Chapter 15
Chapter 15
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: Sweet Moments and Growing Desires
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"Gross? Disgusting? Jun-woo, what words are even worse than that?"
As I racked my brain for ways to describe that thug, Jun-woo looked startled by the words coming out of my mouth.
—Oh no.
I didn't want him seeing me talk like that in front of him.
But honestly, there was no other way to describe those kids.
I'll be more careful from now on.
Sorry, Jun-woo.
I asked him not to get involved with those types, and without even questioning why, he immediately agreed. Seeing that made me so happy.
Jun-woo would definitely keep that promise.
That alone was more than enough, but then suddenly, he reached out and gently started stroking my hair.
What the...
Where did this come from all of a sudden?
I was a little startled at first by the surprise of it, but as his soft touch began gliding through my hair, it felt so good that I closed my eyes just a bit.
From the look on his face, it seemed like an unconscious action.
But I wasn't about to miss this rare chance.
I subtly shifted my position so he could stroke the spots that felt the best.
...If it feels good, it's good. Yeah.
We enjoyed that pleasant moment for a bit, but when Jun-woo snapped out of it and tried to pull his hand away with a surprised expression, I couldn't help but pout in disappointment.
As if sensing my desire for more, I felt his hand softly brushing through the strands of my hair again.
I heard him chuckle softly, so I opened my eyes and asked why. He answered honestly that it was because I was cute, gazing at me with affectionate eyes that, for a moment...
Made me want to do something naughty to this lovable Jun-woo.
I didn't think I could hold back much longer.
If Jun-woo was trying to take things slow and approach me carefully, then...
#58
It was the first time I'd ever skipped class, but since I was with Jun-woo, I didn't care.
I just wanted to experience all my firsts with him, no matter what.
The kids in class calling it a lovers' escape was a bit embarrassing, but I didn't bother denying it.
It wasn't exactly wrong, after all.
What surprised me was that even Jun-woo didn't deny it.
Actually, he didn't even seem to notice anything off about it, which secretly made me so happy that I smiled quietly.
#59
After classes ended that day, chatting with Ji-ah from the seat next to me and some other friends took longer than expected.
I'd planned to talk just for a minute before heading to Jun-woo, but Ji-ah started spilling about her first boyfriend and romance—it was surprisingly captivating.
...I'm jealous.
I want to date Jun-woo soon and go out everywhere, arm in arm, kissing, and...
As I let my imagination run wild, my phone buzzed.
I didn't even need to check who it was.
I'd set it to only vibrate for Jun-woo.
When I looked around after seeing his message calling for me, there he was, staring my way and waiting patiently.
My heart fluttered at how he waited for me so naturally, without any complaints, as if it was the obvious thing to do.
I had a feeling my daydreams from earlier might become reality sooner than I thought, and a smile crept onto my lips.
#60
With the sunset sky glowing red as our backdrop, Jun-woo and I walked side by side toward home.
An awkward silence hung between us.
["Being with you is the best."]
I kept replaying the way he'd looked at me and said those words so softly, and my heart was still pounding wildly.
Jun-woo seemed the same—uncharacteristically quiet.
Walking slowly to match my pace, waiting for me.
Does Jun-woo realize?
Every time I feel how much thought and care he puts into his actions for me.
All those moments that hit me so suddenly.
They drive me absolutely crazy.
I couldn't believe my past self had taken all these gestures for granted—it made me hate myself a little.
Ah, I can't take it anymore.
I decided I needed to stop by Jun-woo's room today to recharge on some Jun-woo energy and asked if it was okay.
Of course... I knew he wouldn't say no. Still.
But then, with an apologetic look, he told me he was heading to the PC bang. I was puzzled.
Does he need to grab something from home?
Curious, I asked why, and his answer made me doubt my ears.
His friends were already at the PC bang, and it seemed like he'd only come to walk me home.
The way he took that for granted was just too adorable.
...Jun-woo. You're totally seducing me right now, aren't you?
If it was on purpose... it was a huge success.
I wanted to grab his hand right then and drag him not to the PC bang, but to my room instead. Thoughts like whether he'd prefer a son or a daughter were flooding my mind. For stuff like that.
This... is totally unfair.
How am I supposed to hold back?
Today's Jun-woo was a perfect 100 out of 100.
So flawless it was almost a little infuriating.
#61
After Jun-woo walked me home and headed to the PC bang.
I slipped into his room to absorb some Jun-woo energy.
...He didn't tell me not to. Yeah.
The moment I opened the door, his scent wrapped around me like a hug, and it instantly lifted my mood.
I naturally made my way to the bed, lay down, wrapped myself in the blanket he used, and buried my face in his pillow. Feeling his presence so vividly made it seem like he was right there beside me.
Rolling around on Jun-woo's bed to recharge was satisfying, but I couldn't help feeling a bit empty still.
"I miss youuu..."
His lingering traces could only do so much—they couldn't replace the real Jun-woo.
Clutching his blanket tight, I pulled out my phone and sent him a message.
...Will he find it annoying?
I heard clingy girls aren't attractive.
...But I miss him.
In the end, I gave in to my desires and sent a few messages, but even after minutes passed, the "read" mark didn't appear.
Jun-woo usually checks his phone quickly, so he must be having fun right now, I figured.
...Suddenly, I wondered what I used to do when I was alone back then. Thinking back, it was the same.
Jun-woo was always with me, or he'd come over or message whenever I was bored.
...And like an idiot, I'd taken it all for granted.
I was such a fool.
As guilt and sadness over Jun-woo welled up, my phone buzzed.
It's Jun-woo!
Excited, I opened it to see him saying it was fine and to message him anytime.
I knew he'd probably be annoyed if I did, despite what he said.
But seeing him prioritize me like that brought a natural smile to my face.
In my happiness, I sent more messages.
But sadly, that little "1" wouldn't disappear.
...Hng.
I expected it, but... it still hurt a little.
He said it was okay to message...
He said being with me was the best.
Liar, dummy...
As I pouted, thinking of the innocent Jun-woo, a great idea popped into my head.
Could I use this as an excuse to go see him?
I didn't even need to drag him away from his fun—just being next to him would be enough. With that thought, I headed out right away.
I searched for the PC bang he often went to and went inside, spotting Jun-woo and his friends right away.
"You bastards. It's your fault Han Seo-ah is mad...!"
Huh? Me?
Puzzled, I approached, and I heard Jun-woo's voice sounding all aggrieved as he told his friends I was angry.
Ah, was it because of the messages I sent before leaving?
I'd just pretended to be upset as an excuse to come see him...
But to Jun-woo, it must have looked like I was really mad.
...Yeah. Even I can see how it might come across that way.
I felt a twinge of guilt, but since he'd taken it that way, I decided to play along and keep up the angry act, hardening my expression.
Heh heh.
But seeing Jun-woo so flustered, not knowing what to do because he thought I was mad, was too cute—I could barely keep a straight face.
Ahem.
I forced my face into a stern look again and quietly approached him.
"You guys didn't even notice Han Seo-ah was mad. When she gets angry, she's really...!"
"Really what?"
Jun-woo, you dummy.
I've never even gotten mad at you.
...Probably.
#62
I dragged Jun-woo out and sat facing him at an empty spot in the PC bang.
I'd originally planned to sit next to him while he played, watch some YouTube, and just stare at him, but how did things end up like this?
His fidgety, nervous glances at me were adorable, but...
I felt like I was being mean to him.
...I like seeing Jun-woo smile.
—What do I do?
Seeing him bow his head apologetically toward me made my heart ache.
This wasn't why I'd come. I shouldn't have.
I should have just waited in his room...
Feeling bad, I threw a little tantrum mixed with some aegyo.
Hoping he'd catch on.
"...You said being with me is the best. Liar."
"I hate you."
From those words alone, he seemed to realize I wasn't actually mad—his expression visibly brightened, and relief washed over me.
Even though things had gone weirdly.
I'd heard couples fight about messaging all the time.
We're going to be a couple someday anyway—no, more than that—so this was just practice, right?
...Of course, I'd have to come clean and apologize to him later.
Sorry, Jun-woo.
#63
After that, whenever I was with Jun-woo, it got harder and harder to hold back the feelings for him that kept spilling over.
I could tell he was starting to treat me less like a close friend and more like someone he saw romantically.
But since we weren't officially dating yet...
I was thirsty.
I was losing track of where the line was between childhood friends and something more.
From the moment I'd returned to the past.
I'd planned to confess around when he wouldn't notice the sudden change, but at some point, my feelings wouldn't hold—I wanted to become his lover as soon as possible and make him mine.
One day, after holding back my desires for Jun-woo day after day.
As we lay together on the bed, him gently stroking my hair.
Whispering sweetly that we should go on a one-night, two-day trip after midterms.
I'd never looked forward to midterm season more.
After that, with the expectation that our relationship would change dramatically.
My heart pounded like it was about to burst.
📸 Author's Illustration Note I added the adult version of Seo-ah because it felt like something was missing without an illustration (actually, I was the one missing it ;)