The Gazes They Exchange (6)
“Looking back, you really took terrible care of me, didn't you, sunbae? Admit it.”
“What?”
Mincheol looked a bit flustered by Yu-mi's sudden, soft voice that came out of nowhere, completely unlike what he'd expected.
“Sometimes I couldn't understand it, but if I chalked it up to you claiming it was all for my sake, it wasn't impossible to get.”
“Haha... yeah, you get it too, right? If you put yourself in my shoes—”
“Yeah. And that's how I reached my conclusion so easily. That I was the idiot.”
“...What?”
“How could I like a guy like you, date him, and end up ruining my last days of college with this filthy feeling? The more I think about it, the more pissed off I get.”
“Hey, Jo Yu-mi.”
His low growl rumbled toward Yu-mi like a warning. Back in the day, that might've worked on her. She wasn't exactly scared, but Mincheol had a habit of actually causing scenes after those warnings. Of course, he'd never laid a hand on her. He'd just take out his anger on innocent objects and bystanders, throwing tantrums that made everyone sick of him. He'd smashed her phone right in front of her at least three times.
If only he'd swing at me instead. At least then I'd have an excuse.
Even so, the guy had enough brains to hold back until the very end.
Let's see how far you'll go.
Yu-mi decided to test Mincheol's limits.
“You must've guessed it already, sunbae. I've got another guy now.”
BAM!
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Mincheol slammed the table hard. People around them glanced over and started whispering.
Our country... what a great place.
Korea was kind to women. As long as it didn't cross into outright crime that could land you in court, no man's violence against a woman could ever be justified, no matter the reason. Yu-mi wasn't the type to exploit that shallowness, but right now, she was wielding the weapons of womanhood to the fullest.
“Why act surprised? You knew. But you're more spineless than I thought. And you still saw me as your girlfriend? I had no idea you were such an understanding guy, sunbae.”
“...Stop.”
His face flushed red, eyes bulging and bloodshot, pupils shaking wildly. Mincheol looked like a volcano about to erupt, his body swelling with rage.
But Yu-mi didn't stop.
“If it's awkward for you to say it, I'll tell everyone. That I cheated, so we broke up. No pressure for you, right? You'd be the perfect victim, I'd be the bad girl. People would pity you, and all that sympathy would polish your image. Sounds good for you, doesn't it?”
“I said stop...”
Mincheol was at his limit, his voice rising with each word.
But Yu-mi showed no mercy.
“Sunbae, listen. It's too late, but I'll confess honestly.”
“.....”
Yu-mi met his blazing eyes without flinching. She knew exactly how he felt, but she wanted to tie this up for good.
“I'm not a virgin anymore. I already slept with another guy besides you.”
“Hey!! Jo Yu-miiii!!”
BOOM!
Mincheol slammed the table again. The difference this time? The first was just a warning. This one was pure, uncontainable fury.
The cafe patrons, already eyeing them, jumped in shock. Fearing something worse, a few guys started to stand, heading toward Yu-mi.
But the male part-timer beat them to it.
“Excuse me, sir. Is there a problem? If you're causing a disturbance, it's bothering the other customers. Could you please keep it down...”
“Mind your own business!”
Mincheol snarled without even looking at him, grinding his teeth.
The part-timer flinched at the irritation in his voice but quickly hardened his expression.
Mincheol ignored it, issuing another warning. “I said butt out.”
Haa...
Yu-mi sighed inwardly at the rising annoyance. It was always like this. Exactly as she'd predicted. Mincheol always put his feelings first, over everyone else's. He'd lash out like he was doing now, acting tough like it made him brave. If the other person backed off, he'd strut like he'd won. And Yu-mi always bore the brunt.
Every argument ended the same: Mincheol losing control, her backing down first due to the stares and the hassle. Then he'd grin, satisfied, cracking lame jokes to lighten the mood. Predictable pattern. He probably thought it was some push-pull game, blowing hot and cold on a whim.
I let him get these habits. My fault, who else to blame?
Yu-mi ground her teeth inwardly, then flashed a sweet smile at the part-timer.
“It's fine. You can get back to work.”
Same words as Mincheol, but her soft, pleasant tone made all the difference. Then she added, “He wouldn't dare hit me, right? But if he does, come running to help.”
“Pardon?”
The part-timer stared blankly at her joke, glancing at Mincheol.
“Uh... I mean...”
He hesitated, unsure of her intent.
Yu-mi smiled again, rummaging in her bag.
“Oh, sorry—can I order here? Can't really leave my seat right now. Here's my card. Ice latte, please.”
“Ah... sure. Got it.”
As the part-timer looked down at her, Yu-mi deliberately shook her body while digging in her bag. Her breasts jiggled accordingly. With her outer layer off, the loose boxy tee revealed her massive cleavage blatantly, provocatively bouncing. The part-timer's eyes shook with it.
She'd hidden it before, not wanting the attention. But Yu-mi knew exactly how potent a weapon her body was. And her looks had always drawn rave reviews since she was young. Toned athletic build from workouts, huge breasts, pretty face. The lust it stirred in men. No more hiding.
And Mincheol saw it all.
BOOM!
“This fucking...!!!”
Mincheol slammed the table again. The startled part-timer turned, his face hardening as he yelled a warning.
“What the hell are you doing? I told you no disturbances. I won't tolerate more of this.”
Mincheol finally glared at him, tearing his eyes from Yu-mi.
“What? Say that again, you fuck. Think I didn't see? You... you...”
He couldn't finish, just glaring daggers. The part-timer glared back, refusing to yield—probably hyper-aware of Yu-mi now.
And Yu-mi just felt pathetic for Mincheol.
Haa... that pointless pride.
Too stubborn to admit he'd been ogling his ex's tits right in front of her. Couldn't tell when to be brave or proud. Just a green kid. A fake smartass rattling empty cans.
“Haa... embarrassing.”
Yu-mi swept back her hair, muttering loud enough for all to hear.
Mincheol and the part-timer flinched, looking at her.
She shook her head and stood.
“This won't do. Give me my card. Not my day today. I'll come back another time.”
“Ah... okay.”
She took the card, shot Mincheol a glance, and drove the knife in.
“I can't even lift my head because of you, sunbae. Always like this. I'm so done.”
With that, she dumped the blame on him and pushed open the door.
Mincheol stood frozen, face red and purple, seething but unable to follow. His pride wouldn't let him chase after her after that humiliation.
Yu-mi glanced back once, then left without hesitation.
No more running. Better to keep crashing into him head-on until he breaks himself.
Plus, any fallout would land on him. At first, she'd felt guilty for her unforgivable deeds, avoiding him like a criminal. She knew evasion wasn't the answer but hoped time would fix it. But showing up at her house? That crossed the line.
Ah... stress...
Every call, every meeting with him—it all stressed her out now. And she desperately wanted release.
I want sex.
A thought the old Yu-mi would've never entertained. Rebellion against Mincheol, pent-up frustration—it all led to that impulsive first time with Seonghwan, whoever he was. Their ongoing hookups had become a massive energy boost.
Drug-like pleasure. Screaming orgasms that burned her whole body. Post-sex beers, fondling each other with that hazy afterglow. It dissolved her stress like medicine, and she'd fallen hard.
Now she was learning what perfect body chemistry meant, and those electric orgasms.
“Wonder what Seonghwan's up to...”
Her body—a weapon to some, a fatal weakness to others.
****
Seonghwan had thought it once.
Is Yuri expressionless on purpose? Hiding it?
It started at the library. He'd stayed late studying before his shift, and there she was, waiting with warm coffee. Oblivious to his exit, she gazed endlessly until evening fell, moon rising.
In the serene early spring night, her lips curved softly at the moon. Seonghwan stared, entranced. Moonlit beauty. Not just pretty—mysterious, her smile ethereal. So unlike her usual stiffness.
And it sparked a thought.
Yuri gazing into the dark. Behind her, the glittering neon signs.
She faced the dim villa district behind Korea University. Behind her, massive buildings glowed with signs. That contrast birthed an idea.
****
“What? Korea University's bright and dark sides? As a theme? Whoa... hey Hanjin, Seonghwan doesn't get what that means, huh? It's got a really bad connotation.”
“Yeah, dude. Not used in a good way. Rich get richer, poor get poorer. Big buildings and nightlife east, villas west. Korea U splits 'em—that's the slang, with sarcasm. Not positive.”
Seonghwan knew the meaning without them saying. But the instructor's three topics: ‘Korea University’, ‘Hanbok’, ‘Hanok’. One for an ad title. He'd instantly recalled his idea.
A student rising groggily, making breakfast. Trudging dark streets, greeting passersby. Arriving at school to open gates welcoming them. Walking through, they look up at the rising sun. Towering buildings below it, vibrant city awakening beyond.
Glancing back: humble but lively others. The student steps forward, like them. Through Korea U's gates, students advance into the bigger world.
West villas: footprints of effort. East skyscrapers: goals, ideals. Korea U bridging them.
The idea stemmed from re-exam days, an old instructor's words etched in his heart.
‘Tough, huh? Studying's hard. Hang in there—just a bit left.’
Standard encouragement. But then:
‘Sometimes look back. Staring ahead tires you. Life shows your milestone isn't the end—more goals await. It'll crush you. Glance back at your tracks. That's your patient life, your efforts. Remembering that start line gives strength. You've come too far to quit.’
A cheeky student joked, hand raised: ‘What if we're midway up the mountain, too tired for either side?’
Valid point. But the old man just smiled warmly.
‘Who scolds sitting midway? It's just rest. Ignore anyone who gripes.’
Those words lingered in Seonghwan.
Embrace your path, move forward. Korea U connects the chain.
Of course, he knew college isn't everything now. Its weight had lightened. But for loaches dreaming of dragonhood, Korea U remained a hopeful gateway.
Fuck, did I ramble too much now that we're closer?
His seniors' faces looked off after his pitch. Maybe the wall-drop post-Yuri confession made him too loose-lipped.
After murmuring among themselves, Yeonghwan and Hanjin spoke.
“Hmm. Pretty solid idea, actually?”
“Yeah, I liked it. But issues, right? Remember what the instructor said last time?”
Ah...
He'd forgotten the basics in his excitement. Instructor had advised while assigning topics.
‘Avoid person-focused if possible. Not bad, but problems. Public appeal needs glamour—pretty or handsome, frankly. Impact demands it. Haha. Plus, you bet everything on the person's expressiveness, detailed directing, cinematography beyond them. Hard to nail all three. Person-based ads seem easy, high risk.’
Solid advice. Even bigger issue:
“Only Yuri fits as our star...”
“Yeah, but... can Yuri really emote like that..”
Yeonghwan and Hanjin whispered, eyeing Yuri.
She'd stared blankly at Seonghwan since his pitch, like Me? Film that?
He met her gaze. Vacant eyes, wandering pupils. Even that felt beautiful now.
As they locked eyes, Yeonghwan quipped.
“Eww, total 'I trust you, oppa' face.”
“Right? Seonghwan's reliable, haha. Let's go with it.”
Bullshit—they knew nothing. He'd just tossed an idea.
Seonghwan panicked to protest—couldn't burden Yuri solo.
But before turning, he saw it. Her blankness faded as seniors spoke; life returned, lips pressing tight. Eyes hardening with resolve, like steeling herself.
Fuck...
No backing out now. Would look like he didn't trust her.
Trust oppa my ass...
He just trusted her. Only her.