Chapter 46
“What? For real?”
Han Yaseong's eyes widened in surprise. Maybe it showed on his face, because Choi Yujin immediately regretted it.
“You seem really into it, huh?”
“No, no, it's not like that...”
“Don't switch to that defeated tone so fast. I'm not buying it. Ugh, damn. That was close. This maternal instinct of mine... I almost fell for it there.”
“I've never tried to trick you...”
“Still. You make such a pitiful face, and it tugs at my heartstrings. They say guys use sad stories to seduce women and sleep with them—don't tell me you're pulling that too? Trying to trigger my sympathy?”
“No, it's all true.”
“Fine, fine. I know you wouldn't lie. Hmm... anyway, here's my phone. Text me anytime. If I can make it to see you, I will. But I'm super busy and might not have time sometimes. You get that, right?”
“Of course. I wouldn't force you to come, senior. I'm busy too...”
“Oh? Getting cocky now? Should we skip it today?”
“What do you want to eat? I'll buy. I've got some money saved up.”
“Jeez, really...”
Choi Yujin shook her head, watching Han Yaseong grin like a sly courtier, extending both hands invitingly. She felt herself getting swept up in his rhythm more and more. But it wasn't calculated—it was all so spontaneous, which made it problematic. He handled her without any plan, and she kept falling into his pace. She realized she'd met a truly weird guy. Nothing like him among the boys she knew.
That chaos stirred confusion—and interest.
Choi Yujin sat back down at the vanity in her underwear, fixing her makeup. Her eyes were smudged black from crying. Embarrassing to think she'd let him see her like that.
While she touched up, Han Yaseong sat on the sofa, staring out the window. He'd never told anyone about his parents, not once... but he'd spilled it all to Senior Choi Yujin. He was leaning on her way too much. It scared him. What if he fell too deep and couldn't pull out? That pain would hit him alone.
She was elite, with everything. He was a nobody from the bottom. Thinking about it bred anxiety, but what could he do? They'd meet, and someday part ways. He'd steel himself for that. Until then, he'd like her just enough. Too much, and breaking up would hurt—like losing his parents.
“Let's head out.”
Senior Choi Yujin stood before him now, makeup flawless, dressed again. Her radiant face was stunning, the red bikini peeking under her white shirt pure fantasy. Her beauty made him hard instantly. His pants bulged, and she noticed, scolding him.
“You're like a machine. My body alone gets you going.”
“Sorry...”
“Not sure if I should like this or not. A junior who only wants my body... then am I just a senior who loves your dick?”
She shook her head, no clear answer in sight.
“I'm hungry. Let's eat first, think later. Get changed quick. We'll eat then hit the pool.”
“Got it.”
Han Yaseong swapped into boxer briefs. They left the room together, strolling the hall. Suddenly, she hooked her arm in his sweetly.
“Gonna make you buy something pricey since you offered.”
“Keep it under 100,000 won, please.”
“That's all?”
“Yeah.”
“Fine. Family restaurant downstairs—tonkatsu set it is.”
As Choi Yujin walked arm-in-arm with Han Yaseong, cozy as could be, passersby stared. Their faces screamed mismatch. She was the ultimate queen everyone ogled; he wasn't. Average to a fault, nothing standout—yet linked arm-in-arm with a supermodel? It pissed people off, made them jealous. Especially seeing her huge breasts brush and bounce against his arm. Guys burned with envy.
Girls eyed him like, Rich kid? Assuming money let this nobody snag her.
Han Yaseong felt every gaze, bitter. His senses sharpened since that other world made it hit harder when he focused.
“People are staring like we're weird.”
“Obviously.”
Descending the stairs, she answered his comment with a cheeky grin.
“Don't say it so casually—it makes it weirder.”
“It is obvious. Anyone can see we don't match. Not even beauty and the beast—just beauty and average joe. You blend into the background, invisible even.”
“How'd someone like me end up with you?”
“Beats me. I don't get it either. Why you, of all people?”
Senior Choi Yujin tilted her head at him, puzzled. Did you hypnotize me? Slip me an aphrodisiac? Her face said it all. She couldn't fathom their connection either.
Han Yaseong felt the same. Why was he with her? Maybe some evil spell bound her to him. Nothing else explained it.
Even as a third-party observer, he'd think it odd. An average guy with her? Suspicious. Infuriating. Why him and not me? Could I pull it off?
He felt he diminished her presence. Like a noblewoman loving a servant—scandal. She'd be locked away as mad; he'd be beaten to death for presumption. The gap was that vast. He felt sorry for her.
For the first time, he wished he were tall, handsome, rich—to match her.
An old idol scandal flashed back. Pretty young singer dating an older, ugly guy. Fans and netizens rioted: mismatch! Age gap huge, him unattractive. If he'd been hot and young, congrats all around. But no—outrage, opposition. They couldn't accept him stealing their dream girl. Like losing something theirs, even if they'd never meet her.
Cousin buys land, your gut aches. Some average nobody snags a beauty? Unforgivable. A perfect match? Golden couple, so jealous, solo hell!
That was them now. Everyone gawked oddly. Her problem? His money? Stamina? Arm-in-arm, they drew side-eyes and whispers.
“Kid's got skills, parading her around.”
“Her standards must be low. I could land her.”
Girls saw him as impressive now; guys gained cocky confidence. Curiosity for them—that guy with her? For guys—if she dates him, I'm in. They ranked above him.
His value soared; hers tanked. They felt it raw.
Overwhelmed, Han Yaseong lifted his arm to slip free.
“Senior, let's unlink.”
“Why?”
“Everyone's staring.”
“Your stock's rising. Saw those girls? Crushing on you hard. They think you're a chaebol heir.”
“Yours crashed. Guys looked like they could snag you anytime... Walking with me makes you seem ordinary.”
“Whatever. Always on a pedestal— this feels fresh. Guys usually fear me, can't even talk. Nice to have a 'relatable' day.”
Still, her value dropping too much bothered him. Guys might mock her; bruised egos lead to crimes like assault if rejected.