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Chapter 39




< Let's Start a Club. [Free Serial End] >
#39
Let's start a club.
“Are you giving me an answer now?”
― I have thought a lot. I don’t want to come out into the light, Young Master.
It wasn't the answer I expected.
“Then, should I interpret that as you’re going to take your uncle’s hand?”
― No, that’s not it.
“Then what?”
― I will stay still. When you come out into the light, I will be in the shadows. If you allow me to do that...
I sighed quietly so Noeikseon wouldn’t hear.
“Alright. I understand what you mean, so just keep doing what you were doing.”
― Thank you, Young Master.
I fell into thought, looking at the disconnected phone.
‘Even if I leave him alone, he will eventually be eliminated on his own... But should I deal with him as an example? Using my own strength, not Grandfather’s...’
I was deep in thought when Mingsu spoke up.
“What are you doing? The kids are waiting.”
Mingsu called out to me when I didn’t come in.
“Ah, sorry. I just got off the phone. Let’s go in.”
When we went inside, the food we had ordered was already on the table.
I smiled as I sat down.
“Sorry. Did I keep you all waiting?”
Everyone started eating without much comment, either because of my smile or my apology.
“Except for Minkyung, are we all planning to take the bar exam together? Surely, there’s no one here who will pass on the first try, right?”
Mingsu glanced at me as he said this.
Since I always managed to be top of the class despite my busy schedule, I was known as a monster among the kids.
“Maybe? I’m not sure about Muhyeok. I kind of want to dissect his brain and see what’s inside. Don’t you think so, Jae-ha?”
Oh Hyun-woo joked, and Yun Jae-ha chuckled in response.
“He is the most mysterious guy at Seoul University.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“But Mingsu, did Muhyeok always do well in school? I wanted to punch him after seeing that interview. Does it even make sense? I barely got into Seoul University after taking all kinds of private lessons and cram schools.”
“Ah, that’s right. Thinking about it, it makes me angry again. Because of his interview, I got a hard time at home! Ah! My sweat and tears were just dismissed.”
Oh Hyun-woo and Yun Jae-ha vented their frustration while eating.
“I just thought, ‘Oh, that’s how it is.’ I’ve never taken private lessons or gone to cram schools.”
Everyone was speechless at Han Minkyung’s comment as she put a piece of meat in her mouth.
Mingsu broke the silence, trying to lighten the mood.
“Muhyeok was originally a notorious troublemaker in Busan. There was a time when this guy was called the mad dog of Busan. Ah! I miss those days.”
“Shut up.”
I gave Mingsu a look, and he pouted.
The kids who didn’t know my past looked surprised.
“Well, it’s a story from my immature days. Speaking of which, I had an idea. Why don’t we start a club? What do you think?”
“A club?”
I smoothly changed the topic, and everyone showed interest in what I said.
“Yeah, wouldn’t it be nice if we all met up, ate together, talked, and helped each other even after we grow up? We don’t know where each of us will end up, but now seems like a good time to start a club. After we graduate and enter society, it might be a bit difficult.”
Oh Hyun-woo and Yun Jae-ha, who immediately understood what I meant, seemed to be deep in thought.
On the other hand, Han Minkyung and Mingsu looked at me, asking for more explanation.
I explained again to them.
“A few years from now, one of us might be a prosecutor, another a judge, and another a politician. Or, we might be in business or working somewhere else. Won’t it be hard to gather again then? I’m suggesting we start a proper club now and meet occasionally.”
After a moment.
Oh Hyun-woo, who had been thinking with his arms crossed, was the first to agree.
“I’m in. Such a club will be very helpful to us in the future.”
Yun Jae-ha also agreed.
“I’m in too. I’ll probably join my father’s law firm after passing the bar exam. It would be good to help each other if we can.”
Mingsu... he wasn’t the type to oppose me.
Han Minkyung thought for a while before speaking.
“W-will I fit in with the club?”
She glanced around to see everyone’s reaction. At this moment, Han Minkyung seemed to lack confidence.
“What’s the problem? Aren’t you a 93 classmate like us? Why would you think that?”
Everyone smiled at Han Minkyung, agreeing with me.
Han Minkyung nodded, her face slightly flushed.
“Then I’m in. It would be nice to meet up often as friends.”
As we were agreeing, Oh Hyun-woo suddenly asked.
“So, we’re doing it? But who will be the president? Muhyeok, you’ll do it, right?”
Everyone’s eyes turned to me.
I shook my head and looked at Oh Hyun-woo.
“No, I think Hyun-woo should be the president. You’re more active, and I have a lot of other things to focus on.”
Everyone looked puzzled, but I pretended it was no big deal.
“Ah, and since we’re starting this among ourselves, it’s good to accept new members only with everyone’s agreement. We can keep it to these five, or if someone wants to bring someone in, we can recommend and vote. What do you think?”
I guided everyone’s opinion appropriately.
“Then, Hyun-woo, let us know when we should meet each month. No matter who succeeds or fails, our club will continue, right?”
Everyone nodded.
“Of course, and what should we name the club? Any good ideas?”
Mingsu asked me.
The name of the club...
“I don’t really want to name it. It might feel too organized, and if rumors spread, it could cause unnecessary attention.”
“Hmm...”
Everyone seemed to be thinking about what I said.
“Let’s just focus on staying close and helping each other as we grow up. No need to get hung up on a name.”
“I think Muhyeok is right.”
We moved to a nearby coffee shop to discuss in more detail, and before we knew it, it was evening.
“I’m going to head out. I have to go for a private lesson.”
Han Minkyung was the first to stand up with her bag.
“Where to?”
“Pyeongchang-dong.”
At this, Mingsu glanced at me and said casually.
“Hey, why don’t you take her?”
“Yeah, let’s go together. Let’s meet again next time. I’ll head out too.”
“Oh! Thanks~”
Han Minkyung smiled brightly as we stood up.
I opened the passenger door for her at the parking lot, and she got in, playfully hitting my arm.
“Oh~ Kim Muhyeok~ You have a good sense of style?”
I chuckled and got into the driver’s seat.
“Buckle up.”
“Okay.”
As we drove to Pyeongchang-dong, I asked.
“How many private lessons do you have?”
“I have four... Ah, I added one more, so now it’s five.”
“Do you have time to study?”
“I can manage two hours in the evening... But it’s still tough.”
I glanced at her while driving.
She was smiling, but it must be tough for her.
She worked hard to get into Seoul University, but while her classmates prepare for the bar exam, she has to take on several private lessons...
“What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?”
“I was just thinking, you’re amazing.”
“What’s amazing about it?”
“Just... you manage to do private lessons, not miss classes, and prepare for the bar exam a little at a time.”
“Pfft~ Is that supposed to be amazing? I’ve been studying like that since middle school. I’ve never lost my top position. I’m just smart, you know.”
She pouted, and I found her quite cute.
“I’m the top, remember?”
“Yeah, Kim Muhyeok, you’re really... unlucky.”
“Hahaha.”
As we talked, we arrived at Pyeongchang-dong.
“Where are we?”
“Oh! Just a bit further down this way.”
After turning a corner, we saw a mansion with a blue gate.
“Here! Thanks! I came here easily because of you. If I had taken the subway, it would have taken much longer.”
I started the conversation as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
“Can we talk for a moment?”
“Hmm, I have about 20 minutes since I got here early. What’s up? Don’t tell me... you’re going to confess?”
She laughed when I gave her a look of disbelief.
“No, I just don’t want you to misunderstand...”
“What? Why are you making it so serious? Just say it.”
I hesitated, and Han Minkyung tilted her head in confusion.
“Are you thinking about quitting private lessons and focusing on your studies?”
“Hey, that’s not possible! Who wouldn’t want to? My dad left, my mom is sick, and my siblings are counting on me. I need to earn money.”
“What if I help you?”
Her face, which had been smiling, suddenly hardened.
I had never seen Han Minkyung’s face so serious before.
“What?”
Her voice rose.
“Hey, do you pity me? Is that why you’re saying this?”
“Don’t take it that way. I’ve never thought of you that way. Don’t misunderstand.”
“But why do you want to help me? Just because I’m poor doesn’t mean I’m a beggar. I can earn enough to live on my own.”
I nodded.
Yeah... I know you better than anyone.
“I understand. It’s not because I pity you, and it’s not because I have extra money. I just want us all to prepare for the bar exam together. I have no ulterior motives. Think of it as a loan. Interest-free. You can pay me back later.”
Han Minkyung, unable to contain her frustration, shed a few tears.
“Hey, Kim Muhyeok. Don’t look down on me. I can do it on my own. I’ve come this far. Just because you have money doesn’t mean you can treat me like this.”
“Minkyung...”
I told her a bit about my life.
The time I wandered after my parents passed away, living with my grandmother.
I was lucky to meet my maternal grandfather and live comfortably, but if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to do what you do.
Han Minkyung’s expression changed as she listened to me.
“I don’t expect anything from you. I just want us all to study together, take the exam, and succeed. You decide. I won’t force you.”
“...I’ll think about it. Still, thank you.”
Her excitement seemed to subside, and the tears in her eyes disappeared.
I chuckled and handed her a tissue.
“Hahaha. I’ve never seen you cry before. You always smile. So, Han Minkyung, you do cry?”
“Do you want to joke around at a time like this?”
Han Minkyung glared at me with narrowed eyes.
“Go on. Think about it after your private lesson. I have no bad intentions.”
Han Minkyung got out of the car without answering.
“See you at school tomorrow.”
After confirming that Han Minkyung had entered the house with the blue gate, I drove home.
‘How will she react? I’m not sure if it will work.’
I suggested it to create a bond of the heart, not a financial debt, but I couldn’t predict what choice she would make.
When I entered the house, Grandfather was waiting for me.
Manager Ha was nowhere to be seen.
“You’re late.”
“I was having dinner and talking with my friends.”
Grandfather nodded and gestured for me to sit on the sofa.
“Sit down.”
I sat opposite him, and he cleared his throat.
“Are you enjoying school?”
“Yes, it’s fun. I’ve made a lot of friends.”
“Good. Even if you help me, enjoy your youth and have fun.”
As we were talking, Manager Ha brought in a man.
He had a sturdy build and a serious face. Unlike Manager Ha, he didn’t wear glasses and his hair was shorter, but his expression was just as emotionless.
Grandfather looked at Manager Ha and the man and smiled.
“Muhyeok, I asked Manager Ha to introduce someone who could be your subordinate.”
“Yes. Is this the person?”
I turned my gaze from the man to Grandfather.
“This man is your responsibility. I can introduce him, but I can’t help you win his loyalty.”
“Yes, I understand.”
I turned my gaze back to the man.
He met my eyes with a firm look.
“Nice to meet you, my name is Ma Seokdae.”
A deep, low voice came from his tightly closed lips.
< Let's Start a Club. [Free Serial End] > End