In the self-study session, Minjun was lost in thought and unable to concentrate on the lesson. His mind was consumed by worries about Minjin and her parents, and he speculated whether something dreadful had occurred, prompting her to return to Korea to stay with her older brother. Guilt overwhelmed him; he regretted having reported Minjin. As these thoughts spiraled, he covered his face with his hands, attempting to steady his pounding heart. Suddenly, an idea struck him, making him sit up straight with wide eyes.
Minjun hurriedly stuffed his books into his backpack and stood up, grabbing the attention of his classmates. Curiosity was clear on several faces as they turned to look at him. With determination in his stride, Minjun headed for the door. Bang Eun-kyung spotted him and swiftly took hold of his backpack, getting up from his seat to follow.
The students exchanged puzzled glances, whispering softly.
"Where is he headed?" Mun Sara's seatmate asked.
"I have no idea," Mun Sara answered, frowning.
"It's the first time I've seen him leave a self-study session early," the girl sitting in front of her commented.
Mun Sara observed silently with interest. Then she glanced at her notes. She sighed deeply, reflecting on how just a day had passed since Minjun found out about Minjin being at school, yet he was beginning to behave strangely. She questioned whether it was a mistake to meet Minjin face-to-face that day, fearing that Minjun's actions could lead to her getting hurt. She pondered, "What should I do now?"
Bang Eun-kyung hurried to Minjun's side. "I have something to tell you," he said.
"It can wait until tomorrow," Minjun responded tersely.
However, Bang Eun-kyung seized his arm, making him halt in the hallway. "Minjun-ah, I've known you since middle school. You're not a jerk, even though you can be a bit narcissistic."
Minjun attempted to pull away, but Bang Eun-kyung held on tighter. "Minjin-ah is a genius, and you know that as well. No other school will take her in if she really gets expelled."
"I know, I shouldn't have reported her," Minjun admitted, frustration clear in his voice. "But I do have a plan."
"Seriously? How?" Bang Eun-kyung inquired.
"I'm heading home," Minjun responded, continuing his walk.
"Hold on!" Bang Eun-kyung shouted, hurrying to keep pace with him.
Minjun sped up his walk.
###
Minjun hurried home, accompanied by Bang Eun-kyung. Upon arriving, Minjun's mother was taken aback by his early return.
"Minjun-ah? Why are you home so soon?" Mrs. Han inquired, her tone revealing her surprise.
Minjun chose not to answer her question.
Bang Eun-kyung respectfully bowed his head and greeted her. "Good evening, Mrs. Han."
"Eun-kyung-ni? What brings you here?" she asked, still a bit confused.
"We came to study together. If it's alright, I'll go upstairs with Minjun now," Bang Eun-kyung said quickly.
Without pausing for more questions, they ascended the stairs. Minjun promptly entered his room, tossing his bag onto the floor. Bang Eun-kyung followed closely, placing his backpack down. Minjun headed straight to his cabinet, retrieving a large box filled with assorted items.
"Boya? What's that?" Bang Eun-kyung asked with curiosity.
Minjun set the box on his bed and started rummaging through its contents, scattering papers and small items all around. Bang Eun-kyung spotted a framed photograph of a young boy and a girl during his search.
"Who is this?" he inquired.
"That's Minjin and me," Minjun replied curtly, concentrating on his task.
"Whoaa!" Bang Eun-kyung said with wide eyes, his surprise evident.
He then noticed a photo album with their names, "Minjun" and "Minjin," neatly inscribed on the cover. Upon opening it, he unearthed a collection of photographs that depicted their friendship from early childhood through their teenage years.
"Why do you keep all of these?" Bang Eun-kyung asked, glancing at Minjun.
But Minjun didn't reply.
After a short while, Minjun located what he sought—a compilation of Minjin's Mensa results clearly showing her IQ score. Additionally, an old newspaper article noted that Park Minjin had an IQ surpassing Einstein's at just 8 years old.
Bang Eun-kyung was speechless as Minjun spread the collection on his bed. "I'm actually more surprised that you held onto all this information about Minjin rather than discovering her IQ surpasses Einstein's!" he exclaimed.
Minjun disregarded him and sat at his computer, typing intensely as he searched online for updates about Minjin. Meanwhile, Bang Eun-kyung started to browse through the collection book. He discovered various memorabilia that highlighted Minjin's accomplishments in school. However, toward the end of the book, he stumbled upon a letter—Minjin's confession to Minjun.
Upon finishing, Bang Eun-kyung's eyes grew large as he covered his mouth with his hand. "No way?! She had feelings for you!"
He kept searching through the scattered items on the bed, spotting several sheets filled with mathematical equations resembling puzzles. Two different handwriting styles marked the pages. Glancing at the photo album again, he connected the dots.
"You liked her as well," Bang Eun-kyung murmured, almost in disbelief at his realization. He stepped nearer to Minjun, who remained engrossed in his computer screen. "What are you up to?" he inquired.
"I'm searching for news related to Minjin," Minjun replied.
After a short while, Minjun found what he sought: an English article detailing Minjin's achievement as the sole winner of a renowned physics competition in America. The piece referred to her as "the next Einstein."
"What's your plan?" Bang Eun-kyung asked.
"You'll see," Minjun replied.
Minjun placed the papers he discovered into an envelope and gently tucked them into his backpack. He could sense Bang Eun-kyung's gaze on him, observing closely.
"Those favorites of yours from Mun Sara," Bang Eun-kyung suddenly said, interrupting the quiet. "They were from Minjin. She knew you well."
Minjun halted his movement, his hands lingering on his backpack's zipper. A faint pressure formed in his chest at the sound of her name, yet he maintained a neutral expression.
"You both still have feelings for each other," Bang Eun-kyung added gently.
Minjun smirked, attempting to lighten the mood of the serious discussion. "Quit with the nonsense," he murmured while zipping up his bag. "Aren't you heading home?" He turned and gave Bang Eun-kyung a sharp look.
Bang Eun-kyung merely smiled, "You. Remember, you once mentioned that your ideal girl should have an IQ surpassing Einstein's."
Minjun's lips curled, nearly creating a smile, but he swiftly concealed it. Without saying anything further, he stepped behind Bang Eun-kyung and gently nudged him toward the door. "Go home!" he ordered.
As he approached the doorway, Bang Eun-kyung glanced back with a smile. "I promise I won't share this with anyone," he said playfully.
Minjun reacted quickly and decisively—he slammed the door shut. For a brief moment, he remained still, leaning against the closed door. After taking a deep breath, he returned to his bed.
He opened the collection book again, turning to the page with Minjin's confession letter. He read her words intently, his gaze following each line as if he were encountering them anew. A gentle smile formed on his lips, widening with each word he absorbed.
Everything became clear—Minjin had always been there for him, offering care and understanding that no one else could. As he reread the letter, he recalled her promise to return so they could make new memories together. This realization relieved him, but he tried to hold back a smile, although he felt lightness in his chest.