Chapter 87
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: A Call for Advice
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*Thwack!*
The sound came from the convenience store counter. The moment I saw Ji Seonhye's name, my foot shot out reflexively. This is what they mean by a knee-jerk reaction. Damn it.
"Ugh."
It's been a while since the wedding, and the stuff with Teaching Assistant Ji Seonhye happened even longer ago. By now, you'd think I'd built up some tolerance. But no, that's why it still hits me like this.
Back in the day, when people teased me about still kicking the blanket over my black history, I'd mock them for being mentally weak or holding grudges. That's why you shouldn't run your mouth about things you haven't experienced yourself.
Black history lives up to its name. The more time passes, the more it creeps back in, embarrassing me from every angle.
What if I'd noticed Teaching Assistant Ji Seonhye's interest back then?
Once I start imagining that alternate scenario, the harsh reality of what actually happened comes flooding back even more vividly, driving me insane. You can't change the past, after all.
"Hoo."
Calming myself down, I checked the contact again and thought about why my eyes had lingered on that name.
She's a little similar, isn't she?
Not completely, but if I had to pick someone with a personality like Han Aebom's, it'd be her. Naive about the ways of the world in so many ways, logical and sharp to boot. Yeah, honestly, if Ji Seonhye had been a bit more obvious about her crush... Nah, that's not it. Too pathetic.
Don't blame others for your own shortcomings. I've learned that lesson multiple times lately—it's one of the most pitiful things you can do.
[PM 11:13]
It was pretty late to call someone. So I sent a text first.
[Kim Hyunwoo: Hello, Researcher Ji Seonhye. This is Kim Hyunwoo from the wedding a while back. Sorry to message so late, but I was hoping to get some advice. Are you free for a quick call?]
"Whoa, I tried to be polite, but this message just screams ultimate loser vibe..."
Other alpha males don't even have to try—girls message them first. And if one of those alphas texts at dawn, the girl hops in a cab right away. What kind of lives do those guys lead?
Women throwing themselves at them without lifting a finger. Bet they've had tons of sex.
*Tap tap!*
Whoa, fast reply.
[Teaching Asst. Ji Seonhye: Go ahead and call.]
Staring at the curt, businesslike response, I thought it again. Yeah, she really is like Han Aebom.
And now that I think about it, it's weirder that I ever saw this attitude as flirting. Back then, I was genuinely pissed, convinced she saw me as cannon fodder to slave-drive.
"Hoo."
Still tense about calling her, though.
*Ring ring, click!*
She picked up crazy fast.
"H-Hello, Researcher?"
-Just call me Senior. I call you Junior, after all.
"Ah, got it!"
Tension and politeness seeped naturally into my voice. Can't help it—it's ingrained.
"Your voice sounds a bit echoey."
-I'm in the researcher's lounge. Hallway. Stepped out for coffee while calling. There's a vending machine here.
At this hour?
"You must be tired. Is it always like that for researchers? Staying late?"
-No, I stayed voluntarily. Everyone else went home. No one looks down on me for being young.
This woman is still hard to read.
"Sounds like you enjoy the research."
-It's fun. Learning new knowledge, seeing your studies pay off in real ways—it's rewarding. But anyway, what'd you call about?
"Ah, well."
I explained the fight between the two women in detail.
-Hmm, neither makes complete sense to me. But if I had to pick who's more at fault, it'd be Han Aebom. Oh Hana should really take Aebom's advice for her own future, though...
Yep, 100% that type. The MBTI T—prioritizes rational judgment. Focuses on the decision-making process. Zero empathy.
-Thinking it over, Aebom seems rational, which makes her sensitive too. Sounds a bit like me, actually. I get sharp when my research doesn't go as planned.
I'd seen it plenty of times.
The teaching assistant in the prof's lab, dark circles heavy under her eyes, radiating a "touch me and die" aura.
-But for rational types like her, just let her vent her mood a bit, and it'll be fine.
"How should I do that?"
-Hmm. Take her out and have some fun.
"With you, Senior?"
-...No. You and Han Aebom—just the two of you. Wait, with Oh Hana there, maybe not?
"Should be fine. Hana wants to make up with Aebom too, somehow."
-Really?
Ji Seonhye sounded surprised.
-I'd probably hate that.
"......"
A brief silence followed. Was that a signal she still has feelings? Or am I overthinking? Damn, still can't tell.
-If it's okay, just hang out lightly to clear her head. Everyone has their likes. For me, it's reading papers in the library.
Probably only someone like you—er, Senior—likes that. And you didn't have to share that TMI.
"Would that work?"
-Probably? Once her head clears and mood lifts, she'll rationally assess the faults. Even if it's embarrassing, she'll admit her mistake.
"Has that happened to you, Senior?"
-Yeah, a few times. I dig in my heels on what I think is right. After a big fight, I hole up in the lab, double-check everything.
"And you're usually right?"
-Sometimes yes, sometimes no. What can you do? No matter how hard you try...
Ji Seonhye spoke with a mix of relief and faint regret.
-...Everyone makes mistakes, Junior. The key is owning up and moving forward. Of course, I hate that so much I study and work twice as hard as others. Can't stand being contradicted.
"Ah, haha, r-right."
The more I talked to her, the more her personality mirrored Han Aebom's.
-I think what I said is the answer, but like I mentioned, I'm not always right. Ultimately, it's your call, Junior. I'm not taking responsibility. Wouldn't want to anyway.
"Of course."
I'm not a kid.
-That all?
"Yes! Wait—one more thing."
As she was about to hang up, I added a question.
"I want to know more about her inner thoughts. How?"
I really wanted to uncover what Han Aebom was hiding now. Ji Seonhye paused, then replied.
-Show some weakness?
Weakness?
I tilted my head slightly. Seriously, would that work?
*
Some people are out in short sleeves despite the cold. I was seriously debating digging out my puffer jacket again.
This tiny studio feels like the Arctic—frigid winds blasting everywhere. Fridge or house? Can't tell. Damn.
"Everyone, breakfast time. We don't get to eat together like this unless it's Sunday."
We actually eat dinner together most nights. Because Yoon Sua cooks.
Anyone who's lived alone knows: cooking is way more hassle than it seems. Add dishes, and it's worse.
So we try not to burden Sua—dinner's our group meal. Problem is, the table vibe lately sucks. Hard to digest.
"Hana, mind passing the chopsticks?"
"Sure, sis."
Oh Hana, setting out spoons and chopsticks as usual, deliberately skips Han Aebom's spot. Then jabs my side with a metal chopstick.
"Eek!"
Even I got the hint. I placed spoons and chopsticks in front of Han Aebom. She quietly picked them up.
Since the fight, they hadn't exchanged a single word. Treating each other like ghosts. But in this cramped studio, how long can that last?
Lately, you could see Han Aebom burning up inside.
Comfort Han Aebom and make her apologize to Oh Hana first
[0/1]
🎁 Reward: 500,000 won, Agility +1, Low-level Lullaby Skill
They say make up sooner than later, so no slacking on this quest. It's Sunday.
Today, we fix this.
Steel-ing my resolve inwardly as Yoon Sua started bringing out dishes.
"Kept it simple today."
The sweet, savory aroma hit my nose, wiping away complicated thoughts for a moment.
Simple, she said.
But our little folding table was packed: doenjang jjigae in the center, tteokgalbi, rolled omelet, stir-fried odeng. Even kimchi—Korean staple.
"Whoa, jackpot again! Thanks so much, Sua sis!"
"Thanks for the meal, Sua sis."
"Holy crap, Sua. For real."
For this moment, the cold war thawed—thumbs up all around.
Simple compared to usual, sure.
But before Sua, it was frozen fried rice and discarded bentos daily. This? Michelin-star worthy.
"Itadakimasu."
Delicious, no exaggeration. Sua's cooking ranks top among everything I've eaten.
Felt it grilling meat before: some people just cook well. Same recipe, different results. Sua could school a 5-star hotel chef.
Since Sua came, housework is zero stress.
Even occasional sweeping and mopping felt like a chore before. She does it daily. Alone.
Meals are something to look forward to now.
"Seconds, sis!"
"Here ya go. Eat up, Hana."
"Yum!"
Worried about gaining weight eating like this? Nope. Not just from sex—Sua's food doesn't pack on pounds.
Still nutritious.
Beyond quest rewards, my condition's improved eating her food.
Makes sense she's handling one of life's essentials so capably.
Sipping hearty tofu doenjang jjigae for inner peace, I spoke up.
"Aebom."
"Yes?"
"Hang out with me today. Just us."
Wait. Did I just blurt that brainlessly?