Chapter 42. Lee Jaeheon (22)

“It’s hot.”

She fanned herself as she climbed the hill. In front of the main gate near the Department of Korean Literature stood a giant boulder, engraved with a famous line from poet Kim Sowol.

It had been a while since she last visited her alma mater, but the campus was still etched into her memory. Even with her eyes closed, she could navigate it.

Eunkyo looked around in wonder, unbothered by the heat. True to its reputation as a school steeped in tradition, massive old trees cast shade over every path, and students were scattered here and there chatting in groups.

They seemed to be in the middle of preparing for a festival—trucks carried banners, and what looked like student council members bustled around.

Yes, this university was known for having the latest festival of the season. That’s why more people came, praising it as the grand finale of all campus events.

Yesterday, Eunkyo had sent an apology message to the man Haeda had arranged for her to meet. The man responded politely, “It’s a bit of a shame, but I understand. Have a great day.”

She hadn’t started dating Lee Jaeheon.

They had definitely crossed several lines, but the walls around her heart hadn’t come down completely.

Jaeheon was young.

He was just a summer rain shower—brief and passing. At first, he might’ve felt like a welcome relief in this sweltering heat, but even the rainy season gets cursed eventually before it leaves.

A relationship like that—shallow, based on fleeting attraction and curiosity. A connection without a future. So she decided to keep her metaphorical new shoes safely tucked away until the rain stopped. She didn’t want the rain to ruin the pair she’d cherished.

Entering the department building, Eunkyo headed straight for Professor Seo Kyungwoo’s office. Past lecture halls, auditoriums, and student lounges—turning several corners—she finally arrived at a corridor with unusually crisp air.

It was clearly a different atmosphere from the rest of the building where students congregated, and her nerves began to kick in.

‘Wait… isn’t Jaeheon still on campus?’

Eunkyo scanned for the professor’s nameplate, her mind drifting.

Ever since her stitches were removed, she had seen Jaeheon almost every day. It couldn’t be helped—they were practically neighbors.

Lee Jaeheon came to take a shower in the middle of work without any hesitation, did something sexual, and then left. The fortunate thing is that we never spent the night together.

There were times she wanted to call him back, but she always managed to suppress the urge.

‘It’s a strange feeling.’

Knowing he was somewhere on this campus. Knowing he might even be sitting in one of the classrooms she used to frequent. Breathing the same summer air. Admiring the same things she once did.

That made her oddly happy.

She let out a faint chuckle and stopped in front of Professor Seo Kyungwoo’s office. When she knocked lightly, the door opened almost immediately—as if he had been waiting.

“It’s been a while, Jung Eunkyo.”

With neatly wrinkled features and snow-white hair, Seo Kyungwoo looked like he had stepped straight out of a foreign film. He welcomed her warmly.

“Hello, Professor.”

Eunkyo set down the shopping bag she’d brought and shook his hand.

“It’s nothing much. It’s summer, so I thought you should take care of your health. Keep these in the fridge and have one whenever you think of it.”

“You didn’t have to bring anything. Come on in. Want something cold to drink?”

“Yes, even just water would be great, Professor.”

“Hot out today, huh?”

Smiling brightly, Professor Seo opened the mini-fridge and handed her a glass bottle of orange juice.

Eunkyo took the drink and sat on the sofa. As she tucked her damp hair behind her ear, the professor, watching her quietly, burst into laughter.

“You haven’t changed a bit.”

Embarrassed, she gave a sheepish smile and lowered her head.

“You haven’t changed either, Professor.”

“You used to look like a little kid when you came to my house…. I saw your work. It was good.”

It was the first time she’d heard anything like that. Professor Seo had always wielded the stick without the carrot, so this side of him confused her a little.

“I know everyone’s busy these days, so I won’t keep you long. The break’s coming up, so you can use the time to prep your lecture. The lecture hall is being set up on the 4th floor. These days, young people want to hear practical advice from working mentors. The slots are already full.”

“Already?”

“To be honest, you were invited because of the students’ requests. They want someone who’s young, competent, and actually working in the field—a real author, someone who’s written at least one bestseller.”

The weight of responsibility suddenly pressed down on her shoulders. The once-strict professor now seemed much softer—for reasons she couldn’t quite grasp.

Maybe this was the difference between how one treats a student and how one treats a colleague.

Watching him talk animatedly about the course, Eunkyo gave him a small smile and asked,

“How’s your family doing?”

At that, the professor lifted the corners of his mouth in a small smile and nodded.

It was just a moment, but someone’s face briefly flickered across his expression.

“They’re well. My son’s back from the military, and my wife is turning sixty soon.”

“Already? Time flies. Back then… I think he was still in high school.”

“Exactly. Wouldn’t be surprised if he says he’s getting married next.”

“You must be proud. You raised him well, Professor. That’s admirable.”

“Now, don’t embarrass me. Anyway, I’ll make sure your lecture is scheduled at the start of the semester, so be ready. I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’ll… do my best to prepare.”

Her throat felt dry with pressure, but at this point, backing out wasn’t an option.

She gave all the right answers to all the standard questions—told him she was excited, even if her heart wasn’t fully in it. Somewhere between regret and stubborn pride, she stood up after finishing her drink.

“I should get going.”

“Alright. Let’s grab a meal together next time.”

“Yes, Professor. Thank you for this opportunity.”

“I’m the one who’s grateful.”

She bowed politely, feeling a tangle of emotions as she opened the door to leave. Cool air filled the hallway, and standing by the window opposite the office door was a man.

At the sight of him, her expression instantly brightened.

With a backpack slung over one shoulder, Lee Jaeheon walked toward her with a crooked smile. His cap was pulled low, so she couldn’t clearly see his face, but he didn’t look particularly pleased.

“What are you….”

“More like, why are you here?”

He reached out to take her hand, but she subtly avoided it, instead clutching the strap of her handbag and taking a step forward.

“I came to see the professor. I’ll be teaching a class.”

His eyes followed her tense grip on the bag strap, then lifted to meet hers again.

“Is this about that class everyone’s freaking out over during registration?”

“I’m not sure what you mean, but it didn’t seem like a huge fuss.”

“You already run a whole café. Do you even have time to teach?”

‘Why is he picking a fight right now?’

She shrugged. “I’ll figure it out,” she said breezily, then walked out of the building.

“But what about you—why are you here?”

“Word got out that you were here. They said the woman who runs Café Haeda just walked into Jindallae Hall. You know how fast rumors spread.”

Since the café catered mostly to students, it wasn’t too surprising. Still, seeing Jaeheon at school felt oddly surreal.

It was exciting and nerve-wracking all at once, but Jaeheon still wore that dissatisfied look.

Which is exactly why Eunkyo walked down the stairs more casually, deliberately composed.

The campus buzzed with even more energy now—like a festival was about to kick off any minute.

“Looks like there’s a festival going on…”

Just as she murmured to herself, Jaeheon’s hand reached out, almost touching her shoulder.

“Oh? Jaeheon oppa!”