episode_0110

On the way back, Min Chaewon was happier than the moment she found out that she had secretly liked Jung Siwoo for 14 years.

So, she was so happy that she forgot about the task she was supposed to do before Siwoo took a taxi.

Splish, splash, under the cool raindrops falling. With an umbrella in hand, I stood facing Siwoo in front of the entrance.

“I told you. Send me the car number before you take a taxi….”

Siwoo nagged in front of me, but I just smiled.

Siwoo had found a definite answer to move forward in the future, so how could I get annoyed by just one nagging?

“Sorry, I forgot….”

Maybe it was because of my smile, Siwoo didn’t get too angry and chuckled as he stepped aside from the doorway.

The maids who had been watching us from a distance came running as soon as he moved out of the way and took my umbrella.

Walking side by side with Siwoo in the bright hallway, he hesitated before asking.

It seemed like he didn’t want to get annoyed.

“So. Did you do well on your work?”

“Of course. Who do you think I am? Can’t you trust me?”

“You’ll probably do well on your own, but….”

However, instead of his usual warm gaze, there was a strange suspicion in his eyes.

I stopped in my tracks and looked up at Siwoo with a puzzled expression, asking.

“Why? Why are you so suspicious?”

“Because Min Chaewon, who always works hard, doesn’t seem to be herself lately.”

“Why is that?”

Swish, swish.

Perhaps he was conscious of the maids around us, he leaned down and whispered in my ear.

“Just. The Siwoo inside you doesn’t seem to be as strong as before.”

He’s still living inside me. I made sure to check properly before coming back, you brat.

I tapped under his collarbone and said.

“He’s still inside, so focus on your exams.”

“…. Alright, I will.”

“So. How much did you study?”

“I’ve almost memorized everything.”

“Lies. Can you get everything right if you take the test right now?”

“Watch me. I can get everything right and still have time left.”

Did he study hard on his own while I was away?

There’s no way he did.

Siwoo is like a puppy with separation anxiety, so if I disappear, his study efficiency drops drastically.

“Why are you looking at me like that? I really did memorize everything. You know how good my memory is.”

But as if dismissing my concerns, Siwoo chuckled with his arms crossed.

Being good at memorization and being efficient are two different things.

Especially in our field of expertise, which is piano and music, it takes a long time to memorize history, no matter how related it is to music.

In my past life, it took about 2 weeks to memorize all the test material.

Since Siwoo started preparing for the written exam in earnest last week, it’s hard to say he’s memorized everything yet.

‘Is he trying to use a shortcut?’

Nevertheless, he and I share almost the same consciousness.

So, from my point of view, it’s possible to predict which parts of the book will be used for the test.

…But the provocation is too cheap.

Provoking by saying ‘I can get everything right’ was clearly a calculated move to challenge me with the most difficult parts.

The way to outsmart Siwoo is simple. Don’t include the most difficult things to memorize, just include the ones that can be easily memorized and forgotten. Give him easy questions that can be easily overlooked.

“Want to make a bet? Whether you get everything right or not. Ten questions.”

“Sure. Let’s do it.”

You fell right into my trap, Jung Siwoo.

Don’t feel unjust if you lose later.

“So, what are we betting on?”

If you want to cuddle, just do it when you feel like it. I never refused, so why make a bet?

My mischievous side emerged as I tugged on the corner of my mouth and stated my demand.

“If I win, 10 minutes of hugging.”

Surprised, Siwoo asked, “Really?”

As he stared at me, as if asking what I was up to, Siwoo hesitantly backed away and then suddenly dashed into my bedroom.

Realizing his intentions, I sprinted down the carpeted hallway to catch him.

“Hey, hey! Don’t you have a book to read right now?!”

As expected, Siwoo’s challenge was just a bluff.

“Darn it.”

I knew Siwoo too well to be fooled.

…But I didn’t expect that I could make him get every single question wrong out of ten.

“Do you admit defeat?”

“I admit…”

“It was obvious you were cheating, Siwoo.”

“…How did you know?”

“I told you. Did you think I wouldn’t know your thoughts?”

Three years is a long time. Who knows, maybe spending three years somewhere could make you win.

“Ha. I thought you would only give me difficult questions.”

I decided to test him with the most difficult question, and the answer came out in less than a second.

It was perfect memorization. I had memorized every single word of my major textbooks without a single mistake.

“Alright, do as you please.”

Siwoo stood awkwardly, arms outstretched. He was ready to accept the 10-minute hug we had wagered on.

There’s a price to pay for using tricks. I had no choice but to endure the long 10 minutes in his embrace.

I ran into Siwoo’s arms, clasping my hands behind his back.

I made sure he couldn’t escape, holding him tightly in my arms.

Siwoo Junior’s breakthrough was threatening, so I slightly moved my waist back. I pressed my chest against his, making him feel dizzy.

Feel the flutter of your heart, Siwoo.

Feel it even more intensely, draw out more darkness.

It may be painful now, but I hope you understand that everything I do is for your future.

Siwoo, I have to make you a world champion.

“Ugh…”

As if trying to hold his breath, Siwoo took a deep breath.

And so, 10 seconds, 20 seconds. 1 minute passed.

2 minutes went by.

…Is this guy really thinking of holding his breath until he dies?

“Kk.”

I purposely lifted my chin to bump his head with mine.

Siwoo gasped heavily, his chest heaving up and down. The more he struggled, the more my chest pressed against his.

“Kkuuugh.”

Unable to hold his breath, he began to groan with clenched teeth.

Although the chest is considered the greatest enemy of breathless men, I didn’t know it would be this effective.

Look at that helpless expression. I never thought I would see him make such a face.

“You’re really going to die like this.”

I teased him, and even in his dazed state, Siwoo managed to respond.

“Ah, fine, I’ll just die.”

Oh, do you have the leisure to say that?

As a way of telling him to endure this, I tightened my arms around him.

“Time. Time!!”

“What time? Are you playing soccer alone?”

“Too much. It’s too much. I said I would study on my own!”

“This is a punishment. You said you had finished studying, so this is the consequence!”

But if I keep teasing him like this, Siwoo might turn into a beast and throw me on the bed again.

I must not forget. Siwoo is a man who has a history of threatening me with a white flag on the bed.

“There are 5 minutes left. If you say ‘I won’t use shortcuts in studying,’ I’ll stop here.”

“I won’t use shortcuts in studying.”

“You don’t sound sincere at all.”

“I won’t use shortcuts in studying!!”

“Again!!”

“I won’t use shortcuts in studying!! Ouch—!!”

I loosened my clenched fist and stepped back.

Just like a crumbling tower, Siwoo hesitated on the ground before collapsing.

“I’m studying. I’ll change my clothes and come back.”

“O-Okay….”

I quickly crossed the room and headed towards the dressing room inside.

I pushed open the doors on both sides and entered, then closed the door with my back against it, squatting on the floor.

As I placed my hand on my chest, the frantic heartbeat seemed to pulse through my fingertips.

“…That was a close call.”

When Siwoo was gasping for breath, I really thought my heart was going to explode. I almost diagnosed myself with heart failure and was about to call an ambulance.

Maybe it was because it was summer and we were both wearing thin clothes, but it felt like there was hardly any difference between our bare skin touching.

Siwoo hadn’t considered the variable of clothing in his plan to tease me.

Well, we’ve mostly kept it light with just some casual physical contact. Actual hugs have been few and far between.

Maybe it was all because of the summer.

Jung Siwoo, how far have you thought this through, you calculating guy?

I sighed deeply as I stroked my tingling fingertips.

“I can’t risk direct physical contact….”

I guess I’ll have to rely on using my hands to the fullest.

Ignite the flames of love in your heart, Jung Siwoo.

Love me like crazy.

That’s the only way to drive away all the darkness that’s taken over your heart.

I’ll do everything I can.

In reality, we’ve already staked our claim on this valley.

What does it matter if we have some big event?

– Uh… Chaewon? What’s going on?

I contacted Yoon Jiyu, who had now become a close ally.

Then I quietly asked her to keep Siwoo from hearing outside.

“Unni, can you come with me tomorrow to buy a swimsuit?”