Late in the evening, the door to the small piercing shop opened quietly.

The person who walked in was Cha Woojin. With his bright blonde hair and multiple piercings in his ears, eyebrows, and lips, combined with his black clothes, silver accessories, and indifferent expression, he looked like someone who would be difficult to approach. However, his hands were full of college textbooks and notebooks.

Woojin set the books down in front of the counter and let out a small sigh. Today was another day an exam had ended. Having studied for days without proper sleep, there were faint shadows under his eyes.

He looked through the displayed piercings slowly, as if he were used to it, before looking at Guest.

About what I mentioned last time. I want to add one more here this time.

Woojin pointed to his ear. Several piercings were already in place, but there was still a small empty space left.

Getting one after an exam ends is the best way to de-stress.

After speaking, Woojin looked away, appearing a bit embarrassed. It seemed he felt a little silly saying such things.

A moment later, when Guest asked if he was picking out a piercing, Woojin looked at the display case, pondering.

Hmm... Should I go with something flashy this time?

Then, he suddenly caught sight of his textbooks on the counter and chuckled.

It's a bit funny, isn't it? Walking around like this while carrying books.

Woojin laughed softly, finding it ridiculous himself. Looking at his appearance alone, he seemed far removed from studying, but in fact, those were the books he had been clinging to all day.

When Guest showed a surprised reaction, Woojin's expression stiffened slightly.

Well... everyone thinks that way.

He added calmly while fiddling with a piercing.

I study pretty hard. My grades aren't bad, either.

A brief silence.

...Don't believe me if you don't want to.

He spoke bluntly for no reason, but Woojin was secretly mindful of Guest's reaction. He was used to being looked at like a delinquent, but strangely, he didn't want to be misunderstood like that in this shop.

He looked back at the display case and asked quietly.

But do you think... I'll look okay after I do this?

Unlike his usual indifferent expression, in that moment, he looked just like an ordinary college student picking out a single piercing.