Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Even Retaking a Year Wouldn't Matter
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In my first year of middle school, I met Yerim.
In my second year, I grew a little distant from her for a while.
There had been major events every year.
But third year passed quietly without any big happenings, probably because Yerim wasn't around.
I kept a moderate distance from my classmates, pouring my all into studying for top universities and exercising.
The rest of my time? All-in on Yerim.
It was pretty much the same routine as always.
That fall, my birthday rolled around again.
Where had that Yerim gone who said she wouldn't send anything expensive? Sure enough, she sent a pricey headset this year too.
But when I tried it on, the sound quality made me gasp in admiration without thinking, so I had no choice but to thank her again.
Hmm. Wallet, wristwatch, pajamas, headset.
It felt like the things around me were gradually filling up with gifts from Yerim.
— Well, it just means she knows exactly what I need.
Yep, that's Yerim for you. Top-notch performance.
I just thought I needed to step up my game too.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
That winter.
As middle school graduation loomed and high school entrance was right around the corner.
Surprisingly, my biggest worry at the time wasn't Yerim.
...Or was it? This worry stemmed from her, so maybe it was.
"Mom."
"Oh my. Son, do you need some allowance?"
"...Someone might misunderstand."
"But you only call me 'Mom' when you need more money or have a favor to ask~?"
...Was that true?
I'd just called her, but this accusation? Thinking it over, though, she wasn't wrong.
"Well, maybe a little allowance then..."
"No can do~ I give you plenty already. Make it last."
"Tch."
Fine, won't mention it.
I'd called her for something else, not money, but since she said it smiling, I got my hopes up.
Hopes dashed, as expected.
I held back from complaining that my allowance was too small—if she asked why, I might have to reveal the wedding fund account. Better step back.
I used to think there was no need to hide it, but imagining Mom's "Oh my oh my" reaction made me decide to keep it secret.
"So, what's on your mind?"
"...Just wondering whether to go liberal arts or sciences."
"Oh? I thought you'd naturally head to a sports university, sweetie."
"...Why?"
"Hmm~ Lately you've been working out hard and taking good care of your body, so I just assumed... Was I wrong?"
Do people see me as some gym freak...?
I just like exercise a bit.
Hearing my friends and even Mom say it like it was obvious made me seriously consider sports uni.
"Not sure. I don't think I'm exceptionally better at sports than others—just been doing some stuff at home. Targeting a sports uni on that alone doesn't feel certain."
"Hmm~ So you want exercise to stay just a hobby?"
Mom's words made me ponder seriously. What did I want?
After a moment, I spoke up.
"...Not even sure about that. Mom, I told you Yerim's really good at studying, right?"
"Of course~ Thanks to her, you're studying hard too. I'm so grateful."
"When Yerim comes back to Korea, she'll probably aim for a top-tier university. No, I'm sure of it. That's what I think."
Talking about it made me thirsty, so I took a sip of water.
"Which means, to aim for the same school, I need to focus on what I'm definitely good at. But I don't know what that is yet. That's why I'm anxious. About not getting into the same university."
I quietly confessed the fear of holding Yerim back.
Opening up to Mom about what I'd kept from everyone felt relieving.
This vague worry had been a big anxiety deep down.
After hearing me out, Mom thought for a bit, then looked at me with a warm smile.
"Woojin. Remember your first-year grades?"
"...? Probably bouncing between 3rd and 4th tier?"
"Second year?"
"Around 2nd to 3rd...?"
"And this final year?"
"Except one mid-term at 2nd tier, all 1st tier...?"
I made a puzzled face, wondering why the questions. Mom gently took my hand.
"Think about it. Your grades steadily improved. You weren't always this good at exercise from the start either."
She was right.
When I first started, even 50 push-ups left me sore the next day—100 was unthinkable.
Jogging? First day, I was gasping, speechless.
Now, I could do multiples of those effortlessly.
"I believe you can do anything you set your mind to, Woojin. Not irresponsible talk—I've seen it, and that belief's never been betrayed."
Her gentle stroking and trusting words made my eyes sting. I bowed my head.
"So, not 'Can I get into the same university?' but 'What do you want to do?' Take your time thinking. The results will follow."
"...Yeah. I'll think hard. Thanks..."
"Worst case, retake a year if needed. Then you can go to school with your favorite girlfriend."
...Hallucination?
I lifted my head, stunned. Mom smiled warmly still.
For a second, I wondered if she'd been possessed, then asked:
"...You serious?"
"I said worst case."
The warmth in my chest chilled instantly.
"...Isn't that too blunt for your son?"
"Be honest, you've thought about it too."
—How'd she know?
Frustrated, but couldn't deny it—more frustrating.
"...Not retaking."
"I never said you should~?"
What a cheeky mom.
"Anyway, thanks. I'll mull it over more."
"Good boy~"
Her beaming smile was annoying, but I knew even a dummy like me she was easing my burden on purpose.
Glad I talked to her.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"...So you picked liberal arts?"
March.
High school entrance over, gathered with unfamiliar faces in a new class for intros.
A face I was starting not to mind sat by me.
"What's wrong with liberal arts, you punk."
"Nah, weren't you aiming for sports uni? You agonized over it forever."
"Ah, this is double majoring, you brute. I'll prep for sports uni too."
"Double my ass, coward. Then chop the bottom one off."
"Even cut, it'd be bigger than yours, punk. Why liberal arts for you?"
"Numbers make me dizzy. Got a condition."
"Idiot."
"Harsh words, fucker."
Yoon Dohyun's a good guy, I knew.
But three years straight same school, same class? Starting to feel stalker-ish.
"But Han Woojin, you had grades for sciences too."
"Doesn't matter to me. Yerim seems into business admin. Looked it up—liberal arts track. Came here. If sports flops, aim there."
"Business admin? Why?"
"Something about helping her uncle's company. He's super busy, so she wants to lend a hand."
What a kind girlfriend I have—dad smile on. Yoon Dohyun eyed me suspiciously.
"Seo siblings' uncle... the president or something?"
"...Didn't ask details. Guess things boomed in the States."
"Weren't they loaded already...?"
"...Filthy rich."
Even back in our neighborhood, in the ritziest building. Now even richer? Unimaginable.
But neither Yerim nor I cared much.
When did we ever?
Hell, even if broke, no issue.
"Fuuuuck!!! Life difficulty gap too huge!!!!!"
Yoon didn't see it that way—eyes rolled back in envy, slamming my desk.
"Whoa, chill, psycho! Anyone'd think you live hard. Hey, in Africa..."
"You fucker, I live in Korea—mention Africa and think I'll go 'Oh, full belly. Must reflect'?"
...Fuck, not working.
"Still, your hookups outnumber Seo Jinhyuk's by ten. Figure wealth evens it..."
"Brain full of muscle? And dude, give me that wealth, I'd stick to one girl forever!!!!"
"—Says the guy who's cycled through ten. Super convincing~"
"I'm killing you today."
"Ow, fuck, that hurts for real-!"
Yoon's punch hit limit—even gym rat me yelped, but no regrets teasing.
"Fuck it. From today, message Seo Jinhyuk daily to build favor."
"Ow, hurts. Why Jinhyuk?"
"Your girlfriend hates me."
"Lately told you your tenth girlfriend swap—Yerim recoiled."
"...Just don't tell her? Why spill favor-losing crap?"
"Favor can't drop lower anyway."
"Real fucking asshole..."
In Yerim's mind, Yoon Dohyun was probably some perpetually horny beast.
When she heard about the tenth, she grimaced and said,
"...I really hate that."
But I kept it secret for Yoon.
I'm a warm-hearted guy who looks out for friends.