Dizzying Cohabitation Life 1
Seohyun sat in the cafe, waiting for Yuchan. If she just stood by and did nothing, she really would end up losing the cow and then repairing the barn. That was why she'd asked him for help. Normally, she should have reported it to her company, but somehow she had a feeling he'd offer a completely different solution. She knew it was shameless, but she planned to repay him plenty.
She remembered Yujin mentioning he liked coffee, so she'd stopped by the department store and bought some high-quality beans. Outside the cafe window, office workers bustled about during lunchtime. She hadn't done anything wrong, but she hadn't told Yujin about this. Officially, it was to spare her friend the worry if she mentioned a stalker, but really, she was afraid Yujin might get suspicious seeing her with Yuchan—the man she had a crush on—in a cafe together.
Ding-a-ling.
"Welcome."
With the server's greeting, a man and woman entered. It was Yuchan, who'd made time for Seohyun today, and Nayae, a student he knew. From what she'd heard, Nayae studied at the same cram school as Yujin. Yuchan stood out immediately in his light pink cardigan over a thick shirt. It made sense that fit people gained confidence in thinner clothes—the muscles subtly defined beneath without being over the top, paired with his sharp features, drew even Seohyun's gaze.
And beside him was a girl who only came up to his chest. That must be Choi Nayae. Her face was neat and pure, with a youthful glow that made it hard to believe they were the same age. Her small frame meant a proportionally tiny head, giving her perfect ratios. Her glasses looked oversized on her, and without Yuchan next to her for scale, it might have taken a while to notice how petite she was. The way she stuck close to him, glancing around curiously, was utterly adorable.
Seohyun stood to greet Yuchan and Nayae.
"Hello, thanks for coming all this way."
"It's just around the corner from my place."
"Hello."
Nayae bowed a crisp ninety degrees, catching Seohyun off guard. She hurriedly bowed back, flustered. Even knowing they were the same age, she hadn't expected such formality.
"This is Han Seohyun. She's been having trouble with a stalker, so she'll be staying at Nayae's place for a while. You know Fit Life? She's their sign model."
"Wow, I've never seen a real model up close like this... You're so pretty."
At Yuchan's introduction—practically putting Seohyun on a pedestal—Nayae beamed with wide-eyed excitement. She's plenty cute herself, Seohyun thought. If Seohyun appealed with foxlike sexiness, Nayae stirred protectiveness and cuteness. Ask any guys on the street, and it'd probably split fifty-fifty.
"This is student Choi Nayae. She lives alone too, but gets scared, so she was looking for a roommate. With all the unsettling incidents Seohyun's dealing with, it seemed like a perfect match."
"Thanks to you, I can breathe easier. Thank you."
"No, no! I'm glad too—feels safer having someone around."
Yuchan gave a wry smile at the pair's awkwardness. Despite her cool, aloof exterior, Seohyun had been fidgety since they arrived—maybe she was shy around strangers. "Why don't you two drop the formalities? You're the same age anyway."
"You okay with that?"
"Y-Yeah."
As prearranged, Nayae jumped in casually. Truth be told, Nayae was usually even more bashful than Seohyun. She acted breezy, but her flushed ears gave her away. She was forcing this outgoing vibe on Yuchan's orders—to bond with Seohyun fast and worm her way in.
"I'll handle the stalker situation. I know a guy who's good at this stuff."
"Like a cop or something?"
No such friend existed. Still, he planned a real warning. The stalker's role was done once it got Seohyun into Nayae's place. Now, he was just a wildcard that could derail the plan.
"Nah, nothing like that. Don't worry too much. If needed, I'll go warn him myself."
"You can really trust him. I had trouble with an ex-boyfriend once, and Teacher fixed it."
"That's amazing..."
Nayae gazed at Yuchan with utter faith, no trace of doubt—even Seohyun, who knew none of the details, felt convinced. Yuchan scratched his jaw, feigning embarrassment at the sudden attention.
"Guess doing student counseling so long gives you tricks for these things. Anyway, talk it over slowly. First off, Seohyun, you smoke?"
"No, tried it briefly but quit right away."
"Good! I can handle most things, but cigarette smell..."
She glanced at Yuchan while bringing up smoking, so he ignored it. She'd been nagging him to quit lately anyway.
As an adult mediator, he neutrally sorted details: how to split utilities and rent, stay duration, sleep schedules, daily routines.
His role ended there. "Looks good enough. I'll head out—sort the rest yourselves."
"Teacher, thank you so much for making this so smooth."
Inspired by Nayae still calling him "Teacher," Seohyun now did too. As he rose, she handed him a paper bag.
"It's nothing much, but I heard you like brewing coffee, so I got some."
"Didn't do it expecting this, but if it eases your mind, I'll gladly take it."
"Please do."
He was always so polite and considerate. Not just that—he willingly stepped in to solve a stranger's worries. For the first time, Seohyun felt she'd met someone truly admirable. He wasn't much older, yet so mature she couldn't imagine becoming like him in ten years.
"Thank you so much."
Unlike her usual workplace formalities, she bowed sincerely from the heart. Yuchan returned a gentle smile, shook hands, and left the cafe.
Nayae's officetel was a short walk from the cafe. She'd chosen it as the meeting spot to spare Seohyun lugging heavy luggage, apparently. With Nayae's help, Seohyun hauled her suitcase inside and waited as she unlocked the door.
"Passcode's 200012250—my birthday plus a zero."
"Christmas birthday? Romantic."
First impressions held: Nayae was incredibly shy. Once Yuchan left, she blushed like a kid losing her guardian, hesitating. She'd probably pushed herself to act friendly for future harmony. Grateful for the consideration, Seohyun worked to bond. Nayae was repeating the year, living alone to escape family strife. Seohyun felt a kinship. Other tidbits: swimming hobby, single, loved reading. She was scared living alone, so thrilled to roommate with someone as pretty as Seohyun.
"Come in. I cleaned, but don't expect much."
"I'm the one crashing—no complaints."
"Still, you're paying half rent, so it's your place too."
Chatting lightly, they opened the door. Seohyun's heart raced oddly. To her, this was no different from a man suddenly shacking up with a stranger woman. She had no such intentions and wouldn't dwell on it, but her sexual thrill came only from women. Still, indebted, she'd restrain herself completely. And her love was for Yujin alone. Just think of it as platonic roommates—draw the line mentally.
"Wow, spotless."
"First time showing it off—kinda embarrassing."
Seohyun kept clean, but Nayae's level was pro. Not a hair out of place, dustless shelves. The air smelled of eucalyptus diffuser and cosmetic soap. A glass partition split the wide living room in half for a bedroom. Just a two-seater sofa—no other furniture. She'd only lived here three months, so essentials were sparse.
Nayae led her past the living room. "Glass wall here, so this is living room, that's bedroom. Ordered a bed, but not here yet. Plenty of space though—we can share for now."
"Share?"
"Yeah."
Seohyun blurted in alarm, but Nayae nodded nonchalantly. Right, normal reaction. What's weird about same-sex friends sharing a king bed? As Seohyun dazedly sorted her thoughts, Nayae linked arms casually.
"What's wrong? Gotta live face-to-face—better get comfy early."
"Ah, yeah, but..."
Caught off guard by the sudden arm-link, her soft breast pressed against Seohyun's forearm. Cute face, but damn body, she thought, hyperaware. Couldn't just shake off Nayae's innocent friendliness. Watching her briefly, Seohyun knew this took guts—the pounding heartbeat transmitted through her chest gave it away.
"Not uncomfortable because of me...? I can take the sofa."
Lukewarm response made Nayae panic. Seeing that innocent beauty distressed on her account stirred odd guilt in Seohyun. She blurted without thinking.
"No! No! Totally fine—love sharing a bed actually."
"Phew, good."
Nayae sighed in relief; Seohyun secretly wiped sweat. Totally different from Yujin. Yujin bulldozed her my-way; Nayae plucked heartstrings, craving protection. Tears would make her feel like a criminal.
"Hey, one favor?"
"What?"
"Can I hug you? Just once?"
"Huh?"
Out-of-nowhere request flustered Seohyun again. But those pure, earnest eyes looking up left her speechless.
"Never seen anyone as pretty as you. Kinda rude, but please?"
"Sure, whatever."
Calling it a 'favor' is ruder, Seohyun thought. Yujin clung anytime; this was tame for future bedmates. Hesitantly opening her arms, Nayae dove in like a chick to its nest. Nothing special, yet she smelled sweet.
"You're so weird."
"I get lonely easy. Been solo forever—got a bit wistful. You're tall; my head barely reaches here."
Standing on tiptoes and bouncing, Nayae was pure aegyo overload. Is she into that too? Seohyun laughed despite herself at the bold vibe. Even now, Nayae gripped her thin waist firmly, hands subtly tickling sensitive spots naturally.
Seohyun startled, but Nayae looked up innocently from inches away. "What?"
"Kinda ticklish. Let's unpack."
Brushing off with a hearty laugh, Seohyun and Nayae sorted clothes and toiletries from the suitcase together.