TMYRA Chapter 26

I Liked Him A Bit Too

 

Seo Mun-hwon was sitting leisurely on a bench as if the school were his own home. It was the students who were actually unsettled.  

 

Everyone passing through the campus couldn’t help but glance at him.  

 

The charisma and aura exuding from his captivating appearance dominated not just the space but also the people around him.  

 

No one could take their eyes off him, but Seo Mun-hwon had no interest in anyone except for Soo-ah.  

 

***

 

The exhibition meeting held in an empty lecture room at the art school ended in just an hour.  

 

There wasn’t much to discuss since it was just a matter of reviewing what had already been arranged.  

 

After briefly deciding on the exhibition order and pamphlet design, everyone stood up.  

 

When most had left and only a few remained, Ji-eun approached Soo-ah.  

 

“Soo-ah, what should I do? I suddenly need to have an urgent meeting with the exhibition venue manager. I really wanted to have a meal and chat with you since we finally met, but it looks like it’ll be difficult.”  

 

Ji-eun was in charge of the exhibition’s general affairs and marketing. Already aware of how busy Ji-eun was, Soo-ah responded considerately.  

 

“It’s okay. We can eat together next time.”  

 

“I feel bad about it. Make sure to contact me, okay?”  

 

“I can’t reach out for now, but when things get better, you’ll be the first person I call.”  

 

“Promise! You have to!”  

 

After saying goodbye to Ji-eun, Soo-ah was about to leave the lecture room when she ran into Jun-hyun, who was just coming in.  

 

“Moon Soo-ah, long time no see.”  

 

Jun-hyun was a senior, two years ahead, who had returned to school last semester and was now preparing for the graduation exhibition with them.  

 

“Hello.”  

 

“Have you been well?”  

 

He smiled gently as he spoke to Soo-ah. Jun-hyun was well-known in the art department. He was tall, good-looking, kind, and considerate.  

 

Many female students secretly had crushes on him, and Soo-ah had also been fond of him when she was a freshman.  

 

However, her feelings never developed further.  

 

Ihan and Bo-kyung never allowed her to meet with any man alone. One time, she had a meal with Jun-hyun, but somehow, Bo-kyung found out and threatened him. Bo-kyung even came to the school, grabbed Jun-hyun by the collar, and Soo-ah had to desperately intervene to stop her.  

 

After that incident, things became awkward between them, and since Jun-hyun had gotten a job, they rarely saw each other.  

 

Today was the first time in nearly six months.  

 

“I’ve been the same as always. How about you, senior?”  

 

“Me? I’ve been doing great. Having a job means making money, which is nice. The downside is that work keeps me so busy that I barely have time to think.”  

 

Jun-hyun had gotten an early job as a textile designer at a fashion company and was living a busy life.  

 

“How’s work?”  

 

“It’s manageable. By the way, do you have time to grab a meal? I wanted to eat and have a drink with you before graduation, but today might be my last chance. I took a day off, so I have no plans this afternoon.”  

 

She had to refuse, but she didn’t want to. As he said, this might be the last time they could have a conversation alone. Whether she ended up hiding overseas or became Ihan’s woman, she wouldn’t be able to meet him again.  

 

However, she was also worried that he might get involved and suffer because of her. Moreover, Seo Mun-hwon was undoubtedly watching her from somewhere nearby.  

 

“I’m busy today.”  

 

Soo-ah refused, but Jun-hyun, uncharacteristically, asked again.  

 

“Do you have plans after this? If not, let’s at least have a quick meal. It’s not easy to find another chance. I have something to tell you, too.”  

 

As she hesitated, unsure of how to refuse, her gaze met Seo Mun-hwon’s at the entrance. He was leaning against the wall at an angle, staring only at her. Her classmates leaving the lecture room noticed him and started whispering among themselves.  

 

“Who is that?”  

 

“I know, right? Since when did we have someone that handsome at our school?”  

 

At that moment, Mun-hwon gestured at Soo-ah. He lifted two fingers and tilted them forward, as if telling her to come out and return home. Soo-ah quickly looked away from him and changed her mind.  

 

If she went home with him now, her long-awaited time outside would end without any progress. She couldn’t let that happen.  

 

“Yes, let’s eat. Drinking sounds good, too.”  

 

“Drinking, too?”  

 

“We won’t get another chance, right?”  

 

“That’s true, but will you be okay?”  

 

“Yes.”  

 

Soo-ah answered firmly.  

 

At least right now, she wanted to do what she wanted without worrying about anyone else. Once Ihan returned, she wouldn’t be able to have a meal or talk with Jun-hyun again. Even if Seo Mun-hwon was watching, this was her last bit of freedom.  

 

“Then, shall we go?”  

 

As she stepped out with Jun-hyun, Seo Mun-hwon had already disappeared.  

 

Even though she couldn’t see him anywhere, Soo-ah was certain he was watching from somewhere, and she remained on high alert.  

 

Jun-hyun took Soo-ah to a restaurant near the back gate of the school. It was a place that served both food and alcohol, popular among students for its delicious dishes.

 

“I kept thinking about this place while working at the company.”

 

“Me too. Their aglio e olio is really good. So is the kimchi stew. And the margaritas.”

 

Jun-hyun burst into laughter.

 

“A place where pasta, kimchi stew, and cocktails are all delicious—there’s probably no other place like this. It seems like a strange combination, but when you eat it, it all comes together. It’s fascinating.”

 

As his warm smile eased her tension, a similar smile spread across Soo-ah’s lips.

 

“What should we eat?”

 

While browsing the menu with him, Jun-hyun pointed to an option first.

 

“No need to overthink it—aglio e olio, kimchi stew, and a margarita. Ah, but it’s still bright outside. Drinking in the afternoon seems a bit much, doesn’t it?”

 

Checking the time, it was transitioning from late afternoon to early evening.

 

“I’m fine with it. I want to drink.”

 

“Alright. When else will we get to drink here again? Excuse me, sir!”

 

After placing the order, Jun-hyun looked at Soo-ah with a gentle gaze. Seeing him like that made guilt creep into her heart.

 

She had never properly apologized for the incident where Bo-kyung had caused a scene. Since this might be their last meeting, she wanted to sincerely ask for his forgiveness.

 

“Senior, I’m sorry about what happened back then.”

 

“What incident? My memory isn’t great—I tend to forget things easily. Is there something you should be apologizing to me for?”

 

His lighthearted response lifted the heavy atmosphere. She felt grateful and even more sorry for his consideration. Just then, the drinks arrived.

 

“Shall we have a toast?”

 

Jun-hyun and Soo-ah clinked their glasses and brought them to their lips. The sharp yet sweet taste of the drink slid down her throat, lifting her spirits a little.

 

“You’re planning to continue creating art after graduation, right?”

 

“I’d like to. What about you,senior? Do you enjoy design?”

 

“Yeah, I really do. It’s fascinating and fun to see the materials I design being turned into clothes. I want to create fabrics that more people will love, and I hope clothes made from my fabrics sell well.”

 

“As expected, sunbae suits commercial art well.”

 

“You suit artistic work. I really liked your pieces. Especially your tapestries—they made me go ‘wow’ every time. How do you even come up with such concepts? It’s incredible.”

 

Soo-ah just smiled sheepishly, without responding.

 

“I really hope you keep working on your art. If you get the chance, studying abroad or going to graduate school would be great. But I know it’s not my place to say…”

 

He trailed off, aware of Soo-ah’s complicated family situation. He had some understanding of her obsessive mother and her stepbrother’s existence.

 

“Oh, right. There’s something important I wanted to tell you.”

 

Just as he was about to speak, their food arrived.

 

“Shall we talk while eating?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Jun-hyun placed some pasta and kimchi stew on Soo-ah’s plate.

 

“Bon appétit.”

 

“You too.”

 

Smiling at Jun-hyun, Soo-ah picked up a forkful of pasta and brought it to her mouth. The noodles were chewy and well-seasoned. The perfectly softened kimchi and the spicy broth complemented each other well.

 

Being able to eat comfortably for once made the food taste even better.

 

“It tastes even better since it’s been a while.”

 

“I think so too.”

 

He responded with a smile and then quietly gazed at Soo-ah.

 

“Can I continue what I was saying?”

 

When Soo-ah nodded, Jun-hyun opened his mouth again, looking somewhat regretful.