Campus Log - Chapter 31

A large hand stretched out. I thrust the baton into it as if pushing against that palm. The green baton settled securely in Ryu Eun-seok’s grasp.

Just as I had done earlier, Ryu Eun-seok, who had started a fair distance ahead of the starting line, began his sprint. Even through my bleary vision, I clearly captured the sight of his long legs striding across the track.

I didn’t even realize I was tired from the surging adrenaline. It wasn’t until Ryu Eun-seok overtook the orange-vested Economics runner and surged into the lead that my knees went weak. I plopped down onto the track, gasping for breath.

I’d clenched my jaw so hard while running that my jaw ached. My rapid breathing made it feel like all the organs inside my ribcage had swollen. My relaxed muscles throbbed.

Ryu Eun-seok widened the gap from the Economics runner and crossed the finish line in first place. The lime green vests flocked to the champion. Hands from all around patted his back and head.

I watched the scene, which looked like a frame from a youth film. The pale afternoon sunlight shimmered and danced above Ryu Eun-seok’s crown. It would probably suit the scene perfectly with soap bubble effects sprinkled in.

I forcefully ignored the hollow feeling growing in one corner of my chest. Instead, I tried to perceive the scene before me calmly, objectively.

Ryu Eun-seok was still popular; even though I caught up, it was Ryu Eun-seok who ultimately took the lead; so it was natural for everyone to be excited; and since I never really had close friends, it was only normal that no one came to pat my shoulder.

But did Ryu Eun-seok really call my name earlier? The voice calling “Sang-hee-yah” was stuck in my ear, and I was confused, wondering if I’d imagined it in the hectic rush of running.

“You really are a good runner.”

The awaited praise landed over my head. Joo Seung-jae came to return my glasses.

“It was a godsend that Eun stepped down. You look like you’d only be good at studying—how are you so good at running, too?”

“Thank you.”

I put the glasses back on my nose as soon as they were returned. As my vision cleared, it felt like the heavy blockage inside me finally broke open.

“Look at Hyuk-jun’s relieved face. We came in second last year, losing to Economics. If we’d been second again this time… ugh, I don’t even want to imagine.”

Joo Seung-jae lingered beside me, chattering about irrelevant things. I listened with half an ear while staring at the shadow drawing closer to me. Ryu Eun-seok was trudging across the artificial turf.

This time, I could clearly see where the man’s gaze was moving.

Ryu Eun-seok, who had been staring intently at me, shifted his gaze to focus squarely on Joo Seung-jae standing beside me. Then he looked back at me, before once again fixing a steady stare at Joo Seung-jae.

“Hey, Eun-seok. Thanks to you and Sang-hee, we got first. Hey.”

Joo Seung-jae let out an awkward laugh and lightly tapped Ryu Eun-seok’s shoulder. The remnants of his laughter scattered meaninglessly through the stifling air.

Ryu Eun-seok’s lips were firmly sealed. Without responding to his senior, he reached his hand toward me. It seemed like he wanted me, still sitting lethargically, to take it and stand up.

I blankly stared at it for a moment before reaching out my hand. As soon as our fingertips touched, a strong grip closed around mine.

The man’s hand, held for the first time, was as large and solid as it had looked. It was broad enough that my hand felt like it was disappearing into it. Warm, like holding a hand warmer—probably from the exertion just moments before.

As effortlessly as lifting a bucket from a well, Ryu Eun-seok pulled me to my feet without much effort. I immediately let go. Because in that brief moment, I’d realized I’d been meticulously examining the feel of that sturdy, large-framed hand.

It’s not like I’m a creep or anything.

Ryu Eun-seok looked down at me briefly, then raised both hands. The man’s face, slightly stiffened; his softly spread fingertips; and the direction of his hands, clearly coming toward me—everything seemed to slow down as if in slow motion.

No way…

I swallowed dryly and wrestled with my thoughts. Should I just step back? Turn my body slightly to avoid it? But Joo Seung-jae is right here, and this field is packed with students… This really isn’t the place, is it?

Ryu Eun-seok placed his hands, which had been hovering awkwardly, on each of my shoulders. Then he gave them a gentle pat and immediately let go.

“Well done.”

Leaving that brief praise, Ryu Eun-seok turned to discuss with Joo Seung-jae where the after-party would be held. As if to render his help pointless, I hurriedly bent my knees. Untying and then loosely retying my shoelaces.

…and composed my expression.

…For a moment, I thought he was going to hug me.

His warm palms lingered for only the briefest moment before leaving, yet both my shoulders burned as if scalded.