𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[43]

Six months had passed since Namra and Sooheon had started dating, and their relationship had settled into a perfect balance—full of love, quiet understanding, and the occasional playful bickering. Though their relationship had become public knowledge, it didn’t change much for them. They were already inseparable.

Namra was still the same—calm, composed, and focused on her studies. Sooheon, though never the type to obsess over academics, had started taking his studies more seriously, mostly because Namra made sure he did.

Their routine was simple but fulfilling. When their fathers were away— which was most of the time— they would spend time at each other’s houses, cooking together, studying together, and just being in each other’s presence. The comfort of being in love made everything better.

Their fathers, Mr. Choi and Mr. Ji, had been delighted to find out about their children’s relationship. "Finally, best friends turned in-laws," Mr. Ji had joked, and Mr. Choi had laughed in agreement. The approval of their families made everything feel even more natural, like it was meant to be.

The Hyosan High group had found out eventually—thanks to Onjo, who had no filter when it came to teasing Namra. They had bombarded them with congratulations and endless teasing, but Namra and Sooheon took it all in stride. It wasn’t like anyone was surprised.

Onjo, Cheongsan, Sooheon, and Namra had even gone on double dates, sometimes heading to cafés or simply walking along the river at night. It was a new experience for Namra, having a friend group like this, and she found herself cherishing these moments.

Meanwhile, Jaebom and Chanmi had long since become a couple. Chanmi, who had once harbored lingering feelings for Sooheon, had completely moved on. Jaebom had made her feel so cherished that she never once looked back.

Everything was going well. But now, something loomed on the horizon—something that none of them could avoid.

The half-yearly exams.

---

Namra had always been good at balancing her studies, but now, with exams approaching, she had to be extra disciplined. She wasn’t worried about herself. She was worried about Sooheon.

Which is why, on a quiet Sunday afternoon, she found herself standing in Sooheon’s living room, hands on her hips, as he lay sprawled on the couch.

"Sooheon," she sighed.

"Hmm?" He peeked one eye open, grinning.

"Did you even open a book this weekend?"

"I opened it. Looked at the pages. Closed it again."

Namra narrowed her eyes. "That doesn't count."

Sooheon laughed, sitting up and pulling her down next to him. She adjusted her oversized sweatshirt—the one she had "borrowed" from him a while back and never returned.

"I study better when you’re here," he said. "So let’s study now."

Namra rolled her eyes but pulled out her notebook anyway.

For the next few hours, they sat at the dining table, books and papers spread out everywhere. Namra quizzed Sooheon, forcing him to recall key concepts, while he tried (and failed) to distract her with compliments and jokes.

"If I pass this exam, will you reward me?" he asked suddenly.

Namra glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "You should pass for yourself, not for rewards."

"Yeah, yeah. But still."

She thought for a moment. "Fine. If you get a good grade, I’ll do whatever you want for a whole day."

Sooheon’s eyes sparkled. "Deal."

She had a feeling she was going to regret this.

---

At school, the atmosphere was tense as students prepared for exams. The teachers had doubled the assignments, and everyone looked exhausted. Even Onjo and Cheongsan, who usually kept things lighthearted, were buried in their books.

At lunchtime, the group gathered as usual, but the conversation revolved around studying.

"I haven’t even looked at my math notes," Soyeon groaned. "I’m doomed."

"You were doomed before this," Ah Jung muttered, making everyone laugh.

Namra glanced at Sooheon, who was eating his lunch calmly, looking completely unbothered. She knew better, though. He was nervous—he just didn’t show it.

After lunch, as they walked back to class, he tugged on her wrist.

"Let’s study together after school again."

Namra smiled. "Of course."

---

Namra and Sooheon had spent the entire evening going over notes, sitting cross-legged on the floor of Namra’s living room.

By midnight, Sooheon was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling. "I don’t think I can fit any more information in my brain."

Namra closed her book, yawning. "Then let’s stop for today."

Sooheon turned his head to look at her, a soft smile on his lips. "You’re amazing, you know that?"

She tilted her head. "For making you study?"

"For everything."

Namra rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. She lay down next to him, their hands brushing. The soft hum of the city outside filled the silence.

"Are you nervous?" she asked.

"Not really."

She gave him a knowing look.

"Okay, maybe a little," he admitted. "But I think I’ll be fine."

Namra turned on her side, propping herself up on one elbow. "You will be."

Sooheon chuckled. "You sound so sure."

"Because I know you."

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You always believe in me, huh?"

Namra simply nodded.

He sighed dramatically. "I really have no choice but to pass now, do I?"

"Nope."

They both laughed softly.

Tomorrow was the exam, but for now, they were here—together. And that was enough.

---

Sooheon sat in the exam hall, tapping his pen against the desk as he waited for the papers to be distributed. Around him, students shifted in their seats, some nervously flipping through last-minute notes, others chewing on their pens in stress.

Namra, seated a few rows away, glanced at him briefly. She raised an eyebrow as if to say, You better focus.

Sooheon smirked. He was focused—just not in the way she wanted.

The moment the exam paper landed on his desk, he took a deep breath and started writing. Surprisingly, everything felt… easy. The formulas, the concepts, even the essay questions—he knew them all. Maybe it was because Namra had drilled them into his brain for weeks, or maybe—just maybe—he really wanted to ace this.

Not for the grades. Not for the teachers.

But because of her deal.

He glanced at Namra once more, catching her mid-writing, her brows furrowed in deep concentration. A small grin tugged at his lips. I’m definitely winning this.

With renewed determination, he returned to his paper, his hand moving swiftly across the page.