Chapter 7 ….
Jung Taeheon had insisted he would guide her but deliberately chose a longer route instead of the shortcut.
Still, the difference was only about three minutes at a normal walking pace, so Haeju silently followed his lead. She had become too scared to walk alone.
“You’re wearing thick clothes today.”
“It’s still cold.”
“And you’re not crying.”
“I haven’t cried in front of you.”
“……”
Taeheon looked at her quietly, a slightly flustered expression on his face, before speaking.
“Right. Why did I think you were crying?”
“……”
“On the day we first met, I thought you were crying. But now that I think about it, you didn’t shed any tears.”
Come to think of it, she had felt a little tearful that day out of sadness. She didn’t want to say she had almost cried, so instead of answering him directly, she changed the subject.
“But you’re a little self-conscious, aren’t you? Asking me if I’m following you, or acting like I already know your name—it’s strange. You’re not even a celebrity.”
“……”
When he didn’t respond, Haeju looked at him with a slightly puzzled expression.
“Or… are you, by any chance, a celebrity?”
“No.”
Taeheon kept twitching the corners of his mouth as if something amused him.
Ignoring him, Haeju continued slowly up the slope, keeping her eyes ahead.
“No matter how handsome you are, how would a freshman like me even know you? And I’m not exactly free to follow some guy around.”
“Yeah, you looked really busy yesterday.”
“……They said the café gets busy after classes start. Yesterday, it was just a bit quieter.”
She added defensively.
Taeheon smirked slightly and raised one eyebrow as he looked at her.
“But am I handsome? Is this your type?”
“No.”
Haeju firmly denied it.
In reality, Taeheon was objectively handsome and even perfectly matched her preferences—but she didn’t want to openly admit it.
She continued.
“My type is someone diligent, kind, enjoys cooking, works hard at their own tasks, and takes care of people. Plus, they have to have their finances in order. You’re completely the opposite, so don’t get the wrong idea.”
“That’s completely me, huh? Big problem. Just a heads-up: don’t fall for me too much.”
“I hate narcissists, so don’t worry.”
“I’m actually very altruistic.”
“Oh… I see.”
Haeju gave up on responding further.
“You know this saying?”
When Taeheon brought it up, she looked at him curiously.
When their eyes met, Taeheon curved his lips smoothly and continued.
“If you value personality over looks, consider whether the other person’s appearance is lacking.”
“……”
“If someone has a great face, even a flaw in their character can become attractive.”
“So… what’s your point?”
“Basically, inner beauty matters less when someone’s external conditions are outstanding.”
“What are you even saying……”
Haeju stared at him, dumbfounded.
Taeheon laughed out loud, though it was a pleasant sound.
Haeju steadied her swaying vision and scrutinized his appearance with narrow eyes. His confidence was certainly justified.
Honestly, she hadn’t expected someone that handsome to be a student at the same university.
She thought Korea University only had nerds studying hard, with no theater, film, or practical music departments.
Haeju sighed and looked away.
“Still, character is the most important. You can’t live off someone’s looks.”
“Can character be deliciously eaten?”
“Yes.”
Even the man rumored to be the most handsome in the Business College couldn’t surpass him. He looked like a celebrity who could overshadow any ordinary person.
“So, what department are you in?”
“Me? Business.”
“……Business?”
“Yeah.”
Haeju fell silent, then cautiously asked,
“Do you have any nicknames?”
“Plenty.”
She strongly suspected this man was the “greatest risk” of the Business College—the handsome one everyone talked about.
She silently resolved not to get close. Her life was already full of risks; she didn’t need to be near someone who openly carried the label of “risk.”
“Why, do you know something about it?”
“Not at all.”
Haeju feigned ignorance, avoiding his gaze. She needed to return the umbrella quickly.
She had a premonition: the moment she got involved with this man, her daily life would plunge into unexpected chaos.
“But isn’t it a bit much to keep calling me ‘you’ in front of seniors at school?”
“Do we need special titles between us?”
“They say three coincidences make a connection. Shouldn’t we settle our titles by now? Or should I keep calling you ‘insurance scam’?”
“Then I’ll call you Senior.”
It seemed better to maintain some distance even through formal titles.
“Was the hierarchy in the Department of Media and Information that strict?”
“No. I’m only strict with you.”
“Ah, because I’m old-fashioned?”
Haeju didn’t answer. Taeheon laughed again, possibly interpreting her silence as agreement.
He was definitely quick to laugh.
While Haeju went to fetch the umbrella, Taeheon sat on a bench in front of a nearby supermarket, waiting for her.
The supermarket, which had reopened after interior renovations, was the oldest shop in the neighborhood.
Earlier in the day, the chatty owner had proudly mentioned it had been run by her grandmother and now by her mother, the second generation.
The hours were irregular, but during the semester, it usually stayed open late.
Even near midnight, the door was open.
Luckily, talking with Taeheon on the way had sobered her up somewhat, reducing her unsteady steps.
As Haeju approached the supermarket with the umbrella, Taeheon spotted her and waved with something in his hand.
He looked good sitting on the old bench in front of the worn sign of the old supermarket. Despite his slightly flashy urban look and “car poor” vibe, he seemed at ease.
Maybe he looked good in any setting because he was handsome.
He was dressed properly today: dark loose jeans, a navy half-zip sweatshirt, and a thick jumper. The sweatshirt was mostly unzipped, revealing the T-shirt underneath. He didn’t seem cold at all.
“You’ve waited long. I’ll check the umbrella for you.”
“That’s not necessary, but you’re thorough.”
Since she had decided to call him “Senior,” Taeheon called her “junior” in return, teasing her slightly.
Haeju liked the distance this formal title created, so she didn’t correct him.
“We should settle this properly.”
The umbrella was expensive, and it was better to check it personally to avoid any later complaints—just like in second-hand transactions.
Haeju slightly wobbled as she opened the umbrella. It felt heavier and sturdier than a disposable one.
“See? It’s fine, right?”
As she turned to face Taeheon, he had already stepped right in front of her.
Their eyes met.
“Hic.”
Perhaps from lingering alcohol or surprise, she hiccupped.
Startled, she stepped back—and slipped.
“Hey, careful!”
Strong arms wrapped around her shoulders, supporting her body. The umbrella fell to the ground from her loosened grip.
“Hic.”
Haeju pressed her face against his jumper, breathing tensely.
Her heart pounded fast and strong—enough for Taeheon to feel it if her clothes had been thinner.
As she clutched his jacket with both hands, his hold on her shoulders tightened.
Her heartbeat felt even stronger.
At that moment, a voice came from above.
