Chapter 129: Yu Ha-neul (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 129: Yu Ha-neul (3)
Ha Seo-rim arrived at the cafe with Yu Ha-neul.
It was a newly opened spot, boasting a sleek, modern interior and a stunning view.
“…….”
Ha Seo-rim fidgeted, her gaze wandering restlessly. She wasn't the type to frequent cafes, and given the current atmosphere, the space felt stifling in more ways than one.
“Wow…”
Yu Ha-neul let out a soft smile, her eyes crinkling as she raised her phone. She snapped several photos of the strawberry cake sitting on the table.
“This is so pretty. Did you get a picture too?”
“Oh, yeah… I should.”
Ha Seo-rim pulled out her phone.
How much did this even cost?
It was beautiful, sure, but the price was intimidating.
“…….”
As she took the photo, Ha Seo-rim stole glances at Yu Ha-neul.
Ha-neul looked the same as always. It was hard to believe she was the same person who had been lost in gloomy contemplation just moments ago. It made Seo-rim wonder if she was merely forcing herself to act fine.
“Thanks for the treat, Unnie.”
Since Yu Ha-neul was paying, Ha Seo-rim picked up her fork with a slightly lighter heart.
“I didn't know you were working part-time with Seung-ho, Seo-rim.”
“…….”
Ha Seo-rim froze, her mouth hanging open.
She knew the topic would come up eventually, but the timing was unexpected. She quietly lowered the forkful of cake she had just taken.
“…I didn't say anything because I figured you’d just worry. It’s not like I could just quit the job, either.”
“…….”
“Right?”
“…Yeah, I guess so,” Yu Ha-neul nodded slowly, unable to deny the logic.
Ha Seo-rim let out a deep sigh.
“Don’t let it get to you, Unnie. Seung-ho Senior said he’s quitting soon anyway.”
“…….”
Yu Ha-neul fell silent for a moment. Her lips twitched before she asked in a small voice, “…He’s quitting?”
“Yeah. I heard he found another job.”
“Hmm… I see….”
Yu Ha-neul drifted back into her thoughts.
Seo-rim wondered what was weighing on her so heavily. It seemed the sudden appearance of the guy she used to have a thing with had left her feelings in a muddle.
“…….”
Ha-neul’s eyes fixed on Ha Seo-rim.
“But… what was it like working with Seung-ho?”
“Huh?”
“Nothing happened while you were working, right?”
Seo-rim answered nonchalantly.
“Nothing.”
She popped a piece of cake into her mouth.
“We were too busy to really interact much in the first place.”
In truth, they crossed paths often since they worked on the same floor, but she didn't feel the need to mention that. Nothing significant had happened between them, so there was no reason to stir the pot.
“Were you really okay around him?”
“Yeah, I told you, nothing happened.”
“…Right. That’s a relief.”
Yu Ha-neul leaned forward, her expression turning serious. She continued in a low whisper.
“You said he’s quitting, right? Until then, don’t get too close to him.”
“…….”
The movement of Ha Seo-rim’s fork slowed. Yu Ha-neul kept talking.
“I told you before. There’s a reason he’s so nice to girls. Even in the past—”
“Unnie.”
Ha Seo-rim called her name softly, abruptly cutting her off.
“Let’s stop there. I’ve heard this story several times already, and it’s just going to ruin the mood.”
That was one reason she changed the subject, but there was another.
The Lee Seung-ho she knew wasn't like that. It felt unpleasant to hear someone she knew being badmouthed, especially when it was coming from a close friend.
“…….”
Yu Ha-neul blinked, looking surprised by Ha Seo-rim’s firm reaction.
“…Alright.”
She nodded and fell silent, using her fork to break her cake into tiny, messy pieces.
“…….”
Ha Seo-rim watched her quietly.
Internally, she let out a sigh. Yu Ha-neul was a good person, and the Lee Seung-ho she knew was also a decent guy.
How did things end up like this between them? Where did it all go wrong? She found herself wanting to clear up the misunderstanding, but she didn't know where to start.
*
“Yeah, see you there then.”
Shin A-young put down her phone.
“…….”
Her normally composed features were now clouded with a swirl of complex emotions. To be honest, she was flustered.
“…Ahem.”
She cleared her throat, trying to settle her thoughts. The moment she had heard Lee Seung-ho’s subdued voice over the speaker, Shin A-young had been caught off guard.
To her, Lee Seung-ho was someone who was always composed. This was the first time she had heard him show such a vulnerable side.
If she could help him at a time like this—
“…Ugh.”
Shin A-young frowned, pressing her thumb against the bridge of her nose.
The thought that this was an "opportunity" had flashed through her mind for a split second, and the realization filled her with self-reproach.
“…….”
Forget it. Don’t think like that right now.
Shin A-young hurried her pace as she left the gym.
“…….”
Then, she paused for a moment.
Zip—
She pulled a pouch out of her handbag.
…I should touch up my makeup first.
…….
He should be around here somewhere.
Where was Lee Seung-ho sitting?
Ah, there he is.
Shin A-young scanned the area and raised her hand when she spotted Lee Seung-ho sitting on a bench.
“Seung-ho…!”
“…Oh, you’re here.”
At her call, Lee Seung-ho looked up from his phone. Shin A-young scurried over to him.
“Have you been waiting out here the whole time?”
“I haven't been out long.”
Lee Seung-ho shook his head lightly and stood up.
“Where are we going?”
“…….”
Shin A-young looked up at him silently. Seeing him in person made the change feel more real.
He really was different. His aura was subtly off.
The expression he was wearing was a mask. Since she was someone who lived her life hiding her true feelings, she recognized the act instantly.
“…What?”
Lee Seung-ho rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly under her intense gaze.
“Nothing… just because.”
Shin A-young shook her head. It seemed better not to make it obvious for now.
“…….”
Lee Seung-ho scratched his head and asked again.
“So, where are we going? You’re the one who suggested skipping practice.”
“Uh… well….”
“Did you not think of a place?”
“…….”
She had come in such a hurry that she hadn't actually thought that far ahead.
“…Do you want to just walk for a bit?”
Shin A-young subtly changed the subject. She thought it wasn't a bad suggestion. Since they were skipping their workout, a light stroll around the area seemed appropriate. Sometimes, an aimless walk could lift one's mood.
“If you want.”
Lee Seung-ho nodded, looking as if he didn't mind either way.
“Here, take this.”
Shin A-young pulled a hand warmer out of her pocket. It was radiating a cozy heat. She pressed it into both of his hands. The backs of his hands were quite cold when they touched hers. He must have been standing outside for a while.
“A hand warmer?”
The warmth seemed to soften Lee Seung-ho’s expression. He squeezed the pack.
“Did you bring this from home?”
“The weather’s been chilly lately. I brought it because I thought I might catch a cold on the way back after sweating at the gym.”
“…I guess it is winter now.”
Next week would be November. Thinking about it that way, there wasn't much left of the year. The CSAT was coming up soon, too.
The CSAT…. That reminded her of something.
“Seung-ho, did you hear the news?”
Shin A-young asked with a playful grin.
“…What news?”
“Guess.”
“…….”
Lee Seung-ho blinked blankly at the sudden quiz.
“……No hints?”
Even so, he played along.
“It’s good news.”
“I guess Senior Min-ji passed her early admissions.”
“…….”
Shin A-young’s eyes widened. Her apricot-colored lips pouted before she reluctantly nodded.
He was right. It was no fun when he guessed it immediately. She really shouldn't play guessing games with Lee Seung-ho; he figured everything out too easily.
“Now only the older brother needs to pass.”
She usually called him the Club President, but she had switched to calling him "Oppa" in her head—perhaps because Ji Nuri was the Club President now.
“I hope so.”
Shin A-young nodded. She sincerely hoped he would pass. They were in the same club, and Min-ji would be so happy if he did.
“Oh, right.”
Shin A-young remembered the topic she had forgotten.
“Min-ji Unnie said we should all go on a trip together after the CSAT is over.”
“Where to?”
“She suggested Busan. You know, that game event is being held then.”
Once a year, on the week the CSAT ended, a massive game event was held. It was a huge affair, drawing visitors from all over.
“Ah….”
Lee Seung-ho nodded, realizing what she meant.
“But is it a day trip?”
“Probably an overnight trip? The former Club President and Vice President said they’d help us out like they did at the valley last time.”
That took care of the accommodation issue.
“Then we’ll need permission.”
“…Yeah, that’s true.”
Shin A-young’s face took on a slightly troubled look. That was her biggest concern. Would her parents allow an overnight trip? It probably wouldn't be an easy sell.
“You’re going, right?”
Shin A-young asked cautiously.
“I have to. It’s the last time.”
“Really? You said you’re going, okay?”
That was all she needed. If he was going, she couldn't possibly miss it. She felt a surge of confidence that she could persuade her father somehow.
“…But how long are you going to keep doing this?”
“Huh?”
“…When are you going to let go of my hands?”
Lee Seung-ho looked down. His hands were gripping the hand warmer, and her palms were resting right on top of his.
Shin A-young looked away slightly and muttered.
“……This is the only hand warmer I have.”
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(!Signpost!)
(Illustration below!)
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