Creation Talent
“The beef just melts in your mouth~!”
Kim Jihun chewed the delicious meat with relish, then flashed a satisfied smile.
“Hehe, tasty, right? There's plenty, so eat slowly, okay?”
“Yes!”
Without holding back, Jihun wielded his chopsticks to snag some well-marbled ribeye from the grill. He dipped it in the sauce and popped it straight into his mouth. It had been ages since he'd had beef like this, and he was in bliss.
“It melts right away!”
The rich flavor exploding on his tongue filled Jihun with joy. The dinner atmosphere was warm and lively.
Jihun had always been close with the family that owned Yelim Bookstore. And thanks to his suddenly enhanced looks boosting their sales big time, who else but Kim Jihun had racked up those achievements? Naturally, he got to indulge in all the beef he wanted for the first time in forever, swimming in happiness.
“Thanks for the meal.”
“Yeah, you earned it too, Jihun.”
“No, no. Congrats on getting out of the hospital, sir.”
Jihun had felt a bit awkward at first, but he soon melted into the vibe. Seo Yerim's family had welcomed him so kindly. And her father, Seo Hyun-seok, turned out to have quite the jovial personality.
“That's right! Eat up! A growing boy needs to pack it away and shoot up tall!”
The man even downed a huge swig of soju! No one would believe this hearty guy ran a little bookstore.
“Aigoo, you just got discharged and you're already drinking? Your liver's so bad... Booze is the enemy.”
“Hey now! On a happy day like this, you need a drink. And the side dishes are top-notch. Right, Jihun?”
“Uh, yeah.”
Jihun gave an embarrassed grin in response. He loved this boisterous energy.
If only my family was this close-knit.
Unlike Seo Yerim's home, Jihun's family atmosphere was worlds apart. His dad was a day laborer, rarely home because of work. His mom suffered from severe herniated discs, keeping her from anything active. Their house always felt a bit quiet and empty.
In contrast, Yerim's place buzzed with warmth, and Jihun couldn't help envying her a little.
I wish I had a setup like that.
This was the ideal family he dreamed of—harmonious, no money worries. Just a normal, happy home.
Could our family ever get like this someday?
If he succeeded, maybe their gatherings could feel this cozy one day. That's what Jihun hoped.
“Jihun, you eat a lot?”
Lost in thought, he heard Yerim's voice from beside him.
“Oh, yeah. It was great. Really delicious.”
He turned to look at her.
She's pretty.
Her outfit was totally different from usual. No sleek style today—just comfy home clothes full of everyday charm. It was a fresh image from the polished one he saw outside, and the unexpected appeal drew his eyes even more.
Without makeup, she looks even prettier.
As he gazed at her face, Yerim caught on quick.
“Hey! Staring at my bare face like that?”
“Hehe, just curious.”
“Sheesh!”
Jihun chuckled, and Yerim, blushing, grabbed his head and forced it away. They goofed around like that the whole meal.
“I'll go brush my teeth real quick.”
After eating, Jihun and Yerim's family gathered for fruit and chit-chat. Midway, Yerim stood to wash up.
As she left the living room, her father, Seo Hyun-seok, turned to Jihun.
“Jihun, you and Yerim must be pretty tight. Teasing each other and all.”
They definitely were close now—close enough for playful banter. They'd been friendly before, but the past month working at the bookstore had brought them even tighter. Best friends territory, for sure.
Seo Hyun-seok told Jihun, “Truth is, Yerim's the one who wanted you here today.”
He swirled the soju glass on the table. Jihun smartly poured him a refill.
“For my discharge party, she said invite you too. Said you helped sales a ton. And...”
He knocked back the shot in one go, then continued.
“She'd pay, so let's grill some beef. Seems like she really looks out for you.”
“Huh?”
Jihun was stunned. Yerim had invited him and bought all this meat?
He'd never dreamed she'd go that far for him.
“Here, have a shot.”
Seo Hyun-seok, shaking off his tipsy cheer, got serious and offered the soju bottle.
Jihun looked awkward. “Um, I'm underage, so I shouldn't...”
“It's fine when an adult pours it. You're turning legal in a week anyway—what's the big deal?”
“Okay...”
Hesitant, Jihun held up his glass with both hands. Seo Hyun-seok poured.
“From what I see, Yerim's got a real soft spot for you. What about you, Kim Jihun?”
He stared at his own glass as he asked.
Caught off guard, Jihun froze, pondering his answer.
“I...”
“Nah, forget it. I was being nosy. It's your business—no meddling from me.”
Not waiting for a reply, he raised his glass.
“Cheers.”
“Yes.”
Clink!
The glasses rang. Jihun tossed back the soju.
...
After Jihun left, Seo Hyun-seok lit a cigarette on the balcony.
Kim Jihun, huh.
He was proud of his daughter. No pricey tutors, no nagging about studies, and she'd nailed Seoul National University. Plus, her looks—stunning, just like her mom, not him. Not parental bias; objectively gorgeous. Plenty of folks had said she could be a model.
Kim Jihun. Not a bad kid.
That's why he wouldn't hand his pride and joy to just anyone. He wanted a guy who was diligent and good-hearted. Jihun checked those boxes. From what Yerim said, he worked hard at the store every day and studied diligently. And his looks...
Seo Hyun-seok had been shocked by Jihun's transformation since before his hospitalization. Taller, sharper features—practically outshining celebrities now.
Not bad at all... Not bad.
He nodded. Jihun would make a fine boyfriend for his daughter. If they started dating, he'd smile and congratulate them.
Seo Hyun-seok finished his smoke on the balcony.
...
“Here we are.”
Yerim drove Jihun all the way home. He thanked her.
“Dinner was awesome. When I make it big, I'll treat.”
“Pfft, quit joking and study hard. If we end up alumni, I'll buy.”
“Hehe, I'll hold you to that. If I pass, treat me to something good!”
“Sure, sure. Whoa, you must've had a bit to drink—your face is red.”
Jihun felt unusually buzzy. Great food after so long, plus unfamiliar booze. But most importantly...
Yerim unnie likes me.
Not certain yet. But he was sure she felt something for him. Romantic or just sisterly affection? Unclear. Still, it lifted his spirits. Someone liking you felt good, period.
She's pretty.
Before getting out, he stole another look. Makeup-free, her beauty shone—small face, refined features, captivating eyes. He drank it in, memorizing her, then said,
“I'll swing by the bookstore again.”
“Yeah. Oh, don't slack on studying.”
“Got it.”
Grinning, he shut the door. Yerim waved, turned the wheel, and vanished from view. Her taillights faded into the dark. Jihun stared blankly.
“...Girlfriend, huh.”
He muttered, heading inside.
Just on the cusp of adulthood, Jihun was like any young guy—interested in the opposite sex, curious about dating. But he had one issue.
I've never even dated anyone.
He'd always been average-looking. Nothing special, the kind of face you see duplicates of anywhere. No big attention from girls. His high school was old-school, separated by gender despite being co-ed. Few chances to mingle with girls his age.
So, zero dating experience. He had no clue how to handle things with Yerim.
Plus, he held back from approaching her for another reason.
Our levels are way off.
He lacked confidence to face her as an equal. The gap between them was huge.
No money. Poor family. Just a second-time test-taker.
She had a solid home, her own car from her income. And Seoul National University student.
Financially, academically—he fell short. No way he could stand tall before her.
If I got into Seoul National University too, could things work with Yerim unnie?
Suddenly, he imagined it: same school, seniors and juniors dating naturally.
First, aim for Seoul National University.
He clenched his fist, resolved. One more reason to grind on studies.