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Chapter 17: I Guess He Didn't Recognize Me
Ju-kyoung walked into the comic section of the library.
Each space was filled with comics, and in the corner was a comfy section of couches. The lights weren't too bright, making it cozy for readers.
Ju-kyoung inhaled deeply, her eyes lighting up.
"I love the smell of comics," she whispered with a satisfied smile.
Her eyes fell on the wall where an obvious old couch rested. She froze, then widened her eyes in disbelief.
"My scribbles are still here," she muttered.
She bent down and read aloud the childish writing carved years ago:
Reserved for Lim Ju-young. Sit here and you'll grow butt hair.
She chuckled, tracing her fingers over it. A mischievous smile spread across her face.
Then, her eyes fell on the next room—and her smile grew even wider.
"Yes, this is it. There's no other place with this many horror comics."
She walked inside, scanning the shelves eagerly. But she couldn't find the one she wanted.
"Where is it? Where is it?" she muttered.
Finally, she spotted the familiar title: You Are the Devil. She tiptoed, reaching for it—but before she could grab it, someone else snatched it first.
Her eyebrows furrowed angrily. Without looking at the person, she yanked the book and tried to run. But the stranger grabbed her clothes, stopping her.
"I saw it first!" Ju-kyoung yelled, refusing to turn around.
The person easily pulled the book back, holding it out of her reach. Ju-kyoung jumped up, determined to grab it, which sent them both tumbling to the ground.
She winced in pain, rubbing her elbow—then looked up. Her heart froze.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"Soo-hoo?! What is he doing here?" she thought, panic rising.
"Oh no… I'm busted!"
Soo-hoo just looked at her calmly.
"Who are—" Ju-kyoung started nervously, but he cut her off.
"You're…" Soo-hoo began, surprised.
He stood up quickly. Ju-kyoung scrambled to her feet, bowing slightly. "I-I'm sorry!" she blurted, her heart pounding so fast it felt like it might burst.
"I hope he didn't recognize me," she thought desperately, turning away. She tried to escape before he could say more.
"Wait," Soo-hoo's voice stopped her.
Ju-kyoung froze mid-step, her legs trembling. She couldn't imagine what would happen if he discovered her secret—that she was fooling the whole school.
"That book," Soo-hoo said, pointing. "I grabbed it first."
Ju-kyoung let out a shaky sigh of relief.
"If he didn't recognize me…" she thought, still avoiding his gaze.
"I see," she said quickly, forcing her voice steady. "Then you can read it first."
She stretched the book toward him without looking and immediately tried to slip away.
Before she could, the owner popped his head in.
"Ju-bal, have some instant noodles!" he said warmly.
Ju-kyoung felt like screaming. Not now. She forced a smile.
"But I didn't order one," she replied weakly, trying to back out.
"It's on me—to celebrate our reunion!" the owner beamed.
Ju-kyoung sighed. "I'll have it next time," she said hurriedly, trying again to leave.
"Hold on!" he insisted, holding out a steaming bowl. "I put an organic egg in just for you. That's 700 won per egg. I'd be upset if you didn't eat it."
Her eyes twitched in disbelief. "Can't you just… eat it instead?"
"I'm on a diet," he answered simply.
Ju-kyoung nearly groaned. He really had gotten fatter since before, like he gained weight daily. With no other choice, she grabbed the bowl of noodles.
The owner smiled and disappeared.
Ju-kyoung didn't dare look at Soo-hoo, who was still quietly watching. She muttered under her breath, "Okay. Let's scarf it down and get out."
Adjusting her glasses, she sat on the couch and began eating the noodles quickly. But then Soo-hoo walked over and sat across from her, holding a stack of comics.
Ju-kyoung nearly choked. She grabbed the nearest drink beside her and gulped it all down.
"That's actually mine," Soo-hoo said flatly.
Ju-kyoung froze, realizing too late. She shut the bottle and set it back down. "I'm sorry! You must like red ginseng juice. I'll buy you a new one."
"That's alright," he replied calmly. He looked so different out of his uniform—relaxed, almost approachable. The cold, proud aura he wore at school seemed to vanish here.
He handed her the book they had been fighting over earlier.
"Read it first, if you want."
Ju-kyoung blinked, surprised. "No, there's no need—"
"Didn't you just launch yourself at me for it?" he interrupted.
Ju-kyoung had no reply. She ducked her head and just kept eating noodles.
"Come on, read it," he urged.
After hesitating, Ju-kyoung finally reached for the book.
Soo-hoo leaned back on the couch like a CEO, crossing one leg over the other as he read his own comic. His focus was steady, giving Ju-kyoung the chance to secretly glance at him.
This morning at school, he was like a cold angel. But now, his aura was different—so unfamiliar.
Her eyes trailed from his legs to his hands, then to his neck… and finally, his face.
"I guess he didn't recognize me," she thought in relief.
Adjusting her glasses, she settled back into her seat. Rest assured now, she finally felt a bit of peace.
"Do you live around here?" she asked.
Soo-hoo didn't answer. He just kept reading.
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