CHAPTER FOUR POINT THREE

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the bustling traditional market, the vibrant heart of Seoul. As they wrapped up their tour, Khynny, Hye Jin, and Oner stepped into the maze of stalls. The air was thick with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling meat, sweet rice cakes, and fried snacks. Lanterns hung overhead like tiny stars, flickering as colorful banners fluttered in the evening breeze, welcoming visitors into a sensory wonderland.

Hye Jin bounced ahead, her energy infectious. "You two! Come on, we have to try everything! This place is a foodie's paradise!" Her enthusiasm was electric, lighting up the night.

Khynny laughed, feeling warmth and camaraderie swell in her chest. "Everything? Even the mystery meat?" She wrinkled her nose playfully, glancing at a nearby stall where a vendor flipped skewers of something unidentifiable.

"Especially the mystery meat!" Hye Jin said, her eyes glinting with mischief. She turned to Oner, grinning. "You in, or are you still scared from that time you nearly choked on spicy tteokbokki?"

Oner crossed his arms, feigning offense. "That was one time! And it's your fault for not warning me about how spicy it was. Besides, I'm here to redeem myself."

With a mischievous grin, Hye Jin thrust a stick of fiery red tteokbokki into his hands. "Redeem this!"

Oner winced, eyeing the sauce dripping from the side, but took the challenge. "If I burn my tongue again, I'm blaming you," he said, taking a bite. His eyes widened as the flavor hit. "Okay, this one's good. No drama here!" He glanced at Khynny, who was capturing the moment on her phone.

"Make sure to get my good side!" he joked, striking a mock pose with the tteokbokki.

Khynny burst out laughing. "You're ridiculous!"

They continued wandering through the market, sampling crispy Korean pancakes, sweet honey-covered pastries, and grilled squid. Khynny was in her element, eyes sparkling as she tried to guess the ingredients of each dish. Hye Jin kept revealing the answers, laughing at Khynny's surprised reactions. Playful banter and laughter echoed around them, blending with the sounds of sizzling food and the lively chatter of vendors.

As they paused at a stall offering freshly made mandu, Khynny noticed Oner's smile fade slightly as he gazed over the crowd. Concern flickered across her face. "Everything okay?" she asked softly.

Oner hesitated, then sighed. "I just... I feel bad about earlier. I didn't mean to bring any awkwardness into the day. Seeing my ex really threw me off."

Khynny nodded, her expression gentle. "That kind of thing happens. It's tough, but it doesn't define you or your relationships now. We all have our baggage."

Hye Jin jumped in, waving off his concerns. "Exactly! We're not here to dwell on the past. Let's focus on having fun! Right, Professor Khy?"

"Absolutely," Khynny said, smiling at Oner. "This is a new experience for all of us. Besides, sometimes being a little vulnerable helps bring people closer."

Oner laughed nervously. "A test, huh? I didn't realize I signed up for a relationship exam today."

Khynny winked. "Don't worry. I'll grade you on a curve. Extra points for honesty."

"Wow, I'll take that!" Oner grinned, tension easing from his shoulders. "Does that mean I get bonus points for trying all this street food?"

"Only if you survive the mystery meat," Hye Jin teased, nudging him with her elbow as they headed toward another stall.

Later, as they munched on deep-fried snacks, Khynny noticed Oner's eyes light up with genuine joy. "This is the best dinner ever!" he exclaimed, reaching out to wipe a bit of soy sauce from his chin.

Hye Jin grinned. "And it's only going to get better!" She pointed toward a stall selling hotteok, the rich smell of cinnamon wafting through the air.

They devoured the sweet pancakes, then wandered toward the market's exit, content and full. As they walked, Oner's fingers brushed against Khynny's. The innocent contact sent a jolt through both of them, and though his cheeks flushed, he didn't pull away.

---

As night fell, Oner drove them home, the soft hum of the engine blending with the lingering energy from the market. The city lights flickered across their faces, reflecting the warmth of the evening.

"Thanks for today, Hye Jin," Khynny said, leaning back in her seat with a satisfied smile. "It was amazing."

"Anytime! Just wait until you see the seafood market!" Hye Jin replied, her excitement bubbling over. "But first, I need more history lessons from you, Professor. You can't escape that."

Khynny laughed, rolling her eyes. "It's Sunday! Can't we focus on bonding instead of homework?"

Hye Jin chuckled. "Your lessons are better than homework. I'd take history with you over calculus any day."

"Good to know I'm your favorite subject," Khynny teased.

"Definitely. You might even be my new obsession," Hye Jin replied with a mischievous grin.

Khynny blushed, shaking her head. "Wow, Hye Jin, I didn't realize you were such a fan."

Oner smirked, leaning back in his seat. "I get it. You're pretty captivating. I can see why Noona's obsessed."

Hye Jin nudged him, grinning. "Right? Next thing we know, you'll be serenading her during your matches!"

"Not helping, Noona," Oner muttered, half-amused, half-embarrassed.

Khynny shook her head, laughing. "Please don't! I'm not ready for a public serenade."

As they approached her apartment, Oner parked the car and turned off the engine. "Well, this is it," he said, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

Khynny unbuckled her seatbelt but didn't move. Instead, she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around both Hye Jin and Oner in a spontaneous hug. "Thanks for an unforgettable day."

Oner stiffened briefly, caught off guard, before relaxing into the embrace. An electric warmth spread through him as Hye Jin giggled and returned the hug enthusiastically.

"Next time, I'll bring snacks for the drive!" Hye Jin promised.

Pulling back, Khynny smiled at Oner. "I'll definitely come watch you play soon. Save me a seat?"

"Count on it," Oner replied, his heart racing. The moment felt like more than just casual friendship, as if something deeper was beginning to form.

"See you there, then," she said, waving goodbye before stepping out of the car.

As Oner drove away, Hye Jin leaned forward, a teasing grin plastered on her face. "So, are we going to talk about how you practically melted when she hugged you?"

Oner's cheeks flushed, but he smiled. "Shut up."

"Just admit it! You like her!" Hye Jin's laughter filled the car as they sped down the neon-lit streets, the night stretching ahead with endless possibilities.