Chapter 21: Starstagram Star Hwang Ye-seul and Miju's Jealousy?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 21: Starstagram Star Hwang Ye-seul and Miju's Jealousy?
The stares I was receiving from the people around us were intense.
“Aren't those the goddesses of the Computer Engineering Department?”
“Computer Engineering? Isn't that department a total sausage fest?”
“Word got out that the freshmen girls this year are insanely pretty.”
“I think that’s them.”
“They really are gorgeous. Is that guy next to them their boyfriend?”
“No way. He’s totally out of their league.”
The jealous glares of the men pierced through me.
Walking around with a flower on each arm, it was an expected outcome, in a way. It was all because of Miju and Ye-seul standing right beside me.
The goddesses of the Computer Engineering Department, huh?
I knew they were both striking enough to stand out on campus, but "goddesses"?
That actually made me feel pretty good.
It wasn't much, but just the fact that I was walking with the girls hailed as the goddesses of Usan University's Computer Engineering Department made my shoulders straighten with pride. Even if it was for something so trivial.
“But wow, Ye-seul, you have a ton of Starstagram followers.”
“I post every day.”
Most of her posts were of sparkly phone cases. Of course, the photos with the highest view counts were the ones where she wore a mask or the occasional shot highlighting her figure.
Over 200,000 followers.
For a regular person to have that many followers was practically unheard of.
“Oh, Senior, would it be okay if I posted the photos you took on my Starstagram?”
“I don't mind, but… are you sure? They aren't exactly masterpieces.”
“It’s fine. They’re basically professional quality.”
“Hmm.”
Since I’d already been treated to lunch in exchange for taking those photos, it didn't matter to me.
After lunch, we parted ways for our afternoon classes and met up again afterward. It was because of Miju’s suggestion that we head home together since we lived in the same direction. She used the excuse of needing to brainstorm a brief topic for our group project.
I certainly wasn't complaining.
“I’ll follow you too.”
“Thanks! I’ll follow your account as well, Senior.”
“I don't really have anything on there…”
“That’s okay. If you take any more photos later, please post them.”
The word "Senior"—it really had a nice ring to it. I don't think I’d ever heard it before now. To think I’d hear it first from the goddesses of the freshman class.
“I didn't expect to be heading home with my juniors like this.”
The worries I’d had about how to survive as a returning student felt almost laughable now.
“By the way, don't you and Ye-seul hang out with your other classmates?”
It felt like the two of them had been stuck together like glue all day. Since Computer Engineering was overwhelmingly male, I doubted the guys would just leave such beauties alone.
“Ah, about that,” Miju chimed in. “It’s a bit overwhelming. It’s nice that they’re kind to us, but how should I put it… it’s just too much.”
“I can imagine.”
That was usually how it went. Except for a few, most guys there were so used to the male-dominated environment that they didn't know how to act. I was the same way. Back when I was a freshman, there were only three girls in my year. They were constantly surrounded by guys too. I don't remember them being exceptionally pretty, but they certainly knew how to use that attention to their advantage. And they seemed to enjoy it…
Right?
I wouldn't really know, since I never got close to any of my classmates.
“There were so many guys bothering us during the first semester that we purposely signed up for classes where we could distance ourselves. Of course, we have to take the major requirements with them, but we just run away as soon as they’re over.”
Miju glanced at me for a moment.
“And now that we have you, Oppa, we have a perfect excuse to make our escape!”
An excuse to escape, huh?
When I went to our meeting spot after the afternoon classes ended, they were indeed surrounded by a swarm of male classmates. I’d briefly considered asking them to meet somewhere else because the attention was so stifling.
—Oh? Oppa!
But Miju had greeted me first, allowing me to cut through the crowd. After that, it was simple. I just said we had plans, and we made our getaway together. I felt the stinging glares on my back, but what were they going to do?
They should have played their cards better.
Too much of anything is never good.
The three of us chatted at a nearby cafe. At first, we talked about the group project, but it didn't take long for the conversation to drift.
“I saw an action movie recently, and it was so good…”
What movies we’d seen lately.
“Have you seen that before? He drank so much. He was screaming at the top of his lungs even though there were people around…”
Stories about nightmare customers from part-time jobs.
“You’re going to keep taking classes with us, right? Since we’re in the same group now. We’re heading the same way anyway, so how about we meet up somewhere and go together?”
How we should handle future classes.
Miju led most of the conversation. Ye-seul was on the quieter side. I could see what Miju meant when she said Ye-seul was shy. The prickly attitude she’d shown at first was likely just a defense mechanism because she was embarrassed and uncomfortable around strangers.
“Hahaha!”
Miju laughed at something I said and playfully tapped my shoulder. I didn't even think it was that funny. We spent our time talking like that.
“Since we’ve met like this, let’s go for a drink.”
Miju mimicked holding a shot glass and tilted her hand. At her suggestion, we all went out for drinks. It was a first for me—drinking with girls. It was genuinely fun. Being back at school after so long…
So this is what the popular kids do every day.
Honestly, I was envious. And I found myself vowing over and over that I didn't want to let go of this happiness.
“Hahaha, so then, what Ye-seul did was…”
Miju laughed and tapped my leg. We drank merrily. We drank excitedly. It had been a long time since I’d drank without a single worry about tomorrow.
As we kept drinking, we missed the last bus. This was a problem. I figured I should probably send them home in a taxi.
“Oppa, your place isn't far, right?”
“Yeah. It’s probably on the way for you guys too, isn't it?”
“Right. The problem is…”
Miju looked at Ye-seul, who was swaying from the alcohol.
“Didn't she only have two drinks?”
“Ye-seul is a lightweight. Normally, she would’ve stopped after one, but I guess she was in a good mood today.”
Was it because of the photos?
“Should I help?”
“No, it’s okay. I’ve taken care of her plenty of times.”
“Really?”
Still, I felt like I should help.
“Ye-seul, let’s go home.”
Miju tried to wake the dazed, flushed Ye-seul.
“Hooome~?”
Ye-seul asked, her voice slightly slurred. Her half-lidded eyes drifted toward Miju before settling on me.
“Wheeere is Seniooor goooing?”
She asked in a thick, drunken drawl.
“I have to go home.”
“Theeen, are we going to Senior’s hoooouse?”
At those words, Ye-seul bolted upright. Then, instead of Miju, she lunged at me and hugged me.
“I wanna go to Senior’s hoooouse!”
“W-Wait, Ye-seul.”
“You have the photos you took at your house, riiiight? Can’t I see them, pleeease?”
I widened my eyes and looked at Miju. I mouthed the words, What’s going on?
“Ye-seul, calm down. You need to go to your house, not his.”
Miju tried her best to pull her away, but Ye-seul’s grip on me was surprisingly strong.
“Nooo. I’m going to Senior’s hoooouse.”
Ye-seul rubbed her body against mine while clinging to me. I could feel her soft breasts pressing firmly against me. Oh boy.
“I’m going to Senior’s house! You said it was nearby, right? Take more photos of my phone cases there, pleeease~”
I shot a pleading look at Miju. Miju clicked her tongue with an annoyed expression. She tried to pull Ye-seul off again, but she didn't have the strength.
“Sigh. She’s never been like this before…”
Miju looked flustered as well.
“Why is she acting like this?”
“Well, Ye-seul gets really stubborn when she drinks. Her likes and dislikes become very clear. Usually, when we drink with other guys, she’s the one who ends the night early… but this is the first time she’s done this.”
Miju watched Ye-seul clinging to me for a moment and let out a heavy sigh.
“Oppa, would it be okay if she stayed at your place?”
“My place?”
“Yes. I have a place too, but it’s much further than yours. And she won't let go of you anyway. I’ll tell her parents she’s staying at my place. I don't really want to do this either, but I know how stubborn she is. So…”
“…I’ll do it.”
“Pardon?”
Did I agree too easily? Miju’s eyes went wide. She wasn't looking at me like I was trash, was she? It didn't seem like it, but her piercing gaze was a bit uncomfortable.
“Are you… are you really okay with that?”
“Of course. I’ve gotten close to her thanks to you, Miju. I can't just leave her when she’s struggling after drinking. Don't worry. Nothing will happen.”
“A-Ah… right. Hahaha. I guess I was overthinking.”
“Overthinking?”
“N-No, it’s nothing.”
Miju avoided my gaze. After managing to calm Ye-seul down a bit, I hoisted her onto my back.
“Phew!”
“Oppa, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I can handle this much.”
I was a man, after all. I’d done a bit of working out, so I could manage. My legs trembled slightly, but it was doable.
Ding!
[New Quest]
[Carry Ye-seul home]
[Health Points: 10P]
Even for this, it’s only 10 points? These guys are stingy.
Dragging my trembling legs, I somehow made it back home.
“Let’s goooo!”
It was a major crisis whenever Ye-seul, perched on my back, started kicking her feet. After finally arriving, I laid her down in the living room.
“Phew.”
“Good job. I would’ve helped if you’d asked.”
“It’s fine. It was good exercise. Phew…”
I wiped away the sweat. Then, I watched Miju walk into my house as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Your place is really clean and nice.”
“U-Uh, yeah?”
“You have exercise equipment too?”
Miju asked, looking at the equipment spread out in the living room.
“I wanted to work out at home too…”
Wait a minute.
My heart sank as I watched Miju inside my house. Miju currently believed my house was a gym. Wouldn't the hypnosis break like this?
“You really are serious about working out.”
However, Miju responded casually. Could it be? Did she not realize?
[Hypnosis does not apply to those who are not gym guests. Currently, Member Miju perceives this location as a residence.]
The system message appeared before my eyes as if it had been waiting. So that was it. I felt a wave of relief.
“Where should Ye-seul sleep?”
“You and Ye-seul can both sleep in my bedroom.”
“What about you, Oppa?”
“I’ll sleep in the living room.”
“Are you sure?”
“It’s fine. If I lay out some blankets, it’s basically the same as sleeping on a bed.”
“I’m sorry.”
Miju bowed her head low.
“I’ll wash her up first. Oh, by the way, did you exchange numbers with Ye-seul?”
“U-Uh, yeah. We did.”
“You have my number too, right?”
“Huh? Oh, wait a second.”
I checked my contacts. Among the few names there, Miju’s was missing.
“Ah…”
At that moment, my phone rang. It was Miju.
“I figured you didn't have it. We’ve never actually talked on the phone.”
“How did you know?”
“I asked Ye-seul first.”
“Why?”
“Well, we’re going to be hanging out from now on, so I should have your number.”
“You could have just asked me.”
“Anyway, that’s my number.”
Was it just my imagination, or did she seem a little sulky?
“Save it. We need to be able to contact each other if we’re going to head to school together.”
Miju smiled brightly.
“Got it.”
“I’ll call Ye-seul’s parents first. Give me a moment.”
While Miju was calling Ye-seul’s parents…
“Woooah~ You have so many photos!”
Ye-seul stumbled into the hobby room. On the walls of the room were various photos I’d taken in the past.
“Y-Ye-seul.”
“These are really well taken. Why did you even come to the Computer Engineering Department?”
She was nearly impossible to control while drunk. She was like a completely different person. Not only was she clinging to my arm, but she kept resting her hand on my thigh. I could feel the soft sensation of her breasts against my forearm. Her fingertips lightly brushed against my thigh.
“W-Wait a second, Ye-seul…”
“Why?”
She looked at me innocently with her half-closed eyes. She seemed to have no awareness of what she was doing.
“Oh, please take photos of my cases.”
It felt like being with a stubborn child. She wouldn't listen to a word I said. I silently took photos of the cases. I was doing my best to get a few good shots when…
“Zzzzz.”
Suddenly, Ye-seul’s head dropped forward and her eyes closed.
“Phew…”
After pestering me for so long, she had finally fallen asleep.
“I’m done with the call…”
Miju walked into the room and sighed when she saw Ye-seul asleep, leaning against me.
“I’ll wash her. You should get some rest, Oppa.”
Splash!
Miju skillfully washed Ye-seul and tucked her into bed. Her movements were practiced, as if this wasn't the first time.
“Sigh.”
She let out a long breath after laying her down on the bed.
“I’m sorry. Because of us…”
“It’s really okay, so don't worry about it.”
Meanwhile, I spread out a blanket in the living room and lay down. It was just a single thin blanket. It was a mishap caused by never having guests over. Still, the weather was warm, so it was manageable.
“Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, good night.”
Miju gave a polite nod and went into the room. To think two girls were sleeping in my house. Sleep wouldn't come. My heart was pounding like crazy.
“I should just work out and then go to sleep.”
That was the best way to fall asleep.
*
“Yawn.”
Ye-seul stretched and sat up. She felt like she’d had a deep, worry-free sleep. Unlike usual, she felt… incredibly refreshed?
Wait.
“W-Where am I?”
The space was completely unfamiliar. It certainly wasn't a motel, nor was it Miju’s place or her own home. Where on earth was she? She remembered drinking with Miju and Senior Jae-ho. Unlike her usual self, she’d had two whole shots of soju and gotten very drunk, and then…
“M-My clothes are still on?”
She was wide awake now, but her eyes were still blurry from just waking up. She fumbled around her surroundings.
Squish.
“Mmm.”
She felt something soft and looked down to see Miju’s chest as she slept beside her.
“Ah, sorry, Miju.”
Seeing Miju there made her feel a bit relieved. Since Miju was so sensible, she doubted anything bad had happened. Ye-seul quietly got out of bed, careful not to wake her.
As she opened the door and stepped out…
“Huh?”
She saw Jae-ho dozing off, leaning against the living room wall. He was covered with a thin blanket, sleeping in a cramped position, unable to even lie down properly.
“Senior Jae-ho?”