Chapter 83: Prizes, Jealousy, and a Ladybug Vacuum

“You’ll probably take first, Ji An-ssi.”

“I hope so,” she said with a shy grin. For a moment, her bright face overlapped with young Do Yoon’s innocent smile.

My heart twinged. I pressed my five clues into her hand.

“Win first place.”

Her eyes widened, touched, then she bowed 90 degrees.

“Thank you, sunbae-nim! You’re the coolest, most generous, and most admirable person I’ve ever met!”

It’s just paper scraps…

From afar, Do Yoon pushed through the crowd. Alternating glances between us, he thrust out his hand.

“Me too.”

“What?”

“Give me clues.”

Speechless at his antics—was this tantrum or rivalry?—Ji An, equally flustered, rustled her stack.

“S-Should I give you some?”

“No. From hyung.”

I quickly interlaced our fingers, yanking him toward me. Too childish, even for jealousy!

“Sorry, Ji An-ssi. American joke. Go over there.”

“Ah… okay.”

She bowed, puzzled, and vanished toward Ah Young. I exhaled in relief. Do Yoon stood docilely, hand still in mine. I’d expected a fight. Glaring, I hissed.

“Cut it out.”

“Cut what?”

“We’re nothing with Bae Ji An-ssi.”

His eyes rounded in shock, mouth opening and closing.

“…You knew?”

How could I not? You charge at me with murder eyes every time.

“You’re obvious.”

His briefly excited face deflated like a punctured balloon.

“…Not for you.”

“What are you on about? Let go.”

He didn’t. When I shook, he pulled me into a hug. Gasps from onlookers. Trapped, my face burned. Gritting my teeth.

“Let go.”

“Why? We’re not doing anything wrong. We’re showing how close we are, right? I want the world to know.”

His nonsense made my face explode. Why so petty? Embarrassed and dizzy, heart racing, I stammered.

“P-People are watching.”

“Okay. Somewhere private.”

He dragged me to the parking lot. Only team awards remained; neither of us cared about prizes. Many had left early. But as he aimed for his car, I snapped awake.

“No, after-party.”

“Why go? Rest at my place.”

Knew it. He’d been begging since before his trip. Narrowing my eyes, I stared. Then the emcee’s voice boomed.

“Number 25!”

Cheers followed. Turning, I saw Ji An sprinting to the stage.

“Number 25… home robot vacuum! Congrats~! She’s thrilled!”

Ji An jumped, holding a panel with the red ladybug vacuum. I sighed unconsciously.

“That’s the one I wanted.”

Do Yoon paused, checking her prize, then said rapidly.

“Ancient model, discontinued years ago. No parts, hard to service. Haewon clearing inventory. I’ll buy you a better one.”

I frowned.

“I know. It’s just… the one we…”

I stopped, embarrassed. Didn’t want to reminisce about something he might not remember. His eyes widened, then realization dawned.

“…The one we picked together?”

“No.”

I denied instantly. But a smile crept onto his face, soon blazing like the sun. Cheap shot with that smile.

“Ours broke? It was sturdy. Wait—you probably lost it. I bet I can find it at home.”

“No! I was drunk and kicked it…”

He grinned. I’d fallen for his trap again. Sighed shortly.

“Got it.”

Got what? I shook free. This time, he let go. But my hand tingled long after, as if still held.

I returned to the crowd, made it to Seoul, and survived the after-party. Exhausted, but sober—drunk, I’d over-romanticize Do Yoon and question myself.

Sunday, I slept all day, yet Monday, my body ached. Barely participated, but sports day fatigue lingered.

Passing the hallway, I spotted Do Yoon and Ji An by the vending machine, chatting warmly. I froze, hiding behind a wall like I’d seen something forbidden.

Do Yoon’s face was soft; Ji An, flushed, hands clasped, nodding attentively. Sunlight haloed them. Perfectly matched. I smiled bitterly.

They’re fine without Yeon Seok.

Of course. Male and female leads. Hesitating, I took a long detour. A hollow ache in my chest.

I ate lunch late, alone. Returning, Ah Young, Ji An, and Sun Woo waved from a coffee corner. No Do Yoon. I approached awkwardly. Sun Woo dramatized.

“Ji An won four prizes! Knew?”

Shocked—I’d missed the draw arguing with Do Yoon about going home.

“Really? My clues help?”

“Oh, no. Yours got too wet, numbers faded… But thanks! Boosted my odds.”

“Ah.”

Embarrassed. Ah Young explained.

“Personal: wireless speaker. Team: laptop. Treasure hunt: kimchi fridge and robot vacuum. Amazing, right? Treat us.”

“Yeah, planning sashimi this week.”

Ah Young and Sun Woo clapped. I marveled at her luck.

“Wow… Selling them all?”

“Already sold one. Probably the priciest.”

Stunned. Sports day was Saturday; today, Monday.

“Items not delivered yet… You had panels.”

“Buyer wanted it ASAP. Signed contract, done.”

Her hustle was unreal. Survived poverty like a weed, grasping happiness. I assumed.

“Kimchi fridge was the big one.”

“No, the robot vacuum.”

She beamed. I gaped.

“Most expensive of the four?”

“Yes!”

“The ladybug one… more than the fridge?”

“Yes!”

What sucker paid that for a discontinued, unservicable model? Briefly suspected fraud.

“Didn’t scam a foreigner?”

“No! Buyer insisted. Had to be that one.”