Bamboo Forest Manager

In the basement of Gold One Building C Hotel, there were only two simple restaurants.

A kimbap (Seaweed roll) place and a chicken place.

Though those were the only restaurants, there were also a coin karaoke room and a billiard hall, so it seemed like there wouldn’t be any boredom while staying here.

As I heard earlier, we could also go to the ski resort or water park.

“Wow, there are a lot of people since it’s the first day.”

“If we hadn’t come early, we wouldn’t have gotten a seat.”

“There are no seats, so we’ll have to sit at the long table. Let’s go to the 10-person table over there.”

The two people from Sesin University mostly talked among themselves. It wasn’t that they were trying to distance themselves from us; it just felt awkward.

The only older person, Dae-sang hyung, didn’t seem to talk much normally, so he often cleared his throat intentionally to break the awkwardness.

Since we would all start working together from tomorrow, the main topic of conversation was about where we would be assigned, and it seemed like other tables were in a similar situation.

They came out for a gathering to break the ice.

“Hey, how about we speak informally to each other since we’ll be living together for two months?”

Everyone responded positively to my suggestion after ordering the chicken. It seemed like they were waiting for someone to bring it up.

“Sounds good.”

“I’m fine with that too.”

“Hmm. If you’re okay with it.”

Dae-sang hyung accepted while clearing his throat again. It seemed awkward for him to use honorifics with kids six years younger.

“Nowadays, if an elder suggests something like this, they call him a boomer.”

Scratching his cheek and adding unnecessarily, Dae-sang hyung seemed oddly adorable.

As the atmosphere relaxed with informal speech, Jegal Jaemin started talking to us with a smile.

“Tomorrow, we’ll be assigned to our respective workplaces. Do you think everyone will go to the casino?”

“Wow, I’ve never been to a casino before.”

“Probably?”

Chan-woo awkwardly added a comment at the end. It was cute how he was trying to get closer to everyone.

“It’s not just the casino. There are many convenience facilities inside, so we’ll probably be assigned there.”

Dae-sang hyung mumbled while eating the snacks that came with the drinks.

“For example, helping out at the chicken place we’re in now. There are many restaurants operated internally.”

“Oh, as expected from a food and culinary major. You know everything.”

Jegal Jaemin exclaimed, and Dae-sang hyung just smiled shyly without saying much.

As we talked with mixed feelings of anticipation and worry about where we would be assigned tomorrow, the Sesin University duo cautiously leaned towards Chan-woo.

“Hey, Chan-woo. Can you sit at the end?”

“Huh? It’s not a problem, but…why?”

Since it was a 10-person table, the seat next to him was empty. They intentionally sent Chanwoo to the end so someone could sit next to him.

“You were quite popular with the girls at the banquet earlier.”

“Are you an aspiring actor? Or are you with an agency? Can you date?”

“…That’s not it.”

Realizing his role now, Chan-woo scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Even so, he didn’t refuse their request.

It showed how interested he was in the opposite sex.

Chan-woo might succeed in dating at Gold One.

‘Oh, right.’

Since I had some free time, I decided to call Choi Yiseo.

‘Hmm?’

The call wasn’t answered, only the ringing tone. Thinking she might have already gone to bed, I was about to send a message when…

Bang!

“Ouch!”

“Yo!”

A stinging pain hit my back. I let out a gasp and turned to see senior Ju-hee grinning in casual attire.

“Did you come here to drink with your roommates too? Is it okay if I sit next to you?”

Since there were no seats in the chicken place, sitting next to me was the only option they had. I was about to answer affirmatively, but I wondered if the Sesin University duo was okay with it.

Seeing Seo Yerin and Yu Arin and their friends following behind, they nodded at me, signaling it was okay.

‘Sigh.’

I wondered if they could hit it off with anyone here.

I heard that the Design and Theatre majors already had boyfriends.

Senior Ju-hee was invincible.

Seo Yerin and Yu Arin…no comment.

Since we all knew each other, I thought it would be better this way, so I moved to the end and faced Chan-woo.

Senior Ju-hee sat next to me.

Seo Yerin stared at senior Ju-hee but didn’t say anything and sat next to her.

Yu Arin sat next to Chan-woo, making it easy for them to make eye contact.

“How’s your room? Is it the same as ours?”

Senior Ju-hee nodded while munching on the snacks.

“Probably. We’re on the 4th floor, what about you?”

“We’re on the 8th floor.”

“Nice, you’ll have a great view. Can we come to watch the fireworks at the end of the year?”

“Do you like fireworks?”

“They’re pretty. I once beat up some guys with a fire extinguisher for trying to set off fireworks.”

“…That’s dangerous but sounds fun.”

“Want to hear the story?”

After that, we continued with trivial conversations. Seo Yerin and Yu Arin started conversing normally, making me feel more at ease.

Also, just like the last drinking session, it was clear that Yu Arin and Jeong Chan-woo had become close friends.

As we talked, the chicken arrived. Since we arrived first, it came to our table first, and the girls’ table was eyeing the drumstick I was holding.

“…I’m not giving it to you.”

“We ordered ours too.”

“Then why are you staring at it?”

When I moved the chicken slightly, they followed it with their eyes as if hypnotized.

It was cute, but when I took a bite, they looked disappointed.

They’re adorable.

“Let’s eat chicken together! Since we’re all here, how about mixing up the seats?”

Jegal Jaemin immediately suggested. Seeing the girls, he probably thought it would be great if anyone got involved with them.

Senior Ju-hee took a sip of her beer and replied in a low tone.

“No.”

“Yes, sorry.”

Sorry, but she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Senior Ju-hee immediately crushed Jegal Jaemin’s plan and sighed with a mix of alcohol and explained.

“They’re all taken. Those two have boyfriends, Yerin is precious, and Arin…”

She stared blankly at Yu Arin on the opposite side and took another sip of beer.

“Why? You don’t have one either, Senior!”

Yu Arin slammed the table and protested, making senior Ju-hee laugh.

“Hey, I’m an exception.”

I didn’t know what made her an exception, but it strangely made sense. Even Jegal Jaemin nodded vigorously.

Anyway, the girls’ chicken arrived, and the atmosphere warmed up as the conversation continued.

“I personally want to go to a Japanese restaurant. There’s a place called Cheonghae that serves Japanese food.”

“Did you join as a cook, Senior?”

“Yeah, since it’s a part-time job, I could apply separately, so I joined as a cook.”

“Senior holding sashimi…really suits you.”

As the alcohol flowed, everyone started talking more. When the topic shifted to tomorrow’s work, voices grew louder.

Everyone started talking about where they wanted to work.

“I want to work at the cocktail bar inside the casino.”

“Is there such a place?”

“There’s a place only for VIPs, do they have openings?”

“Wouldn’t they not hire part-timers?”

As they started talking about various things, I felt the barriers breaking down and checked my phone.

“…!”

There was a missed call from Choi Yiseo. She must have called because I called earlier.

I immediately got up and left the chicken place. Since it was in the basement, I had to go up to the first floor to get some fresh air, but I decided to go anyway.

• Hello?

Choi Yiseo answered cautiously. It was a bit late, so her voice was a bit sleepy.

“Were you asleep? Sorry.”

• No, I just dozed off. Did you arrive safely?

“Yeah, I arrived safely. I’m drinking with my roommates now.”

• Drinking again? It’s bad for your health.

Her concerned tone felt oddly comforting.

“Hey you know…”

I took a deep breath and thought I should say something to Choi Yiseo.

But I couldn’t get the words out.

• Come.

She said to me.

• Come and say it face to face.

Choi Yiseo laughed lightly and said.

• We’re still freshmen.

She brought up her promise that we would date in our sophomore year, giving me more time.

Even though we had slept together, she knew what was troubling me that day.

“Sorry.”

• Keep in touch often. Okay?

“Yeah, okay.”

• You have to do it first.

“I said okay.”

• And…Minji said there are a lot of accidents there.

“Accidents?”

I wondered what she meant, and then I heard a hesitant breath.

• Like, people falling for each other, dating, and breaking up.

“Oh.”

So that’s what she meant.

“I mean, it’s only two months. Who would I fall for here?”

• …I’m not worried about people you just met.

“Hmm?”

I was about to ask what she meant, but Choi Yiseo changed the subject.

• Anyway, be careful. If the work is too hard, just come back.

“Okay.”

• Good night.

“You too, good night.”

• Dream of me.

I felt a pleasant smile spreading across my face.

“That’s such an old-fashioned line.”

• Shut up!

Then she hung up, embarrassed. Dreaming of Choi Yiseo… Having a wet dream on the first night of dorm life would be something.

“Are you having fun?”

“Whoa!”

A sharp voice came from behind. I turned around in surprise to see Yu Arin with her arms crossed, glaring at me.

“What, what’s up?”

I wondered if she had followed me, but Yu Arin didn’t take her eyes off me and pouted.

“Did you enjoy being with Yiseo?”

“…Yes.”

“You bastard!”

Yu Arin kicked my thigh, causing it to hurt like hell. As I rubbed my thigh, she started nagging.

“You idiot. What about Yerin?”

“…I don’t know.”

“You’re dead!”

Yu Arin raised her fist.

I realized that this wasn’t right.

“Why do you even care…”

Yu Arin sighed and shook her head. Chan-woo once told me that Yu Arin seemed to like me.

‘How could anyone think she likes me after seeing this?’

She hits and curses at me.

Jabbing her finger at me, Yu Arin declared firmly.

“If you’re dating Choi Yiseo, tell Yerin clearly. She’s acting weird.”

Dating.

I had already told both Seo Yerin and Choi Yiseo that I would never date within the same class. But the thought that it might be okay with Choi Yiseo had crossed my mind.

I should tell Seo Yerin my feelings properly.

“Okay, I got it.”

“Sigh, why do I have to take care of your love life?”

Yu Arin sighed and punched my chest, but it didn’t hurt much this time.

“Thank you, noona! There’s a convenience store in the basement. Let’s go! I’ll treat you to Chocomong!”

When I thanked her and clung to her, she hesitated for a moment and then replied coldly.

“No.”

“Why? You’re not going to drink?”

I wondered why she refused. She liked Chocomong.

Yu Arin glanced at me and sighed with a complicated look.

“I’m not drinking it anymore.”

She said something of meaning to her.

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