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Chapter 33: Right, it was the... Are you really still going to keep this up?
In less than three minutes, Ju-kyoung rushed out of her house, jumped on her bike, and sped toward the location Soo-hoo had given her.
People who saw her could only stare speechlessly. Her "perfect plan" included still wearing the helmet she had accidentally taken from Seo-jin. Riding with full confidence, she looked completely ridiculous, but she didn't care.
The café wasn't far, so she arrived quickly. It was an open-air place, with chairs neatly arranged outside the shop.
Ju-kyoung parked her bike right in front of Soo-hoo. The moment his eyes landed on her, he almost choked on his drink.
Ju-kyoung spotted him and walked over, sitting across from him. His piercing gaze didn't leave her face.
"I'm not late, right?" she asked, forcing a smile.
Soo-hoo raised a brow. "What's with the helmet?"
"We all wear them when riding bicycles," Ju-kyoung explained with complete seriousness. "If you fall, you could face-plant. It's just as risky as a motorcycle."
Soo-hoo stared at her flatly. "You said you weren't feeling well. Why would you ride a dangerous bicycle here?"
Ju-kyoung immediately let out a fake cough. "I'm not feeling well, that's why I took the bike—to make it quick so I could rest."
"Then hurry and give it to me," he said.
Her hands trembled as she reached into her bag, sweat forming on her forehead. Inside were only two things: the comic book and his suit.
"Where… where could it be?" she muttered nervously.
Soo-hoo's cold glare darkened as he crossed his arms. "Is it really that hard to find?"
She glanced back into the bag. Of course, there were literally just the two items.
"The comic book," Soo-hoo said flatly.
Ju-kyoung froze. "The comic book?"
"Yes. Give it to me."
Her eyes widened, then she let out a long sigh of relief, followed by a nervous laugh. "Right! It was the comic book."
She pulled it out and handed it to him with a bright smile. "It's a steal, right?"
He didn't answer, just took it.
"Okay then, keep that in mind! I'm off!" she said quickly, getting up to leave.
"I ordered you something warm."
Ju-kyoung stopped, frowning. "Huh?"
"Have it before you go."
"No, I'm fine. I don't need it."
"Then should I throw it away?" His tone was so unfamiliar that it startled her.
She rolled her eyes. What's with my luck? "I'm really okay," she muttered. "You didn't have to—"
Soo-hoo's gaze cut into her. "Are you still going to keep this up?"
Her throat went dry.
Quickly, she grabbed his drink. "I'll use the straw."
"Why? It looks hot in there," Soo-hoo asked, eyeing the helmet still strapped on her.
"It's just cold sweat—from getting better," she stammered.
Pushing the straw through the helmet's opening, she sipped awkwardly. Everyone around them stared.
"It's hot, and people are staring," Soo-hoo noted.
"Let them stare," Ju-kyoung muttered, exhausted.
He watched her struggle with the drink, then shook his head. "You're acting weird today."
"I'll take it off in the restroom," she blurted and ran off, her helmet still on, earning even more stares.
Downstairs, she rushed into the ladies' room and yanked the helmet off. The women inside gasped and backed away as though they'd seen a zombie.
"Let's get out," one whispered. They quickly fled.
"I'm sorry…" Ju-kyoung called after them, embarrassed.
She turned to the mirror and stared at her reflection. Tears welled in her eyes. "Why all this trouble? Isn't being ugly enough?"
She tied her hair up, splashed water on her face, and inhaled deeply before heading back upstairs.
When she returned, Soo-hoo was already deeply immersed in the novel, some girls passing by whispering compliments about him.
Ju-kyoung sat across from him. He glanced at her, his eyes silently asking questions.
"I washed my face since I was sweaty," she explained quickly.
Gathering her courage, she asked, "So… how did you get my number?"
Without looking up, Soo-hoo replied calmly, "Through Prince Comics."
Her eyes widened in surprise. She straightened in her seat, frowning slightly.
"You must have really wanted that book to ask me to bring it at this hour."
"Yes," he said simply, still reading.
Ju-kyoung's brows furrowed as she glared at him.
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