Chatting idly along the way, they finally arrived at the Business Department’s pub, where the place was buzzing with activity. People were hauling supplies, organizing things, preparing food, and giving orders left and right. With such a large space, it took a lot of hands to keep things running.
“We’re here~!”
Ji-woo’s lively voice rang out, and one by one, people paused and lifted their heads. Spotting Jae-ha, several waved and smiled in greeting.
Jae-ha gave a casual nod back, his eyes automatically searching for Yoon-taek. It had become a habit lately. Since Yoon-taek had been the first one to pick up the candle—and got possessed every time one showed up—it was almost guaranteed the last one would target him too.
Glancing around like he was just taking in the scene, Jae-ha caught sight of Yoon-taek in the kitchen, bustling around with ingredients. At least the third candle hadn’t struck yet.
“Wow, Jae-ha Oppa! Welcome!”
“Hyung, you made it?”
“Hey, there’s a cute freshman here too~!”
Han Jeong-seok butted in with fake cuteness, only to be met with playful boos.
“Look at him, finally strolling back after I sent him on an errand. Bet you were off playing with Ji-woo.”
“Yeah, check out that punk swinging the bag around.”
“Hey, I was late because I went to pick up Jae-ha hyung. Right, hyung?”
Because of his sharp features, Jeong-seok often got mistaken for a delinquent in high school. He grumbled and latched onto Jae-ha, pretending to sob as he rubbed his face against his shoulder with noticeable weight.
“Hyung, you’re looking sharp today.”
“Yeah, you really dressed up. You’re probably already trending on the student board.”
“Total knockout. Oppa was already getting hit on earlier, I swear.”
At their impressed remarks, Ji-woo—who’d witnessed it firsthand—shrugged smugly. Meanwhile, Jae-ha shoved Jeong-seok back toward the prep team and pulled Su-min over to his side before replying.
“You told me to put some effort in.”
“Well done, Hyung.”
“Looking amazing.”
The juniors beamed, flashing him thumbs-ups like overeager fanboys. Amused, Jae-ha adjusted his clothes theatrically, striking a pose. A chorus of “Ooooh~!” echoed back, followed by a flood of photo requests. The reactions almost made the performance worth it.
They’d insisted he had to be the face of the pub and dress like he was going on a date. So, for the first time in ages, he’d fussed over his clothes and even styled his hair. The last time he’d done this was back when he and Hae-hyun were still caught up in that almost-but-not stage.
Back then, he’d put in the effort because he wanted to look good for Hae-hyun… and here he was, thinking about him again. Shaking himself, Jae-ha shoved the thought aside.
“Wow, Oppa! Your skin’s glowing. You don’t even need makeup.”
Min-hee emerged from the tent, with Ji-woo at her side—so she’d probably gone to fetch her.
“You were gonna make me wear makeup too?”
“Of course. You’re our department’s best marketing tool, Oppa. We have to give it our all.”
With a smooth smile, Min-hee handed him something she’d been holding. When he unfolded it, it turned out to be a sash, the kind beauty pageant contestants wore. On both sides, carefully handwritten slogans filled the space: ‘Face of Business ♥ Pride of Business’ and ‘Come to the Business Department Pub ♥’.
“……”
“Nice handwriting, right? I’m proud of that.”
Min-hee grinned as Jae-ha stared down in silence. Ji-woo and Jeong-seok hovered close like baby chicks, chirping their admiration.
“…Should I just drop out instead?”
“Oppa~!”
Min-hee burst into laughter, loud enough to cover his deadpan tone.
So this was why they’d excused him from helping with prep—because of a scheme like this. Forcing him to wear this thing around campus and work would’ve been crossing the line.
“Guys, I still have a life after this festival, you know.”
The campus was already overflowing with students, and with the festival, tons of outsiders had swarmed in too. Walking around in this thing meant hundreds of photos for sure. If his picture ended up circling online forever with a caption like “Business Department’s Self-Obsessed Guy,” he’d never live it down.
But his juniors, carefree since it wasn’t their problem, just waved him off.
“Relax. It only looks lame when some average dude wears it. Oppa, you’re ridiculously handsome.”
“Yeah. Everyone’s gonna agree.”
So they could think about public approval but not his embarrassment?
“Oooh… I think it suits you.”
Su-min, who’d been looking at the sash with them, muttered casually. Really? Even his closest ally had betrayed him.
“See? Even the freshman agrees! Told you, Oppa.”
“No one’s gonna think you wrote it yourself. It’s obvious someone else made you wear it. Don’t worry.”
“Yeah, it’ll just look like the hottest guy in the department got forced into it.”
Not look like. That’s exactly what was happening.
“C’mon, Oppa. Just once, please? My wish. My one wish.”
“Please, Hyung! Let us have a meat party after this.”
When Jae-ha kept the sash at arm’s length with a sour face, the juniors switched tactics, clinging to him and piling on exaggerated cuteness. Their relentless persistence was almost impressive.
“Fine. Just once.”
Finally, Jae-ha sighed in defeat. The juniors’ faces lit up, and they eagerly slipped the sash over his shoulder, beaming as they admired how well it suited him. These little punks… they’re totally mocking me. Scowling, he coldly refused the flood of photo requests, though sneaky camera clicks still followed.
But as he left the tent and walked the short distance to the festival street, Jae-ha found himself adapting quickly. He couldn’t exactly toss it now—so shamelessness was his only option. Muttering, he complained to Su-min, who trailed close behind.
“Usually they’re obedient, but when it comes to stupid stuff like this, they’re bulldozers. I just wanted them to enjoy the festival, and now the mood’s ruined.”
“No, I think it’s fun.”
…He probably meant checking out the booths, right? Jae-ha decided not to ask.
As they moved down toward the booths, the attention on him was noticeably sharper than before. Jae-ha was used to stares, but this time, it felt heavier.
Trying to ignore it, he pulled out his phone, only to find word had already spread. Messages poured in from acquaintances in other departments, asking if he was the Face of Business. He ignored them and checked other notifications—two missed calls from Hae-hyun, along with a flood of new messages. Replies to the one he’d sent earlier, apparently.
Seriously? Was this worth calling about? But ignoring him would just leave him with no excuse later. With a short sigh, Jae-ha pressed call. The line hadn’t even finished its first ring when Hae-hyun’s voice snapped in.
– Sunbae, where are you?
The tone was sharp, almost accusing. Really? I can’t even enjoy myself in broad daylight without him acting pissed?
“Why?”
– What do you mean why? You disappeared out of nowhere. Of course I’m worried.
Jae-ha hedged his reply, but Hae-hyun shot back instantly, like he was proving a perfectly reasonable point.
“What’s there to worry about?”
– Did you forget? There’s still one candle left.
“It’s still bright out. And Su-min’s with me. I’ll be fine.”
– That guy?
Hae-hyun always bristled when it came to Su-min. To anyone else, it’d look like jealousy. Really, it was probably more like the possessiveness Jae-ha’s own juniors showed.
“He wanted to check out the festival. Don’t worry about it.”
– How am I supposed not to? He’s the most dangerous one!
“He promised he wouldn’t hurt me.”
– That’s not the point…
Not the point? Then what is? Jae-ha leaned in, waiting, but on the other end there was only the sound of harsh breathing. After a long pause, Hae-hyun spoke again, quieter this time.
– Either way, you shouldn’t be with him. Just come home.
“I’ll probably be late tonight anyway, even without him.”
– Why?
His voice shot up again, brimming with opposition no matter what was said. But Jae-ha wasn’t about to back out of a promise.
“It’s the festival. The kids asked me to help at the pub. If Su-min stays late, I’ll be fine. If not… hey, Su-min, how long are you planning to hang out?”
“If you’re okay with it, Hyung, I can stay out until dawn.”
