#kotone | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

monkebearness · 2 days ago

Text

Our Story, Like a Romance Novel [Chapter 1: Before the Rise]

Chapter 0

Tags: fluff, coming-of-age, friendship

Word count: 6.5k

a/n: hellooooo!! I'm still working on my more "mature" one-shot fics, so just bear with me, if that's what you're waiting for. but, if you are interested, here's the next chapter to my current series.

It was the summer of 2023 when he first entered the so-called big leagues of Seoul State University. Perhaps it was the best time for a lot of young folks to express their freedom and discover their identities during this point in their lives, if they weren’t being nagged by their parents back in high school. However, for some youngsters who aren’t as lucky and fortunate with their privilege, working part-time has been the usual case in his life since high school, but juggling it with important college matters has proven to be quite the challenge for them. For some, they can only work one shift a day or night per week.

For one particular sophomore, however, he found himself in an unforgettable position. When everything felt more overwhelming for him during the first year of his college life, he caught the attention and earned the eventual trust of an upperclassman…

“Join our club, Junghoon-ssi,” Park Sohyun holds him on his shoulder with this plea.

“But I’m planning to join an organization,” he informs her. “It’s in line with my major.”

“Then you can still join that organization,” she notes. “This club of ours, it’s not really an academic one nor is it recognized by the university. But get this—you’ll get paid.” Such a phrase gets him. “Think of it as an internship—or an extracurricular. It’s not a big deal.”

Like Daewon, Geum Junghoon was not the same confident, talented, and successful chef that he ended up becoming nor did he have the model-like physique that some folks are looking up to imitate and achieve in their lifetime. Like a lotta people in their late teens to early twenties, he too had to go to college while also getting a taste of the real world outside of those hours.

“I appreciate the offer, but it’s fine, sunbae,” he asserts his choice. “I already have a few shifts on my plate too… And well, if things do get more difficult, I can just file a leave of absence for the semester so I can focus on working more.”

Yet such a sincere and considerate senior of his wanted to lessen some of his burdens.

“No, don’t…” Sohyun insists. “I know you’ve been having a harder time, juggling your part-time jobs and classes. I’ll just say it to you now. Quit those jobs while you’re at it. When you’re in our club, you won’t need to keep working more just to earn a lot less.”

His mouth almost opens, but he doesn’t know what else to say. “Who told you..?”

“Myungsoo-ssi. Kotone-ssi. Your close friends,” she mutters names dearest to him. “They’re worried about you, too. And I wish I can do something about it, too.”

“You asked my friends?” he’s confunded. “Wouldn’t that be a power trip on your part?”

“Not if I’m just genuinely concerned,” she sighs. “They told me you weren’t in the best state to study and work at the same time. But I’m serious… We’re not gonna give you a hard time or anything. In fact, I think it’ll be more productive than most of your shifts. Take it from someone who’s also been in your shoes…”

The offer has been made. And realizing his personal situation, it sounds more tempting. The fact that Sohyun used to live a similar lifestyle makes him resonate with her more. “I’ll have to think about it.” He doesn’t want to let such a chance slip. “If that’s okay.”

“Of course!” she reassures him. “Take your time, Junghoon-ssi… The offer stands.”

He never expected to have gotten such an offer from his sunbae. At times, he would think that he was lucky that he was paired up with Sohyun during their first project. Maybe if it was someone else, he would’ve still kept on giving himself a harder time.

= = =

“Welcome to the Club, Junghoon-ssi. Make yourself at home, okay?”

He chose not to join another organization.

Geum Junghoon was brought into the campus meeting room of the Mad Money Club for the first time. His senior by almost two years—Park Sohyun—asked him if he could join them in a way that she first described as a “more productive part-time side gig.” Due to personal reasons, the young man accepted her invitation a couple of days after hearing her compelling offer at the cafe.

The room looked cozier than any classroom he has gone to in his almost one year as a student. Maybe it’s the decorations and furniture. It felt like he was home, at least like his boarding house. It felt weird but also welcoming as he saw new and familiar faces, whose heads now turn to him with various glances. Most are positive, to say the least.

“Ne. Kamsahamnida, Sohyun-sunbaenim,” he bows to her with gratitude.

“Please drop the honorifics,” she snickers at his gesture. “Just call me Sohyun-ssi.”

He hesitates to even mouth those words. “I can’t, sunbaenim. That just feels…”

She chuckles. “Alright, alright. Will noona be more comfortable for you then?”

“Ne!” he exclaims. “That sounds better… Kamsahamnida, Sohyun-noona.”

“I know that we have rules, but don’t be too uncomfortable around us, arachi?”

“And we still have three other members,” another student adds. Junghoon immediately recognizes her as his upperclassman Seo Dahyun. “But don’t be nervous around them.”

“Babe, you think recruiting another one this year is a good idea?” a worried voice asks. She’s a tall woman who’s laid back on the couch. Sohyun walks to her and joins her seat.

“Come on, now, Xinyu-ah,” she fixes her scruffy hair. “Just trust me on this one, okay? Junghoon’s only a part-timer. Think of him like our scout or assistant. And besides, I really wanna help him out and he’s been such a great help to me in ways I don’t even know how I can repay him… Isn’t that why we founded our club in the first place?”

“Not to meddle with you lovebirds, but Sohyun-unnie has a point…” Dahyun adds in her insight to the matter with a hopeful tone. “I still remember joining this club because you girls helped me out when I got here in Seoul. And look where I am now!”

Holding each other in an embrace, Xinyu knows and feels she can trust Sohyun dearly… From a distance, Junghoon is relieved that another member of the club accepted him. At least, she voiced her trust in her girlfriend. That was enough for Junghoon to feel a little less like some outcast, unlike most of his classes and group projects where folks would just come and go after a limited span of interactions about academics and interests.

“Well…” Xinyu looks at Sohyun. “You and Dahyun are right about our oath... I trust you, Sohyun-ah.”

“Thank you, babe,” Sohyun kisses her girlfriend’s cheek. “I mean, I also trust you accepting Yubin-ssi. Let’s call it even.”

“Fair enough,” Xinyu giggles.

“Yah, Sohyun-unnie!” Yubin herself whines to her sunbaes, already defensive in her tone. “What did I do? I already told you gals before, I haven’t been spending our money on anything stupid! That's why I wanted to join this club so badly.”

Sohyun, Xinyu, and Dahyun can’t help but laugh at her reaction. “I was kidding, Yubin-ah…” Sohyun calms her down. “You’re just as welcome here as everyone!”

The couple chuckle before their lips lovingly touch each other with no sign of worries. Junghoon looks at them in contemplation, touched by this new sight of love and comfort.

Dahyun shakes her head with a smile. “Aigoo… Get a room, you two.”

“But we are in a room,” Xinyu casually retorts, continuing her embrace with Sohyun.

Dahyun swallows a humph at the remark. “You get what I mean, unnie!”

“Okay, okay…” Xinyu stands up with Sohyun. “We’ll be heading outside for a bit, if that makes y’all singles any less uncomfortable.”

“That’s so uncalled for, unnie…” Yubin places a palm on her chest in disbelief.

“I’m joking!” Xinyu chuckles alongside Sohyun, as they tidy themselves up. “But we are gonna be heading out. For real this time... See you later, girls!”

“And Junghoon-ah!” Sohyun adds on their way out, waving at her hoobae.

The lovers bid their fellow members goodbye, leaving the three members in the room. Thankfully, there’s no awkwardness felt between them due to their comical interaction, though Junghoon still feels a “bit formal” and anxious when his eyes meet Dahyun’s, as much as he is curious about her based on what he has heard from the talk minutes ago.

“If I may ask, Dahyun-sunbaenim… You’re not from around here?”

“Nah, my hometown’s in Busan, Junghoon-ssi. How about you?” she asks back.

“I was born in Gyeonggi-do… At least that’s where my dad was.”

“And your eomoni?”

He stops for a second, recalling an integral moment from his past. “She was from Daegu, but I haven't gone there in a long time.”

“That’s nice to know! Some of my friends are from there.”

“Oh!” Yubin joins their conversation with excitement, with her eyes now lighting up with curiosity about him. “Your dad’s from Gyeonggi-do, too, sunbae? We live there, too!”

“That’s nice to know, Yubin-ssi. It’s kind of interesting that we all have some hometowns in common. At least, for a while.”

“It really is! Hope we get along, Geum Junghoon-sunbaenim.”

“I hope so too, Yubin-ssi,” Junghoon bows. “It’s nice meeting you everyone.”

= = =

In the following couple of weeks. Junghoon and his close friends outside the club were sitting in campus gardens, as they would usually hang out during breaks or this time, after classes. Kim Myungsoo and Lee Yeonghwan are juniors. Lim Honggi, fellow sophomore. Another sophomore, Kamimoto Kotone, is the only woman in their group—but she and Junghoon go all the way back since high school. They were his friends and brother-like figures since freshman year.

While Junghoon is no stranger to being quiet, they witness their youngest friend scratching his hair—not even the gust of wind can suppress the questions swirling within his confused mind. Myungsoo taps on Junghoon’s shoulder, stopping his hand from scratching his scalp.

“Dude, that’s like the loudest you’ve ever been today,” Yeonghwan shares his concern. “You got dandruff on your hair or something?”

“Yeah… Are you okay, man? What’s on your mind?” Myungsoo reciprocates his worry.

“Umm, well…” Junghoon hesitates for a second. “If you don’t mind me asking, hyung… What exactly does the Mad Money Club do? I know you’ve known some of the members since last year, so…”

“Sohyun didn’t tell you?” Myungsoo wonders. “None of the members briefed you? Wow. I wonder what she said that made you agree to come working for her club, man... Those women are a mystery to us!”

“I just got into them two weeks ago, so I’m just getting used to the club.”

“I’m afraid I don’t know much about those rich kids, Junghoon... I do know some things about the founders, but they’re mostly just rumors or basic stuff you and everyone else on campus might already be familiar with.”

“But didn’t we already warn you not to join any sketchy organizations?” Yeonghwan raises an eyebrow.

Junghoon shakes his head. “It’s not sketchy, Yeonghwan-ah. They’re surprisingly nice when I entered their club.”

“Are you sure they're not a cult or some kind of laundering scheme?” Kotone joins in.

Junghoon turns to her in confusion. “Where did you hear those rumors?”

“I mean, these two aren’t entirely wrong,” Myungsoo plays devil’s advocate due to their concern for him. “There’s an actual rumor about them praying to statues while holding Korean bills, but just based on your experience with them, are they that strange?”

“Nah, they’re not that weird…” he chuckles. “That was just a goof that they made for a project in Xinyu-sunbae’s economics class. Was it something about the historical and sociocultural critique of Western capitalism? Something like that? But, I got to know them for a bit, so…”

Junghoon started to share what he exactly does with the Mad Money Club in those past few weeks.

For a start, I would sometimes tutor some of the members. At first, I thought it was just it. I would become a private campus tutor. But, I wasn’t complaining about it. It was productive and my work was paying off, and getting paid.

“So that’s basically what the Diamond-Water Paradox is,” I tell Yubin. “Even if water is more essential to us as humans, it’s still interesting to realize the fact that the market’s value of diamonds is always more expensive. And so, you can solve it by using this formula. The change in total utility divided…”

If that wasn’t enough, I help them with mapmaking and illustrations. Considering they have tablets or pens and papers… It wasn’t too hard for me to help them out whenever they needed a hand for an assignment or project.

“Oh…” Yubin rejoices at her realization. “I understand it a little better now. Thanks for the assist, sunbae!”

Most of the time, it’s Yubin who I've been helping since she’s the youngest. “You’re welcome, Yubin-ssi.”

Gong Yubin is a freshman, being the youngest recruit in the club this semester, but she easily got along with the older members. Even with me. Apparently, she has been friends with a few of her seniors here (my juniors) since they were in high school, so that must have been a little bit easier for her to adjust into living in college. She may be a little bit frisky and playful most of the time, but she’s a resourceful student and is kind to everyone whenever she gets serious. Even if she gets teased about being a babo because she failed some of her earlier quizzes, she’s quite the quick learner, too, and her passing her exams compensates for that.

But there was more than tutoring for me by the second week, even though that was one of the first things Sohyun-noona expected me to do as their assistant. In the weeks that followed since I first joined Mad Money Club, I became involved in some of these girls’ extracurricular clubs and organizations. One can say that I was being outsourced.

“Alright! You’re doing a good job, Junghoon-ssi,” Dahyun cheers me on from the table.

“It’s nothing, sunbae. As long as I’m able to do something to help you all out, I’m glad.”

“Don’t hesitate to ask us for help, too, okay? As your sunbae, we know a lot of things and we can do a lot of stuff, too.” She raises her clenched fists while pouting with a momentary fierce gaze.

Seo Dahyun-sunbae is a junior from Behavioral Science, but interestingly enough, one of her main hobbies are going to the campus gym not just to work out on most evenings, but she also loves to spar in boxing and sometimes martial arts, which is cool. Though she doesn’t play in actual matches, she apparently packs a powerful punch, so I definitely don’t wanna get on her bad side.

She’s usually nice, on the bright side. Especially with an extremely angelic voice, she’s also a well-respected member of the Seoul State Singers since she joined last semester. In person, she can get along with everyone within the span of one or two conversations. At least that’s what happened to our first meeting. Because of her bubbly attitude, she usually approaches people first, but she never forgets to be respectful of them which makes me admire her.

Eventually, I met the two other members of the club, starting with their leader, who I thought was Sohyun, but happened to be someone else. She’s actually the same age as Dahyun-sunbaenim, despite all of them, save for Yubin, being in the same class year.

“It’s nice meeting you, Junghoon-ssi… Just treat this room as home when you’re here. You’ve already done a lot of help for the club and it’s only your first week,” she tells me.

“It’s my pleasure, Seoyeon-sunbaenim,” I bow to her during our first introduction.

“I know why Sohyun recruited you into the club and I welcome your reasoning behind it. But I hope you understand why we founded this group. It is more than just a gig.”

“I understand, sunbae. I choose to stay here for a while. For as long as you need my service, I will be here.” I bow to her again; not only is she older, she’s also another sunbae.

Yoon Seoyeon-sunbae was the first member I’ve met after classes and contrary to what I did believe, she’s actually the club’s main founder and leader. She applied and got into SSU through a special scholarship, which was impressive. I could’ve entered here the same way until I realized that I already qualified for passing the entrance exams. She’s a student of Media and Communication and just like Sohyun-noona, she was probably just as busy as her when I first met her, which is why she rarely shows up in the room when it’s my “shift” in the morning and early afternoon.

She and everyone else there might’ve been somewhat suspicious of me for being the only guy in the club, but I get why she herself has yet to earn my full trust. There’s a lot of pervs and douches lurking everywhere, even and especially on such a prestigious and privileged campus like this. I never plan to have relationships in college, anyways, but befriending them feels great. Besides, I won’t always hang out with them, unless they need my help for something. It feels much, much more different from high school.

“Nice to meet you, Junghoon-ssi,” another member shakes hands with me. “I don’t get why Sohyun-unnie is hiring an assistant here, but I hope that you joined us because you’re willing and not you know… The opposite,” she giggles.

“It’s umm… My pleasure meeting you, Nien-sunbaenim,” I feel hypnotized in her gaze.

Hsü Nien-tz'u is another junior from Marketing, but everyone simply calls her Nien. She was a Vietnam-born Taiwanese and she’s also a year younger than Sohyun-noona and the same age as Seoyeon, although they went to university in the same year. Last year, I think I’ve seen her before on campus a couple of times, but now that I’ve met her in person and know she’s a member of this club, she’s pretty funny when she jokes around and well, she’s pretty.

She has beautiful eyes, too. I don’t know what else to say about Nien yet, other than the fact that she just lights up the room with her stunning sense of humor, confidence, and lively charm whenever she’s there. It'd be nice to know her better, but that’s just wishful thinking, even if I get to see her in the room more often during lunch breaks and free times. And why am I calling her comfortably?

“Yah, Nien-ah!” Sohyun calls her out. What kind of question is that?”

“The one no one else dared to ask, unnie,” she snaps back. “What else?”

“You little–”

“It’s okay, noona,” I came to her defense, even though it seems like these girls have always bickered at each other like this before. “And Nien-ssi, Sohyun-noona didn’t pressure me. I just like to offer what I have to help with y’all, and I’d be more than happy to help.”

“Well, if any of the girls are giving you a hard time, don’t be afraid to ask ‘me’ for help, arachi? I can make it easier for you if you want.” She just winked at me. Seolma.

I was a bit taken aback by what she said, but I could not help but chuckle at her as my only reaction. I can’t tell if her statements are “genuine,” but at least Nien’s humorous gestures and words just somehow tickles the heck out of my funny bone or something.

“Omo, Nien-ah… I don’t believe this. Are you flirting with my hoobae?”

Nien raises her hands up. “I’m just saying! He may need some ‘assistance’ too, you know? He’s only human.”

“You’re not denying it, Nien-ah,” teases Dahyun.

There's a hint of taunting and enticement to Nien's mischievous smile. “I have no intention to. And he's my hoobae too, you know.”

“Whatever you say…” Sohyun scoffs, shaking her head. “Either way, he’s off-limits.”

“Am I though?”

My sudden bold response impressed the entire room with a wave of “oooooh” towards him. While it made Sohyun put her palm on her face while letting out a light laughter, it even took Nien aback for a second. But the fact that she smiled at me was one reaction I didn’t expect. I take her response as a sign of respect and friendliness for a person she's met. Oh, how clueless was I truly during those years.

“How about that,” she smirks. “You see, he can definitely answer for himself, unnie.”

“Woah, I did not expect that side of you, Junghoon-ah!” Sohyun turns her head to me.

“I’m just kidding, noona… Trying to lighten up the mood and all,” I explain. “But I don’t mind Nien-sunbae’s assistance, it might come in handy someday, you know?”

Park Sohyun-sunbae recruited me into the club in the first place. We were in the same student organization that I joined as a freshman, but she was also in a couple of my classes. She’s in a good number of organizations when she was still a freshman, but she stopped when she co-founded Mad Money with Seoyeon and Dahyun-sunbae.

We first worked on a paired assignment, which turned out well because she was approachable and took the initiative during our meetings. But after that, we kept staying as partners whenever she got busier on her organization projects and I chose to finish on our class assignments. She insisted that I stop including her names on the finished works.

Now, I can say that she’s a good friend of mine. She seems to treat me like that as well. I might even say she’s like an older sister to me, but maybe I’m just being sentimental, because I never had one. Point is, meeting her has made my college life more fun and refreshing.

Xinyu smiles at us. “Well, whatever happens to these two, I can still vouch for everyone. Junghoon has been nothing but helpful to the whole club, so far.”

Zhou Xinyu is another junior alongside Sohyun and Nien. She’s from Beijing, but she’s not an exchange student, as some students believe. Aside from dating Sohyun-noona since they were freshmen, I don’t know anything else about her to be honest. However, I did learn that she’s a major in Media and Communication too. She’s also a member of the SSU Thespians’ Society, though I haven't seen her acting (on the stage) yet. In terms of her visuals and physique, she’s like a model.

She makes a lot of jokes with Nien-ssi and at times, she even flirts with almost everyone she’s with, which Sohyun seems to be fine with. I’m assuming that’s just Xinyu being very playful. I mean, what do I know about relationships? But I’m pretty sure she’s only like that to people she’s comfortable enough with, but as a new associate of these women, it’s fun to see her be all self-loving and teasing with the rest of the Mad Money Club.

All in all, I hope we all get close, even if I’m not a "core member" of their club. If not, then at least respectful enough to each other. I don’t know how long I’ll be working with and for them, but all I can hope for is that things work out well while I’m getting to know them. Just like one of their 10 rules, I just gotta be(you)tiful... Be myself, ‘cause why not?

“Now I’m thinking that you should’ve just joined our group, instead,” Kotone tells Junghoon, snapping him out of his vivid recollections with the Mad Money Club.

“Why do you think that?”

“I don’t know. I thought it’d convince you to stop overthinking like this sometimes. Besides, my clubmates will treat you well, if you end up changing your mind later.”

“I’m already close enough to not be comfortable with my own clubmates. I think I’m good, but thanks for the concern, Tone-yah.”

“You’re welcome. But I’m just gonna put it out there again: our doors will always be open... That is unless you already have someone making you stay there for a reason, haven’t you?”

Junghoon smiling in silence says it all. Knowing what his face means, they cheer their friend on. He hasn’t felt what most people would call butterflies, at least not in a while.

From her eyes to her beautiful face. Her effortless yet flawless sense of humor. And that wink of hers and soft smile still gets him. How can he not be allured by this girl’s charm?

Yeonghwan notices Junghoon’s sudden smile. “Is there really someone you like?”

“I guess..?” Junghoon chuckles, not minding the feeling of his cheeks now warming up. “But it’s not that big of a deal.”

“I think your face says otherwise,” Myungsoo teases him. “You think you have a shot with someone there?”

“Do you like Sohyun-sunbae or something? You got a thing with lesbians?” Honggi adds.

“Nah… I don’t like her that way. Sohyun-noona’s kind of like a mentor to me. A tough, brave, and wise one. And I’m grateful to always learn from her.”

“Fair enough. Maybe it’s that freshman then? Gong Yubin? That girl looks so—”

Kotone darts him with a stare. “Honggi-yah, are you sure you’re not just saying your crushes out loud?”

Honggi raises his hands in the air. “I’m just guessing! Just guessing, alright? I’ll stop.”

“Wait, is it Nien-ssi then?” Myungsoo is right on the money. “I mean, based on your encounter with her earlier, it seems you got a thing going!”

“Nah, I doubt it,” Junghoon shakes it off, despite Myungsoo getting the correct answer. “I mean, look at me… I’m pretty big and she’s in a diff—”

“Dude!” Yeonghwan exclaims in disdain. “We’re just guessing and you’re already being like that to yourself.”

“Like what? I’m just being truthful, you know?”

“We’re in 2023, for crying out loud,” Kotone whines, knowing what Yeonghwan means. “Junghoon-ah, we are not living in some kind of freaking stereotypical rom-com drama from the last decade. This isn’t True Beauty or Lookism!”

“I know, but regardless, I accepted to join since I took Sohyun-noona’s offer, not because I wanna flirt with girls,” Junghoon looks down after a sigh. “I couldn’t say no to her offer. Not after how much she’s helped me since last year.”

“So that’s why you joined, huh…” Myungsoo realizes it’s more serious than they thought.

“I’m pretty sure you helped her a lot more, based on what she told us,” adds Yeonghwan.

“Yup…” Myungsoo begins to explain to Junghoon. “Sohyun told us when you two first partnered up for Social Sciences. You took care of things when she couldn’t respond to your texts, but you still managed to use all the resources she provided. She even told us about your project last semester. Like if you did that to a straight woman, she would’ve probably gone out with you!”

“That’s ridiculous, hyung…” Junghoon laughs at his last remark.

“He is,” Kotone laughs with him. “But oppa’s main point is, Junghoon-ah, you’ve helped Sohyun-sunbae big time. Without anything in return… You didn’t have to, but you did.”

= = = = = =

Months ago. Sohyun and Junghoon were standing in front of the open classroom door.

“You didn’t have to do it…” Sohyun reminded him. “That was our project for finals too!”

“I thought you were having a hard time, sunbae. Juggling all your gazette articles to meet the deadline on your org. You told me you were dealing with other courses, too. I feel like I had to do something.”

“You didn’t have to,” she objected. “At least not what you did. You could’ve just talked it out with the professor. I’m not even pissed that you’ve done the paper without me. I’m pissed because you did it, and still included my name… When all I did was send you a bunch of links for you to read alone, and I feel like shit because I didn’t even bother reading them in time.”

“And every single link you’ve sent me still helped me with finishing our project, sunbae… If I’m being honest, working together with you through the semester has been and still is one of the best experiences I’ve had with a randomly selected partner so far.”

Such an answer amuses her, strangely enough, she can’t even come up with anything. “Why’s that? What about the other partners you paired up with from other classes?”

“Most of them were also randomly selected, and the rest of them were just me working with my close friends, but we rarely have classes together for this semester... I can’t let people down, you know?”

“You know, you should really go out of your shell every once in a while,” she rebuked. “But for once, don’t do every single group task by yourself!”

“Yeah, but sometimes they would have emergencies, so I’d just cover for their parts,” he remained stubborn. Even his tone was consistently nonchalant to her. “Everyone wins.”

“Well, those things can happen for sure. But let me ask you something: can you tell the difference between a groupmate who can’t help you out because of an ‘emergency’ or a freeloader who’s just lying their ass off to get out of making an effort?”

This time, Junghoon runs out of words and excuses to defend his own misfortunes. He knows she’s right. The strongest point any concerned person can make in this scenario.

“See…” she softens her tone. “You do realize now that you’re being a pushover. Any sane or reasonable student would do anything to help out their partner—no matter how busy they may be. And if they can’t do anything to help or have anything to contribute, then you negotiate with them. Leave their names out, if you have to… You’re a smart kid.”

“Leaving my shell does sound nice, Sohyun-sunbaenim. But I doubt I have time for gatherings and all that, so it’s fine… (optimistic) For now, I have a lot on my plate… Maybe someday.”

“Look, umm… I always respect people’s privacy… But by any chance, are you off to study again or something? I feel like you’ve studied enough by yourself and if you keep this up, you may even end up teaching the whole class for the rest of the semester.”

He chuckles. “Even I don’t wanna do that. But no, I actually have to take my shift for the evening, before my coworker leaves the store empty again without notice.”

“You’re working part-time? Where?”

“Ne. I work at a convenience store and—” He notices the time on his wrist watch. “Crap. Sorry, but I really have to go.” He bows to Sohyun at a quick pace, much to her surprise. “Thank you, sunbae. Annyeonghi gasipsio!”

Sohyun only bows in uncertainty at the sight of Junghoon’s quick pace as tightens his backpack around his shoulders and leaves the hallway in a rush, leaving a trail of wind. She slowly runs her fingers through her hair and slightly scratches her head, processing the situation she was in. A student exits the room next to Sohyun, instantly noticing her.

“Sohyun-ssi!” she turns to see her classmate, Junhee, approaching her with enthusiasm. “Congrats on getting the highest paper with Junghoon-ssi.”

“Oh, Joonie. Thanks! You and Chaerin did great too.”

“Thank you! We certainly did. But we’re not the champions of the semester, so…” she smiles with anticipation. “Does that mean you’re treating the class this time?”

“If you guys don’t immediately leave the classroom next class, I’ll think about it. But only those who’ll stay can come,” she teases.

“You know my friends and I definitely can’t say no to that offer, so you bet that we’ll be staying and chillin’ there until you tell us the plan… But I gotta head back to the dorm. See ya!” she waves her farewell, before leaving the hallway.

Sohyun waves back at Junhee. However, guilt has yet to let go of her mind and heart.

“That’s mostly Junghoon’s effort, to say the least,” she whispers to herself. “Heck, all the credit should be given to him. Aigoo…” she sighs.

She thinks to herself, tilting her head in confusion. I never expected that I'd become a freeloader for once. Great job, Park Sohyun. I can’t accept this. Kid’s too generous. I really gotta make up to him and help in some way. I have to.

= = = = = =

It was the end of his fourth week as an assistant of the Mad Money Club when Sohyun personally talked to Junghoon right after their club meeting outside their room. After feeling a buzz in his pocket, Junghoon takes a look at his phone. ₩300,000 has been wired to his account. His eyes widened at the screen and blinked seven times before looking back to his sunbae, who cackled. To some, it may not be enough, to Junghoon, it's more than something. Six digits. How in the hell is poss—

“This is—this is too much, noona. I can’t accept this. I should wire back at least—”

“Don’t return a single won,” she interjects. “You do and you earn it, Junghoon-ah.”

“I owe you a lot. Kamsahamnida. Kamsa—” he keeps bowing to her over and over, overwhelmed by the reward he’s received from his warmhearted upperclassman.

“Yah. That’s enough bowing, Junghoon! We’re supposed to support each other’s backs, not break ‘em,” she stops him while having a good chortle. “And I thought we’re friends helping each other, not just sunbae and hoobae... And if you’re wondering how you can pay me back, don’t. You’ve done it already. Instead, you can promise me you’ll be more confident and respectful to yourself, alright?” She raises an eyebrow.

“Ne, Sohyun-noona! I’ll keep doing my best.”

“You already are… Now, have the girls been treating you well?”

“Of course. I really enjoyed meeting them during breaks. For once, it’s nice meeting new folks who aren’t just there to be one-time partners or group mates who you only meet in class projects or reviews.”

“That’s great… I even heard that you’ve got a little crush on Nien, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t!” he exclaims in panic. “I think Nien-ssi’s just a little cute and funny.”

Sohyun cackles at his sudden burst. “Come on, now. I don’t see why that’s a bad thing… Do you want me to give you her number?”

He clasps his hands, lacing his fingers together. “I don’t think it’s appropriate, noona. Not without her permission or her choice, it’s not right.”

“Bummer,” she pouts. “I think she would’ve loved to get to know you more outside the club. But you still get a pass in my book!”

She hits him lightly on the right shoulder, leaving him confused. “Umm, how so?”

“You're being respectful. Not to go all boomer on you, but nowadays, folks just get into hook-ups more than actual committed relationships, which is fine but, some of those people just give us gals the heebie jeebies and asshats who don't give any shit about creating connections! Especially men… But not you, Junghoon-ah… You're a classic gentleman.” she snaps her finger, which makes a thumbs up in front of him.

“I don't really know how to make of that, but thank you, noona. Based on your principles about relationships, you must be a pretty great girlfriend to Xinyu-ssi.”

“Thanks, Junghoon-ah…” she daydreams beside him. “She is, too. Maybe even a better girlfriend than me. More than I could’ve possibly imagined. She’s amazing.”

“I don’t know much about her yet, but from what I’ve seen from you guys, she’s pretty nice. You two look great together.”

“That’s too sweet of you. And I’m sure you’ll get along with Xinyu just fine… By the way, you should watch her plays sometime. I’ll pay for your ticket if you want.”

“That would be neat, but I’m sure I can afford it thanks to my gigs. Including the club.”

“Well, She’s actually gonna star in a new original romance play that's coming up by the end of the month, so you better check your calendar… It’s my queen we’re supporting.”

He’s intrigued. “I’ll see if I’m free that day, but I’m sure she’s a phenomenal actress.”

“She definitely is…” she sighs in awe. “Sometimes I can’t tell when she’s joking or being serious, like there are times when she does aegyos out of nowhere for no reason. That’s how I know she’s such a pro at these things.”

Junghoon laughs. “Maybe that’s just her charm. She knows that it gets you.”

“I guess so, and it keeps working every time…” she then faces him, retaining her smile. “But now, back to our last subject, do you want me to ask Nien for her number?”

“As much as I would like that, sunbae… We’ve only known each other for a whole month, just like with the rest of the club. It’s a bit too soon.”

“That's why you're getting to know each other through SNS. Don't you want that chance? It’s not even a chance anymore!” she whines at his impressive but irritable persistence.

“I do…” the hesitation in his voice starts to sound apparent. “Just not now… I want to give it time, if you understand what I mean. I do appreciate your consideration, though.”

Someone walks to them. A woman with a tall stature and long hair, slightly towering over Junghoon. Both of them recognize her. Speak of the goddess herself.

Xinyu rushes to Sohyun with an embrace. “Babe! Have you handled everyone’s payments yet?” For a moment, she turns to Junghoon with a cheerful smile. “Hey, Junghoon-ssi.”

Junghoon quietly bows to her, just as the loving couple embrace and passionately kiss in front of him. They’re a match made in heaven, Junghoon thinks to himself. And it’s also a bit awkward to be here. Why am I not leaving?

“I just did babe,” Sohyun nuzzles her nose. “Should I wire your payment as well?”

“That can wait, jagiya.” Her lover’s cheerful tone slowly shifts into a more seductive one. “You can pay me with something else, though.”

“As much as I would love that, I don’t think now’s the right time, Xinyu-yah...” Despite her words, Sohyun's actions can't help but rebel against her own restraints, allowing herself to lean closer towards Xinyu's hot, red lips.

“Then when’s the right time?”

“I should head out, noonas,” he mumbles and bows to them, hiding his agonizing embarrassment while the couple slowly embrace beside him. “Thank you for today.”

Right as he gets on the bus, he receives a text from Sohyun. Understandably, he expects another errand or follow-up from an upcoming group assignment in one of their classes. Maybe even an error in the total amount of her payment, which weirdly enough, he was partly hoping for.

[Sohyun: Here’s Nien’s number.] [Don’t you dare mess it up. Hwaiting!]

He begins typing his reply on his keypad, but he immediately notices a second message pop up before he can complete his text.

[Sohyun: If you’re typing that question, yes, I asked her!] [Do you need any other proof?]

She’s already read his thoughts. Junghoon takes a heavy breath and exhales with a smile. Is this really happening?

{Junghoon: I don’t know what to say, noona.}

[Sohyun: Don’t say anything, Junghoon.] [Just do well and go with the flow (>ᴗ•) b!]

{Junghoon: Kamsahaeyo.}

He proceeds to switch to his more familiar group chat in a fit of panic.

{JungJung: Guys, guys! You got a minute? I have an emergency.}

[Myungi: What happened, Jung?] [Everything alright?]

= = =

just another note, if you've reached this point. since I'm still stumped writing newer fics (I'll release one soon), I'll most likely start posting more of this series, though I'm gonna sort out how I'm gonna divide them each chapter. again, I know this fic ain't everyone's cup of tea, but I'm still thankful for y'all who's read it. hope you have a nice day!