"Ehhh! Why are you here… Mairu!" Ha-Seon's voice cracked in confusion as he stared at the figure approaching them.
Mairu stood there with a smug grin, clearly amused by the reaction he was getting from Ha-Seon. His dark eyes gleamed mischievously as he spoke.
"Eh… Why? You hate me...?" Mairu raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing, as though he enjoyed the discomfort he was causing.
Ha-Seon's face flushed, a mixture of anger and embarrassment bubbling inside him.
"It's okay," Mairu continued, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm a billionaire now. You can have my fried chicken for free at my own restaurant later…"
Ha-Seon's jaw dropped, his anger momentarily forgotten as his eyes widened. "Eh? Really…?"
"Oh, there you are! Ha-Seon!" Ji-Hoon finally spotted Ha-Seon, his voice breaking through the crowd of students as he rushed toward him. His long strides brought him closer, and soon he was standing right in front of Ha-Seon, panting slightly from the run.
"Mail! I love you! Can I take a lot?" Ha-Seon blurted, the words escaping him before he could stop them. The world seemed to freeze for a moment. His face burned with embarrassment. What did I just say? His stomach twisted into a tight knot. Did I really just say that?
"Yup, as long as you want it, but please don't hesitate," Mairu said, giving Ha-Seon a wink that sent a chill down his spine.
Mairu's eyes glinted with amusement as he leaned in closer, his voice soft but tinged with a playful edge. "Yes, yes... as long as you like it, but please, don't hesitate to," he said, his tone almost teasing. There was something about the way he spoke, a certain confidence that made the air around them feel charged, as though his words were carrying a weight that Ha-Seon couldn't quite shake off. The way Mairu looked at him made his heart race, and for a moment, Ha-Seon wondered if there was something more to the words than just the surface meaning.
"Okay! Man, I really like you this time—" Haseon started, his voice filled with excitement, but then his expression shifted as he suddenly noticed someone. "Oh, Jihoon, why are you here?" The abrupt change in mood made the moment feel awkward, and Haseon couldn't help but wonder why Jihoon had shown up just then.
Jihoon shot a glare at Mairu, his eyes burning with hatred. His posture immediately shifted, becoming more protective as he stood between Haseon and Mairu, as if guarding him from whatever Mairu might do next.
"What are you doing to him for him to be like this?" Jihoon's voice was sharp, his words laced with both suspicion and frustration. The anger in his eyes was evident, and his protective stance made it clear he wasn't about to let Mairu get any closer to Haseon, no matter what.
Ji-Hoon stepped forward, his protective instincts kicking in. He glared at Mairu, a fire in his eyes. "What are you doing to him, for him to be like this?" His voice was full of warning, his posture stiff and defensive.
Mairu let out a soft giggle. "Oh, Ji-Hoon, don't worry. I'll escort both of you after school. I'm sure Ha-Seon won't mind, right?"
Ha-Seon opened his mouth to protest but was interrupted by Mairu's next words.
"By the way," Mairu added, smirking, "you still haven't changed, Ji-Hoon. Always acting like a big brother, huh?"
Ji-Hoon's eyes narrowed to slits. "You think I'm just going to stand by and let you mess with him?" His voice was icy, his glare intensifying.
"Oh, Ji-Hoon, are you jealous?" Mairu teased, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting. "Heh, well, I'll see you later, Ha-Seon, Ji-Hoon. You both look cute together, like a married couple."
Ha-Seon's face heated up again, and he immediately spun around to hide his embarrassment. "W-wait! No! That's not what's going on!" he stammered, but Mairu was already walking away, laughing to himself.
Haseon couldn't help but smile slyly, his voice filled with anticipation. "Nah... he will give me something good a lot, how delicious this time. Is 'that' getting bigger? I wonder..." He giggled softly, the teasing tone clear in his words.
On the other hand, Jihoon stood nearby, his mind filled with dirty thoughts. His face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration, the jealousy gnawing at him.
As if on cue, the bell rang, signaling the end of class.
After School
The school day had passed in a blur for Ha-Seon. The teasing and awkward encounters had left him drained. He was finally heading out of school when he spotted Ji-Hoon, who was waiting by the gates, looking impatient.
"Ji-Hoon! Are you still following me?" Ha-Seon called out, a little exasperated.
Ji-Hoon shrugged, a hint of concern on his face. "Of course I'm following you. Do you think I'm going to let some guy like Mairu mess with you?" His tone was calm, but Ha-Seon could hear the slight edge to it.
Ha-Seon chuckled nervously. "I'm fine. I can handle it.
"Just then, Xiao Ling appeared behind Ha-Seon, her cheerful voice ringing out. "What's going on? Are you two talking about Mairu again? Ugh, that guy gives me the creeps!"
Ji-Hoon's eyes softened, though he still didn't look entirely convinced. "Let's just get home, okay? Don't want anything bad happening to you, especially with that weirdo Mairu around."
"Okay, okay," Ha-Seon sighed, trying to brush off the unease in his chest. "Let's just get home."
As they walked toward Ji-Hoon's car, the conversation continued.
"And then, Xiao Ling, you really have to study more, even though you're actually in 8th place in class," Ha-Seon teased, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "I have to study a bit just to stay in 3rd or 4th place myself!"
Xiao Ling rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. But what about you, Ji-Hoon?" he asked, glancing at him. "You're always in 1st place. Do you study at home?"
Ji-Hoon shrugged casually, his lips curling into a small smile. "Yeah, a little."
"Oh, there you are, darling!" Mairu said as Ha-Seon scrambled to get out of the car.
"Woah! Look at your car! Is this the car that's common among the rich? Wow," Ha-Seon exclaimed, still in awe of the sleek vehicle.
Mairu chuckled. "It's nothing special. But I'm glad you like it." He grinned, noticing Ha-Seon's wide-eyed expression.
"Oh, I didn't know you brought UI (the cat) here too!" Ha-Seon added, spotting the small feline curled up in the front seat. "Do you eat your food with UI meowing at you?"
"Meow!" UI chimed in, almost like a response.
"Uah, so cute! Let me kiss you then," Ha-Seon exclaimed, leaning over to give the cat a quick kiss on the head.
Mairu smiled warmly, watching Ha-Seon interact with UI. "Well then, let's enter together, you too, Xiao Ling!"
"O-ok… Thanks," Xiao Ling stuttered, clearly still a bit overwhelmed.
After a fun, playful time with the cat, they eventually made their way into the restaurant, and Ha-Seon's eyes widened.
"Woah! A big one!" he exclaimed, pointing at the giant display of food.
"S-so this is 'A BIG ONE' you're talking about, Ha-Seon?" Ji-Hoon asked shyly, glancing at the massive meal.
Ha-Seon nodded excitedly, his eyes sparkling. "So good! Two boxes more, please!"
One of the workers turned to Mairu, a little uncertain. "H-hey, boss… is it okay?"
Mairu smiled, leaning back casually. "It's alright, they're my friends."
They continued eating, stuffing themselves with delicious food and drinking soda. Eventually, Xiao Ling announced it was time for her to leave.
"Okay, now for the price!" Xiao Ling said, looking concerned.
Ha-Seon's eyes widened. "Eh!? You said it's free!"
Mairu's employees, standing nearby, exchanged glances that clearly said, Don't scam peoples, even if it's your friends.
Mairu grinned. "Just take a photo together," he said nonchalantly. "That's it."
"Oh, just that? Easy!" That workers exclaimed, relieved.
As they took the photo, Ha-Seon couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
Whispering "W-what? Kiss your cheek and hug you!? No way!"
Mairu leaned in closer. "Just this once, please! This is a chance for me because you're also in girl clothes right now… Or just pay! This much is 1 thousand…"
"Okay! Just once, okay?" Ha-Seon agreed quickly, his face turning bright red.
The photo was taken, and they said their goodbyes. As Xiao Ling headed out, Ha-Seon found himself once again facing Mairu's teasing.
"Alright, that should be enough! Bye!" Ha-Seon called out, a little flustered.
Mairu and Ha-Seon got kicked out of the restaurant, but as they walked out, Ji-Hoon appeared, walking briskly toward them.
"Hey, Ji-Hoon! Why are you following me? You should go home," Ha-Seon said, half-amused.
Ji-Hoon glared at Ha-Seon, clearly irritated. "What are you talking about!? Look at your clothes right now! What if some guy does something to you, huh?"
Ha-Seon smirked playfully, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Oho~ Are you worried about me?" he teased, giving a cat face and flashing a smirk, with one canine tooth poking out.
Ji-Hoon blinked, flustered. "O-oh, of course not! I just want to take a chance to tease you, that's all!"
Ha-Seon chuckled. "Okay, okay, I get it…"
...
A shady group of people stood in the alley, their tough demeanor unmistakable. The leader, a tall guy with tattoos all over his arms and a smug grin, stepped forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes. he called out, "Hey, cute girl... wanna play?" as their hand full of harmful weapons.