PROMPTS

Economics and Mr. Ri (5)

A/N: Happy Holidays everyone! I meant to post this a few days ago but wasn't able to finish it because of all the events for the holidays. How'd your holidays go? I hope everyone is staying safe and had a restful and happy Christmas! Love to you all and thanks for patiently waiting for this. ❤️

Slightly mature content ahead.

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"We meet again."

Song Hae In stared at the pretty blush creeping across Yoon Jisoo's face and tried to stop himself from smiling along with her. He had been quite taken with the young beauty ever since he met her at the restaurant, where she dined with her sister.

Fraternizing with a customer was discourage and he followed the rule strictly because he needed the well-paying job. However, something about Jisoo just captured him. Maybe it was the way she smiled? Or the way she teased her sister? Or maybe it was how transparent she was about her love and adoration for her older sister that captured him most?

He didn't know... but he hoped he could see her again.

That morning started like any other morning. Today though, he was rushing to school for his teaching aide job. Mr. Ri was a tough professor to work for but his insights were invaluable. Mr. Ri chose only two aides for this year — both selected because they needed the financial assistance, but only one of them will be tutored on the thesis.

Song Hae In got the coveted slot. And, one of the things Mr. Ri mentioned as a priority was... to never be late.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ri, I'm late," Hae In apologized, breathlessly as he arrived in the faculty room.

"You're exactly on time," Ri Jeong Hyeok assured. "Can you facilitate a quick check up exam for my class? There's an emergency meeting I need to attend to first."

He didn't bat an eyelash at the instruction as this was something he normally did for Mr. Ri, but his heart started beating rapidly when he entered the classroom, scanned the crowd and spotted HER.

There wasn't enough time to make conversation at the class so he had to make do with stolen glances, which the professor picked up on as soon as he arrived. "I hope you're not giving any favors to one student," teased Mr. Ri.

"No, Sir, Professor, Mr. Ri! I was just scanning the room, making sure no one is cheating," Song Hae In said.

"Sure," came the Professor's curt reply. "Thank you, Mr. Song. I can handle the rest of the class now."

"I noticed you'll be grading papers... I can stay and help. I mean, if you want, Sir, Mr. Ri," Hae In hurriedly volunteered so he won't be dismissed.

"You're awfully hardworking today. Perhaps I should load my instructions to you when you assist me in this class."

Hae In was partly embarrassed by the teasing and partly surprised that the normally serious professor was showing some levity in his personality. "She has an equally gorgeous sister. Perhaps I should introduce you, Mr. Ri."

Professor Ri suddenly turned serious. "Where did you meet Seri?"

Upon explaining their meeting, Hae In added, "I didn't know her name was Seri. You know her?"

"We've met."

Song Hae In nodded, "I see. Then, perhaps, you should say hi to her, Mr. Ri."

"What do you mean?" Mr. Ri asked.

"She's right outside the classroom."

True enough, when Jeong Hyeok turned, Yoon Seri was waiting outside.