One Month Left Until Na-eun's CSAT
Na-eun's CSAT is exactly one month away. And my midterms are about two weeks out too.
With time running short like this, neither of us had any moments to just hang out and chat. Aside from those brief trips to the cafe together, we weren't even talking much. At best, we'd exchange quick words like "You okay?" or "Take a break if you're tired."
Na-eun would just reply with something like "I'm struggling a bit" or "I'm still good," keeping it short. The atmosphere felt way heavier than when we first met.
But I got it. More than understanding, I thought it had to be this way. One month—that's when a whole year of effort would pay off.
I just hoped Na-eun wouldn't get too frantic. Push too hard, and she might not even perform at half her usual level. It'd be so unfair if that happened.
Maybe that's why I planned something a little different from the norm.
"Na-eun."
"Yeah, oppa?"
"How about we play for an hour after studying today?"
"An hour?"
"Yeah, you okay with that?"
Instead of jumping at it, Na-eun looked worried about me.
"You sure you're okay, oppa?"
"Me?"
"Yeah, you look like you've got a ton to study..."
I didn't deny it. No point—she was right. I had mountains of material.
But I could spare an hour easy. My finals would cover for midterms if needed, but Na-eun? Mess this up, and she'd have to grind another year. No do-overs if she skips retaking it.
Thinking that way, giving up an hour felt easier than eating one of her cookies.
"Nice outfit too. Looks comfy for moving around."
She really did look comfy. White blouse, gray vest, jeans.
Perfect for taking her there.
We headed to our usual cafe and buckled down for six straight hours, no chit-chat—just pure study grind. The only sounds between us were page flips, pen scratches, and sips from our drinks.
Finally, we packed up.
"Na-eun, studying's done for today, right?"
"Yeah, all finished."
"Then let's go."
"Okay... but oppa, where to?"
Where? Follow me and see.
"Just come on."
Keeping it secret felt better—like a surprise gift.
I led her onto a bus for about ten minutes, winding into the bustling district, until we reached our spot.
And what was the spot?
"Oppa, this place...!"
"Cute, right?"
"Yeah! Super cute!"
Na-eun squealed it out—a cat cafe.
From one cafe to another, sure, but nothing healed like this.
I'd found it yesterday, searching local spots. Top result, minus ads. (Search term: high schooler date course. Kinda guilty, but it was for her recharge.)
Luckily, she was five-star thrilled, search sins forgiven.
"Meow~ what's your name~?"
-Meooow...
The cat stretched lazily but eyed Na-eun with sparkling curiosity. Clearly smitten.
"Na-eun, what drink?"
"Iced Americano~"
"Gotcha~"
She tossed out cute shorthand without hesitation now. I took it as a win—meant she was comfy with me.
"Two iced Americanos."
"Coming right up~ two iced Americanos~"
I grabbed them and approached Na-eun, now playing with a different cat—not the white one from before.
"Na-eun, here."
"Thanks~"
She took a big sip—
-Shiver shiver shiver
—and her whole body quaked from the bitterness. But her face lit up with pure bliss. Not for the coffee, obviously. For the cat.
"Ragdoll cat, huh."
"Right! Such a cute name too!"
"What's it called?"
"Latte! Hey, Latte~"
-Meeeow~
Latte perked up, answering lively—like it knew its name.
"Hehe, Latte likes unnie~"
-Meooow~
"Looks like Latte likes you too."
"Yeah, hehe."
I knew the truth, though. Ragdolls are insanely people-friendly. Dog-level loyal. They'll chill in awkward hugs that spook other cats. Rare breed, stacked with sweethearts.
Prime cafe cat for that reason. Na-eun might know or not—hoped she didn't. Might dim the magic.
So I just watched quietly as she played with Latte. The cat rubbed all over her, purring up a storm, and Na-eun giggled, petting away.
"Latte~ want unnie to get you some Churu~?"
-Meooowww~
Instant yes—she bolted to the counter, grabbing a tube.
"Na-eun, why buy Churu?"
"Wanna feed Latte."
"I could've gotten it—should've asked me."
"I've mooched off you so much already! I can cover this much?"
Cheeks puffed, she was adorable. No point arguing her choice.
Instead, I savored the sight: her feeding Latte.
-Lick lick -Lick lick
"Latte, that tickles~"
Na-eun laughed, calling it itchy, but gently stroked Latte's head. Pure bliss.
Watching that peace, I hoped silently. Let this recharge her for the final month. A true reset amid the grind.
I wished it hard. Over and over.
Why'd Seonwoo oppa bring me here?
A date? That'd thrill me—he'd see me as a girl, not just a student.
But honestly? Low odds. One month to CSAT, and he picks a healing paradise? Intent's clear: fuel for my final sprint. One last energy boost.
Can't imagine otherwise.
Good news? It nailed it.
"Latte~"
-Meooow~
Seeing, petting, cooing over this adorable Ragdoll? Priceless recharge time. Overcharged, even. I could hit the books at home and the fire wouldn't fade.
Hugging Latte, I stood—and there was Seonwoo oppa. Warm smile, sipping coffee, eyes on me.
Staring like that the whole time? God, I hope so. Pure happiness.
That gentle smile, those kind eyes—aimed at me forever? Nothing better.
"Oppa, wanna pet Latte?"
"Can I?"
"Why not~"
"...Okay, just once."
He reached stiffly, stroking slow.
-Purrrrrr
Latte loved it, rumbling happily.
Embarrassing, but... jealous of Latte. Scoring those pets with cuteness.
Oppa petted me before, sure. But asking first? Mortifying. Better if he initiates. Spoils me like that.
For that—for this time—I'll push harder.