A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 51

It had been exactly a week since the exams ended, and because there were no evening study sessions or supplementary classes due to school circumstances, the classroom was quite noisy.

“Alright, everyone, focus.”

Even though the homeroom teacher had entered to conclude the day, no one was willing to be the first to quiet down. It was understandable—after all, for seniors, a Friday night without evening study sessions or extra classes was more precious than gold. Of course, they still had to go to private academies or study at home, but at least school ended early, which was a rare relief.

“Do you all not want to go home?”

At the teacher’s words, the noisy classroom suddenly fell silent.

“No, we want to go home.”

“Yeah, we do. Please finish quickly!”

Eager to leave, the students sat upright and looked at the teacher as if they were model students. The teacher found their behavior amusing but suppressed a smile, pretending to be strict.

“If you wanted to leave early, you should have been quiet from the start. Anyway, you all know that there are no evening study sessions or extra classes today, right?”

“Yes.”

“But don’t think about fooling your parents and going out to play. Remember, you’re seniors and exam takers. Go home and study.”

“Aww~.”

At the mention of studying, the students groaned in protest. It was as if they were asking how they could waste such a rare opportunity.

But soon after, the teacher added,

“Alright, today’s session ends here. Oh, and by now, your report cards should have arrived at home. You might want to head back early.”

At the mention of report cards, many students frowned—except for those who had done well. Sojin didn’t react much either. She had studied harder than usual, so she expected decent results. Besides, her parents had long since given up on her grades, so they wouldn’t even be surprised.

At that moment, Suji, who had already packed her bag, approached Sojin.

“You’re lucky, Sojin. Your parents will be happy since your grades went up, right?”

“I don’t know. My mom probably won’t even bother opening my report card. She never had any expectations anyway.”

Hyeyunsu clicked his tongue in disapproval at Sojin’s words and pulled Dayun closer before lightly hitting Sojin on the head.

“Ouch!”

“Show-off. Your parents never expected anything because you never gave them a reason to.”

“Still, you don’t have to hit me!”

“Oh, was that your head? I thought it was a rock.”

“You little—!”

Sojin found Hyeyunsu annoying. She wanted to grab his collar and shake him, but Dayun held her back. All she could do was glare at Hyeyunsu, who stuck his tongue out at her teasingly.

“Hey, Kim Hyeyunsu. You’re really pushing it. Do you want to die?”

“What did I do?”

Sojin felt utterly wronged. In the past, she had always been able to put Hyeyunsu in his place. But ever since she realized she had feelings for Daon, things had changed. It was as if Hyeyunsu had been waiting for this moment, sharpening his wit to get back at her. Yet,

“Hyeyunsu, stop it. I wish you’d leave Sojin alone.”

At Dayun’s words, Hyeyunsu immediately fell silent. Sojin, looking at him in disbelief, scoffed.

“Wow, you’re just like a well-trained puppy.”

“Did you just insult me?”

Hyeyunsu’s face turned red, though it was unclear whether it was because of her words or because he felt exposed.

“Nope. I just called you a puppy. You know, like a cute little dog?”

Judging by the look on his face, Sojin had clearly won this round.

Meanwhile, Suji, watching the two of them with an exasperated expression, waved her hand dismissively.

“So, what’s the plan? Are we going somewhere, or are we just heading home?”

That seemed to be the real reason they had gathered.

“What do you guys want to do?”

At Suji’s question, Hyeyunsu and Dayun hesitated. They wanted to have fun, but the thought of their rivals studying made them second-guess their plans. Sojin, noticing their dilemma, suggested,

“How about we watch a movie, grab something to eat, and then go to the library to study?”

Both Dayun and Hyeyunsu nodded enthusiastically at the idea.

“Yeah, that sounds good.”

“Best of both worlds—fun and studying.”

But Sojin shook her head.

“I’m going home.”

Everyone stared at her.

“Wait, what?”

“Wow… Did Sojin just turn down a chance to hang out? Suji, are you hearing this?”

“I can’t believe it. Hyeyunsu, what about you?”

“Nope, I’m in shock.”

Their reactions were understandable. For two years, Sojin had never once turned down a chance to hang out. But now, she was willingly choosing to go home?

“Wow… Sojin’s finally lost it.”

Hyeyunsu clapped sarcastically, still in disbelief.

“What? I don’t always have to play around. Plus, my report card’s home. I need to check my ranking.”

At that, Hyeyunsu and Suji continued to stare at her as if she had grown a second head.

“Seriously, Daon is amazing. How did he manage to change you like this?”

“I know, right?”

They jokingly praised Daon for turning Sojin into a studious person. While she understood their reaction, she still felt a bit embarrassed.

“Dayun, they’re weird.”

Sojin turned to Dayun for support, but he seemed just as shocked.

“Dayun, you too? Forget it, I’m leaving.”

Unable to handle their reactions, Sojin quickly left the classroom.

‘They’ll snap out of it soon enough.’

As she walked home, she hummed a tune. She had done well on her exam, and checking her report card didn’t feel so bad. Plus, she was looking forward to seeing Daon’s reaction to her improved grades.

“I’m home! Mom, where’s my report card?”

“Oh, my daughter!”

Her mother greeted her cheerfully and hugged her. Holding Sojin’s report card, she beamed.

“What happened? How did you do so well on your exam?”

Sojin felt shy about the compliment but was secretly pleased.

“Never mind that, just give me my report card. I need to go out.”

“With your report card? Show your dad first.”

“I’ll show him later.”

“Where are you going?”

Sojin’s goal was clear—she wanted to show Daon her report card.

Excited, she ran to his house, only to be told by his mother that he had gone to the park. Without hesitation, she rushed there, eager to see him.

But as she arrived, she stopped in her tracks.

“Daon!”

“Oh? Dajeong!”

“Sorry, did you wait long?”

“No, I just got here.”

She watched as Daon smiled warmly and patted Dajeong’s head. The same affectionate smile and gentle touch he used to give her.

“I hate this… I really hate it.”

Tears welled in Sojin’s eyes. She had thought he might like her too, but she was just a younger sister’s friend to him. And it hurt more than she could bear.

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