episode_0017

Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep—

The alarm blares intensely, as if warning that something terrible will happen if you don’t wake up now.

“Ugh… please…”

It was 4 a.m., a time when Yoonji would never have been able to get up under normal circumstances. Filled with worries about the upcoming events, she had endured a torturous morning due to not being able to sleep properly.

“I don’t want to go…”

“I just want to stay in bed and become one with it…”

Trying to escape reality by burrowing into the warm and cozy blanket,

However, soon a voice breaks through Yoonji, lying there like a lazy bug, informing her of reality.

“Yoonji~ If you don’t want to be late, you should get up now, wash up, and get ready~”

“Alright…”

Let’s go… let’s go.

At the school field before heading to the airport, students from Hanbit Middle School gather, waiting for the tour bus.

As the assembly time approaches, friends start gathering one by one, dragging their suitcases.

Men passing time with light banter and

Women busy complimenting each other on their sincere efforts for the math trip, exclaiming in admiration at each other’s appearances.

“Wow~ Why did you dress up so nicely today?”

“And you~ Did you put in some effort today? I almost didn’t recognize you.”

And watching these friends from a distance, Yoonji remarks,

‘Wow… are these really the girls from our class? They look completely different, like they’re in disguise.’

Even with just the basic makeup skills learned from her mother, Yoonji’s appearance is commendable.

But didn’t they say that even if a magpie tries to imitate a crane, its legs will snap?

No matter how much she dresses up, Yoonji couldn’t compete with the goddesses who have been perfect since birth.

“Wow…”

“This is insane, absolutely insane…”

For a moment, the appearance of everyone gathered in the field is enough to silence them all.

And naturally, it was Sehee who stood out.

“Hello, everyone~”

Sehee, presenting herself like the epitome of innocence, in her neat attire, exuding an irresistible charm even in her seemingly effortless look.

This time, dressed in her favorite outfit and full makeup, she displays an overwhelming gap that would make any woman envious.

Surrounded by compliments from all sides, Sehee’s eyes, busy scanning the crowd, reveal her search for someone.

Realizing that no one she’s looking for is around despite scanning the area, Sehee clicks her tongue in annoyance.

“By the way… isn’t that guy still not here?”

“Seriously… he was the most insistent on going together today, and yet he’s the latest one.”

Sehee was searching for her beloved target, Kim Taeyang.

Was it because they missed the chance to walk together like a couple?

Or was it due to Kim Taeyang’s pathetic lateness right before the assembly time?

Veins popping on her smooth forehead in real-time due to frustration,

It seems highly likely that it was the latter.

And just as she’s about to speak, a voice comes from behind a few minutes later, startling everyone.

“Woohoo~ Looks like everyone’s dressed to impress for the math field trip, huh?”

“Let’s enjoy this trip to the fullest!”

“They say even tigers come when called.”

“Hey, Kim Taeyang! Why are you so late…?!”

As Sehee turns around, her mouth drops in shock at the sight before her.

“Ugh~”

“Sorry, sorry. I got a bit delayed taking care of something important.”

Yawning as if bored, Kim Taeyang opens his mouth wide.

There’s nothing unusual about his face; he’s mustering his usual nonchalant attitude.

The problem lies below.

He appeared wearing a Hawaiian short-sleeved shirt and shorts in this chilly weather!

Kim Taeyang’s fashion choice causing confusion, as if he’s here for a summer beach trip!

Naturally, even Sehee can’t help but curse in disbelief.

“Hey, you idiot! Are you deliberately wearing this? You’re trying to embarrass our school!”

“Huh? Why is this embarrassing? Isn’t a Hawaiian shirt a must for trips?”

“What nonsense…!”

“During a math field trip, we should wear clothes that suit us and look good on us, right?”

“Just like how you wore your favorite outfit, I’m wearing what suits me best, this Hawaiian shirt.”

“Ugh… fine.”

“Okay, okay! It’s my fault for mixing words with you!”

“Hey;; Are you getting annoyed even before going to the airport?”

The Exasperated Sehee

And the Sun, sweating while trying to calm down the irritated Sehee

“… Phew, thank goodness.”

Today, thanks to the Sun not coming to pick on her, Yeonji was relieved.

Having a noisy meeting since morning and arriving at the airport by bus

After completing the boarding procedures,

It’s time to check the luggage inside the carry-on through the security checkpoint.

Others passed through without any trouble.

Since she had thoroughly prepared to avoid embarrassing situations like bringing items that shouldn’t be carried beforehand,

But only one person didn’t seem to care about such things…

“Excuse me, whose luggage is this?”

An employee looking for the owner of the carry-on.

“Huh? That’s mine. Is there a problem?”

Kim Taeyang confidently reaches out, revealing that it’s his own.

“We found hairspray inside. Small amounts are allowed, but this much is not acceptable.”

“Haha, my bad. I must have accidentally put it in.”

An incident that seemed like it would end as a simple mishap.

However, if it just ended like this, it wouldn’t be Kim Taeyang, the accident-prone.

As the employee opens the carry-on to take out the hairspray,

Whoosh!

Unidentified objects pouring out from inside the carry-on.

“?”

“?”

A situation where everyone had question marks on their faces.

What spilled out was a bundle of boxes with the number 001 written on them, something commonly seen in markets.

It wasn’t a prohibited item, and there’s no law against middle schoolers carrying such things, but the employee felt it was a bit excessive.

“It’s fine to have a few, but isn’t this a bit too much…”

“Hey! Are you disrespecting me because I’m a middle schooler?! It’s much better than causing an accident!”

“Haha, I spent so much time packing these; people should always be well-prepared!”

Ignoring others’ gazes, Taeyang walks his own path as usual today.

“Sigh… idiot.”

Scornful Sehee and

‘As expected… he’s a troublemaker..!’

Yeonji solidifies her perception of Kim Taeyang with disdain.

.

.

.

.

Wait, wait a minute, this is not right. Why am I sitting next to Kim Taeyang?

There are plenty of people to sit with, like Sehee or others, but why me…!

I wanted to have a comfortable trip at least when leaving, but Kim Taeyang is sitting next to me!

What kind of twisted fate is this?

Just as I was feeling lost, a man suddenly sits next to me.

“Whoa~~ Haha, what a coincidence to sit next to a beautiful lady like you?”

“Oh…”

“Haha.. Why are you so scared? Someone might think I’ll eat you up haha”

‘He probably will eat me..!’

Still, luckily, Sehee is sitting right next to Kim Taeyang in the seat line.

She glares at me with a threatening look, ready to pounce if I say anything strange to Yeonji or get too close.

“Don’t say or do anything weird to Yeonji… or come near her. I’ll kill you before we even get to Jeju Island.”

“Hey..! Saying you’ll kill a childhood friend is too much!”

“But it’s fine for you.”

Ah, Bright Sehee..! Thank you..!

“Tsk.. It’s lucky that Sehee is right next to me this time, but don’t expect the same next time, okay?”

“…”

I thought it would be better not to attract more attention.

And how much time has passed? The plane takes off with the broadcast.

“Wow….”

I refrained from saying this because it might sound cheesy, but in reality, it’s my first time on a plane.

The towering buildings that look like toys, and the vast sea sparkling in the sunrise create a magnificent sight.

My internet friends said I would be amazed just by looking outside for a moment, and they weren’t wrong.

A school trip… might be somewhat enjoyable…?

Oh.. But why am I so sleepy..

Could it be because I didn’t sleep much?

Normally, I would wake up abruptly and make up for the lack of sleep during class, but today was full of tension without rest.

Drowsily,

Even if I try hard to keep my eyelids open, they shut within seconds.

“Hey, sleeping beauty.”

“Hey, instead of snoring like a sick chicken, why don’t you just go to sleep deeply? It’s annoying just watching you.”

“…”

Even though Kim Taeyang is next to me… Sehee is here too… I won’t do anything foolish… or will I?

Let’s relax the tension that remains like a taut string and dive straight into the swamp of slumber.

.

.

.

We are expected to land at our destination shortly……

“Hmm…?”

The landing announcement rings out, spreading like waking up sleeping people.

Are we already there?

It feels like I just fell asleep a moment ago, time flies so fast when you’re having a good time.

Still, I feel a bit better after sleeping.

But why does the front look tilted?

“…?”

What’s this smell now?

A pleasant scent of a well-groomed man, a mix of musky body odor and subtle cologne.

?!

As my dazed mind gradually clears, a heavy weight is felt on my head this time.

This is… Kim Taeyang’s shoulder???

Why am I leaning on Kim Taeyang’s shoulder while sleeping? Did this guy take advantage of me as I slept defenselessly?

You little brat..!

This is going too far.

I can’t take it anymore; I’m going to…!

Chuup

I tried to speak, but with saliva dripping down, my mouth couldn’t articulate properly.

“…Huh?”

“… Are you not getting up, you shameless woman?”

“…..Ugh!”

Fully grasping the situation and with a contemplative expression, Yeonji raises her head abruptly.

When she lifts her head, what she sees is Kim Taeyang’s Hawaiian shirt soaked in her drool.

Kim Taeyang just smiles unknowingly at the sight.

Grinning

“Hey, shameless woman, sleeping peacefully while drooling on someone else’s precious clothes?”

“Sniff…”

“Hey, this math trip is something to look forward to, right?”

“I’ll make unforgettable memories for you…”

Ah

Maybe skipping the math trip was the right call after all.