Chapter 17: A Glimpse of Trust

Unlike last time, the teacher greeted me with a bright smile. Knowing it wasn’t bad news, I relaxed a bit. We sat across from each other in a neatly arranged consultation room, the sweet aroma of instant coffee filling the air. She spoke first.

“We had a mock exam recently.”

“Oh, right.”

It was the day I got hurt—and yelled at Do Yoon. A bitter pang hit me. She continued.

“As you know, Do Yoon excels academically.”

“Haha, yeah… I guess?”

I gave an awkward smile, knowing full well. I hadn’t taught him, yet I felt oddly proud. Sure enough, she showed me his report card on the monitor—all subjects marked with a perfect 1st grade.

‘Wow…’

“This is from the recent mock exam, but his regular grades are all 1st too.”

I knew, but seeing it was overwhelming. Is this a score humans can achieve?

Mesmerized by the row of 1s, I zoned out until the teacher cautiously asked.

“By any chance… are you planning to send Do Yoon abroad for college?”

“What?”

I was caught off guard. In the novel, Do Yoon attends S University in Korea.

“Why do you ask?”

“He seems uninterested in college.”

I burned my tongue on the coffee. She looked slightly embarrassed.

“I’ve counseled him multiple times, but he says he doesn’t want to go—or rather, there’s nothing he wants to study. I wondered if you’d already discussed this at home.”

No way. No adult in our house talks to Do Yoon about this.

I froze, my eyes drifting back to his perfect grades. If he doesn’t want to study in college, why work so hard? Is this some self-actualization or academic pursuit? Was this his way of rebelling as a model student? Speechless, I was thrown. She asked again.

“Or is he considering something like arts or sports?”

…Huh? Do Yoon goes to S University’s something-or-other department and becomes Haewon Electronics’ department head. I don’t know the exact major, but it’s definitely not arts or sports. I smiled awkwardly.

“Guess Do Yoon’s got talent in those too?”

“He’s quite good at music and art. And sports, of course.”

I asked half-jokingly, but her matter-of-fact reply confirmed it. Do Yoon’s stats were cheat-level. But skipping college with those abilities? Unacceptable, even beyond the novel’s plot.

When my dad’s business tanked and we lived in a one-room apartment, my mom pushed me to finish a four-year degree. Back then, I thought getting a job ASAP was smarter, but in hindsight, I was grateful. In Korea, a degree opens doors. After a pause, I said.

“Can you call Do Yoon in?”

Soon, Do Yoon walked in, frowning slightly at me. Then he suddenly turned to the teacher, almost accusingly.

“I told you I didn’t fight with that kid.”

Who’s he talking about? Is someone still bothering him? My eyes widened, but the teacher shook her head quickly.

“It’s not about that. It’s your college plans.”

Do Yoon’s face darkened even more than during the fight talk. I said.

“School’s almost out, right? Let’s go together.”

“I’m eating and doing night study.”

“Eat with me and study at home. That okay, teacher?”

“Of course.”

Do Yoon glared at me. But his doll-like face wasn’t intimidating, no matter how hard he tried. Defeated by our tag-team, he grabbed his bag with a scowl and followed me out.

In the car, he was silent. I asked the driver to take us to a private Korean restaurant with rooms—perfect for a personal talk without eavesdroppers. Once seated, as side dishes arrived, I asked.

“Why don’t you want to go to college?”

“Just… no reason.”

No reason?

I felt dizzy.

“There’s no such thing as ‘no reason.’”

“…Why’s it always you coming to school lately?”

His tone was sharp, and I was momentarily speechless. His pointed complaint stung—he was clearly avoiding me. My voice rose slightly.

“Who comes matters that much? I’m your guardian too. Our parents are busy.”

He snorted.

“Manager Jo used to come.”

“…Whatever.”

Admitting I begged the teacher to call me directly felt embarrassing. I cleared my throat and changed the subject.

“If not college, what do you want to do?”

“…”

“Like… arts or sports?”

“What if I do?”

“Huh?”

His clear, glass-like eyes met mine. Despite his usual blank expression, I sensed he was testing me. He asked clearly.

“Would you support me if I did?”

I was surprised. Does he think our family won’t back him?

Without a second’s hesitation, I answered.

“Of course. You’re my brother.”

“…Guess Mother would like that too.”

A thought struck me like lightning.

Did Shin Mi Sun say something to him?

I hid my faltering expression by gulping water.

I didn’t know what she said, but it was likely nothing good. Do Yoon only joined Haewon because Seung Hyun was a hopeless delinquent. Father wanted a backup if Seung Hyun failed. Naturally, Shin Mi Sun would feel threatened by Do Yoon’s brilliance, aside from her own affair issues.

Is Do Yoon deliberately saying he’s not interested in college to make rumors reach Mother through Manager Jo?

It made sense. I finished my water slowly, organizing my thoughts, and said.

“What Mother thinks doesn’t matter. Do what you want.”

“…”

“You’re so good at studying, it’s… honestly, a huge waste not to go to college.”

If he’s wary of me because he thinks I’m on Mother’s side, I needed to show I’m not. I went for it.

“You’re not seriously avoiding college because of Mother’s opinion, are you?”

He shut his mouth. I was right.

In Romantic Cinderella, Do Yoon wouldn’t abandon his future over something so petty. He’s the guy who negotiated a full scholarship with Grandfather and secured an apartment to gain independence.

Plus, he has to go to college.

Why? He’s the department head in a Harlequin romance novel.

Have you ever seen a handsome, early-30s chaebol heir in a drama who’s a high school grad? With his specs, early graduation from Harvard or Oxford wouldn’t be surprising. A romance novel hero must be perfect in every way, including education.

Do Yoon didn’t answer, just stared, then said.

“You like that I’m good at studying?”

“Why would I dislike it?”

His eyes widened, surprised. I was a bit exasperated.

“Hey, I already graduated college in the States. You think I’m jealous of my seven-years-younger brother getting top grades?”

“N-No.”

He stammered, flustered.

“Even if I’m dumb and awful, I’m not petty enough to envy my kid brother.”

Though the original Seung Hyun did. Do Yoon looked away, mumbling.

“I… didn’t think that.”

“Honestly, college is for smart kids like you. It gives professors a reason to live.”

“What’s that mean?”

He chuckled, amused. The mood softened. I said seriously.

“I’m serious. Some people make it with money, others don’t. I made it with money.”

He gave me an odd look. It was true, so I shrugged and added.

“Don’t worry about weird stuff. One painting from our house could fund your study abroad.”

Then, a great idea hit me.

“And when you go to college, I’ll buy you a place near campus.”

His eyes widened.

“What?”

It was a spur-of-the-moment thought, but it felt perfect.

I was already planning to buy a property in my name. In Seoul, real estate always appreciates, so it’d be a solid safety net if I get kicked out.