Chapter 233: The Belief That Things Will Get Better-2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 233: The Belief That Things Will Get Better-2
Just like last time, Yun Si-a was treated to ramen by In-ho.
A cup of ramen and chive kimchi sat atop the white dining table. It was a far cry from a feast, but Si-a’s mouth watered nonetheless.
If there was one thing different from before... yes, it was the presence of Kang In-ho sitting across from her. Her student sat opposite her, pouring water into the cup and waiting for the noodles to cook.
"I'll eat quickly so we can start the lesson," Si-a said, her conscience pricked by the fact that she was getting a free meal despite being late for the session.
"You can take your time. You'll get indigestion if you eat too fast."
Si-a glanced at In-ho’s face at his strangely blunt tone. Since he wasn't particularly looking for a reaction, it didn't seem like he had dropped the formalities on purpose.
As time ticked by, an appetizing aroma began to waft through the gaps in the lid.
"They're done," Kang In-ho muttered. He picked up his chopsticks and began lifting the noodles.
Watching him for a moment, Si-a also picked up her chopsticks and took a mouthful of ramen.
The meal proceeded in silence. The only sounds in the room were the clicking of chopsticks, the slurping of noodles, and the natural sighs of satisfaction that followed a sip of the spicy broth.
"Ah, that was good."
Those were the words Kang In-ho uttered as he finished the brief ten-minute meal.
"Thank you. I enjoyed it," Si-a replied. She was a person who knew how to show gratitude, and she thanked him sincerely.
"It’s nothing. I have plenty of ramen."
Brushing off her thanks, Kang In-ho stood up. He personally gathered the trash left on the table, put it in the sink, and wiped away the splashes of broth with a cloth.
Once the brief cleanup was over, Si-a went upstairs with him to conduct the lesson. Perhaps his recent studious attitude was continuing, as the homework she had assigned was neatly completed.
Filled with both food and a sense of pride, Si-a was able to teach with a smile on her face. It was the first time she had smiled in two days.
*
Shin Jeong-ah sat on the sofa, scanning her friends who were busy turning the place into a drinking den.
She looked down at the beer can in her hand. It was already open, forced upon her by Kim Jin-tae. Like a child facing bitter powdered medicine they didn't want to take, she grimaced as she took a sip.
The lukewarm liquid slid down her throat. Drinking used to make her feel better, but today, it did nothing for her.
"What's wrong? Not in a good mood?"
Kim Jin-tae sat down next to her, giving the squawking Sung Yoon-ho a kick in the back. At a distance close enough for their thighs to touch, Jin-tae leaned his ear toward Jeong-ah’s mouth.
"No, I'm fine."
Jeong-ah pulled away slightly. The stench of stale cigarettes assaulted her nostrils without mercy.
"Bullshit, 'fine' my ass... Do you have any idea how much you've been scowling lately?" Jin-tae said, pulling a cigarette from his front pocket and putting it to his lips.
"......"
"It's because of Kang In-ho, isn't it?"
At his words, Jeong-ah’s shoulders flinched.
Jin-tae smirked, as if to say he knew it. "Forget him. He said he's not hanging out with us anymore. Didn't I tell you before? That bastard lives in a different world than us. A guy living alone who won't even let his friends inside his house—it's obvious what kind of prick he is."
Jin-tae took a deep drag of his cigarette and blew the smoke toward the ceiling. The smoke that billowed upward scattered, and the smell drifted back down.
"......"
Deep down, Jeong-ah thought Jin-tae was right. However, a small sliver of hope deep in her heart kept her spirits from sinking completely. The thought that once Kang In-ho’s suspension was lifted, they might return to the way they were. That thought was what soothed her unstable mind.
Jeong-ah took another sip of her beer. The lukewarm temperature was still unpleasant.
"Isn't it annoying how that bastard is drawing lines?" Jin-tae asked cautiously, gauging her reaction.
Jeong-ah didn't respond.
"I'm letting it slide for now since he's suspended, but if he acts like this once he's back at school, I'll—"
"Jin-tae."
At Jeong-ah’s voice, Jin-tae shut his mouth mid-sip.
"Huh? What is it?"
Jin-tae, who had been trying to act like a tough guy, was now carefully watching her expression.
"Lately..."
Jeong-ah hesitated, spinning the beer can around in her hands.
"There's someone who's been getting on my nerves. Can you help me out?"
Just as she had Jin-tae’s undivided attention, she spoke with a refreshing smile.