Chapter 6: Counterattack

“You’re here?”

Monday morning.

As I set down my bag full of textbooks and notebooks, Juho, who’d been chatting at the back of the classroom, called out to me.

“Yeah, I’m here. You’re early today?”

“I woke up at dawn with an idea for a story. Wanna hear about it?”

“Maybe later, I’m busy now.”

It’s impressive that he comes up with ideas even while sleeping, but unfortunately, I’m not that curious. I politely declined his eager offer to explain and sat down in an empty seat, taking out my textbook.

Looking around, I noticed many students had already arrived. I couldn’t count them all, but it seemed like there were over 50 people.

I still wasn’t used to these crowded morning classes.

Our school runs both academic and arts tracks simultaneously. Both are quite advanced, so naturally, the curriculum isn’t like a typical high school.

The result is these morning classes.

In the morning, one class each from the academic and arts tracks are combined for common subjects. In the afternoon, we split back into our separate classes. It’s thanks to these morning classes that I got to know Juho, since there’s not much interaction between tracks otherwise.

“Hey, by the way.”

I thought the conversation was over when I refused his explanation, but apparently not. Juho sidled up to my desk and spoke quietly, as if he was about to whisper something.

“What? Want to tell me about that story idea you had at dawn?”

“You’re not interested anyway.”

Seems he knows me well. I twirled my pen between my fingers and asked:

“Then what?”

If it wasn’t about his story, what did he want to say? I couldn’t think of anything. I looked up to meet his eyes, and Juho gave a wry smile.

Then, in a low voice again:

“You were at the arts track building on Saturday, weren’t you?”

…

For a moment, my whole body froze.

Of all people, did he have to see me?

Only arts track students should be in that building. Most of us don’t even know each other’s names, so it shouldn’t be a problem unless I’m caught on the spot. Normally, people don’t pay attention to who’s coming in or out of buildings.

But Juho was the one exception.

He’s in the arts track, so he’d be in that building often, and he knows me well. He’d definitely wonder, ‘Why is he coming out of there?’ If he caught me, he’d surely ask questions.

Faced with this unexpected question, I couldn’t even move my lips. I remained frozen in place for a while before finally managing to utter:

“…Did you see me?”

Juho gave a small nod in response.

“Yeah. I was heading to the club room around 3 PM when I saw you coming out. I wondered what business you had there.”

He explained quietly, then lowered his voice even more.

“So? Why were you there?”

His tone was full of suspicion.

What should I do?

It wouldn’t be a big deal if I told him about my relationship with So-yul. When a junior got caught dating and was punished, Juho was outraged. Plus, we’re pretty close. He wouldn’t report it to the school.

But even if there’d be no consequences, it’s rash to blab about a relationship we’d agreed to keep secret. Since So-yul is involved too, it’s better if fewer people know.

Besides, how would I even explain this relationship? ‘We decided to fake-date because our school forbids dating.’ He might think I’m not fully awake.

So in the end…

“Well, I was looking for a place to study and thought about going to the club room. But I left right away because I felt I shouldn’t go in without your permission.”

I decided to smoothly lie, saying whatever came to mind.

“Oh, is that all?”

Juho chuckled.

“You should’ve told me. The club room would’ve been locked anyway.”

“Ah, no. I thought it might be presumptuous to use the club room when I’m just a member in name. I went to the first floor but turned back immediately.”

“Come on, it’s a club that exists thanks to you.”

That’s not entirely wrong either. I nodded silently, and Juho patted my shoulder.

“Let me know if you need it later. I’ll let you use it anytime. I’ll even tell you where the key is.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks.”

Apparently satisfied, Juho straightened up. Seeing him stretch, it seemed he wasn’t going to pry any further.

He didn’t look suspicious. It seems my hastily made-up excuse had worked, which was somewhat relieving.

I felt a bit guilty that he believed my lie and even offered his kindness, but well, it couldn’t be helped.

Still… I should be more careful from now on.

I got caught just from that brief time entering and leaving the building. Next time, I might not even have a chance to make excuses.

“Hi there~”

Just then, a familiar voice came from the classroom entrance.

I turned my head, almost involuntarily, towards the high-pitched voice that tickled my ears.

Speak of the devil. So-yul was walking into the classroom.

She wore her uniform impeccably neat. With each step, her glossy amber hair swayed gently. Her face bore a bright smile, with her eyes crinkling every time she greeted a classmate.

On the surface, she looked like a kind and diligent model student.

To think this same person turns into a delinquent at night, kicking stones and complaining about how stifling the school is, even proposing to fake-date for the thrill of it. It’s truly astounding.

As I was lost in these thoughts…

“Hello.”

I snapped back to reality to find So-yul waving at me.

She wore a dazzling smile, her eyes forming crescents.

“Oh, uh, hi.”

I managed to hide my surprise and return her greeting. So-yul flashed another smile and walked past me.

As if nothing had happened. As if it was just a normal exchange of greetings.

Meanwhile, the eyes of everyone around us were fixed on me.

Though no one said anything out loud, their gazes clearly held the question, ‘Are those two acquainted?’

Even though we had classes together, interactions between different tracks were rare. And for it to be So-yul, and with a guy no less. It wasn’t strange that people found it curious.

“Do you know her?”

As expected, Juho asked this question.

I scratched my forehead as I answered.

“Well…”

“What do you mean, ‘well’?”

Dismissing my answer as nonsense, Juho chuckled and headed back to his seat. The stares from the other students had long since returned to their original positions. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like anyone was particularly suspicious.

But this could be dangerous if it continues.

I should probably have a proper talk with her.

◎

“What did you want to talk about?”

That night, at the same bench where we’d met before.

When I asked via KakaoTalk if we could talk for a bit, So-yul suggested meeting outside after lights out. She said she felt like escaping today or something. It seemed her model student act during the day was just a facade after all.

Anyway, this worked out well. I had some serious things to discuss, so it was better to talk face to face.

I let out a deep sigh before speaking.

“What do you think it’s about?”

“Hmm? Are you planning to confess or something?”

“Are you out of your mind?”

I didn’t call her out here for silly jokes. I decided to get straight to the point.

“You greeted me this morning, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.”

So-yul nodded confidently.

Her audacious attitude was baffling. I let out a derisive laugh, which made So-yul tilt her head.

“What’s wrong with that? It’s normal to greet someone you have class with.”

“Well, it’s not abnormal, but when you do something you don’t usually do, people look at us strangely. They wonder, ‘Why are those two suddenly greeting each other?'”

“So what? Weren’t we fake-dating to feel that thrilling edge?”

“I don’t want it to be this thrilling.”

I only accepted So-yul’s proposal on the premise that we wouldn’t get caught. And to avoid getting caught, we need to be careful about rumors spreading among the students.

There’s a good chance some goody-two-shoes might report us to the school.

So I’d prefer to avoid unnecessarily drawing attention if possible.

Plus…

“Also, a friend told me today that he saw me coming out of the arts track building.”

So-yul’s eyes changed. Seems she has some sense of crisis too.

“And then?”

“I managed to make up an excuse… But there are more eyes on us than I thought. We could get caught if we’re not careful. That’s why I’m saying we should be more cautious.”

“Hmm.”

Her tone was full of dissatisfaction. Judging by how she folded her arms and pouted, there was no doubt about it.

Anyway, I’d said what I wanted to say. I’d asked her to be careful, and since So-yul didn’t seem to want to get caught either, she’d probably comply.

That’s what I expected, but… for some reason, So-yul’s words came out sounding annoyed.

“Then I’d like to say something too.”

“What?”

“To be honest, I only greeted you because I noticed you kept staring at me, and our eyes met. I couldn’t avoid it.”

She argued in a sulky voice, then put her hands on her hips.

“It’s not a big deal to greet a classmate, but isn’t it more suspicious if someone’s intently staring at a person of the opposite sex? So who should be more careful in the future? What do you think?”

“Uh, what?”

Her words hit me like a wave, leaving me dazed.

Did I really stare that intently? If so, was it my fault? No, wait, why am I suddenly on the defensive here?

I stammered, caught off guard. So-yul seized the opportunity to press on.

“Of course, I’m fine with it. I’m broad-minded enough to accept it all. It’s normal to not be able to take your eyes off a pretty girl. And the thrill of almost getting caught is fun too.”

Having exercised her self-proclaimed tolerance, So-yul puffed out her chest, which wasn’t nearly as broad as her mind.

“But.”

She paused briefly, then looked at me with a condescending gaze.

“You seem scared already. Chicken. Coward.”

It was hard to ignore those words.

“What?”

“Why? Didn’t you ask me to be careful because you’re scared? You’re afraid of getting caught just because of one little greeting.”

So-yul fired these words at me, chuckling. Despite being so small that she had to look up to meet my eyes, her gaze seemed to look down on me.

Seeing her like this… irritation welled up from deep inside my chest.

If anyone caught us, neither of us would come out looking good. I’d planned to kindly persuade her to be careful to avoid dangerous situations for both of us.

If this is how she wants to play it, I won’t back down either.

“Fine. I get it.”

My tone rose a bit due to my agitation. I clearly saw So-yul flinch.

Ignoring her reaction, I continued:

“Tomorrow, let’s go on a date after class.”

—