The next morning

“Where is this place?”
Sol A tried to recall last night but she couldn’t remember that Professor Yang had come and taken her home.
“Could this be Professor Han’s house?”

Suddenly she heard a loud noise. She opened the door and followed the sound, realizing it was coming from the kitchen where Professor Yang was cooking.
“Gyosunim…?”

Before he could answer, Sol A rushed over, hugged him tightly, and burst into tears.
“Why did you only come back now? Do you know how much I missed you?”
“Yaaa, do you know what the first thing I saw when I set foot back in Korea was?”
“What was it?”
“Try to remember.”
Sol A stood frozen, recalling last night. “Ah, that… it’s not what you think.”
“You can explain to me later.”

Then he turned and pulled her into his arms.
“I’m so sorry for coming back this late. From now on, I won’t let you suffer like this again.”
He gently patted her head to comfort her.
“You don’t know how much I missed you.”
“How much?”
“Every night I dream of you, then wake up in the middle of the night crying because I miss you so much.”
“Don’t love me too much.”
“Wae?”
“If someday something happens to me and I leave you alone like this again, what will you do?”
“I’ll wait for you.”
“Jinjja?”
“Nae.”
“You must love me a lot, right?”
“Of course. I’ll always be the one who loves you more. Even if someday you stop loving me, I’ll still love you the same.”

Suddenly, the sound of boiling water cut through their conversation.
“Do you want to taste this?”
“Nae.”

He scooped some soup with a spoon, blew on it, and fed it to her.
“How is it?”
“Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen you cook, and it’s this good. Tell me, have you ever cooked for another girl besides me?”
“Opso, you’re the first.”
“Promise me from now on you’ll only cook for me.”
“Ummm, I promise.”

They brought the food to the table and ate eagerly. Both had so much to tell each other, and they talked for a long time.
“Oh no, I’m going to be late for class.”
“I forgot I have something at school this morning too. Let me drive you.”
“Aniyo, if you do that, people will find out.”
“Then I’ll take you back to the dorm.”
“Nae.”

They went downstairs, got into his car, and he drove her near the dorm.
“This is far enough. I still need to change clothes. You should go ahead to school.”
“Alright, I’ll go then.”
“Nae.”

He drove his Mercedes straight into the school yard, stunning the students.
“Who is that?”
When Professor Yang stepped out, everyone’s jaws dropped.
“Daebak.”
“Professor Yang is so cool.”
Suddenly he shouted,
“Do you all want to be punished? You’re late and still standing around?”

Everyone scrambled to class at his words. Professor Yang walked step by step into the familiar classroom.
“Welcome back, professor.”
“Do you want me to scold you again?”
“Aniyo.”
“I’ve reviewed your exam papers, and I’m very disappointed. The percentage of high scores is far too low.”

Just then, the door opened.
“Sorry, professor, I had some trouble earlier so I’m late.”
“Do you know whose class this is?” he scolded with a frown.
“Yours, professor.”
“How many times have you been late to my class?”
“This is the second time.”
“And do you know my rule?”
“No being late to your class more than twice.”
“Then step outside.”
“Nae.”

Sol A left sadly.
“Yaaa, he’s so strict. I thought he was just bluffing, but he really sent her out.”
“Poor Sol A.”

After class, Professor Yang rushed outside to text her, but she didn’t open the messages.
“Are you mad at me? Mianhae. But it’s my rule, I can’t break it.”

He taught until the evening. On his way home, he saw Sol A standing with Ye Sul in front of the school lobby. He wanted to go up to her, but just as he stepped forward, she left quickly, still upset.

That night, lying in bed, Sol A thought about the morning. “He didn’t even bother to call me.”

Suddenly her phone rang. Seeing Professor Yang’s name, she quickly picked up.
“It’s me.”
“Waeyo?”
“Are you still angry about this morning?”
“Nae.”
“Where are you?”
“Taking a walk.”
“Really?”
“Nae.”
“Then I’ll go back.”
“Back from where?”
“I’m standing under your dorm.”

She opened the window and saw him looking up at her. Without saying a word, she ran downstairs to meet him.
“You said you were out walking.”
“I am now.”

They walked down the quiet street lit only by streetlights. Suddenly, Professor Yang reached out and held her hand. She startled and turned to look at him.
“Mianhae.”
“Wae? For what?”
“For this morning.”
“Umm.”
“Don’t be mad at me anymore, okay?”
“Umm.”
“Umm, but why do you still look angry? Smile for me.”
“Hehe.”
“If you don’t smile, I’ll go home.”
“Alright, here, I’m smiling.”

Sol A turned to him with a smile. He looked back at her with gentle eyes, then suddenly kissed her.

To be continued.