PM CHAPTER 3.2

If only every day could be an exciting, upward trend. But even the steadiest rising chart had to experience corrections now and then, and today was that day for Do-won.

“Damn, should I have sold yesterday…?”

Brushing his teeth while checking his stock app, Do-won frowned at the chart glowing blue. The market wasn’t doing well today. Since there hadn’t been any major issues recently, he hadn’t been paying close attention—only to be hit with a sudden downturn.

It seemed like his stocks had dipped alongside the KOSPI, but instead of overanalyzing the reasons, he chose to ignore it and flipped his phone face down. Then, splashing cold water on his face, he muttered to himself, “I’m a long-term investor… I focus on a company’s value….”

It hurt, but he decided not to dwell on it. The stock market was always fluctuating, after all.

If that had been the worst of his problems, it would’ve still been an okay day. But the real headache came from his group project.

“Phew….”

After his elective lecture, Do-won scanned through his group members’ printouts during their meeting and found himself at a loss for words. He’d already been worried about how difficult it was to coordinate opinions in the group chat, and sure enough, most people had barely done any research.

One of the freshmen had simply copied and pasted from Namuwiki, while the two seniors hadn’t prepared anything at all. Do-won sighed softly, placing the papers back down as if he’d already seen enough.

“……”

Meanwhile, Han I-rok—who had completed his research flawlessly and organized everything neatly—crossed his arms with an expression that made it painfully clear how displeased he was with the situation. Even Do-won, who had actually done his part, felt intimidated by his sharp gaze.

Still, if they wanted to get through this project, and if he wanted to lighten the atmosphere even a little, Do-won needed to keep things calm and constructive.

“Ju-hye… I won’t ask for anything as complicated as a research paper, but try focusing on news articles. I’ll lend you my textbook—there are some useful examples in there you should go through. As for you two seniors, I know you’re busy, but please try to cooperate. We just need to make sure the presentation goes well.”

What on earth were they doing during the lecture instead of at least looking things up on their phones? Working with such inefficient people was driving him insane. Still, he forced himself to keep a straight face, opened his notebook, and started organizing things one by one.

“We’ll go with HS Solar Bank for the company. If I leave it up to everyone to think about, it’ll probably take until next year to finish. Since Han I-rok and I happened to research the same company, let’s focus on bank products. Is everyone okay with that?”

“Yes.”

Everyone sure was good at responding.
“I’d like us to meet once more this week. When are you all available?”

“Friday for me.”

“Me too.”

“Friday seems good…”

“Friday…”

“Yeah…”

Friday was Do-won’s only hope—his day off. But now, he was being dragged to campus even then. He clutched his head in frustration, realizing there was no way out.

‘I need to move out.’

Might as well break open his savings account. In a moment of exhaustion-fueled impulsiveness, he made the decision.

Trying to keep up with Han I-rok had already forced him to sign up for every promotional ambassador activity, turning every day into a school day. He had to come to campus earlier and more frequently than most, so he’d been seriously considering moving out for a while now.

‘Is renting a place just to make this inefficient nonsense more efficient… actually efficient or inefficient…?’

Do-won almost lost himself in this existential question.

“Friday, 1 PM, the main building café.”

Snapping out of it, he resumed his duties as team leader. Despite their drooping eyes and drowsy expressions, he grabbed each team member one by one, setting clear objectives and assigning tasks.

“Alright, by Friday, everyone must have their parts done. Must.”

He sounded like a pitiful side character delivering a death flag.

The result of the Friday group meeting, which the Seoul-based students had so graciously dragged the local commuter out of bed for:

Han I-rok: Annoyingly perfect research. Pass.

Lee Ju-hye: …Did something. Her efforts were commendable, even if her understanding made him want to cry. Pass for effort.

Lee Se-jin: Brought coffee, cookies, cake slices, and even treated them to dinner at a family restaurant. Pass.

Park Yoon-tae: Absent.

Inevitably, this group project had boiled down to just the two of them—no, just Do-won and Han I-rok. It was time to accept the truth he’d been denying.

After finishing dinner together, Do-won turned to I-rok as they descended the stairs.

“Looks like it’s just the two of us.”

“What is?”

“The project.”

“It’s a five-person group project. Why would it be just the two of us?”

Han I-rok spoke in a low voice, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. Was this his first time experiencing something like this? Do-won snorted and shrugged.

“Look at our team members. Do they seem like the type to do group work?”

“Is there even a ‘type’ for that?”

“It’s just a figure of speech.”

Group projects always worked like this. Some people drove the bus, and others were just along for the ride. That was how the world worked.

“We even scheduled an extra meeting outside of class, and yet someone ditched us with the excuse of a stomachache. That’s basically saying they plan to freeload. And we both know the professor hates any sort of internal conflicts within teams.”

“…….”

“And you saw Se-jin today, right? She swiped her card like it was nothing. That was her way of saying she’ll contribute to the project with money instead of effort. As for Ju-hye, she doesn’t know anything and can’t do anything. That leaves just you and me.”

The more Do-won explained, the deeper I-rok’s frown became.

“A group project should be completed with equal contributions from all members—”

“Yeah, in theory. But that’s not realistic. Have you only ever worked with good team members?”

“…Not exactly.”

I-rok’s gaze landed on Do-won. …Wait, was he saying I was the bad team member?

Do-won almost shot back but suddenly recalled all the chaos he had caused within the promotional ambassador group. Ah. Maybe I-rok had a point.

Do-won quickly changed the subject.

“Anyway. It might be unfair, but for the sake of a good final result, we have to accept some losses in the process. We can’t force people to work when they’re actively trying to avoid it.”

“Isn’t it the leader’s job to make sure everyone participates?”

There he goes again, throwing shade.

“It’s also the leader’s job to make sure the project gets done. And sometimes, that means making efficient choices.”

“How is it efficient for two people to do the work of five?”

“Han I-rok. This project is a joke.”

“…Can you watch your language?”

“It’s easier without people slowing us down. You know the saying, ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’? This isn’t even an important class. And most importantly, I don’t have the energy to argue with you about this. Got it?”

“…….”

“Today was my day off, and I had to drag myself to campus. I’m exhausted.”

Do-won snapped, his patience wearing thin. Between the group project, his duties as a promotional ambassador, and spending days hunting for an apartment, he was already overwhelmed. And later tonight, he’d have to go on another real estate tour. Just thinking about it was exhausting.

This wasn’t how he had planned his first semester at all. But he was too busy to even figure out when things had gone off track.

“…….”

I-rok looked like he had more to say, but seeing the exhaustion on Do-won’s face, he closed his mouth. His broad shoulders rose and fell with a deep sigh before he ran a hand through his hair.

“Alright. Just go get some rest.”

He backed off easily, giving Do-won a light pat on the shoulder.

“Don’t be late for the event tomorrow.”

“…….”

With his long strides, Han I-rok disappeared from Do-won’s sight in an instant. Left alone in the alley, Do-won stood still for a long moment, gripping the strap of his bag.

“Life…”

Breaking the silence, he muttered to himself as he pulled a cigarette pack from his pocket. He had completely forgotten about the event.
Baek Do-won, a 20th-generation promotional ambassador, would have to come to campus again tomorrow—on a weekend.

——————

Saturday.

His body, instinctively unwilling to give I-rok any leverage over him, woke up early on its own. Taking his time getting ready, Do-won was changing clothes when he heard a loud commotion outside. He opened his door and casually called out a warning.

“Hey, brats. Knock it off. You’ve got way too much energy for this early in the morning.”

“Oppaa! Baek Ju-won hit me!”

“You hit me first!”

Before he could react, the sound of quick footsteps rushed toward him, and his twin siblings burst into his room. His younger sister, Ye-won, threw herself into his arms but quickly pulled back when she noticed what he was wearing, her eyes widening.

“Oppa, what’s with the outfit?”

“It’s my promotional ambassador uniform. Cool, right?”

Do-won tugged at the hem of his shirt and struck a pose. Ye-won puckered her lips into an impressed “Ooooh” and clapped her hands.

“It is cool!”

“Hyung, I heard from Mom that you’re moving out. You’re really doing it?”

His younger brother, Ju-won, moved to stand beside him, catching his gaze in the full-length mirror.

“Yeah, I’m getting a place near campus.”

“That sucks. I wanna visit!”

“But hyung, you don’t even know how to cook. Are you sure you can handle living alone?”

“Hey, why are you talking like that? That’s rude.”

“You started it!”

“Did not!”

Every day was a battlefield with the twins, who had just entered middle school. Do-won shook his head as he stepped between them.

“Alright, enough. Ju-won, do you even realize how good instant rice is these days? Ye-won, Ju-won is sensitive, so don’t say things that could hurt his feelings.”

“What a weakling…”

“Tsk.”

Right. He really needed to watch his language around them. Even as he scolded his siblings, Do-won felt a little guilty, knowing how rough his own way of speaking could be.

“…You should watch your words.”

Just as he was about to put on his tie, Han I-rok’s voice suddenly popped into his head.

Do-won clicked his tongue, sighing as he shoved the tie into his pocket instead. He had to stay in character today, after all.

He thought he had arrived early, but Han I-rok was already in the promotional team’s room. I-rok didn’t even acknowledge Do-won’s arrival.

Do-won, who had been about to smile and wave in greeting, suddenly felt the urge to flip him off at his insufferable attitude. But before he could, I-rok silently pulled out the chair beside him, as if telling Do-won to sit.

Do-won hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. Maybe it was because I-rok had spent so much time keeping him in check that he now accepted Do-won’s presence so naturally—so much so that he was even the one offering the seat first.

As soon as Do-won sat down and set his bag aside, I-rok placed a lunchbox and a small carton of milk in front of him.

“Aren’t you eating?”

“I already ate. Where’s your tie?”

The tie courier—as Do-won mentally labeled him—quickly glanced over his appearance before asking.

“Ah. I forgot!”

“…….”

I-rok’s frown deepened at the joke, and Do-won swallowed back a laugh.

“Just kidding.”

“Haa…”

When Do-won pulled the tie from his pocket and handed it over, I-rok’s brows twitched at the sight of the crumpled mess. Without a word, he stood up and retrieved a neatly rolled spare tie from his bag.

“I had an extra. Return it after the event.”

“You’re ridiculously well-prepared.”

“You’re just too careless.”

The tie I-rok handed him was flawless, without a single crease.

“I sent you a message yesterday with a video on how to tie it properly.”

“Oh, uh… did you? I didn’t see it.”

“Because you’re careless.”

…What was this guy? If he just listened to the words, it was clearly a reprimand. But with I-rok’s flat tone and expressionless face, it felt like he was simply stating facts with no actual judgment behind them—like a news anchor delivering the weather. If Do-won wasn’t careful, he might just end up nodding along in agreement.

Still, shouldn’t people filter their words at least once before speaking?

Even though his stomach twisted in irritation, Do-won plastered on a bright smile.

“Well, thanks to you keeping such a close eye on me, I’m in good hands. I appreciate it.”

Saying thanks despite everything—he was the real saint here, not Han I-rok.

“No matter how much I watch over you, there are bound to be gaps.”

“People need a few gaps to be charming.”

“I meant you should take your responsibilities seriously. The event is busy, and I might not be able to keep an eye on you.”

“I am taking it seriously. I even volunteered today, didn’t I?”

Do-won countered in a lighthearted voice, but I-rok, still unaccustomed to his antics, shut his eyes for a moment like he was suppressing exhaustion.

“What’s the point of volunteering when you always make mistakes?”

“…I’m trying my best…”

If he looked just a little pitiful, I-rok would always falter, as if he had just committed a crime.

Yeah, gotta make sure this guy never buys a water purifier from a salesman.

Poking a straw into the milk carton, Do-won took a sip. The drink must have just come from the fridge—cold liquid slid down his throat.

“Ahhh.”

He let out a small sound of satisfaction before speaking again.

“It’s just college life, not a corporate job. You don’t have to try so hard, I-rok.”

“I never said you had to overdo it.”

“Exactly. We just need to meet the expectations people have for students.”

“If you volunteered, do it properly.”

There wasn’t anything wrong with what I-rok was saying. No one expected university students to perform at a professional level, and no one was going to make a big deal over minor mistakes at a school event.

“Sometimes, you should take it easy.”

“‘Taking it easy’ is the phrase I hate the most.”

“Then I should get it tattooed on my forehead.”

Do-won replied with a lazy yawn.

Did he get possessed by some kind of ‘take-it-easy’ ghost? Why does he keep nagging me about this every time he sees me?

And besides! If I were really just slacking off, I wouldn’t be doing all this! I’ve given up all my personal time, weekdays and weekends alike, to focus on this.

At that, Han I-rok frowned and muttered, “If only you’d just keep your mouth shut…”

Did I win today’s argument? Just as Do-won was thinking that, I-rok suddenly looped the tie around his neck and yanked it tight. As his rough hands began flipping up the collar of Do-won’s shirt, a groan escaped Do-won’s lips.

“Ack! Your hands are cold!”

“Deal with it.”

“Don’t pull so tight! Are you trying to strangle me?!”

“Put the milk down. And hold your head straight.”

“Ugh!”

Damn it.

Do-won tried leaning back to escape, but I-rok swiftly tightened the knot while pulling the tie. When Do-won kept squirming, clearly annoying him, I-rok went as far as pressing his thighs together to trap Do-won’s knees.

“Can’t you just cooperate?”

Ugh! Why is he so damn strong?

Do-won struggled to spread his legs, but it was useless—his knees wouldn’t budge an inch. Was there a rock hidden in I-rok’s thighs or something?

Holy shit. Look at those muscles.

The outline of I-rok’s leg muscles was ridiculously defined. Just how much did he work out for his thighs to look like that? Was he secretly a soccer player?

Grinding his teeth, Do-won snapped, “It hurts!”

At the same time, in his frustration, he accidentally clenched the milk carton in his hand.

“Ah…”

A fountain of milk sprayed out through the straw—straight onto Han I-rok’s face.

“……”

“……”

…Well. That was bound to happen.

Do-won froze, unable to move.

I-rok’s eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling deeply as if he were struggling to hold in a sigh.

Milk dripped down his hair, his neatly arranged eyelashes, his high nose bridge, and his cheeks and lips before collecting at his chin.

After a brief, icy silence, I-rok opened his eyes and wiped his chin roughly with the back of his hand. His face looked fierce—yet at the same time…

“Whoa, are you guys fighting?”

Just then, other team members walked into the room.

They had heard the commotion and were about to approach when they caught sight of I-rok’s milk-covered face.

“D-Did you guys just fight?”

Do-won, flustered, hurried to explain.

“No, we weren’t—”

Before he could finish, I-rok finally released Do-won’s legs and stood up.

Then, without a word, he flicked out his tongue to lick the milk off the corner of his lips before running a hand through his wet hair.

“Everyone, get ready and wait.”

“……”

Leaving behind the members who silently nodded, Han I-rok walked away with firm steps.

Bang.

The door closed with the usual force, yet today, the sound seemed to echo louder than usual. Was it just his imagination?

“Hyung, what was that? What’s going on?”

“Did you guys fight?”

“Milk? You threw milk at him?”

Somehow, the situation seemed to be rapidly escalating and snowballing into an exaggerated mess, but Do-won didn’t have the mental capacity to come up with another excuse right now.

‘Crazy bastard.’

It was a remark directed at Han I-rok, yet at the same time, it was also meant for himself, whose face had turned bright red.

‘Crazy bastard… Why does he have to be so good-looking?’