Campus Log - Chapter 44

The reason he’d apologized to Hong Sang-hee in front of the row of bars last Friday night. The reason he’d felt relieved every time her name appeared on his phone as he’d listened for its vibration all weekend. The reason was that his mood, which had already hit rock bottom since this morning, sank even further upon entering this classroom.

He’d dragged Hong Sang-hee, who hadn’t wanted to go to the after-party, to that pork belly restaurant. But she hadn’t even received a few words of appreciation for her hard work before having soju spilled on her and nearly being stabbed with chopsticks.

‘It wasn’t forced.’

She’d said that, then confessed she’d actually been scheming in her own way. The truth was, she was just putting on a brave face because she didn’t want to burden the person who’d apologized.

The fundamental mistake was Eun-seok’s; the secondary fault was Kim Do-wan’s.

So, for his own peace of mind, he had no choice but to turn the arrows of blame toward that guy.

“Well, since you insist I have something to say, I’ll say it.”

Eun-seok neatly folded the shirt, straightening the sleeves.

“I was thinking of billing you for the laundry costs.”

“What?”

Kim Do-wan let out a scoff as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His snort was so loud that students in the front glanced back.

“Did Hong Sang-hee put you up to this? Asking for laundry money?”

“Come on, Sang-hee wouldn’t say something like that.”

Eun-seok narrowed one eye playfully, defending the absent person.

“She’s not as petty as I am.”

Kim Do-wan’s upper lip twitched again.

“I didn’t realize it back then, but when I got to the dorm, I saw my pants were a bit wet too.”

Kim Do-wan’s gaze dropped to Eun-seok’s thigh. Of course, they weren’t the pants he’d been wearing that day, but the brand was similar.

“You’re chasing me all the way to the classroom to threaten me over some cheap sweatpants getting wet?”

“Technically, I’m also taking this class, so it’s not like I chased you here to threaten you.”

Eun-seok rebutted quietly as he carefully placed the shirt back in his bag so it wouldn’t wrinkle.

“And they’re not cheap sweatpants—they’re a limited edition Gucci pair.”

Kim Do-wan’s focus wavered. He was probably thinking he was screwed. Not that he’d have the decency to repent for crossing the line.

Even though the company had entered into austerity measures, fortunately his father didn’t stretch his reach to what his son wore and ate.

Looking at the expensive clothes that didn’t match the shabby dormitory closet had often made his spirits sink endlessly. But now that he could use them as leverage to pressure Kim Do-wan, he was glad he hadn’t sold them off yet.

“Why the hell would you wear something like that to a sports event?”

“All the clothes I have are like that, so what am I supposed to do?”

“Ah, f**k, seriously.”

As Eun-seok fired back without backing down, an enraged Kim Do-wan threw off his cap. His flattened hair was exposed pitifully. Students who had been languid after lunch suddenly threw intrigued glances this way.

“Didn’t think about laundry costs when you were casually buying limited editions? Now that your family’s bankrupt, every penny hurts, huh? If you can’t afford expensive clothes, sell them secondhand, f**k. If you have no money, get a part-time job, you beggar.”

Someone watching the argument sucked in a sharp breath. Everyone likely found the slur “beggar” more shocking than any harsh curse.

Especially for Ryu Eun-seok, who had been treated his whole life like a rich, handsome prince, it was as if filth had been poured over his head.

His vision darkened, and his pride lay trampled on the ground. The smile that habitually lingered at the corners of his mouth was nowhere to be found.

Eun-seok ground his molars. If he lost his temper here too, he’d only be giving the others a spectacle. He desperately reminded himself that moments like this were when he most needed to regain his composure.

‘Then admit it.’

At that moment, Hong Sang-hee’s cool voice tapped at his ear.

‘What good do those people do for your life anyway?’

No good at all. Even now, weren’t they all just standing by watching?

He didn’t need to stoop to Kim Do-wan’s level. He could just admit it calmly, like when he’d shut Park Tae-hyun’s mouth in the crowded café, or when he’d rebuked the senior bothering Hong Sang-hee.

Then ignore and cut ties. Just do as Hong Sang-hee taught him.

“Yes. I’m a beggar, so every penny does hurt.”

Eun-seok’s harshly defined jawline regained its smooth angle.

“So should I give you my account number now?”

A clear look of contempt rose in Kim Do-wan’s eyes. A sneer mixing embarrassment and satisfaction hung at the corner of his mouth at Eun-seok’s ready acceptance.

“Ah, you’re so damn pathetic you make me sick. Give me your account number, give it. Is 100,000 won enough?”