Chapter 198
Chapter 198
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 198
Chapter Title: The Promise of No Regrets
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"Wow, it's just like a movie!"
"So, did you two meet again just like that?"
"What happened after? Did you fully get back together?"
"Did you confess or something?"
"Why didn't you stay in touch all that time?"
It was total chaos.
I mean, even I was so shocked back then that my mind went completely blank.
Honestly, I never imagined Hyorin would come looking for me like that.
She'd been out of touch for months, then suddenly showed up.
"Look, I'd love to keep telling the story, but let's save it for later."
"Aw, why!"
"Please tell us more! Pretty please!"
But all I could do was shake my head at those students.
And for good reason—one person was standing right behind them.
"So that's why it got so quiet. You're telling stories again."
At Professor Im Hayoung's words, all the students whipped around in surprise.
"Eek! P-Professor!"
"Everyone, pack it up. We have to draw."
"Oh yeah! I gotta work on my painting."
The students sprang into action, straightening their desks at the professor's arrival.
Professor Im Hayoung shook her head helplessly at the sight and said,
"But when did you get here, Kanghyeok?"
"I came by before lunch. I was planning to say hi, but you seemed to arrive early, so I figured I'd come by later."
"I'm not too busy today, so it's fine. Want to chat in my office for a bit?"
"Sure, sounds good."
As I started to stand,
Daeun, who was sitting next to me, spoke up.
"Daddy."
"Yeah?"
"Daeun draw picture now."
"Out of nowhere?"
Painting all of a sudden.
Of course, we were in the studio,
So if she wanted to paint, she could start right away...
"Yeah! Daeun wants to paint!"
With that determined look on her face, I glanced back and forth between the professor and Daeun.
Then Minji, who was behind us, chuckled and said,
"Or just leave Daeun with me. I'll paint with her. I have to check on the kids' work anyway."
"You sure that's okay?"
"Of course. Go on ahead."
That was a relief, at least.
I turned to Daeun.
"Okay then, sweetie. Daddy's just gonna talk with the professor for a bit. You stay here and paint, alright?"
"Yeah! Okay!"
"Alright, Daeun. Auntie will set up your painting spot. Let's go."
"Yes!"
Daeun hopped down from her seat and followed Minji into the studio. I watched her go for a moment before standing up.
Then I said to the professor,
"Shall we?"
* * *
We arrived at the professor's office.
As soon as we entered, she headed familiarly to the coffee machine and asked,
"Coffee?"
"Yes, I'd love some. Thank you."
She flashed a smile and whipped up an Americano in no time.
Clink.
It was machine-brewed, but the aroma was great.
After taking a sip of the Americano she'd made, the professor asked,
"You didn't just come early for no reason. Something's up, right?"
As expected from the professor.
She had this way of seeing the big picture from the smallest detail.
"Well, it's like this."
Should I tell her about Jungeun's situation?
If it were just about me, I could've spilled it right away.
But it was about Jungeun.
No matter how close we were, this was a sensitive topic.
I figured it'd be best not to say anything unnecessary, so I smiled and deflected.
"Honestly, I heard Minji wasn't coming, so I wanted to see her face. Can't have her feeling left out, right?"
"Why would you, of all people—and not even Jungeun—care about seeing Minji?"
"Well, we're... friends."
At that, the professor gave me a knowing look.
But whether she sensed I didn't want to talk about it, she didn't press further.
"Well, seems like there's more to it, but if you're not telling, there must be a reason."
Whew, are you a mind reader or something?
I got that feeling sometimes around her—like she could see right through me.
Was this what they called experience?
Slurp.
The professor took a sip of her freshly brewed coffee and said,
"Anyway, Daeun's solo exhibition is coming up soon, right?"
"Yeah, it's right around the corner now."
"How many pieces have you got?"
"I've been working hard on them—about ten so far."
"Oh, that's a solid number."
"We've been prepping like crazy."
It wasn't quite enough for a full solo show, but it wasn't an official gallery event either.
Honestly, for Daeun's age, pulling this together was impressive.
She enjoyed painting, so we managed this much.
If she'd hated it like I did back when I was prepping my first show, we never would've gone through with it.
"If you keep at it till then, you could hit around fifteen."
"Yeah. By the way, will you be coming that day, Professor?"
She must be busy.
But she answered without hesitation.
"Of course. She's a talent who's going to make our school shine in the future."
"Yeah."
"Heh, kidding. I'm just curious what kind of paintings Daeun makes."
"You're swamped with work, though."
"Pfft, busy or not, I have to go to Daeun's show. She's your daughter, Kanghyeok."
There was so much meaning packed into those words.
You could feel it without her spelling it out.
Then, with a hint of regret, she added,
"But it's a shame."
"What is?"
"Daeun's exhibition. Hyorin would've loved it if she could see it."
Oh, that kind of thing.
I smiled and replied,
"She probably would've been thrilled."
"Yeah. It'd be like her daughter achieving the dream she never could."
My eyes widened at that.
"A... dream?"
"Yeah. Didn't you know Hyorin's dream was to have her own solo show? That's why she went abroad."
Wait, had Hyorin consulted the professor about studying abroad?
"No, I had no idea."
"Then you probably don't know she was jealous of you either."
"J-jealous?"
Jealous? I'd never gotten that vibe from Hyorin.
Her jealous of me?
As I sat there flustered, the professor chuckled and explained.
"It was probably right after the graduation show. That's when Hyorin came to see me."
And with that, the professor continued.
"Ah..."
Ten years later, I finally learned the truth about that day.
* * *
Knock knock.
At the sound, Im Hayoung asked,
"Who is it?"
From beyond the door, Min Hyorin replied,
"It's me, Professor. Hyorin."
"Oh! Hyorin, come in."
Click.
The door opened, and Im Hayoung cleared the stack of papers from her desk, gesturing to the chair.
"Have a seat."
"Ah, yes, Professor."
Rustle.
After tidying the papers onto her desk, Im Hayoung sat down with a smile.
"So, what's up?"
"Well... I wanted to discuss something with you."
"Discuss what?"
Min Hyorin hesitated a bit before saying,
"It's about... that study abroad program you mentioned last time. Is it still possible to go?"
"Study abroad? We'd have to check, but yeah, it should be doable."
"Could you look into it for me?"
Im Hayoung nodded.
"Sure, I can do that. But why the sudden change of heart? You were dead set against it before."
Two months earlier, Im Hayoung had brought up studying abroad to Min Hyorin.
Her skills were top-notch, but something felt just a bit off.
That's why she'd suggested it, but Hyorin had seemed adamant against going.
So now, she was curious.
What had changed her mind?
Min Hyorin gave an awkward smile.
"I just... want to learn more about painting."
Im Hayoung pieced it together instantly.
The timing fit.
"Don't tell me it's because of Kanghyeok."
"Yes."
Her wide-eyed surprise confirmed it.
"Yeah, it's because of Kanghyeok."
"Oh, no, it's not—"
She tried to deny it, but Im Hayoung's eyes saw through her.
"I get it. You got that solo exhibition offer at the graduation show. Totally understandable."
It was like she was reading Hyorin's mind.
"How did you... know?"
Min Hyorin had no choice but to come clean.
"Anyone who didn't notice would be an idiot. Your best friend, who you were glued to every day, gets a solo offer—how could you not feel jealous?"
Min Hyorin brushed back the hair falling over her face.
"It's not exactly jealousy... More like, it reminded me of my old dream."
"What, a solo show?"
"Yeah. I do want to paint forever, after all."
A touch of regret colored her expression.
"So I want to study more."
"Yeah. I feel like my skills aren't enough yet."
"Hmm, so you want to go abroad..."
Im Hayoung stroked her chin thoughtfully.
"Alright. If that's your motivation, I'll check it out a hundred times over. We might even swing funding if we push it."
She grinned mischievously.
"The school's got budget to spare these days."
"Thank you so much for helping."
"No need to thank me. If a student wants to learn more, what's a professor for if not this? But..."
She was a student hungry for knowledge.
That's why Im Hayoung was willing to help—but because it was Hyorin, it was different.
"Kanghyeok's gonna hate it."
Having watched the two for four years, Im Hayoung knew their relationship better than anyone.
"That's why I won't tell him until I decide."
"You're not gonna say anything?"
"Yeah. If I tell him and he objects..."
Min Hyorin gave a bitter smile.
"My resolve might waver."
Im Hayoung looked sympathetic.
"I see. It might be best for both of you, but it won't be easy."
"I know. But if I pass up this chance, I'll regret it forever."
Hyorin had already made up her mind before coming here.
Seeing no point in debating further, Im Hayoung nodded.
Nod.
"Alright, if you're set on it, go for it. But if you're going abroad, make a promise with me."
"What kind?"
Im Hayoung looked her straight in the eye.
"Never do anything you'll regret."
"Y-yes, regrets?"
"Yeah. Whether before you go, while you're there, or after you come back—never create regrets. That's the promise."
At first, Min Hyorin didn't understand.
But after thinking it over, she got it—what Im Hayoung meant.
And who would be at the center of those regrets.
With that, Min Hyorin replied, a bright smile on her face.
"Yes. I promise I won't do anything I'll regret."