Chapter 21: Awkward Encounters and Unintended Bonds

I don’t know how I left that store. The cashier from last time greeted me cheerfully, but it didn’t register. Outside, still shaken, I mumbled to Do Yoon in a trembling voice.

“Hey, don’t misunderstand… I don’t always… do that in front of mirrors.”

“Okay.”

Don’t just give me a one-word answer—tease me or something…

Do Yoon had changed into the dark green hoodie and jeans he’d just bought. He’d seemed excited picking them out, but after catching me striking bodybuilder poses in the mirror, his face stayed stiff, probably shocked.

If we’d been real brothers who grew up bathing together, it’d be less awkward. But in this tentative phase of getting closer, him seeing me like that made me want to die of embarrassment. As he avoided my eyes, I kept piling on pathetic excuses.

“I don’t have muscles, so… I was checking. My body’s kinda bad.”

“…It looked fine.”

He muttered without looking, staring blankly ahead as we walked. His excessive kindness nearly brought tears—not from gratitude, but mortification.

I yanked out my phone, pretending something occurred to me.

“Want to get anything else? Or do something? Department store? Café? There’s a Haewon Hotel nearby… or a movie? It’s early to head home.”

Do Yoon thought for a moment.

“Not hungry, right?”

“Nope.”

“Then… a movie.”

“Cool.”

We stepped to the side, furiously tapping our phones. But no nearby theaters had showtimes starting soon. My brow furrowed as I stared at the screen.

“Hmm, nothing’s playing here. Wanna try the next town over?”

Then—

“Ho-gu hyung?”

A familiar voice came from behind.

At the same time, Do Yoon, who’d been looking at his phone beside me, was grabbed and spun around. Startled, I turned too. Who grabs someone on the street? Another casting scout?

But when I saw the guy holding Do Yoon’s arm, my jaw dropped.

It was Hyung Joo.

“Huh?”

I let out a dumb sound. Do Yoon, annoyed, shook off Hyung Joo’s grip.

“What are you doing?”

Hyung Joo looked as stunned as I felt. He glanced between us, then let out a disbelieving chuckle, scratching his head.

“I thought I got the wrong guy… but maybe not entirely?”

“What?”

Do Yoon’s tone sharpened at Hyung Joo’s vague remark. Meanwhile, I blinked like an idiot, blindsided. It felt like getting slapped back and forth.

Hyung Joo showing up here? Is this a nightmare? Is he an NPC who spawns near Haewon Hotel?

I gave him my number to keep him away from Do Yoon, and he never called—yet here he is, zeroing in on Do Yoon on his second appearance. It’s like he’s a plot-homing missile, mocking my feeble efforts. I felt dizzy.

Even if they’re fated to meet, does it have to be now?

Do Yoon, frowning, turned to me.

“Your friend?”

“No?”

I answered instantly, and both their eyes flashed, piercing me like lasers. I swallowed hard and corrected.

“Uh, a… younger acquaintance.”

Hyung Joo’s face lit up. Do Yoon’s froze colder than when he saw me in the fitting room—terrifyingly so.

Hyung Joo, noticing Do Yoon’s expression, adopted a cocky tone.

“Oh, this is that brother you mentioned? Same age as me?”

“How do you know our hyung?”

Do Yoon shot back, dropping formalities the moment he heard “same age.” Is this his real personality? Maybe because they’re destined to be best friends, they’re clicking too fast. Panicked, I waved my hands, inserting myself between them.

“What’re you doing here, Hyung Joo?”

“Doing here? Just saw someone like you and said hi.”

Why say hi to me? Didn’t you lose my number? Maybe scribbling it on a napkin was a mistake. Hyung Joo pouted at me.

“Why’re brothers sharing clothes? You’re rich.”

Before I could respond, Do Yoon cut in, staring at me.

“Don’t all your close friends live in the States?”

Hyung Joo jumped in.

“I’ve eaten with him. We met somewhere special.”

“Somewhere special…?”

Do Yoon’s eyes narrowed. I was floored by Hyung Joo calling a police station “special”—it sounded like we met at a VIP lounge or a blind date. Do Yoon’s face hardened as he said stiffly.

“Wherever you met, we’re busy. Got something to say? We’ve got a place to be, and they’re strict about reservations.”

Uh…

Calling a movie theater that’s technically true, but didn’t we just find out there’s no showing nearby?

Hyung Joo flinched, then turned to me.

“You and your brother must be tight. Never seen a guy hang with his hyung on a weekend. Doesn’t he have friends?”

His snarky tone created a tense atmosphere.

Why’s this guy popping up and hitting all my sore spots?

I was already feeling guilty for hogging the main character’s precious weekend. High schoolers usually hang with peers or girlfriends. If not for Grandfather’s pen errand, I could’ve handled this on a weekday evening. I cut in before Do Yoon could show annoyance.

“I’m the one without friends. I begged him to hang out.”

For a moment, Do Yoon’s expression visibly softened. Even Hyung Joo went quiet. Keeping my guard up, I glanced between them.

Hyung Joo seemed to have just said hi out of familiarity. Do Yoon, for some reason, didn’t seem to like him—good news. Surprisingly, Hyung Joo didn’t seem fond of Do Yoon either.

So, we just say goodbye and part ways, right?

Maybe their fated connection ends here. If they dislike each other, no need for introductions. My heart raced at this sudden happy route. I said casually.

“…Anyway, nice coincidence. Good to see you, take care. We’ve got places to go.”

And don’t show up again.

But as I turned, Hyung Joo shouted.

“Math!”

“What?”

“You said I’d be good at math. I thought about it all day.”

He clenched his fists, stammering like he was recalling a speech.

“No one’s ever said that to me before. But when I tried studying, it didn’t go well.”

I stared, uneasy. Get to the point.

“So… can I call you sometimes if I don’t get something?”

“Huh?”

I let out a dumbfounded noise. Me? Why?

I haven’t touched math in over a decade. Didn’t he lose my number? He could call? Just do it, then. Stunned, I mumbled.

“I suck at math.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

What? You’re calling about math! I blinked at his nonsensical words.

Then, Do Yoon, standing beside me, suddenly cut in.

“Call me. I’m good at math. Give me your number.”

He thrust his phone at Hyung Joo. I gasped. Hyung Joo frowned.

“Why would I?”

Exactly, why? Hyung Joo voiced my thoughts. Do Yoon, staring him down, replied in a tone as cold as Seung Hee’s male counterpart.

“I said, I’m good at math. I can tutor you if you want. Better than most academies.”

My jaw dropped. This kind? Is Do Yoon an angel?

His prickly-but-secretly-kind act was his signature move when flirting with the heroine in the novel.