Chapter 37: Cold War

A series of events had left me and Seo Yuna in a Cold War.

Even today, as soon as I arrived at the academy and took my seat, Seo Yuna turned her head away sharply.

She was making it very clear that she was upset.

‘How long is this going to last?’

By this point, it felt like our situation had turned into a pride battle where neither of us could afford to lose.

Observing this situation with amusement, Jinyoung approached our seats with a smirk.

“You two still haven’t made up?”

A bright, cheerful smile.

He looked as entertained as an aunt watching a morning drama.

“Whoever talks first is the loser, apparently.”

His words carried a sharp edge, making me frown.

‘She’s definitely saying that for me to hear.’

How childish.

Jinyoung chuckled as if he found our reactions amusing.

“Wow, this is impressive. You guys aren’t talking, not even making eye contact. Anyone would think you’re a couple on the verge of divorce.”

“Quit spouting nonsense.”

I sighed and opened my book, getting ready for class.

Seo Yuna, still turned away from me, stared at her phone.

Jinyoung kept chatting away with that ever-present smile.

“Just make up already. Even I’m getting uncomfortable. The whole class is low-key walking on eggshells around you two.”

“Why does that matter?”

Yuna and I snapped back at her at the same time.

We really had a knack for being in sync at the strangest times.

“This is all just a pride battle, right? Like, whoever talks first loses.”

Jinyoung laughed as he glanced between us.

“Hey, but seriously, how long is this gonna last? Till the end of the semester?”

I ignored him and flipped another page.

Seo Yuna, still focused on her phone, didn’t respond either.

Jinyoung leaned in, resting a hand on my shoulder, and whispered into my ear.

“Hey, a guy should know when to back down.”

“Watch what you say. This is an era of gender equality.”

“Wow… you’re impossible. And didn’t I tell you? She was definitely going to be pissed.”

“Congratulations, you were right. Now go back to your seat.”

Ignoring me completely, Jinyoung turned his attention to Seo Yuna.

“Hey, how long are you planning to stay mad?”

“What are you talking about? I’m not mad.”

“Just admit it. You’re sulking because Kim Dohyun had waffles with Choi Dabin over the weekend.”

“That is NOT why!”

BBAEK—

Seo Yuna practically screeched at him, making Jinyoung retreat behind me for cover.

Shaking my head, I muttered.

“Mind your own business.”

“Come on, friends fight sometimes.”

“We didn’t even fight.”

“You guys are acting like elementary schoolers. It’s ridiculous.”

“…”

Jinyoung kept smirking, glancing back and forth between us.

After all, one of the most entertaining things in the world is watching other people argue.

“You two are hopeless. Just never speak to each other again for the rest of your lives.”

“Okay.”

“Fine.”

As if rehearsed, Yuna and I responded in perfect unison.

Jinyoung, seemingly fed up with our stubbornness, shook his head and finally walked back to his seat.

I stared out the window, my mind gradually going blank.

‘Sigh…’

***

Ding—Dong—Dang—Dong.

As soon as the lunch bell rang, I grabbed some bread and milk from the snack shop and headed to the library.

After all, club activities were right after lunch.

When I opened the library door, someone was already there.

‘Does she really like books that much?’

Choi Dabin was scanning the shelves with great focus.

Grabbing a light novel I had been reading yesterday, I took a seat.

Dabin sat across from me and asked, “Still haven’t made up with Yuna?”

‘…Again with this?’

‘Why does everyone I meet bring up the same topic?’

“Can we drop this already?”

“That just shows how obvious it is. Even the whole class knows.”

Dabin sighed and added, “You two are both too stubborn. One of you just needs to apologize, and it’ll be over.”

She hesitated before speaking again, carefully choosing her words.

“And… it feels awkward. Like, I kind of feel like it’s my fault.”

“It’s not.”

“I know, I’m just saying it feels that way. Yuna’s not that petty. If you just talk to her, she’ll probably get over it right away.”

I didn’t respond, just quietly flipping open my book.

***

After club activities, I was walking toward the school gate.

Up ahead, I spotted a familiar figure.

A girl with striking golden-blond hair.

And in front of her, a guy speaking awkwardly.

A boy with glasses, giving off a slimy, opportunistic vibe.

That annoying face.

Kim Junyoung, the president of the design club.

In the original story, he was a minor character who made a move on Seo Yuna, only to get completely humiliated.

“Yuna, the design club members are getting together for a meal today… Are you really not coming?”

At his words, Seo Yuna’s face briefly twisted.

But she quickly returned to a composed expression, smiling politely.

“Sorry, I already have plans with a friend.”

A graceful rejection.

Normally, that would be the end of the conversation.

But Kim Junyoung had no intention of giving up.

“Still… It’s a rare gathering. It’d feel off without you, and everyone’s waiting.”

“Well… I already made plans.”

“If you just explain to your friend, I’m sure they’ll understand. Club dinners don’t happen that often.”

“That would be a little… difficult.”

Yuna shrugged slightly, once again making it clear she was declining.

‘Wow, he’s even more pathetic in person.’

“It’ll only take a moment. We’re just having dinner and then everyone will head home.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll join next time.”

Though she maintained a gentle smile, I could see Seo Yuna’s expression slowly stiffening.

‘She’s really going through it.’

As I watched them, my eyes suddenly met Yuna’s.

I wasn’t sure if the way she widened them was meant as an SOS signal, but…

It was easier to just assume it was.

I naturally started walking toward them.

“What are you doing?”

As I approached and spoke, Kim Junyoung turned to look at me.

Ignoring his gaze, I glanced at Yuna and added, “Choi Dabin is locking up the library. It might take a while.”

For a moment, her tense expression seemed to ease, and then she nodded.

“Oh, really? Dabin and I were supposed to go to a karaoke place together.”

Kim Junyoung narrowed his eyes and scanned me from head to toe.

His sharp gaze felt like he was assessing my battle power or something.

“Are you Yuna’s friend?”

“Yeah, so what?”

Short and direct.

Kim Junyoung’s expression soured.

It seemed he wasn’t thrilled about this unexpected interference.

He fiddled with the middle of his glasses frame, looking annoyed.

“If you already have plans with a friend, I guess it can’t be helped.”

Not wanting to embarrass himself further by begging in front of me, he backed off quickly.

With a forced smile, he looked at Yuna.

“Next time, make sure you come, Yuna.”

“Ah… yeah.”

Yuna nodded with an appropriate smile.

With a look of lingering disappointment, Kim Junyoung finally left through the school gate.

The moment he was completely out of sight, Yuna let out a deep sigh.

“Wow… he’s seriously persistent.”

There are many types of men in the world.

Those who give up on dating and fall in love with 2D characters.

People like me, trapped in chronic laziness.

And those whose entire existence revolves around their ego.

The guy who just got rejected probably belonged to the third category.

A normal person would have given up after being turned down twice.

Yuna absentmindedly tapped the ground with her toe, brushing a hand through her hair.

“Seriously, what’s his deal?”

“He probably likes you.”

She let out a short laugh, responding irritably.

“Guys like that are the worst.”

Still annoyed, she muttered under her breath.

“I rejected him politely twice. How does he not get the hint…?”

“Yeah, he’s not very self-aware.”

I agreed with her.

Moments like these called for empathy.

Yuna stared at me for a moment, her lips parting slightly before she awkwardly spoke.

“…But.”

“Hm?”

“Well… thanks for helping me out.”

“You were staring daggers at me. Wasn’t that your way of signaling for help?”

Yuna chuckled and stepped closer.

“When did I ever give you a signal for help?”

“Just now. You were glaring like you wanted to kill someone.”

“Since you helped me, can’t you say it a little more nicely?”

With a playful grin, she looked at me—then suddenly raised her hand.

And—

SMACK!

She slapped my forehead.

‘!?’

‘How did someone with such a petite frame hit that hard?’

My forehead stung.

“What the—?”

I rubbed my forehead in confusion.

Looking completely satisfied, Yuna smirked.

“That’s punishment for being annoying before. I’ll let it slide with this.”

Placing a hand on her hip, she added, I stared at her, utterly baffled.

‘Punishment? Are you kidding me?’

***

Footsteps approached from behind.

“Did you two finally make up?”

Choi Dabin smiled brightly as she spoke.

I responded nonchalantly.

“We were never fighting to begin with.”

Yuna chimed in.

“Yeah, we never fought.”

Dabin crossed her arms, looking unconvinced.

“Sure, sure. But if you were going to resolve things this easily, couldn’t you have done it sooner?”

Yuna and I glanced at each other.

After a brief pause, I spoke first.

“You’re right.”

Yuna, with a smug expression, added, “I was just being generous.”

Her attitude was so irritating that I almost shot back with a retort—but I held back, not wanting to stir up unnecessary trouble.

Dabin let out a small laugh and shook her head.

“You guys are so childish.”

And just like that, the tense standoff that had lasted for days came to an unexpectedly natural and almost absurdly simple end—with the sound of laughter.