INT- ROOM 005
I just wanted to diet!!
Now I feel guilty.
How was I supposed to think straight?!
Because if I asked Ice one more tiny request like:
Uses best cute voice
"Icyyy, can you pretty please make me a diet-friendly meal?"
Flutters eyelashes like a confused peacock
He'd 100% turn into an Ice bear and roar:
Uses big angry voice
"How shameless can you be for food, you low-life disaster? You even have the guts to tell me WHAT to cook?! Imbecile!"
Yeah. That's probably what I'd get.
I sighed dramatically in the corner of my bed, curled up in my white silk pajamas.
The wall felt cold.
The room felt huge.
Only the lamp glowed a hazy orange on my side, while Ice was on the far corner of the room, sitting on the sofa, it had a tall lamp beside the sofa, it was bright, white, serious.
He sat there typing like a tired businessman doing everything for his family.
His back… kind of reminded me of Papa.
And somehow, without noticing, I'd been staring at him for a long time.
Too long.
It felt safe.
Too safe.
"Why won't you sleep first, President? Aren't we early tomorrow?" I asked, eyes still glued to him.
"I need to double-check everything."
He shuffled the papers, then suddenly snapped his head toward me.
"And don't call me President."
His eyes were pure disgust.
Like I committed a crime by using his title.
Everyone calls him president!!
"Okayyy~ Icyyy!"
I emphasized every letter like fireworks.
He kept typing.
"Also, we're not early tomorrow. Since it's the first day, everyone's expectedly tired. Our first activity is after lunch. Breakfast is downstairs."
"Did you even read the email with the itineraries?"
"…What email?"
Oops.
I slapped my hand over my mouth.
Ice glared.
Then shook his head and ignored me like my existence lowered his IQ.
And then—
A light bulb exploded above my head.
Best idea ever! (Said every disaster before the disaster.)
I jumped off the bed and rushed to him.
His death glare said: Why are you like this.
I plopped beside the sofa.
He sighed like my presence sucked two years out of his life.
"Let's drink!"
Instant regret.
Instant pain.
He flicked my forehead so hard I saw a new universe.
"Ow!! That hurts!"
"It should."
He didn't even look up.
"What did I do?!"
"No drinking allowed. We're on a university trip. Everything that happens falls under the school's responsibility. In this case—"
He paused, looked directly at me.
"Mine."
He recited it like a lawyer reading my sentence.
"Ehhh! No one will know if we don't tell~"
I gave my evil smile.
"Plus, plus! It's not even strong alcohol! Just ladies' drinks! Lowest percentage! Pleaaaase?"
I held his typing arm and nagged like an uninvited spirit.
"Just for the vibe, okay? Talking while drinking something! Chit-chat style!"
Slowly…
Slowly…
He turned his head toward me.
Dramatically slow.
That's when I realized how close our faces were.
My heart did an illegal jump.
His scent—WHY.
Was this the part where the male and female lead kiss?
He stared.
Then his lips moved—
"NO."
Firm.
Clear.
Merciless.
He turned back.
I collapsed on the sofa beside him.
Cheeks puffed.
Okay fine. Bad idea. Very bad idea.
We are legal age… but it is a school trip… and he is the president.
Still… shouldn't he say it a bit more romantically?!
I crossed my arms, sinking deeper into the couch, writing an entire drama script in my head.
I just wanted to act cutely drunk.
I know my tolerance! I'm a strong girl!!!
Ugh.
As if reading my internal complaint thread, he sighed again.
"Next time."
He didn't look away from the screen.
"When we get home. In the apartment. Safer that way."
My head popped up instantly.
"Yes!! Yes!!"
My smile reached heaven.
He stared at me like I was some helpless creature thrown on his path.
"Don't do this—"
I cut him off.
"Don't do this with any boys, make sure, blah blah—I know, Icy!"
He did NOT look amused by my impression.
Guilt crept in.
A little.
He was… just worried. Right?
Like how he worries for his sister.
"Sorry…"
I mumbled, staring at my feet buried in the carpet fibers.
"I know you're just concerned. I just… feel really safe with you. I wish Kea had someone looking after her too."
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Embarrassment hit me a second later.
I fidgeted, curling my toes under the carpet.
"But I promise, I'll be careful with every boy. Everyone. Just… except Ice."
I took a deep breath and looked up—
Then I heard him mutter:
"Stupid. I should be included."
Before my brain updated, I heard his laptop close.
He stood up and walked toward the bed.
"Go to sleep."
Back turned.
Voice tight.
What did he say?
Why should I include him?
Ahhh… Ice is so weird.
So, so weird.