Professor Jeon Wonwoo was notorious for being the strictest professor at Seoul National University. His intimidating gaze and sharp tongue could freeze even the most confident students in their tracks. Rumors swirled that he was impossible to please, and his classes were always filled with nervous energy.
Among the sea of anxious faces was Kim Mingyu, a shy and reserved junior majoring in business administration. Mingyu had been dreading Professor Wonwoo's renowned "Organizational Management" course, but it was a required elective for his major.
What made matters worse was that Mingyu and Wonwoo had been arranged to marry three years ago, in a traditional Korean union orchestrated by their families. Mingyu's parents had hoped the alliance would secure their family's business ties with Wonwoo's influential family.
However, the marriage existed only on paper. Wonwoo, consumed by his academic pursuits, had never acknowledged Mingyu as his husband. Their interactions were limited to occasional, awkward encounters at family gatherings.
Mingyu, on the other hand, harbored deep affection for Wonwoo, despite his cold demeanor. He secretly attended Wonwoo's lectures, sitting in the back row, hoping to catch his eye. But Wonwoo never acknowledged him, treating Mingyu like any other student.
One fateful day, Mingyu mustered the courage to approach Wonwoo after class. "Professor, may I discuss my paper with you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Wonwoo's piercing gaze swept over Mingyu before nodding curtly. "Make it brief, Mr. Kim."
Mingyu's heart sank as he began explaining his concerns about the assignment. Wonwoo listened intently, his expression unreadable.
As they spoke, Mingyu couldn't help but steal glances at Wonwoo's stern profile. He longed to see a hint of warmth, but it remained elusive.
"You need to improve your analysis, Mr. Kim," Wonwoo said, dismissing Mingyu's concerns. "Your arguments lack depth."
Mingyu nodded, feeling a familiar sting from Wonwoo's criticism. "Yes, Professor."
As Mingyu retreated, Wonwoo's gaze lingered on him for an imperceptible moment. For an instant, Mingyu thought he saw a flicker of recognition, but it vanished, leaving only the familiar chill.
Days turned into weeks, with Mingyu attending Wonwoo's lectures, diligently taking notes, and submitting assignments. Wonwoo continued to treat him with detached indifference.
One evening, as Mingyu walked home, he received an unexpected text from Wonwoo: "Meet me at my office tomorrow, 3 PM. We need to discuss your progress."
Mingyu's heart skipped a beat. Was this an opportunity to bridge the gap between them?
The next day, Mingyu arrived at Wonwoo's office, his palms sweating. Wonwoo gestured for him to sit.
"Your recent submissions show improvement, Mr. Kim," Wonwoo said, his tone slightly softer. "But you still struggle with applying theoretical frameworks."
Mingyu listened intently, sensing a glimmer of genuine interest beneath Wonwoo's stern exterior.
As they discussed the coursework, Mingyu dared to steal glances at Wonwoo. For fleeting moments, he detected a hint of warmth in those piercing eyes.
The meeting concluded with Wonwoo assigning additional reading material. As Mingyu gathered his belongings, Wonwoo's voice stopped him.
"Mingyu."
The use of his given name sent shivers down Mingyu's spine. He turned, meeting Wonwoo's gaze.
"Be more confident in your work," Wonwoo advised, his voice low and measured. "You have potential."
