WWBU - 15

Despite Hyun-soo’s lingering questions, the lesson proceeded smoothly.

“I need to use the restroom for a moment.”

“Now?”

“Sorry. I’ll be right back.”

During the break, they had been eating snacks and asking questions, so Hyun-soo hadn’t had a chance to visit the restroom yet. After apologizing to Guk, who watched her with an inscrutable expression, she quickly left the room.

Through the narrowing gap of the closing door, Guk’s profile gradually disappeared from view. He remained completely focused on the book, not once looking away.

Click. As the door shut completely, Hyun-soo leaned against it for a moment. She felt an overwhelming urge to take a deep breath. It seemed the tension she hadn’t realized she’d been holding in while with Guk was finally easing.

“Of all things, peaches…”

She still worried that bringing up peaches might have made him uncomfortable. Yet, he didn’t show any signs of irritation, which made her feel grateful.

Guk never mocked her, no matter how poorly she performed on exams or how messy her problem-solving attempts were. True to his character, today he also didn’t let his emotions waver or make her feel awkward. Hyun-soo always found this aspect of him fascinating and admirable—it was the complete opposite of her own personality.

What exactly was inside Yoon Guk? What emotions and thoughts occupied his mind? Was there anything related to Kim Hyun-soo, even just a tiny fragment? Unfortunately, she couldn’t be sure.

Thud. Suddenly, a faint sound of a book being placed down came from inside the room.

Hyun-soo, lost in thought, startled and straightened herself. If he found out she’d been wasting time outside instead of going to the restroom, she knew she wouldn’t hear the end of it.

Turning toward the door, Hyun-soo hurried off to the restroom. She didn’t want to argue or embarrass herself further with him.

After finishing her business, she returned promptly without taking any detours. However…

“Yoon Guk…?”

In the short time she’d been gone, Guk had collapsed onto the desk, fast asleep. Looking closer, she was astonished to see he was genuinely sleeping. With his part-time job before school and the rest of his time dedicated to studying, how could he not be exhausted? And then there was Kim Hyun-soo, barging into his life demanding tutoring sessions—it only added more strain to his already packed schedule. Hyun-soo felt a pang of guilt.

Quietly taking her seat, Hyun-soo gazed silently at his face. Beneath his slightly tousled hair, she could see his straight nose, sharply defined eyebrows, and delicate yet bold eyes. His lips, which often spoke many words—or swallowed them—were unfortunately hidden beneath his arm.

Feeling a strange sense of regret, Hyun-soo unconsciously leaned closer. In the shadowed light, she caught a glimpse of his closed lips. Even in the dimness, their subtle redness drew her attention.

The closer she got, the stronger his familiar fresh, clean soap scent became. She wondered if he had somehow managed to shower during those 30 minutes, but knowing Guk, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

Carefully raising her hand, Hyun-soo gently touched his damp hair. It was still slightly wet, soft and ticklish against her fingertips. As much as she wanted to bury her hand in his thick locks and run her fingers through them, she knew that would wake him immediately.

Her heart thudded heavily, almost painfully, even though she wasn’t moving. It was a warning sign. But strangely, Hyun-soo felt her desire intensify.

Her hand now hovered near Guk’s cheek. Even without touching him, she felt a tingling warmth, an odd sensation coursing through her.

Should she touch him? Would it really be okay?

After battling her conflicting desires dozens of times, Hyun-soo’s judgment began to blur. Eventually, she surrendered, deciding to go for it. Just once. Just a small touch.

Bracing herself, Hyun-soo moved her hand—and at that exact moment—

“…”

“…”

Guk opened his eyes.

Her heart plummeted sickeningly to the floor.

“Uh, uh… This isn’t… I was just…”

Frozen in place, Hyun-soo stammered, unable to form coherent words. Caught red-handed, there was no excuse she could offer.

As expected, Guk reached up and grabbed her hand. Surely, he would push her away or toss her hand aside.

Bracing herself for punishment, Hyun-soo bit her lower lip and waited. But instead, Guk gently guided her hand to rest against his cheek. Startled, Hyun-soo stared at him wide-eyed.

“Wasn’t this what you were trying to do?”

Feeling the warm, soft, and smooth skin beneath her palm, Hyun-soo nodded mutely. Yes, that was exactly what she had intended.

Guk’s gaze darkened as he looked at her, but Hyun-soo, oblivious to his intense stare, was consumed by her own emotions and sensations. Mesmerized, she continued to caress his cheek—until a sudden knock at the door jolted her back to reality.

Knock, knock.

“Yes, yes!”

The door opened, revealing Mrs. Ah-san with a cheerful smile. She had come to replenish their snacks and drinks.

Without saying a word, Guk sat up straight, acting as if nothing had happened. Unlike Hyun-soo, who remained frozen beside him, he exuded calm composure.

After Mrs. Ah-san left, the two were alone again.

“Shall we continue the lesson?”

“Huh?”

“Do you have something to say?”

“...No. No, I don’t.”

Guk’s voice filled the room as he began reading an English passage. Hyun-soo, bewildered, couldn’t process the words properly.

Had what just happened been a dream? It had felt so vivid. If it was real, why was he acting as if nothing unusual had occurred? How could he remain so unfazed? Questions swirled chaotically in her mind, leaving her thoughts in disarray.

Through the slightly open window, the steady patter of rain continued, refreshing and clear. A gentle breeze swayed Guk’s uniform shirt hanging on the clothes rack nearby.

Summer—a season where heavy emotions, like rain-soaked earth, grew lush and unrelenting.

---

Mrs. Ah-san was ill. Upon hearing the news, Young-ae’s expression crumpled.

“How bad is it?”

“It’s a cold and fever. She says she can barely get out of bed.”

Early in the morning, as the family prepared for school and work, someone knocked on the door. Before the household staff arrived, Young-ae, who had been fixing her hair, went to answer it. To her surprise, she recognized the face immediately—it was Mrs. Ah-san’s eldest son. Tall and handsome, he was hard to forget.

“So… you’re saying you’ll handle breakfast instead?”

“Yes.”

His curt reply made Young-ae frown slightly. Unlike his mother, he lacked tact. Yet, strangely, she didn’t find him unpleasant.

“Fine. Start with breakfast. Everyone needs to eat before heading out.”

“Yes.”

“Come in.”

Young-ae stepped aside to let Guk enter the mansion. Though he had been upstairs several times for tutoring sessions, this was his first time venturing deep into the first floor.

“The kitchen’s over there.”

Leading the way, Young-ae pointed toward the kitchen. Guk glanced in that direction, gave a slight nod, and walked off without hesitation. Expecting some awe or surprise at the mansion’s luxurious interior, Young-ae felt a twinge of disappointment when Guk showed no interest—not even glancing at the living room clock.

“How amusing.”

But perhaps his indifference was what made him intriguing. After all, people who weren’t overly obedient tended to be far more interesting.

“Honey! Where’s my blue tie?!”

“Ah, honestly…”

Interrupted by her husband’s loud complaint, Young-ae snapped back to reality.

How boring. Frowning briefly, she quickly masked her irritation with a pleasant smile. After all, he was the breadwinner, so she had to treat him well.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Humming softly under her breath, Young-ae headed toward the master bedroom. There was something oddly cheerful about her demeanor.

---

Fortunately, setting the table wasn’t difficult. Mrs. Ah-san had prepared stew and side dishes the previous day, so Guk simply needed to reheat and serve them. As soon as he placed the rice and utensils on the table, the four family members entered the dining room.

“Ugh, I really need to lose weight.”

“You can eat breakfast. Besides, you don’t have any weight to lose. Unless you’re talking about Hyun-soo.”

At Young-ae’s reassurance, Hyun-seo sat down, still wearing a dissatisfied expression.

“Mom, let’s be honest. Kim Hyun-soo may not excel at everything, but she’s skin and bones. She’s thinner than me—what does she have to lose?”

“In my eyes, you look better.”

“Ugh, whatever. Sitting next to her makes me feel like a pig. So annoying.”

“Enough. Eat your food, Kim Hyun-seo.”

Exasperated by the complaints, Hyun-sung finally spoke up. Reluctantly, Hyun-seo closed her mouth and picked up her chopsticks. Her agitated movements betrayed her lingering frustration.

Hyun-soo, used to her sister’s tantrums, paid no mind. She simply scooped a large spoonful of rice into her mouth. As usual, the stew and side dishes were delicious. Mrs. Ah-san’s cooking suited Hyun-soo’s palate perfectly, and she adored it.

“Cough, cough!”

“Oh, oh… See, I knew you were eating too fast.”

“Cough!”

Perhaps the food was too delicious. While grabbing a side dish, Hyun-soo accidentally swallowed wrong and choked. Young-ae clicked her tongue as she watched Hyun-soo’s flushed face and persistent coughing.

“Here! Bring a glass of water!”

Cough, cough. Amidst her wheezing and tear-filled eyes, a glass of water appeared before her. After coughing violently, Hyun-soo hastily grabbed the glass and gulped the water down. And at the same time—

“Ptooey!”

She spat it out spectacularly.