Connection Of Conformity || KSJ

Chapter 3

"Soyeon, you said we'd go to the library to study. Why are we at a café?" Areum looked around, confused.

"Soyeon, is there something you're not telling me?" Areum narrowed her eyes at her friend.

Soyeon avoided her gaze, a hint of guilt on her face. "Actually, Seungmin sunbaenim wanted to meet you."

Areum raised an eyebrow. She knew Seungmin had a crush on her, but she had already rejected him. She was focused on her studies and wasn't looking for a relationship. "So you tricked me into a blind date? Soyeon, I'm not interested in him!"

"I know, but he helped me with an assignment, and he asked me to set you up with him. Just sit with him for a little while, please?" Soyeon pleaded, her eyes wide and hopeful.

"Are you serious? I'm the one who owes him a favor?" Areum crossed her arms, frustration bubbling up.

"Hey, ladies. What's up?" Seungmin approached with a warm smile.

The girls bowed to their senior. "I see you've got Areum here. Thanks for that, Soyeon," Seungmin said, glancing at Areum.

Areum shot Soyeon a look, but she ignored it and said, "I'll be outside. Join me when you're done."

"Let's sit down, Areum," Seungmin suggested, pulling out a chair for her. Reluctantly, she took a seat.

"What would you like to order? Desserts or something to drink?" Seungmin asked.

"Sunbaenim, thank you for inviting me, but I want to be honest. I only see you as a senior, nothing more. I didn't know Soyeon was bringing me here to meet you. I'm not interested in dating," Areum stated firmly.

"Not interested? But why? We got along well in university. Why can't you give me a chance?" Seungmin pressed.

"We got along because we were both union members. I never wanted anything personal with you," Areum replied, carefully choosing her words.

"Is that really true? Or do you think you're too good for me now that your father's business is doing well?" Seungmin scoffed.

"That's not true! I'm not interested in you, plain and simple," Areum said, feeling her anger rise.

She stood to leave, but Seungmin quickly blocked her way. "Areum, why can't you give me a chance? I've liked you for so long!"

"Sunbaenim, I've already told you I'm not interested. Please move aside," she insisted, trying to navigate around him.

Seungmin grasped her wrist tightly. "What is the reason for your disinterest in me? Are you getting offers from wealthier guys now?"

"Let go of me, it hurts! There are people around!" Areum's discomfort grew as she glanced around

"Is everything okay, sir?" The restaurant manager approached, and Seungmin released her hand.

Taking advantage of the moment, Areum hurried out of the café.

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Meanwhile, Jin wandered the streets after eating with his friends. He had turned down Namjoon's offer to accompany him, wanting to be alone with his thoughts.

Hoseok's words echoed in his mind, dragging him back to memories of Hana, his ex-girlfriend. Hana Chan was a Japanese girl he met at university in Southern California. She was his senior. He had been head over heels for her, even introducing her to his parents, who disapproved of their relationship due to cultural differences. Jin had convinced them to accept her, determined to be with her at any cost.

Hana dreamed of becoming an actress and a model. Despite his parents' reservations, Jin went out of his way to help her, even introducing her to the CEO of one of the biggest entertainment agencies, Ren Myoi. That connection landed her her first acting offer in a Japanese film.

After the release of her film, Jin flew to Japan to surprise her, only to find her making out with Ren Myoi in his office. Heartbroken, he demanded an explanation. Hana coldly told him that she had never loved him and had only used him as a stepping stone to achieve her dreams.

Jin flew back home, shattered and not speaking to anyone for days. His family and friends were left in the dark until the news broke that Hana and Ren Myoi were getting married. He recalled his father's cruel words, "I knew you had low intelligence, but I never thought a mere girl could fool you so easily." A sad chuckle escaped his lips; he had never felt appreciated by his father, and his relationship with Hana had only made things worse.

Lost in these memories, Jin suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"What do you mean you left Soyeon? You left me alone-" Areum's words were cut short as she exited the café, looking distressed.

"Areum, you can't just walk away! What have I done wrong?" Seungmin called after her, his tone rising.

"Sunbaenim, you're troubling me. Please leave me alone!" Areum's voice shook.

Without thinking, Jin stepped in. "Hey, is everything okay here?" he asked, looking between the two.

"Who are you?" Seungmin shot back, irritated.

"Doesn't matter. Why are you bothering her?" Jin replied, standing his ground.

"I'm not bothering her; this is our personal matter!" Seungmin insisted

"You and me don't have any personal matters sunbaenim, now please leave me alone!" Areum said

"Atleast she's being honest about her feelings. Rejection is hard, but it's better than being cheated on," Jin said, his voice steady.

Areum's eyes widened as she recognized him. "Wait, you're the guy from that night-the one who spilled sausage on my shirt!"

Jin looked at her, surprised. "Yeah, that was me."

Seungmin's expression shifted as he glanced at Areum one last time. "I'm sorry; I'll leave," he said, backing off.

As Seungmin walked away, Areum sighed in relief. "Thank you so much! I didn't expect you to help-" But when she turned around, Jin had already disappeared.

"That was strange," she thought.

Suddenly, her phone rang. It was her father. "Where are you?" His voice was stern.

"Appa, I told you I'm out with a friend," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Who is this friend?" he pressed, his tone authoritative.

"Appa, I said I'd be with... Soyeon," she stammered.

"Come home right now, Areum!" he demanded.

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