Campus Log - Chapter 78

Ryu Eun-seok’s steps crossed the long foyer and led to the stairs. Even through my glasses lenses, which I hadn’t wiped and were blurry, I could clearly feel how lavish the interior was.

I thought I saw something that looked like an elevator door next to the stairs, but I couldn’t be sure. What was certain was that unlike the pitiful way Ryu Eun-seok had cried under the acacia tree, the wealth he possessed still seemed solid and sturdy.

Upon entering his room on the second floor, I couldn’t help but understand why Ryu Eun-seok had been so dissatisfied with living in the dormitory.

“This is a room?”

“Yeah, my room.”

Ryu Eun-seok’s bedroom couldn’t be described as “a single room.” It was more fitting to call it “a whole house.” In fact if I tried to fit my entire house in Cheongju into his room, it would easily fit and still have space left over.

I had definitely opened the door and entered, but inside there were three more doors, and there was a space arranged like a living room with a TV and sofa, plus a home bar where one could eat.

No wonder he had sniffled so much when told to live in the dormitory for a year, having lived in a place like this. Within 10 seconds of entering Ryu Eun-seok’s bedroom, I could sympathize with his feelings.

“…”

Ryu Eun-seok hesitated as he led me to the powder room.

“Are you wet all the way through?”

He glanced at me as he opened another door. I clutched the towel tighter and just nodded. This time, like Ryu Eun-seok had done earlier, the tips of my ears grew warm.

“Take a shower.”

As Ryu Eun-seok opened the door, a pristine bathroom appeared, so clean that I felt almost guilty entering in this state.

“I’ll get you some clothes to change into and leave them in front of here.”

There was no way I could refuse this. Having poured sweat during the walk and then gotten completely soaked in the rain, I would start to stink if I stayed like this. In this state, I couldn’t accept a meal from Ryu Eun-seok, nor could I take the bus home.

“Thank you.”

I mumbled a greeting and stepped onto the clean bathroom floor. After Ryu Eun-seok closed the door and withdrew even afterward, I kept clutching the towel around my shoulders.

The state I was in, reflected in the mirror, was truly a sight to behold. My hair hung limp like seaweed, the color had drained from my lips, but my cheeks were reddish, making me look like I had on a ridiculous mask of makeup. My glasses, which covered half my face, were spotted with moisture, making me look like the biggest fool.

On top of everything, even the phone in my pocket was acting up. A warning notification appeared saying moisture had been detected in the charging port, telling me not to touch it until it was completely dry.

The clothes clinging to my body were as hard to peel off as a swimsuit. Just as Ryu Eun-seok had carefully asked, even my underwear was soaked through. I could borrow outer clothes, but I would have to endure the discomfort underneath.

Standing under the shower and letting warm water hit me, my shoulders trembled. Yawns kept escaping.

Having walked eight times and then sprinted at the very end, it was only natural to be exhausted.

I couldn’t help but sigh, finding it absurd that I had somehow ended up completely naked and taking a bath in Ryu Eun-seok’s house. After I finished washing, I had no idea how I would face him.

When I covered my naked body with a large towel and cracked open the bathroom door, I spotted the clothes laid at my feet and stood there blankly for a moment.

Even through my severely blurred vision without my glasses, the shape of the underwear placed on top of the shorts and T-shirt came in clearly.

It was a new pair of panties, still unopened. He must have gone to a nearby convenience store while I was washing.

I hurriedly gathered the clothes the room owner had left and ducked back into the bathroom. The face in the mirror was flushed red as if it might burst at any moment.

Fortunately, Ryu Eun-seok hadn’t bought a bra as well. If he had, I might have bitten my tongue and died from shame. I was truly grateful that he hadn’t shown consideration that far.

The black T-shirt Ryu Eun-seok lent me was crisp and roomy. I boldly gave up on wearing my rain-soaked bra underneath. After twisting my body this way and that to check, it didn’t seem noticeable.

When I hesitantly came out of the bathroom, my eyes met Ryu Eun-seok’s, who was sitting on the sofa. Thanks to the TV being on, the lively sound of commercials consumed the awkward silence.

Ryu Eun-seok stared at me for a moment, then stood up. He must have washed elsewhere, as his hair was already completely dry. As he approached, the faint scent of grass wafted from him as always.

“Give me the clothes.”

Ryu Eun-seok reached out toward the wet clothes I was holding awkwardly.

“I’ll wash them and put them in the dryer. Your sneakers are drying too.”

“Oh, well…”

I couldn’t hand them over right away and turned my body defensively. If it were just the outer clothes, I would have handed them over quickly, but my underwear was bundled up inside the crumpled pants.

“I know. I won’t look.”

Quick-witted Ryu Eun-seok knew exactly what I was embarrassed about. As he took the laundry, only dampness remained in my hands.