As Jun-Ho had asked, I went back to college. I didn't understand his insistence, I already had a degree in accounting, and I was only studying law out of personal interest.
But, since he was paying, I had no reason to say no. Today, he was even the one driving me there. Deep down, I knew the more we were seen together, the better. It was a way to show people we were close.
It had only been three days since our names had popped up on gossip sites. And today was the first time I was going to appear in public. The rumors about us were pure speculation, nothing confirmed, but just enough to draw attention. As soon as Jun-Ho parked in front of the college, I noticed a few people waiting outside. The moment they saw me, they rushed in my direction.
— Is it true you're engaged to the son of MJ Entertainment's CEO?
— Is Min Kun against the wedding?
— Is your relationship just a cover-up for Mr. Min's homophobia?
— Is it true Yuno's going back to music?
— Are you a sex worker?
The rumors were absurd, but I stood firm, not saying a single word, just like Jun-Ho told me.
Inside the college, the mood was calmer. I quickly spotted my group of friends, and a wave of nerves hit me. They didn't know anything, and I had no idea how they'd react. I took a deep breath and walked over to them.
— What no one knows, no one ruins, right? — Hana said, clearly excited. — I was shocked when I saw the news about you and Yuno.
Henry came closer, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
— So, how does it feel to be engaged to Yuno, a.k.a. Professor Min? He looks so... serious — he asked with a half-smile, trying to lighten the mood. — I didn't even know he dated anyone.
I held back a laugh. Jun-Ho really did have that distant and reserved image; very few people knew anything about his personal life. His stage name was Yuno, and he had released an album a few years ago, which made our engagement seem even more random.
— He has his moments... — I replied with an almost shy smile. — But he's different when we're together.
Before they could ask more questions, someone cracked a joke about marriage and made everyone laugh. I took the chance to change the subject.
When I walked into the classroom, a slight unease settled in. There was too much spinning in my head. Living with Jun-Ho was tough—I had to maintain so many versions of myself at the same time. How did he manage to live like that?
— Good morning, students.
The professor's voice sent a chill down my spine. I turned toward the sound, and the moment our eyes met, my heart raced. My soul almost left my body.
That professor was young and very talked about. People said he graduated from here and secured the job because he became a partner. But more than that...
Someone next to me nudged my arm.
— We thought you'd come back from break saying you hooked up with the professor, but you were already engaged!? Shameless.
I let out a nervous laugh. I didn't even know. Or rather, I hadn't realized it yet.
Jun-Ho usually wore his wavy hair down, but now it was tied back. He had square glasses and formal clothes. I wasn't more shocked only because I had already seen him in a suit before.
Jun-Ho was my philosophy professor.
So that's why he got annoyed when I didn't recognize him that time. But here... he didn't even seem like the Jun-Ho I knew.
He wasn't in a hoodie, wasn't smoking, wasn't driving a luxury car with his tattoos showing. I wasn't more shocked only because I had seen him dressed up before.
When we arrived together, he wasn't in a lab coat, or wearing glasses, or with his hair tied. I really thought he had left, but actually, he just parked, went to the teachers' lounge, and... boom.
The class went on, and my ears were burning from how much Jun-Ho kept looking at me. During the break, I went straight to his desk, still in disbelief.
— I thought you wouldn't recognize me — he said first, smiling.
— What's your problem?
— My problem?
— Why do you have so many identities? You seem like a different person every time.
— I'm Min — he pointed to the badge on his shirt. — Min Jun-Ho. I don't lead a double life. Just different angles of the same person.
— Don't talk like a philosophy professor. And it only says "Min" on that badge, there are tons of Mins out there.
He smiled.
— Don't like seeing me here?
— I'm just surprised, that's all.
I could feel the other students' eyes on us. They already knew we were engaged. The news really did make it on TV. That bothered me, so I left the classroom. I needed to breathe.
Now everything made sense, no wonder Jun-Ho already knew me.
I met him last semester when I had Intro to Philosophy, and now I had him again for Philosophy of Law... But still, it was crazy.
I walked toward the cafeteria but froze when I saw a familiar face. JP.
— Park Salin...! — He called my name, already pissed, clearly waiting for this moment. I tried to avoid him, but he grabbed my shirt collar tightly, his eyes burning with rage. — I went to your house and you weren't there. I went to your job, nothing. I messaged you, and you blocked me everywhere. Just because you're screwing Jun-Ho now?!
I rolled my eyes.
— Oh? You don't like it? You were doing the same thing, dating that guy from the pizza place—and now you wanna call me out?
— I messed up, but you didn't have to... I'm not even with him anymore. I realized I screwed up and wanted to say sorry. I thought you'd come back to me.
— I don't want to. It's over.
— What? You're joking, right? You're staying with him?!
I sighed.
— I'm not. When I deleted your number, I'd already made up my mind. You still don't get it? I don't like you. I never did. I was just going through a rough patch and used you as a placeholder.
His eyes widened.
— Don't talk crap! You said you loved me.
— After everything you did, it's ridiculous to think you still have a chance.
I pulled away from him and turned my back. When I looked ahead, I saw Jun-Ho standing nearby, watching everything.
He had a slight smile on his face. He had probably heard everything. Another chill ran down my spine.