Jealousy and Obsession (2)
A drastic transformation draws attention all on its own. A woman's makeover is innocent enough, and depending on the direction it takes, it becomes a reward for men. For someone as stunning as Yesul, that change could turn the whole day into a triumph for any guy. And claiming that triumph exclusively? It's a victor's roar for one man—and instant envy from the losers.
Any guy who'd even glanced at Yesul once before. Anyone who'd exchanged words with her. Anyone who'd secretly watched her from afar. They all had no choice but to notice her transformation. Of course, the plain-looking average guy sitting right across from her didn't register at all.
"Why are you staring like that?"
"It's not just me staring..."
From the moment they'd stepped into the cafeteria, the murmurs had started. It'd be weirder if a student hangout like this didn't buzz, but the noise was definitely concentrated around the table where Seonghwan sat. And at the center of it all was Yesul.
"That's such a bold makeover. It's like you're straight-up advertising 'I've had a total mindset shift.'"
"Hehe. It wasn't anything intentional... Just..."
"Just?"
"On the weekend, I looked in the mirror on a whim, and it felt... boring. Like, no fun? If even I felt that way about myself, how must others see me? So, yeah."
"Whoa..."
Seonghwan couldn't help letting out a deflated sigh at Yesul's casual explanation. I'm the idiot who was agonizing all weekend. He figured there was more to it than she let on, but the Yesul in front of him seemed genuinely nonchalant. Still, that wasn't the point.
"Has Yun-su seen your new look? I heard you met up yesterday."
"I got the perm last night, so probably not. I bought the clothes on Sunday, but this is the first time wearing them."
"...Got it."
Bringing up Yun-su felt awkward—like hitting the limit of what they could comfortably discuss—but Seonghwan stubbornly pressed on. For some, that relationship wasn't over yet. For others, it needed sorting out somehow.
"Did you talk to Yun-su? Yesterday or over the weekend?"
"Didn't he tell you? You saw him yesterday too."
"...I'll tell you after you go first."
"Hmm..."
Neither could focus on eating. Today's menu even had Seonghwan's favorites, but he wasn't hungry anyway. They half-heartedly picked at their food, eyes locked as the conversation continued.
"I didn't say anything direct, but he probably read between the lines. Actually, he was the one who suggested giving each other some time first."
"...Go on."
"We ran into each other at the library. Our usual morning spot was basically reserved anyway, and I wasn't avoiding him. He greeted me like normal, so I did the same. Everything felt the same. No real talk, though. Then, right before my class, he pulled me aside and suggested we take a break."
"I'd been ignoring his messages all weekend, so anyone would've picked up on the bad vibes. He said he went in expecting it yesterday."
"Sounds about right."
"And at the end, he mentioned it again. Asked if I'd found someone new. Then, right at the very end, he said to stick by your side. Called himself the last thread between us."
"...Classic Yun-su."
"Yeah. That's his style—never gives up till the end. Back in school, when teachers would jokingly assign college-level math problems, he'd be the one digging them up online, solving them, and explaining on the board."
"..."
"You've put up with him for so long... we've gone too far now."
It was as much a jab at himself as anything. If he'd realized Yesul's feelings sooner, things might've gotten resolved, whatever the outcome. Now the tangled threads were knotted beyond untangling— the only fix left was cutting them midway. That reality kept gnawing at Seonghwan. Yesul must feel it too.
"And I... need time too."
Reluctantly, Seonghwan revealed his true feelings. It was too messy to pinpoint a start or end, but he couldn't just sever it coldly on the spot. No courage for that. Same for Yesul.
"I'm not pushing you to decide anything. I was just focusing on closing things with Yun-su for now. I figured it'd be awkward at first, but I'd convince him with time."
He didn't point out how her bold outfit contradicted "just focusing on Yun-su." It touched him, sensing her consideration—not wanting to burden him. At least until moments ago.
"Uh... Food and Nutrition major... Yesul, right?"
"...?"
A voice from beside them interrupted as Seonghwan tried resuming his meal with lighter spirits. Both heads turned. A tall guy with sleek, waxed hair stood there, eyes wide. Two more peeked from behind him.
"Yeah... right? Class of '21, Yoon Yesul. Whoa, it is you! Wowww..."
He asked, answered, and marveled all on his own. The neatly styled guy flashed a bright smile, thrilled to see Yesul. It felt off-putting to Seonghwan.
Who's this? Never seen him even when Yesul and I were hanging out alone.
The enthusiasm didn't scream "casual acquaintance."
"You know me, right? We had classes together freshman year, chatted a few times at the department office. Kim Jun-su from the same major. You changed so much I wasn't sure—thought I'd say hi if it was you."
"Yeah. I remember."
"Whoa, it's not like it's been forever... but it feels that way? Your makeup... your style... total glow-up."
One greeting cracked the dam, unleashing a pack of hyenas.
"Whoa, totally. Yesul was famous in our major as the pure, pretty genius type. Today you look straight-up idol-level. Didn't recognize you."
"Hey, Yesul! Yoon Seung-hyun from Food and Nutrition. Remember? We chugged together at last year's opening ceremony."
Seonghwan watched, fascinated, as they slyly edged trays closer to Yesul's side. Sure, her makeover was striking, but she'd always turned heads. Their sudden buddy-act and brazen confidence were bizarre. Then he caught their gleaming eyes locking on—and it clicked.
These assholes see me as what...?
Not rivalry. Just annoyance, like staring down an inconvenient rock. Yun-su, your wall was sky-high and thick. And these pricks see me as dogshit?
With Yesul, Yun-su had always been there—in the library, cafeteria, outside lectures. Untouchable aura, looks aside. Her bold change plus his absence? Instinct screamed the barrier was down.
Ignoring Seonghwan's inner groan, Yesul beamed greetings at the newcomers.
"I know—Kim Jun-su, Yoon Seung-hyun, Lee Han-woong. Right? But why act like it's a big reunion? We passed in the lecture hall last week."
"Haha, still different from a proper hello. We weren't close before, so approaching felt awkward. But from now on..."
"Why?"
"Huh? Why what?"
"Why bring up getting close all of a sudden? I never dodged greetings before."
"Uh? Oh... well..."
No more shy whispers from Yesul. Bold eyes wide, smile radiant—it paired with her new makeup, sophisticated and cool over innocent.
Whoa... what's going on here?
The guys fidgeted, stealing glances, mesmerized. Yesul crushed their momentum without dropping her smile, pressing on. But her next words weren't casual—they were a bombshell.
"What, because it looks like I broke up with my boyfriend?"
"Eep?"
"Ack?"
"Gasp?"
Shrill yelps erupted around her. Seonghwan joined in.
"Y-Yesul?"
He blurted without thinking, but she kept smiling at the guys, ignoring him. Even hearing him, their eyes stayed glued to her face—enchanted by that alluring smile. And then...
"Yeah. I broke up with my boyfriend. So I'm kinda upset right now. I want some alone time with my friend. Get it?"
"...Uh..."
"Hoo..."
Stunned murmurs rippled. It was a declaration: no going back, new chapter ahead. The guys on-site stared, thoughts churning.
Yun-su... sorry.
Her words snuffed even his faint spark without mercy. Seonghwan couldn't stop her. Soon, he was staring too, like the rest. Yesul met his gaze with a smile.
Still fresh and bright, but laced with open allure that naturally drew men in. She was breaking out of her shell. Seonghwan's heart pounded—quietly, fully echoing inside.
"...The limitations of administrative principles are clear. In a society intertwined with our highly specialized modern bureaucracy, separating politics and administration has its bounds. Especially in a system like ours, with a strong presidential setup and an inseparable National Assembly backing it—close ties between political and executive branches are just par for the course, aren't they?"
Right—after Advertising Expression Techniques comes Intro to Public Administration. And Yuri was a minor taking it, assigned to the seat beside him thanks to assigned seating. Her prickly stare had been stabbing his face for a while.
Oof, that stings.
At least the back row meant no side-eyes from others. His "master of push-pull" cred was toast, but he had nothing to hide. Still, a beauty's direct gaze always weighed heavy.
His phone buzzed wildly—a message. Seonghwan instantly knew who.
Yuri, probably...
Their communication had always been offbeat from the start, so most of his texts were from her now. Photos mostly, over talk. No dodging it anymore—he pulled out his phone.
Yup. Rare text instead of pic. Not intentional ignore, but after Yesul tailing him last period, facing Yuri felt guilty.
I'm not the type to ghost.
He steeled himself, turning to her. Ugh. Big, wounded kitten eyes stared back. Her signature: aloof with feral flashes. Charming to other guys, her fixed image. Once, it hurt Seonghwan, bred resentment—but pre-deep ties. Now?
Ugh, why that face... fucking adorable.
Eyes wide, elbow on chin, unblinking gaze—like a hurt kitten peeking at mom, cautious and lifted. Meeting his eyes seemed to ease her; she glanced, then typed.
Haa... She'd seen him leave with Yesul, yet played it cool. Maybe that's why he avoided—her caution now made him feel it. Pointing it out would've left him speechless, even if she snapped. But Yuri pretended not to notice.
Come to think of it, she really considers guys' feelings in her own way.
Back at his part-time spot's bathroom. When Minhwan barged in and chewed him out, Yuri'd secretly guided his hand to her soft skin—a warm comfort in her style. Thrilling then amid the risk (bro right there), he hadn't fully grasped it. Now? He saw her huge consideration.
Men's room, stranger groping her purity—with his brother nearby. Few women could move, fewer allow it. Yet Yuri'd pulled his hand without hesitation.
She knows how to make a man feel loved.
Memories surged; he almost reached to pet her hair. He flinched, scanning around, hand dropping.
Damn, almost... back row or not, eyes everywhere.
Her enchanting eyes made him forget class. Watching, she caught his aborted stroke—paused, then smiled. She'd guessed.
Suddenly, she shrugged off her thin jacket. Spring afternoons heated lecture halls. Seonghwan figured it natural, turning away. Prof still ranting up front—he needed focus.
Concentrate now, talk to Yuri after... Huh?
Turning, something froze him mid-motion.
...What?
Yuri's perky breasts. He'd seen, touched, even nipped them bare. Their true allure shone in flesh—not outline. But now... perfectly shaped, firm through fabric. Softness and form on full display.
Issue: the peaks poking center.
Fuck, nipples poking through?
Rarer than full nudity—the legendary poke. Doubting his eyes, he rubbed them, checked again. Still there, tenting her white tee.
No bra?
Mouth agape, he looked to her face. Guessing his stare, she faced front—cheeks pink. But thrusting chest forward screamed her state. Shy yet bold. That contradiction hooked him.
Did she ditch the bra mid-class? Why?
Unlikely she'd come like this. Jacket or not, libraries meant shedding outer layers amid temp swings. They'd traded intimate body pics, but this? Flaunting her shy bits in class? Like begging look at me.
If that shift in mood...
You... you're aware of Yesul after all.
Suspicion hardened to certainty.