Fugly Casanova

Persisting in a lie after you’ve been caught is a serious mistake. When someone catches you, it usually means they have evidence or a strong suspicion. Denying it just makes you look worse. Owning up to it, though embarrassing, can actually show you’re a decent person who can admit their faults.

Yet, there are some lies that you have to keep up, even when they’ve been exposed—like those you can’t afford to have uncovered. Sometimes, when it comes to matters of the heart, you might even need to deceive yourself.

When Hansol questioned him, Noeul rapidly went through a series of thoughts. Do I have feelings for Jiwoo? Absolutely not. Have I acted like I do? No. In fact, I’ve been rooting for Jiwoo and Joonki. Sure, Jiwoo is charming and attractive, but that doesn’t mean I like her in that way.

“Do I like Jiwoo?” Noeul echoed. “As in, romantically?”

Pretending he didn’t understand and claiming just to be good friends was too obvious a bluff, especially now that Hansol seemed to be onto him. Where did I slip up? How did Hansol catch on?

The thought of her observing him so closely was unnerving.

Hansol smirked, her usually expressionless face twisting into a mocking half-smile. Noeul’s heart sank. It felt like Hansol knew everything and lying would be pointless.

Noeul prided himself on his ability to read people by their words, expressions, and tones. But Hansol was different. She rarely smiled and was almost always impassive. He could never tell what she was thinking.

Hansol didn’t make any effort to fit in with the crowd. She seemed more like a high school student watching younger kids play, never lonely or embarrassed about being alone.

Noeul believed her detached demeanor came from her looks. If someone unattractive is alone, people think it’s because they “can’t” make friends. If a pretty person is alone, however, they “chose” not to.

Often mistaken for a model, Hansol was tall, with long limbs and delicate features that gave her an exotic look. Even a simple bob haircut, which would look awkward on most, suited her perfectly. Her cool, mysterious vibe made her hard to approach, not just for Noeul but for most guys.

Boys sometimes whispered that Hansol was arrogant because of her looks. Whenever Noeul heard this, he thought, You’d probably be too if you looked like that.

Hansol said with her usual unreadable expression, “Yes, romantically.”

Noeul chuckled. “No.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Why would you think that?”

“Just… the way you talk and act… it seems that way.”

“Really? Not sure exactly what you’re talking about… Anyway, I’m not interested.” Noeul spoke with conviction, almost believing it himself.

Hansol looked puzzled as she said, “How could you not be interested in Jiwoo? She’s so pretty. And cute and kind, and a great personality.”

That comment felt like a trap. She was basically suggesting it was natural to be attracted to someone like Jiwoo, reassuring Noeul that it was okay.

He replied, “Jiwoo is pretty. But it’s more like admiring a celebrity or looking at a mannequin. She’s beautiful, but I don’t feel any attraction.”

Hansol nodded as if she accepted his explanation. It looked like Noeul had convinced her.

With a thoughtful look, Hansol added, “Hmm… Yeah, when you put it that way, most people would believe it.”

“Believe what?”

Noeul instinctively avoided Hansol’s gaze. A chill ran down his spine. How much did she know? Did his tone or expression give him away just now? Did he look like someone who had been caught off guard?

No. He had to deny it. Emotions leave no tangible proof. If Noeul said he wasn’t interested, what could she do? He was just surprised by her unexpected words. That was all.

Noeul maintained a confused look.

“Why try so hard to hide it?” Hansol asked. “Liking someone isn’t a crime.”

Noeul feigned disbelief. “I’m not hiding anything. I just don’t like her. You’re not listening.”

Just then, Noeul’s taxi arrived. He told Hansol to get home safely and got in. Although he didn’t look back, he felt her gaze on him through the window as he left.

Why did she think he liked Jiwoo? Had he been too obvious about avoiding her? Had Hansol noticed Noeul glancing at Jiwoo from time to time? Would she tell the others that Noeul had feelings for Jiwoo? If the rumor spread, what would Jiwoo think? How should he react? How could he play it off as a joke?

“Why try so hard to hide it? Liking someone isn’t a crime.”

Not a crime? Are you sure about that? If someone shows up with a 500-won coin and claims they’ll buy a designer bag, they’d be seen as shameless, a thief, or delusional. That’s just how it is.

Trying to win someone like Jiwoo’s heart by manipulating the emotions of someone like Noeul was a crime. Exchange should be between things of equal value; going against that principle wasn’t right.

***

After his conversation with Hansol, Noeul realized how paranoid he had been. Objectively, there was no reason for him to be so nervous. He had never done anything that obviously showed an interest in Jiwoo.

Going to that first meet-up with Jiwoo and Joonki? That was only because Joonki had invited him. And Joonki joining the English club had been Noeul’s idea.

The trip to the internet café? Jiwoo was the one who insisted on going and even dragged him into playing Kart Rider.

Really, there was no reason for Noeul to feel intimidated. His own feelings were the real issue here, betraying him through his words and actions every time his heart swayed. That was why he couldn’t allow himself to truly fall for Jiwoo.

Just then, Jiwoo walked into the classroom. Her gaze landed on Noeul after greeting the other students.

“Hey,” Noeul greeted her, quickly turning his attention back to his laptop.

Jiwoo sat down in front of him.

Noeul stole a glance at her and remarked, “Hungover, huh?”

“Yeah, totally. Hey, Joonki asked if you wanted to get lunch.”

“Joonki did?” Noeul checked his phone but didn’t see any messages. “If he wanted to have lunch with me, he should’ve texted.”

“He probably ran out of battery.”

“Really? That guy is never prepared.”

“He’s at the student center now. He said if you don’t come, he’ll eat alone, but he’ll eat with you if you do.”

Noeul was relieved. He had been looking for an excuse to leave the classroom ever since Jiwoo walked in. If he had just left right after she arrived, it would’ve looked like he was avoiding her, not only to her and the other students but also to himself. So he stayed put, acting unbothered.

Just then, Hansol also walked into the room. Noeul’s eyes briefly met hers before he instinctively looked away. If he stayed any longer, it would be quite uncomfortable for various reasons.

Gathering his things, Noeul said, “I guess I’m the only one who can look after him. I should go.”

Jiwoo’s eyes sparkled. “So, you haven’t had lunch yet?”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m going to eat.”

“And you’re on your way to eat lunch now?”

“Yeah… Why are you asking such obvious questions?”

“Then let’s eat together.”

“Sure, feel free to join.”

“No, I mean just the two of us.”

“What about Joonki?”

“That was a lie. Joonki already ate.” Jiwoo smiled brightly.

Noeul stared at her in bewilderment. Why was she doing this? Did she realize the impact she had on him just by smiling and asking him to eat together? Did she expect Noeul to simply think, Oh, Jiwoo must be real hungry? Surely not. She couldn’t be that naive. It felt like she was intentionally trying to mislead him. Noeul felt a flicker of irritation.

Despite Jiwoo’s frequent invitations to eat together, nobody would ever think she liked him. That’s why she could ask him so openly, almost daring him to accept in front of others.

If Noeul had acted similarly, he would be labeled as “that creepy guy” pestering an uninterested girl in class. But Jiwoo? She was just being cute, and it was Noeul who looked weird for even questioning her motives.

Jiwoo playfully tugged at Noeul’s bag strap. “You wouldn’t prefer to eat with Joonki over me, would you?”

Noeul opened his mouth but found no excuse that would sound reasonable.

People around them teased Jiwoo, but in reality, their jokes just reminded Noeul of his place.

“Jiwoo, why are you being so clingy? I didn’t know you were like this.”

“Why are you so obsessed with Noeul? Just leave him alone.”

Jiwoo laughed off their comments. Being with her would certainly be enjoyable—her lively steps to the student center, her teasing, watching her eat would all be endearing. Every word from her would be captivating. Time would slip away effortlessly.

And that’s why he shouldn’t be with her.

But under the watchful eyes of their classmates and with no good excuse ready, declining her invitation was becoming increasingly difficult.

“Hey, you said you’d have lunch with me,” a voice called out.

Noeul and Jiwoo turned toward the speaker simultaneously.

It was Hansol.

Jiwoo looked at Noeul as if seeking confirmation. As Jiwoo looked at him, Hansol gave Noeul a quick wink.

Did she just… wink…?

“Uh… Yeah… right…” Noeul said, not fully grasping the situation. But he had a strong feeling he should go along with whatever Hansol was suggesting.

Jiwoo blinked her large eyes in confusion. “Really? But why did you say you were going to eat with Joonki?”

“See, about that…”

Hansol jumped in smoothly, “We planned to meet here before lunch. Did you forget already?”

“Yeah, sorry about that…” Noeul muttered.

Jiwoo glanced between Noeul and Hansol, her gaze still filled with questions. “You two… seem close?”

“Kinda,” Hansol replied, glancing at Noeul.

Noeul nodded at Jiwoo as if to say, “Yeah, we’re pretty close.”

“Then, how about the three of us have lunch together?” Jiwoo suggested.

“I’m sorry, Jiwoo. I need to talk to Noeul about something important. We can all have lunch together another time,” Hansol said, leaving no room for negotiation.

“Something important…” Jiwoo’s voice trailed off, her expression turning slightly crestfallen.

“Yes,” Hansol said, already opening the door to leave the classroom.

Jiwoo watched them, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion.

“Noeul, what are you doing?” Hansol called to Noeul, giving him a nod to follow her.

“Uh… right.”

Noeul grabbed his bag and followed Hansol out.

The door closed behind them, leaving Jiwoo staring blankly at it. She murmured under her breath, so quietly that the others couldn’t hear, “What just happened? Did I just get ditched?”