A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 49

“I’m going to medical school.”

“What?!”

At Sojin’s sudden declaration, Dayun, Hyunsoo, and Suji, who had been listening, were left in shock. They all turned to Sojin with bewildered expressions, unable to believe what they had just heard.

“Why?”

Sojin looked at them as if she didn’t understand why they were so surprised. Then Hyunsoo and Suji took turns speaking.

“Do you really think you can get in with your grades?”

“It’s absolutely impossible… You haven’t even been managing your school record properly. And the college entrance exam—do you think you can even do well on it?”

It might have sounded harsh, but their words were filled with genuine concern for Sojin.

“What if I start studying now? Wouldn’t it be possible?”

“Nope, not a chance. It’s already too late.”

“Really?”

“Yes! Do you think we’re first-year high school students? Maybe if we were still sophomores, I wouldn’t say anything. But we’re seniors! This is our final year! No matter how early in the semester it is, deciding now to study and get into medical school? It’s never going to happen.”

Their words were realistic. Hyunsoo’s blunt response made Sojin sulk without even realizing it. Seeing this unfamiliar side of her, Suji started to feel uneasy. The Sojin she knew was always cool and confident. But was it possible that liking someone could bring out a different side of her?

“Don’t be too discouraged… Ah…”

Suji was about to offer some clumsy words of comfort when a thought suddenly hit her.

“Wait, didn’t you say you wanted to go into the beauty industry? You said you were going to run a hair salon with your mom.”

“Y-Yeah, I did…”

“Then why the sudden interest in medical school?”

Whenever people questioned why she didn’t study much, she always gave the same answer: “For me, studying is just a stepping stone to help my dream. Since I’m going to run a hair salon, studying isn’t everything.”

Remembering this, Suji and Hyunsoo naturally turned to Dayun. They had finally figured out the reason behind Sojin’s sudden decision.

“Oh, right. Your brother is in medical school, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, he is.”

It was because of Daon.

Dayun’s face darkened slightly as she turned to Sojin.

“Sojin.”

“Uh… yeah?”

Sojin felt small under Dayun’s gaze. She had always teased Dayun but had never actually worried about her reaction before. Seeing Dayun look serious now was unsettling.

“Even if you like my brother, you don’t have to give up your own dreams for a guy.”

Dayun’s words were firm. She had always admired Sojin’s passion and confidence in pursuing her dream. Even though Daon was her brother, it upset her to see Sojin abandon her own goals for him. She understood Sojin’s feelings but couldn’t help feeling frustrated.

“You’re going to regret it. Studying hard because of my brother is fine, but I don’t want you to lose your dreams because of him.”

“I’m sorry…”

Hearing Dayun’s words, Sojin’s normally cheerful voice grew quieter.

“I just wanted to get closer to him… I wasn’t thinking straight. I’m really sorry.”

She lowered her head, feeling guilty toward Dayun and her friends.

Seeing Sojin like this, their hearts felt heavy. They all thought the same thing: ‘Wow, she really likes him.’

“It’s fine, just don’t give up on your dream. Oh, and do well on your exams too. The better, the better.”

“Yeah, I’m really going to study hard for the midterms.”

“Really?”

Hearing this, Dayun, Hyunsoo, and Suji all smiled. Normally, they wouldn’t have believed someone like Sojin would suddenly become serious about studying. But this time, they knew she was telling the truth.

“Yeah, if I do well, Daon and I are going on a date.”

“What?! No way.”

They had no idea when that promise had been made, but knowing Daon, he wouldn’t go back on his word. So they had no choice but to believe Sojin.

“Wait, your brother really agreed to that?”

Hyunsoo found it hard to believe.

Daon wasn’t the type to make promises lightly, and he had always seemed somewhat hesitant about Sojin’s advances. He thought of her as Dayun’s friend and as being too young for him.

But Sojin confidently nodded.

“Yep! He promised.”

“Oh~”

“Well… I guess it was kind of one-sided. But still, he did nod in agreement…”

“Ah, so you forced him?”

At the word “forced,” Sojin immediately bristled.

“It wasn’t forced! He nodded, didn’t he?”

“That was just him giving in to you.”

Even if Daon had agreed reluctantly, it was still a promise.

“Even if he had no choice, a promise is a promise. Besides, Daon oppa is really nice to me. He always listens to me even when he says no at first. That means he has feelings for me too, right, Dayun?”

“Well… maybe.”

Dayun nodded slightly. She had the same thought.

Sojin immediately brightened up and shouted,

“Alright! Time to study! I’m going on that date no matter what!”

At Dayun’s House

With their parents out for a dinner event, only Daon and Dayun were in the kitchen, eating together. But Daon couldn’t focus on his food.

“Hmm…”

“…”

“Umm…”

“Why are you acting so weird?”

Dayun kept staring at him with a thoughtful expression, making Daon uncomfortable.

“Well… you are good-looking.”

“Huh?”

“You’re tall, and yeah, you’re smart.”

“Dayun, what are you doing?”

Daon had no idea where this was going.

“You’re a good guy, but… does a six-year age gap really work in a relationship?”

“Ah…”

He finally understood.

“No matter how I look at it, you’re just an older brother figure.”

“Are you talking about Sojin?”

Dayun nodded.

“Yeah. I don’t get why she likes you. I’ve never liked someone older, so I don’t understand how she feels.”

“Me neither.”

Daon agreed. He didn’t understand why someone as young and popular as Sojin would like him.

“She likes guys with sharp features, and you’re the total opposite. It’s weird.”

Daon gave a small, bittersweet smile. He wasn’t sure if he should feel disappointed or amused.

“By the way, did you really promise her a date if she did well on her exams?”

“Huh?”

Daon was startled.

“Do you like her or something?”

“W-What?!”

Dayun smirked.

“If you do, go for it. I don’t mind. Age is just a number.”

Daon was silent. He did believe that love could transcend age, but…

“Don’t say that. Sojin is a minor. I’m an adult.”

“So what? Love isn’t illegal.”

Daon shook his head. He couldn’t afford to ignore reality.

Just then, his phone rang.

“Hello, Dayoung?”

Hearing a woman’s voice, Dayun’s expression darkened.

“Are you dating someone?”

“Yeah. I met her on a blind date recently.”

Dayun clenched her fists.

“You shouldn’t have given Sojin false hope. Guys like you are the worst.”

With that, she stormed off, leaving Daon alone in the kitchen, his face dark and troubled.

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