Surprise Oppa at Observation Class
At first, during the observation class, Moonbyeol just thought he was someone who hadn't fully woken up yet. Then she figured he was probably just someone who looked similar. But... the bright blonde hair like it had been slathered on with crayons, the silver piercing dangling only from his left earlobe. Even the tanned, solid muscles palpable beneath his clothes. Every single thing was an element that reminded her of her own brother.
"Why the long face?"
And even his voice was identical. Only then did Moonbyeol realize Taeyang had shown up for her observation class. Her mouth gaped open in a silent scream. If she'd actually yelled out loud here, the humiliation would've been unbearable. Barely managing to lower her volume, Moonbyeol growled. Her hand hovered near his collar, as if ready to grab it any second.
"Hey! Why the hell are you here?!"
"Why not?"
Taeyang shrugged nonchalantly as he hopped up to perch on Moonbyeol's desk. "You're having an observation class. Of course I had to come."
With that, he unzipped the top of the bag slung over his shoulder and showed her inside. It was packed full of a shiny silver metal lunchbox.
"Even brought lunch."
"No, how did you even know about this in the first place! And your exam?!"
He wasn't even planning to just pop in for a quick face and head back to school—Taeyang was dressed head to toe in casual clothes. The outfit screamed blatant truancy. As he zipped the bag shut again, Taeyang replied.
"Skipping one day won't cause any real trouble, right?"
"It will! It's midterms!"
"More than that..."
In an instant, the smile vanished from Taeyang's face. Moonbyeol couldn't help but shut her mouth at the sight of that rare, deadly serious expression.
"You're way more important."
She should tell him to go back right now. Head to school and take his exam. That's what she ought to say. But the words that lingered on the tip of her tongue for so long never made it out. In the end, seeing her head hung low, Taeyang patted her shoulder encouragingly.
"Listen hard in class. I'll be watching from the back."
*
Observation classes don't proceed like regular lessons. If the teacher just reads from the textbook and scribbles notes on the board as usual, the observing parents would look pretty ridiculous. The class splits into two groups for a debate-style lesson: the teacher tosses out a topic first, then sparks a back-and-forth discussion. Of course, the quality of these sessions hinges entirely on student participation, but with parents watching, the kids have no choice but to raise their hands, like it or not.
"Alright, who wants to present next? Yes, Suhyeon, go ahead."
Moonbyeol, seated in the middle of the classroom, stared straight ahead at the blackboard with her back ramrod straight. Third period had dragged on without her lifting a finger due to sheer lack of motivation, but now in fourth period, her nape prickled incessantly. She sneaked a glance back. There, at the rear of the room, Taeyang leaned against the lockers, staring straight through her with piercing intensity. No matter how many times she checked, she never caught him glancing at his phone or anywhere else. And every time their eyes met, he'd flash a light smile, forcing Moonbyeol to whip her head forward like a kid caught red-handed doing something bad.
Then, as class neared its end, the teacher scanned the room.
"Anyone for one last opinion?"
After hesitating forever, Moonbyeol raised her hand. Her desk mate was the most shocked, followed closely by the teacher leading the class.
"Y-yeah, Moonbyeol, let's hear it."
Not exactly known for diligence even as an empty compliment, her presentation caused quite the stir. Moonbyeol rose slowly. She snuck one last peek at Taeyang before opening her mouth.
"...And so, on that topic, I stand in favor."
She stammered through her presentation and sat back down. Turning toward the loudest applause, there was Taeyang, clapping enthusiastically. Can't a guy act a little more subdued? Even as that thought crossed her mind, the moment their eyes met, he stopped clapping and flashed a thumbs-up, which inexplicably made her smile. She mouthed a single word at him.
"Idiot."
Her face flushed hot in an instant. Mortified, she slapped her palms over her cheeks and bowed her head. She'd meant to say thanks, but another snappy remark slipped out instead. Why did I do that?
The teacher wrapped up the lesson after that, but Moonbyeol couldn't focus at all. No matter how she racked her brain, she just couldn't understand Taeyang. Listening to her classmates with brothers talk about theirs, Taeyang seemed straight out of a novel—kind, cool, great at studies. And his body was top-notch too. The brother in her memories had never snapped at their parents or her, not even once in his life—not a single frown or act of rebellion. And she'd never envied him for it. No, she definitely liked him. If anything, his excessive maturity meant all the parental love and attention went to her, and Taeyang always, always, took her side no matter what. The more she recalled the past, the more sorry and embarrassed she felt. Except for that one big fight a year ago where they'd really gone at it, he'd always cared for her so devotedly, yet she'd never properly thanked him—just kept snapping and whining... Still staring at the floor, she muttered gloomily.
"Why do you have to be so good to me..."
*
Lunchtime after class ended. Some families headed to the cafeteria, others spread mats on the playground or rest areas. And Taeyang and Moonbyeol...
"Mm. Nice view."
Leaning against the rooftop railing, Taeyang took in the scenery. True to its hilltop location, the school offered a pretty great panorama.
"Your... oppa's school lets you up on the roof too."
"Ours has apartments right nearby, so there's nothing to see. Plus, delinquents usually swarm it, so it's kinda iffy to go up... Huh?"
Taeyang, casually opening the lunchbox while answering, whipped his head around in surprise. Hadn't an unbelievable term just whispered in his ear? Sitting cross-legged beside him, Moonbyeol fidgeted her knees with a pouty expression. Her short skirt flashed panties now and then, but she paid it no mind.
"What? Something up?"
"Nah, just..."
No need to poke the bear and get her riled up over nothing. Taeyang chuckled and stroked Moonbyeol's hair.
"Makes me think our Moonbyeol's all grown up."
"Don't touch me whenever you feel like it!"
She swatted irritably at his hand, then clenched her fist. Instead, she grabbed his wrist and slowly lowered it. He just giggled at her uncharacteristically gentle demeanor.
"Let's eat."
Opening the lunchbox, Moonbyeol couldn't help but gasp.
"...When did you prepare all this?"
Judging by his vibe, he hadn't known about the observation class for long, yet the menu was luxurious to the point of extravagance. And every dish was stuffed full of her absolute favorites.
"Put in some real effort."
And sliced up my finger pretty good too. Swallowing the afterthought, Taeyang handed her chopsticks.
"You skipped breakfast anyway."
Moonbyeol quietly took the chopsticks. Once they'd eaten a good portion, she alternated glances between Taeyang and the lunchbox, murmuring.
"Well, at this rate, we could get married tomorrow."
"Yeah?"
Taeyang let a light smile slip at the praise.
"But marriage isn't a solo gig. You need a partner."
"Then..."
After a pause, Moonbyeol asked cautiously. She wanted to play it cool, but her voice trembled pathetically.
"How about me...?"
Pretending it was a joke didn't stop the tension. Unlike her nervous face, Taeyang burst out laughing at the cute question. Then he smacked her back—hard enough to make real thwacks.
"Kyaha?!"
"Someone like you? I'd be over the moon!"
Moonbyeol writhed in pain from the hits. Rubbing her back with the back of her hand, she yelled.
"Ugh... What kinda guy has hands this rough?!"
Still, her lips kept twitching upward. The hot sensation spreading from her back through her whole body felt strangely nice.
"What? That hurt? Want me to blow on it?"
"You're insane! For real!"
Sharing the last apple he'd packed, Taeyang asked.
"So, how's school life treating you?"
Her usual answer to personal questions like that was a curt "You wouldn't get it." But not today.
"Not... bad. Yeah. It's fine."
The siblings chatted away. Maybe because they weren't cooped up at home for once, but in this wide-open space—somehow, her guarded heart cracked open just a bit. Their conversation lasted right up until the pre-bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.
*
Fifth period wasn't observation anymore, so they had to part ways. Unlike her low pressure all morning, Moonbyeol entered the classroom for the last class with a smile and even a wave. Feeling like they'd resolved things decently as family, Taeyang thought skipping midterms was worth it. Now, he waited his turn in an empty classroom. Homeroom teacher consultations would take at least another hour. Bored of just sitting around, he decided to tour the school.
"Hm."
As he wandered, admiring the place, Taeyang paused before the glass door outside a building. The plaque read Health Office. He hadn't let it show, but while packing lunch that morning, he'd badly sliced his finger. No time to deal with it properly, so he'd just slapped on a bandage for first aid. Might as well get it disinfected while he's here.
"I'm here as a parent anyway..."
Muttering to himself, he pushed open the health office door and stepped inside. They wouldn't turn him away at the door, right?