Chapter 9: Golden Week

The dormitory was peacefully quiet, save for the soft taps of Haeun’s fingers against her phone screen as she scrolled through the ride options on Kakao. She and Jihoon sat together on the living room sofa, their bags stacked neatly beside them, an air of shared expectancy between them. Jihoon’s leg bounced lightly, betraying his impatience, though his face was calm—almost too calm, like a man trying to steady his nerves before some grand confrontation.

Their silence was abruptly shattered by a loud, sharp voice from the hallway. Mina burst into the room, her phone pressed tightly to her ear, her tone sharp and laced with frustration.

“I said I don’t want to go!” she practically shouted, pacing back and forth. “I’ve spent every holiday doing the same thing—smiling, nodding, and pretending they aren't idiots or assholes! I deserve a break, too!”

Haeun and Jihoon exchanged awkward glances, both sinking further into their seats as if hoping to avoid her notice. Mina’s conversation ended with an exaggerated huff and an abrupt tap on the screen. She stomped into the kitchen, muttering under her breath as she grabbed a glass of water.

It wasn’t until she had taken several long gulps that she noticed the two of them sitting there, still and quiet like guilty children caught in the act. “What’s with you two?” she asked, her voice suddenly lighter, playful. Her sharp eyes darted to the bags beside them. “Going somewhere fun?”

Haeun hesitated, her gaze flitting toward Jihoon. He shrugged as if to say, Why not tell her? She cleared her throat, her voice careful. “We’re heading to—uh—Minjae’s apartment. For the break.”

Mina’s reaction was instant. Her eyes widened, and she set her glass down with a clink. “Wait, what? You’re both going to see Minjae?!”

“Yes,” Haeun admitted with a small, guilty smile.

“Are you serious?” Mina exclaimed, her tone halfway between disbelief and excitement. “You are bringing him? When you still haven't introduced me to him? You promised you would! What happened to chicks before dicks?”

Haeun blinked, thrown off balance by Mina’s response. “Well, I—”

“Oh, please, let me come!” Mina interrupted, clasping her hands together dramatically. “I need to get out of here. If I have to spend another break with my family, I’ll lose my mind. And staying here all alone like a loser? No way!”

As she begged, Jihoon’s mind churned with possibilities, ignoring the last stray insult she just threw at him. Without Mina present, Minjae would undoubtedly focus all his attention on Haeun, and she would likely be distracted no matter what she promised, a prospect Jihoon couldn’t bear. But if Mina came along...she could act as a buffer, a distraction, even a wedge. The thought of Minjae, flustered by Mina’s incessant chatter and seduced by her charm, maybe even angering Haeun and breaking apart their relationship, brought an almost imperceptible smile to Jihoon’s lips.

“That’s a great idea,” Jihoon said suddenly, his voice unusually warm. “You should come with us.”

Haeun turned to him, startled. “What?”

“Yeah, why not?” Jihoon continued, leaning back casually. “It’ll be fun. And Mina’s right—it’s not fair to leave her behind.”

Mina beamed at him, her earlier frustration forgotten. “See? Jihoon gets it!” She turned to Haeun, her expression pleading. “Come on, Haeun. I won’t get in the way, I promise!”

Haeun hesitated, her thoughts drifting to Minjae. She had wanted this break to test his limits, to see how far he would go for their games. But perhaps she had been too cruel. The thought of leaving him on the sidelines while she fucked Jihoon throughout the entire break made her chest tighten with guilt, even if she knew deep down he would have loved it. Besides, she is outnumbered right now, and she had promised Jihoon to respect his wishes if he did the same for her.

“Fine,” she said at last, her voice heavy with resignation. “You can come.”

Mina let out a delighted squeal, rushing off to gather her things. Jihoon’s smile deepened, though he quickly hid it behind a mask of casual indifference. Haeun, meanwhile, leaned back against the sofa, her mind already racing. She wondered what Minjae would think of this sudden addition to their plans.

Would he resent it? Would he welcome it? And how would his reaction—his emotions— at having another woman flirt with him play into their game? This break was meant to be a test for him, but she realized now it might also be a test for her.

After a few moments, Mina emerged from her room, her bag hastily packed. She was dressed as though she was about to step into a club, glimpses of her bra visible under a loose cropped top that only enhanced her ample breasts. Haeun had never once felt insecure about her own figure, but still her hand moved to her own chest subconsciously, the gentle swell of her breasts feeling a little too modest all of a sudden. She bit her lip, shaking away the thought. Her mind should be focused on her plans for the week, not some petty insecurity.

“Let’s go!” Mina announced, practically bouncing on her heels.

The three of them headed downstairs, Mina chattering the whole way about everything and nothing. Haeun found herself tuning out the noise, the normally endearing Mina wearing on her patience suddenly.

She sighed. It was going to be a long few days.