Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: A Relationship Too Late to Escape
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After the Park Jin-tae incident wrapped up, a new disaster called midterms descended upon the campus.
The library was packed to capacity, and the spark of life had vanished from the students' faces.
Everyone was either drowning in caffeine or catching quick naps with their major textbooks as pillows.
But next to me was a being overflowing with such vibrant energy that it was almost blinding.
"Senior, I saved a seat for you here. It's in the corner, so it's nice and quiet, right?"
8 a.m. Library Reading Room 3.
Seo-ah had already snagged the two best spots in the farthest corner, where hardly anyone ever went.
These seats were usually in high demand, but somehow she'd managed to hold them.
On the desk were my major textbooks and notes, neatly arranged alongside a warm Americano and premium chocolate.
"Whoa... when did you get here? You should've woken me up."
"I wanted you to sleep well, Senior. You need to recharge your energy to study. Come sit down."
Seo-ah took my puffer jacket, folded it neatly, and hung it on the back of the chair.
The envious stares from the guys nearby pierced right through me. Eyes that said, 'Did that returning student save the country in a past life?' I sat down feeling pretty smug.
"Thanks. I really need to ace this exam."
"Don't worry. I'll be right here cheering you on. Fighting!"
Seo-ah opened her book with a fairly serious expression. We sat side by side and dove into studying.
The scratch of pencils, the rustle of turning pages. A peaceful morning filled only with white noise.
I reignited my long-dormant passion for learning and focused on my textbook.
About an hour later, I turned at the hot gaze I felt from beside me.
Seo-ah wasn't looking at her book. She was resting her chin on her hand, staring straight at me. When our eyes met, she curved her eyes into a smile.
"...Seo-ah?"
"Yes."
"Aren't you studying? You need that scholarship too."
"I am studying."
"Your book's closed."
"My study is admiring Senior's face. I never get tired of looking at it."
Seo-ah answered casually as she gently rubbed the back of my hand with her index finger.
"Look at those long lashes. And that straight nose. The way you furrow your brow when you study is seriously sexy, you know?"
"Hey, you're giving me chills. Cut it out and look at your book. People will talk."
"I don't wanna. Let them talk. They're just jealous because they don't have a boyfriend like this. I want to watch you study, Senior."
She fiddled with each segment of my fingers.
I should have gotten mad that she was distracting me, but strangely, I wasn't annoyed. If anything, the fact that someone was looking at me with such devoted eyes filled the dry reservoir of my self-esteem.
"Fine... just be quiet then. I have to memorize all this."
"Okay, I'll shush. But let's hold hands."
Seo-ah took my left hand and wrapped both of hers around it tightly. Her warm body heat transferred over.
Her gaze was more persistent than a CCTV camera, but warmer than a heater. I savored it as I rolled my pen in a strange sense of security.
Lunchtime came. Around when my stomach clock started ringing, my phone vibrated.
It was a message in the class group chat.
[Today's cafeteria menu is pork cutlet. Wanna go?]
[Where's Kang Minwoo? Holed up in the library? Come out and eat.]
It was my classmates. Things had been awkward since the Park Jin-tae incident, but with exams stressing everyone out, they seemed to want to band together again. I figured I'd see their faces after so long and started typing a reply.
"Who's that?"
Seo-ah's voice rang out. Before I knew it, she was peeking over my shoulder at the screen.
"Oh, classmates. They're asking me to eat. Wanna come?"
"...We were supposed to eat together."
Seo-ah's voice turned sullen in an instant. She quietly let go of my hand.
"I made a bento this morning... I guess you prefer your friends."
"A bento? For real?"
"Yeah. You looked like you'd lost weight lately, so I made eel rice to nourish you. I got up at 5 a.m. to grill the eel and make the sauce..."
She pulled out a three-tiered bento box she'd hidden under the desk. It was in a heavy bag with a thermos too. 5 a.m. Hearing about that effort made cheap cafeteria food with my classmates seem incomparable. Guilt washed over me.
"Ah... sorry. I didn't know. Of course we'll eat together. I must be crazy."
"Really? You won't go to your friends?"
"Of course not. Why would I eat with them? Yours is way tastier. I'll cancel."
I quickly replied to the group chat: [I have plans. You guys eat without me.] and turned off the screen.
Seo-ah's face lit up immediately. The pouty expression from moments ago was gone.
"I knew you'd understand my feelings, Senior."
We settled at a corner table in the library lounge. The bento Seo-ah unpacked was gorgeous.
Glossy seasoned grilled eel, heart-shaped rolled omelet, fresh salad, and even warm miso soup. This wasn't just lunch—it was an artistic masterpiece brimming with love and obsession.
"Ahh~ Open up. You have to eat the tail."
Seo-ah picked up a piece of eel tail and fed it to me. A burst of umami filled my mouth.
"Whoa, this is seriously good. Did you go to cooking school?"
"I self-taught to marry you someday, Senior. Does it suit your taste?"
"Yeah. It's the best. Better than any restaurant."
"Good. Eat lots. You need strength to... play with me later."
Seo-ah barely ate herself, diligently feeding me side dishes.
Students passing through the lounge glanced at us. In the past, I'd have been embarrassed and said, "I can feed myself." But now, it felt natural for her to do it.
My hands didn't need to hold a spoon. She took care of everything.
This comfort. The ease of not having to choose or act on my own, just following the path she laid out.
I was slowly, very slowly losing my independence. Her rewards were so sweet that I didn't even miss my fading friendships.
4 p.m.
Seo-ah stepped out for a bit, saying the professor called her.
"Senior, I'll be back in 30 minutes. Don't go anywhere. And no slacking."
"Got it. Go ahead."
Finally, some time alone.
At first, I thought, 'Gotta study hard,' and opened my book. But the words wouldn't go in.
The seat next to me felt empty. No warm coffee scent, no fingers tickling my hand, no piercing gaze.
Only 30 minutes had passed, but the vacant spot felt unbearably huge. The sound of my pen turning seemed deafening.
'What's wrong with me?'
I felt pathetic. Just a few weeks ago, eating and studying alone was my daily routine.
Now, I was like a separation anxiety patient without Seo-ah. I turned my phone on and off repeatedly.
Should I text her? No, she's meeting the professor—don't interrupt.
I just stared blankly at the entrance. Like a dog waiting for its owner.
Then, a familiar silhouette appeared in the distance. It was Seo-ah, hurrying over.
The moment I saw her, my lips curved up involuntarily. It felt like I could breathe again.
"Senior!"
"Why so late? It's been more than 30 minutes."
"Ah, the professor asked me to help organize some materials. Did I keep you waiting long?"
"Yeah. Couldn't study at all without you."
It slipped out honestly. Seo-ah's eyes widened, then curved into a big smile.
"Really? You missed me, Senior?"
"Nah, just... bored."
"Liar. It's all over your face. 'Come back quick, Seo-ah.'"
Seo-ah pulled her chair right up and stuck to my side. She hooked her arm through mine and rested her head on my shoulder. Only then did my heart settle back into place.
"I missed you so much I thought I'd die, Senior. I couldn't hear a word the professor said. All I could think was how I needed to hurry back and hug you."
"Don't go anywhere next time. Stay by my side."
"Okay. I'll stick to you like gum. Forever."
Seo-ah grabbed my hand and linked our pinkies. We just left our books open—no studying. We shared body heat and watched the sunset through the window. I wished this moment could last forever.
10 p.m. Time for the library to close, so we headed out.
The night air was pretty chilly. I took off my hoodie and draped it over Seo-ah.
"Put this on. You'll catch a cold."
"What about you, Senior? It's cold."
"I'm always hot. And if you get sick, I'll suffer more."
I said it gruffly, but Seo-ah seemed to understand, pulling the collar close with a happy smile. She buried her nose in it and sniffed.
"Senior smells good. So cozy."
"Pervert. Why sniff?"
"Because it's nice. Your scent makes me feel safe."
Seo-ah wrapped her arms around my waist and slowed our pace. The tree-lined path to the school gate. Under the sparse streetlights, our shadows stretched long.
"Senior."
"Yeah."
"Tomorrow, wanna watch a movie? We can half-ass the exam studying."
"Exams are right around the corner. What movie? You trying to miss that scholarship?"
"One day won't hurt. It'll clear our heads. And I wanna be in a dark place with you."
Seo-ah looked up with puppy eyes. I should refuse, but imagining sitting with her in a dark theater didn't sound bad. No, it sounded good.
"...Sure. What movie?"
"A horror one! Something scary."
"You can't handle scary stuff."
"Exactly. So I can snuggle into your arms. An excuse to touch you."
Seo-ah was upfront about her intentions. I chuckled and wrapped my arm around her shoulders.
"Alright. Reserve the tickets. I'll get the popcorn."
"Yay! Senior's the best!"
Seo-ah stood on tiptoes and pecked my cheek. Under the streetlight, her eyes sparkled like stars. I was the only one reflected in them.
"Senior."
"Yeah."
"I... I don't think I can live without you. For real."
Her tone was playful, but her voice trembled. In her eyes, I read deep anxiety, obsession, and love. In the past, that gaze would have overwhelmed me, and I'd have run. But now... it felt like the strength holding me up. Knowing I was essential to her kept me alive.
"Me too."
The words slipped out before I knew it.
"Me too... I'd get kinda bored without you."
Not a full confession, but it was the most I could muster. Seo-ah got it, smiling through teary eyes as she crushed me in a hug.
"I love you, Senior. Look only at me forever. Got it?"
I patted her back and nodded. We walked the night streets, leaning on each other.
For a guy and girl who hadn't even officially confessed yet, our physical closeness was excessive.
But maybe that's what made it all the sweeter.