Chapter 17: Shared Feelings
"Did you even listen to a word I said!? What did I tell you? I said don't get interested in anyone but me! And not only did you ignore that, you dragged the person herself right in front of me!?"
"I'm sorry about that too."
"Doing it knowingly makes you even worse! Get over here! Take a hit!"
"But I dodged it pretty easily."
"Don't dodge!!!!"
Reluctantly, I'd brought Yoo Soeun up to the rooftop and introduced her. Just as expected, Mary exploded, lunging at me with a swing. Amid the scuffle, I tried to persuade her by summarizing my relationship with Soeun.
"I think there are some misunderstandings, so let me clarify. Soeun and I have only known each other for a few days. We're just classmates and seatmates, nothing more."
"Hah, you're close enough to eat lunch together with someone you've just met? It's obvious. You snagged a decent-looking girl and plan to sweet-talk her, right? Huh?"
If I were that type, I'd have started with you ages ago. I let out a deep sigh and glanced at Soeun for a moment. She was watching tensely from behind, clearly unsure how to handle Mary, who had disliked her from the start.
"How about we eat first and chat? You never know—maybe you'll hit it off surprisingly well."
Hoping time would smooth things over, I suggested lunch. Mary sighed deeply and began setting out her own bento on the bench. True to form, her spread was lavish, with an array of colorful side dishes. Matching her, Soeun and I unpacked ours too. Watching us, a smug smile crept onto Mary's lips.
"Heh, hmph. Just as I expected—such plain bentos. Your skills are about what I'd guess."
"No, my little sister made it."
"What? Younghee made it?"
Mary jumped at the mention of my sister. Unlike with me, she got along great with Younghee, so she wouldn't dismiss a bento from her lightly.
"Huh, no wonder it felt so heartfelt... Yeah, she's doing her best."
"Your attitude flipped awfully fast."
"J-just shut up and share some. I'll share too."
"Yes, yes, how gracious of you, miss, offering your tribute. I shall partake gratefully."
Trading octopus sausage for hanwoo beef patties didn't seem like a fair deal, but if Mary was happy, fine. As we swapped a few sides, I noticed Soeun quietly watching Mary and me. I turned her way. As usual, she was staring blankly at her bento. But unlike our first meeting, its contents were a total mess.
"Pfft, what the heck is that bento?"
Mary remarked with a voice dripping superiority.
"Sauce everywhere, sides overcooked... Did your mom rush it because you were late?"
"......Even if you live for your own cooking, isn't that a bit too much of a food diss?"
"F-food diss? I was just saying what I see."
Well, depending on how you take it, it could come off that way.
"I... made it."
But Soeun's response to the bento critique exceeded expectations. Mary's eyes widened, and Soeun glanced my way before continuing haltingly.
"Because... I like people who cook well......"
"W-wait, you heard me say that and tried making it yourself?"
"Yeah, but...... first time, so... it didn't turn out well."
Soeun looked down at her bento, a wry smile forming. Feeling like I'd egged her on, pity welled up, and my hand naturally reached for hers.
"Mind if I try one?"
"Uh, huh?"
"Mm, it's good. Looks rough, but the seasoning's spot on... A bit more practice, and it'll be perfect."
It wasn't just flattery. I'd seen plenty of messes when teaching Younghee to cook. Starting at this level actually boded well for the future.
"R-really?"
Seemingly pleased by my praise, Soeun blushed shyly as she gazed at her bento. Mary scowled and piled a huge chunk of meat onto mine.
"Eat mine too."
"......Isn't that too much?"
"You can finish it anyway. You wouldn't make me eat all this, right?"
Then pack less next time. Of course, I wouldn't say it. Sighing deeply, I moved some meat to Soeun's bento.
"Here, you have some too."
"Is... that okay?"
"Sure, why not? We're eating together. Right?"
"Do whatever."
Maybe sharing with someone she disliked from the start irked her. Mary pouted and ate in silence, stiffening the atmosphere further. Not what I'd intended, but first impressions were what they were.
"Lunch is over, so let me ask."
Once the awkward meal ended and Mary packed her empty containers, she cut straight to Soeun.
"What's your deal with this guy?"
"I told you. Just seatmates......"
"I wasn't asking you. I want to know how she sees you."
Mary glared at Soeun while snapping at me. Her eyes held not just dislike, but outright hostility.
"It's weird, right? A girl you barely know inviting a guy to lunch just because you're seatmates? She must have some ulterior motive."
Her gaze narrowed suspiciously.
"You're not using him because he's easy to manipulate, are you? If you are, you'd better watch out. I'm the only one in this world who can boss him around."
......Listening to her, you'd think I was her servant.
Still, I was curious too. Given Soeun's shy, oblivious demeanor, it seemed unlikely, but for her to approach me specifically, there had to be a reason. What was driving it?
"He... helped me."
As if answering my question, she timidly revealed her thoughts about me.
"On the subway... when I was in trouble, he helped. And after... a few more times......"
"......So you started paying attention because he helped you?"
"Yeah, from that day... my eyes keep going to him...... bothers me......"
Soeun blushed and bowed her head shyly. Anyone could see she was fixated on me. Mary frowned, voicing her dissatisfaction.
"What is that? Sounds like love at first sight."
"L-love?"
"No, Mary, that's jumping to conclusions......"
"Jumping how!? This happens because you meddle without realizing it!"
Hey, my fault again? But before I could retort, Mary was already fuming from her misunderstanding.
"Showing that much favor to someone you've known a few days—enough to eat lunch together? I've known him ten years and still get this treatment... How low do you think of me to bring someone like her here now?"
"......Mary."
"If you don't feel that way, just tell her straight up. Like you did with me—no way she'd like you."
Was the pain of my rejection that deep? Asking me to relive it here left me speechless, glancing at Soeun. Sure, she'd fixated because of my help, but romantic interest? It felt like overthinking. Yet Soeun showed no shock or denial at Mary's words. As if confirming she'd fallen for me at first sight.
"Fallen... for him......"
But contrary to expectations, her delayed words shattered ours.
"Then... what I feel for you...... is that love too?"
Aimed not at me, but Mary.
"What?"
Mary looked stunned, and Soeun continued hesitantly.
"You ate... with me...... shared too...... first time like this...... don't know... how to say it......"
Her hand rose to her chest, feeling the unfamiliar but not unpleasant flutter.
"Saying thanks... is that enough......?"
Unable to define the feeling, she asked timidly. Mary stared blankly. She'd been scolding moments ago, but now those thoughts seemed wiped clean. Realizing the emotions Soeun had felt for me were now directed at her too.
"What? No difference between him and me......?"
Her voice trembled with bewilderment. Soeun ventured carefully.
"Is it... rude...? If I ask... to eat together again......"
Awkward and clumsy, yet admitting the meal together had pleased her. Facing Soeun's honest, anxious expression, Mary crossed her arms and grumbled evasively.
"H-hah! Who'd complain about that? Lunch? I can do it anytime!"
"Really...?"
"W-what, sure. One more mouth to feed is nothing for me. B-but only if you're grateful like to him. I'm showing you mercy since you have no friends—keep being thankful and mooch off me!"
Still tsundere, accepting her presence indirectly. Though rough, Soeun seemed to sense the sincerity, her lips curving into a bright smile.
"Th-thank you......"
"......U-ugh."
Maybe the pure smile embarrassed her. Mary flushed and looked away. I chuckled softly, relieved. Honestly, I'd worried when I first brought Soeun, but if they bonded like this, it was perfect for me.
After that, whenever lunch rolled around, I'd bring Soeun to eat with Mary on the rooftop. Their initially awkward dynamic gradually warmed. A week passed like that, closing the distance through mealtimes. Then, a major event hit our class.
"It's been about a week, so you all know each other better now, right? Let's elect a class president and vice president today."
Class president election. The role led class events and tasks, earning great marks on college apps—a prime opportunity for ambitious students.
"If anyone wants to run, speak up. Or nominate someone. Introduce good candidates."
Well, now what? I wanted the position, but elections favored popularity. Losing votes would be embarrassing, so best to get recommended based on reputation.
"Teacher! I think Cheolsu would be great!"
Shin Jiho raised his hand, nominating me. One of my group, he shone in lunchtime soccer, impressing the boys.
"I nominate Cheolsu too."
"Me too! Cheolsu's sharp and decisive—perfect for president!"
Jin Seohyeon and Lee Nari followed suit eagerly. With three endorsements, my name was solidly in the running. The homeroom teacher scanned the class.
"One candidate so far. Anyone else? If not, Cheolsu for president, and I'll appoint the vice......"
"Teacher~"
Then, a late hand shot up, drawing all eyes. There sat a girl no one could ignore.
Baek Hara. The biggest influence in class, center of Soeun's group.
"I'll nominate Soeun for president~"
Even knowing Soeun's personality, that proposal reeked of malice to me.