The Couple Ring
Sehwa found Yu Seunghyeon embarrassing.
Yu Seunghyeon looked overjoyed to see Sehwa after so long. He let out a foolish laugh and slipped his fingers between hers, though he didn't interlock them—Sehwa had relaxed her grip.
"Hmm... I'm not feeling energetic."
When Yu Seunghyeon looked slightly disappointed, Sehwa quickly made an excuse.
"I'm just not in the mood today... Sorry."
"Ah, is it because of those monsters that appeared in Mexico and China...? Bringing that up on such a joyful festival day—what are you thinking? You're not me. What do you know, spouting off when you weren't even there?"
Sehwa glanced around and scolded him.
"Why are you bringing that up now? It's a festival. I want to enjoy myself. And with so many people around, why are you so loud?"
Look at that—Sehwa's tone had turned cold in an instant. Yu Seunghyeon apologized at once.
"Sorry. I'm really sorry. I wasn't thinking."
"Haa... It's fine. You idiot. Think a little before you open your mouth."
"Let's go in. I checked earlier—Golden Sisters... Ah, senior! Hello?"
Sehwa yanked her hand from Yu Seunghyeon's and bowed to the male senior from the Future Science department walking by. Yu Seunghyeon quickly bowed deeply as well.
"Hello!"
The loud greeting startled the senior, who quickly scanned Yu Seunghyeon. He wore a faintly mocking smile, clearly finding him ridiculous.
Sehwa saw the expression but didn't get upset. Instead, she simply gestured with her index finger for Yu Seunghyeon to be quiet.
Yes—if the guard dog acts up, you have to discipline it.
"Hello, Sehwa. Is this your boyfriend?"
"Yes, his name is Yu Seunghyeon..."
"He's very polite. Have fun. Go watch the singers' performance and stop by the pub."
"Dayeong senior already invited us. She said she'd give us egg rolls as a service."
"Really? I can give you a bottle of soju too."
"Really? Thank you."
The senior chatted briefly with Sehwa but didn't even greet Yu Seunghyeon before entering the school. Once he left, Yu Seunghyeon—who had stayed still until now—took Sehwa's hand again.
"Thanks to you, I get to drink for free? University pubs are expensive, I heard. We saved some money. Right?"
"If you know, behave well from now on."
"Have I ever not treated you well?"
He seemed to have completely forgotten about not being able to stay by Sehwa's side during hard times. Of course, even if it was to quickly repay the debt, and even if he got a job he couldn't refuse.
Sehwa stared straight ahead with a blank expression and answered.
"Of course not. I mean do better."
"Got it. Ah... and Sehwa."
"Hmm?"
"Never mind, I'll tell you later."
I saw Yu Seunghyeon put his hand in his pocket and take it out. Sehwa didn't seem to have noticed yet.
This was getting more and more interesting.
The two entered the school. Sehwa drew a great deal of attention from her classmates and seniors in the Future Science department—the mysterious Yu Seunghyeon had finally shown himself. Most people stared at the now chubby Yu Seunghyeon with two chins in disbelief. Some even gossiped.
"Sehwa's too good for him."
"Not just too good—way too good."
"Yu... what was it? That guy's so damn lucky. Is his family rich?"
"Sehwa's not that kind of girl. Maybe he's got a good personality."
"Hey, but Sehwa... doesn't she look like Leona?"
"You always link pretty girls to Leona. You did the same with Dayeong noona last time."
"True."
Sehwa and Yu Seunghyeon probably didn't hear it, but I could hear every word through the demon beasts. The conversation was quite interesting. What kind of reaction would they have when they found out Sehwa was actually Leona? Especially if she ended up pointing a sword at humans...
This was getting me excited.
Not long after, a van pulled up to the stage in the playground, and five idols stepped out with bright expressions. At that moment, every man in the school cheered. Golden Sisters, was it? They seemed popular.
The performance soon began. Beautiful women in short skirts performed cute and sexy choreography, heating up the atmosphere. And Yu Seunghyeon... was just staring blankly at the stage. What an idiot. With Sehwa right beside him, he's letting those girls steal his attention? Well... they were pretty, though. Maybe I should acquire an entertainment agency while I'm at it.
Buzz! A text came through. Sehwa had been tapping away on her phone, and it was meant for me. She didn't seem scared to have the name [Evening♡] saved.
[Jihyeok, are you still in the meeting? I miss you already.]
I needed to reply. Let's make it obvious it was rushed.
[In a m33ting right now. Is the festival fun?]
[So-so... The girl group came and the kids are screaming like crazy. But you're texting secretly? What if someone notices?]
After waiting a bit, Sehwa seemed anxious, tapping her phone with her finger. I waited a little longer before replying.
[Sehwaaa. I'm really busy right now, so can we do it in an hour?]
[Okay, sorry. Take care of work.]
Look at how sulky Sehwa looked. So cute.
After singing two or three songs, Golden Sisters quickly disappeared in their van. They must be busy during festival season. Make lots of money.
Yu Seunghyeon, watching the van drive away, turned to Sehwa.
"It was really awesome... Getting to see a stage like this for free... The center girl dances really well."
"You were screaming and shouting... Was it that good?"
"I like you the most."
With those words, Yu Seunghyeon suddenly grabbed Sehwa's shoulders and pulled her into a hug. He had a surprisingly manly side. Sehwa hurriedly pushed him away and fanned her face with her hand.
"Ah...! It's hot with so many people. Do it later."
"Sorry... Want to take off your jacket?"
"It's fine. Let's go drink and then head in."
"Yeah."
Yu Seunghyeon scratched his head and took Sehwa's hand again. Then he stared intently at her fingernails. His crotch slightly bulged.
He must be thinking of the nail color from 'Morning'.
The two moved to the pub set up by the Future Science department and sat in a corner, looking at the menu. Yu Seunghyeon, checking the prices, gaped.
"What... it's this expensive?"
"University pubs are always like that. I'll pay, so don't worry."
"No. You paid last time when we had the pancake. I'll do it this time."
Yu Seunghyeon fiddled with his pocket. Even though Marcela had reduced his debt a bit, he was still living frugally. Yeah, that was him. Pathetic but righteous.
After greeting the student council senior, Sehwa ordered several dishes and soju. Yu Seunghyeon, who had been quietly watching, leaned toward her once the senior left.
"Sehwa."
"Hmm?"
"The boss seems to like me and gave me a bonus."
"What? Really?"
"Yeah. And they're opening a new branch soon, and they want me to be the manager. The working hours are the same as regular office workers. I go to work in the morning, check the girls' requests and attendance until 6 PM, and then come back. The pay is good, so I had no choice but to accept. I must have good luck with people. Good things just keep happening."
Sehwa clapped like a seal, delighted.
"That's great! You must be good at your job."
"It's a bit much to say this myself... but I am good at my job. More importantly... since I've almost paid off the debt, I bought you a gift..."
Yu Seunghyeon took out a palm-sized box from his old jacket pocket. Elegant gold lettering was scribbled in the center, and Sehwa's pupils widened when she saw it. She must have realized what was inside.
Sehwa spoke in a slightly trembling voice.
"Is this... a couple ring?"
"Yeah... It's about time we got couple rings like other couples. I bought it with a big heart. I'm always grateful to you."
Ah... Look at that pure, love-filled confession. He was basically throwing an entire pile of firewood to help me steal Sehwa faster. It was making me burn up like crazy.
Sehwa was very happy. But there was a hint of awkwardness in her expression—the kind only I would notice. She was forcing a smile. It wasn't disappointment over the ring not being expensive. It wasn't that she disliked the design either. The reason she looked that way was because she was thinking of me. That much was clear. She kept glancing at her phone, wanting to text me. She was asking for my permission—permission to wear the couple ring so Yu Seunghyeon wouldn't suspect anything.
Yu Seunghyeon opened the ring box. A simple, thin gold ring sat in the center. It was plated. Pure gold would have been too much of a burden given his current situation. The moment he took out one of the rings, I zoomed in on it. There was an inscription inside.
[SH♡SH]
Seunghyeon, and Sehwa. The first letters of their names were the same, so it looked nice.
"Will you put it on now?"
"R-right now? Can't we do it later?"
"I really want you to put it on now."
More than half the customers in the pub were looking at their table. He probably wanted to announce to the whole world that Sehwa was his girlfriend. I understood that feeling. If I were him, I'd do the same.
After hesitating for a moment, Sehwa eventually nodded. She brought the ring to the middle finger of her left hand, but was a couple ring meant for the middle finger? Of course it didn't fit. She probably felt awkward putting it on her ring finger. Yu Seunghyeon chuckled.
"It goes on the ring finger."
"I know. I was just trying it on the middle finger once."
Sehwa said this in a slightly annoyed tone, and eventually slipped the ring onto her ring finger. It fit perfectly on her pretty finger. Seeing this, Yu Seunghyeon put on his own ring and smiled brightly.
"Doesn't it suit us well?"
"I... guess so. It's pretty."
As Sehwa faintly raised the corners of her mouth, loud applause erupted from the pub. Her face instantly turned red. She hid her hands under the table and lowered her head. Yu Seunghyeon's face was all smiles.
The Future Science department's pub, which had been filled with cheers and applause, returned to its lively atmosphere. Still smiling, Yu Seunghyeon warned her.
"You absolutely can't take it off, okay?"
Sehwa looked around and answered in a very quiet voice.
"I have to take it off when I transform. I can't help it."
"Ah, of course. That's obvious."
Not long after, Park Dayeong—who had bumped heads with Sehwa in the bathroom—brought down the egg rolls.
"Looks good? I hope you two date for a long time."
Yu Seunghyeon answered in a loud voice.
"Thank you! Please take good care of Sehwa!"
This idiot... Did he think Sehwa would like him just because he answered energetically? Sehwa wasn't his ex-girlfriend from before. Look at that—the pub customers' gazes were focusing on them again, so she was embarrassed.
"Oof... Look at how loud you are."
"Sehwa's so nice that everyone in our department likes her. Anyway, enjoy your meal. If you need anything, call the kids in uniform."
"Yes! Ah, can we get one more order of beef bulgogi?"
"Didn't Sehwa order it earlier?"
"I'm adding one more serving. It's my favorite food..."
"Got it. Thanks for boosting sales."
After Park Dayeong walked away, Sehwa frowned deeply.
"Seunghyeon, I'd prefer if you didn't shout like that from now on. And don't say things like asking them to take good care of me. Did I ask you to say that? Why are you deciding on your own?"
"I was just thinking of you... If it upset you..."
"It's not that I'm upset... Never mind. Let's just drink."
"Want me to pour for you?"
"Yeah."
There was a hint of contempt and irritation mixed in Sehwa's tone. She seemed annoyed that the guard dog was acting up without knowing his place. Well... I didn't need to watch anymore. I turned off the tablet screen, put it in my bag, stretched, and left the president's office. I'd head home slowly and then call Sehwa.