Chapter 13

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Translator: penny

Chapter: 13

Chapter Title: Episode 13

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I returned to the dorm. Changed into casual clothes. Lay down on the mattress. Picked up my phone.

There was a message from Choi Ah-young.

A smile crept onto my face unbidden.

'Why is she so cute?'

Choi Ah-young was bubbly. She had a talent for lifting people's spirits. The way she spoke was just so pretty.

'She's really lovable.'

Lee Ji-seong had once said, "It'd be great to have a daughter like Ah-young." I could totally relate.

I sent the reply. No response—probably in the shower or something.

The reply came 30 minutes later.

After-party success. We agreed to meet again next Sunday for lunch.

She must have her reasons. I didn't push and smoothly changed the subject.

The conversation dragged on.

'Honestly, I want to date Ah-young.'

Choi Ah-young was an attractive woman.

'But I should hold off on confessing for now.'

She seemed burdened by dating.

Rushing a confession could make things worse than strangers.

'Focus on getting closer for now. Build up favorability first.'

Once favorability builds, affection would follow naturally.

Confessing after the fruit ripens wouldn't be too late.

I was deeply grateful to Lee Ji-seong, whether he knew it or not.

Even if he was too broke to scam for samgyeopsal.

Samgyeopsal wouldn't cut it for expressing my thanks.

'Hyeong, when I make bank, I'll repay you for real.'

I set the phone down.

'Sleepy. I'll nap a bit then head to the gym.'

Why?

Why did Park Ha-yeon pop into my head when I closed my eyes?

'I miss her.'

After finishing cardio, Park Ha-yeon did some light strength training.

'Muscular builds aren't my thing.'

She thought bulky physiques suited rough men, not her.

She preferred her usual sleek, toned figure without excess fat, so she kept strength training moderate.

'It's burdensome.'

Men's lecherous stares followed her the whole time.

Park Ha-yeon found others' ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠gazes and attention uncomfortable and overwhelming.

'Too blatant and persistent. Just look moderately, please.'

She finished her workout. Wiped the sweat from her forehead and neck with a dry towel. Took a sip of water.

Heading to the showers.

"Excuse me."

A guy approached. Handsome face. Muscular build. Tall, broad shoulders, smooth skin.

"Mind giving me your number? You're totally my type."

It happened every day. Guys asked whenever they got the chance.

"Sorry. I have a boyfriend. Gotta go wash up."

She shot him down flat. A lie. She didn't have a boyfriend.

"Oh yeah? How about we just be friends then?"

"Sorry. I'm shyer than I look."

"Come on..."

The guy reached for her arm.

But he couldn't grab it.

He flinched.

The guy froze, instinctively stepping back.

Park Man-bok had appeared behind Park Ha-yeon.

"Ahem."

Park Man-bok cleared his throat.

His expression was mild, but his eyes were fiercely menacing, like he could grind someone to dust.

While the guy was stiff, Park Ha-yeon darted into the showers.

'Dad's the only one for me.'

Her ideal type was a caring, reliable man like her dad.

If she ever dated, she wanted someone like him.

She came out after showering.

'No pig today.'

On Sundays, he'd show up for evening workouts.

Even past evening hours, no sign of him.

'Did something happen?'

Worried since Jin-seong, the epitome of diligence, was absent.

Accident? Sick somewhere?

'Hm? Who's that?'

Right on cue.

She saw Park Man-bok talking to a man with distinctive slit eyes. A stranger.

Approached closer.

"Whoa, Ha-yeon-ah, long time no see. Recognize me? Uncle Dong-wook. Gave you pocket money when you were little?"

No idea who he was.

No memory at all.

Park Man-bok explained he was his army buddy.

They'd interacted often when she was young.

'But...'

Glanced at Kim Dong-wook.

Slit eyes aside.

His overall impression was kind and gentle.

'Why do I feel so uneasy?'

Yet why?

Why did the well-dressed Kim Dong-wook remind her of violent stalker Jo Jin-woo?

'Why does this feel so ominous?'

She bit her lip hard.

I'd taken the Stamina Booster Pill 98 times.

'Just two more and it's 100.'

First goal in sight.

Jin-seong's primary goal was 100 Stamina Booster Pills.

50% boost to an average man's stamina.

'Achieve first goal today.'

Tough conditions.

'Start with running.'

Ran first. Then jump rope, squats, burpees in order.

"Huff! Huff!"

Legs shook during squats.

"Ugh! Ack!"

Hell during burpees.

Straight to the bathroom. Sat on the toilet, opened the shop window. Bought two Stamina Booster Pills.

Swallowed with water.

Finally did it.

Achieved 100 Stamina Booster Pills.

'Yes!'

Awesome.

'Nice!'

Fist pumped.

'Whoa, the sense of accomplishment is insane.'

Grinned the happiest grin in the world.

'Jin-seong-ah, you did great. You've worked so hard. You finally hit your first goal.'

Deep afterglow. Chest swelling with emotion. Thrilled. Honestly, happier than when Park Ha-yeon gave me shoes.

"Hoo."

Five minutes passed.

Excitement lingered, but I'd calmed considerably.

'Set the second goal. My second goal is...'

First was stamina.

Chronic stamina issues mostly solved.

'Second goal is my wish. I want to fulfill my wish.'

Wish.

Some wish for thick hair.

Short ones wish to be tall.

Small ones wish for size.

Jin-seong aimed to fulfill his long-cherished wish as his second goal.

His wish was...

To become handsome.

Bought two. Downed them without hesitation.

Appearance added to the status window.

'My second goal is to max appearance at 30.'

At 30 appearance?

No one would call me ugly anywhere.

'You're not handsome, but you give good vibes.'

'I don't even dream of "handsome." Just stop calling me ugly, please.'

Jin-seong's looks were bottom-tier.

Born and raised hearing "ugly," never once "handsome."

Not even his mom called him "my handsome son" as empty words. Just "my good son."

If mom doesn't call you handsome, you're really not.

'Let's go.'

Left the bathroom. Finished the remaining workout.

Showered and came out. Incredibly refreshed.

'Whew, feels great. Craving a draft beer for the first time in ages.'

Draft beer when in a good mood is pure bliss.

'Hm?'

For a moment.

Jin-seong's steps halted as he was leaving the gym.

"...?"

Soon.

His eyes shook violently. Brows furrowed naturally.

"... "

A man with slit eyes, Park Man-bok's army buddy Kim Dong-wook.

Jin-seong's gaze locked on Kim Dong-wook, refusing to budge.

"What's wrong? Something happen?"

It was Park Ha-yeon. She asked curiously.

"Who's that guy?"

"...?"

"Who's the slit-eyed uncle?"

Before Park Ha-yeon could answer.

Jin-seong muttered very softly.

"Why is Park Sajangnim with a conman..."