The cafeteria buzzed with activity on a sunny afternoon as students trickled in for their lunch break. It was a significant day for those eager to explore the various clubs and organizations on campus. Some students gravitated toward skill-building clubs, such as cooking, while others showed interest in the student body—motivated by their own unique reasons. Rumors circulated among the crowd, suggesting that candidates for the student body were merely power-hungry hypocrites seeking influence over the school. Yet, the truth of such rumors remained uncertain.
But Lee Naeun? She stood apart from the crowd. She reached her senior year with her never joined a single club or participated in the student body. Every attempt to get involved ended the same way—crippling waves of anxiety would overwhelm her, forcing her to back out just a day after being recruited. To her, the thought of fitting into those spaces felt as distant as a dream too fragile to chase.
"What else do I do on a day like these? There's nothing much for me to explore, maybe I should just go home for today."
After finishing her lunch, she rose from her seat and picked up her tray. Walking over to Aunt Kibum, she thanked her warmly for the meal before stepping outside the cafeteria. The walk to the exit gate was about ten minutes, a considerable distance away, she started walking away.
She slipped in her earphones and selected a song, one that had been a familiar one from her childhood. The melody was gentle and soothing, reminiscent of a soft breeze on a bright, sunny day—much like the one she was experiencing now.
After walking for a few minutes, she felt an unexpected poke on her shoulder. Startled, she turned around to face the person behind her. Quickly removing her earphones, she gave a complete bow and greeted them with a surprised tone, "Hello, Han Seunghyun!"
Han Seunghyun was taken aback by Lee Naeun's sudden bow. His eyes darted around, catching a few amused reactions from the people nearby. The situation felt undeniably awkward. In an attempt to break the tension, he lightly tapped her on the shoulder once more.
"Why don't we talk in a nearby cafe this time?"
…
"I'm really sorry about what happened earlier. You startled me, and it was just a reflex," Lee Naeun muttered, her voice barely audible as she hid her face behind her small hands. "That was so embarrassing," she added, her cheeks flushed with color.
Han Seunghyun chuckled, his laughter easing the tension. "It's okay. That's the first time I've seen someone react like that," he said with amusement. Sliding a dessert plate filled with tarts toward Lee Naeun, he added, "Please, have some. Consider this my treat—I've been bothering you for two days now, after all."
Lee Naeun bowed her head and murmured a shy "thank you" before delicately picking up a piece of tart with her fork. As she took a bite, her eyes lit up, a sparkle of delight crossing her face. The two of them were sitting in a cozy café nestled within the university grounds. Few students were present, as the official start of classes was still a week away.
Han Seungyun silently observed as Lee Naeun devoured the tarts with remarkable speed. In mere moments, the plate was spotless, resembling one freshly washed. Breaking his silence, he remarked with a mix of surprise and admiration, "Impressive."
"Ah, I'm sorry," she said quickly, feeling slightly flustered.
Han Seungyun gave her a reassuring smile. "No, it's okay. Honestly, I'm just glad you liked them so much. Let me buy you another one to take home," he offered generously.
"N-no, please don't! I couldn't possibly accept that," she replied hurriedly, waving her hands in polite refusal. After a brief pause, she gathered herself and asked, "Ah, yes—I was wondering, what is it you'd like to tell me today?" Her tone shifted to one of curiosity as she looked at him expectantly.
Han Seunghyun found himself momentarily surprised by Lee Naeun's directness but managed to keep his expression neutral. Resting his clasped hands on the table, he calmly began, "It's about the conversation we had yesterday. I was hoping to hear from you via text, but it seems that may have slipped your mind. So, I thought a personal approach might be more effective," he remarked, his voice steady and composed.
Lee Naeun paused as her thoughts slowly aligned, recalling the events of the previous day. "Ah! I'm sorry," she exclaimed, her tone apologetic. "I was preoccupied with cleaning my kitchen yesterday and completely forgot about it. There was a sudden rat infestation, and I had to set traps all over the place," she explained, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her voice.
From her bag, she pulled out a large notebook resembling a sketchbook and handed it to Han Seunghyun. "But, I'd really like to hear your thoughts on my work before we dive into your thesis collaboration. You might require an art style that's different from mine," she said thoughtfully. As the memory of the pre-kitchen incident flashed back in her mind, she couldn't help but blush, thinking to herself, I absolutely cannot share that—it's way too embarrassing.
Han Seunghyun carefully took the sketchbook from Lee Naeun and began flipping through its pages. His eyes roamed over the intricate drawings—delicate dream catchers, detailed portraits of unfamiliar faces, sketches of plants, and more. Each page told a story of creativity and skill, leaving him quietly impressed. A single thought lingered in his mind as he studied her work: Lee Naeun is truly a talented artist.
Han Seunghyun's voice carried genuine admiration as he flipped through the pages. "These are absolutely wonderful, Ms. Lee Naeun. May I ask where you learned to draw? I've never seen anything quite as beautiful and detailed as these pieces," he said, his words meant to flatter, though not without sincerity. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips, hoping his praise would resonate with her.
"U-uhm, I actually taught myself," she replied softly, her fingers nervously fidgeting. "I started when I was really young, but it was my older brother who inspired me to begin creating art." She paused for a moment, her voice tinged with emotion. "H-he was an artist himself," she added, her gaze momentarily dropping as memories of her brother surfaced.
"I see, then I'm guessing he was an art student or somewhere near that?" Han Seunghyun asked.
Lee Naeun hesitated for a moment, her pause unusual enough to catch Han Seunghyun's attention. His eyebrow arched in curiosity as he observed her reaction. After blinking, she finally responded, her tone steady yet thoughtful, "Yes, he was an architecture student." Her words carried a faint trace of nostalgia, a bittersweet smile forming on her lips.
"Was?" Han Seunghyun repeated, his tone momentarily carrying a hint of curiosity before his interest seemed to wane. Gently closing the sketchbook, he handed it back to Lee Naeun. With a warm smile, he added, "I truly appreciate and enjoyed going through your work. I'd be delighted to continue working with you, Ms. Lee Naeun."
Lee Naeun hurriedly expressed her concerns, speaking quickly and directly. She explained, "I have a small problem."
Han Seunghyun, calmly responded, "What is it, Ms. Lee Naeun?"
Taking a deep breath, she continued, "I think you already know about the budget cut announcement from yesterday. Our course was one of the affected programs. Also, we've been restricted from using our art studio due to ongoing renovations. Then, this collaboration may hinder my progress with both my thesis and internship. It's beginning to feel like a heavy load for me."
Pausing briefly before continuing, Lee Naeun asked directly, "My question is, how often are we going to see each other for this collaboration, and how much are you planning to pay me?" Her tone was firm, yet polite, as she addressed her concerns with clarity.
"Straightforward…."
Han Seungyun remained silent for a moment, resting his chin on his hand as he carefully pondered over the matter. Finally, he spoke, his tone considerate and composed. "Here's what I propose: I'll only require your art assistance for three months, with scheduled meet-ups twice a week. As for the need for an art studio, I can rent one for you—either near your house or the school, whichever you prefer—so you can work comfortably and without distractions. All necessary materials will be provided free of charge."
He paused briefly, his gaze meeting Lee Naeun's, who had been quietly observing him throughout. "Regarding payment," he added, his voice genuine, "how much would you consider fair, Ms. Lee Naeun?" His question hung in the air as he waited for her response, the sincerity in his expression evident.
"I'm okay with however much you decide to pay me," Lee Naeun replied, her tone modest yet practical. "I just need to know the amount so I can plan and budget accordingly." She looked at Han Seungyun, her expression sincere as she awaited his response. "For my personal expense, I mean." She added.
Han Seunghyun's thoughts lingered as he observed Lee Naeun. "Is she in need of money?" he wondered, a subtle plan forming in his mind. He maintained his composed demeanor, carefully considering his next words, all while keeping his intentions hidden behind a polite smile.
Han Seunghyun leaned back slightly, a smirk playing on his lips as he spoke confidently, "Would $10,000 per month suffice, Ms. Lee Naeun?" His tone carried an air of casual assurance as he waited for her reaction.
Lee Naeun's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice faltering as she tried to form a response. "W-wait, t-that's a bit too much. A-are you sure I'm not dreaming or anything…?" she stammered, her gaze darting around the café nervously. "A-are you not trying to bribe me or something? That sounds way too good to be true…" she muttered, fidgeting in her seat as the sheer magnitude of his offer overwhelmed her.
"..."
"Too much? Ms. Lee Naeun, your skills are exceptional—just what I need for my thesis. My pricing is fair," Han Seunghyun said firmly, crossing his arms. He tilted his head slightly and added, "Is there something wrong with how I've priced it? Should I raise it higher? Perhaps fifteen thousa—"
"Stop right there!" Lee Naeun exclaimed, cutting him off mid-sentence.
Startled by her sudden outburst, Han Seunghyun's eyes widened as she stood abruptly and grabbed him by the shoulders. Though he tried to maintain his composure, a flash of irritation crossed his mind. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was being touched without warning. Despite his discomfort, he concealed his annoyance and waited patiently for her hands to retreat from his shoulders.
He stared at her, his expression calm but curious, and asked after a pause, "Something the matter, Ms. Lee Naeun?"
"Yes! Y-you're scaring me!" Lee Naeun exclaimed, her voice trembling as she stared at Han Seunghyun.
Scaring her?
"You shouldn't be spending that amount of money on someone like me! I-I'm not even a professional yet," Lee Naeun stammered, her voice filled with disbelief and a touch of self-doubt. She looked at Han Seunghyun, her cheeks flushed as her hands nervously fidgeted in front of her, clearly overwhelmed by the generous offer. Her grip on his shoulders loosened as she quickly realized the intensity of her reaction.
"Then how would you like me to pay you, Ms. Lee Naeun?" Han Seunghyun asked, his tone steady but his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table, a subtle sign of growing impatience. Despite the gesture, Lee Naeun seemed oblivious to his mood as she mulled over her response, her thoughts tangled in the complexity of his offer.
"Please lower it," Lee Naeun repeated, her voice filled with unease. Her hands fidgeted nervously as she added, "I cannot allow myself to take such a big amount of money from you. It feels like stealing—please, I insist." Her sincerity was evident as she avoided Han Seunghyun's gaze, her discomfort showing in her every movement.
Han Seunghyun remained silent for a moment, his sharp eyes fixed on Lee Naeun. Her lowered gaze and the subtle movement of her shaking feet didn't escape his attention. Is she anxious? he wondered, observing her discomfort. Letting out a quiet sigh, he adjusted his posture.
"Then..." Han Seunghyun began, his tone calm and measured as he leaned slightly forward, ensuring he had Lee Naeun's full attention. "How about I pay you $5000 per month, and I will not lower it much beyond that," he stated firmly. His words carried an air of finality, as if he had carefully considered and decided on the amount. He watched her closely, gauging her reaction to his proposal.
"Ugghhh," Lee Naeun groaned, her animated reaction making her thoughts visible as she processed Han Seunghyun's words. She fidgeted intensely, clearly overwhelmed, and exclaimed, "Are you sure about this? $5000 is still such a big amount of money—I'm honestly overwhelmed by your offer."
Her words began to trail off as she started mumbling to herself, her excitement blending with nervousness. "But with that amount, I could finally start my thesis project and not have to worry about additional expenses. I wouldn't need to find a paid internship either… I could apply to the department as an assistant lecturer instead…" she muttered, her voice soft but audible enough for Han Seunghyun to catch fragments of her whispered plans. Her mind seemed to race as she considered the possibilities, entirely absorbed in her thoughts.
Han Seunghyun leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee as he observed Lee Naeun. She was deeply immersed in her mental conversation, her thoughts seemingly running wild. He couldn't help but notice that her coffee remained untouched, the ice melted and likely leaving the drink bland. It occurred to him that their discussion had grown so engaging and intense that they had completely overlooked their drinks. As he quietly drank, his gaze occasionally returned to her, patiently letting her sort through her thoughts without interrupting.
Lee Naeun sighed, her gaze steady as she spoke. "...If there is no changing your decision, then I'll accept it."
Han Seungyun's lips curved into a warm smile. Extending his hand towards her, he said, "Then I wish to work well with you for the next three months, Miss Lee Naeun." He held his hand out patiently, a gesture of agreement and partnership, waiting for her response.Lee Naeun hesitated for just a moment before slowly reaching out. Her hand met Han Seungyun's, and she gave it a gentle shake, sealing their agreement.
Lee Naeun nodded slightly, her voice faltering as she replied, "The same here, S-sir Han Seunghyun." Their handshake ended.
"She started calling me Sir…" Han Seungyun wondered.
…
After finalizing their agreement, the two stepped out of the café. Lee Naeun gave a polite bow to Han Seunghyun, "Then, I'll be going now, Sir Han Seunghyun. I don't want to bother you anymore. Please have a safe trip home." Straightening her posture, she offered a warm smile before turning to leave.
"Wait…" Han Seunghyun called out, halting her steps. He held out a yellow box of sweets and said warmly, "Please take this home and share it with your family." His smile was genuine, but Lee Naeun appeared distracted.
Shaking her head, she waved her hands in polite refusal. "It's okay, Sir. The treat earlier was enough for me," she said firmly, gently pushing the box away. Yet, Han Seunghyun insisted, nudging the box back towards her, his resolve unwavering as he gestured for her to accept his offering.
Han Seunghyun gently took hold of Lee Naeun's wrist, placing the box firmly onto her open palm. The action left her momentarily bewildered, her stammered words barely escaping her lips. "B-but Sir—" she began, only to be interrupted.
"Please take it. I insist," Han Seunghyun said with a calm yet resolute tone, guiding her other hand toward the box handle to ensure she held it securely. With a warm smile, he added, "Then, see you next week, Miss Lee Naeun," before turning and walking away, leaving her standing there, still processing his persistent kindness.
Lee Naeun travelled back home with red ears that afternoon.
…
The beeping sounds of a door keypad echoed, followed by the faint creak of a door opening and the solid click of it shutting behind him. Han Seunghyun stepped into his home—a spacious penthouse, vast enough to comfortably house a family. Yet, despite the ample space, it was a quiet and solitary dwelling, occupied by no one but Han Seunghyun himself.
As Han Seunghyun made his way through the penthouse, he passed by a framed photo hanging on the wall. It was a family portrait. A tall man stood proudly—the father—while a graceful woman sat poised—the mother. Between them was a young boy, no older than ten, standing with a quiet yet youthful presence that unmistakably resembled Han Seunghyun himself.
Han Seunghyun entered his room, took off his clothes and carelessly tossed them onto a nearby stool. Without hesitation, he headed to the kitchen, where he took a bottle of cold water. Opening it then brought it to his lips and drank the entire contents in one gulp.
He exhaled deeply, the sound escaping his lips in a soft sigh as his gaze lingered on the empty bottle in his hand. After a moment of stillness, he set the bottle down on the kitchen counter and strode into the spacious living room.
Han Seunghyun's phone vibrated. He retrieved it from his pocket and answered the call,"Hello?"
"..."
"Then I'll be on my way."
Chapter End.
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