LA0S | Chapter 2

Shin Youngmin (Contest)
Where are you? (5:02 PM)

Library. (5:07 PM)

Shin Youngmin (Contest)
Got it. I’m on my way too. Should take about 10 minutes. (5:07 PM)

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I’ll be in the lounge. (5:08 PM)

Shin Youngmin (Contest)
Okay. (5:08 PM)

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The two had agreed to meet twice a week to brainstorm ideas and discuss the direction of their work. Today was the first day, and they had decided to meet at the library they both frequented. Though the collaboration had come together rather haphazardly, since he’d committed to it, Jinha planned to aim for the grand prize.

Adjusting his bag with the notebook containing the synopsis inside, Jinha checked his phone.

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“I’m early.”

He had arrived 30 minutes ahead of their agreed meeting time. Settling into the library lounge, he opened a textbook and began studying. As he took notes and delved deeper into the material, someone tapped on the table. Looking up, he found Youngmin standing there.

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“Sorry I’m late. Did you wait long?”

“No, you’re right on time.”

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“Really? That’s a relief… Hmm. Can we talk for a moment?”

That’s why we’re meeting, isn’t it? Jinha gestured to the seat across from him with his eyes. Youngmin sat down and took a swig from the water bottle in his hand.

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“Um…”

What’s with all the hesitation? Watching him gulp down the water, squint his eyes slightly, bite his lips, and lick them nervously, Jinha got a bad feeling about whatever he was about to say.

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“What is it? Don’t beat around the bush—just say it.”

Youngmin finished the last of his water and crushed the empty bottle. Crack. His eyes briefly followed the squished bottle before returning to Youngmin’s face.

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“I feel really awkward saying this since I was the one who suggested it first, but…”

Jinha frowned. Whatever it was, it probably wasn’t good news.

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“I don’t think I can participate in the contest. Sorry.”

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

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The words came out before he even had time to think.

Jinha shot up from his seat, leaning on the table. He didn’t even feel the need to apologize for raising his voice—this situation was absurd and frustrating.

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“You’re the one who wanted to do this. How can you just back out like that?”

“I didn’t plan for this either. But, uh, a spot opened up in a project I’ve been dying to join.”

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“And?”

“And, well, that’s how it turned out.”

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Youngmin trailed off, but it was obvious what choice he’d made.

What kind of nonsense is this? Jinha swallowed down the curses bubbling up and picked up his bag. If he stayed any longer, he might actually grab the guy by the collar.

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“Wait, Jinha. Hold on.”

“Do you have more to say?”

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“I know you’re angry, and I get it. But I’m not a total jerk. I do have some sense of responsibility.”

“Not exactly the best timing to claim that.”

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Poking someone first and then acting like nothing happened—if that’s not irresponsible, then what is? Jinha’s face was visibly sour, and Youngmin muttered a soft curse under his breath, scratching the back of his head.

“I found you a replacement. Honestly, as humiliating as it is to admit, this person’s way better than me.”

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“A replacement?”

Suddenly, a replacement? What was this now?

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“You have no idea how hard it was to convince them. I practically begged on my knees.”

Youngmin launched into an elaborate explanation of how he had persuaded the replacement, using grand gestures to emphasize his struggle. His enthusiasm left no room to interrupt.

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“Just give it a shot with them. From what I can tell, you two might be a good match.”

“Even so, how can you just swap out teammates like this?”

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“I’m really sorry. But it’s not just any project—it’s a professor-led one. If you knew how hard it was to get in, you wouldn’t say that.”

“If you were going to join a project, you shouldn’t have brought up the contest to me. I even quit my part-time job for this because of you.”

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“I swear I’m sorry. It’s just, I got the offer this morning—it was last minute.”

Youngmin clasped his hands together in a pleading gesture. He looked so pathetic that Jinha didn’t feel like getting angrier. Or rather, he figured there was no point in getting mad since nothing would change.

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“So, who’s this replacement?”

“They’re a freshman this year, but they’re insanely talented. Seriously, they’re amazing.”

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A freshman. The mention of a first-year student snuffed out the tiny spark of hope Jinha might’ve had. How good could a kid fresh out of high school be?

I shouldn’t have quit my part-time job just because I trusted Youngmin. Should I ask my boss if I can come back? Ugh, this is so annoying. Rubbing his temples, Jinha tried to sort through his thoughts.

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“At least meet them once. If you’re not satisfied, I’ll find someone else for you.”

“Fine. What’s their name and contact info?”

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“Their name is Kim… Ah, wait, let me take this call.”

Youngmin raised a hand apologetically and answered his ringing phone.

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“Yeah, I’m at the library lounge. Uh-huh, right. That’s correct.”

Youngmin glanced briefly at Jinha, who was standing there with his bag slung over his shoulder, but quickly looked away to continue his call. Was it just my imagination, or did we make eye contact? Jinha tilted his head slightly, frowning.

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“Alright. I’ll head over now.”

After hanging up, Youngmin pocketed his phone and casually slung an arm over Jinha’s shoulder. If someone saw, they might think I was being detained or something.

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“They’re on campus right now. We might as well meet them immediately—it’s better to evaluate them in person.”

“What evaluation?”

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“Of course, you should! I messed up, so now you’re the boss here.”

Youngmin’s playful tone was accompanied by a tighter grip around Jinha’s shoulders as he began walking. Jinha could’ve shrugged him off easily but decided against it. Meeting the freshman wasn’t a hassle, so why not?

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Suppressing a sigh, Jinha followed Youngmin toward the building where the artist was waiting.

The art department was about a five-minute walk from the central library. From the humanities department, where Jinha’s classes were, it was another five minutes to the library. Basically, the two departments were at opposite ends of campus.

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“They’re in the middle of something and said to wait ten minutes.”

Youngmin led him to the art department’s café, offering to buy coffee. As expected of a place for artists, even the café’s decorations and menu were charming and unique.

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With iced Americanos in front of them, they waited for the freshman to finish their work. Youngmin apologized again, going over the reasons why he couldn’t participate in the contest anymore. Since he was repeating himself, he must’ve thought I was still mad. No conscience, but he does have a sense of timing, I’ll give him that.

“They’re done. Let’s go.”

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Carrying the still-half-full coffee, they headed to the third-floor lounge. Even past 6 PM, the corridors were brightly lit, almost like it was still daytime.

“It’s basically still daylight at six. When finals roll around, this place is packed with people working overnight—sleeping bags and foldable beds are a must. I even heard of a senior pitching a full-on tent here once.”

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Listening to Youngmin’s one-sided chatter, they reached the lounge. True to its reputation, several students in aprons or work clothes were scattered around, a testament to their ongoing projects.

“It’s quieter than usual today. Lots of empty spots.”

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“Really?”

If this was quiet, what did it look like normally? The humanities department always quieted down after classes ended.

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“Ah, there they are. See that guy sitting in front of the vending machine?”

Following Youngmin’s outstretched finger, Jinha’s gaze landed on a man sitting by an old vending machine. The man, focused on something, was moving his hands as he leaned slightly forward.

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A round head, a straight neck, and broad shoulders stood out. Even in a plain white T-shirt, his good physique was noticeable. Judging by his build, he was probably quite tall too. The way others occasionally glanced his way made it clear that it wasn’t just his back that was impressive.

“Let’s go.”

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Jinha nodded and followed Youngmin toward the man. Fifty steps, ten steps, three steps, and now directly behind him. Surely he heard their footsteps by now, but he didn’t move.

“Hey, are you ignoring your sunbae or what?”

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“…”

What a guy. Muttering, Youngmin tapped the man’s broad back. At the touch, the man tilted his head slightly and removed one earbud. So that’s why he didn’t hear us.

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Hm. Jinha took a quiet breath. Meeting someone new was always nerve-wracking. Forcing the corners of his mouth into a smile, Jinha prepared himself. He knew his resting expression came across as cold. If he didn’t smile, nine out of ten people found him intimidating.

He had grumbled to Youngmin about working with a freshman, but deep down, he just wanted to get started. Please, let this be someone decent. I’ll adjust to anything within reason. He silently prayed as he readied to greet the person.

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The man stood up. Even sitting, his size had been imposing, but now it was unmistakable. 187? 188? At least 185 cm. Even Jinha, who was never self-conscious about his height, hesitated for a moment.

“Jinha, say hi. This is my junior… Oh, and this here is Lee Jinha from the creative writing department—I’ve claimed him since forever.”

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The man turned around. Slowly raising his gaze, Jinha met his eyes.

“Hi. I’m Kim Chayoung.”

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