Chapter 27 Part 2

Fortunately, Kim Gyeong-hun let out a sigh of relief at Chaeheon’s easy answer. Still, it was proceeding more smoothly than he had worried.

“Why do I have to research with you?”

“Hey, Jeong-yun.”

It was Lee Jeong-yun who rebelled against this smooth sailing. Even though she had just seen how difficult it was for others posting messages, Lee Jeong-yun seemed to have no intention of helping him.

“I’ll do the presentation.”

This was a blatant declaration that she wanted to spend a lot of time with Lee Jun.

“Jeong-yun. Let’s do it together.”

Kim Gyeong-hun fidgeted, trying to appease Lee Jeong-yun. If she had asked Chaeheon to work with her, Lee Jun might not have stopped it, but this was different. Chaeheon was stuck right next to Lee Jun, blocking others from approaching; did she really think she could get past him? Kim Gyeong-hun didn’t think it was possible at all.

“Why? It’s not set in stone, we’re adjusting it now.”

“Still, wouldn’t it be better for Senior Chaeheon to do the presentation…?”

Kim Gyeong-hun’s voice grew quieter at Lee Jeong-yun’s “don’t interfere” expression, but he still finished his sentence.

“I was in the same group with Senior Chaeheon last time too. I did the presentation, and we worked well together.”

Lee Jeong-yun looked at Lee Jun, as if trying to reassign roles entirely.

“Do it with me.”

“Jeong-yun.”

It was Chaeheon who called Lee Jeong-yun before Lee Jun could answer.

“I’ll do the presentation, so you find the materials with Gyeong-hun. Let’s just stick with the topic. But make sure to find good materials.”

Lee Jun remained still, while a subtle power struggle continued between Chaeheon and Lee Jeong-yun, leaving only Kim Gyeong-hun feeling awkward. Watching the situation, Lee Jun didn’t want to get involved either, but he had no choice.

“I’ll do it with Jeong-yun.”

At Lee Jun’s words, Lee Jeong-yun smiled brightly. Being called by her name so familiarly probably played a part. However, Chaeheon did not tolerate it.

“Senior, you work well with me. So don’t drag an innocent person into this, do it with me.”

Lee Jun pressed his lips together, his eyes half-closed, lost in thought. It was an ambiguous reaction; it was impossible to tell if he disliked or liked Chaeheon’s suggestion to work together. But silence was as good as giving the other person room to interpret things as they wished.

“Let’s stick to what we decided at first.”

As Chaeheon decisively set the situation, as if telling them not to bring it up again, only Lee Jeong-yun closed her mouth with a regretful expression.

“Then, shall we… do that?”

Kim Gyeong-hun looked at Lee Jeong-yun’s reaction, then spoke on her behalf, and the awkward atmosphere lingered. All of this had started as a power struggle between two people who wanted to work with Lee Jun. But Lee Jun, who had been silent all along, calmly took out his phone. He checked the time on the screen, then put his book into his bag.

As they watched, wondering why he was packing his bag, Lee Jun stood up.

“Class is over.”

“Ah… is it?”

Kim Gyeong-hun also checked the time, wondering how it had passed so quickly, but couldn’t bring himself to pack up. It was an expression of hesitation, as if he wondered if it was okay to end things like this when it didn’t feel completely finished.

“Let me know if anything changes.”

Kim Gyeong-hun nodded, then said “Huh?” as a thought belatedly occurred to him.

“How do I let you know?”

Kim Gyeong-hun, about to ask for a number he didn’t have, frantically rummaged through his pocket.

“Tell me.”

Chaeheon gently slapped Kim Gyeong-hun’s arm.