Snacks Before Tutoring
"Oppa, you're here?"
Na-eun emerged from her room with her hair neatly tied back in a ponytail.
She was even dressed in something a bit too nice for lounging around the house— a white knit sweater paired with a checkered skirt, the kind of outfit that screamed she was about to head out somewhere.
"Hey."
"Come on in!"
Na-eun flung her bedroom door wide open, and I stepped inside with all the grace of a total klutz.
Her room screamed girl's bedroom from every corner. The wallpaper was pink, the furniture had that cute, dainty vibe, and stickers were plastered everywhere, blending perfectly with the surroundings to create an overwhelmingly adorable atmosphere.
Of course, this wasn't the time to get lost in admiration. I was here as her tutor, not as her oppa's friend.
"So, just Korean, math, and English for now, right?"
"Yeah, oppa, you're a STEM guy anyway. I'm in humanities, so you'd have a hard time helping with the other subjects."
"Fair enough."
I nodded at her logical explanation and started flipping through her workbooks.
Na-eun had pulled out a stack of CSAT prep books—solid choices for exam study. I'd used them myself back when I was a senior, so I knew them well.
"Studying with these?"
"Yep, I heard they're good materials."
"Smart choice. Hey, do you remember your grade from the last mock exam?"
At my question, Na-eun mumbled sheepishly in a tiny voice.
"Around average 3rd grade, I think..."
"3rd grade... Huh, better than me, oppa."
"Of course I'm better than my own oppa!"
Her bold declaration that she outdid her own brother nearly made me burst out laughing.
It was probably even funnier because I knew exactly what Seung-min's usual image was like.
"Yeah, yeah, impressive."
I nodded approvingly and started pulling out the printouts I'd brought.
"Oppa, what's this?"
"Oh? This? Last year's March mock exam problems."
"From last March?"
"Yeah, the high school senior mocks. Gotta gauge your level accurately to know how to teach you."
"I... have to take a test? Right in front of oppa?"
"Pretty much."
I nodded casually and set the timer without a second thought.
"Gotta see your real skills to figure out my approach, so give it your all. Got it?"
"Ah... Um, Seonwoo oppa. By any chance..."
"By any chance?"
I tilted my head curiously at her, and Na-eun made a weird little noise.
"Are you... maybe hungry...?"
Her question about whether I was peckish had me nodding right away.
"Yeah, I ate before coming."
"Oh..."
She looked a bit disappointed, so I probed just in case.
"Na-eun, did you skip breakfast?"
"No, it's not that..."
Na-eun started glancing at me oddly, then suddenly shot up from her seat.
"Oppa, hold on a sec...!"
With that, she bolted out of the room.
"Na-eun?"
I called after her, but no response.
Just a short moment later, she came rushing back in, holding two muffins that looked absolutely mouthwatering.
"Wanna try one...? I thought it'd be nice to have before studying...!"
My diligent student had prepared snacks just for me.
Moved by the gesture, I nodded.
"Sure, if it's not too much trouble, I'll have one."
"Okay...! Enjoy~!"
I took the muffin from her and gave her a firm reminder.
"We'll do the problems right after this muffin, okay?"
"Obviously!"
Na-eun beamed, munching away happily.
I watched her for a bit, then eyed my muffin.
It looked premium—perfectly baked, topped with chocolate chunks that promised pure bliss.
*Nom* *Munch munch*
Damn, it was good. If I could just find out where to buy these, I'd grab some for the family.
Heck, bringing these home might even score me extra allowance from noona for real.
"Seonwoo oppa, is it good...?"
"Yeah, this is seriously delicious."
"For real?"
"For real."
I emphasized "for real," and her smile lit up even brighter than before.
I've always thought this since she was little, but Na-eun is such a sweetheart. Her reaction to my praise proved it.
"Na-eun, any idea where I could get more of these?"
"Huh, these?"
"Yeah. They're so good, if you know the place, I'll go buy some."
She pondered for a moment, then spoke even softer than before.
"Um... I actually made these muffins myself..."
"You did?"
"Yeah... So you can't get them anywhere else. Sorry..."
I waved it off immediately at her apology.
"No way! What're you sorry for? I'm grateful. Getting homemade muffins like this."
Exactly. I should be the one bowing in thanks.
One thing I learned in the army: food made with someone's heartfelt effort is rare.
So I thanked her sincerely.
"Thanks so much. I'll savor it."
I devoured the rest with utmost care and appreciation.
Knowing Na-eun made it herself somehow doubled the flavor.
As I enjoyed it, she ventured shyly.
"Um... Should I make bread desserts like this every time you come over...?"
I waved her off again.
"Nah, no need to go out of your way. You're busy studying—baking on top would wear you out."
I'm no baking expert, but I knew it was tough work. Time-consuming, precise measurements, all that.
How could I ask for it weekly? Especially since we'd agreed on three sessions a week during break. I'd feel like I owed her money for tutoring at that point.
Na-eun shook her head vigorously.
"No, baking's my hobby. I make them to relieve stress anyway."
Her words reminded me of how I'd played PC games to destress during my own exam prep.
If baking was Na-eun's version of that, who was I to stop her?
With that in mind, I gave her some gentle advice.
"Fine if it's just for fun and stress relief—feel free to share one then. But don't force yourself just for me, okay?"
She nodded like she'd heard me loud and clear, replying in the most casual tone.
"Of course~ Baking's kinda tiring anyway, so I won't if I'm beat~"
"Haha, good. Stick to that."
I nodded along, then popped the last bit into my mouth.
The muffin was incredible—nutty, sweet, perfectly balanced.
I'd told her like a responsible adult, but honestly, I wanted to beg, Keep making these forever!
"Na-eun, time to tackle those problems?"
"Aww... Can't we play a bit longer?"
"Nope~"
If I were just here as oppa's friend, I'd indulge her whining. But sadly, I was her paid tutor.
That meant I had a duty to boost her grades.
"Let's start with Korean. Got it?"
"Yeees..."
She pouted reluctantly but picked up her pen and got to work.
I timed her quietly, watching as she solved the problems.
About five hours later, after grading everything, I confirmed it looking at her score.
Na-eun hadn't lied to me. Solid 3rd-grade level.
Right in the middle—no more, no less.
With a decent foundation, teaching her should be straightforward.
"See you tomorrow, Na-eun~"
"Okay~ Thanks for your hard work, oppa~!"
I waved as Seonwoo oppa opened the front door and headed out.
I flailed my hand wildly to see him off, then the moment he was out of sight, I darted straight to the spot where he'd just been sitting.
Seonwoo oppa had been in my room. Right next to me, watching me, teaching me.
He'd eaten my muffin and praised it, even said I was way better than my oppa.
Just thinking about it made my heart pound and a grin spread across my face.
At the same time, I reaffirmed my vow deep inside.
That empty seat next to where Seonwoo oppa had been—I'd claim it, no matter what.
I'd liked him for over ten years. Since before elementary school.
I'd hidden it because he was oppa's friend, because we didn't go to the same school, because he was an adult and I was a minor.
But no more hiding.
I'd make Seonwoo oppa my man.
No matter what it takes. Definitely.