Chapter 36: Dreams of Campus and Shared Homes

“Really? No takebacks!”

Is it that exciting? I didn’t get it but nodded with a smile.

“Of course.”

“Going to the same school as you would be so cool. I want to go together…”

…Why?

Anyway, I was glad we dodged the American school topic. But then Do Yoon started sharing his campus fantasies.

“University seems so free. Flexible class times… and taking classes with someone you like.”

He glanced at me, then said out of nowhere.

“You like pretty people, right? Bet you’re picky about looks when dating.”

“…Picky? Just a little.”

“Have you ever dated a foreigner at school?”

Why’s Do Yoon asking about stuff I don’t know today? Cold sweat prickled as I laughed it off.

“You itching to date? Dating’s best after you start working.”

I recalled the novel’s scene where Do Yoon meets the heroine, Bae Ji An. On her first day as a contract worker at Haewon Electronics, Ji An, rushing, collides with Do Yoon, who’s holding coffee. His pricey white shirt gets ruined, and she, flustered, shoves her contact info on a Post-it into his hand before bolting. Do Yoon, annoyed, toys with the note—a classic meet-cute.

But Do Yoon’s smile vanished instantly.

“…You’re working hard for your job, huh?”

Remembering him chasing me in the car, I smiled awkwardly.

“Of course. No repeats of last year.”

“…Yeah.”

Silence fell.

Do Yoon clamped his mouth shut, clearly upset again. Why’s he sulking now?! I was starting to accept his teenage mood swings, but I worried he’d act this way with the heroine and lose her charm. I hoped Bae Ji An was a saint.

As the year turned, I didn’t slack on studying, exercising, or managing assets. Buying a house near S University for Do Yoon was just part of it. I also got an apartment ten minutes from Haewon E&M for myself.

Maybe because I planned ahead, this year went smoothly, passing the aptitude test like last time. The first interview was nerve-wracking, but Seung Hee’s info helped me predict the company’s vibe and questions. The group discussion was tougher—my teammates were so nervous I had to carry the conversation.

The two-week work period earned good reviews, and the final executive interview was oddly easy—just a question about hobbies before I passed. I suspected someone knew my background, but as long as it wasn’t obvious, I was fine.

On the day of my final acceptance, the house threw a party rivaling Grandfather’s birthday. He praised me repeatedly, beaming, while Seung Hee gruffly told me to do well. Mother seemed conflicted—glad I was working but unhappy it was Haewon E&M. Father, unchanged, said it was good I’d finally gotten serious.

“You did it, Hyung. I knew you would. Congrats.”

After the party, Do Yoon caught up with me on a night walk, smiling.

He was the party’s other star. He’d gotten into S University’s business school. Coincidentally, his acceptance came a day before mine, but he didn’t tell me until my results were out, worried I’d failed. Too kind for this harsh world…

Thanks to him, we celebrated both acceptances together. If our dates were farther apart, the family might’ve skipped his. Feeling bittersweet, I ruffled his hair harder than usual.

“Congrats on becoming a college student. You’re almost a real adult.”

Do Yoon grinned brighter than ever. Smiling back, I whispered.

“So, I got you a gift.”

His eyes widened.

“What is it?!”

Proudly, I said.

“Remember I mentioned it? I bought a place near your university. Move in anytime. It’s new and clean—the best around campus.”

“Oh…”

But his expression was off—not as thrilled as I expected. Instead, he asked.

“What about you?”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You said you’d move out once you got a job.”

“Oh, I got a place too. Ten minutes from the company.”

His big eyes darted around. Fidgeting like he had something to say, he took a deep breath, as if making a grand announcement. His serious face worried me.

“Do Yoon, what’s wrong? Problem?”

“Hyung…”

“Yeah, tell me.”

“If you’re moving out… can I live with you?”

“What?”

His unexpected request stunned me. As I gaped, he launched into a logical pitch, like he’d prepped a presentation.

“Living together would be convenient. I’m good at cooking and cleaning. Before coming here… I did most of the housework.”

I knew that—his mom wasn’t in a state to care. But his sudden domestic pitch threw me. Am I crazy enough to make the novel’s hero my housekeeper?

“No, I can handle that.”

“You had help in America. How’ll you manage alone? At home, you’re either sitting or lying down.”

His blunt truth hit hard. Is that how I look? I had no comeback. With drooping eyebrows, he said seriously.

“And when you seem fine, you suddenly get hurt… You need someone to look after you.”

I get hurt a lot, sure, but him saying he’s that someone made me chuckle. I’m supposed to look after you. I’m seven years older! What does he think I am? My dignity as an older brother felt bruised. Hiding my embarrassment, I said.

“I’ll hire help for housework.”

“Is that the same as me?”

That’s not the point! Grabbing his shoulders, I said earnestly.

“Do Yoon, I’m not taking you in to do chores. Don’t feel burdened. Enjoy campus life—you’re just twenty.”

“I’m a grown adult!”

“Who said you’re not?”

But as I spoke, his face shifted to near tears.

“…A house alone is too big.”

It’s not that big. His place is 30 pyeong, mine 40. I picked modest sizes to avoid gossip if I brought people over. Shaking my head, I started.

“It’s not that big—”

“I’m… scared to live alone.”

“What?”

His fear caught me off guard. A grown adult, scared? He dropped his gaze, looking lonely.

“It’s too quiet alone.”

Our house isn’t exactly lively. Seung Hee, now a manager, is home even less since her promotion. I’m not loud, and Do Yoon, a senior, mostly just sleeps here. He continued.

“Before… Mom was always loud. Muttering, crying, sometimes screaming.”

I froze at his sudden past. His face shadowed.

“As a kid, I wanted to escape countless times. Why was my life so hard? Why was my mom different? Living with her was exhausting—I wished someone would end the pain. But my grandma worked all day for me, and feeling that way made me feel like a horrible person.”

“…”

“Then, when Mom got quiet, I was terrified… like she might be dead.”