Chapter 104 - Urgent Matter To Attend To (1/2)

Even more perplexing than bumping into the same person twice in a matter of several days was that said person didn't seem to recognize him.

Jung Seok, on the other hand, instantly recognized the young man. With just one look he knew that it was the same person he bumped into on the rooftop a while back.

Nevertheless, judging by the young man's expression, he didn't seem to know who Jung Seok was at all.

Little did Jung Seok know that Ji-Su, for he was the person in question, had also recognized Jung Seok. But, for some strange reason, he didn't want to let it show on his face.

”I hope it's not broken.” Ji-Su said.

”Eh?”

”Your phone.” Ji-Su gestured with his chin towards Jung Seok's hand. ”I hope it's still working.”

”Ah… Mn…” Jung Seok struggled to say something, but his words eventually died on his lips.

Feeling suddenly mortified by his own stupidness, Jung Seok focused on his phone. Luckily, after tapping on it once, the screen lit up, showing the hour and date.

”I see it's working. That's good.” Ji-Su said, sounding genuinely relieved.

This made Jung Seok finally find his voice to apologize. He gave a small bow and spoke with self-reproach.

”I am really sorry for bumping into you. My eyes were on the phone, so I wasn't paying attention to where I was going.”

”That's alright.”

As he said that, Ji-Su waved a hand in an unaffected manner, then turned to leave. But, after taking only one step, he suddenly stopped. Glancing back at Jung Seok, he continued to speak in the same unassuming manner as before.

”Do you perhaps intend to leave early? If so, could I offer you a ride back to Seoul?”

Hearing this, Jung Seok visibly flinched. He clutched his phone tightly, staring back at Ji-Su in apprehension.

Seeing his reaction, Ji-Su smiled and played it casually.

”Oh, I don't mean anything strange by it. The screen of your phone was on and I just happened to see the search page. It seemed as though you were searching for cars, so I thought maybe you were thinking of returning by yourself. Since I'm also going back to Seoul now, I thought I could take you with me. My car is parked right over there.” Ji-Su pointed in a certain direction.

Seeing Jung Seok still hesitating, Ji-Su shook his head.

”Finding someone willing to come up here won't be easy, so you might as well hitch a ride with me. But, if you really don't feel comfortable with this, then…” Ji-Su finished with a light shrug.

Looking at Ji-Su's relaxed expression, one could easily tell that it was the same for him whether Jung Seok accepted his help or not. 'No pressure' seemed to be written all over his face, which considerably eased Jung Seok's apprehension. But the latter was still hesitating in giving an answer.

Just then, Ji-Su tilted his head, unexpectedly saying goodbye.