SOHEE was glad that Kim Heedo warned him about a nasty rumor that had already spread about him at school.
Hence, he didn't get confused or surprised when he noticed the strange glances he received from his classmates. Ah, it wasn't just his classmates— even students from different departments had been giving him the side-eye ever since he arrived at the university.
And that's probably why no one has talked to me yet.
Sohee couldn't believe that these college students were acting like middle schoolers.
Is it really that fun to spread gossip without caring about the victim's feelings?
"Sohee Hyung."
Hmm?
Sohee was surprised when someone sat next to him when the others avoided him like a plague as soon as he entered the lecture hall.
It was a familiar face.
"It's me, Cho Euntak, Hyung."
Ah, the handsome drunk kid at the welcome party.
"Oh, I'm sorry I called you 'Hyung' without permission," Cho Euntak said while scratching his cheek as if he was embarrassed. "I remember hearing the other kids say that you're older than most of us, Sohee-ssi."
"You can just call me 'hyung.'"
"Then please speak comfortably with me, Hyung."
"Okay, Euntak-ah," Sohee said, smiling at the kid. "Did you get home safely?"
Cho Euntak's face instantly lit up. "Yes, Hyung. Thank you for taking care of me then. And I'm really sorry for causing you trouble."
"Nah, everything is fine."
"You're really a good person, Hyung."
Hmm.
It seems like Cho Euntak hasn't heard the rumor about me selling my body to a loan shark.
Yep, that was the rumor spreading about Sohee at an alarming rate.
It's as if someone is spreading that rumor on purpose.
"Cho Euntak, what are you doing there?"
Hmm?
When Sohee raised his head, he was greeted by the young and handsome Alpha who picked up Cho Euntak that night.
Was the kid's name Baek Jeho?
Ah, this one has definitely heard the nasty rumor about me.
After all, Baek Jeho was looking at Sohee with a disgusted look on his face.
Harsh.
"Jeho-ya, I'm just talking to Sohee Hyung— hey!"
Baek Jeho grabbed Cho Euntak by the arm and pulled him up. "Come with me."
"Wait, Baek Jeho!"
But that Baek Jeho didn't listen and continued dragging Cho Euntak away.
"I'm sorry about this, Sohee Hyung," Cho Euntak said apologetically, his face red as if he was embarrassed. "See you later…"
I don't think your friend would allow you to talk to me again, Euntak-ah.
Sohee just smiled and waved at Cho Euntak.
I can't believe my social life ended this fast.
***
SOHEE just wanted to go to the cafeteria because Yonhee University was known for having delicious and affordable meals.
But before he could even enter, someone had already grabbed him by the arm.
For goodness' sake, I'm not a doll.
But Sohee let Ahn Yujae drag him to an alleyway between two school buildings. It looked like his ex-boyfriend wouldn't let him run away.
And I already know why Yujae is doing this anyway.
"Sohee-ya, it's not true, is it?"
Ahn Yujae wasn't alone, so Sohee felt a bit awkward.
Cha Jinha was already there— standing behind Ahn Yujae while looking around as if making sure that no one was eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Please tell me it's not true."
Sohee raised an eyebrow, playing dumb. "What are you talking about, Yujae-ya?"
"You didn't sell your body to a loan shark, did you?"
Aigoo.
"Why do you look like you're already convinced that the rumor is true, Yujae-ya?"
Ahn Yujae's face turned red. "No, it's just that…"
Sohee waited for Ahn Yujae to finish what he was saying, but he couldn't.
"Then can you explain how you can suddenly attend university when you couldn't afford it before?" Cha Jinha asked bluntly. "Your clothes, your bag, your shoes, your watch— they don't have visible labels, but I can tell that they're from luxury brands."
Ah.
If he put it that way, then it's pretty understandable.
"I won the lottery," Sohee said. It wasn't like he was lying. "If I said that, would you believe me?"
Ahn Yujae and Cha Jinha didn't look convinced, though.
How sad.
Sohee smiled bitterly. "It seems like you'd rather believe the rumor than believe that I won the lottery."
***
"YOU HAVE a lot of money now, so why are you having lunch at a convenience store?"
"Young master, I still have the palate of a peasant. I'm just happy that I can afford fresh kimbap now instead of waiting for the nearly expired ones to go on sale," Sohee said jokingly before taking a bite of the kimbap that he bought from the said convenience store. He couldn't eat at the cafeteria when all eyes were on him at the moment. "What are you doing here?"
Kim Heedo sipped his iced coffee loudly before speaking. "The rumors about you are getting worse, Hyung. It even reached my department."
"I know."
"Is that why you chose this convenience store that's far from our university when I asked you to meet me?"
"Well, your social life doesn't have to suffer with mine."
"Hyung, there's a way to end this rumor effectively."
"Yeah?"
"Just tell them that you're married to me."
"Then it will affect your chances of getting back with Lee Junsu. Once people find out that you're already married and they saw you with Lee Junsu, you'll be labeled a cheater while Lee Junsu will be called a homewrecker," Sohee said nonchalantly. "I can't do that to you."
"But the rumors will only get worse if you don't put a stop on it, Hyung."
"Didn't I already tell you that I've thrown away my pride a long time ago? I don't care about those rumors."
Kim Heedo fell silent for a moment, and then he sighed. "You should learn how to be greedy, Hyung."
"Don't worry too much, kid," Sohee said casually. "The rumor will die naturally if you ignore it."
Spoiler: it didn't.
***
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