Campus Log - Chapter 72

“You said it sucked that you have to eat triangle kimbap. Showing your face at a place like this means you still have some leeway, I guess?”

Even as the snide attacks flew in one after another, Ryu Eun-seok kept his arm pressed against mine and quietly drank his beer.

“No way, did you come here to fill up on the side dishes?”

Park Tae-hyun had definitely crossed the line. Even the students who had been busy chattering away all gaped and stared at him. Censure poured toward the man who had instantly crushed his classmate into a beggar.

“Oh, sorry, sorry. That joke was too much. My words came out wrong because I’m drunk.”

Park Tae-hyun imitated a good-natured smile and waved his hand loosely. The apology he was throwing out now was even less sincere than the rude remark made under the influence.

Ryu Eun-seok knew that very well.

“Forget it. I know you’re not sorry at all.”

When he didn’t accept the apology, Park Tae-hyun, who had been chewing on dried pollack, twisted his expression harshly.

“Everyone knows how twisted your personality is. That’s why you never even said thank you while sponging off your friend every time.”

“Hey, you bastard. Are you done?”

“A guy who was always unlucky hit rock bottom—that must be so satisfying. I understand.”

Park Tae-hyun abruptly stood up. The sound of the chair legs scraping back was sharp.

“Yeah, f**k. It is satisfying. Did you think I didn’t notice you subtly looking down on us? Did you think we didn’t notice you acting all high and mighty while spending pocket change like you were giving alms?”

It wouldn’t have been surprising if a fight broke out at any moment. Even Song Hyuk-jun, who had been over at another table, came rushing over, apparently feeling he couldn’t just stand by.

“Ah, come on, hyungs, why are you acting like this? Exams are over, it’s a good day—don’t fight, have a drink, okay?”

But Park Tae-hyun showed no sign of backing down obediently. He shook off Song Hyuk-jun’s restraining hand and kicked the table with his foot. The female junior sitting across from me shrieked and cowered.

“Last time you went crazy at Do-wan hyung, and now it’s my turn? Now that the money’s run out, your temper’s gone to s**t too. You always pretended to have a good personality, but now you’re going all the way to rock bottom?”

I prefer to spend most of my daily life buried among others. Just by not talking much, I can get by without standing out. If I quietly hold my place, the noisy times end and peaceful solitude greets me.

But occasionally, there are times I can’t endure without opening my lips. When Kim Do-wan spilled soju on my thigh was one such time, and now, when Park Tae-hyun was sharpening his nails to scratch raw the pride of an old friend, was another.

“You and Kim Do-wan both.”

I lifted my eyes above my gold-rimmed glasses. Park Tae-hyun, who had been glaring at Ryu Eun-seok until that moment, slowly turned his head.

“You come here starting trouble first, then why are you acting like the victim and throwing a fit?”

I know I’m drunk. Everyone here, including me, had drunk their fill, and their laughter had gone loose. Anyway, vacation starts tomorrow, so I wouldn’t have to see them for two months, and by the time the next semester rolls around, everyone would have conveniently forgotten. Even as my brain was soaked in alcohol, I had thoroughly calculated that much.

“Who the hell is this b***h? Who the f**k are you!”

Park Tae-hyun’s eyes flashed as he pointed a finger at me.

“Hong Sang-hee. Why?”

But once opened, my mouth didn’t stop there.

“Hey, Park Tae-hyun. Are you the only one who knows how to curse? Do we look like idiots to you just because everyone’s been quiet? You’re the one who started ruining the atmosphere, so why are you acting like you’re the victim?”

Under the table, Ryu Eun-seok’s palm gently covered the back of my hand. I understood—he was telling me to stop now. I halted my fierce tongue and downed my beer.

To be honest, I was grateful that Ryu Eun-seok stopped me when he did. Park Tae-hyun’s expression had been getting increasingly hostile by then.

“Tae-hyun.”

Ryu Eun-seok’s call was softly layered.

“If you have any lingering feelings toward me, resolve them separately. Don’t make everyone else uncomfortable.”

Ryu Eun-seok’s low voice, proposing a reconciliation, was so gentle it tickled the ears. He had clearly seemed angry just moments ago, but he instantly changed his attitude and gave Park Tae-hyun a generous smile.