CBO Ch 3

Jaewon redefined his understanding of handsomeness as he gazed at the face before him. The features were perfectly arranged, as if a Tetris god had placed them, and the symmetry and proportions were impeccable. Each individual feature—eyes, nose, mouth—was a work of art on its own, but together, they formed a masterpiece. His healthy complexion radiated sensuality. And what about his flawlessly straight and even teeth? An orthodontist might stalk him just to get a mold.

“Have you been thinking about me a lot?”

Ma Chayun’s expression was not an exaggeration. This was a face that surely looked different even at the cellular level.

“I have.”

The most striking feature was his jet-black eyes. As Jaewon continued to look into them, a strange, primal fear welled up within him, as if he had encountered a killer whale in the depths of the ocean. Frozen by this unfamiliar sensation, Jaewon couldn’t move a muscle.

“Thinking about how I’d mess you up if I found you.”

Kim Dojeon said ominously, running his tongue over his molars. With that single, menacing remark, Jaewon’s thoughts vanished like bursting soap bubbles. As his absent mind returned, so did the focus in his eyes. Jaewon was startled to see the sculpted face burning with hostility and asked politely,

“What? Me?”

“This cute little bastard is playing games again.”

He was indeed cute, but he hadn’t even started playing any games yet. Feeling wronged, Jaewon was about to protest his innocence but quietly lowered his gaze when he saw Kim Dojeon’s expression. A wanted poster would look more amiable.

“Who else is here besides you?”

There are plenty of people around, aren’t there? Jaewon glanced around with a bewildered expression. The students who had been watching with keen interest quickly averted their eyes when they met his.

‘What’s going on?’

Jaewon was confused. He was usually the one collecting bets in the stands when a fight broke out. This sudden role as a Colosseum participant was incredibly unfamiliar. Why was he, from early morning, having his neck grabbed and being provoked like a rooster on a dog day?

“I wondered who the transfer student was, but I never thought the stalker bastard would come looking for me.”

“Huh?”

Stalking was certainly on the agenda, but it was an operation he had yet to execute. He grew more and more perplexed as he listened. His brain, overloaded with causal analysis errors, ceased to function. Knowing that speaking carelessly in such situations could lead to a mountain of trouble, Jaewon remained silent as a clam.

“Have you lost your mind?”

One of his nicknames in school had been foie gras. Jaewon, who was about to nod unconsciously, suddenly felt a threat to his survival and stayed still. Kim Dojeon’s eyes were so fierce that he felt like his throat would be slit in an instant if he made a wrong move.

“What are you two doing standing there!”

The volatile situation was resolved by the teacher entering the classroom. The grip on Jaewon’s chin loosened at the loud reprimand.

“The bell rang ages ago, you idiots. Hurry up and sit down.”

As the teacher slammed the attendance book on the desk and yelled, Kim Dojeon clicked his tongue and let go of Jaewon. He didn’t let go gently either, but practically flung him aside, nearly causing Jaewon to fall backward.

“See you during break.”

Kim Dojeon muttered a threat towards Jaewon and sat down. Jaewon, who had been standing there dazed, soon sat down next to him.

“…….”

“…….”

An awkward silence hung between them. After a moment, Kim Dojeon turned his head and looked at Jaewon. Feeling an unspoken pressure from the radioactive gaze, Jaewon moved his desk away. Only after moving it three more times did Kim Dojeon seem satisfied and turn away.

“Where did we leave off last time?”

“Shouldn’t the teacher get penalized for being late?”

“Cut the crap and open your textbook. Midterms are coming soon.”

“Tell us about your first love as punishment!”

“I don’t remember. It was in kindergarten.”

“Aw, come on~.”

“It’s boring!”

“I’m serious, you guys. What do you know about the romance of the Daffodil class?”

“Then tell us about your first night~!”

“Woo~!”

“First night! First night!”

“Isn’t it polite to ask if I’m married first?”

“…….”

“…….”

“Open your books.”

Listening to the sound of pages turning, Jaewon fell into deep thought. Something was going seriously wrong. According to his original plan, he was supposed to capture Kim Dojeon’s heart with bribes, and then, with one heart and one mind, they would set out to find his destined partner. But what was the current situation? He felt like he was being irradiated by the hostility emanating from Kim Dojeon.

This was troublesome. Kim Dojeon, exuding handsomeness with his entire being, was undoubtedly the protagonist. If their relationship went sour from the start, the flow of the story would descend into chaos. In other words, no matter how the story unfolded, he would be forced to watch helplessly. Whether the plot dragged on or became tangled, his return to reality could be indefinitely postponed.

‘That must not happen.’

Jaewon began to untangle the mess in his mind. Based on Kim Dojeon’s words, several propositions could be derived:

Kim Dojeon and he know each other.
Kim Dojeon harbors a deep resentment towards him.
He seems to have done something to Kim Dojeon.

However, since the first proposition didn’t hold true, finding a solution was like searching for a needle in a haystack. He pressed his temples and searched his memories, but couldn’t find even the smallest clue.

‘Know each other? That can’t be right.’

There’s no way he would have overlooked a face like that. He would have kidnapped him at the slightest touch. Jaewon racked his brain throughout the class, overworking his frontal lobe, but couldn’t find an answer even by the time the bell rang.

“That’s all for today’s class….”

“Yay~!”

“Don’t mess around during class and then go to cram school to study the same thing again. Focus in class. The exam questions will all come from what I’ve said.”

“…….”

“Review and preview thoroughly. Don’t get complacent just because it’s the beginning of the semester. Class president, dismiss us.”

“Yay~~!”

As soon as the teacher left, the classroom became noisy. Students gathered in groups to chat or left the classroom, saying they were going to the snack bar. Amidst the bustle, Jaewon remained seated. With all his senses on high alert, he observed Kim Dojeon’s movements from the corner of his eye. He had expected Kim Dojeon to grab him by the collar as soon as the bell rang, but surprisingly, he remained calm. Jaewon, who had positioned his feet outwards, ready to bolt, relaxed his body slightly.

Kim Dojeon was diligently writing something. Jaewon, watching him suspiciously, suddenly noticed his hands. The sight of his long, slender fingers scribbling across the notebook was lyrical.

‘Even his handwriting is handsome.’

They say a person’s personality is reflected in their handwriting. A true face harbors a true spirit, and indeed, Kim Dojeon’s neat handwriting was just like him. Jaewon was mesmerized by the elegant yet bold script. Then, the moment the notebook snapped shut, he came to his senses like Cinderella after the spell broke. He hurriedly got up, but he was too late.

“Gulp.”

“So, shall we continue our conversation from earlier?”

Kim Dojeon grabbed the back of Jaewon’s neck mercilessly, put down his pen, and turned around. Unlike his calm voice, his belligerent eyes gleamed darkly. Fortunately, it seemed like he intended to resolve this through conversation. Slightly relieved, Jaewon loosened his jaw.

“How many hits do I get? You decide.”

“Excuse me?”

Jaewon, who had been preparing to speak at the mention of a conversation, widened his eyes. His tone was as casual as if he were asking what to have for lunch, but his eyes were serious. Kim Dojeon looked at Jaewon with a benevolent expression, repeatedly clenching and unclenching his fists. The sight of his veiny forearms bulging sent shivers down Jaewon’s spine.

“Wait. Let’s resolve this conflict humanely. There must be some misunderstanding….”

“I told you back then. I’d go easy on you if you were honest.”

He squeezed out words in desperation, but naturally, they fell on deaf ears. Kim Dojeon’s expression and voice were calm and rational, but his eyes were wild. Jaewon felt like he was going crazy. He needed to know the cause to respond, but he had no clue. He couldn’t just claim he was being falsely accused either. Looking back on his life, when someone reacted like this, it usually meant he was in the wrong.

“I don’t understand… I’m seeing you for the first time today. I think you’ve got the wrong person…”

“You’re trying to pull a fast one after I gave you time to repent. Not surprised.”

“No, I really haven’t met you before, really. I’m telling the truth.”

“Hit with the right hand~ Hit with the left hand~.”

Kim Dojeon began to roll up his sleeves while humming an unknown tune. As the arm muscles hidden beneath his uniform were revealed, Jaewon felt his vision blurring.

“Damn it, there’s no way I’d forget a face as handsome as yours!!”

As he yelled out in desperation, the surroundings became deathly silent. Everyone remaining in the classroom stared at them with wide, surprised eyes.

Kim Dojeon froze like a still image. His expression was one of considerable shock. His stunned face seemed to say, ‘How can you say such a thing out loud?’

“Did you hear that?”

“Unbelievable.”

“So the rumors were true. Kim Dojeon…”

“Is he the one?”

“Whisper whisper…”

Whispers filled the void left by the passing silence. The crowd quickly swelled, and students were now peering in from the hallway.

“Ah, this crazy bastard…”

Kim Dojeon covered his face as if he had a headache. He rubbed his face several times, then lifted his head with a tired expression and hooked his foot around the leg of Jaewon’s chair, pulling it towards him. Startled by the sudden proximity, Jaewon leaned back, but at that moment, Kim Dojeon firmly trapped his legs with his thighs.

“Ugh.”

Jaewon, terrified, tried to wriggle free, but he couldn’t budge. Kim Dojeon’s leg strength was so immense that no matter how much he struggled, his expression didn’t change. If he wanted to, he could probably crush his femur. Jaewon was gripped by fear.

“No, wait… Ow! Let’s talk…”

“…….”

“Homo sapiens… dignity… let’s talk, gasp… talk it out…”

Kim Dojeon leaned back arrogantly in his chair, watching Jaewon thrash around like a salted loach. When Jaewon finally exhausted himself and quieted down, he unfolded his arms and leaned forward. Jaewon, who had been panting, felt his mind go blank at the scent of fabric softener that grazed his nose.

“Jaewon.”

A deep, low voice resonated softly. Jaewon’s eyes widened at the familiar way he was called, as if they had known each other for a long time. Kim Dojeon stared at him with an unreadable expression. Jaewon shivered slightly at the ticklish sensation that spread throughout his body.

“You really don’t remember me?”

His voice was as smooth as milk with a spoonful of honey. Jaewon was bewildered by his softened demeanor, but nodded his head first. Whatever the change of heart, it was a good sign for now.

“You said you were my fan.”

“What?”

“That I was really handsome and perfect from head to toe.”

But then Kim Dojeon started saying things he couldn’t understand. The way he uttered nonsense in a calm, monotonous voice made him seem like a delicate flower that had gone mad in a greenhouse.

“Oh, but I can’t rap. I’ve never done it in my life.”

He hadn’t asked and wasn’t curious, but it was information about Kim Dojeon, so it was significant. Jaewon deleted unnecessary information from his brain and saved the new fact.

“Anyway, you said I was so cool that even a guy would fall for me.”

“What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever…”

Jaewon, who had been vehemently protesting, couldn’t finish his sentence. Something flashed through his mind. At the same time, something that had sunk to the depths of his unconsciousness floated up, and the moment it finally surfaced into his consciousness, Jaewon turned pale. His mind, blanched like a drawing sheet, replayed the disgusting and pathetic image of himself winking and shooting finger hearts, and the image of the delinquent, speechless from shock.

“Did you think you could have me like this?”

Kim Dojeon muttered bitterly, suddenly dropping his head dramatically. Gasps could be heard from all around. Jaewon slowly turned around, feeling like he was facing the apocalypse. The onlookers all wore expressions of shock and horror.

“Oh my, oh my.”

“Good heavens…”

Jaewon shook his head desperately, his cheeks jiggling, but there was no stopping the wildfire of misunderstanding. Meanwhile, words continued to pour out of his open mouth.

“So I tried to forget you too…”

Kim Dojeon’s voice trailed off, and his head slowly lifted. Cold sweat trickled down Jaewon’s temples.

“But I couldn’t forget you, you bastard.”

A fierce glint flashed in his hawk-like eyes. Jaewon closed his eyes. He heard a faint bell ringing somewhere.

It was the sound of his life ending.

♘

“Is that him? The…”

“He is handsome.”

“Look at his skin. Like a newborn axolotl.”

Break time during lunch. The hallway was bustling with students as usual, but there were more people than usual crowded in front of Class 3 of the second year. They were all looking at one spot with curious eyes, engaged in lively conversations. At the end of their gazes, a male student was sprawled out on a desk like spilled water.

‘Why did I do that?’

Jaewon was drying up like noodles on a bamboo sieve. He wanted to shoot himself with a tranquilizer dart for selling his future two days ago for a mere 50,000 won. Was this how the retail investors felt when they sold their Samsung Electronics stocks during the IMF crisis?

“Hyung, are you okay?”

At the voice coming from above, Jaewon weakly lifted his head. Ma Chayun was looking down at him with concern.

“I knew you were crazy, but I didn’t know you were this far gone. What were you thinking when you did that?”

“What did I do?”

“Oh, are you seriously asking?”

“I’ve done so many things, I can’t remember them all. Tell me what it is.”

Jaewon lifted his head and spoke arrogantly. Ma Chayun looked at him like he was an insect, then resolutely opened his mouth.

“They say you reported Kim Dojeon, saying you’d ruin him if you couldn’t have him.”

“…….”

The rumor, which started as ‘The man Kim Dojeon is clinging to is the transfer student, Bae Jaewon,’ had now transformed into various colorful versions. Jaewon suddenly felt his breath hitch. He clutched his chest and collapsed onto the desk. The fluorescent lights on the ceiling flickered like a zoetrope in his blurring vision.

‘At this rate, I’ll kick the bucket from a cerebral hemorrhage before I can return to reality.’

He hadn’t been this stressed even when the theme stocks he ambitiously invested in during his freshman year plummeted. His head was throbbing dangerously.

“Is that why you approached Min Yerin too? You’re really scary, hyung.”

“So, do you hate me now?”

Jaewon replied, resigned to everything. If he regained his senses now, he felt like he would give up on life. Ma Chayun, upon being asked, made a bewildered expression before scratching the back of his head.

“…I don’t know.”

He mumbled in an uncharacteristically unclear voice and then rubbed his face as if confused.

“Honestly, watching you is uniquely entertaining. It’s like… I understand why my dad watches those crazy dramas…”

“Then it’s fine. I only need you.”

Finding good deals in the stock market is like a treasure hunt, so inside information is worth a fortune. As long as he didn’t lose his source, he could seize opportunities again.

“By the way, is it okay if I keep calling you hyung?”

Ma Chayun asked cautiously, fidgeting as if something was uncomfortable. Jaewon, not understanding the question, frowned.

“What are you talking about? Are you going to call me noona?”

“But hyung, you’re the King’s Man….”

“Aaagh!”

Before Ma Chayun could finish his sentence, Jaewon screamed and slammed the desk. Bang! With the loud noise, all eyes turned to him. The secretive whispers grew louder, and the suspicious glances deepened.

“Huh? Hyung, where are you going! Hyung!”

Jaewon abruptly stood up. Ma Chayun called after him desperately as he ran out of the classroom, but he didn’t stop.

He couldn’t take it anymore. In the rapidly spreading rumors, Jaewon had starred alongside Kim Dojeon in Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, and Jane Eyre. As a result, he was burdened with the extremely dishonorable title of ‘The King’s Man’ and had to endure being gawked at by the entire school during every break. Furthermore, there was another, bigger problem.

A male protagonist embroiled in a scandal with another man? This was an unprecedented, unheard-of situation. Tears should be the only thing lacking in a male protagonist, but Jaewon had never imagined that he would become his only flaw. If this continued, he would have to watch the stock price of the talent he had painstakingly discovered plummet before he could even add him to his portfolio. He had to quickly resolve the situation and make it as if it never happened. But the frustrating part was that the person responsible was completely unresponsive to the current situation.

Kim Dojeon remained silent, offering no explanation to the barrage of questions. He maintained a poker face throughout, often frowning as if annoyed and disappearing out of the classroom. Such behavior naturally fueled the rumors, and even if he cried out that it wasn’t true, it wouldn’t make a difference. Jaewon, surrounded by souls born in a land of curiosity, was bombarded with questions to the point where he felt like he was about to receive divine inspiration. He had to do something before he became divorced from Kim Dojeon in the eyes of everyone.

He kicked open the rooftop door, and the clear sky unfolded before him. Below, students with delinquent appearances were scattered around, puffing away at cigarettes. Among them, like a crane among chickens, stood a strikingly noticeable figure. Kim Dojeon, who had been leaning against the wall, smoking like he was in a photoshoot, let out a scoff when he spotted Jaewon.

“How did you know I was here? You stalker.”

“The hangout for nicotine addicts is obvious.”

Jaewon retorted immediately and strode forward. He approached right in front of Kim Dojeon, then took two steps back after assessing the length of his limbs. He lifted his head with a somewhat solemn look.

“I was wrong. Let’s forget everything and start anew.”

It was a line like an uncle about to sign divorce papers, but nothing else came to mind. Kim Dojeon, who had been looking at him with a pitiful gaze, full of desire to resolve the situation but not a shred of remorse, opened his mouth.

“Don’t you think you dropped something?”

Jaewon was momentarily stunned by the unexpected question. He couldn’t help but be flustered by words that weren’t in the expected answer sheet. Then, he suddenly remembered the cash in his pocket and frantically looked around his feet. There was no greater tragedy than losing money. As he spun around, scanning the floor, Kim Dojeon continued.

“Your conscience.”

“…….”

Jaewon’s bustling movements came to an abrupt halt. He slowly lifted his head and glared at Kim Dojeon, who returned the stare with an equally cold gaze as if he had been waiting.

“You mugged someone playing in Jongno and threw them into the Han River, and now that you’re about to drown with me, you want to pretend it never happened?”

“I wouldn’t have done it if I’d known you were this handsome. Blame the sun. The backlight didn’t let me see your face properly.”

Completely speechless because it was all true, Jaewon, as always, had a lot to say. That damned backlight. If he had known about that face, he would have registered his residence in his heart, not with the authorities. As Jaewon vented his frustration, Kim Dojeon was dumbfounded, unable to speak. He only regained focus in his eyes after the burning cigarette ash fell to the ground.

“What are you talking about? What does my appearance have to do with anything?”

“It matters. There’s nothing more important to me.”

Jaewon earnestly emphasized the importance of outward appearance. The most ideal form of investment, in Jaewon’s opinion, was value investing. Value investing is a method of investing in stocks traded at significantly lower prices than their intrinsic value—in other words, picking out the ugly duckling among a flock of ducks. It was a method in which only diligently striving investors could succeed.

But who has the time to identify every swan and duck before investing and reaping the rewards? The market is vast, the goods are countless, but time is limited. ‘Selection and concentration’ is essential, and a promising tree is different from its leaf’s appearance from the start. It’s already time-consuming to gather promising-looking ones and measure their intrinsic value, so how can looks not be important?

People often say you should look at a person’s inner self, but the inner self is called inner because it cannot be seen. As the saying goes, “The prettier the cake, the tastier it is.” Doesn’t something have to look good before you feel like looking inside? Only when the exterior is well-equipped does the inner self become worth examining.

“What the… Ah, this is driving me crazy. We’re speaking Korean, but why can’t we communicate?”

Kim Dojeon, who had made several attempts to speak, muttered with a frustrated expression. He ran a hand over his face as if bewildered, then narrowed his eyes menacingly.

“From now on, don’t speak, just answer.”

“What kind of Open Church closing down nonsense is that…”

“Shut up and answer my questions.”

He protested the contradictory order but was cut off by a harsh rebuke. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Jaewon prudently closed his mouth.

“Do you know Kim Jonghak?”

“No. Is he handsome?”

He couldn’t understand why this paper-thin guy was giving him such a hard time. As Jaewon promptly answered, Kim Dojeon’s face contorted in bewilderment. He had asked because you never know which one will bloom into a flower, so he waters all the weeds, but judging by the reaction, this one seemed like a penny stock. He immediately erased Kim Jonghak’s name from his temporal lobe.

“You wouldn’t ask that if you had either a conscience or eyesight.”

“Then no. I only remember handsome guys.”

Jaewon confidently expressed his conviction. Kim Dojeon, who was looking at him with a dumbfounded expression, sneered, lifting one corner of his mouth.

“So screwing me over like that wasn’t planned, but a wonderfully coincidental accident?”

“Of course. It was simply an act of realizing social justice. I couldn’t just stand by and watch innocent youths, who couldn’t possibly know the taste of cigarettes, ruin their health and the environment.”

“…Realizing social justice?”

Jaewon nodded resolutely with a smile. Usually, at this point, the other person would either lose their temper and attack or be persuaded by logic and calm down, but Kim Dojeon seemed closer to the latter.

“It’s the same as punishing Ahn Doo-hee with a rod of justice. I had no personal grudge against you.”

“You’re so full of it.”

‘Did he see through me?’

He thought he had almost won him over, but the quietly listening Kim Dojeon suddenly turned hostile, and Jaewon clicked his tongue in disappointment.

“I wasted my time listening to your bullshit. Get lost.”

“Hey, this is unacceptable, you know. I have a reputation to uphold.”

As Kim Dojeon turned around as if he had no further business with him, Jaewon grabbed him with a serious expression.

“Now that you’ve heard the circumstances, you should smooth things over and make it like nothing happened. Kids are misunderstanding our relationship in a hot and messy way. At this rate, they’ll say we’re in the middle of a divorce lawsuit.”

“What do I care?”

“How can you say such an irresponsible thing?”

Shocked by the unexpected remark, Jaewon stared blankly at Kim Dojeon. Kim Dojeon, who was looking at him with a disdainful expression, took out his phone and shoved it in front of Jaewon’s face. The screen showed a message inbox overflowing with messages, about to burst.

Lee Yongchul: Kim Dojeon, I heard you’re seeing a guy these days~ Why didn’t you tell me you were on the spectrum? I was trying to set you up with a girl~~~ Let me know when you’re interested in girls again~

Kim Myeonghwan: What do I lack compared to that bastard?

Kang Heewon: Oppa~ My friend wants to be introduced to you. She doesn’t just go after anyone. He’s the most handsome guy at our academy, super popular. If you’re interested, I’ll give you his number~

‘Is this unbiased world okay?’

Jaewon grew serious. The densely packed letters were all saying, “Come this way.” Having skipped the stages of understanding and acceptance, they launched straight into hitting on him, not even giving him a chance to clarify the rumors. He felt dizzy looking at the serenades endlessly pouring into the inbox.

“So, don’t you think you ruined an innocent youth’s life?”

Kim Dojeon interrogated Jaewon, who had become speechless. He sounded like he was saying, “Speak up if you have a mouth.” He thought everyone was a bit too enthusiastic for a ruined life, but if he raised questions here, he felt like he would be kicked around like a shuttlecock on Daeboreum. Jaewon forced himself to shake off the uneasy feeling and clenched his fists.

“I’ll take responsibility.”

“That’s a given.”

It was a statement Jaewon, whose life had been as separate from the word “responsibility” as oil and water, had uttered after much deliberation, but Kim Dojeon responded as if it were nothing new. He crossed his arms and looked down at Jaewon with a haughty gaze.

“How are you going to take responsibility?”

“First…”

“Tell me in one sentence, following the five Ws and one H. And if possible, don’t talk. It pisses me off more the more I hear you.”

“…….”

He felt a strong surge of rebelliousness at the unfair words, but that wasn’t important now. Jaewon suppressed his fiercely stirring rebellious spirit and calmly continued.

“As soon as possible, we’ll hold a press conference in the broadcasting room to clarify the rumors and prove my innocence. Because we’re not in any kind of relationship.”

“As if people would believe that. Are you naive or stupid?”

Despite having devised the most efficient method, Kim Dojeon scoffed as if it were out of the question. His uncooperative attitude was enough to shake the already anxious Jaewon.

“Why wouldn’t they believe it! It doesn’t make sense!”

“Whether it makes sense or not, people believe what they want to believe.”

His tone was calm, as if stating an immutable truth, but Kim Dojeon’s eyes were sharp. But such things couldn’t possibly register with the impudent Jaewon. He felt like exploding at the out-of-body rhetoric that a politician might use. Jaewon clutched his throbbing head and asked in a trembling voice,

“You’re… talking like this is someone else’s business, what the hell is your reason? You and I are in love, you bastard.”

“I don’t see why I have to explain it to everyone just because it’s not me.”

This reaction was the opposite of when he had shown him the messages and blamed him for the situation. For some reason, he seemed indifferent to how things unfolded. His apathetic eyes seemed more interested in watching Jaewon’s reaction. It was clear that he hadn’t expected Jaewon to resolve anything in the first place.

“No, I’m not okay with it! Damn it! God!”

“What?”

Finally exploding, Jaewon lost his composure and yelled hysterically. How could he let go of such a rare handsome guy, a miraculous face like no other! He wanted to avoid the situation where he delists a blue-chip stock he’d barely found before he could even invest in it. A foxy lottery ticket and a rabbit-like 2 billion won were waiting for him in reality, and he felt like going crazy because things were twisting in such a creative way.

“You don’t like it?”

“Huh?”

Jaewon asked back with a blank expression at the sudden words. Kim Dojeon’s face had lost its smile and hardened. At that moment, chills ran down his spine. Jaewon was very familiar with this feeling. It was the very feeling he got right before clicking on a mine in Minesweeper…!

“That’s funny. Why wouldn’t I like it.”

“Well, that’s because we’re both men…”

“Unbelievable. Who are you to reject me?”

Kim Dojeon seemed to be no longer listening. He laughed in disbelief, tilted his head back, and ran a hand through his hair. Black fury burned in his sharply narrowed eyes. An overwhelming sense of anxiety washed over Jaewon as his body temperature rapidly dropped.

‘Shit, this isn’t right.’

The situation was heading in a strange direction. Jaewon desperately denied it, but the thought that he was screwed filled his mind. He stumbled backward with a pale face.

“D… Don’t do this. We can’t be together.”

“Honestly, I was going to ignore it because it was annoying. It’s not like it’s the first time some guy has approached me and then backstabbed me.”

“You’re doing great. I’d be more than happy if you continued to ignore it.”

“But I’ve changed my mind.”

“No, damn it! God!”

Jaewon screamed and fell to his knees, but Kim Dojeon didn’t care in the slightest.

“I’m intrigued.”

The moment he said that with a completely uninterested expression, a sense of déjà vu pierced through Jaewon. Looking into his eyes, burning with stubbornness, he recalled a passage from a book he had read in the not-so-distant past. Jaewon started shaking his head like a madman.

“Please, anything but that…!”

“You’re the first to reject me.”

A whisper more terrifying than Black Monday penetrated his ears. Jaewon, holding his breath for a moment, collapsed like someone who had lost their kidneys to baccarat.

Then, a bloodcurdling scream echoed through the clear blue sky.

“I was the first? Damn it, no!!”

♘

The simple truth that life never goes according to plan can be seen just by looking at a real-time stock ticker. Yet, countless retail investors still bet their entire fortunes on manipulated stocks and end up getting boned like pigs in Majang-dong. The reasons for this are the groundless optimism that “I’ll be different,” the naiveté of not knowing that high-quality information would never reach their ears, and the laziness of not preparing for variables, all of which are endlessly repeated throughout human economic history. How can humans be so consistently foolish? Jaewon, realizing this historical foolishness, looked dejectedly at the swarming crowd. Just as sparrows don’t simply pass by a rice mill, the students caught up in the frenzy of entrance exams wouldn’t miss this scandal of the century. Jaewon wanted to avoid the crowd that had flocked to the front of Class 3 of the second year to ascertain the facts, but Kim Dojeon wouldn’t let him. He seemed to have some motive in keeping Jaewon ostentatiously by his side.

“Dojeon hyung! Look over here!”

“Ah, stop pushing!”

“Hyung, wave your hand once!”

“Look slightly to the left, please!”

Flashes went off and shutters clicked from all directions. The sight of students shoving their phones in front of Kim Dojeon resembled a hearing. Jaewon, having lost his ability to cope, simply watched the unfolding situation. Even he, who always attracted attention with his brilliant brain and outstanding looks, had only received this level of attention when he got a perfect score on the CSAT. Kim Dojeon, on the other hand, seemed quite accustomed to this surreal situation. He was waving his hand with a smile, like a governor standing in front of a ballot box. The more Jaewon sensed Kim Dojeon’s popularity, the more haggard he became.

Then, suddenly, Kim Dojeon pulled Jaewon’s shoulder. Jaewon, who had been making a long face like a eunuch receiving poison, gasped. His eyes widened as he felt a grip strong enough to burst his arm.

“Ugh.”

“Smile. Don’t ruin the mood.”

Kim Dojeon whispered ominously into Jaewon’s ear as he writhed. Jaewon suppressed the urge to hiccup and stretched the corners of his mouth into a wide grin.

“They’re whispering. What are they saying?”

“They must be whispering sweet nothings.”

“Aren’t they about to kiss?”

“They look like a picture.”

If he had to compare this situation to a painting, Gentileschi’s Judith Slaying Holofernes would be appropriate, but Jaewon didn’t feel like adding to the commentary.

“Is it true that you two are dating?”

“Is there a reason to suddenly start dating a guy? Did you always like men?”

“Tell us how you two met!”

Despite the barrage of questions, Kim Dojeon didn’t give a clear answer. He simply looked down at the questioners with an unreadable expression. Jaewon actively used his facial muscles to express his frustration, but no one paid him any attention. Desperately, he poked Kim Dojeon in the side, but his body was so firm that his fingers bent, forcing him to stifle a scream. Jaewon gritted his teeth in frustration.

‘It’s all or nothing now.’

“Actually, we’re fucking nothing…”

“No. What can I do if he doesn’t like me?”

Just as the mouth of truth was about to open, Kim Dojeon grinned and ruffled Jaewon’s hair. The refreshing yet somehow melancholic smile, like a youth drama protagonist, stimulated paternal instincts. Jaewon’s jaw dropped. His head turned with a creaking sound, and his shaking eyes met the public. Chaos reigned before light was created. A low voice hammered the final nail in the coffin before he could salvage the situation.

“Be nice to him. Don’t bully him.”

It was as good as saying, “Bully him all you want.” As Jaewon froze, cheers and jeers erupted from the surroundings.

“OMG, breaking news. The transfer student dumped Kim Dojeon!”

“Wow, crazy. I just got goosebumps.”

“Dojeon, cheer up! Fighting!”

“I’ll support your love, oppa!”

Amidst the unwanted blessings, several students ran out of the classroom, covering their faces. A heavy hand landed on Jaewon’s shoulder as he stared blankly at them.

“I look forward to working with you.”

Kim Dojeon, smiling brightly, looked like a portrait of a porn star drawn by a romance manga artist. Jaewon stared blankly at him, then smiled back, his eyes curving softly.

“Likewise. You *&$@) bastard.”

♘

“Is that him?”

“Yeah. He told Dojeon that he was presumptuous to have feelings for him, and to not even dream of it.”

“Good heavens…”

“He’s living up to his face, huh? He acts just like he looks.”

The gazes of the girls huddled together were like hawks eyeing their prey. Jaewon, sitting on the classroom windowsill, shielding himself with white curtains and a poetry book, looked outside with unfocused eyes.

‘Can I reset if I jump now?’

Jaewon, who wouldn’t even pee in the direction of uncertainty, would immediately reload his save data and start over if things went wrong while gaming. Like a game character resurrected at a revival point after dying from a monster attack, Jaewon was willing to die and be revived a hundred times if he could just rewind the situation. But then he remembered that he was just an extra with no detailed settings and behaved himself.

‘How did this happen?’

He didn’t want to give up on Kim Dojeon. Of course, since things had turned out this way, it was right to cut his losses and remove him from his watchlist. But lingering feelings kept holding him back. Kim Dojeon’s looks were too perfect to give up on him just like that.

After agonizing over it, Jaewon changed his thinking. There’s a saying, “To err is human, to forgive divine.” It means that humans are born to make mistakes. (*Note: This is not true.) Even blue-chip stocks that lead the stock market rise fluctuate in price, and even delisted companies are dramatically revived. It was foolish to completely block the potential of a handsome man just because he made a mistake.

With renewed determination, Jaewon climbed down from the windowsill and went straight to the classroom. Kim Dojeon was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed and his arms crossed, sunlight scattering whitely over his sculpted figure. Momentarily mesmerized by the holy sight, Jaewon cleared his throat and composed himself.

“Hey, mister.”

At the powerful line, Kim Dojeon’s eyes snapped open. Dark pupils were revealed beneath his elegantly drawn eyelids. His blue-tinged irises flashed fiercely.

“Can I see you for a second?”

“You’re looking at me.”

“Can you grasp the figurative expression and the fundamental context? I have something important to tell you, so follow me to the rooftop…”

“Tell me here.”

Jaewon was greatly shocked by Kim Dojeon’s answer. He, who created new choices, brought chaos to Koreans accustomed to five multiple-choice options. Rarely at a loss for words, Jaewon stammered for a moment before deciding to get straight to the point.

“No matter how I look at it, I think we need to reconsider our relationship.”

Dojeon’s brows furrowed and twitched. Jaewon felt his heart shrink for a moment, but he took courage.

“It’s natural that you’re attracted to me. I understand. You’re not the only one. But you’re making a big mistake right now. There will be many more who reject you in the future. You have a rosy future ahead of you, are you going to ruin it blinded by a moment’s lust? Let’s end this here for each other’s sake. Love is not a sin, but failing to hide it is. It will be painful, but for…”

“Shut your mouth before I sue you for emotional distress.”

Kim Dojeon growled menacingly, as if he couldn’t listen anymore. Jaewon’s persuasion, which had been going on endlessly like Tartarus, where a bronze anvil takes nine days to fall and reach the bottom, finally ceased. Terrified, Jaewon shut his mouth tightly and initiated Plan B.

‘If logic doesn’t work, appeal to emotions.’

“There were circumstances. I never intended to do that… I swear on my wallet. Please believe me.”

Jaewon tearfully recounted the story of why he had no choice but to report him. He explained that he had been blinded by a small amount of money while suffering from financial hardship, that he hadn’t recognized his esteemed status, and that he had committed such a heinous act, and that he was truly repenting.

“Jaewon.”

Kim Dojeon, who had been silently listening to the sorrowful monologue, opened his mouth. His voice was calm but authoritative. He unfolded his arms and beckoned with his finger. It was a gesture to come closer. As Jaewon hesitantly approached, a large hand suddenly yanked his tie.

“Gasp.”

It was truly tremendous strength. Kim Dojeon had only moved his wrist, but Jaewon, being pulled, felt his whole body shake. The distance between them, which had been as far as between Finns, closed in an instant. Their noses might touch, and their breaths might mingle.

“I have something to say.”

Deep, black eyes stared at him. Jaewon unconsciously reached out and grabbed the edge of the desk. Otherwise, he felt like he would collapse and cause a scene with Kim Dojeon. As Jaewon held on, feeling an unknown fear, Kim Dojeon pulled his tie again and leaned close to his ear. A warm breath brushed against his ear, making his hairs stand on end. The moment Jaewon swallowed a moan, a deep voice pierced his eardrum.

“Go buy me some bread, you bastard.”

Slap!

Something slapped his cheek soundly. He winced and blinked one eye open, his gaze meeting King Sejong the Great. It was a banknote that had slapped him. At that moment, Jaewon’s heart began to race.

“Wh…what…”

A sensually handsome face awaited where he hurriedly averted his gaze. The sneering face, with one corner of its lips lifted, was sleekly drawn. The moment he faced both the blue-bearded King Sejong and the tanned Kim Dojeon, Jaewon’s face flushed red. He shook off the hand that held him as if burned and ran out of the place without looking back.

“Gasp, huh, gasp…”

Jaewon didn’t stop running until he had completed a lap around the hallway. He grabbed the stair railing and panted, then collapsed as if crumbling.

“…Ow.”

A stinging pain grazed his cheek. Jaewon moaned and touched his cheek. There was a small cut, as if he had been cut by paper. The sensation of the banknote sticking to his cheek came back to life, sending shivers down his spine.

‘He’s the first to hit me with money.’

In his younger days, when he couldn’t control the concentration of truth in his words, he was often beaten. Of course, whenever he was hit, Jaewon would wield the people’s baton and deliver the judgment of the law, but fists always arrived before police cars, and his injured body took a long time to recover. After experiencing this, he adopted the life motto of “Prevent getting hit as much as possible, and report if hit.”

But now, he didn’t feel like reporting it. Even though his skin was cut and scarred. This was unprecedented. He was utterly confused.

‘And it was a new bill.’

Jaewon looked down at the crisp banknote in his hand with mixed feelings. The feeling of being hit with a new bill heightened a certain sensation to a dangerous degree.

His stomach churned and his heart pounded; he wasn’t feeling well. Jaewon shook his head vigorously, trying to shake off the strange feeling. He felt like he was about to awaken to an unknown world. It was then, as he was getting up with a groan, that someone spoke.

“Are you Bae Jaewon?”

Someone tapped Jaewon on the shoulder. He turned around and saw a group of girls.

“So?”

“We have something to tell you, so come with us for a second.”

“Aren’t you looking at me right now?”

“What is he saying?”

When Jaewon asked quizzically, the girl scoffed as if he was being ridiculous and looked back at her group. Only then did Jaewon properly face them, and he was startled. Their eyes were all gleaming like Hebrews about to sacrifice a lamb. Instinctively sensing danger, he texted Ma Chayun, “Call the police if I don’t come back in 10 minutes,” and followed them. The group arrived at a secluded corner at the end of the hallway, where Min Yerin was waiting.

“Oh, there’s my pretty. Hello?”

“Ha. This is ridiculous.”

“He’s so shameless.”

As Jaewon greeted her cheerfully, giggles erupted from all around. Min Yerin, her eyes swollen as if she had been crying, glared at him fiercely.

“Oppa, you hit on Dojeon. Ha, and I didn’t even know…”

“Would you believe me if I said I didn’t?”

Jaewon replied weakly to her, scoffing in disbelief. He felt wronged. He wanted to wave the banknote and tell her that it was your Kim Dojeon who had hit on him.

“How could you hurt him like that, oppa?”

“What?”

A defensive reaction came out at the baseless accusation. He was the one who had been subjected to mental and physical threats all day, and he felt incredibly wronged. Just as Jaewon was about to protest strongly, tears welled up in Min Yerin’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

“He’s someone I want so badly I could go crazy, someone who makes me cry just thinking about him… Even though I can only watch him from afar, I endure it like I’m dying… How could you hurt him like that?”

As she poured out her words, trembling like a cosmos flower, the girls around her began to sniffle and wipe their eyes. An extremely bad premonition crept up Jaewon’s back like a swarm of fire ants.

“…You know…”

“No. I don’t. Don’t say it.”

“He really can’t handle scary things.”

“Oh, Lord…”

Jaewon covered his face with his hands in despair.

“When you watch movies with him, buy him squid instead of popcorn. He doesn’t like chewy things, so he prefers the body to the legs. And he can’t eat spicy food, so if the kimchi is a bit spicy, rinse it in water before you feed it to him.”

“You’re like a know-it-all. Why don’t you just date him yourself?”

“And don’t tell him he’s handsome too often. He’ll get even more handsome.”

He made a suggestion that would make everyone happy, but she seemed to be in a trance.

“Cheap alcohol doesn’t agree with him, so absolutely no more than five shots of soju, and one beer is his limit. His drinking habits are really bad, so be careful…”

“His alcohol tolerance is so pure, but he has drinking habits? What the…”

“If you make him cry, I won’t let you off the hook. You have to treat him tens, hundreds, thousands of times better than I do. Otherwise, otherwise…”

Min Yerin, who had been speaking fluently, trailed off as if her throat had tightened. The sound of crying around him grew louder. Jaewon turned his head and looked out the hallway window. He looked at the bright sun in the blue sky and thought,

‘I wonder how cold the Han River is.’

“Hyung!”

His mind, drifting away from this mortal world, was pulled back thanks to Ma Chayun, who had caught up to him.

“Hyung, are you okay? Oh dear. It’s Min Yerin and her crew. They’re the ones who rush to Kim Dojeon’s side every time his seat resets and mercilessly destroy the other person’s emotions. It’s not good to be near them, so come here. But why are your hands shaped like chicken feet? Oh my goodness. Your fingers are curled up and won’t straighten! How are your feet? Come to think of it, you’re walking like a macaroni penguin. Can you walk on your own?”

Jaewon was led away by Ma Chayun. As he walked, enduring the students’ piercing glares, he became increasingly enraged. If Min Yerin had been the protagonist, things would have been much easier, but why was she taking her frustration out on him when she wasn’t up to par? Bae Jaewon, a native Korean who couldn’t stand injustice, turned his head sharply.

“So who told you to be born so pretty?”

“Wh… what did you say?”

“Don’t talk so carelessly when you don’t know what others are going through. It’s annoying.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Let’s go, Ma Chayun.”

Feeling refreshed after venting his anger, Jaewon turned around without hesitation. However, before he could take three steps, he remembered the errand Kim Dojeon had given him and groaned in pain.

“I have to buy bread.”

♘

“Auntie! That Shiny Choco Bread, please!”

“That was the last one! Next!”

“No!”

“Do you have Bulgogi Burgers?!”

“Those are all sold out!”

“Lies! That’s a lie!”

“Ah, stop pushing!”

The school store located on one side of Johnse High School. The scene, with transactions taking place every second, resembled a dawn seafood wholesale market. Students held out their money, their fates determined by the store owner’s selection.

“Auntie! Please take my money!”

“I’m starting a diet tomorrow, and this is my last meal! Give me the Sweet Potato Pizza Bread!”

“Where do you even have fat to lose! Eat this and gain strength for your diet!”

“Waaaah! Auntie! I’m going on a diet tomorrow too!”

They fiercely fought, refusing to yield an inch, and the cashier was packed with people. Jaewon stared blankly at the scene. Even he, renowned as a seat hunter on Line 2 of the subway, couldn’t bring himself to jump into that crowd.

“There’s something called the balloon effect.”

Ma Chayun, standing next to Jaewon, started, pushing his glasses up with his middle finger.

“This school has a long history of school lunch corruption. As you know, hyung, corruption isn’t something you can eradicate overnight. No matter how hard the anti-school lunch faction tries, the corruption continues, so the quality of school lunches keeps declining, and naturally, students’ reliance on the school store has increased. This has led to problems, and it’s become a serious issue that the school can no longer ignore.”

“The curry rice I ate yesterday was still an insult to human dignity.”

“The school, in an attempt to solve the problem, started limiting sales at the school store. Especially bread and instant foods that can be eaten as meal replacements.”

“Oh dear.”

Jaewon clicked his tongue. It wasn’t surprising, as it was a common solution on the Korean peninsula, but it was depressing that the prospect of school lunch improving remained bleak.

“Of course, the students and the school store protested, but the school brought up the students’ health and used the average sales of other schools’ stores as an excuse. It’s nonsense. It might be a normal sales volume at other schools, but it’s far from enough for our school’s students. But the unfair contract was eventually signed, and excess demand at the school store became commonplace here.”

After finishing his explanation, Ma Chayun stared glumly at the cashier. Jaewon followed his gaze. Students were still fighting tooth and nail. They looked like moths drawn to a light, desperately trying to catch the store owner’s eye.

‘It’s a hellish sight.’

Jaewon looked at them solemnly. It was an unfamiliar scene. He had no connection with the school store throughout his school days. He avoided unnecessary spending, but also because he didn’t see the point in paying for things that weren’t good for his health. Besides, he could memorize a few English words in the 10-minute break, so it was a waste of time and money in many ways.

“Buying bread at this time is practically impossible. It’s the break after the second period, when people are hungriest. You need to be at least a tank, dealer, or healer to even have a chance. Tanking, breaking through that crowd head-on… is impossible with your physique, hyung. Dealing means you have to PVP with someone who bought bread, which is also hopeless. Healing requires good reputation… and your personality is trash, so that’s out.”

Ma Chayun’s systematic explanation continued. In short, it was his first day as a bread shuttle. It was an unspeakable humiliation for Jaewon, who had lived as the god of studying throughout his school days. During exam periods, students used to line up to offer him tributes to borrow his wisdom. It was a glorious past, now gone.

Jaewon closed his eyes and activated his happy circuit. Well, someone of Kim Dojeon’s stature needs to operate a few bread shuttles to maintain his image. Besides, wasn’t this a chance to get closer to Kim Dojeon through the friendship blossoming between the exchanged bread? So, except for the unimaginably poor working conditions… it was… a profitable deal. Thinking so, Jaewon tried to ignore the pandemonium unfolding before his eyes.

“So what kind of bread am I supposed to buy?”

“Ohbbang.”

“Do you want to get punched?”

Ma Chayun’s expression instantly turned grim. Jaewon was about to confess that he had run out with only the money before he could even hear what kind of bread it was, but he shuddered, remembering the face that had grinned like a thug while holding the banknote. His throat suddenly felt itchy, so he scratched it vigorously.

“I don’t know. I think any bread will do.”

When Jaewon replied with a pout, Ma Chayun suddenly asked, as if he had just remembered,

“By the way, who asked you to do this?”

“Kim Dojeon.”

“Kim Dojeon? It’s surprising that he asked you to buy bread.”

“Yeah. He’s truly a wicked guy.”

“Hmm… Maybe he’s testing your love, hyung? Like a princess asking her suitor to bring her a blue rose.”

“…….”

“Cheer up, King’s Man. If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.”

Jaewon choked up and covered his eyes, unable to speak. He desperately wanted to give up and lie down, but he had to salvage his relationship with Kim Dojeon, which had been ruined like overturned udon. There was no one as handsome as him. The boy he saw while posting tutoring flyers was also shockingly beautiful, but he was closer to being beautiful. He couldn’t miss out on either, as he didn’t know which one, the handsome one or the beautiful one, would be a jackpot.

“Let’s retreat for now. The warning bell rang.”

Ma Chayun, who had been looking at him with gentle eyes, patted him on the shoulder encouragingly and left the store. Jaewon looked at the desolate shelves after the crowd had dispersed and followed him.

Back in the classroom, Kim Dojeon was taking out the next period’s textbook from his bag. Jaewon approached him, legs crossed, and stood there.

“The store was crawling with people like cockroaches. How am I supposed to get bread? You asked me knowing I couldn’t get any, didn’t you? You should give proper orders. Don’t violate the sanctity of labor.”

There are so many prime contractors who give wrong orders and then shift the blame when problems arise. As he strongly condemned Kim Dojeon, a crack appeared on his expressionless face, and he gave a faint smile. Distracted by his enigmatic appearance, Jaewon didn’t even notice him getting up.

“Jaewon, think about it.”

Kim Dojeon began, putting his arm around Jaewon. It was a light and friendly gesture, but the weight on his shoulder was considerable. Jaewon barely managed to keep his balance, strengthening his legs as they wobbled like reeds. Kim Dojeon, gently caressing his arm, brought his face close to Jaewon’s cheek and whispered ominously,

“Do you think I would have asked you if it were easy?”

“……!”

“Let’s do well. Okay?”

There are many qualities of an alpha male, and chief among them is conciseness. Leaders don’t talk much. They use sophisticated metaphors and elegant, economical ways of communication. Derived skills include playing mind games that start with jokes and communication that ends with a single arm around the shoulder.

As Jaewon respectfully clasped his hands, Kim Dojeon patted him on the shoulder encouragingly. He sat back down, crossed his legs, folded his arms, and tilted his chin.

“So you came empty-handed?”

He looked as if he would bury him alive if he had come empty-handed. Jaewon hurriedly offered the choco bread. He had managed to acquire it after a frantic bargain with a student who had succeeded in purchasing bread.

“This is just to tide you over for now…”

“I don’t like this.”

Kim Dojeon cut him off mid-sentence. Jaewon, momentarily speechless, blinked his eyes like a toad.

“Didn’t you know?”

He stared intently at Jaewon with an expression that said, “Why don’t you know such an obvious thing?” Looking into his inky black eyes, Jaewon felt a sharp sense of déjà vu. The expression of his army senior who would ask, “Guess what I’m thinking,” was exactly like this.

“How am I supposed to know if you never told me? I’m not Gung Ye.”

“You should be ashamed of not knowing. Memorize it from now on.”

Jaewon’s hands trembled at the harsh rebuke, feeling humiliated. He had always been scolded for babbling about things he knew, but this was the first time he had been treated like an ignoramus. Trembling, he took a deep breath and sat down. As he regained his composure and took out his textbook from his desk drawer, Kim Dojeon suddenly held out his hand.

“What?”

“Change.”

“I don’t have any.”

“I didn’t expect you to voluntarily offer it, but you’re going to pocket it entirely. You always exceed expectations, no matter what you do.”

When he responded seriously to the absurd demand, Kim Dojeon smirked. Jaewon, feeling his common sense packing its bags in his left brain, retorted in a shrill voice.

“Hey, if you deduct a service charge of 8,800 won from the bread price of 1,200 won, what’s left?”

“Service charge? Who said anything about a service charge?”

“What? So you give me a quest without any reward? You’re a freaking exploiter!”

“The one who failed the quest and is asking for a reward is talking about exploitation? And you want to receive 8,800 won for the trouble of buying a 1,200 won piece of bread? Is this creative economy?”

Jaewon flinched at the familiar term. It wasn’t a term you’d hear often in the era of flip phones. He doubted it referred to the economic policy promoted by the shamanism-based sixth administration… It must be the concept created by the business strategist John Hawkins. He was said to be good at math, so it seemed his economic knowledge was also exceptional.

“I’m such a high-quality worker, and you’re not even grateful that I’m giving you such a discount!”

Jaewon slammed his hand on the desk and roared majestically. The students held their breath and watched as the strange scene of two peddlers fighting in the marketplace unfolded. The sound of snacking could be heard throughout the classroom.

“Hahaha…”

Kim Dojeon suddenly burst out laughing. Jaewon stared blankly at him, laughing unguardedly like a seven-year-old boy. The sight of his sharp face, which seemed like it wouldn’t bleed even if pricked, softening was a novel feeling. Jaewon squirmed, feeling a ticklish sensation in his lower back.

“Bae Jaewon. Do you know what you lack?”

“Besides money, nothing much…”

Kim Dojeon, who had been laughing for a while, rested his chin on his hand and asked affectionately. Jaewon found himself answering, even though it sounded like nonsense. His cool eyes, curved like crescents and filled with mirth, made him feel dazed. He even felt like he was being enchanted by some mysterious phenomenon.

“Hope. You’re hopeless.”

But the strange moment was fleeting, and Kim Dojeon changed his expression as if nothing had happened. The warm atmosphere turned cold as if doused with cold water. Jaewon suddenly recalled the idiom “A seven-year-old you want to kill.”

“Jaewon, your labor cost is 10 won.”

“What?”

“You’re worth 10 won.”

He spoke gently, as if telling Jaewon something he didn’t know. Jaewon was greatly shocked. Since reaching working age, his value had always far exceeded the minimum wage. This was partly thanks to his frequent visits to the labor office, but also because he had made full use of his superior intelligence. Therefore, Kim Dojeon’s valuation was truly absurd.

“Wh…who decided I’m worth 10 won?”

“I did.”

“!!”

Kim Dojeon replied to his stammering as if he was asking something obvious. His scoff, as if he was dumbfounded, added emphasis. It was the dictatorial logic of “My word is law,” but he couldn’t deny it when looking at Kim Dojeon. His superior physique, his face that promoted reproduction, his gaze that dominated even the same sex… He was the apex predator itself.

‘His face is the logic, so I can’t win.’

Jaewon’s mentality and common sense shattered one after another. The pride of a super worker who had never failed in a capitalist society crumbled before the handsome dictator.

“And with your 10-won body, you have to pay back 100,000 won.”

“What? Are you crazy? Why should I?”

“Thanks to you, I got reported for a cigarette butt I never even dropped, my face got plastered everywhere, I got suspended, and I had to pay a fine. It was a wonderful experience.”

“Ah… f…fine?”

Jaewon stammered, caught off guard. When he reported people, he was only focused on the reward he would receive; he had never considered the fine the reported person would have to pay. It wasn’t his business. But now that he might have to pay that money, Jaewon became polite.

“But sir, why are you asking me to pay for something that should be billed to the state…”

“Let’s do our own work, all by ourselves, click click click. Independent children~”

Kim Dojeon, who had been quietly watching Jaewon flounder, sang a song. Staring straight into his eyes and humming expressionlessly, he sent shivers down Jaewon’s spine.

‘This guy is the real deal.’

A pro recognizes a pro. Sensing an extraordinary level of craziness from him, Jaewon changed his mind.

“Damn it, I’ll just pay you back, alright? Are you happy now?”

A measly 100,000 won. He could just report other smoking teenagers and rotate the funds. Jaewon dramatically took the money out of his wallet, slammed it on the desk, and glared triumphantly at Kim Dojeon. Dojeon calmly looked at the 10,000 won bills fluttering on the desk and opened his mouth.

“The early repayment application period has passed, customer.”

“What?”

“If you’re going to calculate, do it properly. Your labor is worth 10 won. If you pay in a lump sum, the total repayment amount will be 120 million won.”

“What?”

Jaewon’s eyes bulged at the businesslike words, spoken like a bank teller. He yelled, but Kim Dojeon didn’t even flinch. He even went as far as to dangle his hands like a parking attendant who is obligated to confess his love to customers.

“What the hell is this? What kind of calculation method is this?”

“It’s a transparent calculation based on the domestic minimum wage, applying the standard rate, and reflecting an early repayment fee of 200%.”

“Hey, are you really a high school student?”

Even a loan shark king in Myeongdong wouldn’t be this vicious. His fighting spirit broken by the hellish calculation method, Jaewon’s voice trembled. He felt like crying, even though he was in a book, at the thought of having to pay back money he had never even seen before.

“If you don’t like it, pay me back another way.”

Kim Dojeon suddenly reached out and grabbed Jaewon by the collar. His upper body was pulled forward without a chance to resist, and the sound of the chair scraping against the floor was loud. While he was reeling from the strong scent of fabric softener, a large hand grabbed his waist.