Others' Gazes (2)
“Mom, do you happen to have any photos of Aunt Eunyoung, by any chance?”
The shock hit Hwayeong like a thunderbolt first thing in the morning, leaving her mouth agape as she stared at her son. Once she gathered her wits from the daze, she saw her son's puzzled face right in front of her.
“W-what? Out of nowhere? That's so random...”
“Was it that random? Hmm... you look pretty shocked, though?”
“...Did I really look that shocked?”
“Yeah, it's a face I haven't seen on you in years, Mom.”
“Ah...”
Realizing she hadn't controlled her expression, Hwayeong inwardly scolded herself. But as if determined not to make any more slip-ups, she quickly plastered a smile on her face and asked her son.
“So, why the sudden interest in your aunt? There must be a reason.”
“No, just... I used to visit her place when I was little, right? Weirdly enough, I remember old stuff popping into my head now and then, but I can't picture her face at all. Thinking back, I remember she doted on me extra when I was a kid. But just a few years pass, and poof—face forgotten. I even remember Second Aunt, who we barely saw, but the one we kept in touch with? Total blank. It's kinda weird.”
“......”
Hwayeong's worries deepened as she watched her son stand there blankly, lost in deep thought. She didn't know everything herself. Separate from the tough family times during her school days, she'd given in to her younger sister's persistent urging and sent Seonghwan to stay with her once. Of course, sending her eldest son along eased some worries about the second sister, but it wasn't enough—she called every day she could to check on them.
Then came the bolt from the blue. Her son had been rushed to the ER. She raced to the hospital in a panic. All she remembered on the way down was crying and crying. But the son she found there was peacefully asleep, eyes closed, breathing softly. He was just waiting for tests, and the hospital staff assured her it wasn't as bad as feared, so she breathed a huge sigh of relief. But then her eyes caught her sister, fidgeting anxiously and still shedding tears even then.
And that look... Hwayeong squeezed her eyes shut. She didn't know exactly what had happened that day—or even before. But she was already aware her son's memories had issues, and she'd worried about it plenty. Still, if it involved her own sister, she didn't want to dig it up. She'd tried hard to forget the past. She'd fought off dark thoughts and clung desperately to reclaim their old peaceful life. She'd lived tougher than ever, pushing nonstop. That's how they'd built this family now.
Her husband was always grateful for it, but Hwayeong felt sorry toward him instead. Her stubbornness had held back not just her sister, but him too. But what got her through it all was maternal love—for her eldest, and her second child too.
Hwayeong sorted her thoughts and opened her eyes.
“Enough pointless talk. Hurry up and get to the library.”
“Huh? Pointless? It's about our relatives, though?”
“Sigh...”
Her son's eyes widened in confusion, but Hwayeong had no intention of explaining bit by bit.
“You forgot your bag yesterday, didn't you? Dad knows all about it.”
“Gasp?”
“Grab it and head to the library before Dad gets home. Go study today—no excuses. He's pissed, you wanna stick around for that?”
“Eek! O-okay, Mom, I'll go to the library. For real this time. I swear. Legit.”
“I know, just go. Focus on studying for a while—no distractions. I can't hold off you and your dad anymore.”
“Huh? Got it. I'm off.”
As expected, Dad. The King of Hell himself.
If there was some otherworldly judge weighing human lives in the afterlife, down here there was Seonghwan's father. No mercy for Seonghwan's screw-ups, no leniency to hope for.
But he knew about yesterday and didn't even call... Mom must've talked him down. Anyway, gotta make up for it today.
Even if it was short-term part-time work, evenings all semester meant falling behind that much. At Korea University, where the nation's top brains gathered, competition wasn't just about dumping time in. But waste time, and you fell behind for sure. Play yesterday, grind today.
Of course, still gotta handle studying properly, and cover what I can...
Seonghwan pulled out his phone to check the early morning texts with Yuri again.
– Thinking of hitting the school library today. You free? (Seonghwan)
– Yeah. Getting ready now. (Yuri)
– No no, I'm just getting up and showering too, so take it slow. If you've got prior plans, we can do it another time—no need to push. We've got class the day after tomorrow anyway. (Seonghwan)
– Time's definitely free. (Yuri)
Kya! 'Definitely.' Fuck, where do girls like this even come from? Wait, who could've imagined Yuri turning like this?
The Ice Princess, Min Yuri. That untouchable, unmelting glacier queen. After last week's not-confession confession in the computer lab, she'd awakened again. Seonghwan had tested it out with some trial demands since—outfit, location, foreplay styles, everything. Like today.
– Skirt a bit short would be nice. Black stockings up to the knees would be even better. Not pantyhose, the opaque kind. (Seonghwan)
– Roger. (Yuri)
'Roger'? What kinda talk is that? Not like she's an AI... Anyway! Fuck yeah, can't wait. This is it.
His lower half was already stirring. Not just horny for a girl—study time plus lovey-dovey with Yuri? Best of both worlds.
No more jerking off in my dictionary. With Yuri around, what's to miss? Plus Yumi-sunbae... Yumi?
Seonghwan couldn't shake the feeling he'd overlooked something.
Right, we planned to meet this week with Yumi-sunbae. Haven't seen her lately, she seemed kinda sulky. When to squeeze in time...?
The live-alone, free-spirited girl. Now hooked on carefree sex with him. Killer body beyond imagination. Thoughts of her alone got him hard. But she hadn't dumped her boyfriend yet. Couldn't hang openly at school like with Yuri—too risky.
Tomorrow? Or Wednesday when I've got more slack? That work?
Scheduling girls? Past Seonghwan couldn't dream it. Especially bombshells like Yuri and Yumi. But when they came at him aggressively? Game changer.
Bzzz. His phone vibrated. Photos incoming.
– [Photo]
– [Photo]
– [Photo]
...
Pfft? What the—sailor outfit? Nah... ngh?
Yuri's pics nailed his request: short tennis skirt, black stockings to the knees. Exactly as imagined. Knowing didn't dull the appeal. Paired with her pretty face? Perfection.
But the surprise: crop top? Navel out with that skirt? Even weekends had fewer students, but running into acquaintances?
She'd probably layer a light jacket, but no one wears that in the library. Whatever—she sent another, defiant.
– [Photo]
Full outfit, street selfie. She'd left for him, no other considerations. Leaning in with an expectant smile.
Having a girl who likes me this much, devotes herself... damn satisfying.
His nape and cheeks tingled. The itch spread to his heart, firing it up. That girl-tingle always sparked butterflies.
Still, gotta hold back a bit. Don't wanna put Yuri in a spot, and... she's just as bad sometimes, freaks me out.
Seonghwan recalled last week in the empty computer lab, bodies entwined, chatting.
'So when's this turning into a study room? Budget done?'
'Why? Like it here?'
'Better than that dingy storage. Ugh, so musty and cramped.'
'...I thought it was fine.'
'You look like a crystal princess who'd snub anything less than five-star, but nah—you're chill.'
'...Doesn't matter. Who with, what doing... that's key.'
'Ngh... so cute.'
'Huhu.'
'Anyway, scout safer spots. Korea U's worst flaw—no motels nearby. Weekends only, maybe.'
'...Weekends only?'
'What else? Thrill's fun short-term, but can't drive downtown every time. Or if you lived alone... no headaches. Public gaps, quickies—no eyes.'
He hadn't meant it seriously. Slipped out from Yumi sessions at her place, carefree. But Yuri's eyes sparkled intensely.
'For real? Sounds good. I like it.'
'No, no! Joke! Total joke. Don't get serious—your eyes look suspicious.'
......
But that shine never faded.
“...She won't actually do it, right? Parents'd never allow easy move-out. Yeah, no way.”
Bus pulling up to university. Seonghwan stood, bag in hand, heading where Yuri waited.
Focus on student duties first. Hold the line with her today—max restraint. Her just being there'll keep study time fun.
Slurp, slurrrp.
“Ngh! Hnng... Y-Yuri. S-slow down a bit. Haaah!”
Seonghwan stifled a groan threatening to burst. His hands gripped Yuri's long straight hair tight—she knelt before him.
Fuck, my self-control's this weak? Hnng.
Meeting at the library, grabbing couple seats—fresh start. Like a rom-com protag: eye contact with pretty heroine, shy hellos, sweet setup with books and snacks.
Yuri had his fave warm coffee ready, plus munchies from her bag, offered shyly.
Heh. Touching.
Couple vibes. That flirty thrill. But then—her short skirt riding up, pale thighs flashing. Her sticky gaze met his, and boom—shift.
Entering the library, everyone gawked at her changed look—newbies or familiars. Plus him casually beside her? Questioning stares.
Burden, but pride swelled. Male ego stroked.
Book open, he didn't ignore her exposed skin—stared hard. She spread wider, skirt hiked. He looked up—her burning eyes.
This far, huh... Makeup's softer lately, even prettier. Stare like that, I can't hold back.
Sharp Western features: high thin nose, defined contours. Heavy makeup once screamed excess, now light and natural—pure innocence amplifying beauty.
Fuck, doll? AI reborn?
Ultimate praise. She smiled satisfied at his awe, then leaned whispering.
“Wanna go out?”
“Huh? Already?”
“We'll... come back anyway.”
Deal sealed. Self-convincing list:
1. Yuri's fucking hot today. Outfit slutty AF.
2. Hard since seeing her. Can't hold.
3. Gotta release eventually.
4. Can't study like this.
5. Quick release, sage mode.
6. Sages study best!
7. Sage up, grind hard.
8. Prioritize and focus!
Fuck, I made it up and it's bullshit.
But entranced, he rose. She grinned hazy, heading out first. Chasing her back, last hesitation—till she turned, mouthing secretly.
'Hurry, oppa!'
Urk. Oppa? Cheat code.
Spellbound, he followed.
Yeah, this oppa's coming. Ahh.
No one noticed his bulge—reference book strategically covering crotch—as he slipped out.