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Chapter 30: "Wait, then what secret was he talking about?"
Ju-kyoung had just finished her lunch when she walked up to Soo-hoo's table. Without a word, she placed a small canned drink in front of him — Red Ginseng.
Soo-hoo's eyes shifted from his food to her smiling face. His expression only grew colder.
"What's this?" he asked flatly.
Leaning closer, Ju-kyoung whispered with a mischievous smile, "I know you like it."
Before he could reply, she had already skipped away.
Soo-hoo glanced at the drink again, his brows furrowing. What was that about? With a sigh, he went back to eating.
---
There was still time before the break ended. Soo-hoo found an empty bench, leaned back, and slipped his earpieces in.
Ju-kyoung, clutching the bag with his dried suit and the book she had promised, spotted him. Her heart skipped. She tiptoed over, tugged one earpiece out of his ear, and bent close enough for her breath to brush his skin.
"Meet me on the roof," she whispered playfully.
His eyes turned sharp, dark as a blade. But she only winked and ran off.
Soo-hoo stared after her retreating figure, exhaling in frustration. "Has she gone mad?"
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On the rooftop, Ju-kyoung stood with the sky stretched wide above her. The cool wind carried her nerves away, at least for a moment. She smiled, relieved he hadn't ignored her invitation when she heard his footsteps approaching.
But when she turned, her relief faltered. Soo-hoo wasn't just cold — his glare carried irritation, even anger.
"You came," she said softly, a hopeful smile tugging at her lips.
He stopped in front of her, his presence heavy, his voice sharp. "What are you doing? Are you seeking attention?"
The breeze was cool, yet Ju-kyoung's body felt strangely chilled. Her smile faltered, but she forced herself to meet his eyes.
"Hey, no one's here. You don't have to act like this."
She lifted the bag slightly. "I dried your jacket… and the book I promised—"
Before she could finish, he snatched the bag from her hands.
"Do you like me?"
The question cut through her like ice. Ju-kyoung froze, her throat tightening. "No!" she blurted.
"Then why are you acting like we're close?" His tone was harsh, his eyes darker than she had ever seen them.
Ju-kyoung's smile completely disappeared. Her chest tightened. "We saw each other yesterday… what's wrong with you?"
Soo-hoo's glare hardened further, his voice colder than the wind.
"I don't care what's in your head. See reality for what it is. You're getting on my nerves."
He turned to leave.
"Wait!" Ju-kyoung grabbed his sleeve desperately. "You've never seen me outside school?"
He yanked his arm free. "Maybe this is your way of getting my attention. But if you ever try it again…" His gaze was cutting, merciless. "I won't let it slide."
Then he walked away, leaving Ju-kyoung trembling in the wind.
Her mind spun. He didn't recognize me? But… at the comic shop…?
Then she remembered what she had slipped into his bag: Thanks for keeping the secret of my no-makeup face.
Her stomach sank. "No…!" she cried, sprinting after him.
---
She caught up in the hall. "Wait!" she shouted, panting.
Soo-hoo stopped but didn't turn fully. Ju-kyoung clutched the bag desperately.
"I brought the wrong one — give it back!" She tugged at it, but his grip was unyielding.
"It'll rip," she muttered under her breath, pulling harder.
When he still didn't release it, a mischievous thought flickered. Her lips curved into the tiniest sly smile before she blurted out—
"There are… menstrual pads inside."
The hallway went silent. Every nearby student turned. Soo-hoo's hand instantly let go, his face unreadable yet faintly stiff.
Ju-kyoung's eyes widened — she hadn't expected it to work. She hugged the bag tightly to her chest, resisting the urge to laugh.
"I'll bring the right one tomorrow," she managed quickly before dashing away.
---
Inside the girls' restroom, Ju-kyoung leaned against the wall, chest heaving. Relief flooded her — then dread.
Her mind replayed his words, colder than any winter wind.
Then what secret was he talking about? Has he seen me before?
She shook her head furiously. "Whatever…" she muttered, though her voice wavered.
Sliding down against the wall, she whispered to herself, "What should I do? I really messed up with him."
Her hands clutched the bag like it was her lifeline. Her legs felt weak, her heart heavier than ever.
If he finds out the truth… it'll be the end of me.
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