Young & Youth (2)
Young & Youth (2) - On April 10, 2024, Young & Youth filming is scheduled, so students in the Administration Department on campus, please give your understanding and cooperation for smooth filming.
"Ho ho...."
Seonghwan checked the notice posted in the department group chat and made a slightly surprised face.
'Young & Youth' was a program Seonghwan knew well. He wasn't the type to watch TV religiously, but whenever shorts popped up online, his curiosity would lead him to hunt down the full episodes.
'Filming's the day after tomorrow?'
It wasn't like popular, pretty idols were coming to shoot, but just knowing MC Yoon Hee-seok would be wandering around campus made it an exciting day.
'Heh heh heh. And since Wednesday's got some free periods, maybe I can sneak around the filming spots during breaks? Who knows, I might bump into them by chance. Hell, I could even get on air if I'm lucky? Nah. Better not risk looking like an idiot on camera and getting roasted. I'll just watch from afar.'
The massive campus was full of all sorts of students, and from past episodes, the ones who made it on screen were always overflowing with talent and charisma—people you'd swear weren't real students. Not everyone was like that, of course, but the ones who hogged the spotlight and screen time were inevitably a cut above. Getting caught on camera awkwardly and embarrassing himself? No thanks.
Last year, there'd been talks between Korea University and the production team about filming, but student protests had blown up, refusing to die down, and it ultimately fell through. Maybe that's why the school was being extra cautious this time. Starting last week, they'd been inspecting and replacing rundown facilities that had been neglected—clearly measures with the broadcast in mind.
'If a variety show gets the school this worked up, imagine the chaos if investigative news showed up.'
But it wasn't just the school acting up.
"Hyung, wanna go shopping with me today?"
"Shopping? What shopping? Doesn't matter—I've got work, so no time."
"Ah.... If I'd known about Young & Youth coming sooner.... It's for weekend clothes shopping."
"What? You're shopping because of the TV show?"
"Of course! Some guys in my class are even practicing what to say if cameras ask for an interview."
"....These straight-A types prep for everything? Then go with your classmates—why me?"
"Ah....... They're all rivals...."
"......"
Seonghwan stared at Hyoseok in disbelief. This junior, who had become like a little brother, spilling his guts without reservation, was starting to feel endearing. Sure, his immature ramblings and zero tact could be frustrating, but their wrinkle-free, friendly chats had Seonghwan warming up to him too.
Still, frustrating was frustrating.
"Rivals, huh.... You talking about Lee Hyun?"
"As expected, hyung gets it right away."
Hyoseok grinned, giving Seonghwan a thumbs-up, pleased that he'd nailed it instantly.
"Lately, I can't tell if Hyun treats me like a classmate or a kid brother. No vibe that she sees me as a guy. And since she started hanging in the club room, the competition's piling up. Ah, that's not why I joined the club room crew."
"........"
"Eunhyeok sunbae said he's planning a club trip after midterms. I was gonna build some tension with Hyun then, but I'm too antsy to wait."
"So what're you gonna do?"
Hyoseok shot Seonghwan an odd look at his question.
"Whoa, hyung, you don't know the show? I binged old episodes. It's not just random stuff. Yoon Hee-seok always asks the same thing: 'Got a girlfriend? Or someone you like?' Man, straight out of a youth romance drama."
Scenes Seonghwan knew even without Hyoseok spelling it out. They weren't here to hear college kids gripe or hand out prizes in quizzes—broadcast stations didn't have money to burn like that.
"So you're confessing to Hyun?"
"Nah, hyung. Don't jinx it. Bold confessions backfire. You hint at your feelings, make her aware of you. That's how the flirt starts. I'll just subtly let her know I like someone who's always by her side—get her thinking indirectly. Step by step, you know?"
"Heh...."
"Some girls like aggressive guys, others prefer a slow burn. But I'm ahead of the pack—we're members of 'Kim Steam Rising,' right?"
"Members my ass. Who fed you that 'hint your feelings, make her aware' crap? Wasn't born in your head, that's for sure."
"That book you got me. Legend Pickup Artist's Ultimate Girl-Conquering Guide. Spells it all out."
'Jesus Christ.'
So he'd studied from the book after all. Ever since hearing through drinks that Seonghwan was flirting with someone, Hyoseok had been wide open with him. He'd grill Seonghwan for advice like a consultant, post-mo-sol era.
"Hyung, filming's coming and you're weirdly meh about it? Not interested?"
"As if. I'm curious too. But watching and being on TV? Different beasts."
"Why? You said you've got a girl you're flirting with. Confess big on air—bet she'd melt. Accept on the spot?"
Innocent words from Hyoseok's side, but Seonghwan shuddered at the thought.
'Hell no.... She'd straight-up stab me over Lee Hyun.'
Not literally, but she'd throw a fit and sulk hard. Don't judge by looks—she seemed quiet and proper, but once fixated, she charged straight ahead, my-way-or-the-highway. Knowing that personality, he couldn't ignore or pretend.
She'd end up hurt otherwise.
"Mind your own love life. Mine's complicated enough. And keep it quiet—act clueless. You're the most nerve-wracking person around me."
"Hyung! How can you say that? I'm loyal! What's complicating it? Eunhyeok sunbae said your flirt's a total knockout."
"Argh, seriously."
No matter how many stern warnings, Hyoseok let it go in one ear and out the other. Finally, Seonghwan laid down the law.
"Listen. Rumors breed assumptions, assumptions snowball into irreversible shit. Shut your trap—that's helping me."
"Assumptions....? Ah."
"What 'ah'?"
"Means you're not sure yet? So you're playing the long game? Spot on. Saw it in the book—don't rush when it's almost cooked; let it simmer. Makes sense if she's a stunner like Eunhyeok said. My bad for jumping the gun."
"........Fine, think what you want."
Part of Seonghwan preferred Hyoseok's misunderstanding—it eased his mind. No point shushing if it wasn't suspicious. The thrill and spark from his secret thing with Yuri came with constant anxiety. Right now, interest in her was just "pretty Korea U girl" stereotype, but strictly speaking, she'd half-exposed herself to the public.
Her gym gallery pics. Not full face, but underestimate public scrutiny at your peril. And changing her ID to his initials? Linked them. One viral combo online, and her identity could blow wide open.
Hence the unease. The gym gallery got him laid with Yuri, but now it grated. She'd deleted pics at his nagging, unfazed by exposure. Originals gone, sure, but copies could've spread who-knows-where.
'How does a girl who hated guys' stares flip like that? Late-blooming exhibitionist awakening?'
Her increasingly bold vibe sometimes outdid even Yumi. Their pool villa weekend loomed. Normal girls would grill schedules, pool vibes, scenery. Yuri? Food light. Booze moderate. Swimsuit prefs over pool. Bed size.
'Fuck, her eyes screamed eat, fuck, sleep. Am I turning mummy?'
He prided his stamina, but all-day humping? No. Needed beach walks, snacks, chats—like normal couples.
'Feels like gender roles swapped. Yunsu'd rage hearing this after his grand Yesul plans.'
Yunsu popped in his head, chest tightening. Sporadic texts had stopped. Seonghwan replied to keep the thread alive, but awkwardness lingered.
'Gotta meet soon.'
"Ah, but they're late. Class ended earlier, right?"
Hyoseok's words snapped Seonghwan back.
"Weren't you with Jia in the club room? She Kakao'd me from there earlier?"
"Nah, I came straight after class. They had morning free time, probably chilling there. Jia's hooked on the club room now—studies there too. 'Feels like home.' No one's complaining, so she's golden."
"That's the club's best perk. So Hyun's with Jia?"
"Probably. If Hyun had class, Jia would've been here ages ago."
Lee Hyun and Jia adapted to club life faster than Seonghwan expected. The newbie welcome drinks had gone smoothly thanks to Jia's quick improv on Hyun's abrupt exit.
'Hyun's weaker on booze than she looks. She slips out mid-party to go home. Seonghwan oppa lives next door, so I asked him to watch her.'
Jia's airtight excuse convinced everyone. Hyun got labeled "quirky drinker," better than admitting she stormed out hurt over Seonghwan girlfriend rumors.
Jia's solid friend role smoothed Hyun's club debut, letting her ease in gradually. The quirky club room was lax—use freely unless disruptive, regardless of year.
Jia's social skills shone. She scoped vibes, chatted up members, soon lounging during free periods. Smart too—knew casualness helped Hyun fit, especially near Seonghwan. Shy Hyun needed comfort without him or Jia.
Jia never pried about the party fallout or Seonghwan chasing Hyun. Just read her darkened mood and acted. Casually texted Seonghwan, blurring awkwardness.
Thus, post-drinks lunch at Jia's suggestion.
"Oh? Hyung, there they are. On time at least.... Wait, that's Hyun? Style change? Whoa, what?"
"What?"
Seonghwan followed Hyoseok's finger.
'Ugh?!'
His face matched Hyoseok's shock. Beside beaming, waving Jia was a familiar-yet-unfamiliar mature woman: Lee Hyun.
Jia's glow-up makeup was now natural. But hair grazed ears, cascading to chest—elegant, fresh maturity. Gone was the signature neat ponytail; glossy waves flowed free.
'Who dis?'
Used to her tidy buns, but he'd seen her hair down before. Still, the shift felt alien.
"Whaddya think? Our Hyun's pretty, right?"
Jia boasted for shy, head-low Hyun.
"Went to that famous Daehak-ro salon yesterday. Tough to book the owner, but spot opened. Wanted style recs, but owner gasped at Hyun, picked perfect cut herself. Said constant ponytails damaged her ends—'Such a pretty girl neglecting this?' Pitied her hard."
'Motor mouth.'
Even without Jia's torrent, the effort shone. Hyun's small, sharp face aced tough ponytails; thick hair suited. Seonghwan, who'd seen it often, was stunned by the polish.
Change easy; enhancing beauty hard. Yet hair alone nailed it.
"Oh yeah, owner's ex-Cheongdam celeb stylist. Promised makeup spot intro—'Face too good to waste.' Raved nonstop."
'Not some hole-in-wall, then.'
Jia's hype rang true. Hyun rivaled TV stars—surpassed any beauty he'd seen, even Lee Yeon.
"Whoaaa. Can't pinpoint it, words fail.... Hyun drops a heart nuke right when I'm used to her looks?"
Hyoseok's cheesy line echoed Seonghwan's awe. Objectively stunning.
"Right? Blew me away. Same length, tweak the style—total vibe shift. Layered cut? Thought side trim, but tough style."
Jia's chatter, hair-fondling, aimed at ears pricked for it. Seonghwan knew.
'Jia's no airhead. Deep, sharp observer.'
Couldn't stay silent. Felt Hyun's stolen glances ages ago. Knew that look since kids—spot the change.
Necklace with giraffe-neck pose. Bracelet with rolled sleeves.
'Think I don't know you? Little girl trying to pretty up since forever.'
Casual exterior hid desire to shine.
"Damn. Bow to that owner. Total makeover. Beats half-ass plastic surgery. Keep going there. You're a new woman."
Teasing praise to mask nose-tingle awkwardness.
"Eek? Hyung, she's prettier sure, but original was already...."
"Shut it."
Jia cut Hyoseok as Hyun met Seonghwan's eyes. Held gaze, soft smile.
"...Huh?"
Seonghwan deflated at her grin, but she shrugged.
"Same as ever. Past or present. Always beat-around-the-bush when embarrassed."
"......."
Spring breeze tousled Hyun's neat bangs. Her clear eyes through strands forced his avert.
'Sigh.... Thinks she doesn't know me.'
Too late to pretend ignorance? They'd grown up.