Bamboo Forest Manager

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At the pork belly restaurant, Yu Arin ended up drinking heavily, and now she slowly opened her eyes.

It was hard to believe that she was the same girl who had been drooling and leaning over Kim Woojins shoulder in her sleep, given the alertness in her eyes now.

Uh? Youre awake?

Choi Yiseo had planned to bunk with Minji after putting Yu Arin and Min Ju-hee in her bedroom.

She was surprised to see Yu Arin awake when she entered her room to grab something.

Yes, Im awake.

Saying so, she got up from the bed. Just moments ago, she had been so inebriated that she couldnt even stand upright, but now, she felt different.

What could that be called?

You

Was she even drunk?

Choi Yiseo had her doubts but she didnt ask.

Seems like Im all sober after a bit of a nap?

Youve been in my home for just ten minutes?

Although it was too dark to see her expression, Yu Arin was smiling.

But it was slightly eerie and not a mere smile.

Ah, Im getting a call.

She casually picked up her phone and showed the screen, which displayed the name Jeong Chan-woo.

Thanks for lending me the bed, I had a good nap. Maybe I should leave now?

Choi Yiseo, who had been staring at Yu Arins back as she walked past her and out of the room, couldnt hold back and asked,

Were you pretending to be drunk?

Why? Were you curious if Woojin would do something weird?

Although she had clung to Kim Woojin, pretending to be drunk when she was with him, the moment he vanished, she sobered up.

Knowing she was Seo Yerins friend, Choi Yiseo couldnt let it go.

For some reason.

Because the classmate in front of her just had the thought to test Kim Woojin.

What are you pretending to be drunk for?

But Choi Yiseos direct questions were smoothly dodged by Yu Arin, like a snake avoiding flowing water.

I just woke up after a short nap, how funny is that?

After a small sneer, Yu Arin grabbed the door handle and pulled it down.

Im leaving? I only used the bed for ten minutes, but it felt nice.

Crack.

Thud.

Yu Arin left without answering; she was strangely unpleasant to Choi Yiseo.

Once outside, Yu Arin strolled down the street.

Her blonde hair stood out even in the dark night, drawing glances from passersby now and then.

A few intoxicated men even attempted to subtly approach her.

Excuse me! Are you a Gahyeon University student? Its me!

Hahaha, is this guy trying to get her number?

Given the proximity to Gahyeon University, it was natural for many students to be around. Yu Arin shot them a cold, disdainful look and continued on her way.

Hey, you, student of Gahyeon University?!

A drunk man grabbed her wrist and snapped at her.

Ah, damn.

Yu Arin cursed in annoyance, further provoking the man.

Whack!

Yu Arins kick landed squarely on the mans solar plexus.

Ugh!

The man, drunk and winded, doubled over.

Blegh!

He began to vomit on the ground.

A precise kick.

It was a technique that could only come from proper training; too valuable to be merely displayed under the light of the streetlamp.

Haa.

Yu Arin gritted her teeth and turned back towards her house.

Choi Yiseo mentioned wanting to go to the gym,

I spilled the beans.

At my words, Choi Yiseo who was beside me looked shocked, as if she had no clue what I was talking about.

Choi Yiseo said she wanted to go to the gym.

So, when I repeated it deliberately, Choi Yiseo blushed and promptly punched me in the shoulder.

When did I ever say that!

Ouch, that really hurts!

She tends to hit hard when shes excited. Normally, being hit by a girl doesnt hurt much, but this one really does.

Why is she using her fists like that when she works out?

Choi Yiseo said she wanted to work out together. What are you thinking? Were in front of the gym right now.

Despite my reluctance to enter.

Why do they call it hell-th instead of health?

I gave Choi Yiseo a thumbs up for at least asking.

This is how you attract attention.

All I learned from managing the Bamboo Forest was this.

Well, lets go in. Its usually less crowded in the morning, but were here now because of you.

If I didnt talk about buying running shoes to you, this future wouldnt have happened

As I mumbled, feeling nostalgic, Choi Yiseo dragged me inside, telling me to stop talking nonsense.

We were going to buy a one-day pass, but the PT instructor offered us a free days use, saying we were friends of Choi Yiseo.

After changing into the gym clothes provided, I could see Choi Yiseo, who, unlike me, was quite impressively dressed for a workout.

Form-fitting black tights and a sleeveless tank top made her look very professional.

Why do I look so shabby compared to you?

Feeling inferior at the sight of her, I mumbled to myself, and Choi Yiseo laughed as if she found it amusing.

No, it suits you well.

Im wearing black pants and a black t-shirt, what am I supposed to say when you tell me it looks good?

Thats a good thing. Now hurry up, lets start with the treadmill.

I walked here you know?

Thats not the same.

Of course it is.

The gym was quite large, so there was plenty of room to use the treadmills. Walking next to Choi Yiseo I got to the point.

But why bring me here? Did the PT instructor say hell give you a discount if you brought a friend?

You think I brought you here for that? Im just trying to get you to work out because I feel a bit uneasy. You told me last time that you would exercise.

When?

Did I say that?

When I inquired, Choi Yiseo began to stumble and then muttered, gazing at the treadmill screen as if embarrassed.

Th-last time at the walking path when the thugs showed up.

Ah! When you hugged me, then!

Did you really have to mention that?

How can you remember that?

When I admitted that I had forgotten about it, Choi Yiseos eyebrows twitched slightly. It seemed like she didnt appreciate my response.

Increase the speed.

Suddenly, she ramped up the speed of my treadmill, compelling me to run.

Having recently run with her, it wasnt too challenging to keep up with her pace.

I felt a presence beside me.

Despite the numerous treadmills available, someone opted to position themselves right next to me.

Hello.

He was a stylishly handsome guy.

It was Jeong Chan-woo, the good-looking part-timer at the Zero PC caf and Yu Arins childhood friend.

Uh? Hello.

Unlike me, he appeared familiar with this place, as if this wasnt his first visit.

Furthermore, the sleeveless workout attire he sported accentuated his well-defined biceps, which were indeed quite impressive.

Have you been coming here long?

Even while running, his breathing remained steady. Feeling overwhelmed, I slowed down to respond.

No, just today.

Ah, I see. Is that your girlfriend next to you?

As Jeong Chan-woo inquired, I glanced at Choi Yiseo and shook my head.

No, shes just a friend from the same department. We decided to work out together since we were bored.

Glancing at Choi Yiseo, I noticed that she appeared a bit flustered, as if she didnt anticipate me being acquainted with someone like Jeong Chan-woo.

In truth, we werent exactly acquaintances.

I see.

Jeong Chan-woos expression darkened slightly upon learning that she wasnt my girlfriend.

Did Arin make it home safely yesterday? Shes not answering my calls.

Ah!

Realizing his concern, I replied with a smile.

She was completely drunk, so she stayed over at their place. I just dropped her off and left.

Yu Arin said she sobered up and went home right after you left.

Eh?

This raised the question of why she wasnt answering Jeong Chan-woos calls, and when I glanced at him,

his expression wasnt pleasant either. Still, he seemed relieved that nothing had happened between us and there hadnt been any trouble.

Lets go, we didnt come here to just run.

At Choi Yiseos suggestion, we transitioned to strength training. I quickly said goodbye to Jeong Chan-woo and followed her.

Someone you know?

Right in front of the equipment, Choi Yiseo glanced at Jeong Chan-woo and asked.

Nope. I dont really know him. I was just introduced to him as Yu Arins friend at the PC caf yesterday. f𝐫e𝚎we𝚋n𝐨𝘃el.𝗰𝗼𝐦

Hmm. That guy is pretty famous in the gym too. Famous for being handsome.

As I suspected.

I nodded while observing Jeong Chan-woo running on the treadmill.

Even a guy can admit hes cool. I guess it makes me feel more out of place in these shabby gym clothes.

As I spoke, glancing down at myself in the mirror, Choi Yiseo chuckled.

Forget it, you look better.

If you want to flatter me, at least do it right. Who would believe that?

Im saying

Choi Yiseo grumbled.

Not wanting to embarrass her unnecessarily, I started working out.

But arent there gyms where guests arent allowed?

Not here, I asked before bringing you, and they said its fine.

Oh.

Well, that settles it.

Today is my leg day, so youll do that with me.

Well, lets do that then.

I agreed without much thought, but honestly, I regretted it a lot. The workout, which lasted about an hour and a half, was agony, as if my legs were being torn.

Its not that I lacked strength, so I used some weight on the machines.

Woah, Kim Woojin!

Choi Yiseo appeared to be relishing it, steadily adding more weight and pushing me to my limits.

She frequently adjusted my form with a touch, which initially excited me a bit, but eventually made me want to snap her fingers.

F-fuck! Why are you doing this!

I grumble from my spot on the gym floor, as Choi Yiseo, equally drenched with sweat, responds with a laugh.

Doesnt it feel good? I started working out to avoid Minji by going out, but now I actually enjoy it.

Are you out of your mind? It feels like only crazy people gather here!

You always exaggerate things.

Exaggerate? Seriously? Cant you hear those people cursing while lifting weights? Why do they willingly lift just to complain about it?

Maybe its some kind of battle cry?

Whats the point of lifting if youre just going to drop it anyway?

Youre a mess. Lets hit the showers and then maybe a caf since its too early for dinner.

I need some sugar. Lets go quickly.

I walk to the changing room with a towel around my neck, accompanied by Choi Yiseo.

A familiar face enters the gym.

Seo Yerin, who seems to have finished her class, walks in with a bag slung over her shoulder.

Come to think of it, I heard that she started her personal training sessions on Choi Yiseos recommendation.

Yiseo and Woojin?

They coincidentally bump into each other.