A Terrible Senior - Chapter 1

“I like you.”

Sarang’s confession came out on impulse. She’d only come to the amusement park to work on a project with Dohwan, but somehow, without even realizing it, things had led to this moment. Maybe it was the dazzling fireworks in the dark night sky, each burst seeming to urge her to let go of her unrequited feelings and finally confess. When the biggest firework exploded with a resounding boom, her heart spilled over.

But her feelings were one-sided, so his answer was already clear.

“I like someone else. Someone like Jung Yoonjae. You two look good together.”

Dohwan looked at Sarang’s nervous face with an indifferent gaze. He’d never shown her any special kindness, never even called her by name. She was just a younger student who happened to be in the same general education class, so they sometimes met for project work. Occasionally, they’d eat together since their friends were dating, and, somehow, she’d quietly slipped into his heart.

Hearing her confession made his heart flutter for a moment, but the words that came out were cold.

He hoped she’d find someone who could treat her gently. Rejecting her feelings was, in his mind, the best way to care for her.

Sarang nodded quietly, as if she’d already known what he would say.

“Okay.”

She hadn’t expected him to accept her feelings anyway. Since the confession was impulsive, she hadn’t hoped for much. She’d confessed straightforwardly and was rejected just as bluntly, so all that was left was to forget him.

But Sarang didn’t think she could. The gentle look in his eyes, even as he told her to move on, made her feel that this confession wasn’t an end but a new beginning—just like the moment she’d first fallen for him at first sight.

Two Months Earlier.

“Sarang Lee!”

Sarang turned at the sound of her name and spotted Jiwoo across the busy plaza in front of the crowded library. Today was freshman orientation day for three departments, so the campus was loud and buzzing. Jiwoo waved and ran over to her, grinning.

“It’s so good to see you here, Jiwoo!”

Though it had only been a week since they’d last met, they hugged and jumped like reunited family. They’d been best friends since elementary school, got into the same university, and were so close that they’d already rented a small place together. They hadn’t moved in yet, though, so Sarang came from their hometown while Jiwoo had been staying with relatives in Seoul.

“I thought I’d beat you here. Guess you found it all right?”

“Of course! I’m not a little kid, you know.”

“You sure? Take a look around—do you see any other girls here without makeup?”

At Jiwoo’s teasing, Sarang glanced around.

“You seriously look like a high schooler.”

“You’re right. Why is everyone dressed up so nicely?”

She’d dressed comfortably for the long bus ride and even wore a cap, but now she couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. She hadn’t had time to freshen up after her early trip from home.

“I’ll do your makeup tomorrow. Even if we can’t change that short bob of yours, a little makeup would help.”

“No thanks; it would feel too weird.”

It wasn’t that she’d never tried makeup, but she didn’t think it suited her. The results never seemed worth the effort.

“Still so innocent, Sarang.”

“Anyone would think you’re my big sister. If I’m innocent, so are you.”

Sarang pouted playfully.

Jiwoo’s tendency to act like a grown-up, despite also being a freshman, was starting to bother Sarang.

“Well, unlike you, this ‘big sister’ has actually dated. If you haven’t been in a relationship, you’re still pretty innocent.”

“Not for long! Once the semester starts, I’m definitely getting a boyfriend.”

“Did you come to college just to find a boyfriend?”

“Of course! Why else would I have studied so hard? They told me that in college, I could finally date a cool guy, so I practically studied until I bled.”

“Who told you that?”

“My homeroom teacher.”

Jiwoo chuckled and shook her head as if she couldn’t believe it.
“That’s exactly why I say you’re so naive. My cousin didn’t even date once before graduating. College doesn’t magically get you a boyfriend, especially not a cool one, my dear sweet friend. Where do I even start with you?”

No wonder Sarang’s parents had insisted that Jiwoo look out for her.

In that moment, Jiwoo felt a flash of what it must be like to be a future daughter-in-law, entrusted with someone innocent and unworldly. She fully understood Sarang’s parents’ concern.

“Just wait. I’ll find myself a cool boyfriend and bring him right in front of you!”

Sarang’s eyes sparkled with determination. Jiwoo had to give her credit for her boldness—nothing makes someone braver than a bit of inexperience.

It was just like pure-hearted Sarang.

“Alright! I’ll be waiting. Go all out and snag the best-looking guy on campus!”

Jiwoo craned her neck, looking around as if scouting potential candidates for Sarang’s future boyfriend among the male students nearby.

Then, she spotted someone in the distance, her gaze locking onto him.

“See that guy over there? He’s seriously handsome. If you dated him, I’d approve.”

Sarang looked in the direction Jiwoo pointed, but just as she did, the guy turned away, so she couldn’t catch his face.
Even from behind, though, he was impressive. His tall, well-built figure was like that of a model, and he exuded an ease that felt beyond his years, definitely not a typical freshman. His mere presence seemed to command attention.

“Wow, he must be a senior. He’s got that vibe.”

Sarang wanted to get a closer look, but he moved further away before she had the chance. Jiwoo eventually turned her attention back as well.

“Definitely doesn’t seem like a freshman.”

“Yeah, I’d say so too.”

“But seriously, he was good-looking. Like a celebrity.”

“Really that much?”

“I’m telling you, he was. I wonder what department he’s in.”
“And why would you need to know that?”

“Just curious! Aren’t you curious? You said you’d get a cool boyfriend, didn’t you?”

“Still, I don’t think I’m in any league to date a guy who looks like a celebrity.”

“What’s this, Sarang? Where’s all that confidence now?”
Sarang laughed, realizing that if she wanted a boyfriend with celebrity looks, she’d probably need to be equally stunning.

In any case, her teacher had been right about one thing—there really were good-looking guys in college. Sarang glanced back to where the guy had been standing, her anticipation for college life growing.

“Sarang Lee, again? Are you purposely losing to get more drinks?”

It was later in the evening after the official events had wrapped up, and everyone had gathered in the dorms for some drinking games.

Placed in a different group than Jiwoo, Sarang was struggling to keep up with her classmates and upperclassmen.
Known for her lack of gaming skills, Sarang had already lost three times in a row, facing yet another penalty drink each time.

Sarang awkwardly smiled at her senior’s teasing and emptied her glass.

By the third shot of soju, her head was beginning to spin. She couldn’t understand why anyone would drink something so bitter.
Despite her growing discomfort, the game continued, and she lost three more rounds.

“This isn’t working. Go outside for a bit.”

A concerned classmate suggested she step out and sober up a little. Sarang agreed, thinking it was a good idea, and stood up unsteadily, slipping on her sandals.

Outside, soft snowflakes were falling. She didn’t feel the cold at all, thanks to the alcohol warming her up. She wore only a T-shirt with no coat or socks, but the crisp air felt refreshing.
Sarang sat down on the steps, leaning her head against a pillar. Her eyelids grew heavier, and she nearly drifted off, despite the chill finally seeping in. She was just about to fall asleep, thinking she’d freeze if she stayed there too long, when she heard footsteps approaching and stopping in front of her.

“Freshman, are you alright?”

She lifted her head slightly to look up at the source of the voice. The moment she saw the man standing against the backdrop of falling snow, she felt as if she’d gone blind.

He wore simple jeans and a white T-shirt, yet he seemed to radiate light.

So this is what it’s like to fall in love at first sight, she thought, her head and heart both pounding.

Sarang stared at him in a daze before her eyes widened in realization.

It looked like him—the guy Jiwoo had pointed out in front of the library. Jiwoo had said he looked like a celebrity, and he really did. Thick eyebrows, slightly sharp eyes, a straight nose, and perfectly shaped lips. And that jawline highlighted his masculine look even more.

From behind, she hadn’t noticed, but in full view, he gave off a cold, distant aura. Snowflakes fell softly on him, seeming warmer by contrast.

He looked too mature to be a freshman—more like a grad student.
But that only added to his charm, and Sarang felt herself falling deeper and deeper.

She was lost in his gaze until his expression tightened slightly, snapping her back to reality. She remembered what he’d said a moment before and felt flustered about what to say next.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Well, you wouldn’t be sitting out here like this if you weren’t drunk.”

“No, not that… I mean, is it that obvious that I’m a freshman?”
The man gave her an incredulous look as she started rambling like a tipsy chatterbox.

“Actually, I’m from a small town, so coming to Seoul… well, everyone here looks so stylish. I look like I’m still in high school… And we haven’t even started the semester yet, so technically, I’m not really a college student, but… anyway, what I mean is…”

She’d tried to brush it off earlier with Jiwoo, but it had clearly been on her mind.

Now, here she was, pouring out her thoughts to a stranger she’d fallen for at first sight. She slumped her head, regretting it immediately.

Why didn’t I just keep quiet? Here I am, babbling to someone I just met, someone I’m already so drawn to…

After a brief silence, his calm, warm voice broke through the air.

“From where I stand, freshmen all look the same, whether they’re trying too hard or not.”

“Huh?”

Not understanding at first, she looked back up at him.
“Just because a freshman wears makeup doesn’t make them look any less like a freshman. If you ask me, you look less out of place than the ones trying too hard to act grown-up.”

Sarang blinked in surprise. Despite his blank expression, his words carried an unexpected warmth.

“You’re so drunk you can’t even feel the cold, huh? Go back inside before you catch a country bumpkin cold.”

He tossed a red blanket he’d been holding onto her. Sarang watched as he started to walk away, then quickly stood up.

“Aren’t you going back in, senior?”

She didn’t know why, but she wanted him to stay close, even if just until they got back inside.

The feeling made no sense, but she couldn’t help it.

“I have a call I need to make.”

He lifted the phone in his hand.

“Don’t just accept every drink. Learn to pace yourself. No need to be a model student in college.”

With that, he turned and walked off. Sarang, feeling a mix of longing and warmth, wrapped the red blanket over her shoulders and went back up the steps.

As she reached the door, another guy walked out and called after him.

“Hey, Jidokan! Is it another call from Park Hye-ri?”

Sarang froze in place, glancing back.

Jidokan? Is that a nickname?

But the mention of Park Hye-ri made her heart sink. Was this Hye-ri his girlfriend?

It felt like she’d just confessed and been rejected, all without saying a word.

She was left feeling bittersweet, but the red blanket, still warm around her shoulders, seemed to be the only comfort she needed.