Same Feelings
“Did you even hear a word I said!? What did I tell you? I said don't get interested in anyone but me! And not only did you ignore that, you dragged the person herself right in front of me!?”
“I'm sorry about that too.”
“Doing it knowingly makes you even worse! Get over here! Take a hit!”
“But I dodged it pretty easily.”
“Don't dodge!!!!”
I reluctantly brought Yoo Soeun up to the rooftop and introduced her, and as expected, Mary exploded, lunging at me with a swing. Amid the scuffle, I tried to persuade Mary by briefly explaining my relationship with Yoo Soeun.
“I think there are some misunderstandings, so let me clarify: we've only known each other for a few days. She's just a classmate and my seatmate, nothing more.”
“Huh, so you're close enough to eat lunch together with someone you've just met? It's obvious. You snagged a decent-looking girl and are trying to win her over, right?”
If I were that type, I'd have gone after you first. I let out a deep sigh and glanced at Yoo Soeun. She was watching tensely from behind, clearly unsure how to handle Mary, who had disliked her from the start.
“How about we eat first and chat? You never know—she might surprisingly get along with you.”
Hoping time would smooth things over, I suggested lunch. Mary sighed deeply and began setting out her share of the bento on the bench. True to form, her spread was lavish and varied with side dishes. Matching her, Yoo Soeun and I unpacked ours too, and a sly smirk crept onto Mary's lips as she watched.
“Hmph. Just as I expected—such a pathetic bento. Your skills are what they are, after all.”
“No, my little sister made it.”
“What? Mansoon made it?”
Mary jumped at the mention of my sister. Unlike with me, she got along well with Mansoon without any pretense, so she wouldn't dismiss a bento made by her.
“Huh, no wonder it felt so heartfelt... Yeah, she's doing her best.”
“Your attitude flipped too fast, didn't it?”
“J-just shut up and share some. I'll share too.”
“Yes, yes, offerings from the young lady—I'll gratefully accept.”
Trading octopus sausage for hanwoo beef patties didn't seem like a fair deal, but if Mary was happy, fine. As we swapped a few sides, I noticed Yoo Soeun watching us and turned my attention there.
As usual, she was staring blankly at her bento's contents. But unlike our first meeting, it was a total mess now.
“Pfft, what is that bento?”
Mary spoke with smug superiority.
“Sauce everywhere, sides all mushy... Did your mom rush it because you were late?”
“...Even if you live for your own cooking, fat-shaming is a bit much, isn't it?”
“F-fat-shaming? I'm just saying what I see.”
Depending on how you take it, it could come off that way, so maybe not wrong.
“I... made it.”
But Yoo Soeun's response to the bento critique exceeded expectations. Mary's eyes widened, and Yoo Soeun glanced at me before continuing haltingly.
“Because... you said you like people who cook well.”
“W-wait, you heard that and tried making it yourself?”
“Yeah, but... first time, so... it didn't turn out well.”
She looked down at her bento with a bitter smile. Feeling guilty for encouraging her, my hand naturally reached for it.
“Mind if I try one?”
“Uh, sure?”
“Yeah, it's good. Looks rough, but the seasoning's on point... A bit more practice and it'll be perfect.”
Not just flattery—I'd seen plenty of messes when teaching Mansoon. Starting at this level meant she had potential.
“R-really?”
Seemingly pleased, she blushed shyly while eyeing her bento. Mary frowned and piled huge chunks of meat onto mine.
“Eat mine too.”
“...Isn't that too much?”
“You can finish it. You're not expecting me to eat all this, right?”
Then pack less next time. No point saying it—she wouldn't listen. Sighing deeply, I moved some meat to Yoo Soeun's bento.
“Here, you eat some too.”
“Is that... okay?”
“Sure, why not? We're eating together. Right?”
“Do whatever.”
Maybe sharing with someone she disliked irked her. Mary pouted and ate silently, stiffening the atmosphere. Not what I'd intended, but first impressions were tough.
“Lunch is over, so let me ask.”
Once the awkward meal ended and Mary packed her empty containers, she confronted Yoo Soeun directly.
“What's your deal with this guy?”
“I told you... just seatmates...”
“I didn't ask you. I want to know how he sees you.”
She glared at me while eyeing Yoo Soeun. The look went beyond dislike—it was outright hostility.
“It's weird, right? A girl you barely know inviting a guy to lunch just because you're seatmates? She's clearly scheming something.”
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“You're not using him because he's easy to manipulate, are you? If you are, you'd better watch out. I'm the only one in this world who can boss him around.”
Sounds like I'm her servant. Still, I was curious too. Given her shy, oblivious demeanor, ulterior motives seemed unlikely, but there had to be a reason she'd approach me.
“He... helped me.”
As if answering my doubts, she timidly revealed her thoughts.
“On the subway... when I was in trouble, he helped. And after... a few more times...”
“...So you started noticing him because he helped you?”
“Yeah, since then... my eyes keep going to him... he's on my mind...”
She blushed and bowed her head shyly. Anyone could see she was into me. Mary scowled, dissatisfied.
“What is that? Sounds like love at first sight.”
“L-love?”
“No, Mary, that's jumping to conclusions...”
“Jumping? It's your oblivious meddling that causes this!”
Again, my fault? But Mary was already fuming from her misunderstanding.
“Showing that much interest—eating lunch together after just days? I've known him ten years and look where we are... This is too much. How low do you think of me to bring her here now?”
“...Mary.”
“If you're not interested, just say it now. Tell her you don't like her like you did me.”
Was the pain of my rejection that deep? Asking me to relive it here left me speechless, glancing at Yoo Soeun. Sure, she'd fixated on me from my help, but romantic? Overthinking. Yet she showed no shock or denial—like Mary's words confirmed her feelings.
“Love... at first sight...”
But contrary to my fears, her delayed words shattered expectations.
“Then... what I feel for you... is that love too?”
Aimed not at me, but Mary.
“What?”
Mary looked stunned, and Yoo Soeun continued hesitantly.
“You ate with me... shared too... first time like this... don't know how to say it...”
Her hand rose to her chest, feeling the unfamiliar but not unpleasant flutter.
“Saying thanks... is that enough?”
Unable to define it, she asked timidly. Mary stared blankly, her scolding forgotten. She'd realized Yoo Soeun felt toward her what she'd felt for me.
“What? No difference between him and me...?”
Her voice trembled in confusion. Yoo Soeun ventured carefully.
“Is it... rude? If I ask to eat together again...?”
Awkward and clumsy, but she'd enjoyed the meal together. Facing her honest, anxious expression, Mary crossed her arms and grumbled evasively.
“H-hah! Who'd complain about that? Lunch? I can do it anytime!”
“Really...?”
“W-what? Adding one more mouth is nothing for me. B-but only if you're grateful like to him. I'm showing mercy to a friendless girl, so be thankful and mooch off me from now on!”
Still tsundere, accepting her awkwardly. Despite the gruffness, Yoo Soeun smiled brightly, sensing the truth.
“Th-thank you...”
“...U-ugh.”
Maybe the pure smile embarrassed her. Mary flushed and looked away. I chuckled in relief. Honestly, I'd worried at first, but if they bonded like this, perfect for me.
*****
After that, I'd bring Yoo Soeun to the rooftop lunches with Mary. Their initial awkwardness warmed into familiarity. A week later, as their bond grew through meals, a major event hit our class.
“It's been about a week, so you all know each other well now, right? Let's elect a class president and vice today.”
Class president election. The role led events and tasks, boosting resumes for college-bound students—a prime opportunity.
“Anyone want to run? Or nominate someone. Introduce good candidates.”
Now what? I wanted it, but elections favored popular votes. Losing badly would embarrass me, so best to get recommended on reputation.
“Teacher! I nominate Manbung!”
Shin Jiho raised his hand, pointing at me. One of my group, his soccer skills during lunch earned guys' respect.
“I nominate Manbung too.”
“Me too! Manbung's sharp and perfect for president!”
Jin Seohyun and Lee Nari followed eagerly. With three backers, I was a candidate. The homeroom teacher scanned the class.
“One candidate so far. Anyone else? If not, Manbung for president, and I'll pick vice...”
“Teacher~”
Then, a late hand shot up, drawing all eyes. There sat Baek Hara—the most influential girl, center of Yoo Soeun's group.
“I nominate Soeun for president~”
Despite knowing her personality, the proposal reeked of malice to me.