Spring was approaching quickly. He thinks it hasn't been long since he went to MT, but it was April when he woke up. Flowers are forming on the desolate tree and green shoots are emerging one by one. Seo Woo-yeon made him look out the colorful window and regret not seeing the snow last winter.
"Let's stop here for today."
The teacher who put an end to the beam projector left the classroom without looking back. Seo Woo-yeon pretended to be looking at the notes a while ago and took off his glasses. Gently pressing on his stiff eyes, Seongyu fell onto the desk and made a thud.
"Ha... The testing range is crazy."
The flower language of cherry blossoms is medium-term. The scope of the test was revealed without regret last season. If the content is difficult, write down the amount, or if it is too much, make it easy. There was a huge amount of demand even for topics replaced by reports.
"But why are they glasses? Do you have bad eyesight?"
"No, not with a prescription."
Woo-yeon, who had his eyesight improved with LASIK, wore safety glasses when his eyes were dry. He didn't like glasses, so he wondered what they were for after the operation, but he couldn't help it when he saw many letters like a fortress. However, without prescription, his eyes were no longer as big as before.
"It's cloudy today, but my eyes are dry."
His eyes had been strangely dry since he woke up. The seats in the dream were chaotic, and the sky was gloomy, but he didn't feel well because his shoulders were hunched over. Bad things always happened when he didn't feel well. Seo Woo-yeon pushed away an ominous hunch and packed up one by one.
"Hey, what's up Seo Woo-yeon. Garam told me to go to Dongbang to buy tteokbokki."
Seo Woo-yeon, who checked the time on his phone, nodded. The word “East” reminded him of Do-hyun, but now that it’s past 12, he must have been listening to the lecture. He’ll probably be tied up in the Faculty of Humanities until at least one o’clock.
"I'm going to study before 1. Are you okay?"
"I don't think so. It's too much to eat alone."
After going to MT, she accidentally avoided Do-hyun. Her heart would pound and her face would heat up every time she ran into him, as if she were passing him by, when she ran into him in the club room, when she took the same lecture every Friday.
Seo Woo-yeon made him realize how advanced this symptom was, like a cold. It was an emotion he had already experienced four years ago, and the only solution was to pretend he didn't know and stay away.
"We're here!"
"Oh, you're here"
As expected, only Garam's pheromones could be felt in the club room. Seeing that the window was ajar, he seemed to belatedly remember Seo Woo-yeon and ventilated himself. Coincidentally, he looked inside the club room and found a young man sitting on the sofa and stopped moving.
"Are you here?"
There was his teacher. The last time he saw his face was at lunch on Friday, when he looked at Seo Woo-yeon. The beige cardigan with a big button went very well with Do-hyun's neat appearance.
"He must have finished his lecture early"
"Yes, about an hour."
The wavering clouds parted. Just like the smell of spring outside, Seo Woo-yeon's mood was dyed a different color. The surprising state of cleanliness was a sudden change that left even him speechless.
"......Hello."
Seo Woo-yeon greeted him curtly and walked in. He avoided Dohyon just in case. The fact that he was in the same club ended up getting in the way. His heart was racing and he wanted it to stop.
"Are you already studying for exams?" That's amazing."
"Already? It's about time."
Seongyu burst out in admiration and walked over to Do-hyun's couch. Do-hyun smiled, knowing that he thought Sun Woo-yeon was the only one who was so sincere.
"He is diligent, he has attended all the university talks."
Somehow it felt sarcastic. Seo Woo-yeon shuddered and sat down beside Seongyu. As soon as he sat down, Do-hyun slanted his eyes.
"It's been a while."
Seo Woo-yeon, who awkwardly touched his ear, glanced at the notebook on the table. “I saw you on Friday.” Do-hyun smiled without saying anything. Seo Woo-yeon leaned back awkwardly on the sofa, still staring at the neat handwriting.
"There's a reason Dohyon is the best in the department." "He's crazy about handing in his homework the day after he finishes it."
"Wow, noona. She reads everything when the teacher asks her to read. Even during break time, she reviews what she has learned on her own....... I don't think the examiners do this either."
It wasn't a reproachful tone, it just seemed strange. Anyway, they both said they were strong and spoke in a calm tone.
"If you don't, you won't be able to continue. I'm not very smart."
Do-hyun looked at Seo Woo-yeon's ear. The earlobes had turned red from the barrel he had been touching for a long time. Seo Woo-yeon tried not to show embarrassment, but the straight look was not collected until his expression became distorted.
"Well... it's good to work hard."
Do-hyun, who raised the corners of his lips, put down his pen. Seo Woo-yeon made him take a breath and put his hand into his sweatshirt pocket. The warm temperature calmed his heart a little.
"If you don't have a spot in the library, come study in the club room. No one talks during exam period."
"Really? That's a relief. He said there was no room in the library."
"......Yes, there was no vacancy."
Seongyu was happy, but Seo Woo-yeon She refuted timidly. It’s true that there are no seats in the library, but she didn’t want to come to the club room. It was because she thought she would get into big trouble if she kept running into Do-hyun.
"Hey, last time you went to the library and only left because the kid next to you was nice."
"What? What kind of asshole flirted with our Wooyeon!
Garam, who was rolling around on the sofa, suddenly stood up. For a moment, Seo Woo-yeon coughed uncomfortably in panic. Do-hyun was also staring at Seo Woo-yeon.
"It wasn't a flirtation......."
Seo Woo-yeon couldn't find an excuse and fell silent.
A few days ago, Woo-yeon, who visited the library, got an empty seat after a fierce battle. And he left the library less than an hour ago. It was because of the drink he spiked while he was in the bathroom.
"He said he put pheromone in his memo. That's what made him squirm."
Alpha pheromones were a thick object. I thought this kind of problem only appeared in movies and dramas, but the experience was quite unpleasant. Naturally, Seo Woo-yeon left the library without touching the drink.
"There are always children like that."
Garam shook his head with his arms crossed, as if they were worth knowing. Then he pushed Do-hyun aside and sat down beside him. He brought his notebook and pen as if it were his own, and bared his teeth.
"Hey, let's study while we're at it."
He didn't understand how the idea had occurred to him. The three of them gave each other absurd glances, but Garam didn't care at all and scribbled his pen.
"My goal is to get good grades."
Credits. The big letters were crooked. Do-hyun, who is already getting good grades, gaped and said, "Who is that for?" Seo Woo-yeon was also nice.
"We study together only during exam periods. To motivate each other, we give them genealogy."
Garam made an unusually convincing argument. Still, there was no benefit to Do-hyun, but Seongyu's eyes shone with a bitter face. It was clear that difficult issues were running through his mind.
"Kim Do-hyun, it's good to study while teaching. Do you think Wooyeon should be insulted like this in the library?"
"No, not really......."
"Woo Yeon, this is a matter of pride."
"Why are you posting that?"
Seo Woo-yeon laughed. No matter how much he thought about it, he thought it had just been used. Then, Do-hyun raised the corner of his lips and took out another pen.
"If you're going to do it, set a long period and establish a clear goal. More than just a few credits, like that."
Seo Woo-yeon made him willingly join the plan. It's more of a one-sided tutoring than a study, but he never imagined that he would agree so easily. Meanwhile, Do-hyun was clearly writing down his target credit.
"Hey, 4.0 isn't your dog's name."
"Even if we get together uncomfortably, it's just a playground. You need a subject to study."
The exact day and time of the week, and the topic. Finally, when only the place was left, Seo Woo-yeon was slow to respond.
"I'm not going to do it."
The three eyes turned to Seo Woo-yeon. Seo Woo-yeon narrowed his eyebrows and shook his head. Study? If I do that, I'll meet Dohyun every week . I could never have done that.
"It's comfortable to do it alone."
Do-hyun raised his eyes. Only the black eyes were filled with dense faces. Even before Seongyu coaxed him to join, a firm voice came out of Do-hyun's mouth.
"You have to do it."
Seo Woo-yeon thought that he was in a bad mood since before. Obviously, it was like always, because he felt a slight thorn. He felt that inside the club room, he felt like he was alone.
"Can you talk only about English phonology?"
"......."
Seo Woo-yeon didn't answer and looked away. English phonology was the only lecture he gave with Do-hyun. He promised to help him in his studies, and he trusted that word and kept the lecture. Of course, Seo Woo-yeon avoided the promise with Do-hyun by making excuses.
"We test every week. I don't think I saw you last week, but you have to make up for it."
He had no words to refute. As he said, last week's quiz was a dog bone. What is the popping sound and what is the friction sound? The problems he saw for the first time in his life were so complicated that even Daniel, born and raised in the United States, could not solve them.
"......but...."
Seo Woo-yeon couldn't answer easily and rolled his eyes. It was also at this moment that Do-hyun's face had a beautiful smile. Do-hyun smiled sweetly as if he was going to melt and said his words in a soft voice.
"Seo Woo-yeon".
At the moment of eye contact, Seo Woo-yeon straightened his posture without realizing it. He laughed like an angel that way, because I felt that the temperature around him dropped by about 5 degrees. If he knew that Seo Woo-yeon was nervous, a perfectly relaxed voice came out.
"Are you uncomfortable with me?"
"It's not like that."
Seo Woo-yeon made him shake his head rapidly. It was an act that Seo Woo-yeon excluded as if someone had grabbed his head and moved it. As if he knew this, Do-hyun tilted his eyes in satisfaction.
In the end, he promised a study without a chance. Once he thought he was wrong while choosing a place and eating tteokbokki, but he couldn't pick up the already spilled water.
"Then let's do it at Wooyeon's house today."
To make matters worse, he even provided the study site. It was because there were other members in the club room, the study rooms were full and others were not in good condition.
Seongyu lived with his parents, and Garam had only one room, so he protested with half-interest when he found out it was cramped.
"And you?"
Do-hyun replied with a slightly saccharine look. He used to live alone, but now his brother is here. Woo-yeon, who casually asked if his younger brother was an alpha, was speechless for a moment upon hearing the answer.
'I'm the only Alpha in my house.'
Specific traits are basically inherited only from specific traits. Just as Seo Woo-yeon was born between Alpha and Omega, Do-hyun would be that way. Again, it frustrated her not to know anything about him.
"I'll take roll call."
Before he knew it, the teacher was standing in front of the podium. The teacher looked at the class and familiarly called out Kang Joon-sung's name. Someone raised their hands upon hearing the name "Kwon," which immediately changed to "Kwon."
"Professor, I'm here."
Seo Woo-yeon made him look at who had answered. The voice was familiar, but the yellow back of the head was unfamiliar. As expected, that can't be true. Seo Woo-yeon let himself think like that when he was about to draw attention to himself.
"Kang Joon-subg? Yes, how is your injury?"
"I'm better now."
Kang Joon-sung turned his head. Seo Woo-yeon made him take a deep breath and harden his expression. A face that will never be forgotten was clearly shrouded in his eyes.
"Yeon is a bitch."
Why doesn't a bad hunch turn out wrong? Why does a damn jinx come by chance without missing it? A voice that used to curse, a mouth that often laughed at Seo Woo-yeon, and a look of contempt. All of these have brought Seo Woo-yeon to the edge of the abyss.
"Piggy".
Woo-yeon pressed her nails into her palm and regained her short breath. The passing memories clung to her like dirt. Her heart was pounding unpleasantly and her pheromones were twisting.
"Seowoo-yeon".
It was an unforgettable memory. He wasn't beaten, but he was hurt, and his money wasn't stolen, but he was mentally poor. If it weren't for Do-hyun, there would be no good memories.
"Seo Woo-yeon, haven't you come?"
"Wooyeon, he's calling you."
A shower of conveniences poured out at Seo Woo-yeon. Seo Woo-yeon raised a hand only after the colleague sitting behind touched his back. Yes, Joon-sung turned his head towards Seo Woo-yeon in response.
"......."
"......."
The gaze she met was fierce. Her throat stung as if she had swallowed a needle. The memories that kept coming back to mind wandered in Seo Woo-yeon's head as clearly as yesterday.
Damn, are you ignoring me again?
Three squares diagonally, a short distance of only five steps. The past that bothered him sat in reality. His hair was bleached yellow and the line on his face became thicker, but it was definitely “Kang Joon-sung” that could be seen. remember Seo Woo-yeon.
"Now, where were we last time?"
Seo Woo-yeon made him turn his head and rest his chin. There was no time to wonder about the one who didn't avoid his eyes. Soon after, he turned his head too and Seo Woo-yeon managed to exhale a tight sigh.
Even during the lecture, Seo Woo-yeon couldn't even take proper notes. He wondered if he had come to university and resented the ridiculous things. What percentage of students can attend the same university, different departments, and the same culture in the meantime?
"We will replace the midterm exam with a group project. The group was formed randomly, so please don't change it."
It had been a while since he could listen to the teacher. Seo Woo-yeon made him swallow the meat inside her mouth several times. What's so good, Joon-sung was whispering with his friend beside him with the mobile phone in his hand.
'You won't remember.'
Fortunately, there was speculation that he wouldn't recognize himself. Woo-yeon was tall, had lost weight, dyed his hair, and taken off his glasses. It's a change that even his mother can't recognize, but Joon-sung couldn't recognize it.
'Because he didn't recognize me.......'
He held his breath with his hand lightly on his chest. It's not a lecture for one or two people, but it's a class famous for having a lot of students. Anyway, the semester will end in about three months, so he was going to stay quiet until then. It was very rare to meet him without even coinciding with a group project.
"By the end of April, you can develop an invention for the global age. I'll tell you what you have to do." But you know it has to be realistic, right? We're going to make a PPT and present it, and present the report separately."
Seo Woo-yeon belatedly focused on what the teacher said. After speaking, the teacher called his name while looking at the group schedule. Kang Joon-sung was the first to be called, and in addition, one more “Kwon” and two more “Kim” were called. The problem was the last name called.
"Seo Woo-yeon all of them are team 1."
Seo Woo-yeon raised her hand, unable to hide her embarrassment. The teacher stopped talking as if he was going to. As she pushed the chair and stood up from her seat, her eyes filled with tears.
"I'm Sun Woo-yeon, a student of English and Literature. I'm afraid you've misnamed me."
The name that started with "a" was called all the time, and suddenly, he, with "Seo", couldn't understand why he was interrupted. The teacher shook his head with an innocent face, posing such a question that he might have called it wrong.
"The top four were cut by name, and the students from the language department were randomly placed one by one. "Seo Woo-yeon is in group 1."
Seo Woo-yeon lost his words and blinked. Did you just put a random string of words? What the hell?
If I could, I would like to argue this. However, the professor added an additional explanation without hesitation.
"While we're on the subject, you can get extra points if you speak in a foreign language, so keep that in mind. Of course, it's just one option, and if there's a group that's better at presenting than a language learner, it's fine to have someone else do it."
The teacher asked Seo Woo-yeon if she had any more questions. She said, "That's enough," and sat down on the path. Attention immediately turned to the teacher as well.
"And group two is......."
During the announcement of the second and third groups one after another, Woo-yeon kept his head down and rolled his head. It wasn't just random, there was no more to refute than there was a reason. He wanted to ask him to change the group, but didn't he nail it down a while ago by saying, "Don't think about changing it"?
"Then let's gather in groups and decide the group first. Tell your assistant after you decide."
The professor left the classroom at the end of the sentence. In his place, the assistant who entered organized the noisy lecture hall. Seo Woo-yeon made him close his eyes and open them with the intention of leaving this space immediately.
"Damn...
He couldn't think of a good way. He felt sick to his stomach now. He didn't understand how this could happen by chance. Seo Woo-yeon was senselessly turning into something bad and was strangling him.
"You're Seo woo-yeon, right?"
Seo Woo-yeon managed to keep a straight face and looked up. Kang Joon-sung, who had arrived before him, was standing right in front of Seo Woo-yeon. He wanted to pretend he didn't know and get a free ride, but if he got a bad grade, it was difficult.
"All five are in group 1."
There were faces he had never seen around Joonsung. Naturally, Joon-sung, who was sitting at the desk, was smiling as if he were friendly. It was a sickly smile.
"I'm Kang Joon-sung, a first-year information and communication engineering student. You look like a first-year student. You're 20 years old, right?"
Sure enough, it was a face that Seo Woo-yeon didn't recognize. Like Do-hyun, he could tell from the fact that it started with his name. When Seo Woo-yeon didn't answer, the awkward frown was also unfamiliar.
"Are you older?"
Seo Woo-yeon held back his laughter and sighed. Before, people used to curse by saying, “Do you ignore him if you don’t answer?”, but now the informal speech has changed to honorifics. It was funny and ridiculous, and among them, the one that seemed the most vain to him.
"You're a rookie."
He tried to answer as if nothing had happened. Joon-sung, whose expression brightened quickly, liked the other members, saying that they were first years. Alpha pheromones were faintly felt on him.
"It's a relief, I thought it was a mistake."
"You who have not even manifested yourself."
The friendly voices overlapped with those heard in the past. Seo Woo-yeon swallowed his words, remembering the pride he felt in being an alpha.
"Let's start with the group......."
In his third year of high school, Joon-sung would occasionally bury pheromones in accidental objects. Naturally, he didn't notice Seo Woo-yeon, and every time he used something, Joon-sung would laugh out loud.
"He doesn't even know he has pheromones."
"......Why are you looking at me like that?"
Manifestation is not a criterion to determine the measure of superiority. Just like some have moles on their face and others have curls on their head, it is simply a predetermined characteristic from birth. Joon-sung's formation of a group of alpha elephants was nothing more than a childish division during his teenage years.
"Nothing".
Seo Woo-yeon shook his head in a terrible mood. A humble pheromone stuck to the tip of his nose. He didn't know about Seo Woo-yeon who didn't manifest at that moment, but he could see the Seo Woo-yeon of dominant Omega. Kang Joon-sung was excited, ignoring people and looking at her like a beast.
"But you... You look so pretty."
Joon-sung smoothed his bleached hair with an awkward expression. He said he thought he was a celebrity when he first saw him, so he was very surprised when their eyes met. His face showed a bit of excitement.
"Pheromones are also very good."
Seo Woo-yeon was so vain that he wanted to sneer, which brought a smile to his face. Joon-sung, who had been praising Seo Woo-yeon, had been blushing shyly since a certain moment. The different look from the past has shattered the memory of Seo Woo-yeon.
"Are you dominant?"
".........uh."
He felt like he was about to explode. Do you like pheromones? Seo Woo-yeon pondered and lowered his eyes.
"That's right, I'm dominant."
You used to say "I smell." A word she hadn't yet spoken tightened in her throat.
* * *
As she made her way to the club room, Seo Woo-yeon couldn't shake off the image of the past. Even when she left class, crossed the campus, and stood in front of the club room, Kang Joon-sung in his school uniform was constantly talking to her.
Don't you smell something?
In high school, the classroom with more than 30 students was like a prison for Seo Woo-yeon. Every time he heard laughter and giggles, he felt indescribable anguish. He pretended to be fine on the outside, but at his young age, he couldn't really be fine.
"Seo Woo-yeon smells like pork."
That day, Joon-sung accidentally threw away the trash. The people around him laughed at the act of grabbing his nose to wash it thoroughly. Seo Woo-yeon didn't even smell like sweat, but the harassment didn't need any reason.
"Little pig, you are very dirty."
She would come home and shower until she was skinned. After washing her hair three times and washing her body five times, she applied a large amount of the lotion she always used. She wanted to put on perfume, but she didn't dare go into her mother's room.
"Do I smell something?"
Do-hyun, who was tutoring at the time, looked curious at the accidental question. He tilted his head as if wondering what it meant and dragged the chair where Seo Woo-yeon sat with one hand. Seo Woo-yeon was unknowingly tense in the close distance.
"Well, the teacher is very good at smelling, but Yeon just smells like a baby."
He was a man of constant tenderness. He was also sweet as he pointed to the lotion on the desk, saying that it smelled just like this one. Do-hyun smiled and asked in a soft voice.
"Do you smell?"
What a smell. She always smelled like fabric softener like the sun. The mature and subtle scent was incomparable to Seo Woo-yeon's greenish scent. Seo Woo-yeon shook his head, and spoke as if it were natural.
"Yeon, you're like that too."
Seo Woo-yeon has not forgotten the way he caressed her hair. The same goes for the comfort he exuded as he carefully adjusted the back of her neck.
'So it's okay' .
When Do-hyun said that, I felt that everything was fine. It would be fine if the teacher said it, but the vague belief clung to the sixteen-year-old.
"Are you finished with your lecture?"
Do-hyun was the only one left in the club room. Do-hyun, who was studying for the exam in the same way as before, opened his mouth without looking at Seo Woo-yeon.
"They've gone to buy drinks, so they'll be back shortly."
Seo Woo-yeon made him look down instead of going in. Like that time four years ago, he thought it would be nice if Do-hyun patted him on the head. Do-hyun, a senior, wouldn't do that, but he wanted him to be his teacher for now.
"Senior".
His lips moved up and down on impulse. Senior instead of a teacher. Do-hyun’s eyes turned oblique at the awkward call. Seo Woo-yeon continued backstage in a low voice.
"Can you pet my hair?"
It was a casual comment. It was not an unreasonable request, but it was also out of line in his opinion.
During the awkward silence, Garam and Seongyu were heard arriving, who was about to change the topic, saying it was a joke.
"......."
Do-hyun, who suddenly appeared, put his hand on Seo Woo-yeon's head. After wrapping around the back of her head and tearing through her hair, he slowly walks away. The feel of a long finger wrapped around him hasn't changed at all since four years ago.
"They should be arriving."
Seo Woo-yeon looked at Do-hyun without saying anything. If he got close to him like this, it was close enough for him to pretend he didn't know. One day, in front of you like this. He looked at Seo Woo-yeon before he could feel that feeling of surprise.
"Great job taking the class."
Boom, he heard something crash. It also sounded like the sound of a door being slammed shut. Do-hyun was as usual, but Woo-yeon lowered his head, his face bright red. The pounding, throbbing, and irregular heartbeats rang in his ears.
"Huh? Why are you here?"
"I heard them coming."
The teacher was always like this. He didn't ask in detail, but just gave Seo Woo-yeon the comfort he needed. At first glance, he seemed to draw a line, but in the end, there was consideration underlying it. He doesn't even know to what extent Seo Woo-yeon is shaken.
"What's wrong? Are you sick?"
"No, I'm just cold."
Seo Woo-yeon had him pull up the hood and grab him by the collar. It was hot around his ears, so he thought he had to cover him up first. Fortunately, the big hat covered his uncomfortable face perfectly.
"In this weather? I bought a drink with ice..."
Seo Woo-yeon shook his head, saying it was okay, and placed a plastic cup on his cheek. The cold touch slowly cooled the heat on his face. Joon-sung's thoughts had already been erased from his head.
* * *
Seo Woo-yeon's house was an apartment not far from the school. The interior of the complex was decorated with colorful landscapes, and the fountain in the center was so large that it looked like a pool. Garam, who opened his eyes wide as soon as he got out of the taxi, gasped as he looked at the building with a penthouse on top.
"Do you live here alone?"
"This..... Yes."
Seo Woo-yeon played a card at the entrance, blurring the answer vaguely. He took it without much thought because it was a relatively ordinary apartment, but it was embarrassing to see that it was already like this. Would it look weird to live alone in an apartment? At least I should have said that I live with my family.
They kept exclaiming as they entered the elevator. The elevator is too wide, or if it's so high, you'll get acrophobia. Do-hyun was the only one who was calm, but even he changed his expression when Seo Woo-yeon pressed the top floor.
"The house is very nice......."
Seongyu muttered vaguely as he looked at the board that went up one by one. At the opening general meeting, he said not to say such rude things, but he seemed shocked to the point of not being able to think about it. He apologized with an awkward smile when Seo Woo-yeon turned her back on him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize."
"Well...... he wasn't wrong."
It didn't matter much to Seo Woo-yeon, unless he was cursing behind her back. No, even if he was cursing, it was fine as long as she couldn't hear him. Although she hadn't seen Seongyu for a long time, she knew that he wasn't the one talking behind her back about this.
"Please come in comfortably. There is no one here."
As soon as Seo Woo-yeon entered the house, he took out the guest slippers. The only people who came to the house were Seo Woo-yeon and the employees, so it was something new that they had never used. Garam put on the aesthetic slippers and raised his head and inhaled.
"Hey... Is that the Han River?"
There was the Han River just around the corner. He didn't even reach the living room, but he could see the whole world through the terrace. The accustomed Seo Woo-yeon was nothing more than a shocking sight to others.
"The landscape is incredible......."
Seo Woo-yeon made me walk slowly, leaving them behind. The reaction was so intense that I didn't know what to say. First I was going to sit on the sofa and think about it, but that wasn't easy either.
"Is this a model home or what?.... "
The large living room looked magnificent. Sofa, table and television. The living room, with minimal furniture, was accompanied by a large space that I also regretted calling a "room". The ceiling was high, but there were stairs, and the walls of the living room were all glass.
"How do you clean this?"
"There's someone else who cleans."
Seo Woo-yeon responded with a sour face. At this point, he thought it would be better to let go of the perception that he was living fairly well. Of course, there was a big difference between Seo Woo-yeon's "fair" and his "fair."
"Is there a second floor too?"
Seongyu pointed at the stairs on the wall. For Seo Woo-yeon, it was a place where he had lived for more than two months and had never climbed.
"Yes, but I don't use it. There are no things."
"What about the room? Do you use everything in here?"
"No, just the bedroom and the study."
"Hey, Wooyeon. Is that a real tree?"
Suddenly, Garam stepped in. Seo Woo-yeon looked at the tree on the terrace and replied uncertainly, saying, " Maybe it is."
"What about the grass? Is the grass real?"
"Well... I don't take care of her."
"It must be scary to live alone if it's so big."
"It's not that scary."
Seo Woo-yeon, who responded calmly, put the bag on the sofa. He has been used to living alone since he was very young. The house where all the employees came home from work was like a huge prison for Seo Woo-yeon.
"How much does this cost? Can I rent a house?"
"I think the deposit will be more expensive than my house, sister."
Seo Woo-yeon made him burst out laughing when he heard the whispered words. It was because he looked a little cute thinking about the monthly rent with a serious face. Garam looked embarrassed as he covered his mouth with his fist.
"Hey, Kim Do-hyun, why aren't you interested? Have you ever seen a house like this? Huh?"
Garam argued with Do-hyun, who was standing beside him for no reason. Do-hyun, who had only said one word ("Sorry") since he entered the house, looked around with his usual face. He still had a sour look.
"It's my first time in an apartment... I've been in a bigger house."
"When was it?"
Seo Woo-yeon asked reflexively. It was because he thought that the big house he was talking about would be a place he knew from Seo Woo-yeon. Do-hyun raised the corners of his lips and instead of telling her where it was, he changed the subject.
"Stop breaking into other people's houses and leave your backpack on the floor. We're here to study."
"......."
"......."
They seemed to be at a loss for what to do. It was clear that he had forgotten his study because he was distracted looking around the house. Seo Woo-yeon secretly swallowed his regret and headed to the kitchen to bring a drink.
"There are many kinds of things."
The fridge was filled with various ingredients. It wasn't made by Seo Woo-yeon, it was refilled by the employee periodically. The glass bottle is probably juice, but she doesn't know what it is because it doesn't have a name on it.
Seo Woo-yeon had him first take out an orange bottle. Orange, it was an act of such simple accident. He then tried to take out a red bottle, but heard a familiar voice from his bedside.
"That's carrot."
Straight fingers pointed to the upper column. Strawberries, kiwis, and grapes. The voice of reciting the identity of the disease was soft. Do-hyun finally spoke in a flat tone, pointing to the space below.
"There's a brighter orange over there."
Woo-yeon stared at Do-hyun with wide eyes. He knew casually that the owner didn't even know. Do-hyun grabbed the refrigerator door and lowered his eyes while moving his lips.
"You don't eat carrots, do you?"
"How did you know?"
The drink was prepared by the employee himself. It had no sugar or other processed products, and sometimes herbs or vegetables were mixed in. Of course, it was not sold at the market.
Do-hyun blinked as if it didn't matter.
"If we ate together, I would know."
"......."
He remembered eating a hamburger steak together. It seems that he remembered chewing a flower-shaped carrot that rose as a decoration. “No, that’s not it.” Seo Woo-yeon who took the rhyme like that pushed the glass bottle in front of Do-hyun.
"Selling this"
For a moment, his eyes changed. Seo Woo-yeon made him feel a bad feeling and he hurriedly wrapped up the gossip.
"That's how it is".
"......That?"
Do-hyun asked with puzzled eyes. The refrigerator, which was left open for a long time at a good time, gave a warning beep. Seo Woo-yeon quickly closed the refrigerator door and turned her back to him.
"It's for sale, but...... It doesn't say anything. How do you know what it tastes like?"
"Drink it?"
He nodded. Do-hyun answered lightly, looking at Seo woo-yeon's glass bottle.
"I've tried it before."
A cold sweat ran down his spine. As soon as he heard that, he recalled one by one. Having served a drink during tutoring, it was as obvious as if he had ever drank.
"It must have been the same product......"
Seo Woo-yeon replied calmly and opened the refrigerator again. The same glass bottles in her hand were dripping. When she took out the strawberries, kiwis, and grapes, Do-hyun took a glass bottle from her.
"Yes, I heard it's handmade. I guess they sell it after it's made."
Seo Woo-yeon barely held it in both hands, and Do-hyun held two in each hand. He placed the drink on the Irish table and added in a carefree voice.
"There are a lot of things like that these days."
"I almost got into trouble."
However, in Seo Woo-yeon's memory, Do-hyun drank the drink from the glass when he was teaching. He had never seen it in a glass bottle like this, but it was surprising to recognize it was the same type at a glance. Maybe he has a good eye, or he was mistaken for something similar.
"And usually, you can tell just by looking at the color."
There was no doubt on his face. Only then did Seo Woo-yeon completely relieved and opened the cupboards here and there. Do-hyun stood with his back to the table waiting for an opportunity.
"What are you looking for?"
"Mug. I don't want to give it to you like this."
"Whatever. I'll drink it even if you give me the bottle."
"But you're still a guest."
"The guest is..."
He was an uninvited guest, and he heard a murmur. Seo Woo-yeon didn't bother to answer, but instead opened the upper cabinet. The glass was neatly placed.
Woo-yeon looked back at Do-hyun as he tried to catch up with her. She could tell when she was wearing a coat, but as the clothes became thinner, she could see the straight line of the body better. Do-hyun tilted his head to the side, looking at Seo Woo-yeon with his eyes.
"Do you want me to take it out?"
Actually, she looked at him out of favor. It was very embarrassing to see him whimpering. However, as soon as she saw Do-hyun's face, all the thoughts that came to her mind vanished.
"I'll take it out."
Why is he handsome even when he's standing still? Maybe because he was wearing a soft cardigan, she thought he would smell nice if she got closer. The unique smell of Do-hyun's fabric softener tickled the tip of her nose.
Seo Woo-yeon shook his head a few times and reached out his hand to the cupboard. As expected, the height was ambiguous, and the bottom of the glass barely touched his fingertips. As soon as he thought, "Oh, if only it were 3 cm higher," the glass in front of him fell over.
"......!"
The shocked Seo Woo-yeon stepped back. It was because the glass that fell from the top was facing his face exactly. The hand that tried to grab the glass brushed the air and he closed his eyes tightly with a surprised face.
Obviously, he thought he would hear a crack. Clear glass could never survive this height. His eyelids trembled and his back went cold. Seo Woo-yeon made him wait for the next crash with a deep breath.
"......."
However, even after a long time, no sound could be heard from the surroundings. There was no blow to the face, and no glass fragments were flying out mercilessly. The strange-feeling Seo r was about to open his eyes.
"Every time I look at him..."
A familiar voice softly rang out. A faint pheromone could also be felt at a very close distance. Beyond the illuminated vision, there was a scene where someone was grabbing the glass.
"You make me keep my eyes on you."
Do-hyun came up behind Seo Woo-yeon. He was also surprised, but the pheromone leaked out slightly. He tilted his head with a light sigh and looked into his eyes wide.
"Are you OK?"
Seo Woo-yeon puffed out his chest with his eyes wide open. A dry alpha pheromone set Seo Woo-yeon's stomach on fire. As if he couldn't hold his breath, his pheromones would come out.
"Alright...."
Not at all, it wasn't right. His heart was racing and his head was throbbing. A strange feeling spread from his throat to his lower body.
"Alright...."
He responded somehow, but even he was divided into insignificances. He wasn't thirsty, but he was thirsty every time he opened his mouth. Seo Woo-yeon made him breathe shallowly and blink with a bright red face.
"Be careful".
Do-hyun quickly widened his distance with Seo Woo-yeon. He put the glass on the table and took out three more from the cupboard. It was a very easy act, unlike Seo Woo-yeon who groaned even after using all his hands and feet.
"...... Thank you."
Even if he could bear the pheromones, he couldn't help but freak out Seo Woo-yeon, his face was so hot that he thought it would be dangerous if he stayed like this. Seo Woo-yeon hurriedly covered his ears and turned his back to Do-hyun.
"Well, I'm in a hurry to go to the bathroom..."
There was no time for Do-hyun to respond. Seo Woo-yeon hurriedly walked past Do-hyun and ran towards the bedroom because someone was going to catch him. The bathroom was also in the living room, but he didn't trust himself to pass by where Garam and Seongyu were.
As soon as the door closed, Seo Woo-yeon sank. When she raised her knees and buried her face, she heard a loud knocking sound. Loud throbbing sounds rang out all over her body like knocks, knocks, drums.
"Ugh...... ."
She felt like this a long time ago. When Do-hyun was a tutor, he would blush even at the smallest things. It was the same when their eyes met, and it was the same when our fingertips met by chance. She was embarrassed to even look at his face, so she hoped he wouldn’t like it.
By the way, the same procedure is being carried out again. Seo Woo-yeon took a deep breath with her hand on her chest. She kept repeating that she shouldn't do it, but her previously open heart was now beating rapidly.
"......I'm screwed."
Pheromones, which squeezed out his emotions, filled the room. No matter how much he thought about it, this time it was really dangerous.
* * *
Seo Woo-yeon is basically a poor believer. Like the ones they usually have, the mother showed a typical ruling class, and there were only black-hearted people around her. Seo Woo-yeon's world has become increasingly smaller, with similar patterns everywhere.
Seo Woo-yeon's first step into society was middle school. He entered school 14 years after his birth and enjoyed his freedom with his low expectations. But the school space was not as green as he thought.
In just one month, Seo Woo-yeon was bullied. Only two years later, he met Do-hyun and they broke up while the semester changed. In the blink of an eye, he learned to trust others.
In a way, it was nothing less than a case of force majeure. The teacher was kind, sweet, and took care of Seo Woo-yeon without asking. Although it was an action derived from a sense of duty, the result was salvation. But how could he not love Do-hyun?
The emotions seeping into Seo Woo-yeon become ebb and flow only after being drenched. The wet body takes a while to dry, even if he is no longer submerged up to his neck. It was clear that if he let his guard down, he would get a fever in an instant.
"You've changed your clothes"
"Yes, it is uncomfortable."
Seo Woo-yeon made him late to leave the room. It had already been a long time since he finished pouring the pheromones and washing his face. The three of them were studying face to face, and Seo Woo-yeon mingled to prepare for the Friday exam.
Before long, dusk began to fall outside the window. It was not an odd hour for dinner, but I happened to have no talent for recommending unburdened meals. Naturally, they rose from their seats, promising their next study.
"Is it okay if I don't drive you home?"
"It's okay! We're not kids."
"Yes, stay."
Garam and Seongyu refused to say goodbye for Seo Woo-yeon. At least he tried to leave in front of the elevator, but even that was rejected. The reason was to relax now that it suddenly arrived.
"Come home safely."
Inevitably, Seo Woo-yeon vaguely saw them from the porch. The next time, he nodded when she asked him to show her the second floor. Do-hyun, who had been quiet the whole time, greeted him just before the front door closed.
"See you tomorrow".
The closed door cut off all interaction with the outside world. The silence gave him a feeling of emptiness. He entered with difficulty and rubbed his tired eyes.
"......."
I don't want to like it, but I think I will. The future already programmed was not one that can be changed by fighting.
* * *
After that day, Seo Woo-yeon only focused on studying for the exam. He kept contact with Do-hyun to a minimum and deliberately dispelled misunderstandings. On Friday, classes overlapped, but Do-hyun did not speak to him either.
For a week, the campus was dyed with spring. The colorful cherry blossoms are in full view, and the leaves on the steps are cracked at the tips of your feet. It's not cold at all even if you're wearing a hoodie and shorts. However, as if they were jealous of the flowering season, in the afternoon there were reports of rain.
"Sister, I'm here."
Seo Woo-yeon visited the club room in just a week. It was not his intention, but to decide on a place to study for the afternoon. He promised at least once a week while planning his first study, so he couldn't miss it.
"Oh, is your class over?"
Garam was in the club room. Do-hyun was nowhere to be seen, but some of the club members were. Woo-yeon, who felt embarrassed inside the crowded place, entered with an awkward greeting. For some reason, the burgers were piled up on the table.
"Have you had lunch?" "Do you want a hamburger?"
"Oh yeah, have one. There's bulgogi and shrimp."
"You can eat two".
"Not three."
The burger wrapped in thin paper was a little pressed and lukewarm. Seo Woo-yeon made him respond to the thanks out of politeness and look at the wrapping paper. He said no to three, but there were a total of four in front of him.
"What's up with Seongyu?"
"He'll be here in a little while."
The yellow side is the bulgogi and the white side is the shrimp, neither of which appealed. Based on your experience in the US, would the latter be better than the former? Although the shrimp patty did not taste good, the patty did not smell.
"Eat chips too. Do you want some coke?"
"I'm not well".
Seo Woo-yeon shook his head and took out the package. Garam looked satisfied as he squirmed and prepared to eat. He looked full just by watching him eat. Garam had already eaten two burgers, of course.)
"But why is it a hamburger?"
"Oh, that's from Do-hyun......"
As soon as he opened his mouth, the club room burst open. Garam pointed at the open door, saying, "I can't be a noble."
"Sometimes he buys students. Good luck on your exam."
"Has the delivery arrived yet?"
Do-hyun wore black trousers and a beige trench coat. The hem of the thin coat was long enough to reach below the knee, and the round ankle was visible where the eyes inadvertently lowered. Seo Woo-yeon secretly mesmerized and admired Do-hyun's appearance.
"Oppa!"
"Hyung! I've missed you"
He has never seen anyone look so good in a trench coat. Is this what a catalogue of famous brands looks like? Because of his tall and straight build, only the advantages of the clothes were revealed.
"I can see what they're doing."
Do-hyun closed the club room with a smile. Even the fact that he walked over with a long stride was so cool that he couldn't speak. That's why he didn't want to forget Dohyon. Seo Woo-yeon, who tried to roll his eyes, took a big bite of the burger.
"Only when I buy you something to eat......."
As expected, the pickled burgers in sauce were not a Seo woo-yeon of flavor. The bread is soggy, the lettuce is wilted, and even the shrimp burgers are tasteless. He swallowed what was in his mouth, but he didn't dare try the next thing.
So Woo-yeon stared at the burger without noticing that Do-hyun stopped talking. She definitely hadn't eaten with Daniel that much. Whether it was because of the brand issue or the coldness, she was very harsh.
"What's happening?"
Hearing these words, Seo Woo-yeon raised her head. At first glance, she met Do-hyun's eyes, and quickly looked at someone else. Then she shook her head with her sweet face.
"Nothing".
Choking, something inside him triggered. There was no mention of how long it had been, and no request for a greeting. Do-hyun just walked around the sofa and settled in the spot furthest from Seo Woo-yeon.
"By the way, is class over yet? I should have listened to the teacher. I only do it for an hour each day."
"Doesn't the teacher eat it raw?"
"Is that so?"
For some reason, there was a knot in his stomach. He seemed to be nauseous and a little tense. Even though his appetite had decreased considerably, Woo-yeon ate a hamburger with his head down. It still had no flavor, so he chewed it only two or three times and swallowed it.
"What's the point of finishing early? They're going to reinforce everything later."
"What's that? I'm glad I didn't hear it."
She could feel the burgers piled up inside her. Her throat narrowed, making it difficult to swallow properly. One bite. And another bite. After gulping down everything in her hand, Seo Woo-yeon stood up from her seat.
"I'm sorry, but I'll go first."
The wrapper crumpled in his hand. Garam stared with surprised eyes at the trash that Seo Woo-yeon had deposited. He squirmed helplessly and before he knew it, he had eaten it like a bandage.
"Are you leaving already?"
"I have something to do for the group project."
It was half a lie, but the words came out casually. He tried to turn his back as is, but Seo Woo-yeon scrunched up her face.
"Well, the study room is......."
"I have made a reservation."
A soft voice interrupted. Seo Woo-yeon glanced at him, but it was Do-hyun who didn't pay attention this time.
"There will be seating in the cafeteria in front of the school. You can come to the front door after the lecture."
"......."
Seo Woo-yeon looked at his fingertips. Unreasonable frustration clogged his throat. He nodded, waved slowly, and headed for the entrance.
"Then I'll see you later."
He could hear the club members' greetings from behind. See you next time, come home safely, or have another burger. He didn't look back, but he could see that there was no voice of Do-hyun among them.
* * *
Ironically, Seo Woo-yeon's feeling was disappointment. Disappointment that she pretended not to know him, disappointment that she didn't give him an arm and a leg at the end, and disappointment that all of this was the same as last Friday.
Actually, it wasn't something to be upset about. It was Seo Woo-yeon who pretended not to know, ignored and even avoided his seat. Technically speaking, it was Do-hyun, not Seo Woo-yeon, who would feel bad.
"Today we are going to meet in the group we shared last time and see what leadership is......."
"There is no such thing as a false lead."
How can you avoid it because you don't want to like it and feel depressed because the other person avoids it? Besides, Do-hyun wasn't even in the axis of avoiding it. At most, the number of conversations has decreased and the gazes have crossed slightly. Even that was understandable considering Seo Woo-yeon's actions.
"I'll give you 30 minutes . "
As soon as the teacher's words were over, the students stood up from their seats. Seo Woo-yeon sighed helplessly as she watched each of them visit the group. To make matters worse, she could see Kang Joon-sung approaching from afar.
"It's very annoying. What kind of presentation are you making?"
Joon-sung naturally sat next to Seo Woo-yeon. Three other members also sat down. Seo Woo-yeon slightly widened the distance with Joonsung, sensing a slight alpha pheromone.
"What is our theme?"
At the last meeting, Joon-sung decided to be the team leader. It was because no one showed up, and unexpectedly, he showed motivation. Seo Woo-yeon made him feel discouraged by being in the same group as Joon-sung, so he didn't address what he was doing.
"Will you get extra points if we say this in a foreign language?"
Jumoon-sung said this and looked back at Seo Woo-yeon. When Seo Woo-yeon looked at him, he became embarrassed and even touched his hair. Seo Woo-yeon moved his chair aside and talked to the other members.
"I will do the presentation. Another senior said, 'Professor, if you speak in a foreign language, you will get a good grade even if you are not good at it.'"
"Oh, will you? Then, Wooyeon will introduce him......."
She thought he felt bad. When she saw him disgustingly upset by the word "accidental". It would be nice if the other three were active, but they only listened to Jun-sung with their mouths closed.
"Let's make a brief outline first. Wooyeon, let me use a pen."
Joon-sung took out a pen before he could answer. Seo Woo-yeon made him back away with a furtive face. He wasn't that friendly, but he keeps closing the distance pretending to be close.
"The script is translated......."
"You don't have to use the translator."
Seo Woo-yeon replied sourly and pressed the pit of his stomach. Perhaps because of the stress, his stomach twisted. Joon-sung opened his eyes wide and looked at Seo Woo-yeon.
"What's wrong? Does your stomach hurt?"
For a moment, he was speechless. It was because Seo Woo-yeon's gaze was filled with worries. The accidental replied in an absurd voice.
"Are you worried about me now?"
Joon-sung blinked. It was so stupid to look at the accident in a daze. He soon frowned with an awkward face.
"No... it's because you look sick."
If it had been in the past, there would have been a lot of abuse right away. He might have laughed at Seo Woo-yeon, saying, “It hurts because I ate it like that.” He wouldn’t have asked, “Don’t you care?” with such an embarrassed expression.
"......Okay, just make a diagram."
Seo Woo-yeon made him swallow dry saliva by pressing hard on his stomach. His stomach stung like a needle. Joon-sung seemed to be in a bad mood, but he changed the subject without saying much.
They decided to make a presentation about the personality that the leader should have. Amidst the irritable Joonsung, he said, " By chance, I instinctively realized that this group project had failed. It was a miracle that I somehow outlined it.
"Hey, by the way."
As Seo Woo-yeon was organizing the presentation, Joon-sung implicitly opened his mouth. Seo Woo-yeon did not reply, but continued without hesitation.
"Is the name Seo Woo-yeon common?"
Tuck, the lead tip of the mechanical pencil is broken. Woo-yeon, who pretended to be fine and tightened his spine, wrote the definition of leadership in English. Joon-sung watched the side of the accident with his chin on his back.
"I know Seonwoo-yeon."
"......."
"Song is also very rare, but I don't think the name Seo Woo-yeon is common."
Woo-yeon looked at Joon-sung as he held onto the edge. It was to gauge what he meant by that. Joon-sung smiled as soon as their eyes met while he was in a serious hurry.
"But you look so different."
It didn't seem like a question. In the first place, Joon-sung wasn't that smart. Seo Woo-yeon couldn't find a word to answer and secretly ground his teeth.
"I was a little... very. I'm a little tall, but I was just fat."
The stoneware seemed to rise. His cheeks rose and fell and his mouth stiffened. If he hadn't put strength into his fingertips, his expression would have immediately distorted.
"I wear big glasses, but I'm not even sure what he's doing... He was different from you in many ways."
A hateful look appeared on his dagger-like face. His trembling shoulders seemed to truly despise Seo Woo-yeon from the past. At the same time, Joon-sung admired Seo Woo-yeon in front of him, saying, "You're really pretty."
"And his family is doing very well......."
"What does that have to do with it?"
Finally, Seo Woo-yeon came down nervously. His stomach already hurt and he heard something very unpleasant. What the hell is wrong with this punk that he got upset.
"What did he do to you?"
"That?"
Joon-sung replied with an expressionless face. Perhaps he felt a cold gaze, but he frowned in embarrassment. Seo Woo-yeon controlled the throbbing in the pit of her stomach and the throbbing pheromones.
"I haven't even bothered you. Why are you criticizing me?"
It was something he always thought about. He never said it, but he always thought about Seo Woo-yeon. What the hell does it have to do with you that I've gained weight? The big body, the bursting uniform, and the large amount of food you can't eat have nothing to do with Seo Woo-yeon.
"No, it's not......."
Joon-sung, who had blurred the end of his words, rubbed his hair. The bleached hair was disheveled like a new house. He rolled his eyes awkwardly and narrowed his eyebrows with a heated look.
"But why are you being sensitive? I didn't say you were fat."
"You're loud."
"......."
"Prepare the presentation now."
His face was wrinkled. The sharp eyes were also more distorted. Joon-sung, who had warmed his lips a few times, opened his mouth with a sigh.
"Hey, you're talking......."
"Now, I'm going to announce the first one."
Seo Woo-yeon sat down without waiting for Joon-sung's words. Before going on stage, he did not forget to pack the paper to present to the teacher. The teacher received a paper by chance and held the microphone.
[I'm Sun Woo Yeon, the MC of group 1]
As he spoke in English, the teacher smiled with satisfaction. Several students were also seen urgently reviewing the script. Seo Woo-yeon tried not to look at Joon-sung and explained the definition of leadership to him.
[......] So let's talk about what kind of personality a leader should have.]
As Daniel once said, Seo woo-yeon's English pronunciation It was perfect. Normally, it's difficult to correct pronunciation after the age of 15, but he didn't have that problem. Rather, Wooyeon spoke better in English than in Korean.
[Leaders should strive to ensure that no team member is sidelined as a team leader.]
Seo Woo-yeon briefly swallowed the ridicule as he finished the talk. It was because it was funny that Joon-sung wrote this content. Trying to make sure there are no team members left out is something that alienates Joon-sung.
[The leader is also...]....]
Among the children I know, there is Seo wooyeon.
You remember, that was the first thought he had. You remember me, Seo Woo-yeon, the high school student he used to bully. But it's okay for him to blatantly post it as a topic of conversation.
"But you look so different."
He thought he wouldn't recognize it, but he didn't expect it to be that bad. He didn't expect to feel guilty, but he knew there would be a sense of guilt. However, it seems that people don't change easily.
Seo Woo-yeon managed to control his emotions and announced what he had memorized mechanically. The time was not long, and there was no one else doing anything else. The teacher seemed to be the only one who understood everything, but in fact, only the teacher understood it was enough.
[That's all for the presentation] [Thank you]
A loud applause filled the lecture hall. The professor asked a few questions in English and left Seo Woo-yeon. Seeing a smile around her mouth, Group 1's announcement was successful.
Seo Woo-yeon curled up as soon as he returned to his seat. He was fine when he was standing, but when he sat down, his stomach hurt again. As he swallowed his groan, Joon-sung stood there in awe of Seo Woo-yeon.
"Hey... you speak English very well. Are all English guys like this?"
Not only Joon-sung but also other team members helped him. When he heard that he wouldn't worry about the midterm presentation if he had you, he thought, 'They know how to talk.' If I speak so well, I would have helped when he made the outline before, but why did I keep quiet then?
"Next group 2, come out."
Group 2 was also announced in English, coincidentally. However, it was obvious that he was in a hurry, and the words were wrong in the middle. After asking questions in English, the teacher let the speaker pass without much praise.
Thus, about three minutes were announced for each group. Meanwhile, her stomach calmed down a little and Woo-yeon straightened her pale face. The last group was introducing themselves in Chinese.
"Everyone did a great job. Especially Group 1, very good job."
The teacher ended the class after adding a few words of praise. It was about 30 minutes earlier than usual. As soon as he left, Woo-yeon, who was packing his bag, stopped moving when Joon-sung called out to him.
"Hey, Woo-yeon."
That friendly address was unfamiliar to me no matter how many times I heard it. Wouldn't that be Seo Woo Yeon? What does "Woo-yeon" mean? Goosebumps rose on my skin.
"That's what you said before."
Seo Woo-yeon stuffed the notes and writing instruments into his bag and zipped it shut. He was about to leave the conference room right away, but he couldn't because Joon-sung grabbed the strap. He pulled it out of nowhere, though Seo Woo-yeon didn't respond.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to compare."
"......That?"
His head shot up with a thud. For a moment, he wondered if he had heard something wrong. While Seo Woo-yeon couldn't say anything, Joon-sung tugged at the strap of the bag with an embarrassed face.
"I'm sorry. You're just mad because I insulted your boy who had the same name as you."
He looked serious. Even the awkward look towards Seo Woo-yeon didn't seem to be a joke. Ugh , Joon-sung, who sighed, touched the bag with his fist.
"Why are you making people feel ashamed about that?" I was just talking about someone I know."
"......."
A blank look appeared on Joon-sung's face. Seo Woo-yeon silenced what he had said. He said he was sorry, he didn't mean to offend you. Unbelievable words came to his mind one after another.
"......I'm sorry?"
Three years have passed. Seo Woo-yeon was bullied for three years, and the bully was Joonsung. He didn't think he wanted to die, but he even thought he didn't want to live. Without Do-hyun as his teacher, he would continue to suffer.
But now he's hearing an apology he didn't hear then either, for such a poor reason too.
"Pig, why do you really live?"
"......Huh."
Emotions swirled in combination. Pheromones throbbed and hairs stood on end. The emotion that welled up was none other than anger.
"You are very funny."
Seo Woo-yeon smiled in vain and confronted Joon-sung. If she were in middle school, she would have gotten angry, asking what he was trying to twist, but Joon-sung only blushed slightly and didn't pick a fight.
"I hate people like you."
Seo Woo-yeon snatched the bag from his hand. The pheromone that came out was as sharp as a cut. Not only Joonsung, but also other Omegas who were nearby stopped breathing in bewilderment.
"I'm not proud to curse people at this age......."
Would it have been different if I had said it in high school? If I had looked Joon-sung in the eye and protested, would it have changed the outcome even a little?
No matter how much he thought about it, the answer was no. Seo Woo-yeon didn't give way to Joon-sung even in middle school. Even if he ignored him and turned his back on him, he never avoided him because he was discouraged. However, Joon-sung always looked down on Seo Woo-yeon.
"You don't have to apologize, so don't pretend to be close to me."
At the end of the sentence, Seo Woo-yeon turned her back to Joon-sung. Only heavy pheromones remained in the place.
* * *
As he headed to the front door, Seo Woo-yeon made him slump on the bench. With the color on his face, he felt like he was about to faint. Seo Woo-yeon's upper body bent and head bowed made a long sound of pain.
"Uh......."
My stomach was upset. That was good too.
As soon as he walked out of the classroom, his condition suddenly worsened. It would be better if he threw up, but nothing came out of his stomach. His head was dizzy, his fingertips were cold. While he was doing all the nonsense alone, he happened to remember Do-hyun.
'I miss you teacher.......'
Sometimes when she felt like this, she thought of her teacher. It was because she thought that everything would be okay if she patted him on the head and told him it was okay. Just like four years ago, Seo Woo-yeon felt that way now.
'I miss you....'
If I want to see you a hundred times, will you show up? Seo Woo-yeon hugged one knee thinking like this. Do-hyun will be there if he goes to the front door, but he didn’t have the strength to go there now. Even if he meets Do-hyun in the first place, he’s just a senior, not his teacher.
Speak, speak
At one point, raindrops began to fall. The slow fall of rain colored the ground and wet the bench and Seo Woo-yeon. Seo Woo-yeon bit his lip in self-help and put on his hooded cap.
"......."
If you were going to show up because you wanted to see him, you should have shown up four years ago. If everything had gone as you thought, he wouldn't have cried alone. He wouldn't have gone to America alone, or come home with little hope, or been caught out in the rain like that.
He was used to letting go of his expectations. In a big house, and in America, Seo Woo-yeon learned to let go of expectations. When his memories with Do-hyun melted his heart, he suppressed this feeling with the thought of luxury.
"Whoo".
With a short sigh, Seo Woo-yeon closed her eyes. She still felt bad, but her expectations had been dashed.
Just five minutes, let's leave it there.
It was the moment when he tried to lift his eyelids thinking that...
"...... I was wondering why you weren't coming."
There was a shadow. The rain stopped, and the shadows spread out in two. Seo Woo-yeon made her take a breath, feeling her heart sink. A soft voice enveloped her ears as if she was dreaming.
"You're going to catch a cold."
He could tell without looking at her face. As far as he knew, there was only one person with such a gentle voice. Soft and gentle, the opponent he had been like this for.
"Stand up..."
I didn't call you that, Senior. It was because he was overwhelmed with emotion and was at a loss for words. His eyes were burning and his throat was scorching. The irregular beats of his heart grew like a warning sound.
"...Senior".
A little call was the last brake he could put on. If you already have an irreversible heart, at least don't spill it. Instead of collapsing, let it soak in little by little.
"......."
Do-hyun looked at Seo Woo-yeon with an expressionless face. He put one hand in his pocket and held an umbrella with the other, and kept his eyes still. His shoulders gradually became wet because he tilted the transparent umbrella towards Seo Woo-yeon.
"Sometimes".
It sounded like a sigh. A silent gaze projected a mysterious light. He turned his head slowly and whispered in a very low voice.
"It's not easy."
Seo Woo-yeon didn't ask what that meant. Instead, he simply placed his hand on her knee and rested his chin on it.
The next word shook Seo Woo-yeon's mind.
"Do you want me to give you a piggyback ride?"
"......."
Drops, drops of rain fell. Before he knew it, the rain, getting thicker and thicker, was hitting the umbrella. Do-hyun looked back at Seo Woo-yeon and spoke nonchalantly.
"I was actually nervous."
What he offered was a digestive medicine in a glass bottle. His hands were so big that the glass bottle looked small. Do-hyun whispered softly to Woo-yeon, who was staring blankly at his hand.
"I'll take you home."
She couldn't say no to that. Do-hyun gave Woo-yeon some digestive medicine, followed by an umbrella. When she came to, she sat on one knee in front of him, her back exposed.
"Senior!"
He casually tilted his umbrella towards Do-hyun. It wasn't a heavy rain, but it wasn't a rain to be hit like this unprotected. When he said, "That's right," Do-hyun snorted as if he was talking about it.
"Everything is fine now."
"No, sir. But..."
"Now you are good at talking."
It was obvious what that meant. Stop calling me and tell me to get up. Woo-yeon kept his mouth shut and looked at the hem of the coat thrown on the floor. Dohyun urged him once more.
"Hurry up, my pants are wet."
Inevitably, Woo-yeon put his hand on Do-hyun's shoulder. As he carefully shifted his weight, Do-hyun lightly supported his leg. He wasn't supposed to be wearing shorts, but his fingers were very itchy when they touched the bare skin.
"That's heavy......."
Except when he was very young, he rarely remembers being carried on someone's back. No one was that gentle, and he wasn't heavy enough to be carried. Perhaps that was why the act of being carried on someone's back embarrassed him.
"I can't be as heavy as you."
Do-hyun answers and fixes his posture. He hunches his upper body as if trying to weigh it up, then stands up without hesitation. Seo Woo-yeon made her neck stand firm in the elevated view at once.
"Are you afraid?"
No wonder it was a laughing voice. Seo Woo-yeon answered abruptly as he hung up like a child.
"No, not at all."
To anyone, he looked like a scared person. Do-hyun thought something similar, but he swallowed a smile without saying anything. Seo Woo-yeon unnaturally changed the subject by raising her umbrella.
"So where are you going?"
"You are very bad at lying."
"......Please put me down."
"Where? There is no bank here."
Seo Woo-yeon didn't hurt his leg, but Do-hyun treated him like a person who couldn't walk. Of course, even if he said he was fine now, it didn't work. Do-hyun, who corrected his posture to stay still, calmly replied.
"Let's go to the parking lot. I brought my car because it's raining."
"And the study?"
"You can do it next time."
Do-hyun said that Garam and Seongyu wouldn't mind. He also said that studying is no big deal when he's sick, and that he cares about everything. Seo Woo-yeon, who remained silent, felt a familiar sense of incompatibility with Do-hyun.
"......I've been curious about this for a while now."
It was the same as what he felt in the club room last time. Being so close, Do-hyun didn't feel any pheromones. He's obviously dominant, he's alpha, he looks like beta.
"Why do they retain pheromones?"
Do-hyun didn't spill pheromones unless it was the case. Even the slight scent left behind was on the clothes by accident. If he were a normal alpha, pheromones would normally leak out, but he seemed to be deliberately suppressing them.
"If it's dominant, it's hard to resist."
He knew Seo Woo-yeon because it was an unusual trait. Holding back pheromones was like eating with strangers in uncomfortable clothes. For Seo Woo-yeon it is unavoidable, but he did not think that Do-hyun would have such a situation.
"You..."
Do-hyun rhymed very slowly. He also scrunched up the corners of his eyes with double eyelids and tilted his head. Soon, Do-hyun, who looked back at the accident, said casually.
"You don't like alphas."
"......."
He said, "It's a fact." He also looked suspicious, as if he needed a reason for it. He added firmly before asking how he knew.
"It was obvious."
"......."
"A lot of that, too."
It couldn't be, but he thought so. It wasn't really a secret, but it wasn't obvious. He never told anyone, and he doesn't remember cursing Alpha. Besides, didn't Do-hyun tolerate pheromones even before he joined the club?
"I'm quick on the uptake."
The idea of biting one's tail was cut off. It was because Do-hyun, who spoke softly and luckily, continued with a sweet voice.
"I can't help but notice his reaction when Moon Garam touches him. He doesn't like being touched, but he doesn't mind Seongyu."
Now that he thought about it, he felt that she was right. Considering the reaction he showed towards Garam, it wasn't wrong for him to notice. If you say that you are quick at reading other people's minds.
"......The dominant pheromone is fine."
Seo Woo-yeon made him lean comfortably, saying so. Do-hyun didn't answer, but because Seo Woo-yeon, he meant it. If all alphas were like Do-hyun, he wouldn't hate alpha pheromones.
"How did you know I was here?"
"Because I have requested your class."
Even in the rain, only Do-hyun's voice was clear. Is it because of the low range of the voice, or is it because the tone of the voice is calm? Listening to it, he relaxed his whole body. He didn't even take the digestive medicine, but he felt calm.
"I know where you're taking classes."
"......."
It was as if he had come here on purpose. He hadn't found it by chance, but had bought some medicine for digestion and walked to the building where he listened to the lecture, and he happened to take the umbrella from the voice that said it.
"...Aren't you asking me why I was doing that?"
The rain has been constant and steady. The cherry blossoms have just bloomed, but they might fall off tomorrow. Do-hyun did not look at Seo Woo-yeon, but asked in a calm voice.
"Do you want me to ask you?"
Frankly, he would be lying if he wasn't tempted. He wanted to tell her everything and be comforted like before. But he also knew that Seo Woo-yeon wasn't going to be everything he wanted.
"......No."
I put strength into his arms. He bowed his head and buried his face in my shoulder. The rain-soaked pheromones were blurry without presence.
"I was just sick."
The end of the story was accompanied by sadness. Do-hyun waited without saying a word by accident. A shallow breath from Seo Woo-yeon brought out the words like a baby.
"My stomach hurts after eating a hamburger before." I've never had a stomach ache when I've had it out as a kid, but I feel sick inside... It hurts like a needle..... But I haven't vomited...
The more he talked, the sadder he felt. If Do-hyun had laughed at him, he would have let him, but he listened calmly. After telling Seo Woo-yeon that she was painful about five times, he exhaled and erased the end of his words.
"So it's very......."
In fact, all he could say was that he was in pain. There were various reasons and resentments. All of that was implied in the word "hurt." Sick, sick, he didn't even realize that he was better now.
"Did you do it?"
Do-hyun replied in a soft voice like a child. He looked back at Seo Woo-yeon, but she bowed deeply. Do-hyun, who glanced at him quickly, spoke with infinite care.
"You must be upset."
It was the most tender comfort. Of course, it wasn't the right answer to say that it hurt. Seo Woo-yeon made him feel like his chest was heaving and he bit his lower lip.
"Let's go home, take some medicine and take a nap."
"......."
"Then everything will be fine."
I felt like she was going to cry. Not because she was sad, but because of something else. Her heart was beating fast and she was getting emotional.
"......Senior".
Seo Woo-yeon raised her head with her face exposed. Do-hyun flinched for a moment at the breathless voice. He spoke in a close voice, as if Seo Woo-yeon he was not aware that the slightest agitation was going to break.
"Why are you so nice to me?"
I knew he was sweet to everyone. The teacher Seo Woo-yeon knew was sweet to even the first person he saw. But no matter how kind a person is, he doesn't hesitate to carry his wet child on his back.
"......."
For some reason, Do-hyun hesitated to answer. He looked ahead into the distance and his lips moved slowly. A soft voice seemed a little like a sigh.
"I just want to be nice to you."
Instead of asking “why?”, she bit her lip. She buried her face in Do-hyun’s neck and let out a thin sigh.
For a long time, after time, he begged with a voice that seemed like he was going to cry.
"......Then keep up the good work."
The rain has eased. The umbrella was tilted, but no one pointed it out. It is said to be a blow, a bump and a heart that beats repeatedly.
Perhaps, it was a persistent attachment from the beginning. When Do-hyun rejected him, and when he left the tutoring without saying anything, he cried and hated him so much, but he couldn't bear to hate him. The idea of closing one's heart was arrogance and conceit.
"I missed you".
He spoke in a carefree voice, pretending not to be Seo Woo-yeon. He said that he had thought of everything because he was sick, and he did it in jest so that he wouldn't be misunderstood. Do-hyun closed his mouth silently and replied in his gentle voice.
"...... I'm glad it's a relief."
That day, it rained even in Seo Woo-yeon's heart. It was the rain of cherry blossoms.
