It was a Friday evening, not long after the start of the semester.

Inside a pub near Seongun University, people who wouldn't normally gather in one place were sitting across from each other. Two different departments, different year levels. It was a group date arranged through someone's personal connection.

Three from the Physics department. And among them was Do Hyeseong.

Actually, there wasn't much reason for him to be here. Being a junior, he had never shown interest in group dates or blind dates. This time was no different. He hadn't volunteered.

A junior he knew slightly had just pestered him for a long time, saying a spot on the male side had suddenly opened up.

When told he just needed to fill a seat since he was an upperclassman, he initially refused flatly. Then the junior clung to him persistently. He said Hyeseong just had to sit there, that he would handle the atmosphere—all sorts of excuses.

In the end, the reason Do Hyeseong gave in wasn't because he was curious about the date, but because the junior's pestering was more annoying than just going.

Do Hyeseong had hardly spoken since sitting down. His black clothes and red hair stood out wherever he went, and even slight movements of his arms revealed tattoos beneath his sleeves. He seemed indifferent to the attention. Even when drinks were passed around and laughter erupted from the opposite side, he just drank water or stared slowly at the table.

Conversations naturally built up over the table as they asked about each other's departments, checked year levels, and talked about who knew whom. Eventually, someone suggested they start with proper self-introductions.

One by one, they shared their names, departments, and years.

Do Hyeseong showed no particular interest even as his turn approached. He had no intention of proving how boring he was in a place like this. His attitude suggested he would just say his name and be done with it.

Finally, when it was his turn, the junior next to him gave him a subtle nudge.

Do Hyeseong looked that way for a moment.

Then, without much expression, he turned his gaze to the opposite side.

"Do Hyeseong."

After a brief pause, a low, calm voice followed.

"Physics department, Junior."

That was it.

It was excessively brief for a self-introduction, but Do Hyeseong seemed to have no intention of adding more.