Chapter 3

Do-hwa, who emerged from the restroom, touched his swollen lips and stained collar. Could it be the meat inside the stew, not the broth itself, that caused the issue? In fact, Do-hwa had a pork allergy when he was young, which disappeared in adulthood, but the symptoms seemed similar. He thought about visiting the hospital later.

As he was about to head home, Min-jun, now dressed, suggested a meal. Unable to refuse his polite and kind offer, Do-hwa accepted. Exiting the bedroom revealed a spacious living room and kitchen, and glimpses of additional rooms. Beyond the balcony window, the cityscape, including Namsan Tower, caught his eye.

"Wow! You can see Namsan Tower from here. It's so tall. Is this your apartment?"

"Just a regular officetel."

However, from Do-hwa's perspective, it felt like a space where chaebol families resided. Despite his jaw dropping, he kept his mouth shut and followed Min-jun into the dining room. After enjoying homemade haejangguk (hangover soup), multi-grain rice, and various side dishes, they even had dessert.

Spending time with Min-jun turned out to be more enjoyable than expected. He was handsome and had a way with words. The sweet fragrance coming out from Minjun added to the experience, making him forget the time. Do-hwa wanted to ask about the cologne but refrained, realizing his humble situation compared to Min-jun's lavish home.

Engrossed in conversation, evening arrived. With a morning lecture the next day, Do-hwa expressed his intention to leave. Min-jun offered to drive him home, revealing a black car that seemed like a supercar. Feeling overwhelmed, Do-hwa suggested taking the subway.

"No, I have errands too, so I need to go out."

Min-jun displayed courtesy, opening the passenger door. Reluctantly, Do-hwa got in. Passing various shops, he noticed the beef soup restaurant they visited yesterday. Smacking his forehead, he said, "Oh! Who paid for the beef soup yesterday?"

"I did."

"Ah... I said I'd treat you, but I forgot. I'm sorry. How much was it? I'll transfer the money."

"It's okay. It wasn't expensive."

"Still, I promised to pay..."

"Then, buy me a meal next time, senior."

"Of course! I'll treat you generously."

Min-jun's response made Do-hwa smile. Admiring Min-jun distractedly, his attention shifted to the car's interior. It was the first time he had seen such a luxurious car. Rumors had it that Min-jun usually took the subway or bus, and his clothes and backpack were from affordable brands. Yet, seeing him adorned in luxury from head to toe didn't seem out of place. A feeling that he was hiding something lingered.

Tall, handsome, and with a good personality, coupled with a potential chaebol background, Do-hwa anticipated another twist in his school life. However, not wanting to gossip about others, he kept silent about his visit to Min-jun's house. There was no need to mention it. Since that day, Do-hwa found himself spending more time with Min-jun, coincidentally bumping into him at the library or during lectures. They occasionally shared lunches, and despite Do-hwa's intention to buy meals, Min-jun often treated him. Club activities were a given, and Do-hwa's volunteer work had a new companion—Min-jun. This continued into the second semester, even through summer vacation.

Min-jun was initially very kind. He seemed to embody Western manners, and his speech was incredibly refined. Occasionally, his excessive skinship made things awkward, but he was a good junior. However, despite six months passing, Do-hwa hadn't been able to treat Min-jun to a meal. As a result, situations continued where they met because Do-hwa felt the need to repay with a meal. Nevertheless, Do-hwa tried to maintain an appropriate distance from Min-jun. He thought they couldn't become too close, considering they were in different grades and lived in different worlds.

ꕥ

Having collected his thoughts, Do-hwa nervously observed Min-jun. Min-jun, stroking his chin, silently scrutinized Do-hwa's face. His gaze was not gentle, as if he were dissecting and unraveling everything about Do-hwa.

"Do you really not remember dating me, Sunbae?"

"Yes..."

Do-hwa answered nervously. Min-jun then gently touched Do-hwa's cheek again, a warm sensation lingering. Do-hwa wanted to step back, but fearing something more intense than the previous kiss might happen, he had to endure.

Pretending to have amnesia, he couldn't comprehend the sudden bombshell. However, having witnessed Min-jun's true self, Do-hwa felt helpless.

The beginning of it all was the year-end gathering for their club that took place last night.

A reservation was made for an entire pork belly restaurant for an event where around a hundred students attended.

Do-hwa had experienced an allergic reaction after eating pork soup in spring, but the swollen lips and stains had disappeared shortly after. He had eaten pork again without any issues. However, lately, his health hadn't been great. Initially thought to be a mild cold, even after visiting the hospital and taking medicine, he didn't seem to be getting better. On this day, he felt a pervasive discomfort as if someone were striking his entire body. Despite wanting to leave quietly, the lively atmosphere kept him in check. With an important commitment the next day, he hoped to return home quickly to rest.

Taking a seat in the grilled pork belly restaurant, Do-hwa chose a corner, aiming to be inconspicuous. In the front, female classmates Woo Ji-min and Kim Soo-yeon sat side by side. Both were beta, members of the same club, and had joined the same year, making them close.

"Why are you here in a place like this while on a diet?"

Woo Ji-min complained, glancing at her phone's screen like a mirror. Kim Soo-yeon joined in and looked at Do-hwa.

"Do you also have that 'I want to go home early' face today, Do-hwa?"

Do-hwa could only raise his lips slightly without answering. At that moment, a shadow fell on Do-hwa's seat.

"Is this seat taken?"

It was Lee Ji-hoon, with bleached hair and piercings. He was Do-hwa's fellow student in the same major and also a childhood friend. Just when Do-hwa was about to answer, the commotion from the grill restaurant disrupted them. Thanks to the noise, everyone's attention turned in that direction. Cha Min-jun had entered.

Wherever Min-jun went, it was like there was a spotlight on him. Most people welcomed Min-jun, but there was a small group that showed disdain. Lee Ji-hoon was one of them.

"What's this commotion about that guy? He is just a mere Beta."

Lee Ji-hoon, an alpha, seemed to dislike the attention on beta Min-jun, who was the current hot topic. In fact, most students who envied Min-jun were alphas.

"Why? He's the hero who contributed to the development of our club. Lee Ji-hoon, get over yourself! Min-jun isn't even here. Annoying."

Kim Soo-yeon's shout brought an end to Lee Ji-hoon's grumbling. Min-jun, who had taken off his shoes and climbed up to the private room, seemed to be unfazed by the attention.

"Disgusting appearance worshiping to the point of ignoring personality. Ugh!"

Lee Ji-hoon grumbled and was about to sit next to Do-hwa when Min-jun approached.

"Is Do-hwa Sunbae here?"

Min-jun came up behind Do-hwa. Just a moment ago, he was near the entrance, so it was a mystery when he managed to come to this corner. Do-hwa looked up at him with bewildered eyes. Perhaps due to his mood, Min-jun's gaze seemed different than usual.

"I brought back the book I borrowed last time."

Min-jun soon entered between Do-hwa and Lee Ji-hoon, taking a seat. While Lee Ji-hoon had been grumbling, Min-jun directed a smile at Do-hwa. Then, everyone's attention, previously on Min-jun, shifted like arrows toward the commotion at the grill restaurant.

As meat and drinks arrived, Do-hwa shifted his gaze away from Min-jun, and Min-jun's hand also moved away. Thick slices of pork belly and sliced garlic sizzled on the grill, and soju and beer bottles gradually turned into empty ones. The scene was the same at Do-hwa's table. As the staff grilled the meat, everyone was enjoying the meat and drinks fairly.

However, Min-jun, once again, didn't drink alcohol today. Since the incident at the pork soup restaurant this spring, he hadn't been seen drinking. His tolerance seemed decent, and he never seemed to experience hangovers. It was puzzling why he avoided getting drunk. Do-hwa speculated that Min-jun simply didn't like being inebriated.

"Senior, please eat a lot."

Min-jun had been placing fully grilled meat onto Do-hwa's plate since a while ago. Whenever they ate, he always made sure to offer the delicious pieces to Do-hwa.

"Min-jun, you should eat too."

"Yes."

Min-jun replied gently, telling Do-hwa not to worry. Although Do-hwa was only three years older, there were times when he felt that Min-jun seemed older. Every time that happened, his heart felt strange.

"Min-jun, aren't you focusing too much on Do-hwa?"

Woo Ji-min, with a mouthful of radish kimchi, teased. Following her comment, the gaze of Min-jun's peers turned in their direction, sharp as knives. Do-hwa unconsciously slumped, lowering his head.

"I just really like Senior Do-hwa."

Min-jun replied with a smile.

"Do-hwa, you're being treated exceptionally well by Min-jun. The kid's eyes are sparkling."

Kim Soo-yeon made a jealous expression.

"No, it's the opposite. Min-jun takes good care of me. He's a kind and good junior."

It was a simple response to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings. However, Min-jun's complexion didn't look good. Even his usually gentle eyes seemed somewhat fierce. Do-hwa felt a strange sense of guilt, as if he had committed a big mistake.

However, as the club president began the toast, Min-jun, who had been frozen, returned to his usual warm self.

"Sunbae, have some more of this."

"I'm fine. You should eat more."

"Of course. I have to leave some for Do-hwa Sunbae later."

At Min-jun's comment, Do-hwa's eyes widened. But for such a provocative remark, his expression was remarkably casual. Did I mishear something? Do-hwa touched his ears, feeling uneasy.

"Why are you saying that? Sunbae do you have something to say?"

Min-jun asked, looking puzzled. It seemed he sensed Do-hwa's displeasure. Do-hwa, without admitting to anything, decided it might be better to brush it off.

"Why are you acting like that, Min-jun? I just said the meat looks delicious. What did you hear?"

Min-jun replied with a puzzled smile. He seemed to have sensed Do-hwa's discomfort. Do-hwa felt embarrassed, but even if he blamed it on the alcohol, he couldn't deny it.

With Min-jun next to him, sitting beside someone truly is insane.