Chapter 78
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: I Ended Up Going to the MT. (1)
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After my major class ended and during the break time.
I stepped out for a smoke, and the club president senior who was already in the smoking area called out to me.
"Jinwoo, it's been a while, huh? I was actually looking for you."
"Oh, hey, senior."
"Yeah. Still smoking Marlboro Reds, I see?"
"Eh, yeah. It's just a habit."
The club president senior had reenrolled before I went to the military.
We'd shared a few smokes and chats back then. He had a clean-cut image and a kind personality, just like Hana noona's classmate.
"So, how's it feel being back? It's already the second semester, so you must be fully settled in now."
"Yeah, it's manageable."
This guy was the type who always checked in on loners like me, looking after everyone around him.
While I was in the military on leave, he'd taken a semester off for language training abroad, and this year he was handling club president duties.
"Then you should join some department events or gatherings."
"Well... I'm pretty shy."
"Still, if you keep showing up, you'll get to know people. You get along great with Hana, right?"
"Hana noona? Yeah, she's just so nice. Always been kind."
The club president senior nodded in agreement with what I said.
He'd gotten a lot of help from her during his school life too.
"That's why I wanted to ask, Jinwoo."
"Yeah?"
"We're having the department MT this weekend. You thinking of coming?"
"Me?"
"Yeah. We've got a big turnout this time, so we're splitting into groups with leaders. But we're short on upperclassmen who can handle leading."
The club president senior explained that returning students and higher years were busy with job prep, so participation was low.
Especially no one suitable for group leader.
'That's why Hana noona's coming along too.'
The club president senior continued.
"We just need one more group leader. What do you think, Jinwoo?"
"Me? But I've never been to an MT before. The underclassmen might not like having a returnee like me in their group."
"Why would they dislike you? From what I hear, among the returnees, you're seen as one of the cleaner seniors by the freshmen—no clinging or anything, just doing your own thing."
"Me? Really?"
"Yeah. They say you're a senior who doesn't bother the juniors and keeps to himself."
......It's just that I can't fit in and wander alone.
But it's packaged nicely.
"Plus, Hana's super popular with everyone. Seeing you two get along has probably boosted your image too."
"Yeah, that makes sense."
"Anyway, do me a favor. You gotta experience at least one MT in college."
"Hmm... Jinsu said he doesn't have time either. If I go, I won't know anyone."
"You've got Hana. Or I can look out for you a lot. What do you say?"
I recalled hearing one of the MT spots was an onsen resort.
Not a natural hot spring since it's domestic, but with how I've been pushing myself lately and feeling worn out, a relaxing trip sounded good.
And like the senior said, it'd be regrettable not to do an MT at least once in college life.
If I go, it'd be nice to join one with Hana noona before she graduates.
"Well... Can I really handle being a group leader?"
"Psh, it's nothing. Just check attendance. So you're in? I'll add your name."
The club president senior left with a satisfied look.
'Me going to an MT.'
That senior had a knack for persuading people like he was charming them.
Maybe that's why Hana noona kept falling for his requests.
Anyway, a department MT—got me kinda excited for no reason.
And so, I signed up for the fall MT over the weekend.
Classes wrapped up, the sun had set, and it was evening.
Jinsu headed home early since his classes ended sooner, and Hana noona went to the library first for her campus job.
Too lazy to cook dinner at home, I went to the student cafeteria.
'Even for dinner, it's packed.'
Lately, even outside exam periods, lots of people were sticking around the library late.
Totally different vibe from when I first started school.
Job hunting prep, probably— the cafeteria was buzzing even this late.
I grabbed a tray and sat alone in a quiet corner.
Trying to eat my solo meal in peace with my head down, someone sat across from me.
'No empty seats? I picked the empty corner on purpose.'
Head still down, about to eat, when the woman across poked my tray with her finger.
A slender, pale finger.
And a familiar intense perfume scent.
"Hey, loser."
I looked up at the familiar voice—Bae Jiyoon was sitting in front of me.
"Huh? What's up? You coming to eat alone?"
"Not alone."
I glanced where Jiyoon nodded— the foreign exchange student I'd met before was in line getting food.
Her name was Anna, I think.
"Plenty of other empty seats—why here? What if I pay up?"
"Don't worry. I always super careful around you."
"Careful works like that?"
"It does? Every time I get chills outta nowhere, you're always nearby. I bolt then."
Oh ho.
That's how she dodges payments.
No wonder I haven't seen her much lately.
"I snuck behind you in line—no vibe. So I came. Anyway, you're going to the MT?"
"Yeah, probably. How'd you know?"
I'd only talked to the club president senior this morning.
Word spread that fast?
"How? The department office bulletin has the list plastered up."
There was one in the department office?
I never go, so no clue.
"Couldn't believe my eyes. Loser's name on the MT list. Club president threaten you?"
"Here to pick a fight? Eat and go."
"Fight? Come on, we're not just any acquaintances, right? Don't be so cold."
"True, not ordinary. In the lecture hall, you even sucked while I sle— Mmph!!"
Bae Jiyoon hurriedly clamped her hand over my mouth.
"One more word, I swear."
"......"
A nice scent from her pale, soft hand.
This counts as a reward.
Jiyoon removed her hand from my face, brushed back her hair, and continued.
"Anyway. Got a favor to ask the loser today."
"What? More ordering around?"
"This girl. 'More'? Sounds like I'm slave-driving you."
Jiyoon pointed at Anna.
"Anna wants to experience Korean MT culture."
"Yeah. And?"
"She's joining the fall MT, but I got other plans, can't go—so take care of Anna for me."
"Me? You got tons of other servants. Ask them."
"Tried, but she says she's more comfy with you. After one meeting."
Jiyoon explained Anna's first friends in Korea were our group that day.
I get it, but is it okay for another department's exchange student to join our MT?
"Favor?"
"Well... sure, but okay if she joins our department MT?"
"Talked to club president already, profs said fine too. No issue."
"Got it."
"Show her around, introduce people. She speaks Korean well, so no big deal."
"Sure. So what do I get for doing your favor?"
"Do I gotta give something? Between classmates?"
Acting buddy-buddy now.
This woman who barely acknowledged me till recently.
Jiyoon stared at me, then picked a sausage from her tray and plopped it on mine.
"Loser. This enough?"
"That do it?"
"Ha... damn."
She looked awkward.
Why so keen on the exchange student?
Seems like she's already taking good care of her.
"Why try so hard? She'd manage fine without your request."
"She specifically asked you to guide her. Help this once."
"Be honest. You get something out of pampering the exchange student, right?"
"......"
"Knew it."
"Well... truth is, one of the prof's classes Anna's under—I'm taking it, but missed tons for events, attendance wrecked."
"So?"
"End-of-term eval from exchange students—if Anna rates me good, prof fills my attendance."
"Deal struck."
"Fail that class, summer session hell. Help me graduate on time."
Not a big deal.
But weirdly, hate granting this woman's favors.
"Hey... loser."
"Yeah?"
"That... thing. I'll let you do it."
"......??"
"The thing I mentioned last time... that."
"What's that?"
I knew exactly, but played dumb.
Jiyoon struggled, face flushed, and said.
"During my personal live stream—you said you wanted to pay then... I'll let you."
After the grape event payment.
Recalled her on Nutube shoving grapes up back during stream—wanted to pay live again, told her.
She had installment payment excuse anytime, but after I said it, she dodged me during streams.
If it happens, real live payment without Lee Seoyeon rigging.
Jiyoon's panicked face, unaware viewers see it as payment—already looking forward.
"Ooh... so I can shove it in your pussy during stream from below?"
"Hey!! No! You said sucking while seated okay!"
Excited Jiyoon yelled too loud.
People stared; she quickly hid her face.
"Ha... damn it. Fine. But stay off-camera."
"Don't worry. Moans are on you to hold."
"......You jerk."
As our talk wrapped, Anna arrived.
Her white skin and blonde hair were striking; she greeted me fluently in Korean.
"Hi! Long time, Jingu!"
......It's Jinwoo, not Jingu.
Jiyoon rubbed her forehead like a headache, telling Anna.
"Anna. For MT, loser here'll look after you. Have fun."
"Oh! Awesome. Thanks, Jingu!"
My quiet relaxation plan hit a snag.
But that's how I ended up taking Anna to the MT, swapping contacts.