Campus Log - Chapter 46

“Your older brother has perked up and is going back to work now.”

The source of the problem started when defectors left the research team led by his oldest brother, Hyun-seong. A researcher who had closely observed the entire process of Hyun-seong’s successful localization of LNG seawater vaporizers had gone over to China.

A Chinese company showcased the same technology as Hyun-seong’s at a cheaper price, and their father’s company’s existing clients eagerly switched. From there, the blocked cash flow led to this situation.

“Let’s just live in the dorm until the end of the year. Dad says he’ll find us a place again next year.”

Between soothing the shock of betrayal for his oldest brother, coddling the youngest who complained miserably about their situation, and having to persuade clients, his middle brother could use three bodies.

“Sorry for whining.”

Eun-seok’s lips went dry with embarrassment.

“I’m studying comfortably, so don’t worry too much. Just take care of your health, hyung.”

“Wow, you’ve grown up, haven’t you? Never thought I’d hear you say something like that to me.”

At Jin-young’s praise, Eun-seok shrugged. See? He’d definitely matured a bit. Considering how long he’d been raised as the spoiled youngest, the current Ryu Eun-seok was practically reborn.

“Do you have enough allowance? I heard you can’t even hang out with friends these days. Want hyung to send you some?”

“I have enough money. Anyway, it’s exam season now, so I’m too busy studying to go out.”

Suddenly, Hong Sang-hee came to mind. She who ate meals regularly even when alone, studied by her own plan, quietly cleared her mind watching panda videos, and surrounded herself with strict boundaries to prevent people from approaching.

Actually, “suddenly came to mind” wasn’t quite right. These days, he was always thinking about that girl. Even while greeting and talking to others, the name Hong Sang-hee floated through his mind.

After ending the call with his middle brother, Eun-seok walked to the locker next to the department office. As he dialed the new password, the neatly aligned numbers came into view.

0528.

Only one week remained until Hong Sang-hee’s birthday. What does she do on her birthday? She doesn’t seem like the type to skip class and go out. Does she go home? Where is her hometown, anyway?

He thought they’d gotten fairly close, but there was still so much he didn’t know.

The only things Eun-seok knew for certain about Hong Sang-hee were her name and age. Besides that, she liked pandas, disliked spending time with people, was close enough to her mom to call her every day, and despite her blunt exterior, didn’t want to hurt others inside.

So what should I give her for her birthday? Panda merchandise is best, right? Should I ask to have dinner together? She probably doesn’t have plans already…

Eun-seok mulled this over as he headed up to the dorm. He didn’t even realize why he was pondering such things. He was simply absorbed in the thought of what Hong Sang-hee might like.

Even while lost in thought, his steps naturally led him somewhere. Instead of the gym door, his hand carefully opened the study room door across the hall.

As expected, he sensed someone in the corner seat by the window. Tiptoeing closer, the first thing he saw over the partition was a round head, laptop closed, lying face-down on the desk.

Her bothersome glasses were placed in the corner of the desk. Long lashes pointed downward, and her dark lips were slightly parted.

Eun-seok approached, focused only on Hong Sang-hee’s face, realizing a beat too late that his feet were tangling. His black backpack bumped against the chair back, and he staggered, grabbing the partition to steady himself.

Hong Sang-hee furrowed her brow and lifted her eyelids. Sharp eyes immediately shot toward Eun-seok.

“Sorry.”

Eun-seok quickly apologized. Fortunately, the timing seemed right—Hong Sang-hee put on her glasses without complaint.

As the gold-rimmed glasses covered Hong Sang-hee’s cool gaze, his off-beat breathing returned to normal. His suspiciously racing heart also found its regular rhythm.

Eun-seok sat at a distance with the aisle between them. Since only two people used this study room, there was no good excuse to sit side by side.

At the edge of his vision, Hong Sang-hee silently turned pages. Eun-seok carefully took items from his bag, focusing all his concentration across the aisle.

The moment he sensed her taking off her glasses to wipe them on her clothes, his head nearly turned.