Chapter 23: Surprising Transformations and Tense Dynamics

The shock didn’t end there.

Hyung Joo was astonishingly well-groomed. Just weeks ago, he wore a loose school uniform with a black tee underneath, hair a bright yellow mess, piercings glinting. Now, his uniform was buttoned up neatly, his hair darkened, and the piercings gone. Aside from a slightly disgruntled expression, I wouldn’t have recognized him on the street. As I stammered, Do Yoon, who brought him, answered simply.

“That’s how it happened.”

What!? Explain.

Weeks had passed since their number exchange, and I’d assumed it was a one-off since nothing happened. Street encounters with delinquents don’t usually lead to tutoring, right? I thought it was a fleeting incident, but there was another reason for the silence. Do Yoon said.

“We usually studied at the local library, but it’s under renovation, so I had to bring him here. Sorry.”

My jaw dropped.

“You’ve been… studying together this whole time?”

“Yeah. That’s what we agreed on.”

“Since when?”

“The day after we swapped numbers?”

I stared, dumbfounded, between Do Yoon and Hyung Joo. Hyung Joo, catching my eye, looked embarrassed and ducked his head. I was so stunned, I felt my soul leave my body.

You were that serious about studying? I told you to live better, but reforming this fast? If it’s that easy, why are there bad people at all? Why didn’t you change sooner?

Standing awkwardly, I asked.

“Is the studying… going well? No fighting?”

I hoped they’d clashed. But Do Yoon nodded lightly.

“Of course. No issues.”

His calm reply scrambled my brain further. How does a guy like Hyung Joo change so quickly? Is this a main character perk? Does Do Yoon have a hidden “reform delinquent” ability? Is this plot twist normal?

I swallowed hard. They were destined to be friends eventually, so I shouldn’t overreact to every detail. Feeling like I’d been hit with a hammer, I tried to sound natural.

“Right… well, study hard, both of you.”

But they stood rooted, not moving. Why aren’t you going?

“Uh, Do Yoon’s room is that way.”

Hyung Joo, silent till now, snapped irritably.

“Why would I go to this guy’s room?”

Do Yoon, previously calm, hardened his face and shot back.

“Who said you’re allowed in? Keep dreaming.”

Then why are you here?

Suddenly, they sat at the living room table—on either side of me. I was trapped between two high schoolers.

So… I’m supposed to leave? As I moved, Do Yoon looked up.

“Where are you going, hyung?”

“Aren’t you studying here? I’ll head out.”

“No, stay and watch.”

I was floored. They want me to sit and watch them study? I’ve heard of kids wanting you to watch them eat, but study? Even for a jobless guy like me, this was embarrassing. My face reddened, but Do Yoon added.

“I thought you’d want to see how hard he’s working. You said you hoped he’d do well.”

He pulled out tattered workbooks, test papers, and notes from his bag, clearly used extensively. It hadn’t even been a month since our last meeting, yet the volume of work was staggering. Looking at me, he said.

“…For when he wants to live properly later.”

I froze. I’d said that to defuse the situation, not expecting Do Yoon to take it so seriously and tutor Hyung Joo this diligently.

Blinking, I blurted the first thing that came to mind.

“Uh, thanks…”

Then Hyung Joo stood abruptly, bowing deeply.

“I heard you broke your leg. I’m sorry.”

“…”

It wasn’t broken! What did you tell him, Do Yoon? His face was shameless, almost proud, like he expected praise. Hyung Joo, slightly embarrassed but determined, continued.

“I thought all adults were out to scam me. I’m gonna try hard to prove it’s not just talk.”

His sharp, animal-like gaze met mine, making my chest tighten.

“I won’t take much of your time.”

Unable to laugh or cry, I sank back down. The table was covered in workbooks and error-filled notes. Do Yoon’s voice came from my right.

“Hyung’s busy, so explain quickly and wrap it up.”

I glanced at him, mortified. I was just lounging! You both saw me… Thankfully, Hyung Joo didn’t call it out, instead snapping at Do Yoon.

“I’ll handle it myself.”

“Yeah, right. You barely manage middle school level.”

“No way! Hyung, I’m not that bad. I just never tried before, but I think I’ve got talent.”

Of course you do—it’s your calling, especially in compound interest… Do Yoon scoffed.

“You?”

“Jerk.”

I smiled warmly.

“You two are really close.”

“Absolutely not!”

Their synced denial made my head throb.

As they showed off their efforts, I gave mechanical responses. Their progress in such a short time was genuinely impressive, but repeating “great job,” “that must’ve been tough,” “impressive,” “cool,” and “looking forward to more” grew exhausting.

I shouldn’t be stuck here watching kids flaunt their friendship disguised as a briefing! They said it’d be quick, but they kept rambling.

When the mood settled, I tossed out an exit line.

“Want to eat something while you work? Pizza?”

Hyung Joo’s eyes lit up, excited.

“Pizza’s great!”

Kids love food. But Do Yoon asked.

“You eating too, hyung?”

“Nah, you studious kids eat. I’ve seen enough of your hard work, so I’ll head out.”

Hyung Joo’s excitement vanished instantly. He grumbled.

“Then forget it.”

“Yeah, we don’t need it,” Do Yoon added.

“Huh?”

I was stunned. Hyung Joo, fine, but Do Yoon too? Why keep me here? Do I look like a tutor? What’s fun about hanging with a hyung seven years older? As someone who dodged crusty industry seniors at company dinners, I couldn’t understand. I waved my hands.

“Don’t mind me, just chill together.”

“It’s chill now,” Do Yoon said instantly.

Hyung Joo nodded.

“Yeah. If you’re not eating, I’m not either. Eating with this guy would make me sick.”

“Same. I don’t even want to eat with you.”

“Perfect.”

What a mess. Kids bond through bickering, but these two were growling constantly. If I didn’t know Do Yoon’s novel trait of acting cold to those he likes, I’d think he genuinely hated Hyung Joo. Caught in the middle, I laughed awkwardly and asked again.

“How about… something else? Should I ask the chef to make something?”

“What do you like, hyung?” Hyung Joo asked, eyes sparkling.

Do Yoon glared, snapping.

“Why do you care?”

“It’s just a question. I didn’t ask you, so butt out.”

“You keep messing up the same problems because you care about useless stuff.”

“Hey, this guy—”

“I love pizza!” I shouted desperately.

Watching their bizarre friendship-building would wear out my nerves. Hyung Joo, surprised, said.

“Thought you were a sundae soup guy, but you like pizza too?”

“I eat most things…”

Do Yoon cut in again.

“Eat sundae soup with me next time.”

“Huh? Sure.”

I didn’t know he liked that. In the novel, he and the heroine always went to Italian or French restaurants. Did his taste change while dating?