Let's Play for Just One Day
We all believe that happiness usually kicks off right after exams end.
It's like big data accumulated from experiences starting in elementary school, carrying through middle school, and even into high school.
Back then, once exams were over, you got a nice stretch of freedom—at least for a little while.
Yeah, "for a little while."
That brief freedom eventually ends, and studying starts up again, but at least during that time, you can live happily.
College students, though? It's a whole different story.
It varies wildly depending on the professor and the subject.
How wildly? Like this:
"Oppa..."
"Yeah."
"I... I'm really dying here..."
"Me too..."
Seonwoo Lee and Na-eun Jeong, slumped over and lamenting their fates the day after exams ended. That's how different it can be.
Why the lamenting? Yesterday was the end of exams—a super happy day, right?
But...
"Oppa, we have a quiz next week..."
"...What a coincidence. Us too."
Both Na-eun's class and Seonwoo's had their next schedule locked in immediately.
So instead of throwing a post-exam party, here they were the next day, sitting together and studying.
As they studied, Seonwoo pondered deeply.
Did Na-eun really come to Jinhan University just for this?
Ultimately, yeah, that made sense. She wanted to be a nurse, so she chose the nursing department.
But was that all? The whole story? No way.
It might sound self-centered, but Na-eun probably came to this school because she wanted to attend the same one as him... to fully enjoy life as a couple on campus.
Is it right to just study like this with her?
He glanced at Na-eun.
She was studying hard, sure, but she looked a bit drained.
"Na-eun-ah."
"Yeah...?"
"Feeling worn out?"
"...Yeah, I am."
Seeing her nod, Seonwoo steeled himself and spoke up.
"Hey, Na-eun-ah."
"Yes, Oppa...?"
"...Wanna go have some fun? Just for today."
Just for today—pure fun.
"Just today...?"
"Yeah, just today. We'll play hard today, then gear up for next week's quiz starting tomorrow."
"But... is that okay...?"
Na-eun glanced hesitantly at the textbook she'd been studying.
A medical book way thicker than anything Seonwoo had to read—she had to memorize every bit of it.
Not easy, no doubt. But that didn't mean she couldn't have one day of freedom.
"Let's play for just one day."
"One day..."
"Yeah, one day."
Na-eun murmured the word, then gave a small nod as she looked at him.
"Okay, sounds good. Just one day of fun."
Decision made. Seonwoo packed up all their study stuff from Na-eun's room into bags.
Seeing him start, Na-eun joined in.
Books away, pens and notes sorted.
"Oppa, where are we going?"
She even asked about the destination right away. She seemed pretty excited too.
"Dunno, let's head out and figure it on the way?"
Na-eun nodded eagerly at his question, beaming.
No matter how you looked at it, Na-eun was prettiest when she smiled. It suited her best.
That's why he was acting out of character like this.
Seonwoo took her hand and led the way.
No destination set. Just go where their eyes took them, do what they felt like. Together.
The first stop: a hamburger joint.
A place they wouldn't normally hit up, but that's exactly why it felt perfect for a moment like this.
"Oppa, it's been forever since we had burgers together."
"Last time was... oh yeah, on that trip."
"Right! The one-night, two-day one."
Those burgers from back then were so good.
Couldn't expect that level here—this was just a standard chain.
But more than that, sharing burgers with Na-eun felt great.
"Na-eun-ah, what burger for you?"
"Shrimp burger for me! Oppa, you're getting chicken, right~!?"
He'd been thinking something else, but it felt like she was guessing to match him, so he nodded.
"Yeah, chicken burger it is."
"Hehe, nailed it."
Her goofy grin was so cute, Seonwoo lightly pinched and rubbed her cheek before finishing the order.
Two burgers ordered, and soon they arrived—with fries on the side, of course.
"Feels like fries tasted better when we were kids."
"Kids love fries. I still do."
"Me too, honestly."
Chatting idly about fries, they dug in.
"Let's eat well~"
"Let's eat."
With their pre-meal thanks, they bit into the burgers, savoring that reliable, hearty flavor while keeping the conversation going.
"Oppa, how'd your exams go?"
"Pretty decent, I think. You?"
"I got everything I knew right. Well, the stuff I knew."
Medicine had tons to memorize—no helping it.
Still, proud of her for powering through her first round. Seonwoo patted her head gently and nodded.
"Good job sticking it out."
"Heeheehee."
Na-eun's smile filled his view, and as he stroked her hair, he shared something she'd love.
"After this, let's hit the dog cafe."
"Dog cafe?"
"Yeah, there's one nearby."
"Yay, love it!"
He rubbed her cheek again as she nodded wildly with aegyo.
She used to hate cheek pinches or pokes, but lately she seemed to enjoy it.
Probably 'cause she was so cute—and her cheeks were soft and squishy.
But the real point: she was lovable.
Seonwoo took a bite of his burger while gazing at her.
It tasted even better than usual. Gotta be 'cause he was eating with the one he loved. He was sure of it.
After burgers with Oppa, we headed to the dog cafe next.
Ordered two drinks, then went into the dog area...
"Whoaaa...!"
It was dog heaven.
"Oppa, so many dogs here!"
"Yeah, tons."
"Euuun~ Nuri-ya~ come here~"
Calling the name from the poster, a sunny golden retriever came bounding over from across the room.
"Nuri-ya, hi~"
-Woof!
Nuri woofed energetically, rubbing against me like total aegyo.
I sat down naturally, petting Nuri and showering the golden retriever with love just like in videos.
So fluffy and bright—super cute. Just petting it felt healing.
While I petted Nuri, Oppa was with another dog.
A tiny Pomeranian. Small dogs can be feisty, but this one seemed super sweet.
Or maybe it instinctively knew Seonwoo Oppa was a good guy.
Either way, adorable scene.
As I watched, Seonwoo brought the plushie-like Pom over.
"This one's Kong. Wanna pet?"
"Yes! Kong-ah~ hi~ Oh yeah, Oppa, this is Nuri!"
"Got it. Hi, Nuri."
-Woof! -Woof!
The big and small pups replied in their own voices, showing off their personalities.
Seonwoo lightly patted Nuri's cheek, then said out of nowhere:
"Yep, you're just like a retriever, Na-eun-ah."
"Me?"
"Yeah."
I picked up Kong and protested.
"I'm cute in my own way, though...! Retrievers are cute, but it's a bit different, right?"
Seonwoo shook his head.
"Your hair's long like a retriever's. And you're always grinning like that."
"Poms do that too...!"
"Plus, you only like me."
"Huh?"
His words hit like a smack to the head.
Seonwoo smirked slyly and went back to petting Nuri.
"Right, Nuri~? You think so too?"
-Woof!
Nuri grinned wide, woofing like it loved Seonwoo regardless.
Watching that