Episode 5
Ah, so this is it.
He said he’d write a list of requests after the pill bug incident—and it looks like he really did. A soft chuckle slipped out without her even realizing it.
She slowly lowered her gaze and began to read. Each neatly written character reflected Myung Jaehyun’s meticulous personality.
“Ten Things Jeong Ihon Should Do for Me.”
How cute…
Item 1: Go to the movies together.
Item 2: Go swimming at the beach.
Item 3: Go to an amusement park.
Item 4: Go on an overseas trip.
Item 5: Sing and dance just for me.
She rolled her eyes. When he was complaining about how he couldn’t sing or dance, when was that again? Myung Jaehyun, seriously, what beat am I supposed to match with you?
From items 1 to 5, the paper was clean—no eraser marks. But from the next line onward, signs of hesitation and revisions were clear. How much did he agonize over this…?
Item 6: Give me a kiss.
Item 7: Hug me.
As she read further, Ihon’s gaze subtly wavered.
Strangely, her palms began to sweat, and her lips felt dry. Her heart pounded like she was reading his secret diary.
The writing itself was emotionless, but it felt like a heartfelt confession just for her.
Item 8: Like me in your own way.
Item 9: Have a one-sided crush on me.
Item 10: Stay by my side forever.
Her gaze trembled as she read the final line. It felt like a teenage boy had written a list of things he wanted to do with someone he liked. She stared at the page for a long while before finally moving her head.
When had he woken up?
His long eyelashes slowly lifted, revealing dark eyes that stared directly at her.
Having fallen asleep slumped over the desk, he was now leaning back in his chair, simply staring at her. The silence between them stretched as their eyes locked.
Awkwardness thickened. She forced a smile.
“When did you wake up?”
Jaehyun’s gaze fell on the paper in her hands. Reflexively, she tried to hide it behind her back. He let out a small laugh.
“You already read it. Why bother hiding it?”
“W-what are you talking about? I didn’t read it.”
“…You didn’t?”
His brows drew together.
She nodded and flipped the paper upside down, placing it on the desk. Her fingers twitched slightly, but she tried to act as natural as possible.
“Yeah, I just saw the title. ‘Ihon’s Request List’? Seriously?”
“Really? Then read it now. Right here in front of me, Jeong Ihon.”
He reached out, about to grab the paper when she suddenly stood up.
His head tilted up as he looked at her, dark eyes meeting hers.
“Why?”
“I-I really need to use the bathroom! I’ll be right back!”
As she spun around, Jaehyun’s hand reached out and wrapped around her wrist.
Her breath caught.
How could a guy’s hand be this big? Her heart raced.
“Jeong Ihon.”
Her eyes quivered. Seeing her flustered, Jaehyun furrowed his brows. Her heartbeat was fast—he could feel it clearly through her wrist. He let out a sigh and loosened his grip.
“Go on.”
“Th-thanks. I’ll be quick.”
She quickly nodded and slipped out of the room. Jaehyun brushed his bangs back and licked his dry lips.
“Seriously… She stole my heart, and now she’s running away.”
No way she’s getting away that easily.
He gently rubbed the back of his neck, which felt like it was burning. Suddenly, a memory from the drinking party came flooding back.
The moment she, blackout drunk, fell toward him—and their lips met.
It was so sudden, it nearly gave him a heart attack. His heart had never beaten that fast in his life. That’s when he realized—no, maybe he had fallen for her from the very beginning.
Maybe that’s why he’d been in denial all along.
If she hadn’t blacked out, he might’ve grabbed her face and kissed her properly. Held her waist and pulled her in tightly.
For twenty-year-old Myung Jaehyun, this was his first love: Jeong Ihon.
—
