing in front of me.


    ¡°Sex? I could do it right now if I wanted to. We could book a hotel! Or go to your room! But I¡¯m deliberately not doing it. Do you know why?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Because! Then it would mean that I¡¯ve won your heart with my body. It would mean I¡¯m forcing you, who is not yet ready, to date me by using that!¡±


    <em>Thump!</em>


    Choi Yiseo hit my chest with her fist while tears ran down her cheeks. It was a feeble punch, but it hurt more than anything else I had encountered today.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what Yerin thinks. That girl might see a side of you I haven¡¯t, and approach you differently from me. It¡¯s not a question of who¡¯s right here.¡±


    As Admin, Kim Woojin.


    Seo Yerin saw that.


    Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin could be said to be onpletely opposite ends of my nature.


    If our rtionship was arranged in the order of the alphabet.


    Choi Yiseo started from A.


    And Seo Yerin started from Z.


    ¡°Do you not have the right? You don¡¯t have the right to hold on to someone drifting to another man? Who decided on that?¡±


    ¡°That is¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll decide for you, hold on to me.¡±


    <em>Clench.</em>


    Choi Yiseo was breathing roughly, holding my hand. She was trying hard to suppress the emotions welling up inside her.


    ¡°Tell me to stay. And that you can¡¯t go anywhere. In case I tilt towards another man, try to turn my eyes towards you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hold on to me, you bastard!¡±


    Choi Yiseo rushes into my arms.


    She doesn¡¯t let go, holding me tightly, as if she didn¡¯t want to show her crying face to me.


    Looking down at Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to love someone.¡±


    A sincere feeling I had never expressed to anyone slipped out from my mouth.


    ¡°It hurts so much¡­ Honestly, I still dream about Oh Yoon-ji at times.¡±


    That was the reason I can¡¯t date anyone.


    ¡°After she left, I really couldn¡¯t do anything for a while. It was a relief that it was the vacation period.¡±


    Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to attend lectures at all.


    ¡°Because it hurt so much then, I don¡¯t want to date anyone.¡±


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s sobbing and my trembling voice ovepped.


    ¡°That¡¯s my intention, my resolution.¡±


    The woman who seemed like she would be with me forever.


    The woman I seriously thought about marrying.


    The woman who always smiled brightly and loved me.


    In the end, she left first.


    That was the reality I faced.


    The kind of unchanging love found in dramas or movies didn¡¯t exist.


    Oh Yoon-ji left me.


    So will Choi Yiseo.


    Even though she says this to me now.


    There coulde a moment when she would want to leave too.


    If that happens.


    It would probably be really tough then.


    I am a coward, a weakling.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t move my heart anymore.¡±


    My two hands, having nowhere to go, carefully embraced Choi Yiseo, who was trembling.


    ¡°Please.¡±


    I hugged her gently.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a precious existence to me.¡±


    Despite my plea for her not to enter my life any more deeply,


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s hands.


    Still did not let go of me.

 Chapter 84: Death Battle

    Chapter 84: Death Battle


    ¡°Take, care, then.¡±


    Choi Yiseo uttered an awkward goodbye.


    The tear stains around her eyes were telling of how our emotions had soared to extremes just moments ago.


    But after a little while, naturally, we returned to reality.


    I¡¯d said there¡¯s no love like they show in the movies or dramas, but why do I speak as if my words belonged in a movie or drama?


    ¡®I¡¯m just a crazy person.¡¯


    It was an honest feeling, but perhaps too honest in this situation. I should have known to restrain myself a little.


    I urgently call out to Choi Yiseo, about to enter her house.


    ¡°Yah, Yiseo. We need to meet tomorrow, alright?¡±There¡¯s still filming left to do.


    We have to meet again tomorrow to film it, but if we part like this, I feel like I¡¯ll just be kicking the covers until we see each other again tomorrow.


    ¡°Ri-right?¡±


    Suddenly, Choi Yiseo, who seemed not to have expected me to call out to her, looks around and answers.


    There was a need to somehow change the atmosphere.


    ¡°That is¡­ you know, I mean.¡±


    But then when I actually tried to speak to her, I wondered how I could possibly change the mood now.


    In the end, while the two of us were just staring nkly at one another.


    ¡°Huh? What are you two doing out here?¡±


    Minji, who came out of the house, met us right then. She hade out wearing pajama pants and holding a trash bag.


    ¡°Taking the trash out at this hour?¡±


    Seizing the opportunity, I immediately said something to her, and Minji grumbles in response.


    ¡°It was originally Yiseo¡¯s turn today, but she didn¡¯te, so I¡¯m doing it¡­ But, what¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Looking at us, she hesitated as if she sensed something strange between us.


    ¡°Did something happen between you two? Di-did I get the timing wrong?¡±


    Should I say yes or no? The fact that I¡¯m unsure shows just how confusing this situation is for me.


    ¡°Did Yiseo cry?¡±


    Minji, who was about to go back inside with the trash, seemed startled to see Choi Yiseo¡¯s tears and hurries over.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What happened? What did you do to Yiseo?!¡±


    Seeing Minji hugging Choi Yiseo dramatically like in the movies and yelling at me made my shoulders rx slightly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything bad, so don¡¯t go calling your big bros again.¡±


    ¡°No, why would you pour salt onto that wound¡­¡±


    ¡°Minji, you smell like trash.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m clearly taking your side, so why are you doing this to me¡­¡±


    As soon as the two of us scold Minji, she pouts lips jutting out. Thanks to that, the atmosphere lightened up a little.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s being too much. I¡¯ll just throw the trash away and sit next to it. Since it¡¯s incinerable trash, we won¡¯t need to separate it for recycling.¡±


    Trudging off to discard the trash, I look away from Minji behind and look back at Choi Yiseo.


    A faint, but clear smile appears on her lips, suggesting that Choi Yiseo too feels the atmosphere has lightened somewhat.


    ¡°She¡¯s be brighter.¡±


    Choi Yiseo adds, ncing towards Minji. It was a starkly different image from when she was engulfed in her delusions.


    ¡°It¡¯s thanks to your help.¡±


    ¡°It was her own courage.¡±


    What did I do, after all.


    Minji hadmitted a crime and received her punishment, thus she changed into a new person through repenting, that¡¯s all it was.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. Don¡¯t take what I said today too seriously. Just let it in one ear and out the other.¡±


    It was somewhat awkward, but when I told her so, Choi Yiseo looked straight at me and then let out a chuckle before answering.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just let what I said in one ear and out the other.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You got that, right?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t give a definite answer, but I nodded in agreement and then turned around.


    While passing by the garbage dump, I saw Minji squatting next to a trash bag, but I just pretended not to see her and walked past.


    ¡®I should hurry home, take a shower, and go to bed.¡¯


    Stretching as I was heading home,


    <em>Woong!</em>


    My phone rang all of a sudden.


    Considering the time was nearing midnight, it was usually a notification from the anonymous ones of the Bamboo Forest, so I checked it without much thought.<ul><li>Yu Arin -</li></ul>


    It was quite unexpected to receive a call from her. We had just finished shooting together and parted ways; what could she possibly want to talk about?


    I answered the phone with ack of interest.<ul><li>Where are you?</li></ul>


    Yu Arin¡¯s low voice indirectly informed me that the situation was serious.


    ¡°I dropped Choi Yiseo off at her ce, I¡¯m on my way home, why?¡±<ul><li>¡­Must have been nice? If you were together until this time, did you even kiss under the streemp?</li></ul>


    ¡°Can I hang up?¡±


    As I sighed and was about to hang up, Yu Arin shouted desperately.<ul><li>No-no! I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m really sorry, so please help me out just this once.</li></ul>


    ¡°What is it now?¡±<ul><li>I¡¯ll send you the address via KakaoTalk, so pleasee.</li></ul>


    With that, the call disconnected.


    ¡®I thought she would just go home after finishing her assignment¡­¡¯


    Despite thinking this, I headed to the address Yu Arin had sent via KakaoTalk. Today, I¡¯ve heard several strange stories rted to Yu Arin, so it seemed best to check the situation out.


    The ce Yu Arin marked was unexpectedly a neighborhood yground.


    Recently, it wasn¡¯t a ce where kids roamed around but rather a spot where delinquent students would hang out when they had nowhere else to go, giving off an ominous vibe from the start.


    And it was indeed the case.


    Yu Arin¡¯s hair color was so light that one could recognize her from afar at night.


    But then there was this bulky man standing opposite her.


    He seemed to have made an effort to dress up, but it looked somewhat awkward on him. It was clear from a nce that this was a man you shouldn¡¯t identally make eye contact with while passing him by on the street either.


    ¡°Woojinnn!¡±


    Recognizing me, Yu Arin immediately waved and ran over. The way she greeted me warmly and ended on a high note clearly showed it was all an act from here on.


    As she came running and linked her arm with mine, I couldn¡¯t help but frown.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    I whispered softly, and then Yu Arin pinched me on the thigh.


    ¡°Just shut up and go along with it. Please, really.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seeing how urgent this looks, there definitely seems to be something going on. I felt a sudden surge of energy in my body, as if I knew exactly what this was about.


    Yu Arin took me to the man and said with a bright smile,


    ¡°Oppa (Korean term for older men in a familiar way), you see, right? This person is my boy¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Not boyfriend, but just a friend from the same department.¡±


    I cut Yu Arin¡¯s words off right there.


    Yu Arin, red at me with a sour expression, and the man she had referred to as oppa looked at me with a strangely changed expression.


    With the friendliest smile I could muster, I immediately offered my hand to this oppa.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Kim Woojin, a friend from the same department as Yu Arin.¡±


    As I confidently stepped forward, he somewhat bewilderedly epted the handshake in a daze.


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯m Pyo Jinho. I¡¯ve known Arin since high school.¡±


    So, this is Pyo Jinho.


    I had a feeling, but seeing him like this, the kids were just scared for no reason.


    ¡°Ah, I see. Could I possibly know what¡¯s the situation here?¡±


    Continuing to ask with a smile still on my lips, Pyo Jinho gets swept up in my flow and continues.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been interested in Arin for a while now. So, I tried contacting her this time too¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, so this trash called me over to act as her boyfriend, huh?¡±


    Yu Arin punched me in the back. I really wanted to ask her to stop because it was hurting now.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not her boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s absolutely no need for you to get jealous or curse me either, ore to hit me from behind to hurt me.¡±


    He was a man around whom strange rumors circted.


    There¡¯s nothing good about getting involved with him for no reason.


    I didn¡¯t even want to imagine the trouble I would have been in if I had said here that I was Yu Arin¡¯s boyfriend.


    ¡°Ah! You jerk! Can¡¯t you just agree with me once?! Uh! Huh! Is it that hard?!¡±


    Yu Arin kept batting me on the back.


    Unable to bear it any longer, I twist my body and hold her wrist.


    ¡°First of all, your intention to make me your pretend boyfriend is disgusting to me!¡±


    Isn¡¯t that so?


    ¡°If you¡¯re not interested, you should just say it clearly to him! What are you so afraid of that is making you resort to lying like this?!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­! Ah, seriously!¡±


    ¡°He might have been in fistfights in high school! I can tell, he probably walked around like that because he is so well-built!¡±


    As I point and shout at this oppa Pyo Jinho, his body flinches.


    ¡°But how old are you now! How old are you, Hyung (brotherly term for Koreans)?!¡±


    ¡°22.¡±


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re the same age as Ju-hee noona? You¡¯re at this age now, do you still n to live by fighting?! Hyung, it¡¯s high time you stopped doing things by fighting!¡±


    ¡°What do you know, you crazy bastard! It¡¯s only your first time seeing me today!¡±


    I don¡¯t know.


    But I just bber on to his face.


    ¡°Still, what can I do if my heart goes out to Hyung! If Hyung bravely confesses, shouldn¡¯t you respond honestly like a woman? Pretending to have a boyfriend and sneaking around without answering properly!¡±


    ¡°Ah! I really want to kill you now!¡±


    Yu Arin stomps the ground in anger. If she hits me with that sort of force, I might really die today.


    ¡°Honestly speaking! Hyung must be ready to ept it, right? Right? You can tell Hyung is a real man, he would want to hear an honest answer.¡±


    ¡°Uh? That¡­ is right¡­¡±


    I start to get swept up in the flow and go over to Pyo Jinho, patting him on the back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, you¡¯re going to answer to his confession.¡±


    ¡°Ah! No, I don¡¯t want to!¡±


    Yu Arin shouts out loud, finally venting her feelings.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to! I hate you, Senior! I¡¯m pissed off because my rtionship with Yerin got messed up because of you! I hate myself for getting jealous over her! I hate that Jeong Chan-woo asshole for rejecting my confession!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate how you subtly approached me during Taekwondo and you smelled of sweat! I¡¯m annoyed by how you warned others behind my back that I¡¯m yours and that they shouldn¡¯t approach me!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate how you keep telling me toe to the martial arts hall! And I hate how you contact people around me looking for me!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I rejected you thest time, but I really hate how you keep clinging to me like this! And following me around because of some first love shit which is just disgusting!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ruining my first love so horribly and then acting like this towards me, aren¡¯t you being too much?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate how you dress like some sleazy bug! I hate your pigeon-toed walk! I hate how you seem to wear too much perfume on you!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate how you reek of sweat! I hate how you try to discipline the kids around you! I hate that youe to me at night like this with your weird requests! And I hate how you look at me so intensely as if you¡¯ve been waiting for me!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate your arrogance! I hate how you act tough towards me! I hate when you send messages to me! I hate when you call me! I hate having to be cautious because I am scared of what happens to others.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate the idea of you gathering other guys or taking out your frustration on them because you got rejected by me! And I hate it when you brag about money after extorting it from others!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate smoking! And especially spitting phlegm on the streets it¡¯s fucking disgusting to see! Sexual harassment is fucking awful! And it¡¯s shitty how you often reveal you¡¯re seeing other girls!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Just! I just hate it all! How could I possibly like you, Senior?! Because he was so scared of you, Jeong Chan-woo, that asshole, even rejected my confession! Huh?! You tried to force Chan-woo and Yerin to be together, saying you were protecting me?!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What? Confession? Confession? Go eat the fucking shit, you bastard! You ruined my high school life! If I were still active in my Taekwondo, you¡¯d be getting your ass whacked by me and sucking on a pacifier in the hospital with all your teeth broken!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah! And just to tell you one more thing. When you werepeting, the kids were just losing to you on purpose, you bastard! That¡¯s why you couldn¡¯t even ce in thepetition final list! Acting all high and mighty as an athlete, but what is it with walking the path of a coach at 22? Did you change your mind after getting beaten up in thepetition and drawing shit on your nket?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You must regret it, right? In high school, you strutted around as if you owned the world, but once you stepped out, oh, my? You were turned into nothing but a nobody?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ranting and raving at the teachers! Ranting and raving at school! But what do you know? Do you now realize that the very people and ces you ranted and raved against were actually protecting you from the world?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You need to fix your attitude first, you bastard! Otherwise, you¡¯ll get beaten up in the military! What? You want to challenge your superiors to a fight without caring about their ranks? Didn¡¯t you do that to the seniors when you were in the second year! To those preparing for the college entrance exam!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It should be quite a sight. Since you can use phones these days in the army, make a video call. I¡¯ll wait with popcorn! Immediate summoning of themander to a fight! Battalionmander summoning! Regimentmander summoning! Fighting one by one after removing their ranks, this bastard, you¡¯ll end up fighting with the president too huh!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Congrattions, you piece of shit! You¡¯ve conquered South Korea by not caring about ranks! When that timees,e to me, and I¡¯ll spread my legs to date you, you fucking asshole!¡±


    Is it finally over?


    Gasping, Yu Arin res at Pyo Jinho. I slowly approach Yu Arin and pretend to hand something over.


    ¡°Yu Arin receives the eptance ne.¡±


    ¡°¡­Thank you.¡±


    I had nothing to give her, so I just pretended to offer something, but surprisingly, she took the joke.


    I wondered if Pyo Jinho might rush at me in anger. But it seemed he had already been verbally murdered, and his shoulders were drooping.


    ¡°Hyung, you¡¯re awesome. You confessed like a man and got rejected like a man too.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Pyo Jinho, seemingly quite shocked, steps back. I pat him on the shoulder and hand him my phone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a drink of sojuter.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    As if his tongue was paralyzed, he silently types his number into my phone.


    Then, as he seems to calm down a little, he nces at Yu Arin.


    ¡°If you say something like ¡®I loved you, you fucking wench¡¯, I¡¯ll kill you, you fucker.¡±


    ¡°You! You¡¯re already out of the fighting ring, why hit him again! Stop it!¡±


    In the end, Hyung just left.


    And Yu Arin remained with me.


    ¡°Honestly, I was a bit scared of that senior. But once I started talking, I just spilled everything out.¡±


    Seeing her out of breath from talking so much, I gave her a sneaky smile.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡±


    At my question, Yu Arin also smiled and extended her fist slightly.


    ¡°So damn relieved that I¡¯m slightly wet.¡±


    I bumped my fist against hers, letting out an incredulousugh.


    ¡°Crazy girl.¡±

 Chapter 85: A Good Person

    Chapter 85: A Good Person


    Insect repellent.


    ve No. 1.


    Sword Fanatic.


    While earning the title of Human Butcher along with that Yu Arin, I was in the midst of eating beef soup.


    The beef soup restaurant was crowded despite thete hour, probably because it was the weekend, and everyone was noisily chattering while chugging down their cups of alcohol.


    Among those people, only the two of us were concentrated on eating our beef soup.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting much talk either, but it was surprisingly delicious, so I was eating with satisfaction even when Yu Arin kept ncing over at me.


    I wondered if she had something to say, so I put my spoon down.


    An intense gaze passed between us.As if exploring each other¡¯s intentions before speaking, we carefully and very slowly followed the intentions held in our eyes.


    ¡°Do you know what I want to say?¡±


    Seemingly having the same thought, Yu Arin also put her spoon down and stared at me intently, asking.


    Just when I was about to cautiously start talking, wondering if it was because of the Pyo Jinho situation.


    ¡°Why are you eating all the radish kimchi alone?¡±


    Yu Arin frowns deeply and gestures with her chin to the empty radish kimchi bowl.


    ¡°I thought you don¡¯t eat radish kimchi?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re scooping one up every time you take a bite, isn¡¯t it like you¡¯re eating the radish kimchi, and not the soup?¡±


    ¡°¡­This ce is a radish kimchi gem. Do they make it themselves?¡±


    Feeling awkward, I get up and scoop some radish kimchi from the self-service bar. Then, Yu Arin also starts eating the radish kimchi, nodding in satisfaction.


    ¡°This ce really is a hotspot for radish kimchi.¡±


    Crunching sounds apany the continued eating of the soup. It seemed that being a 24-hour soup restaurant didn¡¯t mean that they served tasteless food.


    ¡°Should we order soju too?¡±


    That¡¯s when Yu Arin casually asks.


    It seemed so out of the blue and I wondered if there really was a need to drink, so I asked again.


    ¡°Why? Do you want to drink?¡±


    I was wondering why suddenly she wanted to drink soju, but Yu Arin made aplicated face, then nodded as she brushed her forehead.


    ¡°Yeah, honestly, I kind of want a drink.¡±


    ¡°Well, it would be strange to be in your right mind after almost killing someone.¡±


    Thinking about it, it¡¯s almost like I verbally murdered someone, so I guess some soju is in line.


    ¡°That¡­¡±


    Yu Arin, who was about to say she didn¡¯t kill anyone, but she couldn¡¯t say anything and closed her lips. It seems undeniable that she almost killed Pyo Jinho when recalling the situation.


    ¡°It¡¯s because you set the stage for it. Honestly, you acted that way on purpose so I could refuse him, right?¡±


    ¡°If not, wouldn¡¯t that person have never given up on you? If I had said I was your boyfriend, he might havee looking for meter, right?¡±


    Break up with Yu Arin.


    Then, I would suddenly end up bing someone who has to break up with a girl I wasn¡¯t even dating.


    ¡°That is¡­¡±


    Yu Arin couldn¡¯t deny it either.


    ¡°Ah, just do it if you¡¯re going to. Drinking soju and feeling better is what¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Actually, I felt better earlier.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Really?


    It would be strange if she hadn¡¯t felt better after pouring out all her pent-up frustration.


    Yu Arin,ughing loudly, drinks the soju just served to us. She pours me a ss too, but from the next one onwards, she keeps drinking on her own.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you running ahead too much by yourself without me?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to drink, do you? I just gave it to you for the atmosphere.¡±


    Her quick-wittedness is astounding to me. Since I wasn¡¯t really in the mood to drink, I just nkly watched her gulp her drink down.


    ¡°Ah, this is so nice.¡±


    I said that without thinking and now, with a slight slur, Yu Arin looks at me with dazed eyes.


    ¡°It feels good.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, drinking must make you feel good.¡±


    When I casually respond to her, seeking conversation to continue, she clicks her tongue and shakes her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to be able toin. I¡¯m not in my right mind because I¡¯m drunk, and you¡¯re here, just taking in whatever I say without judging me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you know why Chan-woo rejected me?¡±


    I know.


    Because Yu Arin had already exined everything when she rejected the confession earlier.


    But since she seemed to want to talk, I shook my head.


    With a smile, Yu Arin answered as if she had been waiting.


    ¡°It was because senior Jinho liked me. Isn¡¯t it funny? Even though he liked me, he backed off because another senior liked me.¡±


    That¡¯s not backing off.


    It must have been out of fear that he ran away.


    But I had no intention of blindly cursing Chan-woo here either. At that age, it¡¯s natural to be terrified of seniors.


    Chan-woo probably regretted that moment countless times, and he still does.


    ¡°Do you know what the senior said next? He started spreading rumors among the kids that Jeong Chan-woo and Yerin were a perfect couple. Eventually, it even came out that they were dating.¡±


    Yu Arin is friends with Seo Yerin.


    So, naturally, when the story about Jeong Chan-woo, whom Yu Arin confessed to, was dating Seo Yerin spread, the atmosphere surrounding the three was bound to sour.


    I¡¯m not sure if Pyo Jinho had the mental capacity to think that far. Probably, it was just an actmitted with the desire to eliminate the strongest rival he had.


    Looking down at the ss filled with soju, Yu Arin wore a bitter smile.


    Whether she was thinking about that time orughing at her current self.


    It was hard for me to tell.


    ¡°I was jealous.¡±


    Yu Arin began to faintly understand the strange behaviors she had shown all this time.


    ¡°Logically thinking, it should have been just a baseless rumor. But at that time, I lost my mind, not knowing such things, and was jealous when my childhood friend Chan-woo and Yerin were said to be dating.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, how bad, Yu Arin. How can you be such a fool?¡±


    Yu Arin, having taken another gulp, shakes her head and mutters.


    ¡°It was so easy, you know. I just had to tell them to get lost, but back then, what was I so afraid of? That I ended up just looking around and hesitated.¡±


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s like that when they¡¯re students, you know.¡±


    Entering university and bing an adult, many people realize they have more options when ites to responding to something than they initially thought.


    In reality, we are children transitioning into adults.


    Our bodies have grown, but we are still half-pennies, notpletely shedding our student selves in our hearts.


    So, this must be a period when we¡¯re learning quite a bit.


    ¡°Like this, bing an adult, one step at a time.¡±


    Just as one realizes that the bully who tormented them in their youth amounts to nothing when they grow up.


    Yu Arin and Jeong Chan-woo simply came to realize that the man named Pyo Jinho wasn¡¯t as great as they thought, or one to be feared.


    That is all there is to the incident.


    ¡°¡­You can start over.¡±


    When I say that, Yu Arin stares nkly at me. Then, with a subtle smile, she asks,


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Just, you know, this and that.¡±


    It¡¯s still too early to let go.


    Especially, in the case of a beautiful love that has been nurtured since childhood as childhood friends.


    Hearing my words, Yu Arin takes a deep breath and mutters.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get jealous of Yerin again.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be jealous of?¡±


    Pretending it was nothing, I asked her, and Yu Arin giggled as she filled her ss with more soju.


    ¡°Hey, do you remember the day we first met at the PC caf¨¦?¡±


    ¡°I remember.¡±


    Thanks to that, I even wrote a movie script and drank with senior Ju-hee.


    And I had taken the two of them to Choi Yiseo¡¯s house.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t drunk then.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I was pretending to be drunk. To test you.¡±


    ¡°¡­Why test me?¡±


    I had already heard from Choi Yiseo that Yu Arin had sobered up and gone home right after I dropped her there.


    At that time, I just brushed it off, but was there another reason for it?


    ¡°I wanted to know what kind of guy you are. Yerin has been quietly interested in you since then.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So, I wanted to know. What kind of guy had Yerin taken an interest in.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I was jealous.¡±


    Was it because of the alcohol?


    Or because dawn was approaching?


    Was it just me?


    Since a while ago, Yu Arin has been continuously pouring her heart out to me.


    Somewhat.


    Even the darker things she wouldn¡¯t normally speak of.


    ¡°I hoped you were the bad guy. I didn¡¯t wish for Yerin to get hurt, but I just thought it would be nice if you were the bad guy.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That was it. Just, maybe, a slightly painful love? If I thought the innocent kid would fall hard, I would have tried to talk her out of it.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s a bit weird to say this. Seo Yerin is actually just a simple victim.¡±


    Would she think I was taking Seo Yerin¡¯s side?


    But I thought it was a point that needed to be addressed there, so when I mentioned it, Yu Arin also nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I know, so that makes me a damn ugly bitch. But what can I do? Chan-woo was taken away, and some weirdo keeps hitting on me every day. I guess I became an adult without being in my right mind.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to say anything more to Yu Arin, who was self-reflecting.


    That wasn¡¯t for her to decide, and to resolve things with Seo Yerin after everything came to light.


    What I needed to do now was.


    ¡°So, what is it?¡±


    I listened to Yu Arin¡¯s story, trying to lighten the mood with a yful smile.


    Yu Arin, staring at me, chuckled as she replied.


    ¡°Yerin has a good eye for people.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You are a good guy.¡±


    Yu Arin shyly bowed her head and avoided looking me in the eye.


    ¡°Woojin, you¡¯re a good guy.¡±


    Seeing her all red made me rx without realizing it.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t like this recognition made me happy, but the fact that she opened up about even her deepest feelings.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    With an exhale escaping my lips, she awkwardly hid the tears welling up in her eyes.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    As if forcing herself to say it, Yu Arin was saddened.


    ¡°Am I a good person?¡±


    As if that was the problem.

 Chapter 86: The Call

    Chapter 86: The Call


    The next day, Sunday, as the shooting came to an end, the movie filming that seemed like it would carry on forever finally came to a halt.


    I thought we would all have dinner together, but since it was just the beginning for me, senior Ju-hee decided to be considerate of me and agreed to gather separately at ater time.


    Thanks to that, while everyone was happily drinking away, having finished a big task, I alone faced the misfortune of editing.


    ¡°Yawn.¡±


    I was pushing ahead with the editing process.


    After finishing a smooth Monday lecture, I was editing at a PC caf¨¦.


    I tried doing it a few times at home with myptop, but theg was so severe that I ended uping to a PC caf¨¦ instead.


    ¡°Here, take this.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t order this though?¡±¡°It¡¯s on the house.¡±


    Chan-woo brought me some Jjapaghetti.


    This PC caf¨¦ was the best near my house, and I came here because Chan-woo was here, and seeing him made my heart flutter.


    ¡®I haven¡¯t done anything here.¡¯


    Yet, I find it hard to meet Chan-woo¡¯s eyes, feeling as if I¡¯ve done something wrong.


    ¡®Ah, Yu Arin, really.¡¯


    ming Yu Arin once in my head and eating the Jjapaghetti he gave me as a service, I continue to focus on editing. It seemed like it would getplicated if I let my thoughts wander too much.


    The midterms are over, and the festival has passed.


    Now, finals are approaching for us, and soon it will be vacation time.


    Last vacation, I couldn¡¯t ovee the pain of a breakup and lived like a shut-in, so this time I nned to live more like a human being.


    ¡®Should I go on a trip?¡¯


    Even if going abroad is too much for me this time, I thought about backpacking around the country.


    It would be a bit cold since it¡¯s winter, but it might be okay to travel with a tent or something?


    With that thought, I found myself searching for camping gear without realizing it.


    From tents to portable stoves, burners, and various tools. Surprisingly, there was a real pleasure in looking at these objects which I hadn¡¯t before known.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    A chilly voiceing from behind me.


    ¡°This is strange.¡±


    Even though I want to run away, the moment I try to get up, the weight pressing down on both shoulders forces me back into the chair.


    As I lift my head slightly, there was Senior Ju-hee, looking down at me with the corners of her lips slightly trembling, wearing a white hat pulled down low.


    ¡°I heard you were editing.¡±


    ¡°Se, Senior¡­ It¡¯s not what you think¡±


    ¡°I even ordered coffee after hearing you¡¯d be here, so what am I supposed to do now?¡±


    As she put more strength into her hands, it felt like my shoulders were going to dislocate, so I cried out in desperation.


    ¡°No, Senior! I¡¯ve finished today¡¯s work! I was just taking a break and doing something else for a bit!¡±


    Only then did senior Ju-hee¡¯s grip around my shoulders loosen. While rotating my stiff shoulders, I yed the video I had edited.


    Although it was still the early part of the entire video, Senior, having watched it all, suddenly grabbed my head with both hands and patted it vigorously.


    ¡°Wow! Woojin! You did so well?! Really great job! Wow! Our cutie! You¡¯re back!¡±


    ¡°I never went anywhere!¡±


    Without realizing, my words trailed off, expressing how shocked I was. Anyway, senior Ju-hee, with a satisfied smile, handed me one of the iced coffees Chan-woo had brought.


    ¡°Drink it down. Wait, didn¡¯t you just start today?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. But I practiced a bit on my own, and it turned out quite well, I think?¡±


    ¡°Wow, as expected, Woojin does a great job.¡±


    Senior sat next to me, drinking coffee with a satisfied look. I thought about stopping as we looked at the camping gear, but seeing how much I enjoyed it made me consider doing more of this.


    As I tried to turn off the video of the camping gear, Senior, who had been silently watching, immediately asked.


    ¡°nning on going camping?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m thinking about trying it during the vacation time. I don¡¯t really have a part-time job.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? That sounds nice.¡±


    Senior sighed at those words.


    Being tied down by schrships and living in a dormitory, it seemed like Senior didn¡¯t have much financial freedom to go around.


    ¡°Camping is nice. Ah, I want to go too.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together then.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t this time. Call me next time maybe? I have a part-time job this vacation.¡±


    A part-time job?


    ¡°Do you work somewhere specific?¡±


    As I showed interest, Senior took a sip of her coffee and sighed regretfully.


    ¡°During vacation, we have to vacate the dorm rooms, right? So, I looked for a part-time job that includes amodation along with pay.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to another ce?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Over there in Gangwon Province. You know, the ce with both a casino and a hotel.¡±


    ¡°¡­Gold One Hotel?¡±


    ¡°Right, I heard that this time, students from Food Science and Hotel Management are going there for training? So, I decided to join them and work there for the time being.¡±


    ¡°I heard there are scary figures because of the casino there.¡±


    At my words, senior Ju-hee chuckled and crossed her legs. Her bare legs, in slippers despite the weather, caught my eye intensely for a moment.


    ¡°What does that matter? Anyway, I just need to go back and forth between the provided amodation and the workce.¡±


    ¡°True, that makes sense.¡±


    Anyway, going through hardship was unchanged for her. How hard it must be to go work in a strange ce while staying with strangers.


    ¡°Why did we end up at this topic while talking about camping gear? Anyway, that¡¯s how it is.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee casually changed the subject and leaned in again to look at my screen.


    ¡°But camping gear is kind of expensive, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°It is. I¡¯m trying to find something with the best value for money.¡±


    A faint concern appeared in the senior¡¯s eyes. It seemed she directly felt the difference between herself, who was going to work part-time to find a ce, and me, who was going camping.


    ¡°But now that I think about it, it would be cold to go around at this time.¡±


    I closed the browser window and changed the subject, and senior Ju-hee, realizing that I had deliberately been considerate, smiled slowly and sighed.


    ¡°Which ce wouldn¡¯t be cold? Have you eaten? Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll buy it.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat here. Is there a need to go somewhere else?¡±


    Perhaps since we just talked about money, I didn¡¯t really want to mooch off her. Even if I said I would pay, senior Ju-hee would definitely insist on paying for it.


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been to a PC caf¨¦¡­ Oh? The menu here is more varied than I thought?¡±


    Fortunately, senior Ju-hee seems to have taken an interest in the PC caf¨¦¡¯s menu, flipping through it and humming a tune.<hr>


    ¡°Sseup.¡±


    After eating.


    We were still in the PC caf¨¦, not bothering to go anywhere else.


    Senior Ju-hee, with her hat pulled down low, had a tense look in her eyes.


    ¡°Hoo.¡±


    She kept touching her chin with her hand, seemingly deep in thought, continuously letting out pained sighs.


    ¡°¡­Senior.¡±


    Seeing that, I cautiously called out to her, and senior Ju-hee looked at me in surprise.


    ¡°Eh, eh?!¡±


    Senior was flustered.


    I nced at the hanafuda (a Japanese card game) game on Senior¡¯s screen for no reason and asked cautiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s not illegal, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­Does it look that way?¡±


    I was a little worried it might actually involve real money, but Senior scratched her neck, embarrassed.


    ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s just game money¡­!¡±


    Just then, a shy effect burst onto the screen. I¡¯ve never yed this card game, so I couldn¡¯t tell what was happening, but judging by senior Ju-hee¡¯s face turning pale, it seemed like a bad turn of events for her.


    [You have been expelled!]


    Senior, having lost all their money, had been expelled.


    Looking at the game money payment window that popped up, she mmed her hands down on the desk in frustration.


    ¡°Aaaaarrrhhh!¡±


    It seemed like she made a cute sound.


    Tears welled up slightly in her eyes, and as I stared at her pained expression, I suddenly became worried for her.


    ¡°Senior, just in case I¡¯m telling you this, you shouldn¡¯t go into any casinos there.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The way she squinted at me was like a cat pretending not to be a culprit.


    It seemed like she wanted to rush at me and vent if there was any excuse, but since there wasn¡¯t anything she could say to me, she just grumbled in frustration.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t- shouldn¡¯t m.¡±


    Chan-woo, stopping senior Ju-hee from mming the desk several more times. Eventually, Senior¡¯s hand stopped in mid-air, looking for somewhere to go.


    It went towards the pack of cigarettesid aside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go have one.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    With senior Ju-hee gone, I was once again looking at camping gear.


    I was thinking of ying a game, but it felt somewhat bothersome to do it now, so I was just skimming through things.


    ¡®They are a lot more expensive than I thought.¡¯


    I wonder if there¡¯s really a need to buy something too good, but then again, when I actually look at it, I think maybe it¡¯s better to get something good if I¡¯m buying anyway.


    Amidst these various concerns-


    <em>Woong!</em>


    An iing message for me.


    It was peculiar that it came as a phone message, and not a KakaoTalk message.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    A familiar voice called out to me.


    Yu Arin, standing askew with her hands shoved into the baggy pockets of her hoodie, looked down at me.


    There was a strange atmosphere yesterday, but today¡¯s Yu Arin didn¡¯t seem much different from her usual self.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, why did youe here?¡±


    I knew she didn¡¯t likeing to the PC caf¨¦ because Chan-woo worked here.


    Yu Arin, frowning deeply and sitting next to me, lets out a sigh.


    ¡°Jeong Chan-woo told me.¡±


    ¡°¡­Who now?¡±


    Without realizing it, I found myself staring at Yu Arin and asked again, and as she sank low into her chair, she stretched her hand out and pushed my face away.


    ¡°What are you staring at!¡±


    ¡°No, you said¡­!¡±


    Just as I was about to argue that Chan-woo had told her-


    <em>Woong!</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>Woong!</em>


    My phone rang again.


    Annoyed, I checked the message that hade through.<ul><li>


    Big brother: Come home during the vacation.</li><li>


    Big brother: Mother is saying she wants to see you.</li><li>


    Big brother: Stop acting like a child now.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: ?</li></ul>


    ¡°Wait, Chan-woo told you I was here?¡±


    ¡°Why are you being this clingy today?!¡±


    While I was focusing back on Yu Arin.


    <em>Woong! Woong! Woong!</em>


    This time, a call came through.


    ¡°Haah, let me take this call.¡±


    ¡°Is it Yerin? Or Yiseo?¡±


    ¡°My brother.¡±


    ¡°¡­You have a brother?¡±


    Without responding to her, I answered the call, and a voice colder and more rigid than anyone I¡¯ve ever heard before pierced my ears.<ul><li>If you don¡¯te home for this vacation, know that I¡¯ll cut your allowance off and clear out your room.</li></ul>


    ¡°Ridiculous. When have you ever given me an allowance?¡±<ul><li>I¡¯ve already talked to Dad about it.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­Hyung.¡±<ul><li>You know when to step back, huh.</li></ul>


    ¡°Did you think I would say that? Screw you. I can just get a part-time job. Don¡¯t bother.¡±<ul><li>You? Getting a part-time job?</li></ul>


    I wanted to retort something to my scoffing brother.


    ¡°Ha-aaah Woo-Woojin! I-I can¡¯t hold back the moans anymore!¡±


    ¡°¡­?!¡±


    Suddenly, Yu Arin leaned in close, moaning. Without realizing it, I jerked back, and Yu Arin shed her trademark mischievous smile and flicked her middle finger up.<ul><li>Sigh.</li></ul>


    A sigh came from over the phone.


    ¡°Wait, just a minute. Don¡¯t get the wrong idea about this.¡±<ul><li>Are you messing around with another girl again?</li></ul>


    ¡°It¡¯s not that, what¡­!¡±


    Just as I was about to deny it.


    I felt a strange sensation.


    ¡°Again?¡±


    Now.


    Did he say ¡®again¡¯?<ul><li>¡­¡­</li></ul>


    He didn¡¯t answer me.


    The fact that my usually unyielding older brother chose silence this time.


    ¡°How did you know I was dating Yoon-ji?¡±


    Without realizing it, I got up abruptly and pressed for an answer.<ul><li>I¡¯ve said all I have to say. Come home during the vacation.</li></ul>


    With that, he hung up.

 Chapter 87: Walking Down The Path

    After the call ended, I just stared at my phone. The word ¡®again¡¯ that my older brother used still echoed in my ears, making me want to go to him right away.


    But the thought that this might also be part of my brother¡¯s strategy made me feel unsure about moving, unable to do this or that.


    ¡®Hyung knows about Yoon-ji.¡¯


    I started dating when I entered university, and since then, I hadn¡¯t been in touch with my family.


    We dated for a semester and broke up quickly, so it meant that he had known for quite some time now.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    With a bitter sigh, I sat back down, feeling annoyed by the prickling sensation at the back of my head.


    Especially.


    I hated myself for harboring a ¡®what if¡¯ feeling.¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why so serious all of a sudden?¡±


    Seeing me suddenly turn serious and look down at my phone, Yu Arin tilts her head in confusion, sensing something off.


    I guess she thought we were close because I was exchanging insults with my brother, so she pulled a prank.


    ¡°Ah, you did good.¡±


    On the contrary, if it weren¡¯t for Yu Arin¡¯s prank, I wouldn¡¯t have known that my brother was aware of my rtionship with Oh Yoon-ji.


    Yu Arin¡¯s bubbly personality¡­ rather, it¡¯s more like her crazy antics just happened to work out by chance for me.


    ¡°Can¡¯t just shrug it off when it¡¯s a sibling, can you?¡±


    Yu Arinughs as if she¡¯s joking.


    It¡¯s funny how she immediately became overconfident after I said it was okay, even though she was preparing to apologize and being cautious due to my sour expression.


    Well, family issues can just be dealt within the family.


    What I need to address now is what Yu Arin said earlier.


    ¡°Hey, what was that earlier? You said that Chan-woo told you I was here.¡±


    Sighing, Yu Arin took her shoes off and sat on the chair with legs folded, answering listlessly.


    ¡°What do you think that means? It¡¯s just like I said. Chan-woo told me you were here, so I just came.¡±


    ¡°Why would Chan-woo tell you that?¡±


    ¡°How would I know!¡±


    It seems like continuing this conversation wouldn¡¯t yield anything nice for me.


    Might as wellter ask Chan-woo directly for peace of mind.


    ¡°¡­But whye just because Chan-woo told you?¡±


    Yu Arin suddenly turned the chair around and snapped.


    ¡°I came to see if you were editing well. Got a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°I did edit well. Senior Ju-hee saw it all and evenplimented me.¡±


    ¡°¡­Is that so?¡±


    When I showed Yu Arin the video I edited, she too widened her eyes in surprise.


    ¡°What, you did that good?¡±


    If this girl is praising me so honestly, I must have really done well.


    ¡®Maybe I should try being an editor professionally then?¡¯


    I had already given up on camping a while ago and decided to look for a part-time job to get through this winter.


    Editing for YouTubers is done on a project basis, so I thought it wouldn¡¯t be bad to learn properly and then work as an editor for money.


    ¡°Hm? Arin hase too?¡±


    Then, senior Ju-hee, smelling of air freshener, approached.


    ¡°Senior, hello!¡±


    The two started chatting together, and I began to casually browse job sites on theputer.


    I ended up staying at the PC caf¨¦ longer than I thought.


    I knew Yu Arin didn¡¯t y games, but because she ended up ying games with senior Ju-hee, who had moved from losing money in Go-Stop to ying poker, we stayed for a long time.


    Senior Ju-hee seemed tock talent in such games which required luck, but it was somewhat surprising that Yu Arin was good at them.


    Well.


    Since we had dinner at the PC caf¨¦ and there wasn¡¯t much else to see, I slowly got up to leave.


    Yu Arin, with a candy in her mouth, was staring nkly at the screen.


    For some reason, she was now ying Yutnori.


    ¡°What are you doing? Aren¡¯t you leaving?¡±


    When I casually called out, Yu Arin nced at me and then shook her head.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go in a bit.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Her tone and atmosphere were different from usual. I knew that Chan-woo¡¯s part-time job was about to end.


    Seems like she was nning to talk a little with Chan-woo before leaving.


    ¡°Alright, take care.¡±


    I tapped the back of her chair and went outside with senior Ju-hee.


    ¡°Ahhhh! How refreshing!¡±


    Senior Ju-hee stretched her body and shouted with relief.


    Thanks to the well-heated interior of the PC caf¨¦, it was slightly warm inside, but stepping outside felt refreshingly cool, which was pleasant.


    ¡°Are you heading straight to your studio apartment, Woojin?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m getting tired, so I¡¯m thinking of heading back soon.¡±


    ¡°Right, ugh. I have to go back to that dreadful dormitory.¡±


    As senior Ju-hee stretched around as if doing stretching exercises, she was about to say goodbye.


    ¡°Senior, how is the dormitory?¡±


    While looking into various part-time jobs earlier, one of the thoughts that urred to me was about the dormitory.


    Seeing my older brother talk like that, it seems like the iing money will stop soon. There¡¯s no problem for now since I have some savings, but the future was concerning.


    I wondered if there might be a way to move into the dormitory in my second year, rather than bearing the cost of tuition and rent while working part-time.


    At my question, the senior tilts her head and puts her hands into her pockets.


    ¡°What, you¡¯re nning to move into the dormitory instead of living alone from sophomore year? That¡¯s going to be tough for you.¡±


    ¡°Tough?¡±


    ¡°Our University¡¯s dormitory is a bit much, so there¡¯s lesspetitionpared to other unis, right? Plus, there are a lot of cheap one-room apartments nearby.¡±


    That¡¯s true.


    Gahyeon University was well-known for being a great ce for students to live, thanks to the abundance of one-room apartments nearby.


    ¡°But usually, freshmen move in, and from sophomore year, they mostly only ept those who are already living in the uni dorms.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    I had hardly heard of juniors or seniors using the dormitory.


    As I sighed in genuine disappointment, senior Ju-hee, who had been staring at me, came closer and put an arm around my shoulder.


    ¡°Are you going to treat your senior well?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to do a good job editing this assignment?¡±


    It seems like senior Ju-hee was deliberately making this thing up, so I immediately nodded my head exaggeratedly.


    ¡°Yes! Of course!¡±


    ¡°Hehehe.¡±


    Pinching my cheek and patting me on the back of my head, she then started dragging me along.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Surprisingly, there¡¯s still a senior living in the dormitory despite being in the fourth year.¡±


    ¡°¡­Is that really alright?¡±


    ¡°Who knows? This noona¡¯s (Noona is a term boys use for referring to elder girls) managing fine on her own, so what¡¯s the issue? Let¡¯s go to that senior and maybe get some tips on applying for the dormitory.¡±


    I¡¯d be thankful if she did that.


    ¡°But isn¡¯t she an ¡®unni¡¯ not a ¡®noona¡¯ then?¡±


    I almost let it slide because calling her ¡®noona¡¯ seemed to fit so well for senior, but I asked to know.


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s ¡®noona¡¯ or ¡®unni¡¯, does it matter?¡±


    Truly, she¡¯s the boss.


    ¡°Oh right, let¡¯s buy something to eat on the way. That senior is quite picky when ites to things.¡±


    ¡°¡­If she¡¯s been living in the school dormitory for four years, then that makes sense. I wonder what she likes.¡±


    ¡°Maybe buying a few energy drinks would be nice? She¡¯s been looking so drainedtely, especially with how busy she¡¯s been.¡±


    ¡°Being a senior does mean being busy with the uing graduation.¡±


    Nodding in response, senior Ju-hee chuckled and shook her head.


    ¡°No, what about going for both teaching assistant and grad school at the same time? I thought she was crazy.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­?¡±


    What.


    Why did someone in the exact same situatione to mind immediately?


    ¡°Is that person by any chance from the Physical Therapy department, a bit on the shorter side, and wears sses?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Right. You know her then?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see. No need to buy anything then.¡±


    So much for the convenience store purchase to bribe.


    Seems like heading straight to the dorms was the way to go.


    About 30 minutes had passed since Kim Woojin and Min Ju-hee left the PC caf¨¦.


    Yu Arin, who had been ying a tedious game of Yutnori with a nk expression, nced sideways at the slight noise she heard next to her.


    Jeong Chan-woo was putting on his coat as if his shift was over.


    The sharp nces of the women who came to this ce, Zero PC Room, just to see Jeong Chan-woo, pierced through Yu Arin.


    ¡°Are you done?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Having already finished the candy and now with a chocte bar in her mouth, Yu Arin turned theputer off and stood up briskly.


    Even as envious nces poured over Yu Arin, there were a few who gave up, acknowledging them as a good pair.


    Stepping outside the PC room and breathing in the cold air, the feeling was unique.


    It was strangely suffocating.


    It wasn¡¯t just the atmosphere or the wind, but the person she was with, someone Yu Arin had known for a long time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you home.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Perhaps she wanted to organize her thoughts.


    She didn¡¯t outright refuse the kindness Jeong Chan-woo was offering her¡­


    Back then¡­


    Right, it wasn¡¯t ufortable to walk home together like this in the past.


    Walking down the alley to her house, Yu Arin stole nces at Jeong Chan-woo.


    With looks handsome enough to be an actor, even just wearing a coat made him look well-dressed due to his good proportions.


    He was also mannerly and cautious in his rtionships with others.


    He knew he was handsome but didn¡¯t show it off.


    He was a good guy.


    Chan-woo.


    ¡°I heard from senior Pyo Jinho.¡±


    The first thing Chan-woo said when he finally spoke to her was about Pyo Jinho.


    ¡°He said you rejected him. And quite strongly at that. So, it seems that senior Jinho was quite shocked with how things went.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable.¡±


    She did speak too harshly.


    But she doesn¡¯t regret a single thing because it felt relieving. In fact, if she could go back, there were more things she wished she said to him.


    ¡°That¡¯s impressive. I still find the senior scary.¡±


    ¡°He is quite scary, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    As Yu Arin answered nonchntly, Chan-woo cautiously asked,


    ¡°Did Woojin help you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Upon the mention of his name, Yu Arin stopped in her tracks and looked at Chan-woo.


    Her expression wasplex for many reasons, but Chan-woo smiled awkwardly and fumbled his words.


    ¡°Ju-just curious, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°He did help. Pretends he didn¡¯t, but I did receive help from him.¡±


    Kim Woojin might im he had no part in Yu Arin¡¯s sharp rejection, but she knew.


    She knew that it was Kim Woojin who had created such an atmosphere and flow.


    ¡°Arin.¡±


    ¡°What.¡±


    ¡°Do you like Woojin?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    At those words, Yu Arin frowned and red at Jeong Chan-woo.


    ¡°Are you crazy? No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo nkly stared at Yu Arin, who was shouting angrily. Without knowing what Jeong Chan-woo was thinking, Yu Arin continued to shout as if firing back at him.


    ¡°Do you know how many people like him? Getting involved now is likemitting suicide. Why should I blow myself up by getting involved there?¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yerin and the English Literature department representative Choi Yiseo are also there. Sorry, but I¡¯m not interested inmitting suicide.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°So. Do not tell me Kim Woojin¡¯s location suddenly like you did today. And don¡¯t freak out saying you¡¯ll help when it¡¯s not like you.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    At his listless answer, Yu Arin red at Jeong Chan-woo and punched him in the chest.


    ¡°Did you get that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I got it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, have you no sense? Fine, I¡¯m just going to leave.¡±


    Saying so, Yu Arin ran hurriedly along the path.


    Watching her back, Jeong Chan-woo was lost in his thoughts.


    Does Yu Arin know?


    Back in high school, that he asked the same question.


    ¡°Do you like me?¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    That she gave the same answer now which she had given him back then.


    The two walking this path during their high school days always had the same expression.


    Fresh and filled with excitement.


    Liking each other but not being able to voice it out loud made their hearts pound even faster.


    The two walked this path with the same expressions on their faces.


    Time passed.


    There were various incidents.


    And he had hurt her.


    Chan-woo¡¯s head drooped as he felt his eyes well up.


    Out of fear, he had hurt the person he liked.


    Out of fear, he had confessed to someone he didn¡¯t even like.


    Before long.


    He realized that her expression, as she walked this path, had changed from before.


    Still fresh and brimming with excitement in love, unlike himself who is.


    Already.


    Broken.


    But she had risen again.


    She was walking with a calm expression.


    Perhaps never again.


    Would he see her with that expression.


    ¡°What a mess.¡±


    Through blurred vision caused by the tears which poured out, what appeared was his blonde childhood friend.


    Jeong Chan-woo locked eyes with Yu Arin, who was ring at him with her arms crossed and a tilted head, wearing an expression of bewilderment.


    However, Yu Arin did not hesitate to shoot a sharp rebuke at Jeong Chan-woo.


    ¡°Feeling hurt? I was hurt too. When I was dumped by you, and I heard you were dating Yerin.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I cried just the same way then.¡±


    ¡°A-A¡­rin.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, I really liked you. It felt like I couldn¡¯t live without you.¡±


    Isn¡¯t it ironic?


    People say that humans repeat the same mistakes, and now it feels like a meme.


    But it really pierces through the essence of life.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same as when I was afraid of Pyo Jinho. The fact that I liked you, and you liked me.¡±


    In the end.


    ¡°As time passed, it turned out to be not that big a deal.¡±


    Are you going to repeat the same mistake again?


    Yu Arin was asking that of Jeong Chan-woo.


    Just like how you couldn¡¯t move because you were scared of Pyo Jinho in the past, are you going to just sit there, be sad, and struggle?


    ¡°I liked you.¡±


    As if telling him to try saying it to her, Yu Arin said with a smile.


    Hesitating, Jeong Chan-woo quickly wiped his tears, straightened his back, and answered.


    ¡°I liked¡­ you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that much is enough.¡±


    They¡¯ve spent their youth hurting.


    Thanks to that, they¡¯ve achieved stark growth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, my friend.¡±


    From Yu Arin, who drew the line clearly.


    ¡°Yes, friend.¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo also forcibly wiped away his dripping tears as he replied.


    The two are still walking down the alleyway.


    Just like when they were high school students.


    And now as university students.


    And probably even when they be working adults.


    The fresh and exciting atmosphere that was once between them is no more.


    The atmosphere and expressions from back then will probably never be for each other again.


    But.


    The two are still.


    Walking down the same path.

 Chapter 88: Women’s Dormitory

    Chapter 88: Women¡¯s Dormitory


    ¡°Ooh?¡±


    I¡¯ve been attending Gahyeon University for a year now, but I¡¯ve never actually been to the dormitory.


    After all, since the dormitory is behind the university, there was no need to go there.


    But the dormitory building is surprisinglyrge and spacious, enough to make me stick my tongue out.


    ¡°Nice, huh? I was also shocked when I first saw it.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee smiles and enters the building. Apparently she has a separate card for dormitory residents, and takes me along with her.


    ¡°But isn¡¯t this the women¡¯s dormitory?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°¡­So, shouldn¡¯t I not be allowed to enter?¡±Considering it¡¯s the women¡¯s dormitory, naturally it would be an area off-limits to men. I thought she would call me over separately when no one was around, but she just boldly pulled me inside, which was quite shocking to me.


    ¡°What does it matter. After all, everyone brings their boyfriends inside anyway.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Just pretend to be my boyfriend ande in.¡±


    It was somewhat shocking to see such a cool demeanor on her, but even so, Senior dragged me inside.


    ¡°What¡¯s this, Min Ju-hee. Got yourself a man?¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? Min Ju-hee?¡±


    ¡°Hey, bitches. Don¡¯te to my room today.¡±


    Speaking to the other seniors as we passed by, the level of conversation was anything but ordinary.


    ¡°Why? Let¡¯s eat together.¡±


    ¡°Hehehe, looks tasty. Right?¡±


    ¡°Crazy bitches. You¡¯re scaring the kid.¡±


    I had no idea which department they were from, but they seemed quite intense for women, and I was slightly tempted to follow them.


    However, I felt as if the cold stares of Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin were piercing through me, so I just pretended not to notice anyone.


    ¡°It¡¯s a joke! Have fun!¡±


    ¡°Just make Ju-hee cry.¡±


    After the storm-like seniors passed by.


    Senior Ju-hee sighed and patted me gently on the back.


    ¡°Ignore them. They¡¯re just acting up because it¡¯s been months since they went back to dating.¡±


    ¡°What an open-minded ce.¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s just them.¡±


    Well, if that¡¯s the case, then it made sense.


    The ce senior Ju-hee took me to was the highest floor, the third floor of the dormitory.


    Even there, we headed towards a room in the corner, which felt even darker because the hallway lights didn¡¯t shine brightly.


    <em>Thud, thud.</em>


    ¡°Eun-woo unnie. Unnie, someone you know is here.¡±


    Since it¡¯s a dorm room, naturally, there was no bell to ring, so senior Ju-hee pounded on the door roughly.


    ¡°Go away!¡±


    And the response from the other side was just as unweing. When I saw her thest time, her first impression was leaning towards the timid side, and I wondered if entering graduate school made her like this.


    With a shrug at the intense reaction, senior Ju-hee nced at me and added ament.


    ¡°It¡¯s a boy. Seems like you know each other?¡±


    Then, truly in just a few seconds, the door opened.


    ¡°Who¡­?!¡±


    I waved and smiled at Lee Eun-woo, who appeared in a striking look with a mask and hat.


    ¡°We know each other, right?¡±


    ¡°Ad-Administra¡­!¡±


    Frowning deeply, Lee Eun-woo trailed off and then smiled awkwardly as she opened the door wide.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°Administrator? What, are you handling something?¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s saying I didn¡¯t manage my own body well?¡±


    At my snide remark, Lee Eun-woo trembled. Anyway, it was time to learn how to live in the dorm from Anonymous90, the assistant teacher of the Department of Physical Therapy.<hr>


    Unexpectedly, Anonymous90,


    Lee Eun-woo¡¯s dorm tips were useful. Especially in my case, since I was living alone and struggling financially, mentioning this during the interview would make it easier to get epted, so being told to prepare rted documents separately will lend it a lot of credibility.


    ¡°Haah, thank you.¡±


    I stretch and straighten my back. Senior Ju-hee has already gone back to her room after suggesting that we talk.


    ¡°Puah!¡±


    For some reason, Lee Eun-woo kept chugging her beer down while talking to me.


    Her face, slightly red as if she¡¯s happy, and the way she stealthily took her sses off made it feel like there was a strange atmosphere brewing between us.


    ¡°Thank you for today. I¡¯ll be heading off now. And try to tone it down with the Sexy Beast posts in the Bamboo Forest.¡±


    Lately, Anonymous90 has been posting more frequently than Anonymous69, sparking rumors about a new Sex God.


    At my warning, Lee Eun-woo chuckled and shook her head vigorously.


    ¡°I¡¯m lonely! I¡¯m so lonely, you know!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Going to grad school, being a TA. With all this and that, I¡¯m so busy I could die and it¡¯s all because I¡¯m frustrated!¡±


    Ah, if I stay caught up in this for too long, it¡¯s going to be trouble.


    ¡°I see, I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    Having gotten what I came for, I was about to leave quickly when Lee Eun-woo suddenly hugged me from behind.


    ¡°Just once! Please! Just once, okay?¡±


    I¡¯ve felt it since thest time, but this woman really seems to be obsessed with her innate sexual desires.


    I knew she was trying to hook up with guys, acting all flirtatious, but now it feels like she¡¯s truly exploded to the point of being unable to control herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m not even asking you to date, am I? Right? Just unzip and a quick in and out and it¡¯s done?¡±


    ¡°Look at the level of vulgarity you use in thatnguage¡­¡±


    I push Lee Eun-woo away with a sigh. As someone who has been tempted by Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo, this was nothing.


    Mumbling drunkenly after a few cans of beer.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    Then my phone rang.


    While pushing the persistently clingy Lee Eun-woo away, I casually checked my phone.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo -</li></ul>


    There, thest person I wanted to receive a call from was cleanly disyed.


    ¡°Ah, damn it all!¡±


    Now, a zombie living in the university, was clinging to my legs.


    I tried to shake her off my leg, but the phone continued to ring, so I had no choice but to answer.


    ¡°Hello?¡±<ul><li>Why did you answer sote?</li></ul>


    ¡°Ah, I was learning something.¡±<ul><li>Learning? Editing?</li></ul>


    ¡°No, not that¡­ It¡¯s not that!¡±


    Even when I push her away with the opposite foot, this heavily drunk Lee Eun-woo is literally on a rampage.


    ¡°Ah! Seriously!¡±<ul><li>What¡¯s going on?</li></ul>


    Choi Yiseo asks me with concern. I momentarily considered hiding this, but since there was an incidentst time, I didn¡¯t feel like hiding anything from her.


    ¡°I¡¯m at the girls¡¯ dormitory¡­! Some weird person is grabbing me!¡±<ul><li>Girls¡¯ dormitory? A weird person?</li></ul>


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s voice turned slightly chilly, but I continued to spill everything honestly.


    ¡°I came here to get some tips from senior Ju-hee¡¯s acquaintance because I might have to stay in the dormitory from next semester on¡­!¡±


    Ah, why is this woman so strong.


    The determination not graduate university clung to the hem of my pants and won¡¯t let go.


    ¡°This person is drunk and keeps bothering me, and I¡¯m trying to shake her off! Now I¡¯m even pushing her away with my foot!¡±<ul><li>¡­What¡¯s the room number?</li></ul>


    Was it Choi Yiseo¡¯s chilly voice that she heard over the phone? Suddenly, Lee Eun-woo¡¯s grip loosened, allowing me to step back.


    ¡°Ah! Finally she let go. I¡¯m going now. Yes, don¡¯t worry. I have a lecture tomorrow morning, so I¡¯ll see you then.¡±<ul><li>Is it okay if I don¡¯t go over?</li></ul>


    ¡°Do I look like a kid? It¡¯s fine, so don¡¯t worry.¡±<ul><li>¡­You¡¯re not going to sumb to temptation, right?</li></ul>


    ¡°Sumb to what?¡±<ul><li>You fell for itst time.</li></ul>


    Last time¡­ does that mean when Choi Yiseo came over to my house?


    ¡°That was¡­¡±<ul><li>That was?</li></ul>


    ¡°So¡­¡±<ul><li>So?</li></ul>


    What¡¯s this?


    Why does it seem like I¡¯m strangely pleased or something?


    Under Choi Yiseo¡¯s insistent voice urging me to answer quickly, I just kept my mouth tightly shut.<ul><li>Are you asleep? Answer me.</li></ul>


    The reason I fell for Choi Yiseo¡¯s temptation was¡­ because it was Choi Yiseo, but admitting that felt embarrassingly unnecessary at this moment.


    ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t know. Hang up now.¡±<ul><li>Haa, see you tomorrow?</li></ul>


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. I¡¯m going to skip all my sses tomorrow.¡±<ul><li>See you tomorrow?</li></ul>


    ¡°I said no.¡±<ul><li>See you tomorrow?</li></ul>


    I really can¡¯t win against her.


    ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±


    The call ended with the sound of Choi Yiseo¡¯s chuckle.


    ¡°Is-is she your girlfriend?¡±


    I sighed and shook my head in response to Lee Eun-woo¡¯s cautious question.


    ¡°No, she¡¯s not my girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Then, is it something like a fling then?¡±


    ¡°¡­You use really old terminology.¡±


    ¡°Do-do people not use the term ¡®fling¡¯ these days?!¡±


    What does it matter what term is used?


    ¡°Anyway, you understand, right? I have to go now.¡±


    ¡°Ungggg.¡±


    Leaving the disappointed Lee Eun-woo behind, I was about to go outside when I received a message.<ul><li>


    Captain Ju: Woojin, are you still there?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Yes Senior, I¡¯m about to leave now.</li><li>


    Captain Ju: The dorm supervisor is making rounds right now? Wait a bit before leaving.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Coincidentally, it seems I still have to stay in this room a bit longer.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    As I realized the long-awaited steamy night was not happening, I locked eyes with Lee Eun-woo, who was again taking out a can of beer from the fridge to drink.


    Just then, hearing the voice of the dorm supervisor outside, she stared nkly at me and gave a sly smile.


    ¡°Just sleep over for today.¡±


    Again, a coquettish tone was injected.


    I¡¯ve seen a few men crazy about women, but this is my first time seeing a woman so crazy about a man.


    ¡°Hmm? Sleep over.¡±


    I¡¯ve felt it before, but although Lee Eun-woo doesn¡¯t seem like it on the outside, she has quite the charm when she¡¯s flirting with people.


    Well, there¡¯s that.


    Just as I was about to seriously get annoyed and tell her to stop with the act, the phone rang at just the right moment.


    I thought it was senior Ju-hee, but this time, an unexpected person called.<ul><li>Seo Yerin -</li></ul>


    ¡®What day is it for these people?¡¯


    I usually get calls from time to time, but I don¡¯t think there¡¯s ever been a case where two of their calls came in a row like this.


    ¡°Hello?¡±<ul><li>Hello? What are you doing?</li></ul>


    Why do I have a feeling I¡¯m going to end up saying the same thing I did earlier?


    ¡°I¡¯m at the girls¡¯ dormitory.¡±<ul><li>¡­Why are you there?</li></ul>


    I repeated exactly what I had told Choi Yiseo, even adding that I was scared because Lee Eun-woo was right in front of me staring hungrily at me.


    Though they might not know each other, I wondered if there was some connection since they were both actively and loyally involved in the anonymous forum.<ul><li>Are you kidding me? Switch to speakerphone.</li></ul>


    Despite my reluctance, Seo Yerin¡¯s forcefulness was so intense that I cautiously switched my phone to speaker mode and extended it towards Lee Eun-woo.<ul><li>Excuse me.</li></ul>


    ¡°Yes, yes?¡±<ul><li>Don¡¯t touch someone else¡¯s guy.</li></ul>


    I hung up immediately.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    By this point, Lee Eun-woo, with an expression of being fed up beyond disbelief, looked at me strangely and slowly raised her middle finger.


    ¡°Just drop dead.¡±

 Chapter 89: Loser’s Party

    Chapter 89: Loser¡¯s Party


    Tuesday morning, at the 9 a.m. lecture.


    As always, Seo Yerin, Choi Yiseo, and I were listening to the lecture listlessly.


    Well, to be precise, only Choi Yiseo was listening diligently to the lecture, while Seo Yerin and I were not doing that.


    ¡°So, to beat this boss, we need to level this up, right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the resources.¡±


    Seo Yerin sighs as she looks down at the game character on her phone.


    ¡°They distributed a lot during this event. Did you level up anyone in particr?¡±


    ¡°This one.¡±


    A female character whose bust was so ample it seemedrger than her face. The character was supposedly a student, but the suggestive nature of her appearance made one wonder how she could possibly be a student with that body?¡°¡­You leveled up a trash character.¡±


    ¡°This one was exactly my type.¡±


    Sorry, but I¡¯m not a performance freak like Seo Yerin, so I just level up characters that are pretty.


    Seo Yerin seems displeased with what I said, idly tapping on her phone as if in a bad mood.<ul><li>Eek! Teacher! Where are you touching!</li></ul>


    A strange moaning sound came from the phone.


    Startled, I quickly turned down the volume, feeling the gazesnding on me from around.


    ¡°What are you guys doing?¡±


    Choi Yiseo looked at me with disgust. I tried to exin it wasn¡¯t me, but Seo Yerin was already busy writing something in her notebook.


    She¡¯s really quick to sever ties.


    As the surrounding gazes returned to the ckboard, Seo Yerin leaned towards me again, starting to give her unsolicited advice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother raising this one, focus on the others.¡±


    ¡°¡­Got nothing else to say?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Huh? What a mess.


    ¡°Thanks to you, I¡¯m now the crazy bastard who watches porn with the teacher in it during ss?¡±


    Wow, saying it out loud really does make me sound so insane.


    Even hearing that someone watched porn rted to the teacher fantasy during ss grossly intes the disgust and shame several times over.


    ¡°It¡¯s not porn.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to misunderstand it like that.¡±


    ¡°Are you embarrassed by our guys?¡±


    ¡°Are you not embarrassed, or simply pretending not to know?¡±


    ¡°¡­Let¡¯s pay attention.¡±


    Seo Yerin, I really crave to give her a flick on the forehead.


    Pretending not to know anything and starting to take notes again, I decide to put my phone away and study as well.


    It hasn¡¯t been long since the midterms ended, and now the finals are just around the corner.


    I heard that once you enter uni, you just y and eat most of the time, but for some reason, it always feels like it¡¯s one exam after another.


    <em>Swoosh.</em>


    A notebook slides in, tapping my arm.


    Seo Yerin, offering me her notes. But when I look, it¡¯s not study material but rather chit-chat written down like passing notes.<ul><li>Do you like that character the best?</li></ul>


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Feeling toozy to respond properly, Choi Yiseo nces over at us. It seems she was wondering what I was suddenly talking about.


    Ignoring that, Seo Yerin quickly grabs her notebook and scribbles something again.<ul><li>Want me to cosy it?</li></ul>


    Where exactly is her limit when ites to sexual activities? To the master of genre equality, who never denies the diversity of genres, I reply with an answer.<ul><li>


    ?</li><li>


    Why</li><li>


    You can¡¯t</li></ul>


    I was worried exining why might hurt her feelings, but seeing her punch my thigh, it seems she understood the reason without me spelling it out to her.


    After all, the character has a chest bigger than her face, how could she imitate that without padding?


    Maybe only through surgery or if she were a foreigner would that be possible?


    ¡°Do you guys not study at all?¡±


    Eventually, unable to stand watching us fool around any more, Choi Yiseo spoke up.


    After all, since I¡¯ve been attending well, as long as I score the average on the exam, I won¡¯t get an F, so no problem.


    ¡°Really, if it¡¯s urgent, wouldn¡¯t you help me out?¡±


    ¡°ss representative Yiseo wouldn¡¯t abandon her department mates.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, but it¡¯s rtive grading, so I won¡¯t help.¡±


    Even as she grumbled and said that, knowing she would help, a sly smile naturally formed on my face, and Seo Yerin was wearing the same expression.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Choi Yiseo shook her head and went back to focusing on the lecture.


    Since there was such a Choi Yiseo, Seo Yerin and I decided to think about the lunch menu.


    ¡°Sundae soup.¡±


    ¡°Since we need to make a good impression on Yiseo, how about going somewhere with lots of vegetables like shabu-shabu today?¡±


    ¡°Beef head soup.¡±


    ¡°There is also a ce selling chicken breast steak. It¡¯s delicious there.¡±


    ¡°Pork soup sounds good.¡±


    ¡°Or what about just kimbap? There was a ce selling keto kimbap for diets.¡±


    ¡°Bean sprout soup rice.¡±


    ¡°¡­I really want to smash your head with real hot pot soup.¡±


    I mentioned four menus on my own, but isn¡¯t this treatment too much?


    ¡°First of all, Choi Yiseo is not dieting anymore. She¡¯s eating anything now.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who didn¡¯t need to diet but dieted, but now she¡¯s really not dieting.


    However, she seems to have something to argue about, considering how she was ring at me.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯ve been eating whatever you want with her.¡±


    ¡°And then, when you eat again, you eat well.¡±


    ¡°¡­During the winter break, I¡¯m really going to exercise and take a body profile photo.¡±


    I don¡¯t know why she¡¯s so obsessed with a body profile photo, but if she wants to do it, she can do it.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s eat kimbap for lunch! And soup rice for dinner! How about that?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who was a neutral officer, suggested apromise, but I shook my head.


    ¡°I have ns tonight.¡±


    Immediately, two gazes fix on me at my words. Perhaps because of my visit to the girls¡¯ dormitory yesterday, their eyes were looking much sharper than usual.


    ¡°Where? With whom?¡±


    ¡°You have a lecture at 5, and you¡¯ve made dinner ns?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to cancel today¡¯s ss because of that.¡±


    Skipping a 5-hour gap seems crazy. But today, I needed to prepare, so I¡¯m deciding not to go.


    ¡°Where? With whom? I want toe too.¡±


    Seo Yerin clings to me persistently, making me sigh and answer.


    ¡°Senior Han-kang ising though?¡±


    ¡°Have a good time.¡±


    I quickly dismissed Seo Yerin.


    I had agreed to drink with senior Han-kang, but I never thought that n would actuallye to fruition.


    As I fend Seo Yerin off, Choi Yiseo, who was beside us, quietly intervenes.


    ¡°Where are you going to eat? If it¡¯s okay, I might also¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahn Hyeon-ho ising too?¡±


    ¡°¡­You don¡¯t have to edit then?¡±


    Choi Yiseo immediately changes the subject, indicating she won¡¯te.


    Thus, Choi Yiseo was also brushed off.


    ¡°I did a lot yesterday, so it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s progressing faster than I had initially expected.¡±


    Since I already nned theposition while shooting, editing itself could be done much quicker.


    Honestly, adding subtitles is the most annoying part.


    ¡°It¡¯s a men¡¯s only gathering.¡±


    To add on¡­


    It could also be called a losers¡¯ gathering.<hr>


    Surprisingly, the person who organized this gathering wasn¡¯t me, but Chan-woo.


    He called me because he said he wasn¡¯t part-timing today and asked if we could grab a drink, probably because of something that happened with Yu Arin yesterday.


    But then, out of nowhere, Chan-woo says he¡¯ll call Pyo Jinho.


    Thinking he must be up to something, I also summoned Han-kang and Ahn Hyeon-ho, just in case a fight broke out at the table I decided that we needed to break it up.


    They¡¯ve been asking me to have a drink separately sincest time, so there was also a selfish desire to just get it over with in one go.


    Suddenly.


    The lineup of crazy guys wasplete.


    Ugh!


    While heading to the pork belly restaurant Chan-woo dictated, my phone rang.


    I had just managed the Bamboo Forest, so I thought I¡¯d be annoyed if it was about that again, but it wasn¡¯t.<ul><li>Yu Arin -</li></ul>


    I hesitated for a moment but answered the call anyway.


    ¡°Yeah, ve.¡±<ul><li>¡­Master, where are you?</li></ul>


    Should I entertain this?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d answer to that.¡±<ul><li>Where are you? I¡¯m bored, let¡¯s go to a PC caf¨¦ and edit together.</li></ul>


    ¡°Hmm.¡±<ul><li>Or I cane to your house too?</li></ul>


    ¡°I¡¯m out because I have ns.¡±<ul><li>¡­With Yiseo and Yerin?</li></ul>


    I don¡¯t know why those two names came up first, but I denied it anyway.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m drinking with Chan-woo.¡±


    It seemed like mentioning Chan-woo¡¯s name after denying Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo, didn¡¯t bring a favorable answer from Yu Arin.<ul><li>Where is it? Let¡¯s go together.</li></ul>


    ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯


    I was sure Chan-woo would talk about something rted to Yu Arin. Did they decide to date yesterday by any chance?


    But there¡¯s another mystery card for Yu Arin.


    ¡°Pyo Jinho is alsoing though?¡±<ul><li>¡­You¡¯re kidding, right?</li></ul>


    ¡°I wish I was. Chan-woo invited him. He said we might need more people in case he decides to smash a soju bottle on a hot pot.¡±<ul><li>Sigh.</li></ul>


    A sigh that seemed to convey a mix ofplicated feelings. I waited, expecting Yu Arin to say something.


    <em>Click.</em>


    But she just hung up.


    ¡°This girl¡­¡±


    And a few minutester, a long message came through, filled with curses meant for Pyo Jinho, so I just pretended not to see it and put my phone away.


    ¡®Am Ite?¡¯


    I waste because of Yu Arin, but that didn¡¯t mean I hurried or ran to the meeting point.


    It was bothersome, and it wasn¡¯t such an urgent gathering, was it?


    However, the moment I arrived at the pork belly restaurant, I realized my thinking had been a bit off.


    Everyone else had already arrived at the table except for me.


    Looking at the men sitting around the round table, silently grilling meat, crossing their arms, or just staring at their phones.


    ¡®Ugh, it¡¯s suffocating to watch.¡¯


    This isn¡¯t some kind of Avengers movie.


    ¡®Maybe I should just go home?¡¯


    Chan-woo immediately waved and called out to me as I was honestly about to turn around and leave the pork belly restaurant.


    ¡°Woojin! Over here!¡±


    ¡®¡­I¡¯m caught.¡¯


    Eventually, I was spotted and ended up sitting down beside Chan-woo.


    Han-kang and Ahn Hyeon-ho were ring at me, wondering why they had even been called here.


    And there was Pyo Jinho, who had been beaten up like a dog by Yu Arinst time.


    Amidst the difort, I awkwardly asked Han-kang.


    ¡°When are you joining the army?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve postponed it to next year.¡±


    ¡°Huh? I thought you were going right away.¡±


    That is why he had already taken a leave of absence from university. I wondered why he had ditched our group project if this was the case.


    ¡°I¡¯ve postponed it without telling my parents.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So, by any chance, could I stay at your ce for a few days?¡±


    ¡°Your life is truly legendary.¡±


    It almost felt like he was living on the edge at every moment.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about editing?¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, who had been staring at his phone next to Han-kang, casually asked.


    ¡°I did a lot yesterday. This is the third time I¡¯m saying the same thing today.¡±


    I¡¯m not some editing machine; it¡¯s getting tiresome to answer the same question from everyone.


    Since Ahn Hyeon-ho and Han-kang were close, they started exchanging words, so I decided to talk to the person who felt the most out of ce.


    ¡°Hello, hyung, I¡¯m Kim Woojin, who greeted youst time.¡±


    When I greeted Pyo Jinho, he nodded awkwardly.


    His build is bulky, but still he seems like a fragile person, perhaps because the wounds from that day haven¡¯t yet healed.


    Having initiated the conversation, I find myself at a loss for words.


    ¡°¡­Yu Arin asked me to deliver a message, should I show it to you? It¡¯s a bit hard for me to say it myself.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    I said whatever I could think of but he refused immediately. I feel somewhat gloomy, as if I¡¯ve added to his hurt.


    Lastly, Chan-woo.


    Chan-woo, who had ordered drinks at some point, was passing around sses and then spoke to me.


    ¡°Woojin, can you switch seats with me?¡±


    ¡°¡­Why?¡±


    To my question, Chan-woo responded with a smile.


    ¡°I think I might end up breaking senior Jinho¡¯s head with an empty bottle.¡±


    Then why did you sit next to him in the first ce!


    Chan-woo¡¯s face was red, perhaps having had a few drinks before arriving.


    I immediately swapped seats with him and extended a ss of alcohol to break the awkward atmosphere.


    ¡°Let¡¯s toast¡­ Being rejected by a woman doesn¡¯t mean life is over.¡±


    ¡°Son of a bitch.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know who it was, but a curse came for me, so I just put my ss down.


    But retreating here somehow hurts my pride. So, I extended my ss again and tried a new slogan.


    ¡°We are not losers.¡±


    ¡°Son of a dog.¡±


    Another curse came from somewhere.


    I scanned the room looking like a mafia, but everyone was keeping their mouths shut, pretending it wasn¡¯t them.


    ¡°Fuck, you do it then, you crazy assholes. Cheers.¡±


    Starting with my sudden outburst, because I hate being cursed at.


    An unbearably awkward drinking session among men unfolded.

 Chapter 90: Dick Party

    Chapter 90: Dick Party


    Isn¡¯t there this saying?


    I¡¯m unsure as to where it originated from, but it says that men be friends after fighting. Whether it was spoken by our ancestors, or whether it¡¯s a line from a movie or a drama.


    Strictly speaking, it doesn¡¯t seem to be entirely off the mark.


    Perhaps it¡¯s not about bing friends after fighting, but the act of fighting itself which brings people closer?


    Because if you¡¯re about to smash the other person¡¯s head in with an alcohol bottle, it¡¯s not about fighting and bing friends, but rather ending up in the hospital or police station.


    ¡°Hey! Hey you bastard!¡±


    ¡°Whoa! Calm down!¡±


    I try to stop Chan-woo, who is about to smash Pyo Jinho¡¯s head with the empty bottle.


    Honestly, I was a bit embarrassed because, although Chan-woo was the one who decided, the pork belly at this ce was really bad.Thanks to that, it was somewhat a relief that we were the only customers in the pork belly restaurant.


    ¡°You know it! It¡¯s because of that jerk!¡±


    It seems my friendship with him isn¡¯t strong enough yet to say that he looks handsome even when he¡¯s shouting loudly when drunk. Anyway, I¡¯m trying hard to calm him down, but the actual target is sitting there, drinking and crying.


    Yes.


    ¡°Waaaah! Arin-aaaaa!¡±


    This bastard, pretending to be all manly only a day before, is now just crying his eyes out.


    I¡¯m not sure what kind of image Pyo Jinho has for Yu Arin and Jeong Chan-woo, but to me, he¡¯s just a pushover.


    Nothing more, nothing less.


    Looking at Han-kang and Ahn Hyeon-hoforting Pyo Jinho, who is crying and suffering,


    I felt like it was going to be a very tough day.<hr>


    About two hours had passed since we were at the pork belly restaurant. The soybean paste stew was getting cold, and the meat was hard, but the sses were still moist, never cleaning out.


    Before we knew it, enough bottles had piled up for us to y dominoes with, and the shop owner¡¯s face was blooming with a beaming smile.


    ¡°Hey, youuuu! Did Iiii! Ever tell youuuu? That I like Yerin!¡±


    Because of Han-kang, who kept talking to me, my head was throbbing and I felt dizzy.


    I don¡¯t usually get drunk on soju or beer, but maybe because I drank too much, I felt more nauseous than I thought.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho has already been in the bathroom for 30 minutes withouting out.


    ¡°You bastarddd! I¡¯m telling you! I¡¯m telling you!¡±


    Han-kang ispletely drunk and acting like an old retard now.


    ¡°Did I, did I say that? That I like Yerin.¡±


    How can someone be such an idiot in just two hours?


    It seems like the problem was that we kept drinking non-stop to break the awkward atmosphere.


    I wish I could have gotten drunk too. Taking care of these close to cking out drunks is more than annoying; it¡¯s infuriating to me.


    ¡°Exactlyyyy!¡±


    ¡°Seriously! Arin-aaaa! I loved youuuu!¡±


    ¡°Ughhhhh! Arin-aaaa!¡±


    Watching from the opposite side, Pyo Jinho and Jeong Chan-woo, who seemed like sworn enemies just moments ago, were now hugging each other tightly, sharing the pain of their heartbreak.


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    I could feel my tongue getting slightly loose, but with a mindset of not caring anymore, I just grabbed the soju bottle and gulped it down like mouthwash.<hr>


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    A headache that feels like it¡¯s going to split my head open wakes me up, signaling a red alert from my body. My eyes won¡¯t open properly, and twisting my body around, it almost feels like someone glued my eyes shutst night.


    iling my arms around, my hand finds my cellphone.


    As soon as I barely opened my eyes, I checked the time on my cellphone, and it was already lunchtime.


    Considering there were lectures in the afternoon today, I should be rushing right now, but¡­


    ¡®No, can¡¯t do it today. I give up.¡¯


    It seemed like I had to dere a personal day off today.


    This is what being a university student is all about.


    Anyway, it was a relief that the ceiling was familiar. I was proud of myself for making it home despite drinking enough to split my head open.


    As I slowly woke up¡­


    ¡°¡­Whose phone is this?¡±


    I began to sense something was off.


    The moment I realized the phone I was checking the time on wasn¡¯t mine, I abruptly got up.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Suddenly moving violently, I rushed to the bathroom, overwhelmed by dizziness and nausea.


    ¡°What the hell is this!?¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho is sprawled next to the toilet, asleep. After kicking him and vomiting into the toilet, I leave the bathroom.


    Only now do I see the true state of the room.


    Han-kang is asleep, embracing a mannequin wearing fis lingerie he must have picked up somewhere.


    Pyo Jinho is slumped over, draped across the window likeundry.


    And finally, Chan-woo is.


    ¡°¡­Who is that?¡±


    He¡¯s asleep, hugging some bald guy I¡¯ve never seen before¡­


    It seems necessary to sort out what exactly is going on here.<hr>


    Excluding the bald guy, everyone sat around with bird¡¯s nest hair.


    Every breath was so reeking of alcohol, I wanted to ask them to hold their breath.


    ¡°Get lost.¡±


    I had gathered them to sort things out, but for some reason, I ended up telling them my true feelings to get lost from my ce.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who grabbed me.¡±


    Still feeling nauseous, Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s face is pale he tries to breathe regrly.


    ¡°We were all leaving, and you sat down on the street saying let¡¯s sleep over at your house and.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Having done the same thing to some girls before, I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.


    Anyway.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try to sort this out. Yesterday, at the pork belly restaurant¡­ Did we go to a beer ce for a second round?¡±


    I ask, frowning because my memory is all fuzzy, and next to me, Han-kang mumbles while patting his forehead.


    ¡°Hunting bar.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that makes sense.¡±


    For some reason, Chan-woo sighs as he takes his phone out.


    ¡°There are tons of messages from people I don¡¯t know.¡±


    I sneak a peek and there are 13 new friends. Each and every one of them is asking Chan-woo if he¡¯s okay, if he got in well, if they¡¯re meeting again today? I almost smashed my phone with these kinds of messages.


    Han-kang and Ahn Hyeon-ho seem to be in a simr situation, frowning deeply as they all sneak a peek at their phones.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Only Pyo Jinho and I have silent phones.


    ¡°Ah, my damn contacts.¡±


    ¡°Putting on an act.¡±


    I tried pretending as if I received a message from some unknown girl, but it didn¡¯t work, so I decided to just keep my mouth shut.


    ¡°Where did we go next?¡±


    As I try to recall and ask, out of nowhere.


    ¡°We went to karaoke.¡±


    The bald man naturally included himself in the conversation and answered.


    Our gazes instantly shifted to him. The man, who appeared to be in his mid-30s, was for some reason clinging right next to Chan-woo.


    ¡°Um¡­ but who are you?¡±


    I cautiously asked, and the man responded with a bright smile.


    ¡°The person you guys picked up at the hunting bar.¡±


    ¡°Ah, damn it!¡±


    ¡°Crazy bastards! What have you done!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Lord! Oh Looord what is this!!!¡±


    Sighs floated up from all around. The uncle seemed embarrassed and lightly grabbed Chan-woo, but Chan-woo jumped back in surprise.


    ¡°Why are you doing this to me?¡±


    ¡°Chan-woo said he can¡¯t trust women anymore and asked me toe along.¡±


    ¡°Jeong Chan-woo, you crazy shithead! Get lost! Don¡¯t evere to my house again!¡±


    ¡°No! It¡¯s not true! Ah, really, it¡¯s not!¡±


    Chan-woo suddenly stands up, denying it with tears welling up in his eyes. The uncle, worried he might be hurt, gives him a reassuring smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, a night¡¯s dream isn¡¯t too bad.¡±


    He¡¯s a bald uncle who¡¯s been through everything.


    Although I wanted to kick him out immediately, I manage to hold it in for now.


    It seemed that the uncle remembered the most among all of us, after all.


    ¡°What did we do at the karaoke?¡±


    When I asked cautiously, the uncle answered with a smile.


    ¡°We just sang military songs for an hour straight.¡±


    Military songs?


    I wondered who among us, having served in the military, would go to karaoke and sing military songs like that.


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Han-kang and Pyo Jinho screamed at the same time.<ul><li>Military Manpower Administration Notification.


    Mr. Han Kang, Mr. Pyo Jinho, regarding joint enlistment¡­</li></ul>


    There was a text message from the Military Manpower Administration giving detailed information about joint enlistment.


    ¡°We¡¯re enlisting together?!¡±


    ¡°Me? With him?¡±


    ¡°Congrattions.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve be best friends overnight.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho and I even pped our hands and congratted them as is. It seems they drunkenly applied for joint enlistment with their phonesst night and then sang military songs at the top of their lungs.


    ¡°What next?¡±


    As Chan-woo, who had kept a distance from the uncle, cautiously asked, the uncle pointed to therge ck and red envelopes in the corner.


    ¡°We went to an adult store.¡±


    ¡°Why did you go there?!¡±


    As I yelled in annoyance, the uncle awkwardly answered.


    ¡°Well, you said you wanted to go.¡±


    Me? I did?


    ¡°What¡¯s the big deal about being dumped by a girl. You can solve everything by yourself anyway.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Buy whatever you want there. The soulmate you¡¯re looking for might not be as far away as you think.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Sex is nothing special. Insert, shake, and release, that¡¯s what sex is. So, if you buy an onahole, that¡¯s sex.¡±


    Suddenly, the resentful gazes of four people were directed at me.


    ¡°Cough.¡±


    Awkwardly clearing my throat, I checked the payment details that hade through on my phone.<ul><li>Adult Store


    Kim * Jin


    773,500 won</li></ul>


    ¡°Fuck, what did you buy that cost seven hundred thousand won at an adult toy store! Crazy bastards!¡±


    Dumbfounded, I stride over to check the items inside.


    Four Tengas (adult toyspany items), no less.


    And condoms bought by the boxes.


    From risqu¨¦ underwear to vibrators for women and plugs that go into buttocks¡­


    ¡°What¡¯s this, a bug?¡±


    From a bizarre tool that looks exactly like a detached female genitalia, to a vibrating dildo that I can¡¯t even think of why it was purchased.


    A whole array of crazy items spilled out like sausages in a row.


    ¡°So that was bought from there.¡±


    Han-kang mutters, pointing at the mannequin he had been hugging in his sleep. I re at him, as if to say, ¡®Good for you, that was such a great realization¡¯.


    ¡°Take all the onaholes when you leave.¡±


    Their supplies.


    ¡°Chan-woo, take the dildo and plug too.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡±


    Anyway.


    Hearing the story, it seems that we went to an adult store, then bought beer from a convenience store nearby and came to my house, where everyone just copsed.


    After hearing the entire exnation from the uncle, I asked cautiously.


    ¡°Sorry, but could you leave?¡±


    ¡°Ah, right. I have to go to work.¡±


    The uncle cheerfully smiles as he gets up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I didn¡¯t do anything strange. I¡¯m quite the gentleman myself.¡±


    Saying so, he heads to the front door and gives us a wink.


    ¡°It was a fun night, friends. Let¡¯s hang out againter.¡±


    <em>Thud.</em>


    ¡°I feel like my butt hurts.¡±


    ¡°Because he¡¯s bald, he doesn¡¯t need to wash and can just leave like that.¡±


    ¡°What if there¡¯s a senior like him in the military for you to handle?¡±


    After the bald uncle left, we sighed and slumped down in our seats.


    Last night.


    Chan-woo became secret friends with the bald uncle.


    Han-kang and Pyo Jinho ended up enlisting together.


    I swiped 700,000 won at an adult store.


    ¡°Am I the only winner?¡±


    A sly smile from Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    He gleefully checks his phone, iming he hasn¡¯t made any mistakes.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Suddenly, his face turns pale, and I quickly rush over, ready to tease him.<ul><li>From: Choi Yiseo (73 calls)</li></ul>


    ¡°Holy.¡±


    An insane record of calling Choi Yiseo 73 times was left on Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s phone.


    ¡°Ah, ah, no! Just a moment!¡±


    He desperately tries to call Choi Yiseo again.<ul><li>The number has been blocked by the recipient¡­</li></ul>


    A de facto death sentence was pronounced on Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s love life.


    But it seems like Ahn Hyeon-ho wasn¡¯t the only one who made calls and messed up.


    ¡°I-I also called Arin five times¡­¡±


    Thanks to Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s overwhelming call log, Jeong Chan-woo¡¯s feels somewhat cute after five times.


    ¡°¡­I called seven times.¡±


    Thanks to Pyo Jinho¡¯s interjection, Miss Yu Arin received a total of twelve callsst night.


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    I thought senior Han-kang did it to Seo Yerin, but it turns out he did it quite evenly to everyone.


    Excluding Ahn Hyeon-ho, they allughed together looking at the record of him calling each of his ex-girlfriends once.


    ¡°Ugh, idiots.¡±


    I was rtively better off.


    I did spend 700,000 won, but at least I didn¡¯t tarnish my social honor, did I?


    Choi Yiseo: 1 call.


    Yu Arin: 1 call.


    Seo Yerin: 1 call.


    There were call logs, but on the contrary, they were iing, not outgoing.


    It was a bit unsettling that all three had called me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go get some hangover food!¡±


    Just when I thought I was the ultimate winner and was about to put my phone away with a grin.


    At the very bottom ofst night¡¯s call log, there was a name that shouldn¡¯t be there.<ul><li>Oh Yoon-ji


    Outgoing call, 3 minutes 47 seconds.</li></ul>

 Chapter 91: Guests

    Chapter 91: Guests


    If there¡¯s one good thing about being among men, it¡¯s that choosing what to eat hardly ever bes a big deal for us.


    When someone suggests eating beef soup near our house to cure hangovers, everyone just goes along without any fuss and eats together.


    Everyone just woke up, and although we¡¯re all healthy young men, our expressions were as if we¡¯re on the verge of death.


    We don¡¯t eat to live; it¡¯s more like we¡¯re stopping by a resting ce on our way to dying.


    <em>Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!</em>


    ¡°Chan-woo, turn off your phone. Or block those calls.¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo¡¯s phone has been ringing non-stop, presumably from the women he exchanged numbers with at the hunting bar yesterday.


    ¡°I already turned my phone off though?¡±


    Just when we were wondering, Han-kang pulls his phone out.¡°Sorry, it¡¯s mine.¡±


    Yesterday, Kang Han-kang made calls to all his ex-girlfriends and even got someone¡¯s number from the hunting bar.


    I¡¯m worried he might actually dive into the Han River to live up to the reputation from his name¡­.


    ¡°Ha, fuck.¡±


    The moment the name ¡®ex-girlfriend¡¯ popped up, I wanted to bury my face in a bowl of hot soup and die. I never imagined I¡¯d actually do something that one only hears about in intemunity tales.


    There are often stories like this posted on the Bamboo Forest, iming to be personal experiences or copied from somewhere else.


    I never thought I¡¯d actually live through something like it.


    Feeling like I might end up diving into the Han River with this guy, I forced myself to eat the hot soup.


    It was so delicious that the desire to die slowly faded away from within me.


    ¡°Ugh, I think I can live now.¡±


    Pyo Jinho, whose image was already ruined, was still pretending to be a tough guy in front of us. Matching his size, he devoured two bowls and then promptly stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯m off now.¡±


    Of course, no one tried to stop him.


    ¡°Han-kang¡­ Let¡¯s go to the Military Manpower Administration togetherter for the enlistment stuff.¡±


    ¡°¡­Let¡¯s go now.¡±


    Pyo Jinho, who had be friendly enough to casually address Han-kang. Han-kang, who hurriedly ate his beef soup, also quickly stood up and left with Pyo Jinho.


    ¡°Go on, you bastards.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s never see each other again.¡±


    We parted with such mock farewells. After Han-kang and Pyo Jinho left, Ahn Hyeon-ho immediately went to uni.


    Apparently, he¡¯s going to meet Choi Yiseo directly to apologize for what happened yesterday.


    It¡¯s uncertain if they will actually meet.


    Lastly, Chan-woo had to leave because of his part-time job at the PC caf¨¦.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go too, Woojin.¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±


    ¡°So have you.¡±


    We looked at each other with salty looks, sighing deeply as we went our separate ways. It was nice to think that Chan-woo¡¯s grudge, our first goal, had finally been resolved, but it left me feeling incredibly ufortable for some reason.


    It wasn¡¯t just resolved; it was as if everything inside had been hollowed out to the point of ruin.


    At least, thankfully, it wasn¡¯t my ass that got hollowed out.


    ¡®I could probably attend a lecture if I head to uni now.¡¯


    I thought I could make it in time for the beginner¡¯s Japanese conversation ss that I was taking with Seo Yerin.


    ¡®Forget it, just go to sleep.¡¯


    After all, it was the first time I¡¯ve missed my Wednesday sses, having taken off from Tuesday afternoon all the way through.


    I spent such a regrettable amount of time that I would have been better off attending lectures, which made me feel utterly dejected.


    When I got home, what weed me were roughly 700,000 won¡¯s worth of adult toys.


    ¡°Ah, seriously.¡±


    I clearly told them to take the Tenga, but not a single person took it with them.


    After carelessly putting the adult toys scattered on the floor back into the bag, Iy my body on the mattress.


    No matter how hard I tried to remember, I couldn¡¯t recall what I said to Oh Yoon-ji on the phone yesterday.


    ¡°Ah! Kim Woojin really, die! Just die!¡±


    After banging my head on the floor several times, it really hurt, so I fell back, rubbing my forehead.


    I wondered if hitting my head might bring my memory back, but it just really hurt me.


    ¡°Ha.¡±


    Lying face down, I bring my phone in front of my face and sneak a peek.<ul><li>Oh Yoon-ji


    Outgoing call, 3 minutes 47 seconds.</li></ul>


    The call history was still there. The fact that I talked for almost four minutes made my neck feel cold.


    I searched to see if I had recorded the call, but of course, there was nothing of that sort in there.


    I had turned off all automatic recording features in case there were calls rted to family.


    ¡°I wish she hadn¡¯t answered the call.¡±


    Then, my heart would have been lighter than it was now.


    What did I say to Oh Yoon-ji for 3 minutes and 47 seconds? Even if I tried to think of what I could say to her now, nothing came to mind, which made me wonder what nonsense I might have spouted while drunk.


    ¡°Should I call her now?¡±


    Saying I called because I lost a game while hanging out drunk with friends. Asking if I said anything weird.


    Actually, I meant to call my ex-girlfriend but ended up calling you, my ex-ex-girlfriend, instead.


    Various excuses sprang to mind, but my thumb never actually moved to press the call button.


    It wasn¡¯t just because I drank and made a mistake yesterday, but the thought of hearing Oh Yoon-ji¡¯s voice somehow scared me.


    I felt¡­ that something might change.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    Kicking the mattress as if swimming on it, I put my phone down and closed my eyes.


    It seemed like the best choice for now was to just fall asleep.<hr>


    <em>Thud, thud, thud!</em>


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    Startled by the knocking, I sprang up from my bed. Looking around, it was still bright outside, and I hadn¡¯t slept long enough to feel rested either.


    Realizing I had only slept for an hour before waking up, I tried to go back to sleep.


    <em>Thud, thud, thud!</em>


    Sighing deeply at the knocking from outside, I yelled,


    ¡°There¡¯s no one home.¡±


    ¡°Open the door.¡±


    The voice from outside was Choi Yiseo. Come to think of it, I did have a call record with Choi Yiseo yesterday.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one here.¡±


    ¡°Then who am I talking to right now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an autonomous AI system. The master just bought it and brought it home.¡±


    I was too annoyed to meet anyone then. Just when I was about to snuggle under the nket.<ul><li>


    Hello? Woojin? If you¡¯re with Ahn Hyeon-ho¡­</li><li>


    Excuse me?! Is this the sushi restaurant I¡¯m calling?</li></ul>


    My voice, heavily drunk, began to seep through the gap in the front door.<ul><li>


    Please send some sushi.</li><li>


    It¡¯s not a sushi restaurant, it¡¯s Choi Yiseo. Sigh, how much did you drink exactly?</li><li>


    I said I want sushi?!</li><li>


    It¡¯s Choi Yiseo. Your friend. The student representative of the English department. If you¡¯re with Ahn Hyeon-ho, just pass on one thing.</li><li>


    Why did I call if it¡¯s not a sushi restaurant?</li><li>


    I made the call. Ah,e on! Where are you? I¡¯lle get you.</li><li>


    If it¡¯s not a sushi restaurant, why did I call?</li><li>


    Don¡¯t hang up on me!</li></ul>


    The voice stopped there.


    Listening to the recorded call history, I let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°No mistakes made there.¡±


    ¡°Seriously.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, seemingly incredulous at my brazenness, sighed again and knocked on the door.


    ¡°Open up, please. I have something to say.¡±


    ¡°The master isn¡¯t here.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Leaning her head against the door, Choi Yiseo let out a frustrated grunt.


    ¡°You talked to Yoon-ji yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, shit!¡±


    Startled, I jump up and hurriedly open the front door. Having heard me approaching, Choi Yiseo stepped back and, as soon as the door opens, pushes past me into the house.


    It doesn¡¯t matter.


    What mattered was how Choi Yiseo knew I had talked to Oh Yoon-ji and if she knew the content of the call.


    As soon as Choi Yiseo came inside, she handed me the hangover cure she had brought from the store. Not only that, it seemed she had also done some grocery shopping, judging by the ingredients she took out, it looked like she was nning to make rice soup with dried pock.


    I was about to ask about Oh Yoon-ji, but seeing Choi Yiseo tying on an apron, I lost my words.


    Asking a girl who has feelings for me about an ex-girlfriend required more courage than I had.


    So, I just nkly stared at her back and quietly sat down to drink the hangover cure.


    I did have some soup earlier to cure the hangover, but I was so drunk that my stomach still felt bloated.


    ¡°Did you have something for your hangover separately?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who had just mentioned Oh Yoon-ji, now switched the topic.


    ¡°Yeah, I had soup with the guys earlier.¡±


    As I mentioned ¡®the guys¡¯, Choi Yiseo just turned her head slightly to nce at me and sighed.


    ¡°Yesterday was really annoying.¡±


    ¡°Today, An Hyeon-ho went to uni looking for you.¡±


    ¡°I met him. It seems he had the guys contact each other to find out where I was.¡±


    He really does have good connections, I¡¯ll acknowledge that.


    ¡°After receiving confessions from An Hyeon-ho more than ten times yesterday, I blocked his number. I just unblocked him after telling him not to contact me privately again.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What annoys me is, you were right there and you didn¡¯t stop An Hyeon-ho?¡±


    ¡°Ah, no. I wasn¡¯t in my right mind either.¡±


    ¡°It seemed so.¡±


    Choi Yiseo sighed again and grumbled as she took out minced garlic and Cheongyang chili peppers.


    ¡°While I was talking to An Hyeon-ho on the phone yesterday, you kept on¡­¡±


    <em>Thud thud thud!</em>


    ¡°Hey, you bastard!¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s voice calling for me could be heard from outside, pounding on the door as if to break it if I didn¡¯t open.


    Just a moment ago, it seemed like an important conversation was about to happen, but Choi Yiseo gestured with her eyes to open the door and let here in, so I went that way first.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    ¡°Hey, knock gently¡­ Urgh!¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s headbutt, thrown with her whole body, lodged into my sr plexus, and I copsed to the floor.


    Yu Arin, who had knocked me over, grumbled as she threw the envelope she was carrying onto my chest and then came inside.


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    Yu Arin, surprised to see Choi Yiseo already inside.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Making dried pock soup?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A strange tension passed between the two of them. I picked up the hangover remedy from the envelope Yoo Arin had thrown, closed the door, and came inside.


    ¡°Why did youe?¡±


    ¡°Why did Ie? You jerk! Don¡¯t you remember what you did yesterday?¡±


    ¡°¡­I really don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I told you not to call Jeong Chan-woo and Pyo Jinho, but you ended up switching them anyway.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you say next? Why are you doing this to such good people? Did you ask how it feels to have Chan-woo and Pyo Jinho taken away by a gay man? Do you really want to die?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry.¡±


    I must have been spouting nonsense all day because I was drunk. As I knelt down to apologize without realizing it, Yu Arin opened the window with annoyance.


    ¡°Ah! I can¡¯t breathe because of the smell of alcohol and the smell of a bachelor that reeks inside!¡±


    The cold wind rushed in, but Choi Yiseo seemed to agree to it, silently boiling pock soup.


    ¡°And clean up the house. What a mess this is anyway.¡±


    Yu Arin, uncharacteristically, started cleaning the room. It was such a sudden situation that I just stared nkly.


    ¡°What¡¯s this now?¡±


    The moment she picked up the adult toy store bag left on the floor, I rushed in, flustered.


    ¡°Wait! That¡¯s not okay to see!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Yu Arin nonchntly spilled the contents inside onto the floor.


    <em>Knock knock.</em>


    ¡°Woojin, are you in there?¡±


    Incidentally, Seo Yerin¡¯s voice came from outside the door, an added bonus to the current situation.

 Chapter 92: Tasty Spot

    Chapter 92: Tasty Spot


    ¡°Woah, what¡¯s this.¡±


    ¡°Ugh. How disgusting.¡±


    In the afternoon with the room still lit by sunlight, female uni students were looking around at adult toysid out as if at some children¡¯s bazaar.


    Watching them made me feel strange.


    I wondered if running an adult toy store would make me feel this way every day.


    I was the one who suggested we go to the ce, I was the one who shouted to buy them, and I was the one who swiped the card too, but strangely, I felt so wronged.


    ¡°Wow, wow. It¡¯s my first time seeing the real thing.¡±


    Among them, Seo Yerin was the most excited about the stuff, examining this and that.


    As she picked each item up and looked around, her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and I suddenly got worried she might suggest we go to an adult toy store togetherter.¡°What is¡­ this?¡±


    On the other hand, Choi Yiseo, who seemed to have little knowledge in this area, looked at a Tenga with a puzzled expression.


    Upon seeing that, Yu Arin deliberately picks up two Tengas, one red and one blue, and plops them on top of her head.


    ¡°Like horns?¡±


    Yu Arin looked at me with a yful expression. Knowing it was obviously a joke, Choi Yiseo pouted and nced at me.


    Yu Arin, still holding the two Tengas (they are basically a vibrator with a hollow inside for dicks to fit into) above her head as if they were horns, seems curious about how I would respond.


    ¡°It¡¯s a cover.¡±


    I decided on a brazen response.


    ¡°A cover?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, a dick cover.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I bought it to wear when it gets cold in the winter.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, what are you saying, you crazy bastard!¡±


    Yu Arin, clearly annoyed, threw the Tengas at me. If she was going to react like this, she should have exined it herself instead of passing it off to me.


    ¡°It¡¯s something men use for self-pleasure.¡±


    ¡°I-I heard it feels really great! Be-better than doing it with your hand!¡±


    Seo Yerin joined in, saying she heard a familiar story. She too was holding a Tenga, which seemed to have multiplied somehow.


    ¡°Is it disposable?¡±


    As Choi Yiseo looked around at the Tenga and muttered, Yu Arin shrugged and replied.


    ¡°Probably not? It shouldst a few months, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­Four of them?¡±


    Damn.


    I absolutely have no idea how to exin this situation.


    Intrigued, Seo Yerin.


    Disgusted, Choi Yiseo.


    And Yu Arin, daring me to make an excuse to her face.


    Looking at the four colorful Tengas, I sighed and answered.


    ¡°Using a different one each time is like doing it with a different person every day¡­ Pffft!?¡±


    Immediately, Yu Arin and Choi Yiseo¡¯s fists flew at me, and I fell to the ground with a thud, kneeling.


    ¡°Ah, seriously.¡±


    ¡°Crazy bastard!¡±


    I thought it was a pretty cool reason to give, but it didn¡¯t seem to work.


    They left me lying there and started looking around again among themselves.


    Starting with sexy lingerie.


    ¡°Th-this doesn¡¯t seem to have any effect as underwear?¡±


    ¡°Woojin likes this kind of stuff.¡±


    ¡°No, damn it.¡±


    A women¡¯s exclusive vibrator.


    ¡°Wow, Kim Woojin even buys stuff like this.¡±


    <em>Ziiiiing!</em>


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    ¡°Ah, it looks painful.¡±


    After leaving me alone with Yu Arin starting to hit my back with the vibrator, Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin started looking at other items.


    ¡°Grrrrrrr!¡±


    ¡°Hmm, is this how it feels to be vibrated by a tool?¡±


    I thought my back was going to break as it was set to maximum output. The vibration was so intense, it felt like it was reaching my brain.


    ¡°A box of condoms.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, that¡¯s really¡­¡±


    Holding the condom box with both hands, Seo Yerin¡¯s face turned red with embarrassment, and Choi Yiseo smacked her forehead, recalling the events of the previous night.


    Could it be that she thought I bought these because we couldn¡¯t do it without condoms? That could be viewed as a persistent annoyance.


    ¡°Wow, that was fun.¡±


    Yu Arin left me slumped and rejoined the unique bazaar. Thest thing Seo Yerin pulled out was.


    ¡°Wow, wow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit¡­¡±


    ¡°Why did a guy buy this though?¡±


    A dildo emitting a brilliant purple hue.


    Seeing its explicitly phallic shape, the three of them showed different reactions.


    First, Choi Yiseo immediately looked away.


    Yu Arin, holding the dildo, started pressing it firmly against my fallen cheek.


    Andstly, Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Sigh,pared to Woojin¡­¡±


    In the midst of uttering nonsense, I unknowingly covered my mouth with both hands.


    Naturally, everyone¡¯s attention was already focused on Seo Yerin.<hr>


    Leaving Kim Woojin, who had be a corpse, at his home, the three people went to a rice wine house.


    Between Seo Yerin, Choi Yiseo, and Yu Arin, a strange atmosphere was swirling.


    After Seo Yerin¡¯s bombshell dropped earlier, it made them all say they wanted a drink, so this time, the women came to drink together.


    But even aftering here, they just looked at each other, and time passed awkwardly with them.


    ¡°Sh-shall we order first?¡±


    When Choi Yiseo cautiously opened the menu and asked, the other two quickly looked at the menu as well.


    ¡°Wow, there are so many types of rice wines around.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my first time too. It¡¯s fascinating.¡±


    At the two¡¯s adorable reactions, Choi Yiseo gently smiled and began to simply rmend.


    In her case, being a representative, she often had to attend various team dinners, so she had been to ces like this before.


    ¡°Here, they have it by stages, so just match it and eat. The sweet ones do taste good.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°The names of the drinks are pretty too.¡±


    For side dishes, it was naturally onion pancake and kimchi pancake. There was also a pancake with cheese, but they decided to try it first before ordering.


    What was important came next.


    After ordering, they suddenly ran out of things to say.


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin had been friends since high school.


    Choi Yiseo and Seo Yerin had also be quite close in recent times.


    Although there was a bit of difort between Choi Yiseo and Yu Arin, in theory, with Seo Yerin as a lubricant between them, there shouldn¡¯t have been a problem.


    But due to Seo Yerin¡¯s bombshell earlier, she was now keeping her mouth tightly shut, making the atmosphere awkward.


    Ironically.


    People think simrly in simr situations. Just like at the guys¡¯ drinking party yesterday.


    To break the awkward atmosphere, the three started to drink the alcohol they had out diligently.


    Before long, the atmosphere began to gradually warm up.


    ¡°Yesterday, when I was talking to Woojin, he asked if it was a chicken ce, you know?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had been drinking the rice wine eagerly because it tasted good, exined what happened yesterday with augh, and the other two immediately rted.


    ¡°Yeah, I also got a call for a sushi ce.¡±


    ¡°Damn, I got switched with some weird guys.¡±


    ¡°When I said it was Seo Yerin, they asked to deliver Seo Yerin because she was deliciousst time.¡±


    Though they said the chicken from that ce was delicious, Seo Yerin pretended not to hear about the chicken in front of her.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Isn¡¯t that sexual harassment though?¡±


    Choi Yiseo and Yu Arin looked at Seo Yerin with ambiguous expressions, but whether she was like that because she was drunk or if she was always like that¡­ She giggled and waved her hands.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m drunk, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Though she said so.


    ¡°It was delicious, hee.¡±


    Seeing her muttering to herself, Choi Yiseo, feeling inexplicably irritated, butted in with a pout.


    ¡°He¡¯s got a box of condoms at his ce.¡±


    If they weren¡¯t drunk.


    They wouldn¡¯t have had this conversation at all.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t just because they were drunk that things got this messed up.


    But because Seo Yerin had provoked them earlier and the fact that the two had already been involved, Choi Yiseo was just feeling bad.


    ¡°Last time with me¡­¡±


    When she brought up the condom incident from the time she stayed over at Kim Woojin¡¯s house, the expressions on Seo Yerin and Yu Arin¡¯s faces turned serious.


    ¡°Ah, I, I mean!¡±


    The two incited. The rice wine bottles kept piling up, caught between two people who surprisingly had a lot to talk about.


    Yu Arin, whose only memory was sharing chocte milk and fumbling touches, steps outside for some air.


    Thanks to the convenience store right next door, she squats down with a Chong she bought. Anyone would think she was smoking, but she was just sipping chocte milk through a straw.


    Despite being rtively good with alcohol, she¡¯s unexpectedly hit by the buzz from the rice wine.


    Sipping on the Chong with frustration, she couldn¡¯t hold back and made a call.<ul><li>¡­Hello?</li></ul>


    Hearing Kim Woojin¡¯s voice on the other end somehow made her feel at ease, but her tone came out brusque.


    ¡°You jerk.¡±<ul><li>Are you drunk?</li></ul>


    ¡°Drunk!¡±<ul><li>Didn¡¯t I teach you yesterday that you shouldn¡¯t drink?</li></ul>


    ¡°Shut up! You crazy bastard! Do you think I¡¯m like you?!¡±<ul><li>¡­Just stop drinking before you make more mistakes.</li></ul>


    ¡°Come pick me up!¡±<ul><li>Bullshit. I¡¯m in the middle of a game.</li></ul>


    ¡°I¡¯m being hunted!¡±<ul><li>You¡¯re better at fighting than me. If Ie, it won¡¯t be of help, so if you force it, I¡¯ll call the police.</li></ul>


    What kind of person is this?<ul><li>Hey, more than that, a few things have disappeared from the house¡­.</li></ul>


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    After hanging up, Yu Arin stuffed her phone into her pocket with a huff and returned to her seat. Just a moment ago, she thought it would be best to drink moderately, but now she wanted to gulp it down again.


    But that impulse disappeared quickly. When she returned to her seat, it was aplete mess.


    ¡°Eek? There are so many in here?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who had somehow packed a box of condoms, was opening it and counting each one.


    ¡°So it¡¯s Woojin.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who introduced her ties with Kim Woojin, was in conversation with the purple dildo ced beside her.


    Should I have called?


    Should I ask to be picked up?


    As she picked her phone up again, one of the men sitting next to her stealthily approaches and smiles.


    ¡°Sorry, but I think my wireless earphones got connected to your phone.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So, could you please check it for me if it¡¯s not too much trouble?¡±


    ¡°Do you really want to hit on me after seeing this scene?¡±


    One is counting condoms and the other is talking to a dildo?


    ¡°Ha ha, you¡¯re quite a unique one.¡±


    ¡°¡­Get lost.¡±


    ¡°Aw, don¡¯t be like that.¡±


    Did he think she was an easy woman or something?


    No, who would think she¡¯s not an easy woman after seeing the scene at the table, right?


    Yu Arin quickly put the condom box and dildo into her bag and made a call on her phone.


    ¡°Your friends seem a bit lonely today, don¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Ah, just piss off! Why the hell is your earphone bothering us, you crazy bastard! If you¡¯re going to try hunting for dates, use your brain a little!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Go away! Everyone here is taken!¡±


    ¡°Ye-yes! Sorry!¡±


    After shaking off the persistent man, Yu Arin was fuming when Kim Woojin finally answered the call.<ul><li>I¡¯m in the middle of a game.</li></ul>


    After saying that, he hung up.


    ¡°¡­Sigh.¡±


    With her anger reaching its peak, Yu Arin gulped down the rice wine in front of her straight from the bottle.


    ¡°Please bring three more bottles of rice wine here!¡±<hr>


    After a crushing defeat in the game.


    Having spent money, I couldn¡¯t just leave it at that, so I was deeply considering experiencing a Tenga while searching for ady tonight.


    <em>Knock knock.</em>


    The knock from outside made my expression sour instantly.


    ¡°Ah, seriously.¡±


    Feeling a bit disappointed that my concentration was disrupted, but since I hadn¡¯t started a new game yet, I got up immediately.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    As I ask at the door, the heavily intoxicated voice of Yu Arin answers from outside.


    ¡°It¡¯s Arinee! I brought alcohol!¡±


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°Here! The alcohol is tasty!¡±


    ¡°That sounds delicious! It¡¯s my first time!¡±


    Seo Yerin reacts excitedly to Yu Arin, whose speech was slurred as if she was in high spirits.


    ¡°Sseup, it doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯ll taste good though?¡±


    The moment I hear the voice of Choi Yiseo, making nonsense ims about the taste of the alcohol she brewed herself while her pronunciation remained intact¡­


    My head began to hurt in more ways than one.

 Chapter 93: Chaos

    Chapter 93: Chaos


    Anyway, I can¡¯t just let grown women drink themselves silly and fall asleep outside, can I?


    ¡°Open the dooooor!¡±


    Also, because of the unidentified screamsing from outside, the neighbours might suffer.


    ¡®Why am I rationalizing this situation?¡¯


    After finishing my own rationalization, I carefully opened the door, only to be overwhelmed by the women rushing in at once.


    Normally, they emit their own fresh scents, but today, the strong smell of alcohol was so intense that I couldn¡¯t help but frown at the sight of them.


    ¡°Woaaaah!¡±


    ¡°Uncleeee! Here¡¯s a bottle of soju!¡±


    Unable to hold back the tide of women rushing in, I was pushed aside. The aftermath hit my house directly, causing chaos.¡°Woohaha!¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m tired!¡±


    ¡°Shall we try some pollock soup?¡±


    One went straight into the bathroom while humming, and anothery down on my mattress, saying they were tired.


    Yet another headed to the kitchen, wanting to taste the soup made during the day.


    ¡°Ah, my head hurts from this.¡±


    I thought I might need some headache medicine for my throbbing head, but first, I headed to the kitchen, which could potentially be the most dangerous ce, towards Choi Yiseo.


    After carefully lowering Choi Yiseo¡¯s hand, who was trying to turn on the gas stove, I scooped a little with adle.


    ¡°Did you say this soup is delicious?¡±


    Her pronunciation was so urate, but the end of the sentence dragged on, and the red face is typical of the drunk Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s delicious. Please try some.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, to whom I handed a small bowl of dried pollock soup scooped with adle, was blowing on it, hoo hoo.


    Seeing her blow on the cold soup made me let out an involuntary chuckle.


    <em>Gulp.</em>


    After drinking the dried pollock soup, Choi Yiseo swayed slightly from side to side and tilted her head curiously, finding it strange.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it taste like alcohol?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯ve been guzzling¡­ no, the guest had been drinking alcohol, that¡¯s why.¡±


    ¡°Did you put alcohol in it?¡±


    I want to ask that.


    Did you possibly add alcohol in it?


    ¡°I think I could make it better than this?¡±


    Self-feedback is quite clear.


    That¡¯s why you¡¯re overconfident and score well.


    ¡°But.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, putting the small bowl aside, stared at me and giggled.


    ¡°Since the owner is handsome, I¡¯ll just let it slide.¡±


    ¡°¡­Thank you.¡±


    Her legs seemed to give out, and I catch Choi Yiseo as she¡¯s about to slump right there on the spot.


    Thinking I shouldy her down on the mattress, I go to find that Yu Arin was already there, sprawling out and taking up the entire space.


    ¡°It¡¯s mine!¡±


    Looking at me and Choi Yiseo, sheughed with a silly grin, iling her arms and legs as if swimming.


    ¡°It¡¯s my mattress.¡±


    ¡°Now it¡¯s mine!¡±


    iming it as theirnd just by lying on it.


    She is going to be and tycoon at this rate.


    ¡°Move over, lie down together now.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡±


    Should I just kill her?


    It¡¯s already exhausting enough with Choi Yiseo practically half-leaning on me, and now with Yu Arin acting like this, I was worn out.


    Afterying Choi Yiseo down next to me, I charged straight at Yu Arin.


    After all, in a physical fight between a man and a woman, I should have the upper hand while standing.


    ¡°Oh dear!¡±


    I lost.


    In just about five seconds, I was kicked by Yu Arin and fell t. I was a bit surprised that it hurt more than expected because she didn¡¯t control her strength after drinking so much.


    Anyway, while I was down, Choi Yiseo stealthily crawled andy down next to Yu Arin, and Yu Arin didn¡¯t refuse Choi Yiseo but just epted her, and they embraced each other.


    I remember they weren¡¯t exactly on good terms, but still, seeing them act friendly while drunk was both absurd and not unpleasant to watch for me.


    ¡°Thest one.¡±


    Is it Seo Yerin who went into the bathroom? Since yesterday, I¡¯ve been consoling our toilet for its hard work as I went inside.


    ¡°Uh-huh?¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy?!¡±


    Seo Yerin, wearing only her underwear, was getting hit by the shower water with a nk look in her eyes.


    ¡°Hey! What are you doing!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to wash!¡±


    I hurriedly turned the shower water off and covered her body with a towel. A drunk person who can¡¯t even stand properly, what is she trying to wash?


    ¡°Wash tomorrow, tomorrow! Ah, trying to bathe now, why!¡±


    Washing now would only mean I¡¯d end up suffering in the end, I could see that clearly.


    As I grudgingly wiped Seo Yerin¡¯s body, she hugged me with augh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wash up together!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too heavy!¡±


    With her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist, Seo Yerin became a human backpack.


    Thanks to the home training I did at home and Seo Yerin not being too heavy, I managed to stand up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move your waist like that!¡±


    ¡°Heehee.¡±


    After stopping Seo Yerin, who was deliberately moving her hips to tease me, I stepped out of the bathroom.


    Choi Yiseo and Yu Arin were sound asleep. I set Seo Yerin down right next to them. It was a bit of a struggle since she didn¡¯t want to let go, but I managed to shake her off anyway.


    Sweating unexpectedly this night, I sighed, feeling the fatigue deeply etched around my eyes overwhelming me.


    Tomorrow is a lecture-free Friday.


    If there¡¯s any constion from it, that would be a relief.<hr>


    Ironically enough.


    Kim Woojin¡¯s room weed the same morning as the day before, but with three more people experiencing it. Different in gender only, they woke up feeling dizzy or spinning from being heavily drunk.


    As one wakes up, it seems to trigger a chain reaction, causing the other two to slowly open their eyes as well.


    Still, a better aspectpared to the men from yesterday would be that they woke up with their memories still intact.


    ¡°Ah, please.¡±


    As if that was a curse, Choi Yiseo clutched her head and sighed deeply, suffering from headache.


    ¡°This is crazy.¡±


    She could tolerate her nonsense about the soup she made, but causing a scene at Kim Woojin¡¯s house was something she couldn¡¯t forget, and it was likely to be an embarrassing history.


    Others seemed to feel the same, finding themselves in an awkward atmosphere, they first looked for Kim Woojin.


    What was left alone in the room was a hangover cure, a set of toothbrushes, and a note.<ul><li>I¡¯m going to sleep at the bath house. There¡¯s the North Korean-style dried pollock soup that Choi Yiseo made and said was tasteless, so eat that, and feel free to shower before you leave. Just send me a message when you¡¯re leaving.</li></ul>


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Seo Yerin, hesitating and apologizing. It seemed that because of them, he had to give up his house and sleep at the bath house.


    Feeling sorry for crossing the line even though they were close, but also grateful to Kim Woojin for his consideration towards them.


    After taking turns showering and preparing a meal to eat together.


    ¡°I have a lecture, so I think I need to leave right away.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who got permission to borrow a hat through a message, put on the hat she worest time and headed out first.


    Yu Arin and Seo Yerin were left in the house, alone.


    ¡°I have a metalworking ss?¡±


    Yu Arin spoke first, making Seo Yerin mumble awkwardly.


    ¡°I-I have a lecture in an hour.¡±


    ¡°Then you can stop by home first. Go ahead. I feel sorry for this guy, so I should clean up a bit before I leave.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help too!¡±


    ¡°No, just go.¡±


    At Yu Arin¡¯s reassurance, Seo Yerin left without even making eye contact.


    If asked why it was so awkward.


    It was probably because they remembered the secretive stories they shared yesterday.


    They were embarrassed to death about drunkenly babbling stories that crossed into R-rated territory.


    Usually, such conversations either forge true friendships or lead to awkwardness, and the three of them still seemed a bit awkward.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll get going then!¡±


    Seo Yerin left just like that.


    Yu Arin stretched and clicked her tongue at the state of the room before starting to clean.<hr><ul><li>


    Yu Arin: Come in. Have something to eat at least.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: The food at the sauna is expensive, you know.</li></ul>


    ¡°She¡¯s really something.¡±


    I would have run away immediately, but I clicked my tongue as I read the message from Yu Arin saying she even cleaned up the house.<ul><li>


    Choi Yiseo: I¡¯lle and clean up after my lecture ends. Just wait for me.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Yu Arin already did it. It¡¯s okay.</li><li>


    Choi Yiseo: ¡­¡­</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: The owner should clean up. Guests should just leave.</li><li>


    Choi Yiseo: Sorry¡­ I am really sorry.</li></ul>


    Although Choi Yiseo said she woulde and clean up after her lecture, after being told that Yu Arin had already cleaned up and not to worry, he replied to Yu Arin¡¯s message again.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: Yeah, go home.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Sorry about yesterday.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Then buy me something as a token of apology.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: (Photo)</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    What Yu Arin sent was something red and crumpled on the floor of the house. It looked like clothes, but¡­<ul><li>


    Yu Arin: It¡¯s underwear.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: A gift. Seems like someone left it behind for you.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: That¡¯s crazy? For real?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Yes, use it.</li></ul>


    No, that¡¯s insane!


    Yu Arin was crazy for suggesting to use it without knowing whose it is, and the woman who left her red panties at someone else¡¯s house had to also be out of her mind.


    ¡®Wait a minute.¡¯


    I saw Seo Yerin¡¯s panties myself yesterday. It wasn¡¯t these that I saw while she was showering.


    Moreover, it¡¯s unlikely that Yu Arin would leave her own panties like that.


    So, after calcting.


    ¡®Choi Yiseo?!¡¯


    I conclude that the red panties belong to Choi Yiseo.


    I started to feel a slight thrill at the thought of Choi Yiseo, who seemed like she would only wear sports bras, was wearing such provocatively colored panties.<ul><li>Yu Arin: (Photo)</li></ul>


    The moment I saw the photo Yu Arin sent again, my brow furrowed deeply.<ul><li>


    Yu Arin: It¡¯s men¡¯s underwear.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: I used tongs because it was dirty. Disinfect it before you use it.</li></ul>


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    As the crumpled item unfolds, a pair ofrge men¡¯s underwear prominently appears in the photo.


    No idea which bastard of the group wore those red underwear, but I swear I¡¯ll find and kill him as I leave the sauna.


    <em>Woong!</em>


    Another messagees in.


    This time, it¡¯s not Yu Arin.<ul><li>Captain Ju: Edit.</li></ul>


    It was Captain Ju.


    ¡®Ah.¡¯


    Come to think of it.


    The Thursday morning ss had a film shooting assignment, which I hadn¡¯t skipped.<ul><li>Captain Ju: It needs to be submitted by next Wednesday.</li></ul>


    Feeling a shiver run down my spine, I rushed home to myptop.<hr>


    Let¡¯s turn back time a little.


    10 a.m.


    In front of a one-room building.


    A woman with hair dyed a deep red was staring nkly at the entrance door of the one-room.


    No matter how much it was a mess, her red hair, which seems to dere it won¡¯t be extinguished, was melting away the cold even as winter approached.


    A luxurious coat, sunsses to cover her face.


    The woman, who had her hands deeply buried in her coat pockets and was nkly staring at the door of the studio apartment, is named Oh Yoon-ji.


    And there.


    It was the self-sufficient room of her ex-boyfriend, whose room she used toe and go as if it was her own house until just six months ago.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    Two days ago.


    Kim Woojin, who called in her the early morning.


    Was it called a drunken truth?


    Recalling the words he had shouted at her then, Oh Yoon-ji felt her eyes might redden slightly.


    Although she had promised Woojin¡¯s older brother not to see Woojin until she was qualified.


    When she actually received a call at dawn, she was so overwhelmed with emotion that she wanted to see his face from afar.


    So, she put her busy schedule aside and came here.


    ¡®Even if we don¡¯t meet, just wanting to see your face from afar.¡¯


    Rushing over in one breath, Oh Yoon-ji looked at Kim Woojin¡¯s studio apartment with a heart fluttering in anticipation of the New Year¡¯s sunrise.


    Finally, the door opened.


    ¡°Ah¡­!¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but exim at the thought of seeing him after so long.


    But what came out was¡­


    A female uni student with blue hair wearing Kim Woojin¡¯s hat. Moreover, she was her high school friend¡­


    ¡°Yiseo?¡±


    Feeling something was off upon realizing it was Choi Yiseo, Oh Yoon-ji nkly followed her with her eyes.


    At that moment, she almost went crazy with curiosity about what kind of rtionship her friend and ex-boyfriend could have.


    <em>Creak!</em>


    The door opened again.


    This time, the English department¡¯s goddess, who had been the talk of the town since her admission and was also noticed by the entertainment industry, came out with an awkward expression, hesitating.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    With the feeling that the back of her head is numb, thest one.


    A few minutester, the one who came out of the door.


    A blonde woman came out to throw away the trash, as if she was doing household chores.


    ¡°Kim- Woojin¡­!¡±


    The moment she saw that, Oh Yoon-ji felt her head reach its limit.


    A woman who was originally strong-willed. Her hands, though she didn¡¯t know since when, were clenched into tight fists.


    Her breathing was rough and ready, as if she was about to run over there, kick the door down, and tear Kim Woojin to pieces.


    ¡°Ma-Ma¡¯am? It¡¯s time for you to go.¡±


    At the words of the employee who followed her, Oh Yoon-ji had no choice but to grit her teeth, turn around, and get into the car.


    The employee drove the car without saying a word, amidst the sounds of her foot stomping irritably and her breathing.

 Chapter 94: Apartment

    Chapter 94: Apartment


    ¡°Yawn.¡±


    The sauna was all good, but the problem was that my body felt oddly sluggish when it was time to head home.


    Anyway, I felt good because I had rested well without any disturbance, and the freshness from sweating in the sauna still lingered.


    As the warmth wafted up, I entered the house, my body soaked in the unique sulfur scent.


    Thanks to a kind of warning message from senior Ju-hee, I was now filled with the desire to work on my assignment. I hadn¡¯t done anything for the past two days, but I figured I could catch up if I pulled an all-nighter.


    Besides, considering my editing speed was fairly fast, it should be easy.


    ¡°I should just grab the materials and head to the PC caf¨¦.¡±


    Thest time I edited a video on myptop at home, theg was too severe. After sending the video-rted materials by email, I entered the house with thoughts of going to the PC caf¨¦.


    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±In the room, there was Yu Arin, lying on the mattress, humming while looking at her cellphone.


    The moment I saw her still there, thinking that she should have gone home, my expression soured.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    When I asked why she hadn¡¯t left yet, Yu Arin nced at me and then focused back on her cellphone.


    ¡°Just, toozy to go home. It¡¯s a free Friday anyway, so I¡¯m resting.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I cleaned up neatly. It¡¯s damn clean.¡±


    The house was definitely cleaner. I knew Yu Arin said that she would clean my home, but I didn¡¯t expect her to do it so diligently.


    ¡°And you, things like used tissues should be thrown away right after¡­¡±


    ¡°Got it! Don¡¯t say it!¡±


    ¡°Hehe, you¡¯re healthy, Woojin.¡±


    ¡°¡­Shit.¡±


    If a man lives alone, there¡¯s a certain aspect that¡¯s inevitable, and when I forcibly stopped Yu Arin from broaching the topic, sheughed yfully. I don¡¯t know how she can joke about something like that.


    ¡°Are you going to eat? I had the dried pollock soup.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m going to the PC caf¨¦. Senior Ju-hee kind of half-threatened me because of editing.¡±


    Upon hearing my words, Yu Arin jumped up.


    Seemingly bursting with interest, she hurriedly started fixing her clothes.


    ¡°Hurry up! Let¡¯s go! I want to watch you edit and see it for myself!¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s faster if I do it alone.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll help too. Okay? Okay?¡±


    If she¡¯s going to help, that changes things entirely. Even just adding subtitles by my side would definitely make things easier for me.


    ¡°Of course, the master will buy me food, right?¡±


    Slyly swaying her hips, Yu Arin approached stealthily. I thought it was because she was drunk yesterday.


    But seeing her today, it feels like she¡¯s somehow gotten closer to me.


    ¡°You seem to enjoy calling me ¡®master¡¯tely.¡±


    It was just a joke between us as the manager and caretaker of the Bamboo Forest, but I feel like she¡¯s been saying it more oftentely.


    At my words, Yu Arin immediately changes her expression and shrugs nonchntly.


    ¡°Doing this so you¡¯ll ask me to do less, right? You know you actually listen to me when I call you ¡®master¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°That must mean you have a taste for that sort of thing?¡±


    Laughing as if she¡¯s discovered a weakness of mine, she tapped on my shoulder, and I couldn¡¯t help but want to deny it.


    ¡°It¡¯s just because you ended up being the sub-manager, so you¡¯re doing it out of guilt. What taste about being called something?¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s not your taste to be called ¡®master¡¯?¡±


    ¡°¡­Do we have to keep talking about this?¡±


    Even though Yu Arin and I swear at each other all the time, discussing this sort of thing felt a wee bit ufortable. Seeing my reaction, Yu Arin shrugged, indicating she had no intention of prying further.


    Anyway.


    Since we decided to go together, I transferred the files from myptop to an email and then headed to the PC caf¨¦ with Yu Arin. It was the Zero PC Caf¨¦ where Chan-woo works part-time, but he wasn¡¯t there, either because it wasn¡¯t his shift or he wasn¡¯t working today.


    ¡°Too bad, we could have gotten some free service.¡±


    Now that Yu Arin¡¯s rtionship with Chan-woo seems to bepletely over, she actually seems to miss having him around. Seeing her like thisplicated things a little, but it seemed the two of them had reached some sort of conclusion and put an end to their rtionship.


    In the end, I wondered if I hadn¡¯t been able to help Chan-woo at all, despite saying I would.


    I head to a corner of the PC room and settle in. Before starting the editing, I hadn¡¯t eaten properly yet, so I ordered some ramen and dumplings for a quick meal.


    ¡°Order me some mixed grain powder milkshake.¡±


    ¡°Buy it yourself.¡±


    ¡°Masterrrr!¡±


    ¡°Stop that, it¡¯s freaking creepy.¡±


    ¡°Masterrrr!!¡±


    ¡°Fuck, I really want to smack you right now.¡±


    ¡°Damn it master.¡±


    After ordering and eating quickly, I started editing with Yu Arin.


    ¡°Just add subtitles to the file I gave you. It shouldn¡¯t be too hard.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not hard, but it¡¯s annoying, huh?¡±


    Exactly.


    But Yu Arin, withoutining, started adding subtitles to the videos I passed to her.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to use a different angle here?¡±


    Surprisingly, she began to offer advice on various editing matters.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it. That¡¯s the only angle we have.¡±


    ¡°Why? I remember we took a few shots from different angles too?¡±


    ¡°Because those shots were taken with my phone, and the quality difference is significant.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    ¡°Senior Ju-hee¡¯s phone battery had died, so we had no choice.¡±


    As we talked about this and that, time began to pass, and before we knew it, it was evening.


    <em>Sigh¡­</em>


    But with Yu Arin¡¯s help, we definitely made rapid progress.


    The work progressed much faster than expected. Having just one more person to help with the tedious tasks significantly sped the workflow up, which was satisfying.


    There was no need to finish everything right away, but just in case, I nned to dedicate the entire day to the assignment.


    ¡°Hey, you should slowly¡­¡±


    I was thinking of sending Yu Arin home, so I looked beside me, only to find her already asleep.


    ¡°She must have been tired.¡±


    When I thought about it, she drank yesterday, woke up to cure her hangover, cleaned, and has been helping me since then. Feeling sorry, I scratched the back of my head and pondered for a moment.


    I thought about telling her to go home and sleep for the day, but waking her up now wouldn¡¯t make a difference since I wouldn¡¯t be taking her home anyway.


    I¡¯ll just finish what I was doing and then go.


    And so I decided to work for another hour before taking Yu Arin home and then returning to the PC caf¨¦.<hr>


    ¡°Yawn.¡±


    Yu Arin yawned while staring intently at her phone. Just a while ago, she was half-asleep, leaning on me as we walked, but now she seemed to be doing better, busily looking at something on her phone.


    ¡°Hey, do you know about the fight that broke out in the Bamboo Forest?¡±


    ¡°You were looking at the Bamboo Forest?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t tell if this person has fallen into the trap of onlinemunities or if she is just highly responsible.


    I guess it might be a bit of both.


    ¡°Anonymous11 and Anonymous288. Are these two fighting?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I saw it earlier. They¡¯re not really trashing the board or anything. Since it¡¯s Friday and not many people are on, so I just let them be. Watching that kind of thing can be entertaining at times.¡±


    ¡°¡­You seem to manage things pretty loosely, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I wonder if she wanted to block the two who were fighting right away as Yu Arin tapped away on her phone with dissatisfaction.


    It seemed like she was about to send a warning message telling them not to fight.


    ¡°After all, it¡¯s a universitymunity. As long as they don¡¯t dirty the board too much, I prefer to leave them be with aissez-faire approach.¡±


    I don¡¯t really intervene much unless it¡¯s something dirty like certain images or spreading pornography like someone happens to do.


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s really okay?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re getting cursed out a lot though?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    As soon as I entered the Bamboo Forest to check, there were already several posts cursing me.


    It¡¯s Friday night, they¡¯re the ones fighting, but theyin to me for not stopping them, and it gradually turns into cursing me without reason.


    Seeing that, I let out a hollowugh and put my phone away again.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s good then. Since it ends with them just cursing me.¡±


    Would they even remember what they were fighting about by now?


    This is exactly the mindset a manager should have.


    ¡°Ha, if someone curses me, I¡¯ll confront them right away.¡±


    ¡°I know. That¡¯s why I thought about blocking you but then just endured it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    I was going to tell her because she would always stand up and respond if someone cursed the Admin.


    ¡°Just ignore it. It¡¯s easier if you think of it as a dog barking at you from across the street.¡±


    It was an anonymousment anyway, and since badmouthing the Admins was usually for no significant reason, it was easier to ignore than to confront.


    In the midst of exchanging various stories about the Bamboo Forest, we arrived at Yu Arin¡¯s house. I¡¯d thought she lived alone, but she lives in an apartment with her family.


    Standing in front of the apartment building, intending to see me off, there was Yu Arin, staring straight at me. Wondering what was going on, I looked at her, and she became gloomy, checking her surroundings.


    ¡°How should I exin that I spent the night outside yesterday?¡±


    ¡°¡­You haven¡¯t told them yet?¡±


    ¡°My dad and mom told me to exin when Ie back.¡±


    ¡°And you were still able to stay at the PC caf¨¦ with me?¡±


    ¡°If I go home, I¡¯m dead anyway, so I just stayed there.¡±


    ¡°If it were me, I would have gone straight home. Better to die early if I¡¯m going to die anyway.¡±


    Yu Arin, who doesn¡¯t even hear my words and falls into her own worries. She crosses her arms and taps the floor impatiently, looking quite desperate.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put our heads together and think. How can we phrase it to get in the least trouble?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to phrase. Just be honest. Say we drank with some female friends and cked out. So, we slept at a friend¡¯s house, sorry. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°You shoulde in with me to exin.¡±


    That¡¯s funny.


    ¡°Sure, they¡¯d love it if a male friend came in to exin.¡±


    Maybe since it was one of the girls. Taking me was a much worse move than going in alone.


    But Yu Arin, perhaps getting anxious, bit her nails and then took a deep breath and said,


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in together. There¡¯s a way.¡±


    ¡°Hold on. You¡¯re not going to pretend I¡¯m your boyfriend likest time, are you?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I would ask you to do what I did to Pyo Jinho? It¡¯s nothing. Juste in for a moment.¡±


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t feelfortable doing this.¡±


    ¡°You were honestly superfortable today because I added the subtitles for you. It was much faster than usual, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    It was true.


    Subtitles weren¡¯t hard to add, but they were a bothersome task.


    Eventually, unable to resist, I cautiously followed Yu Arin into the house.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    The interior was just an ordinary home.


    What caught my eye was a photo of a young Yu Arin wearing a Taekwondo uniform and performing a kick. Her hair was blonde even back then, but she looked quite cute, different from now.


    I thought the house was too quiet since I was expecting the appearance of someone very angry after hearing our greeting.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    How should I put it?


    Should I say it feels like there¡¯s no sign of anyone around?


    Staring intently at the bedroom door, Yu Arin burst intoughter and sprawled out on the living room sofa, saying,


    ¡°Heeheehee! Mom and Dad went on a trip. To Japan for five days and four nights. Scared?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Go boil some ramen.¡±


    This wench, is she for real?

 Chapter 95: Taste Of Woojin

    Chapter 95: Taste Of Woojin


    ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s summer!¡±


    Lying on the sofa, watching Yu Arin flounder as if she was whining, I felt something rising in my chest.


    How should I exin this? There are words thate to mind, but I didn¡¯t want to put them simply into words, and they felt somewhat weak to blurt out carelessly.


    My entire life, I¡¯ve never really thought my vocabry wascking.


    But now, I¡¯m even feeling doubtful about my Koreannguage skills.


    ¡°I-I just¡­¡±


    ¡°Just? Just just?¡±


    As I stutter and stand awkwardly, Yu Arin giggles.


    ¡°My body is hot.¡±As I say this, Yu Arin lifts her top slightly while lying down.


    Her pale, exposed belly button heats my already hot head even more.


    ¡°Is our Woojin¡¯s body hot now? Are you getting excited seeing your noona like this?¡±


    ¡°Can I take a moment to sort out this feeling inside me?¡±


    ¡°¡­Just a moment.¡±


    As I tremble exaggeratedly and say that, Yu Arin seems flustered and sits down quietly on the sofa.


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re not excited, are you?¡±


    ¡°Be quiet! I¡¯m choosing my words!¡±


    My head was hot as I urgently yelled back at Yu Arin. She starts to fidget with her clothes and bes wary of me, but I take a deep breath and after much deliberation, I give up.


    ¡°What could be a harsher phrase than saying I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What? Excited? I am excited. I¡¯m not sure what to think about but to kill you in a very cruel and painful way possible.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s such a shame that my vocabry iscking right now, so I can¡¯t think of anything worse than wanting to kill you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve said the same thing to Seo Yerin before. Be thankful to your parents. If you hadn¡¯t learned Taekwondo when you were young, you would have died by my hands here.¡±


    ¡°¡­Thank you, my parents.¡±


    I can¡¯t understand how the anger can rise to the top of my head like this. Honestly, I could get over being tricked intoing here.


    The moment she frivolously asked me to cook ramen for her, it felt like the tether of reason flew off somewhere.


    It¡¯s like a primary school kid next to me challenging me with ¡®You¡¯re such a loser, I¡¯m the boss of our ss, let¡¯s fight¡¯.


    ¡°Ah, I didn¡¯t know you would get so angry like this.¡±


    Yu Arin scratched her head and nced at me as she spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, just go and make some Neoguri (instant ramen), but don¡¯t add an egg in, and make it chewy.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Should I tell you where the ramen is?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s have one of us die today. Call the police now.¡±


    Rolling my sleeves up and approaching, she bursts intoughter and immediately spreads her legs towards me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been watching Brazilian Jiu-jitsu on YouTube recently? Fighting on the ground is advantageous for me, you know.¡±


    It was a posture often seen in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, but seeing it in person felt slightly peculiar¡­


    ¡°Sure, whatever. You¡¯re done for, Yu Arin.¡±


    As I charged at Yu Arin, she quickly wrapped her legs around my neck and grabbed one of my arms, entering an armbar. I¡¯m not familiar with the technical names of such moves, but hanging from my arm, her posture seemed rather urate.


    However, since it was my first time trying this out in a real fight, the technique doesn¡¯t fully apply on her. Yu Arin was light, and I am a robust young man, a month into home training.


    ¡°Uraaah!¡±


    I exert strength in my arms and lift Yu Arin, who was hanging on. Surprised, Yu Arin tightens her thighs around my arms, trying not to fall off me.


    ¡°Wait, just a moment! Stop! Stop! Okay, I get it! I¡¯m sorry! Put me down!¡±


    ¡°Shut up! You better be ready to fall and die like this.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Brother! Master! Just a moment! This is really serious! Don¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°Are you going to cook ramen for me!?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll even add eggs and green onions for you!¡±


    Although I wanted to m her onto the floor, I decided to just throw her onto the couch since she said she¡¯d cook the ramen.


    The couch is soft, so the moment I mmed her down.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    My strength drained from my waist, and I fell forward, copsing on top of Yu Arin as well.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    An awkward situation ensued.


    Yu Arin, with her face turning red, looked up at me and then punched me in the ribs.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°How much porn have you watched to make a move like this?!¡±


    ¡°I feel so wronged for getting hit, and also wronged for being told to cook ramen at your house. Saying I made a move on you is truly the most unjust thing in the world!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Despite writhing in agony on the floor, Yu Arin stomped off to the kitchen, determined to have her say.


    Thanks to that, I was finally left alone, so I quicklyposed myself and began eating the ramen Yu Arin had cooked. In a typical romanticedy, such a situation would lead to both parties being awkward and blushing, which is the ssic development.


    ¡°Look at this girl¡¯s chopstick skills. Do you realize you just took a whole packet¡¯s worth with that one bite?¡±


    ¡°Making a big deal out of nothing. It¡¯s ramen from my house and I cooked it. Why should I have to hear that from you?¡±


    ¡°Tsk, you should at least be a proper host if you have someone over. Right now, you¡¯re single-handedly ruining the image of your family¡­!¡±


    ¡°What, should I call Mom? She¡¯s on a trip to Japan, but you want me to make her take a call now? Should I ask the boss toe out?¡±


    ¡°Why bother parents who are enjoying their trip¡­ Hey! You¡¯re taking all the egg yolks for yourself?!¡±


    ¡°I need to dissolve it in my soup!¡±


    Without such innocence, we just ended up fighting over who could eat more ramen, and before we knew it, time had flown by.


    After a hearty meal, finishing the dishes, anding out to the living room, Yu Arin also put on her coat when she saw me do so.


    ¡°What, you¡¯reing out to see me off?¡±


    I thought she realized I was about to leave and was seeing me off.


    ¡°What are you talking about. I¡¯m just going to the convenience store.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what was I expecting from you.¡±


    I clicked my tongue as I stepped outside.


    ¡°Hey, but what do we do about those kids posting weird stuff in the Bamboo Forest at dawn?¡±


    ¡°What is there to do about it. Just block them the next day. When such images are uploaded, guys will post asking why they haven¡¯t been deleted, right? Then just don¡¯t look and delete them. This is a pro tip.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so I throw it to the guys to inform us and I don¡¯t have to see the disgusting images?¡±


    ¡°Right. That¡¯s why sometimes I deliberately reactte. The ones who saw the disgusting images first will freak out and ask why it hasn¡¯t been deleted.¡±


    ¡°Seriously a pro tip.¡±


    Yu Arin nodded her head with her hands in her coat pockets. Feeling proud of teaching another thing today as an administrator, I shrugged, only for Yu Arin to immediately p my shoulder down with her palm.


    Before we knew it, we had arrived in front of a convenience store.


    ¡°Wait a moment.¡±


    Leaving me behind, Yu Arin entered the convenience store. Aftering back out she produced a Chong and Hershey¡¯s Chocte Milk.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    But out of nowhere, she¡¯s handing me a Chong instead.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? That¡¯s mine.¡±


    Pointing at the Hershey¡¯s, I ask, and Yu Arin lobs the Chong at my chest and quickly sticks a straw in the Hershey¡¯s to drink it.


    ¡°I¡¯m craving this today.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Try the Chong too. It¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re buying, I¡¯ll enjoy it.¡±


    Just as I¡¯m about to drink the Chong and leave, Yu Arin trotted along behind me.


    ¡°¡­Where are you going?¡±


    I wondered where she was off to again, but Yu Arin sidles up next to me and mutters.


    ¡°PC room.¡±


    ¡°Why now?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do more of your assignment?¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s true, I do need to do it.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together. I¡¯m bored at home alone anyway. I¡¯ve always wanted to try pulling an all-nighter at a PC room.¡±


    Well, there¡¯s no need to send someone who followed me here away. And as I watched, just letting it be, Yu Arin frowned and pushed her Hershey¡¯s towards me.


    ¡°Hey, this tastes bad. Let¡¯s switch.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I told you to just drink what you normally drink.¡±


    ¡°We just need to switch the straws. Hurry up.¡±


    Sighing, I handed over my Chong, and after swapping just the straws, we slurped our chocte milk on our way to the PC cafe.


    Wondering if Chan-woo might be working during our brief outing, I entered cautiously, almost tripping because I was pushed from behind.


    ¡°My head almost cracked open because of you!¡±


    ¡°Ugh, do you think Chan-woo would be here? He¡¯s fully booked from tomorrow, so do you think he¡¯de in tonight?¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s even more annoying because you¡¯re right.¡±


    I stepped inside and look around to find a spot again, having chosen to do so in order to make the most progress in editing while the fire is lit. But once I¡¯m at the PC cafe, I realized I¡¯d almost finished today¡¯s quota¡­ Do I really need to redo it?


    ¡°Maybe I should watch some webtoons while I¡¯m here?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to work on the assignment? Just find a seat already.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    After letting out a deep sigh, I stretch my neck around. Once I¡¯ve somewhat gathered my thoughts, I headed towards a corner seat.


    ¡°Looks like our spot is taken.¡±


    In the spot where Yu Arin and I were, there¡¯s someone in a ck hoodie with the hood up, even wearing a headset. Approaching quietly, it turned out to be Seo Yerin, her facepletely covered.


    ¡°Why is she here?¡±


    ¡°What, it¡¯s Yerin?¡±


    She seemed so engrossed in her game, headset on, not hearing us, her passion was evident.


    Wondering how it was possible for us to pull a prank on her, Yu Arin quickly ran and covered Seo Yerin¡¯s eyes from behind her chair.


    ¡°Who is it!¡±


    ¡°Huh? Uh?!¡±


    Because of the headset, she couldn¡¯t hear anything, and suddenly she couldn¡¯t see, so the bewildered Seo Yerin desperately reached out with her hands towards her face, but I caught them midway.


    ¡°Eek!?¡±


    Seo Yerin made a strange noise. We giggle and enjoy watching her flounder in confusion. If there was one more person with us, we could have even taken a video.


    ¡°Ah, part-timer! I, I can¡¯t see¡­!¡±


    ¡°Gasp!¡±


    Since I could suppress Seo Yerin¡¯s strength with just one hand, I grabbed both her wrists with one hand and then mped the other over her mouth.


    Seo Yerin, her mouth covered, tried to break free by biting my hand.


    ¡°Ouch! You got your saliva on me!¡±


    Surprised, I pulled my hand away, and Seo Yerin shouted with a bright smile.


    ¡°Ah, Woojin is delicious!¡±


    ¡°¡­Woojin is delicious?¡±


    Yu Arin looked at me as if asking what she meant, but I was at a loss for words and couldn¡¯t immediately respond.

 Chapter 96: PC Café

    Chapter 96: PC Caf¨¦


    Seo Yerin, who still hadn¡¯t realized she said something she shouldn¡¯t have, was smiling at me, and saying she was happy to see me.


    ¡°Woojin tastes delicious!¡±


    It seemed perfectly normal for her to say something weird like I taste great.


    ¡°Uh? Arin!¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer my call, you sly fox.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a big problem that two of Seo Yerin and Yu Arin¡¯s high school friends came back from the bathroom together.


    ¡°Beh.¡±


    But Seo Yerin sticking out her tongue as if waiting for my touch was quite a big problem given the situation.


    I wanted to tell Yu Arin I didn¡¯t understand why she was doing that, but honestly, my conscience pricked me a little, so it was hard to lie.Yu Arin slowly took her hands away from Seo Yerin¡¯s eyes. As her vision finally cleared, Seo Yerin looked at me with a bright smile and then.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Seeing Yu Arin and the other friends, she gave an awkward smile.


    ¡°Hello, thank you foring today.¡±


    Seo Yerin greeted as if she¡¯s a wealthy person inviting someone to her mansion. Fortunately for me, the friends who had arrivedte didn¡¯t hear her outrageous statement.


    Pretending not to see Yu Arin ring, I quietly step back. It seemed like Seo Yerin invited her friends, and I feel like I¡¯ve intruded in a ce where I shouldn¡¯t have.


    ¡°Yu Arin, I thought you weren¡¯ting because you didn¡¯t reply.¡±


    ¡°Sweet Arin came anyway.¡±


    Maybe it¡¯s a good thing I¡¯m not friends with Seo Yerin and Yu Arin. They immediately start making a fuss among themselves.


    ¡°Who is this?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, Arin, you have a boyfriend now?¡±


    Of course.


    The two of them, looking at me standing awkwardly between Seo Yerin and Yu Arin, started specting about us.


    While they start linking me with Yu Arin,


    ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend!¡±


    Unexpectedly, the response came from Seo Yerin¡¯s side.


    ¡°¡­Why are you answering that?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    With an awkwardugh to smooth over the piercing gazes of the two friends, Seo Yerin gestured for me to sit next to her.


    ¡°Uh, his name is Woojin. He¡¯s a friend from our department. Seems like he came here after hanging out with Arin.¡±


    ¡°Hello, my name is Kim Woojin.¡±


    As I bow to greet them, the two also smile and return the greeting politely.


    Somehow, I ended up sitting next to Seo Yerin, and Yu Arin also took a seat right next to me.


    It was a strange situation with Seo Yerin on my right and Yu Arin on my left. I thought the two friends might sit in a row next to Yu Arin, but they ended up sitting behind us, just turning their chairs to easily see what we were doing from behind.


    ¡°Why are you here, though?¡±


    Ignoring Yu Arin who kept ring at me, I asked Seo Yerin, and sheughed awkwardly while scratching the back of her head.


    ¡°I-I ran away because I got scolded.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I got in huge trouble with my mom for staying out overnight. Said I¡¯d do as I please since I¡¯m a uni student and then ran away from her.¡±


    Is that the right thing to do?


    When I asked if going back hometer would cause even bigger problems, the answer came from her friends behind her.


    ¡°That¡¯s why we came here. Her parents know where she is right now.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve known her mother since we were in high school, so we came to hang out together.¡±


    Aha.


    So, Seo Yerin was enjoying a deviation within the grasp of her parents. It seems odd, but it appears to be quite a significant act of rebellion for Seo Yerin.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ve¡­ dreamed of staying up all night at a PC caf¨¦.¡±


    ¡°What a modest dream.¡±


    Clicking my tongue, I start installing the editing software at the PC caf¨¦, ready to begin the assignment again.


    The two people, not using theputers but turned their chairs to pry into Seo Yerin¡¯s business.


    ¡°Seriously, where did you sleep yesterday?¡±


    ¡°I mean, does Seo Yerin even have a ce to stay overnight?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I told you, I slept at a friend¡¯s house, okay? A friend from the same department.¡±


    Watching Seo Yerin trying to exin herself with various excuses, I couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for her.


    I decided to mind my own business and focus on editing, but before I knew it, Yu Arin who was right next to me, had her chair pulled up close.


    Her handnded stealthily on my thigh and then pinched it hard.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Without realizing it, I straighten up and re at Yu Arin, but she boldly counters my look.


    ¡°Ah, what?¡±


    I ask quietly so the two behind us can¡¯t hear, and Yu Arin asked with a look of disbelief.


    ¡°Do you even taste good?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Orange vor? Strawberry vor? Is it something like that?¡±


    ¡°How would I know?¡±


    ¡°Then how does Yerin know?¡±


    Because she tasted it¡­


    No, rather than saying tasted, licked¡­ maybe?


    ¡°You know what happened between me and Seo Yerin. Why are you prying so much then?¡±


    Due to a video secretly takenst time, Yu Arin and Choi Yiseo already know that I slept with Seo Yerin once.


    Now it¡¯s gradually fading into history now, but do we really need to bring it up again and remind everyone of it?


    ¡°What I mean is, how exactly does she remember the taste?¡±


    Sighing from the frustration of feeling as if I¡¯m being held hostage, I blurt out.


    ¡°Haah, it¡¯s nothing. Just¡­ Seo Yerin¡¯s parents were on the first floor, so we had to keep the noise down¡­ No, why am I even exining this to you?¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Though I didn¡¯t offer everything, Yu Arin trembled, saying she could roughly guess. I crossed my arms because it felt weird and annoying when she sneakily nced at my fingers.


    ¡°Did Yerin really stir that thick thing in her mouth?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy. Stop it now!¡±


    ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡±


    It was too urate, though.


    But there¡¯s a real chance of getting hit for it.


    Feeling annoyed that she kept looking at my fingers, I pretend to poke her eyes, making Yu Arin cover her mouth with both hands in surprise.


    ¡°It won¡¯t fit in.¡±


    ¡°No, poking the eye¡­ Ah, forget it. Let¡¯s not talk about it.¡±


    Deciding to just edit, I ignore Yu Arin and focus on the screen.


    Yu Arin opens her mouth next to me, pretending to put her finger in it and trying something, but I just ignore her.


    ¡°Seriously, Yerin has been acting weirdtely, hasn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Right, I feel it too. A bit more mature, perhaps? Are you seeing a guy? Right?¡±


    ¡°Ah, no! I¡¯m not seeing anyone!¡±


    ¡°Not seeing anyone? Then what is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not dating, but¡­ there¡¯s a guy I¡¯m interested in, something like that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Look at this! Suddenly going quiet!¡±


    ¡°Arin! Does she have a close male friend? You¡¯re in the same department right!¡±


    ¡°Keep it down in the PC room, you guys.¡±


    While saying so, Yu Arin quietly joined the conversation of the three.


    It¡¯s not a coffee house, but the four of them huddled together, blooming in conversation. If it wasn¡¯t a corner seat, it would have been quite a nuisance to the people passing by.


    ¡°Yerin has also be mature, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Mature? Seo Yerin, don¡¯t tell me!¡±


    ¡°Did you finally do it?! Congrattions!¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    The too explicit and tant manner of speaking caught me off guard. Even if I tried to pretend I didn¡¯t hear their talks, how could I not when the words kept reaching my ears?


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry. We were just messing around among ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Ahem¡­ Uh, you¡¯re not by any chance¡­? Yerin¡¯s first man.¡±


    ¡°No, I am not.¡±


    Saying so, Seo Yerin¡¯s eyes lit up with twin mes as she red at me, but quickly connected and put her headset on.


    ¡°Arin must be happy to have Chan-woo.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. If it were me, I¡¯d totally fall head over heels for Chan-woo¡­!¡±


    With thest mention of Chan-woo, I once again immerse myself in editing. Stepping back but catching a mouse. Suddenly focusing on editing, I was able to make quite a bit of progress.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    About two hours must have passed. Focusing more than I thought, it was almost 1 a.m.


    ¡°I should drink an energy drink or something.¡±


    Thinking I might receive high praise from Senior Ju-hee tomorrow when I send the files, I tried to get up, but my chair won¡¯t move.


    Wondering what¡¯s going on, I sneak a peek behind me to find four people huddled close, staring at me from behind my chair.


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin were leaning on both armrests, while the other two were looking from behind the chair.


    ¡°What¡¯s up¡­¡±


    As I remove my headset and ask what¡¯s happening, one of the friends points at An Hyeon-ho on the screen and says,


    ¡°He¡¯s really handsome, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What? Why isn¡¯t our department like that.¡±


    ¡°Is Ahn Hyeon-ho that good-looking?¡±


    Yu Arin replied indifferently with her chin propped, and the friend shouts back,


    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s because you only look at Chan-woo. Sheins about pork belly when she¡¯s eating steak.¡±


    Suddenly turned into pork belly, Ahn Hyeon-ho. Come to think of it, he asked me earlier through a message if I was in contact with Choi Yiseo and I ignored it.


    ¡°No, I know he has some looks. I know he is considered conventionally handsome but¡­ honestly, I personally don¡¯t think he¡¯s that good-looking.¡±


    ¡°I agree with Arin. He¡¯s not that great in person.¡±


    Seo Yerin, on the opposite side, raises her hand and nods.


    ¡°Why are we suddenly rating appearances here?¡±


    I told them it wasn¡¯t about the looks, but they retorted.


    ¡°Anyway, Hyeon-ho¡¯s friends do the same to us, so.¡±


    ¡°Last time I was on the bus, I heard our department¡¯s guys ranking girls.¡±


    Curse you, Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    You don¡¯t deserve to contact Yiseo.


    ¡°All these actors really do have no joke-faces.¡±


    The demure-looking woman, who had been keeping her lips tightly sealed, finally spoke up.


    ¡°Oh, are you in the Department of Theatre and Film?¡±


    Ah, so she was from the Department of Theatre and Film.


    Now that I think about it, she did have the looks of a beauty. A beauty with the vibe of a model student, perhaps?


    ¡°Did you learn editing separately?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m self-taught. It was for an assignment.¡±


    ¡°Wow, for being self-taught in such a short time, you¡¯re really good at editing.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Hearing thepliment made the corners of my mouth rise involuntarily. Receiving praise for the editing skills I had worked hard to practice made me feel especially good.


    ¡°Look at Kim Woojin smiling.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, I get so depressed when he¡¯s in a good mood.¡±


    ¡°Why are there only these kinds of people in our department?¡±


    The good mood was ruined by Seo Yerin and Yu Arin¡¯s interjections.


    But the friend from the Department of Theatre and Film didn¡¯t stop and kept peppering me with questions.


    ¡°Could we possibly meet separatelyter?¡±


    ¡°Sorry?¡±


    As I turn my head slightly while sitting in the chair, they say with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯llpensate you separately, pay for it even. There are many in the department who can act, but not many who can edit.¡±


    Ah, so that¡¯s what it meant.


    I was momentarily puzzled.


    ¡°That seems difficult.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m not interested in doing anything other than my own assignments, regardless of payment.¡±


    Drawing a clear line, the atmosphere turned slightly awkward. But I genuinely didn¡¯t want to do it for anyone else.


    ¡°S-sorry. It was too abrupt of me.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the bathroom. I¡¯ll scold this bitch there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Yeon-gye continued to apologize as she was dragged to the bathroom. I looked at the order screen, intending to order an energy drink.


    Gazes poured in from both sides.


    ¡°Why. Just because she¡¯s your friend, I should do it for them?¡±


    Annoyed, I asked, and Yu Arin suddenly got up and started stroking my head.


    ¡°Kiddo, I kinda like this sharpness at times like these.¡±


    Yu Arin smiled broadly and just went to the bathroom together. Wondering what was going on, I watched her in a daze.


    This time, Seo Yerin on the opposite side grabbed my hand that was holding the mouse.


    <em>Smack.</em>


    Then, suddenly, she kissed the back of my hand.


    ¡°¡­?!¡±


    Startled, my hand tensed.


    Trying to rx my stiff hand, she licked the tip or gently bit it. It felt like a cat was ying with my hand for a moment.


    ¡°It¡¯s mine.¡±


    Whispering with her lips against my hand, she suddenly got up and went to the bathroom.


    I stood up, thinking I should wash my now damp hand, as I watched Seo Yerin¡¯s back in a daze.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    There was a mark left on my hand.

 Chapter 97: PC Café (2)

    There were several incidents.


    Due to the provocative action from Seo Yerin, there was an incident where I couldn¡¯t leave the bathroom until things calmed down because my lower half became stiff.


    Nheless, the editing progressed smoothly.


    <em>Click.</em>


    <em>Swoosh.</em>


    I was feeling like a real professional while editing and btedly sipping on the energy drink I ordered after much dy.


    I realized that editing a short film roughly 30 minutes long, was a surprisingly difficult task, not to mention the filming part.


    No joke, it seemed like several scenes needed to be re-shot, including scenes that naturally transitioned from the surroundings to the actor, or scenes that required a separate background.


    Surprisingly, the idea of creating a separate typography for the title was resolved on the spot.¡°How about this? Like this?¡±


    ¡°Oh, truly a design major.¡±


    Thanks to the other friend who was in the design department, they quickly did it for me on the spot.


    Having their own tablet, they drew it and sent it to me via email immediately, and I absolutely loved the title they pped on it. This allowed me to easily grab a few seconds for the introduction.


    ¡°It¡¯s not really because I¡¯m in the design department, but I¡¯ve enjoyed doing this kind of thing since high school.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really beautiful. Thank you for this.¡±


    I was genuinely grateful for the help she rendered, so I quickly pulled up the order screen and said,


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy you one. Choose anything.¡±


    ¡°I want mixed grain shake!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have ck bean.¡±


    I don¡¯t know why these weirdos are butting in.


    Yu Arin and Seo Yerin dashed over as if they had been waiting for me to ask, but I easily ignored them.


    ¡°What would you like?¡±


    When I asked, the friend from design pointed at an iced Americano with a bright smile.


    Seo Yerin ced her hand over mine that was holding the mouse, just as I was about to click. She tried forcing me to add more to the order by applying pressure.


    Even though I considered myself weak, I thought I wouldn¡¯t lose to a girl when it came to strength, but it became unexpectedly difficult when Yu Arin suddenly joined in.


    ¡°Lo-lose it¡­ you guys!¡±


    ¡°Order it!¡±


    ¡°Me, I want my shake!¡±


    I don¡¯t know why these crazy girls are being so stubborn today.


    It felt like I was really going to lose control of the mouse if things continued like this.


    So I grabbed Yu Arin¡¯s waist that was right in front of me, and applied pressure.


    ¡°Hyah?!¡±


    Yu Arin, startled, turned briskly around. Thanks to that, the energy drink I had opened earlier got knocked over.


    ¡°Hey! You spilled it!¡±


    ¡°Pervert freak!¡±


    ¡°Ah, Yu Arin, really. You¡¯re the worst of all. Don¡¯t ever go to the military.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy?!¡±


    Yu Arin, her face turning red, hugged her body as if crossing her arms.


    Is this the first time she¡¯s done this?


    Luckily, she didn¡¯t spill it on the keyboard or any equipment, so we were safe.


    Seo Yerin quickly grabbed a cloth and helped wipe the desk. At times like this, being quick to act is more helpful than I thought.


    The design major awkwardly smiled, spun her chair, and returned to her own seat.


    Yu Arin grumbled and kicked my chair once before sharply turning her head to resume watching the drama she was watching before.


    ¡°Give it to me. I¡¯ll wipe it for you.¡±


    ¡°No, I want to wipe it.¡±


    Seo Yerin deliberately stretched out to wipe my spot. I wondered if it was really necessary for her to do this much cleaning. Then, Seo Yerin tears open a disposable tissue she brought with the cloth, smiles broadly, and reaches her hand out.


    ¡°You got some here too.¡±


    ¡°¡­!?¡±


    My body stiffened involuntarily.


    Because Seo Yerin was touching my lower half.


    Precisely, Seo Yerin, whose hand had reached near my groin, began to wipe carefully at my pants, which were not wet at all.


    I was going to tell her not to do it, but it felt surprisingly good. Strength was gradually building up in my lower half¡­


    ¡®Ah, no. This isn¡¯t right.¡¯


    This could lead to big trouble for me.


    Considering this is a public ce and Yu Arin was right beside us. If I¡¯m not careful, I might impulsively grab Seo Yerin and head to a nearby motel.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Feeling a sharp gaze, I turned my head slightly, only to see Yu Arin looking at us with a truly disgusted expression.


    Seo Yerin, who was still wiping at me diligently, saying it¡¯s still precious, seemed not to notice, and so her hand didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    With a faint sigh, I felt a seductive and hot breath touch my pants. I quickly grabbed Seo Yerin¡¯s neck from behind and pulled her right back.


    ¡°Choke!¡±


    Though technically, I should have grabbed her the other way around, but whatever. For now, I managed to bring Seo Yerin back to her original position.


    Seo Yerin, who had this regretful look on her face, finally noticed that Yu Arin was watching us and stretched her face towards the monitor in embarrassment.


    Once she flips the switch, she either goes all out, but as soon as it¡¯s off, she returns to her usual pretense of innocence as Seo Yerin.


    And that pisses me off a lot.


    ¡°The fuck?¡±


    Finally, Yu Arin, who had said something, sprang up and charged at me.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    Yu Arin¡¯s delicate hand grabbed my neck and mmed me backward.


    ¡°Choke movement, you bastard!¡±


    My head hit the back of the chair, causing the backrest to lean far backwards. The chair must be of good quality because it felt like it went back almost 180 degrees.


    My liver experienced a choke m but it didn¡¯t hurt. However, Yu Arin still didn¡¯t let go of my hand, gritting her teeth and whispering in my ear.


    ¡°Asshole, this is a public ce. There are kids around.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s something you should say to your friend¡­ Ugh! I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    Yu Arin applied more pressure to cut my excuse off from finishing, so I backed down immediately, sighing and brushing my bangs back.


    ¡°Ah, what a damn beast.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that! Say that to Seo Yerin.¡±


    Yu Arin, seemingly furious, turned back with a harsh breath. I was just adjusting my neck, trying to get back to editing when,


    ¡°How about this design?¡±


    Seems like they had fun in the design department, creating a typography with different text for me.


    ¡°¡­Just a moment.¡±


    The blood had rushed to my lower half and hadn¡¯t yet subsided, so I needed to sit down for a bit.


    ¡®Maybe I should just go home.¡¯


    Maybe I¡¯ll go and write a review of using a Tenga.


    ¡°Yawn.¡±


    It must have been because I stayed up all night at the PC caf¨¦ yesterday that I ended up waking upte on Sunday.


    I received high praise from senior Ju-hee early in the morning for the video I sent, saying it was the best, and replied ¡®no¡¯ to Choi Yiseo, who asked if I was going to exercise today.


    I was browsing through the Bamboo Forest while making something with bread for a simple breakfast.


    Even though I check it every day, it somehow felt like it¡¯s been a long time.


    Maybe because it¡¯s the weekend, the religious clubs were actively participating.<ul><li>


    Anonymous77: JLY! The Lord loves you. Immediate membership avable if youe to the East. Cross gift. Grade doesn¡¯t matter


    (?????).</li><li>


    Anonymous88: Namo Amitabha. The Buddhist Practice Association wees you anytime. Chanting practice every Friday, hiking once a month, today is a day for mind training.</li><li>


    Anonymous185: The Non-religious Club supports everyone. There is no god. If you¡¯re bored, just mock the zealots and the baldies around us.</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous77: Satan, begone!


    ? Anonymous88: Namo Amitabha.


    ? Anonymous185: Easy, right? Just wait for them to have a fit.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Why do they act up the most when it¡¯s buzzing with people?


    Like Yu Arin experienced before, touching on religious clubs on a Sunday only ends up making the Bamboo Forest dirtier for no reason.


    Since club promotion posts are limited to three a day, if it goes over, I wait with the intention of giving a day¡¯s suspension and look at other posts.<ul><li>Anonymous103: I¡¯m sure it was midterms yesterday, why is it finals now already?</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous221: For real


    ? Anonymous91: For real


    ? Anonymous88: For real, I feel it


    ? Anonymous185: Go chant your prayers, you damn monk.


    ? Anonymous11: Shut up 185. Don¡¯t muddy the waters for no reason.


    ? Anonymous145: It¡¯s funny hearing that from a brawler;<ul><li>Anonymous90: I want to have se*x!</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous75: Now this one¡¯s truly the se*x god.


    ? Anonymous85: At this point, someone give it to him!<ul><li>Anonymous69: I want to have se*x!</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous319: Toote, right?


    ? Anonymous75: How does it feel to be a fake?


    ? Anonymous11: Just fuck off. You sympathy-seeking bastard.<ul><li>Anonymous98: Starting the weekend morning with a lewd pic I found. (Photo)</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous189: ? It¡¯s a dog.


    ? Anonymous52: Fuck, a bestiality freak.


    ? Anonymous110: Shouldn¡¯t this guy really be expelled from the board?


    ? Anonymous11: Is there a department at Gahyeon University that teaches how to be a fucking mess? Why are there so many fucked-up people around us?<ul><li>


    Anonymous44: A cheerful ghost story from Japan. It happened at a shrine in the countryside¡­</li><li>


    Anonymous59(Admin1): Watched ¡®Hwanmongjeon¡¯ yesterday, it was super fun. Rmend something simr.</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous113: Don¡¯t you remember the firestorm over ¡®Setoe¡¯ and ¡®Hwanmongjeon¡¯? The admin was throwing logs into it.


    ? Anonymous59(Admin1): ?


    ? Anonymous113: Anything less than ¡®Setoe¡¯ is trash. You¡¯ll forget ¡®Hwanmongjeon¡¯ after watching that.


    ? Anonymous59(Admin1): ?


    ? Anonymous113: Fuck. I¡¯m going to contact the administrator.


    A real inquiry came from 113 soon after.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Why is this one fighting in the Bamboo Forest since lunchtime?


    I stretched and got up after liking the post by Yu Arin, who could be considered the epitome of a manager now.


    Thanks to staying up all night editing, I had found some leisure time again.


    But with final examsing up, I decided to quickly finish up and take a shower, thinking I should get it over with.


    ¡®Should I go to the PC caf¨¦ again?¡¯


    I didn¡¯t like the idea of going to the PC caf¨¦ again. But it¡¯s not like I could afford aputer again either.


    Especially since I was going to be working part-time during the winter break and is destined to move into the dormitory starting sophomore year.


    ¡®Ugh, how annoying.¡¯


    I quickly washed up, put a hat on, and headed out when my phone rings again.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo -</li></ul>


    ¡°Yes, this is Kim Woojin, who knows the golden ratio of seven strawberry jams to three peanut butters for toast.¡±<ul><li>¡­What¡¯s with the concept this time?</li></ul>


    ¡°Just had some bread.¡±<ul><li>You know that¡¯s not funny, right?</li></ul>


    ¡°If I were a fun person, I¡¯d be popr.¡±<ul><li>What are you doing?</li></ul>


    ¡°Just doing something.¡±<ul><li>Why are you like this today?</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­Going to the PC caf¨¦. To finish an assignment.¡±<ul><li>Zero PC Caf¨¦?</li></ul>


    ¡°Yeah. Pulled an all-nighter yesterday and nning to do it again today.¡±<ul><li>That¡¯s impressive.</li></ul>


    Choi Yiseo chuckles softly on the other end of the line.<ul><li>Let¡¯s go together. I¡¯m bored at home too.</li></ul>


    ¡°You have Minji at home.¡±<ul><li>Can¡¯t bother Minji right now, she¡¯s binge-watching dramas.</li></ul>


    Ugh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s meet at the PC caf¨¦. Whoever arrives first should call the other.¡±<ul><li>Okay.</li></ul>


    Looks like I¡¯m hanging out with Choi Yiseo today.


    Humming about having a subtitle ve, I arrived at the PC caf¨¦. Since I got there first, I called Choi Yiseo and greeted Chan-woo at the counter.


    ¡°You¡¯re here too?¡±


    ¡°¡­Here too?¡±


    As I asked what he meant while listening to the dial tone, Chan-woo pointed to the seats right in front.


    There, indeed, was an all-star lineup.


    Pyo Jinho, Kang Han-kang, and Ahn Hyeon-ho were all sitting in a row.


    ¡°¡­Why are they here?¡±


    ¡°Han Kang hyung and Jinho hyung are going to the military. They said they¡¯re ticketing for the UI concert before they leave.¡±


    ¡°How can they look so bad just by looking at their faces? Why is Ahn Hyeon-ho here then?¡±


    ¡°They said they called him? To help with the ticketing.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t contacted though?


    Why do I feel like I¡¯m being ostracized by them?<ul><li>Hello? Are you there already?</li></ul>


    ¡°Breaking news, Ahn Hyeon-ho is here.¡±<ul><li>¡­Can we go to another PC caf¨¦ then?</li></ul>

 Chapter 98: Ticketing

    Chapter 98: Ticketing


    If Choi Yiseo really wanted to, I was willing to go to another PC caf¨¦.


    It¡¯s not like this is the only PC caf¨¦ around, and I didn¡¯t want to make things ufortable for no reason.


    But it was Choi Yiseo who changed her mind again and said she would just go to Zero PC Caf¨¦.<ul><li>Since we can¡¯t avoid him for the rest of our lives anyway.</li></ul>


    It was a valid point.


    It was probably better to meet him now rather than awkwardly bumping into each other at school and figuring out how to deal with Ahn Hyeon-ho in the future.


    Still, there¡¯s no need to deliberately choose a seat nearby, so I hang my coat at a distance and approach the three of them again.


    ¡°Hi, bastards.¡±


    ¡°Who invited this guy?¡±


    Pyo Jinho immediately frowned upon my cheerful greeting. Not just him, but Han-kang and Ahn Hyeon-ho too didn¡¯t seem too thrilled to see me.¡°Looks like you guys became best friends, congrattions.¡±


    I p my hands, celebrating the fools bing friends.


    ¡°How did youe without being invited by any of us?¡±


    ¡°Who is it. Who invited you.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead and talk nonsense. I came here because of an assignment. I¡¯m not as free as you guys.¡±


    These bastards really came without me, didn¡¯t they? Honestly, even if I had been invited, I probably wouldn¡¯t havee, but not being invited at all strangely made me feel worse.


    ¡°Hey, now that you¡¯re here, sit next to me and help me with ticketing. We¡¯re going to a UI concert.¡±


    ¡°The three of you guys?¡±


    Pyo Jinho nodded boldly. However, the expressions on Ahn Hyun-ho and Han Kang behind him were a bit different.


    ¡°It seems to be a no for them though?¡±


    Asking while gesturing with my chin, Pyo Jinho¡¯s head quickly turned, identifying the traitors.


    ¡°I¡¯m going¡­ with my girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to Yiseo. She¡¯s a fan of UI.¡±


    Before enlisting in the military, Han-kang¡¯s form of getting a girlfriend was crazy, so he started fighting with Pyo Jinho, but let¡¯s leave that aside for now.


    ¡°Choi Yiseo is a fan of UI?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know?¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho wore the smile of a winner.


    I scratch the back of my head, making an ambiguous expression. I was wondering how to exin this, but then a refreshing scent hits me as someone pats me on the back.


    ¡°Where¡¯s our seat?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, wearing a white sweater, gave off a strangely unadorned yet adorned vibe.


    As she came up next to me, she made eye contact with Ahn Hyeon-ho and the others, simply waving her hand and moving on.


    ¡°I hung my coat over there.¡±


    The stares from the guys made it awkward to answer, but Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t hesitate and quickly went over there.


    The moment Choi Yiseo disappeared from our side, the bitter remarks of the losers immediately flew out.


    ¡°This son of a bitch is doing NTR right in front of us!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me out to be the bad guy! Making me look weird when I¡¯ve never even dated Choi Yiseo?!¡±


    I immediately shot Ahn Hyeon-ho down, who was pointing fingers at me in disbelief.


    ¡°Is Yerin alsoing? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re nning to show me you¡¯re with Yerin right in front of my eyes?¡±


    Since it hadn¡¯t been that many hours since I spent the night at the PC Caf¨¦ with Seo Yerin, I felt slightly guilty.


    ¡°Sorry, but isn¡¯t that something you shouldn¡¯t be saying to me? Talking about Seo Yerin when you already have a girlfriend!¡±


    This guy acts like he¡¯d die without Seo Yerin, yet does anything he wants, which was infuriating for me to believe.


    ¡°You¡¯re not really in that kind of rtionship with Arin, are you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really not it!¡±


    As I retorted angrily, Pyo Jinho nodded, seemingly relieved.


    In conclusion, the only one expressing hatred towards me with a snarl was Ahn Hyeon-ho, but we parted ways, raising our middle fingers at each other.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, double fuck you.¡±


    Leaving the idiots behind and heading towards Choi Yiseo, I found her already settled in a chair, wrapped up as if she was almost asleep. I couldn¡¯t help butugh as I sat down next to her.


    ¡°Have you eaten?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. I was fasting after working out, nning to eatter.¡±


    It was already past lunch time and she still hadn¡¯t eaten?


    ¡°Order something. I¡¯ll buy.¡±


    As I turned on the familiar ordering screen, Choi Yiseo stared at me and then covered her mouth.


    ¡°Cough, cough.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, why?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. What to eat.¡±


    Choi Yiseo leaned towards me, scanning this and that. It seemed she was hesitating because all the food at the PC caf¨¦ wasden with calories .


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    A slight touch on the shoulder, or the subtle brush of a chest against an arm feels peculiar.


    Was it like this yesterday too?


    Is a PC caf¨¦ inherently such an ambiguous ce?


    ¡°I want to eat spicy ramen.¡±


    I quickly put in an order for ramen and two cups of coffee.


    While waiting for Chan-woo to bring them to us, I started downloading the documents I had sent via email when Choi Yiseo nced around and whispered softly.


    ¡°We-we look like a couple.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks for buying it for me.¡±


    Choi Yiseo today waspletely different from Seo Yerin and Yu Arin yesterday.


    It made me feel good, but also ufortable at the same time.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m buying because I have work for you to do.¡±


    I tried to sound brusque, but Choi Yiseo, thinking I was trying to hide my embarrassment, smiled softly and nodded.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll help.¡±


    Should I say it felt warm?


    Or should I say it felt fluffy?


    Anyway, I wasn¡¯t so dull as to not know that feeling strangely at ease was because I was with Choi Yiseo.


    Just when Chan-woo brought us the drinks and ramen, while waiting for Choi Yiseo to start eating.


    ¡°By the way, are you a fan of UI?¡±


    Remembering what Ahn Hyeon-ho had mentioned earlier, I asked, and Choi Yiseo, while slurping ramen, nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, most of the songs on my ylist are by UI. I listen to them even when I work out too.¡±


    ¡°I heard some guys over there talking about booking tickets for a UI concert. Maybe it¡¯s something like an end-of-year concert?¡±


    ¡°Really? I like her, but I¡¯ve never thought about going to a concert.¡±


    It was only expected since thepetition is fierce for this particr singer.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like it would take much time, shall we try to book tickets too?¡±


    As I said that, Choi Yiseo, who had been staring nkly at me, gulped her ramen down and cautiously asked,


    ¡°¡­Are you asking me on a date?¡±


    ¡°Why do you have to frame it that way? It¡¯s just simply going to a concert.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the same thing?¡±


    Tilting her head, yet Choi Yiseo quickly opened the ticketing website.


    But since we¡¯ve never done this before, we were somewhat at a loss on what to do.


    ¡°Do we just keep refreshing?¡±


    ¡°Do you know what time the tickets are released?¡±


    ¡°It says here that reservations start at 3 p.m.?¡±


    ¡°About ten minutes left.¡±


    I thought about looking for some tips, but then I realized there were already people on the other side getting heated and ready.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go ask ande back.¡±


    I get up quickly and head towards where the fools are.


    Chan-woo was also there, watching, with ten minutes left.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯te over here. If youe too, everyone will gather and then it reminds me of¡­!¡±


    ¡°Strictly speaking, since the bald guy isn¡¯t here, not everyone is gathered.¡±


    ¡°Uuk!¡±


    At Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s scolding, I reply with a jest, but strangely, Chan-woo seems to be the one embarrassed, his face turning pale.


    ¡°We¡¯re also trying to get tickets, give us some tips.¡±


    It seems he¡¯s looking at the time with a different watch than ours. Where did he find that?


    ¡°Get lost, Kim Woojin!¡±


    ¡°Eat shit, you scamming bastard!¡±


    The idiots immediately flipped their side.


    Han Kang and Pyo Jinho mocked me, sticking their tongues out.


    ¡°Why are you trying to get tickets too? Do you think we¡¯d increase ourpetition?¡±


    ¡°Go do your homework! There¡¯s no mercy or consideration in ticketing. It¡¯s a winner-takes-all game! Winning is all that matters!¡±


    ¡°Please, just go to the military.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯reing too!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my junior. Good luck.¡±


    ¡°Th-this, i-is Pri-Private Ki-Kim Woojin!¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯ve received my orders!¡±


    ¡°¡­Fucking assholes.¡±


    Having lost in getting details, I couldn¡¯t help but let my shoulders slump.


    Just imagining Han Kang and Pyo Jinho as my seniors made me dizzy, even scared.


    But then.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, just speak, you idiots.¡±


    ¡°Waaah!¡±


    ¡°Sniffle.¡±


    As I clicked my tongue seeing tears well up in Han-kang and Pyo Jinho¡¯s eyes, they quickly pretended not to cry and turned their gaze back to the screen.


    It hurts them too, trying to apply to something they haven¡¯t had an experience before.


    Anyway, it seemed like they definitely wouldn¡¯t share their ticketing tips with me, so I decided to try a different approach.


    I gestured subtly to Ahn Hyeon-ho and quietly called him over, and he swaggered over with his hands shoved in his pockets.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Share some tips with me. I¡¯d like to go with Yiseo.¡±


    ¡°You think I¡¯d let you go with her?¡±


    ¡°If I tell Yiseo that you helped, wouldn¡¯t that give you a bit more of a chance than now?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just about making up for the mess you¡¯ve made with your image this time, even if it¡¯s just a little?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t like the idea of Choi Yiseo dating you either. But wouldn¡¯t you be close friends with her at least?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it a friendship ruined by a day of drinking? Or is it love?¡±


    As I whispered this with a smile and an arm around his shoulder, An Hyeon-ho¡¯s expression slowly soured.


    He nced at me, then nodded and shared some ticketing tips. I, annoyed by those guys earlier, issued one more order.


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit¡­¡±


    After hearing my whole story, Ahn Hyeon-ho hesitated, but I pped him on the forehead and said,


    ¡°Hey, snap out of it. They¡¯re going to the military soon. Do you want to see them happy because they seeded in ticketing? Or do you want to see Yiseo smiling because she got the tickets?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to hear Yiseo saying, ¡®Thank you, Hyeon-ho!¡¯ because she seeded in ticketing for the first time?¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho nodded at my words, as if he had made up his mind. Then, he returned to his seat.


    Done.


    I lifted my fist as I passed by the three, a wicked smile forming on my face without me realizing.


    ¡°Fighting.¡±


    The two, surprised by my sudden cheer, ignored it and went back to their seats.


    ¡°Did you go? Did they tell you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s a different time to do it.¡±


    After quickly passing on the useful tip I got from Ahn Hyeon-ho, I prepared for ticketing.


    ¡°I feel¡­ somewhat nervous about this.¡±


    ¡°It feels like registering for sses.¡±


    ¡°Exactly that.¡±


    While we continued talking andughing, it was about time, so I warned Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°By any chance.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°No matter what noise you hear, just ignore it and keep on ticketing. Got it?¡±


    ¡°¡­What are you talking about? What did you do?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Ten seconds left!¡±


    Time passes.


    <em>10.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>9.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>8.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>7.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>6.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>5.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>4.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>3.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>2.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>1.</em>


    ¡°Ahn Hyeon-ho, you bastard! Why did you suddenly turn off theputer!¡±


    ¡°Is this guy crazy or something?! I¡¯ve been waiting for this for an hour today! Are you nuts?!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Choi Yiseo turns around in surprise.


    ¡°Got you both.¡±


    With a winner¡¯s smile naturally forming on my face, I continued with the ticketing.


    ¡°¡­It really worked.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the best seat, but I managed to secure two seats together.


    ¡°Ah, I didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    Choi Yiseo is disappointed. But seeing that I seeded, she smiled brightly and looked happy.


    Lastly.


    I stood up sneakily and looked over to see Ahn Hyeon-ho getting beaten up.


    Yet, his gaze was still directed this way, so I gave him a wink and even a thumbs up.


    ¡°Thank you, Hyeon-ho!¡±


    ¡°Fuck you! Not you!¡±


    But I seeded anyway.

 Chapter 99: Familiar

    Chapter 99: Familiar


    ¡°Wow, what¡¯s this? It really feels like the end of the year festival.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but tilt my head at the awkwardness of the UI concert schedule set for the end of December.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who found it strange that I didn¡¯t look too happy even after seeding in getting tickets, asked while drinking her coffee.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll have time to go to the concert.¡±


    Because around this time, I was nning to go work at the Gold One Hotel in Gangwon-do.


    When I talked to senior Ju-hee, she said there were plenty of spots and that they¡¯d put anyone to work if they just showed up on time.


    Since they provide lodging and meals, and it¡¯s in the mountains where there¡¯s hardly a need to spend money, I thought it might be quite an attractive ce for a broke uni student like me.


    Working in hotel management or culinary arts, initially for practice, but often ending up taking a part-time job there, suggested it¡¯s quite a decent gig for many.¡°You¡¯re working part-time, huh.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, trying not to take money from home. So, I¡¯m nning to move into the dorm from my sophomore year. They said working part-time during the vacation can also add bonus points during the interview for the dorms.¡±


    It was a way to indirectly appeal about financial difficulties, wasn¡¯t it?


    In fact, the best method was to get good grades, as Anonymous90¡­ that¡¯s what the student from the Department of Physical Therapy, Lee Eun-woo, told me.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Choi Yiseo looked at me with a contemtive expression.


    ¡°Well, we can think about it when the timees. If it doesn¡¯t work out, I can give it to you, and you can go see it with someone else.¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s fine, you¡¯ve seeded. If it¡¯s not with you, I don¡¯t particrly want to go either.¡±


    I was slightly moved by those words, but I forced myself to pretend otherwise and coughed, which made Choi Yiseo smile slightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re pretending not to be moved when you are.¡±


    How does she know me so well?


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s think about the concertter. For now, we should focus on our assignment at hand? I¡¯ll help, so let¡¯s get it done quickly.¡±


    Choi Yiseo quickly changed the subject. Indeed, finishing the assignment was the priority.


    ¡°Still, if you want to goter, tell me. I¡¯ll give you a ticket if I can.¡±


    Or maybe I could cancel and rebook right away?


    I¡¯m not sure if that¡¯s possible though.


    As I turned the editing program back on and said that, Choi Yiseo also gently smiled and agreed.


    ¡®The atmosphere is somewhat¡­¡¯


    When Seo Yerin and Yu Arin are together, it feels like a chaotic fight would break out at any moment, but now it¡¯sfortable and my mind feels somewhat at ease.


    ¡°I told you it wasn¡¯t me! That bastard made me do it!¡±


    ¡°Just because you¡¯re told to do something, you just do it? Huh? Do you?¡±


    ¡°Ah! What am I supposed to do now! I promised my girlfriend I¡¯d definitely seed in ticketing!¡±


    Although the bizarre screams of the fools could be heard from behind me, I pretended not to hear and moved on.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho keeps trying to pin the me on me, but the actual perpetrator is that guy, isn¡¯t it?


    But of course.


    ¡°Hey, Kim Woojin!¡±


    ¡°You trashy bastard!¡±


    Having heard the whole story, Pyo Jinho and Kang Han-kang came striding over, looking as if they wanted to kill me.


    ¡°How could you do that! Huh? Are you even human? Are you?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Yiseo, hello? Sorry, but can I take him away for a moment?¡±


    Pyo Jinho rudely pressed her with questions.


    To capture the enemy leader, shoot the horse, was it? Kang Han-kang approached Choi Yiseo first.


    Though the two pushed aggressively as if they were some kind of carrot and stick¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s expression, which had been creating a fresh and soft atmosphere until just now, turned cold.


    It felt simr to when I first saw her in ss.


    ¡®Come to think of it.¡¯


    Choi Yiseo had reminded me anew that she originally had this type of aura, which surprised me.


    Choi Yiseo, with an expressionless face, red at Kang Han-kang and Pyo Jinho and slowly crossed her legs while looking up at them.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    The two, overwhelmed by her chilly demeanor, especially Pyo Jinho, shrank back more because of his past experience of getting scolded by Yu Arin.


    ¡°Well, you see, Yiseo. The thing is¡­¡±


    Han-kang, noticing the situation, quickly tried to exin their circumstances to her, so I immediately stood up between them.


    ¡°I did nothing wrong!¡±


    No.


    I know I did something wrong.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡±


    From afar, Ahn Hyeon-ho, who got battered, yelled in anger after receivingfort from Chan-woo, but I decided to be even more shameless.


    ¡°Yiseo, don¡¯t listen to them! Just trust me!¡±


    Trying to prevent Choi Yiseo from hearing their story by sticking as close as to her as possible, Han-kang shouted from behind my back.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting here to get tickets for almost an hour¡­!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him!¡±


    I quickly covered her ears with both hands and made her focus her gaze on me.


    Choi Yiseo looked bewildered by the chaos, but it was a desperate resistance on my part, doing my best for her to not know about my shitty side.


    ¡°Look at me! Yiseo! The he-headset! Let¡¯s listen to music with a headset!¡±


    ¡°Hold it! If you exin it to Yiseo, she¡¯ll probably tell you to take the tickets!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re dead!¡±


    Right then, Pyo Jinho and Han-kang started pulling on my back, but since I couldn¡¯t exert any force on the hands covering Yiseo¡¯s ears, I had no choice but to fall back helplessly.


    ¡°What on earth is all this chaos.¡±


    Choi Yiseo turned, unable to follow the absurd situation. I started to struggle while being held by the two.


    ¡°Please, keep it down over there.¡±


    A momentary gap emerged as the gazes of other customers around us focused on us.


    Having shaken the two off and quickly sitting back down, I leaned the chair as far back as possible and justy there, trying to endure somehow.


    I finished preparing to hold on by wrapping my arms around the chair¡¯s armrests. No matter how much stronger they are, they surely can¡¯t hit me or anything here¡­


    <em>Bang.</em>


    I felt a warm weight on my thighs.


    Choi Yiseo, who had climbed on top of me as I¡¯m almost lying down on the chair, said to Han-kang and Pyo Jinho with her head slightly bowed in embarrassment,


    ¡°Go, go away because I will scold him.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Damn.¡±


    Pyo Jinho, looking back and forth between me and Choi Yiseo with a face that seemed to have hit reality, pped his forehead and turned his body.


    ¡°Kim Woojin, you bastard, make sure you enlist as my junior in the military.¡±


    Was it tears that flowed down his cheek? I felt like I knew, but let¡¯s just pretend not to.


    ¡°Please die, Kim Woojin. Die twice.¡±


    Han-kang, patting Pyo Jinho¡¯s back, had left with him.


    Considering it was a situation that could have exploded at any moment, it ended quite peacefully.


    And at the center of it, I had to admit, was Choi Yiseo.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    I lift the chair back up.


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    The distance between Choi Yiseo and me suddenly narrowed, but I didn¡¯t care and immediately pulled a chair up to theputer.


    ¡°Order anything else you want to eat. I¡¯ll buy it for you.¡±


    I could afford this much since I survived, thanks to her. Smiling broadly, Choi Yiseo, still seated on myp, raised her hand and pinched my cheek.


    ¡°What did you do?¡±


    ¡°¡­Nothing much.¡±


    ¡°Hurry and tell me.¡±


    Under Choi Yiseo¡¯s cold gaze, I eventually confessed that I had bribed Ahn Hyeon-ho to turn off both theirputers.


    ¡°Ah, you fool. Did you want to do the ticketing that badly? You¡¯re not even a fan of UI.¡±


    ¡°You said you were a fan¡­¡±


    Part of it was because I found those guys annoying, but also because Choi Yiseo was a fan, I wanted to get the tickets for her. Seeing me sulk, Choi Yiseo shook her head from side to side and sighed.


    Sitting on myp, her face was right next to mine, making her breath tickle as it brushed past my cheek.


    I felt somewhat ustomed to this position, but Choi Yiseo was slowly trying to get up.


    Then suddenly, she seemed curious and asked another question.


    ¡°Why does Ahn Hyeon-ho listen to you? It seems like he got hit because of that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I almost blurted out that I had made a deal with Ahn Hyeon-ho using her as bait.


    It felt like it would be a big problem if I said that.


    ¡°Yiseo, isn¡¯t there anything you¡¯d like to eat?¡±


    As I asked with a bright smile, Choi Yiseo narrowed her eyes and slowly wrapped her arms around my neck.


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Uh, isn¡¯t it a problem for us to be in this position?¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°People will think it¡¯s weird?¡±


    ¡°Shh, just tell me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m up! My lower half is rock-hard!¡±


    I ended up saying something I shouldn¡¯t have in an attempt to shake off Choi Yiseo from myp. Honestly, I hadn¡¯t fallen that low in bodily terms, so I wasn¡¯t actually erect.


    I didn¡¯t want to say it at the cost of my image, and Choi Yiseo actually nced down involuntarily.


    ¡°Is this the first or second time for you? Such things don¡¯t matter, right?¡±


    ¡°Crazy girl.¡±


    Super confident Choi Yiseo.


    Instead, she tightened her grip around my neck, making it feel sore as if I was in a headlock.


    Turning her body slightly to sit beside me, Choi Yiseo pressed on my cheek with her other hand and asked.


    ¡°Spit it out. Now.¡±


    I¡¯ve lost.


    I couldn¡¯t win against Choi Yiseo when she was being this forceful.


    ¡°That, that is¡­¡±


    Like a husband reporting to his wife that he¡¯d bought a yStation, I grumbled and confessed.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s fingers pressing against my cheek tightened. It¡¯s not just any pressure; it felt like my teeth might fall out.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Without saying anything, just pressing down on my cheek, this somehow felt scarier than if she were outright yelling at me for what I did.


    ¡°I said I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m sorry! Say something! It¡¯s scary!¡±


    It feels like a hole might be drilled through my cheek.


    Choi Yiseo slowly removes her hand.


    But she still hasn¡¯t let go of the arm around my neck, and her cold re hasn¡¯t lessened in intensity at all.


    Eventually, sitting awkwardly on me, I sneak a nce at the menu that appeared on the screen and say,


    ¡°Choose whatever you want to eat. I¡¯ll really buy you anything¡­¡±


    I reach out, brushing against Choi Yiseo¡¯s back to grab the mouse.


    Though it ends up looking like I¡¯m holding Choi Yiseo in my arms, it probably won¡¯t appease her anger, whatever it is.


    I stare sulkily at the screen.


    Refreshing the page.


    ¡°¡­Hmm?¡±


    Suddenly, a soft sensation on my cheek. As I quickly turned my head, there was Choi Yiseo, avoiding my gaze as if embarrassed.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just that, you looking sullen seemed a bit cute¡­¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this like bipr disorder?¡±


    Looking at her incredulously, she pressed her finger against my cheek again, and my head turned back towards the monitor.


    <em>Smooch.</em>


    And then, the same sensation was felt on my cheek. This time, she didn¡¯t turn her head, but she looked embarrassed and slightly lowered it.


    ¡°Hey, what is it this time?¡±


    ¡°I was worried it might hurt from the pressing earlier.¡±


    So, was that a kiss to make it better?


    It seemed like the pain was fading away.


    <em>Kiss.</em>


    ¡°Stop it, that¡¯s enough. It¡¯s hard for me.¡±


    <em>Kiss.</em>


    ¡°What is it this time?¡±


    The continuous kisses from her made it increasingly difficult to hold back.


    My heart was racing as if it had caught a fever inside, and all my nerves seemed to be concentrated on my cheek, an illusion.


    The first to react was, of course.


    ¡°This¡­¡±


    My lower half.


    Choi Yiseo cautiously moved her gaze back down.


    Pretending not to notice, I forced myself to focus on the monitor, but the mouse pointer, having nowhere to go, just repeated meaningless movements here and there.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m used to it! It¡¯s not the first or second time you¡¯ve done this!¡±


    Despite feeling a touch on her thigh, unlike before, Choi Yiseo pretended to be unaffected with a flushed face.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Ah, ahem. Tha-that¡¯s a bit too much.¡±


    Because the lower half, which was increasingly exerting its force and revealing its true nature, was poking Choi Yiseo.


    Choi Yiseo carefully got up off me and returned to the seat next to me that she was originally sitting on.


    Overwhelmed by a wave of shame, I wanted to go home.

 Chapter 100: Daily Life

    Chapter 100: Daily Life


    The final exams were done.


    It might seem too sudden, but they were over nheless. I passed the dormitory application, and I got into Gold One too.


    I gave up my studio apartment, and now all that was left was to work hard during the winter break and earn some money.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Imagining.¡±


    Seo Yerin, seated next to me in the ssroom, tilted her head, wondering what on earth I was talking about.


    Maybe it¡¯s because she¡¯s pretty, but every little thing she did seemed cute, which I actually find quite annoying.


    ¡°Just, imagining. After the exams are over. Getting into the dormitory. Stuff like that.¡±


    ¡°¡­But you haven¡¯t taken a single exam yet?¡±¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s called imagining.¡±


    It was just a longing to be free after the exams are over, imagining the future.


    Sighing, I turn my head buried in the desk here and there, making a futile struggle that meant nothing.


    To enter the dormitory, the most important thing was grades, as Lee Eun-woo had said, so there was a need to pay attention to my marks.


    The first semester¡¯s grades weren¡¯t too bad, but the midterm exams in the second semester didn¡¯t go very well for me.


    So, aiming to do my best in the finals to earn better grades, I found an empty ssroom and was studying with Seo Yerin, who had a few sses inmon with me.


    ¡°Yawn, how many hours has it been?¡±


    I was about to suggest taking a break and going for coffee.


    ¡®I guess she¡¯s already taking a break.¡¯


    Seo Yerin, who had already put her pen down, was tapping on her phone. I thought she might be ying a mobile game as usual, but her expression suggested otherwise.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin, tapping the keyboard as if she was arguing with someone.


    But soon after, she sighed heavily and slumped over the desk.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Seeing Seo Yerin get angry like that seemed almost like a first, so when I asked why, she abruptly stood up as if she had been waiting to do so.


    ¡°Look at this!¡±


    And showed me her phone.


    On it was the familiar Bamboo Forest bulletin board.


    Today, for some reason, there was a continuation of stories about the sexiest person.<ul><li>Anonymous47: Speaking my mind. It¡¯s not 69 anymore, 90 is the Sex God.</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous255: Is there anyone who doesn¡¯t know that?


    ? Anonymous97: It¡¯s already decided.


    ? Anonymous90: I wanna have seexxx!


    ? Anonymous11: Wearing a shit-stained hat and liking it, idiot.<ul><li>Anonymous156: 69 is just not nice from the number itself. 90 is clean and clear.</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous90: I wanna have seexxx!


    ? Anonymous11: Don¡¯t feed them with such content. They¡¯ll just rush in because they like it.<ul><li>Anonymous59(Admin1): When are we selecting the 2nd admin? Shouldn¡¯t we do it during the exam period?</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous167: Comin to the admin then.


    ? Anonymous292: Remove that weird image above. Someone posted a pigeon corpse.


    ? Anonymous59(Admin1): Deleted.<ul><li>Anonymous300: When is Popoing? I¡¯m cold¡­</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous312: If you¡¯re going on a long hiatus, at least post a notice about it.


    ? Anonymous309: Hope nothing bad happened?


    ? Anonymous303: Just rewatching on Neutube.<ul><li>Anonymous243: I am seriously pissed off. Has anyone seen the new season¡¯s ¡®The Fallen¡¯? How does this make sense? Why is the plot such a mess? Did they change the writer halfway through or something?</li></ul>


    ? Anonymous11: What¡¯s that, you freaking otaku.


    ? Anonymous243: If you don¡¯t know, shut up and control your temper.


    ? Anonymous11: Where do you live? What¡¯s your major?


    ? Anonymous221: Isn¡¯t this the first time Anime one responded?


    ? Anonymous79: Now I¡¯m curious about that anime lol


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Feeling like it might unnecessarily escte to a real-life confrontation, I turned on the Bamboo Forest on my phone and gave Anonymous11 a temporary one-day ban.


    In the midst of that, there were a few messages.


    ¡°Look at this, will you?!¡±


    ¡°Ah, right.¡±


    Right.


    Seo Yerin asked me to look at something for her.


    ¡°Why. What is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not me, they¡¯re saying 90 is a sex icon now!¡±


    ¡°¡­Congrattions.¡±


    It¡¯s good to shed a bad reputation, isn¡¯t it? But it seemed that wasn¡¯t what Seo Yerin was concerned about it?


    ¡°Congrattions? Congrattions?! Are you kidding me! They¡¯re saying it¡¯s me! I am the sex icon!¡±


    Immediately putting her phone down, Seo Yerin grabbed me by the cor and shook me back and forth.


    ¡°How did I achieve this! Writing diligently every single day! I¡¯ve even posted and deleted cleverly to avoid getting blocked by the regtions! I deliberately maintained the concept!¡±


    ¡°¡­You, you¡¯re saying that in front of me as if it¡¯s nothing?¡±


    Is she trying to get blocked by me, the Administrator, right now?


    It¡¯s not even like picking a fight, telling me you¡¯ve been sneaking around my surveince.


    I replied that it was ridiculous, but it seemed my words didn¡¯t reach Seo Yerin, who had already lost her marbles.


    ¡°What should I do? Isn¡¯t there any way?¡±


    ¡°What way? Just live with it. Since when was being called a Bamboo Forest Sex God something honorable.¡±


    ¡°No! I want to be the Sex God! That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying!¡±


    Then, as if she had a brilliant idea, she tightened her grip on my cor.


    ¡°Woojin! Block Anonymous90 for me! They¡¯re spamming! Acting like a sex-seeking parrot is bad!¡±


    ¡°You know that¡¯s like spitting in your own face, right?¡±


    ¡°Waaah! I¡¯m saying I¡¯m the Sex God! Anonymous69 is a Bamboo Forest celebrity!¡±


    ¡°At this point, I should permanently block you, huh? You¡¯re addicted.¡±


    I¡¯ve often thought it was crazy, but I wondered if a person could really be like this.


    Since it was no longer an atmosphere for studying, I decided to organize the inquiries.<ul><li>Anonymous300: Is there a way to check a user¡¯s search history separately?</li></ul>


    ? Administrator: Only I can do that. It is not provided separately to the users of the board.


    ? Anonymous300: There¡¯s someone I want to know about. Anonymous111.


    ? Administrator: It¡¯s not possible without a reasonable reason.


    ? Anonymous300: I¡¯m a fan.


    ? Administrator: No, you can¡¯t.


    If it¡¯s Anonymous111, isn¡¯t that Popo? There¡¯s been talk recently about Popo not doing broadcasts, and it seems like an obsessive fan wants to explore even the Popo posts.


    ¡®It feels creepy too.¡¯


    Remembering Popo, who came looking for me urgently during the festival for help, made the back of my head itch strangely, but I just let it go.


    Thinking that they must be living well on their own was moreforting for me.


    The next message was from someone I knew.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    They say, speak of the devil, and the deviles.


    As I let out a slight exmation at the familiar name, Seo Yerin, who was suffering, peeked at my phone screen.<ul><li>Anonymous90: I wanna have se<em>x! Admin! I wanna have se</em>x!</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A message that was strikingly simr to one I had received from Mr. Who.


    Carefully checking beside me, Seo Yerin, with her fists clenched and face flushed red, trembling violently, said:


    ¡°Thi¡­ thi¡­! Thiiiiis!¡±


    Suddenly, she started hitting me wildly.


    ¡°Thi-this! You thief! It¡¯s wrong! This is no good! How dare! How dare you copy meeeee!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Hey! Calm down! Ah! Look how hard your hands are!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go! Woojinaaaaa! You can¡¯t leaaave! I-I¡¯ll do everything for youuuu! I¡¯ll do anything, so don¡¯t goooooo!¡±


    ¡°No! Please! I¡¯ll listen from outside! Calm down!¡±


    ¡°Waaaaaaah!¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t take your clothes off!¡±<hr>


    It took some time to calm Seo Yerin as she was about to leave. I could only end it by promising to let her meet Anonymous90ter, but honestly, I wasn¡¯t sure if I could keep that promise.


    Anyway, since it¡¯s an anonymousmunity, I wondered if there was really a need to meet.


    It seemed like it would be bothersome if they met¡­


    I was on the way to the library alone because studying with Seo Yerin wasn¡¯t working out.


    She had been spamming the Bamboo Forest with sex by my side until she got blocked for a day and left in a huff.


    As the exam period was approaching, the library was almost full, but thankfully, there were a few empty seats that I could use, allowing me to settle down quietly and study.


    ¡®I wish I could get a national schrship.¡¯


    It was regrettable that it was difficult to receive a separate national schrship due to the household ie, but that couldn¡¯t be helped.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    .


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    While straightening my bent back, I sneak a peek at the time, and it¡¯s already been four hours since I started studying.


    Perhaps because I hadn¡¯t studied for a while, doing it after so long felt like I was pouring all the concentration I had saved up into it.


    Although it was only four hours, I tend to study quite efficiently, so I ended up feeling much more confident about the exam than before.


    ¡®Not bad.¡¯


    Looking around, many people had already left the library, and outside the window, it had already gotten dark, with the streetlights turned on.


    ¡®I should go home too.¡¯


    Stepping outside the library, the chilly air cooled my head, which had heated up from studying.


    I felt a sense of pride as a student, which I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time.


    Thinking about it, I wondered if I had been living a little too recklessly recently.


    This is what being a student is all about, after all, is what I told myself.


    ¡®I guess I need to buy some ramen on my way back.¡¯


    Strictly speaking, it was peaceful, and to put it more precisely a little clich¨¦d, but it was everyday life for me.


    I bought two packets of ramen on my way home. Without bumping into anyone in particr, without even a call.


    Humming along with the song ying through my earphones.


    Then, a call that shattered my mood.


    Curious, I checked my phone and there was a name I hadn¡¯t seen in quite a while.<ul><li>Second Brother -</li></ul>


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    Seeing that, I immediately disconnected my earphones and answered the call with augh.


    ¡°Wow, who is this? Isn¡¯t this the second brother who abandoned his sibling to live well on his own?¡±<ul><li>Hey, speak properly. You¡¯re the one who left us.</li></ul>


    Hearing second elder brother¡¯s warm voice made meugh too. After all, to talkfortably like this, second brother was the best.


    ¡°What did you call for? Wanted to hear your brother¡¯s voice?¡±


    When I asked, my brother awkwardly smiled and hesitated. It felt like he had something he wanted to ask but was looking for the right moment to spill it onto me.<ul><li>Have you been dating any girls recently?</li></ul>


    And the question he finally asked was so unexpected that I hesitated slightly without realizing.


    ¡°¡­No? Why all of a sudden?¡±<ul><li>You¡¯re not lying to your brother, are you?</li></ul>


    ¡°I might lie to my eldest brother, but I wouldn¡¯t lie to second brother. I¡¯m not seeing anyone right now.¡±<ul><li>Not right now?</li></ul>


    Look at this brother.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend. Our older brother knew I had a girlfriend in the spring. It doesn¡¯t seem like you wouldn¡¯t know about it.¡±<ul><li>¡­You¡¯re dating girls now, all grown up.</li></ul>


    ¡°Be good to your brother and sister-inw.¡±<ul><li>¡­Don¡¯t you ever get married.</li></ul>


    ¡°Why.¡±<ul><li>Just don¡¯t do it, you brat.</li></ul>


    ¡°But you¡¯re not married yet.¡±<ul><li>The car in front isn¡¯t moving, is it?</li></ul>


    ¡°The eldest brother won¡¯t marry a woman. He¡¯s already married to his work.¡±<ul><li>Sigh.</li></ul>


    Aplex sigh of agreement flowed from second brother. Eventually, second brother says he understood and casually moved on from the topic.<ul><li>Anyway, I was just wondering how you¡¯ve been. You said you¡¯re noting this winter either?</li></ul>


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of going? I¡¯m working part-time.¡±<ul><li>Part-time? Where?</li></ul>


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know.¡±<ul><li>¡­At this rate, I won¡¯t even see you when you go to the military.</li></ul>


    ¡°You didn¡¯t go, brother.¡±<ul><li>I¡¯m overweight, so I can¡¯t lie down and shoot. You have to go though.</li></ul>


    ¡°I have to go.¡±


    Since there¡¯s no way out, it¡¯s only natural. By the way, the eldest brother also served.<ul><li>Well, that¡¯s it. I¡¯m just curious if you¡¯re doing well. I¡¯ll contact you againter.</li></ul>


    ¡°Yeah, take care, brother.¡±<ul><li>Do you need spending money?</li></ul>


    ¡°No, I¡¯m good.¡±


    I decided to solve my own problems this time.


    I didn¡¯t want to rely on second brother¡¯s help from then.<ul><li>Alright, take care.</li></ul>


    Whether it was pride, the call ended with the soft voice of the younger brother.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Walking while talking on the phone, before I knew it, I had arrived home.


    A strange sensation crept in, feeling a small lump in my chest, but.


    Soon, ignoring it, I just boiled some ramen to eat.<hr>


    <em>Click.</em>


    After hanging up with the youngest, Kim Un wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled broadly.


    Because now he could share the good news with the red-haired woman sitting opposite him.


    ¡°See? I told you he¡¯s not dating anyone yet, right?¡±


    Kim Un said, his chubby cheeks jiggling, as Oh Yoon-ji crossed her legs and sat down.


    Even as he spoke, her expression was still filled with worry and gloominess.


    ¡°There were three womening out of his house, you know? Three? And all of them were beauties!¡±


    ¡°Ah, they must just be friends.¡±


    ¡°Just a female friend staying over at your house? Three of them?! And one of them is my high school friend!¡±


    Jealous bastard.


    Kim Un, who is dominated by Kim Woojin¡¯s ex girlfriend, secretly envied his youngest brother, Kim Woojin, but made it clear.


    ¡°Even so, my brother has some restraint. You don¡¯t know how stubborn he¡¯s been since he was young.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You might not know, but my father once told me he wanted to pass everything on to Woojin, not the eldest brother. That¡¯s how tenacious the kid was.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it different with women?¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t be much different. You should know since you¡¯ve dated too. He has his principles.¡±


    ¡®You know you¡¯re more susceptible to female temptations than you think.¡¯


    Oh Yoon-ji wanted to add that but held her words back, pressing on the corners of her eyes instead.


    Seizing the opportunity, Kim Un immediately pointed to the documents on the table.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with the work talk first. That way, we can go see Woojin, right?¡±


    ¡°Ha, alright. Who was next?¡±


    ¡°The name is¡­ Popo? That¡¯s a unique nickname.¡±


    Rather than being unique.


    ¡°It¡¯sme.¡±


    Clicking her tongue, Oh Yoon-ji began to skim through the profile of a tasteless streamer.

 Chapter 101: Exam Time

    Chapter 101: Exam Time


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Today is Wednesday.


    The exam period has already begun, and I¡¯ve already taken three exams. Each lecture has been a tense and exhausting moment.


    But this lecture was somewhat rxing and leisurely.


    ¡°Fuck you!¡±


    Yu Arin, on the giant screen in the lecture hall, raises her middle finger and curses.


    From the subtitles below to theposition and direction, there wasn¡¯t a single thing that did not have my touch, and I felt a sense of pride.


    Senior Ju-hee, who was staring nkly at the screen, leaned slightly towards me.


    ¡°It turned out well. It looks a whole lot better on the screen.¡±¡°Yes, it does.¡±


    It was thest day to watch our film project. Because the exam was reced by the project, today was thest lecture and the time to watch the submitted projects.


    There wasn¡¯t enough time to show all the works, so the professor said he would show the ones with good grades.


    One of them was ours, so I could say that this lecture was sessfullypleted.


    Seeing Senior Ju-hee¡¯s subtle smile, it seems she thought we did better than the other groups.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I turned my head slightly to see Seo Yerin¡¯s reaction on the left. She was staring nkly at her own image on the screen.


    I wondered if there was a problem, but she seemed more touched than troubled.


    She was the main character, so she must have felt a lot watching this.


    In the end, the film concluded with the death of Yu Arin, the mastermind, and as the ending credits rolled to extend the video time, apuse erupted in the lecture hall.


    The professor also pped and smiled at us behind the microphone.


    ¡°I heard this group had several incidents among the members, but they submitted a very impressive project with help from other ssmates. This project is among the top three I¡¯ve seen in years.¡±


    The professor¡¯s praise filled me with pride. If I hadn¡¯t missed that one ss due to drinking, I might have gotten an A+.


    ¡°Alright, next group¡­¡±


    Of course, there were other groups, so the praise didn¡¯tst long, but it was enough.


    I turned my head slightly and smiled at the female seniors who attended, hoping to at least get a D.


    ¡°You bastard¡­¡±


    ¡°What a rude jerk.¡±


    ¡°How dare he act like that to a senior?¡±


    They should have attended and shot the film with us to get good grades.


    As a sign of gratitude, I gave a thumbs up.


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s your middle finger.¡±


    ¡°Oops, my mistake.¡±


    Senior Ju-heeughed at my little mistake.


    And so the lecture had ended.


    ¡°You worked really hard this time. Since it¡¯s still the exam period, I¡¯ll treat you to a meal once it¡¯s over.¡±


    Senior Ju-hee, wearing sses because of the exam period, looked a bit different, but I didn¡¯t point that out and just nodded. Seo Yerin, still not fully herself, didn¡¯t respond, but Senior didn¡¯t bother to ask her.


    ¡°Oh, Woojin. Did you prepare all the documents for Gold One?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll leave about a week after the vacation starts, so make sure you prepare everything in advance.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood!¡±


    Captain Ju, exuding charisma, patted me on the shoulder and left.


    ¡°Hey, Seo Yerin. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    We had an Introductory Japanese Conversation ss on Wednesdays, which I took with Seo Yerin. It was one of the easier exams, so my steps were light.


    ¡°Oh, okay!¡±


    Finally, Seo Yerin snapped out of it.


    On our way to the lecture hall, we stopped by a caf¨¦ on campus.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    She mumbled my name.


    ¡°I was once scouted to be an actress, did you know that?¡±


    ¡°Are you bragging? Cause it seems like it.¡±


    Not just an actress.


    Idol, singer, model.


    And so on.


    There must have been countless people trying to bring Seo Yerin to the TV screen.


    ¡°At that time, I thought it was absolutely impossible. I thought it was apletely different world from mine. I wasn¡¯t interested at all.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°But after this project¡­ I feel a bit regretful.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡±


    ¡°I kind of wish I had at least tried.¡±


    Well, that¡¯s possible.


    No one starts out appearing on a giant movie theater screen. They gradually grow their dreams through short films or club activities.


    ¡°It¡¯s not toote yet.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°With your looks, I think at least one ce would ept you if you approached them. You might need to practice acting a bit, though.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying you should go right away. Take your time and think about it. We¡¯re still freshmen. We have plenty of time.¡±


    Feeling mildly relieved, Seo Yerin smiled brightly and took the coffee I handed her.


    ¡°I paid for it, so transfer the money. You know that, right?¡±


    ¡°Sure, but Woojin. What¡¯s this Gold One thing?¡±


    She asked as we exited the caf¨¦.


    ¡°Hmm? I¡¯m working part-time during winter break. Do you know Gold One Hotel in Gangwon-do?¡±


    ¡°¡­Money Hotel?¡±


    That¡¯s crazy.


    ¡°Casino Hotel.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they the same, jeez.¡±


    Seo Yerin grumbled while sipping her coffee. I ignored her grumbling and exined simply.


    ¡°I heard some students from our school are doing internships there. I joined them for a part-time job. The pay is good, and they provide amodation and meals.¡±


    ¡°¡­How long are you going for?¡±


    Seo Yerin looked at me with a worried expression.


    ¡°Two months? I¡¯ll be there almost the entire vacation.¡±


    At most, I might have a week when it starts and another week when it ends to rest.


    Seo Yerin suddenly jumped and shouted.


    ¡°What?! What about me?!¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°I was nning to stay at your ce during the vacation?!¡±


    I didn¡¯t bother to ask what she intended to do while staying. Luckily, there was no one around.


    ¡°Take it easy.¡±


    ¡°Take it easy! We¡¯ve only done it once! Do you even realize what our rtionship is?¡±


    I don¡¯t.


    Seriously, what is that anyway?


    ¡°Make some time before you go.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Fine, don¡¯t!¡±


    Grumbling, Seo Yerin stormed off ahead with quick steps.


    I watched her nkly, wondering why she was acting like that, and suddenly remembered something I had forgotten.


    ¡°Hey! Send me the coffee money!¡±


    ¡°Jeez!¡±


    Seo Yerin ran away with a straw in her mouth.


    ¡°Hey! Send it!¡±


    ¡°Free coffeeee!¡±<hr>


    ¡°Hey, look at this.¡±


    Do you know that some people go crazy during exam periods?


    I know it well because I feel like I might go crazy.


    For some reason, Yu Arin, who came to my ce to study, tapped my shoulder and stood up.


    She started stretching, moving her body this way and that, and I wondered what she was doing.


    Suddenly, she put one hand on the wall and slowly raised one leg.


    Eventually, she did a full split and showed a rxed smile.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this awesome?¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    I didn¡¯t know how to react to that. It was impressive, but it also felt a bit risqu¨¦, so I deliberately kept a nonchnt expression.


    But Yu Arin, seemingly unsatisfied with my reaction, kept her position with a frown.


    ¡°You¡¯re not impressed? This is awesome.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s awesome how you¡¯re wasting time doing this during the exam period. Didn¡¯t you say you needed to do well on this exam?¡±


    ¡°Ha, look at this guy.¡±


    Seemingly even more determined, Yu Arin lowered her leg and moved my mattress aside.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing!¡±


    ¡°Just watch.¡±


    Then she struck a heronding pose and said,


    ¡°Cyclone!¡±


    She suddenly shouted out a bizarre move name you¡¯d hear in a superhero show and started doing a windmill!


    ¡®Am I dreaming?¡¯


    How do you process the sight of a female ssmate spinning like a windmill in your room?


    Yu Arin spun around like a real windmill. I thought she had finally gone mad from studying for the exam.


    ¡®Tsk.¡¯


    But watching her, I couldn¡¯t help but think it was really cool.


    ¡°How about it? Awesome, right?¡±


    ¡°It is awesome.¡±


    Only after hearing my response did Yu Arin stop windmilling. She stood up and staggered,ining of dizziness.


    Then she put her hand on a cab to steady herself and saw the Tengas lined up there, looking dumbfounded.


    ¡°Did you put these on disy?¡±


    ¡°I forgot to give them to the guys, so I left them out.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Then she stared intently at the Tengas.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t there fourst time?¡±


    ¡°There were three.¡±


    ¡°No, there were red, blue, ck, and white. The blue one is missing now.¡±


    She has a ridiculously good memory.


    Why does she remember that?


    ¡°Let¡¯s study.¡±


    As I tried to change the subject, Yu Arin stared nkly at the Tengas, realized something, and shouted.


    ¡°You crazy bastard! You used one, didn¡¯t you?!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s study.¡±


    ¡°Study my ass! Where is it?! Where did you hide it?!¡±


    ¡°¡­Let¡¯s study!¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Clicking her tongue, Yu Arin grabbed her bag. I thought she was leaving, but she pulled something out from her bag.


    ¡°¡­I came to return these.¡±


    A thick, majestic purple dildo and a box full of condoms.


    ¡°Why do you even have those?¡±


    Those were the things I bought at the adult store when I was drunk.


    Blushing, Yu Arin awkwardly exined.


    ¡°Lst time we drank, Yerin and Yiseo took them.¡±


    Oh, I heard about that.


    The three of them were drinking, with Seo Yerin calling me with a dildo, and Choi Yiseo counting the condoms. Those girls are trouble when they drink.


    ¡®¡­There was a big incident with Seo Yerin, it wasn¡¯t there.¡¯


    Well, let¡¯s move on.


    ¡°So I told them not to mess around and put them in my bag, but I forgot and took them home.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    Words I wanted to joke about rose to my throat, but I held back, thinking it would cross the line.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t use it!¡±


    Yu Arin, holding the dildo, yelled at me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask.¡±


    ¡°Geez!¡±


    I didn¡¯t know if Yu Arin actually used it or not, and I didn¡¯t care.


    Suddenly, Yu Arin grabbed a Tenga, looking like a bright idea just struck her.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°They found each other.¡±


    She inserted the dildo into the Tenga and smiled satisfactorily, making me feel dizzy.


    It was the exam period.

 Chapter 102: End Of Exam Time

    Chapter 102: End Of Exam Time


    In a quiet ssroom.


    Despite the numerous people gathered in it, all that could be heard was the ticking of the clock urging them on and the pens moving in sync with it.


    Time, which seemed like it would never end when something was overwhelmingly difficult, suddenly felt like it was nearing its end, filling me with emotion.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    <em>Thunk.</em>


    I put my pen down.


    The saying ¡°effort never betrays¡± resonated in my heart, at least for today.


    ¡®It¡¯s over.¡¯


    After penning the answer to thest question, I massaged my eyes with my fingers and took a deep breath, finally feeling a sense of reality.Thest exam of the finals.


    The thrill of liberation, knowing I wouldn¡¯t have toe to school from tomorrow, surged through my body.


    Of course, in about a week, I¡¯d have to go straight to the Gold One Hotel to work, but the thought of being able to rest in the meantime felt great.


    ¡®Let¡¯s catch up on all the missed dramas and movies, y some games¡­¡¯


    Though the exams were over, I quickly nned what I would do next in my head.


    With a satisfied smile, I stood up from my seat.


    The exams were over.<hr><ul><li>


    Anonymous171: It¡¯s over! Finally over!</li><li>


    Anonymous254: Finally saying goodbye to uni! Congrats to the graduates, and let¡¯s keep working hard, those of us left!</li><li>


    Anonymous67: Looking for someone to do a sweet part-time job during the vacation. It¡¯s a bakery, just need to handle the register¡­!</li><li>


    Anonymous93: Sigh, one exam left.</li><li>


    Anonymous59(Admin1): Good job. Bamboo Forest will be closed during the vacation.


    ? Anonymous278: That¡¯s BS. It¡¯ll stay open for things like certifications or part-time jobs during the vacation.


    ? Anonymous59(Admin1): Damn it.</li><li>


    Anonymous11: It sucked. See you next year.</li></ul>


    Even though the end times of the exams varied for each, and some hadn¡¯t finished yet, everyone seemed to share simr feelings.


    I too, nced at the Bamboo Forest and left a notice with a smile.<ul><li>Admin: Have a great winter vacation.</li></ul>


    Not too verbose, because notices aren¡¯t meant to be long. Humming a tune, I was heading home when I got a message on my phone.<ul><li>Yu Arin: What are you doing?</li></ul>


    Seeing that it was Yu Arin, she must have seen my posting and texted me right away.


    She was probably on the Bamboo Forest just a moment ago.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: Just finished the exam, heading home.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: OK</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­Okay?¡±


    Seeing no further response, it seemed that was all she wanted to say. It could mean she wasn¡¯t interested, or that it was enough.<ul><li>Kim Woojin: Don¡¯te over.</li></ul>


    Just in case, I sent a message, and soon after, I got a reply.<ul><li>


    Yu Arin: What are you saying?</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Why would I evene over, idiot.</li></ul>


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Maybe I was feeling too sensitive.


    Lately, Yu Arin had been visiting frequently, so I mentioned it just in case, but that seemed unnecessary.<ul><li>Kim Woojin: Sorry</li></ul>


    Apologizing for my unnecessary concern, I received a quick reply.<ul><li>


    Yu Arin: Okay, but what kind of beer do you like?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: You said you¡¯re noting over.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: I¡¯m not. Just asking what kind of beer you like.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: I drink all kinds.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Of course, you wouldn¡¯t be picky.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Do you have space for beer in your fridge?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: ¡­You said you¡¯re noting.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: I¡¯m not.</li></ul>


    What¡¯s with this girl?


    Ignoring her, I hurried home. I didn¡¯t want to get caught up unnecessarily.


    After a quick shower at home.


    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>


    ¡°Open up, Kim Woojin!¡±


    ¡°Crazy woman, you said you¡¯re noting!¡±


    ¡°Oh, whatever!¡±


    What did she mean, ¡®whatever¡¯? Though I sighed, I still opened the door for her.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    Yu Arin and Jeong Chan-woo entered, carrying bags of beer with smiles.


    ¡°Hello, Woojin.¡±


    ¡°We came to keep youpany since you¡¯re lonely!¡±


    ¡°Chan-woo¡¯s here too? Great!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this? Why only wee Jeong Chan-woo?¡±


    Yu Arin pouted, offering a bag filled with beer. She seemed upset that I appeared closer to Chan-woo than her.


    ¡°I have something for Chan-woo.¡±


    Pointing to the grotesque figure Yu Arin madest time, I said to Chan-woo.


    ¡°It¡¯s yours, take it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the monstrosity Yu Arin madest time. She even named it¡­ What was it again?¡±


    Yu Arin, putting the beer in the fridge like it was her own home, replied nonchntly.


    ¡°Woojin and Chan-woo.¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t the name.¡±


    ¡°Woojin is the dildo part, and Chan-woo is the inserted part.¡±


    ¡°By the way, who told Arin about the old man incidentst time?¡±


    Asking knowingly wasn¡¯t a good habit. I was about to advise Chan-woo, but he was already ring at me.


    ¡°I mentioned it casually¡­ Do you still keep in touch with the old man?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡±


    Is he denying it too much? He seemed like a nice person to me.


    Chan-woo stormed off to the bathroom, while Yu Arin, humming a tune, set the ce up.


    ¡°Why did youe?¡±


    ¡°To hang out. You¡¯re done with exams too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯re all going to Gold One Hotel together, so we should strengthen our bond and figure out what to do there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­ what?¡±


    What did I just hear?


    Staring nkly at Yu Arin, she put her hand to her mouth and smiled mischievously.


    ¡°Let¡¯s work hard together there, okay?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going too?¡±


    ¡°All our high school friends. When I told senior Ju-hee, she introduced us right away. Thanks to her, we got a sweet part-time job for winter vacation.¡±


    ¡°¡­Well, that¡¯s actually better.¡±


    It¡¯d be easier to live with familiar faces. We¡¯d be staying in assigned dorms, and I could room with Chan-woo.


    ¡°What should we eat with the drinks? Did you order?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the host, you should order. We brought the drinks.¡±


    What nonsense, I thought as I opened the delivery app on my phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m ordering saucy chicken.¡±


    ¡°Why saucy chicken with beer? Order fried chicken.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m adding rice to the saucy chicken.¡±


    And I¡¯m the host.


    Yu Arin, grumbling at my firmness, made ast-ditch effort.


    ¡°Then order cheese saucy chicken!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense! Who puts cheese on saucy chicken!¡±


    Saucy chicken should be eaten as it is for the best taste.


    ¡°Jung Chan-woo,e out! Just saucy chicken or cheese saucy chicken!¡±


    ¡°I-I have a stomach ache!¡±


    That guy is pooping as soon as he arrives at someone¡¯s house.


    If he weren¡¯t handsome, I¡¯d have kicked him out. Strangely, the thought that his pose while pooping would be sexy made me feel even worse.


    ¡°He¡¯s useless when needed.¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    Did he hear that?


    Though it was a harsh statement, Yu Arin didn¡¯t stop and jumped on me.


    ¡°Cheese saucy chicken! Order it! At least with cheese! Add noodles!¡±


    ¡°Agh! What noodles! Add fried rice!¡±


    Luckily, I was taller, so I lifted the phone high, and Yu Arin couldn¡¯t reach it.


    She jumped twice to grab it, but if it were Seo Yerin, she would have pouted andined by now. Yu Arin was different.


    ¡°This brat!¡±


    Like climbing a tree, she climbed onto me.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    The unexpected situation almost made me lose my bnce, but I¡¯m Kim Woojin, who didn¡¯t miss a single day of home workouts even during exams.


    ¡­I don¡¯t know why home workouts were so fun during exams.


    Standing firm like a sturdy tree, I held the phone behind me, out of her reach. Panting, Yu Arin clung to me, wrapping her arms around my neck and legs around my waist.


    Our breaths grew heavy, and a bit of sweat formed. Our cheeks brushing felt oddly intimate.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin, clinging silently.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    I asked, bewildered, and she mumbled softly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Get down. Chan-woo¡¯sing out.¡±


    ¡°No. I want cheese saucy chicken.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Or I won¡¯t get down.¡±


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re putting cheese on spicy saucy chicken!¡±


    ¡°Cheese saucy chicken.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s delicious as it is.¡±


    ¡°Cheese saucy chicken.¡±


    I heard the toilet flush.


    Panicking, I tried to get Yu Arin off me, grabbing her waist and pushing her, but.


    ¡°Hmm!¡±


    All I heard was a strange moan, unable to get her off. Instead, she clung tighter.


    ¡°Fine! Cheese saucy chicken!¡±


    I had no choice but to surrender, but she still didn¡¯t get down.


    ¡°Add noodles.¡±


    ¡°This girl¡­¡±


    ¡°Add noodles!¡±


    ¡°Fine! Add noodles!¡±


    ¡°¡­Drinks.¡±


    ¡°Are you enjoying this?!¡±


    ¡°Hehe!¡±


    Finally, she got down. Panting, I barely managed to get her off, and she took my phone to ce the order.


    Then Chan-woo came out.


    ¡°Hey, you pooper. Because of you, we have to eat cheese saucy chicken!¡±


    How could he think of pooping as soon as he enters someone¡¯s house? I scolded him, and he scratched his head, shrugging.


    ¡°Sorry, my stomach wasn¡¯t well.¡±


    Then he nced at us, sensing the atmosphere, and gave an awkward smile.


    ¡°Should I go home?¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°Just¡­ It seems like a good idea?¡±


    Sensing something, Chan-woo spoke mysteriously. Ignoring him, Yu Arin continued ordering side dishes.


    ¡°¡­I need the bathroom too.¡±


    To change the atmosphere, I headed to the bathroom. I needed to wash my face.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Entering the bathroom, I felt something strange. It should have smelled bad, but it was still fresh.


    Was he so handsome that even his poop didn¡¯t smell? No, that wasn¡¯t it.


    ¡®There¡¯s no toilet paper?¡¯


    I realized the toilet paper was in the living room. Don¡¯t ask why.


    Without toilet paper, how did Jeong Chan-woo clean up?


    No smell, no way to clean up, yet he flushed. This logically meant he didn¡¯t actually poop.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Realizing that Chan-woo intentionally left us alone.


    Something.


    Made me think this was going to be aplicated drinking session.

 Chapter 103: Same Situation, Different Reaction

    Chapter 103: Same Situation, Different Reaction


    When I realized that Chan-woo had deliberately stepped aside, I wanted to have a talk with him, but there was never a time for just the two of us.


    In this cramped studio apartment, where three people were together, there was no opportunity for the two of us to have a private conversation.


    So, half giving up, I just let things flow.


    Eating cheese saucy chicken with added noodles, I made a subtle expression.


    ¡°Tastes good, right?¡±


    As Yu Arin had said.


    I was a bit surprised at how tasty it was.


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s so good about this! Dad doesn¡¯t like stuff like this!¡±


    I pretended not to like it, as I didn¡¯t like Yu Arin¡¯s smug face, basking in victory.¡°Ugh, boring.¡±


    ¡°This ce is good.¡±


    Yu Arin and Jeong Chan-woo ignored me, focusing on their own food.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to have a smoke.¡±


    By the time the atmosphere had warmed up after drinking some beer, Chan-woo went outside, saying he was going to smoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you the smoking area.¡±


    Thinking it was a chance, I tried to get up quickly, but Chan-woo promptly refused and made me sit back down.


    ¡°No, I know where it is.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon, just keep on drinking.¡±


    Why does it feel like he won¡¯t be back soon?


    Those words lingered in my mouth, but I had no choice but to let him go due to Yu Arin¡¯s gaze, sipping canned beer and staring at us.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    The door closed.


    ¡°That bastard is thinking something weird, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s indifferent remark.


    Her tone was rough, making me think she was drunk, but her face showed otherwise.


    Simply put, it meant Yu Arin was in a bad mood.


    ¡°Even earlier at the bathroom, it felt like he was deliberately giving us space.¡±


    Grumbling that it was annoying while eating udon, I nodded in agreement, feeling more at ease.


    ¡°Yeah, it seems so. It didn¡¯t look like he pooped in the bathroom earlier.¡±


    ¡°Ah, geez. We¡¯re eating.¡±


    Annoyed, Yu Arin twisted her body and kicked me lightly. It didn¡¯t hurt, but it felt oddly unpleasant.


    ¡°Ugh, Chan-woo, that bastard. His weird thoughts are annoying to handle.¡±


    Draining another can of beer, Yu Arin grumbled, and I agreed, taking a sip as well.


    ¡°Yeah, I feel the same. Trying to pair you and me up is really annoying.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m totally out of your league.¡±


    Hm?


    ¡°Nonsense, I¡¯m out of your league.¡±


    As I argued, I looked to the side, and Yu Arin was also staring at me.


    ¡°Look at me, aren¡¯t I out of your league? I¡¯m slim, well-toned from working out, flexible, and I can even do cartwheels.¡±


    I thought I might lose out because of the cartwheel, but thinking rationally, that wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°Rather than slim, it¡¯s just that there¡¯s nothing special. Look at me. I¡¯m mannerly, gentle, and considerate.¡±


    ¡°Look at you repeating the same thing three times because you have nothing else to say.¡±


    Busted.


    As Yu Arin said, I just repeated the same thing three times.


    ¡°Besides, you¡¯re not even considerate. In what way are you considerate? You just live as you please.¡±


    It was sharp, but if I backed down here, I¡¯d be less of a man than Yu Arin.


    ¡°You drinking here is also my consideration. You always posted about being bored in the Bamboo Forest, and I¡¯m the one who made you a moderator.¡±


    ¡°Wow, look at that shamelessness. Just call you Mr. Shameless.¡±


    ¡°Really boring.¡±


    As we bickered, we drained another can of beer. Our conversation had gradually turned into apetition to put each other down.


    ¡°Your only merit? You live as you please without caring about others. That¡¯s about it, right?¡±


    ¡°Me? I live by instinct? No way¡­ No one lives more restrained than I do.¡±


    Even looking at the Bamboo Forest inquiries, there were several anonymous inquiries asking to book a room with me, and yet she says I live by instinct.


    If Yu Arin had seen me restraining myself when Choi Yiseo came over without condoms, she would have apuded me as a saint.


    ¡°You touched my chest.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Damn it.


    She always leaves me speechless.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know it was your chest.¡±


    With the alcohol taking effect, I blurted out a blunt remark, but this was no longer a big deal with Yu Arin.


    In fact, Yu Arin also snorted and took a sip of beer.


    ¡°Bullshit. I remember you getting all excited and breathing heavily.¡±


    ¡°¡­Hey, wait. But you were the one who made me touch it. And I didn¡¯t go any further.¡±


    Thinking about it, that¡¯s true.


    I ended up resisting and not doing anything.


    At my words, Yu Arin, who had just taken a sip, immediately put her mouth back to the beer can. She must have nothing to say.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, Yu Arin. You have nothing more to say. Kim Woojin is almost a saint. His self-control is so strong that you¡¯d think he¡¯s impotent.¡±


    Smiling slyly and teasing her, Yu Arin finally couldn¡¯t stand it and grabbed both of my cheeks.


    ¡°You bastard¡­¡±


    Whether it was a sense ofpetitiveness or what, she ground her teeth and huffed.


    I couldn¡¯t tell if it was because she was drunk or just embarrassed, but her face turned red.


    ¡°Come on! Bring it on!¡±


    Then she grabbed my hand and ced it on her chest.


    It was the same situation as before.


    Before I knew it, my hand was on Yu Arin¡¯s bulging chest.


    Since it was winter, she was wearing thick clothes and underwear, so the sensation was mostly artificial.


    But the soft feeling between the gaps made my chest thump just likest time.


    However.


    The difference from that time is.


    ¡°¡­Hic.¡±


    It was Yu Arin¡¯s expression.


    Her gaze was different from thatst time when she showed no interest in me. Back then, I withdrew my hand, thinking it was just a physical contact without emotional exchange.


    But now.


    ¡°Hic, hic.¡±


    Her blushing cheeks.


    Her eyes glistening slightly with moisture.


    In that moment, I sensed a mix of fear and a bit of anticipation at what might happen next.


    <em>Twitch.</em>


    Before I knew it, both of my hands were gripping her chest.


    ¡°Huh¡­ hoo.¡±


    As I applied a bit of pressure, Yu Arin let out a faint moan mixed with drunkenness and twisted her body slightly.


    Embarrassed by the sound she made, she quickly covered her mouth, but my hands stayed glued to her chest.


    It¡¯s tempting.


    And addictive.


    It felt like it would go on forever, and if I went any further, I¡¯d cross a line.


    <em>Knock, knock, knock.</em>


    ¡°Woojin, the door¡¯s locked.¡±


    Chan-woo¡¯s voice came from outside.


    ¡°Ahh! Damn it!¡±


    As she stood up, Yu Arin kicked me in the chest, making me roll backwards.


    She quickly ran to the bathroom.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I wanted to lie on the floor forever. I wanted to fall asleep right now and forget what I just did.


    ¡°Woojin? Arin?¡±


    If it weren¡¯t for Chan-woo¡¯s voice from outside.


    Standing up slowly, I bent over slightly. I didn¡¯t want to show that I was straining my lower body.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    When I opened the door, Chan-woo smiled and took off the padded jacket he wore out.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Arin?¡±


    ¡°¡­In the bathroom.¡±


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have asked.¡±


    Sitting back down and eating the remaining saucy chicken, Yu Arin came out of the bathroom.


    Still with a red face, leaning against the bathroom door, she looked at me.


    ¡°Ki-Kim Woojin, pathetic.¡±


    She smirked arrogantly.


    ¡°That wench¡­¡±<hr>


    Whether it was fortunate or strange, thanks to Yu Arin reverting to her usual self, the drinking session continued.


    As the night deepened, it was obvious that we couldn¡¯t let Yu Arin stay at our ce, so we put her in a taxi and sent her home.


    Chan-woo decided to stay over. Since tomorrow was Friday and he didn¡¯t have any part-time job, we nned to finish the remaining drinks.


    But maybe because there were no snacks, the atmosphere wasn¡¯t quite right.


    Probably because Yu Arin left and the mood dipped slightly.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    While we were sipping beer, Chan-woo cautiously called me.


    I had been waiting for a moment alone, but now that it hase, I felt a sudden worry.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    When I responded and looked up, Chan-woo was staring at me. Even though he was drunk, his intense gaze and handsome face were irritating.


    But I could tell he was a good guy.


    Because.


    ¡°Take care of Arin.¡±


    He was smiling.


    ¡°I think Arin has feelings for you.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Forcing a denial, I drank my beer, but Chan-woo just chuckled.


    ¡°Never mind then.¡±


    ¡°Haa, Chan-woo. Why did youe today?¡±


    Even if Yu Arin was the reason, I wanted to know why Chan-woo came along. From what I heard, it was Chan-woo¡¯s idea.


    ¡°I just¡­ wanted to see.¡±


    Taking a sip, Chan-woo nodded slightly,ing to his own conclusion.


    ¡°Yeah, I think I just wanted to see.¡±


    ¡°See what.¡±


    ¡°Who Arin is seeing now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. I think I can finally move on. I think I can meet someone else.¡±


    Saying he felt relieved and thanking me, I felt a pang of guilt. But apologizing would only make Chan-woo feel worse.


    ¡°So, you did all that today to get Arin and me together? We both noticed.¡±


    As I yfully scolded, Chan-woo admitted it was a mistake.


    ¡°Whether you like Arin or not¡­ that¡¯s between you two. It has nothing to do with me. Sorry for meddling.¡±


    ¡°When you say that, it makes my offer to help seem strange.¡±


    ¡°That was because I asked for your help.¡±


    Chan-woo¡¯s smile, as he took a sip, felt like he wasforting me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what will happenter, but don¡¯t make it too hard for her. Arin is my friend.¡±


    Friend.


    It was a heavy word, marking the end of emotions and the destination of rtionships.


    ¡°You¡¯re my friend too.¡±


    Smiling, Chan-woo raised his beer can.


    ¡°To our friendship.¡±


    Looking at the raised beer can, I let out a chuckle and toasted.


    ¡°To the women Chan-woo will make cry.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Did he not like that?


    ¡°Then, to Chan-woo¡¯s dick that won¡¯t have any days off from now on.¡±


    ¡°¡­To that.¡±


    Damn bastard.


    He didn¡¯t even deny it.

 Chapter 104: The Day Before Departure

    Chapter 104: The Day Before Departure


    ¡°Hmm, ahem.¡±


    Choi Yiseo checked her wristwatch awkwardly.


    A wristwatch she doesn¡¯t normally wear, a navy coat and white blouse coordinated by Minji.


    She scratched her cheek in embarrassment, having dressed up so much. There were men interested in her, but seeing her poised for an appointment, they didn¡¯t dare approach.


    ¡°Phew.¡±


    Kim Woojin, who was leaving for Gold One tomorrow.


    She wanted to go with him, but she had things to do during the vacation, so she couldn¡¯t join him.


    They would be apart for two months.


    Choi Yiseo mustered up the courage to ask him out today.Honestly, she was a bit embarrassed at first, but now she was d she did and inwardly praised herself.


    Even though there was still some time before the appointment, the strange excitement was surprising.


    ¡®We often hung out together normally.¡¯


    Even though they had met outside of school before, her heart was racing. She realized again how much she really liked Kim Woojin.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Just then, she heard Kim Woojin¡¯s voice behind her. Turning to greet him with a bright smile.


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    There stood Kim Woojin, casually dressed in ck workout clothes.


    ¡°Huh, what?¡±


    The important thing was that Kim Woojin himself looked flustered. As they stood there, choosing their words.


    Kim Woojin spoke first.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you call me out to exercise?¡±


    Oops.


    She had just asked to meet, and he misunderstood. Since Choi Yiseo was usually focused on exercise, she often called him out for it.


    Although she felt like crying because of the misunderstanding caused by her usual behavior, she forced a smile and spoke.


    ¡°I must have not been clear.¡±


    ¡°¡­Wait a minute, I¡¯ll just change quickly.¡±


    Realizing why she called him out, Kim Woojin tried to turn back to change his clothes, but Choi Yiseo shook her head and stopped him.


    ¡°No, no! It¡¯s okay as it is!¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Why are you apologizing! It¡¯s my mistake! Besides, we¡¯re not even dating yet¡­¡±


    Her voice trailed off, sounding a bit sorrowful. Choi Yiseo, fidgeting with her hands, seemed weaker than usual.


    Seeing her like that, Kim Woojin quickly came up with a reason.


    ¡°Ah! If it¡¯s okay, could youe with me to buy some clothes?¡±


    ¡°Clothes¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m going to Gold One tomorrow and need to buy some clothes.¡±


    At his considerate suggestion, Choi Yiseo stared nkly at him before smiling softly.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving tomorrow and you still haven¡¯t bought clothes?¡±


    She linked arms with him carefully.


    In the now rxed atmosphere, they started walking down the street.<hr>


    ¡°Looks good.¡±


    Choi Yiseo showed a genuinely satisfied smile as she looked at Kim Woojin in his new clothes.


    Although she knew there were many handsome people around, like Ahn Hyeon-ho, Han-kang, and Jeong Chan-woo, she still thought Kim Woojin was the coolest.


    Even if Minji, her roommate, said she was blinded by love.


    ¡°Ahem, this feels awkward.¡±


    Though it wasn¡¯t his first time shopping with a girl, Kim Woojin felt ufortable.


    At first, she thought it was just the store, but remembering his ex-girlfriend and her friend Oh Yoon-ji¡¯s interest in clothes, a strange jealousy welled up.


    They must have often shopped like this.


    ¡®¡­¡­¡¯


    A sudden thought entered Choi Yiseo¡¯s mind: Is what I¡¯m doing right? Even though they had broken up, being with her friend¡¯s ex-boyfriend like this.


    As she reached this long-dyed realization.


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s previously excited feelings calmed down.


    <em>Tap.</em>


    She lightly ced her hand on Kim Woojin¡¯s chest, d in a brown coat, and patted it, giving a bitter smile.


    ¡°Shall we go?¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay.¡±


    Kim Woojin also realized the sudden change in her mood, but. It wasn¡¯t easy to hide these feelings.


    She just hoped time would help.<hr>


    They shopped.


    Ate.


    Watched a movie.


    It was more enjoyable than she thought. If they started dating, would such times continue daily?


    She worried she might be a fool, but for Choi Yiseo, it was a happy time.


    There were moments when Kim Woojin¡¯s desire and reason conflicted, which was also quite impressive.


    But the knot in her heart didn¡¯t dissolve easily.


    They met in the morning, but the sky was already dark.


    She thought about suggesting a drink, but feared it might reveal her jealousy and ugliness.


    So she was too afraid.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go now.¡±


    Choi Yiseo waved goodbye in front of her house. With Kim Woojin going to Gold One, they wouldn¡¯t see each other for two months.


    She wanted to leave a memorable farewell, but.


    What came out was a dry, hollow goodbye.


    ¡®Ah, what¡¯s wrong with me today.¡¯


    She shouldn¡¯t have thought those things at the clothing store. A dayter, she¡¯d regain herposure, but it was hard to now.


    ¡°Okay, take care. Have a great vacation.¡±


    Kim Woojin, noticing Choi Yiseo¡¯s odd behavior, smiled lightly and saw her off.


    They wouldn¡¯t meet for two months, but it was only for two months.


    Such a short time wouldn¡¯t rattle their friendship or bring drastic changes to their rtionship.


    But if she had to express it.


    Stagnation.


    Yes, it would stagnate.


    Feeling a sudden fear, Choi Yiseo stopped, but the timing was unfortunate.


    <em>Buzz!</em>


    Her phone rang.


    Realizing it was hers, she quickly took it out and was startled by the name on the screen.<ul><li>Yoon-ji -</li></ul>


    It was a call from her high school friend, Oh Yoon-ji, who she hadn¡¯t heard from in a while.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Seeing her startled reaction, Kim Woojin approached, but she quickly hid the phone.


    Kim Woojin, having seen the name, grimaced and gestured.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to answer it?¡±


    It was hard to read Kim Woojin¡¯s emotions. Was it anger or longing?


    Caught between them, Choi Yiseo cautiously answered the call.<ul><li>Yiseo? Long time no see.</li></ul>


    Oh Yoon-ji¡¯s voice was the same as always. Just like in high school.


    She had a leadership quality, though some might call it domineering.


    ¡°Why are you calling?¡±


    She went straight to the point.


    She didn¡¯t have the emotional space for small talk.


    Though it might seem cold, Oh Yoon-ji got to her point.<ul><li>You¡¯re on vacation, right? Can you and Minji help me out?</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­Help?¡±<ul><li>Yeah, think of it like a part-time job. It won¡¯t take much time. It¡¯s nothing major.</li></ul>


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. I¡¯m outside, so I need to talk to Minji first.¡±<ul><li>Okay, think positively about this. It¡¯s nothing bad.</li></ul>


    With that, Oh Yoon-ji hung up. They only exchanged necessary words, which was typical of them.


    Choi Yiseo cautiously looked at Kim Woojin with concern.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seeing him biting his lip and clenching his fists, she instinctively hugged him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay! She didn¡¯t know you were here; she just talked about work and hung up.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Kim Woojin¡¯s voice was dejected.


    It was the first time he seemed so fragile, showing how heavily Oh Yoon-ji weighed on him.


    ¡°Just.¡±


    A painful sigh escaped. His voice was filled with regret and sorrow.


    ¡°Knowing she¡¯s doing well¡­ it all feels so meaningless.¡±


    Unlike him, still struggling and rejecting other women¡¯s advances.


    Oh Yoon-ji¡¯s words about her steady work stirredplex emotions in Kim Woojin.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll go then. I had a good time today.¡±


    Gently pushing away Choi Yiseo, Kim Woojin turned slowly.


    Thest day before leaving for Gold One Hotel.


    It was a memorable day for Kim Woojin.<hr>


    <em>Crack.</em>


    ¡°Phew.¡±


    He had to get up early to catch the bus to Gold One Hotel.


    No matter how much beer he drank, he couldn¡¯t sleep. Regretting not buying stronger liquor, he reached for the next can.


    <em>Knock, knock.</em>


    There was a knock from outside. Checking his phone, it was already midnight. Wondering who it could be, he headed to the door and asked.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°¡­Choi Yiseo?¡±


    Choi Yiseo had unexpectedly returned.


    When he opened the door, her cheeks were red from the cold.


    She carriedrge paper bags in both hands, and she handed one to him as she walked in.


    ¡°It¡¯s so cold. Were you drinking alone?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who had felt oddly down since the clothing store earlier, seemed to be feeling a little better now.


    In a light tone, he responded while checking the paper bag.


    ¡°Just feeling a bit down?¡±


    Inside, there was wine and a small cake, probably from a convenience store.


    ¡°What¡¯s this, trying to get into the Christmas spirit?¡±


    Asking with a smile, since Christmas was approaching, Choi Yiseo sighed while taking off her coat.


    ¡°Today¡¯s my birthday.¡±


    ¡°¡­?!¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re leaving for Gold One tomorrow¡­ I mean today. We met a day early.¡±


    He had no idea. He wasn¡¯t the type to celebrate birthdays.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d be drinking alone, so I came. Minji threw a surprise party, but I apologized and left.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Sit down.¡±


    Following her, he sat down.


    An opener was included, so he opened it cleanly this time.


    ¡®Last time?¡¯


    When was that?


    Maybe it was the beer or his hazy memory. Taking a sip from a beer ss instead of a wine ss, he looked at Choi Yiseo.


    Seeing her smile while eating the cake, his worries seemed to lessen.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He sincerely thanked her.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    With a fork in her mouth, Choi Yiseo pretended not to hear and offered her beer ss.


    They clinked sses and drank the wine. Even if it was from a convenience store, it was quite good.


    ¡°Wow, it hits hard.¡±


    Having drunk beer earlier, and being weak to wine, he felt dizzy as he looked at her.


    Seeing her eat the cake and drink the wine alternately made him wonder if she was hungry.


    ¡°Hey, are you nning to stay over?¡±


    Feeling tipsy, he asked, and she gave a slight nod. There was another paper bag, probably containing her clothes and toiletries.


    ¡°You¡¯re a grown woman; aren¡¯t you afraid of staying with a man?¡±


    Though he said that, he wasn¡¯t in the mood for it. His voice was shaky, he knew he was drunk, andst time, she had refused because there was no condom.


    ¡®Actually, I have some now.¡¯


    He had bought a box from an adult storest time.


    ¡°Too bad, I should¡¯ve bought some condoms.¡±


    Pretending there were none, he mumbled slyly.


    Acting like he was giving up.


    <em>Tap.</em>


    A small rectangr boxnded on the table.


    Realizing it came from her pocket and that it was a condom.


    The flush of intoxication suddenly cleared, and he looked at her.


    With a fork in her mouth, she avoided his gaze, but.


    Her blushing face sent a clear signal.


    ¡®Oh, right.¡¯


    He remembered the time he had clumsily opened a wine bottle.


    It was that day at Seo Yerin¡¯s house, where he met that guy.

 Chapter 105: The Day Before Departure

    Chapter 105: The Day Before Departure


    As I alternated my gaze between the condom on the table and Choi Yiseo, I could feel myself sobering up.


    A clear mind and a gaping mouth.


    The shock felt like a p in the face, forcing me to confront reality, dispelling the confusion I felt just moments ago.


    Choi Yiseo, who still had a fork in her mouth, suddenly pped my thigh.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Startled, I looked at her, but she still said nothing. Yet, that alone was enough to clue me in.


    Choi Yiseo was signaling to me.


    And the meaning of that p was clear.


    The moment I realized she was urging me to act.Already consumed by desire, I cautiously reached out to take the fork from her mouth.


    As I leaned forward slightly, our lips met sooner than I expected.


    Maybe because we both had wine.


    As our tongues, tasting of rich grapes, entwined, I knew we had already crossed a line.


    Her tongue, awkward and somewhat rigid, seemed anxious. As I wrapped my arm around her back and gently pulled away, her tongue slipped out slightly, as if in disappointment.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you juste out to greet me?¡±


    When I mentioned that our lips met sooner than I thought, Choi Yiseo looked flustered and tried to say something. Patting her back gently, I whispered softly.


    ¡°Slowly, calmly.¡±


    And then, I kissed her again.


    At first, she red at me, as if upset, but soon she closed her eyes calmly.


    Her tongue moved slowly, almost leisurely, rather than anxiously.


    And that was just perfect.


    It truly felt like we were savoring each other.


    Following the wine-scented flow, I cautiously moved my hand to Choi Yiseo¡¯s chest.


    Her chest, surprisingly firm andrger than I expected, filled my hand, and as I lightly moved my fingers, as if tickling her.


    ¡°Hm, mm.¡±


    She let out a faint moan even as we kissed.


    When I cautiously pulled away again, Choi Yiseo pouted in dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Why, why do you keep pulling away?¡±


    It seemed she really liked the kiss, but I couldn¡¯t hold back my own desire.


    As I lightly rubbed her nipple with my thumb, giving her a signal, Choi Yiseo, embarrassed, gulped down the remaining wine in her beer ss. Even so, she didn¡¯t push my hand away, which was endearingly lovely.


    ¡°Let¡¯s, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    I smiled softly at Choi Yiseo, who spoke with determination. Meanwhile, I pressed her nipple through her clothes with a bit more force.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Her suppressed breath was somewhat amusing.


    Thanks to the mattress right beside us, we could start immediately by just lying down.


    Sitting on the floor, I gentlyid Choi Yiseo down, and my hand, which had been resting on her, slyly slipped inside her clothes.


    ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s cold!¡±


    Startled by the coldness of my hand, Choi Yiseo shivered. Finding her reaction cute, I let out a smallugh, which seemed to annoy her.


    She pressed her lips together tightly and pushed away the hand under her blouse.


    ¡°I¡¯ll, I¡¯ll undress.¡±


    ¡°¡­I want to undress you.¡±


    ¡°I really hate it when you act all calm!¡±


    With a loud shout, Choi Yiseo pushed me away and quickly moved to the mattress, slowly starting to undress.


    Not missing the chance, I immediately followed, wrapping my arms around her waist.


    ¡°Eek!¡±


    Startled, Choi Yiseo trembled. As she hurriedly tried to push me away and turned her body, our eyes met, and we kissed again.


    ¡°Mmm! Mmph!¡±


    Though she resisted briefly, as our tongues intertwined, her body rxed naturally, and her resistance melted away.


    As I began to slowly undress her top, she subtly moved her hands to make it easier for me.


    ¡°Haa, haa.¡±


    As I pulled away, Choi Yiseo, panting heavily, looked at me with slightly red eyes.


    Seeing that I had already removed her bra, she seemed even more upset.


    ¡°S-so annoying.¡±


    ¡°It can be.¡±


    As I tried to take her pants off, she insisted on doing it herself and pushed me away again.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    As if seeking permission, I kissed her, and once again, Choi Yiseo¡¯s dropped her guard.


    Seeing her pants loosely hanging down to her thighs and her underwear exposed, her face turned even redder.


    ¡°I-I really hate you!¡±


    Even so, she continued to take her pants off, which was quite endearing. After undressing myself, I finally removed my underwear, exposing my erect lower body.


    ¡°Eek?! Are we in a bathhouse?! Why are you undressing so quickly?¡±


    Since you¡¯re nervous, I¡¯m trying to act nonchnt.


    Though the words lingered on my lips, I knew she would get annoyed if I said them, so I just gently held her shoulders and sat her down carefully.


    Sitting down in her panties, Choi Yiseo alternated between looking at me and my lower body with confused eyes and asked hesitantly.


    ¡°D-do I have to¡­ suck that?¡±


    ¡°Suck what.¡±


    How could I expect that from a first-timer? Besides, it¡¯s not like I¡¯ve just washed up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about doing anything.¡±


    As I approached her slowly while sitting, Choi Yiseo leaned back. But it only made it easier for me toy her down.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Realizing she was lying down and looking up at me, Choi Yiseo let out a faint moan.


    I gently pulled her hands, covering her chest, and kissed the back of her hand.


    <em>Smooch.</em>


    As I moved down slowly.


    <em>Smooch.</em>


    On her wrist once.


    <em>Smooch.</em>


    On the crook of her arm once.


    <em>Smooch.</em>


    Once between her shoulder and armpit.


    Now,pletely close to Choi Yiseo, I could feel her rapid breaths.


    I thought she might be ticklish, but instead, she looked at me dreamily, which excited me even more.


    Supporting the nape of her neck with my other hand.


    Knowing I was about to kiss her, her eyes gently closed.


    After cing her hand beside her, I softly ced my hand on her abdomen.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    She seemed curious, but I kissed her, and as our tongues intertwined again, the atmosphere heated up.


    <em>Tap, tap.</em>


    Even as we kissed, I lightly tapped her pale belly button, giving it a weak stimulus.


    Wondering what I was doing, Choi Yiseo¡¯s body shuddered, but the hand tapping her belly soon walked down and eventually slipped into her panties.


    <em>Squish.</em>


    Though she tried to close her legs in resistance, it was toote. As I gently touched her, the strength in her thighs weakened, and her legs went limp.


    ¡°Huuu¡­¡±


    When I pulled away, Choi Yiseo had a dreamy expression.


    Though it was absurd that I had to kiss her every step of the way like some kind of anesthetic. On the contrary, it made things a bit easier, which was a mischievous thought.


    I cherished her.


    I believed that expressing that with my whole body was forey.


    At the moment, it seemed to be quite effective, as Choi Yiseo¡¯s vulva was already wet.


    And as I gently and slowly caressed her, asionally moving my fingers slightly faster, she would tremble and look at me.


    Yes.


    ¡°You¡¯re lovely.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Whispering softly, I moved my hand a bit faster, and she twisted her body, gripping the mattress sheet tightly.


    I wished I had some lube, but since I didn¡¯t, I decided to draw out as much natural lubrication as possible.


    ¡°I¡¯ll-I¡¯ll take my panties off!¡±


    Worried that her panties might get wet, she quickly lifted her legs and began to remove them. Watching herplicated expression as she saw her already damp panties, I licked the fingers that had just touched her vulva.


    ¡°¡­?! Why, why are you licking that, you crazy jerk!¡±


    Startled, Choi Yiseo pped my shoulder, but I pushed her down and brought my hand back to her vulva.


    ¡°It¡¯s to make it hurt less.¡±


    ¡°Dis-disgusting!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not disgusting.¡±


    ¡°How can it not be¡­ Hngh!¡±


    Annoyed by her noise, I touched her a bit harder, and she immediately stifled her moan with her hand.


    In any case, the forey continued.


    Though Choi Yiseo, who had been covering her mouth in a daze, eventually.


    ¡°Ahh! Hnnng!¡±


    She let out moans through her mped hand while cautiously touching my member with her other hand.


    ¡®She seems ready.¡¯


    Just like with Seo Yerin, I wanted to make her first experience as memorable as possible, so I was extremely careful. Because with Oh Yoon-ji, it really was¡­ the worst.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    When I slowly pulled away, Choi Yiseo seemed a bit disappointed as my member disappeared.


    Seeing if she was ready, I brought the condom she had bought, and she let out a faint breath, spreading her legs cautiously.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Already fully erect and with the condom on, there was no point in stopping now, but.


    Choi Yiseo turned her head to the side and nodded slightly, giving her consent.


    Slowly and very cautiously, I ced the tip at her entrance.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Like receiving a massage, she tried to suppress her voice, which only stirred my sadistic side.


    But I restrained myself as much as possible and pushed in gently.


    ¡°Ha, aah!¡±


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s back arched, as if being pushed away.


    This might sound strange, but.


    Yes, it was a breathtaking sight.


    Her bouncing chest was fully visible, and her well-toned abs tensed up from the strain.


    I should have licked her there too.


    Feeling a bit regretful, I paused for a moment.


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s watery gaze met mine. It was a sign that she was okay now.


    As I started to move my hips slowly.


    ¡°Ughhh!¡±


    Whether it was from pain or pleasure, she let out a cry, but I didn¡¯t stop and continued moving.


    ¡°Woojin! Woojina¡­!¡±


    Calling my name, Choi Yiseo.


    She merely repeated my name, but it wasn¡¯t hard to understand what she wanted.


    Another deep kiss.


    Moving my hips while my tongue moved was more mentally exhausting than I expected.


    ¡°Chuah! Haau! I, I like it!¡±


    Seeing Choi Yiseo, usuallyposed, now disheveled and constantly eximing how much she liked it, gave me more strength.


    Though her lower body still hurt, with her thighs tensed up, the kiss seemed to alleviate some of the pain.


    Gradually, she seemed to start feeling pleasure.


    The tightness that had gripped me as if it would crush me loosened just a bit.


    Not missing the chance, I increased my pace a little.


    And so it repeated.


    With each increase in speed, she tensed up again. As we continued to kiss, she gradually rxed. And then I would speed up a bit more.


    By the time it was nearing the end, Choi Yiseo had dered her surrender.


    ¡°St-stop! Hngh! I, I don¡¯t know how many times I¡¯vee!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I was so focused that I didn¡¯t realize she had climaxed.


    Thinking back, even when I was caressing her earlier, she had trembled and released fluids, so she must have climaxed several times since then.


    ¡°Do you even know how to say you¡¯ve climaxed?¡±


    Laughing as I held her tightly, I asked, and Choi Yiseo nodded.


    ¡°Yes! So, stop! Please!¡±


    ¡°You have good stamina.¡±


    ¡°Hngh! Hngh! You, you! Talking to me on purpose¡­! Ugh!¡±


    ¡°We need to exercise, you know.¡±


    Feeling she might struggle if I continued, I sped up a bit more. As I reached my climax, I held Choi Yiseo tightly and released.


    <em>Gulp.</em>


    As the refreshing sensation of release spread, the strength in my body gradually dissipated.


    Realizing I had climaxed, Choi Yiseo¡¯s eyes widened, and she moved her hips, as if not knowing whether to entice me or to make me pull out.


    So I carefullyid us down while holding her. Using my thighs to support her weight, so she wouldn¡¯t feel too much pressure.


    Though we were both drenched in sweat and it might feel sticky, the warmth of our bodies pressed together feltforting. Choi Yiseo seemed to feel the same, as she wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me, panting.


    ¡°You were beautiful.¡±


    Whispering softly into her ear, Choi Yiseo shuddered again. Despite her heavy breathing, she turned her head and kissed my cheek.


    <em>Smooch.</em>


    There was a feeling of fulfillment.


    As wey together, I realized my lower body was growing firm again as I felt her soft, bare chest against me.


    ¡°¡­How many condoms are left?¡±


    Hearing my muttering, Choi Yiseo flinched, as if about to say something.


    But her arms around my waist loosened, and her thighs, which had been tightly closed, opened to the sides.


    ¡°Hurry, take it out.¡±


    She was already preparing for the next round.<hr>


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    Though it might not be urate to say I was hitting her, in reality, it was a situation no different from hitting.


    ¡°Hnnngh! No, I can¡¯t!¡±


    Having emptied the box of condoms Choi Yiseo bought, and after showering together.


    We were now using the condoms I had boughtst time.


    By now, Choi Yiseo had grown quite ustomed to my member, and she was still impaled on me, showing me her back.


    <em>Riiing!</em>


    ¡°Hnnngh! Ughhh! Haaang!¡±


    I turned off the rm ringing beside us. Despite staying up all night, I didn¡¯t feel tired at all, as if adrenaline was coursing through me.


    ¡°Stop! We-we stayed up all night!¡±


    Seeing Choi Yiseo, usually so strong, now whining about being exhausted, only served as a greater stimulus for me.


    Grabbing her plump buttocks tightly, I stopped moving my hips.


    As if her strength hadpletely drained, Choi Yiseoy limp, catching her breath.


    But since I hadn¡¯t pulled out yet, her buttocks remained raised.


    ¡°How many times have you yed with me?¡±


    ¡°¡­Huh?¡±


    ¡°You suggested going to a hotel, and there were times we didn¡¯t do it because we had no condoms, right?¡±


    <em>Thump!</em>


    ¡°Ughh! W-wait! Hold on!¡±


    Honestly, I just wanted to continue, and Choi Yiseo probably knew that.


    Well, it was a bit annoying.


    <em>Thrust! Thrust!</em>


    I resumed moving my hips, ravishing Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Haaang! Ughhh!¡±


    <em>Woong! Woong!</em>


    Though I asionally received phone calls, I ignored them all. I kept an eye on the clock.


    Originally, I nned to walk to the bus stop, but I decided to take a taxi instead.


    For the next two months.


    The thought of not seeing Choi Yiseo seemed to give me almost superhuman strength.


    ¡°Haaak! Haaak! I¡¯m-I¡¯m going crazy!¡±


    Whether she hoped for it or not, I didn¡¯t know.


    In the thick scent of sweat and intense exercise, I released my final climax.


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s thighs were shaking uncontrobly.


    As I slowly pulled out my throbbing member, her buttocks quivered, weing the long-awaited rest.


    ¡°You¡¯re, you¡¯re insane¡­¡±


    Choi Yiseo muttered a cute insult as she copsed.


    I was about to get ready to leave when.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    ¡°Hey! Why aren¡¯t you answering your phone!¡±


    With loud knocks and a voice calling out, Yu Arin.


    And not only that.


    ¡°How does Arin know Woojin¡¯s ce?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I have a good feeling about this!¡±


    It was Seo Yerin and Yu Arin¡¯s high school friends, whom I had met at the PC roomst time.


    Which naturally meant.


    ¡°We visited once before. All of us, not just us. Right, Chan-woo?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right.¡±


    That Seo Yerin was also there.

 Chapter 106: The Departing Bus

    Chapter 106: The Departing Bus


    (The beginning of the previous episode is included. If you have read Episode 104.5, you can skip to the main part at the end!)


    As I alternated my gaze between the condom on the table and Choi Yiseo, I could feel myself sobering up.


    A clear mind and a gaping mouth.


    The shock felt like a p in the face, forcing me to confront reality, dispelling the confusion I felt just moments ago.


    Choi Yiseo, who still had a fork in her mouth, suddenly pped my thigh.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Startled, I looked at her, but she still said nothing. Yet, that alone was enough to clue me in.


    Choi Yiseo was signaling to me.


    And the meaning of that p was clear.The moment I realized she was urging me to act.


    Already consumed by desire, I cautiously reached out to take the fork from her mouth.


    As I leaned forward slightly, our lips met sooner than I expected.


    Maybe because we both had wine.


    As our tongues, tasting of rich grapes, entwined, I knew we had already crossed a line.


    Her tongue, awkward and somewhat rigid, seemed anxious. As I wrapped my arm around her back and gently pulled away, her tongue slipped out slightly, as if in disappointment.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you juste out to greet me?¡±


    When I mentioned that our lips met sooner than I thought, Choi Yiseo looked flustered and tried to say something. Patting her back gently, I whispered softly.


    ¡°Slowly, calmly.¡±


    And then, I kissed her again.


    At first, she red at me, as if upset, but soon she closed her eyes calmly.


    Her tongue moved slowly, almost leisurely, rather than anxiously.


    And that was just perfect.<hr>


    ¡°Ugh, that¡­¡±


    The sun had risen before I knew it.


    As the night we spent together finally ended, Choi Yiseo copsed, throwing cute insults at me.


    The morning rm had rung earlier, so I was about to get ready to go to Gold One.


    <em>Thump, thump, thump!</em>


    ¡°Hey! Why aren¡¯t you answering the phone!¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s voice was apanied by a fierce knock.


    And not just her.


    ¡°How does Arin know Woojin¡¯s ce?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I have a strong hunch!¡±


    The voices of Seo Yerin and two high school friends of Yu Arin from the PC roomst time.


    Naturally, that meant.


    ¡°We came here to hang out before. Not just us but with other friends too. Right, Chan-woo?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right.¡±


    That Seo Yerin was included too.


    <em>Thump, thump, thump!</em>


    ¡°Hey! What are you doing!¡±


    The rough knocking felt like it was connected to my heartbeat.


    Every time Yu Arin¡¯s sharp voice rang out, my hair stood on end, and I felt like asking for help, but.


    Choi Yiseo, lying naked in the dark, could only breathe heavily withouting to her senses.


    Her white butt was irresistibly tempting, making my body tense up again, and I even entertained the seductive thought of staying home instead of going to Gold One.


    ¡°Ah, shit.¡±


    I had to get a grip on myself.


    If I lived solely to satisfy my desires, I might end up begging my older brother for money next semester.


    ¡°Hello! Is anybody there!¡±


    ¡°Why! I¡¯m up!¡±


    Yelling back to Yu Arin, who was banging on the door so cheerfully, she responded with irritation.


    ¡°Hey! If you¡¯re up, you should answer at least! Aren¡¯t you going to Gold One? Let¡¯s go make money!¡±


    ¡°Why did youe when I can wake up on my own!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this? I came to pick you up, and you¡¯reining. We have to go together to take the same bus.¡±


    I heard that there¡¯s a bus from Gold One. What Yu Arin said about going together to take the same bus made sense, but¡­


    ¡°J-just go ahead. I need to wash up.¡±


    ¡°What? If you don¡¯t go now, you¡¯ll bete.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take a taxi.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    At Yu Arin¡¯s suspicious breathing, I unknowingly put my ear to the front door.


    Even if I didn¡¯t do this, I could hear everything, but I still felt tense and wanted to do something.


    ¡°Okay, then. We¡¯re leaving.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    But surprisingly, she simply said she was leaving.


    ¡°We¡¯re going. Take a taxi quickly, okay?¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay! Got it!¡±


    epting her words quickly, I went back inside. The lingering scent of our love-making filled the air.


    I opened the window to ventte, but Choi Yiseo shivered slightly, letting out a moan.


    ¡°Oh, what should I do!¡±


    After covering Choi Yiseo with a nket, I thought about doing a quick cleanup.


    I wanted to pick up the used condoms scattered around, but I had to leave soon.


    ¡°L-let¡¯s wash up!¡±


    A shower was out of the question. I decided to wash my face, brush my teeth, and wash my hair.


    Washing my face while washing my hair, and brushing my teeth while blow-drying my hair. Since I was going to wear a hat, I didn¡¯t worry about styling. As I stepped out,


    I saw Choi Yiseo, covered in a nket, crawling about, gathering the used condoms.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Our eyes met awkwardly.


    As I stared at her, Choi Yiseo sighed and spoke.


    ¡°Go.¡±


    ¡°N-no, it¡¯s just¡­¡±


    ¡°Go. You have to go to Gold One and make money.¡±


    ¡°S-sorry.¡±


    ¡°I told you to stop¡­euk.¡±


    Trying to get up, Choi Yiseo winced from the pain in her lower body and awkwardlyy back down. Her naked body was visible through the disheveled nket.


    Why does she keep tempting me while telling me to stop?


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°It hurts more¡­more than just muscle pain.¡±


    It must hurt for her.


    As I awkwardly lingered near her, she smacked me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a nuisance. Leave the house keys. I¡¯ll clean up a bit.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, leader Yiseo.¡±


    Expressing my gratitude, I bowed to her, and she ruffled my hair, smiling.


    ¡°Is it okay if Ie over sometimes when you¡¯re not here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, but¡­there¡¯s nothing to do here?¡±


    As I looked up, her beautiful breasts greeted me.


    Naturally, since she was ruffling my hair.


    I sucked and nibbled on those yesterday¡­


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    At her sharp gaze, I quickly lowered my head. She smacked me on the back of my head and covered herself with the nket, lying on the mattress.


    ¡°Just, sometimes, I want toe here and think about you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°W-we won¡¯t see each other for two months.¡±


    Seeing her pouty lips, I genuinely didn¡¯t want to go to Gold One. Realizing the mood was changing, Choi Yiseo quickly shifted the topic.


    ¡°The mattress is so damp!¡±


    Trying to get up from the damp mattress, she winced from the pain in her lower body and fell back down.


    Laughing at her clumsy attempt, I added.


    ¡°That¡¯s all your¡­¡±


    <em>Whack!</em>


    A pillow thrown to my face cut me off. Sighing, Choi Yiseo spoke.


    ¡°Hurry up and go. Did you pack everything?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, thank you so much.¡±


    I hurriedly changed clothes, put on my hat, and grabbed my suitcase. As I stepped out the front door, I nced back.


    Like a cat crawling around, Choi Yiseo was cleaning up the area in an awkward posture.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    ¡°By the way, Woojin, how should I dispose of these used condoms?¡±


    ¡°Ah, those¡­¡±


    Just as I was about to answer, thinking it must be tricky, the sunlight and piercing gazes from the front door hit me.


    As I turned my head at the presence,


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    There stood the group, waiting for me, not having left yet, staring nkly.<hr>


    ¡°Jackpot, it¡¯s huge, right?¡±


    While waiting in line for the bus, I awkwardly raised my tension, pointing to therge bus with a bright smile.


    ¡°D-didn¡¯t senior Ju-hee say she was taking the bus from somewhere else?¡±


    When I said that to Seo Yerin next to me, she just stared at me coldly without responding.


    Avoiding her gaze, I turned to Yu Arin on the opposite side, joking with a smile.


    ¡°See, I told you I wouldn¡¯t bete.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin, who looked up at me indifferently, responded by raising her middle finger.


    Hmm, typical Yu Arin.


    When I turned to the two friends from the Design and Theatre departments, who were high school friends of Seo Yerin and Yu Arin, they awkwardly started a conversation.


    ¡°C-can we arrange our rooms together when we get there?¡±


    ¡°S-surely!¡±


    ¡®Ah, damn it.¡¯


    They must have heard everything I said to Choi Yiseo. Opening the door at that moment was the worst timing.


    I didn¡¯t know what they thought of me, but I looked at Chan-woo, hoping for some support.


    ¡°N-no. I came with my friends.¡±


    ¡°Really?! Are they guys?¡±


    ¡°Wow! How many?¡±


    Seeing him already getting hit on while waiting in line for the bus made me want to smack him.


    <em>Poke.</em>


    ¡°Ow!¡±


    Suddenly, something sharp poked my back. Startled, I realized it was Seo Yerin¡¯s finger, pressing against my back.


    <em>Bump.</em>


    She rested her forehead on my back.


    ¡°How was it?¡±


    In a chilling whisper only I could hear, Seo Yerin continued her questioning.


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°Huh? How was it?¡±


    She pressed her forehead, poked with her finger, and kept up the eerie atmosphere. It didn¡¯t hurt, but it was scary.


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°How was itpared to me?¡±


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you wait?¡±


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°You should¡¯ve called me instead.¡±


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°Huh? Woojin.¡±


    ¡®She¡¯s really scary.¡¯


    My body tensed up, and I couldn¡¯t speak. When I stiffened, Seo Yerin¡¯s hand rested on my butt.


    ¡°Rx.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    As I rxed, she started patting my softened butt and pressed her forehead against my back again.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not¡­¡±


    <em>Squeeze!</em>


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    She suddenly squeezed my butt, making it hard to speak.


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°How many times did you do it?¡±


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°You¡¯re my sex friend.¡±


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°Are you going to enjoy it alone?¡±


    <em>Bump.</em>


    ¡°Really¡­Woojin, you¡¯re in trouble.¡±


    What kind of trouble, I didn¡¯t know. It was terrifying, but thankfully, the bus line was moving quickly, so I hurriedly boarded the bus to escape Seo Yerin.


    With my suitcase already in the bus¡¯s luggagepartment, I looked for a seat with empty hands.


    Yu Arin, who was ahead, saw two empty seats and pulled me in by my neck.


    ¡°Oof!¡±


    Forced into the inner seat, Yu Arin quickly sat beside me.


    As I met Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze while she followed, she stared at me chillingly before quietly sitting behind me.


    ¡®She won¡¯t choke me, right?¡¯


    Feeling like a murder might happen, I whispered to Yu Arin beside me.


    ¡°Hey, if I die on this bus¡­the culprit is Seo Yerin.¡±


    Yu Arin nced at me, buckling her seatbelt, tilting her head in confusion.


    ¡°I doubt it.¡±


    ¡°¡­What do you mean, you doubt it?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t understand why she doubted it when I said the culprit was Seo Yerin.<hr>


    Seeing Kim Woojin¡¯s head resting on her shoulder, Yu Arin slowly lowered her phone screen.


    He must not have slept muchst night because he fell asleep as soon as the bus started moving.


    Thanks to that, Seo Yerin, who had been mumbling in the back, also quieted down.


    Looking at his now peacefully sleeping face, unlike his earlier fuss, Yu Arin felt aplicated mix of emotions.


    Just knowing that Choi Yiseo, who was only covered by a nket, talked about condoms, told her everything about what they didst night.


    ¡®This is annoying.¡¯


    The situation was annoyingly frustrating.


    She considered pping him awake. But instead, she sighed deeply and lowered her head.


    Her own breasts, smaller than Choi Yiseo¡¯s, but still, Kim Woojin had fondled them eagerly.


    ¡°Bastard.¡±


    Even though she pped his cheek, making a flicking sound, he only shivered slightly but didn¡¯t wake up.


    That night, with her heart pounding.


    Remembering Kim Woojin¡¯s hands fondling her breasts like he was possessed made her heart race.


    With her heart pounding, Yu Arin found herself touching his hand, which was resting on the armrest.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Before she knew it, her own hand was carefully ced on his hand.


    She lightly touched his hand, tickling, pinching, and ying with his fingers.


    Remembering his sturdy hands caressing her that night, Yu Arin felt her body heat up and quickly pulled her hand away.


    ¡®Get a grip, Yu Arin!¡¯


    It¡¯s a battlefield.


    And she had no intention of getting caught between Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo.


    So Yu Arin took a deep breath, trying to restrain herself, folding her arms.


    Only to find herself ying with his hand again, three more times without realizing it.

 Chapter 107: Cooperation

    Chapter 107: Cooperation


    Before we knew it, we had arrived at the Gold One Hotel.


    Even at a nce, there were more than 200 college students lined up in front of the hotel.


    Although it¡¯s called a hotel, it¡¯s not just a single building; they¡¯ve purchased arge site and set up various auxiliary facilities and hotels together.


    Most notably, the casino.


    In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Gold One was built for casino customers.


    ¡°I heard that employees can enter the water park and ski resort for free on their days off?¡±


    ¡°Wow, amazing.¡±


    The Design and Theatre departments students, chattering while lined up outside the hotel.


    I thought it was about time to learn their names, but the distance between us only grew due to what happened earlier.Anyway.


    As they said, Gold One was operating a ski resort and water park near the hotel.


    From what they say, it might not just be a hotel for the casino, but something like a resort.


    ¡°It¡¯s all bait.¡±


    I muttered while shoving my hands deep into my coat pockets. It was the coat I bought with Choi Yiseo yesterday, and I felt satisfied as if I had be better at dressing.


    ¡°What bait?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee, standing next to me with arms crossed, had just joined us after arriving on a different bus.


    She looked more like an employee today, not wearing her usual dragon jumper, but dressed neatly.


    ¡°The ski resort and water park. They¡¯re both bait products.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I continued to exin with a smile to senior Ju-hee, who tilted her head as if she didn¡¯t understand my words.


    ¡°Imagine if there was just a casino. The image wouldn¡¯t be great, and it would be a bit off-putting toe here. Parents with kids wouldn¡¯t be able toe either.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s true.¡±


    If you go near Gold One, you¡¯ll see pawnshops and loan sharks lined up, for people who have lost money at the casino.


    ¡°Right? So in the summer, they have the water park and water sledding. In the winter, they have the ski resort, hot springs, and indoor swimming pools. They¡¯ve created things for kids to enjoy.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that too much of an investment?¡±


    ¡°In the long run, it¡¯s not a big deal¡­ It just means the casino¡¯s revenue is that substantial.¡±


    The fact that kids tell their parents they want toe here has a bigger impact than you¡¯d think.


    The ski resort and water park change the image from just a casino to a ce to y.


    After skiing and ying in the water, what will they do next?


    At night, with nothing else around, it¡¯s almost natural to visit the casino.


    ¡°They must make a lot of money.¡±


    Senior looked up at the huge, glittering hotel building with an expression of awe.


    Gold One is a hotel located in the mountains. It¡¯s situated within a literal mountain valley with nothing to see around it.


    Ironically, it has better welfare for its employees and higher sries than any other hotel in South Korea.


    It¡¯s nothing else.


    The existence of the casino alone made it that way.


    ¡°Well, it must be hard to get in.¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders, and senior Ju-hee nodded. Though she was tempted by the high sry, it wasn¡¯t something she could do just because she wanted to.


    At that moment, the person who introduced themselves as the representative grabbed the microphone.


    It seemed the headcount check was over.


    ¡°Alright, the line on this side, follow me to the banquet hall. The line next to you, keep following.¡±


    Like a train ride, a long line formed, and we entered the hotel together.


    ¡°Did you bring everything I told you to?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee, who turned around to check on us, nodded as we all confirmed the documents in our bags.


    From now on, there would probably be a briefing about contracts and room assignments, taking up the whole day.


    ¡®It¡¯s going to be boring.¡¯


    As I yawned, Seo Yerin, who was behind me, lightly pped my mouth with her palm.


    ¡°Haup!¡±


    I wanted to ask what she was doing, but she passed by with cheeks puffed out.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    It seemed like it wouldn¡¯t be boring.<hr>


    ¡®I¡¯m sleepy¡­¡¯


    I remember arriving at the hotel at 3 PM, but it was already 7 PM.


    Gathering in the banquet hall for nearly 4 hours to listen to exnations and wait our turn was tiring.


    There are three hotel buildings at Gold One.


    Divided into Buildings A to C, the part-time workers were to reside in Building C.


    There is a separate building for employees, but due to therge number of part-time workers, they had to use hotel rooms instead.


    At first, everyone was excited, but Building C is actually the cheapest and farthest from the casino.


    It¡¯s an old building that existed before the casino was built and doesn¡¯t take many reservations except during peak seasons.


    ¡°You look very tired.¡±


    Chan-woo, next to me, asked with a smile. His skin was gleaming with oil, which was a bit annoying.


    Unlike me, he had been very busy in the banquet hall.


    ¡°Ugh, you bastard, how manyyers of cologne did you put on?¡±


    ¡°I-Is it too strong?¡±


    There were so many girls flirting with Chan-woo in the banquet hall that the mixed scent of their perfumes was emanating from him.


    Without Yu Arin to restrain him, Chan-woo seemed to be enjoying the attention from the girls, which was initially nice to see, but now it was getting irritating.


    ¡®Some people are just suffering¡­¡¯


    Thanks to Seo Yerin and Yu Arin sitting on either side of me, I couldn¡¯t even sleep. Whenever I tried to doze off, they would keep waking me up and talking nonsense.


    Seo Yerin often gave off a creepy vibe, and Yu Arin was constantly irritated, making it hard for me.


    ¡®¡­I miss Choi Yiseo.¡¯


    I suddenly missed Choi Yiseo.


    ¡®I want to touch her chest.¡¯


    I wanted to bury my face in it.


    Damn, if I hadn¡¯te here, I would be having a steamy night with Choi Yiseo today.


    For the next two months, I would be living with four people, including Chan-woo, so I wouldn¡¯t be able to relieve my sexual desire alone.


    Approximately 60 days.


    Since I was forced into abstinence, I nned to endure it till the end.


    ¡®Choi Yiseo, you¡¯re dead.¡¯


    Just know that you¡¯ll be dead when I get back.


    ¡°Wow, is this the ce?¡±


    Finally arriving at Building C.


    The sparkling lights in the spacious hall were so luxurious that it was hard to believe this hotel wasn¡¯t used often.


    We tried to get the card keys at the reception desk, but our roommates had already taken them, so we took the elevator.


    Our room was 801.


    Staying on the 8th floor for two months was more exciting than I thought.


    ¡°Oh, here it is.¡±


    As we walked down the hallway on the 8th floor, we found a wide-open door. When we peeked inside, three people were already unpacking.


    Two seemed to be friends like Chan-woo and me, and the remaining one looked a bit older.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    As we greeted and entered, the three people turned their gazes towards us. Then, the two who seemed close whispered something to each other in surprise.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    The older, kind-looking man nodded and greeted us.


    ¡°Since everyone¡¯s here, let¡¯s introduce ourselves briefly and decide on the room arrangements.¡±


    The older man addressed everyone skillfully, showing his experience. We stood in a circle as he introduced himself first.


    ¡°I¡¯m Oh Dae-sang. I¡¯m twenty-six, and I¡¯m here for practical training from Gahyeon University¡¯s Department of Food and Nutrition.¡±


    Twenty-six?


    ¡®He¡¯s a lot younger than I thought.¡¯


    He seemed to be the oldest among us, but he looked younger than his age.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jegal Jaemin. My surname is unique, so it¡¯ll be easy to remember. I¡¯m from Sesin University¡¯s Department of Hotel Management. I¡¯m twenty.¡±


    He¡¯s the same age as us.


    Jegal Jaemin, who had his hair slicked back with wax, seemed very interested in grooming himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m Min Dong-geon. I¡¯m in the same department as Jaemin and the same age. Nice to meet you.¡±


    Min Dong-geon, who had a slightlyrger build.


    He had a naturallyrge frame but didn¡¯t seem to exercise.


    ¡°I¡¯m Kim Woojin. I¡¯m from Gahyeon University¡¯s Department of English Literature. I¡¯m not here for practical training, just part-time work. I¡¯m twenty.¡±


    They seemed a bit surprised that I wasn¡¯t here for practical training. Finally, Chan-woo introduced himself awkwardly and stiffly.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jeong Chan-woo from Gahyeon University¡¯s Department of Architecture. I¡¯m also twenty and here for part-time work.¡±


    Chan-woo seemed unable to speakfortably with new people. Thinking back, he was also quiet when I first met him at the PC caf¨¦.


    ¡°This makes it easy to divide the rooms.¡±


    Jegal Jaemin immediately suggested a n, as if he were executing a strategy.


    There were two rooms in total. It looked like two people would share each room, and one would sleep in the living room.


    They were friends, so they wanted to share a room, and since Chan-woo and I were friends, we could share a room, leaving Dae-sang to sleep in the living room.


    ¡°Hmm¡­I¡¯m notfortable in the living room.¡±


    Dae-sang seemed ufortable with the living room.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the living room.¡±


    I immediately raised my hand and intervened. No matter what, we should show respect to our senior. Chan-woo seemed to understand and didn¡¯t say much.


    Besides, I was just a door away from him.


    ¡°The living room is spacious and nice. I can watch TV while I sleep.¡±


    With the arrangements decided, we quickly started unpacking.


    The two from Sesin University kept looking at Chan-woo.


    They seemed to want something from Chan-woo, and he noticed it too, approaching me quietly.


    ¡°¡­Those two keep staring at me.¡±


    ¡°They seem interested in you.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about! A bald old man would be enough for that!¡±


    ¡°Speaking of the bald old man, hasn¡¯t he contacted you?¡±


    I asked with a smile, and Chan-woo responded with a serious expression.


    ¡°Yeah, I wanted to talk about that. He sent me a text like thisst time.¡±


    ¡°¡­Get lost, you pervert.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s not like that!¡±


    As we were joking around, the Sesin University duo came out of their room and asked.


    ¡°There are some restaurants in the hotel basement. How about having a gathering to bond as roommates?¡±


    Jegal Jaemin suggested confidently, as if introducing a strategy, and his friend Min Dong-geon nodded vigorously.


    Dae-sang hyung didn¡¯t seem to mind, so he agreed and changed his clothes.


    We agreed, so we simply threw on our outerwear and were about to head out when Jegal Jaemin approached us sneakily. Behind us, Min Dong-geon was exhaling heavily, looking somewhat excited.


    ¡°Um¡­could you dress up a bit?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Chan-woo took a step back in surprise, but I immediately understood what he meant.


    ¡®Chan-woo is the bait?¡¯


    They nned to catch at least one fish from the flock.


    It was a very twenty-year-old male-like desire to pick up the crumbs from Chan-woo¡¯s bait, making me smile without realizing it.<hr>


    While the men¡¯s room was busy arranging the rooms.


    In the women¡¯s room, 403, they had already decided on the rooms and were unpacking.


    Since they all knew each other, they decided to stay together.


    Seo Yerin, Yu Arin, and the students from the Design and Theatre departments made four, with Min Ju-hee joining to make five.


    Min Ju-hee¡¯s easygoing personality meant she didn¡¯t feel left out, even though she only knew four of them.


    The roomyout was the same, so Min Ju-hee decided to stay in the living room, and Seo Yerin and Yu Arin shared a room.


    ¡°Arin.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who was unpacking, called out, and Yu Arin, who had changed into casual clothes, turned her head.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Except for trips like school excursions, they hadn¡¯t stayed together much, so Yu Arin felt a bit excited.


    As she shrugged, Seo Yerin¡¯s contemtive eyes met Yu Arin¡¯s.


    ¡°Do you like Woojin?¡±


    Yu Arin was speechless at the direct and heavy question.


    But Seo Yerin didn¡¯t wait for an answer.


    ¡°I saw you holding Woojin¡¯s hand on the bus.¡±


    ¡°No, that was just a joke¡­!¡±


    ¡°A joke?¡±


    Seo Yerin tilted her head slightly and stepped closer to Yu Arin.


    Was she always this scary?


    Yu Arin felt a sudden chill.


    Despite being the epitome of innocence, Seo Yerin¡¯s disheveled hair created an eerie atmosphere.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    <em>Gulp.</em>


    What should she say here?


    Yu Arin barely managed to open her mouth to deny it.


    ¡°No- it¡¯s not like that! Why would I like him?¡±


    ¡°You seem to like him?¡±


    ¡°I said no!¡±


    Trying to deny it vehemently, Yu Arin¡¯s appearance made Seo Yerin pause and then whisper softly.


    ¡°Arin, if we stay like this¡­we¡¯ll lose Woojin.¡±


    ¡°I said I don¡¯t like him!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose him.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was making excuses to her friend with a tearful face, wasn¡¯t heard by Seo Yerin.


    ¡°How about cooperating? Especially since Yiseo isn¡¯t here now.¡±


    ¡°Really, Yerin!¡±


    ¡°Just for the two months we¡¯re at Gold One.¡±


    After patting Yu Arin¡¯s shoulder and asking for cooperation, Seo Yerin turned around.


    ¡°Guys, let¡¯s go eat chicken! My treat!¡±


    ¡°Yay! Chicken!¡±


    Watching Seo Yerin, who was happy like a child at the mention of chicken from Senior Ju-hee, Yu Arin wiped the cold sweat that had unknowingly formed.

 Chapter 108: The First Day

    Chapter 108: The First Day


    In the basement of Gold One Building C Hotel, there were only two simple restaurants.


    A kimbap (Seaweed roll) ce and a chicken ce.


    Though those were the only restaurants, there were also a coin karaoke room and a billiard hall, so it seemed like there wouldn¡¯t be any boredom while staying here.


    As I heard earlier, we could also go to the ski resort or water park.


    ¡°Wow, there are a lot of people since it¡¯s the first day.¡±


    ¡°If we hadn¡¯te early, we wouldn¡¯t have gotten a seat.¡±


    ¡°There are no seats, so we¡¯ll have to sit at the long table. Let¡¯s go to the 10-person table over there.¡±


    The two people from Sesin University mostly talked among themselves. It wasn¡¯t that they were trying to distance themselves from us; it just felt awkward.


    The only older person, Dae-sang hyung, didn¡¯t seem to talk much normally, so he often cleared his throat intentionally to break the awkwardness.A bustling chicken ce.


    Since we would all start working together from tomorrow, the main topic of conversation was about where we would be assigned, and it seemed like other tables were in a simr situation.


    They came out for a gathering to break the ice.


    ¡°Hey, how about we speak informally to each other since we¡¯ll be living together for two months?¡±


    Everyone responded positively to my suggestion after ordering the chicken. It seemed like they were waiting for someone to bring it up.


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine with that too.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. If you¡¯re okay with it.¡±


    Dae-sang hyung epted while clearing his throat again. It seemed awkward for him to use honorifics with kids six years younger.


    ¡°Nowadays, if an elder suggests something like this, they call him a boomer.¡±


    Scratching his cheek and adding unnecessarily, Dae-sang hyung seemed oddly adorable.


    As the atmosphere rxed with informal speech, Jegal Jaemin started talking to us with a smile.


    ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯ll be assigned to our respective workces. Do you think everyone will go to the casino?¡±


    ¡°Wow, I¡¯ve never been to a casino before.¡±


    ¡°Probably?¡±


    Chan-woo awkwardly added ament at the end. It was cute how he was trying to get closer to everyone.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just the casino. There are many convenience facilities inside, so we¡¯ll probably be assigned there.¡±


    Dae-sang hyung mumbled while eating the snacks that came with the drinks.


    ¡°For example, helping out at the chicken ce we¡¯re in now. There are many restaurants operated internally.¡±


    ¡°Oh, as expected from a food and culinary major. You know everything.¡±


    Jegal Jaemin eximed, and Dae-sang hyung just smiled shyly without saying much.


    As we talked with mixed feelings of anticipation and worry about where we would be assigned tomorrow, the Sesin University duo cautiously leaned towards Chan-woo.


    ¡°Hey, Chan-woo. Can you sit at the end?¡±


    ¡°Huh? It¡¯s not a problem, but¡­why?¡±


    Since it was a 10-person table, the seat next to him was empty. They intentionally sent Chanwoo to the end so someone could sit next to him.


    ¡°You were quite popr with the girls at the banquet earlier.¡±


    ¡°Are you an aspiring actor? Or are you with an agency? Can you date?¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s not it.¡±


    Realizing his role now, Chan-woo scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Even so, he didn¡¯t refuse their request.


    It showed how interested he was in the opposite sex.


    Chan-woo might seed in dating at Gold One.


    ¡®Oh, right.¡¯


    Since I had some free time, I decided to call Choi Yiseo.


    ¡®Hmm?¡¯


    The call wasn¡¯t answered, only the ringing tone. Thinking she might have already gone to bed, I was about to send a message when¡­


    <em>Bang!</em>


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°Yo!¡±


    A stinging pain hit my back. I let out a gasp and turned to see senior Ju-hee grinning in casual attire.


    ¡°Did youe here to drink with your roommates too? Is it okay if I sit next to you?¡±


    Since there were no seats in the chicken ce, sitting next to me was the only option they had. I was about to answer affirmatively, but I wondered if the Sesin University duo was okay with it.


    Seeing Seo Yerin and Yu Arin and their friends following behind, they nodded at me, signaling it was okay.


    ¡®Sigh.¡¯


    I wondered if they could hit it off with anyone here.


    I heard that the Design and Theatre majors already had boyfriends.


    Senior Ju-hee was invincible.


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin¡­noment.


    Since we all knew each other, I thought it would be better this way, so I moved to the end and faced Chan-woo.


    Senior Ju-hee sat next to me.


    Seo Yerin stared at senior Ju-hee but didn¡¯t say anything and sat next to her.


    Yu Arin sat next to Chan-woo, making it easy for them to make eye contact.


    ¡°How¡¯s your room? Is it the same as ours?¡±


    Senior Ju-hee nodded while munching on the snacks.


    ¡°Probably. We¡¯re on the 4th floor, what about you?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on the 8th floor.¡±


    ¡°Nice, you¡¯ll have a great view. Can wee to watch the fireworks at the end of the year?¡±


    ¡°Do you like fireworks?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re pretty. I once beat up some guys with a fire extinguisher for trying to set off fireworks.¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s dangerous but sounds fun.¡±


    ¡°Want to hear the story?¡±


    After that, we continued with trivial conversations. Seo Yerin and Yu Arin started conversing normally, making me feel more at ease.


    Also, just like thest drinking session, it was clear that Yu Arin and Jeong Chan-woo had be close friends.


    As we talked, the chicken arrived. Since we arrived first, it came to our table first, and the girls¡¯ table was eyeing the drumstick I was holding.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m not giving it to you.¡±


    ¡°We ordered ours too.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you staring at it?¡±


    When I moved the chicken slightly, they followed it with their eyes as if hypnotized.


    It was cute, but when I took a bite, they looked disappointed.


    They¡¯re adorable.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat chicken together! Since we¡¯re all here, how about mixing up the seats?¡±


    Jegal Jaemin immediately suggested. Seeing the girls, he probably thought it would be great if anyone got involved with them.


    Senior Ju-hee took a sip of her beer and replied in a low tone.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sorry.¡±


    Sorry, but she¡¯s a force to be reckoned with.


    Senior Ju-hee immediately crushed Jegal Jaemin¡¯s n and sighed with a mix of alcohol and exined.


    ¡°They¡¯re all taken. Those two have boyfriends, Yerin is precious, and Arin¡­¡±


    She stared nkly at Yu Arin on the opposite side and took another sip of beer.


    ¡°Why? You don¡¯t have one either, Senior!¡±


    Yu Arin mmed the table and protested, making senior Ju-heeugh.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m an exception.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what made her an exception, but it strangely made sense. Even Jegal Jaemin nodded vigorously.


    Anyway, the girls¡¯ chicken arrived, and the atmosphere warmed up as the conversation continued.


    ¡°I personally want to go to a Japanese restaurant. There¡¯s a ce called Cheonghae that serves Japanese food.¡±


    ¡°Did you join as a cook, Senior?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, since it¡¯s a part-time job, I could apply separately, so I joined as a cook.¡±


    ¡°Senior holding sashimi¡­really suits you.¡±


    As the alcohol flowed, everyone started talking more. When the topic shifted to tomorrow¡¯s work, voices grew louder.


    Everyone started talking about where they wanted to work.


    ¡°I want to work at the cocktail bar inside the casino.¡±


    ¡°Is there such a ce?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a ce only for VIPs, do they have openings?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t they not hire part-timers?¡±


    As they started talking about various things, I felt the barriers breaking down and checked my phone.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    There was a missed call from Choi Yiseo. She must have called because I called earlier.


    I immediately got up and left the chicken ce. Since it was in the basement, I had to go up to the first floor to get some fresh air, but I decided to go anyway.<ul><li>Hello?</li></ul>


    Choi Yiseo answered cautiously. It was a bitte, so her voice was a bit sleepy.


    ¡°Were you asleep? Sorry.¡±<ul><li>No, I just dozed off. Did you arrive safely?</li></ul>


    ¡°Yeah, I arrived safely. I¡¯m drinking with my roommates now.¡±<ul><li>Drinking again? It¡¯s bad for your health.</li></ul>


    Her concerned tone felt oddlyforting.


    ¡°Hey you know¡­¡±


    I took a deep breath and thought I should say something to Choi Yiseo.


    But I couldn¡¯t get the words out.<ul><li>Come.</li></ul>


    She said to me.<ul><li>Come and say it face to face.</li></ul>


    Choi Yiseoughed lightly and said.<ul><li>We¡¯re still freshmen.</li></ul>


    She brought up her promise that we would date in our sophomore year, giving me more time.


    Even though we had slept together, she knew what was troubling me that day.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±<ul><li>Keep in touch often. Okay?</li></ul>


    ¡°Yeah, okay.¡±<ul><li>You have to do it first.</li></ul>


    ¡°I said okay.¡±<ul><li>And¡­Minji said there are a lot of idents there.</li></ul>


    ¡°idents?¡±


    I wondered what she meant, and then I heard a hesitant breath.<ul><li>Like, people falling for each other, dating, and breaking up.</li></ul>


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    So that¡¯s what she meant.


    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s only two months. Who would I fall for here?¡±<ul><li>¡­I¡¯m not worried about people you just met.</li></ul>


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    I was about to ask what she meant, but Choi Yiseo changed the subject.<ul><li>Anyway, be careful. If the work is too hard, juste back.</li></ul>


    ¡°Okay.¡±<ul><li>Good night.</li></ul>


    ¡°You too, good night.¡±<ul><li>Dream of me.</li></ul>


    I felt a pleasant smile spreading across my face.


    ¡°That¡¯s such an old-fashioned line.¡±<ul><li>Shut up!</li></ul>


    Then she hung up, embarrassed. Dreaming of Choi Yiseo¡­ Having a wet dream on the first night of dorm life would be something.


    ¡°Are you having fun?¡±


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    A sharp voice came from behind. I turned around in surprise to see Yu Arin with her arms crossed, ring at me.


    ¡°What, what¡¯s up?¡±


    I wondered if she had followed me, but Yu Arin didn¡¯t take her eyes off me and pouted.


    ¡°Did you enjoy being with Yiseo?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    ¡°You bastard!¡±


    Yu Arin kicked my thigh, causing it to hurt like hell. As I rubbed my thigh, she started nagging.


    ¡°You idiot. What about Yerin?¡±


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re dead!¡±


    Yu Arin raised her fist.


    I realized that this wasn¡¯t right.


    ¡°Why do you even care¡­¡±


    Yu Arin sighed and shook her head. Chan-woo once told me that Yu Arin seemed to like me.


    ¡®How could anyone think she likes me after seeing this?¡¯


    She hits and curses at me.


    Jabbing her finger at me, Yu Arin dered firmly.


    ¡°If you¡¯re dating Choi Yiseo, tell Yerin clearly. She¡¯s acting weird.¡±


    Dating.


    I had already told both Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo that I would never date within the same ss. But the thought that it might be okay with Choi Yiseo had crossed my mind.


    I should tell Seo Yerin my feelings properly.


    ¡°Okay, I got it.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, why do I have to take care of your love life?¡±


    Yu Arin sighed and punched my chest, but it didn¡¯t hurt much this time.


    ¡°Thank you, noona! There¡¯s a convenience store in the basement. Let¡¯s go! I¡¯ll treat you to Chong!¡±


    When I thanked her and clung to her, she hesitated for a moment and then replied coldly.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Why? You¡¯re not going to drink?¡±


    I wondered why she refused. She liked Chong.


    Yu Arin nced at me and sighed with aplicated look.


    ¡°I¡¯m not drinking it anymore.¡±


    She said something of meaning to her.

 Chapter 109: Gold One

    Chapter 109: Gold One


    The next day.


    Everyone arrived at the banquet hall at the same time.


    Since everyonemuted simultaneously, the buses operated internally by Gold One were so crowded that some people walked.


    ¡°Ah, seriously, please.¡±


    ¡°I hope I get assigned a cushy job.¡±


    ¡°I heard many people can¡¯tst two months and run away.¡±


    Since it was the time to decide where we would work for the next two months, everyone was talking about it.


    In front of us stood the assistant manager who guided us yesterday, and he didn¡¯t bother to stop the chatter, perhaps understanding our feelings.


    He probably thought we were still kids since we were college students.¡®Well, we are kids.¡¯


    Even I had only graduated from high school a year ago, so how could I be an adult?


    As I sat idly ying a mobile game, Seo Yerin, who was sitting next to me, joined in.


    ¡°Woojin, let¡¯s have a friendly match.¡±


    ¡°No, you always win.¡±


    The difference in our specs was so extreme that it wasn¡¯t even a friendly match.


    I kept refusing, but Seo Yerin didn¡¯t give up and kept pestering me, so eventually I agreed to y a few rounds.


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was sitting to my left, cleared her throat and red at me. When I turned my head, thinking she was signaling something, she bit her lip tightly.


    ¡°You- please, go work somewhere else.¡±


    She waved her hand dismissively, telling me to get lost. I thought about saying something, but she seemed oddly upset since yesterday, so I decided to let it go.


    I didn¡¯t want to provoke her when she was sensitive.


    ¡°She¡¯s seemed off since yesterday.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who seemed to share my thoughts, leaned towards me and whispered softly.


    ¡°Yeah, she does.¡±


    ¡°Right?¡±


    Then she subtly leaned on me and continued ying the game. I signaled her to move away by shrugging my shoulder, but Seo Yerin kept ying, holding out her phone.


    ¡°I told you not to raise that one.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s cute. I only raise cute ones.¡±


    ¡°If you raise the ones with good performance, they¡¯ll look cute automatically.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ve raised them all. By spending money.¡±


    Didn¡¯t I blow five million won on this?


    That was a few months ago, so who knows how it is now.


    ¡°¡­They¡¯re all cute.¡±


    In the end, she had raised them all and was now telling me what to do. As I was about to say something, a group of employees in suits started pouring in from the entrance.


    ¡°Alright, everyone. Pleasee out when your name is called.¡±


    The assistant manager, who was in charge, grabbed the microphone and started calling out names.


    ¡°Lee Inju, Baek Daun, Cheong Seora.¡±


    The people whose names were called were handed over to the first employee who hade in and left.


    It felt a bit like abor agency, making my heart race a little.


    Since there were so many people, names were called continuously, and the number of people called varied.


    Sometimes only one person was called, and at other times, a dozen or so were taken up at once.


    ¡°If they¡¯re taking a lot of people, it must be a tough ce.¡±


    As I made my deduction, Seo Yerin and Yu Arin, who were beside me, thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. Taking many people meant they needed a lot of hands.


    ¡°Seo Yerin, Jang Jinha, Kim Yiseo.¡±


    <em>Flinch.</em>


    I looked up instinctively. It was partly because Seo Yerin was called, but also because of the name Kim Yiseo.


    ¡°Ugh, idiot.¡±


    Yu Arin clicked her tongue, finding me pathetic for reacting to ¡®Yiseo¡¯.


    ¡°Ugh, I¡¯ll be going.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who was disappointed about being separated, left with a groan.


    ¡°Wow, she¡¯s stunning.¡±


    ¡°Is she a celebrity?¡±


    ¡°I want to work with her.¡±


    Admiring and envious gazes naturally followed Seo Yerin.


    I had forgotten recently, but Seo Yerin¡¯s looks were indeed exceptional.


    ¡°Sigh, Yerin must be feeling exhausted.¡±


    Yu Arin, who seemed used to such reactions towards Seo Yerin, grumbled with her chin resting on her hand.


    ¡°Just a pretty face.¡±


    I added ament.


    ¡°Wait a minute!¡±


    At that moment, an employee who was waiting to take the next batch of part-timers stepped forward.


    ¡°Can we take this student with us?¡±


    The man pointed at Seo Yerin. His golden name tag read ¡®Manager Lee Chan-song¡¯.


    ¡°Uh, Manager, but¡­¡±


    The employee taking Seo Yerin looked troubled. He signaled the assistant manager to do something.


    But the assistant manager pretended not to see and continued calling names.


    ¡°Yu Arin, Lee Se-ah, Han Bom¡­¡±


    About four people were called, and surprisingly, I knew all the girls.


    ¡°They ovepped.¡±


    Lee Se-ah was from the Theater and Film department, and Han Bom was from the Design department, both high school friends of Yu Arin and Seo Yerin.


    So, except for Seo Yerin, all the high school friends were assigned to the same ce.


    ¡°Take care.¡±


    As I waved goodbye, Yu Arin nced at me and left without a word. She didn¡¯t drink Chong yesterday, so she must really be in a bad mood.


    ¡°We can just switch with our people, right?¡±


    Manager Lee Chan-song continued his stubbornness. He seemed desperate to take Seo Yerin to his department.


    ¡°Uh, well¡­¡±


    He looked troubled, not knowing whom to send when he saw the three women assigned to his department.


    Taking advantage of the moment, the employee with Seo Yerin quickly escaped.


    Manager Lee Chan-song, who was about to say something, had to retreat with the students under the pressure of the many gazes of the college students.


    ¡®Yu Arin will have a hard time.¡¯


    She would have to work with that man as her boss, and seeing how he was acting over Seo Yerin¡¯s looks, it was clear what kind of person he was.


    As I consoled Yu Arin in my mind, waiting for my turn.


    ¡°Jegal Jaemin, Kim Woojin, Han Min-chan, Choi Minji¡­¡±


    Finally, my name was called.


    As I stepped forward, my roommate Jegal Jaemin naturally came to my side.


    ¡°At least we get to work with someone we know.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    He was quite talkative and seemed light-hearted, making it easy to get close to him.


    He liked to groom himself, so he had spent quite a bit of time in the bathroom this morning.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡±


    The ce we were assigned to was a Korean restaurant called ¡®Country Table¡¯.


    It was outside the hotel building, with a traditional Korean interior and a small pond in the center.


    It had a distinctly Korean feel.


    ¡®But the prices¡­¡¯


    Despite being called ¡®Country Table¡¯, the price of kimchi stew was on par with steak, which seemed absurd.


    But seeing so many employees assigned there, it must mean they had a lot of customers.


    Whatever it was.


    I finally started to feel like I was truly at Gold One.<hr>


    Time passed.


    The third day at Gold One.


    Yu Arin woke up, now ustomed to the routine, and got up slowly. Her roommate, Seo Yerin, had already left for her job at the bakery ¡®Great Korean Hall¡¯.


    ¡°Yawn.¡±


    After a quick wash, she dried her hair and put on makeup. It was tight on the first day, but she had gotten used to it and now had some leeway.


    She put on the ck skirt and white shirt uniform, topped with a ck zer.


    The outfit was simr to the one worn at thest school festival, but she liked this uniform much better.


    It wasn¡¯t in, and the subtle pattern in the same color lent it a much more sophisticated feel.


    The girls had put on quite a fashion show on the first day.


    It was still dark outside.


    Before leaving, she put on a long padded coat and left with her colleagues, Lee Se-ah from the Theater and Film department and Han Bom from the Design department.


    The three of them worked in room service.


    It was amon job in any hotel, handling various simple menus.


    ¡®Hmm.¡¯


    On the third day at Gold One.


    Amid the notorious rumors, Yu Arin realized that room service was a cushy job, making her steps light on the way to work.


    She took the elevator, filled with the chilly morning air, down to the first floor.


    She was now used to the bustling crowd of peoplemuting at this hour and naturally stood in line for the bus.


    ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s cold.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Perhaps because it was morning, even her usually noisy friends were somewhat lethargic in their conversation.


    Listening to their chatter, Yu Arin, with her hands in her padded coat pockets, fell into a daze.


    It has been three days already.


    She hadn¡¯t even caught a glimpse of Kim Woojin in those three days.


    She didn¡¯t know whether to be happy or sad about it.


    Their work hours and ces seemed different, so they had no chance to meet.


    ¡®It¡¯s a relief.¡¯


    Feeling a strange sense of satisfaction, she smiled faintly as she boarded the bus.


    After about a 10-minute ride, they arrived right in front of the hotel. They swiped their employee cards and entered to start their workday.


    Heading to the basement, she wondered if this was the life she would live after graduating from university and bing a working adult.


    Room service was simple.


    Receive orders from the room and deliver the iing order to the kitchen next door.


    Then the kitchen would prepare the food, set it up, and take it out.


    It was quite an easy job.


    ¡°See! I told you I¡¯d bring someone!¡±


    ¡°Oh, bring them on then!¡±


    ¡°Ugh, they¡¯re at it again in the morning.¡±


    Two people were shouting at each other in the office. Manager Lee Chan-song and Assistant Manager Han Jeong-jik. Technically, it was insubordination for an assistant manager to raise their voice at a manager.


    But it was a daily urrence in Room Service.


    ¡°They still haven¡¯t found anyone?¡±


    ¡°Where would they find someone? There¡¯s no one to switch with.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not figurines. I¡¯d rather work somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°¡­But there¡¯s no ce as cushy as here.¡±


    Lee Se-ah and Han Bom whispered. Yu Arin, listening quietly, suddenly remembered Kim Woojin calling Seo Yerin a living figurine.


    ¡®Ugh, seriously.¡¯


    She grumbled, deciding to stop thinking about Kim Woojin, and started preparing for work.


    The manager and assistant manager were still arguing.


    The reason for their fight was simple.


    They were short-staffed in Room Service.


    Gold One had four employees, and four part-timers were added, so it seemed like there were enough people.


    But theck of male employees was the issue.


    Room service involved delivering food to the guests¡¯ rooms.


    Since Gold One had a casino, there were often rough guests who stayed for long periods.


    Because of this, female employees were sometimes dragged inside when delivering room service, so only male employees were sent to the rooms.


    ¡°Is it my fault that guy ran away? Huh? Is it my fault that bastard ran away?!¡±


    Just yesterday.


    The only male part-timer had run away, saying it was too hard.


    Originally, more male part-timers should have been hired, but Manager Lee Chan-song had allocated more slots to females, causing this mess.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it? With the peak season, how can we handle all this with just the three of us?!¡±


    The main building, A, had over 200 hotel rooms alone. Room service also covered Building B, so they had to deliver food to nearly 400 rooms with just three people.


    ¡°The second batch of part-timers wille in, right? We¡¯ll get only male ones then!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a week away! What are we supposed to do until then?! You just take customer calls here, but we have to run around to all the rooms!¡±


    ¡®What a mess.¡¯


    Even if the female employees set everything up, just moving it around would be quite tiring.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Manager Lee Chan-song finally snapped, grabbed his cigarettes, and stormed out.


    Orders were just starting toe in.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    The assistant manager sighed but started working as orders kepting in.


    About 30 minutester.


    ¡°Hey! I brought someone!¡±


    Surprisingly, Manager Lee Chan-song brought in a male part-timer.


    ¡°I brought the ace from ¡®Country Table¡¯ who worked the best!¡±


    The guy, looking bewildered and unsure why he was there, nced around.


    When Kim Woojin, scratching the back of his head, met eyes with Yu Arin, who was setting up the cart with food.


    ¡°What, you¡¯re working here?¡±


    ¡®Ugh, seriously.¡¯


    Yu Arin¡¯s calm heart started to stir again.

 Chapter 110: Room Service

    Chapter 110: Room Service


    The work at the Country Table was smooth.


    Everything proceeded like a sailing ship moving swiftly.


    Working diligently among the clueless college students, I even receivedpliments from the seniors.


    Even the usually stern team leader, whom we could call the mistress, gave me a smile for handling a customerint well yesterday.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing well.¡±


    Jegal Jaemin, who worked with me, used to see me as a rival, but now he just murmurs that I¡¯m amazing, having seemingly given up.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing well.¡±


    Receiving praise from the team leader, I thought today would pass uneventfully.


    ¡®What kind of situation is this?¡¯In an instant, I was dragged from the Country Table and pond to the hotel¡¯s basement, where I now work in Room Service.


    In fact, I was thrown in immediately and had to learn on the job. It was much easier than working at the countryside restaurant, so I adapted surprisingly quickly.


    ¡°Is it this simple?¡±


    I even thought thating here might have been a better choice.


    When the food came out, Yu Arin and the other friends set it up on the cart. Then, I just had to take it and deliver it to the guest rooms.


    Lunchtime was roughly over, and it was meal time.


    While eating in the staff cafeteria, I finally had time to speak to Yu Arin and the other friends.


    ¡°So¡­you¡¯re saying I came to fill in for the guy who ran away?¡±


    At my words, Han Bom from Design nodded vigorously. We had be somewhatfortable with each other since we had gone to the PC caf¨¦ and had drinks at the chicken cest time.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The manager increased the number of girl positions, so there were no guys left to go up to the rooms.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    This kid has really good pronunciation while eating.


    I lean back slightly to avoid any rice grains and continue listening.


    ¡°He must have had a hard time trying to do everything by himself. We suggested just going up to the room to help, but they said it¡¯s againstpany policy.¡±


    ¡°Huh, it should be fine if it¡¯s Yu Arin.¡±


    Isn¡¯t Yu Arin stronger than most men?


    Honestly, it¡¯s safer for her to go up than for me.


    But despite my joke, Yu Arin stays focused on eating without any response.


    Thanks to that, the atmosphere became awkward.


    Lee Se-ah from the Theater and Film department seems to sense something is off and quickly changes the subject.


    ¡°How was the Country Table? It¡¯s been chosen as one of the top three tough jobs among the part-timers.¡±


    ¡°Top three tough jobs?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, one of the three toughest ces at Gold One.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t that hard.¡±


    What kind of three tough ces are there?


    ¡°There were a lot of things to memorize, but once I memorized them, it wasn¡¯t too difficult.¡±


    ¡°They said you were good at your job, and it turns out to be true.¡±


    ¡°So you yed the role of the manager this time.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Listening to the conversation between the two, I couldn¡¯t help but let out an ambiguous groan.


    I remember Manager Lee Chan-song dragging me off like he owned the ce at the Country Table.


    I still vividly remember the head of the Country Table team sending me off with eyes full of sorrow.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving first.¡±


    Yu Arin, who seemed to be eating in a hurry, suddenly stood up as if she had finished her meal. Then she left coldly.


    ¡°¡­Did you perhaps fight with Arin?¡±


    At Lee Se-ah¡¯s question, I just shrugged without giving a particr answer. Did we have any reason to have a falling out?


    Recently, I¡¯ve been managing the Bamboo Forest alone. Since it¡¯s the vacation period, not many posts are being made anyway.


    ¡°Since this guy came, she¡¯s be a bit sensitive.¡±


    ¡°Right? She doesn¡¯t look happy either.¡±


    Listening to the two people¡¯s worried conversation about Yu Arin, I also watched the back of the departing girl but couldn¡¯t do anything for her.


    As I was working hard, it eventually became time to get off work.


    Leaving work is faster than at the Country Table, and after lunch, there¡¯s almost nothing to do, so I folded napkins.


    ¡®Room Service is really a sweet deal.¡¯


    Although I was half-dragged from the Country Table, the work here was easier. Of course, the atmosphere is much worse.


    With the continuous fighting between the manager and the assistant manager, the atmosphere keeps getting ruined.


    Not only the part-timers but also the staff here avoid them as if to hush it up.


    Listening to what the seniors were saying, it seemed that Lee Chan-song, the manager, had caused some trouble, so he was not being treated properly as a manager, which was why the section chief could pick a fight like that.


    ¡®This is a mess.¡¯


    As I clicked my tongue and finished preparing to leave, Yu Arin, waddling around in a long padded coat, caught my eye.


    It looked like she was heading to the bus stop outside.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±


    When I hurriedly ran over to join her, she nced at me and then walked away as if she wasn¡¯t interested at all.


    ¡°Where are Bomi and Se-ah?¡±


    Wondering why she was heading back to the dorm alone, I asked, and Yu Arin suddenly turned her head and red at me as if she was shooting daggers.


    ¡°Why are you calling them by their names like you are so familiar?¡±


    Huh?


    ¡°¡­Because we got close?¡±


    When I asked back, dumbfounded, wondering why she was asking something so obvious, Yu Arin¡¯s lips twitched.


    ¡°They said they were waiting for Yerin to finish work, so I¡¯m just going to go.¡±


    Then she just left.


    ¡°Ah, what is it. Why are you doing this?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Is someone bothering you? Or did the seniors say something weird?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Huh, this is frustrating.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t usually this frustrating. It seems like she¡¯s trying to distance herself for some reason.


    ¡®I don¡¯t get it.¡¯


    Seeing her deliberately avoiding me on the bus and sitting elsewhere, I¡¯m at a loss as to what to do too.


    I wish I had someone to ask for advice. At times like this, a perfect ce came to mind.<ul><li>Admin: A girl I know suddenly got mad, what¡¯s this about?</li></ul>


    Maybe it¡¯s because it¡¯s a healthy post after a long time. Or maybe because I¡¯m the Admin.


    Replies came quicker than expected.


    ? Anonymous85: Did you confess?


    ? Admin (Author): No, no, we¡¯re really just friends.


    ? Anonymous11: There¡¯s no such thing as friendship between a man and a woman, you idiot.


    ? Anonymous288: Seriously out of nowhere? Did they get mad without saying anything? Exin the situation a bit.


    ? Admin (Author): It¡¯s a bit hard to exin. Is there a way to cheer them up?


    Replies ranged from saying the person was full to using them of using usfortably, and quite a few answers came in.


    ? Anonymous11: Just show them a cat photo and ask, ¡°Isn¡¯t this cute?¡±


    ? Anonymous52: Lure them with food ? The more expensive, the more effective.


    ? Anonymous308: Maybe they just hate you because you¡¯re ugly.


    ? Anonymous147: Make themugh. Crack a joke or do a physical gag in front of them.


    ? Anonymous69: Just say you want to have sex. They¡¯ll probably ept.


    ? Anonymous90: I want to have sex!


    ? Anonymous246: Talk about anime. I rmend something new that just came out, something everyone would like¡­


    ? Anonymous44: It¡¯s okay to go with a ghost story. Scary stories help you focus better.


    ? Anonymous198: Just tie them up and spank them until they cry and apologize.


    ? Anonymous59 (Admin1): ¡­¡­


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    I got caught by Yu Arin.


    It doesn¡¯t mean anything, but I pretend I wasn¡¯t looking as I put my phone down.


    I get off the bus and follow behind Yu Arin, who is walking briskly ahead.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this picture cute?¡±


    Sorry, but I don¡¯t have any cat pictures, so I show a picture of Han-kang and Pyo Jinho making a cute face as punishment for drinking.


    ¡°Shit, my eyes¡­¡±


    Yu Arin looks at me with genuine disgust.


    Hmm, this one failed.


    Anonymous11 is banned for a day.


    Let¡¯s move on to the next.


    ¡°Do you want to eat this?¡±


    Since there isn¡¯t much to eat right now, I handed out the peppermint candies from the restaurant for the staff to eat.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Then, someone immediately took out a chocte bar and started munching on it alone.


    ¡°¡­Just one bite.¡±


    It looked so delicious that I unconsciously started to drool, but Yu Arin just flipped me off.


    Anonymous52 is also banned.


    ¡°Once upon a time¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so boring, don¡¯t even bother.¡±


    Is joking not working either?


    I thought about doing some physicaledy, but my pride wouldn¡¯t allow it.


    Anonymous147 is also banned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s fuck¡­¡±


    ¡°Ugh! You bastard!¡±


    I tried following Seo Yerin¡¯s advice, but what I got in return was a right hook to the side.


    Thanks to anticipating it and curling up my body, I managed to defend myself, but it still hurt.


    But thanks to that, Yu Arin finally looked this way.


    Though she was still fuming.


    Anyway, Anonymous69 and 90 are also banned together.


    ¡°Did you watch¡­Annie?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±


    I thought so.


    ¡°Then how about the scary story¡­¡±


    ¡°I hate them the most.¡±


    This is shocking.


    The advices I received from the Bamboo Forest were running out one after another. Anyway, those bastards have no time to be of help in my life.


    Those very disgusting cyber ghosts.


    I love you people too, you bastards.


    ¡°Then the next¡­¡±


    I checked the Bamboo Forest again to see what was left to use.


    ?Anonymous198: Just tie her up and spank her ass until she whines that she¡¯s sorry for her actions.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    I nced at Yu Arin while touching my chin. I guess she knew what I was thinking.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even try.¡±


    She took a step back and looked anxious for no reason.


    ¡°I wonder if a twine¡­can be a rope.¡±


    ¡°I said don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°I can go to the convenience store and see if there is a rope¡­¡±


    ¡°I-I said to not do it, you pervert!¡±


    Seeing the back of Yoo Arin running off so quickly, a bitterugh escaped my lips.


    Seeing that made it feel somewhat the same as usual.


    ¡°Yah, Yu Arin!¡±


    When I called out to the fleeing figure, she turned her head slightly, her face flushed.


    After taking the Chong I bought earlier for lunch out of my bag, I tossed it to her.


    She caught it neatly and stared nkly at it.


    ¡°Drink it.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Then give it to someone else.¡±


    ¡°Take it back!¡±


    When she tried to throw it back at me, I turned my body and ran away this time.<hr>


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Yu Arin, who put the Chong in the small refrigerator in her dorm, washed up, leaving herplicated feelings behind.


    ? Anonymous11: Admin, what happened.


    ? Anonymous233: Our first achievement in the Bamboo Forest.


    ? Anonymous44: Was it okay? Did you feel better?


    ? Anonymous198: Thanks to us, the Admin finally got a girlfriend.


    ? Admin: From now on, anyone who replies here will be banned.


    ? Anonymous69: ??


    When she checked the Bamboo Forest outside, Kim Woojin was causing a ruckus. Yu Arin, who realized her lips had curled up slightly while nkly reading the post, threw her phone onto the folded nket.


    <em>Clunk.</em>


    ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m so tired.¡±


    ¡°Good job.¡±


    Min Ju-hee, who had just finished work, came in. Since she had been close with Ju-hee from the movie assignment days, it wasn¡¯t difficult at all.


    ¡°Huh? Whose Chong is this?¡±


    Ju-hee checked the fridge as if she was thirsty. Yu Arin, who flinched for a moment, answered as if nothing was wrong.


    ¡°Go ahead. I received it, but I don¡¯t really want to drink it.¡±


    ¡°Really? I¡¯ll have itter.¡±


    Watching senior Ju-hee drink water instead of Chong, Yu Arin strangely felt relieved.


    ¡®No, don¡¯t think about it.¡¯


    She resolved not to worry about such things anymore and relieved the day¡¯s fatigue.<hr>


    The next day.


    ¡°So, first, knock on the door.¡±


    Today, with no orders, Kim Woojin was chatting with Han Bom and Lee Se-ah.


    And watching those three from afar was Yu Arin.


    For the two who couldn¡¯t go up to the rooms for room service, Kim Woojin was telling a story.


    ¡°Room service. If you say it like this, the guest wille out, right?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that might make my heart race a bit.¡±


    Then suddenly, Kim Woojin stopped telling the story and took a step back.


    ¡°The guestes out. Then, to show how happy you are to see them, you start dancing.¡±


    He started doing bizarre dance steps.


    ¡°Like this, huh? To show the guest how happy I am to see them. Like this, like this, shock shock.¡±


    ¡®Crazy bastard.¡¯


    Is that supposed to be funny? Yu Arin crossed her arms in disbelief and watched.


    ¡°Puht! Kim Woojin is hrious!¡±


    ¡°Heheh! Why is he suddenly dancing for a customer?¡±


    She remembered her two friends¡¯ughter threshold as not being this low, yet they wereughing so hard.


    Watching Kim Woojin continue to dance, somewhat stepping in rhythm, with her two friends giggling in front of him.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Strangely, Yu Arin¡¯s mood was getting progressively worse.

 Chapter 111: Annoyance

    Chapter 111: Annoyance


    ¡°Room service.¡±


    At the shout apanying the knock, there was a rustling sound from inside the door.


    It hasn¡¯t even been a few days, but now the job is familiar.


    Now, without any tension, just nkly waiting, a blonde woman in a gown opens the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    She was wearing only a gown without any underwear, but without any particr reaction, I pulled the cart inside.


    Because here, you shouldn¡¯t nce around or flinch unnecessarily.


    ¡°After you finish your meal, please leave the cart outside the door and we wille to collect it.¡±


    After cing the cart in front of the bed, I exined briefly and quickly exited.No matter howfortable she was, I didn¡¯t expect her toe out like that wearing just a loose gown.


    Although it was unintended, when she first came out, her cleavage was tantly visible.


    ¡®It really exists.¡¯


    I had be quite close with the seniors working as deputies, so I had heard various stories from them.


    I heard that some peoplee out wearing only underwear, and at night, you can hear people enjoying nighttime activities from outside.


    Because there is a gap under the door.


    They say there¡¯s a slight space under the door on purpose in case of a fire, but because of that, you can clearly hear the moaning.


    They say there are cases where you go in during the night shift, and I wanted to see what it was like.


    As I hummed and went down to the basement, the three people and the deputies were waiting for the food toe out from the kitchen, as if an order had just been ced.


    ¡°You¡¯re here? We have to go right away.¡±


    ¡°Are you cking off?¡±


    ¡°When I first came here, you know¡­¡±


    Smiling, I responded, and the assistant managers made jokes with an old-fashioned vibe. Honestly, the age difference isn¡¯t that great, but our senses of humor don¡¯t quite align.


    ¡°Oh right, speaking of which, something just happened.¡±


    To avoid listening to the assistant managers¡¯ jokes, I naturally shifted the topic to what had just urred.


    When I mentioned that a blonde beauty had weed me with an open demeanor, the assistant managers immediately got excited and jumped in.


    ¡°Ohhh!? What¡¯s the room number?¡±


    ¡°If we get another order, I¡¯m going!¡±


    ¡°You have a girlfriend at the clinic. First, if we get an order, let¡¯s do rock-paper-scissors¡­¡±


    Seeing everyone making a fuss and talking, it made meugh, thinking that even as we age and work, we¡¯re all quite simr.


    ¡°How could that be?¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡­¡±


    Han Bom and Lee Se-ah, who were listening from behind, were bewildered and couldn¡¯t understand. Didn¡¯t they throw themselves around sexual jokes when they were alone together?


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    In the midst of it, Yu Arin was staring at me intently. She seemed to be in a good mood earlier, so I wondered why she was acting like this now.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    As I approached and asked her while sticking close, Yu Arin, who was setting the food that came out of the kitchen on the cart, pushed it towards me.


    ¡°Go quickly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my turn, you know?¡±


    Just then, one of the managers came and promptly took the cart.


    We were left standing awkwardly again.


    Han Bom and Lee Se-ah were chatting with the managers, and Yu Arin was staring at me intently.


    ¡°Hey, I got a tip. Should we flex at the convenience store after this?¡±


    As I casually took out a ten thousand won bill and asked, Yu Arin crossed her arms and opened her eyes coquettishly.


    ¡°Did that tall blondedy give you that too?¡±


    ¡°No, I got this from a different room.¡±


    ¡°¡­Then it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Would you have disliked it if it was money from the blondedy?¡±


    When I asked with a tilted head, Yu Arin didn¡¯t give a specific answer. It was true that something had been off since she came to Gold One.


    Normally, she would just speak casually or y pranks, buttely, she¡¯s been trying to keep her distance.


    ¡®Tsk, it¡¯s kind of strange.¡¯


    It doesn¡¯t feel good that a friend you are close to is suddenly distancing herself.


    Even though we often bickered, I considered it a form of friendship.


    Up until now, had she actually hated the pranks we yed? As I pondered this seriously, Yu Arin nced at me and cautiously asked.


    ¡°Are you¡­in touch with Yiseo?¡±


    Out of nowhere, Choi Yiseo is being brought up?


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    It was difficult to answer.


    Because.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t pick up.¡±


    These days, Choi Yiseo wasn¡¯t answering my calls.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t pick up?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s shoulders twitched slightly, and her eyes sparkled as if she suddenly became lively.


    ¡°Yeah, I can¡¯t get through. I was worried something might have happened, so I even tried contacting her friend, but they didn¡¯t answer either.¡±


    I tried contacting Minji, but she didn¡¯t respond either. Although I was worried about what might be going on, it wasn¡¯t like I could just abandon my responsibilities here because of it.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Why? Are you happy? That I¡¯m missing the mark?¡±


    ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s just go to the convenience store. We¡¯re not getting any orders anyway.¡±


    ¡°You got happy right away when I said I¡¯d buy it for you.¡±


    The convenience store is in the hotel lobby, so it takes less than five minutes to get there.


    Since there are no orders anyway, I told my seniors and was about to go for a moment.


    ¡°Arin! Look at this!¡±


    Yeon-yeong and Lee Se-ah thrust their phones at us.


    When I checked, there was a post on SNS with a skyrocketing number of likes.<ul><li>Gold One Bakery ¡®Great Korean Hall¡¯ staff candid shot.</li></ul>


    In it, Seo Yerin was photographed wearing an apron and disying bread.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°This is something.¡±


    The number of likes kept climbing rmingly, and thements below were no joke. Normally, people would be going wild over such a hit, but we were rather ustomed to it.


    This isn¡¯t the first time Seo Yerin has done something like this.


    ¡°Seriously, Yerin is¡­¡±


    But Lee Se-ah was different.


    I heard that she wants to be a theater or musical actress in the future, but she seems to be jealous of Seo Ye-rin, who gets attention just by carrying bread.


    ¡°Don¡¯t envy her for no reason. She¡¯s probably living a tiring life too.¡±


    Yu Arin was giving advice to such a friend. Maybe because she had experienced something simr with Jeong Chan-woo, her words were quite touching.


    ¡°Yeah, I should.¡±


    Lee Se-ah also epted Yu Arin¡¯s advice, nodded, and went back to her original seat.


    Seeing that, I shook my head and muttered.


    ¡°How can anyone be envious of Seo Yerin?¡±


    From my perspective, it was iprehensible.


    ¡°She¡¯s only really pretty.¡±


    ¡°There are so many people who wish for that.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was sulking next to me, nced at me and asked cautiously.


    ¡°But you don¡¯t seem to have any intention of getting along well with Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    I wondered what she meant all of a sudden.


    ¡°You did it with Yerin too.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Was it just a one-night stand?¡±


    ¡°You crazy girl!¡±


    ¡°Heheheh.¡±


    As soon as I replied, Yu Arin chuckled. It was a bit of a crossing-the-linement, but between us, this kind of remark was not even considered crossing the line.


    ¡°No, but it¡¯s true. After you did it with Yiseo, it seemed like you were going to date her. But after you did it with Yerin, you don¡¯t seem to care much?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Everyone was hoping for you to be with Seo Yerin, but your reaction was lukewarm.¡±


    Well, I was pretty drunk at that time¡­


    ¡°I have my reasons.¡±


    There were reasons why I found it difficult to see Seo Yerin in that way. Yu Arin, curious about the reasons, prodded further, but I drew a clear line.


    ¡°Just keep it in mind like that. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever consider dating Seo Yerin.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you believe me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t believe you. You said you wouldn¡¯t date anyone from school, but now you¡¯re considering dating Yiseo?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    I had nothing to say.


    I tried to find something to respond with, but Yu Arin started dragging me along with a somewhat lighter step.<hr>


    Suddenly, Yu Arin thought that people are really fickle.


    Just a moment ago, she was in a bad mood.


    It was annoying to see Kim Woojin bragging about seeing a blonde beauty in a gown in the guest room as if it were some kind of achievement, and she didn¡¯t want to listen to it.


    But watching hime up to her, seeking her attention, and suggesting they go to the convenience store together because he got a tip, her ufortable feelings started to ease a little.


    While pointing out that Choi Yiseo could not be reached in the middle, and that there was no possibility of developing a romantic rtionship with Seo Yerin.


    Yu Arin felt herself gradually bing happier without realizing it.


    With a rxed smile, she wondered what to buy at the convenience store to tease him.


    ¡°Can we have a party in our room today?¡±


    ¡°Just got ten thousand won. Buy within that amount.¡±


    Seeing Kim Woojin speak irritably made herugh. There was a pleasure in teasing him because his annoyed look was surprisingly cute.


    ¡®It¡¯s because I heard strange things recently.¡¯


    Because Jeong Chan-woo or Seo Yerin said that she liked Kim Woojin, she had been keeping some distance.


    But now, as she was getting along like this, Yu Arin thought it was somewhat different from romantic feelings.


    As she began to feel more certain, her mood improved again.


    ¡°Hehe, should I buy ice cream and share it with everyone?¡±


    ¡°Why are you taking credit for something I bought?¡±


    ¡°You cheapskate.¡±


    ¡°You bastard¡­!¡±


    Just as he was about to say something, Kim Woojin¡¯s phone rang.


    She thought it might be Room Service calling them to pick up orders.


    ¡°I need to take this call. Can you pick out stuff for the team and the seniors?¡±


    Kim Woojin quickly stepped outside the convenience store to answer the call. Curious about his slightly excited demeanor, she pretended to browse around and moved towards the entrance.


    ¡°Hey, Yiseo.¡±


    A name that immediately revealed who it was emerged from Kim Woojin¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    What should she say.


    She didn¡¯t want to hear his excited voice, so she hastily moved to pick out the ice cream.


    <em>Rustle.</em>


    <em>Rustle.</em>


    Listlessly browsing through the ice creams, her gaze is fixed outside.


    Kim Woojin, smiling while on a call.


    What could be so exciting.


    What could be so enjoyable.


    ¡°Ha.¡±


    Saying this, after all.


    She knew that she was the same.


    Just a few words made her upset.


    Just a few words made her happy.


    ¡°Really.¡±


    Yu Arin, covering her face with both hands, today as well.


    ¡°So annoying.¡±


    She denied her feelings.

 Chapter 112: It’s All Your Fault

    Chapter 112: It¡¯s All Your Fault


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    The basic Western-style menu included grilled bread. Because of that, it was standard to provide various types of jam in tubes, which were ced on a high shelf.


    ¡®Ah, damn it.¡¯


    Yu Arin struggled to get the jam. The ones below had run out, so she tried to get the next bag, but her hand couldn¡¯t reach it.


    ¡°Ah, I said I don¡¯t like it?¡±


    ¡°Please! Please please please please!¡±


    Yeon-young, Lee Se-ah, and Kim Woojin were chatting among themselves, leaving the struggling Yu Arin alone.


    Lee Se-ah, clinging to Kim Woojin with her phone, was begging for something so desperately.


    ¡°My boyfriend posted a photo with a female friend on SNS? And then he¡¯s acting all shameless?¡±¡°Ah, that can happen. It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Separation? Separation? Are you kidding? You can¡¯t meet me right now, but you¡¯re hanging out with female friends?¡±


    ¡°Haa.¡±


    Come to think of it, Lee Se-ah made a fuss about that at the dorm yesterday too.


    Thanks to that, she drank beer that she didn¡¯t want to drink.


    ¡°So what. You want to do the same thing? Take a picture with me to make him jealous? What is that even?¡±


    ¡®Oh my.¡¯


    Yu Arin just chuckled at her friend¡¯s scheme. No matter how outrageous her boyfriend was, trying to get back at him in the same way seemed a bit too simplistic.


    ¡°Oh, please! Huh? Just one! Please! Just one picture!¡±


    ¡°I know a really handsome guy. I¡¯ll introduce him to you. Take a picture with him.¡±


    So, he¡¯s trying to use Chan-woo.


    Sorry, but Se-ah knows Chan-woo too. They went to high school together.


    ¡°Ah, Chan-woo is not an option.¡±


    Lee Se-ah rejected the idea immediately.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s so handsome that my boyfriend would really get mad.¡±


    ¡°You jerk¡­!¡±


    ¡°Hehe! Oh please! Woojin!¡±


    Lee Se-ah now clung on to him and pleaded. With a yful smile on her lips, she looks pretty, like someone who belongs in the theater and film department.


    ¡®Ugh.¡¯


    Pretending not to see their antics, Yu Arin tries to reach for the jam again.


    Kim Woojin, who has dragged Se-ah away,es beside her, puts the jam down, and grumbles.


    ¡°Ah, I said no! What if your boyfriend says something to me? I can¡¯t fight.¡±


    ¡°Aing! I¡¯ll exin everything. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m going up to the room.¡±


    Kim Woojin pulls the cart and heads up to the room, as if escaping.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Staring nkly at the jam bag he left behind, Yu Arin quickly collects herself up and focuses on her work again.<hr>


    ¡°Like this?¡±


    ¡°No, like this.¡±


    ¡°Huh, fascinating.¡±


    Typically, Room Service bes somewhat idle after lunchtime. At most, there would be one or twote lunch orders.


    So, during this idle time.


    Kim Woojin was drawing attention with his peculiar steps.


    Starting from Lee Se-ah from the Department of Theater and Film and Han Bom from the Department of Design, even the managers.


    They gathered in clusters, watching Kim Woojin¡¯s steps as if they were witnessing a circus.


    ¡°See, like this, like this. So that the guests can be pleased right away when theye out.¡±


    Is he still pushing that joke?


    ¡°No, it¡¯s insanely fascinating.¡±


    ¡°Did you practice?¡±


    ¡°Surprising.¡±


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t something he learned separately; Kim Woojin just practiced it with his roommates while watching YouTube yesterday at the dorm.


    Since there were only cell phones and no need to go out, it was natural for strange activities to unfold among the men in the dormitory.


    ¡°We¡¯re just doing this out of boredom in the dorm.¡±


    Thinking that she didn¡¯t know why they suddenly got hooked on dancing, Yu Arin took a step back to watch and then checked the time.


    It was time to pick up theundered napkins, so she quietly left and headed to theundry room with the cart.


    ¡®Why dancing all of a sudden?¡¯


    He often mentioned doing home workouts, but being interested in dancing was a bit unexpected. She had heard that strange things happen when men gather, but wasn¡¯t that too strange?


    Kim Woojin and dancing didn¡¯t match at all for her.


    Anyway, while she was moving the napkins to the cart in theundry room.


    Kim Woojin, who had approached before she knew it, stood on the opposite side and helped move the napkins into the cart.


    ¡°Why did you go alone?¡±


    ¡°What the¡­ When did youe?¡±


    ¡°I saw you going alone, so I followed. There must be a lot ofundry since a lot of napkins went out this time.¡±


    ¡°I can do it alone.¡±


    ¡°Sure, you can.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    She¡¯s definitely acting cold, unlike at university. Especially since she saw him talking with Choi Yiseo.


    But Kim Woojin was taking care of her in an oddly considerate way.


    It felt good and bad at the same time. Yu Arin didn¡¯t like the ambiguity around him.


    But she kept epting his kindness.


    ¡°Hey, how was my step? I practiced quite hard. I¡¯m the best at our dorm. Seems like I have talent?¡±


    It was kind of funny thinking about practicing with Jeong Chan-woo while watching on the phone, but Yu Arin forced a smile and responded.


    ¡°Why dancing all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? You showed me the windmill.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin paused moving the napkins and slowly lifted her head.


    Kim Woojin, who didn¡¯t seem to notice her gaze, continued moving the napkins and spoke.


    ¡°The windmill looked cool, so I wanted to try it too. Honestly, isn¡¯t it like a man¡¯s dream?¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s a really trivial reason.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Having loaded all the napkins onto the cart, Kim Woojin promptly began to push it. Yu Arin awkwardly followed him.


    ¡°We need to hurry because it¡¯s almost time to collect the carts from Building B.¡±


    It was time to retrieve the carts that the guests had left outside after finishing their meals.


    ¡°Last time, we forgot to go, and the supervisors scolded us.¡±


    Watching Kim Woojin casually talk about getting scolded, Yu Arin pursed her lips. But he continued talking without a break, his steps light.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it understandable to make a mistake once?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°But twice is a bit much. If it happens twice, you can call them a fool.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin, who had been staring intently at Kim Woojin seeking agreement, finally said something.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Unable to hold back, she spat out a word.


    ¡°Do you like me?¡±


    ¡°¡­Are you suddenly out of your mind?¡±


    Kim Woojin asked back, puzzled by the sudden remark. Yu Arin, who had been staring at him intently, suddenly huffed and grabbed the cart.


    ¡°If not, then go. I¡¯ll do it alone.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You said you had to go to Building B.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    Kim Woojin, who was about to head to Building B with a bewildered expression, paused for a moment and looked back.


    ¡°Is there something troubling you?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Recently¡­you don¡¯t seem like yourself.¡±


    After hesitating for a moment, unsure of what to say, Kim Woojin eventually gave up and left.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Unable to respond separately, Yu Arin sighed deeply at his back and pulled the cart towards the office.


    Time passed like that, and it was time to leave work.


    Everyone went up from the basement to the first floor and headed to the bus stop.


    ¡°Wow, it snowed.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t know because we were in the basement.¡±


    Se-ah and Han Bom, smiling brightly, started taking pictures of the snow that had piled up before they knew it.


    Yu Arin was half-forced to join in.


    ¡°Woojin! Come here too!¡±


    ¡°Take a picture of us!¡±


    Called by Se-ah and Han Bom, Kim Woojin. He boasted about his excellent photography skills and was about to join them.


    <em>Buzz!</em>


    ¡°Oh, sorry. I have to take this call.¡±


    Kim Woojin left to answer the call just as the phone rang.


    Watching that nkly, Han Bom asked with a smirk.


    ¡°Hey, is that his girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend? Maybe she¡¯s just someone he¡¯s interested in? Look at his expression, it¡¯s all rxed.¡±


    ¡°That guy, he¡¯s a decent fellow.¡±


    ¡°Was it the one at home back then?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Kim Woojin¡¯s mood changed immediately, whispered the two people. They were quick to get fired up about rtionship-rted talk.


    But between those two, Yu Arin kept her mouth tightly shut.


    She was angry.


    That guy was smiling like that.


    That guy was showing a smile to someone over a mere phone call that he never showed to her.


    When people around saw it, they immediately thought she was just someone he¡¯s interested in.


    It made her feel smaller and smaller.


    ¡®It¡¯s not like you.¡¯


    Isn¡¯t it funny?


    It¡¯s not like this is some youth drama, and she wanted to argue about what being herself even meant.


    But Yu Arin herself knew. If it were her usual self, she wouldn¡¯t have been bothered by such worries at all.


    Why?


    For what reason?


    Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo.


    She knew that the two people who became close already like Kim Woojin.


    Originally, revealing the man you like among women was almost like a signal not to touch him.


    It was only natural to be a bad woman if you broke that rule.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t it understandable to make a mistake once?¡¯


    Suddenly, the story Kim Woojin told earlier came to mind. Thanks to such words he mumbled nonchntly.


    ¡®But twice is a bit much. If you do it twice, you can be called a fool.¡¯


    The strangely stifling emotion felt somewhat sorted out.


    Once is possible.


    But twice is not.


    You can¡¯t live as a fool forever.


    ¡°Phew, I can¡¯t stand being stupid again.¡±


    ¡°Arin?¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Despite the voices of friends calling from behind, Yu Arin steps forward through the piled snow.


    ¡°No, it just ended.¡±


    Behind the bus stop, Kim Woojin is on the phone,ughing. His soft voice gives away that he¡¯s talking to Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    Yu Arin shouts at Kim Woojin and immediately reaches out to grab his head with one hand.


    ¡°Argh?!¡±


    Her hand is small, so it only covers his forehead and eyes, but that was enough.


    ¡°Ouch, it hurts!¡±


    Kim Woojin, caught by her grip, writhes in pain.


    Yu Arin snatches the phone from Kim Woojin¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hello?¡±<ul><li>Yu Arin?</li></ul>


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s startled voice could be heard after a long time. As she finally gets here, a strange sense of relief brings a bright smile to Yu Arin¡¯s face.


    ¡°We weren¡¯t exactly close friends from the start, right? So, you won¡¯t feel too betrayed.¡±<ul><li>¡­What are you talking about?</li></ul>


    ¡°What do you mean, what? It¡¯s a deration of war.¡±


    ¡°I, I can¡¯t see!¡±


    Watching Kim Woojin il around, Yu Arin smirked.


    ¡°This idiot is mine now.¡±<ul><li>¡­¡­.</li></ul>


    ¡°You and Yerin can find another guy.¡±<ul><li>W-wait!</li></ul>


    <em>Click.</em>


    Yu Arin hung up just like that.


    With a relieved expression, she handed Kim Woojin his phone as she let him go.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Kim Woojin stared nkly at his phone, and Yu Arin grinned.


    ¡°I like you.¡±


    She raised her fist.


    ¡°So don¡¯t talk to Choi Yiseo in front of me. Or I¡¯ll break your phone.¡±


    ¡°¡­Are you crazy?¡±


    When Kim Woojin asked with an utterly baffled look, Yu Arin crossed her arms and asked back.


    ¡°Why, is it strange?¡±


    ¡°No, isn¡¯t it natural? Why are you doing this all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°Then, you idiot.¡±


    <em>Squeeze.</em>


    Yu Arin, who sped his arms tightly as if she would never let go, rebuked with an utterly bright smile.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have been so nice.¡±

 Chapter 113: Cart Collection

    Chapter 113: Cart Collection


    ¡°We¡¯ll stop by the convenience store first.¡±


    ¡°Arin, do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°No, nothing.¡±


    Arriving at the lodging by bus.


    Since Building C Hotel had a convenience store in the basement, Lee Se-ah and Han Bom went straight there.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin, quietly following closely behind me as I walked to the elevator.


    Since the confession earlier, my mind hasn¡¯t been clear, so I rushed back to the lodging.


    I¡¯m in Room 801, Yu Arin is in Room 403.Pushing both the buttons for 8th and 4th floors, I waited with my head down for Yu Arin to get off.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you getting off?¡±


    Yu Arin, leaning against the wall, looking at me without getting off at the 4th floor.


    She answered my question confidently.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the 8th floor with you.¡±


    ¡°¡­Why?¡±


    ¡°So that you won¡¯t answer Choi Yiseo¡¯s call.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    She knows.


    The fact that Choi Yiseo keeps contacting me.


    While we were talking, the elevator doors eventually closed and headed to the 8th floor.


    ¡°There are only men in the dorm, so you shouldn¡¯te over.¡±


    ¡°Why? You never know, they might wee me. Chan-woo is there too.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s true¡­¡±


    It¡¯s not that they might wee you. These guys would definitely wee you.


    Jegal Jaemin and Min Dong-geon, the mischievous duo of Sesin University, are always bored and up to weird antics, and Dae-sang hyung is kind-hearted, so if she says she¡¯ll stay for a bit, he¡¯d easily ept it.


    The elevator arrived at the 8th floor. When I hesitated, Yu Arin didn¡¯t get off the elevator and just sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not following you, you fool. Have a good call with Choi Yiseo.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Why is that?


    Because of what was just said, it felt like even contacting Choi Yiseo itself had be something terrible.


    ¡°Did you really follow me just to stop me from making a call?¡±


    When I added a needless question, Yu Arin sighed and brushed her bangs aside.


    Then she looked at me irritably, as if she was about to explode from frustration.


    ¡°I just followed you because I wanted to be with you a bit longer, you idiot.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    <em>Thud.</em>


    The elevator doors closed and descended to the 4th floor.


    Thanks to the closing elevator doors, it was revealed that my heart pounded for a moment.


    <em>Buzz! Buzz!</em>


    I could now take the continuous call from Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Ahem, hello?¡±<ul><li>Do you want to die?</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­No.¡±<hr>


    ¡°Phew.¡±


    Even after returning to the dormitory, Yu Arin¡¯s face, which had flushed hotly, had not yet cooled down.


    Havinge to terms with her feelings and boldly dering her intentions, she felt not just light-hearted but also relieved.


    ¡°Huh? You¡¯re back? Good job.¡±


    Seeing Seo Yerin weing her with her hair still wet from a recent shower, Yu Arin swallowed hard and clenched her fist.


    In the case of Choi Yiseo, they had met at university and only recently became close, so that was no problem.


    Seo Yerin was a different case.


    They had been friends for a long time, and she didn¡¯t want to jeopardize their rtionship.


    But still.


    ¡°You mentioned itst time.¡±


    Yu Arin marched towards the refrigerator.


    ¡°About cooperating.¡±


    Feeling relieved to see that the Chong she had offered Min Ju-hee was still there, she immediately took it out and inserted a straw.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Realizing what she was talking about, Seo Yerin¡¯s expression hardened.


    A strange atmosphere lingered between them. In the taut tension, Yu Arin felt a surge of courage as she sipped Chong for the first time in a while.


    ¡®Sweet.¡¯


    It was sweet.


    Yes, this sweetness.


    ¡°No.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t give it up.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Seo Yerin tilted her head at Yu Arin¡¯s answer. When she asked what she meant, Yu Arin exhaled and replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t n to cooperate. I¡¯ll have him all to myself.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you don¡¯t like him?¡±


    ¡°That was a lie.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Choi Yiseo, and you too. Don¡¯t approach him for no reason. He¡¯s mine.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡±


    A smile appeared on Seo Yerin¡¯s lips. It evoked a subtle eeriness and even a chill.


    The look in her eyes gradually seemed to lose its light, giving the illusion of being devoured, causing Yu Arin to flinch for a moment.


    ¡°Do you know, Arin?¡±


    Smiling brightly as if nothing had happened, Seo Yerin sped her hands and answered.


    ¡°Senior Ju-hee is in the bathroom.¡±


    ¡°Huh, what?¡±


    Unconsciously letting out an exmation, she turned her head to the firmly closed bathroom door.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    The door slowly opened, and senior Ju-hee, who had just washed up, awkwardly looked at the two of them.


    ¡°Ahem, ahem¡­ Even if I say I didn¡¯t hear anything, you won¡¯t believe me, right?¡±


    ¡°N-no. Senior¡­it¡¯s not that.¡±


    A love triangle.


    No, in fact, it¡¯s practically a love square, making Yu Arin¡¯s face flush as it was publicly revealed. But Seo Yerin smiled brightly and asked Min Ju-hee a favor.


    ¡°Senior, please keep it a secret.¡±


    ¡°Ah, um¡­sure. If sharing the room is ufortable, just let me know.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. Right, Arin?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    What¡¯s this.


    It was certainly she who had started out strong, but somehow both the atmosphere and the initiative had shifted to Seo Yerin.


    In the awkward atmosphere, Yu Arin simply soothed herself by finishing her Chong.<hr>


    It¡¯s troublesome.


    It wasn¡¯t because of work.


    The room service job was quite fun, and since starting the night shift, there were plenty of stories to tell.


    ¡°Wow, the 10th floor is just full of moans. At first, I thought someone had turned on a porn video.¡±


    When I told that to the assistant manager on night duty, heughed and said that it happened often.


    Thanks to the fact that not many people are needed at night, there was one assistant manager answering calls, me taking the cart to the rooms,


    and one female employee setting up the food downstairs.


    ¡°Is it that bad?¡±


    Yes, it¡¯s Yu Arin.


    Mysteriously, Yu Arin sat snugly close. The assistant manager, being somewhat oblivious, did not find it particrly strange.


    Her thigh and shoulder were pressed against mine, and her distinctive fruity scent tickled my nose in a strangely provocative way.


    I knew she was doing it on purpose, but I pretended not to notice and continued speaking.


    ¡°It seemed intense. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s audible in the hallway, but not in other rooms, so don¡¯t worry. Our hotel has excellent soundproofing between rooms.¡±


    Judging by his words, there didn¡¯t seem to have been anyints about it so far.


    At that moment.


    Urgent footsteps were heard from outside. It was early morning, and I wondered who it could be, but it was someone quite unexpected.


    ¡°Manager?¡±


    Manager Lee Chan-song came rushing in, not even having his tie properly knotted.


    He looked at us inside and at the deputy, gritting his teeth and said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let the kids y around! They should be working! If you ck off like this, it¡¯s no wonder the audit team is talking about us!¡±


    ¡°¡­What does the audit team have to do with us?¡±


    Scratching the back of my head and mumbling, Manager Lee Chan-song red at me with fiery eyes. Everyone else didn¡¯t care, but that person oddly disliked me.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you to work properly! Because you guys are like this, I have toe in at this hour!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going out for a bit. Make sure everything is done right! Especially, go upstairs to the rooms right now and collect all the carts outside!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Because of the nasty manager, the deputy, who was on edge, immediately responded. Manager Lee Chan-song left, and the awkward assistant manager scratched his head and sighed.


    ¡°First, let¡¯s go upstairs and collect all the carts. Arin, it would be good if youe along too.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was watching carefully, smiles brightly at those words.


    ¡°Can Ie too?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just collecting the carts in the hallway, not entering the rooms, so it should be fine.¡±


    Yu Arin, delighted by this, dragged me along. Leaving only a word that we will be back, we took the elevator to the guest rooms.


    ¡°Wow, my heart is pounding.¡±


    ¡°When we actually get up there, it¡¯s nothing special. Just collect the visible carts and move them to the elevator, that¡¯s it.¡±


    After getting off at the top floor, we just need to check each floor by going down the emergency stairs to see if there are any carts in the hallway.


    ¡°Are you in touch with Yiseo?¡±


    Descending the stairs, Yu Arin, perhaps bored, brings up a sensitive issue. I re at her slightly and then sigh as I respond.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you know? Huh? Why don¡¯t you know?¡±


    ¡°Get away from me!¡±


    Without realizing it, I yelled at Yu Arin, who clung to me, but she seemed to understand that my anger was just a cover for my embarrassment and smiled mischievously.


    ¡°Are you excited? Huh? Is your heart racing? Do you want to book a hotel room?¡±


    ¡°Ah, seriously! I¡¯ll do it alone, so why don¡¯t you just leave?¡±


    ¡°Aww! Okay! I won¡¯t joke around! I won¡¯t!¡±


    Even though she said that, she kept giggling, which made me feel strangely dirty. It annoyed me that she acted like she knew exactly how I felt.


    At that moment, when I opened the emergency exit door to check the next floor.


    <em>Haang!</em>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin and I looked at each other at the sound of a woman¡¯s moan.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s the 10th floor.¡±


    Then Yu Arin checked the floor number and nodded as if she understood. As I mentioned earlier, there were many people enjoying themselves on the 10th floor.


    <em>Haa! Haa!</em>


    <em>Ugh! Ugh!</em>


    Our mouths shut tight at the passionate voices of women and men ovepping one another.


    ¡®Damn it.¡¯


    I didn¡¯t see it earlier.


    Of all ces, there are quite a few carts on the 10th floor.


    It seems like they had ate-night snack and are going for another round.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move quickly.¡±


    Pretending to be unaffected, I pull the cart toward the elevator.


    <em>More, yes, more!</em>


    <em>Ugh!</em>


    The tantly audible moans grow even more intense. As the level of explicitness resembles lewd talk, I nce at Yu Arin.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Her face is flushed red, pretending not to hear anything.


    She was aggressive just moments ago, but now she seemed flustered by the tant situation unfolding.


    ¡°Take the cart and go down the elevator.¡±


    Thinking it would be too difficult to stay here any longer, I tried to be considerate, but Yu Arin clenched her fist and snorted.


    ¡°There are still more carts left. I¡¯ll help too.¡±


    ¡°Your face is really red right now.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Sigh, I¡¯m fine. I said I¡¯d help.¡±


    If that¡¯s the case, I won¡¯t back down either. As we were moving the next cart together.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    A guest room door suddenly opened.


    Whom came out was a surprisingly familiar face, the blondedy who had only worn a gownst time.


    Wearing only her underwear, thedy pulled her cart outside, and despite noticing me, she gave a light smile and went back inside.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡±


    A spontaneous exmation escaped my lips.


    I thought, ¡®Is this really America? How can someone act so brazenly like that?¡¯


    <em>Whack!</em>


    Yu Arin, who was following behind, grabbed my shoulder and spun me around to face her.


    Then she red at me and moved her hand towards my lower body.


    ¡°Eek?!¡±


    ¡°It stood up?¡±


    She asked with a piercing gaze, wiggling her hand. It wasn¡¯t because of that just now, but Yu Arin¡¯s touch made me stiffen involuntarily.


    A while back I was innocent, but now I¡¯m guilty.


    ¡°You bastard, I can clearly see¡­!¡±


    Before she could yank my thing out in her rage, I shouted hurriedly.


    ¡°You crazy woman! It¡¯s because you touched it!¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Yu Arin awkwardly let go. She looked at her hand awkwardly and then started to cautiously bring it to her nose, but I quickly grabbed her wrist.


    ¡°What, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to do, but please don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Ah, no, I was just curious without thinking. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°I really want to kill you, Yu Arin.¡±


    ¡°¡­Sorry.¡±

 Chapter 114: Night Terror

    Chapter 114: Night Terror


    Night shifts continue day after day.


    It wasn¡¯t bad that I was getting off work when everyone else was heading to work in the morning, and that there wasn¡¯t much work in the early hours, but there was a feeling ofgging behind on information.


    Just like yesterday.


    ¡°Did the assistant manager get sued for sexual harassment by a part-timer?¡±


    Jegal Jaemin and Min Dong-geon, who had just returned from work, shared the hot news while changing.


    I didn¡¯t know why they were wearing the same underwear, but I guessed they might have bought it from the same ce since they lived in the same neighborhood.


    ¡°Yeah, and it just had to be when the vice chairman of the parentpany was visiting. Ah, damn it, Min Dong-geon, you¡¯re wearing the same underwear as me.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, when you go to the army, everyone wears them as couples.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why our manager went crazy.¡±I realized that Manager Lee Chan-song had been freaking out and came to work at dawn.


    ¡°Eyo, so it¡¯s absolute chaos right now, you know? You know we¡¯re not supposed to hang out with part-timers after work, right? But now, we can¡¯t even meet after work. I had ns to go to the ski resort with the assistant managers, but it all got canceled.¡±


    I had heard about all sorts of things happening, but this was just absurd.


    ¡°But where did you hear all this from?¡±


    When I asked Jegal Jaemin, he pointed to Min Dong-geon who was next to him.


    ¡°He works at ck. Only VIPs go there, so such rumors reach the staff quickly.¡±


    ¡°Even the ramen there costs 100,000 won?¡±


    Min Dong-geon added with a silly grin on his face.


    ¡°Anyway, everyone is tense, so you should be careful too. If you rub the seniors the wrong way, you¡¯ll get a lot of k.¡±


    ¡°¡­Did you get scolded?¡±


    I asked slyly, testing the waters.


    ¡°Ah, damn it! You¡¯re really making such a fuss over one little mistake in the order of the dishes!¡±


    Jegal Jaemin, grumbling and suffering. Min Dong-geon, who is binge-eating snacks, seems to have had a simr experience.


    <em>tter.</em>


    Just then, Jeong Chan-woo and Dae-sang hyung also returned from work.


    ¡°We¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°¡­Haa.¡±


    Seeing them weak and sighing deeply,


    it seemed that the employees¡¯ constant nagging was being passed down to the part-timers.


    Everyone looked exhausted, so I jumped up from the sofa and shouted.


    ¡°Take a shower ande out. Let¡¯s go to the karaoke.¡±


    In times like this, karaoke is perfect for relieving stress.<hr>


    Seems that everyone had the same idea of relieving stress by singing.


    The karaoke room in the basement of Building C was already full. Since it was an unmanned karaoke room, we couldn¡¯t ask the owner how much time was left.


    ¡°Ah, what¡¯s this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already picked out all the songs.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s disappointing.¡±


    Everyone hade fully prepared, but it seems we had to leave just like that.


    A familiar face seen through the karaoke room window.


    ¡°Janinaaaan! Womanaaaaan!¡±


    The moment I saw Han Bom, who was passionately singing a high note, a smile immediately spread across my face.


    ¡°Wait a moment.¡±


    As I discreetly checked the inside through the window, I saw Han Bom, Lee Se-ah, Seo Yerin, and Yu Arin.


    All familiar faces.


    ¡°Hehe.¡±


    As soon as I opened the door and went inside, Han Bom, who was singing, was startled and pointed at me.


    ¡°Woojin is here!¡±


    ¡°Wow! How long has it been!¡±


    Because I had been on the night shift, it had been about a week since Ist saw Han Bom and Lee Se-ah.


    ¡°Woojin!¡±


    Particrly in the case of Seo Yerin, her workce was different, so it had been a really long time since west met, which made her voice sound more nasal than usual.


    ¡°Is it okay if our roommates join us too?¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course! Absolutely!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a guy!¡±


    Han Bom and Lee Se-ah weed them immediately.


    Especially Lee Se-ah, who started preparing to take pictures right away, probably because she was still in the middle of a power struggle with her boyfriend.


    ¡°Come on in.¡±


    As I told them toe in, everyone except Chan-woo rushed in with excited expressions.


    ¡°¡­I, I¡¯m a bit ufortable with them.¡±


    Chan-woo, who was standing still, approached me and whispered softly.


    ¡°You came with them when you reached Gold One, too.¡±


    ¡°I was ufortable then, too.¡±


    ¡°You know it¡¯ll be weird if you stay out here alone, right?¡±


    ¡°Haa.¡±


    I understand it might be ufortable if these four people knew my embarrassing moments from high school, but aren¡¯t we uni students now? I pat him on the shoulder, telling him to just let the past go, and walk inside.


    ¡°Woojin, over here.¡±


    Seo Yerin called out to me, patting the seat next to her.


    Feeling the sharp gazes of the Sesin University duo, I sit next to Seo Yerin.


    Then Yu Arines to sit directly opposite us. She crossed her arms and legs, her face showing dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Woojin, let¡¯s do a duet!¡±


    Seo Yerin, whom I haven¡¯t seen in a while, didn¡¯t look much different than usual. She searched for a duet song on her phone, and I beckon her with my finger.


    I whisper quietly into her ear, so others can¡¯t hear.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to stop spamming?¡±


    ¡°Hee.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who found it amusing, smirked when Iined about the frequent Bamboo Forest poststely.


    The number of Bamboo Forest users has decreased because it¡¯s vacation time, so naturally, only a few posts go up, so if you consistently write just two or three posts a day, you end up dominating the board.


    In the midst of this, Seo Yerin was acting like she was expanding her territory by making obscene posts, so I told her to restrain herself.


    This kid didn¡¯t listen to me at all.


    Seo Yerin, who smirked, gestured for me to bring my ear closer to her instead.


    ¡°You know what.¡±


    She whispered softly in a strangely sticky manner. It seemed like she was doing it on purpose, but I pretended not to notice and kept listening.


    ¡°I¡¯ve taken my spot as the sex goddess back, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re still hung up on that?¡±


    She¡¯s surprisingly obsessive.


    As I looked at her incredulously, Seo Yerin gestured for me to lend my ear again.


    Thinking there might be more to say, I leaned in closer.


    ¡°Um.¡±


    <em>Churp.</em>


    Suddenly, she bit my ear and licked it as if tasting it.


    ¡°¡­?!¡±


    She didn¡¯t bite hard, so I could pull away easily, but the wet ear was bewildering.


    Wondering what on earth she was doing, I red at her, and Seo Yerin handed me her phone as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Woojin! Let¡¯s sing this together!¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you be an acto¡­ouch!¡±


    Feeling a sudden pain in my thigh, I instinctively looked to the other side and saw Yu Arin ring at me with a very ufortable expression.


    She was pinching my thigh and giving me a signal, but it really hurt.


    ¡°If you pinch with your grip strength, it feels like you¡¯re tearing my flesh off?!¡±


    ¡°Kim Woojin, you¡¯re annoying, you know?¡±


    Seems like I picked the wrong spot to sit.


    Thinking about singing while being pushed around between the two, my head already hurt.


    ¡°Haah.¡±


    However, unexpectedly.


    Seo Yerin took a step back.


    It was clear that she was deliberately avoiding actions that would provoke Yu Arin, so we could spend some rtively peaceful time in the karaoke room.


    Although, she did secretly stroke my thigh or touch my butt asionally.


    Anyway, since it was brief enough not to be seen by Yu Arin, we could get through it without any issues.


    Yu Arin and I had a night shift, so we left the karaoke room first, and while changing our clothes.


    ¡®What¡¯s this¡­ I feel like a secretary being sexually harassed.¡¯


    Only then did I realize that Seo Yerin had sexually harassed me, and I scratched my head.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t feel terribly bad or anything, so it wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    Seo Yerin, whom I saw after a long time, was surprisingly pretty, and strangely, I didn¡¯t feel any repulsion from the touch of pretty girls.


    Even if someone hears this and calls me trash, I would understand.


    Themuting bus operates at night for those working night shifts. I pass by the people who have finished their shifts and get on the bus with Yu Arin.


    Yu Arin, who sat by the window, seemed to be in deep thought, resting her chin and looking out the window.


    I was thinking of killing time by reading some webtoons, but a message came through just then.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Recently, aside from Anonymous11 telling me to block Anonymous69 while cursing at me, there haven¡¯t been any other messages.


    Curious about what the message was, I checked.<ul><li>Anonymous69: (photo)</li></ul>


    A familiar yet long-lost scene.


    The background was the dorm bathroom, suggesting they had dispersed from the karaoke.


    The face was only visible up to the mouth, but with the top of the shirt held in the mouth, exposing from the navel to the bra, I involuntarily felt tension in my lower body.


    ¡®Ah, damn it.¡¯


    Seo Yerin, how should I handle this?


    The photo, which was almost at the level of terrorism, made me lean forward unconsciously.


    If Yu Arin catches me doing something wrong, she will beat me to death.<ul><li>


    Anonymous69: Use this to pull out.</li><li>


    Admin: I told you not to send crap like this.</li><li>


    Anonymous69: Hehe</li></ul>


    The oddly rxed chat irritates me. I considered pping a one-day ban, but thest time I banned them, they sent it via text message.


    ¡°Hoo.¡±


    As I took a deep breath and rxed my lower body, Yu Arin, who was next to me, nced at me and asked,


    ¡°Hey, about Yerin.¡±


    ¡°Why all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t she seem a bit strange?¡±


    ¡°What seems strange?¡±<ul><li>


    Anonymous69: Sex!</li><li>


    Anonymous69: Sex!</li><li>


    Anonymous69: Sex!</li><li>


    Anonymous69: Sex!</li><li>


    Anonymous69: Sex!</li></ul>


    Damn it.


    From what I¡¯m seeing, she¡¯s in her prime. What¡¯s strange about that?


    ¡°She¡¯s been kind of cooperative with me¡­¡±


    ¡°Cooperative?¡±


    When I asked what she meant, Yu Arin looked at me intently, sighed, and shook her head.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡±


    In the end, Yu Arin held her words back. It felt a bit off to leave the conversation hanging, but I didn¡¯t have time to worry about Yu Arin right now.<ul><li>


    Anonymous69: (photo)</li><li>


    Anonymous69: Getting ready for bed</li></ul>


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with her?¡¯


    This time, it was a photo of Seo Yerin lying in bed wearing pajamas.


    Again, her face couldn¡¯t be seen, but the buttons of her pajamas were undone, revealing her cleavage, and her sleep pants were pulled down slightly, showing her underwear in one shot.


    Meanwhile, the crucial part was covered by the pajamas, making it a ssic provocative photo.


    My lower body was starting to get angry.


    ¡®Seo Yerin¡­¡¯<ul><li>


    Admin: I¡¯m seriously going to ban you. I¡¯ll ignore all your inquiries and messages.</li><li>


    Anonymous69: Wait! Wait!</li><li>


    Admin: What.</li><li>


    Anonymous69: I have one more thing to tell you.</li><li>


    Admin: ?</li></ul>


    Was it supposed to be a final argument or something?<ul><li>Anonymous69: (photo)</li></ul>


    Theposition is the same as before, but one different point is that the photo was taken with pantiespletely removed and hands covering the area.


    The finishing touch.<ul><li>


    Anonymous69: This is Arin¡¯s nket.</li><li>


    Admin: ???</li><li>


    Anonymous69: This is originally a clich¨¦. Doing it in someone else¡¯s bedroom¡­</li></ul>


    I immediately blocked them.


    <em>Buzz! Buzz!</em>


    I just turned off the vibration for the chatroom. It has been quiettely, but today it¡¯s really exploding.


    ¡®Is something wrong with her?¡¯


    At this point, I was a bit worried. When Seo Yerin exploded like this, it was usually when she was stressed or something was bothering her.


    Her activities as Anonymous69 were a way to release a kind of suppressed desire due to the gazes of those around her.


    Just now, Yu Arin said Seo Yerin seemed a bit off¡­


    Lost in thought, I had already arrived at Building A, Gold One Hotel.


    ¡°Hey, get out.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I should have been the first to get up since I was sitting on the outside, but the anger stirred by Seo Yerin hadn¡¯t yet subsided.


    ¡°You get out first.¡±


    As I spoke while crouched, Yu Arin, though puzzled, agreed and tried to pass by me.


    ¡°Ah, move your head so I can get through.¡±


    Because I was crouched, my head was leaning forward, and it bothered Yu Arin, who then pushed my forehead straight back.


    ¡°¡­¡­?¡±


    Thanks to that, my bent back straightened, revealing my lower body clearly.


    Moreover, Yu Arin was passing right in front of me, and it was as if she was greeted by my erect part standing upright.


    She was at a loss for words.


    ¡°Uh, uh? Ah, no¡­why?¡±


    Stammering and trembling, Yu Arin pointed at my part with her finger, and I crossed my arms, pretending to be serious, and answered.


    ¡°It¡¯s a natural bodily function. Please respect that.¡±


    Since I¡¯ve already been caught, I¡¯ll just go out confidently.


    ¡°Ah, uh, wh-what happened?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes a man just wants to get angry for no reason.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It felt like time had stopped.


    ¡°Sorry, but can you just get lost? Fuck, I want to be alone.¡±


    It¡¯s not a joke, I feel like dying of embarrassment.


    ¡°Hey, you know.¡±


    ¡°¡­What.¡±


    It¡¯s impressive to even talk in this state.


    ncing down, Yu Arin pointed at the zipper of my pants and asked,


    ¡°How about lowering that and making yourselffortable?¡±


    ¡°Could you please just let me be alone?!¡±


    ¡°Haha! Kim Woojin, you beast!¡±


    Seeing her leave happily, I think she misunderstood, so I called out to her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not because of you!¡±


    ¡°Fuck you! Juste out quickly!¡±

 Chapter 115: The Blonde Beauty

    Chapter 115: The Blonde Beauty


    There was a bit of a mishap on my way to work, but I wasn¡¯tte.


    Now, I don¡¯t get confused by simrly named menu items, and handling side dishes or additional menu items is not particrly challenging, allowing me to work mechanically without much thought.


    Usually, I would spend time chatting casually with the assistant managers or bickering with Yu Arin.


    Unfortunately, today¡¯s duty manager was Lee Chan-song.


    I heard from Se-ah at the karaoke earlier that the manager and the assistant manager had another fight yesterday.


    Perhaps that¡¯s why, if we even tried to take a short break or work leisurely, he woulde down on us hard.


    As a result, we were just folding an already overflowing stack of napkins. We weren¡¯t even allowed to sit down, so we were working while standing.


    ¡°When we first came, we did things by the book, but isn¡¯t it fine now?¡±


    It was as Yu Arin grumbled.At first, we all stood up to work.


    We did it that way initially to avoid getting toox, but things are different now.


    Even the managers acknowledged our skills, especially during ck times like dawn.


    Manager Lee Chan-song didn¡¯t hesitate.


    You could say he had a firm stance.


    ¡°You know the seniors have been on edgetely. Of course, the manager would be sensitive too.¡±


    ¡°Why take it out on us?¡±


    Since it wasn¡¯t wrong, I just shrugged and epted Yu Arin¡¯sints.


    At that moment.


    ¡°Yah, an order came in.¡±


    ¡°Yah?¡±


    Yu Arin, ring at Chief Lee Chan-song with his somewhat roughnguage and behavior, retorted, but he handed over the bill without looking this way.


    While preparing the food in the kitchen, we set up the cart and check where the order came from.


    ¡°Room 1007?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Room 1007?¡±


    As I repeated the familiar number, Yu Arin, frowning deeply, tapped my shoulder, saying she remembered.


    ¡°That blonde woman fromst time.¡±


    ¡°Oh, her.¡±


    Honestly, it¡¯s nice to have something to chat about each time I see her. When I talked about seeing her in her underwearst time, I became a hero in the dorm.


    However, since unexpected situations arise every time I see her, personally, it wasn¡¯t a room I looked forward to going.


    ¡°I¡¯m going with you.¡±


    Yu Arin, ring sharply at me, not knowing my feelings.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    Even though I said that, Yu Arin was adamant. It seemed like she wanted not only to keep an eye on me but also to mess with manager Lee Chan-song, who had just made a rude remark.


    ¡°If you get caught, you¡¯ll be in big trouble.¡±


    ¡°What does it matter? I¡¯m just going to be gone for a bit, they won¡¯t notice. I¡¯ll just say I went to the bathroom.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    When I stared at her intently, Yu Arin eventually red back at me with her arms crossed.


    ¡°When I¡¯m with the manager, he subtly asks all sorts of things.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Ah, never mind. I didn¡¯t tell you because I thought you¡¯d worry for no reason. But I heard he does that to Se-ah and Bom as well.¡±


    This is something I can¡¯t just ignore.


    As my expression darkened, Yu Arin gave an awkward smile.


    ¡°What, it¡¯s nothing major. Just subtle sexual harassment, you know? Like saying that kids these days are well-developed, or that the Gold One uniform fits you perfectly¡­stuff like that.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me? Does it keep happening?¡±


    It was obvious from Yu Arin¡¯s reaction that she had only mentioned the mildest examples of what happened.


    ¡°Yah, I got annoyed and told him right away that it was sexual harassment and to stop. That¡¯s why he dislikes me even more now.¡±


    ¡°Well, you did the right thing.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t do it to me anymore, but it still feels ufortable when we¡¯re alone together.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    A bitter breath escaped. I disliked myself for only now understanding why the other guys particrly loathed Manager Lee Chan-song.


    ¡°Still, the guys say that things have calmed down a bit thanks to the recentwsuit incident.¡±


    Even so, the information was ufortable and unsettling.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±


    In the end, I allowed Yu Arin to apany me. Even though leaving her here wouldn¡¯t cause any major issues, I wasn¡¯t keen on leaving her with someone whom she felt ufortable with.


    The 10th floor, where I arrived with Yu Arin. Since she doesn¡¯te up here often, Yu Arin continues to look around and hums.


    ¡°But are there really a lot of gangster-like people?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen a lot of people with tattoos on their bodies.¡±


    ¡°Wow, I saw that around the hotel, there are pawn shops everywhere. They take watches, gold, car keys, and stuff.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s a casino. I also avoid eye contact with rough-looking people.¡±


    ¡°Do you think there would be someone who drags a female employee in if shees up?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I can¡¯t say that would never happen. I¡¯ve heard there were actual cases.


    <em>Knock, knock.</em>


    ¡°Room service.¡±


    Knocking on the door and getting ready to dance, she looks at me with a cold gaze.


    ¡°You know that¡¯s really not funny, right?¡±


    ¡°Ahem, isn¡¯t it kind of okay?¡±


    Awkwardly scratching my head, I wait for the guest.


    Yu Arin deliberately stands next to the door, hiding from the guest¡¯s view.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    The door opens.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡®Huh?¡¯


    Today, somewhat unusually.


    Thedy is wearing sses and a suit, protecting herself firmly. Unlikest time when she had a more casual demeanor, she now exudes the vibe of apetent career woman.


    ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯


    She gives off an impression that makes me forget I¡¯m on night duty, as if she¡¯s about to head off to work.


    With a gentle smile, she lets me in and quickly closes the door.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s small exmation is heard through the door crack but doesn¡¯t continue further.


    ¡°I never thought something like this would happen.¡±


    The conversation I just had with Yu Arin now came to mind.


    She asked if there really were stories of people being taken inside.


    I never imagined that I, who was not a female employee, would be the one involved.


    ¡°Inside.¡±


    The blonde woman smiled and led me in. As I was pushed inside, I wondered if I was going to be devoured like this.


    If I really were to be devoured, I hoped Yu Arin would report it a littlete while thinking about what underwear I wore today.


    ¡°Ah, shit.¡±


    The moment I saw the man inside, a curse slipped out, and the man frowned.


    ¡°You have nothing you can¡¯t say to your hyung, huh.¡±


    Hyung.


    Yeah.


    The person in front of me now was my big brother, Kim Jae-won.


    It was extremely unpleasant to be looked down on so arrogantly by him, dressed in a suit with his hands in his pockets.


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    I took the fork and knife from the cart and started cutting into the steak.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to try this.¡±


    But since we couldn¡¯t order it, it was a bit disappointing. It¡¯s better that our eldest brother is the one that ordered it.


    As I was cutting the steak and taking a bite, the blondedy behind me murmured in embarrassment.


    ¡°You really are the Vice President¡¯s brother.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not apliment, you know?¡±


    When I responded irritably, she immediately bowed her head and apologized.


    Until a moment ago, she was full of confidence, but seeing me cut the steak must have made her realize something unusual.


    ¡°Who orders steak at this hour? The kitchen staff must be having a hard time.¡±


    As I sat on the bed and grumbled, my eldest brother replied bluntly.


    ¡°I ordered it because I thought you¡¯d like it.¡±


    ¡°¡­Oh, geez.¡±


    So you¡¯re saying you ordered this knowing I¡¯d eat it?


    Feeling annoyed that I acted just as my hyung thought I would, I push the cart aside and look at him.


    ¡°Why are you here? You know the employees are having a hard time because they¡¯re wary of you, right?¡±


    They¡¯re making a big fuss because the vice-chairman of the parentpany is here.


    Since the cause is right in front of me, I express my grievances honestly.


    But my hyung calmly responded.


    ¡°I¡¯m here because of you. I heard that you¡¯re working here.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It seems you really don¡¯t n toe home during the break. At least call Mommy and Dad.¡±


    ¡°I talked to Mom.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I respond nonchntly to my brother, who looks at me with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°Really. Ask Mom if you don¡¯t believe me. And what¡¯s with ¡®Mommy¡¯? How long has it been since you stopped following her around calling her ¡®Mommy¡¯?¡±


    I heard the sound of a blonde woman trying to hold back herughter from behind. My brother¡¯s gaze turned sharp, and he signaled me to go out with a nod.


    ¡°Tell the person outside not to worry and just go down.¡±


    ¡°Yes, understood.¡±


    Yu Arin must be worried. There was a need to go out quickly and exin before she might call the police.


    ¡°The, the door is open! Woojin! Kim Woojin! Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m fine! Just do as thedy says!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Hearing my voice from inside the room seemed to have somewhat relieved Yu Arin, as her voice lost some of its tension.


    There seemed to be more she wanted to say, but it was drowned out as the door closed.


    ¡°Is that your secretary?¡±


    When I quickly turned and asked, my brother nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, seeing as you¡¯re working part-time, it seemed like you didn¡¯t want to reveal our family rtionship.¡±


    That¡¯s not really the case, though.


    I didn¡¯t hide it on purpose; I just didn¡¯t find it necessary to inform you.


    ¡°I intentionally had my secretary book a room alone, and then I joined her a few dayster.¡±


    ¡°Are you dating your secretary?¡±


    ¡°Sigh, don¡¯t say such pointless things.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re not dating, I¡¯m telling you to date her. Because of you, our middle hyung can¡¯t get married.¡±


    My words leave my eldest hyung speechless, furrowing his brow.


    I knew he hated hearing that the most, so I said it on purpose.


    Now, let¡¯s get to the main point.


    ¡°You must have something to say, that¡¯s why you came, right?¡±


    I tilt my head and ask. Honestly, I had something to confront him regarding Oh Yoon-ji, but I decided to hear him out first.


    If I was going to retaliate, I wanted to hear everything he had to say before doing so.


    But surprisingly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    The eldest brother responded boldly.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I just came to check if you¡¯re doing well. Mother is worried.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A subtle atmosphere.


    The eldest brother was staring at me indifferently without changing his expression.


    ¡°Sorry, but even if you say that, I won¡¯t let it slide.¡±


    I frowned irritably and confronted the eldest brother.


    ¡°How did you know I was dating Oh Yoon-ji?¡±


    Whether it was an exnation or an excuse.


    Whatever it was, he must have had something in mind to appear before me.

 Chapter 116: The Eldest And The Youngest

    Chapter 116: The Eldest And The Youngest


    ¡°How did you know that I was dating Oh Yoon-ji?¡±


    A single sentence drops heavily in the hotel room. Depending on the answer, my future response would change, and my hyung knows this well.


    As if it doesn¡¯t matter.


    My hyung¡¯s indifferent expression remained unchanged.


    ¡°Oh Yoon-ji.¡±


    The way he said Oh Yoon-ji¡¯s name, as if he was familiar with it, subtly irritated me, but I listened to what he had to say.


    ¡°Do you really think it¡¯s okay to date someone like that?¡±


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure, so I did some research. You do know where her father is, don¡¯t you?¡±I had never felt my temper rise so quickly. My heart pounded so violently that I wanted to shut his mouth immediately.


    ¡°You even did a background check?¡±


    ¡°She could have be part of the family. It was a necessary step, of course.¡±


    ¡°Fuck¡­!¡±


    ¡°Even while getting angry.¡±


    My hyung looked at me with cold, indifferent eyes. There was a faint sense of disgust in his gaze.


    ¡°In reality, you¡¯re getting along well with another woman.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Woojin, was Oh Yoon-ji really that important to you?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    I was at a loss for words.


    I understood what he meant, and I knew that no matter what I said about Oh Yoon-ji, it would ultimatelyck any persuasion.


    How much did I struggle?


    Even if I borated on my time living like a walking corpse during the vacation after the first semester.


    In the end, it would just be dismissed as something in the past.


    ¡°While you¡¯re in university, I¡¯ll try not to bother you as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You said it, didn¡¯t you? You¡¯re going to cut off the financial support from now on. I heard you applied for a dormitory too, well done. At least you won¡¯t freeze to death outside.¡±


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡±


    I wanted to curse at him, but I was still at a loss for words. My hyung¡¯s indifferent and mechanical words felt like he was just doing his job.


    ¡°Experience everything you can outside. If you really think you don¡¯t need our family¡¯s help after that¡­then live as you wish.¡±


    My tightly clenched fist trembled without a ce to go. In the end, I had nothing to properly counter his words with.


    I knew all too well that my actions were extremely frivolous, contrary to my words about missing Yoon-ji.


    ¡°Yoon-ji¡­¡±


    But as a final desperate act,


    I looked at my hyung and uttered a pleading word.


    ¡°Yoon-ji is nowhere to be found.¡±


    That was what I wanted to know.


    I wondered if something bad had happened to her, who had suddenly disappeared.


    I was worried that she might be suffering somewhere because of me and my family.


    My eldest brother, who was staring at me intently, let out a small sigh and opened his mouth.


    The surprising thing was.


    Hisst words didn¡¯t feel like a formal report unlike before.


    He really seemed like a brother concerned for his sibling.


    ¡°I heard she¡¯s doing business with Kim Woon.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s doing business with our second hyung?¡±


    What¡¯s this about?


    I looked at my hyung with bewildered eyes, but he just turned his body, saying he had nothing more to say, and looked out the window.


    ¡°Hoo, if you don¡¯t eat this, I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    I was annoyed by hisck of response, so I grabbed a pillow and threw it at the back of his head, hitting him with a thud.


    ¡°¡­Kim Woojin.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t act cool! It¡¯s fucking annoying!¡±


    ¡°Ha, when will you ever grow up?¡±


    ¡°Mind your own business! How old are you, and yet you don¡¯t have a single woman around you!¡±


    ¡°¡­The woman who just left is your future sister-inw.¡±


    What?


    ¡°Mother knows too.¡±


    ¡°What the hell?¡±


    That woman was really my sister-inw?


    ¡°Go on. If you stay here, there¡¯ll be more talk.¡±


    Annoyed, I pulled the cart outside, grumbling as I left the older brother who was gesturing me away.


    Outside, I awkwardly scratched my cheek as I met eyes with the waiting secretary.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re greeting me again?¡±


    Who would have thought my brother would date a woman? She was beautiful, but still, it wouldn¡¯t have been easy to win him over.


    ¡°Hey, dress properly. Don¡¯t go around in casual clothes.¡±


    Worried about past events, I said something, and the secretary smiled brightly.


    It seems like she realized that I¡¯m not speaking as the chairman¡¯s son or the vice chairman¡¯s brother.


    But just giving advice to my sister-inw.


    ¡°I was curious about how you¡¯d react. I wondered if you were really so indiscriminate with any woman. But that¡¯s not the case.¡±


    ¡°Is that apliment?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I don¡¯t know how he put it, but I support you. You¡¯re a college student, you should experience different women at this time.¡±


    ¡°What, did my sister-inw just say that?¡±


    When I asked with wide eyes, my sister-inw chuckled and replied.


    ¡°He said it.¡±


    ¡°That bastard?!¡±


    Then what did he say to me?


    ¡°Hyung wasn¡¯t really interested in women, was he?¡±


    ¡°Women were very interested in him though.¡±


    ¡°Huh, if you want to hit him, just tell me.¡±


    At my words, my sister-inw continued with a smile.


    ¡°Anyway. Finding a good woman through various experiences like that is also a method in its own way.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Just like that person chose me in the end.¡±


    Seeing my sister-inw trying to emphasize that she is a good woman, I couldn¡¯t help butugh in disbelief.


    It seems he chose the right woman.


    Nodding in agreement, before leaving, I sighed deeply and spoke to my sister-inw.


    ¡°Please take good care of him.¡±


    My sister-inw, who seemed stunned that I would say something like this, nodded with a bright smile.


    ¡°Of course.¡±<hr>


    ¡°This bastard is definitely sulking at me.¡±


    Kim Woojin, who had just returned from room 1007, was called back not long after.


    As he carried the cheese appetizer, Yu Arin thought that something seemedplicated.


    ¡®Do they know each other?¡¯


    Kim Woojin, who had returned from being dragged to room 1007, felt different than usual. It felt like he was keeping more distance.


    Ordering room service again from the guest room was unexpected, but this time, she did not follow.


    While crossing her arms, she pondered various things about Kim Woo-jin.


    ¡°Yah,e here!¡±


    Suddenly, Manager Lee Chan-song called out.


    As Yu Arin grumbled about the already unpleasant tone, she approached the manager and found a strange document.


    ¡°Sign here.¡±


    ¡°What is this? A memorandum?¡±


    ¡°Just do it. There¡¯s nothing wrong with it.¡±


    Yu Arin was reading it absentmindedly when she suddenly frowned.


    ¡°What is this, no contact with the manager? No sexual remarks?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a memorandum! I¡¯m getting it in advance because you might mess around after your shift.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    It was beyond absurd and utterly pathetic.


    Is this really legally effective, so they¡¯re making her do it?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to file anyints. No need to waste the manager¡¯s time.¡±


    ¡°So just sign it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, if you¡¯re confident, isn¡¯t there no need to receive something like this?!¡±


    ¡°Haa, why are kids these days so frustrating?¡±


    Manager Lee Chan-song grumbled in annoyance.


    <em>Thump, thump.</em>


    The sound of footstepsing from outside.


    Thinking Kim Woojin had returned, Yu Arin quickly tried to leave the office.


    But instead, someone came into the office from that direction.


    ¡°Miss Yu Arin?¡±


    Tall stature.


    Hair slicked back, not appearing outdated but exuding a weight and dignity beyond his years.


    The deep, low voice made her whole body tense.


    A person she was seeing for the first time.


    ¡®He looks familiar?¡¯


    She thought he resembled Kim Woojin.


    Yu Arin was the one who called, but the response came from beside her.


    ¡°V-V-Vice Chairman!¡±


    Manager Lee Chan-song immediately stood up from his chair and bowed at a 90-degree angle.


    ¡®Vice Chairman?¡¯


    Isn¡¯t he the one who caused the entire hotel to go into a state of emergency? Yu Arin, not yet ustomed to such experiences, stared nkly at the Vice Chairman.


    But the Vice Chairman¡¯s gaze was fixed on the bizarre memorandum on the desk.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    The Vice Chairman read it all and took it without a word.


    Manager Lee Chan-song bit his lip in anxiety, but the Vice Chairman didn¡¯t pay any attention to him and called out to Yu Arin.


    ¡°Can we speak for a moment?¡±


    ¡°M-me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    With that, the Vice Chairman walked out. Leaving behind the manager whose face had turnedpletely pale, Yu Arin followed him.


    They stepped outside the hotel building, and seeing the hurried steps, it felt like he was worried about being caught by someone.


    In front of the bench outside the hotel¡­


    It was still early dawn, so there were hardly any people, and it was dark, making it hard to recognize the vice-chairman.


    They didn¡¯t sit down separately, as if ending a conversation topic.


    ¡°Do you know Kim Woojin?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, I do.¡±


    ¡°Are you dating?¡±


    ¡°What? No?!¡±


    Yu Arin denied it vehemently, wondering what he was talking about out of the blue, but Vice-Chairman Kim Jae-woon looked even more perplexed.


    ¡°¡­Then?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re friends, for now.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, for now?¡±


    Kim Jae-woon furrowed his brows and looked at Yu Arin with a peculiar gaze as he asked,


    ¡°Have you had any rtions with Kim Woojin?¡±


    ¡°¡­Rtions?¡±


    ¡°Have you had sexual rtions?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no¡­not yet.¡±


    She felt a slight blush rise to her cheeks as she spoke, but Kim Jae-woon tilted his head indifferently.


    The vice chairman was confused!


    ¡°Can you say something? Anything.¡±


    ¡°What are we doing here anyway?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±


    Since Yu Arin had a rather peculiar voice, Kim Jae-woon was certain.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who groaned next to Kim Woojin when he was on the phone?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    As Yu Arin pondered what on earth the vice chairman was talking about.


    ¡°Ahhhhh?! When he said he was talking to his hyung!¡±


    She finally remembered ying a prank by groaning while Kim Woojin was on the phone with his hyung at the PC caf¨¦.


    Wait a minute.


    If that¡¯s the case.


    ¡°¡­Are you Woojin¡¯s big brother?¡±


    He nods slightly at the flustered Yu Arin¡¯s question.


    ¡°Ha, this is embarrassing.¡±


    Yu Arin, scratching her cheek, nkly looked at Kim Jae-woon and then bowed again to greet him.


    ¡°I¡¯m Yu Arin. I¡¯m Kim Woojin¡¯s friend.¡±


    ¡°Kim Jae-woon. I¡¯m Kim Woojin¡¯s older brother.¡±


    ¡°Wow, Kim Woojin is from a wealthy family? That crazy guy hid it all this time? And yet he made a big deal about buying me Chong at the convenience store earlier. Even though I treated him yesterday!¡±


    Kim Jae-woon thought Yu Arin¡¯s reaction, with a hint of a sarcastic smile, wasn¡¯t bad.


    Most of the women who approached him were interested in hispany and wealth.


    Therefore, Kim Jae-woon was well aware of those with greedy eyes.


    Yu Arin, however, didn¡¯t seem particrly interested in such aspects. Or maybe it just didn¡¯t hit her yet because she¡¯s still a college student.


    ¡°But Kim Woojin has nothing specifically inherited. He gave it all up. He¡¯ll even be paying his own living expenses from now on.¡±


    Just in case, Kim Jae-woon said it outright.


    ¡°Ugh! Giving that up, Kim Woojin, you idiot!¡±


    Instead, she pped andughed as if it was a good thing.


    ¡®Oh Yoon-ji as well¡­¡¯


    Thinking that he had met good women, Kim Jae-woon stretched his hand out to shake hers with a faint smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing special that I came to see you for.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how your rtionship will end¡­but please take care of Woojin.¡±


    ¡°Aha!¡±


    With those words, Yu Arin responded confidently with a bright smile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. That guy has a lot of women around him, so it¡¯s a bit of a concern, but I¡¯ll take good care of him.¡±


    A lot of women.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Kim Jae-woon, already moving one step ahead, said,


    ¡°You should know this in advance.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Do you know about Oh Yoon-ji?¡±


    He began to tell Yu Arin about Oh Yoon-ji.

 Chapter 117: The Promise

    Chapter 117: The Promise


    Since meeting his brother, Yu Arin had changed somewhat.


    Due to Manager Lee Chan-song being summoned by the disciplinarymittee, and the directive to exclude part-timers from night shifts, things had returned to their original schedule.


    Or maybe it was because she found out that I was the youngest son of the chairman of Gold One¡¯s parentpany.


    ¡®No, maybe not that.¡¯


    Rather, she pped in derisive apuse, saying I had given up everything ande out with nothing inherited.


    What was it again?


    Gold One employees drove foreign cars, but Kim Woojin walked around.


    The mockingughter was so annoying that I gave her a yful smack, only to get hit back and ended up outside.


    I wasn¡¯t leaving work.It was just a short break, but instead of staying still, I was on my way to meet Seo Yerin after a long time.


    ¡®Especially with the matter of Manager Lee Chan-song this time.¡¯


    Yu Arin was working with me, but I didn¡¯t notice it much. In that sense, I thought about asking Seo Yerin once.


    ¡®It¡¯s strange to see her wallpapering and sending photos.¡¯


    Especially recently, the frequency of sending photos has increased so much that I wasn¡¯t worried for no reason.


    After all, it was a sign that she was under stress.


    Especially since the photos of her at the Gold One Bakery were circting on SNS, being known as the beautiful part-timer, she must be receiving constant attention from people every day.


    ¡®I should tell her to uproot itpletely this time.¡¯


    Since my hyung is still at the hotel, I could use it as an opportunity.


    At first, it felt like I was asking for help, but upon reflection, it was rather me helping my hyung out.


    Because it was about catching those who were not in their right mind at thepany.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do anything good.¡±


    Arriving at Great Korean Hall, Seo Yerin was already catching eyes. Dressed in a white shirt and a brown apron, with a baker¡¯s cap, she possessed a charm that made anyone, regardless of gender, look twice.


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    Thinking her face alone was truly national treasure-grade, I was about to enter the bakery.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    No sooner had I spoken than Seo Yerin was getting hit on. Due to Gold One¡¯s nature as a casino, gangsters often visited as customers, and this guy looked the part.


    A goblin tattoo crawling up his neck created a sense of intimidation for onlookers.


    The other part-timers, while noticing the gangster, were too scared to intervene properly.


    ¡°¡­I just want to leave.¡±


    If it were an employee or a part-timer, I would immediately pull out the vice president card and tell them to get lost, but the other party is a customer.


    Moreover, it seems like they belong to an organization with a terribly tacky name, like something out of a gangster movie.


    I didn¡¯t want to get on their bad side just to protect Seo Yerin.


    ¡®Sigh.¡¯


    But then, remembering how Seo Yerin used to be tormented by seniors, I couldn¡¯t just stand by.


    In the karaoke room, she was bullied by Han-kang and his peers, and in the stir-fry restaurant, she struggled with the third-year seniors.


    How could Seo Yerin fend off a thug on her own?


    I intended to intervene to buy time to call the hotel guards.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t touch me, sir.¡±


    Contrary to the bright smile she was wearing, her thorny tone changed the cozy atmosphere of the bakery.


    ¡°What?¡±


    The thug was holding on to Seo Yerin¡¯s wrist. She sees it and points to the bakery¡¯s CCTV with her other hand.


    ¡°This is all being recorded. Sir, you shouldn¡¯t be doing this.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re saying you¡¯re worth looking at then? Anyway, just by looking at you, you seem like an easy woman rolling around here and there¡­!¡±


    He¡¯s crazy.


    Even though he¡¯s a thug and uneducated, I thought, how could he say something like that to a woman?


    But.


    Suddenly.


    Seo Yerin raised her middle finger with her other hand.


    I had never seen her swear before, so my jaw dropped involuntarily.


    The thug, fuming with anger, was about to hit Seo Yerin at any moment.


    ¡°We¡¯re here responding to a report!¡±


    The guards rushed over in no time. They seemed familiar with this kind of situation, probably having been called a few times already rted to Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Sir, you can¡¯t do this here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a customer! Is this how you treat a customer? Huh? Is it right? Is this how you run your business? Do you know how much I¡¯ve spent here?¡±


    He boasts quite confidently about the money he blew at the casino. As I watch the thug being dragged away by the guards in a daze.


    ¡°Hey? Woojin!¡±


    Approaching me with a bright smile,pletely opposite to the cold atmosphere just moments ago, was Seo Yerin.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Did youe to buy bread? Or did youe to see me?¡±


    ¡°¡­I dide to see you.¡±


    Feeling the gazes, I awkwardly nced at the part-timers, who were looking at me with surprised expressions.


    Since it was a bit inappropriate to talk about it here, I was contemting what to do.


    ¡°Sorry, but can I take a short break?¡±


    Rather, Seo Yerin quickly asked other part-timers for help, which was unusual for her. Given what just happened, no one objected to Seo Yerin taking a break.


    Eventually, we came outside to a nearby bench. When I handed over a c from the vending machine, she smiled brightly and gulped it down.


    And then she said,


    ¡°I only drink zero!¡±


    ¡°After drinking it all¡­?¡±


    ¡°I need to maintain my figure by drinking zero. Next time, get me zero.¡±


    So she was managing herself too. Well, that kind of appearance doesn¡¯te easily.


    ¡°Do you have something to say?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    I did have something to say originally. But after seeing Seo Yerin just now, itpletely slipped my mind.


    She handled the thug so skillfully; it was clear she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to confront any sexual harassment directly.


    Therefore, I shifted the topic to something else.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed a bit? Before, you couldn¡¯t even speak properly in situations like this.¡±


    When I praised her, Seo Yerin gave a thumbs up and replied,


    ¡°These days, the trend is to be a protagonist who does things on their own.¡±


    ¡°Stop watching so much anime.¡±


    ¡°Heh, there¡¯s that too. You can¡¯t always protect me forever.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Maybe it was because of her unexpected words. Without realizing it, I stared at Seo Yerin intently, and she looked proud.


    ¡°So, I wanted to be someone you wouldn¡¯t worry about. Yes, I think I was brave because I wanted to be that.¡±


    Even when she gave a thumbs up earlier and now, she didn¡¯t seem to notice that her shoulders were trembling slightly.


    That¡¯s what she said, but whatever it was, she was definitely scared.


    It can be said that the ability to pretend otherwise and not say things she couldn¡¯t have to others has increased.


    ¡°You¡¯re having a hard time.¡±


    As I patted her shoulder, offering some constion in my own way, Seo Yerin smiled broadly and finished the remaining c.


    Well, that should do forfort.


    I moved my hand from her shoulder to pinch both of her cheeks with my index fingers.


    Her lips protruded as her cheeks were squeezed.


    I spoke with irritation to Seo Yerin, who looked at me in confusion.


    ¡°I told you to stop sending me photos.¡±


    ¡°Heehee! Is it tough because you find them arousing?¡±


    This girl¡­


    ¡°Sigh, just stop sending them. Got it? You don¡¯t seem to be under any stress these days, so why are you doing this?¡±


    As I let go and sighed, Seo Yerin rubbed her soft cheeks with both hands and responded.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s hang out together today. How about it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why this conversation is going that way, but no.¡±


    I remembered what my hyung said yesterday, and I wasn¡¯t in the mood to hang out alone with a girl right now.


    ¡°Ah, why! If we y together, I promise I won¡¯t send any photos! How about it?¡±


    ¡°I can just block you and be done with it?¡±


    As I spoke confidently, Seo Yerin pouted.


    ¡°Is this how we are with each other?¡±


    ¡°What kind of rtionship do we even have?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re sex friends.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I had nothing to say to that.


    ¡°You took my virginity, and now you¡¯re acting like this?¡±


    ¡°Please, stop talking!¡±


    I covered her mouth with my hand and looked around to see if anyone was nearby, but fortunately, there was no one.


    Having had previous experiences, I quickly pulled my hand away before she could lick it, and she gave a sly smile.


    ¡°If you y with me, I¡¯ll help you out.¡±


    What is she talking about now?


    ¡°What are you talking about? Help out with what?¡±


    As I asked irritably, Seo Yerin gave a somewhat suggestive smile and leaned in close to my ear, whispering softly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you figure out why you aren¡¯t dating Yiseo or Arin.¡±


    ¡°¡­?!¡±


    I was startled and looked at Seo Yerin without realizing it. She met my gaze with the same expression.


    ¡°Got it? I¡¯ll send you a message, so you have to respond immediately when I call, okay? Got it?¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    ¡°Or do you want to pick me up after work? That sounds better.¡±


    Seo Yerin smiled brightly and got up from the bench. She clicked her tongue seeing me, who waspletely exhausted.


    ¡°Heal!¡±


    She grabbed my face and shoved it straight into her cleavage.


    ¡°Ugh?!¡±


    I let out a sound involuntarily at the sudden darkness and the softness.


    ¡°Hehe! It tickles!¡±


    Whatever amused her, Seo Yerin tightened her grip around my head, preventing any escape.


    It seemed she had no intention of letting go, so I had to find a way out myself, which meant touching Seo Yerin¡¯s chest.


    Anyone would hesitate in such a situation.


    I grabbed Seo Yerin¡¯s chest with both hands without hesitation and pushed her away.


    ¡°Huu!¡±


    Seo Yerin steadied her chest as she watched me pull away.


    ¡°My bra chafed me.¡±


    So what.


    ¡°Then you shouldn¡¯t have done it.¡±


    ¡°I did it to cheer you up because you looked so gloomy. How do you feel? Do you feel better?¡±


    ¡°¡­Fuck.¡±


    Setting aside the fact that my lower body felt like it was going to explode, I hated myself for feeling better just from touching a soft chest once.


    ¡®Is this because of the bloodline?¡¯


    Seeing as my hyung seemed to be quite swayed by women now, it must be because of him.


    Or maybe it¡¯s just that I¡¯m naturally weak to a woman¡¯s temptation.


    ¡°More importantly, how was it?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, how was it. Your chest? Air it out, it smells like sweat.¡±


    I got hit right away.


    ¡°Not that! Didn¡¯t it get bigger?¡±


    ¡°¡­Uh?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this enough for the cosy I showed youst time?¡±


    Is she talking about the cow cosy?


    When I stared nkly at her chest at her words, it certainly seemed a bit bigger than before.


    ¡°Did you pad it?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about! I grew it through daily massages!¡±


    I get it, so stop shaking them, it¡¯s making me want to touch them.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m off work at 5, so you have to pick me up, okay?¡±


    As the break was about to end, Seo Yerin told me not to forget.


    ¡°Got it, you punk.¡±


    I sighed and nodded.


    ¡°See youter then! Sexs!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Is she really crazy or what?


    When I stared nkly at her, Seo Yerin awkwardly scratched her cheek and exined.


    ¡°I heard that guys exim like this? Like, this is ¡®sexs¡¯¡­¡±


    ¡°No, just go.¡±


    ¡°Sexs!¡±


    I said no.

 Chapter 118: The Omen

    Chapter 118: The Omen


    ¡°Haam.¡±


    Yawning, I opened my eyes slowly.


    It¡¯s already 4:40 PM.


    I had already finished work at 4, but since Seo Yerin finished at 5, I was resting in the massage chair in the staff lounge.


    ¡®Guess I should get going.¡¯


    After arriving in front of the Great Korean Hall five and waiting for a while, Seo Yerin, now in casual clothes,es running with quick steps.


    ¡°You¡¯re here!¡±


    ¡°You told me toe.¡±


    She told me toe, so what¡¯s with the surprise.¡°Do you have any ce in mind where you want to go?¡±


    She just said to hang out, so I wondered if she had something specific in mind, but Seo Yerin checked the time on her phone and started running, pulling my hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go quickly! The bus ising!¡±


    ¡°Bus?¡±


    I thought she was just saying it, but it looks like she really has ns to go somewhere.


    Since this is a mountain vige, there shouldn¡¯t be many ces to hang out.


    Last time, I went to a PC caf¨¦ in the city with my roommates and thought it was a 20-year-old PC caf¨¦.


    But the bus I took with Seo Yerin was not going to the city but was an internal Gold One bus circting the hotel premises.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any money.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it doesn¡¯t cost anything.¡±


    Seo Yerin hummed as she went. Not long after, we got off the bus, and the ce we arrived at was¡­


    ¡°¡­A water park?¡±<hr>


    I looked around in a daze, as if I had cked out from drinking.


    A water park decorated extravagantly with countless people.


    It was still cold outside since it was December, but the indoor water park was still bustling with people. I had heard that employees working at Gold One could enter the ski resort or water park for free.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t expect toe here.


    ¡°Huh, what¡¯s this.¡±


    The swimsuit could be rented separately. Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t for free.


    I chose a ck rash guard and shorts because I didn¡¯t want to show my body to others.


    It was my first time wearing it, and it felt much better than wearing a swimsuit.


    The business closes at 9 PM, so we could only y for about three hours at most, but that was enough for us.


    ¡®I¡¯m d I have a day off tomorrow.¡¯


    Maybe Seo Yerin suggested this because she has a day off tomorrow too?


    ¡®¡­¡­¡¯


    The tight rash guard felt like a self-reproach clinging to my body.


    Like my hyung said.


    In the end, did I really not love Oh Yoon-ji properly?


    Considering I didn¡¯t feel much resistance toing out to y with Seo Yerin like this.


    If I really still had lingering feelings for her, I wouldn¡¯t havee on a date alone with another woman like this.


    ¡®But¡­¡¯


    My confused mind wasplicating my head.


    ¡°Woojin!¡±


    A voice calling out to me with a lot of excitement.


    The moment I saw Seo Yerin wearing the same brand of ck rash guard as mine, I felt my worries melt away.


    If asked to name Seo Yerin¡¯s strengths.


    I really couldn¡¯t confidently name more than one.


    She¡¯s beautiful.


    That¡¯s it.


    But the important thing is.


    It¡¯s too much.


    To the point where everything else seems insignificant.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡±


    Yes, I knew Seo Yerin would get conceited if I gasped or stared at her. Yet, she had an allure that made it impossible not to follow her with my eyes.


    There are beautiful people everywhere.


    You can easily find attractive people.


    However, it¡¯s rare to see people who are both beautiful and charming. Most of such people are on TV.


    It was worth mentioning that her chest seemed a bit bigger. You could tell by how her figure stood out even in a tight rash guard.


    ¡°How do you like my braided hair?¡±


    I thought something was different, and it turned out she had braided her hair on purpose. I wondered how she did it alone, but one of the staff members helped her.


    ¡°It looks pretty.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t say anything else. Her refreshing smile was both violent and somewhat coercive, forcing only one reaction from me.


    No, it made it inevitable.


    ¡°Heehee!¡±


    Seo Yerin, seemingly pleased, quickly linked her arm with mine. Then she pointed straight at the waterslide.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much time left for that ride! Let¡¯s go quickly!¡±


    ¡°How do you know that?¡±


    ¡°Se-ah was bragging abouting here with her boyfriendst week. I heard it then.¡±


    ¡°Is she fighting with her boyfriend or dating again?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even mention it. This time her boyfriend again¡­¡±


    While chatting, I struggle to ignore the sensation of Seo Yerin¡¯s chest against my arm.


    Only after standing in line for the water slide do I remember that I was just thinking about my hyung and Yoon-ji.


    ¡®This is kind of scary.¡¯


    Isn¡¯t this what they call a femme fatale?


    A woman so attractive it¡¯s deadly.


    That seemed to describe Seo Yerin perfectly.


    She herself didn¡¯t seem to think much of it, which made it worse.


    ¡°This one is for two people.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it looks like it.¡±


    Seo Yerin pointed to the water slide. Looking at the sign next to it, it shows arge tube with front and back seats.


    ¡°I want to sit in the front!¡±


    ¡°Do as you please.¡±


    Whether sitting in the front or back, it¡¯s the same.


    Receiving envious and jealous nces from the water slide staff, I got on the tube.


    I had to sit in the back with my legs spread, which was kind of odd because the person in front would end up sitting between my legs.


    ¡°Wow! This looks fun!¡±


    But seeing Seo Yerin enjoying herself like a child, the slightly rising lewd thoughts quickly subsided.


    I thought I shouldn¡¯t douse her pure reaction with cold water, but it was Seo Yerin who killed my expectations instead.


    <em>Vroom!</em>


    As soon as the water slide started, Seo Yerin immediately let go of one hand and wiggled, moving her hand behind her back.


    ¡°¡­¡­?!¡±


    The moment I felt her small, soft hand touch me precisely, I tensed up without any warm-up.


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t see her face, but I could tell she was definitely smiling.


    As if ying with a new toy for the first time, fingers moved irregrly yet swiftly in response to theughter that flowed out like a breath.


    ¡°You, you¡­!¡±


    I know I shouldn¡¯t.


    Even though my voice was forceful, I felt a sense of helplessness as a man with the disappearing resistance in her touch.


    Thus, time passed, shorter than I thought.


    I saw lighting into the swiftly descending slide. It was finally the end.


    <em>Ssh!</em>


    The water slide was finally over, and I had to get out of the pool.


    ¡°That was fun!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seeing me awkwardly standing there, Seo Yerin covered her mouth and mockinglyughed.


    ¡°Did you get turned on?¡±


    I bit my lip and waited for the strength to drain, but with the woman still in front of me, it didn¡¯t seem like it would subside.


    ¡°Go away.¡±


    Grumbling and gesturing, Seo Yerin scoffed and left promptly.


    Ignoring the puzzled look of the safety officer wondering why I wasn¡¯t leaving, I finally managed to calm my breathing and muster the strength to step outside.


    ¡®Phew.¡¯


    Simr situations continued to unfold thereafter. Even when we entered the hot springs together, Seo Yerin¡¯s hands wouldn¡¯t stay still, and she would intentionally hug and cling to me in the wave pool.


    I thought she might be trying to seduce me physically since she couldn¡¯t send pictures, but it ended just there.


    Stimtion, but it never went further.


    It felt strangely ticklish, as if she was testing me, but I managed to endure it.


    Anyway, the water park was more enjoyable than I expected.


    When walking around with Seo Yerin, naturally, we attracted people¡¯s attention.


    Even those gazes, at some point, I think I just started to enjoy them too.


    ¡°It was too short.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who hade outside, looked at the now darkening sky and felt regretful.


    It was understandable since we had only yed for three hours in a ce like a water park with so many things to enjoy.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re resting anyway, should wee again tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a limit on the number of visits.¡±


    Even though it was free for the employees, we couldn¡¯t keeping back. There was a limit of about once a week, so if we wanted toe tomorrow, we had to pay for it ourselves.


    ¡°We can just pay ande.¡±


    ¡°Spending money while working part-time is a bit much.¡±


    Shouldn¡¯t we save every penny we can?


    Seo Yerin didn¡¯t seem to be serious about it, as she wasn¡¯t particrly obsessed with the water park.


    While waiting for the bus to return to the amodation, I realized something strange.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who is reviewing the photos taken today one by one.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to give me some advice?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Though her expression didn¡¯t change, the finger swiping the screen stopped.


    ¡°Yah.¡±


    When I called her name sternly, Seo Yerin immediately crossed her arms and leaned in.


    ¡°Should we have some beer? How about it?¡±


    Since her attempt to get out of it with cuteness was very tempting, I had no choice but toply.


    We intended to drink at a chicken restaurant, but the one in the basement of Building C hotel was closed for its regr holiday.


    ¡°We can¡¯t go out again.¡±


    We had just returned to the lodging, and neither of us wanted to go out again, plus the timing wasn¡¯t right.


    It was already 10 o¡¯clock.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go back¡­¡±


    I was about to suggest calling it a night, but Seo Yerin came up with a good idea and proposed.


    ¡°How about we go to my room and eat?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to. It¡¯s not something to talk about there in the first ce.¡±


    It didn¡¯t seem like a suitable topic of conversation with Yu Arin around.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go to your room and talk!¡±


    Seo Yerin promptly suggested an alternative. I wanted to say it wasn¡¯t necessary to talk about it today.


    But I also wanted to resolve the lingering lump in my chest as soon as possible.


    In the end, I went to the dormitory with Seo Yerin.


    Since it was still too early to sleep, I nned to tell my roommates that Seo Yerin would stay for a while.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    The room was dark.


    I turned on the light and checked the room, but no one was there.


    ¡°What?¡±


    I wondered why no one was there, then felt a presence behind me.


    ¡°Is no one here?¡±


    Seo Yerin had followed me in.


    ¡°I told you to wait outside.¡±


    ¡°I thought they might let me in if they saw me.¡±


    Seo Yerin was smiling with her face cupped in her hands. Surely, anyone who disliked her would quickly tell her toe in upon seeing her face.


    More importantly.


    ¡®Where did everyone really go?¡¯


    The moment I took my phone out to check the group chat of our amodation.


    ¡°Hmm? Do you guys drink this kind of stuff?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who came over holding a bottle of alcohol that was on the living room table.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ve never seen it before?¡±


    The unfamiliar alcohol gave me an uneasy feeling, as if it was a precursor to something impending.

 Chapter 119: A Relationship Which Began In Secret

    Chapter 119: A Rtionship Which Began In Secret


    The rather stimting time spent at the water park just moments ago.


    The roommates who have left.


    The slightly artificial situation with me and the weak wine.


    A sudden thought crossed my mind.


    I stared intently at Seo Yerin, who was curiously looking up the wine, but then stopped thinking.


    No matter how I looked at it, the idea that Seo Yerin had artificially created this situation seemed a bit far-fetched.


    ¡®¡­¡­¡¯


    Yet, seeing myself suspiciously eyeing her in a corner of my mind.


    It revealed a part of how I perceived the image of Seo Yerin within me.¡°Woojin, this isn¡¯t that expensive. It¡¯s only about 50,000 won.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    It looked quite expensive on the outside, but it didn¡¯t seem to be so in reality.


    While answering hesitantly, I checked the group chat of the roommates on my phone.


    Quite a pile of messages.


    I couldn¡¯t check while I was at the water park, but it looked like they all went into town together.


    ¡®This.¡¯


    Looking at the chat, it seems they were out drinking, and when I called Chan-woo didn¡¯t answer either.


    ¡°I guess everyone is drinking outside.¡±


    As I awkwardly exined the situation, Seo Yerin, who was already seated in the living room, asked what was the problem and took out the beer and snacks she had bought at the convenience store.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s drink. If you there are any leftovers, just put it in the fridge.¡±


    True that.


    <em>Chii-ik!</em>


    Seo Yerin skillfully poured the beer. Suddenly, her eyes fell on the alcohol in front of the table, and Seo Yerin seemed to have read my look and pointed with her chin.


    ¡°Are you drinking that?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit weird to be drinking something that belongs to someone else?¡±


    That¡¯s true.


    ¡®How does this girl always say the right things?¡¯


    The uneasy feeling I had while looking at the wine earlier had now somewhat subsided.


    It was the same when I was with Seo Yerin for the first time, and when I was with Choi Yiseo, wine was involved, so naturally I was worried about it.


    ¡®Embarrassingly fussy.¡¯


    Thinking I was making a fuss alone, I pushed the wine aside.


    ¡°Cheers.¡±


    Seo Yerin handed me a beer.


    I held the can out and smiled slightly.


    ¡°Cheers.¡±


    Given the topic, it was necessary to have some alcohol in the system. Honestly, drinking beer didn¡¯t make me drunk or let me lose my mind enough to open uppletely.


    Anyway, Seo Yerin had pinpointed exactly what I was worried about.


    Chewing on the jerky I bought as a snack, I was soon pouring out the feelings I had in my heart to her.


    ¡°Did I really not love Yoon-ji? I had such a hard time during the vacation.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Sigh, I don¡¯t know. I just know that I¡¯m a really bad person. It would be nice if my feelings could be sorted out, but that¡¯s not happening either.¡±


    I know that my behavior isn¡¯t good. I¡¯ve slept with Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo, and Yu Arin confessed to me.


    Seo Yerin said not to put too much weight on it since we¡¯re just sex friends, but how could that be possible?


    I take another sip of my beer.


    Before I knew it, I¡¯ve already finished three cans of beer.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back; I need to use the restroom.¡±


    Leaving Seo Yerin, who had been quietly listening to my story, I head to the restroom for a moment.


    I didn¡¯t originally n to drink this much, but as I started talking, I couldn¡¯t endure without drinking.


    Seo Yerin was sipping her beer, lost in thought. Sitting on the sofa, hugging her knees, she looked like she was posing for a photo shoot steeped in the emotions of dawn.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    Had she organized her thoughts while I was in the bathroom? She continued to speak, staring at the turned-off TV screen.


    ¡°Was being with me that burdensome?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I wanted to tell her that wasn¡¯t what I meant.


    Because it was Seo Yerin¡¯s first experience.


    Anyway, she had some affection for me, which is why she epted the somewhat malformed rtionship of being friends with benefits.


    So I wanted to tell her no.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡±


    My frown didn¡¯t ease though, and I couldn¡¯t choose a kindly lie.


    Despite my harsh answer, Seo Yerin still wasn¡¯t looking at me.


    ¡°You told me not to feel too pressured since we weren¡¯t dating. But that¡¯s not possible. From the beginning¡­¡±


    Who could ignore a woman they had sex with?


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. The problem is that I¡¯m too indecisive.¡±


    With Choi Yiseo, I just let it slide. I brushed it off, thinking it happened simply because she was attractive.


    But my hyung¡¯s words kept haunting me.


    ¡®You didn¡¯t love Oh Yoon-ji that much.¡¯


    Just that one sentence.


    It felt like a denial of the very foundation of who I am.


    A night with Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo.


    A rtionship with Yu Arin.


    All of it felt like some kind of evidence that I didn¡¯t love Oh Yoon-ji, making it hard to ept.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I offer a sincere apology.


    I was sorry for being rude and selfish.


    Seo Yerin, who had been silently keeping her mouth shut, was now gazing at me.


    What kind of emotion was she feeling?


    I couldn¡¯t read it, and I was afraid to find out.


    Watching my confusion, I was terrified of what Seo Yerin might say.


    ¡°You slept with me, and you slept with Yiseo. And you even got a confession from Arin. But because of Yoon-ji, you feel guilty about all the time you spent with us.¡±


    My emotions, precisely summarized by her.


    Hearing it said out loud, I hated myself even more for being such a piece of trash.


    If I was going to feel this guilty.


    I should have pushed them away from the start.


    I hated myself for not being able to do that.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    Was I about to get pped?


    My head, which had been down looking at my feet, slowly lifted.


    The moment our eyes met, she drank another can of beer and suddenly.


    ¡°I have a rather strong sex drive.¡±


    ¡°¡­Huh?¡±


    She started with an unexpected confession.


    ¡°I watch a lot of hardcore porn too. I think SM y is okay, and I can be both S and M.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Saying I want to have sex isn¡¯t just because of stress, but also to release my sexual desire.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I watch non-consensual stuff, both giving and receiving. I like cosy, but I don¡¯t really like overly shy stuff like hentai or magical girl themes.¡±


    What am I listening to right now?


    ¡°Do you know about gender-reversal genres? Surprisingly, I liked it. I don¡¯t really like the situations in NTR, but it did turn me on.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Sometimes, I watch beast genres too. But furry stuff isn¡¯t really my thing. Tentacles are strangely unrealistic, so I didn¡¯t like them much.¡±


    Is she drunk?


    I had such thoughts, but Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze was more intelligent and piercing than ever as she watched me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen a few famous BLs, but they were less impressive than I thought, and with GL, maybe because I¡¯m a girl, I couldn¡¯t quite empathize with them.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Rather than reverse harem, I actually preferred harem. And honestly, more than harem¡­I like pure love.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, what are you talking about right now?¡±


    I was definitely trying to sort out my feelings and rtionships.


    Suddenly, before I knew it.


    This situation had turned into a presentation of Seo Yerin¡¯s sexual preferences, which I couldn¡¯t wrap around in my head.


    ¡°How is it?¡±


    As she stared at me, Seo Yerin smiled brightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you everything, even the preferences I can¡¯t tell others.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Woojin, that¡¯s the kind of rtionship we have.¡±


    Seo Yerin slowly stood up and approached me.


    I was standing idly, strangely weing her approach.


    ¡°Through the anonymity of the Bamboo Forest, our rtionship began with the deepest hidden secret.¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s true nature and the Anonymous69 that could not be divulged to anyone were the start of our rtionship.


    ¡°Do you want me to tell you why you¡¯re suffering? Should I make it clear?¡±


    Seo Yerin approached swiftly.


    Her hands wrapped around my neck, forcibly pulling me in for a kiss.


    Our tongues intertwined forcefully, and saliva was exchanged.


    Despite having drunk beer, Seo Yerin exuded an unusually sweet scent.


    ¡°Wh-what are you doing!¡±


    When I urgently pushed her away, she wiped the saliva from her lips andughed.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! You¡¯re a bad guy, Woojin.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Why are you troubled? Why are you confused? There is only one reason. It¡¯s because you like them. Oh Yoon-ji too, Choi Yiseo, Yu Arin too¡­and me too.¡±


    I was at a loss for words.


    In fact, it was an obvious statement.


    The reason for the agony.


    It was because I ultimately couldn¡¯t choose just one.


    The reason I, who thought I liked Oh Yoon-ji too, was not choosing, was because I was drawn to all of them.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    Seo Yerin grabbed my cor.


    Then she pushed me as if leaning on me, and I, whose strength left my body, ended up lying under her.


    ¡°After hearing my secret, will you hate me?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had revealed all her secrets, already had a smile on her lips as if she knew the answer.


    Of course.


    ¡°¡­No.¡±


    I didn¡¯t dislike people just because they had slightly liberal sexual preferences.


    To my answer.


    ¡°I do too.¡±


    Seo Yerin gives an endlessly bright smile, as usual.


    ¡°I do too, I will still love you even if you¡¯re a bad person.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Thank goodness, Woojin. Really, thank goodness. It¡¯s really good that you¡¯re suffering because of me.¡±


    ¡°Good, you say?¡±


    Why?


    ¡°Of course. It means you care about me enough to worry like everyone else.¡±


    I was at a loss for words.


    Not just figuratively, but Seo Yerin¡¯s lips literally shut me up as I tried to respond.


    ¡°Mmph!¡±


    Her tongue intertwined with mine fiercely once again. Seo Yerin¡¯s cheeks flushed red as she was genuinely delighted in devouring me.


    ¡°Pfft! At first, I was worried. Knowing that you slept with Yiseo. I thought there would be no ce for me anymore. Sex is my identity, right?¡±


    ¡°Wa-wait a second¡­!¡±


    Slowly, Seo Yerin took her top off. The chest that had been rubbing against my arm all day came into full view.


    ¡°But I decided to think the opposite.¡±


    ¡°D-don¡¯t take your bra off!¡±


    Whether she listened to me or not, Seo Yerin, still on top of me without taking her bra off, wriggled her hips slightly and whispered.


    ¡°Instead, I just need to give you pleasure that no one else can.¡±


    Choi Yiseo doesn¡¯t know how.


    Oh Yoon-ji couldn¡¯t offer that.


    Seo Yerin, who knows countless sexual knowledge, confidently dered.


    Once again, Seo Yerin lowered her body and kissed me.


    ¡°W-wait a moment!¡±


    I urgently grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away. Seo Yerin, who frowned at me as if asking why I was stopping her when things were going so well, red at me.


    ¡°What? The mood was good.¡±


    Was it a good mood?


    More than that, I wanted to clearly sort out the thoughts that were lingering.


    ¡°Did you n all this today? The wine suddenly in the room, and the guys going out to y?¡±


    Since Chan-woo¡¯s contact information was avable, it seemed usible that some maniption of the lodging could be arranged.


    Hearing my words, Seo Yerin put on a confident smirk instead.


    ¡°Is that necessary?¡±


    There was no need to ponder the meaning of that answer.


    It meant that she had absolute confidence in herself, so there was no need to go to such lengths.


    ¡°Are you done talking?¡±


    Seo Yerin pushed my hand away and her lips ovepped with mine again.


    Her soft kiss and the yful movement of her tongue seemed to melt my stiffened self.


    Before I knew it, I closed my eyes.


    The wine that I had put away earlier touched the tip of my foot.


    I hadn¡¯t taken a single sip of the wine.


    I had drunk a lot of beer, but I couldn¡¯t say I was drunk.


    However.


    I was gradually bingpletely intoxicated by this woman by the name of Seo Yerin.

 Chapter 120: A Quiet Night

    Chapter 120: A Quiet Night


    (This episode is for underage readers. The content is the same, but the rtionship scenes have been deleted. If you are over 19, you can skip this and move on to the next episode.)


    The kiss was not as long as I had expected it to be.


    Personally, I like kisses as they are a precursor that makes the body heat up, and something like an exchange of emotions.


    ¡°Pheuu.¡±


    Slightly heated, Seo Yerin let out a long, sticky breath as if she was already fully prepared.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret it again.¡±


    The self-deprecating mumble was directed at myself.


    ¡°For sure. I¡¯ll end up hating myself for giving in to temptation.¡±


    The bitter sentiment was criticizing my pathetic self.But Seo Yerin, who held my face in her hands, whispered while not allowing me to look away,


    ¡°It¡¯s okay because I¡¯ll like it more that way.¡±


    ¡°Why do you only tell me what I want to hear?¡±


    I hated myself for wanting to give in to the temptation, but Seo Yerin kept making me fall for her.


    She smiled slightly at my grumbling, ming tone.


    ¡°Because you¡¯ve also only told me what I want to hear.¡±


    Another kiss followed.


    As I intertwined with Seo Yerin¡¯s tongue, which was moving unterally, she seemed pleased and tensed up.


    It was a short kiss.


    ¡°Sorry, but I want to do it quickly.¡±


    As she confessed, Seo Yerin¡¯s hand slipped into my pajama pants.


    I had already removed Seo Yerin¡¯s bra while we were kissing.


    ¡°When did you take it off?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who was getting up to adjust her position, was surprised to see her bra sliding off.


    ¡°It looked ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Ha.¡±


    How can she smile so innocently while knowing what we¡¯re going to do?


    No, maybe it¡¯s exactly because she knows.<hr>


    ¡°I-I once said something like that to Yu Arin.¡±


    As our rtionship continued, I confessed my honest feelings to Seo Yerin.


    ¡°I can¡¯t see you romantically.¡±


    Seo Yerin tightened her grip, as if to deny it. She even slightly pushed her hips out, which was nothing short of greedy.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    A sneer appeared at the corner of Seo Yerin¡¯s mouth as she turned her head to look up at me.


    As if to take a good look at who was shaking her hips while grabbing her chest.


    ¡°I thought you just had some kind of fantasy about your first experience partner. The fact that I¡¯m the Admin yed a part too.¡±


    Seo Yerin looked at me with a subtle expression.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Because I was the Administrator, that¡¯s why you became so fond of me.¡±


    The moment she found out I was the Administrator, she revealed her true identity, and things developed like this.


    ¡°So, I thought it wouldn¡¯tst long in the end. You know, when you meet someone you know online in real life, it¡¯s kind of¡­disappointing and all.¡±


    In the end, I didn¡¯t want Seo Yerin to be disappointed in me, so I intentionally tried not to think that way.


    As the Administrator of the Bamboo Forest, the person she sees and the real me are a bit different.


    ¡°And, um¡­because your mother is around?¡±


    When I added another remark, Seo Yerin got annoyed, saying it was unnecessary.


    ¡°Just move your hips.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yup.¡±


    In the midst of the sweat-soaked time.


    ¡°Who has the key, the key?¡±


    A voice could be heard from the outside.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    We were so engrossed in each other that we had forgotten this was the dormitory. Surprised, Seo Yerin looked at me in fear, as if asking what we should do.


    Following what I had learned from the incident with Seo Yerin¡¯s motherst time, I quickly gathered all our clothes and pointed to the veranda.


    ¡°Get in there!¡±


    We went into the veranda and drew the curtains.


    It was chilly outside, but it was better than getting caught now.


    ¡°Oh, I feel dizzy.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kim Woojin!¡±


    ¡°Hyung, you said you didn¡¯t bring any wine but here it is.¡±


    The roommates entered as the door opened. I checked the situation in the living room while hiding behind the window.


    ¡°Where did he go?¡±


    ¡°Dunno. Is he sulking because we didn¡¯t take him along?¡±


    ¡°Is Kim Woojin out for the night? Why did he drink so much beer?¡±


    ¡°By the way, doesn¡¯t it smell weird?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s open the veranda door slightly.¡±


    Jegal Jaemin approached the veranda.


    I immediately hold my breath and check Seo Yerin. She was naked and shivering.


    <em>Drreureuk.</em>


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s cold.¡±


    Jegal Jaemin opened the door just a crack and then goes back inside.


    Fortunately, we were inside the veranda, so we weren¡¯t caught.


    I hug the trembling Seo Yerin tightly and whisper softly.


    ¡°The guys are all drunk, so they¡¯ll fall asleep soon. Since I¡¯m the only one sleeping in the living room, let¡¯s leave when they go to their rooms.¡±


    I tell her to hang in there a bit and try to help her get dressed.


    But Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze is fixed on my lower body.


    ¡°It¡¯s shrunk.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s shriveled. Does it hurt?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of the cold.¡±


    It¡¯s shriveled because it was cold when we suddenly came outside.


    ¡°But it¡¯s hard.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin looks up at me after seeing that.


    ¡°Shall we?¡±


    She makes a provocative suggestion on the spot.<hr>


    After another round on the balcony.


    Before we knew it, the cold had disappeared, and a warmth was spreading through our bodies.


    ¡°Ah, everyone¡¯s gone to bed.¡±


    The living room was quiet with the lights off.


    It seems everyone has gone into their rooms to tuck in for the night.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in quickly. It must be cold.¡±


    ¡°My legs are trembling.¡±


    I forced her up and sat her on the sofa, then brought our clothes from the balcony.


    Seems like our intimate time has to end here.


    ¡°Put your clothes on. It¡¯s time to go back.¡±


    When I said that, Seo Yerin nced around, smiled, and spread her legs.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it some more.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? The kids are all in their rooms right now.¡±


    When I told her she couldn¡¯t even suppress her moans, she answered, biting on the curtain tie she had brought with her.


    ¡°I can hold it in.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Quickly?¡±


    With a face like Seo Yerin¡¯s, how many men could resist the temptation.


    I approached her again.


    ¡°Ha-eu-ik!¡±


    Forcibly swallowed moans escaped Seo Yerin¡¯s lips once more.

 Chapter 121: A Quiet Night (Adult Version)

    Chapter 121: A Quiet Night (Adult Version)


    The kiss didn¡¯tst as long as I would have liked.


    Personally, I like kisses because they act as a prelude that heats up the body and serves as an exchange of emotions.


    ¡°Huuu.¡±


    Without much of a warm-up, Seo Yerin let out a long, sticky breath as if she was already fully prepared.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret it again.¡±


    The self-deprecating mumble was directed at myself.


    ¡°Definitely. You¡¯ll end up hating yourself for sumbing to temptation.¡±


    The bitter sentiment was a scolding for my pathetic self.


    But Seo Yerin, holding my face so I couldn¡¯t look away, whispered,¡°It¡¯s okay because I¡¯ll like it more.¡±


    ¡°Why do you only say things I want to hear?¡±


    I hate myself for wanting to give in to temptation, but Seo Yerin kept pushing me over.


    She gave a smallugh at my grumbling, usatory tone.


    ¡°You only say what I want to hear.¡±


    Another kiss followed.


    As I intertwined my tongue with Seo Yerin¡¯s, which had been moving unterally, she seemed pleased and tensed up.


    A short kiss.


    ¡°Sorry, but I want to do it quickly.¡±


    As she confessed, her hand had already slipped down into my pants, fondling my member.


    Since I was in pajamas, her hand slipped in freely and touched me.


    I had already removed Seo Yerin¡¯s bra during the kiss.


    ¡°When did you take it off?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had stood up to adjust her posture, was startled as her bra slipped off.


    ¡°Because it looked ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡±


    How can she smile so innocently despite knowing what we are about to do?


    No, it might be because she knows exactly what¡¯sing that she can smile as such.


    Seo Yerin climbed downwards from on top of me and pulled down my pants. Since she grabbed my underwear along with it, my lower body was exposed in an instant.


    ¡°Hehehe.¡±


    Even while sitting awkwardly, she didn¡¯t stop touching me.


    ¡°Wait a moment!¡±


    Since the position was awkward, I stood up, but Seo Yerin, still seated, stared intently at me.


    And then she put it straight into her mouth.


    A warm and soft sensation enveloped me. I never imagined that she would do something like this.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    I sighed at Seo Yerin¡¯s immediate reaction.


    ¡°Hey, damn it! You need to clean that first!¡±


    ¡°They do it without a problem in porn.¡±


    ¡°Haa¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment. I can try again.¡±


    Then Seo Yerin resumed.


    Unlike before, she seemed to have gotten used to it, her tongue rolling slightly with unexpected skill.


    The way her teeth barely grazed was a bit chilling, though.


    ¡®Where did she learn this?¡¯


    I wondered if she had practiced, but Seo Yerin kept stimting the tip with her tongue or gently tickling the urethral opening.


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    I almost let out a sound involuntarily, but as I held back, Seo Yerin¡¯s eyes gleamed, and she started sucking with concentration.


    <em>Chup! Churup!</em>


    It was a bit intense, almost painful, but even that pain was epted as a form of pleasure.


    ¡°Mmmph!¡±


    ¡°It hurts! Your teeth are touching!¡±


    Seo Yerin immediately asked.


    ¡°How is it? I learned it from YouTube.¡±


    ¡°¡­Do they teach that kind of thing these days?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they do?¡±


    Unbelievable.


    Anyway, it was kind of cute that Seo Yerin practiced while watching videos on her phone just to do it for me.


    I wondered if she would do more, but then Seo Yerin made a subtle expression, stood up slowly, and fidgeted with her hands.


    ¡°Was it hard?¡±


    Since she screamed the first time, I thought it might have been difficult, but Seo Yerin carefully started to take her pants off and mumbled.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hold it in anymore¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Um, forey can wait, how about we just do it first?¡±


    Seo Yerin tried to take off her pants and even her panties, but I took the opportunity to get closer to her.


    Then, before she could take her panties off, I slipped my hand inside and moved my fingers.


    ¡°Huh!¡±


    Seo Yerin, startled by the sudden situation, gasped and urgently covered her mouth with both hands.


    But my hand was already touching her moist vulva, as if stirring it.


    ¡°Ummmm!¡±


    The moans escaping through the gaps between her hands made my fingers move more fervently.


    I understood perfectly what she meant when she said no forey was needed. She was as wet as a female in heat.


    ¡°Do you want to do it right away?¡±


    When I asked softly, Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze met mine. As she parted her hands slightly to open her mouth.


    ¡°Ugh, uhhh!¡±


    My fingers moved more vigorously, making her moans burst out like exmations.


    I could feel her thighs trembling slightly through my wrist, and though Seo Yerin red at me as if to use me of doing it on purpose.


    ¡°Ha¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin, who was hesitating, rubbed her thigh, preventing my hand from escaping, and confessed with a slightly loosened tongue.


    ¡°I want to do it.¡±


    What followed was a natural progression.


    Since there was no bed, I sat Seo Yerin on the rtively soft sofa. When I took her panties off, her legs spread wide open, and she looked at me with eyes full of longing, urging me toe to her quickly.


    Having had one prior experience, Seo Yerin epted me more easily than before.


    ¡°Yes, yes! Again! It¡¯s here!¡±


    Feeling herself being filled, Seo Yerin hugged me tightly.


    At first, she squeezed as if to push me out, but once I was inside, she enveloped me softly instead.


    Seo Yerin was clinging tightly and refusing to let go.


    I grabbed the sofa with both hands and began to move my hips.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    A half scream, half gasp was let out. But it didn¡¯t stop there.


    ¡°Huh! Huuuh!¡±


    Seo Yerin tried to steady her breath forcefully, but I kept provoking her, not allowing her to regain herposure.


    In the ongoing battle of nerves, Seo Yerin eventually couldn¡¯t hold back and wrapped her legs around my waist, clinging tightly.


    ¡°Wa-wait!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°J-just! Wait a moment!¡±


    Because she clung so tightly, I couldn¡¯t move my waist. Although I had gone deeper, the movement had stopped, allowing Seo Yerin to catch her breath.


    I lowered my hands from the sofa and freed Seo Yerin¡¯s legs that were wrapped around my waist.


    I grabbed both ankles and spread them apart.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Seo Yerin was startled by her exposed nudity and the tant position that seemed to beg for coption.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    ¡°Ugh-aang!¡±


    A groan like carbonated water burst out again.


    Surprised, Seo Yerin tried to push my chest with both hands, but her strength didn¡¯t quitee through, making it a futile resistance.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, you said you wanted to do this.¡±


    As I exhaled roughly and moved my hips more forcefully, Seo Yerin urgently shouted at me.


    ¡°Bathroom! I need to go to the bathroom!¡±


    It seemed sudden.


    But if I just turned my head slightly, I could see the empty beer cans.


    ¡®Ah.¡¯


    I remembered that I had gone to the bathroom, but Seo Yerin hadn¡¯t.


    <em>Paang!</em>


    ¡°Higg-uuhng!¡±


    As I thrust my hips more strongly, Seo Yerin trembled like a fish and red at me.


    She tried to push me away with all her strength, but her legs were fixed in ce as I was holding her ankles.


    ¡°Haah! Uhhhhh! Kim Woojin! You are bad!¡±


    With a voice filled with resentment, Seo Yerin could do nothing but groan.


    In the end.


    ¡°Ah, nooo! Hnngghhh!¡±


    Her hands, with nowhere to go, clutched the top of the sofa as if she was about to tear it apart, hiding her face in embarrassment between her outstretched arms.


    Her legs, even her waist, were trembling uncontrobly.


    The sound of her fluids dripping down could be heard.


    Slowly, I let go of Seo Yerin, who copsed onto the sofa like a wet rag, trembling and covering her face with both hands.


    ¡®Did I go too far?¡¯


    In the heat of the moment, I realized I might have overdone it.


    ¡°Haa, hnnng.¡±


    Leaving Seo Yerin, who was breathing heavily and covering her face with her arms, I quickly fetched a towel to clean her up.


    As I finished scrubbing the floor, Seo Yerin nced at me and kicked me hard.


    ¡°Ugh!?¡±


    Falling to the floor, Seo Yerin climbed on top of me. Her face was flushed with embarrassment, yet she bit her lip as if driven by anger.


    ¡°You¡¯re dead.¡±


    And then Seo Yerin inserted me again.


    I hadn¡¯t finished yet, so I was still standing tall, but as I entered Seo Yerin again, the urge to release quickly surged.


    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>


    Like pounding rice cakes,


    Seo Yerin was mming down on me as if hitting with her hips, moving her waist in a way that was hard to believe it was only her second time.


    In between, she trembled slightly as she felt her own orgasm, but eventually,


    ¡°Wait a minute! W-we didn¡¯t use a condom!¡±


    Feeling like I was about to burst, I urgently told Seo Yerin, but drenched in sweat, she answered with a sly smile.


    ¡°What do you want me to do about it.¡±


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Instead, I pushed mine deeper and moved my hips flexibly to rub against her.


    Eventually.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    I ejacted violently inside Seo Yerin, feeling a sense of liberation.


    I feel a dizzying sensation.


    Even though I know that this choice could determine the course of our lives.


    ¡°Hehe.¡±


    Seo Yerin couldn¡¯t hide her smile, and watching her, I too felt a sense of ¡®let it be¡¯.<hr>


    <em>Bang bang bang!</em>


    ¡°Hnn! Hnngh!¡±


    The intense hip movements continued unabated.


    Seo Yerin, showing her back and offering her hips to me,ined about her hoarse voice, but her moans continued to pour out.


    ¡°Th-this time!¡±


    ¡°Haa!¡±


    ¡°I mentioned it to Yu Arin.¡±


    The hands gripping her hips slowly move forward. Seo Yerin, with her hands against the wall, found it easy for me to grasp her hanging breasts.


    ¡°Ha-ut!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t see it romantically.¡±


    As if in denial, Seo Yerin tightens even more. Her slightly protruding hips were utterly greedy.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Seo Yerin, ncing back at me with a sneer at the corner of her lips.


    As if to show exactly who was grasping whose chest while moving their hips.


    ¡°I thought you had some kind of illusion about your first experience partner. Being the Admin also yed a part.¡±


    There was slight hesitation in her waist then.


    Seo Yerin, looking at me, had a subtle expression.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Because I was the Admin, you became this attracted to me.¡±


    The moment she found out that I was the Administrator, she revealed her true identity, and things developed this way.


    ¡°So, in the end, I thought it wouldn¡¯tst long. You know, that kind of thing. When you meet someone you know online in real life, it¡¯s a bit¡­disappointing and stuff.¡±


    In the end, I didn¡¯t want to see Seo Yerin disappointed in me, so I intentionally didn¡¯t think of things that way.


    As the Administrator of the Bamboo Forest, the me that she sees and the real me might differ a little.


    ¡°And, um¡­your mother is there too, right?¡±


    When I added one more word, Seo Yerin got annoyed, saying it was unnecessary.


    ¡°Just move your hips.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>


    ¡°Ah, ah, so, so good!¡±


    The act resumed.


    While our bodies, drenched in sweat, continued to entangle.


    ¡°Who has the key?¡±


    A voice echoed from outside.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    We were so engrossed in each other that we forgot we were at the lodging. Seo Yerin, startled, looked at me in fear, asking what we should do.


    Remembering what I learned from the incident with Seo Yerin¡¯s motherst time, I quickly gathered all our clothes and pointed to the veranda.


    ¡°Get inside!¡±


    We went into the veranda and drew the curtains.


    It was chilly outside, but it was better than getting caught now.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m dizzy.¡±


    ¡°Where is Kim Woojin!¡±


    ¡°Hyung, you said you didn¡¯t bring wine, but here it is.¡±


    My roommates entered as the door opened. I checked the situation in the living room while hiding behind the window.


    ¡°Where did he go?¡±


    ¡°Dunno. Maybe he¡¯s sulking because we didn¡¯t take him along.¡±


    ¡°Is Kim Woojin out for the night? Why did he drink so much beer?¡±


    ¡°By the way, don¡¯t you smell something?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s open the veranda door a bit.¡±


    Jegal Jaemin approached the veranda.


    I immediately hold my breath and check Seo Yerin beside me.


    She was trembling, naked.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s cold.¡±


    Jegal Jaemin opened the veranda door just a crack and then went back inside.


    Luckily, we weren¡¯t discovered as we were inside the veranda.


    I hugged the trembling Seo Yerin tightly and whispered softly.


    ¡°The others are all drunk and will soon fall asleep. Since I¡¯m the only one sleeping in the living room, let¡¯s go out when they go to their rooms.¡±


    I told her to bear with it a little longer and tried to help her get dressed.


    But Seo Yerin¡¯s hand was already on my lower body.


    ¡°It got smaller.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s shriveled. Is this painful?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of the cold.¡±


    It had shriveled from the cold aftering out so suddenly, but as Seo Yerin continued to fondle it, it started growing again.


    ¡°But it¡¯s getting hard.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin looked up at me and said,


    ¡°Shall we?¡±


    A provocative suggestion was made on the spot.


    Though she said that, Seo Yerin was already lifting herself on tiptoe and tilting my thing downward.


    ¡°Hngh!¡±


    She inserted it just like that.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    I wanted to tell her she was crazy for doing it, but she was already wrapping her arms around my neck and moving her hips back and forth.


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡±


    With warm breath, Seo Yerin spoke to me with a hazy look in her eyes.


    ¡°Fuck me.¡±


    ¡°Phew.¡±


    The voices of the roommates were still audible from the living room, but I couldn¡¯t hold back any longer.


    Moving my hips as quickly as possible without making a sound.


    Not expecting it to be this intense, Seo Yerin¡¯s eyes widened as she lifted herself on tiptoe and twisted her body.


    ¡°Hngk! S-sound!¡±


    Covering her lips with mine as she begged me to muffle it, I kept moving my hips.


    The sound of intertwined tongues reached its climax, trembling.


    Before I knew it, the cold had disappeared, and warmth was spreading through my body.


    ¡°Ah, everyone¡¯s gone to bed.¡±


    The living room was quiet with the lights off.


    It seems everyone has gone to their rooms to sleep.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside quickly. It must be cold.¡±


    ¡°My, my legs are shaking.¡±


    I forcibly lifted her and sat her on the sofa, then fetched our clothes from the veranda.


    It seems our intimacy has to end here.


    ¡°Put your clothes on. We need to go back now.¡±


    When I said that, Seo Yerin nced around and, smiling, spread her legs.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do more.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy? The guys are all in their rooms right now.¡±


    When I said she couldn¡¯t even hold back her moans, she answered with the curtain tie in her mouth, which she had brought with her at some point.


    ¡°I can hold back.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Well?¡±


    How many men could resist being seduced by a face like Seo Yerin¡¯s?


    I approached her again.


    ¡°Ha¡­uh!¡±


    Suppressed moans escaped Seo Yerin¡¯s lips once more.

 Chapter 122: The Black Skirt

    Chapter 122: The ck Skirt


    Early dawn.


    Seo Yerin returned to her room, passing by some part-timers who hadn¡¯t fully opened their eyes yet on their way to work.


    Fortunately, no one was awake yet, so she was able to sneak in carefully.


    ¡®Ugh, my back hurts.¡¯


    After spending the whole night making love, her lower body felt numb.


    Thinking she should wash up, she went into the bathroom quickly.


    When she came out, Yu Arin, her roommate, was sitting there with a drowsy expression.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake?¡±


    Seo Yerin was startled.Yu Arin, who had been staring nkly at Seo Yerin, mumbled,


    ¡°Where did you go?¡±


    ¡°Oh, um, just¡­¡±


    She tried to dodge the question awkwardly, but Yu Arin¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver.


    Seo Yerin wasn¡¯t the type to go out and have fun ale at night to begin with.


    She must have already realized that it wasn¡¯t persuasive and that she was deliberately not answering.


    ¡°Actually, I was with Woojin.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who thought that ambiguous lies were rather an act of deceiving a friend, revealed it openly and confidently.


    Yu Arin, who was still half-asleep, gradually widened her eyes.


    It was because she knew what Seo Yerin meant by saying that.


    ¡°You, uh¡­¡±


    The atmosphere became strange.


    A tension that shouldn¡¯t exist between friends filled the air, and Yu Arin felt the onset of a throbbing headache.


    She knew she had started it.


    She had intervened knowing that Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo already had feelings for Kim Woojin.


    But now that the situation was unfolding this way, her heart felt heavy, and she wondered if she had made a mistake.


    Watching Yu Arin, who had turned pale.


    Seo Yerin slowly approached her and gently ced her hand on her cheek.


    At first, she thought she was going to get pped, but the touch was warm and kind.


    ¡°I won¡¯t regret it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You know that well too. If you only care about what others think, you won¡¯t achieve anything.¡±


    Should she ignore it?


    At first, Yu Arin thought so.


    She thought it meant she would go to Kim Woojin without caring about friends or anything else.


    Feeling Seo Yerin carefully embracing her, Yu Arin realized she was mistaken.


    ¡®This is¡­¡¯


    ¡°So, you too, don¡¯t back down.¡±


    It was encouragement.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not regret it, Arin. We¡¯ll always be friends¡­so let¡¯s not regret it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Even if one of us backs down now, it will eventually strain our rtionship.¡±


    And so Seo Yerin was saying that they might as well settle it now.


    She was dering that they should maintain their friendship but not give up on pursuing the guy.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try everything we can do now. That way, we can remain friends until the end.¡±


    ¡®How can that still be possible for you?¡¯


    It seemed like such words could burst from Yu Arin¡¯s throat at any moment.


    Especially since she was burning with jealousy upon hearing that Seo Yerin had spent a night with Kim Woojin.


    ¡®Is it because she¡¯s overflowing with confidence?¡¯


    She had been getting attention from countless people since high school and often received love calls from the entertainment industry.


    Even in college, she was famous as the goddess of the freshman English department, and at Gold One, she became famous as the beautiful part-timer from the Great Korean bakery.


    Is it because she has confidence in herself that she can be so bold?


    Suddenly, Yu Arin thought of her past self.


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t even a few months ago¡­


    When she approached Kim Woojin, harboring feelings of defeat and jealousy towards Seo Yerin.


    ¡®The reason you can say that is.¡¯


    Could it be because of the absolute certainty of victory lying beneath?


    Yu Arin, who had beenpared to Seo Yerin countless times as a friend, knew it all too well.


    If she were a man, even she would have chosen Seo Yerin over herself.


    The embrace she was held in was warm.


    She understood Seo Yerin¡¯s greedy consideration of not wanting to lose both friendship and love.


    But rather, that-


    To Yu Arin, it reached her as an absolute sense of defeat, something Seo Yerin would never understand.


    ¡®You always win.¡¯


    She was relieved.


    She was d to be hugged.


    She could avoid showing her twisted expression.


    ¡°When I was in high school¡­ I think I was too immature.¡±


    She hugged Seo Yerin tightly, giving her strength.


    From Yu Arin¡¯s softly whispered voice.


    A sense of defeat, and.


    ¡°This time, it¡¯s different.¡±


    Apetitive spirit was burning.


    ¡°I can lose once.¡±


    She thought she had said something simr before herst call with Choi Yiseo.


    You can lose once.


    You can make a mistake once.


    ¡°Not twice.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to be a simr person again. The one who, out of ugly jealousy of friends, would scheme behind their backs.


    She didn¡¯t want to be such a Yu Arin.


    This time, Yu Arin.


    Had no intention of backing down.


    ¡°Ah, Arin. It hurts!¡±


    Feeling annoyed at Seo Yerin¡¯s voiceining about the tight hug, Yu Arin applied more force and knocked her down.


    ¡°Does my throat sound hoarse!?¡±


    ¡°Heh, hehihi! Aagh! Ah, it hurts!¡±


    ¡°Are youughing? Was it so good that you want tough? This is your grave, you bitch. Say yourst words!¡±


    ¡°Sex with Kim Woojin¡­is so damned good!¡±


    This crazy bitch.


    Even if she was a friend, some correction seemed necessary. Yu Arin immediately wrapped her legs around Seo Yerin¡¯s waist and executed a technique she had learned from a YouTuber.


    ¡°Surrender! I surrender, Arin! It hurts!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Seo Yerin, did you enjoy it? Huh? Did you enjoy it? Was it good to leave your friend and sleep with a guy?!¡±


    ¡°Hehehe, yes, it was goooood!¡±


    ¡°Look at youughing!?¡±


    ¡°Using strength to win is unfair, Arin!¡±<hr>


    ¡®Ugh, why is my body so tired.¡¯


    Two days after having sex with Seo Yerin.


    Yesterday was a day off, so I slept all day, but my body felt unusually tired.


    Everyone said it was because they were just sleeping, but I wondered if Seo Yerin was actually draining my energy.


    ¡°Kim Woojin, your face doesn¡¯t look so good.¡±


    Lee Se-ah from the Theatre department nudged me with her elbow and asked.


    Is it that obvious?


    Honestly, getting to work today was really tough.


    ¡°I¡¯m just tired.¡±


    ¡°Want me to buy you a coffee? You really don¡¯t look good.¡±


    ¡°No, I already had one.¡±


    Saying that, I pulled the cart and went up to the guest room.


    Lately, a series of incidents have been urring one after another at Gold One Hotel.


    Starting with awsuit due to harassment of a part-timer, the vice chairman of the parentpany visited.


    The vice chairman personally discovered a manager distributing strange memoranda.


    Even when digging into the manager¡¯s background, they found an illicit slush fund ledger linked to embezzlement of hotel funds, leading to the mass dismissal of higher-ups conspiring with the manager.


    Isn¡¯t it funny how a chain reaction started with a person named Manager Lee Chan-song, like sausages hanging in a row?


    I told my older brother to send a reward since it was half thanks to me, and he only sent ten thousand won.


    It seems I still look like the youngest who used to follow my big brother around.


    ¡°Yawn.¡±


    Honestly, my body was tired, but my mind felt somewhat lighter.


    It felt like the confusion I had was somewhat sorted out. It wasn¡¯t just about spending the night with Seo Yerin, but I also managed to sort out my feelings to some extent.


    Loving Oh Yoon-ji wasn¡¯t a lie.


    It also became an opportunity to honestly admit that my feelings were swaying towards other women.


    Simply.


    I felt my confused mind settle just from Seo Yerin affirming and epting someone as worthless as me.


    ¡®Did Seo Yerin feel this way too?¡¯


    If she felt this way because I epted her as Anonymous69.


    Yeah, it might seem a bit annoying, but maybe it was worth falling for.


    Actually, I¡¯m surprisingly conscious of Seo Yerin a lot right now.


    Just realizing, acknowledging, and understanding someone¡¯s ugly nature can significantly raise one¡¯s affection for that person.


    It¡¯s perhaps an inevitable part of being human.<hr>


    When I got back to the office, this time Yu Arin was staring at me in front of the elevator.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A brief silence.


    Neither of us said anything; we just stared nkly at each other until the elevator doors were about to close.


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    As I cleared my throat awkwardly and stepped out of the elevator, Yu Arin followed closely behind.


    It would be nice if she said something, but she just stared at me silently, making me feel unnecessarily self-conscious.


    ¡®She probably knows.¡¯


    Seo Yerin wasn¡¯t the type to lie easily, and since she mentioned sharing a room with her roommate¡­


    If Yu Arin had questioned Seo Yerin abouting inte, she would naturally have learned the whole story.


    ¡®This is awkward.¡¯


    Having received a confession, this situation was a bit troubling. I couldn¡¯t easily give her an answer.


    At that moment, the manager, who was in a good mood because Manager Lee Chan-song did note to work, poked his head out of the office and said,


    ¡°Woojin, go to Building B and collect some carts. There were a lot of ordersst night, so the carts are piled up.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°Take someone with you. It will be hard to do it alone.¡±


    At those words, I nced at my fellow part-timers.


    Lee Se-ah, who immediately avoided my gaze, and Han Bom, pretending to fold napkins. Seeing them avoid me so tantly made me want to take them even more, but then I felt a sharp pain in my back.


    ¡°With another girl again?¡±


    Yu Arin red at me with a cold voice. Swallowing hard, I headed to Building B with Yu Ah-rin.


    ¡°Hold on, I need to use the restroom.¡±


    Yu Arin went to the restroom midway.


    I didn¡¯t mind and waited for a bit before heading to Building B.


    Since it was easier to move the cart from the top floor, we took the elevator up to Building B together.


    Yu Arin, with her arms crossed, turned to me and red at me as she spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have something to say?¡±


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you know¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Yu Arin strode towards me and grabbed my cor.


    Her force was so intense that I instinctively shrank back.


    ¡°You must have enjoyed it, huh? Touching Yerin¡¯s chest all over? Mine must have been disappointing, right?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that¡­¡±


    ¡°You bastard! How could you do that?!¡±


    Yu Arin pushed me into the corner of the elevator and turns her back. But she didn¡¯t move aside, so I couldn¡¯t escape.


    Yu Arin, who seemed sulky, gently leans her body against me.


    I wondered what she would do if someone came in, but she kept hitting my chest with the back of her head, huffing and puffing.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s so annoying! Why did I fall for a guy like you?¡±


    ¡°Well, if anyone hears this, they¡¯d think I seduced you¡­¡±


    ¡°You did seduce me! You did!¡±


    If you put it that way, then I guess I did.


    Even with her mouth tightly shut, Yu Arin had no intention of stepping aside. I wondered why she was acting this way, and suddenly she turned her head abruptly and looked up at me with a slightly flushed face.


    ¡°Do-don¡¯t you get it?¡±


    ¡°Get what.¡±


    I was puzzled, but then Yu Arin¡¯s hips suddenly pressed against me excessively.


    ¡°Stop it.¡±


    Thinking she was trying to provoke sexual desire again, I pushed her away slightly, and Yu Arin pouted and sighed.


    ¡°I thought Kim Woojin would notice.¡±


    ¡°Notice what.¡±


    I was still puzzled.


    Has something changed?


    But her gold uniform with a white shirt and ck skirt¡­


    It wasn¡¯t much different from what I usually saw.


    As we were about to reach the top floor¡­


    Forcing herself to ovee her embarrassment, Yu Arin took something out of her pocket and handed it to me.


    ¡°I can do it too.¡±


    With a face flushed red, she hastily exited to the top floor.


    Curious, I followed her down to check.


    A trace of warmth remained.


    In the form of a lovely triangle.


    A pair of ck panties was in my hand.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    That was Yu Arin¡¯s resolve.


    To me, who had spent the night with Seo Yerin, she offered her own resolve, iming she could do it too.


    ¡®So that¡¯s why she went to the bathroom earlier.¡¯


    Wait a minute.


    In that case.


    ¡°A ck skirt¡­no panties?¡±


    ¡°Shut up! It¡¯s embarrassing!¡±


    From a distance, Yu Arin, who was pulling a cart, blushed and shouted.


    My eyes couldn¡¯t help but be drawn to her lower body, which seemed to move with a wiggle.


    Receiving my gaze, Yu Arin continued to shout something or other.

 Chapter 123: Responsible Pleasure

    Chapter 123: Responsible Pleasure


    Bringing the carts down from Building B has be so familiar that it wasn¡¯t particrly difficult anymore.


    Even though the numbers were a bit high as the manager said, it was something I had done several times before anyway.


    However, right now, work wasn¡¯t the problem for me.


    ¡°You bastard, I can feel your gaze on me.¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s a man¡¯s instinct.¡±


    Today, my eyes naturally went to Yu Arin¡¯s butt, which was twitching unusually in front of me.


    Yu Arin, feeling burdened by my gaze, blushed and grumbled, but she didn¡¯t seem topletely dislike it.


    ¡°It feels empty, somehow.¡±


    Seeing her feeling embarrassed and saying that it felt empty below, I felt something jabbing in my chest.Should I say my heart was pounding?


    ¡®It feels strangely different.¡¯


    A simple fluttering of the heart, but Yu Arin¡¯s gestures stimte something else.


    There was no one else around but me, yet her light actions, like subtly covering her butt with her hand, were resonating intensely with me at this moment.


    ¡®Shh, these two together¡­¡¯


    They say that friends resemble each other.


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin.


    There were no other enchantresses that could arouse my awareness out of boredom.


    After roughly moving all the carts, on the way back with Yu Arin.


    ¡°Ugh, damn it, I can¡¯t do this.¡±


    Yu Arin, who needed both hands to pull the cart and thus couldn¡¯t cover her butt with her hand, looked at me and said,


    ¡°Give it back, I¡¯ll go put it on.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Cover it and give it to me. It¡¯ll look weird if someone sees.¡±


    Seriously, this is driving me crazy.


    Yu Arin, looking around quickly and asking me to hurry, was definitely awakening something in my chest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    Maybe that¡¯s why.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Such a response came from me.


    ¡°I said, I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seeing Yu Arin staring at me as if she couldn¡¯t believe what she heard, a slight smile crept up on my face.


    ¡°Stop joking around.¡±


    Yu Arin red at me, her expression stern.


    Her intensity was so fierce that I felt an urge to empty my pockets immediately.


    But I held the reins here anyway.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Hey!¡±


    As I pulled the cart and moved away, Yu Arin called out in a panic.


    Ignoring her, I continued straight to the office.


    When I arrived with the cart, Lee Se-ah and Han Bom, who were waiting, took over.


    They saw Yu Arin trailing behind me and were startled, expressing concern.


    ¡°Was it hard? We should have helped you.¡±


    ¡°Kim Woojin! Did you make our Arin do too much?¡±


    ¡°You said there was a lot to do, Chief. That¡¯s why it was a bit tough.¡±


    Yu Arin red at me as I responded nonchntly. Her face had turned bright red, looking as though she might explode from embarrassment at any moment.


    In the end, she couldn¡¯t say anything and just continued working while suppressing her frustration, as she was the one who had handed me her underwear.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    A faint groan escaped from Yu Arin, who was organizing the cart she had brought.


    When I looked over to see why, she bit her lip and responded.


    ¡°It¡¯s windy¡­¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯re in the basement.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a vent, isn¡¯t there?¡±


    That¡¯s true.


    When I suggested she sit and rest for a bit, she quickly agreed and went to a chair.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Still frowning, she seemed displeased with the unusual sensation.


    Yu Arin was deliberately rubbing her thigh with her hand and acting strangely.


    The usually tough girl was oddly obedient, and it gave me a sinister sense of satisfaction.


    Though it wasn¡¯t intentional, it felt like the power dynamic between the Bamboo Forest¡¯s Admin and assistant had finally been established.<ul><li>Admin: Sessfully subdued the assistant.</li></ul>


    In that sense, I left a pointless post in the Bamboo Forest.


    Surprisingly, everyone seemed to check the Bamboo Forest often, as replies came quickly.


    ? Anonymous198: Are you spanking the assistant? Making her cry out?


    ? Anonymous69: Wanna have s<em>x?</em>


    <em>? Anonymous90: Wanna have s</em>x!


    ? Anonymous243: Admin, did you watch ¡°Rampage Season 2¡± that I mentioned before? I¡¯d like to hear your thoughts.


    ? Anonymous11: Crazy bastard. Sending that kind of stuff to the Admin.


    ? Anonymous247: Isn¡¯t 198 going to end up in the newster? They sure have a firm preference.


    ? Anonymous307: Aren¡¯t they going to get sued for sexual harassment by the Admin?


    ? Anonymous198: I don¡¯t understand why everyone pretends not to be turned on.


    ¡®Everyone¡¯s having a st.¡¯


    Recently, the Bamboo Forest has been filled with posts from Anonymous69, asional religious club invitations, or part-time job offers and promotions, so it seems they were bored.


    Just thinking about how the Bamboo Forest will explode once vacation ends already gives me a headache.


    Feeling a piercing gaze, I slowly turn my eyes.


    Yu Arin, who is looking at her phone angrily, res at me.<ul><li>Anonymous59 (Manager No. 1): Kill the Admin.</li></ul>


    The moment I saw the chilling warning message, I felt a shiver run down my spine.


    Anonymous friends in the Bamboo Forest began to directly watch the fight between the assistant and the administrator.


    ? Anonymous11: I support Number 1. I don¡¯t really like that guy.


    ? Anonymous309: Why are they suddenly fighting? Exin, please.


    ? Anonymous291: The Admin failed to discipline the Admin help.


    ? Anonymous198: Admin, I support you. Seriously. Please tie up Number 1 and take a picture of you spanking them.


    ? Anonymous198: Just the sound is fine. That¡¯s enough. I¡¯m willing to pay.


    ? Anonymous247: Can we ban 198 already?


    ? Anonymous59 (Manager No.1): Already did.


    198 has already been banned for a day.


    He probably knew he would get banned someday, given how he kept provoking the Admin.


    Since it¡¯s vacation time, a one-day ban won¡¯t be much of an issue.


    ? Anonymous69: Sex?


    ? Anonymous90: Seems like you have something to say?


    From earlier, Anonymous69¡¯s reaction had been somewhat annoying, and Yu Arin, who was ring at me as if she might kill me any moment, was also frightening, so I thought about wrapping things up here.


    ? Anonymous75: Did Number 1 eat you up? lol


    ? Anonymous17: From now on, Number 1 takes over here.


    ? Anonymous117: The admin¡¯s level lol I knew it since they banned someone for posting that futa-furry picst time.


    ? Anonymous11: Please, ban this bastard permanently.


    ? Anonymous154: Seeing this, the admin seems to be doing a good job.


    ? Anonymous98: Post it just one more time.


    Seeing the people trying to push me out started to annoy me a little.


    But then, looking at Yu Arin, who was pressing her thighs together and rubbing her legs due to the emptiness, somewhat eased my mind.


    ¡°Damn it¡­!¡±


    Watching me, Yu Arin breathes roughly. I never had such a preference, but seeing those flinching movements makes a sadistic urge rise in me.


    ¡®It¡¯s all because of Anonymous198.¡¯


    Ever since they kept telling me to spank the Admin No.1¡¯s butt or tie them up and torment them, I¡¯ve ended up like this.


    Anyway, the feeling of subduing the usually strong Yu Arin isn¡¯t so bad.


    As if she read my mood, Yu Arin discreetly raised her middle finger at me, making sure no one else saw.


    What a brazen girl.


    You never back down, do you.


    As I sat quietly next to her, Yu Arin flinched momentarily, as if expecting something, but when I did nothing.


    ¡°You, lecherous bastard.¡±


    She gives off the nuance that she doesn¡¯t like it either, and I don¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°You¡­are seriously going to dieter.¡±


    Gritting my teeth and clenching my fists tightly, I thought that if I made even a slight mistake today, I might get beaten up till just on the verge of death after work.


    At first, I felt like a man training a woman in an adult video.


    Now, it just feels like putting a muzzle on a lion outside the cage.


    ¡®This is a bit scary.¡¯


    I seriously considered handing it over now, thinking it might be better, while the manager, who had been smiling brightly the whole time, checked his watch.


    ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day.¡±


    Suddenly, he ordered us to finish for the day.


    ¡°Now?¡±


    There¡¯s still about 30 minutes left in our working hours, so it¡¯s a bit awkward to leave now.


    Moreover, we can¡¯t just leave whenever we want because the clock-out time gets recorded on the reader, so we can¡¯t leave just because there¡¯s no work.


    ¡°Just go to the break room and rest, or if it¡¯s too early, have some dinner.¡±


    Since it was my first time in such a situation, I just stood there awkwardly, and the manager reassured me, saying it was fine.


    ¡°Other department part-timers have probably experienced this once or twice. It¡¯s just 30 minutes, so don¡¯t feel pressured and go quickly.¡±


    With him saying this much, refusing would only make things awkward.


    So, I thanked him and said I¡¯d take the opportunity. Then, a suggestion came up to look around the hotel shops before the end of the shift.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to wear our uniforms, right?¡±


    ¡°Right, let¡¯s change and meet out front.¡±


    We wrapped up the conversation and headed to change clothes.


    ¡°Yah, hey!¡±


    Yu Arin called me urgently in a small voice. Before I could ask what was wrong, she came up close to me.


    ¡°Underwear! You have to give it back!¡±


    Yu Arin whispers as if whining, looking around with a tearful expression. Seeing her like this for the first time makes my shoulders swell slightly.


    ¡°Do you want to get it back?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I want it, it¡¯s mine!¡±


    ¡°You gave it to me.¡±


    ¡°You son of a¡­!¡±


    She raises her voice to curse, but looks around and barely holds back.


    Then she taps her forehead, regretting her previous actions.


    ¡°Wh-what¡­do you want?¡±


    The rapid progression of the conversation was pleasant to see.


    As a girl without underwear, changing clothes in front of friends would look strange.


    Even if that wasn¡¯t the case, if she missed this chance, she would likely have to remain without panties, so Yu Arin absolutely needed to get them back now.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ve been underestimating the Admin too much?¡±


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡±


    The whining Yu Arin, who had been grumbling, eventually typed something into her phone and subtly showed it to me.<ul><li>Anonymous59 (Admin No. 1): I have surrendered to the Admin. I apologize.</li></ul>


    ¡°Heh.¡±


    ¡°Is this good enough? Give it to me!¡±


    Thements flowing underneath were indeed the sweet fruits of victory, but the panties in my pocket showed no intention ofing out.


    ¡°Could you ask more politely?¡±


    Tilting my head yfully, I said to Yu Arin, whose trembling fists seemed ready to hit my chest at any moment.


    With a tearful face and slightly puffed cheeks, she huffed and puffed.


    ¡°Plea¡­¡±


    She gritted her teeth and spoke.


    ¡°Please give them to me.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°My, my panties, please.¡±


    I barely suppressed augh that was about to escape, covering my mouth with my hand.


    ¡°If I give these to you, you won¡¯t hit me, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey? You¡¯re not answering?¡±


    As I sneakily put my hand into my pocket and turn my body, Yu Arin grabs me urgently with both hands.


    ¡°Ah, I won¡¯t hit you! R-really, I won¡¯t hit you!¡±


    ¡°Haa, just saying it isn¡¯t very convincing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true! I really won¡¯t hit you! Please! G-give me back my panties!¡±


    Yu Arin clings desperately to me.


    Since Lee Se-ah and Han Bom started calling for Yu Arin, I eventually pretended to be generous and extended my hand.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    The ck panties went back to Yu Arin, and seeing the hatred and anger quickly staining her eyes, burning fiercely.


    ¡°Kim Woojin, you son of a¡­!¡±


    ¡°They, they¡¯re calling you!¡±


    I quickly pointed to Lee Se-ah and Han Bom and then slipped into the men¡¯s changing room.


    <em>Phew.</em>


    ¡®I had fun, but¡­¡¯


    What do I do now?

 Chapter 124: Competition

    ¡°Kim Woojin, why aren¡¯t youing out!¡±


    Outside the men¡¯s locker room.


    Han Bom, who wasn¡¯t aware of anything, is calling my name loudly.


    We decided to meet outside after changing clothes, but since I hadn¡¯t yet emerged, she came looking for me.


    ¡°Woojin, are you in there?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    This time, it was Lee Se-ah who called me worriedly. Since I wasn¡¯ting out, they must have thought that something was wrong with me.


    ¡®Should I just lie and say I went to the dorm without saying anything?¡¯


    I wanted to text them that I went to the dorm because I wasn¡¯t feeling well.But then, it would show on the scanner that I left 30 minutes early.


    As I was hesitating, not wanting to go outside, I heard the voice of the person who had driven me to this situation.


    ¡°Come out.¡±


    A short and concisemand.


    At Yu Arin¡¯s voice, which was chilling and even emitted a strange heat, I tensed up involuntarily.


    ¡°If you drag out the time, it¡¯ll only get more tiring.¡±


    ¡°¡­You said you wouldn¡¯t hit me.¡±


    When I resisted with a small, shrinking voice, a long breath was exhaled.


    ¡°I won¡¯t hit you.¡±


    As if I could believe that.


    However, because of the curious gazes of the other employees using the changing room, I had no choice but to go outside.


    Two people already aware of the tense atmosphere between Yu Arin and me were watching us closely.


    As I smiled awkwardly and greeted them, Yu Arin quickly linked her arm with mine and began to drag me along.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Uh, uh, okay.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Han Bom and Lee Se-ah looked at us curiously, but I could only get dragged away under their gazes.


    ¡°Are you really not mad?¡±


    I asked Yu Arin cautiously, who had her arms crossed, and she nced at me before tightening her grip.


    ¡°You¡¯re mad.¡±


    As expected.


    ¡°So do well today. If you don¡¯t want to get beaten.¡±


    ¡°Is that how you¡¯re letting it slide?¡±


    ¡°Depends on how you perform.¡±


    If so, I must do my best again.


    If I recklessly confronted Yu Arin, who had a reason to hit me, I¡¯d really get beaten to a pulp.


    ¡®I should have been better at fighting.¡¯


    It¡¯s embarrassing to say that I get beaten up by a girl, but it¡¯s a different story if it¡¯s Yu Arin, who is a former Taekwondo athlete.


    Isn¡¯t it reasonable to lose then?


    Anyway, we decided to simply walk around the hotel for the remaining time.


    It might sound strange to walk around a hotel, but Gold One had a plethora of shops, from restaurants to clothing stores.


    Since the surrounding area was a remote mountain valley with nothing around, it felt like they had to provide everything themselves.


    There were indeed many restaurants, enough to consider having dinner here.


    But when they saw the prices on the menu, they thought it wiser to eat at the employee cafeteria.


    ¡°Shall we go to Great Korean?¡±


    At that moment, Lee Se-ah suggested going to Great Korean where Seo Yerin worked.


    Everyone agreed, and while moving there, Yu Arin, who had naturally let go of my arm earlier, clung to me again.


    Since Lee Se-ah and Han Bom were walking ahead of us, we didn¡¯t receive any sharp looks.


    ¡°¡­This is too tant.¡±


    Knowing that she was doing it on purpose to target Seo Yerin at the bakery, I made a casual remark.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Yu Arin hesitated, perhaps not expecting me to point it out so bluntly, and after a moment of contemtion.


    ¡°Ack!¡±


    She pinched my waist and dered,


    ¡°Just you try to let go of my arm as we enter the bakery.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let that slide, seriously?¡±


    Startled by her warning, I unconsciously tightened my grip on her arm, and she leaned in slightly, seemingly satisfied, with a faint smile on her lips.


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    ¡®When she does things like this¡­¡¯


    She¡¯s kind of cute.


    Anyway, as we entered the Great Korean bakery, it was only natural that Seo Yerin was the first to greet us.


    With a bread hat and an apron.


    Seo Yerin seemed slightly tired, possibly from dealing with the many customers who flocked here after seeing her posts on social media.


    ¡°Hey guys¡­¡±


    She started to greet us but stopped, staring intently at me and Yu Arin, who were arm in arm.


    ¡°Do you still have that buttercream cheese bread you mentionedst time? I¡¯ve been dying to try it!¡±


    ¡°Yerin, can I take a picture with you in that outfit?¡±


    Kim Woojin¡¯s attention momentarily shifted to Seo Yerin, who was looking after Han Bom and Lee Se-ah, darting in from the side, but there was a subtle unease in her demeanor.


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s working perfectly.¡±


    Yu Arin, covering her mouth with her hand, tried to stifle herughter. Her satisfaction was palpable.


    At that moment.


    ¡°W-Woojin! Are you buying bread? Let me rmend something!¡±


    Seo Yerin, having entrusted the two friends to other part-timers, clung to his other arm.


    Other customers and part-timers looked on in surprise at the unusually close contact from Seo Yerin.


    ¡®Wow, what¡¯s this.¡¯


    Honestly, feeling like my male pride was about to soar through the roof, I couldn¡¯t help but let my lips curl into a smile.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    A sudden, sharp pinch to my waist made me yelp involuntarily.


    Turning to re at Yu Arin, I saw her pursing her lips in displeasure, meeting my gaze.


    ¡°Uh, uh-hum. Yerin? People are watching. You¡¯re clinging too much.¡±


    I forcibly untangled Seo Yerin¡¯s arm and took Yu Arin¡¯s side.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin, realizing a littlete that I had evaded her, stared nkly at her arm.


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    She pouted and tapped my shoulder with her fist.


    It would have been nice if it had ended there, but Yu Arin on the opposite side made a V sign toward Seo Yerin as if she had won.


    ¡°Tskkkkk!¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s punches started to pummel my shoulder.


    Compared to Yu Arin, it felt like a soft blow, and honestly, it didn¡¯t hurt much.


    ¡°People are watching.¡±


    Since the scene was drawing too much attention, we had no choice but to leave the bakery.


    Lee Se-ah and Han Bom continued choosing bread, and only Yu Arin and I stepped outside.


    ¡°What¡¯s this, is it thrilling?¡±


    Yu Arin nodded vigorously with satisfaction next to me.


    ¡°Okay, forgiven.¡±


    ¡°Are you really friends with her?¡±


    Finally, the arm lock was released.


    As I rotated my stiff arm and asked, Yu Arin pouted in annoyance.


    ¡°Friends fight andpete with each other, you know.¡±


    That¡¯s true, but¡­


    ¡°This is the first time I beat Yerin at something like this.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a winner and a loser?¡±


    Without answering my question, Yu Arin started fiddling with her phone while humming.


    I intended to wait outside until Lee Se-ah and Han Bom came out.


    A vibration came through my phone too.<ul><li>Seo Yerin: Back door of Bakery Hall.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I felt like I was being dragged out by seniors for some sort of punishment. I told Yu Arin I¡¯d be right back and headed to the back of Bakery Hall.


    ¡°Woojin?¡±


    Seo Yerin, seemingly very displeased, was ring at me with her arms crossed.


    ¡°Ahem, there¡¯s a reason.¡±


    ¡°Did you even plead?¡±


    Is she out of her mind?


    ¡°No, I mean there¡¯s a reason.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that reason¡­¡±


    Realizing her misunderstanding, Seo Yerin looked embarrassed. Thanks to that, the atmosphere lightened a bit.


    ¡°Oh, so Arin can link her arms with yours, but I can¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°I told you there¡¯s a reason.¡±


    ¡°Why do you keep saying there¡¯s a reason? Are you pent up? Should we do it now?¡±


    This isn¡¯t about feeding a kid. I stop Seo Yerin as she tries to unbutton her shirt.


    ¡°You, you¡¯re doing this on purpose.¡±


    I had a feeling she was deliberately steering the conversation towards something sexual.


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    No? What does she mean, no?


    She turned her head away, pretending not to know.


    ¡°Cut it out. We¡¯re outside.¡±


    ¡°Why did you unlink our arms?¡±


    The story returned to square one.


    When I tried to exin, I was at a loss for words.


    How could I say that I didn¡¯t want to get beaten up for teasing Yu Arin about her panties.


    ¡°My chest is bigger too.¡±


    Seo Yerin emphasized, lifting her chest from below. The innocence in her eyes strangely made my heart race.


    ¡°Touch it.¡±


    ¡°You already¡­ahem, I¡¯ve already touched it.¡±


    Last time, I touched, sucked, and licked it all, so what more does she want.


    But Seo Yerin grabbed my hand and ced it on her chest.


    ¡°Oh, oh¡­¡±


    What is this.


    A full chest filling my palm.


    No, feeling Seo Yerin¡¯s chest buried in my hand, I unknowingly let out a gasp.


    Before I knew it, I was fondling with both hands. Considering I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off it, she must have done something.


    ¡°Ugh, Jin¡­¡±


    Did she feel it?


    Just as I was about to move my hand a bit rougher, Seo Yerin asked softly.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Arin Admin 1?¡±


    ¡°¡­Uh?¡±


    My head starts to cool down.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let go.¡±


    While holding my wrists with both hands, Seo Yerin signals me to continue.


    ¡°Arin is Admin 1, right?¡±


    Seo Yerin was already certain.


    Her voice, along with the fullness of her chest, tempted me to quickly tell the truth.


    ¡°Right? If you look at what¡¯s written in the Bamboo Forest, it¡¯s confirmed.¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Now that I think about it, that¡¯s true.


    As the Admin, I wrote in the Bamboo Forest that I¡¯m hanging out with Number 1 during this vacation period.


    If Seo Yerin, who knows my identity and our rtionship, saw it, she could easily guess that Yu Arin is Number 1.


    ¡°Make me Number 2 as well.¡±


    And Seo Yerin¡¯s proposal was too obvious.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Uh? If you want to keep touching, then I¡¯m Number 2¡­ Huh?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°L-let go of my hand for a moment.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry.¡±


    I was just touching without thinking, so I got absorbed without realizing it.


    ¡°Ugh? ¡­I said, let go!¡±


    Seo Yerin, leaning against the back door, started to noticeably squirm.


    As her sticky breath touched the back of my hand, I protested my innocence.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s a bug.¡±


    My hand won¡¯t let go.


    Something has triggered a bug in me¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m here to fix the bug.¡±


    And my body arched like a bow.


    Yeah, just as I said that, my body tilted sideways and rolled on the floor.


    ¡°You son of a bitch.¡±


    The moment I met the furious gaze of Yu Arin looking down at me, she lunged at me again.


    ¡°Ah! Wait a moment!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Yu Arin started punching right away as soon as she joined the pounding. Her punches were so crisp that it was iparable to Seo Yerin earlier.


    I had been hit like this by Choi Yiseo before, and in my opinion, she is either on the same level or even higher.


    ¡°It really hurts! Damn! It really hurts!¡±


    ¡°You! You, damn it! Die! Just die!¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    I tried to block with both hands clutching my head, but eventually, I couldn¡¯t withstand it and went limp.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    The only saving grace was that the attacks stopped as soon as my guard dropped.


    Maybe because she practiced Taekwondo, she seemed to have at least a minimal sense of sportsmanship left.


    ¡°Hey, Seo Yerin!¡±


    Then she stepped over me, got up abruptly, and strode towards Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Hey, Seo Yerin!¡±


    As Yu Arin approached Seo Yerin, her head was soplicated that it was dizzying.


    In a state of feeling as if she were drunk, the rising jealousy and anger were directed towards both Seo Yerin and Kim Woojin.


    Simply beating up Kim Woojin was not enough to ease her mind.


    Therefore.


    ¡°He took my panties today.¡±


    Yu Arin decided to go on the offensive.


    If Seo Yerin was that rxed.


    If she was so confident that she could make lukewarmments aboutpetition.


    ¡°He toyed with me and enjoyed it.¡±


    She intended to show her that being so carefree could lead to big trouble.


    Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze turned to the fallen Kim Woojin. He seemed dazed, staring nkly at the sky.


    ¡°And today, I¡¯m going to have sex with that bastard.¡±


    ¡°¡­?!¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze, which had been on Kim Woojin, immediately shifted back to Yu Arin.


    Yu Arin, too, was ring at her, seething. In fact, she hadn¡¯t nned to go this far.


    She thought it would end after some yful teasing as usual.


    But seeing Kim Woojin fondling Seo Yerin¡¯s chest made her head hot, and she was blurting out whatever came to mind.


    Her sense ofpetition and desire to win red up.


    Losing once could be tolerated.


    But Yu Arin could not lose twice.


    ¡°Tell our roomies I¡¯m staying out. Then I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Yu Arin twisted her body and took Kim Woojin away immediately.


    ¡®Seo Yerin, let¡¯s see how long you can keep your cool.¡¯


    She wanted to see for herself.


    <em>Smack!</em>


    Seo Yerin grabbed her wrist.


    Yu Arin, startled by the strong grip, looked at Seo Yerin, slightly flustered.


    ¡°Uh, Arin?¡±


    Contrary to her expectations, Seo Yerin stood there with apletely different expression.


    ¡°Are you really going to do it?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had previously said confidently that they shouldpete, give their best, and make an effort.


    ¡°Well¡­you know, Woojin isn¡¯t feeling well today¡­¡±


    Her face turned red as if it had caught fire, and she didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°Do you really have to do it? I mean¡­it¡¯s not that I want to or anything. We also need to consider Woojin¡¯s opinion!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And we have to go to work tomorrow too.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°They say men need time to recover after doing it once¡­it¡¯s only been a short while, so it might be tough now! Yeah! It might be tough!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you knowter! I¡¯ll check with Woojin and¡­¡±


    ¡°Yerin.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes?! It¡¯s not that I think of him as mine! We¡¯re in a fairpetition! It¡¯s not jealousy or anything!¡±


    It was disgraceful.


    ¡°¡­Cute.¡±


    Yes, honestly, Yu Arin had to admit it.


    Seo Yerin, who didn¡¯t know what to do and looked tearful when she heard Kim Woojin would be sleeping with someone else, was cute.


    ¡®Exactly the same.¡¯


    Seeing her jealous without anyposure, just like herself.


    Somehow, she began to feel at ease.

 Chapter 125: Gun

    Chapter 125: Gun


    Seo Yerin¡¯s face, on the verge of tears at the thought of someone sleeping with Kim Woojin, was adorable.


    ¡®Just like me.¡¯


    Seeing her jealous without anyposure, just like herself.


    Somehow, Yu Arin started to feel at ease.


    Seo Yerin, flustered and just blurting out anything, was cute.


    Yes, even Yu Arin, another woman, couldn¡¯t help but find her adorable.


    ¡®That¡¯s that and this is this.¡¯


    Unfortunately, Yu Arin wasn¡¯t the type to be swayed or change her stance over such things.


    ¡°Get up, you jerk.¡±Turning her head immediately to snap at Kim Woojin, who then sprang up.


    Pretending as if he¡¯d die from getting hit, but just standing there awkwardly, he seemed to have been overreacting.


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    Yu Arin, awkwardly clearing her throat, was ready to leave with Kim Woojin.


    ¡°Wa-wait a minute!¡±


    Seo Yerin, desperate to hold on somehow, hurriedly followed behind. She circled around Yu Arin as if her tail was on fire.


    ¡°Arin! It¡¯s your first time. Shouldn¡¯t you cherish it?!¡±


    ¡°You, how can you say that?¡±


    The Seo Yerin that Yu Arin knows usually avoids such topics.


    ¡®Just how much did you spoil her?¡¯


    Yu Arin red at Kim Woojin, wondering just how depraved her lifestyle must have been for Seo Yerin to speak so casually about such matters.


    Of course, from Kim Woojin¡¯s perspective, it was quite an unfair situation, but now was not the time for him to voice his thoughts.


    ¡°You did it too, yet you tell me not to?¡±


    As Yu Arin res in disbelief, Seo Yerin, though momentarily hesitant, did not back down.


    She was genuinely worried that Yu Arin and Kim Woojin might get involved.


    ¡®Yes, Yerin is human too.¡¯


    No matter how pretty, she was ultimately human. Absolute confidence does not exist for any human.


    She pretended to be strong in front of Yu Arin, but when the reality struck, she couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous.


    ¡°See, Yerin. Cooperation is impossible.¡±


    Gripping Kim Woojin¡¯s arm tightly, Yu Arin dered firmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to have this guy. You find someone else good.¡±


    ¡°A, Arin? You¡¯reing into the room today, right? Huh? I¡¯ll, I¡¯ll wait for you? I¡¯ll order chicken and wait?!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, unnie is bing a woman today.¡±


    ¡°Ariiiin! Th-then I¡¯ll help you! Huh? It¡¯s your f-first time, so I¡¯ll stay by your side and help!¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    Seeing her on the verge of tears made it clear that she desperately wanted to monopolize Kim Woojin, but wasn¡¯t it a bit too much to start spouting nonsense?


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    At that moment, Kim Woojin, who had been silently listening, interjected.


    ¡°What about my opinion?¡±


    He raised his hand, asserting his rights as a human being.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to do it anyway, so why pretend?¡±


    ¡°You always just go along with it!¡±


    Feeling like he was being treated like some kind of animal, he muttered, ¡°Crazy bitches,¡± and fell silent again.


    Judging by his silence, it seemed that though he cursed, they weren¡¯t exactly wrong.


    ¡°Yerin? The manager is calling you.¡±


    The conversation seemed like it would drag on, but luckily, Seo Yerin was still at work.


    Called by a fellow part-timer who hade looking for her, Seo Yerin had no choice but to return, looking teary-eyed.


    Lee Se-ah and Han Bom had also returned after buying bread, and since it was time to get off work, everyone decided to head back together.<hr>


    ¡®That¡¯s what I said, but¡­¡¯


    On the bus back to the dormitory.


    I was deeply lost in thought.


    ¡®Are we really going to do it?¡¯


    Yu Arin¡¯sment about having sex today kept ringing in my ears.


    No matter how much experience I have, it¡¯s still a situation that makes my heart race.


    With a subtle sense of tension, I nced over at Yu Arin, who was resting her chin on her hand and looking out the window.


    It¡¯s a view we see every day, so I wondered what she was looking at so intently.


    ¡®This is awkward.¡¯


    To be honest, even if we decided to go through with it, that would be a problem in itself. Although condoms can be bought at convenience stores, finding a suitable ce is another issue.


    Although we were staying at a hotel, getting another room here didn¡¯t seem right.


    Especially since it¡¯s peak season, and the price of a room at the Gold One Hotel is ridiculously high.


    We came to earn money, not spend it.


    Particrly when the second semester starts, we¡¯ll be living really tight, so I didn¡¯t want to waste money.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Yu Arin nced at me, who was deep in thought, and asked.


    ¡°Where did you do it with Yerinst time?¡±


    She was pondering the same thing as me.


    ¡°¡­At my ce.¡±


    ¡°Your ce?¡±


    Yu Arin tilted her head, seemingly surprised by the unexpected answer.


    Since it was unexpected, she continued to ask innocently with her curious eyes.


    ¡°What about your roommates?¡±


    ¡°Well, when we did it the first time, no one was there.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    She nodded as if she understood the situation well, but then squinted as if something was odd.


    ¡°The first time? What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°¡­Do I really have to say this?¡±


    Honestly, it¡¯s a bit embarrassing, and it feels like a private matter between Seo Yerin and me.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin, looking at me doubtfully, probes just in case.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t secretly do it so that the roommates wouldn¡¯t hear, did you?¡±


    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°This damned- so you did.¡±


    What the hell.


    How does she know?


    Yu Arin, ring up, bites her lips and res at me.


    ¡°You know, I can understand if you¡¯re torn between Yerin and me. But don¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying don¡¯t feed weird stuff to Yerin. Don¡¯t push us into apetition just to satisfy your weird preferences.¡±


    This is really unfair to me.


    Seo Yerin was the one who suggested doing it on the balcony first, and even when the others came back, it was she who coaxed me to keep quiet and continue.


    ¡®They say these things because they don¡¯t know about sex.¡¯


    Even though I think it can¡¯t be helped because even close friends do not know Seo Yerin¡¯s true nature¡­


    I still felt it was a little unfair.


    But if someone asked if I didn¡¯t enjoy it, I would have nothing to say.


    Seo Yerin¡¯s reactions, struggling and suppressing her moans every time I thrust, were not just tasty but sweet.


    Especially when she tried to pull away saying she couldn¡¯t take it anymore, and I held her down forcibly¡­


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    I shouldn¡¯t be imagining this.


    Recalling that time, my sense of injustice faded some.


    I enjoyed it a lot too.


    ¡®The more I think about it, the less unfair it seems.¡¯


    Admitting that I was an aplice so coolly made me feel a bit more at ease. Seeing my expression, Yu Arin sighed softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Yerin, tell me. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Did you forget what you just said?¡±


    She said not to force me throughpetitive spirit, and now she¡¯s saying this.


    But Yu Arin smacked my shoulder and yelled angrily.


    ¡°Shut up! It¡¯s not because of Yerin, I¡¯m just saying I can do it!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    We were staring at each other with flushed faces. Yu Arin seemed embarrassed and nced downward.


    ¡°Why is it up?¡±


    Seeing my lower half twitching inside my pants, she frowned and red at me.


    She made it stand up.


    In fact, when I was recalling doing it with Seo Yerin, I put in a bit of effort, but Yu Arin¡¯s confession gave me an extra push.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t stand up.¡±


    I made an excuse.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a gun for self-defense.¡±


    ¡°A toy gun?¡±


    This damn girl?


    As Yu Arinughs and looks at me with a sneer, I try to make an excuse.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m lying down.¡±


    ¡°Lying down? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s such a thing.¡±


    Feeling something strange, Yu Arin now stared at me as if she¡¯s studying me.


    In response, I unwittingly put in some effort.


    ¡°¡­Why is this twitching?¡±


    As Yu Arin points at my thing with her finger and asks, I smack my forehead and sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassed because you¡¯re staring at it. Please, look somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°Can I touch it?¡±


    Can you?


    ¡°As much as you want.¡±


    Oh my god.


    pping her hand over her mouth, Yu Arin reached out cautiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s not¡­a toy gun.¡±


    ¡°Call it a shotgun.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s¡­¡±


    Bad girl.


    At first, she was cautious, but perhaps because it was inside my pants, she quickly got used to it and started exploring here and there with her fingers as if on an adventure.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the trigger?¡±


    Seemingly more rxed, she asked slyly with a grin, and I finally gave up, sighing as I looked up at the bus ceiling.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pump-action shotgun, so you have to slide it up and down to reload.¡±


    ¡°Pfft, Kim Woojin, you crazy bastard.¡±


    Feeling a bit morefortable, Yu Arin continued to fidget with a nasal tone.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re not really going to do it today, right?¡±


    Worried that I might not be able to hold back if this went on any longer, I cautiously asked, and Yu Arin¡¯s expression darkened slightly.


    She probably just shouted because she didn¡¯t want to lose out to Seo Yerin.


    She¡¯s not really preparing herself mentally today.


    ¡°I, I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? If you¡¯re that worried, it¡¯s better not to do it. Don¡¯t put up a strange sense of pride.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    At my words, Yu Arin seemed to waver and showed signs of backing down. It seems she also thought she had overreacted because of Seo Yerin earlier.


    Anyway, Seo Yerin is the problem.


    ¡°Choi Yiseo did the same before. If you do it now, it¡¯s not because you¡¯re nervous about Seo Yerin¡­ Ahhhhh!?¡±


    I screamed involuntarily at the sharp pain I felt in my lower body.


    People on the bus nced over at us, but it was only for a moment.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Kim Woojin?¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Yiseo and Han Bom, who were sitting behind, asked, but I brushed it off saying it was nothing.


    ¡°Ah, it hurts!¡±


    Tears welled up unintentionally from how tightly she was holding me, and Yu Arin was ring at me while panting.


    ¡°You speak about other women so easily, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that¡­ Okay! I¡¯m sorry! It really, really hurts!¡±


    As I struggled and pleaded in pain, having my greatest weakness exploited, Yu Arin gritted her teeth and dered.


    ¡°I have a key card to an empty hotel room.¡±


    ¡°Wh-why do you have that?¡±


    It would be nice if she let go.


    Feels like my arm is going to break.


    ¡°The vice president¡¯s secretary gave it to me. Said to use it if necessary.¡±


    My sister-inw, seriously.


    If that was the case, she should have given it to me, not Yu Arin.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to get hurt, follow me, you jerk.¡±


    Facing Yu Arin¡¯s coercive deration, holding me hostage, I could only nod tearfully.

 Chapter 126: Plea

    To be honest, she didn¡¯t n to go this far.


    Yeah, let¡¯s be honest.


    Honestly speaking, no matter what, mixing bodies with a man is still somewhat scary.


    ¡°¡­Oh, what do I do.¡±


    In the bathroom of the hotel room, Yu Arin was covering her face while wearing a white gown.


    It was good that she had brought Kim Woojin to the hotel room borrowed from the vice president¡¯s secretary.


    She had even tried touching him as if practicing midway, so she thought she was mentally prepared.


    But in reality.


    In reality, once she entered the room, something felt scary to her.She tried to calm herself down by taking a shower, but her pounding heart made her feel like she was going to die from nervousness.


    ¡¯Ho-how on earth did Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo do this?


    Thinking of the seniors who walked this path before me makes my head spin. I didn¡¯t want to fall behind them, but the thought of actually doing it scared me.


    Is this really because of mypetitive spirit?¡¯


    No matter how she thinks about it, having her first experience just because of herpetitiveness doesn¡¯t seem right.


    She took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.


    If she doesn¡¯t go out, Kim Woojin will find it strange, so she had to go out.


    But her feet wouldn¡¯t move.


    ¡®How did I do it back then?¡¯


    Suddenly, she remembered the time she went to Kim Woojin¡¯s house. She had told him to touch her chest without hesitation and asked him if they could have sex.


    ¡®Where did that couragee from then?¡¯


    Ironically.


    The answer came more easily than she thought.


    ¡®Because I didn¡¯t care at all!¡¯


    Really, because she didn¡¯t care at all.


    Even when Kim Woojin touched her chest, or even if they did it that day, there was no hint of excitement or emotional exchange.


    At that time, it felt like sex was merely a type of experience or a kind of exercise.


    But now, it¡¯s different.


    She had started to like Kim Woojin.


    Sex was not just exercise or an experience.


    It was an act of sharing love.


    ¡®So, I¡¯m embarrassed¡­¡¯


    Yu Arin, who was experiencing this for the first time, was so embarrassed that she didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡®C-calm down.¡¯


    She had to act as if nothing was wrong. If she hesitated for no reason, Kim Woojin would surely step back out of concern.


    She couldn¡¯t retreat now aftering this far.


    Yu Arin, who had steeled her heart, adjusted her robe and stepped outside.


    ¡°Wow, what¡¯s this?¡±


    Kim Woojin, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, was ying with something that looked like handcuffs.


    ¡°Are you crazy? I¡¯m not into that sort of stuff!¡±


    Yu Arin shouted urgently, feeling a sudden jolt as she saw it.


    Kim Woojin, staring nkly, extended it then and replied.


    ¡°Hey, I wouldn¡¯t use this on someone new.¡±


    ¡®What the hell.¡¯


    It seemed considerate, but it filled her with a strange, unpleasant feeling.


    ¡°Where did you get that?¡±


    Curious, she asked, and Kim Woojin awkwardly pointed to a corner of the room.


    There, an array of adult toys and contraceptives wereid out as if at a hotel buffet.


    ¡°What? Is this room always like this?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as she asked, and Kim Woojin shrugged in response.


    ¡°No, a hotel wouldn¡¯t have a room like this. It seems like my sister-inw brought those in.¡±


    Thinking about the diligent blonde secretary who must have arranged it with the intention of being useful, Yu Arin couldn¡¯t help but sigh in exasperation.


    ¡°Hey, look at this. This thing is super expensive.¡±


    ¡°The sofa?¡±


    A somewhat strange-looking chair to sit on.


    The leather itself looked obviously high-end, making it appear quite pricey.


    Seeing the slide-like shape, Yu Arin was puzzled, and Kim Woojin sat down on it directly.


    ¡°This is called a love chair.¡±


    ¡°Love chair? It looks like a children¡¯s slide.¡±


    ¡°Like this.¡±


    Suddenly, he sprawled out on it and made a strange gesture with his hand.


    ¡°If I¡¯m lying down, someone can climb on top.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Conversely, if the woman is lying face down, you can go behind and do it like this.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was absentmindedly watching them talk about how expensive it was, felt a strange sensation.


    ¡°Go wash up.¡±


    When urged to quickly wash up, Kim Woojin¡¯s shoulders flinched slightly, and he took a peculiar deep breath before suddenly saying,


    ¡°Look at this.¡±


    This time, he took out a women¡¯s masturbation device.


    ¡°How many do you have? One must have spent a lot of money just buying these.¡±


    Yu Arin, crossing her arms and tilting her chin, tapped her foot.


    ¡°Go wash up.¡±


    ¡°¡­What is this? Wow, look at the size!¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You got caught being anxious, so go wash up.¡±


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    Seeing Kim Woojin avoid her gaze with an embarrassed expression, Yu Arin¡¯s lips curled up slightly, thinking she had taken control.


    ¡°Why? Are you scared? Feeling guilty about doing it with a friend all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡±


    Kim Woojin hesitated, then finally sighed and nodded, entering the bathroom.


    ¡®Good job, Yu Arin!¡¯


    As soon as Kim Woojin went in, Yu Arin took a deep breath and felt relieved.


    She reassured herself, convinced that she had taken control of the situation.


    Although the desire not to lose felt somewhat childish, she didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°That guy¡­¡±


    Sheughed at his attempt to change the subject with adult toys while listening to the sound of the shower.


    <em>Swoosh.</em>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    <em>Swoosh.</em>


    Meanwhile, it was a secret that she had tried sitting on the love chair just in case.


    ¡°Haha! Look at that.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I mean, how can someone eat all of that alone? It¡¯s really amazing.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°A bit tempting, isn¡¯t it? Building C doesn¡¯t have room service, so if we want to eat, we have to order¡­but the pizza ces now¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    While watching a mukbang of a celebrity on TV, Yu Arin, sitting right next to me, res at me.


    It¡¯s already been an hour since we showered.


    We were watching TV, both of us wrapped in robes.


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t like this? Should I change the channel?¡±


    Recently, with YouTube and OTT services so well-developed, flipping through TV channels has be surprisingly rare.


    But pushing the buttons of the remote and looking for something to watch turned out to be quite fun.


    The frequent ads on movie channels were a bit annoying, though.


    ¡°A man and a woman are in a hotel room together.¡±


    Yu Arin stared straight at me and began to exin the situation simply.


    ¡°Even more, both have showered and are only wearing underwear under their robes.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t.


    ¡®Better not say anything.¡¯


    I didn¡¯t wear the same underwear again because that feels ufortable. Thanks to that, the fluffy gown felt oddly irritating, but now I¡¯ve gotten used to it.


    ¡°Both are adults.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Moreover, there are, uh, adult toys lying around?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Even! Even!¡±


    <em>Bang bang!</em>


    Yu Arin bangs on the chair we¡¯re sitting on, her face turning red.


    ¡°S-sitting on a love chair?! Is it really just about watching mukbangs?¡±


    Watching Yu Arin express her frustration and disbelief, I scratched my head.


    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t want to¡­¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Of course.


    After taking a shower, I intended to be with Yu Arin. No matter what, I am a man, and somewhat faithful to my desires.


    So I tried, but¡­


    As soon as I touched Yu Arin, she flinched and refused.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re hiding just because you got startled by a slight touch on your chest, what¡­¡±


    ¡°Th-that¡¯s because I¡¯m embarrassed.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be embarrassed about? I¡¯ve already touched it twice.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Besides, you hit me right away when my hand went lower.¡±


    She even pped my back when I reached out to caress her.


    She said it was too embarrassing for her to bear, so I wondered why she brought me here in the first ce.


    ¡°Normally, guys would get tired of this.¡±


    ¡°Ugh!?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s expression changed seriously as she bit her lip in embarrassment.


    ¡°But I¡¯m not.¡±


    Iforted her with a bright smile.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to. Just watching TV like this is fun. How about we y a game, and the loser buys pizza? Seeing them eat pizza makes me want some.¡±


    Smiling, I took my phone out to check if there were any pizza ces open on the app.


    Yu Arin, who had been staring at me, took a deep breath and abruptly stood up.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    She tossed something at me.


    It was¡­


    ¡°Hand¡­cuffs?¡±


    The handcuffs I had been ying with earlier. Suddenly unsure of what was happening, I looked at Yu Arin. Her face was bright red as she held her hands out.


    ¡°Put them on.¡±


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    ¡°Put them on. I can¡¯t hit you if I¡¯m restrained. Just make it so I can¡¯t hit you.¡±


    Did I hear that correctly?


    Wondering if the TV was too loud, I muted it and asked again.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Oh, hurry up! I¡¯m Yu Arin! When I say I¡¯ll do something, I do it!¡±


    No matter how you look at it, engaging in this kind of y for a first experience seemed a bit much.


    But Yu Arin, already heated up and excited, red at me to hurry up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    In the end, I had no choice but to put the handcuffs on her.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin stared intently at the handcuffs on her wrists. She moved them around, seemingly intrigued, but they wouldn¡¯te off.


    ¡°This, this is softer than I thought, but it doesn¡¯te off.¡±


    Surprised by the unexpectedly sturdy handcuffs, it felt like she was deliberately avoiding my gaze.


    ¡°They really won¡¯te off?¡±


    ¡°Truly won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not lying to me, right?¡±


    ¡°Why would I lie about this, idiot.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    That seemed a bit harsh.


    ¡®Come to think of it.¡¯


    If she¡¯s wearing handcuffs, doesn¡¯t that mean I have absolute control in this situation?


    I reached out towards Yu Arin¡¯s waist and tugged at the gown¡¯s belt, and the loose belt easily came undone in my hand.


    ¡°Hik?!¡±


    Thanks to the chest area being wide open, Yu Arin¡¯s underwear was tantly revealed.


    The ck bra, matching with the ck panties I had taken earlier, stood out clearly.


    ¡°You, you!¡±


    Yu Arin, flustered and about to say something to me, stopped when she realized her hands were tied.


    She seemed to have recognized it now.


    That she had be an absolute underdog.


    Since Yu Arin was a Taekwondo athlete, it was dangerous to leave her legs free.


    So, thinking this was my chance, I rushed at her, grabbed her waist, andid her on the bed.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Perhaps because of the rough movement, her gown slipped off, revealing her shoulders.


    I just realized that because of the handcuffs, Yu Arin couldn¡¯t take her gown off.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine as it is.¡±


    Having sessfully subdued the fierce beast, I smiled brightly.


    ¡°You, you bastard!¡±


    I grabbed Yu Arin¡¯s chin with one hand, fixing her in ce, and kissed her forcibly.


    ¡°Mmph!?¡±


    I wondered if she might bite.


    Unexpectedly, Yeo Arin¡¯s tongue submissively epted mine, melting softly.


    A fruity scent filled my mouth.


    It seemed she had eaten fruit-vored candy after brushing her teeth.


    The more the deep kiss continued, the more Yu Arin¡¯s struggling body began to lose strength.


    ¡°Mmph.¡±


    She let out a faint moan, seemingly forgetting to breathe, so I slowly pulled my lips away, and her tongue followed as if reluctant to let me leave.


    ¡°Heh, heh.¡±


    With hot, rapid breaths, Yu Arin¡¯s lips parted with her tongue out.


    ¡°More, more¡­¡±


    An urgent plea escaped.

 Chapter 127: Plea

    ¡°More¡­ugh.¡±


    Yu Arin, looking at me dazedly with her tongue out, made me feel a mix of emotions.


    Immediate satisfaction.


    Joy as a man.


    And a slight sadistic desire to tease.


    Especially since Yu Arin is usually quite strong-willed, perhaps this approach wasn¡¯t so bad.


    ¡°Want more?¡±


    With the handcuffs in ce.


    As I looked down at Yu Arin lying on the bed and asked, she suddenly seemed to snap back to reality and pushed me away.¡°Sh-shut up! Wait a minute! This doesn¡¯t feel right!¡±


    Has shee to her senses?


    Well, if she hadpletely lost her mind after just one kiss, I would have been more surprised.


    ¡°Then should we not kiss?¡±


    ¡°Why, why is the conversation going that way? First, take these off. I feel a bit weird.¡±


    Pushing against my chest with both hands, Yu Arin demanded to be released. Watching her intently, I lowered my face again and kissed her.


    ¡°Hmph?!¡±


    Despite asking to be let go, she looked at me with startled eyes as I kissed her instead.


    This kiss was a bit shorter than the one before, leaving a bit of a craving.


    ¡°Huh, huh¡­¡±


    Just like before, Yu Arin followed my retreating lips as if she didn¡¯t want to let go.


    ¡°Stop, don¡¯t¡­¡±


    Though she said that, her writhing body revealed how much she regretted the kiss being so short.


    I too wanted to dive right into a full-blown kiss with Yu Arin immediately, but¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re so cute.¡±


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    Finding Yu Arin¡¯s reaction amusing, I decided to save the best part forst.


    ¡°Wh-what was that all of a sudden!¡±


    Complimenting her made her lips curl up happily, but her words were fierce. With the thought of correcting that first, I grabbed the handcuffs and raised them above her head.


    ¡°Hik!¡±


    Both arms went above her head, inly exposing her open chest.


    I climbed on top of Yu Arin, who was trying to squirm,pletely immobilizing her.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Yu Arin looked up at me with a fearful expression, wondering what would happen to her next.


    She wasn¡¯tpletely naked because of the gown draped over her, but I approached her slightly exposed, perky breasts and began to lick at them with my tongue.


    ¡°Haa, st-stop!¡±


    She said that, but her voice, tinged with a strange tone, revealed that she was feeling it to some extent.


    ¡®Is it because her breasts are smaller that she¡¯s more sensitive?¡¯


    In fact, Yu Arin wasn¡¯t extremely small. She just looked rtively smaller whenpared to girls like Seo Yerin or Choi Yiseo.


    Well, anyway.


    As I lick her nipple, as she gets a bit more used to it, I give it a gentle suck to bring back her alertness.


    ¡°Haah?! Hnnng!¡±


    With my remaining hand, I y with her other nipple. Using my thumb and index finger, I gently lift it, but if I rub it more vigorously or tap it back and forth, her reactions seemed much better.


    ¡°You, you bastard! Are you a kid?! Do it moderately!¡±


    Yu Arin shouts angrily, her breath rough. Her face is already flushed red, yet she still tries to maintain her pride.


    <em>Squeeze!</em>


    ¡°Hiiik!¡±


    When I pull slightly on the nipple I¡¯m holding, Yu Arin¡¯s waist lifts along with it.


    Of course, since I¡¯m on top, she quickly sinks back down.


    In the process, my lower body presses against her abdomen, but she doesn¡¯t seem to realize it.


    ¡°It, it hurts!¡±


    A frustrated Yu Arin.


    ¡°Watch yournguage.¡±


    When I pretended to warn her, she responded with even harsher curses.


    ¡°Screw you! I¡¯m not doing it! I won¡¯t do it!¡±


    As she started to resist, I lightly bit her nipple with my teeth this time.


    ¡°Hic!? You, you crazy bastard! It hurts!¡±


    ¡®Look at her?¡¯


    Even though she was saying that, there was slight drool at the corner of her mouth, and her eyes were hazy and unfocused.


    ¡®She likes it a bit rough, huh?¡¯


    It was obvious she was enjoying it, to the point where her preference in this area was clear.


    Her reaction, opposite to her words, was cute, so it seemed necessary to be a little considerate.


    ¡®She probably finds it hard to admit her own preferences.¡¯


    Even now, she was trying to preserve her pride while asking to stop.


    In that case, as a man, let¡¯s be considerate and make her enjoy it forcibly.


    ¡°Wh-what are you doing!¡±


    ¡°Winging.¡±


    (Thinking)


    ¡°Ha, don¡¯t talk while licking! Remove your hand and tongue!¡±


    Since I was still fondling her chest, my pronunciation came out a bit unclear.


    Anyway.


    It felt a bitcking to y with just her nipples, so after giving them onest firm tug, my hand moved downward.


    ¡°Haung!¡±


    Yu Arin let out a rough moan.


    As I moved my hand down and reached toward her groin, Yu Arin hastily closed her legs to block me.


    ¡°Bastard!¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡±


    ¡°Let go! You¡¯re really dead!¡±


    <em>Tap, tap.</em>


    Her thighs were tightly clenched together, making the guard quite strong. Realizing that it would be quite a struggle to force them open, I decided to change tactics.


    Since she seemed to have gotten somewhat used to the nipple stimtion, I needed to make her rx with an entirely new sensation.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Wh-what are you doing.¡±


    As I stared nkly at her, she twisted her body, trying to escape in any way she could.


    As the gown she was naturally wearing became more disheveled, her fair armpit was fully exposed due to her raised arm.


    ¡®This is the first time for something like this.¡¯


    However, it was necessary to determine whether Yu Arin felt it as sadism or shame.


    <em>Lick.</em>


    My tongue immediately licked Yu Arin¡¯s armpit.


    ¡°Eek?!¡±


    Yu Arin, who had let out a bizarre scream, started struggling much more violently than before.


    ¡°Wh-what are you doing! You crazy bastard! Why are you licking there!¡±


    ¡°Just stay still for a moment.¡±


    ¡°St-stop it! Stop it! Seriously, no!¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s armpit was gradually getting soaked with my saliva. Since she had just washed, it smelled fruity, making me feel like I was eating some forbidden fruit.


    ¡°Tastes good.¡±


    I said it without much meaning, but her face turned even redder and she lost strength.


    ¡®Done.¡¯


    A hand slipped between the weakened thighs, brushing past the pubic hair and touching the vulva.


    ¡°Haah!¡±


    ¡®You were feeling it a lot.¡¯


    As I fiddled with the moist vulva, I nodded. Matching her preferences perfectly, she got so excited as if a switch had been flipped, making her wet.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite wet, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Ha, hngh!¡±


    Tapping on the vulva, or sweeping up from below with a finger.


    As I continued to touch her stickily in various ways, Yu Arin started to breathe heavily.


    ¡°Ah! Why! Why like this¡­!¡±


    ¡°Do you feel good?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that with your nose buried in there!¡±


    Ah, sorry.


    Licking her armpit turned out to be surprisingly addictive, so I just kept going.


    But it¡¯s not the licking that¡¯s fun, it¡¯s Yu Arin¡¯s reaction that¡¯s amusing, so I keep licking.


    ¡®It¡¯s not just the sadism, but the humiliation that she subtly enjoys.¡¯


    If that¡¯s the case.


    ¡°Is it better than doing it alone?¡±


    ¡°Wh-what?!¡±


    ¡°Be honest. It feels better than when you do it alone, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    When I dered to confess bluntly, a fierce color spread across Yu Arin¡¯s eyes.


    Now, it only seemed like a cat acting up.


    I licked my lips once and moved my fingers a bit faster.


    ¡°Mmngh!¡±


    As she let out a moan and writhed, I asked again.


    ¡°Does it feel good?¡±


    ¡°Ha, st-stop?!¡±


    ¡°Better than when you do it alone?¡±


    ¡°N-no, it doesn¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Really? It really doesn¡¯t feel good?¡±


    Feeling a bit annoyed, I moved my fingers roughly within her. I was worried it might be too harsh for a virgin, but instead, continuous delicate moans burst out.


    ¡°Haaah! Haah! Mmngh!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re enjoying it this much?¡±


    ¡°Ah, no!¡±


    ¡°Oh, really? Then should I do it harder? Just how intense do you do it when you masturbate?¡±


    ¡°You¡­!¡±


    I meet Yu Arin¡¯s resentful eyes. I give a small smile, leaving her already drenched armpits as they are.


    ¡°Can you hear the sound of water?¡±


    A loud sshing sound echoes.


    ¡°Did you think I applied oil or something?¡±


    ¡°N-no!¡±


    ¡°Honestly, how many times have youe?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Yu Arin quickly turns at my words.


    Was she trying to hide it?


    ¡°With this much love juice pouring out? Or did you wet yourself?¡±


    ¡°N-no! Please! Keep your hands still!¡±


    ¡°If you say that, I¡¯ll do it harder.¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s arms had long since lost their strength. They were just ced above, but still, I didn¡¯t let go.


    At some point, what I was holding wasn¡¯t handcuffs but Yu Arin¡¯s hand.


    Unlike her fierce mouth, the hand gripping at mine cutely was somewhat honestly conveying her feelings.


    ¡°Honestly, tell me. It feels good, doesn¡¯t it? Much better than when you¡¯re alone in your room.¡±


    ¡°Haa! Haahhh!¡±


    ¡°Who did you think of while doing it? Me? Or were you just watching porn?¡±


    As I asked, staring intently, Yu Arin drooled and bit her lips tightly.


    ¡°Youuuuu!¡±


    She cried out vehemently, like a moan.


    ¡°I thought of youuu! It¡¯s, it¡¯s good! It feels so much betteeeer!¡±


    ¡°Good job.¡±


    <em>Creak creak creak!</em>


    Then, I started to rub her clit to the point of my arm hurting, or gently inserting just one finger inside.


    Yu Arin¡¯s eyes widened and her back began to arch gradually.


    ¡°Agaaain! Agaiiiin! I¡¯m, I¡¯ming!¡±


    Was it because the moan bursting out from her wide-open mouth with each inhale was so endearing?


    Like a reward, I kissed her, and the already dazed Yu Arin tangled her tongue wildly with mine.


    A hand touching the vulva slowly moves upwards.


    It was because Yu Arin¡¯s back arched upward, unable to endure the pleasure, but rather I inserted my fingers as if hooking and lifted them slightly higher.


    ¡°Nggh!¡±


    Even in the midst of kissing, a moan close to a scream burst out.


    Judging by the moist something gushing out from her vagina, she seemed to have felt it enough.


    When Yu Arin¡¯s back slowly came back down, saying she was exhausted, I released my lips in sync.


    ¡°Ki, Kim Woojin!¡±


    Yu Arin, stained with tears and saliva, desperately called out to me.


    I did not answer.


    I just carefully embraced Yu Arin, who had already struggled enough, into my arms.


    She trembled slightly at the touch that waspletely different from the rough handling moments ago, but still, she snuggled deeper into me.


    ¡°Shi¡­t!?¡±


    Of course, it didn¡¯t end there.


    Sorry, but I couldn¡¯t help myself since I was also incredibly turned on while caressing her just now.


    As I slowly inserted myself, Yu Arin covered her face with both hands and expressed her pain.


    By the way, she was still wearing handcuffs, but she seemed quite ustomed to them now and didn¡¯t ask to be released, perhaps because she liked them.


    Yu Arin, in pain, seen from above in the missionary position.


    Knowing that this wasn¡¯t sexual pleasure but genuine pain, I decided to wait for a moment.


    ¡®Oh, right.¡¯


    While holding her gently to calm her down, Yu Arin flinched and then smiled slightly.


    ¡°How many times have you done this?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Do they like it when you hug them when they¡¯re in pain?¡±


    How did she know?


    Seo Yerin liked it, and so did Choi Yiseo.


    Even my ex-girlfriend Oh Yoon-ji liked it when I hugged her during her first painful experience.


    ¡°Always ruining the mood.¡±


    When I sighed and med her, Yu Arinughed with a false breath.


    ¡°Bastard, it would have been perfect if it were just a cap gun¡­¡±


    ¡°I said it was a shotgun.¡±


    ¡°A shotgun, my ass!¡±


    I frowned and gave a slight jerk of my hips at Yu Arin, who wasughing loudly.


    ¡°Ah!? Stop, stop! It hurts!¡±


    ¡°Then what should you call it?¡±


    ¡°You crazy bastard! This is¡­ Ahh!¡±


    When I jerked my hips again, Yu Arin tightened even more inside. Despite excessive caressing, she was still somewhat tight.


    ¡°Alright! It¡¯s a shotgun! A shotgun, damn it! Is that good enough?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound very nice.¡±


    ¡°Then?! What do you want me to say!¡±


    ¡®Hmm?¡¯


    Yu Arin¡¯s voice began to faintly carry a moan. Holding her, I continued to move my hips.


    ¡°Say something nice.¡±


    ¡°Ah! It hurts, ugh!¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and say it?¡±


    It¡¯s certain.


    The tightness inside, the voice. Even though she didn¡¯t seem to notice, her legs had wrapped around my waist.


    ¡®She feels it quickly.¡¯


    As I kept pressing her to speak, marveling at Yu Arin¡¯s feminine nature, she finally¡­


    ¡°W-Woojin¡¯s! It¡¯s so big! I-I can¡¯t handle it!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯re tight.¡±


    ¡°You bastard! If I yield, you should at least¡­!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    <em>Bang!</em>


    ¡°Ahhhh?!¡±


    ¡°Yield?¡±


    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>


    ¡°N-no! That¡¯s not what I meant!¡±


    ¡°Did you yield?¡±


    I whispered to Yu Arin, who was squirting enough fluids to wet my thigh, and she finally¡­


    ¡°Y-yes! I yield!¡±


    ¡°To what?¡±


    ¡°W-Woojin¡¯s cock! So please stop for a moment!¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    What¡¯s this?


    The satisfaction that rose was much more pleasant than I thought.


    Not only had I conquered the woman named Yu Arin, but the feeling of seeing a usually strong-willed woman whimpering was not bad.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one holding your legs together, asking for more.¡±


    I whispered the truth into Yu Arin¡¯s ear, matching her voice that had now turnedpletely into moans, and thrust deeply in sync with her sounds.

 Chapter 128: Restraint

    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    After the affair with Yu Arin.


    When I finally removed the meaningless handcuffs, Yu Arin immediately started hitting me.


    But since my body waspletely rxed, it didn¡¯t really hurt; it was more like a tickle.


    While we were yfully bickering, we decided to clean up the dirty bed sheets and surroundings and take a shower.


    So now.


    Naturally, I¡¯m in the hotel bathtub with Yu Arin.


    As a man, I had always wanted to try this at least once, but I never thought it would be with Yu Arin.


    ¡°Wow, we don¡¯t have anything like this at home.¡±Yu Arin,l was sitting on my thigh, feeling pleased. Leaning on me was a typical way to shower together, but it made me tense below.


    ¡°¡­Is this guy really a beast?¡±


    Seeing that, Yu Arin made a remark, but honestly, I was confident.


    ¡°It¡¯s a biological response.¡±


    ¡°So you did that, huh.¡±


    Despite saying she¡¯s sick of it, Yu Arin¡¯s hand moves downward. Something has started, but she pretended not to notice.


    I just wishes it could be a little gentler.


    ¡°I have to go to work today.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying! My legs are killing me! How am I supposed to work?¡±


    Even whileining, her hands don¡¯t stop.


    When I patted her head, Arin flinched but leaned in a bit more.


    I couldn¡¯t see well because she had her back to me, but the corners of her mouth seemed to lift slightly.


    ¡®Cute.¡¯


    If she were always like this, men would probably line up for her.


    ¡®Or maybe not.¡¯


    Maybe they wanted to line up, but Chan-woo was at the front, so they all backed off.


    Well, anyway.


    ¡°What time is it now? Shouldn¡¯t you get some sleep before you go?¡±


    At my question, Arin sighed and nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s 3 a.m. Since we came in around dinner time¡­how many hours has it been?¡±


    ¡°¡­Don¡¯t count that.¡±


    ¡°Stop working out with Choi Yiseo so much. If your stamina gets any better, it¡¯ll be a problem.¡±


    ¡°Are you provoking me because you want to do it in the bathtub?¡±


    When I asked incredulously, Yu Arin immediately turned to face me.


    Wondering if she was serious, I quickly reached out my hand, but she pushed it down into the bathtub.


    ¡°Huu.¡±


    Yu Arin kissed me.


    It felt new to be kissed like this directly.


    I matched her tongue movements and continued the sticky kiss.


    I tried to continue amidst the humid bathroom scent.


    ¡°Oh, we need to go back to the room.¡±


    Yu Arin got up quickly.


    Seeing my hand flounder in the air with nowhere to go, she stuck her tongue out teasingly and left the bathtub.


    ¡°Hey! Hey! Are you really going to leave?! After making it like this?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m leaving, you bastard!¡±


    She must have fiddled with it on purpose.


    To make me impatient.


    She¡¯s already drying herself with a towel. I sigh and follow her.


    ¡°Should I dry your hair?¡±


    ¡°Sure, sounds good. Do it for me.¡±


    She doesn¡¯t even bother hiding her body with the towel, as if she¡¯s already shown everything.


    Feeling a bit cheeky, I grabbed the hairdryer and pped Yu Arin¡¯s perfectly positioned butt.


    Yu Arin was into this kind of thing, and considering what we just did, I thought it would be okay.


    ¡°Hngh?!¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s body jolted forward, trembling. Startled by her intense reaction, I saw myself grinning in the mirror.


    ¡°Next time, it¡¯ll be like this.¡±


    ¡°You, you bastard¡­!¡±


    <em>Bang!</em>


    When I pped Yu Arin¡¯s butt one more time, which was leaning forward, she bit her lips tightly and endured the groan.


    ¡°Get lost! Get out!¡±


    Yu Arin, thinking it was too dangerous, eventually forced me out of the bathroom.


    She threw a towel at me in annoyance, and although I found it absurd, I wondered why we couldn¡¯t just continue since we were both already heated.


    ¡°Kim Woojin, you crazy bastard.¡±


    Even after washing up, we did it once more and Yu Arin returned to her room with exhausted eyes.


    Although there were no issues with clothes or underwear, she nned not to sleep there.


    The main reason she left was that if she stayed in the same room with Kim Woojin, they would really spend the whole night doing it.


    ¡°Choi Yiseo¡­¡±


    Yu Arin remembered the very tired Choi Yiseo she had seen at Kim Woojin¡¯s ce beforeing to Gold One.


    Though it seemed unlikely then, considering now, it was highly probable they had spent the whole night doing it.


    Thinking that she could also fall apart so messily made her body flush slightly.


    ¡®Crazy.¡¯


    What if tomorrow was a holiday?


    She would probably continue with Kim Woojin until the end. Just thinking of each other, desiring, and hoping this moment wouldst forever.


    ¡®It, it hurt a little.¡¯


    But that actually felt good.


    Moreover, it was nice that Kim Woojin knew exactly what she was feeling, allowing her to enjoy it as if being led ording to her tastes.


    ¡®Haa, bastard.¡¯


    They say sometimes emotions cool down after such rtions.


    But for Yu Arin, it felt like the fire continued to ignite, making her face burn.


    So the more she thought about it, the more regretful she felt.


    It would have been great if tomorrow was a holiday.


    Who knows when it will happen again¡­


    ¡®No, shouldn¡¯t we just do it right away?¡¯


    Seeing that Kim Woojin still seemed capable, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem to go back to the hotel room after finishing work today.


    Yu Arin, smirking and nning on how to persuade the fool, returned to the room.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    She locked eyes with Seo Yerin, who was changing into her uniform.


    Seo Yerin, who had already washed up and was checking her outfit, bit her lip hard as she looked at Yu Arin.


    ¡°You¡¯re bad!¡±


    Thank goodness.


    Yu Arin, relieved that the atmosphere wasn¡¯t hostile, asked nonchntly.


    ¡°Are you already heading to work? Is today the day you assist with baking?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ So I get off early today.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nice.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so I¡¯m taking Woojin with me.¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s not okay.¡±


    Crossing her arms, Yu Arin squinted at Seo Yerin, who clenched her fists and snorted as she shouted.


    ¡°Why! Why not! I want to do it with Woojin too!¡±


    ¡°I drained him so much that he can¡¯t do it today.¡±


    That¡¯s a lie.


    She was the one who almost died from exhaustion.


    But even such lies didn¡¯t faze Yu Arin.


    ¡°Kim Woojin is passed out right now. He probably won¡¯t want to do it for a week.¡±


    Seo Yerin stared nkly at Yu Arin. It seemed like she had won, but instead¡­


    ¡°Pfft.¡±


    A sneer escaped from Seo Yerin¡¯s lips.


    ¡°¡­Why are youughing?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s funny that you think you made Woojin like that. That¡¯s a lie.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not? It¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s a lie. Because.¡±


    Seo Yerin approached slowly, ced a hand on Yu Arin¡¯s shoulder, and whispered in her ear.


    ¡°Woojin is really good at sex.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You probably got utterly screwed up. It¡¯s okay, it happens, it happened to me too.¡±


    What¡¯s this?


    Why does it feel like she lost even though she spent the night with Kim Woojin?


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m going to be with Woojin today, okay?¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s not okay! Is he some kind of stud horse? Going around screwing women left and right?! Yerin, I think your sense of sexuality has gotten twisted!¡±


    Kim Woojin, you bastard.


    It was obvious that bastard had turned the once innocent and pure Yerin into this.


    Especially since Yu Arin had experienced a sexual rtionship that treated her like a subordinate, she began to feel even more certain.


    ¡®If-if he did the same thing to Yerin¡­!¡¯


    The thought of Kim Woojin doing to Yerin what he had done to her filled Yu Arin with an urgent jealousy.


    ¡°Yerin, calm down a little. I don¡¯t know what kind of education you got from Kim Woojin, but your sexual perception is really off right now.¡±


    ¡°¡­Education?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Who knows what that bastard did to you¡­¡±


    ¡°Did you get some kind of education when you were with Woojin?¡±


    Rather than education¡­


    ¡°No, if it happens at night, is it training?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Yu Arin, hit where it hurt, tensed up and stood stiffly. Unlike earlier, Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze was piercing and cold.


    ¡°Hmm? So you yed that kind of game?¡±


    Not with me.


    Seo Yerin, despite feeling jealous, vowed to do it next time.


    ¡°You, you didn¡¯t?¡±


    Personally bound and somewhat forcefully desired by Kim Woojin, Yu Arin, who wanted that side of him only for herself, asked cautiously.


    Seo Yerin didn¡¯t answer and stared nkly at her beforeing up with a good idea and making a suggestion.


    ¡°Shall we share our experiences?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°So what. We all know we¡¯ve been with people like us. We can just share a bit.¡±


    No.


    Of course not.


    Yu Arin especially didn¡¯t want to tell anyone about what happened today.


    It was a precious first experience, but she didn¡¯t want anyone other than Kim Woojin to know how she had behaved today.


    However.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Honestly, she was curious too.


    How on earth did Seo Yerin and Kim Woojin share their love?


    What exactly did Kim Woojin do to distort the pure and delicate Seo Yerin¡¯s sexual perception so severely?


    If they shared a love more intense than hers¡­


    She wouldn¡¯t like that, but if she didn¡¯t confirm it, it would keep bothering her.


    ¡°R-right now?¡±


    Yu Arin asked cautiously, and although Seo Yerin wanted to suggest sharing immediately,


    ¡°I think it¡¯s a bit difficult right now. After work.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. That¡¯s true.¡±


    Yu Arin stepped back, realizing it wasn¡¯t right to bring this up to someone who had to go to work immediately, but Seo Yerin was a bit different.


    ¡¯It feels like it would be a big deal if I heard it.


    The story might be long, and then it seemed like I wouldn¡¯t be able to control my heated body.¡¯


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be going to work, Arin. Be careful today, it¡¯s going to be tough.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­ You too, don¡¯t wander off to strange ces.¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll try not to.¡±


    What on earth had she experienced?


    Seo Yerin, who had only done it twice herself, was still full of curiosity.


    Although she wanted to run to Kim Woojin and devour him immediately.


    ¡°Whew, Yerin, restraint.¡±


    She cautioned her innocent-looking self in the elevator mirror as usual.


    She demonstrated her own kind of restraint.

 Chapter 129: The Promise

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so tired.¡±


    Having fallen asleep around 4 or 5 in the morning, the fatigue was still there.


    I was already on my third cup of coffee.


    It felt like coffee grounds were about toe out of my mouth.


    ¡°Did you sleeptest night?¡±


    Even the deputy managers could see how tired I was, telling me frequently to go rest today.


    This kind of consideration is probably a reward for working hard usually.


    Thanks to that, I was able to catch a quick nap in the staff lounge.


    Of course, I couldn¡¯t really sleep, just sat in the massage chair while getting a massage.¡°Hmm?¡±


    I opened my eyes at a familiar voice and nced ahead.


    There was Seo Yerin, grabbing a handful of snacks from the lounge and even holding a lollipop in her mouth.


    ¡®Oh, crap.¡¯


    After what happened yesterday, she was the number one person I didn¡¯t want to encounter.


    Since she probably knows what happened with Yu Arin, I was going to pretend not to see her because meeting her feels a bit awkward.


    ¡°Woojin!¡±


    On the contrary, she weed me and approached as if she had been waiting.


    ¡°Are you the snack thief from the break room?¡±


    I asked yfully, trying to ease the awkwardness. Seo Yerin looked down at the snacks she was holding and shouted in embarrassment.


    ¡°N-no! I was going to eat them all here!¡±


    ¡°Haa¡­never mind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not gaining weight! I¡¯m eating while controlling myself!¡±


    Seeing what she was holding, I wondered if that was really considered controlling, but if she says so, then it must be.


    Anyway, the atmosphere wasn¡¯t bad. I thought Seo Yerin would be mad because of yesterday, but that wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡®She can¡¯t possibly think of it as just a casual fling.¡¯


    Since I received Yu Arin¡¯s passionate confessionst night, it¡¯s not easy to just let it go.


    I tried to close my eyes and pretend to sleep again, but Seo Yerin took a seat next to the massage chair and handed me some snacks.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat together.¡±


    ¡°¡­I haven¡¯t digested lunch yet.¡±


    ¡°Still, let¡¯s eat together. Everything tastes better when you¡¯re eating it with someone.¡±


    Because she kept offering me the snacks, I had no choice but to sigh and ept them.


    But then, as I started eating, they were so tasty that I couldn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Seeing me like that, she smiled contentedly. I thought about asking why, but decided not to.


    It seemed like it would be a hassle to hear the answer.


    ¡°Do you know we have less than a month left?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know. Time flies faster than I thought.¡±


    The end of the year is approaching.


    Sinceing to Gold One, a lot has happened, so time flew by quickly.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to be second-years soon?¡±


    ¡°What difference does it make.¡±


    ¡°Did you not go to the MT in our first year?¡±


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    I nodded while eating a chocte snack. Back then, I only hung out with Yoon-ji, so I skipped all the department events and didn¡¯t mingle with others.


    ¡°Not just the MT, but you didn¡¯t participate in most events.¡±


    Then Seo Yerin turned to look at me and smiled brightly.


    ¡°This time, let¡¯s go together. Let¡¯s have fun at the MT.¡±


    ¡°¡­Can second-year students go?¡±


    I thought MTs were mostly for freshmen.


    ¡°Hey, second-year students can go if they want to, right? Just don¡¯t bother the freshmen and let¡¯s have fun among ourselves.¡±


    I¡¯m a bit afraid, not knowing exactly who is included in that ¡®ourselves¡¯.


    ¡°Uh? What do you think? What do you think? Isn¡¯t it fine?¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so excited!¡±


    I thought the second-years might dislike the idea of a first-year joining the MT, but seeing Seo Yerin eagerly anticipating it, those thoughts vanished.


    If it¡¯s Seo Yerin, they might not just wee her; they would even be begging her toe.


    ¡°Oh, Woojin! Did you hear they¡¯re filming a movie here this time? They¡¯re using a casino as the backdrop, and a bunch of actors areing.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I heard. But they can¡¯t actually film inside the casino, so they¡¯re only shooting at the entrance.¡±


    How many casino patrons are there?


    Gold One didn¡¯t have enough merit to forgo a day¡¯s earnings just for a movie shoot.


    Besides, it wouldn¡¯t even portray them in a particrly good light.


    ¡°I hope we can watch them film!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, me too.¡±


    Last time they were filming a movie, I saw Seo Yerin showing interest in the actors.


    Since that day, it seems she¡¯s been genuinely interested.


    ¡®Still.¡¯


    Not bad.


    Seo Yerin bing an actress, spending time with such light conversations.


    If I had to put it into words, I¡¯d say the atmosphere was good.


    ¡°Shall we have sex?¡±


    The atmosphere that I thought was good just moments ago vanished in an instant.


    When I looked at Seo Yerin with a nk expression, her innocent look from just before was gone, reced by a seductive smile.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, I¡¯m joking, just joking. It would be hard because of the noise if we did it here. Unless it¡¯s in the evening when everyone has left.¡±


    The fact that she added a strange precondition made it feel like she had seriously considered it, which was creepy.


    ¡°Or if it¡¯s just me giving you a blowjob¡­should I do it?¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s hand stealthily reaches toward my lower body. Despite having used it so vigorously yesterday, look how it responds immediately to another woman¡¯s touch after just a bit of time.


    ¡°Hmm, Arin said you wouldn¡¯t be able to do it for a week, but that¡¯s not the case, is it?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I thought they were unusually close. What on earth are they talking about when I¡¯m not around?


    ¡°How about it? Do you want to?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Indeed, Seo Yerin had the most sexual knowledge of any woman I had met so far.


    I don¡¯t know how many adult videos she had watched, but she knew exactly what situations aroused a man.


    Moreover, her looks were more than enough to fulfill any fantasy scenario.


    Muttering to myself, I try to make some excuses, wondering who could possibly resist her temptation.


    Just before unzipping my pants, I asked Seo Yerin onest time, hoping for an honest answer.


    ¡°You asked to have sex on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You knew I would refuse, so you said what you really wanted to do after that, right?¡±


    Honestly, it seemed like a reasonable suspicion, and Seo Yerin¡¯s slight smile told me I was right.


    <em>Ziiip.</em>


    The zipper came undone.


    I wondered how she would handle the underwear, but Seo Yerin skillfully took it off.


    ¡°What was that? What did you just do?¡±


    I asked her without thinking, and Seo Yerin knelt down in front of the massage chair without a word.


    ¡°Shall we start the massage?¡±


    Right then, just as she was about to take it out.


    ¡°Hey, Kim Woojin! How long are you going to rest? Let me take a break too!¡±


    Yu Arin whined as she entered the break room.


    ¡°Oh? You couldn¡¯t sleep either? I couldn¡¯t sleep too! From the beginning, I was more¡­¡±


    The situation where we met face to face.


    I felt somewhat relieved that it was Yu Arin, and a cold sensation started to circte in my head.


    ¡®This is just crazy.¡¯


    I realized that I had momentarily lost my sense of reality, sumbing to Seo Yerin¡¯s temptation.


    The fortunate thing was that it was Yu Arin who caught us, and that my member hadn¡¯t been taken out yet¡­


    <em>Swish.</em>


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    Even though she clearly saw Yu Arine in, Seo Yerin deliberately took my member out, held it once in her hand, andughed.


    ¡°It¡¯s lucky that it¡¯s Yu Arin who came in.¡±


    As if she wanted to show her.


    ¡°Are you out of your minds!? This is the break room!¡±


    ¡°Exactly. We should be more careful next time.¡±


    Seo Yerin stepped back to let me fix my pants. The look from Yu Arin as I zipped up felt bone-chillingly cold.


    ¡°Next time?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but shrug at the lingering words, but my mouth shut automatically at Yu Arin¡¯s half-closed eyes.


    ¡°Sigh, Yerin, you said you¡¯d leave work early.¡±


    The sigh was directed at me, but calling Seo Yerin made me feel like she¡¯d given up talking to me.


    ¡°I did leave. I was waiting for you to finish.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Arin pressed her lips together for a moment.


    She nced at me, seemingly embarrassed, and hesitated, creating an odd atmosphere.


    ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯ll be off in an hour, so just wait a bit longer.¡±


    ¡°Okay, got it.¡±


    Seo Yerin smiled brightly.


    It seems they had ns, and I suddenly felt out of ce.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Curious about what they were up to, I asked, and both their gazes shot towards me simultaneously.


    Seo Yerin, catching her breath with a strange look, and Yu Arin, crossing her arms and ring with a flushed face.


    ¡°Do you want to join too, Woojin?¡±


    ¡°Wh-what are you talking about! No way! Get back to work!¡±


    ¡°What? Are you guys going to eat something delicious?¡±


    ¡°I said get back to work!¡±


    In the end, I was pushed out by Yu Arin and left the break room. I could hear the two of them talking about something inside, but it didn¡¯t seem like I should interrupt, so I just stepped aside.


    ¡®They really left.¡¯


    Yu Arin left early with Seo Yerin. Honestly, after what happened yesterday, I thought she might spend some time with me, but they looked quite urgent, so I didn¡¯t stop them.


    ¡®What¡¯s this.¡¯


    Feeling awkward about my forlorn state like an abandoned dog as I was leaving work.


    ¡°Woojin!¡±


    Yeon-young and Lee Se-ah ran towards me urgently.


    Usually, when this girl looked for me, it was never for anything good, and it was exactly as I expected.


    ¡°Do you have time at the end of the year?¡±


    ¡°What, are you asking me to switch shifts?¡±


    I thought it must be that kind of request since she has a boyfriend and all.


    ¡°No, let¡¯s go see a y together.¡±


    ¡°A y?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was supposed to go with my boyfriend, but that jerk can¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Huh? Please. Let¡¯s go together. Just take one picture with me.¡±


    <em>Sigh.</em>


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, don¡¯t drag me into your fights with your boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°But¡­!¡±


    ¡°I remember Yerin saying something about this too. Does Yerin know about this?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lee Se-ah pursed her lips and remained silent.


    No matter how bad the atmosphere is with your boyfriend, trying to provoke jealousy like that is not a good direction for a rtionship.


    ¡°My boyfriend said he can¡¯te because of a club meeting.¡±


    With a deep sigh, Lee Se-ah pleaded with me as if begging.


    ¡°Huh? Please. I heard most of the club members are girls! I¡¯m really too anxious to handle this!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seeing how much she liked her boyfriend made her look a bit pitiful.


    It urred to me that maybe he was acting out because he thought he already had her in the bag.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    Even while looking at her about to cry, I didn¡¯t feel soft-hearted and wondered how to refuse her.


    ¡°He has ns.¡±


    An all-too-familiar voice came from behind.


    I turned my head, wondering if I¡¯d heard correctly.


    ¡°He has ns with me.¡±


    A beige coat and a white sweater.


    The scarf wrapped around my neck carried a unique coziness that could only be felt in winter.


    The deep blue hair and graceful smile I hadn¡¯t seen in a long time.


    ¡°Choi Yiseo¡­?¡±


    Unintentionally, I called out to her, and Choi Yiseo raised her hand slightly in greeting.


    ¡°We¡¯re supposed to go to a concert.¡±

 Chapter 130: Steamy Night

    Meeting Choi Yiseo unexpectedly was more delightful, joyful, and beautiful than I had imagined.


    Yes, was it because it had been so long since west saw each other?


    Her hair had grown slightly, and that just made her exude an even more sophisticated charm than before.


    ¡°How did youe here?¡±


    It would have been nice to have a ce to talk privately, but since we were surrounded by mountains, we just walked along the path.


    ¡°Hmm, I took the bus.¡±


    She answered yfully with a smallugh.


    Seeing her breath puff out in the cold air, I couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly.


    ¡°No, I meant how did you know I was here.¡±¡°Senior Ju-hee told me. I asked if she knew where you were since I was nning to surprise you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±


    If that was the case, wouldn¡¯t it have been easier to talk to Seo Yerin or Yu Arin instead?


    Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t bother to exin in detail, and I didn¡¯t pry either.


    Since we met anyway, what does it matter.


    ¡°When¡¯s the concert again?¡±


    ¡°The day after tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°¡­Good thing it¡¯s a day off. What would you have done if it wasn¡¯t?¡±


    It seemed unlike Choi Yiseo toe here so unnned.


    She nced at me and then replied with a slight smile.


    ¡°Then I¡¯d juste to see you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I was at a loss for words without realizing it.


    The gentle smile, as if that was enough, held a kindness directed at me.


    ¡°What have you been up to?¡±


    ¡°Ah, um¡­ I¡¯ll tell youter.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I had heard she had something to do during winter break. Yoon-ji had contacted her for help before.


    ¡®Is it rted to Yoon-ji?¡¯


    Because it¡¯s Choi Yiseo.


    Believing that there must be a reason for hiding it, I didn¡¯t press further.


    ¡°What about you? Is it hard working here?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even mention it. Do you know what happened this time¡­?¡±


    I started exining to her, step by step, about the things that happened at Gold One, while smiling.


    Since so many things happened here, the stories were endless, and Choi Yiseo asionally smiled, maintaining a decent atmosphere.


    Before I knew it, we arrived at the Building C Hotel.


    ¡°Are you using this as your lodging?¡±


    I nodded with a smile at Choi Yiseo, who asked in surprise.


    ¡°Yeah, they said there weren¡¯t enough staff lodgings, so they gave us this. Thanks to that, I¡¯m livingfortably.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°Did you make a reservation for a ce to stay? It¡¯s peak season now, so it must be hard to book.¡±


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a motel nearby, so I¡¯m booked there. As you said, Gold One is quite expensive.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    I don¡¯t think it¡¯s particrly bad.


    Still, the thought that one might never know crossed my mind.


    This city is teeming with thugs and gangsters.


    It was a ce where trouble could easily arise, so I was worried about Choi Yiseo.


    But I couldn¡¯t just tell her to stay at our ce¡­


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Then, I remembered Yu Arin¡¯s keycard.


    There was a room that my sister-inw had left, so I thought I could give it to Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Come on. There¡¯s a spare room here.¡±


    I took Choi Yiseo, who seemed reluctant to leave, into the hotel.


    ¡°A spare room?¡±


    I grabbed Choi Yiseo¡¯s wrist and led her, as she questioned me.


    There was a rule that men couldn¡¯t go into the girls¡¯ rooms, but just talking for a bit should be fine.


    We quickly arrived and met Yu Arin.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Yu Arin, with her arms crossed, retorted to me, pouting. Her casual attire gave her a different feel, but I had no time to pay attention to that.


    ¡°That was given to me. For us to use.¡±


    As Yu Arin tantly pointed at me and dered, I couldn¡¯t help but feel my hair stand on end.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    However, Choi Yiseo, standing behind me, responded without much change in expression.


    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t make a fuss. I have a reservation somewhere anyway, so I¡¯ll just stay there.¡±


    ¡®Hmm?¡¯


    It wasn¡¯t like the usual Choi Yiseo.


    Normally, I would have expected her to make a remark and push forward in situations like this, but today she was just letting it pass calmly.


    I should have felt it was lenient or that she had matured.


    But today, it strongly felt like she was holding back.


    In a somewhat twisted manner.


    Nheless, Yu Arin was resolute.


    ¡°I can¡¯t give you the room. Instead¡­ stay in our room. I¡¯ll let my roommates know, so it should be fine. You¡¯re only staying for a couple of days anyway.¡±


    An unexpected counteroffer.


    It was possible because all the roommates were close friends.


    But looking back, I wondered if Choi Yiseo might feel ufortable.


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s do that.¡±


    Rather, Choi Yiseo seemed pleased and walked past me into the room.


    I stared nkly at the two people who suddenly had to live together.


    ¡°Then, Woojin. I¡¯ll contact youter.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sure. Let me know if Yu Arin bothers you.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Choi Yiseo went inside just like that.


    Before Yu Arin closed the door, I asked about something that had been bothering me.


    ¡°By the way, didn¡¯t you make some sort of promise with Seo Yerin?¡±


    ¡°None of your business!¡±


    With a curt tongue-out, Yu Arin shut the door.


    It was a bewildering situation, but thinking that at least things were somewhat settled, I returned to my dorm.


    Kim Woojin left.


    Yu Arin, who let Choi Yiseo into the room, was unexpectedly nervous.


    Hadn¡¯t she basically dered that she would steal a man who was about to get along with another woman?


    For her, it was a meaningful moment of breaking out of her shell, but from Choi Yiseo¡¯s perspective, it was just cheating.


    It seemed to be nothing more and nothing less.


    ¡®I feel a bit sorry seeing her in person.¡¯


    Resolving her feelings for Kim Woojin and dealing with Choi Yiseo were somewhat different issues.


    Choi Yiseo briefly greeted the people inside.


    No one really disliked her, and for some reason, even Se-ah apologized to Choi Yiseo, but it was brushed off for now.


    ¡°Tada! Here¡¯s where Yiseo will sleep!¡±


    Especially since Seo Yerin was quite close with Choi Yiseo, she dly weed her and even made a spot for her to sleep next to her.


    Is that boldness or just thoughtlessness?


    Regardless of Yu Arin¡¯splicated feelings, the three ended up sleeping together.


    After a simple dinner, they spent time chatting, and before they knew it, it was already 9 PM.


    It was time to start preparing for bed to go to work tomorrow.


    ¡®Come to think of it, I missed my chance today.¡¯


    While brushing her teeth, Yu Arin remembered what she had forgotten due to the unexpected guest.


    She had nned to have a spicy talk with Seo Yerin today, but it became impossible with Choi Yiseo sharing the same room.


    ¡°Spit.¡±


    Is this for the better?


    Leaving only a strange feeling behind, Yu Arin finished brushing her teeth and entered the room.


    Inside, Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo were chattering away.


    ¡®They¡¯re impressive.¡¯


    They were talking casually, knowing exactly what kind of rtionship they had, without needing to discuss it further.


    Even¡­


    ¡°So, that time Woojin suddenly imed he could push five carts at once!¡±


    They were in the middle of talking about Kim Woojin.


    ¡°We all told him not to do it, right? But in the end, he spilled all the carts and got scolded.¡±


    ¡®Ah, that time.¡¯


    It was when Kim Woojin was showing off to Seo Yerin who hade to visit.


    Thanks to that, they had a hard time cleaning up afterward.


    ¡°Arin! Come here too!¡±


    Seo Yerin patted the seat next to her, calling out to Yu Arin who had entered the room.


    ¡®She¡¯s really¡­¡¯


    If she¡¯s like that, isn¡¯t she not socially adept but just dumb?


    Thinking that inwardly, Yu Arin sat next to her to avoid any awkwardness.


    Three people sitting in a circle on the bedding, facing each other.


    Seo Yerin tried to say something, but Choi Yiseo spoke first.


    ¡°I came here to watch the concert with Woojin.¡±


    ¡°I heard! It¡¯s the UI concert, right? I¡¯m so jealous.¡±


    ¡°How did you manage to get the tickets?¡±


    Seo Yerin, envious, and Yu Arin, pouting.


    Choi Yiseo, looking back and forth between the two, takes a breath. It seems she had something to say, but judging by the shadow on her face, it wasn¡¯t good news.


    ¡°Do you guys¡­like Woojin?¡±


    ¡°Can we get to the point?¡±


    Before Seo Yerin, who was about to answer, Yu Arin quickly waved her hand, changing the subject.


    She didn¡¯t want to waste time on an obvious answer, nor did she feel like confessing such things in front of Choi Yiseo.


    Choi Yiseo, seemingly not considering it important, just moved on and continued speaking.


    ¡°I worked with Yoon-ji during the winter break.¡±


    Oh Yoon-ji.


    There wasn¡¯t anyone here who didn¡¯t know her name. A girl who had taken a leave of absence in the first semester and whom they¡¯d seen only a handful of times.


    Kim Woojin¡¯s ex-girlfriend.


    ¡°There seemed to be some misunderstanding between Yoon-ji and Woojin¡­ There was something like a letter that Yoon-ji left behind, but it never reached Woojin.¡±


    ¡°A letter?¡±


    Yu Arin thought that it must be much more heartfelt than leaving a message on a cellphone.


    ¡°So, Yoon-ji said she talked to Woojin and that they would try to make things work again. She also said she was working with Woojin¡¯s second brother because of Woojin.¡±


    At those words, Yu Arin scratched her cheek and interjected.


    ¡°Vice Chairman, no¡­I also heard from Kim Woojin¡¯s eldest brother. Oh Yoon-ji might return to school. She¡¯s working because of Kim Woojin.¡±


    Thinking of Vice Chairman Kim Jae-woon, who had visited her during her shift early that morning, she spoke.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Seo Yerin, looking back and forth between the two, felt like she was the only one left in the dark.


    But postponing the exnation, Choi Yiseo continued speaking.


    ¡°I¡¯m Yoon-ji¡¯s friend, so¡­I got to know the whole story between the two. I¡¯m scared to approach recklessly.¡±


    Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t seem to like the idea ofpeting with her friend for a man her friend used to date.


    Especially since she found out that they didn¡¯t just break up, but it was due to some misunderstanding, it seemed to weigh even more heavily on her mind.


    Moreover, Kim Woojin hadn¡¯tpletely let go of his feelings for Oh Yoon-ji yet.


    ¡°If they clear up the misunderstanding, they¡¯ll get back together. I wanted you to know in advance.¡±


    Kim Woojin had ns to attend the concert, but she came here personally to deliver this message to Seo Yerin and Yu Arin.


    Yu Arin, who only now realized this, was momentarily at a loss for words.


    ¡°Then, about going to the concert¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    She kept her lips tightly sealed, but no answer came out.


    However, there was no one here who didn¡¯t know the answer.


    Choi Yiseo, in her own way, needed time to sort out her feelings.


    Leaving Seo Yerin, who was deeply contemting something, alone.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Yu Arin, with a much more rxed expression, smiled brightly and spoke to Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Got rid of one.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You might have been friends with Oh Yoon-ji, but I barely even remember her face. I don¡¯t see any reason to hold back because of her.¡±


    ¡°Kim Woojin still has feelings for Yoon-ji, you know. Last time he got drunk and even called her. I heard the recording.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you heard, but okay. I¡¯ll be lovey-dovey with Kim Woojin, so stay out of it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who had been wearing aplicated expression since arriving here today.


    Her face, which had been as gray as storm clouds, seemed to have gained a bit of color.


    Though she was still frowning.


    ¡°What does it matter what that bastard feels for Oh Yoon-ji? I¡¯ve already braced myself for getting involved here.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s no big deal if the number of enemies increases here.


    Of course, I¡¯ll beat the crap out of Kim Woojin.¡¯


    ¡°Right, Yerin?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had finished contemting, smiled brightly and shouted when Arin requested support from her, who was in the same position as her this time.


    ¡°Then get pregnant!¡±


    ¡°That girl has no sense!¡±


    Yu Arin immediately threw a pillow to cover Seo Yerin¡¯s face. Choi Yiseo stared nkly at Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Ugh! S-save me!¡±


    <em>Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!</em>


    After hitting Seo Yerin a few more times with the pillow, Yu Arin returned to her original spot, panting.


    ¡°Hic, only Woojin can get on top of me.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had been lying down and sobbing yfully, sprang back up.


    ¡°But I might already have one, so I just said it.¡±


    As she spoke while stroking her belly, both of their gazes simultaneously turned back to Seo Yerin.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You, you! Didn¡¯t you use anything?¡±


    In response to their questions, Seo Yerin made a V sign and smiled.


    ¡°What are you going to do!¡±


    ¡°You know your life could get seriously messed up?!¡±


    At their urgent shouts, Seo Yerin stared nkly at them, then let out a nasal sound with a victorious smile.


    ¡°Ahaha, I guess I¡¯m the only one who did it raw?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ohe on, I didn¡¯t think Woojin would do that.¡±


    ¡°Grab her.¡±


    As Yu Arin lunged again, this time Choi Yiseo, unable to hold back, joined in.


    A few minutester¡­


    When Seo Yerin¡¯s delicate screams and tears soaked the nket, the two finally stopped.


    ¡°Jealousy of a woman¡­¡±


    Looking down at Seo Yerin, who had copsed as if leaving herst words, the two caught their breath.


    Then their eyes met, and Yu Arin asked with a sneer.


    ¡°See? In the end, you¡¯re the same.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Jealous like this, what are you trying to give up on?¡±


    She wasn¡¯t wrong.


    Just hearing this made her want to run to Kim Woojin right away.


    ¡°It¡¯s not jealousy.¡±


    But Choi Yiseo pouted and crossed her arms, denying it. If she didn¡¯t deny it, she felt her conscience would be pricked.


    ¡°Oh? It¡¯s not jealousy?¡±


    Yu Arin pulled her pajama top aside to reveal her shoulder to Choi Yiseo.


    There was a red mark.


    ¡°Look, Kim Woojin left this markst time.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°He was so rough. It was hard to keep up with him. But he likes it, so whatever.¡±


    ¡°Ah, is this a naughty story?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had been lying down, immediately got up and started exining her own experience.


    It was a night when Choi Yiseo¡¯s face, once dark with worry and grayness, gradually turned red.


    The next day.


    After work, I came straight to meet Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    ¡°This! This! Crazy person!¡±


    There was a woman who suddenly started punching.

 Chapter 131: Concert

    Inside the dorm.


    Yu Arin, trying to soothe her stomach with a Chong, couldn¡¯t hide her anxiousness, blowing air through her nose in frustration.


    ¡°Is this really the right thing to do?¡±


    Unable to hold back, she looked over at Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Is it really right to just let them go?¡±


    Even though Choi Yiseo hade from far, and even though only two could attend the concert.


    She questioned whether it was really right to let the man she likes go on a date with another woman.


    However, Seo Yerin shrugged without taking her eyes off her phone.


    ¡°Then, what do you suggest? It was something we promised before Yiseo even came to Gold One.¡±¡°I don¡¯t like it. Why isn¡¯t he going with me¡­?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t really like crowded ces, so¡­¡±


    Look at her acting all calm.


    Yu Arin pouted, thinking that Choi Yiseo must have had some confidence to go with him.


    Was it different from thest time, when she seemed anxious, because they weren¡¯t going to sleep together?


    ¡®This girl¡¯s changed somehow.¡¯


    Anyway, there¡¯s something about Kim Woojin that ruins people. Seo Yerin, herself, and even her.


    ¡°Ah, damn it.¡±


    In the midst of all this, Yu Arin got annoyed by the notification on her phone.


    It was a notification from the Bamboo Forest after a long time.<ul><li>


    Anonymous69: I want to have sex.</li><li>


    Anonymous69: I want to have sex.</li><li>


    Anonymous69: I want to have sex.</li><li>


    Anonymous69: I want to have sex.</li><li>


    Anonymous69: I want to have sex.</li></ul>


    Today, for some reason, the sex pest was spamming the board, ignoring the rules.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m in a bad mood, and now this weird thing catches my eye.¡±


    Annoyed, Yu Arin blocked the person for three days without any warning. She had already warned them several times not to flood the board with messages, so this seemed fair enough.


    ¡°Such a nuisance.¡±


    Feeling slightly relieved that she had let out some steam, Yu Arin tossed her empty Chong into the trash can.


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    Suddenly, Seo Yerin was staring at her with a resentful look.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had been engrossed in her phone, slowly put it into her pocket.


    Yet, she continued to renguidly.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing at all!¡±


    Even though Yu Arin asked again, wondering why she was acting like this, Seo Yerin just responded more irritably.


    ¡®What¡¯s this about?¡¯


    Yu Arin wondered if she had somehow offended her, but she really hadn¡¯t done anything.


    ¡®She was fine just a moment ago, so why is she acting like this now?¡¯


    Recently, Seo Yerin had been really unpredictable, and Yu Arin thought she might just go for a walk.


    ¡°Hey guys, anyone want to go skiing?¡±


    Just then, Min Ju-hee came into the room. The way she shook her shoulders and urged them to go skiing was childishly cute for her age.


    It was a fitting suggestion from Min Ju-hee, who loved to move around.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together. Arin will go too.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    <em>Bang.</em>


    Min Ju-hee closed the door and left.


    As Yu Arin stared nkly at Seo Yerin, she responded with a chilly smile.


    ¡°You¡¯ve made me bored.¡±


    Then Seo Yerin began to get ready.


    ¡°¡­I did?¡±


    Watching her back, Yu Arin asked what she meant, but there was only an empty silence in response.


    ¡°Wow, look at all the people.¡±


    It was only expected that there would be a lot of people since it¡¯s a UI concert, but I was a bit surprised by how many there actually were.


    I quickly put my hand on Choi Yiseo¡¯s shoulder, thinking that I might lose her if I let my guard down for even a moment.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    And then Choi Yiseo shoots me a re.


    She pinches my arm that is around her shoulder lightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m just holding you like this because we might get separated.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t people usually hold hands for that?¡±


    A cold voice.


    Thanks to her expressing her anger so clearly, I could restrain myself.


    ¡°No, I thought it might hurt if we held hands.¡±


    I slowly let go of her shoulder and took her hand.


    ¡°Ouch! It hurts!¡±


    Choi Yiseo immediately squeezes my hand tightly. She even clenched it hard with both hands, so it really hurt a lot.


    ¡°It hurts! I said it hurts!¡±


    People around us stare, but Choi Yiseo doesn¡¯t care at all.


    Panting heavily, she let go of my hand, delivered a low kick to my butt, and stomped off to the queue.


    ¡°Oh, what the hell kind of strength¡­?¡±


    Yu Arin told me not to exercise more, but Choi Yiseo is the one who needs to stop.


    At this rate, she¡¯ll be Ironman.


    I quickly followed Choi Yiseo and stood behind her, but she still had her arms crossed and didn¡¯t even look back at me.


    She was really pissed off.


    I had a girlfriend here, and it was time to show the technique I had learned from having sex with three people in my major.


    Soothing an angry woman¡¯s heart should be easy.


    I yfully covered Choi Yiseo¡¯s eyes with both hands and asked,


    ¡°Who- kuhuck?!¡±


    A backspin elbow struck my abdomen immediately. This girl must be learning not just PT but also mixed martial arts.


    I clutched my stomach in pain for a few seconds.


    ¡®Is the first operation a failure?¡¯


    It¡¯s okay.


    There are still many ways.


    ¡°Yiseo, you want a piggyback ride¡­!¡±


    ¡°Do you want to die?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Failed the second attempt.


    I thought giving her a piggyback ride and letting her inhale the fresh air would lighten her mood.


    ¡°Then how about a wind¡­!¡±


    ¡°Enough already.¡±


    Failed the third attempt too.


    ¡®I thought a windmill would surely work.¡¯


    I believed that showing off my windmill dance moves would impress Choi Yiseo.


    Although I¡¯m not good at it yet, wouldn¡¯t it be nice to at least show that I¡¯m trying?


    ¡®Then next¡­¡¯


    Let¡¯s show her something that can make herugh.


    ¡°Look at this.¡±


    I showed her my phone.


    A drinking party with Han-kang, Pyo Jinho, and Ahn Hyeon-ho in the picture.


    The important part was that there were a lot of unfamiliar faces.


    ¡°Remember when you came, Yiseo? You said your boyfriend was attending a club drinking party.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Choi Yiseo listens nkly.


    Alright.


    Without stopping, I continue talking to her, seemingly interested.


    ¡°I felt a bit sorry for rejecting, so I asked our goofy friends for help.¡±


    Aren¡¯t these guys quite charming just by their looks?


    Kang Han-kang, who looks like a church oppa.


    Pyo Jinho, with a sturdy bear-like build.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho, with a sharp bad boy style.


    ¡°They crashed the club gathering by hitting on everyone. See the guy sulking in the corner? That¡¯s Yiseo¡¯s boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡±


    Choi Yiseo looks at me with an incredulous expression.


    Thinking it¡¯s my chance, I try to exin further, but her interest doesn¡¯tst long.


    No, rather¡­


    ¡°At least they helped.¡±


    She responds curtly, as if something doesn¡¯t sit well with her.


    ¡®Is this not it?¡¯


    It was my secret weapon that could at least yield apliment, if not entertain, but it failed.


    Even worse.


    ¡°How did you start dating Yoon-ji?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I ended up hearing a question that overwhelmed my abilities.


    Honestly, I had recently gotten quite close with some girls due to various events, so I was confident.


    ¡®Come to think of it, it wasn¡¯t exactly normal.¡¯


    One was a girl chattering about sex in the Bamboo Forest, and another was a girl spinning like a windmill.


    Even just thinking about it, they were far from ordinary.


    ¡®What should I do.¡¯


    At this rate, it might remain this way until after we return from the concert.


    Once the concert starts, there won¡¯t be time to talk separately.


    Then, it would be no different from just watching the concert separately instead of together.


    ¡®Apologize again?¡¯


    I already did that several times beforeing here.


    Choi Yiseo didn¡¯t want that.


    To begin with, she was sarcastic about whether she was even in a position to receive an apology.


    ¡®Should I call and ask for help?¡¯


    In my heart, I wanted to ask Yu Arin or Seo Yerin, both women, but I didn¡¯t know what kind of swearing mighte back.


    Just seeing Seo Yerin flooding the Bamboo Forest, I could tell she was extremely stressed right now.


    ¡®Sigh, I didn¡¯t want to have to use this method¡­¡¯


    Slowly, I took out my phone and made a call.


    After a few rings, a man answered.<ul><li>¡­Hello.</li></ul>


    His voice was hoarse, as if he had just woken up.


    It was senior Han-kang.


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±<ul><li>I don¡¯t want to listen.</li></ul>


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll ask.¡±<ul><li>I said I don¡¯t want to.</li></ul>


    I subtly turned my body to whisper so that Choi Yiseo couldn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°How do you calm an angry woman down?¡±<ul><li>Who¡¯s angry? Yerin? Or Yiseo? Did you break up? They can¡¯t stand the sight of you now? Woohoo! Woohoo woohoo! Let¡¯s gather the gang and drink tonight! Woohoo!</li></ul>


    Son of a bitch.<ul><li>


    Tell Yerin that Han-kang oppa is still single¡­!</li><li>


    Oppa, who are you talking to?</li></ul>


    ¡°Crazy bastard.¡±


    Sleeping with a girl next to him and talking nonsense.


    I hang up and call the next person.<ul><li>Why, I sent you a photo.</li></ul>


    This time it was Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    ¡°Hey, by any chance¡­¡±<ul><li>Hold on a second.</li></ul>


    With the sound of a notification and some rustling, a much more excited voice asks.<ul><li>You broke up with Yiseo?! I knew it, useless Woojin! Just got dumped!</li></ul>


    ¡°Are you guys dating? How do you respond so quickly?¡±


    It seems Han-kang contacted him.


    He kept swearing, so I just hung up.


    Finally, senior Pyo Jinho.<ul><li>¡­Did you think I¡¯d know that and contact me?</li></ul>


    ¡°No, I just wanted to tease someone too.¡±<ul><li>Yiseo¡­!</li></ul>


    <em>Click.</em>


    After hanging up, I ponder for a moment and then decide to contact someone trustworthy.<ul><li>Hey, Woojin.</li></ul>


    ¡°Senior Ju-hee, are you busy right now?¡±<ul><li>No, not at all¡­ Wear two pairs of socks. Your feet will get cold.</li></ul>


    ¡°You seem busy?¡±<ul><li>Sorry, I¡¯m at a ski resort with my roommates, and it¡¯s their first time. So, what¡¯s up?</li></ul>


    ¡°How do you calm an angry girl down¡­?¡±<ul><li>


    Is that Woojin?</li><li>


    You bastard! We¡¯re having so much fun right now, you jerk! Jealous?!</li><li>


    Woojin! Be sure toe back by 8 o¡¯clock! If you¡¯rete, you¡¯ll be in trouble!</li><li>


    If youe back, expect to find a lock on your underwear!</li><li>


    And don¡¯t hold hands or anything like that! Got it?!</li><li>


    Who goes to concerts these days?! Skiing is the best, so thrilling and refreshing!</li><li>


    Arin couldn¡¯t ski, so she was whining about riding a sled!</li><li>


    Hey! Why did you say that?!</li><li>


    Through the white snow! Riding a sled! Running, A-rin! How refreshing!</li><li>


    Stop it!</li><li>


    Typical strong woman goes straight to the board, typical weak woman rides the sled with kids.</li></ul>


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s noisy.¡±


    I immediately hung up.


    I was going to ask senior Ju-hee something, but it seemed like they all went to the ski resort together.


    As soon as I hung up the phone, Choi Yiseo was staring at me intently.


    The girls¡¯ voices were so loud that she must have heard them.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­I had something to ask.¡±


    Feeling awkward, I replied, and Choi Yiseo turned back without much reaction.


    At the moment when I thought it was really messed up.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Choi Yiseo leaned her back against my chest.


    I wondered what it was, but she grumbled bluntly with her arms crossed.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold, block the wind for me.¡±


    Today isn¡¯t that cold of a day, but.


    ¡®Ah.¡¯


    I realized what her intention was.


    I slowly embraced her as if to envelop her and whispered softly.


    ¡°This way, it¡¯s warmer.¡±


    No particr response.


    She just gently entrusted her body to me.


    ¡®This is the right answer.¡¯


    But then I wondered why she pushed me away when I put my hand on her shoulder earlier.


    Whatever it is, I¡¯ve found the answer, so it¡¯s alright.

 Chapter 132: Bad Boy

    I hadn¡¯t really been to a concert before, but once I entered and found my seat, strangely, my heart began to flutter.


    Because people were passing by, the stage was intermittently visible, but even that filled me with anticipation.


    ¡°Wow, honestly, I thought it would be simr to watching a movie, but it¡¯s very different?¡±


    ¡°Right. It¡¯s my first time too, so I¡¯m a bit nervous.¡±


    Choi Yiseo also seemed excited since it was her first concert, as a faint smile appeared on her lips.


    The atmosphere wasn¡¯t bad.


    Because I was holding on to her in line, others asionally red at us with a mix of jealousy, but that was just a part of it.


    Originally, it was rare for someone toe to such a concert alone, so everyone was preupied with their own partners.


    ¡°What should I do, I¡¯m so excited.¡±Choi Yiseo, stomping her feet, was trying hard to suppress her excitement.


    It was the first time seeing her act like a child, which felt refreshingly cute.


    I also felt proud of myself for seeding in getting the tickets.


    When I offered Han-kang and Pyo Jinho as sacrifices, I felt a twinge of guilt now and then.


    But seeing Choi Yiseo so happy made me think it wouldn¡¯t be a problem to offer them up a few more times.


    ¡°Oh, looks like it¡¯s starting.¡±


    At that moment, some lights went out, and the remaining lights began to focus on the stage.


    The moment the singer appeared on stage, I thought cheers would erupt.


    Instead, the audience was mesmerized by the quietly resonant voice, eximing out loud not even crossing their minds.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    Having stayed in the same position for three hours straight, I twisted my stiff neck from side to side.


    Choi Yiseo pressed on my neck as we walked, which eased it a little.


    After roughly receiving a massage, I reciprocated by giving one to Choi Yiseo, and we shared our thoughts.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize concerts could be this grand. Seeing it in person is amazing.¡±


    When I clicked my tongue in amazement, Choi Yiseo nodded vigorously in agreement.


    ¡°It¡¯s really different from just listening to the recordings. It felt like I was absorbing the music with my whole body.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good analogy! That¡¯s exactly it.¡±


    I nodded while pressing on Choi Yiseo¡¯s slender neck. That expression seemed just right.


    ¡°What should we do now? Should we get dinner?¡±


    The concert was over, and it was already evening.


    The sun had set, and I was feeling peckish, so I checked my phone to see if there was anything to eat nearby.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Choi Yiseo gently pushed my hand away.


    I wondered if the massage was enough now, but there was a strangely damp resonance in her voice.


    The fresh atmosphere just moments ago cooled with the winter wind.


    Choi Yiseo, who stepped forward, distanced herself from me, and the hand that was pressing on her nape lingered there faintly.


    As if it regretted her departure.


    ¡°Choi Yiseo?¡±


    Out of anxiousness, I urgently called her name without realizing it.


    Otherwise, it felt like Choi Yiseo would leave without looking back at me at any moment.


    ¡°Woojin, listen carefully from now on.¡±


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s navy blue eyes were moist, tears welling up in them.


    However, as if hoping I wouldn¡¯t notice, the tears just welled up without flowing.


    ¡°During the break, I worked with Yoon-ji.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It was a name that wasn¡¯t very wee to me.


    A name that still remained like a lump in my heart, delivering a heavy feeling.


    ¡°Right now, Yoon-ji is working with your brother.¡±


    ¡°I know, she is working with my second brother.¡±


    I heard from my eldest brotherst time.


    I still don¡¯t know what exactly you¡¯re doing, though.


    ¡°I helped Yoon-ji there. Actually¡­I wanted to hear about you from Yoon-ji.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So what I¡¯m trying to say is, Yoon-ji hasn¡¯t forgotten you yet.¡±


    Even when my eldest brother said something simrst time.


    I had imagined such things.


    What if Yoon-ji had left me for some unspeakable reason.


    Then how should I react?


    ¡°Yoon-ji is working for you now.¡±


    ¡°For¡­me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, to free you from the family business. So you don¡¯t have to rely on the family¡¯s help.¡±


    A chilling feeling crept over me.


    Family business and family.


    The blood of my father within me boiled, urging me to live as the heir to thepany.


    ¡°It was just a slight misunderstanding¡­ No, it was just a mimunication that made you break up.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I felt a certain hollowness.


    During the vacation after the first semester, living like a recluse.


    I imagined it countless times, hoping it was true.


    Of all people, Choi Yiseo was the one telling me.


    The one who helped me the most to get over Oh Yoon-ji.


    It had to be her.


    She was thrusting the memories and unknown truths of that day back at me.


    The hollowness made my heart ache.


    The heaviness made my tongue heavy as lead.


    It felt like my eyes were slightly moist.


    Unable to answer, just confused, Choi Yiseo smiled bitterly at me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll speak first, Woojin.¡±


    Without hesitation.


    And honestly.


    Choi Yiseo calmly unravels words that cannot be spoken lightly to others.


    ¡°I feel guilty.¡±


    Why?


    Such words needed to be said.


    But all that came out was a white breath as she bit her lips.


    ¡°Yoon-ji is my friend. And you were her boyfriend. Even morally, this isn¡¯t right.¡±


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s expression gradually contorts.


    She hastily wipes away the tears that almost fall because of it.


    ¡°Woojin, do you know what I thought after finding all this out?¡±


    She tried to smile, but her cheeks stiffened awkwardly as if it wasn¡¯t easy.


    ¡°A little.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Just a little bit.¡±


    A wish close to ament.


    Desperation contained within the sorrow.


    ¡°I wished that I¡¯d met you earlier.¡±


    Only then.


    Choi Yiseo smiled at me.


    Without shedding tears, the smile without awkwardness is a confession of love for me and a farewell gift.


    One day.


    When I recall the memories of us.


    This moment.


    That bright smile of Choi Yiseo.


    Is the epilogue of memories and the full stop of a brief love.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    Realizing that.


    ¡°Do I have to go through the same thing again?¡±


    I strode towards Choi Yiseo.


    The stiffness I felt just moments ago seemed like a lie. Sitting in the corner of my room, hugging my knees, and crying over a lost love¡­


    No longer suited the person I had be.


    ¡°Do you remember what you said to me, when Ahn Hyeon-ho confessed and you were walking home that day?¡±


    I reached out to her.


    Choi Yiseo stepped back to avoid my hand, but.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d give me the right to hold on to you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t give up on holding her.


    I reached my hand out again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold me. It¡¯s different now than it was back then¡­¡±


    This time, Choi Yiseo brushed my hand off.


    But still, I reached out again.


    I grabbed her wrist as she tried to push me away and closed the distance between us.


    The distance was close enough to feel each other¡¯s breath.


    I rebuked her with emotions mixed with resentment.


    ¡°Do you know what really pisses me off?¡±


    I was so angry that my head felt hot, and there was one thing that annoyed me so much in this situation.


    Someone who caused a rift between Oh Yoon-ji and me?


    My second brother, who didn¡¯t exin properly while working with Oh Yoon-ji?


    Oh Yoon-ji, who called Choi Yiseo to work and exined separately?


    No.


    Neither of them.


    None at all.


    ¡°What¡¯s really making me angry!¡±


    Is you.


    Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Why do you feel guilty!¡±


    I resented her for feeling guilty.


    ¡°What did you do wrong to hang your head like a sinner?¡±


    I hated her for regretting the past.


    Because I¡­


    ¡°You saved me!¡±


    Because she helped me.


    Thanks to her, I could think that maybe I could love someone again and start over.


    The one who made that possible was Choi Yiseo.


    The one who healed me was her.


    ¡°Why are you regretting that! Why are you thinking of it as a sin! What wrong have you done in that!¡±


    If there was any wrongdoing, it would be by me, Oh Yoon-ji, or someone else that was involved.


    At least, it wasn¡¯t Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you go.¡±


    I release her wrist, which she held tightly while silently shedding tears.


    Then, I gently embrace her as if to hide her in my arms.


    ¡°You are never the perpetrator. No one can point fingers at you.¡±


    Is she a bad woman for loving her friend¡¯s lover?


    No, that¡¯s not it.


    If anyone points fingers.


    ¡°It¡¯s not you, it¡¯s me who¡¯s the bad guy.¡±


    It should have been me all along.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m a scumbag who flirts with this woman and that woman without any principles.¡±


    Seo Yerin, Yu Arin, both the same.


    They both have feelings for me, and this ambiguous situation is ultimately my fault.


    ¡°I¡¯m the bad guy, so don¡¯t you worry.¡±


    You just pitifully met the wrong man.


    Instead, the one who should be stoned for extending his vile hands even to his ex¡¯s friend is me.


    ¡°Do whatever you want. No matter what you do, I¡¯ll be the bad guy at the end.¡±


    If you want to love, then love.


    If you want to leave, then just leave.


    If you want to forget the past and pretend it never happened, then do so.


    But.


    I hoped that it was due to our own emotions.


    I wished it wasn¡¯t because of the guilt I felt through someone else.


    Choi Yiseo, who was sobbing, lightly tapped my chest with her fist.


    A powerless reproach.


    ¡°How could you do that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Even though I¡¯m here, you say you¡¯ll meet someone else¡­as if it¡¯s for me?!¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m trash?¡±


    I gave a slight squeeze to the hand holding Choi Yiseo with a bitter smile.


    ¡°So even if you like me, it¡¯s inevitable, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Bastard! Bad guy!¡±


    Choi Yiseo¡¯s hand, hitting my chest, grew stronger.


    Rather, it felt like she was returning to her original self.


    Facing the winter wind, Iughed heartily.


    Looking up at me, Choi Yiseo clenched her fist and caught her breath.


    ¡°Bad man.¡±


    When we stood in line earlier, you gave me a hint.


    ¡°This is when you kiss.¡±


    Ah.


    ¡°There is a lot to learn.¡±


    I lowered one hand to Choi Yiseo¡¯s waist, supported the back of her neck with the other, and kissed her on the lips.

 Chapter 133: Bad Woman

    Thete night when the streets grew dim.


    Choi Yiseo and I were walking together on the night road.


    We took the bus, but we still needed to walk a bit to reach our amodation, Hotel Building C.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The awkward atmosphere, as cold as the chilly air, pricked at my cheeks.


    There were a few times like this with Choi Yiseo. After a conversation where emotions were poured out intensely, this awkward silence always followed.


    Only the sounds of stepping on the unmelted snow on the street softly reached my ears.


    We kept moving forward, maintaining a distance that was neither too far nor too close.


    Thanks to that, the situation from just a moment ago kept reying in my mind, even though I didn¡¯t want it to.¡®What a real crazy bastard.¡¯


    At that time, I had tried to speak in a way that Choi Yiseo wouldn¡¯t feel unnecessary guilt.


    Thinking about it now, wasn¡¯t it just a gutsy business move, shouting because I was a bad guy?


    ¡®Just a lunatic, nothing more, nothing less?¡¯


    No matter how much I tried to sugarcoat myself, the only answer that came out was that I was trash.


    Rather, I started to worry that Choi Yiseo might lose affection for someone like me.


    ¡°Regretting it?¡±


    Choi Yiseo nced at me, who was in distress.


    Wondering if it was obvious on my face, I touched my cheek and realized I had been frowning deeply.


    ¡°No, well¡­ Honestly, it was a crazy statement, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Muttering while letting out a hollowugh at my own absurdity, Choi Yiseo finally gave a smallugh too.


    Thanks to that, the atmosphere began to lighten up.


    ¡°d you realized.¡±


    ¡°At the time, I was sincere in my own way¡­but, it was a bit of an extreme remark.¡±


    I wanted to dismiss it as a slip of the tongue, but Choi Yiseo seemed rather relieved because of it.


    ¡°That remark was kind of trashy. But I felt that you valued me enough to be your trashy yourself.¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s strange. How can you say that?¡±


    Even now, it was odd to think about.


    How could being a trashy person who ys around with other women be a way to protect Choi Yiseo?


    Well, whatever it was, it seemed to work.


    ¡°Are you staying tonight and leaving tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m only resting until the end of this week, then I have to resume work again.¡±


    With Yoon-ji and my older brother, right?


    Honestly, I was very curious about what kind of work they did, so I considered asking.


    ¡°We¡¯re starting apany by gathering individual broadcasters. Well, I¡¯m just running errands.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I get what you mean.¡±


    Since my older brother has always been very interested in inte broadcasting, he probably has some ideas in that direction.


    I also know that his girlfriend used to be an inte broadcaster.


    ¡®I should call and ask himter.¡¯


    We arrived at the hotel entrance before I knew it.


    I was about to say goodbye when Choi Yiseo, hands deep in her pockets, pouted and said,


    ¡°Take me home.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not like you, acting spoiled.¡±


    ¡°Pleaseee.¡±


    Even acting cute?


    ¡°Hmm, I can¡¯t resist this.¡±


    As I gestured to go, Choi Yiseo smiled and led me.


    Since it would only take a few minutes, I followed without much thought.


    It waste, so there weren¡¯t many people in the hallway, and I was just nning to say a quick goodbye.


    But as soon as the door opened, two people came running out, making a loudmotion.


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin.


    Whether it was before bed or not, both came out in their pajamas and threw words at me the moment they saw me.


    ¡°I told you to send Yiseo back by 8 o¡¯clock!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re disgustinglyte!¡±


    I wanted to exin that there were some circumstances, but it was awkward to exin everything that had happened today.


    ¡°I was justte by chance.¡±


    As I scratched the back of my head and made an evasive excuse, they became even more agitated.


    ¡°Woo! Kim Woojin Woo! Your excusecks sincerity!¡±


    ¡°Can I just hit you by chance?¡±


    These brats.


    As I was about to tell them to be quiet because it waste at night, Choi Yiseo was a bit faster.


    ¡°Woojin said he¡¯s going to be a bad boy from now on.¡±


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    Did you really have to say that here?


    When Seo Yerin and Yu Arin asked what that meant, Choi Yiseo began to exin in detail.


    ¡°He¡¯s a bad guy, so it¡¯s not his fault that girls like him. Even friends fighting over a guy is all his fault.¡±


    ¡°Wow, Kim Woojin flex.¡±


    ¡°Damn, I feel like throwing up.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    What¡¯s this.


    Why am I suddenly getting beaten up.


    ¡°So you guys shouldn¡¯t fight amongst yourselves either. It¡¯s all Woojin¡¯s fault.¡±


    She says this with a bright smile to Seo Yerin and Yu Arin, who are in simr situations.


    And yet, she red at me fiercely.


    It seems she was pleased yet upset by my earlierment.


    ¡°No, I just said that out of anger at the time¡­¡±


    I urgently try to make excuses since I never truly intended to juggle three rtionships at once.


    ¡°Woojin is great, but sometimes he¡¯s really the worst.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the opposite. I hate everything about him, but sometimes he¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, personally, I hate it when you make weird jokes. It¡¯s most annoying when you think it¡¯s funny.¡±


    ¡°Why are you hitting me all of a sudden?¡±


    Suddenly, the three of them started verbally beating me up.


    Their chatter was neither something I could stop nor avoid.


    ¡°Only someone like Chan-woo can pull off being a bad guy with girls around him. Isn¡¯t Kim Woojin just a bad guy wannabe?¡±


    Yu Arin went out of her way to mention Jeong Chan-woo to hurt me.


    ¡°Wannabe. That¡¯s it. It¡¯s perfect. Woojin isn¡¯t a bad guy, just a bad person.¡±


    Choi Yiseo hit the sore spot Yu Arin had already struck, making the bruise worse.


    ¡°Has Woojin been running around outside too much and gotten a fever? Why don¡¯t youe inside and rest for a bit?¡±


    Seo Yerin even went as far as dismissing it as nonsense and checking my forehead for a fever.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    What did I say earlier with these kinds of people?


    What?


    It¡¯s okay because he¡¯s a bad guy?


    ¡°<em>Phew</em>, I should just die when I get home today.¡±


    As Seo Yerin, who was measuring the heat, clenched her fist and resolved to leave this world, she whispered so that the other two wouldn¡¯t hear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind infidelity.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Instead, just use a different thing down there.¡±


    What kind of novel nonsense is this.


    ¡°Every man has only one of those.¡±


    When I responded to something so obvious, Seo Yerin nodded with a bashful smile.


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡±


    You have a novel way of saying not to cheat.


    ¡°Hey, bad guy. Want to sleep over here?¡±


    ¡°Kim Woojin, the bad guy.¡±


    ¡°You freaking bitches.¡±


    I feel dizzy from Yu Arin and Choi Yiseo teasing me together.<ol start="119"><li>I felt such overwhelming shame that I wanted to call 119 and ride away in an ambnce.</li></ol>


    ¡°What do we do! The bad guy seems to have a fever!¡±


    Seo Yerin, with a serious expression, pretended to be worried. Her twitching lips made it obvious she wasn¡¯t sincere and was just teasing.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Though I wanted to flee, being both physically and emotionally exhausted, the three wouldn¡¯t let me go.


    ¡°Where are you going! Off to seduce someone else, bad guy?¡±


    ¡°The English major Batman!¡±


    ¡°The femme fatale Woojin Kim!¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡±


    I feel like I¡¯m going to die from embarrassment!


    As I writhed in agony and shouted, the three burst intoughter.


    They seem to find teasing me incredibly amusing.


    If they provoke me like this, I can¡¯t just stand still.


    Something.


    Isn¡¯t there something that can shut them up?


    The ones who followed me all the way to the elevator.


    I got on the elevator and pressed the ¡®close¡¯ button, mumbling softly.


    ¡°At night, it¡¯s just the weaklings.¡±


    I thought I had toned it down a bit.


    But it seemed like a pretty provocative taunt to them, as they reacted immediately.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who was so surprised that her face turned beet-red and froze.


    It seemed the memory of begging beneath me that night suddenly came to her mind.


    ¡°You bastard!¡±


    Likewise, Yu Arin, whose face turned red with embarrassment, tried to grab the elevator doors.


    But she was a step toote, and the door closed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a weakling.¡±


    Before the door closed, I heard Seo Yerin¡¯s voice, full of grievance.


    Anyway, I took the elevator up to the 8th floor.


    Perhaps I had seeded in getting my revenge.


    Feeling somewhat appeased, I quickly entered my room.


    Passing by the roommates who were still awake and watching a drama together, I went into the bathroom to wash up.


    Just then, a message came in.


    It was from Seo Yerin.<ul><li>Seo Yerin: I¡¯m not a noob.</li></ul>


    What nonsense.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: You¡¯re a noob too. Just admit it.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: ? Come back and prove it.</li></ul>


    Crazy girl.


    Well, to be honest, Seo Yerin is much more proactivepared to the other two.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: You win. Not a noob.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Thanks</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: (photo)</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Gift.</li></ul>


    I thought she sent another revealing photo, but this time it was a bit special.


    A photo that made me smile the moment I saw it.


    The background was a ski resort.


    It was a picture of Yu Arin sledding and smiling brightly among the children.


    ¡°She finally went sledding.¡±


    Iughed in disbelief and immediately sent the photo to Yu Arin.<ul><li>Yu Arin: (photo)</li></ul>


    This time, she sent a photo from the other side.


    The angle was simr, and the background was the same, but the person had changed.


    It was a picture of Seo Yerin enjoying herself on the sled.


    After all that talk about being a tough girl, she ended up riding the sled herself.<ul><li>Kim Woojin: You two really are close friends.</li></ul>


    This time, after sending the photo received from Yu Arin to Seo Yerin and smiling, another photo came in.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: (photo)</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Senior Ju-hee took it for us.</li></ul>


    Seeing the two of themughing together while riding the sled made me chuckle.

 Chapter 134: Lunchtime

    Choi Yiseo had left.


    It was expected, but there was still a bit of regret.


    Since it was enjoyable seeing her after a long time, even if it was brief, the feeling of parting was significant.


    ¡°If you¡¯re Kim Woojin and you¡¯re upset about not touching Choi Yiseo¡¯s chest, upvote. I¡¯ll start.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Kim Woojin, and I upvoted.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin have no consideration for my troubled heart.


    Even while having lunch together in the staff cafeteria, they never miss a chance to tease me.


    ¡°I¡¯m really Kim Woojin, and I don¡¯t regret it at all.¡±I denied it while eating soup with a spoon, but their piercing stares remain unchanged.


    ¡°If you¡¯re Kim Woojin and you asked how to greet a girl you became awkward with in the Bamboo Forest early this morning, upvote.¡±


    ¡°<em>Cough</em>!?¡±


    ¡°¡­Truly, upvote-worthy.¡±


    I coughed involuntarily at Seo Yerin¡¯s sudden ambush, causing Yu Arin to grimace in disgust.


    ¡°How, how did you know?! I wrote and deleted it briefly at dawn!¡±


    ¡°Hehe, I¡¯m the spirit of the Bamboo Forest.¡±


    Anyway, both of them know that I¡¯m the Administrator, and Seo Yerin knows that Yu Arin is the moderator.


    But there¡¯s just one thing.


    ¡°What¡¯s Yerin¡¯s Bamboo Forest number?¡±


    Only Yu Arin doesn¡¯t know Seo Yerin¡¯s identity.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The two of us looked at each other at the same time.


    I looked to Seo Yerin for cues, wondering if it was okay to tell Yu Arin.


    ¡®Oh dear.¡¯


    Seeing her turn pale and break out in a cold sweat, it seemed absolutely forbidden.


    ¡°It¡¯s an anonymousmunity, why do you want to know that?¡±


    ¡°What, that¡¯s an unconvincing persuasion.¡±


    Yu Arin looked puzzled.


    ¡°If Yerin knew you were the Admin from the start, shouldn¡¯t she join as the second Bamboo Forest admin by now?¡±


    Since Yu Arin became the first admin under the condition that she knew the Admin¡¯s identity.


    Seo Yerin had mentioned wanting to be the second adminst time, but now it¡¯s a little different.


    If she epts, Yu Arin would know that Seo Yerin is Anonymous69.


    ¡°No, that was just to get you involved. We don¡¯t force anyone just because they discovered the Admin¡¯s identity.¡±


    ¡°You little¡­¡±


    Yu Arin started to grumble, but I made my own excuses.


    ¡°There are quite a few people who know I¡¯m the Admin, not just you. So just let it slide. We don¡¯t really need more admins right now anyway.¡±


    Actually, Seo Yerin is just Anonymous69.


    There are only a few people like Anonymous90 in the Physical Therapy department, and senior Lee Eun-woo, who has now graduated and handed over the role of administrator to me.


    Still, to exaggerate a bit, Yu Arin just breezes through it with a nasal voice.


    It seems like the atmosphere didn¡¯t feel particrly weing.


    ¡°Well, as long as you don¡¯t pick fights like 11 or act like a sex maniac like 69.¡±


    Immediately, Seo Yerin cringes and shrinks back.


    Does she have the intention to hide it?


    <em>Poke. Poke.</em>


    Under the table, Seo Yerin is bumping her foot against mine, signaling for help with a red alert.


    In that case.


    I decided to choose the lesser of two evils.


    ¡°Anonymous243.¡±


    ¡°243? Who¡¯s that?¡±


    Even Yu Arin couldn¡¯t remember all the numbers.


    ¡°Anime enthusiast.¡±


    ¡°Oh, the otaku!¡±


    Yu Arin ms the table and nods vigorously.


    It seems she understood.


    ¡°I don¡¯t watch anime.¡±


    But Seo Yerin couldn¡¯t ept it.


    ¡®This girl¡­¡¯


    When asked for help and given, she says she doesn¡¯t want it again.


    Staring at Seo Yerin while she avoided my eyes.


    ¡°What are you talking about? You watch anime every day after work.¡±


    Yu Arin countered immediately.


    ¡°You watch a ton of anime in the dorm.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin kept her mouth shut.


    I was dumbfounded and had to say something.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to hide it, can¡¯t you at least think before you speak?¡±


    ¡°I watch a lot of other things besides anime.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Yerin watches a lot of dramas and movies too.¡±


    A typical homebody.


    It was very Seo Yerin-like.


    Having nurtured hersciviousness at home, she ultimately became Sex God.


    ¡°But why did the conversation go this way?! Weren¡¯t we teasing Woojin?¡±


    Seo Yerin, having regained herposure, hurriedly changes the subject.


    She thought she had sessfully diverted the conversation that was about Choi Yiseo earlier, but it came back around.


    ¡°So, did you say goodbye to Yiseo? Did you wish her well?¡±


    ¡°¡­I did.¡±


    I saw her off in the morning, telling her to be careful.


    Choi Yiseo, noticing my awkwardness, smiled and said we¡¯d see each other after the break.


    ¡°Yiseo looked pretty after a long time.¡±


    ¡°Her grown-out hair¡­looked nice.¡±


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin naturally began topliment Choi Yiseo. Her slightly short hair had grown down to her shoulders, giving her a different aura.


    Thanks to her healthy physique, she now exuded elegance.


    ¡°She did look pretty.¡±


    When talking to girls, it¡¯s important to empathize.


    This was a rare topic that I could genuinely rte to, so I agreed quickly.


    <em>Thwack!</em>


    Immediately, Yu Arin kicked my calf under the table.


    Seo Yerin¡¯s foot, which had been stepping on mine earlier, stretched out and pressed against my groin.


    ¡°¡­You guys were the ones praising her.¡±


    I tried to speak up in frustration, but it was no use.


    The two who had finished eating first rose.


    I too finished my meal and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth.


    <em>Vrrr!</em>


    My phone buzzed.


    It was a message from Seo Yerin, who had just been eating with me.<ul><li>Seo Yerin: You¡¯ll keep it a secret that I¡¯m a se*x god, right?</li></ul>


    She still seemed worried about what we had been talking about earlier.


    It must mean she really doesn¡¯t want anyone else to find out.


    ¡®But it might be a bit risky.¡¯


    Yu Arin seems to have forgotten, but when we were looking for Anonymous90¡¯s identity before, I mentioned that I knew who Anonymous69 was.


    If Yu Arin had slightly better memory and deductive skills, it wouldn¡¯t be hard for her to figure out it was Seo Yerin.


    Whatever it may be, for now.<ul><li>Kim Woojin: I won¡¯t tell.</li></ul>


    I gave the obvious answer since I had no intention of telling.


    Her reaction is odd.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: But you never know. What if Arin asks you to tell her while saying she¡¯ll do it once? Would you still not tell her?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: How do you view your friend?</li></ul>


    Seo Yerin has been making a lot of crazy statementstely, but this seemed a bit over the line.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: Aren¡¯t you using this to ckmail me?</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Like making unreasonable demands, shaming me, or asking for my body.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Telling me to work without panties, filming a sex video together, tying me up and sending it forcefully.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: How do you see me?</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Men¡¯s fantasies are all the same! They probably think they can use my weaknesses to make me do all sorts of dirty things!</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: That¡¯s your fantasy.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: So, to hide my identity, I would pretend to listen to you and gradually fall into corruption.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: You¡¯re already corrupted; where else can you fall into?</li></ul>


    No reply.


    Thinking it had finally quieted down, I started brushing my teeth, but another message came in.<ul><li>Seo Yerin: Not doing it?</li></ul>


    Ugh, how annoying.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: No.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Why?</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Why? There¡¯s no reason not to.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Do it.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I stared nkly at my phone.


    In the bathroom mirror, I saw my reflection with a cold, disappointed expression.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: Don¡¯t you have to?</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: (emoji)</li></ul>


    I was contemting what to send to Seo Yerin, who was sending angry emojis.<ul><li>Kim Woojin: If I tell you to spread it, you¡¯ll just spread it anyway.</li></ul>


    I tried to reply in a way that suited Seo Yerin¡¯s taste.


    <em>Wooong! Wooong! Wooong!</em><ul><li>Seo Yerin -</li></ul>


    She called immediately.


    I spit the toothpaste out, rinsed my mouth, and answered the phone.


    ¡°¡­Hello.¡±<ul><li>That was a good line, Woojin?!</li></ul>


    I¡¯m really getting dizzy.


    Should I leave early today?


    ¡°I said something I thought you¡¯d like.¡±<ul><li>There¡¯s a certain situation, you know. I want to feel like I¡¯m being pushed away, bounce back, and then finally conquered.</li></ul>


    ¡°This isn¡¯t that sort of ce.¡±


    What kind of situation does she want to exin?<ul><li>Hey, you tied Arin up and did it. Forcing her.</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I just kept my mouth shut.


    Surely, I had enjoyed it with Seo Yerin in that way.<ul><li>Next time we do it, should we try it like that? What do you think?</li></ul>


    ¡°Well, that¡­ Let¡¯s talk about it then.¡±<ul><li>Okay! Sounds good! I¡¯m excited!</li></ul>


    Seo Yerin, now in a good mood, mixes in some aegyo with her nasal voice.


    ¡°Get back to work.¡±<ul><li>Got it!</li></ul>


    Seo Yerin hangs up.


    A sigh naturally escapes.


    But just imagining it made my lower body tense up a little.


    ¡®Rather¡­¡¯


    How about I really scold her harshly next time?


    To the point where Seo Yerin would be reluctant to even mention the word sex.


    ¡®Would that be possible?¡¯


    Well, it was just a thought.


    Having finished brushing my teeth, I washed my hands and went back to work on Room Service.


    I had to switch shifts with the deputy manager for lunchter.


    When I went to the office, Yu Arin was folding napkins with the other kids.


    As I walked past her, I took revenge for the calf strike earlier and for telling Seo Yerin what we did.


    <em>p!</em>


    ¡°<em>Hic</em>?!¡±


    ¡°Deputy Manager! Time for your meal!¡±


    The crisp sound of the p and Yu Arin¡¯s scream rang out, but my voice was louder and drowned it out.


    ¡°Damn it¡­!¡±


    Breathing heavily and clutching her butt, Yu Arin red at me, and I gave her a thumbs up, saying it was satisfying.

 Chapter 135: Girls Room

    ¡°Hehe.¡±


    Gold One Bakery, Great Korean Hall.


    Seo Yerin was humming a tune as she worked diligently today as well.


    The part-time job was about to end soon.


    Thanks to Seo Yerin¡¯s poprity on SNS, the Bakery¡¯s sales had doubledpared to previous years, making the section chief very happy.


    He sincerely suggested that Seo Yerin consider working full-time, but failed.


    It was clear how much they valued her, given they were worried about what to do after she left.


    Anyway.


    Her time at Gold One was memorable enough to conclude it was a great experience.


    As she was reaching the end.


    There was still one more incident left for Seo Yerin to experience at Gold One.


    Two men walked in at that moment.


    Unlike other customers, they didn¡¯t even nce at the bread.


    The man in front, who was somewhat thin, gave off a sophisticated impression, perhaps because he had waxed his hair, and his clothes were from high-end brands that were not easy to pull off.


    And the other person behind him¡­


    ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t that Cha Seung-ho?¡±


    ¡°They said the shoot would be extended, so he hasn¡¯t left yet!¡±


    ¡°C-can we take a picture?¡±


    While the part-timers were fussing and chatting, Seo Yerin also eximed, ¡°Oh¡±, and looked at Cha Seung-ho in admiration.


    She had seen many famous people, but it was her first time seeing someone as famous as the actor Cha Seungho.


    He always yed leading roles.


    He had a huge fandom and was evaluated as a top-tier actor in terms of acting chops.


    The thin man and Cha Seung-ho looked around the store, and then approached Seo Yerin directly.


    At first, she thought they would ask something about the bread.


    ¡°Hello, I am Jeong Min-chan, the manager from YS Entertainment.¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s heart pounded momentarily as she looked at the manager, who handed over his business card with a bright smile.


    In the past, she would have rejected these without even a second thought.


    But this was the first business card she received after sharing her dream of bing an actress with Kim Woojin.


    Besides, if it is YS Entertainment, it is a well-knownpany with numerous famous celebrities in Korea.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Looking down at the business card, Seo Yerin pursed her lips together.


    Her parents had warned her multiple times to be cautious about these, and she herself had almost been deceived more than once.


    She had seen people who distributed fake business cards, encountered shady agencies with simr names, and even those who tried to lure her into bing an AV actress.


    Just as the flower named Seo Yerin is beautiful, it was inevitable that many pests would be drawn to her.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    This time was different.


    Next to her stood Cha Seung-ho, who was often called a national actor.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re even prettier in person. No wonder Seung-ho insisted on meeting you in person.¡±


    ¡°Haha.¡±


    Cha Seung-houghed awkwardly.


    ¡°Is this a scouting?¡±


    Seo Yerin, who had been staring at the business card, immediately asked.


    It seemed to be the first time someone asked directly, as the manager looked a bit flustered.


    But he soon smiled widely and nodded.


    ¡°You must have a lot of experience with this? Judging by the fact that you haven¡¯t debuted yet, you must have turned them all down.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    She did not deny it.


    Because it was true.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, could we have a cup of coffee together? I don¡¯t know what other offers you¡¯ve received, but I don¡¯t want to miss out on you, Yerin.¡±


    He already knew her name.


    Seo Yerin wondered how he knew as she nced subtly at the Bakery department head.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The department head immediately made an ¡°okay¡± sign with his fingers, signaling his approval.


    ¡°Then, shall we talk over here?¡±


    There were tables at Bakery where one could have bread, so they were guided there.


    With theplimentary coffee, the three of them started chatting about this and that.


    <hr>


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    <em>Knock, knock</em>.


    When I knocked on the front door, footsteps approaching from inside could be heard.


    Since it was a women¡¯s dormitory, I was cautious of my surroundings, but I had gotten quite used to it.


    ¡°I¡¯m a bit nervous.¡±


    Chan-woo, who followed behind me, fidgeted nervously.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be nervous about? We¡¯re just going into their room.¡±


    Besides, they were the ones who called us.


    ¡°Woojin, sometimes you seem amazing.¡±


    ¡°You seem more amazing to me. How do you fail at dating with that face?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Once again, I criticize Chan-woo, who messed up while flirting with a female coworker.


    In our room, Chan-woo was practically a punching bag.


    If you fail at dating with that face, you deserve a beating.


    While others start with a charm level of 0, you alone start at 90 and still fail.


    ¡°If I were you, huh? I¡¯d flirt with everyone. Change girlfriends every day¡­¡±


    <em>Screech.</em>


    ¡°¡­I wouldn¡¯t do that. I¡¯d be devoted. Devotion is the best.¡±


    As soon as I received Yu Arin¡¯s half-closed stare from the door, I immediately changed my words.


    ¡°Shut up. I really want to tear you apart, Kim Woojin.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±


    Entering while under fierce res, I found women sitting in a circle in the living room, snacking.


    Certainly, the structure of this room is identical to ours, and the number of people living here is the same, but there¡¯s a strangely pleasant smell.


    ¡°You¡¯vee!¡±


    ¡°Long time no see, Chan-woo!¡±


    Lee Se-ah and Han Bom greet us right away.


    Especially Lee Se-ah, who has been quite clingy since I helped her with her boyfriend issuest time.


    But I ignored both of them and went straight to greet senior Ju-hee, who was drinking beer.


    ¡°Hello, Senior!¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes.¡±


    As expected.


    Like some kind of godfather, she sips her beer and acknowledges me with a simple hand gesture.


    Seo Yerin has already set up the ce.


    As I naturally sit next to her, she tries to pat my head with a bright smile, but I brush her hand away.


    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡±


    It¡¯s odd to be invited to a girls¡¯ room, and it¡¯s not just me but Chan-woo too.


    I thought it wouldn¡¯t be an ordinary matter, but upon arriving, I found a rather light-hearted drinking party.


    ¡®Did they call us just because they were drunk?¡¯


    I was a bit worried it might be a kind of drunken prank, but the conversation started right away.


    The story was simple and honestly not very shocking.


    It¡¯s impressive that a major agency like YS Entertainment made an offer¡­ But it¡¯s Seo Yerin.


    I¡¯ve seen her get scouted several times already, so it¡¯s not that surprising.


    The important thing would be her reaction.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking differently this time, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    As I asked while staring at Seo Yerin, she smiled bashfully and nodded, pleased that I understood her feelings.


    ¡°Yeah, I thought it would be good to organize my thoughts before telling my parents.¡±


    So that¡¯s why she called us?


    It seemed like the reason was somewhat flimsy, but Seo Yerin continued to exin.


    ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve decided to go out as an extra in a movie being shot at the casino.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°They said it would help to get a feel for the on-site atmosphere. So, I decided to go.¡±


    Seo Yerin blushed and hesitated. It was probably a minor role that would sh by, but she seemed excited nheless.


    The words, ¡®That¡¯s great¡¯, lingered in my mouth but didn¡¯te out.


    How should I put it?


    Being scouted was something I had just epted, but entering the professionals¡¯ workspace so quickly¡­


    It felt like a bit of a distance was forming between us.


    The obvious question of whether our current rtionship would be impossible once Seo Yerin became truly famous popped into my head.


    ¡®Forget it.¡¯


    It was too exaggerated and selfish.


    I just went along with it and asked what the role was, and the role was a suitable one.


    A woman who came alone with no lines, just gestures to show the protagonist who lost their way.


    ¡®Surely, it would befortable.¡¯


    It was a bit funny to see Seo Yerin already practicing her gestures.


    And amidst all this.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s definitely Chan-woo! No matter how handsome Cha Seung-ho is, he can¡¯t beat Chan-woo!¡±


    ¡°Regardless, there¡¯s the dignity of a great actor. If you see him in person, Cha Seung-ho is more handsome.¡±


    Han Bom and Lee Se-ah were arguing about Chan-woo.


    A picture of Cha Seung-ho was visible on Lee Se-ah¡¯s phone.


    He was indeed handsome.


    ¡°Let¡¯s ask Yerin who saw them in person. Yerin, what do you think? Who¡¯s more handsome?¡±


    ¡°Definitely Cha Seung-ho, right? It¡¯s senior Seung-ho, right?!¡±


    Is Lee Se-ah already being treated as a senior just because she¡¯s in the Theatre and Film department?


    It¡¯s admirable how Seo Yerin pretends not to be envious.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin, alternating between looking at Chan-woo and the Cha Seung-ho on her phone, nces at me and smiles.


    ¡°What about Woojin?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Their mouths shut tight, and they look straight at me.


    ¡°What are you staring at?¡±


    One shouldn¡¯t feel embarrassed at times like this.


    Instead, responding confidently makes them immediately overreact.


    ¡°No way! Woojin doesn¡¯t count!¡±


    ¡°Right, we¡¯re talking about gods, why include a human? That¡¯s cruel.¡±


    Seo Yerin, as if it didn¡¯t require a response, picks up and eats a snack. Their eyes shift to senior Ju-hee, who sits alone on the sofa drinking beer.


    ¡°What about you, Senior?¡±


    ¡°Who do you think is more handsome?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Regretting that she couldn¡¯t smoke, she smacked her lips, nced at the photo and Chan-woo, thenughed coolly and said,


    ¡°I miss our pretty one too.¡±


    ¡°Senior-e-e-e-e!¡±


    I immediately jumped up and ran to Ju-hee sunbae, who opened her arms and hugged me.


    The smell of alcohol wafted from her, indicating she¡¯d had more than a couple of cans. Though I didn¡¯t expect a hug, it was a pleasant surprise.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t react like that when I said it.¡±


    Seo Yerin smacked my butt while I was being embraced by senior Ju-hee.


    But Lee Se-ah and Han Bom were already with Yu Arin.


    ¡°Arin, how about you?¡±


    ¡°Chan-woo or Cha Seung-ho?¡±


    After finishing the hug with senior Ju-hee and sitting back down, Yu Arin nced at me too.


    I looked at Yu Arin, filled with a hopeful expectation.


    If they choose me here, I would be the man who beat Cha Seung-ho and Jeong Chan-woo with a 3:1:1 ratio.


    ¡°Ha, Cha Seung-ho.¡±


    Yu Arin answered right away, ignoring my eager gaze.


    Yeah, I expected that.


    Anyway, I was satisfied because I had beaten Jeong Chan-woo and tied with Cha Seung-ho.


    ¡­I should give Yu Arin a smack on the butt before I leave.

 Chapter 136: Actress

    Seeing the crowd bustling near the casino entrance made me reluctant to approach.


    The people weren¡¯t just gathered for gambling; they were here to watch today¡¯s filming.


    ¡°There are so many people.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    I took a break from work toe see Seo Yerin with Yu Arin, but she¡¯s been silent since earlier.


    ¡°Why. Again. What¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°Why? Again? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Instead, Yu Arin grumbles, astonished by my question.


    She jabs my chest with her finger, interrogating me.¡°Why are you so obsessed with butts? Fromst time to yesterday! You keep spanking me secretly!¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s fun.¡±


    I tapped Yu Arin¡¯s butt a few times at the drinking party yesterday, and now her reaction is spot on.


    ¡°Sexual harassment! You bastard! What kind of boss sexually harasses?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your boss! And you enjoyed it too!¡±


    ¡°Shut up! No, I didn¡¯t!¡±


    I clearly remember the sweet moans every time I spanked her.


    ¡°Hmph, forget it then.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, don¡¯t do it. Okay? Got it?¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Usually, I get beaten up by Yu Arin, so I was exacting revenge in this way.


    Now that it¡¯s blocked, I¡¯m a bit worried about how to counterattack next time.


    ¡°Because of you, my butt was red yesterday.¡±


    ¡®¡­I want to see it.¡¯


    As my gaze subtly dropped to Yu Arin¡¯s butt, she hurriedly covered it with both hands, fuming.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it.¡±


    ¡°I said I won¡¯t. Why are you falsely using me?¡±


    It¡¯s not false.


    The truth is, just a moment ago, I was eyeing Yu Arin¡¯s enticing butt.


    ¡°I saw your fingers twitching, you know?¡±


    Damn it, caught.


    ¡°Were your fingers twitching to touch my butt?¡±


    Feigning a bold face, I retort immediately, and Yu Arin steps closer, questioning me again.


    ¡°Then why were your fingers twitching? The size was just right to grab a butt.¡±


    ¡°Seo Yerin¡¯s chest- Puhak!¡±


    ¡°You crazy bastard!¡±


    A punchnded right away.


    I tried to twist my body to avoid it, but instead, I ended up moving my body into the punch.


    I curled up in pain, and Yu Arin stormed off while breathing heavily.


    I followed through the crowd, where Seo Yerin was chatting with actors and others.


    ¡°Famous people.¡±


    Yu Arin, mouth agape, was staring at the people around Seo Yerin.


    Certainly, they were people I had seen a few times on TV or at the movies.


    Seeing them like that, it naturally felt like Seo Yerin belonged over there.


    Among them was Cha Seung-ho, who had been mentioned yesterday.


    ¡®¡­Did they reallypare me to someone like that?¡¯


    A handsome man on par with Chan-woo. It felt almost deceitful that Seo Yerin chose me over someone like him.


    It was a bit discouraging.


    I thought about calling Seo Yerin over to say hello, but as the filming resumed, we kept our mouths shut.


    I had heard that sometimes they control the filming set so people can¡¯t watch, but since this was a hotel, there seemed to be no such control.


    Thanks to that, we could watch Seo Yerin¡¯s acting.


    She was wearing a dress, probably provided by this side, and the aura was unmistakable.


    A rich girl from a wealthy family.


    Even indoors, her elegant gestures while wearing sunsses were impressive.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that outfit a bit too revealing?¡±


    ¡°It has to be. The setting is a casino, after all.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Are you Yerin¡¯s dad?¡±


    I kept my mouth shut at Yu Arin¡¯s incredulous question.


    Certainly, given the setting, the somewhat revealing attire suited the image.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she prettier than the female lead?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t she the female lead?¡±


    ¡°Wow, look at her body.¡±


    The murmurs around us were mostly about Seo Yerin.


    Some were searching to find out who she was, while others knew her as the beauty from the Great Korean bakery.


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    A sense of difort settled in one corner of my chest, but I pretended not to notice.


    In any case, Seo Yerin began her performance.


    ying the role of a rich youngdy who points the way to the escaping protagonist without a single line of dialogue.


    A serious yet elegant gesture, starkly different from the chaotic performance shown at yesterday¡¯s drinking party.


    Even with just that one thing.


    ¡®Ah.¡¯


    I was convinced that this child had to be an actor.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    I smiled awkwardly and turned my body, still staring nkly at Seo Yerin.


    Since I hade during a short break, I couldn¡¯t stay long.


    ¡°¡­What?¡±


    Yu Arin looked at me with a subtle expression as we stepped out of the crowd.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Your expression doesn¡¯t look good.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really like crowded ces.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s just that, though?¡±


    She¡¯s quite perceptive.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry. The managers will get angry.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    As I hastily changed the subject and quickened my pace, Yu Arin urgently caught up and linked arms with me.


    She was holding on tight enough to feel a bit of pain, as if insisting that I couldn¡¯t let go.


    It wasn¡¯t just me who was feeling emotional; Yu Arin also seemed to be feeling a strange anxiety.


    I slowed my steps, keeping my mouth shut, and matched her pace.


    ¡°Yerin, you were really good!¡±


    ¡°Right. Wow, I felt a wall of divide. Is this what a genius is?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, thank you.¡±


    Seo Yerin couldn¡¯t help but let her lips curl up at the actors¡¯pliments.


    She was more excited about bragging than about thepliments themselves.


    After all, she was being praised by professional actors.


    ¡°But today, by any chance¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t pressure her.¡±


    The actors were chatting away in front of her, but Seo Yerin couldn¡¯t hear them.


    After ncing down at her phone, she looked around.


    ¡®The guys said they wereing.¡¯


    Surely, they said they woulde to watch during break time.


    She even sent a message saying it was starting soon, so they should havee.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    At that moment, a guy and a girl caught Seo Yerin¡¯s eye.


    Kim Woojin and Yu Arin were turning their backs and heading back to work.


    Yu Arin,fortably linking arms with Kim Woojin, who matched her pace as they walked.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A strange emotion welled up.


    Just a moment ago, she had been in a good mood.


    She was excited about receivingpliments and the thought of bragging about it to Kim Woojin and other friends.


    ¡°Yerin, the director liked the scene just now so much that he¡¯s putting it in the trailer.¡±


    Despite the good news from the lead actor, Cha Seung-ho, Seo Yerin couldn¡¯t feel at ease.


    ¡®I thought I could be unaffected by all this.¡¯


    Choi Yiseo too, and Yu Arin as well.


    Recently, despite various events causing some ambiguity, she was relieved that their rtionship hadn¡¯t deteriorated.


    <em>Squeeze.</em>


    Her hand gripped the phone tighter.


    Seo Yerin, who had been nkly watching the two leave, eventually couldn¡¯t hold back and picked up her phone.<ul><li>Anonymous69: I want to have seX!</li></ul>


    Though she always did, today she posted a remark with slightly more intense emotion.


    ¡°Ha.¡±


    A bitter sigh escaped.


    Not at all, not even a little.


    She felt no relief.


    ¡°What?! Is that really true?!¡±


    The assistant director, upon receiving the call from Gold One Hotel, unconsciously stood up from his seat.


    ¡°Oh, thank you so much! Yes! Yes! Thank you very much!¡±


    He even bowed his head several times while on the phone, which said it all.


    <em>Click.</em>


    The call ended, and the assistant director swung his fists around with a broad smile.


    ¡°Nice! Nice! Nice!¡±


    Gold One, which strictly prohibited filming inside the casino, had given them two whole days to shoot inside.


    That was more than enough.


    Filming was only possiblete at night when the casino was closed, but they even offered to lend lighting and costumes.


    He had no idea why the conservative Gold One suddenly became so amodating.


    ¡°How much of the production budget is being saved?¡±


    The realistic setting and the fact that no separate set or CGI was needed reduced production costs.


    The news about being able to shoot inside the casino was immediately shared with the filming team and actors, and everyone was delighted.


    ¡°This is really great news, Director.¡±


    ¡°Right? Ahem, but about actor Cha¡­¡±


    While contacting the lead actor, Cha Seung-ho, the assistant director made a subtle suggestion.


    ¡°You know, that Yerin girl we shot today?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. You even remembered her name?¡±


    Of course, he had to remember.


    Isn¡¯t it said that talent shows from an early stage?


    Seo Yerin undoubtedly had the qualities to be a great actress.


    ¡°How about we use Yerin a bit more? Give her a few more lines and a brief role as an assistant.¡±


    ¡°You know we¡¯ve already marked Yerin as ours, right?¡±


    Worried that Seo Yerin might be taken away, Cha Seung-ho made a remark, and the assistant directorughed helplessly.


    ¡°Of course, I know. After all, I¡¯m just the assistant director. It¡¯s just that it feels like a waste for her to appear so briefly. From what I saw today, her acting is a bit raw, but she¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to include a scene with Seo Yerin in the trailer, but if that¡¯s all, it might be a bit disappointing. Wouldn¡¯t it be better for YS if Seo Yerin appeared more?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    It was a chance for the next-generation star to make an impression on the audience beforehand.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll talk to Seo Yerin about it.¡±


    ¡°Okay, please do.¡±


    Ending the call, the assistant director immediately called the scriptwriter.

 Chapter 137: Negotiation

    Lately, I found myself zoning out often.


    I was aware of it myself, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of being dazed.


    ¡°Are you not paying attention?¡±


    That was the case even while I was working.


    It was almost time for my part-time job to end, so people said I was cking, but it wasn¡¯t easy to get my head straight.


    ¡®Why am I like this?¡¯


    Even when I asked myself, the frustration remained.


    I knew the answer but didn¡¯t particrly want to dwell on it.


    It must be because of Seo Yerin.Seeing her work as an actress unsettled me strangely.


    I knew all too well that this was a disgusting feeling of obsession and possessiveness.


    I had felt something simr with my ex-girlfriend.


    Oh Yoon-jiined to me that she thought only she had severe obsession and jealousy.


    Actually, at that time, I was quite obsessed with Oh Yoon-ji.


    When I thought about how I fell apart after she left, it wasn¡¯t hard to see how tenacious I had been.


    But feeling such emotions towards Seo Yerin¡­


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Yu Arin spoke to me as I stood there nkly holding the cart.


    At least Yu Arin was someone who made me feelfortable recently.


    ¡°A guy who used to be good at his job can¡¯t even do that now. What use are you?¡±


    She kept joking around every time she saw me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, go.¡±


    She moved her feet busily while pushing the cart.


    But even as I pressed the elevator button, theplexity in my head didn¡¯t go away.


    Complexity.


    Yeah, it seemed like the current state was best defined that way.


    My mind was veryplicated, feeling self-loathing, suffering, and jealousy.


    ¡®It¡¯s annoying.¡¯


    There were many times when I hated myself.


    This time, it¡¯s just one of those countless feelings of self-reproach.


    I decided to let it just pass it over.


    ¡°They say we need to vacate this room?¡±


    After work.


    Yu Arin and I were at the hotel room where we had spent the night in the past.


    The room given by my sister-inw, who is also my eldest brother¡¯s secretary.


    I thought it might be useful, but in the end, I used it with Yu Arin only once.


    I didn¡¯t feel any regret.


    Rather, I thought this room had served its purpose well enough.


    Anyway, vacating the room wasn¡¯t a problem.


    ¡°What are we supposed to do with this?¡±


    The problem was the adult items inside. Seeing them piled up like a mountain made me click my tongue.


    When I asked, Yu Arin scratched her cheek awkwardly and answered.


    ¡°They said to take them along?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    What are we supposed to do with these?


    ¡°First, let¡¯s divide what you will take and what I will take.¡±


    When I gave a thumbs-up and spoke, Yu Arin suggested with an annoyed expression.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we just throw everything away?¡±


    ¡°Most of it is brand new, not even unwrapped. Plus, looking at the brands, a lot of these are really expensive.¡±


    ¡°How would Woojin know that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Pretending not to hear, I randomly grabbed something. Unfortunately, it was a squishy onahole, which felt rather disgusting.


    ¡°But it does seem expensive.¡±


    Yu Arin nodded in agreement.


    I was fascinated by the squishy texture of the onahole and was busy swinging it around.


    ¡°The Vice President wouldn¡¯t use anything cheap.¡±


    Suddenly, my body froze.


    When I looked at Yu Arin to ask what she meant, she shrugged.


    ¡°They were going to use these themselves and then gave them to us. So, they might have used these too¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, fuck!¡±


    I screamed as I threw the onahole, which might have been used by my oldest brother, straight onto the floor.


    Oh, shit.


    There are depths in this world that one should never know, and it was true.


    The tower of adult toys in front of me was something that should never have been built.


    A Tower of Babel constructed by the corruption of modern times.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just throw them all away.¡±


    When I firmly said this, Yu Arin showed a slightly ambiguous reaction.


    She had just suggested throwing them away, but now that she knew their value, she seemed somewhat tempted.


    ¡°How about we don¡¯t throw them away but take them for now? We can sell them on second-hand markets like Junggonara.¡±


    ¡°Who would buy something like this on Junggonara?¡±


    Even though there are some new ones, selling adult toys on a second-hand market like Junggonara seems a bit much.


    Even Yu Arin herself seemed speechless upon reconsidering and kept her mouth tightly shut.


    ¡°No, but why do we have to handle this? It was just one pair of handcuffs that was used!¡±


    When I shouted while lifting the handcuffs Yu Arin and I had usedst time, her face turned red.


    The way she squirmed was suggestive, making me think she was trying to seduce me.


    I almost pounced on her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to my older brother about it.¡±


    I immediately called the person directly involved in this situation.


    We weren¡¯t in the habit of calling each other often, but this needed to be cleared up.


    After a few rings, my older brother¡¯s voice came through.<ul><li>You¡¯ve been calling me frequently these days. What¡¯s the matter now?</li></ul>


    His straightforwardness was just like him, so I went straight to the point as well.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you clean up the stuff you enjoyed in your room?¡±<ul><li>Room?</li></ul>


    ¡°You remember giving the room key card to Yu Arin at the C Building Hotel? Room 909. You¡¯ve piled up adult products here.¡±<ul><li>What are you talking about?</li></ul>


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know? Then who did your wife use these with? Should I take it as your wife cheated? Should I call Mom right now?¡±<ul><li>¡­Don¡¯t do that.</li></ul>


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you just admit you used them?¡±<ul><li>I didn¡¯t use them.</li></ul>


    ¡°Sure, sure, you didn¡¯t use them but packed them.¡±<ul><li>¡­¡­</li></ul>


    ¡°Damn, it¡¯s true.¡±


    A sigh escaped as I pped my forehead. The items in front of me felt filthy.


    ¡°Ah, I really want to puke, but let¡¯s finish this conversation first. What are you going to do? Take this away.¡±<ul><li>Use them as you please or sell them. Most of them are unused anyway.</li></ul>


    ¡°Just tell me. Which ones were used? I¡¯ll throw away the ones that were unwrapped.¡±<ul><li>¡­¡­</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­You shouldn¡¯t be the vice president.¡±<ul><li>Among my peers, I¡¯m considered quite clean. Here, having at least three or four partners is the norm.</li></ul>


    I wanted to call them bad guys, but I couldn¡¯t because I met Arin¡¯s eyes.


    I¡¯m in no position to criticize anyone about rtionships.<ul><li>But your stomach is full.</li></ul>


    ¡°What now.¡±


    Look at him changing the subject for no reason.<ul><li>From now on, neither your mother nor I n to support you financially.</li></ul>


    Yes, mom secretly gave me some pocket money to use without my brother knowing.


    She secretly stashed it in my pocket to use as a slush fund.<ul><li>Then why don¡¯t you try selling those things? There are many unopened items.</li></ul>


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying everything that¡¯s opened has been used.¡±<ul><li>¡­¡­</li></ul>


    Coincidentally, YunArin was organizing the opened and unopened items neatly.


    ¡°Who in their right mind would¡­.¡±


    I was about to say when suddenly.


    ¡°Wait a minute, this might actually work.¡±


    After hanging up, I called Chan-woo and got someone¡¯s number.


    A few minutester.<ul><li>Hello?</li></ul>


    A somewhat androgynous voice.


    Though it sent chills down my spine, I tried to maintain myposure.


    ¡°Do you remember me?¡±<ul><li>Oh, of course I remember. We had a good time that night.</li></ul>


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me, it was Chan-woo you had a good time with.¡±


    I corrected the bald man, and heughed but didn¡¯t deny it.


    Thank goodness.


    ¡°Do you buy adult products? I have some expensive, unopened ones here.¡±


    Iter found out from Chan-woo.


    Surprisingly, the owner of the store where we bought the adult products was the bald man himself.


    The man has quite the knack.


    I even slightly suspect that he was the one who led our drunken selves there.<ul><li>Can you take pictures and send them?</li></ul>


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I told Yu Arin toe out, take photos, and send them.


    The reaction was intense.<ul><li>Wow? Only expensive brands? Are you really just selling those?</li></ul>


    ¡°We¡¯ll give you a bit of a discount since we know each other.¡±


    They¡¯re hard to get rid of anyway.


    Even if it¡¯s cheaper, getting some money is better than none, right?<ul><li>But what are those ripped ones next to them?</li></ul>


    ¡°Oh, those are used items.¡±<ul><li>¡­Did you use them?</li></ul>


    Why does it seem like he¡¯s smacking his lips?


    Fucking annoying.


    ¡°Fucking annoying.¡±<ul><li>¡­¡­</li></ul>


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry.¡±<ul><li>No, it¡¯s understandable.</li></ul>


    ¡°But smacking your lips is a bit too much, isn¡¯t it?¡±<ul><li>Sorry, I couldn¡¯t help it. It was my mistake.</li></ul>


    If he didn¡¯t at least have good manners, I would have just cursed him out, but that¡¯s not it either.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me; someone else used them. Are you interested? They¡¯re used.¡±<ul><li>Who used them?</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­Does it matter if you know?¡±<ul><li>Depending on their face, the price can drop or rise. Roughly a 0.5 to 1.5 times difference?</li></ul>


    ¡°Please wait.¡±


    I immediately call my brother.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m trying to sell your used onahole to a bald gay guy, can you send me a picture?¡±<ul><li>¡­What?</li></ul>


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to sell that dirty adult toy you used, and the bald guy said he¡¯d pay double if he saw your face. But I don¡¯t carry your picture on my phone.¡±<ul><li>Don¡¯t do that.</li></ul>


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to send it?¡±<ul><li>Do you think I would?</li></ul>


    Ugh.


    ¡°Can¡¯t be helped then. I¡¯ll just use the vice president¡¯s picture from yourpany site.¡±<ul><li>¡­Just take care of it.</li></ul>


    ¡°It¡¯s mine now, what are you talking about? If you don¡¯t send the picture, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±<ul><li>Double.</li></ul>


    ¡°Sir, your tongue is too long, so the price went up midway. 2.5 times.¡±<ul><li>Stop messing around.</li></ul>


    ¡°Okay, 3 times.¡±<ul><li>Hooooooo.</li></ul>


    ¡°Four times?¡±<ul><li>Let¡¯s settle for 2.5 times.</li></ul>


    ¡°Ugh, forget it. What¡¯s the point of taking that? I¡¯ll just sell it to the bald guy to mess with you.¡±<ul><li>¡­Three times.</li></ul>


    ¡°Thanks, bro!¡±<ul><li>You really make me want to curse.</li></ul>


    ¡°Is that all your negotiation skills amount to, and you¡¯re still a vice president? Give it up.¡±<ul><li>You son of a¡­</li></ul>


    <em>Click.</em>


    Damn bastard.


    This is payback for the rude words you said to mest time.


    ¡°What did you decide to do?¡±


    Yu Arin, who had finished tidying up, asked with a bright smile, and I responded by giving a thumbs-up.


    ¡°For unused items, a bit below the list price. For used items, three times the list price.¡±


    ¡°¡­How does that even work?¡±


    I gave a big smile to Yu Arin, who seemed utterly confused.


    ¡°Shall we go eat some beef?¡±


    ¡°Beef!¡±


    The questions she had just moments ago vanished, and Yu Arin, now focused on beef, hummed a tune.

 Chapter 138: Choice

    Chapter 138: Choice


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    Seeing the hefty sum deposited into my ount, I couldn¡¯t help but click my tongue.


    The bald guy was impressive, but the money sent by my eldest brother was truly overwhelming.


    <ul>


    <li>I sent a little extra. Thanks for showing me something fun.</li>


    </ul>


    The voice of my sister-inw,ughing with a nasal tone.


    Seeing herugh and say that it was her first time seeing my eldest brother express his emotions so openly, I thought we might get along well.


    ¡°Beef! Beef! Beef! Beef!¡±


    Yu Arin, who had turned into something other than human after I mentioned buying beef.


    It was hrious watching her run around the room like a primate shouting for beef that I almost considered filming it.


    Anyway.


    There are two options for eating beef.


    ¡°Beef! Beef! Beef! Beef! Moo!¡±


    One option was to go out of Gold One to eat. I wonder if there¡¯s a decent beef restaurant nearby.


    Most ces are pawnshops or loan offices, so I¡¯m not sure about the restaurants.


    ¡°Moooorning! Moooorning!¡±


    Another option was to just eat at Gold One. Of course, it would be ridiculously expensive, but it¡¯s opente and the quality is guaranteed.


    ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Since we¡¯re eating out anyway, might as well go for something expensive.


    ¡°Moo! Cooooow! Moooorning!¡±


    ¡°Enough already, get ready to go.¡±


    I put my clothes on while trying to stop Yu Arin, who had now be a cow and was mooing.


    Yu Arin also smiled brightly and jumped up, quickly running towards the entrance.


    ¡°First, let¡¯s go to Building A. There¡¯s an expensive beef restaurant there, right? That way¡­¡±


    ¡°Uchon?! You¡¯re going to Uchon?! It¡¯s 100,000 won per person there!¡±


    Oh?


    A hundred thousand won is a bit much.


    ¡°Woojin! Admin! Master! I pledge my loyalty! Please, beat me up for all the times I¡¯ve acted out!¡±


    ¡°¡­Oh well, let¡¯s just go.¡±


    There are only two of us, how much can we possibly eat?


    ¡°Should we stop by the convenience store? Maybe grab a snack before we go¡­¡±


    ¡°Master, please don¡¯t fuck around.¡±


    ¡°¡­Alright, let¡¯s just go.¡±


    Yu Arin swears while bowing politely. Well, it makes sense to splurge once in a while.


    In fact, the living expenses were already covered to some extent by working here.


    Besides, working here was kind of a bonus, and I nned to look for a part-time job elsewhere.


    I¡¯ve worked hard managing the Bamboo Forest, and I¡¯ve also helped with adult toy deliveries.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! We¡¯re eating at least two servings!¡±


    ¡°I love you! I really love youuu! My man is so coo-ool!¡±


    She immediately clung to me, bouncing around.


    After returning the room key card, which we had been using secretly, at the lobby, we took the internal bus of Gold One back to Building A.


    It¡¯s now 7 PM.


    It¡¯s a bitte for dinner, but personally, I think it¡¯s just the right time to eat meat.


    When we arrived at Uchon, we could hear people¡¯s voices here and there.


    I thought there wouldn¡¯t be many people because it¡¯s such an expensive ce, but apparently not.


    You could see people dressed in luxury brands, exchanging pleasantries with rxed smiles.


    Or, some people who might have hit the jackpot at the casino, enjoying themselves with stacks of liquor bottles, despite being in somewhat shabby attire.


    There were separate rooms, but since it was just the two of them, we couldn¡¯t go in and just sat at a table with a partition.


    ¡°Arin? Yu Arin?¡±


    Yu Arin, who had be a beast again, quickly scanned the menu. The prices were indeed high, but honestly,pared to what we earned today, it wasn¡¯t too much of a burden.


    First, we ordered three servings of ribeye.


    ¡°Even the kimchi here costs money.¡±


    Thinking that expensive ces are originally like this, she clicked her tongue and realized why the restaurants she used to follow her mom to were so kind to her.


    With these prices, they should be kind.


    The meat came out faster than expected, and our meal was also quick.


    Though the meat was expensive, it wasn¡¯t as big as expected, which was a bit disappointing, but all such feelings were resolved with just one bite.


    ¡°It¡¯s so delicious!¡±


    Yu Arin almost melted.


    Seeing tears welling up while savoring the taste, I thought it was a good decision to bring her along.


    ¡°This is the taste of money.¡±


    I understood why people always talked about money. They earned it to enjoy things like this.


    The food was so delicious that we naturally ordered drinks, and unintentionally, we ended up having apany dinner of the Bamboo Forest.


    As manager and employee, we toasted to our hard work, exchanging cheerfulpliments.


    ¡°What are you two doing?¡±


    A familiar face peeked over the partition.


    It was Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Yerin? What are you doing here?¡±


    Startled, Yu Arin asked. Seo Yerin answered with a stiff expression.


    ¡°Well, the director and the actor wanted to discuss additional shooting¡­so I came for that.¡±


    It seemed like she had arrived before us and was in a room.


    ¡°Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Oh my, my eyes.¡±


    They say handsome people have an aura, and it¡¯s true. The moment I saw Cha Seung-ho following behind Seo Yerin, I instinctively covered my eyes with both hands.


    ¡°Kheh, crazy guy.¡±


    Yu Arin, in front of me, seemingly a bit drunk, giggled at my reaction.


    However, the atmosphere was not as lighthearted as I thought.


    ¡°Are they your friends?¡±


    Seo Yerin nodded without looking at Cha Seung-ho who asked cautiously.


    He seemed displeased, looking at Yu Arin and me with a dark expression.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Did Cha Seung-ho notice that too?


    He nced at us, then suggested with a friendly smile.


    ¡°Would you like to join us? We have plenty of seats.¡±


    ¡°¡­What about the bill?¡±


    ¡°Haha, of course, we¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    ¡°Yay! Arin, let¡¯s move right away.¡±


    ¡°Aye aye, captain!¡±


    We immediately grabbed the meat and followed Cha Seung-ho. Maybe because he¡¯s a big actor, he does things on a grand scale.


    ¡°Four more servings of meat inside!¡±


    ¡°One cold noodles and one soybean soup added here!¡±


    He even ces additional orders as we go in.


    Seeing him smile and say we look cute, indeed, he¡¯s a big actor.


    I¡¯m a fan of Cha Seung-ho from now on.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    As we entered the room, a man who seemed to be the director looked puzzled, but the big actor promptly exined that we were Seo Yerin¡¯s friends.


    ¡°Ah, Yerin¡¯s friends? Order as much as you like.¡±


    ¡°We already did!¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ¡°We¡¯ll squeeze into a corner and enjoy our meal!¡±


    Weughed brightly as we took our seats in the corner and devoured the meat and naengmyeon (cold noodles).


    Although Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze was fixed on us, aren¡¯t those people over there more important?


    ¡°So we decided to give Ms. Yerin a separate role. The screenwriter initially said no, but as soon as they saw Ms. Yerin¡¯s footage, they immediately approved.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    Look at her answering so demurely.


    Today she wrote in the Bamboo Forest that she wants to have sex.


    ¡°There aren¡¯t many lines. You just need to say a few words, but it has quite an impact. Shall we say it really highlights the character?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Will you be okay with that? It¡¯s fine if it¡¯s too much pressure, but we would really like Ms. Yerin to do it.¡±


    As the director gently spoke, Cha Seung-ho chimed in supportively from the side.


    ¡°This is a great opportunity for Ms. Yerin to attain some exposure. Since you¡¯re not contracted with YS yet, it¡¯s a good story to tell that an ordinary person caught the director¡¯s eye and became an actor on the spot.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It certainly is a great opportunity.


    Especially since Seo Yerin didn¡¯t want to miss this chance either.


    I thought she might ept it.


    Seo Yerin¡¯s gaze fixed on me, she took a breath and bowed her head slightly.


    Then.


    ¡°Can I think about it for a moment?¡±


    Then she got up from her seat.


    It seemed like she was going to the bathroom, but the director and Cha Seung-ho didn¡¯t stop her and let her go.


    As I was absentmindedly staring at the spot Seo Yerin had vacated, Yu Arin, who was eating meat on the opposite side, suddenly stood up.


    ¡°Be right back.¡±


    Even though I didn¡¯t say anything, did she know what Seo Yerin was contemting?


    She got up and headed outside in a chic manner, unlike her previous distraction with the meat.


    Then the atmosphere felt a bit heavier.


    As I took a big sip of the broth to cool my insides with naengmyeon, the remaining director and actor Cha Seung-ho were staring at me.


    ¡°That, your name is¡­¡±


    ¡°Kim Woojin.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Mr. Woojin.¡±


    Cha Seung-ho awkwardly smiled and cautiously asked me.


    ¡°Do you think Ms. Yerin will do it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re asking me that?¡±


    ¡°You two seem a bit close¡­¡±


    We are close.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, I nodded.


    ¡°Won¡¯t she? She seemed somewhat interested in it herself.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Cha Seung-ho, nodding slightly, seemed somewhat relieved but it didn¡¯t seem like he was done talking.


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    The director, noticing this, interrupted.


    ¡°I feel a bit awkward interfering in you guys¡¯ matters, but¡­have you ever dated Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Uh, well¡­¡±


    For about 3 minutes?


    When Seo Yerin¡¯s mother found out, we dated for 3 minutes and broke up.


    ¡°No?¡±


    But honestly, it¡¯s a bit vague to say we dated for 3 minutes, so I denied it for now.


    ¡°Then is it unrequited love?¡±


    ¡°It seems like it.¡±


    The two of them reached a conclusion.


    The director looked at me and started to speak frankly.


    ¡°Woojin, Yerin will probably be an actress. YS is also paying attention to her and will provide full support.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°From what we see, it seems that Yerin has feelings for you.¡±


    Since she made it so obvious earlier, it was hard not to notice.


    ¡°I roughly understand.¡±


    When I answered honestly, they were slightly taken aback but continued speaking.


    ¡°Can you talk to Yerin? It seems you have a girlfriend, Woojin.¡±


    ¡°For Yerin, who is going to be an actress. Speaking as a fellow actor, you should avoid scandals as much as possible. And right from the beginning¡­¡±


    Cha Seung-ho drew a cold line, though he looked as if he didn¡¯t want to say it.


    ¡°We live in different worlds. Once she be an actress, Yerin will understand. Woojin cutting ties now will leave the most beautiful memories.¡±


    It was funny.


    ¡®I do have a good sense.¡¯


    The moment I saw Seo Yerin bing an actress, various thoughts crossed my mind.


    Among them, the most significant was the wall.


    The feeling of living in a different world was so intense that it might have been why I felt so unsettled until now.


    So just now, I pretended not to hear the conversation and focused only on the meat.


    At least, hearing it so bluntly made me feel a bit more at ease.


    ¡°That¡¯s.¡±


    I responded while eating the meat again.


    ¡°It¡¯s Seo Yerin¡¯s choice.¡±

 Bamboo Forest Manager

    I felt like my stomach was about to burst.


    Yu Arin and I decided to leave first, while Seo Yerin stayed behind to receive the script and discuss settings and characters.


    After stepping out for a moment, Seo Yerin eventually decided to ept the role.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Even on the way back, Yu Arin didn¡¯t say much.


    She must have talked a bit while following Seo Yerin outside earlier.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s go to the convenience store.¡±


    ¡°¡­Is the ¡®master¡¯ talk over now?¡±


    ¡°Since the cow is all eaten, you are no longer the master.¡±Seeing her act shamelessly, she must be fine.


    Rather, I thought it was fortunate and headed to the convenience store.


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy it for you, here.¡±


    Saying that, she handed me a Hershey¡¯s bar without giving me a chance to choose anything. She picked up a Chong and went to the counter.


    ¡°You are human after all. Since you¡¯re buying for me.¡±


    ¡°But didn¡¯t they actually pay for everything? We just ate and left.¡±


    ¡°Still, the gesture matters.¡±


    Yu Arin, sipping her Chong, doesn¡¯t really argue with me.


    She smacks her lips and steps outside to wait for the bus.


    Yu Arin, silently drinking her Chong, suddenly throws out a question.


    ¡°What if Yerin bes an actress?¡±


    I thought she might ask this.


    She really did ask.


    ¡°Would you believe me if I said it doesn¡¯t bother me?¡±


    When I probe her, Yu Arin ignores me by sipping her Chong.


    It meant she wanted an honest answer.


    ¡°A bit¡­no, by quite a lot, I¡¯d be disappointed.¡±


    I answer reluctantly, lifting my gaze as if making an excuse.


    The night sky was clear, but somehow¡­


    Today, unusually, there wasn¡¯t a single star in the mountain valley.


    It felt like it was urging me not to make excuses, so I lowered my head again.


    ¡°Are you disappointed?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s disappointing. If she bes an actress, we won¡¯t see her often at school.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°Why? What did you talk about with Seo Yerin?¡±


    Since it finally felt like the right time to ask, I cautiously inquired. Yu Arin pouted and looked at me.


    ¡°Trash.¡±


    ¡°¡­But I bought you beef, doesn¡¯t that make me less trashy?¡±


    I tried to defend myself.


    ¡°Kind trash.¡±


    Buying beef does make someone seem kind. Though, it¡¯s not like any money came out of my wallet today.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d be a bad guy.¡±


    ¡°Why are you bringing up dark history?¡±


    Embarrassment surged up, but Yu Arin¡¯s expression was serious.


    ¡°If you were truly a bad guy, it would have been better. Then Yerin could leave without any regrets.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re kind trash.¡±


    Yu Arin looked at me, smiling as if she felt relieved.


    On the contrary, I was wondering what she meant, but Yu Arin shook her head.


    ¡°I denied liking you so many times. But once I admitted it, I regretted it countless times, thinking I shouldn¡¯t have liked you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°But seeing that I keep liking you. Ah, I must really like you.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was smiling brightly, slightly leaned her head towards me.


    ¡°Do you want to know what Yerin is thinking right now?¡±


    ¡°¡­I want to know.¡±


    ¡°Then, here.¡±


    Yu Arin pointed to her lips with her finger. As I stared nkly at her, I nced around.


    Then, I cautiously kissed her.


    The kiss was truly sweet, sticky, and also dense.


    Yes, it was a kiss like sweet chocte milk.


    When I slowly pulled away, Yu Arin stared nkly at me, then furrowed her brows and pouted.


    ¡°One more time.¡±


    ¡°Is it okay to do this here?¡±


    ¡°If we do it in the room, it will be even more intense.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not wrong.¡±


    We kissed again.


    This time it was a longer, deeper kiss, and as the distant sound of a bus approached, we slowly unlocked our lips.


    ¡°Loaning you out is really frustratingly unfair.¡±


    Yu Arin licked her lips once and gave a sly smile before hugging me tightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault.¡±


    I hugged her back as she med me.


    I didn¡¯t think she was particrly small, but hugging her made her feel rather petite.


    ¡°I know how kind of a trash you are¡­that¡¯s why you keep helping others.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying, so exin it to me first.¡±


    Still tightly embraced in my arms, Yu Arin began to recount the conversation she had just had with Seo Yerin.


    Only then did I understand.


    Seo Yerin¡¯s concerns became clear to me.


    The next dawn.


    The casino was bustling with the filming crew.


    Thanks to the permission to use all the interior props except for the chips, the assistant director was excited, exhaling heavily.


    ¡°Wow, this is amazing. The atmosphere is definitely alive.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    The staff around the assistant director also agreed.


    The artificially built set could never exude such a subtle atmosphere.


    A ce where the cheers and tears of countless people coexisted.


    The murky weightiness.


    It was exactly the ce the assistant director wanted.


    ¡°Thanks to this, we saved on building a set and even got additional production sponsorship.¡±


    Laughter was inevitable.


    Seo Yerin was among the actors.


    Some actors were making silly jokes among themselves, iming they had been here before.


    They were sticking together because it was said that acting bes easier when you get closer, but their expressions were not very pleasant.


    ¡°Are you nervous?¡±


    Actor Cha Seung-ho approached her with a smile.


    Other male actors were subtly hovering around Seo Yerin, concerned, but with Cha Seung-ho¡¯s appearance, they had no choice but to step back.


    ¡°No, not really.¡±


    ¡°But your expression doesn¡¯t look good.¡±


    ¡°¡­Maybe it¡¯s because I woke up early.¡±


    Anyone could tell it was a lie.


    Especially to Cha Seung-ho, whose profession was acting, it was unmistakably a lie.


    ¡°Yerin, yesterday¡­ Woojin? Is it because of him?¡±


    Seo Yerin closed her mouth.


    She wanted to retort and ask why Kim Woojin was being brought up, but she felt she might just end up venting her anger.


    However, Cha Seung-ho didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Yerin, I¡¯ve had a simr experience. I was dating a girl before¡­but we broke up because of my acting career.¡±


    He tried to establish a sense of solidarity.


    It seems to have worked, as Seo Yerin, who looked ready to explode moments ago, now shows interest in Cha Seung-ho¡¯s story.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t regret it. I¡¯ve met many great people through this job, and I¡¯ve felt it firsthand.¡±


    ¡°Felt¡­it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Yerin. People who use luxury goods from the beginning don¡¯t know what¡¯s luxurious. It¡¯s only when someone who hasn¡¯t used them tries them that they feel it.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yerin, you¡¯ll start to understand. As you work in this field, and talk to the people here.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°This is what luxury feels like. You¡¯lle to realize it.¡±


    She wanted to argue what he meant by that.


    She was ready to get angry and ask if he was belittling Woojin right now.


    ¡°Oh, really!¡±


    Themotion from the entrance drew everyone¡¯s attention in that direction.


    Seo Yerin, who missed her chance to speak, clenched her fists and looked towards the entrance.


    And there¡­


    ¡°I told you, you can¡¯te in! We¡¯re not open for business, we¡¯re filming.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to gamble, I¡¯m here to see someone.¡±


    There was Kim Woojin, being blocked by the staff and unable to get in.


    ¡°¡­Woojin?¡±


    Kim Woojin, in a shabby tracksuit and dragging slippers, gave off a strange sense of incongruity.


    Because this was Building A.


    That kind of appearance was something you¡¯d expect to see in Building C, but Building A and Building C were far enough apart that you needed to take a bus.


    Anyway.


    Seo Yerin immediately ran towards the entrance.


    ¡°He, he¡¯s my friend!¡±


    Seo Yerin stopped the staff from dragging Kim Woojin away. However, even with Seo Yerin vouching for him, the atmosphere was far from pleasant.


    ¡°Is he an acquaintance of yours, actress? But you can¡¯t just bring anyone here.¡±


    ¡°Ah, well¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin was running, and the assistant director followed.


    Seeing Kim Woojin standing idly, his brows naturally furrowed.


    ¡°Did Yerin bring him? This ce is rented, so only those involved in the shoot can enter.¡±


    The atmosphere quickly became heavy as the other actors approached, wondering what was happening.


    ¡°It seems that Yerin is new to shooting, so she didn¡¯t know.¡±


    Fortunately, Cha Seung-ho stepped in and began to manage the situation.


    ¡°¡­Have Ie to a ce where I shouldn¡¯t be?¡±


    Seeing the bewildered Kim Woojin scratching his cheek, both the assistant director and Cha Seung-ho sighed.


    Even for Seo Yerin¡¯s sake, they had to endure it, but this was too much.


    ¡°Student, this isn¡¯t right, no matter what. This is a workce. You should know at least this much if you¡¯re working here.¡±


    ¡°Even if you wanted to see your friend filming, you need to separate public and private matters. Especially since the director here went through a lot to rent this ce, Woojin.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Besides, we talked about this back then. I thought you understood to some extent.¡±


    Cha Seung-ho was bringing up what was said at the barbecue restaurant.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll talk to him! So please stop!¡±


    Fortunately, Seo Yerin intervened, preventing the assistant director and Cha Seung-ho from speaking further.


    ¡°Woojin, why did youe here!¡±


    ¡°I came to see you.¡±


    Even though his response was indifferent, Seo Yerin couldn¡¯t help but almost smile, but she forced it down.


    ¡°L-let¡¯s go outside for now. If we stay here, who knows what else they¡¯ll say.¡±


    At that moment, as Kim Woojin was about to be taken outside.


    ¡°Yerin,e this way.¡±


    Cha Seung-ho, heading towards the actors, called out to Seo Yerin.


    ¡°You need to rehearse the script with us. Woojin can go by himself, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,e quickly.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t get confused during the shoot.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s steps hesitated for a moment in embarrassment.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll just take him out first. Sorry.¡±


    Despite that, she wanted to hear why Kim Woojin hade here, so she continued to head outside with him.


    Three people in suits walked into the casino entrance.


    They appeared to be transitioning from middle-aged to older, and they strode into the casino with smiles.


    The assistant director immediately ran over to them as soon as he saw them.


    ¡°Oh my! Director! How are you!¡±


    The CEO and executives of Gold One Hotel.


    Since they were the gracious ones who granted permission to film in the casino, the assistant director promptly brought the other actors and staff to greet them.


    The CEO and executives, however, passed by the assistant director and stood in front of Kim Woojin.


    ¡°Hello, Young Master.¡±


    They bowed their heads respectfully as they greeted him.


    ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t do that. I don¡¯t like it when people older than me do that.¡±


    Kim Woojin, feeling awkward, quickly waved his hands and helped them up.


    ¡°You look tired. Did you have a hard time because of Jae-woon hyung?¡±


    From the way he casually referred to the Vice President of Gold One Hotel¡¯s parentpany by name, people around already sensed that something was unusual.


    As soon as Vice President Kim Jae-woon¡¯s name was mentioned, the directors tensed up.


    Vice President Kim Jae-woon had no choice but to be cautious since the slush fund creation traced back to Director Lee Chan-song.


    ¡°Ah! No, not at all! We are truly sorry for missing such an important matter!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize to me. I¡¯m just a loafer, after all.¡±


    Kim Woojin¡¯s gaze turned to the assistant director who had followed, and he smiled slyly.


    ¡°How do you find it here? Is it okay? Since Yerin was involved in the filming, I asked the directors here for a favor.¡±


    ¡°Ah, ah¡­¡±


    ¡°Not to your liking?¡±


    As he shrugged awkwardly, the assistant director seemed to finally understand the situation and immediately bowed his head as he approached.


    ¡°Thank you! Thank you so much! Thanks to you, we saved on production costs! And got support! Really, thank you!¡±


    ¡°Oh, what¡¯s there to thank? You even treated me to some meat. I¡¯ll be going now. Staying here will only make you more uneasy.¡±


    Kim Woojin, dragging his slippers, walks out of the casino.


    Passing by the actors standing behind the assistant director, he nods slightly in front of Cha Seung-ho and whispers.


    ¡°The world we live in is a bit¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­different.¡±


    Kim Woojin walked past Cha Seung-ho with a bright smile.


    Seeing him leave, the assistant director bows, and the other staff members follow suit.


    Cha Seung-ho and the other actors also bow, following the flow.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Kim Woojin turns around and extends his hand slightly.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to see me off?¡±


    Calling out to Seo Yerin, who stood there nkly.


    The wind is cold.


    ¡°Damn, it¡¯s freezing at dawn.¡±


    Thinking it was a good idea toe in a tracksuit and slippers, I now regret it immensely.


    Warmth is the best after all.


    ¡°Woojin.¡±


    As I was rubbing my body with both hands and feeling cold, Seo Yerin, who had followed behind, called me with vacant eyes.


    An exnation seemed necessary.


    ¡°You know that I¡¯m the son of the chairman of Gold One¡¯s parentpany, right?¡±


    ¡°How would I know that?¡±


    I thought Choi Yiseo and Yu Arin mentioned it when they were talking about Oh Yoon-ji.


    It seems they managed to leave that part out skillfully.


    Clever girls.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. It¡¯s not important. Actually, I was showing off a bit this time.¡±


    ¡°This is showing off?¡±


    ¡°It is showing off. This time, I found a weak spot here, so Gold One has to pay some attention to us. I just added a bit more leverage.¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s borrowing the casino?¡±


    ¡°That, and a bit of production support funds? Well, that¡¯s not the important part.¡±


    Oh, it¡¯s so damn cold.


    I ended up speaking faster without realizing it.


    ¡°You said you were scared.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    I had heard from Yu Arin the true feelings of Seo Yerin.


    ¡°You said you were afraid of forgetting me.¡±


    When I reiterated it, Seo Yerin nodded slightly.


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it usually the opposite? Shouldn¡¯t I be the one who¡¯s scared?


    Isn¡¯t that right?


    When you be an actor and start ying in the big leagues, isn¡¯t it normal for the connections you made as an ordinary person to fade away?


    ¡°Then don¡¯t date Arin!¡±


    Seo Yerin¡¯s eyes became slightly moist as she shouted loudly.


    ¡°Ugh, why are you crying? Tears will freeze in this weather.¡±


    When I stepped closer and wiped her tears, she epted it wordlessly.


    ¡°I was hurt too.¡±


    As I wiped her tears, I revealed my honest feelings.


    ¡°Yeah, it felt like we were drifting apart. Even though you¡¯re the chairman¡¯s son, it doesn¡¯t mean anything to me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°But you felt the same way I did. It was kind of funny¡­and I wanted to tell you not to worry.¡±


    Seeing Seo Yerin about to cry was rather adorable, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°When you be an actor, I¡¯ll be by your side as Kim Woojin, the chairman¡¯s son.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Even if not that, I¡¯ll be by your side as student Kim Woojin.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    If not that either¡­


    ¡°As Anonymous69 and as an Admin, we¡¯ll always be connected.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    ¡°So, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Seo Yerin stared at me with her mouth slightly open.


    To hide my embarrassment and shame, I rambled on to her.


    ¡°Well, you know? It¡¯s messed up for someone like me, who wavers among others, to say something like this? I know I¡¯m trash. But since you told mest time that you wouldn¡¯t hate me even if you knew my true feelings like this¡­¡±


    So.


    ¡°My, my true feelings right now are like these. Yes, that I won¡¯t let you go no matter what-¡±


    My lips were blocked.


    I barely managed to withstand the weight of Seo Yerin who rushed at me, but I didn¡¯t fall, so the kiss continued.


    ¡°Ouch, mmph?! Wait a sec!¡±


    I tried to push her away to calm her down, but I wondered if she had always been this strong.


    Maybe it was because of the cold, her lips felt cold and hard, but because of that, the warmth of her tongue and breath felt much warmer.


    ¡°Wait, wait a minute!¡±


    I barely managed to pull away, but Seo Yerin, as if some switch had been flipped, did not stop.


    She headbutted me squarely in the chest and pushed me onto the bench behind us.


    I was momentarily surprised at how far we had moved.


    Seo Yerin¡¯s kiss once again assaulted me violently.


    <em>Haup.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>Churup.</em><ul><li><ul><li></li></ul></li></ul>


    <em>Haap.</em>


    Thescivious sounds of saliva and breath intertwined, and before I knew it, my hand was gripping Seo Yerin¡¯s chest, while hers had reached my lower body.


    ¡°Yerin, where¡­¡±


    At that moment, Cha Seung-ho, who hade looking for Seo Yerin because she hadn¡¯t returned for a while.


    I hastily moved Seo Yerin¡¯s head to the side and she responded.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll be there soon- Haup!¡±


    Knowing full well that Cha Seung-ho was behind her.


    No, precisely because she knew.


    Seo Yerin continued to kiss me even more greedily. My back arched,pletely pinned beneath her.


    Cha Seung-ho stared at us nkly, then quickly turned around and went back inside, pretending not to have seen anything.


    ¡°Go, go away! I said goooo!¡±


    My pronunciation slurred because she bit my lip and wouldn¡¯t let go as I tried to push her away.


    Hearing my words, Seo Yerin tilted her head and asked,


    ¡°Already done?¡±


    ¡°¡­Not that. Cha Seung-ho left.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that.¡±


    Seo Yerin pouted as she fiddled with my lower body.


    She tried to kiss me again, so I urgently covered her mouth with my hand.


    ¡°They¡¯re looking for you! Hurry up and go!¡±


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. You said you would do it.¡±


    ¡°I want to stay with you. I¡¯ll make it stand up again.¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s because it¡¯s cold.¡±


    ¡°Hehe.¡±


    Seo Yerin, seemingly pleased, giggled brightly and bit my earlobe lightly, whispering softly.


    ¡°After this, I¡¯m going to have my way with you, so wash up and be ready.¡±


    ¡°¡­Where on earth do you learn such vulgar words?¡±


    ¡°The manager rmended this part number!¡±


    ¡°EBS-123?¡±


    ¡°Ah! I don¡¯t want to go! I want to have sex!¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and go.¡±


    ¡°I want to have sex! I want to suck and lick Woojin!¡±


    ¡°Please go!¡±


    Seo Yerin gave a yfulugh and kissed me on the cheek before hopping back inside excitedly.

 Chapter 141: Last Day At Gold One

    Once upon a time, I read a manhwa somewhere.


    A dangerous ce where death is inevitable.


    Nevertheless, the warriors head there without a word.


    Since it was a manhwa, I just epted it back then.


    But now that I¡¯m facing such a situation, I realize it¡¯s not an easy decision.


    On the way to the girls¡¯ room.


    The convenience store bag in my hand felt heavy, and my soles stuck to the floor of the hallway.


    I was thinking about what excuse to make to Yu Arin, but recalling the video she sent, I wondered if any excuse would matter.<ul><li>Begging desperately to stop, but trembling because it was too slow. Don¡¯t stop at that moment¡­!</li></ul>


    A madman exining in detail the intercourse with Yu Arin while holding a pillow and shaking his waist.And didn¡¯t reveal that it was Yu Arin, referring to her as Anonymous A, but still, the person in question would know it was about her.


    ¡®I did buy some sweet things for now.¡¯


    If I brought something hard, she might break it over my head, so I filled the bag with nitrogen-packed snacks starting with Chong.


    Honestly, rather than trying with these things, wouldn¡¯t it be better to just go to Yu Arin and kneel right away?


    ¡®Or should I go in strong instead?¡¯


    Considering the content of the video, it was obvious she wouldn¡¯t forgive me no matter how much I apologized.


    In that case, how about being shameless instead?


    If I justy her down and set the mood likest time, I could seize the upper hand¡­


    <em>Ding!</em>


    Even though it was for survival, I was still having some trashy thoughts.


    I arrived at the fourth floor where the girls¡¯ dormitory was located.


    Yu Arin, waiting with arms crossed right in front of me.


    Without realizing it, I pressed the elevator close button, but she had already stretched her hand inside to prevent me from closing the doors.


    ¡°Get off quietly.¡±


    Honestly, I thought she would pounce on me immediately, but surprisingly, Yu Arin was aware of her surroundings.


    Even though it¡¯s forbidden for guys to enter girls¡¯ rooms, haven¡¯t we done so several times already?


    Yu Arin, quietly opening the dormitory door, nced around inside, and gestured to me.


    ¡°Come in! Don¡¯t make a sound, hurry!¡±


    ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯


    It¡¯s not like we¡¯re shooting a spy movie or anything. Why is she making such a fuss?


    ¡°Are you shooting a movie instead of Seo Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Shhh!¡±


    Judging by the sounds from the bathroom, it seems like there are people inside.


    I passed by and entered the room used by Seo Yerin and Yu Arin.


    ¡°Arin, are you really not going?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it unfair if we drink alone?¡±


    Familiar voices were heard from outside.


    Lee Se-ah and Han Bom.


    Their voices were full of excitement as if they are going somewhere to have fun.


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m fine! I¡¯m too tired to go.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame.¡±


    ¡°Right. We need to enjoy ourselves since we¡¯ll be back soon. It¡¯s really expensive if youe here by paying.¡±


    A ski resort or a water park.


    It seems they are going to one of the two.


    Yu Arin barely managed to refuse their persistent invitation to go out.


    The heavy silence that settles is unbearable, so she says something, anything.


    ¡°What about senior Ju-hee?¡±


    ¡°She went skiing.¡±


    Yu Arin breathes a sigh of relief after checking onest time that the kids are really gone.


    ¡°What about Seo Yerin?¡±


    ¡°¡­Movie team dinner.¡±


    She shoots a sharp nce but lets it pass without saying much.


    I began to take out the snacks from the envelope one by one, thinking I shouldn¡¯t let the mood shift to that side.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything to say?¡±


    Yu Arin, deliberately leaning against the door with her arms crossed.


    Judging by the atmosphere, it seems she won¡¯t ept an apology.


    ¡®It¡¯s n B.¡¯


    Let¡¯s go all out and take control first. If I lead and push through, her mood might soften a bit.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    But contrary to my thoughts, my body knelt down and apologized politely right away.


    I definitely nned to go in strong from the start, but seeing her menacing re made my body instinctively choose to bow down.


    As I presented the Chong, Yu Arin snatched it up and started sipping it noisily.


    After downing the Chong in one shot, Yu Arin, annoyed, handed me her phone.


    There was a picture of me, taken too clearly with Chan-woo¡¯s good phone.<ul><li>


    Teacher! Did you enjoy it?</li><li>


    Do you really have to ask? How could I not enjoy it?! She was clinging to me, saying no with her mouth, but her body was soaking wet with pleasure?!</li></ul>


    Jegal Jaemin, that bastard.


    Why do you ask such things, making me answer so boldly?<ul><li>Ah, I want to do it again. I just really want to do it again!</li></ul>


    Should I not get too close with Seo Yerin?


    After drinking and getting slightly tipsy, I was talking like a sex freak.


    ¡°But, still, I didn¡¯t say who I did it with.¡±


    I can at leaste up with an excuse.


    ¡°Chan-woo sent it to you because he trusts you! If he knew it was a story about you, would he have sent it to you?!¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo probably sent me off thinking I would be screwed, but it wasn¡¯t just that ¨C I felt like I had taken a shotgun st to the head.


    Without even realizing it.


    ¡°Was there anyone else who got handcuffed besides me?¡±


    At Yu Arin¡¯s question, who was drinking her second Chong, I nodded-


    ¡°Oh, then of course¡­!¡±


    Stopped.


    Because it had happened before.


    ¡°You stopped in the middle of your sentence?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Who was it with?¡±


    ¡°No one.¡±


    <em>Whack!</em>


    Yu Arin grabbed both of my cheeks with one hand, gritting her teeth.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°¡­I


    ¡°Who did you handcuff besides me? Was it Yerin? Yiseo?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really not.¡±


    I pushed Yu Arin¡¯s hand away and spoke confidently. It was thanks to the fact that something was a bit off.


    ¡°What¡¯s this, why did you suddenly be so confident?¡±


    Yu Arin, noticing something strange through my reaction, sips her Chong and squints drowsily.


    ¡°It¡¯s really not. Seo Yerin mentioned she wanted to, but didn¡¯t, and Choi Yiseo would get angry if you even tried to cuff her.¡±


    This is the conversational skill of a guy with an ex-girlfriend.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first.¡±


    As I wink and give a thumbs-up, a fist immediately flies towards me.


    ¡°Ouch!?¡±


    ¡°This bastard proudly talks about having sex with other girls.¡±


    Falling to the floor with a thud, I feel fear towards Yu Arin, whom my conversational skills don¡¯t work on, and I distance myself.


    I learned that saying ¡°You¡¯re the first¡± would make them happy, but it seems it wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°But why did you hesitate earlier?¡±


    Yu Arin, who was finishing her Chong and saying she couldn¡¯t understand, slowly opened her mouth when she saw me copsed.


    ¡°Could it be¡­the opposite?¡±


    The trembling of my body was a kind of learned response, like Pavlov¡¯s dog.


    ¡°Did you do it?¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha! What do you mean, did I do it!¡±


    Why would I ever wear handcuffs?


    I waved my hands frantically to deny it, but my wrists oddly ached.


    ¡°It¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    How on earth do these girls immediately figure these things out?


    Whenever Choi Yiseo or Yu Arin see me, they can easily detect if I¡¯m lying.


    Am I just that bad at lying?


    ¡°Who did it with you? Who handcuffed you?¡±


    Now, with an expression full of interest, Yu Arin started to settle down in her seat.


    Following her gesture to sit quickly while she opened the snacks I brought, I corrected my awkward posture and sat down.


    ¡°Come on,e on. Spill the beans.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up. You have to speak with that open mouth of yours, right? You were very borate when reminiscing about the wild night with me, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    The one urging me sarcastically.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t really want to remember that time because I didn¡¯t have much experience back then.


    But since I did share the story about what happened with Yu Arin with others.


    Before starting.


    ¡°Do you have any alcohol?¡±


    Just like before.


    I think I need some drink.


    ¡°So! Here, she was just shaking her hips back and forth, squeezing tight!¡±


    About an hour had passed.


    Having drunk heavily from the alcohol in the women¡¯s dorm, I was lying with a pillow on top of me.


    ¡°My hands were tied, right? But she was squeezing so tight? Her hips wouldn¡¯t stop moving, you know? I really thought I was going to be sucked dry. I asked her where she¡¯d done it before, and I got beaten up while still tied up.¡±


    ¡°Heh! Crazy bastard.¡±


    Yu Arin, sipping on soju, chuckled as she listened to my story.


    Seeing her enjoying it, I got even more excited and continued.


    ¡°I thought she was new to this too. But she kepting up with new things to try. By the end, we¡¯d done almost everything.¡±


    I moved the pillow aside, sat up, and downed my drink.


    ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s hot.¡±


    Feeling hotter than expected, I unbuttoned my shirt and wiped the sweat away.


    Drinking and recounting old experiences was more draining than I thought.


    ¡°Ah, Kim Woojin. You tell stories so well. I waspletely absorbed in it.¡±


    Yu Arin, munching on potato chips, grinned widely. She wasn¡¯t too drunk, as she could handle her alcohol well.


    Just the right amount of tipsy.


    ¡°Your ex-girlfriend must have been something. I find it tough even with yours.¡±


    Mumbling about how amazing my ex-girlfriend was, who used to toy with me while nodding her head.


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t have much experience back then. Butter, it was a bit different.¡±


    When I confidently make this statement, she clicks her tongue, saying I have a high nose (cocky).


    The atmosphere is gradually warming up, but when I check the time on my phone, it¡¯s already 10 o¡¯clock.


    Since it was really time to go, I slowly get up.


    ¡°Hey, I really have to go now. There¡¯s no bus.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving in that drunken state? Just stay over.¡±


    ¡°I have to go. I¡¯m not a staff member anymore.¡±


    It¡¯s not right to stay in the staff dormitory when I¡¯m not a staff member, and even if I stay over, it should be in the male dormitory.


    As I try to get up, my body doesn¡¯t seem to cooperate as well as I thought.


    ¡®Ah, damn.¡¯


    I drank earlier while sharing stories in the male dormitory, and I¡¯m drinking now too.


    Practically, I¡¯m on the second round of drinking.


    Even though I don¡¯t usually get drunk on beer or soju, drinking this much would make anyone dizzy.


    ¡®This is a bit dangerous.¡¯


    I thought I should just go to the boys¡¯ dorm and ask them to let me crash for the night.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    Yu Arin approached, offering to support my staggering self. As I thanked her and leaned on her to stand up¡­


    <em>Click.</em>


    A strange sound reached my ears.


    A foreign sensation on my wrist.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    As I turned my head slightly, the handcuffs Yu Arin had wornst time were now on my wrist.


    ¡°What is th-¡±


    My vision spun suddenly, cutting my words off.


    As I tripped and fell to the floor, Yu Arin pushed me before I could gather my senses.


    In the moment of dizziness, unable to properly assess the situation,


    and both my wrists were cuffed.


    ¡°Heh?¡±


    Even to me, my voice sounded pitiful.


    Yu Arin, who had knocked me over and straddled me, licked her lips with a smile.


    ¡°Just sleep here.¡±


    Only then did I realize what was happening.


    ¡®Damn it.¡¯


    That it was pretty damn bad.


    ¡°You bastard¡­ You tell stories about your ex-girlfriend so well?¡±


    ¡°You told me to talk.¡±


    I tried to resist, but Yu Arin was busy unbuttoning my shirt.


    ¡°To be honest, when you unbuttoned your shirt earlier because you were hot, it turned me on a bit.¡±


    ¡°You should have said something.¡±


    I tried to brush it off lightly, but Yu Arin¡¯s actions were not light.


    I¡¯ve been short of breath since we were drinking and sharing stories earlier, but now it seemed she waspletely aroused.


    After unbuttoning my shirt, she ran her hand over my chest and then lowered her body.


    <em>Lick.</em>


    Just like I¡¯d told her about my ex-girlfriend earlier, she started licking my nipple.


    ¡°Is this what it tastes like when you suck on mine? It¡¯s a bit salty?¡±


    ¡°¡­Because I was sweating.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    <em>Slurp.</em>


    Yu Arin began to lick slowly and leisurely. Honestly, it wasn¡¯t extremely pleasurable, but it was very exciting.


    ¡®I should tell her to stop.¡¯


    Yet, despite that, I didn¡¯t tell her to stop. I was quite¡­proud of myself.


    ¡°You seem really turned on. Your pants look like they¡¯re about to rip.¡±


    ¡°They really might tear. Can you take them off for me?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, no way.¡±


    Yu Arin rubbed with her waist gently, wriggling. Then she started licking more aggressively, probably due to thepetitive spirit she mentioned earlier with Oh Yoon-ji.


    ¡°Sluurp.¡±


    After teasing my nipples, she started to kiss them.


    We both tasted like alcohol, but because she drank Chong earlier, there was a sweet scent left.


    Dense heat.


    A tipsy feeling.


    Excitement towards each other.


    All theseplex factors were at y.


    ¡°I¡¯m hereee!¡±


    Both of us missed Seo Yerin entering the dorm.


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    ¡°Whoa?!¡±


    Yu Arin, who was on top of me, got startled and stood up. As a result, my abdomen was crushed, and I groaned in pain. She apologized in surprise.


    But that¡¯s not the important part.


    ¡°Huh? Woojin? Didn¡¯t you say you were leaving earlier?¡±


    I had a separate call with Seo Yerin.


    I had a hard time stopping her from quitting anding with me.


    Seo Yerin, who had just finished a movie gathering, was holding lots of things, mostly food.


    And the most noticeable thing.


    A strangely annoying wine bottle.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Seo Yerin dropped everything on the floor, alternating her gaze between Yu Arin and me, then clenched her fist and entered the room.


    ¡°I want to join too.¡±


    Simultaneously, she made a crazy statement.


    Judging by the hint of grape scent in her breath, it seems she¡¯d had a few sses of wine.


    ¡°Are you, are you crazy?!¡±


    Yu Arin was taken aback by Seo Yerin¡¯s immediate deration to join without any questions.


    Seo Yerin, however, was already smirking at the sight of me wearing the handcuffs.


    ¡°Oh my, all set up nicely.¡±


    Apparently, she had forgotten everything from the early morning in the lounge and was aroused right away.


    ¡°Stop, stop it! She¡¯s leaving now! Kim Woojin, you get up too!¡±


    Yu Arin urgently tried to lift me up.


    But Seo Yerin lunged and grabbed me.


    Dragging me to the wall, she made me sit against it, then climbed onto myp.


    And then, a passionate kiss followed.


    I couldn¡¯t do anything.


    Being handcuffed, I couldn¡¯t push her away, so I just responded to the intertwining tongue.


    ¡°Damn, damn it! Are you insane?!¡±


    Yu Arin, who had been pulling her hair in frustration, stormed out as she watched Seo Yerin continue kissing me, ignoring her.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    As soon as the door closed, Seo Yerin broke the kiss off and ced her hand on my head, shing a chilling smile.


    ¡°Woojin, you¡¯re mine.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Why are you so careless? That¡¯s why you keep getting taken advantage of.¡±


    Is this something a girl should say?


    Isn¡¯t this usually what bad guys say?


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not my fa-¡±


    I couldn¡¯t finish my sentence.


    Seo Yerin pulled my hair back and continued the aggressive kiss.


    How long did itst?


    ¡°Huff, you talk too much.¡±


    Seo Yerin smiled sweetly and warned me not to make excuses.


    ¡®Ah, I¡¯m screwed.¡¯


    Around the time I guessed that I would just stay here today.


    <em>Clunk!</em>


    Yu Arin, with her face flushed red, entered again as the door opened.


    ¡°Why should I be the one to avoid it?!¡±


    The one whoined, feeling wronged.


    ¡°I was doing it first!¡±


    She approached with heavy steps, making a thumping sound.


    ¡°Eek!¡±


    She pushed Seo Yerin by the shoulder, grabbed my head, and kissed me again.,


    Once upon a time, I read a manhwa somewhere.


    A dangerous ce where death is inevitable.


    Nevertheless, the warriors head there without a word.


    Since it was a manhwa, I just epted it back then.


    But now that I¡¯m facing such a situation, I realize it¡¯s not an easy decision.


    On the way to the girls¡¯ room.


    The convenience store bag in my hand felt heavy, and my soles stuck to the floor of the hallway.


    I was thinking about what excuse to make to Yu Arin, but recalling the video she sent, I wondered if any excuse would matter.<ul><li>Begging desperately to stop, but trembling because it was too slow. Don¡¯t stop at that moment¡­!</li></ul>


    A madman exining in detail the intercourse with Yu Arin while holding a pillow and shaking his waist.


    And didn¡¯t reveal that it was Yu Arin, referring to her as Anonymous A, but still, the person in question would know it was about her.


    ¡®I did buy some sweet things for now.¡¯


    If I brought something hard, she might break it over my head, so I filled the bag with nitrogen-packed snacks starting with Chong.


    Honestly, rather than trying with these things, wouldn¡¯t it be better to just go to Yu Arin and kneel right away?


    ¡®Or should I go in strong instead?¡¯


    Considering the content of the video, it was obvious she wouldn¡¯t forgive me no matter how much I apologized.


    In that case, how about being shameless instead?


    If I justy her down and set the mood likest time, I could seize the upper hand¡­


    <em>Ding!</em>


    Even though it was for survival, I was still having some trashy thoughts.


    I arrived at the fourth floor where the girls¡¯ dormitory was located.


    Yu Arin, waiting with arms crossed right in front of me.


    Without realizing it, I pressed the elevator close button, but she had already stretched her hand inside to prevent me from closing the doors.


    ¡°Get off quietly.¡±


    Honestly, I thought she would pounce on me immediately, but surprisingly, Yu Arin was aware of her surroundings.


    Even though it¡¯s forbidden for guys to enter girls¡¯ rooms, haven¡¯t we done so several times already?


    Yu Arin, quietly opening the dormitory door, nced around inside, and gestured to me.


    ¡°Come in! Don¡¯t make a sound, hurry!¡±


    ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯


    It¡¯s not like we¡¯re shooting a spy movie or anything. Why is she making such a fuss?


    ¡°Are you shooting a movie instead of Seo Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Shhh!¡±


    Judging by the sounds from the bathroom, it seems like there are people inside.


    I passed by and entered the room used by Seo Yerin and Yu Arin.


    ¡°Arin, are you really not going?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it unfair if we drink alone?¡±


    Familiar voices were heard from outside.


    Lee Se-ah and Han Bom.


    Their voices were full of excitement as if they are going somewhere to have fun.


    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m fine! I¡¯m too tired to go.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame.¡±


    ¡°Right. We need to enjoy ourselves since we¡¯ll be back soon. It¡¯s really expensive if youe here by paying.¡±


    A ski resort or a water park.


    It seems they are going to one of the two.


    Yu Arin barely managed to refuse their persistent invitation to go out.


    The heavy silence that settles is unbearable, so she says something, anything.


    ¡°What about senior Ju-hee?¡±


    ¡°She went skiing.¡±


    Yu Arin breathes a sigh of relief after checking onest time that the kids are really gone.


    ¡°What about Seo Yerin?¡±


    ¡°¡­Movie team dinner.¡±


    She shoots a sharp nce but lets it pass without saying much.


    I began to take out the snacks from the envelope one by one, thinking I shouldn¡¯t let the mood shift to that side.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything to say?¡±


    Yu Arin, deliberately leaning against the door with her arms crossed.


    Judging by the atmosphere, it seems she won¡¯t ept an apology.


    ¡®It¡¯s n B.¡¯


    Let¡¯s go all out and take control first. If I lead and push through, her mood might soften a bit.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    But contrary to my thoughts, my body knelt down and apologized politely right away.


    I definitely nned to go in strong from the start, but seeing her menacing re made my body instinctively choose to bow down.


    As I presented the Chong, Yu Arin snatched it up and started sipping it noisily.


    After downing the Chong in one shot, Yu Arin, annoyed, handed me her phone.


    There was a picture of me, taken too clearly with Chan-woo¡¯s good phone.<ul><li>


    Teacher! Did you enjoy it?</li><li>


    Do you really have to ask? How could I not enjoy it?! She was clinging to me, saying no with her mouth, but her body was soaking wet with pleasure?!</li></ul>


    Jegal Jaemin, that bastard.


    Why do you ask such things, making me answer so boldly?<ul><li>Ah, I want to do it again. I just really want to do it again!</li></ul>


    Should I not get too close with Seo Yerin?


    After drinking and getting slightly tipsy, I was talking like a sex freak.


    ¡°But, still, I didn¡¯t say who I did it with.¡±


    I can at leaste up with an excuse.


    ¡°Chan-woo sent it to you because he trusts you! If he knew it was a story about you, would he have sent it to you?!¡±


    Jeong Chan-woo probably sent me off thinking I would be screwed, but it wasn¡¯t just that ¨C I felt like I had taken a shotgun st to the head.


    Without even realizing it.


    ¡°Was there anyone else who got handcuffed besides me?¡±


    At Yu Arin¡¯s question, who was drinking her second Chong, I nodded-


    ¡°Oh, then of course¡­!¡±


    Stopped.


    Because it had happened before.


    ¡°You stopped in the middle of your sentence?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Who was it with?¡±


    ¡°No one.¡±


    <em>Whack!</em>


    Yu Arin grabbed both of my cheeks with one hand, gritting her teeth.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°¡­I


    ¡°Who did you handcuff besides me? Was it Yerin? Yiseo?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really not.¡±


    I pushed Yu Arin¡¯s hand away and spoke confidently. It was thanks to the fact that something was a bit off.


    ¡°What¡¯s this, why did you suddenly be so confident?¡±


    Yu Arin, noticing something strange through my reaction, sips her Chong and squints drowsily.


    ¡°It¡¯s really not. Seo Yerin mentioned she wanted to, but didn¡¯t, and Choi Yiseo would get angry if you even tried to cuff her.¡±


    This is the conversational skill of a guy with an ex-girlfriend.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first.¡±


    As I wink and give a thumbs-up, a fist immediately flies towards me.


    ¡°Ouch!?¡±


    ¡°This bastard proudly talks about having sex with other girls.¡±


    Falling to the floor with a thud, I feel fear towards Yu Arin, whom my conversational skills don¡¯t work on, and I distance myself.


    I learned that saying ¡°You¡¯re the first¡± would make them happy, but it seems it wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°But why did you hesitate earlier?¡±


    Yu Arin, who was finishing her Chong and saying she couldn¡¯t understand, slowly opened her mouth when she saw me copsed.


    ¡°Could it be¡­the opposite?¡±


    The trembling of my body was a kind of learned response, like Pavlov¡¯s dog.


    ¡°Did you do it?¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha! What do you mean, did I do it!¡±


    Why would I ever wear handcuffs?


    I waved my hands frantically to deny it, but my wrists oddly ached.


    ¡°It¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    How on earth do these girls immediately figure these things out?


    Whenever Choi Yiseo or Yu Arin see me, they can easily detect if I¡¯m lying.


    Am I just that bad at lying?


    ¡°Who did it with you? Who handcuffed you?¡±


    Now, with an expression full of interest, Yu Arin started to settle down in her seat.


    Following her gesture to sit quickly while she opened the snacks I brought, I corrected my awkward posture and sat down.


    ¡°Come on,e on. Spill the beans.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up. You have to speak with that open mouth of yours, right? You were very borate when reminiscing about the wild night with me, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    The one urging me sarcastically.


    Honestly, I didn¡¯t really want to remember that time because I didn¡¯t have much experience back then.


    But since I did share the story about what happened with Yu Arin with others.


    Before starting.


    ¡°Do you have any alcohol?¡±


    Just like before.


    I think I need some drink.


    ¡°So! Here, she was just shaking her hips back and forth, squeezing tight!¡±


    About an hour had passed.


    Having drunk heavily from the alcohol in the women¡¯s dorm, I was lying with a pillow on top of me.


    ¡°My hands were tied, right? But she was squeezing so tight? Her hips wouldn¡¯t stop moving, you know? I really thought I was going to be sucked dry. I asked her where she¡¯d done it before, and I got beaten up while still tied up.¡±


    ¡°Heh! Crazy bastard.¡±


    Yu Arin, sipping on soju, chuckled as she listened to my story.


    Seeing her enjoying it, I got even more excited and continued.


    ¡°I thought she was new to this too. But she kepting up with new things to try. By the end, we¡¯d done almost everything.¡±


    I moved the pillow aside, sat up, and downed my drink.


    ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s hot.¡±


    Feeling hotter than expected, I unbuttoned my shirt and wiped the sweat away.


    Drinking and recounting old experiences was more draining than I thought.


    ¡°Ah, Kim Woojin. You tell stories so well. I waspletely absorbed in it.¡±


    Yu Arin, munching on potato chips, grinned widely. She wasn¡¯t too drunk, as she could handle her alcohol well.


    Just the right amount of tipsy.


    ¡°Your ex-girlfriend must have been something. I find it tough even with yours.¡±


    Mumbling about how amazing my ex-girlfriend was, who used to toy with me while nodding her head.


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t have much experience back then. Butter, it was a bit different.¡±


    When I confidently make this statement, she clicks her tongue, saying I have a high nose (cocky).


    The atmosphere is gradually warming up, but when I check the time on my phone, it¡¯s already 10 o¡¯clock.


    Since it was really time to go, I slowly get up.


    ¡°Hey, I really have to go now. There¡¯s no bus.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving in that drunken state? Just stay over.¡±


    ¡°I have to go. I¡¯m not a staff member anymore.¡±


    It¡¯s not right to stay in the staff dormitory when I¡¯m not a staff member, and even if I stay over, it should be in the male dormitory.


    As I try to get up, my body doesn¡¯t seem to cooperate as well as I thought.


    ¡®Ah, damn.¡¯


    I drank earlier while sharing stories in the male dormitory, and I¡¯m drinking now too.


    Practically, I¡¯m on the second round of drinking.


    Even though I don¡¯t usually get drunk on beer or soju, drinking this much would make anyone dizzy.


    ¡®This is a bit dangerous.¡¯


    I thought I should just go to the boys¡¯ dorm and ask them to let me crash for the night.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    Yu Arin approached, offering to support my staggering self. As I thanked her and leaned on her to stand up¡­


    <em>Click.</em>


    A strange sound reached my ears.


    A foreign sensation on my wrist.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    As I turned my head slightly, the handcuffs Yu Arin had wornst time were now on my wrist.


    ¡°What is th-¡±


    My vision spun suddenly, cutting my words off.


    As I tripped and fell to the floor, Yu Arin pushed me before I could gather my senses.


    In the moment of dizziness, unable to properly assess the situation,


    and both my wrists were cuffed.


    ¡°Heh?¡±


    Even to me, my voice sounded pitiful.


    Yu Arin, who had knocked me over and straddled me, licked her lips with a smile.


    ¡°Just sleep here.¡±


    Only then did I realize what was happening.


    ¡®Damn it.¡¯


    That it was pretty damn bad.


    ¡°You bastard¡­ You tell stories about your ex-girlfriend so well?¡±


    ¡°You told me to talk.¡±


    I tried to resist, but Yu Arin was busy unbuttoning my shirt.


    ¡°To be honest, when you unbuttoned your shirt earlier because you were hot, it turned me on a bit.¡±


    ¡°You should have said something.¡±


    I tried to brush it off lightly, but Yu Arin¡¯s actions were not light.


    I¡¯ve been short of breath since we were drinking and sharing stories earlier, but now it seemed she waspletely aroused.


    After unbuttoning my shirt, she ran her hand over my chest and then lowered her body.


    <em>Lick.</em>


    Just like I¡¯d told her about my ex-girlfriend earlier, she started licking my nipple.


    ¡°Is this what it tastes like when you suck on mine? It¡¯s a bit salty?¡±


    ¡°¡­Because I was sweating.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    <em>Slurp.</em>


    Yu Arin began to lick slowly and leisurely. Honestly, it wasn¡¯t extremely pleasurable, but it was very exciting.


    ¡®I should tell her to stop.¡¯


    Yet, despite that, I didn¡¯t tell her to stop. I was quite¡­proud of myself.


    ¡°You seem really turned on. Your pants look like they¡¯re about to rip.¡±


    ¡°They really might tear. Can you take them off for me?¡±


    ¡°Hehe, no way.¡±


    Yu Arin rubbed with her waist gently, wriggling. Then she started licking more aggressively, probably due to thepetitive spirit she mentioned earlier with Oh Yoon-ji.


    ¡°Sluurp.¡±


    After teasing my nipples, she started to kiss them.


    We both tasted like alcohol, but because she drank Chong earlier, there was a sweet scent left.


    Dense heat.


    A tipsy feeling.


    Excitement towards each other.


    All theseplex factors were at y.


    ¡°I¡¯m hereee!¡±


    Both of us missed Seo Yerin entering the dorm.


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    ¡°Whoa?!¡±


    Yu Arin, who was on top of me, got startled and stood up. As a result, my abdomen was crushed, and I groaned in pain. She apologized in surprise.


    But that¡¯s not the important part.


    ¡°Huh? Woojin? Didn¡¯t you say you were leaving earlier?¡±


    I had a separate call with Seo Yerin.


    I had a hard time stopping her from quitting anding with me.


    Seo Yerin, who had just finished a movie gathering, was holding lots of things, mostly food.


    And the most noticeable thing.


    A strangely annoying wine bottle.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Seo Yerin dropped everything on the floor, alternating her gaze between Yu Arin and me, then clenched her fist and entered the room.


    ¡°I want to join too.¡±


    Simultaneously, she made a crazy statement.


    Judging by the hint of grape scent in her breath, it seems she¡¯d had a few sses of wine.


    ¡°Are you, are you crazy?!¡±


    Yu Arin was taken aback by Seo Yerin¡¯s immediate deration to join without any questions.


    Seo Yerin, however, was already smirking at the sight of me wearing the handcuffs.


    ¡°Oh my, all set up nicely.¡±


    Apparently, she had forgotten everything from the early morning in the lounge and was aroused right away.


    ¡°Stop, stop it! She¡¯s leaving now! Kim Woojin, you get up too!¡±


    Yu Arin urgently tried to lift me up.


    But Seo Yerin lunged and grabbed me.


    Dragging me to the wall, she made me sit against it, then climbed onto myp.


    And then, a passionate kiss followed.


    I couldn¡¯t do anything.


    Being handcuffed, I couldn¡¯t push her away, so I just responded to the intertwining tongue.


    ¡°Damn, damn it! Are you insane?!¡±


    Yu Arin, who had been pulling her hair in frustration, stormed out as she watched Seo Yerin continue kissing me, ignoring her.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    As soon as the door closed, Seo Yerin broke the kiss off and ced her hand on my head, shing a chilling smile.


    ¡°Woojin, you¡¯re mine.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Why are you so careless? That¡¯s why you keep getting taken advantage of.¡±


    Is this something a girl should say?


    Isn¡¯t this usually what bad guys say?


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not my fa-¡±


    I couldn¡¯t finish my sentence.


    Seo Yerin pulled my hair back and continued the aggressive kiss.


    How long did itst?


    ¡°Huff, you talk too much.¡±


    Seo Yerin smiled sweetly and warned me not to make excuses.


    ¡®Ah, I¡¯m screwed.¡¯


    Around the time I guessed that I would just stay here today.


    <em>Clunk!</em>


    Yu Arin, with her face flushed red, entered again as the door opened.


    ¡°Why should I be the one to avoid it?!¡±


    The one whoined, feeling wronged.


    ¡°I was doing it first!¡±


    She approached with heavy steps, making a thumping sound.


    ¡°Eek!¡±


    She pushed Seo Yerin by the shoulder, grabbed my head, and kissed me again.

 Chapter 142: 1:2

    ¡°Reminds me of the old days.¡±


    Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind.


    I stare nkly at the ceiling, momentarily lost in memories.


    Actually, those memories aren¡¯t that old.


    At most, only a few months old.


    It was not long after the second semester began.


    ¡°We drank that time too.¡±


    I was so drunk I couldn¡¯t even stand. I didn¡¯t know it then, butter I heard from the others that I had drunkenly insisted on not going home.


    When I woke up in the morning, I was on the floor of my studio apartment, and on my bed were Yu Arin and Seo Yerin.¡°Do you remember?¡±


    At that time, Yu Arin jokingly said we had a threesome.


    ¡°I had no idea back then.¡±


    I never imagined a time like this would actuallye.


    ¡°Hey, Mr. Kim.¡±


    As I was staring nkly at the ceiling, I lowered my head slightly at the call of Seo Yerin, who was diligently licking my nipple.


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and just get it up.¡±


    ¡°¡­Crazy bitch.¡±


    It was already fully up.


    With two women caressing me, how could it not be?


    ¡°Hoo, hooo.¡±


    Yu Arin, looking down at me as she catches her breath.


    She must not have been breathing while we were kissing roughly just a moment ago.


    The flush on her face indicated she was quite excited.


    Judging by the way she licked her lips, the kiss wasn¡¯t over yet.


    ¡°It hurts a bit, can you suck more gently?¡±


    It¡¯s not like she¡¯s eating an ice pop, but she keeps sucking, making my tongue hurt.


    Honestly, I might throw up.


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    Sure, whatever you say,dy.


    Yu Arin resumed the kiss.


    As if not wanting to lose, she kissed even more fiercely, which I was starting to get used to.


    Ignoring Yu Arin, Seo Yerin began unzipping my pants.


    Cows being led to the ughterhouse, fishid out on the chopping board, etc.


    Already knowing exactly how things would proceed, I just waited silently.


    I couldn¡¯t say I wasn¡¯t excited as a man.


    Though the situation of being handcuffed was somewhat unique, after all, weren¡¯t two women diligently serving me?


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    As I lifted my hips slightly to make it easier to remove my pants, Seo Yerin smiled brightly and kissed the tip of my member.


    I didn¡¯t know why she did it there, but in any case, she did it there.


    The caresses continued.


    Yu Arin, as if addicted to kissing, kept exploring, while Seo Yerin, true to her nature, skipped steps and held my member in her mouth.


    <em>Slurp, slurp.</em>


    The sucking sounds entered both ears simultaneously.


    My lips hurt because of Yu Arin, and my member was angry because of Seo Yerin.


    Last time too, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because she¡¯s not very skilled yet, but it¡¯s frustrating and difficult.


    But I can¡¯t force it into her either because my hands are cuffed, so there¡¯s nothing I can do.


    In the end.


    It was Seo Yerin who first broke the chain of strange caresses that seemed to have no end.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t youing?!¡±


    She shouted, not understanding.


    Thanks to that, Yu Arin, who had been dazed and only kissing, seemed toe to her senses and quickly got up and backed away.


    ¡°Damn, human drug is what you are. Look at the addiction.¡±


    ¡°You did it, why are you ming me?¡±


    ¡°¡­My tongue hurts.¡±


    ¡°I told you to be gentle.¡±


    My tongue was stinging, and I could feel my lips slightly swollen.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t youing yet?!¡±


    Seo Yerin yelled at me again, interrupting my conversation with Yu Arin. It was a bit creepy the way she red at my thing, fuming.


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to make someone climax with oral alone.¡±


    ¡°But I still want to try!¡±


    Isn¡¯t it easier to use hands while sucking rather than just with the mouth?


    ¡°First, can you loosen this a bit?¡±


    The handcuffs were suffocating.


    It was like having a feastid out before me that I couldn¡¯t eat.


    Especially in a situation where the forey had been prolonged.


    ¡®The moment thesee off, you¡¯re both dead meat.¡¯


    I wanted to devour these innocent souls right away.


    ¡°No! I¡¯ll keep going until you finish!¡±


    Sheid me down and mounted me, starting to suck.


    ¡°Ah, ah, ah!¡±


    (Why aren¡¯t you climaxing yet?)


    Seo Yerin kept sucking persistently. Just when I started to feel something.


    ¡°¡­Move aside.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was kneeling on the opposite side of Seo Yerin, also began touching my thing.


    ¡°It hurts when you touch it like that.¡±


    ¡°Re-really? Like this?¡±


    ¡°A bit more gently. If you squeeze a sausage too hard, it¡¯ll burst.¡±


    ¡®What is this situation?¡¯


    The two of them were fiddling with my thing as if conducting some kind of science experiment, trying to make me cum cheaply.


    It was cute, if one could call it that, but instead of getting more excited, I started to calm down.


    ¡®Maybe it¡¯s because I mentioned Yoon-ji earlier.¡¯


    When I was telling the story, it seemed to bother Yu Arin that Oh Yoon-ji made mee with her mouth.


    But now, it felt like we weren¡¯t having sex; it was more like a biological experiment with Woojin.


    Their breaths and touches were exciting, but it felt like we were studying together, so my emotions became nd.


    They tried their best, licking with their tongues.


    ¡°Would you like some ice cream?¡±


    The licking was ridiculous.


    ¡°How can it be so unsexy when two people are doing it together?¡±


    Clearly, I was quite excited until just a while ago, but when the two of them insisted on doing something for me, it became ambiguous.


    ¡°This is why rtionships are profound.¡±


    If you just want to do something recklessly, you¡¯ll ruin the mood.


    I understand because I¡¯ve been in simr situations before.


    ¡°It¡¯s frustrating¡­¡±


    ¡°Is Kim Woojin impotent or something?¡±


    ¡°Then what are you looking at?¡±


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin grumbled and med me, but how is it my fault?


    ¡°At this rate, we¡¯ll be here all night. Can you unlock the handcuffs?¡±


    When I held out my wrists with the handcuffs again, their expressions turned sullen.


    They seemed displeased that they couldn¡¯t do anything with me.


    But since they couldn¡¯t just leave me like this, Yu Arin was about to unlock the handcuffs.


    <em>Clunk!</em>


    ¡°Ha! That was tough!¡±


    ¡°Aww, why did we have to drink after swimming? I¡¯m so tired.¡±


    ¡°You insisted on drinking. I just had a bit because it was cute.¡±


    ¡°You have a boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°I broke up. That bastard! I shouldn¡¯t have gotten involved with someone like him!¡±


    Hearing Lee Se-ah¡¯s outburst filled with resentment, our bodies stiffened.


    ¡°Are Yerin and Arin sleeping?¡±


    Their actions were swift.


    Seo Yerin immediately turned off the light, and Yu Arin drew the curtains to block out even the moonlight.


    Even I, who was in the room, couldn¡¯t see anything, and then the nket covered us.


    Theyy down on either side of me, holding me tightly so as not to be seen.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    ¡°Hey there. I was about to tell you about how this unnie got hit on.¡±


    Lee Se-ah, who had opened the door slightly, closed it again with regret.


    If she had opened it a little more, it wouldn¡¯t have been strange if we got caught.


    There was an adult man under the nket.


    But the room was dark, and the door was only slightly open, so it wasn¡¯t easy to see.


    The door closed, and with my face buried in Seo Yerin¡¯s tits, I felt an urge to fall asleep like this.


    ¡®Why is it so soft.¡¯


    I had drunk some alcohol, so I felt like I could fall asleep just like that, but I sensed the two pairs of eyes twinkling.


    ¡°Wow, that was close.¡±


    ¡°Our timing was perfect just now.¡±


    The two people sandwiched me and smiled contentedly. Was it because of the sweet scent emanating from Seo Yerin¡¯s body?


    When I poked her abdomen with the object standing stiff below, Seo Yerin smiled like a crescent moon in the darkness.


    ¡°Oh my, what should we do.¡±


    With a sticky voice, she slowly reached out as if to tease.


    Grasping the back of my head as if to embrace it, she pulled me deeper into her cleavage.


    ¡°Ha, really.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was hugging me from behind, exhaled aplicated breath while firmly gripping my thing.


    Adjusting her strength, she moved back and forth, reigniting the sinking urge to ejacte.


    Indeed, when inexperienced, the most instinctive acts were the most arousing.


    ¡°If we take off the handcuffs, Wonjin might just pounce on us, right?¡±


    With the smell of alcohol wafting from between Seo Yerin¡¯s cleavage, I too felt myself getting deeply intoxicated.


    Yu Arin seemed to be getting the hang of it now, her hand moving faster, her breath touching the nape of my neck.


    ¡°W-wait a minute!¡±


    Burying my face in Seo Yerin¡¯s cleavage, Yu Arin worked diligently with her hand.


    I tried curling up as if to escape, but ultimately, there was no difference.


    ¡°If you cum now, it¡¯s going to get messy!¡±


    Whispering urgently in a hushed voice, Yu Arin¡¯s hand suddenly stopped.


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit troublesome.¡±


    In porn, it¡¯s nothing, but in reality, it¡¯s not.


    ¡°If this gets on the nket, you won¡¯t be able to sleep because of the smell.¡±


    ¡°Should I eat it? In porn, they say ¡®delicious¡¯ and ¡®tasty¡¯ whilepping it up.¡±


    I sighed automatically at Seo Yerin¡¯s crazy remark.


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. If you drink it, you¡¯ll throw up here.¡±


    The sensation of ejaction was imminent, but there was no ce to release it, so I was stuck in a difficult situation.


    ¡°W-wait a minute.¡±


    Yu Arin, who had suddenly stood up while clearing the nket, brought something out from somewhere-


    ¡°A condom?¡±


    I wondered where she got it from, and she answered in a small, muttering voice.


    ¡°I bought it before calling you¡­¡±


    ¡°Lewd. You were already nning to do it.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    ¡°Quiet! The others areing in!¡±


    At Seo Yerin¡¯s mediation, Yu Arin pouted and began to put the condom on my stiffly erect member.


    Surprisingly, she skillfully inserted it.


    <em>Squelch.</em>


    She then began shaking it.


    ¡°Damn, you bastard.¡±


    Yu Arin forcefully shook it up and down.


    My body trembled as I instinctively tried to escape backward, but Seo Yerin had already grabbed me from behind and was holding me tightly.


    ¡®This is a bit embarrassing, isn¡¯t it?¡¯


    The feeling of receiving a handjob while only wearing a shirt in front of two girls?


    It was more humiliating than I expected.


    I bit my lips, trying to suppress the urge to ejacte, but eventually¡­


    ¡°Ugh, ngh.¡±


    I almost let out a moan from the overwhelming sensation, but Seo Yerin¡¯s hands covered my mouth.


    In the end, with my mouth covered and my hands tied, I ejacted and copsed,pletely drained of strength.


    ¡°Heh, what? I want to take a picture.¡±


    Yu Arin, feeling a sense of aplishment, removed the condom and cleaned me up with a wet tissue.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    I tried to say something after seeing that, but my voice wouldn¡¯te out properly because of Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Oh, sorry.¡±


    ¡°Phew!¡±


    Finally able to breathe, I caught my breath and immediately pointed out.


    ¡°If you have wet tissues, you could just use those instead of putting on a condom.¡±


    ¡°¡­That wouldn¡¯t set the mood.¡±


    What nonsense about mood.


    The mood had been ruined long ago.


    ¡°Whatever, I¡¯m leaving now, so untie this.¡±


    ¡°What? You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    ¡°You just came, and now you want to leave?¡±


    Instantly, Yu Arin and I both looked at Seo Yerin at the same time.


    What on earth is going on in her head?


    ¡°As expected, the stamina king, Kim Woojin.¡±


    Seo Yerin gave a thumbs up and tried to get me hard again, to which I seriously extended my hand.


    ¡°Anyway, you can¡¯t do it here. So untie me.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t we?¡±


    What do you mean why.


    ¡°Because you two are going to be so damn loud.¡±


    It¡¯s obvious that you won¡¯t be able to hold back your moans, so what can you do?


    As I shrugged and replied, their mouths shut tight, and they looked at each other once.


    You too?


    Me too.


    Such a dialogue seemed to be exchanged with nces.


    Eventually.


    Yu Arin untied me with a look of slight disappointment mixed with relief.


    <em>Pop!</em>


    As soon as I was free, I grabbed both of Yu Arin¡¯s shoulders andid her down on the bed.


    ¡°Did you have fun ying with me?¡±


    ¡°Ah-¡±


    ¡°Hmm? You got everything all wet, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    I lowered my hand and slipped it into Yu Arin¡¯s pants.


    Because she was wearing pajama pants, there was no obstruction, and my fingers quickly became wet.


    ¡°Ngh, ugh!¡±


    A few movements of the fingers, and Yu Arin immediately covers her mouth with her hand, suppressing a moan.


    ¡°As expected, a sex machine that doesn¡¯t need fuel, Kim Woojin¡­ You never miss a chance with two women.¡±


    ¡°Your words are so¡­¡±


    ¡°Hah! Hngh!¡±


    Even while talking with Seo Yerin, my hands didn¡¯t stop, so Yu Arin¡¯s moans kept interrupting.


    ¡°But Woojin, isn¡¯t it too natural for you to be doing a threesome? How did this happen?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re asking that? You¡¯re the one who joined in.¡±


    ¡°Hngh! Haa!¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t Woojin die from overexertion tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Well, that would be a good death. Just lie and say my dick grew about 5 cm longer.¡±


    ¡°Hngh¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Haha! Kim Woojin, you¡¯re hrious. How long would it be with 5 cm more?¡±


    ¡°How would I know? I¡¯ve never measured it.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Don¡¯t they measure that during physical exams?¡±


    ¡°Why would they measure that?¡±


    ¡°Son of a¡­you bastard!¡±


    <em>Fwoosh!</em>


    Yu Arin, who had suddenly grabbed my wrist tightly, jerked up with her hips in the air, gritting her teeth and groaning.


    Seeing the nket soaking wet, it seems she had quite the experience.


    ¡°Hah! Hah! Damn bastards!¡±


    She seemed annoyed that we were talking among ourselves with her right in front of us.


    I also moved unconsciously, and before I knew it, my fingers were inside Yu Arin.


    Looking down at the heavily breathing Yu Arin, Seo Yerin snorted and began to undress.


    ¡°No wonder Woojin said you¡¯re useless.¡±


    ¡°Se-Seo Yerin!¡±


    ¡°Watch closely, Arin. Sex master Seo Yerin is here.¡±


    ¡°¡­Where do you even learn to say things like that?¡±


    Seriously, the problem was that she absorbed only strange memes.


    ¡°Haa! Uhng!¡±


    Seo Yerin, who was groaning and even screaming at some point, had buried her face into the pillow.


    She was lying with her back turned, clutching the pillow tightly with both hands.


    It felt like I had turned into some sort of excavator.


    I kept trying various ways to dig deeper inside Seo Yerin, but in the end, it always came down to rough and fast.


    As I moved as if hitting the inside of Seo Yerin, her hips followed every time I pulled back.


    She was trying to resist to avoid being prated further.


    <em>Wham!</em>


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    As I pushed her hips back gently, she desperately tried to hold back her moans.


    ¡°What did she say again?¡±


    Yu Arin, who was nkly watching us from the side.


    ¡°Pathetic?¡±


    She mocked Seo Yerin, who was being half-forced by me.


    ¡°Haub! A, air! Haaak! Haaak!¡±


    Since her face was buried in the pillow, she couldn¡¯t breathe properly, and she lifted her head to catch her breath, but I didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Hageuk!¡±


    Seo Yerin hurriedly buried her face back into the pillow at the noisy moan.


    Since it¡¯s dawn and everyone else is probably asleep, a little noise shouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    ¡°Kkeugeuk! Kkeup!¡±


    ¡°Puhaup! Woonjinnn! St-stoooppp!¡±


    Seo Yerin, lying face down, reached back to push me away, but she couldn¡¯t muster any strength in that position.


    So, as I kept pushing.


    ¡°Hey, she said just a moment.¡±


    Yu Arin intervened from the side to stop me.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Yu Arin grabbed my shoulder and applied pressure, halting my hips.


    ¡°Hiiik! Huuuung!¡±


    Seo Yerin, trembling below, pushed the pillow aside. Seeing that the pillow was soaked with saliva and tears, it seems it couldn¡¯t be used anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll catch her. Stop it.¡±


    She stared nkly at Yu Arin.


    Even while stopping, she wasn¡¯t wearing any clothes.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Yu Arin looked at her expressionlessly and I then gave her a light smack on the butt.


    <em>p!</em>


    ¡°Hik?!¡±


    Startled as if she had hupped, Yu Arin trembled and copsed next to Seo Yerin.


    It wasn¡¯t that hard, but it seemed her strength had left her body.


    Thanks to that, the sight of two butts side by side was quite a spectacle.


    <em>p!</em>


    ¡°Haa!¡±


    I smacked Yu Arin¡¯s butt once more and then started thrusting into Seo Yerin again.


    ¡°Haa! Haaang!¡±


    Listening to Seo Yerin¡¯s rhythmic moans pouring out again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush, just wait.¡±


    Once again, I smacked Yu Arin¡¯s buttocks, now reddened and firm.


    And then faintly heard.


    ¡°Yes, y-yes.¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s coquettish reply.


    Does she know how much that resonated with me?


    Seeing Yu Arin, eagerly waiting and slightly sticking her buttocks out, I increased my pace and moved my hips faster.,


    ¡°Reminds me of the old days.¡±


    Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind.


    I stare nkly at the ceiling, momentarily lost in memories.


    Actually, those memories aren¡¯t that old.


    At most, only a few months old.


    It was not long after the second semester began.


    ¡°We drank that time too.¡±


    I was so drunk I couldn¡¯t even stand. I didn¡¯t know it then, butter I heard from the others that I had drunkenly insisted on not going home.


    When I woke up in the morning, I was on the floor of my studio apartment, and on my bed were Yu Arin and Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Do you remember?¡±


    At that time, Yu Arin jokingly said we had a threesome.


    ¡°I had no idea back then.¡±


    I never imagined a time like this would actuallye.


    ¡°Hey, Mr. Kim.¡±


    As I was staring nkly at the ceiling, I lowered my head slightly at the call of Seo Yerin, who was diligently licking my nipple.


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and just get it up.¡±


    ¡°¡­Crazy bitch.¡±


    It was already fully up.


    With two women caressing me, how could it not be?


    ¡°Hoo, hooo.¡±


    Yu Arin, looking down at me as she catches her breath.


    She must not have been breathing while we were kissing roughly just a moment ago.


    The flush on her face indicated she was quite excited.


    Judging by the way she licked her lips, the kiss wasn¡¯t over yet.


    ¡°It hurts a bit, can you suck more gently?¡±


    It¡¯s not like she¡¯s eating an ice pop, but she keeps sucking, making my tongue hurt.


    Honestly, I might throw up.


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    Sure, whatever you say,dy.


    Yu Arin resumed the kiss.


    As if not wanting to lose, she kissed even more fiercely, which I was starting to get used to.


    Ignoring Yu Arin, Seo Yerin began unzipping my pants.


    Cows being led to the ughterhouse, fishid out on the chopping board, etc.


    Already knowing exactly how things would proceed, I just waited silently.


    I couldn¡¯t say I wasn¡¯t excited as a man.


    Though the situation of being handcuffed was somewhat unique, after all, weren¡¯t two women diligently serving me?


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    As I lifted my hips slightly to make it easier to remove my pants, Seo Yerin smiled brightly and kissed the tip of my member.


    I didn¡¯t know why she did it there, but in any case, she did it there.


    The caresses continued.


    Yu Arin, as if addicted to kissing, kept exploring, while Seo Yerin, true to her nature, skipped steps and held my member in her mouth.


    <em>Slurp, slurp.</em>


    The sucking sounds entered both ears simultaneously.


    My lips hurt because of Yu Arin, and my member was angry because of Seo Yerin.


    Last time too, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because she¡¯s not very skilled yet, but it¡¯s frustrating and difficult.


    But I can¡¯t force it into her either because my hands are cuffed, so there¡¯s nothing I can do.


    In the end.


    It was Seo Yerin who first broke the chain of strange caresses that seemed to have no end.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t youing?!¡±


    She shouted, not understanding.


    Thanks to that, Yu Arin, who had been dazed and only kissing, seemed toe to her senses and quickly got up and backed away.


    ¡°Damn, human drug is what you are. Look at the addiction.¡±


    ¡°You did it, why are you ming me?¡±


    ¡°¡­My tongue hurts.¡±


    ¡°I told you to be gentle.¡±


    My tongue was stinging, and I could feel my lips slightly swollen.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t youing yet?!¡±


    Seo Yerin yelled at me again, interrupting my conversation with Yu Arin. It was a bit creepy the way she red at my thing, fuming.


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to make someone climax with oral alone.¡±


    ¡°But I still want to try!¡±


    Isn¡¯t it easier to use hands while sucking rather than just with the mouth?


    ¡°First, can you loosen this a bit?¡±


    The handcuffs were suffocating.


    It was like having a feastid out before me that I couldn¡¯t eat.


    Especially in a situation where the forey had been prolonged.


    ¡®The moment thesee off, you¡¯re both dead meat.¡¯


    I wanted to devour these innocent souls right away.


    ¡°No! I¡¯ll keep going until you finish!¡±


    Sheid me down and mounted me, starting to suck.


    ¡°Ah, ah, ah!¡±


    (Why aren¡¯t you climaxing yet?)


    Seo Yerin kept sucking persistently. Just when I started to feel something.


    ¡°¡­Move aside.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was kneeling on the opposite side of Seo Yerin, also began touching my thing.


    ¡°It hurts when you touch it like that.¡±


    ¡°Re-really? Like this?¡±


    ¡°A bit more gently. If you squeeze a sausage too hard, it¡¯ll burst.¡±


    ¡®What is this situation?¡¯


    The two of them were fiddling with my thing as if conducting some kind of science experiment, trying to make me cum cheaply.


    It was cute, if one could call it that, but instead of getting more excited, I started to calm down.


    ¡®Maybe it¡¯s because I mentioned Yoon-ji earlier.¡¯


    When I was telling the story, it seemed to bother Yu Arin that Oh Yoon-ji made mee with her mouth.


    But now, it felt like we weren¡¯t having sex; it was more like a biological experiment with Woojin.


    Their breaths and touches were exciting, but it felt like we were studying together, so my emotions became nd.


    They tried their best, licking with their tongues.


    ¡°Would you like some ice cream?¡±


    The licking was ridiculous.


    ¡°How can it be so unsexy when two people are doing it together?¡±


    Clearly, I was quite excited until just a while ago, but when the two of them insisted on doing something for me, it became ambiguous.


    ¡°This is why rtionships are profound.¡±


    If you just want to do something recklessly, you¡¯ll ruin the mood.


    I understand because I¡¯ve been in simr situations before.


    ¡°It¡¯s frustrating¡­¡±


    ¡°Is Kim Woojin impotent or something?¡±


    ¡°Then what are you looking at?¡±


    Seo Yerin and Yu Arin grumbled and med me, but how is it my fault?


    ¡°At this rate, we¡¯ll be here all night. Can you unlock the handcuffs?¡±


    When I held out my wrists with the handcuffs again, their expressions turned sullen.


    They seemed displeased that they couldn¡¯t do anything with me.


    But since they couldn¡¯t just leave me like this, Yu Arin was about to unlock the handcuffs.


    <em>Clunk!</em>


    ¡°Ha! That was tough!¡±


    ¡°Aww, why did we have to drink after swimming? I¡¯m so tired.¡±


    ¡°You insisted on drinking. I just had a bit because it was cute.¡±


    ¡°You have a boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°I broke up. That bastard! I shouldn¡¯t have gotten involved with someone like him!¡±


    Hearing Lee Se-ah¡¯s outburst filled with resentment, our bodies stiffened.


    ¡°Are Yerin and Arin sleeping?¡±


    Their actions were swift.


    Seo Yerin immediately turned off the light, and Yu Arin drew the curtains to block out even the moonlight.


    Even I, who was in the room, couldn¡¯t see anything, and then the nket covered us.


    Theyy down on either side of me, holding me tightly so as not to be seen.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    ¡°Hey there. I was about to tell you about how this unnie got hit on.¡±


    Lee Se-ah, who had opened the door slightly, closed it again with regret.


    If she had opened it a little more, it wouldn¡¯t have been strange if we got caught.


    There was an adult man under the nket.


    But the room was dark, and the door was only slightly open, so it wasn¡¯t easy to see.


    The door closed, and with my face buried in Seo Yerin¡¯s tits, I felt an urge to fall asleep like this.


    ¡®Why is it so soft.¡¯


    I had drunk some alcohol, so I felt like I could fall asleep just like that, but I sensed the two pairs of eyes twinkling.


    ¡°Wow, that was close.¡±


    ¡°Our timing was perfect just now.¡±


    The two people sandwiched me and smiled contentedly. Was it because of the sweet scent emanating from Seo Yerin¡¯s body?


    When I poked her abdomen with the object standing stiff below, Seo Yerin smiled like a crescent moon in the darkness.


    ¡°Oh my, what should we do.¡±


    With a sticky voice, she slowly reached out as if to tease.


    Grasping the back of my head as if to embrace it, she pulled me deeper into her cleavage.


    ¡°Ha, really.¡±


    Yu Arin, who was hugging me from behind, exhaled aplicated breath while firmly gripping my thing.


    Adjusting her strength, she moved back and forth, reigniting the sinking urge to ejacte.


    Indeed, when inexperienced, the most instinctive acts were the most arousing.


    ¡°If we take off the handcuffs, Wonjin might just pounce on us, right?¡±


    With the smell of alcohol wafting from between Seo Yerin¡¯s cleavage, I too felt myself getting deeply intoxicated.


    Yu Arin seemed to be getting the hang of it now, her hand moving faster, her breath touching the nape of my neck.


    ¡°W-wait a minute!¡±


    Burying my face in Seo Yerin¡¯s cleavage, Yu Arin worked diligently with her hand.


    I tried curling up as if to escape, but ultimately, there was no difference.


    ¡°If you cum now, it¡¯s going to get messy!¡±


    Whispering urgently in a hushed voice, Yu Arin¡¯s hand suddenly stopped.


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit troublesome.¡±


    In porn, it¡¯s nothing, but in reality, it¡¯s not.


    ¡°If this gets on the nket, you won¡¯t be able to sleep because of the smell.¡±


    ¡°Should I eat it? In porn, they say ¡®delicious¡¯ and ¡®tasty¡¯ whilepping it up.¡±


    I sighed automatically at Seo Yerin¡¯s crazy remark.


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. If you drink it, you¡¯ll throw up here.¡±


    The sensation of ejaction was imminent, but there was no ce to release it, so I was stuck in a difficult situation.


    ¡°W-wait a minute.¡±


    Yu Arin, who had suddenly stood up while clearing the nket, brought something out from somewhere-


    ¡°A condom?¡±


    I wondered where she got it from, and she answered in a small, muttering voice.


    ¡°I bought it before calling you¡­¡±


    ¡°Lewd. You were already nning to do it.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    ¡°Quiet! The others areing in!¡±


    At Seo Yerin¡¯s mediation, Yu Arin pouted and began to put the condom on my stiffly erect member.


    Surprisingly, she skillfully inserted it.


    <em>Squelch.</em>


    She then began shaking it.


    ¡°Damn, you bastard.¡±


    Yu Arin forcefully shook it up and down.


    My body trembled as I instinctively tried to escape backward, but Seo Yerin had already grabbed me from behind and was holding me tightly.


    ¡®This is a bit embarrassing, isn¡¯t it?¡¯


    The feeling of receiving a handjob while only wearing a shirt in front of two girls?


    It was more humiliating than I expected.


    I bit my lips, trying to suppress the urge to ejacte, but eventually¡­


    ¡°Ugh, ngh.¡±


    I almost let out a moan from the overwhelming sensation, but Seo Yerin¡¯s hands covered my mouth.


    In the end, with my mouth covered and my hands tied, I ejacted and copsed,pletely drained of strength.


    ¡°Heh, what? I want to take a picture.¡±


    Yu Arin, feeling a sense of aplishment, removed the condom and cleaned me up with a wet tissue.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    I tried to say something after seeing that, but my voice wouldn¡¯te out properly because of Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Oh, sorry.¡±


    ¡°Phew!¡±


    Finally able to breathe, I caught my breath and immediately pointed out.


    ¡°If you have wet tissues, you could just use those instead of putting on a condom.¡±


    ¡°¡­That wouldn¡¯t set the mood.¡±


    What nonsense about mood.


    The mood had been ruined long ago.


    ¡°Whatever, I¡¯m leaving now, so untie this.¡±


    ¡°What? You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    ¡°You just came, and now you want to leave?¡±


    Instantly, Yu Arin and I both looked at Seo Yerin at the same time.


    What on earth is going on in her head?


    ¡°As expected, the stamina king, Kim Woojin.¡±


    Seo Yerin gave a thumbs up and tried to get me hard again, to which I seriously extended my hand.


    ¡°Anyway, you can¡¯t do it here. So untie me.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t we?¡±


    What do you mean why.


    ¡°Because you two are going to be so damn loud.¡±


    It¡¯s obvious that you won¡¯t be able to hold back your moans, so what can you do?


    As I shrugged and replied, their mouths shut tight, and they looked at each other once.


    You too?


    Me too.


    Such a dialogue seemed to be exchanged with nces.


    Eventually.


    Yu Arin untied me with a look of slight disappointment mixed with relief.


    <em>Pop!</em>


    As soon as I was free, I grabbed both of Yu Arin¡¯s shoulders andid her down on the bed.


    ¡°Did you have fun ying with me?¡±


    ¡°Ah-¡±


    ¡°Hmm? You got everything all wet, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    I lowered my hand and slipped it into Yu Arin¡¯s pants.


    Because she was wearing pajama pants, there was no obstruction, and my fingers quickly became wet.


    ¡°Ngh, ugh!¡±


    A few movements of the fingers, and Yu Arin immediately covers her mouth with her hand, suppressing a moan.


    ¡°As expected, a sex machine that doesn¡¯t need fuel, Kim Woojin¡­ You never miss a chance with two women.¡±


    ¡°Your words are so¡­¡±


    ¡°Hah! Hngh!¡±


    Even while talking with Seo Yerin, my hands didn¡¯t stop, so Yu Arin¡¯s moans kept interrupting.


    ¡°But Woojin, isn¡¯t it too natural for you to be doing a threesome? How did this happen?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re asking that? You¡¯re the one who joined in.¡±


    ¡°Hngh! Haa!¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t Woojin die from overexertion tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Well, that would be a good death. Just lie and say my dick grew about 5 cm longer.¡±


    ¡°Hngh¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Haha! Kim Woojin, you¡¯re hrious. How long would it be with 5 cm more?¡±


    ¡°How would I know? I¡¯ve never measured it.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Don¡¯t they measure that during physical exams?¡±


    ¡°Why would they measure that?¡±


    ¡°Son of a¡­you bastard!¡±


    <em>Fwoosh!</em>


    Yu Arin, who had suddenly grabbed my wrist tightly, jerked up with her hips in the air, gritting her teeth and groaning.


    Seeing the nket soaking wet, it seems she had quite the experience.


    ¡°Hah! Hah! Damn bastards!¡±


    She seemed annoyed that we were talking among ourselves with her right in front of us.


    I also moved unconsciously, and before I knew it, my fingers were inside Yu Arin.


    Looking down at the heavily breathing Yu Arin, Seo Yerin snorted and began to undress.


    ¡°No wonder Woojin said you¡¯re useless.¡±


    ¡°Se-Seo Yerin!¡±


    ¡°Watch closely, Arin. Sex master Seo Yerin is here.¡±


    ¡°¡­Where do you even learn to say things like that?¡±


    Seriously, the problem was that she absorbed only strange memes.


    ¡°Haa! Uhng!¡±


    Seo Yerin, who was groaning and even screaming at some point, had buried her face into the pillow.


    She was lying with her back turned, clutching the pillow tightly with both hands.


    It felt like I had turned into some sort of excavator.


    I kept trying various ways to dig deeper inside Seo Yerin, but in the end, it always came down to rough and fast.


    As I moved as if hitting the inside of Seo Yerin, her hips followed every time I pulled back.


    She was trying to resist to avoid being prated further.


    <em>Wham!</em>


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    As I pushed her hips back gently, she desperately tried to hold back her moans.


    ¡°What did she say again?¡±


    Yu Arin, who was nkly watching us from the side.


    ¡°Pathetic?¡±


    She mocked Seo Yerin, who was being half-forced by me.


    ¡°Haub! A, air! Haaak! Haaak!¡±


    Since her face was buried in the pillow, she couldn¡¯t breathe properly, and she lifted her head to catch her breath, but I didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Hageuk!¡±


    Seo Yerin hurriedly buried her face back into the pillow at the noisy moan.


    Since it¡¯s dawn and everyone else is probably asleep, a little noise shouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    ¡°Kkeugeuk! Kkeup!¡±


    ¡°Puhaup! Woonjinnn! St-stoooppp!¡±


    Seo Yerin, lying face down, reached back to push me away, but she couldn¡¯t muster any strength in that position.


    So, as I kept pushing.


    ¡°Hey, she said just a moment.¡±


    Yu Arin intervened from the side to stop me.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Yu Arin grabbed my shoulder and applied pressure, halting my hips.


    ¡°Hiiik! Huuuung!¡±


    Seo Yerin, trembling below, pushed the pillow aside. Seeing that the pillow was soaked with saliva and tears, it seems it couldn¡¯t be used anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll catch her. Stop it.¡±


    She stared nkly at Yu Arin.


    Even while stopping, she wasn¡¯t wearing any clothes.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Yu Arin looked at her expressionlessly and I then gave her a light smack on the butt.


    <em>p!</em>


    ¡°Hik?!¡±


    Startled as if she had hupped, Yu Arin trembled and copsed next to Seo Yerin.


    It wasn¡¯t that hard, but it seemed her strength had left her body.


    Thanks to that, the sight of two butts side by side was quite a spectacle.


    <em>p!</em>


    ¡°Haa!¡±


    I smacked Yu Arin¡¯s butt once more and then started thrusting into Seo Yerin again.


    ¡°Haa! Haaang!¡±


    Listening to Seo Yerin¡¯s rhythmic moans pouring out again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush, just wait.¡±


    Once again, I smacked Yu Arin¡¯s buttocks, now reddened and firm.


    And then faintly heard.


    ¡°Yes, y-yes.¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s coquettish reply.


    Does she know how much that resonated with me?


    Seeing Yu Arin, eagerly waiting and slightly sticking her buttocks out, I increased my pace and moved my hips faster.

 Chapter 143: Confusion

    Yu Arin and Seo Yerin had fallen asleep before I knew it.


    Their pillows were soaked, and the two of themy on my arms, eyes tightly shut, breathing rhythmically.


    ¡®Achievement unlocked.¡¯


    Who would have thought I¡¯d end up in a threesome?


    And with Seo Yerin and Yu Arin, no less.


    I had my way with both of them, who had been best friends since high school.


    I don¡¯t know how things will turn outter, but at least today was quite fulfilling, wasn¡¯t it?


    ¡®Man, this is exhausting.¡¯


    It was my first time dealing with two women, so it was overwhelming.How should I put it?


    Like giving two bowls of food to a dog, watching it frantically switch back and forth?


    Seeing Seo Yerin and Yu Arin naked in front of me made me feel like I¡¯ve lost my mind.


    Now, my senses have returned.


    Is this what they call post-nut rity?


    ¡®I¡¯m really screwed.¡¯


    An achievement is an achievement, but I thought I would really take this to my grave. Eventually, my eyes slowly closed as fatigue and drowsiness washed over me.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m really tired.¡±


    ¡°Look at Kim Woojin sleepingfortably just because he quit on his own.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    I forced my still heavy eyelids open at the sound of voices.


    The weight I had felt on both arms was gone, the window was open along with the curtains, and Seo Yerin and Yu Arin were getting dressed in their underwear.


    If it were any other time, I would have quickly opened my eyes wide to store as much of their bodies in my brain as possible.


    ¡°Have a good day.¡±


    I had already seen their naked bodies too many times, so I closed my eyes again.


    ¡°You¡¯re acting so rxed because you¡¯ve already had your fill!¡±


    Yu Arin immediately stomped on me, probably because she was annoyed, but it didn¡¯t hurt much since I was still sleepy.


    ¡°Woojin, can you not leave until wee back?¡±


    Seo Yerin warns while buttoning her shirt.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m


    I replied petntly, thinking I would sleep a little more and then leave quickly, and Seo Yerin clicked her tongue.


    ¡°Come with us. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Then I have to stay for another week. Are you telling me to stay here until then?¡±


    I¡¯m not some kind of parasite.


    Isn¡¯t it wrong to secretly live in their room without the other girls knowing?


    ¡°Then just stay until wee back. Okay? I¡¯ll see you off.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m leaving before youe back.¡±


    As I sluggishly pulled the nket over my face, Yu Arin strongly agreed.


    ¡°Yeah, I think it¡¯s right for you to go. If it gets awkward again, you might end up leavingte.¡±


    Precisely.


    I had a hunch too.


    If I wait for them today and the atmosphere gets strange again, I won¡¯t be able to resist.


    So, isn¡¯t that just another day passing by?


    It¡¯s not some kind of sex loop. I thought if I stayed, I¡¯d end up being stuck with them forever, so I decided to leave quickly.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was aiming for.¡±


    Besides, eerily enough, all three of us had the same thought, and one of us was actually weing it.


    That was the truly scary part.


    Are they nning to have sex forever?


    ¡°Ugh, damn. My legs hurt.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still numb.¡±


    Listening to the groans of the two struggling to put their pants on, I closed my eyes in satisfaction.


    Anyway, the others will go to work, so I¡¯ll sleep a bit more and leave around lunchtime.


    ¡°But, Yerin.¡±


    ¡®When are you leaving?¡¯


    Isn¡¯t itte?


    I wondered why they were still getting ready when they must have slept so little.


    ¡°You¡¯re Anonymous69, right?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s sharp question hit it¡¯s mark.


    I can feel Seo Yerin sending me a distress signal from outside the nket.


    I burrow even deeper into the nket.


    I will never let go.


    Because it¡¯s dangerous outside the nket.


    ¡°Your way of speaking and actions are exactly like Anonymous69. Aren¡¯t you that one, the Sex God?¡±


    ¡°N-n-n-no, I¡¯m not.¡±


    From the way her voice is trembling, it¡¯s already over.


    She¡¯s useless except for having a pretty face.


    Sex?


    That¡¯s just something she likes.


    Acting?


    Looking at her, I wonder if she¡¯s ever had any talent as an actress.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m a-a-an otaku!¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap. Now that I think about it, Kim Woojin saidst time that the Sex God was in our department. That¡¯s you.¡±


    <em>Thud! Thud!</em>


    Seo Yerin is probably stepping on me, but I ignore it.


    ¡°Enough, we¡¯ve already seen everything anyway, so what¡¯s there to be embarrassed about?¡±


    Yu Arin tries tofort her in her own way, but Seo Yerin continues to make huffing sounds like a steam engine, grieving.


    ¡°My, my image¡­¡±


    Is she crazy?


    I seriously wanted to ask what kind of image she thought she had, but I held back because I felt like I¡¯d get beaten up if I went outside the nket right now.


    ¡°What image? We¡¯re going to bete. Let¡¯s go, Yerin.¡±


    ¡°<em>Sniff</em>! The Admin is annoying! I¡¯m going to spam and post lewd pics today!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡±


    I snap back immediately while lifting the nket. The funny thing was that Yu Arin did it at the same time.


    ¡°What is this synchronization?¡±


    Seo Yerin looks at us alternately, puffing her cheeks in jealousy.


    ¡°Let me do it too! Since Arin already knows my true identity, just make me an admin too!¡±


    Seo Yerin grumbles, saying there¡¯s no point in holding back since everything¡¯s been revealed anyway.


    ¡°Ah, I get it. Let¡¯s just go. We¡¯re really going to bete. The others are calling us.¡±


    The voices of Lee Se-ah and Han Bom from outside.


    Since it was really time to go to work, Yu Arin dragged Seo Yerin away and left.


    I thought they might at least say goodbye, but since we would meet again in a few days, there was no need for formalities-


    ¡°Hey, take care.¡±


    ¡°Contact us when you arrive.¡±


    I thought they wouldn¡¯t, but they peeked their heads around the door and said goodbye.


    I waved back andy back down.


    ¡®The scent is still here.¡¯


    The ces where Seo Yerin and Yu Arin¡¯s scent and warmth still lingered.


    It felt oddlyforting rather than exciting, so I calmly closed my eyes.


    Soon enough, I fell asleep.


    Slowly, my eyes opened.


    I was incredibly tired, but it felt like someone forcibly woke me up.


    In reality, there was no noise, no one shaking me, nothing like that.


    I just woke up, really quietly and calmly.


    That was it.


    I opened my eyes in such stillness that I could have been a corpse.


    Isn¡¯t that strange?


    I was definitely incredibly tired.


    The sunlight streaming in and the chilly breeze told me it was still morning.


    Why did I wake up again?


    Why did I open my eyes?


    My sleepy mind slowly began to think.


    I was still terribly tired, and my body hadn¡¯t recovered, so my eyelids felt heavy as if telling me to sleep immediately.


    Even as I closed my eyes again, my thoughts didn¡¯t stop.


    Why did I wake up?


    There were exactly two reasons.


    One was the coldness.


    It wasn¡¯t the fresh winding in through the open window, but the coolness my body held.


    The other was the smell.


    The smell of cigarettes.


    Yes, the smell of cigarettes strong enough to be somewhat overwhelming filled my nose.


    ¡®Cigarettes?¡¯


    I rolled my eyes downward to find the source.


    Almost falling asleep with my eyes closed, I managed to discover the identity of the coolness and the cigarette smell.


    A ck-haired woman blinking her eyes.


    For some reason, she was lying as if she was nestled in my arms and had been looking up at me even before I looked down.


    ¡®What is this.¡¯


    Surprisingly, people.


    Don¡¯t get too shocked when something unimaginable happens.


    Min Ju-hee was lying as if she was nestled in my arms, burrowed under the nket.


    Yet, I felt no particr emotion.


    Was it because I was too shocked to move or just too sleepy to respond?


    Senior Ju-hee, who made eye contact with me, blinked herrge eyes a few times and then froze.


    It seemed to take her some time to grasp the reality, just like me.


    ¡®Is it really senior Ju-hee?¡¯


    <em>Tap.</em>


    I ced my hand on the head of senior Ju-hee, who was nestled in my arms.


    It was real.


    I could feel the texture.


    Hmm.


    I see.


    ¡®It¡¯s stiff.¡¯


    That was it.


    I slowly closed my eyes again.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Waking from sleep, I immediately checked the time on my phone.


    It was now 1 PM.


    It was exactly lunchtime, so I got upzily and tried to fix my tousled hair.


    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t take a shower¡­¡±


    I nced at the bathroom wistfully, then pulled out a hat from my suitcase and put it on snugly.


    Since I still have some time left on my rental contract, and I haven¡¯t sorted out my things there, I decided to go home and take a shower.


    ¡®I guess I¡¯ll have to organize my stuff when I get there.¡¯


    Since I¡¯ll be moving into the dormitory, I¡¯ll be busy preparing for that too, which made me sigh.


    After checking my appearance in the mirror, I pulled my suitcase and headed outside.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo: Did youe back yesterday?</li></ul>


    When I replied to Choi Yiseo, who had just sent me a message, that I wasing today, she suggested we have dinner together if I wasn¡¯t too tired.


    ¡°I really am a bad bastard.¡±


    Cursing at myself, I replied that I would pay, hoping it would make me feel a little better.


    Since I¡¯d be having ate dinner, I thought I could sleep more on the bus, take a shower at home, and then go out.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo: Since you¡¯ll be tired, should we just eat at your ce?</li></ul>


    ¡®Why does that suggestion sound so suggestive?¡¯


    This situation had been unfolding strangely since yesterday, so even Choi Yiseo¡¯s calm proposal felt like a temptation.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: No, no. I¡¯m tired of delivery food. Let¡¯s eat out.</li><li>


    Choi Yiseo: Sure, is there anything specific you want to eat?</li></ul>


    While pondering the menu, I catch the bus that arrives at the stop just in time.


    We decide to figure out the menu together when we get there, and I turn my gaze out the window.


    Now, if I go to the intercity bus terminal and take the bus back, I can sleep for a few more hours.


    ¡°Phew, I¡¯m finally leaving.¡±


    I feel a mix of relief and regret as I watch the Gold One Hotel fade into the distance.


    I had many experiences and underwent many changes.


    The university life that will start again.


    Now a sophomore, I felt proud thinking about living as a slightly more mature Kim Woojin.


    The rtionship between Seo Yerin and Yu Arin has gotten a bitplicated, and if Choi Yiseo finds out, I might be dead.


    Whatever it is, for now¡­


    ¡°Damn, what the hell!?¡±


    Why was senior Min Ju-hee in my arms?,


    Yu Arin and Seo Yerin had fallen asleep before I knew it.


    Their pillows were soaked, and the two of themy on my arms, eyes tightly shut, breathing rhythmically.


    ¡®Achievement unlocked.¡¯


    Who would have thought I¡¯d end up in a threesome?


    And with Seo Yerin and Yu Arin, no less.


    I had my way with both of them, who had been best friends since high school.


    I don¡¯t know how things will turn outter, but at least today was quite fulfilling, wasn¡¯t it?


    ¡®Man, this is exhausting.¡¯


    It was my first time dealing with two women, so it was overwhelming.


    How should I put it?


    Like giving two bowls of food to a dog, watching it frantically switch back and forth?


    Seeing Seo Yerin and Yu Arin naked in front of me made me feel like I¡¯ve lost my mind.


    Now, my senses have returned.


    Is this what they call post-nut rity?


    ¡®I¡¯m really screwed.¡¯


    An achievement is an achievement, but I thought I would really take this to my grave. Eventually, my eyes slowly closed as fatigue and drowsiness washed over me.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m really tired.¡±


    ¡°Look at Kim Woojin sleepingfortably just because he quit on his own.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    I forced my still heavy eyelids open at the sound of voices.


    The weight I had felt on both arms was gone, the window was open along with the curtains, and Seo Yerin and Yu Arin were getting dressed in their underwear.


    If it were any other time, I would have quickly opened my eyes wide to store as much of their bodies in my brain as possible.


    ¡°Have a good day.¡±


    I had already seen their naked bodies too many times, so I closed my eyes again.


    ¡°You¡¯re acting so rxed because you¡¯ve already had your fill!¡±


    Yu Arin immediately stomped on me, probably because she was annoyed, but it didn¡¯t hurt much since I was still sleepy.


    ¡°Woojin, can you not leave until wee back?¡±


    Seo Yerin warns while buttoning her shirt.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m


    I replied petntly, thinking I would sleep a little more and then leave quickly, and Seo Yerin clicked her tongue.


    ¡°Come with us. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Then I have to stay for another week. Are you telling me to stay here until then?¡±


    I¡¯m not some kind of parasite.


    Isn¡¯t it wrong to secretly live in their room without the other girls knowing?


    ¡°Then just stay until wee back. Okay? I¡¯ll see you off.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m leaving before youe back.¡±


    As I sluggishly pulled the nket over my face, Yu Arin strongly agreed.


    ¡°Yeah, I think it¡¯s right for you to go. If it gets awkward again, you might end up leavingte.¡±


    Precisely.


    I had a hunch too.


    If I wait for them today and the atmosphere gets strange again, I won¡¯t be able to resist.


    So, isn¡¯t that just another day passing by?


    It¡¯s not some kind of sex loop. I thought if I stayed, I¡¯d end up being stuck with them forever, so I decided to leave quickly.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was aiming for.¡±


    Besides, eerily enough, all three of us had the same thought, and one of us was actually weing it.


    That was the truly scary part.


    Are they nning to have sex forever?


    ¡°Ugh, damn. My legs hurt.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still numb.¡±


    Listening to the groans of the two struggling to put their pants on, I closed my eyes in satisfaction.


    Anyway, the others will go to work, so I¡¯ll sleep a bit more and leave around lunchtime.


    ¡°But, Yerin.¡±


    ¡®When are you leaving?¡¯


    Isn¡¯t itte?


    I wondered why they were still getting ready when they must have slept so little.


    ¡°You¡¯re Anonymous69, right?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s sharp question hit it¡¯s mark.


    I can feel Seo Yerin sending me a distress signal from outside the nket.


    I burrow even deeper into the nket.


    I will never let go.


    Because it¡¯s dangerous outside the nket.


    ¡°Your way of speaking and actions are exactly like Anonymous69. Aren¡¯t you that one, the Sex God?¡±


    ¡°N-n-n-no, I¡¯m not.¡±


    From the way her voice is trembling, it¡¯s already over.


    She¡¯s useless except for having a pretty face.


    Sex?


    That¡¯s just something she likes.


    Acting?


    Looking at her, I wonder if she¡¯s ever had any talent as an actress.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m a-a-an otaku!¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap. Now that I think about it, Kim Woojin saidst time that the Sex God was in our department. That¡¯s you.¡±


    <em>Thud! Thud!</em>


    Seo Yerin is probably stepping on me, but I ignore it.


    ¡°Enough, we¡¯ve already seen everything anyway, so what¡¯s there to be embarrassed about?¡±


    Yu Arin tries tofort her in her own way, but Seo Yerin continues to make huffing sounds like a steam engine, grieving.


    ¡°My, my image¡­¡±


    Is she crazy?


    I seriously wanted to ask what kind of image she thought she had, but I held back because I felt like I¡¯d get beaten up if I went outside the nket right now.


    ¡°What image? We¡¯re going to bete. Let¡¯s go, Yerin.¡±


    ¡°<em>Sniff</em>! The Admin is annoying! I¡¯m going to spam and post lewd pics today!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it!¡±


    I snap back immediately while lifting the nket. The funny thing was that Yu Arin did it at the same time.


    ¡°What is this synchronization?¡±


    Seo Yerin looks at us alternately, puffing her cheeks in jealousy.


    ¡°Let me do it too! Since Arin already knows my true identity, just make me an admin too!¡±


    Seo Yerin grumbles, saying there¡¯s no point in holding back since everything¡¯s been revealed anyway.


    ¡°Ah, I get it. Let¡¯s just go. We¡¯re really going to bete. The others are calling us.¡±


    The voices of Lee Se-ah and Han Bom from outside.


    Since it was really time to go to work, Yu Arin dragged Seo Yerin away and left.


    I thought they might at least say goodbye, but since we would meet again in a few days, there was no need for formalities-


    ¡°Hey, take care.¡±


    ¡°Contact us when you arrive.¡±


    I thought they wouldn¡¯t, but they peeked their heads around the door and said goodbye.


    I waved back andy back down.


    ¡®The scent is still here.¡¯


    The ces where Seo Yerin and Yu Arin¡¯s scent and warmth still lingered.


    It felt oddlyforting rather than exciting, so I calmly closed my eyes.


    Soon enough, I fell asleep.


    Slowly, my eyes opened.


    I was incredibly tired, but it felt like someone forcibly woke me up.


    In reality, there was no noise, no one shaking me, nothing like that.


    I just woke up, really quietly and calmly.


    That was it.


    I opened my eyes in such stillness that I could have been a corpse.


    Isn¡¯t that strange?


    I was definitely incredibly tired.


    The sunlight streaming in and the chilly breeze told me it was still morning.


    Why did I wake up again?


    Why did I open my eyes?


    My sleepy mind slowly began to think.


    I was still terribly tired, and my body hadn¡¯t recovered, so my eyelids felt heavy as if telling me to sleep immediately.


    Even as I closed my eyes again, my thoughts didn¡¯t stop.


    Why did I wake up?


    There were exactly two reasons.


    One was the coldness.


    It wasn¡¯t the fresh winding in through the open window, but the coolness my body held.


    The other was the smell.


    The smell of cigarettes.


    Yes, the smell of cigarettes strong enough to be somewhat overwhelming filled my nose.


    ¡®Cigarettes?¡¯


    I rolled my eyes downward to find the source.


    Almost falling asleep with my eyes closed, I managed to discover the identity of the coolness and the cigarette smell.


    A ck-haired woman blinking her eyes.


    For some reason, she was lying as if she was nestled in my arms and had been looking up at me even before I looked down.


    ¡®What is this.¡¯


    Surprisingly, people.


    Don¡¯t get too shocked when something unimaginable happens.


    Min Ju-hee was lying as if she was nestled in my arms, burrowed under the nket.


    Yet, I felt no particr emotion.


    Was it because I was too shocked to move or just too sleepy to respond?


    Senior Ju-hee, who made eye contact with me, blinked herrge eyes a few times and then froze.


    It seemed to take her some time to grasp the reality, just like me.


    ¡®Is it really senior Ju-hee?¡¯


    <em>Tap.</em>


    I ced my hand on the head of senior Ju-hee, who was nestled in my arms.


    It was real.


    I could feel the texture.


    Hmm.


    I see.


    ¡®It¡¯s stiff.¡¯


    That was it.


    I slowly closed my eyes again.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Waking from sleep, I immediately checked the time on my phone.


    It was now 1 PM.


    It was exactly lunchtime, so I got upzily and tried to fix my tousled hair.


    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t take a shower¡­¡±


    I nced at the bathroom wistfully, then pulled out a hat from my suitcase and put it on snugly.


    Since I still have some time left on my rental contract, and I haven¡¯t sorted out my things there, I decided to go home and take a shower.


    ¡®I guess I¡¯ll have to organize my stuff when I get there.¡¯


    Since I¡¯ll be moving into the dormitory, I¡¯ll be busy preparing for that too, which made me sigh.


    After checking my appearance in the mirror, I pulled my suitcase and headed outside.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo: Did youe back yesterday?</li></ul>


    When I replied to Choi Yiseo, who had just sent me a message, that I wasing today, she suggested we have dinner together if I wasn¡¯t too tired.


    ¡°I really am a bad bastard.¡±


    Cursing at myself, I replied that I would pay, hoping it would make me feel a little better.


    Since I¡¯d be having ate dinner, I thought I could sleep more on the bus, take a shower at home, and then go out.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo: Since you¡¯ll be tired, should we just eat at your ce?</li></ul>


    ¡®Why does that suggestion sound so suggestive?¡¯


    This situation had been unfolding strangely since yesterday, so even Choi Yiseo¡¯s calm proposal felt like a temptation.<ul><li>


    Kim Woojin: No, no. I¡¯m tired of delivery food. Let¡¯s eat out.</li><li>


    Choi Yiseo: Sure, is there anything specific you want to eat?</li></ul>


    While pondering the menu, I catch the bus that arrives at the stop just in time.


    We decide to figure out the menu together when we get there, and I turn my gaze out the window.


    Now, if I go to the intercity bus terminal and take the bus back, I can sleep for a few more hours.


    ¡°Phew, I¡¯m finally leaving.¡±


    I feel a mix of relief and regret as I watch the Gold One Hotel fade into the distance.


    I had many experiences and underwent many changes.


    The university life that will start again.


    Now a sophomore, I felt proud thinking about living as a slightly more mature Kim Woojin.


    The rtionship between Seo Yerin and Yu Arin has gotten a bitplicated, and if Choi Yiseo finds out, I might be dead.


    Whatever it is, for now¡­


    ¡°Damn, what the hell!?¡±


    Why was senior Min Ju-hee in my arms?

 Chapter 144: Enchantment

    ¡°Yawn, oh. I¡¯m more tired than I thought.¡±


    Arriving home with a weary step.


    Without even thinking of unpacking the suitcase, just shoving it into a corner, lying on the mattress brought sleep swiftly.


    ¡®I have to go meet Choi Yiseo.¡¯


    Since I had a meeting promised with Choi Yiseo, I couldn¡¯t just stay home like this.


    ¡®Was the mattress always this soft?¡¯


    Having slept on the living room floor or the sofa every day at Gold One, I had forgotten this softness.


    As I buried my face in it, a strangely familiar scent wafted up.


    ¡®¡­It smells like Choi Yiseo?¡¯It might be odd to remember such things without having a scent fetish.


    But the mattress was full of Choi Yiseo¡¯s scent.


    ¡®It¡¯s addictive.¡¯


    Lying there savoring the scent without any particr thoughts.


    <em>Click.</em>


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    The sound of the front door opening makes me nce slightly towards the entrance.


    I wondered if it was a thief, but there stood Choi Yiseo holding an envelope in her hand.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    A light greeting.


    I stared nkly at her and suddenly remembered that I had given her the key to my room before I went to Gold One.


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    That¡¯s why the mattress smelled like Choi Yiseo.


    Well, no matter how it is, even if we spent a night together, it¡¯s been almost two months, so there¡¯s no way the smell would linger.


    ¡°Did you rest here sometimes?¡±


    I bury my face back into the mattress and ask.


    ¡°Yeah, sometimes when I was tired from work and didn¡¯t want to go home, I slept here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the mattress smells like you.¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re not burying your face in it because of that, are you?¡±


    She asked, looking disconcerted, so I answered honestly.


    ¡°About half the reason, I guess?¡±


    ¡°As soon as I saw it, I was totally turned off.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really harsh.¡±


    ¡°I told you we should eat outside.¡±


    I turn my body and look at Choi Yiseo. She¡¯s already taken off her coat and is preparing the food as if it¡¯s second nature.


    ¡°I thought you might be tired. I just wanted to make you dinner and leave.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing special. Just something like stew. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Honestly, I was really reluctant to go out, so this works out well.


    When I was on the bus earlier, I thought about treating myself to something nice outside as a reward for the part-time job.


    But now, I was so grateful that Choi Yiseo came over like this.


    ¡°How¡¯s the dorm? You have to move in soon, right?¡±


    ¡°They said there¡¯s an interview. It¡¯s in a week or so.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s soon.¡±


    ¡°I came back quickly, so I have a little more free time.¡±


    As we casually chatted, I felt like I was naturally returning to my usual routine.


    When I stayed at Gold One, I thought I had gotten used to it, but now that I¡¯m back, my daily life is here after all.


    Choi Yiseo, wearing an apron, was cooking various things.


    Watching her nkly from behind, I thought to myself how remarkable I was.


    ¡®Yesterday, I had a threesome with the girls, and today I¡¯m here with Choi Yiseo.¡¯


    This is why I¡¯m the chairman¡¯s son.


    Rich people are indeed generous.


    <em>Vrr! Vrr!</em>


    My phone rang then.


    I was toozy to get up, so I just turned my head to answer it while lying down.


    ¡°Hello.¡±<ul><li>Woojin, are you home?</li></ul>


    Seo Yerin¡¯s lively voice.


    Even though I had heard it this morning, it felt weing.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m home. I¡¯m lying down right now.¡±<ul><li>Have you had dinner?</li></ul>


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t eaten yet. But why did you call?¡±<ul><li>We¡¯re about to have dinner. Should we video call while eating? Aren¡¯t you lonely?</li></ul>


    ¡°I¡¯m not lonely. Why did you call?¡±


    It¡¯s not that I¡¯m rushing or annoyed.


    Choi Yiseo is already staring at me with her hand on her hip, so I want to hang up quickly out of a sense of urgency.<ul><li>Why are you so cold? What, are you done with everything already?</li></ul>


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say things like that.¡±<ul><li>Right? There¡¯s still a lot left to do.</li></ul>


    Usually, I would have asked in detail what there was left to do.


    But now, Choi Yiseo seems ready to turn off the stove ande over here, so I should hang up.


    ¡°I¡¯m hanging up.¡±<ul><li>Why are you in such a hurry? Who are you with right now-!</li></ul>


    <em>Click.</em>


    I hang up and bury my face back into the mattress.


    Pretending not to notice Choi Yiseo¡¯s gaze, I just lie there.


    <em>Buzz!</em>


    The phone rings again.


    ¡°It¡¯s a call from Arin.¡±


    Choi Yiseo is standing next to me with adle in her hand.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t have to answer.¡±


    ¡°Answer it.¡±


    ¡°I said, answer it.¡±


    Why is she suddenly creating such a scary atmosphere?


    I sit up and answer the phone. I connect it to the speakerphone, sensing the situation.<ul><li>Choi Yiseo, hi?</li></ul>


    As expected, she¡¯s quick-witted.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    When Choi Yiseo responds with a reluctant expression, Yu Arin asks in an excited voice.<ul><li>Where are you now? At Kim Woo-jin¡¯s house?</li></ul>


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s right.¡±<ul><li>Aha.</li></ul>


    Thenes a brief silence.


    ¡®Please, please, Arin. Please. Don¡¯t say anything weird.¡¯


    I held the phone with a nk expression, but inside I was burning up.


    I was terrified that Yu Arin might mention anything about what happened yesterday.<ul><li>How about we all get together for a drink when we get back?</li></ul>


    ¡°Drink?¡±<ul><li>Yeah, you worked part-time too. Since we all did, wouldn¡¯t it be nice to have a drink at a good ce? Let¡¯s cheer up as second years.</li></ul>


    It¡¯s not a bad suggestion, but the fact that Yu Arin made it was peculiar.


    Maybe Choi Yiseo felt the same, as we exchanged knowing nces and let out a deep sigh.<ul><li>Or should we go somewhere instead of just drinking?</li></ul>


    ¡°Where?¡±<ul><li>Woojin¡¯s ce?</li></ul><ul><li>Ah, we can¡¯t. It would be a big problem if we went there.</li></ul>


    Just saying it would be a big problem without any exnation feels a bit chilling.<ul><li>Se¡­</li></ul>


    Seo Yerin, who was listening nearby, suddenly interrupted. It¡¯s clear she has no intention of hiding her true nature anymore.


    ¡°Uh, what?¡±


    Choi Yiseo was flustered, wondering if she heard correctly, but Yu Arin continuedughing.<ul><li>Anyway, let¡¯s meet up once we get back. There¡¯s something we need to discuss. Right, Woojin?</li></ul>


    ¡°Yes. Of course.¡±<ul><li>Yeah, yeah, see youter.</li></ul>


    <em>Click.</em>


    I was definitely the one who felt good during the threesome, the one who benefited the most, and the one who took the lead¡­


    Why am I the one being ckmailed in the end?


    ¡°It seems like something happened.¡±


    Choi Yiseo looks down at me, gritting her teeth. Although nothing has been said explicitly, she seems to have sensed that something went wrong.


    ¡°Sigh, Kim Woojin, seriously.¡±


    She sweeps her bangs aside and looks down at me resentfully.


    ¡°I made kimchi stew, so eat up.¡±


    But surprisingly, she lets it slide.


    ¡°I want to grill some pork belly too, is it okay to do that here? I heard some studios don¡¯t allow grilling meat.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine here. Just ventte well.¡±


    I quickly open the window, set up the dining table, and sit down.


    Choi Yiseo grumbled but set the table neatly.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving. Eat on your own.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to eat with me?¡±


    ¡°No! I¡¯m not eating!¡±


    While trying to throw the bags of food into the trash can.


    <em>Thud.</em>


    A box fell to the floor.


    It was a condom.


    Both of our gazes were fixed on it simultaneously. It seemed that Choi Yiseo bought it while getting the groceries.


    ¡°Ah, no. Tha


    While putting on her coat, Choi Yiseo¡¯s face turned bright red as she stammered awkwardly .


    ¡°You should have told me earlier.¡±


    I immediately stood up and started taking off my pants.


    ¡°Wh-what the hell!? Why are you taking off your pants all of a sudden!¡±


    ¡°I mean, if you were lonely, you should have told me sooner.¡±


    With my pants half off, I hopped closer, and Choi Yiseo frantically waved her hands.


    ¡°Just eat your food! A-and we¡¯re not doing it!¡±


    ¡°I can eatter. Do you want to eat first?¡±


    ¡°Your line is reallyme, Kim Woojin!¡±


    ¡°That kind of hurts¡­¡±


    Anyway, I ran towards Choi Yiseo as if I were some kind of zombie, and she ran to the front door to escape.


    ¡°You need to eat! And it¡¯s obvious you¡¯re really tired!¡±


    ¡°Possible!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s possible, you crazy person! Just eat and sleep! I, I¡¯lle back tomorrow!¡±


    Choi Yiseo leaving, saying she¡¯d step back for my condition.


    ¡°Ah, damn.¡±


    I was really angry because of the mischievous Choi Yiseo, but I couldn¡¯t let it go.


    Picking up the condom that had fallen on the floor to put it somewhere.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    The door opened again.


    ¡°As expected, Choi Yiseo! You wanted to-!¡±


    Thinking that Choi Yiseo hade back, I smiled brightly and turned.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    There was someone who shouldn¡¯t be there.


    Red wavy hair.


    A curvaceous body fitting a sophisticated suit.


    As always.


    Confidently squared shoulders and a rigidly straightened back.


    Lastly, the affectionate gaze directed at me.


    ¡°Oh Yoon-ji?¡±


    Startled, I stared nkly at Oh Yoon-ji, and she asked, just as she did in the old days.


    ¡°Quite a warm wee, huh?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    <em>Oops.</em>


    My pants were still half-off, and I was holding a condom in my hand.


    She might misunderstand.


    I threw the condom out of the window I had opened earlier to get rid of the meat smell.


    ¡°Phew, that was close.¡±


    ¡°¡­You really are peculiar.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯te in!¡±


    Despite my shout, Oh Yoon-ji naturally entered the room. She boldly walked in, making my protest seem pointless.


    ¡°Yiseo came by, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    Sorry, Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Yiseo even cooked for you? Just like I used to.¡±


    Oh Yoon-ji clicked her tongue and shook her head at the dining table.


    ¡°She still doesn¡¯t know well.¡±


    ¡°When we eat grilled meat, honey only eats it with doenjang jjigae.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me ¡®honey¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Then, my husband?¡±


    For a moment, I almost called her ¡®dear¡¯.


    Kim Woojin back then was really crazy.


    ¡°I heard there¡¯s a misunderstanding. The letter I left didn¡¯t reach you properly.¡±


    Before leaving me.


    I heard from Choi Yiseo that Oh Yoon-ji left a letter.


    And I already know that she¡¯s working with my older brother for my sake.


    There was a misunderstanding about our breakup.


    There was an ident in my pain.


    But.


    ¡°However.¡±


    I¡¯ve already sorted my feelings out.


    ¡°What does it matter.¡±


    It was true that I was wavering among several women.


    I even said trashy things like I would take them all.


    However, among them, there was no ce for Oh Yoon-ji.


    ¡°It¡¯s true that it was hard because of you. And it¡¯s true that you struggled because of me.¡±


    ¡°But Yoon-ji, I-!¡±


    <em>Thud.</em>


    Oh Yoon-ji¡¯s index finger touches my lips. Her provocative gaze signals that no more words are necessary, and I fall silent.


    ¡°Woojin, I heard everything.¡±


    It felt as if I could sense the intense heat.


    ¡°Yiseo, Seo Yerin, and Yu Arin? Those girls are ying mind games over you.¡±


    What Oh Yoon-ji harbored was a kind ofpetitive spirit.


    She was always better than others, more passionate, more proactive.


    ¡°How was it during the first semester when we were dating?¡±


    At Oh Yoon-ji¡¯s question, I unconsciously recalled the past.


    It was university life, but we didn¡¯t care about others. We only had each other, and we always spent time together, just the two of us.


    The distance growing between people was natural and inevitable.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t Choi Yiseo there at that time?¡±


    She was there.


    ¡°And Seo Yerin? Yu Arin? Weren¡¯t they there then?¡±


    No, they were all there.


    ¡°Then why?¡±


    The smile she gave was intensely captivating.


    Absolute confidence.


    ¡°Who did you choose back then?¡±


    She hadn¡¯t changed at all from the Oh Yoon-ji I knew.


    ¡°Did you even notice any other girls back then?¡±


    She was just as I loved her.


    ¡°Hehe, Woojin.¡±


    Still as attractive as ever.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    Oh Yoon-ji slowly removed her hand from my lips.


    ¡°The fact that I worked for you? That I left a letter asking you to wait a little? That other girls flirted with you during that time? That I left you and you misunderstood?¡± ?


    She licked the finger that had touched my lips and boldly dered.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°Nothing changes.¡±


    It felt as if I had gone back.


    To the first semester.


    Like dazzling fireworks.


    Enchanted by her beauty, who led such a dominant life.


    ¡°In the end, we¡¯ll meet again.¡±


    As the naive Kim Woojin.


    ¡°Got it, my husband?¡±


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 145: It’s Complicated

    I can¡¯t deny that it left a strong impression.


    Yes, to be honest.


    Just a few minutes of conversation reignited the dying embers in my heart, leaving me flustered.


    But I couldn¡¯t show it.


    No, I had no intention of showing it.


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    Maybe that¡¯s why.


    Perhaps I spoke more coldly to hide my feelings.


    Sensing my struggle, Oh Yoon-ji looked at me with a rxed smile still on her lips.¡°Should I make you some soybean paste stew before I go? You used to like it when I made it.¡±


    ¡°Leave.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t eat pork belly with kimchi stew.¡±


    ¡°I eat it now, so leave.¡±


    After several firm rejections, Oh Yoon-ji seemed annoyed and crossed her arms, grumbling.


    ¡°I¡¯m going back to school now. Things at work have settled down, so I have some free time.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to start from the second semester anyway.¡±


    Since she attended the first semester and then took a leave of absence, naturally, she would start from the second semester of her first year.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. But I n toe to school often. To see you.¡±


    ¡°Besides that, I have other reasons too, so don¡¯t make such a scary face.¡±


    Oh Yoon-ji pats my shoulder lightly and turns around.


    Today, it felt like if we talked any more, a real argument would break out, but she kept it in check.


    ¡°Just to be clear. You¡¯re not my girlfriend anymore.¡±


    I add one more line to Oh Yoon-ji, as she grabs the doorknob to leave.


    If I didn¡¯t do this, I felt like I might waver myself.


    ¡°That¡¯s cruel.¡±


    But in response to my words, Oh Yoon-ji replied with a slightly sorrowful smile for the first time.


    ¡°But it¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°I will ovee it. Just like I always do.¡±


    <em>Thud.</em>


    The door closed.


    As silence descended, a strange sensation was felt.


    It wasn¡¯t a negative feeling toward Oh Yoon-ji, but rather a mixture of longing, joy, and relief that she was doing well.


    This made me even more confused.


    The strong rose scent lingering faintly in the room brought back forgotten memories.


    ¡°Ha, damn.¡±


    I sat down, clutching my head.


    I¡¯m d you¡¯re doing well.


    I wanted to say something like that.


    But saying something like that would change things.


    So I could only be curt.


    After struggling for a long time, I finally gathered myself and went to the table.


    The kimchi stew Choi Yiseo made had already gone cold.<hr>


    The time spent idly at home increased.


    Choi Yiseo visited often, but seeing my condition, she worried without probing deeply.


    She seemed to intuitively sense it was because of Oh Yoon-ji.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯


    Maybe that¡¯s why.


    At some point, Choi Yiseo¡¯s visits became less frequent, and in the meantime, Seo Yerin and Yu Arin returned from Gold One.


    They suggested we drink together, but the conversation never moved past setting a date, and nothing really progressed.


    It was my fault.


    Not responding properly and being indifferent, everyone seemed to find something odd and barely replied.


    ¡®Sigh.¡¯


    Time passed helplessly.


    I had returned to Gahyeon University after a long time.


    For none other than the dormitory interview.


    Among the bustling crowd, the fresh-faced people touring the university were almost certainly freshmen.


    ¡®I was like thatst year too.¡¯


    Having left home, I was thrilled to attend university alone for the first time.


    But after a year, I had be a veteran who had been through it all.


    So much had happened in just one year.


    Now that I was a sophomore, incidents were already urring, giving me headaches.


    ¡®I haven¡¯t been checking the Bamboo Forest muchtely.¡¯


    Come to think of it, I hadn¡¯t looked at the Bamboo Forest in a while, despite being an admin.


    I thought I should go in and manage it a bit, but my fingers didn¡¯t open the app.


    Things were already soplicated, and I didn¡¯t want to see unnecessary stories on the Bamboo Forest.


    Yu Arin was probably handling it well.


    I just believed that and waited for the interview in the waiting room.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    I encountered a familiar face.


    A plump build with an impressive, friendly double chin.


    The roommate I shared a room with at Gold One, the senior from the Food and Culinary Studies department, was Dae-sang hyung.


    ¡°Woojin?¡±


    ¡°Dae-sang hyung? Are you also here for the dormitory interview?¡±


    I thought he was twenty-seven.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been living in the dormitory since my first year.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    Now that he¡¯s a fourth-year, he¡¯s in his graduation year. I heard that dormitories usually don¡¯t ept graduating students, but he seemed confident and rxed.


    Although I left first, we reminisced about our time at Gold One.


    I felt a piercing gaze.


    Senior Ju-hee, with her hair tied back and sticking out from under her cap, was staring at me intently.


    ¡°Oh, Ju-hee. Hello.¡±


    Dae-sang hyung greeted her quite warmly. Both of them worked in the kitchen at Gold One, so they seemed to have grown close.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    Though we were from different departments, Min Ju-hee still spoke respectfully because he was older.


    ¡°Hello, senior.¡±


    I also bowed my head slightly in greeting, and Min Ju-hee looked at me intently before giving a small nod.


    ¡°Yeah, have you been well?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes. I¡¯ve been well.¡±


    To be honest.


    Yeah, I had forgotten.


    That Min Ju-hee had been in my arms that day.


    I couldn¡¯t deny that the appearance of Oh Yoon-ji had momentarily pushed that memory to the back.


    ¡®But¡­¡¯


    Min Ju-hee seemed so unaffected, it made me wonder if I had just dreamed it.


    ¡°Did you prepare well for the dorm interview? Did you bring all the documents?¡±


    ¡°Yes, would you like to take a look?¡±


    ¡°Give them to me. Did you make sure to bring what you needed from Gold One?¡±


    Min Ju-hee naturally sat next to me and checked various things.


    ¡®What is this, was it really a dream?¡¯


    No.


    It definitely wasn¡¯t.


    I remember putting my hand on her head.


    But seeing senior Ju-hee acting as if nothing had happened, I wondered if I should just follow suit and pretend it never happened.


    Normally, I might have asked.


    Because that¡¯s the kind of person I am.


    But.


    ¡®Because of Oh Yoon-ji right now¡­¡¯


    I didn¡¯t want to add anotherplicated situation.


    Since senior Ju-hee seemed to want to forget about it, I also continued the conversation as usual, mixing some jokes in.<hr>


    ¡®What the hell is this guy?!¡¯


    It was the opposite.


    ¡®What the hell is going on!¡¯


    While Kim Woojin had forgotten about Min Ju-hee because of Oh Yoon-ji over the past week.


    ¡®Ah, what is it!¡¯


    Min Ju-hee, on the contrary, could only think about Kim Woojin.


    ¡®Does he think it¡¯s a dream or something?!¡¯


    The sensation of Kim Woojin¡¯s hand resting on her head still vividly came to mind.


    ¡®But, we made eye contact too?¡¯


    The warmth from when she was held in his arms lingered, making her body tingle.


    ¡®What the heck is this!¡¯


    Kim Woojin¡¯s body, slightly tensed with muscle.


    The feeling of touching it was still vividly imprinted on her palm.


    ¡®Ugh, it¡¯s so frustrating!¡¯


    She wanted to just bring a baseball bat and ask if he remembered that moment.


    But she couldn¡¯t do that.


    Even though Min Ju-hee was so used to hitting people.


    She had no immunity to this type of situation.


    ¡®Why did I do that then?!¡¯


    It was an ident.


    The night she spent at Gold One.


    Min Ju-hee, who wanted to sleep soundly after skiing until dawn.


    She entered the dorm quietly so as not to wake the others, but the noise wasing from inside.


    At first, she thought someone was watching a movie.


    After hearing intense moans, she thought someone was watching porn.


    Finally.


    When she opened the door to Seo Yerin and Yu Arin¡¯s room slightly, the source of the sound.


    Only then.


    ¡®Haa! Haang!¡¯


    She found out the truth.


    Seo Yerin, who was moaning almost in screams.


    The moment she saw her lying down, having sex with Kim Woojin, her body froze unconsciously.


    Why was Kim Woojin here in the women¡¯s dormitory?


    Just as that thought crossed her mind.


    Next to them, Yu Arin, who was also naked, tried to stop Kim Woojin.


    <em>p!</em>


    He spanked her as a warning.


    ¡®Don¡¯t rush me, just wait.¡¯


    Kim Woojin¡¯s heavy voice made her wonder if he was really the cute junior she knew.


    ¡®Y-yes.¡¯


    Seeing Yu Arin lying next to Seo Yerin, waiting submissively with her bottom raised, was a shocking moment that made her brain tremble.


    Yu Arin, who used to be as strong-willed as she was, was waiting obediently like a literal bitch.


    A scene that defiedmon sense.


    Two women were whining under one man, looking so delighted as if they enjoyed it immensely.


    It was shocking.


    Since high school, her only interactions with men were fights, and in university, she focused solely on studying for schrships.


    Min Ju-hee had always kept her distance from men.


    She was ignorant, so she wasn¡¯t curious.


    She was ignorant, so she didn¡¯t care.


    She was ignorant, so she wasn¡¯t interested.


    But.


    Now she knew.


    Unable to resist the strange impulse and curiosity at that time, shey down next to the sleeping Kim Woojin.


    Just.


    It was just instinct.


    Feeling a strange excitement from the sight of the two juniors shouting without shame in their happiness, she just tried it.


    It wasn¡¯t as bad as she thought.


    When Kim Woojin¡¯s hand rested on her head, she even felt a peculiar thrill.


    But.


    But!


    Butttt!


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s my turn. I¡¯ll be back!¡±


    ¡°Sure, just answer as instructed and there shouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±


    That bastard.


    Seeing him act so nonchntly made Min Ju-hee¡¯s hand grip tightly.


    ¡°¡­Ju-hee, are you mad?¡±


    Noticing something odd about Min Ju-hee, Oh Dae-sang asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    The moment Min Ju-hee responded through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Oh Dae-sang instinctively lowered his gaze.

 Chapter 146: Dormitory Meeting

    The dormitory interview itself wasn¡¯t particrly difficult.


    There wasn¡¯t much to say, and it seemed more about filtering out the minimum risk rather than eliminating someone.


    ¡®It¡¯s a bit different from other universities.¡¯


    I heard that at other ces, it¡¯s hard to get into the dormitory after the first year.


    Some ces are harder to get into the dormitory than to get into the university itself.


    Compared to such ces, Gahyeon University was certainly more convenient.


    I¡¯ve seen on YouTube that Gahyeon University is introduced as a school with a well-organized dormitory system.


    I didn¡¯t expect it to be this easy, though.


    When I came out, senior Ju-hee and Oh Dae-sang hyung were still sitting there.The atmosphere was somewhat heavy, and Dae-sang hyung was looking at the ground.


    ¡®Well, it¡¯s because it¡¯s the Captain.¡¯


    How many people can stand next to senior Ju-hee without lowering their eyes?


    ¡°It¡¯s done. The atmosphere was good, so I think I¡¯ll pass!¡±


    I smile and thank the two people.


    ¡°Really? Congrattions.¡±


    Dae-sang hyung weed me back enthusiastically and congratted me.


    Senior Ju-hee momentarily shot me a sharp nce. I almost took a step back in surprise.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, I¡¯m d.¡±


    She quickly returned to her usual expression and patted me on the back.


    ¡°Ugh! Se-senior. It hurts.¡±


    ¡°Really? Sorry!¡±


    <em>Whack!</em>


    She gave me another pat on the back.


    Indeed, her boldness is quite fitting for a general.


    ¡®¡­This feels weird.¡¯


    There was something hard to overlook.


    ¡®Could it be because of thest time?¡¯


    I wondered if she was upset because I didn¡¯t mention it.


    If I say that, I might end up getting hit even more.


    ¡®Hmm.¡¯


    While I was pondering what to do, it was already Min Ju-hee¡¯s turn for the interview.


    ¡°Is something wrong with senior Ju-hee?¡±


    Thinking this was a good opportunity, I immediately asked Dae-sang hyung, but he just shrugged, saying he didn¡¯t know either.


    ¡°More importantly, Woojin. We decided to have a drink with the guys who moved into the dorm before. Want to join us?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Out of the blue?¡±


    Earlier, he had been looking down at his phone, so it seemed like he had made some ns.


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re gathering the people moving back into the dorm this time to get along better. Since you¡¯ll be living in the dorm, you¡¯ll see them often too.¡±


    Honestly, I¡¯m not really interested.


    I don¡¯t particrly want to drink, nor do I want to go to a gathering and have conversations with anyone.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look too happy.¡±


    Seeing me like that, the senior patted my shoulder and gave me some advice.


    ¡°You look more worn out than when you were at Gold One. It¡¯s good to ponder over things at times like this, but sometimes just having a drink without thinking too much isn¡¯t bad either.¡±


    Ever since Oh Yoon-ji left, my head had been in a mess, but I hadn¡¯t had a drink.


    The senior¡¯s advice, carrying the weight of age.


    ¡°Sure, why not.¡±


    To hell with it, I decided to go.


    It would be good to get to know people in the dormitory beforehand to get along better.


    ¡°But what about those who fail after being seen there?¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s just unfortunate.¡±


    Surprisingly, I might go and not see a few people there.


    As I was talking about various things rted to the dormitory, senior Ju-hee returned.


    It seems like there were no issues, so the interview went well.


    As if changing shifts, the senior gets up and goes for his interview.


    ¡°Alright, take care. I¡¯ll contact youter. It will probably be around 7 o¡¯clock, Woojin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, hyung. Please contact me.¡±


    I bow my head and see the senior off to his interview.


    I could just leave, but the quiet hustle and bustle around feels somewhatforting.


    As I sit for a moment.


    Senior Ju-hee sitting next to me looks at me intently and asks.


    ¡°Do you have any ns?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the people staying in the dormitory are getting together to drink. I thought I¡¯d at least get to know their faces.¡±


    ¡°Do you want toe too, senior?¡±


    Since Senior Ju-hee likes drinking quite a bit, I thought I¡¯d suggest it.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not into those kinds of gatherings.¡±


    Surprisingly, senior Ju-hee waves her hand and declines.


    ¡°Woojin, since it¡¯s a university dorm, there tends to be quite a few incidents, you know?¡±


    Then followed the advice.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to get friendly with everyone at drinking parties. It¡¯s also necessary to draw a line when you see fit.¡±


    ¡°¡­Do you know something?¡±


    As I asked because Senior¡¯s tone left a strange aftertaste, she scratched her cheek and answered.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know everything. You go and see for yourself and judge.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    As expected of Senior.


    Just cool and clean advice was impressive.


    ¡°¡­Or maybe you¡¯re the bad one.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    Though she mumbled something and stared at me with a squint.


    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    <em>Thwack!</em>


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Senior hit my back again as she left. Seeing how she can¡¯t control her strength, she should exercise or something.


    ¡®Then I should too.¡¯


    Thinking it was about time, I stood up from my seat.<hr>


    To cut to the chase, it¡¯s be incredibly bothersome.


    Staying at home feels annoying, drinking feels annoying, and meeting new people feels annoying.


    But since I said I¡¯d go to the boss, I¡¯m reluctantly on my way.


    Even though it¡¯s our first meeting, I didn¡¯t dress up, just pulled on a cap, threw on a sweater, and headed to the ce marked on my phone.


    ¡®The store¡¯s name is¡­Red Chili Paste Pork? Korean BBQ? What is this?¡¯


    Isn¡¯t it just a pork belly ce?


    We¡¯re having apany dinner at some weird ce.


    Since it was a straight path, I was about to put my phone away when a message came in.<ul><li>Yu Arin: Have you arrived, traitor?</li></ul>


    It was a group chat, and the members were me, Yu Arin, Seo Yerin, and Choi Yiseo.


    It felt a bit embarrassing to have this group chat, but I had mentioned earlier that there was a gathering today.<ul><li>Kim Woojin: Not yet.</li></ul>


    Yu Arin was quick to curse when she found out I postponed drinking with them and went somewhere else to drink.<ul><li>


    Yu Arin: Fucking annoying bastard.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: But we decided to meet tomorrow.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Look at that tone. I should probably bow and thank you for meeting me.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Which direction are you in? I¡¯ll bow to you from here.</li></ul>


    ¡®This wench.¡¯


    Recently, the mood had been oddly tense, but after I sent a message saying I had a meeting, it was as if nothing had happened.<ul><li>


    Choi Yiseo: Don¡¯t drink too much.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Kay.</li><li>


    Choi Yiseo: I told you not to do that.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: Yes, ma¡¯am.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Anyone would think you¡¯re married. So caring. But yeah, don¡¯t drink too much.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: When you get drunk, you always try to drag some girl home.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: ???</li><li>


    Yu Arin: I¡¯m serious.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: It¡¯s not about dragging a girl along; it¡¯s about asking anyone to go together.</li><li>


    Choi Yiseo: Die.</li></ul>


    Honestly, I¡¯m not that resentful.


    What can I do about my drinking habits?


    In fact, because of that, those three have slept over at my ce before.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: But the restaurant¡¯s name is Red Chilli Paste Pork, so it might not be to Woojin¡¯s taste.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: Yerin, when are you going to take your clothes? Why did you put your clothes in my suitcase?</li><li>


    Choi Yiseo: If you have a hard time after drinking, call me. I¡¯lle to get you.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: A deration of conscience.</li><li>


    Kim Woojin: I¡¯m not a kid.</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: There was no room in my suitcase, so I put them in yours.</li><li>


    Yu Arin: ¡­¡­</li></ul>


    ¡®It¡¯s so chaotic.¡¯


    Why are there so many words?


    The disorganized conversation did give me a bit of a headache, but a small smile had somehow formed on my lips.


    I arrived at the barbecue restaurant before I knew it.


    I arrived just on time for the meeting, but there weren¡¯t many people yet.


    ¡°Dae-sang hyung.¡±


    ¡°Woojin, you¡¯re here.¡±


    Thanks to Dae-sang hyung, I got to sit next to him and chat.


    There were students from various departments, not just Food and Nutrition, and especially freshmen who were moving into the dorms also attended through introductions from their seniors.


    The male-to-female ratio was decent.


    Beforeing here, the kids had been giving me strange looks, but there weren¡¯t so many girls to warrant that.


    While exchanging stories with Dae-sang hyung from Gold One, we tilted our sses.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    I thought drinking a bit might help lift my mood.


    But the knot in my chest wasn¡¯t something that could be undone with a bit of alcohol.


    How should I put it?


    It¡¯s like I was feeling the heartache of a breakup again after the first semester and during the vacation.


    ¡®This sucks.¡¯


    I tried to relieve my gloominess by drinking¡­


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you drinking too hard by yourself?¡±


    Before I knew it, the seat where Hyung had been sitting was now upied by a familiar face.


    Slightly longer hair.


    The same sses and a smirk.


    A fossil in the Physical Therapy department, and a believer in Sex God.


    Anonymous90 of the Bamboo Forest.


    Now a graduate student and even a teaching assistant, it was Lee Eun-woo.


    ¡°Do you still live in the dormitory?¡±


    Since she¡¯s a senior, shouldn¡¯t she not be living there anymore?


    ¡°I found a separate ce. I just came to hang out today.¡±


    Well, she was a fossil in the Physical Therapy department and had been stuck in the dormitory for four years.


    She must have quite a few friends in the dormitory.


    ¡°Then, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you manage the Bamboo Forest anymore? You used to do it a lot.¡±


    Is it really Yu Arin doing it alone?


    I feel a bit sorry.


    ¡°I have to. I was just taking a break.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I thought you handed it over to your sessor.¡±


    ¡°Are they still wallpapering over there?¡±


    I remember Seo Yerin being extremely upset about losing her seat as the sex symbol.


    Also, she was happy to reim her spot as the sex symbol while wallpapering at Gold One.


    I don¡¯t know why that¡¯s important.


    ¡°¡­A little?¡±


    ¡°Sigh, it¡¯s more than a little.¡±


    It was obvious she was doing it more than usual.


    ¡°You came here today to ask about a guy, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re sharp.¡±


    Anyway, she¡¯s crazy about men.


    ¡°Freshmen are nice. They¡¯re so enthusiastic, day and night.¡±


    ¡°Take it easy. Don¡¯t mess up their rtionships for no reason.¡±


    I nce over at the table where the freshmen are gathered.


    Many of them, slightly tipsy from drinking, openly show their affection without hiding it.


    ¡°Tsk, do they think I¡¯m an olddy? So, will the Admin entertain me today?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re acting up again. Shall I introduce you to a nice person?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Oh Dae-sang hyung.¡±


    ¡°Not my type.¡±


    Such a picky person.


    Dae-sang hyung is a reliable and good man.


    ¡°I saw a few freshmen from the English department over there, have you talked to them?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Why didn¡¯t I know that?


    ¡°They seem to have followed their friends. Go and say hi.¡±


    ¡°No, thanks. They might dislike it if I pretend to know them.¡±


    How annoying would it be if aplete stranger came over and acted like a senior?


    ¡®Ah, should I just leave?¡¯


    I came here to get to know the people I would be staying with in the dormitory and to make friends.


    But I didn¡¯t feel like talking and drinking with anyone.


    ¡®It was a bit different earlier.¡¯


    Before entering the BBQ restaurant, when I was chatting with the kids, it felt like everything was back to normal.


    My heart felt a bit lighter.


    But now, it wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡®¡­Even if I ask her to meet, she won¡¯te.¡¯


    Since we nned to drink tomorrow, I thought I¡¯d just adjust my condition for that and slowly got up.


    A woman entered as the door of the restaurant opened.


    She was noticeably dressed up for ate night, and the subtle restaurant lighting enhanced her aura.


    A natural charm that gathered the attention of everyone inside the restaurant.


    ¡°Seo Yerin?¡±


    Why is she here?


    Various thoughts crossed my mind, but Seo Yerin, receiving everyone¡¯s gaze, found me immediately and approached.


    ¡°Woojin, I messaged you, why didn¡¯t you check?¡±


    She pointed to her phone with a graceful smile.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Senior? The goddess from the Gold One bakery.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s exactly your type ¨C innocent.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Voices were heard from here and there.


    Even when staying at Gold One, Seo Yerin stood out, but among fellow students, she shone even more.


    Seeing Seo Yerin, pure and innocent.


    ¡®She was always like this.¡¯


    Having only viewed her as the sex icon for a while, this Seo Yerin felt somewhat unfamiliar.


    ¡°Hmm? Woojin.¡±


    Seo Yerin was urging me with a smile.


    I nkly checked my phone.


    There was a private message from Seo Yerin.<ul><li>


    Seo Yerin: (photo)</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: (photo)</li><li>


    Seo Yerin: Which one do you like?</li></ul>


    One photo showed her covering her chest with both hands, wearing only panties.


    The other photo had her wearing only a white shirt, covering her lower body with her hand.


    Both were of Seo Yerin.


    ¡°¡­Did youe here just to ask me this?¡±


    I asked, dumbfounded, staring nkly at Seo Yerin.


    ¡°Yeah, which do you like?¡±


    She asked me with a pure, clear smile.

 Chapter 147: Moving Preparations

    Seo Yerin sits next to me, smiling.


    Even though it wasn¡¯t a dormitory entrance, it felt so natural that I was caught off guard, and others started whispering.


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s your taste?¡±


    ¡°Hey, this is a ce for those entering the dormitory.¡±


    I wanted to prevent others from expecting Seo Yerin to enter the dormitory just because she was with me.


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    Pretending to be surprised innocently, even though she already knew everything.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go drink somewhere else.¡±


    Seo Yerin stood up suddenly, trying to take me with her.¡°No, no! Drink here. It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not a dormitory student either, just drinking together.¡±


    Lee Eun-woo urgently grabs Seo Yerin. It seemed like others didn¡¯t want her to leave either.


    ¡®So this is how it feels.¡¯


    I heard that if you¡¯re pretty or handsome, you never have to pay for drinks in college. And it turned out to be true.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Seo Yerin sat back down with a smile. She clung to my side and took the ss I was drinking from.


    ¡°Woojin, you should stop drinking now.¡±


    ¡°Why.¡±


    ¡°If you drink too much, it¡¯ll be hard for me when we go back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not drinking enough to get drunk.¡±


    ¡°How many sses have you had so far?¡±


    ¡°Hmm- about a bottle?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s plenty.¡±


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t get drunk easily with beer or soju.¡±


    ¡°But you keep drinking, so you¡¯ll eventually get drunk.¡±


    As we bickered, each holding our sses, I felt the eyes of the people around us.


    I nced sideways and saw others staring at us, which was a bit embarrassing.


    ¡®Anyway, when I¡¯m with Seo Yerin.¡¯


    This is the problem.


    Even movie stars want to scout her looks in person.


    Her appearance stands out even among actors, so it¡¯s impossible not to notice her among ordinary people.


    Some men were already swallowing their saliva, revealing their desires.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you carry a mask? Put it on.¡±


    I told Seo Yerin to cover her face, but she confidently brushed her hair back with her hand.


    ¡°I came on purpose to look pretty.¡±


    ¡°She says she¡¯s pretty with her own mouth.¡±


    ¡°So, am I not pretty?¡±


    ¡°¡­Why did youe like that?¡±


    ¡°Answer. Am I pretty?¡±


    Does she really have no sense?


    Everyone around was staring.


    ¡°Sigh, you¡¯re pretty. What else are you good for besides being pretty?¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s a relief that I¡¯m pretty. Thanks, Mom and Dad.¡±


    Seriously, what a load of crap.


    ¡°Incidents like that often happen in university dorms. Cheating, promiscuity, and all that.¡±


    ¡°So I came to let you know in advance. He already has a girlfriend, so don¡¯t mess with him.¡±


    Seo Yerin poked my cheek with her finger andughed.


    Her mischievous yet innocent smile suited her well.


    ¡°If Woojin gets any more drunk, it¡¯ll be your turn.¡±


    She whispered softly and pinched my cheek this time.


    Unconsciously, I tensed up, my back straightening stiffly.


    It seemed a bit absurd to bring up dorm promiscuity or incidents to someone like me at this moment.


    ¡°And it¡¯s obvious you¡¯re not in a good mood these days, not mingling with people and ying the outcast.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°I dressed up to boost Woojin¡¯s spirits? How is it? Do you feel superior?¡±


    It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t feel a sense of superiority. The feeling that I was somewhat lightly consuming Seo Yerin because of a trivial sense of superiority was unpleasant.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it next time. Got it?¡±


    As if reading my mind, she nodded with a bright smile and rubbed her face against my shoulder.


    I had long since stopped caring about other people¡¯s stares.


    ¡®Enough, I don¡¯t care anymore.¡¯


    Since Seo Yerin took my drink, I was just eating meat.


    ¡°Oh, hello, senior! I¡¯m Kim Chul-soo, a first-year in the English Literature department!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Choi Young-hee, also a first-year!¡±


    Chul-soo and Young-hee?


    Other kids behind them also bowed their heads and greeted.


    When I was alone earlier, they didn¡¯t even nce at me, but as soon as Seo Yerin arrived, they immediately started greeting.


    ¡®Maybe they didn¡¯t know I was in the English department.¡¯


    After all, I do live a very quiet college life.


    ¡°Hi, guys. I¡¯m Seo Yerin, a sophomore. This is Kim Woojin, also a sophomore.¡±


    ¡°Yes, seniors, is it okay if we offer you a drink?¡±


    Chul-soo immediately offers a bottle.


    ¡°No, if he drinks more, he¡¯ll get drunk.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I told you I¡¯m not drunk.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Woojin isn¡¯t drunk at all. You don¡¯t have to worry about us, guys.¡±


    She pinches my cheek again, teasing. Her demeanor and expressions are friendly towards the freshmen, which was nice to see.


    But to me, it was clear she was just toozy to deal with them.


    The freshmen went back to their table.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t they say hello to you?¡±


    Curious, she asked as I nodded while eating meat.


    ¡°Why would they greet me? They probably don¡¯t even know I¡¯m in the English department.¡±


    ¡°Huh? How could they not know?¡±


    What nonsense.


    ¡°Of course, they wouldn¡¯t know. Who else leads a quieter college life than me?¡±


    I was drinking soda because alcohol was restricted, and Seo Yerin was staring at me with a dumbfounded expression.


    ¡°Why.¡±


    ¡°Is there anyone who lives their college life as loudly as you do, Woojin?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about.¡±


    How am I loud?


    ¡°Don¡¯t you remember the karaoke? Fighting with senior Han Kang? You even got called out in the Bamboo Forest.¡±


    ¡°At the gopchang restaurant too, you yelled at the third-year seniors. You got called out in the Bamboo Forest then as well. Twice in total.¡±


    But wasn¡¯t Seo Yerin not there at that time?


    I told Chan-woo to take her away and then went to find her.


    ¡°Even the freshmen must have heard the rumors by now. Number one senior to avoid! Kim Woojin!¡±


    ¡°And yet you im to live a quiet college life. This is really absurd. Is this the mindset of the wealthy or something?¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not a millionaire. I need to get a part-time job now.¡±


    ¡°What kind of part-time job?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But since I did well at Gold One. Maybe something rted?¡±


    ¡°Something you¡¯re good at? Working at a shop?¡±


    As I reached out and stretched both her cheeks, Seo Yerin burst into a giggle.


    ¡°Ahaa! It¡¯s a joke! A joke! It hurts!¡±


    ¡°This girl is crazy. Why do you cross the line like this?¡±


    ¡°You cross it too!¡±


    Letting out a sigh and releasing her cheeks, Seo Yerin took the drink she snatched from me and exhaled heavily.


    ¡°But Woojin.¡±


    ¡°What now.¡±


    Seo Yerin leaned on my shoulder and whispered softly, just enough for me to hear.


    ¡°You know you were really cool back then, right?¡±


    ¡°When.¡±


    ¡°When you helped me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve helped you so many times.¡±


    ¡°Heehee, right. That¡¯s true.¡±


    I said it as a joke, but she took it seriously.


    Seo Yerin, slyly linking her arm with mine.


    Her ample chest now softly presses against my arm.


    ¡°At the karaoke, at the gopchang restaurant, and now at the casino too. You¡¯ve always saved me.¡±


    Have I be somewhat sentimental?


    Honestly, I was a bit too excited back then and acted rashly, and I feel a bit embarrassed when I think about it sometimes.


    But not to Seo Yerin-


    ¡°Thinking about it excites me.¡±


    ¡°¡­Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be a nostalgic, good atmosphere?¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m wet. Touch me.¡±


    ¡°This is a restaurant. There are other people around.¡±


    In fact, quite a few people were ncing over at Seo Yerin. I¡¯d already given up on caring about that.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what makes it exciting?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to ruin your college life?¡±


    ¡°You already ruined yours.¡±


    It hurts when you hit me with facts.


    I thought it might be a bit troublesome if the conversation continued like this, so I averted my gaze.


    From earlier, Lee Eun-woo, who was sitting next to us and looking at us with envious eyes, met my gaze.


    ¡®Come to think of it.¡¯


    Lee Eun-woo and Seo Yerin also have some kind of rtionship.


    As Anonymous69 and Anonymous90.


    Should I mention it?


    Lee Eun-woo still doesn¡¯t know Seo Yerin¡¯s identity, and Seo Yerin doesn¡¯t know that Lee Eun-woo is Anonymous90.


    I hesitated for a moment but decided not to say anything.


    There was a reason for anonymity.


    If I were to tell Seo Yerin.


    ¡®¡­She¡¯d probably suggest a real-life fight right away.¡¯


    She has apetitive spirit against Anonymous90.


    ¡°But how is having three girls around ruining your college life?¡±


    At Seo Yerin¡¯s voice muttering beside me, I stuffed a wrap into her mouth.<hr>


    Min Ju-hee, with her hands deeply buried in her sweatshirt pockets, exhaled cigarette smoke while staring at the ground.


    The ce she was at was the smoking booth in front of the barbecue restaurant where the dorm dinner was taking ce.


    Despite having arrived a while ago, the fact that she hadn¡¯t gone inside meant that Min Ju-hee was deeply contemting.


    ¡®Hoo, I really need to go in now.¡¯


    Although Min Ju-hee didn¡¯t particrly like dorm gatherings, there was only one reason she came here.


    She wanted to talk to Kim Woojin.


    Since he had been drinking, he would likely be quite drunk, making it easier to hear his true feelings.


    That was her n when she came.


    But despite her determination, she was just smoking nervously in front of the restaurant, unable to go inside.


    At that moment.


    The restaurant door opened, and two people came out.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    Kim Woojin and Seo Yerin.


    The dinner gathering was not yet over, but the two seemed to be leaving early.


    ¡°What if you get drunk?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not drunk!¡±


    Kim Woojin supporting Seo Yerin, who was swaying as if she were drunk.


    Min Ju-hee nkly watched the two of them.


    ¡°Woojin, are you going home?¡±


    ¡°After I take you home.¡±


    ¡°Why? I want to sleep at your ce!¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then you sleep at my ce.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. I can¡¯t take you all the way to your house. It would be weird if your mom saw me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that sobered me up, Woojin.¡±


    The two left, having quite a familiar conversation.


    Min Ju-hee, who had been watching their backs nkly from the smoking booth, put out her cigarette.


    Feeling inexplicably dejected, she decided to head back.<hr>


    Dormitory move-in day.


    I was moving all my belongings out of the apartment I had stayed in for a year.


    There wasn¡¯t enough stuff to call a movingpany, and thanks to Dae-sang hyung offering to move it with his car, all I had to do was move it into the room.


    It seemed there were some vacant dorm spots this time, so some people had the rooms to themselves, and I was one of them.


    ¡®Nice.¡¯


    The first floor of the dorm was crowded with people moving in, just like me.


    It was so crowded that I was considering starting a bitter due to the congestion.


    <em>Poke, poke.</em>


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Someone poked my back, and when I turned around, there was Choi Yiseo wearing a navy jacket.


    ¡°Choi Yiseo?¡±


    Since the semester hadn¡¯t even started yet, I wondered why she was here, but Choi Yiseo smiled brightly and said,


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you move.¡±

 Chapter 148: Around Kim Woojin

    Although it was sudden, Choi Yiseoing over was reassuring.


    Having an extra pair of hands was immediately helpful, and Choi Yiseo had good stamina.


    But more than anything, I was most grateful that Choi Yiseo came to see me in person.


    It made me feel gloomy about distancing myself because of Oh Yoon-ji.


    Choi Yiseo helped me move the luggage with a refreshing smile.


    ¡°Still, it¡¯s nice that you get the whole room to yourself.¡±


    Choi Yiseo entered the room carrying a box of clothes.


    ¡°Is that thest one?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, this is thest one.¡±I was inside organizing, and received thest piece of luggage brought by Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°Thanks a lot. It got done much faster thanks to you.¡±


    Other rooms were still in the midst of moving, but I was already done.


    ¡°It¡¯s partly because you don¡¯t have much stuff. In fact, you might need to buy more clothes.¡±


    While hanging up clothes from the box on the hangers, I shrugged.


    ¡°Where would I get the money to buy clothes? I came here because I don¡¯t have money.¡±


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s a worry that doesn¡¯t even feel a bit urgent.¡±


    Since Choi Yiseo knew about my family, it sounded like mereints to her.


    ¡°What do you want to eat for dinner? Since you helped out today, I¡¯ll treat you.¡±


    The wardrobe organization ended quickly.


    Maybe it was because of what Choi Yiseo just said, but I felt like it ended quickly because there weren¡¯t many clothes.


    Now, I start to unpack the rest of the stuff inside.


    ¡°Hmm, then can I choose the menu?¡±


    ¡°We have to y rock-paper-scissors for that.¡±


    ¡°You never change.¡±


    I remembered the times we used to y rock-paper-scissors to decide the menu whenever we ate together.


    Back then, I never imagined that I would have this sort of rtionship with Choi Yiseo.


    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t visit often anymore. The dormitory prohibits outsiders.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? Juste over. I heard from Dae-sang hyung that you can just sneak in.¡±


    ¡°Already picking up bad habits since moving into the dormitory.¡±


    Although she said that, she had a slight smile, indicating she was considering visiting.


    ¡°Does it take long to unpack? Need some help?¡±


    As I was unpacking and organizing my stuff, Choi Yiseo approached, but I waved her away.


    ¡°Just rest. I¡¯ll finish this quickly anyway.¡±


    ¡°Really? Then¡­¡±


    Choi Yiseoy down on the bed I was going to use. Although the mattress was new, the nket and pillow were the ones we used before, so she lookedfortable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fall asleep.¡±


    ¡°Mmph.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk with your face buried in the pillow.¡±


    ¡°I know, I won¡¯t sleep.¡±


    Choi Yiseoy with her back turned. While leaving her alone, I continued tidying up the room.


    ¡°But Woojin.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, who had been so quiet that I worried she might have fallen asleep, called my name softly.


    ¡°What? Want me to pay you?¡±


    Though I said that earlier, I was actually nning to buy something expensive and delicious for Choi Yiseo, who hade to help voluntarily.


    ¡°Where did the condoms I brought thest time go?¡±


    The body that was opening the next box froze.


    Feeling the back of my head stinging, I nced over to see Choi Yiseo, who had turned her face slightly to stare at me intently.


    I couldn¡¯t tell what emotion there was in her lowered eyes, but it felt like a kind of protest indicating that no excuses would be epted.


    <em>Gulp.</em>


    Swallowing hard, my throat bobbed, reflecting my emotions.


    ¡®Definitely.¡¯


    I remember throwing it away just in case Oh Yoon-ji showed up.


    Since Oh Yoon-ji came in right after Yiseo went out.


    I¡¯m not sure if Choi Yiseo saw Oh Yoon-ji, but she wouldn¡¯t like talking about anything rted to Oh Yoon-ji.


    She might misunderstand¡­


    ¡°That? Seems like I lost it somewhere.¡±


    Shrugging, I reply as usual and start packing again.


    ¡®That was so natural.¡¯


    It was such a brilliant act that Seo Yerin would have pped and said, ¡®You have a talent for acting¡¯.


    ¡°Where is it.¡±


    Why.


    How did Choi Yiseo see through my lie.


    She gets up from the bed and walks over, crossing her arms and was now tantly ring at me.


    ¡°Kim Woojin lost a condom? I think something like a condom would have a pretty high priority for you while moving.¡±


    Not an incorrect statement.


    ¡°Hmm? You often have sudden situations. So, I thought you would have brought it without fail.¡±


    That too, is not an incorrect statement.


    For example, if Choi Yiseo suddenly said she wanted to do it with me right now, there was a condom ready to be pulled out.


    Yes, it was prepared.


    But the important thing is that it was a different brand from the one Choi Yiseo had bought.


    Choi Yiseo is not a fool, she would obviously suspect if I took out a different brand.


    ¡®Let¡¯s stay calm.¡¯


    Choi Yiseo staring intently.


    As I slowly got up while organizing my things, her gaze followed me upwards.


    Here, it was time to use the technique I had learned from my ex-girlfriend.


    ¡°Yiseo, what should we have for dinner?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to die?¡±


    It¡¯s not working.


    ¡°Who did you use it with? Yerin? Or Arin?¡±


    Even though she was speaking casually, one thing was clear. The moment someone¡¯s name was mentioned here, it would be quite a big deal.


    ¡®That¡¯s a trap.¡¯


    I had experienced it a few times with Oh Yoon-ji.


    They tell you it¡¯s okay to talk, but if you do, you¡¯re dead that day.


    ¡®I really don¡¯t want to talk about anything rted to Oh Yoon-ji.¡¯


    The atmosphere was good, and I didn¡¯t want to bring it down again by talking about Oh Yoon-ji.


    I was afraid that Choi Yiseo might subtly try to distance herself from me again.


    So.


    Aftering up with another convincing statement, I ced my hand on her shoulder and answered seriously.


    ¡°Yiseo, I¡¯m not dating anyone else yet.¡±


    ¡°¡­Is that right?¡±


    Choi Yiseo, suddenly serious, nodded with a reluctant expression.


    The momentum shifted to me.


    Choi Yiseo is an extremely rational and logical person, so I just need to win her over with logic here.


    ¡°It¡¯s not right to have sex with someone who isn¡¯t your girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°You bastard, what the hell did you do?¡±


    Choi Yiseo immediately grabs me by the cor and trips me to the ground.


    Where did she learn this technique?


    It¡¯s very clean.


    ¡°I fought with logical and reasonable statements?!¡±


    I shouted, feeling wronged, but Choi Yiseo sighs in disbelief.


    ¡°That¡¯s because a contradictory person is making logical statements.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, Seo Yerin would have been fooled.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re underestimating me too much.¡±


    Choi Yiseo lets go of my cor and climbs on top of me. Then, she looks down at me with an unmistakable pout.


    ¡°Hurry up and tell me. Who did you use it with?¡±


    Do I have to say it in the end?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t use it with anyone. I just threw it out the window.¡±


    ¡°Threw it?¡±


    ¡°So, that is-¡±


    At that moment, the voices of three people could be heard from outside.


    ¡°Senior! Are you there!¡±


    ¡°Senior! It¡¯s Chul-soo from the drinking partyst time!¡±


    ¡°Hey, damn it.¡±


    It was Chul-soo from the English department, along with Young-hee and senior Ju-hee, whom I had seen at the dormitory gathering.


    For some reason, senior Ju-hee opened the door and entered as if in a huff.


    An awkward situation ensued.


    Chul-soo and Young-hee, who saw Choi Yiseo on top of me, wore nk expressions.


    ¡°S-sorry!¡±


    ¡°We truly apologize!¡±


    They blushed and ran away, while senior Ju-hee, with her mouth agape, stared nkly.


    ¡°S-sorry.¡±


    Her face reddened, and she stepped back, closing the door.


    ¡°What do we do about this.¡±


    A sudden situation.


    When I looked up at Choi Yiseo, she seemed flustered too, standing frozen without any reaction.


    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this a good thing?!¡±


    I had no idea what she meant by it being a good thing, but it was clear that she was panicking.<hr>


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that senior dating Yerin?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Wow¡­ Isn¡¯t he the ss president for the second-years?¡±


    Chul-su and Young-hee were talking in the lounge on the first floor of the dormitory building.


    Having attended the same school since elementary school, they had known each other for 15 years and had been dating for 5 years now.


    Right now, they could almost be considered a happily married couple as they whispered to each other, reflecting on the shocking scene they had just witnessed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard bad rumors about senior Woo-jin.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it because he hasplicated rtionships with women? That¡¯s why he fought with the seniors, right?¡±


    Min Ju-hee, sitting on the sofa, staring nkly at the ground, didn¡¯t even pay attention to the two kids chattering beside her.


    ¡®No way.¡¯


    She knew that Choi Yiseo hade.


    Originally, she intended to help Kim Woo-jin herself, but when she saw Choi Yiseo helping, she stepped back.


    But seeing them noting out of the room made Min Ju-hee strangely anxious, so she deliberately instructed Chul-soo and Young-hee to go greet Kim Woojin.


    ¡®No way, even Yiseo!¡¯


    This was the result.


    Not only enjoying with Seo Yerin and Yu Arin, but even with Choi Yiseo, the atmosphere was as such.


    Moreover, the dormitory walls were not well soundproofed, so even the word ¡®condom¡¯ was tantly audible from outside.


    An anxious Min Ju-hee unknowingly opened the door roughly and went inside.


    ¡®Hoo.¡¯


    Min Ju-hee let out a long sigh and bit her lip firmly.


    ¡°It¡¯s so unlike me.¡±


    Yes, she had been acting unlike herself recently.


    Who is Min Ju-hee.


    She is the woman who survived high school with fists and tools, but devoted herself to studying for schrships in college.


    ¡®I must have been possessed by something weird.¡¯


    Taking a deep breath, Min Ju-hee calmly closed her eyes.


    Her face, which had been flushed with embarrassment until just now, calmed down, and her sharp gaze turned to the kids chattering next to her.


    ¡°You guys, don¡¯t spread weird rumors.¡±


    A tant warning to Chul-soo and Young-hee, who were already exaggerating the gossip.


    ¡°Y-yes, ma¡¯am!¡±


    ¡°Of course, senior!¡±


    The two, seemingly frightened, quickly answered and hurried away from the spot.


    Other dormitory students also saw Choi Yiseo moving his stuff, so the rumors were bound to spread.


    ¡°That¡¯s his karma.¡±


    ¡®Whew, that¡¯s enough.


    Let¡¯s not worry about Kim Woojin anymore.¡¯


    He was a good junior, and he still is.


    He has a bit of yboy tendencies, but it seems the girls are aware of it.


    ¡®Let¡¯s not worry about it.¡¯


    Resolving to forget about that night, Min Ju-hee shoves her hands deep into her jacket pockets.


    ¡®Maybe I¡¯ll go see a movie tomorrow to mend my mood.¡¯<hr>


    The next day.


    Min Ju-hee, who came to a movie theater downtown to watch a film, looks at the two people waiting for the same movie with a sour expression.


    They hadn¡¯t noticed her yet, so she pulled her hat down a bit more.


    ¡°Hey, why are you so clueless? You should buy caramel popcorn.¡±


    Grumbling, it was Kim Woojin.


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. Salted is the best.¡±


    Her gaze kept drifting to Yu Arin, who was feeding him popcorn in annoyance.


    ¡°Hey, why is there salt-vored popcorn? Then why isn¡¯t there pepper-vored popcorn?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s tasty, just eat it all.¡±


    ¡°As if it would be tasty. Ah, don¡¯t force-feed me- um? Wow!¡±


    ¡°Haha, you crazy guy!¡±


    ¡°Wow, it¡¯s really tasty?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bury your face in the popcorn! I¡¯ll feed you, just open your mouth!¡±


    Listening to the juniors¡¯ conversation.


    Min Ju-hee¡¯s head was throbbing.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter [NaN]: ?? New! Donation Section - Support early translations!

    ¡®I didn¡¯t want to care anymore.


    ¡¯Today, as part of that, I just nned to watch a movie alone.


    ¡®Before entering the cinema, it kept bothering me, but I thought it wouldn¡¯t be a problem while watching the movie.


    ¡¯But.


    ¡®But!¡¯


    ¡°Did you watch the previous one?¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. Isn¡¯t it just a movie with lots of action?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it is.¡±


    ¡®¡­Why the seats behind me?¡¯Min Ju-hee held her head in her hands at the voices of the two people chatting right behind her.


    There weren¡¯t many people, so the surrounding seats were empty, making it easy to get caught.


    Min Ju-hee, with her mouth tightly shut, intentionally leaned back to avoid attracting any attention.


    ¡®Haa, at least they¡¯ll be quiet during the movie.¡¯


    Although the situation wasplicated, once the movie started, there would be no need to worry about the two people.


    Believing this, Min Ju-hee began watching the advertisements that yed before the movie started.


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    A groan came from behind.


    Startled, Min Ju-hee¡¯s eyes widened, and she involuntarily turned her head slightly back.


    ¡°Ouch, ugh!¡±


    Although trying hard to hold back, it was clearly Yu Arin¡¯s moan.


    ¡®Those, those crazy people!¡¯


    Even if there were no people around, how could they engage in such acts here without any warning or care!


    She wanted to get up and say something immediately.


    ¡°Does it feel good?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes.¡±


    Hearing the lewd Kim Woojin¡¯s and the barely restraining Yu Arin¡¯s voices, she froze.


    The moans continued thereafter.


    Min Ju-hee¡¯s mind naturally began to imagine the scenario in the seats behind.


    Kim Woojin aggressively putting his hand on Yu Arin¡¯s lower body and moving it like a toy.


    And although Yu Arin resists, telling him to stop, it means nothing.


    Contrary to her words, her body desires all of it.


    ¡¯C-crazy!


    Her head spun, feeling the heat rising in her body.


    Knowing she shouldn¡¯t do this, her hand, which was resting on the armrest, seemed to move towards her lower body unconsciously.


    Yu Arin¡¯s moans were sensual, and Kim Woo-jin ravaged her.


    If it were herself.


    Could she shake it off?


    As such thoughts surged, her hand unknowingly began to move downward.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re good at massages?¡±


    Yu Arin¡¯s words broke the feverish spell on her body.


    ¡°Right? I learned it from watching YouTube. I gave a hand and foot massage, but I¡¯ll do the feetter.¡±


    ¡°These days, you can learn everything from YouTube. The massage was really refreshing.¡±


    ¡°Right? They said I was good at it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well. Good at it¡­they said?¡±


    ¡®Ah, what the heck.¡¯


    It was a massage?


    How refreshing can a mere massage be for them to make such a fuss?


    ¡®Ugh, Min Ju-hee, get a grip on yourself!¡¯


    Min Ju-hee, who lightly smacked her own head, took another sip of c and decided to focus on the movie that was about to start.


    ¡°Who did you give it to, you punk?¡±


    ¡°I plead the fifth.¡±


    ¡°Step outside for a moment. We don¡¯t want others to hear any screams.¡±


    ¡°¡­Choi Yiseo.¡±


    There seemed to be a slight scuffle going on in the background, though.<hr>


    If I had to pick the best thing about the start of a new semester, it would be the ability to rearrange my schedule.


    ¡°Finally, I¡¯m free from that dreadful five-hour gap.¡±


    Seeing a normal timetable on my phone made me smile brightly.


    I had a hard time registering for sses, but the satisfactory result made me feel proud.


    ¡°One iced Americano, please.¡±


    ¡°Yes, one iced Americano.¡±


    I ordered coffee at the caf¨¦ on campus and stretched.


    The leisurely feeling that lingers even though the semester has started.


    I guess this means I¡¯m a sophomore now.


    Living in the dormitory wasn¡¯t as bad as I thought.


    I thought dorm mates would be close, but surprisingly, many people drew subtle boundaries.


    Well, sometimes it gets really noisy. And sometimes you see things you shouldn¡¯t see.


    ¡®It¡¯s all good, but it feels like living at some school.¡¯


    Though I am a dorm student, so it¡¯s not entirely wrong.


    If I don¡¯t have ns, I just eat alone at the school cafeteria or at a convenience store.


    Since I have aptop at home, there¡¯s no special reason to go to a PC caf¨¦ unless there¡¯s a particr situation.


    Not having any reason to leave the uni sometimes felt suffocating.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Then I noticed four people sitting in a corner.


    One of them was Choi Yiseo.


    She had definitely said she was quitting, but there she was, again serving as ss president, with Ahn Hyeon-ho, the vice president, sitting next to her.


    Across from them were two people who seemed to be freshmen.


    ¡®Those two must be the freshman ss president and vice president.¡¯


    It looked like Choi Yiseo and Ahn Hyeon-ho were briefly exining the roles of ss representatives and giving them some tips.


    ¡°One iced Americano ready.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    I receive the coffee, insert the straw, and take a sip.


    Looking back at the other table, the two people are still exining things in a friendly manner.


    With a strange emotion wriggling inside me, I find myself striding over.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Even though I suddenly spoke up while standing in front of the table, Choi Yiseo looked up at me and answered with a gentle smile.


    ¡°Helping the first-year ss representatives. It¡¯s always chaotic at first.¡±


    ¡°Is it advice or something?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    When I nced at the two first-years, they immediately bowed their heads and greeted me.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m first-year ss representative Kim Gyu-ah¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m vice-rep Han Min-seob.¡±


    ¡°Hello. I¡¯m second-year Kim Woojin.¡±


    A girl as ss representative and a boy as vice-rep on this side as well. They surprisingly reminded me of Choi Yiseo and Ahn Hyeon-ho.


    ¡°¡­Do you need something?¡±


    In the end, the only one who was ring at me here, Ahn Hyeon-ho, finally opened his mouth.


    The nuance was to get lost if I had no business here.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any business. Just bored? Can I listen in?¡±


    ¡°Get lost.¡±


    A curse came out right away.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho seemed to want to spend time with Choi Yiseo without me.


    Sorry, but I have no intention of stepping back either.


    However.


    ¡°Since the others might feel ufortable, joining us is a bit¡­¡±


    As expected of Choi Yiseo.


    Since she clearly distinguished between personal and official matters, I had no choice but to take a step back, and Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s philtrum stretched into a smirk.


    ¡°We¡¯ll finish soon, so just wait at the next table for a while. Have you had dinner?¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s have dinner together.¡±


    Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s philtrum reverted to its original position.


    I had just said I was bored because I was in the dormitory, but now a dinner n was made immediately.


    Ahn Hyeon-ho¡¯s expression hardened, as if he had nned to suggest having dinnerter.


    I decided to wait at a nearby table with a satisfied smile.


    - Ahn Hyeon-ho: Why are you interfering in this?


    A message came directly to me.


    - Kim Woojin: What interference?


    - Ahn Hyeon-ho: You bastard. Weren¡¯t you dating Yerin?


    - Kim Woojin: You also go around meeting girls with senior Han-kang. Why are you still interested in Yiseo?


    - Ahn Hyeon-ho: ¡­Woojin, you see, men¡­


    He contacted me again, but most of it was nonsense, so I just ignored it.


    Honestly, it was a situation where I wasn¡¯t sure if this was right, but I acted ording to my feelings anyway.


    About ten minutes passed, and Choi Yiseo approached me with a smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, there¡¯s still some time before dinner, so let¡¯s go to the gym and work out.¡±


    ¡°¡­Wait a minute, that wasn¡¯t in the n.¡±


    ¡°Someone said that drinking coffee while working out has an awakening effect and is good.¡±


    Surprisingly, there were quite a few people drinking coffee at the gym.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, okay?¡±


    Choi Yiseo immediately linked arms with me and started to lead the way.


    As we passed the table from earlier, the freshman ss representative, vice-rep, and Ahn Hyeon-ho were staring, but she didn¡¯t seem to care.


    ¡®How bold.¡¯


    The freshmen would soon find out that I don¡¯t have a good reputation in the department.


    No, they might already know.


    When I introduced myself as Kim Woojin earlier, their expressions darkened slightly.


    Anyway, seeing her link arms with me without a care, she must not be too concerned about the opinions of others either.


    ¡°Won¡¯t there be unsavory rumors among the freshmen?¡±


    Since I seeded in revamping my image at the festival, the second-year ssmates don¡¯t see me in a bad light.


    The third and fourth-year students still consist of people who dislike me.


    ¡°Why does it matter?¡±


    But Choi Yiseo whispered as she tightened her arms around mine.


    ¡°You¡¯re even jealous like this.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not being jealous.¡±


    ¡°Heh, were you worried because I was with Hyeon-ho?¡±


    It¡¯s not entirely wrong.


    If it were the old me, I would have just drunk my coffee and gone my way, but this time, I couldn¡¯t just let it go.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to say this, but I heard Ahn Hyeon-ho hung out with a lot of girls during the break with some guys he knows.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not really your ce to say that, is it?¡±


    I tried ying some politics, but it backfired immediately.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the gym, sweat it out, and then have dinner.¡±


    ¡°Ha, fine. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll show you the strength I¡¯ve built with home training.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Are you still doing that? Hasn¡¯t it been a while?¡±


    Choi Yiseo muttered and suddenly stopped in front of me.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    She continued with strange actions like reaching out to touch my chest or sweeping her hand over my abdomen.


    ¡°Hmm, hmm.¡±


    Choi Yiseo propped her chin up and slightly raised the corners of her mouth.


    She made a peculiar humming sound and stood beside me again with a satisfied expression.


    ¡°Your body seems to have gotten better for sure.¡±


    ¡°Right? Since I have nothing to do at home, I¡¯ve been working out diligently.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, what should we have for dinner?¡±


    ¡°Shall we have stir-fried pork since it¡¯s been a while? It¡¯s been a long time since we had countryside style stir-fried pork.¡±


    At my words, Choi Yiseo pouted and suggested something else.


    ¡°How about I make the stir-fried pork at home instead?¡±


    ¡°You? No need, don¡¯t bother. If you don¡¯t want stir-fried pork, let¡¯s eat something else. How about pork cutlet?¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s order pork cutlet.¡±


    ¡°Why order? The delivery fee is so expensive. The gym and the pork cutlet ce aren¡¯t that far.¡±


    Is pork cutlet not good either?


    ¡°Then what do you want to eat? As long as it¡¯s not some sd ce, I¡¯m fine with anything.¡±


    ¡°Minji and I boiled some meat yesterday, and there¡¯s some left. Let¡¯s go and eat together.¡±


    ¡°Meat? That¡¯s random.¡±


    But well.


    It¡¯s meat, so it¡¯s good.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go. Anyway, we decided to go to the gym first.¡±


    Might as well get a monthly pass there. Exercising at home made me feel too stuck at school.


    I need to go outside, even if it¡¯s just to the gym.


    I heard Seo Yerin works out there too, so it might be nice to go together sometimes.


    <em>Squeeze.</em>


    But then Choi Yiseo tugs on my clothes.


    Wondering what it is, she turns her head slightly, seemingly embarrassed, and mutters.


    ¡°L-let¡¯s just go eat.¡±


    ¡°Why? You said let¡¯s exercise. I want to show off the results of my home training.¡±


    ¡°No¡­if we work out, it¡¯ll be tiring.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? We exercise to get tired.¡±


    I wondered why she was acting like this all of a sudden.


    Even if I wanted to ask if she ate something wrong, we hadn¡¯t eaten anything separate.


    Choi Yiseo kept ncing around, then finally came closer and whispered in my ear.


    ¡°Mi-Minji isn¡¯t home today.¡±


    Ah.


    I see.


    ¡°It would be tiring if we exercised.¡±


    We shouldn¡¯t expend our energy elsewhere.


    Now I understood why Choi Yiseo suggested we go to her house for dinner.


    ¡°¡­Choi Yiseo, you¡¯re really naughty.¡±


    My thoughts slipped out.


    ¡°Sh-shut up!¡±


    Embarrassed, Choi Yiseo immediately started hitting my back, but her actions only seemed cute to me.


    ¡°A quiet cat climbs the stove first, they say. Choi Yiseo is just in heat.¡±


    ¡°Just go to the gym! I¡¯ll make sure you crawl home today!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, no. Today¡¯s workout starts at night. The one crawling will be Choi Yiseo.¡±


    Dodging her as she charges at me with a red face, I run away.


    Though I did get caught soon after.


    ¡°But why did you ask to go to the gym in the first ce?¡±


    As we head out of school, I ask Choi Yiseo, but she¡¯s already sulking and won¡¯t even turn her head to answer.


    ¡°Okay, fine. I take back what I said about you being in heat.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not in heat!¡±


    ¡°Then what are you mad about? That I called you a seductive woman in broad daylight? Or because I said you got in heat from touching a guy¡¯s body?¡±


    ¡°Darn it! You knew it all along and still asked!¡±


    How could I not know?


    Ever since she started touching my body earlier, her behavior and tone have strangely changed.


    Choi Yiseo, who started bickering again to hide her embarrassment.


    ¡°I, Kim Woojin¡¯s, form is crazy. Seducing women with his body¡­ Wait a minute! Don¡¯t hit me- ugh! Wait! It really hurts!¡±


    Since she has such a heavy hand, I immediately curled up in pain from the punch thatnded on my sr plexus.


    ¡°Kim Woojin, you¡¯re so annoying.¡±


    Choi Yiseo, dragging me by the hair while I was curled up.


    It was a bizarre sight, but at least we were moving together.


    A car that drew everyone¡¯s attention was waiting for us in front of the school.


    A deep red sports car.


    It exuded an unusual aura that made it clear we shouldn¡¯t get too close.


    It had the effect of repelling college students who were just scraping by with part-time jobs.


    A woman was leaning against that luxurious sports car.


    Her wavy hair was dyed red to match the color of the car.


    Wearing sunsses, she waves at me with a smile.


    ¡°Kim Woojin!¡±


    I flinched at the call of my ex-girlfriend, Oh Yoon-ji.


    Choi Yiseo also looked at Oh Yoon-ji and then quietly let go of me.


    ¡°What, you¡¯re with Yiseo?¡±


    Despite seeing me with Choi Yiseo, she approached leisurely and pointed at the car with a smile.


    ¡°Do you have ns? If it¡¯s okay, can I take Woojin for a bit?¡±


    ¡°¡­Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Just for a drive? That¡¯s Woojin¡¯s dream car.¡±


    ¡°Really? Is it?¡±


    Surprised, both of them turned their gazes to me.


    It was the first time I¡¯m hearing this.


    I was indeed interested in the car.


    Given that I rarely show interest in cars, it was unusual for me to look it up myself.


    But had I ever mentioned it was my dream car?


    ¡°Yeah, he called it his dream car. To be precise, he said he wanted to take me on drives in a car like thatter on.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Now I remembered.


    I immediately pped my forehead as I recalled Kim Woojin from that time.


    The reason was absurd.


    ¡°He said it seemed spacious for a sports car. He thought it would be good for car se-¡±


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa! Why are you bringing up old stuff!¡±


    I hurriedly covered Oh Yoon-ji¡¯s mouth, but Choi Yiseo¡¯s cold stare had already pierced through.


    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s just go for a drive. I don¡¯t want to talk about the past anymore; I want to talk about the future.¡±


    Oh Yoon-ji naturally linked arms with me. Her rose scent felt like scattered pheromones, making my body heat up in an instant.


    ¡°Yiseo, can you let me have him for a bit? I did give you a generous tip from my part-time job.¡±


    Oh Yoon-ji was trying to pull me away.


    Of course, I tried to resist by bracing my legs, but surprisingly, the chick was strong, and it turned into a struggle.


    ¡°Come on? Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to! I¡¯ve already forgotten about you! Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Who said I¡¯m your ex-girlfriend? We can just start as friends again! My husband!¡±


    ¡°Then why are you calling me husband!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a habit!¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t call me that!¡±


    ¡°My husband, don¡¯t you like car sex? Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to try it? Let¡¯s go?¡±


    ¡°No! I won¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°You say that, but you know you get weak every time I mention car sex, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­No, I don¡¯t.¡±


    As if in a tug-of-war, the situation kept swinging back and forth.


    ¡°Go.¡±


    Choi Yiseo intervened.


    ¡°But I¡¯ll go too.¡±


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