episode_0030

30.

“As expected, it would be better if I fed him. None of you have ever nursed anyone before. I’ve been trained with younger siblings.”

“You and Jang Sung are different. Moreover, I consider myself the best at handling Jang Sung here, both physically and technically.”

“Everyone has younger siblings, and you’ve seen a lot of HitoX too! But because I’ve received countless nursing care, I can empathize with the discomfort and…!”

While the three argued fiercely.

Thud- A sound came from the bed.

Their heads all turned simultaneously.

Do Jinwoo was sleeping with his head resting on the bed. His hands held an emptied bowl of porridge.

Just as they were debating who would say ‘Ah~’, tired Do Jinwoo played with the spoon by himself.

Although their 30 minutes of effort became meaningless in an instant, no one blamed Do Jinwoo.

The degree of annoyance varied from person to person. Especially if it was someone you liked or a patient, you had to be more forgiving.

That’s why their arrows pointed at each other. The first to release the tensioned bowstring was Lee Subin.

“If the seniors had just conceded… wouldn’t it have been better for them not to feel embarrassed about their age?”

“Hmm. If that’s the case, wouldn’t it have been better for the youngest to concede? If one person had stepped back, the decision would have been faster.”

“That’s right. It would have been nice if Subin, as a junior, had yielded to the seniors, and the chairman yielded to the juniors.”

“In the East, who yields to the subordinate? If you’re going to yield, the lower rank should yield to the higher.”

“Nye~ I enjoyed listening to the nerds talk! Thanks for proving that everyone wasted their youth. Charm points -14!”

The argument escalated.

As Park Ayoung thought the debate would continue, she noticed the cold medicine in her hand.

“Ah.”

She sighed and immediately looked at Do Jinwoo.

His lips were slightly parted, but there was no trace of the medicine. Since it was in her hand, it was only natural.

Ignoring the two arguing people, Park Ayoung approached Do Jinwoo.

A gentle breathing sound, like a sleeping princess in the forest, could be heard. As she had thought in the tent, his sleeping habits were unexpectedly cute.

She wanted to observe him without waking him up if possible, but right now, giving him the medicine was more important.

Park Ayoung cautiously placed her hand on Do Jinwoo’s shoulder. She could feel a subtle warmth, probably due to his fever.

“Jinwoo…?”

She shook his shoulder and called his name.

“Take your medicine and go back to sleep. You’ll feel better tomorrow.”

“Umm…”

“Come on, let’s go.”

“Umm…”

Do Jinwoo just mumbled in his sleep, showing no sign of waking up.

Usually, with a younger sibling, she would have used a stronger approach by now, but since it was Do Jinwoo, her options were limited.

“Umm…”

As she pondered while stroking his chin, the two arguing individuals found themselves sitting next to her.

“Hmm… trapping us in loneliness and claiming Do Jinwoo alone. A splendid move indeed. You’ve truly become a martial artist.”

“That’s right. Who would have known we’d be set up to fight. It’s like avoiding the New Year’s bowing ritual by using your mother-in-law to pass it on to your sister! So sneaky!”

“Ahaha… it’s not like that….”

Park Ayoung awkwardly laughed and changed the subject.

“It’s because Jinwoo didn’t take his medicine.”

“Well, nothing we can do about that.”

“In emergencies, there’s nothing we can do.”

Nodding in agreement, the two soon began to discuss.

“To give him the medicine, we have to wake him up… but when Ayoung senior shook him earlier, he didn’t wake up, right?”

“Yeah.”

“First, let’s fill our hearts, and while waking him up, why don’t we touch Doji senior all over!?”

“Subin…?”

Park A-yeong called Lee Su-bin’s name when it was already too late. Her slender hand was feeling around Do Jin-woo’s body.

“To be honest, I was concerned about Do-ji’s senior’s biceps. It’s like he looked manly and sturdy.”

Her hand flowed from his chest to his biceps. After groping a few times, Lee Su-bin evaluated Do Jin-woo’s body.

“Oh my! He doesn’t have many muscles.”

She seemed puzzled by the arms that were quite different from what she had in mind.

“He’s rather delicate. Oh, come to think of it, Do-ji senior always wore clothes one size larger.”

“It seems like that.”

“Did he want to hide his body? Does Do-ji senior also have complexes about his body like me? Hmm! Not bad! He looks like me!”

“So when do you plan to wake him up?”

Smiling brightly, Lee Su-bin, reminded by Han Hyo-jin’s jab, pursed her lips, recalling her original purpose.

“I’ve been trying to wake him up… If I had groaned this much unpleasantly, he should have woken up…”

“Tsk. If you were going to do it, it would have been better to touch his lower body more decisively.”

“What!? That’s too vulgar! Even though I’m currently going for a fresh and cat-like concept!”

“Is the concept important? Do Jin-woo might only be in pain right now.”

“Gasp!”

“…Please stop making sexual remarks towards someone who is asleep. If Jin-woo hears and sues, I’ll have to show up too…”

Despite Park A-yeong’s words, Han Hyo-jin did not stop. Instead, she switched places with Lee Su-bin and talked to her.

“Do we really need to wake him up to give him medicine?”

“…?”

“In situations like this, isn’t it basic for a girlfriend to put the pill in her mouth and pass it to her boyfriend’s mouth?”

“Isn’t that a bit too much…?”

“It’s all about the mood. Try giving him the pill with some water. Hm… I didn’t know he could kiss like this. Doesn’t this count as an emergency situation…?”

Han Hyo-jin tilted her head.

Park A-yeong felt a headache coming on.

“Why are you all trying to do something to a sick person! As a morally loving girl, this is unacceptable! Disqualification!”

She regretted meeting Lee Su-bin at the convenience store after school. She regretted meeting Han Hyo-jin while waiting for the knight at the crosswalk.

No, she should have just not told the truth…

It was a regret that came too late.

After sighing once, Han Hyo-jin asked,

“So, Miss Park A-yeong, today’s Park A-yeong vice president. Is there a better way than the one I suggested?”

“Exactly! If you want to criticize, please submit a proper opinion! Don’t just say no! Don’t say yes without meaning it!”

“Uh… Just shake his shoulders normally…”

“He woke up when you shook them earlier?! Jin-jjang! Senior must be frustrated, so frustrating!”

…”

Park A-yeong flicked her finger.

Since their words didn’t offer any suitable opinions, Park A-yeong was stroking her frustrated finger. Han Hyo-jin smiled as a clear winner.

“Survival of the fittest. According to the theory of ‘the winner takes it all,’ I will proceed with the method I thought of.”

“When you’re done, I’ll…”

“Such concessions only make your habits worse. Next time, think and execute on your own.”

With a sly smile, Han Hyo-jin snatched the medicine and water from Park A-yeong’s hand.

And just as she was about to put the pill in her mouth—

Do Jin-woo opened his eyes.

His tired black pupils, filled with exhaustion, met Han Hyo-jin who was leaning in close, and the other two who were watching.

“Everyone, be quiet.”

An irritated voice.

Slightly furrowed brows.

Even the hand on his head.

He was expressing pain throughout his body.

However, contrary to his intentions, they only thought that the disheveled look suited him.

Gulp— Park A-yeong swallowed her saliva. Her dry throat cleared, and she spoke with a refined voice.

“Um…”

“Yeah?”

“Do you want to take the medicine…?”

Do Jin-woo nodded and reached out his hand. Without a word, Han Hyo-jin placed the pill and water on his palm.

As soon as he received the pill, he swallowed it.

Gulp-gulp- He forced himself to swallow the water.

After a moment of daze, Dojinwoo handed the cup back to Han Hyojin and said, “Thank you all for coming since lunch.”

“It’s already evening now….”

“Ah…. um…. I can’t find my phone…. Anyway, thank you for coming, but could you all please keep quiet…? My head is pounding….”

“Got it….”

“I trust you…. Oh, and there are a few drinks in the fridge, help yourselves and relax….”

With those words, Dojinwoo fell asleep again.

The rustling sound of breathing spread throughout the room. Isubin whispered softly.

“Even that appearance is cool.”

“I agree.”

“If you understand, everyone step back and watch.”

The two retreated without a word.

About five steps away from the bed, Isubin lay down on the floor, resting her chin.

“Seeing it from a distance reminded me. We haven’t toured our house yet.”

“I already checked when I came in.”

“I checked during exam period.”

“Oh. You all are quick.”

Isubin muttered, “I’m the only one late,” and looked around the room.

Modern interior design, blending wood tones and gray elegantly.

“Wow…. It’s impressive, not what I’d expect from Doji senior…”

“Indeed, if it’s Dojinwoo’s taste, I thought he would decorate casually.”

“That’s right. That’s right. That’s the image of Senior Doji.”

Indeed, Dojinwoo was not one to fuss over decoration despite his neatness. Isubin and Han Hyojin accurately captured that point.

As speculated, it was not Dojinwoo but Kim Seolha who had decorated the house. Park Ayoung smiled knowingly, thinking, ‘Only I know the answer to this interior.’

Han Hyojin read Park Ayoung’s expression and frowned.

“Did you decorate the house? Your expression seems suspicious.”

“I didn’t do it.”

At the mention of ‘I,’ Han Hyojin’s eyebrows rose.

“It sounds like someone else did it.”

“Seolha unnie did it….”

…”

Did the name Kim Seolha bother her?

Han Hyojin’s lips tightened, her expression turning blank.

…”

Silently scanning the room, she tucked her hand into her clothes. The hand that had been caressing her chest slipped behind her back and made a soft click – something was undone.

Guided by her hand, an adult-like deep red bra emerged. The size was truly authoritative….

Park Ayoung and Isubin watched dumbfounded before speaking up.

“Chairwoman…? What are you going to do with that…?”

“I intend to decorate the room with it.”

“Yes…?”

“Where do you think a bra would look most fitting? Hanging above the bed as soon as you wake up? Or between men’s underwear on the drying rack?”

“It’s better to put it down for now….”

“Huh. You think it’s better to wear it?”

“It’s not that. Won’t Jinwoo be uncomfortable… wondering whose underwear it is…? So please, don’t make a fuss….”

“I disagree. If you’re just going to nag, I’ll handle it myself.”

Han Hyojin stood up with the bra in hand.

“Shall we look for it?”

“Please….”

The prolonged struggle resumed….

***

He dreamed a nightmare.

A black cat meowed loudly. A blue lizard chirped, biting the noisy cat.

Lastly, a dark red Russula mushroom wandered…. Inside, a hint of gold was mixed.

Inside, how could it be…?

Well……

Even I……..

The foolish train of thought was interrupted.

“Ah.”

With a sigh, he lifted his eyelids. It was still pitch black. It felt like clothes were piled on top of his head and eyes.

Blinking foolishly, he tried to raise his right hand to secure his vision, but it wouldn’t move.

“…?”

It was heavy.

Physically, not internally.

Struggling, he managed to pull his arm out. Removing the cloth covering his eyes, he was surprised.

“He…”

“Saegeun….”

“Ssaegun….”

Above me were Isubin.

To the left, Park Ayoung.

And to the right, Han Hyojin.

…”

Lips pursed, she checked the fabric that had caught on her hand.

It wasn’t a dark red deer antler mushroom but rather women’s underwear. Attached to it was a golden strand of hair, making it clear whose it was.

Is a cold coming back…?

My head hurts.

“What is this….”

“Hmm…. It’s a nap….”

Lee Soo-bin responded drowsily to my muttering.

“A nap…?”

The sky outside showed a bright full moon rising. It was too early to call it a nap.

“…”

I pulled my hand away from Park A-yeong’s embrace. I grabbed the phone she had thrown near the bed.

Checking the time, it was 9 p.m.

Luckily, it wasn’t yet time for the last train.

“Phew.”

Exhaling in relief, I spoke up.

“Everyone, wake up.”

“Don’t wanna….”

“Don’t bury yourself just because it’s heavy.”

I pushed Lee Soo-bin aside and sat up.

As I moved more vigorously, Lee Soo-bin and Park A-yeong naturally opened their eyes.

But Han Hyo-jin still hadn’t woken up. She clung tighter to my right arm and drifted off into dreamland.

“…”

I didn’t want to do this but….

I whispered in Han Hyo-jin’s ear as I gently stroked it.

“Chairwoman, please wake up.”

A shiver ran down her spine as she let out a groan and her eyelids shot open. It didn’t take long for her red eyes to regain composure and assess the situation.

“You, you scared me….”

“Nonsense….”

You’re the one who crawled into my bed….

It was late summer.