I like it but I'll help you

3. He knows me

“Can you help me today too?”

At Ha-yoon's request, Ro-young nodded as usual.
“Yeah. Tell me anything.”

“Then… would you call me at lunchtime? We can eat together.”

It was a pattern that had become familiar by now.
Operational assistant, silent helper, and nameless emotional receptacle.
That was Royoung's position. I knew it.

But that day, it was a little different.
Hayoon suddenly said this.


“What kind of people do you usually like?”



“…Why are you asking that?”


“Just. I was wondering who you like.”


It was a seemingly indifferent tone, but why did those words linger in my mind so much?
‘You had something to ask me too.’ That one fact made me feel overwhelmed.



During break time, I overheard Dahae and Hayoon's conversation.


“Me? Um… I don’t know. I guess we’re just good friends…”


“Really? It’s okay. I’m just looking into it.”

Royoung felt relieved at those words. At the same time, his conscience pricked.
‘I shouldn’t have listened in secret.’
‘Let’s stop waiting now.’


---

That afternoon, on the rooftop.

It was Doyoung who approached Royoung, who was sitting quietly alone.
He said playfully, handing me a drink.


“At this point, I’m your breathing specialist, right?”

"…thank you."



“Do you like Hayoon?”



“No. I’m just helping.”

“Still, you who are helping will be the first to get hurt.”


Those words stuck in my head. Doyoung spoke lightly, but his eyes were serious. Since when? He'd been aware of Royoung's feelings before she had. I felt like I'd been caught. I wish he'd just pretended not to notice. But Doyoung didn't pretend not to notice.