TBE 26

chapter 26

“…What’s going on…?”

No matter how long she waited, there was still no reply from Minhee, and that made Yoona keep glancing down at her phone screen. Since Yeongwon had said he’d come by at closing time, she had sent Minhee a message too, inviting her to join. But for hours, the “read” mark on the screen hadn’t disappeared.

While tidying up the counter and the prep area, Yoona once more cast a sidelong glance at the black screen of her phone. Could it be that they’re coming together?

“…”

After all, Minhee’s interest in approaching her was never about friendship—it was because she wanted to get closer to Yeongwon. If things had gone well and something warm was starting to blossom between them, maybe Minhee wouldn’t feel the need to contact Yoona anymore.

That thought left her feeling oddly unsettled. Wondering if it was just because she’d eaten too light a dinner, Yoona baked herself a blueberry bagel as soon as the staff had gone home. She had just gone back to tidying for about five minutes when the doorbell rang.

Yoona quickly turned around. Yeongwon was coming in—alone.

“Did your staff already leave?”

“Yes… Did you… come by yourself?”

“Yeah. Mind if I sit?”

“Of course not…”

With wide eyes, Yoona could only stare as Yeongwon found a seat. He unfolded the laptop he had been loosely carrying, then lifted his gaze to her. After a bit of hesitation, she asked:

“What about Minhee-sunbae?”

“She won’t be coming anymore.”

“…Why not?”

“…I broke it off.”

It was a little embarrassing to say out loud, but there was no reason to beat around the bush. Yoona had clearly been trying to help that girl, so unless he made things clear, she would only feel caught in the middle.

As expected, Yoona flinched and looked visibly flustered. Her lips moved soundlessly, unable to find the right words, and seeing that, Yeongwon had to stifle a laugh.

“Do you have a bit of time?”

“Yes, yes… I do, but…”

“Then would you like to sit with me?”

He pulled out the chair beside him, and after a brief pause, Yoona brought over her plate with the bagel and sat down. Somehow, her stomach felt more at ease, and the warm scent of bread was making her appetite return.

“Want half?”

“…Did you not eat dinner?”

“…Well, I did… but this is just a snack…”

It was already past ten at night, so her voice trailed off as if embarrassed to admit she was eating a snack. Smiling, Yeongwon picked up the half she offered. For the first time, it felt like everything was back in its proper place.

The crisp sound of Yoona biting into her piece followed. Chewing slowly, she glanced at the laptop screen Yeongwon had opened, then looked up at him.

“Are you also taking architecture-related lectures?”

“Ah…”

Come to think of it, he had never told her that they were in the same elective course. He meant to mention it now, but for some reason, it was hard to look away from Yoona’s round, pretty eyes fixed on him.

The thought struck him suddenly—her small face could almost fit into his palm, and yet all her features were perfectly balanced within it. Blinking eyes, a sharp nose, firm lips—everything was finely made, almost like a doll.

His gaze lingered on her porcelain-doll-like face, and finally settled on a crumb of bread stuck to the pink corner of her lips. Instinctively, his hand began to rise toward it, but he caught himself and quickly turned his head away.

“I’m in the same elective as you.”

“‘Understanding Traditional Korean Architecture’?”

“Yeah. That’s why I came—I wanted to suggest we prepare the midterm report together.”

“Oh, I see! That’s reassuring, doing it with you.”

“…”

Even though he wasn’t looking at her, her voice carried a brightness that made it clear she was smiling. He had already admitted to himself that he liked her—66%, in fact—yet he still hesitated to meet her smiling face. After all, her feelings weren’t the same, and if he let his hope rise alone, it would only hurt more. The thought of that weighed heavy on him.

And yet here he was, openly checking his “heart data,” coming all the way here just because he wanted to see her—and even brazenly declaring he’d keep hovering around her.

A little awkward, Yeongwon ran a hand through his falling hair.

“I’ve only just started working on it myself.”

“Great! But how exactly do we work together? Don’t we have to write and submit individually on the same topic?”

“…I just thought we could share any good references we find…”

“Ah, right. If we’re right next to each other, it’ll be so much easier to exchange stuff.”

Unexpectedly, she cut straight to the point and agreed readily. Throat suddenly dry, Yeongwon stood to fetch two glasses of water.

Meanwhile, Yoona hummed a little tune as she pulled her laptop out of her bag across the table.

“Fwaaah…”

From the corner of his eye, Yeongwon caught Yoona letting out a long yawn, and he chuckled. It had only been thirty minutes since they started working, but she had been writing reports and studying for exams late into the night all week. On top of that, she had just closed the café. No wonder she was exhausted. Straightening his posture, he asked:

“Want me to make you some coffee?”

“I’m fine… I’ll do it myself…”

“Stay seated.”

Before she could get up, Yeongwon moved faster and stood at the espresso machine. It wouldn’t taste as good as Yoona’s coffee, but during exam season, coffee wasn’t about taste anyway.

Resting her chin on the table, Yoona watched him work. It had been a long time since she’d seen this sight.

The counter, built to her height, looked far too low for him. His broad back bent over awkwardly, and the sight made her chuckle. With everything with Lee Seonghee behind them now, looking at his sturdy figure didn’t just bring comfort—it made her want to tease him.

When Yeongwon returned with a warm Americano, she looked up at him with a mischievous grin.

“Yeongwon.”

“…Yeah.”

“Will you also wash the dishes and clean the grinder?”

“Of course.”

She had only been joking, but he answered without hesitation, then turned back around. This time, she was the one flustered. Hastily saving her file and leaping from her seat, she rushed over to where he was already dismantling the grinder.

“Y-Yeongwon! I was kidding. Leave it!”

“Go do your report.”

“You should go home soon and rest! You must be tired…”

“You’re probably more tired than me, boss.”

She felt terribly guilty asking him—no longer even a café employee—to not only make coffee but also clean the grinder. Anxiously circling him as he stubbornly kept at it, Yoona finally grabbed both his wrists with her hands.

“Stop! I’ll do it! I’m the owner, so it’s my job!”

“…”

Warmth spread from her touch on his bare wrist.

His gaze, fixed on her slim, pale hands, slowly rose to meet her eyes. The moment their eyes locked, Yoona furrowed her brow, scolding him silently. Just when she thought he would stop, he gave a faint, amused smile and raised the wrists she was holding.

“No.”

“Why are you being like this? I’m sorry—uh, wait… Yeongwon…?”

His wrists lifted higher and higher, and her hands went with them, until she ended up standing like a child being punished, arms raised. Between her upstretched arms, she could see him smiling. Then he burst out laughing.

“Hahaha. I could probably lift you up like this.”

It was a genuine laugh, like that time she saw him in the school cafeteria. Her cheeks flushed hot, and she let go of his hands at once.

“W-what’s with you! Teasing people out of nowhere… instead of working on the report!”

“You’re not working either.”

Fair point. With a little cough, Yoona pushed at his shoulder to take over his spot.

“…Anyway, move. I feel better doing it myself.”

“What about how I feel? I’m more comfortable doing it.”

But with his taller height and bigger frame, of course he wouldn’t budge. Just as the two were bickering over the grinder, they heard the sound of the front door opening—Yoona had forgotten to lock it. Both turned in surprise.

A visitor peeked inside through the half-drawn blinds. It was a tall woman and a small child.

“Ah, sorry. We’re closed, but the door…”

“…That’s my sister and my nephew.”

Before Yoona could bow in apology, Yeongwon answered. The child cried out, “Uncle!” and ran over to him, while his sister, Yeongin, gave Yoona a once-over and waved at her brother.

“Hey, kiddo!”