A Ride Home and a Graduation Bouquet

“Are you really sure this is okay?”

Ju Hayan slowly lowered the hand she had awkwardly lifted mid-cleaning and smiled sheepishly.

“Then I’ll take you up on it just for today.”

“Sure. In return, can you finish cleaning the machine and organizing the powder containers?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

“I got help before too.”

At her coworker’s playful tone, Ju Hayan smiled back and moved quickly.

She wiped down the coffee machine parts, cleaned the shelf where the powder containers sat, and refilled the ones that were low.

When she finished, twenty-five minutes remained until closing.

She stepped out of the kitchen and edged toward Shin I-hyeok.

He was looking out the window.

She wondered whether to make her presence known or not, but just as she approached, his head turned sharply toward her.

Startled, she froze mid-step.

Seeing her flinch, he let out a faint laugh.

“What. Not working?”

“Ah… I’m about to get off. Someone else said they’d close for me.”

“Really? That’s kind of them.”

His gaze flicked briefly toward the kitchen.

She nodded in agreement.

“Oh. I’ll just change and come out. One moment.”

She hurried into the small office behind the kitchen.

Changing meant little more than removing her apron and pulling on her padded jacket.

After bustling about in the cramped space and slinging her light backpack over her shoulder, she stepped back out.

“I’ll head out first. Thank you.”

“Mm. Go on.”

After greeting her coworker, who was busy closing up, she went into the hall.

Shin I-hyeok was already near the door.

As she approached, he stepped outside first and held the door open for her.

“Get in.”

His car was parked right in front.

Seeing him naturally get into the back seat, Ju Hayan hesitated, unsure whether to follow or take the passenger seat.

Noticing, he gestured with his chin toward the opposite door.

“Sit next to me.”

Embarrassed at being caught hesitating, she quickly got in beside him.

Team Leader Kim, who had disappeared earlier, was in the driver’s seat.

The car moved smoothly forward as soon as she settled.

With nothing much in her bag, she hugged it to her chest.

The spacious seat allowed her to sit comfortably without bumping her knees anywhere.

“Have you been well, Hayan?”

She turned at his voice and found him already looking at her.

His gaze traveled up from her fidgeting knees to meet her eyes.

“Uh… yes. I’ve been well.”

More than well.

Ever since the acceptance results, she had felt almost weightless with happiness.

The crowded bus on her way to school, the repetitive classes—it all felt enjoyable.

Even getting off work early and riding home in a warm car on a cold day felt nice.

She suppressed the rising excitement and answered calmly.

Then, worried it sounded too short, she added,

“A-and you? Have you been well… sir?”

“Sir?”

It was the first time she had called him that.

She had always avoided titles, stammering instead.

But it was the safest option, and everyone else called him that too.

He seemed to accept it, nodding with a smile.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t been that well.”

“…Why?”

“Well. Because I didn’t get to see you?”

She didn’t know how to respond and gave an awkward laugh.

“…Just kidding. Some old man’s been bothering me.”

A small cough came from the front seat.

Shin I-hyeok raised his hands lightly in mock surrender.

Ju Hayan turned reflexively at the sound, only to have a finger poke her cheek.

“Where are you looking?”

“The front—”

She stopped mid-answer, realizing he hadn’t been asking seriously.

He leaned his head against the seat and looked at her.

After a brief hesitation, she asked softly,

“Are you okay now?”

“Hm?”

“Just now. You said someone was bothering you….”

He blinked as if confused, then burst into laughter.

It was as if she had surprised him in the most unexpected way.

“Yes. I’m fine now. Thanks to you.”

She shrank slightly at his words.

As she fumbled for a response, he reached out.

Instead of ruffling her hair, his hand brushed the back of her neck and tugged her earlobe playfully before withdrawing.

Throughout the ride, he wore a pleased smile.

Now and then, he simply stared at her face.

Feeling she might have acted too comfortably, she gave a small, embarrassed smile.

“Thank you for driving me.”

“Sleep well.”

“Yes. Drive safely.”

“I’ll drive you again next time.”

“Thank you.”

After bowing politely, she watched as his car disappeared down the dim alley where some streetlights were out.

She lingered for a moment, then entered the villa.

Scratching her cheek dry from the heater air, she wondered if she had welcomed him too warmly.

That night came a little earlier than usual.

It was strange, but it was all thanks to him.

Inside, she glanced once at the window that sat half above ground.

“Congratulations to our seniors on your graduation. We will remain here to sharpen our knowledge and character, while you step into society—”

The student council president’s speech filled the playground.

Ju Hayan let it pass through one ear and out the other.

She idly scraped the sand beneath her shoes until a weight thudded against her back.

“Ugh, shit. It’s freezing.”

“Hey, the homeroom teacher’s in front.”

Turning toward Lee Jonghoon, who leaned against her, she glanced ahead.

Their teacher stood facing the line of students.

“So what. We’re leaving this hellhole soon anyway.”

“Still.”

“Seriously, who holds a graduation outside in weather like this?”

It was cold.

Even Ju Hayan, who usually tolerated heat and cold well, felt her toes curling in discomfort.

The open playground offered no shelter from the wind.

She noticed other students huddling together too.

“They could’ve just done it in the classroom.”

“Yeah. The wind’s insane.”

The gust cut across her face.

She buried her mouth in her scarf, her breath damp against the fabric.

Just that morning, everyone had been excited about graduating.

But once they were herded outside, sentimentality vanished in the wind.

Only complaints remained.

“Unbelievable. Graduation in this weather.”

By the time her feet were numb from stamping them against the ground, the ceremony finally ended.

Parents stepped forward to embrace their children.

The neat lines dissolved into clusters.

Ju Hayan stood awkwardly, drifting between Lee Jonghoon and a few classmates she had spoken to before.

“Congrats on graduating.”

“You too! Let’s take a picture!”

Each greeting ended in photos.

Normally they wouldn’t have bothered, but in the heightened moment, it didn’t matter.

Lee Jonghoon dragged her over to his family.

His parents smiled warmly at her.

“So you’re Hayan. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Hello.”

“Where are your parents?”

“Ah, they’re busy today.”

“Oh dear, I shouldn’t have asked.”

She smiled lightly to reassure them.

“Mom, take a picture of us!”

“Come stand here. Give me your phone too.”

“Oh—okay.”

She handed over her old flip phone.

Lee Jonghoon sighed dramatically.

“Change your phone already. The exam’s over.”

“I will. Before college.”

She laughed it off, though the price of new phones made her hesitate.

He handed her a bouquet to hold.

After photos, she tried to give it back, but he refused.

“Thanks.”

She touched the unopened buds gently.

He hit her back lightly in embarrassment.

“You sure you don’t want to come with us?”

“It’s okay. I have work anyway.”

“Working even today?”

“Yeah.”

After some reluctance, he left with his family.

“Call me!”

She lifted the bouquet and buried her nose in it.

The scent was faint, but the smell of greenery lingered strong.