[Ham Seoyeon]

I don't understand. Duho is polite and amiable with everyone else. Why not with me? I don't recall having done anything wrong or embarrassed him. This doesn't mean I can give up, though. I have a goal and will do anything in my power to pursue it.

"Duho plays hard to get, huh?" is Chaeyoung's statement. I don't know if I should take her seriously for this.

I try to justify his attitude. "I mean, he's not a people's person. He seems to be a hardcore introvert." I facepalm at my stupidity. Not all introverts are social recluses. I should've phrased my concept differently.

Therefore, I correct myself. "An incredibly reserved person, I mean. Someone who prefers staying on his own, okay?"

My friends all shake their heads.

I continue. "Okay, I'm rambling too much. Allow me to recollect myself."

Yujin intervenes. "Seoyeon, I believe you're overthinking it. Duho isn't as expansive and outgoing as you, that's simple. He needs time."

I reflect on Yujin's words. How can I expect Duho to open up to me if I put unnecessary pressure on him? Maybe he's awkward when it comes with dates in general, not just with me.

"You know what? You all have a point. I'll slow down. I won't rush things again. I'll make sure he gets to know me first." My friends nod as a sign of approval. This strategy might take time, but I think it's efficient in the long run.

***

Why is it that, every time I have to work on a task, I'm paired with a guy? It's like fate wants to test my dating skills and somehow punish me every time I fail to impress the boy in front of me. This time, it's Eun Geonse's turn. Another one of Taehyung's friends.

We're supposed to analyze an op-ed together, but he's focused on anything but the task. Every time I write in my notebook, he makes random comments on my handwriting, even going as far as saying it's "sexy." What does it mean?

I invite him to maintain his composure. "Please, focus. We don't have a lot of time. If we want to finish before the last period is over, we've got to move." He doesn't take my warning seriously enough, though. He's too distracted by my looks.

Instead of insisting on getting him focused, I take advantage of his interest in my boobs to ask him a pressing question, "I noticed Duho is quite cold to me, while he has no issues warming up to everyone else. Is it just my impression, or is it that?"

Geonse's answer is a hiss. "Come on. You know this stuff a lot better than I do. He's playing hard to get because he thinks it makes him cool. Honestly, if I were you, I wouldn't entertain him. He's not worth it." I facepalm. I wish I hadn't asked before realizing Geonse is actually unhelpful.

"Okay. Never mind. Let's just finish this task." We continue working on our project in absolute silence, not exchanging a single word or glance. When we're done, we just hand the finished result to the professor in charge and leave. I wave Geonse goodbye, but he ignores me.

I guess he doesn't like the idea of me being associated with Duho. That comes as a shock to me, but I won't let it faze me. I don't need that idiot's approval. I'll keep up with my strategy and reap what I sow, especially if Duho notices me.

***

Today, my friends' minds seem more occupied than usual. Chaeyoung has been texting nonstop for nearly an hour, barely turning her gaze away from her phone. Yujin is also on her phone, but talking with Sumin.

I hope at least Sangcheol is willing to listen to me. However, my expectations are turned upside down as I notice he has company. Kwon Nora, whom I haven't crossed paths with for months, is with him. She acts flirtatious, which makes me sense there's something between the two of them.

"Oops... I guess I've just interrupted you. Sorry." I apologize for the disturbance, but that isn't enough for Nora, who groans at me. She mutters something in Sangcheol's ear, but I can't understand what it is. I doubt she has a high opinion of me, so I'd better leave.

Despite that, Nora thinks it's a good idea to address me rudely. "Hey, you, little brat, listen. Sangcheol and I are busy, okay? Just go away!"

I snort back at her. "Okay, okay. You can be a little more polite, though."

"Polite? Oh, were you when you barged in without knocking?"

"This is my room, actually."

"So what? Know your place, little bitch."

Sangcheol takes offense at Nora calling me names. "You don't get to talk to my friend like that! Why don't you go away?"

She groans as she realizes it isn't a good idea to mess with us. Despite that, she insists on her position. "Sangcheol, are you seriously letting her interrupt us as if nothing happens? That's wrong at every level!" She wants my friend to call me out even though I'm not doing anything wrong.

At this point, I take a more assertive approach and say, "If you have issues with me, you can go away now. Don't make me repeat that." I point my finger at the door to reiterate the concept. Nothing. Nora won't move. She wants me out of my own room. Absurd.

This is when Chaeyoung and Yujin come to save the day. They, who profoundly dislike Nora, as soon as they see the latter, start pulling the blankets in order to scare her and have her leave. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. "Time for extreme measures, then," says Yujin, who has had enough of Nora's nonsense as much as me.

I let out what the others perceive as a confession. "If only Duho were here... He'd lure Nora out of this room with his charm." Too bad I don't know what he's up to now. I'm sure he'd help us in a heartbeat. Plus, it'd defy the point of my strategy. Slow and steady.

Moreover, Nora snaps me back into reality in the harshest way possible. "Hello, he doesn't like you! Stop acting delusional and know your limits, idiot. No guy wants to associate with you at all!"

That's enough. She has passed the limit, big time. I yell at her. "Get the fuck out, Nora. Last warning. If you spew more shit at me or my friends, you're done here." Chaeyoung and Sangcheol give her hard glares, because of which she cowers back and stands up.

She rushes out the room without an apology or whatever. Finally. I don't want Sangcheol to be near that brat ever again. In fact, I tell him, "Let me know if she comes back—I'll chase her away like I've just done."

He's grateful for my intervention, albeit a little embarrassed. "Don't worry. It was her who insisted on asking me out. By the way, I don't want to see her again, especially because of how she treated you."

Yujin reassures him. "You'll find someone better, Sangcheol. You just have to keep looking."

"And you, Seoyeon, will conquer Duho's heart. Results will come. Just remember what we said before." Chaeyoung's words are a reminder that, no matter how hard I stumble, the moment I stand back on my feet is what makes my effort count.