“What’s the point of you getting a girlfriend anyway. You get dumped every single time.”
“I don’t know. I genuinely try my best. It just doesn’t work out.”
“Tsk tsk…. It’s because of Baek Gangha, obviously.”
Byungho clicked his tongue in sympathy. Jo Minjun, contrary to appearances, had an unexpectedly thoughtful and warm side to him. It was likely a habit worn into him from all those years of looking after Baek Gangha — and because of it, there had been quite a few girls who had secretly liked him while pretending to tease him. Sadly, none of them had been able to get past the massive mountain called Gangha that stood squarely in front of Minjun. Even when one somehow managed to start dating him, it would end quickly in tears and drama.
“Baek Gangha is actually going to get a partner? I really can’t believe it.”
“I’m telling you, it’s real. There’s this girl — her name’s Sowon, she’s pretty and sweet. She’s even a dominant omega.”
“Oh…. When you put it that way, it might actually be real.”
“That’s exactly why I’m out here right now.”
Would today really be the day Baek Gangha didn’t call? Honestly, Byungho had anticipated Minjun disappearing halfway through and had made a backup plan in advance.
“So you won’t get summoned in the middle of things today.”
“Exactly.”
Minjun said it with full confidence. If his prediction was right, Sowon would be shyly confessing to Gangha right about now.
“Gangha, I like you….”
“Sowon, I never said anything until now, but I feel the same way about you….”
“Really? Then let’s start dating from today….”
“Yeah, let’s….”
That was probably the kind of conversation they were having right now. Minjun imagined the moment a couple was born and felt quietly pleased.
“Then let’s actually have a drink for once — it’s been ages.”
“No drinking for me. I might have to drive somewhere in a hurry.”
“I can drink by myself, right?”
“Yeah, go ahead.”
Strangely enough, Gangha’s health tended to take a turn for the worse on the very nights Minjun went out. Byungho had once suggested just calling a taxi and going to the hospital, but ever since he was little, Gangha would sooner die than set foot in a hospital without Minjun there.
“Ahhh, nothing beats pork belly and soju.”
Whether Byungho was enjoying himself or not, Minjun was stuck sipping on cider.
“Still, it’s nice to finally get out after all this time, right?”
“Yeah. It is.”
Around the time they were finishing off the extra meat Minjun had ordered, Byungho glanced at his watch.
“Hey, sorry — let’s just finish this and head out. I actually made other plans for later tonight.”
“What? You….”
Minjun almost called him out on it, then held his tongue. He wasn’t entirely unaware of why Byungho had made a backup plan.
Byungho grinned slyly and tilted his chin.
“Come along while you’re at it. They’re all friends anyway — wouldn’t it be fun to hang out together?”
“Ah, I’m shy around new people.”
“You? Shy? That’s a good one. Just go, and if it’s awkward you can always head home.”
“Fine, I guess…. It’s not like I have anything else to do.”
After a moment of hesitation, Minjun adjusted his hat and got up. Going back home would only interrupt Gangha and Sowon, so he decided to tag along and kill time. He slung one arm over Byungho’s shoulder and walked toward the bar they’d reserved. Moving a little further inward from the outskirts, every street was packed with people.
Wading through the slow-moving crowd, Minjun fully understood why Gangha preferred to stay home on nights like this. Brushing bodies with strangers didn’t particularly bother him, but not being able to walk at his own pace was unbearably frustrating.
It was at least a little better once they got inside the bar. But the music was blaring in here too, so it was equally chaotic. Having spent months living in a monastery-quiet apartment while Gangha prepped for his exams, it made Minjun feel even more disoriented.
Maybe I shouldn’t have followed him all the way here….
He was striding in after Byungho when it happened.
“Oh…!”
A woman coming out of the restroom collided with Minjun. Given the difference in their builds, Minjun stayed planted in place while she bounced backwards.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Ugh, seriously….”
Minjun asked, flustered, and the woman looked up with a sharp scowl. Being sent flying backwards without warning was reason enough to be annoyed.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t see you coming out….”
“It’s fine. These things happen.”
“Sorry?”
For someone who had looked genuinely menacing just a moment ago, her voice when she answered was surprisingly bright. Her eyes, now sparkling with interest, swept quickly up and down Minjun’s face. Her expression visibly lifted.
“How many of you came tonight?”
Why is she asking that? While Minjun was still figuring out what to say, Byungho swooped in and answered.
“There are four of us. How about your group?”
Minjun glanced over at Byungho and could already see the excitement on his face.
“We’re four too.”
“Wow, perfect. Want to join us? Where are your friends?”
“Sure, sounds good. They’re over there.”
The three people who appeared to be her group were waving from the direction she pointed. Minjun reflexively dipped his head in a small bow. By now, Byungho’s grin was practically splitting his face.
“Nice work. They really do say things just fall into place for some people.”
Byungho knocked Minjun’s arm with a grin as they made their way to the table. Shortly after, two more of Byungho’s friends arrived in high spirits.
All eight of them settled around a large table and exchanged quick introductions. Maybe because it was the last night of the year, everyone was visibly buzzing with excitement. Minjun scooped some snacks onto a plate for the woman he’d bumped into and struck up conversation.
“Sorry about earlier. You’re not hurt anywhere?”
“No, I’m fine. I’m sorry too — I should’ve looked where I was going.”
The two of them went back and forth apologizing, each insisting it was their own fault. At least no one was hurt.
“Excuse me, um…. Are you older than me? Can I ask how old you are?”
“I’m twenty-four. In a few hours I’ll be twenty-five.”
“Two years older? Feel free to drop the formal speech then.”
She’d clearly already had a fair amount to drink with her group — her voice was bright and buoyant. Out of habit, Minjun kept an eye on her and poured water into her empty glass.
“Sure. What’s your name? You seem a little tipsy — want some water?”
“Yes please. I’m Lee Mina.”
“I’m Jo Minjun. Hey, we’ve both got ‘min’ in our names.”
“Ha, what. That’s so cheesy.”
Mina laughed and swatted Minjun on the arm. Whether it was the alcohol or just her personality, she had great energy.
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“No.”
“Really? Come on, you’re lying.”
“I really don’t…. Do I look like I have one?”
“Yeah. You look like the type who’s been with the same girl for years.”
“Is that a compliment? But seriously, I don’t.”
“Hey, stop having a private conversation — include the rest of us.”
Someone cut in while Minjun and Mina were chatting. For whatever reason, the mood among the other girls had gone a bit flat. Minjun looked over at Byungho, caught off guard.
“Should we play a game?”
Byungho jumped in quickly to liven things up. Minjun nodded in agreement. When he mentioned he couldn’t drink, there was a brief round of booing — but soon everyone was enthusiastically throwing back drinks. After nearly a year without a proper night out, Minjun’s mood began to lift bit by bit.
He was seriously debating whether to call Gangha and ask if he was allowed to drink, when his smartwatch buzzed.
Gangha
Incoming Call
Huh? The moment Minjun registered the name, he was on his feet before he’d even thought about it.
“Where are you going?”
Just as he took a step, Mina grabbed his arm.
“I just need to take this call real quick.”
“It’s not your girlfriend, is it?”
“No. Here, look.”
Minjun held up his smartwatch showing the name Gangha. Byungho, catching sight of it, shook his head slowly with the expression of someone thinking, And there he goes again.
I really thought he wouldn’t call today….
Minjun felt his face go sheepish and managed a smile at Byungho before heading outside the bar.
“Hello. Gangha, what’s going on?”
— Hyung, I think you need to come home.
A calm voice came through the moment the call connected. Minjun’s expression shifted into something puzzled.
“Now? Aren’t you with Sowon?”
— How long will it take?
As always, Gangha didn’t factor in the possibility that Minjun might say no.
“If I leave now, it’ll probably take about thirty minutes…. Is it urgent? I’m with Byungho right now.”
— Yes, it’s urgent. Come straight home.
“…Okay. Got it.”
He’d made such a point of telling Byungho today would be different — and here he was again. Did he have a fight with Sowon? Minjun let out a quiet sigh and walked back inside.
One look at Minjun’s face and Byungho already knew what was coming. The I knew it head shake was unmistakable.
Too embarrassed to meet his eyes, Minjun avoided his gaze and walked to the counter, handing over his card. He paid an additional amount upfront and made his way back to Byungho’s table.
“Sorry — something urgent came up and I have to go. The bill’s all taken care of, so stay and have fun.”
“See? I knew this guy had a girlfriend.”
Mina complained.
“She’s really not my girlfriend. If she were, I wouldn’t even be upset about this. Something came up at home.”
“Then at least leave your number before you go.”
“Sure — pass me your phone.”
Minjun took Mina’s phone, keyed in his number, and called it once. After emphasizing one more time that he really didn’t have a girlfriend, Mina pouted just slightly, looking a little flustered.
“Alright, I’m heading out. Have fun, everyone.”
Minjun waved his goodbyes, gave Byungho a light pat on the back, and then lengthened his stride on the way out of the bar.
He’d kept a calm face in front of everyone, but inside, Minjun’s head was full of worry about Gangha. He didn’t hurt himself somewhere, did he?
