Chapter 7
Chapter 7
After finishing the final homeroom announcements, Bom remained alone in the classroom.
A walk around the campus earlier had done much to steady her mind.
Was I being meddlesome for no reason?
She felt a twinge of regret for getting worked up earlier, which was unlike her. Perhaps she had snapped because of the comment about being a "disgrace to the family."
Se-jin’s dejected appearance had reminded Bom of herself... and that was why she couldn't let it go. Se-jin was a child who deserved to be loved even without trying. It broke Bom's heart to see her subjected to such words when she was already trying her absolute hardest.
Perhaps because of Lee Jun’s cold response, Bom’s mind was in a state of flux. She still couldn't tell what was right and what was wrong.
That family likely had its own educational philosophy, so her intervention might have been an unnecessary argument.
Let’s just keep an eye on things for now.
In truth, a more immediate headache lay elsewhere. Bom’s expression hardened into a serious frown.
The biggest problem right now was the "Money Tree"—the potted plant Jae-gyu had brought a few days ago.
Bom shook her head as she looked at the message written on the sign tucked between the white pebbles in the pot.
Wishing you huge success! ♡
It was absurd. Success in what, exactly? It was the kind of phrase suited for someone opening a new business.
“...”
The plant, sitting in the already cramped classroom, was far from welcome. It wasn't getting proper sunlight, and it was constantly being covered in dust every time the students ran around.
She had thought about moving it down to the faculty office, but that wasn't an option. After a swarm of bugs had emerged from a plant in the office last year, the Vice Principal had banned all plants from the faculty room.
“I guess I have to take it home.”
Bom let out a long, weary sigh. Oblivious to her distress, the Money Tree showed off its lush, green leaves.
It was needlessly large and sturdy, looking exactly like the person who had brought it.
“Hey.”
Massaging her throbbing temples, she glared at the Money Tree for no reason. It looked a bit different from the money trees she had seen at flower shops. She had thought it was a cute little thing since it was in a small pot, but this was different.
“You...”
She wanted to give it a name so she could scold it properly, but nothing fitting came to mind. Without thinking, she blurted out the first name that popped into her head.
“Jae-gyu...”
A faint smile escaped her lips. It was a perfect fit. Bom stood up with newfound determination.
“Let’s go home for now, Jae-gyu.”
Moving it required more strength than she had anticipated. She used the elevator to get from the second floor to the first.
The problem was the path from the main entrance to the school gate. It was a downhill slope, but that didn't make it easy. Bom began to break a sweat.
How did that man carry something this heavy under one arm?
Fortunately, the pot had wheels, but even pushing it was exhausting. Bom let go of the pot for a moment and massaged her aching shoulders.
The thought of how to get this onto a bus was overwhelming. It wasn't a low-floor bus, so she’d have to lug it up the steps when boarding and do the same when getting off. The mere thought made her head spin.
“Jae-gyu. Why are you so heavy...?”
Because her attention was elsewhere, she didn't notice the car stealthily following her.
“What are you doing with that luggage?”
“Ack!”
It was only when the window of the black sedan rolled down that Bom jumped in surprise, blinking rapidly.
What is this?
She had no idea why a Panamera, a car she’d only seen in Seoul, was driving around Shinsu-eup. And inside the school, no less.
The suspicious figure in the driver's seat, wearing sunglasses, flashed a broad grin.
“See? I told you I’d give you a lift.”
Bom’s eyebrows shot up when she saw the man pull off his sunglasses.
“Wait. What are you doing at the school again...?”
Without answering, Jae-gyu slammed the car door shut, walked over, and hoisted the pot off the ground. Bom flustered, trying to stop him.
“Oh, wait! I—I’ll carry it.”
“Carry it? Your thin little wrists are gonna snap.”
Jae-gyu, lifting the heavy pot with ease, clicked his tongue. He swung the back door open, sat the Money Tree on the seat, and tightly fastened the seatbelt around it.
He moved so quickly she couldn't even react. Bom asked blankly, “What are you doing?”
“Get in.”
“Um, just take the plant with you. It’s hard to keep in the classroom, and I don't really need it.”
“Ms. Bom-bom. Is that any way for an Ethics teacher to behave? Rejecting a person’s sincere gesture?”
What did being an Ethics teacher have to do with this? There wasn't a shred of logic in his words. As Bom hesitated, Jae-gyu frowned deeply and pulled the passenger door wide open.
“Get in. You’re Han-gyeol’s homeroom teacher, aren't you?”
“...”
“I said, get in.”
Under Jae-gyu’s persistent urging, Bom had no choice but to climb into the car. Part of her also didn't want anyone to see her bickering with him.
The interior of the car was clean. It smelled of fresh lemons. Once Bom was inside, Jae-gyu’s expression shifted to one of satisfaction.
“Alright, here we go. Buckle up.”
“Okay...”
Bom buckled her seatbelt and glanced nervously out the window. What if someone already saw us? Her heart hammered in her chest.
Han-gyeol’s uncle was a local celebrity, so getting involved with him was bound to be a headache. Moreover, the car stood out so much in this town that she was suddenly gripped by worry. Fortunately, there didn't seem to be anyone around.
“Well then, let’s head out...”
Jae-gyu stepped on the accelerator. Bom gripped her seatbelt tight, feeling tense for several reasons.
Surprisingly, Jae-gyu’s driving was smooth. The black sedan glided quickly out of the school gates. As soon as they were clear of the school, she let out a sigh of relief.
Then, Bom realized Jae-gyu hadn't asked for her destination. She worried he might be heading somewhere completely wrong.
“Um, do you know where we’re going?”
“Nope.”
“...”
Wasn't it common sense to ask before starting the car? Bom spoke up quickly.
“Do you know the Stone Bridge in Cheongseol-eup? You can just drop me off around there.”
“I know it. I could get there with my eyes closed.”
That was a relief. She wouldn't have to give him directions. Bom relaxed and leaned back into the car seat.
“Should I try it with them closed?”
“What? No! Don't!”
When Bom jumped in surprise, Jae-gyu let out a hearty laugh, clearly amused. Bom was exasperated. Why did she keep getting swept up in his pace?
“How were you planning to carry that thing by yourself?”
Because of you, she protested internally, but she didn't say it out loud. Jae-gyu seemed impressed that she had even managed to get it that far.
He really was a strange man. Bom stole a glance at him. Jae-gyu was humming to himself, focused on the road.
Where was he going?
Instead of his usual tight-fitting athletic shirt, Jae-gyu was wearing a crisp white shirt and black slacks today. The shirt, with the top two buttons undone, was wrinkle-free and made of high-quality fabric.
What’s the occasion? she wondered. Seeing him dressed so properly made him feel like a completely different person.
He had the air of a young businessman. He seemed calmer, almost intellectual. Not that the clothes hid his physique.
His forearms, where the sleeves were rolled up, were quite muscular. Since he wasn't wearing his tattoo sleeves today, his bare skin was visible. As Bom looked at the veins in his forearms, she noticed something unusual.
What’s that on his arm?
Looking closer, she saw a faint burn scar. It covered a fairly large area; while it wasn't glaringly obvious, it was still reddish. It didn't look like an ordinary burn.
...He really is suspicious.
Her gaze moved from the burn scar to Jae-gyu’s hand on the steering wheel. He was humming and tapping his long fingers against the wheel, naturally drawing her eyes.
The hand resting on the brown leather steering wheel was somehow sexy. The way the knuckles stood out was distinctly masculine...
“Do you like it that much...?”
At his slow drawl, Bom snapped her head up.
Taking advantage of a red light, Jae-gyu slowly leaned his face toward her.
“I asked if you like it.”
“What? Like what?”
“You were staring. Have you fallen for me?”
Bom’s face turned bright red. Where did he get this confidence? Momentarily speechless, Bom found herself scrutinizing his face.
He exuded masculinity. From his sharp jawline to the cool curve of his lips beneath a straight nose.
He is handsome, though.
She had thought he was a good-looking man from the moment she first saw him, but this self-centered type was absolutely not her style.
She stood there in disbelief for a moment, only snapping out of it when she saw the corners of his lips slowly curling upward.
“What! No, Mr. Seon Jae-gyu.”
Bom hurriedly pulled back. Jae-gyu didn't follow her further, but his gaze turned sultry.
“Say that again.”
Bom looked him straight in the eye, determined not to fall for his games.
“Say what?”
“You called me by my name.”
“...Mr. Seon Jae-gyu?”
“Yes, Bom-i.”
Bom’s mouth hung open. Jae-gyu, looking quite pleased with himself, smirked again.
“We’re on a first-name basis now, Bom-i.”