Chapter 151: Winter (10)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 151: Winter (10)
Ha Seo-rim looked down at her phone, her index finger tapping rhythmically against the screen.
‘…Is there anywhere selling these at a discount?’
No matter how many times she checked, the ticket prices were just too high. Paying full price felt like a significant burden on her wallet.
If she bought just one, how many more hours would she have to put in at her part-time job to make up for it? That was the first thought that crossed her mind.
‘…Discount… discount….’
Ha Seo-rim continued her search, scouring various websites. Normally, she wouldn't have even considered looking for something like this.
……I want to have some fun, too.
It wasn't as if she enjoyed working all the time. Lately, she had discovered the simple joy of hanging out with friends. It had happened gradually as she became more involved with the members of the Counseling Club.
Shin A-young had recommended mobile games to her. Ji Nuri would often bring her free snacks whenever she passed by. And when she thought about the time they spent together in Busan, the lingering warmth of those memories still remained.
‘I don't have work on the day finals end, either.’
Luckily, her schedule was clear.
‘Ah, found it.’
Ha Seo-rim finally stumbled upon a site offering a special discount. At this price, it was manageable. It still wasn't exactly pocket change, but it was doable.
“Hmm….”
Thinking about it, however, there was still another problem.
“…….”
Ha Seo-rim brushed a hand over her mouth and looked up, glancing at the seat across from her.
“Ugh….”
She saw Ahn Bo-ram, who was currently wrestling with a workbook. It had been a while since the first-year girls of the Band Club had gathered to study for exams together.
‘It feels a bit wrong to leave her behind and join the others….’
Bo-ram would definitely suggest the three of them hang out the moment exams ended. Furthermore, if she joined the Counseling Club's outing, she wouldn't just be an outsider—she’d be the only first-year there.
‘…Should I buy it? Or not?’
Ha Seo-rim gripped her phone, her dilemma continuing.
“Eeeek….”
Suddenly, Ahn Bo-ram, who had been solving problems, twisted her body in frustration. It was obvious she was having trouble concentrating. Seeing this, Ha Seo-rim whispered softly.
“…Should we take a short break?”
“Yes, please!”
As if she had been waiting for those exact words, Ahn Bo-ram stood up immediately. The two of them left their seats and headed outside.
“I’m seriously so sleepy, I can’t take it. I need to grab a coffee or something….”
Ahn Bo-ram pulled out her wallet in front of the capsule coffee vending machine.
“Seo-rim, do you want one too?”
“No.”
It felt like a waste of mon—
“It’s on me.”
“…….”
Ha Seo-rim’s movements slowed for a moment. Eventually, she managed to shake her head.
“…It’s okay, I already had a cup today.”
Though it was a bit of a shame to turn down a free drink, it was better for her health to keep her caffeine intake moderate.
“Really?”
Ahn Bo-ram nodded and, after grabbing her cup of coffee, sat down next to her.
“…Oh? What’s this? Are you playing a game?”
Ahn Bo-ram raised her voice in surprise. Ha Seo-rim gave a casual nod.
“Just sometimes, when I have time.”
“Wow.”
Bo-ram looked down at the phone screen, sounding genuinely impressed. Was this really something to be that surprised about?
“…It turned out to be pretty fun once I tried it.”
It was a mobile game Shin A-young had introduced to her a while back.
“Hmm….”
Ahn Bo-ram let out a soft hum as she watched the screen.
“But you seem pretty relaxed this time. Are you confident about the finals?”
“…Not a lot, but maybe a little?”
“…Seriously?”
When Ha Seo-rim showed a faint bit of confidence, Ahn Bo-ram looked slightly shocked.
“Last time, you were almost on the verge of tears saying you ruined them.”
“…I was not.”
Ha Seo-rim’s shoulders flinched, and she narrowed her eyes. She had just been a bit depressed. It wasn't like she was actually going to cry.
Ahn Bo-ram just sat there, giggling silently.
“…….”
Fine. Better not to say anything.
“But….”
Ahn Bo-ram’s voice trailed off. She looked around and lowered her voice.
“I heard that senior is teaching you. Is that… okay?”
“…?”
Ha Seo-rim blinked.
“…What is?”
She didn't quite understand what Bo-ram was getting at.
“I mean… that senior from the Counseling Club. I heard his reputation isn't that great.”
Ha Seo-rim’s eyebrows shot up. A sudden wave of flustered emotion washed over her.
“It’s not like that.”
Her voice carried weight. It was a misunderstanding she herself had helped create. While the rumors weren't entirely false, the context was completely different.
……He did get involved with women quite a bit. But if you asked if he was a bad person, he definitely wasn't.
“Oh? It’s not?”
“Yeah, anyway, it’s different,” Ha Seo-rim asserted with a complicated expression.
“…Well, that’s a relief then.”
Ahn Bo-ram nodded with an awkward look. Her reaction was somewhat subtle.
“Anyway, enough about that….”
Ha Seo-rim intentionally changed the subject.
“…How about you lately?”
“Huh?”
“I’m talking about Jin Hyun-woo. Has there been any progress between you two?”
“Ah….”
Ahn Bo-ram’s expression shifted. She looked a bit excited, a shy glow crossing her face.
“I wonder….”
Ahn Bo-ram laughed awkwardly and shook her head. It was a slow-moving, unrequited love.
“…….”
Seeing that gave Seo-rim a strange feeling. She honestly couldn't understand it.
“…What exactly do you like about Jin Hyun-woo?”
No matter how much she thought about it, she just didn't get it.
“What do you mean? He’s cute when you see the things he does.”
“Hmm…….”
The immediate answer left her deep in thought. Is that so? No matter how much she thought about it…
“……I don't really see it.”
“Well, I guess so. Your type is older guys, Seo-rim.”
Ha Seo-rim immediately countered Ahn Bo-ram’s words. Who said her type was older guys?
“It’s not that. I just don't see childish guys as men.”
“So that means you like older guys better.”
“That….”
Ha Seo-rim was at a loss for words.
“……If I had to choose, I guess that’s closer. But it’s not like it’s a set rule.”
“Look at you, beating around the bush.”
Ahn Bo-ram gave her a teasing smile.
“…….”
Ha Seo-rim didn't respond. She narrowed her eyes and stood up from her chair, suggesting they get back to studying.
“Oh….”
Ahn Bo-ram looked down at her phone. She showed Seo-rim a text message that had just popped up.
“Hyun-woo says he wants to go out and play. He’s asking where we should go.”
“On the day exams end?”
“Yeah.”
Ahn Bo-ram nodded.
“…Seo-rim, do you have plans then?”
Ahn Bo-ram’s expression became restless. Her lips fidgeted as if she had something she wanted to say.
“…….”
Watching her, Ha Seo-rim slowly opened her mouth.
“That day….”
It couldn't be helped. Yeah, that was it. She had no choice.
“I don't think I can. I have work that day.”
* * *
— The next day.
Inside the quiet club room, the only sound was the scratching of pencils.
Sip.
I barely suppressed a yawn and focused on my studies.
“…….”
There were only a few days left until the exams. Perhaps because of that, everyone was focused on their work without any chatter. The final spurt. Everyone was regrouping for the last exam of the year.
Tick, tock—
Before I knew it, time had flown by. It was already time to head home. Time to wrap things up….
“…….”
Glance, glance—
“?”
I looked down at my desk, distracted by a movement.
— “Ummm…….”
Ha Seo-rim’s Mini-Me was fidgeting with her hands and feet, pacing around me. She had the look of someone who had something important to say.
— “…Should I try telling him now?”
At the same time that thought reached me, Ha Seo-rim spoke up softly.
“…Um, excuse me.”
A glimpse of shyness could be seen in her eyes.
“If it’s okay with you… the trip after the exams. Can I come along too?”
Her question made me pause for a moment.
“To the amusement park?”
“……Yes.”
Ha Seo-rim gave a small nod.
“Huh? What about the Band Club kids?” Ji Nuri, who had been listening from the side, asked. “You always hung out with them on the day exams ended.”
“Ah, that’s….” Ha Seo-rim continued awkwardly. “They said the two of them were going to hang out that day.”
— “I’m intentionally bowing out, but….”
What did she mean by intentionally bowing out?
“Eh? Just the two of them?”
— “…Wait, is it that? Is it really that?”
Ji Nuri’s Mini-Me gasped, her eyes filled with interest. She asked in a cautious tone.
“Could it be that those two are……?”
“Not yet.”
When Ji Nuri asked, Ha Seo-rim remained tight-lipped.
“Hehe….”
Ji Nuri’s fingers curled inward like someone watching a romance drama. Her Mini-Me’s feet were already stomping in excitement.
Ahem.
Ha Seo-rim cleared her throat briefly before continuing.
“…So, I felt a bit awkward joining them. And I happen to not have work that day.”
“Hmm.” Lee Sol nodded her head.
— “…That would be a bit awkward.”
She nodded as if she understood the situation.
“……Would that be okay?”
It felt a bit harsh to flatly refuse her here. It wasn't like she was a complete stranger; we were somewhat close in our own way. However, it felt a bit off for me to just jump in and say yes.
“What do you guys think?”
I waited quietly for the girls' answers, deciding to follow their lead.
“Sure, I’m fine with it,” Ji Nuri agreed.
I thought she would agree immediately since she was close with Ha Seo-rim, but the answer came after a slight delay.
“Ummm… I’m okay with it too,” Shin A-young added.
— “It’s not like I can flatly say no… fine, whatever…. One more person won't make much of a difference anyway.”
She didn't seem thrilled, but perhaps because there were already so many people going, she didn't go out of her way to object.
“…Seung-ho, what about you?” Lee Sol turned the question back to me.
“Me?”
“Yeah.”
“I don't mind, really.”
To be honest, it felt more uncomfortable to say no. She looked like she would be incredibly disappointed.
“…Then I’m fine with it too.”
Lee Sol nodded. Her tone suggested that if I was okay with it, she was okay with anything.
In that case.
“Let’s go together.”
As I nodded my head—
— “……!”
Ha Seo-rim’s Mini-Me clenched her small fists. A reaction of pure triumph.
I didn't expect her to be this happy.
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