Date (3)
Seo Joo-hwan came right out and told Jeong Ha-yeon that he was writing novels. Even counting his pre-regression life, it was extremely rare for him to reveal his job to anyone outside his family. For one thing, such opportunities rarely arose, and web novel writing was such a niche profession anyway.
Still, the reason he'd disclosed it was simple.
'Better than her worrying I'm splurging on my parents' money.'
He hadn't said it outright, but the implication had landed clearly enough. Who would've thought she'd assume he was living it up on his folks' dime?
"This is actually your writing, Joo-hwan?"
Jeong Ha-yeon's face lit up with surprise as she asked, burying her nose in her smartphone to scan his novel. Seo Joo-hwan watched her, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. Having someone who wasn't even an editor read his work right in front of him was awkward.
But after poring over the latest chapters for a while, what she said next was a real shocker.
"Uh... Joo-hwan, is what you write... smut?"
"What?"
"W-well, even if it is smut, that's none of my business."
"...Hand over the phone for a sec?"
Seo Joo-hwan snatched it from her in a flash. Smut? He'd definitely taken down all his old works. If they'd still been up, he wouldn't have mentioned it here.
"Ah."
He quickly understood her question. It wasn't the novel's content—it was the comments.
Spicy comments openly screaming for smut often got reported too. As Seo Joo-hwan scrolled through, he glanced at Jeong Ha-yeon and shook his head vigorously.
"It's not smut. It's wuxia—a martial arts novel."
"Like those Chinese movies?"
"Yeah. Basically, masters trained in martial arts fighting each other."
His ongoing serial The Possessed Master is a Murim Public Enemy was a story-driven tale, gritty in its own way. So why these comments? It was a habit from his past life writing smut—he put extra effort into sculpting female characters. And that one 19+ side story heavy on fan service had fueled the fire.
Jeong Ha-yeon listened, her lips twitching suspiciously. Seo Joo-hwan had a gut feeling. She's gonna tease me. If he didn't clear this up properly, he'd be in for endless ribbing.
She flashed a mischievous grin. "Hmm. Care to tell me more about the story?"
"S-sure. I'll explain it all."
Seo Joo-hwan spilled the details to her. He'd written and read plenty of smut personally, but he didn't want his girlfriend seeing him as a smut author. In his heart, he apologized to web novel smut writers everywhere.
What started as an excuse turned into the best vibe of their date so far. Novels were his lifelong passion and career from his past life—a constant companion as a hobby. Sharing his work with someone close got him so excited he couldn't stop talking.
Jeong Ha-yeon, meanwhile, was intrigued by this unexpected side of him. He seemed embarrassed at first, but now his eyes sparkled as he rambled on like a kid. Sometimes he felt like an old man despite his age, but right now, he was pure boyish charm.
'Even at MT, he was always glued to his phone alone.'
Probably reading web novels. She'd guessed he liked them, but writing? Seeing her boyfriend so animated about it sparked her interest in web novels—something she'd never touched before.
"Maybe I should check it out."
"My stuff?"
"Yeah. I like books."
"Didn't you say you hadn't read it before?"
"That was web novels. I've read tons of mysteries and horror. Comics too."
"Really? No idea."
"'Cause I never mentioned it. I love reading."
Indeed, there'd been a phase where she lived with her nose in books—after quitting judo, when she had no one to talk to. Books were her only escape then.
Seo Joo-hwan eyed her curiously. 'Book lover, huh? Unexpected.'
They'd only been dating a week, and even including pre-dating time, not even a month. They still had plenty to learn about each other.
He scratched his eye awkwardly and nodded. No point telling her not to read it now—he'd already given her the title. Good thing he'd pulled the 19+ stuff beforehand.
"Anyway, now you know, right?"
"Know what?"
"That I earned the money myself. Kinda weird saying it, but I'm pretty successful."
Pretty? The Possessed Master is a Murim Public Enemy's sales put him in the industry top ranks already. Though his fast pace inflated totals—per-chapter buys weren't quite top-tier yet.
Jeong Ha-yeon nodded readily. At least he wasn't blowing his parents' money like some immature high school kids she'd worried about. Just a misunderstanding.
"Still, drop that 'guys should pay' mindset. And don't go overboard spending on me."
It wasn't just the amount. She'd seen pricier stuff at home than the clothes or makeup he'd bought. She just hated one-sided receiving.
Seo Joo-hwan nodded agreeably. "This was our first date, that's why. So no more refunds from you either, Ha-yeon."
"...I'll treasure it. Thanks."
*
The outfit Yoon Seo-ra had personally coordinated suited Jeong Ha-yeon perfectly. Starting with the jeans. Unlike her baggy old pair, the new light-wash ones were slim-cut, accentuating her long legs. On top, a plain white tee layered with a soft green knit vest for style. A delicate silver chain necklace with a scooped round pendant finished it—casual yet chic.
"What do you think? I put it on."
"Looks great."
Seo Joo-hwan smiled warmly. With lipstick matched to her tone, her natural beauty shone even brighter. Walking the street, everyone—men and women alike—stole glances at her.
At first, he was just pleased. A pretty girlfriend naturally excited any guy. He overheard some busybody comparing them, saying she was too good for him—but he brushed it off. It was true, after all.
But halfway through the day, his good mood soured. Clutching popcorn, Seo Joo-hwan stepped in front of Jeong Ha-yeon with a stiff face, blocking the guy.
"What do you want?"
"Huh? Oh, uh..."
"Ha-yeon, know him?"
"No. No clue."
She scowled. Seo Joo-hwan turned back to the guy, who bowed slightly and backed off. As he retreated, a quiet tsk escaped him.
Seo Joo-hwan sighed. "Haa. How many is this now?"
Third time already. Once before leaving the cafe when he stepped away to the bathroom. Once on the street despite him being right there. And now, during his popcorn run at the theater.
Pretty girls attract guys, sure—but this frequency was ridiculous.
'Why's the blessing notifying me?'
Mongma God's Blessing—ending today—was pinging weirdly. Not luck; just annoyance.
"Sorry..."
Jeong Ha-yeon apologized, gauging his mood. She'd be pissed too if girls kept hitting on him in front of her.
He shook his head in surprise. "Why're you sorry, Ha-yeon? Not your fault."
"Still."
"It's fine. Let's watch the movie."
No reason to snap at her. She wasn't inviting it. She'd shut them down cold every time. Still, it grated—especially the third guy openly asking for her number with him right there. His fist clenched on instinct.
Seo Joo-hwan barely followed the movie. Staring blankly ahead, he pondered items.
'Wish I had appearance-boosting stuff.'
Then no more "she's too good for him" crap. Words he'd ignored before now bugged him.
'Start with a bath agent for my skin.'
His wasn't bad, but puberty acne scars lingered. Better skin would help.
Lost in thought, he felt Jeong Ha-yeon's hand overlap his. Glancing over, he saw her eyes full of apology. His irritation must've shown.
He smiled reassuringly and gripped back. Her comforting gesture warmed him.
*
The movie ended. Dusk had fallen outside, cool night breeze blowing.
Seo Joo-hwan led her by the hand into Sami-gwan, a cozy bar run solo by a male owner. Its gimmick: solo drinking only—one companion max. No groups of three-plus. Perfect for quiet solo sessions. He'd frequented it pre-regression.
'Stopped going quick though.'
Business looked bad; he worried he jinxed it and quit. Then it blew up later, leaving him depressed.
Now he realized it was just tucked away, pre-word-of-mouth.
Seated, Jeong Ha-yeon looked around curiously. "This place has a unique vibe."
"Nice, right?"
"Yeah. Feels like a hidden gem."
Sami-gwan was small and quaint, serene. Vintage exterior and interior felt novel yet special.
Seo Joo-hwan pointed to wall text, lowering his voice. "It's tiny, mostly solos, so no loud talk. See? 'Quiet conversations only' sign."
"Huh, yeah. Super unique. Suddenly craving booze."
"Highballs are killer here. Sides too. Fair prices—word spreads, it'll boom."
"Come here a lot?"
"Nah, just a few times."
He'd visited post-move to Anyang this life too. Ordering familiarly, the owner played knowing.
"Lady friend today, huh? Girlfriend?"
"That obvious?"
"Isn't it? You two look great together."
The mid-30s owner was sharp and smooth with service.
Seo Joo-hwan grinned, nodding. "Girlfriend, yeah. Pretty, right?"
"Hey... cut it out."
Jeong Ha-yeon smacked his hand, protesting. The owner chuckled, reminiscing freshman days.
"Your girlfriend's stunning. Thought she was a celeb for a sec. You two match perfectly."
"Th-thank you..."
"Haha."
Jeong Ha-yeon flushed, bowing; Seo Joo-hwan just beamed happily. One "you match" eased his prickly nerves.