Yes, It’s Me. The Obsessive Side Top

#007

On my way home from school, I spotted a familiar figure from behind: a grandmother I recognized. I quickly ran over and snatched the plastic bags from her hands. It was the same grandmother I had helped with directions and had often seen on my way home lately. Startled at first, she soon recognized me and began laughing, hitting my back repeatedly.

Huh? There’s some real force behind this! It hurts.

“Oh my, are you trying to scare an old lady to death?”

“Ouch, grandmother. I’m sorry! Were you scared?”

“Of course I was scared! How could I not be?”

“I didn’t know you’d be so startled. Please tell me your name. Next time, I’ll call out to you so you won’t be surprised.”

The grandmother fell silent and looked at me thoughtfully after my question.

“What’s wrong? Still angry?”

“No,” she replied softly. “It’s just… it feels like it’s been a long time since someone asked for my name.”

Her eyes grew moist as she grabbed my arm. She patted it gently with her palm and answered in a quiet voice.

“Kim Ok-bun.”

“Ok-bun-ssi,” I said immediately, calling her by name. She gave me a playful punch on the back and smiled gracefully.

“You little rascal, how dare you call an old lady by her name.”

“What’s wrong with it, Ok-bun-ssi? It suits you. It’s a pretty name, just like your face.”

“My, my, how did such a young person get so smooth-tongued?”

“What did you buy so much of?” I asked, gesturing at the bags.

“I’m going to make something delicious for my grandchild,” she replied.

“Your grandchild is lucky, Ok-bun-ssi. I’m a good eater too, you know.”

“Want to eat together?” she offered.

I shook my head. “No thanks. There’s someone at home who gets really angry if I don’t come back for meals.”

“Must be a strict mother?” she guessed.

I just smiled. The grandmother smiled along with me, and warmth spread through my chest. Just talking and laughing with her filled my heart with joy.

“What’s your name?” she asked.

“I’m Ha Jin,” I replied.

“Oh my, so you’re Jin-ie,” she said, a hint of affection in her voice.

Taking just the end of my name, she repeated “Jin-ie” several times, then suddenly launched into matchmaking.

“Jin-ie, you’re pretty and gentle. You’d make a good bride for my grandchild.”

*What? Grandmother, I think you misspoke. You mean groom, not bride, right?*

Before I could voice my confusion, she took back her bags at the entrance to the alley. Then, she shooed me off and hurried away.

“See you next time, Ok-bun-ssi,” I called after her.

The grandmother shouted back, “Are you going to keep calling my name?” Her small laugh at the end of her words was warm and pleasant.

—

Early in the morning, Secretary Kim arrived at my house and handed me a phone. It was the latest model, the one constantly featured in advertisements. I accepted it awkwardly, earning an exasperated look from the early-rising office worker.

“Young Master Ha Jin, did you really throw away your phone?” she asked, clearly displeased.

“…Yes,” I admitted.

“My heart nearly stopped when I couldn’t reach you,” she said. “I wondered where I’d have to rush off to next. And if you think throwing away your phone is a good form of rebellion, you’re mistaken. They keep making more, you know.”

I could only laugh apologetically. Seeing my expression, Secretary Kim sighed and finally said something welcome.

“Your cards have been reactivated. These past few weeks have been the quietest since I joined this group. The Chairman is in a good mood, and the company is lively. Please remember the influence you have and keep things running smoothly.”

“I’ll do my best,” I promised.

She handed over my car keys, and I saw her off with a polite bow. It seemed Ha Jin was finally stepping back into the role of a proper heir. Wary of causing more trouble, I made a quick note to the housekeeper, who was busy in the kitchen.

“Housekeeper, you don’t need to pack lunch boxes anymore,” I said.

“Did you make a friend?” she asked, curious.

“Ah, no…” I replied.

“Tsk,” she said, clicking her tongue in disapproval.

—

“Sun Woo, let me buy you a meal,” I offered, now that I could finally use my credit cards again. 

Sun Woo stopped walking, gave me a look that reminded me of a wary stray dog, and said, “No thanks.” He then continued on his way. 

Damn protagonist’s personality. Determined, I walked beside him, but he rejected me again.

“No need. Don’t buy me food,” Sun Woo said.

“Why not? Let’s go eat something good. I’ll treat you. I can’t eat alone,” I insisted.

Sun Woo shot me a look that said I was a nuisance, but then, for some reason, a hint of a smirk curled one corner of his mouth. Wondering about the sneering smile, I was surprised when he unexpectedly agreed.

“Fine then. But I choose what to eat,” he said.

“Of course,” I replied.

His face seemed to be plotting something, and I half-expected him to suggest some outrageously expensive meal at a five-star hotel. Instead, Sun Woo took me to a humble sundae soup restaurant right in front of our school. Ah, the author must have been a student here! This place was a well-known hangout for students seeking hangover soup.

The restaurant was packed with people, and we managed to snag the last table in a corner. Almost immediately, whispers started circulating around us.

“It’s Ha Jin.”

“What the hell is Ha Jin doing here?”

“Must be trying out the commoner life.”

“Wow, if Ha Jin’s here, this place must be legit good.”

“Owner, shouldn’t you get Ha Jin’s autograph?”

The whispers were nothing compared to what I used to hear. Before being possessed by Ha Jin’s character, I’d overheard rumors like, “Ha Jin must be here for hangover soup because Sun Woo rejected him,” or “Is he tired from filming some R-rated scene yesterday?” Remembering those made me involuntarily frown.

“If you don’t want to eat, we can leave,” Sun Woo said, misinterpreting my expression. His voice was indifferent.

“No, we should eat what you like. It must be good, seeing how packed this place is,” I responded with a bright smile.

Sun Woo ordered for both of us and then watched me quietly, his eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity. Though we were technically the same person, it felt like there was a strange disconnect between me and the character of Ha Jin, especially in this simple sundae soup restaurant. While I felt like I naturally fit into the setting, Ha Jin stood out, like oil refusing to mix with water.

Everything I wore screamed luxury, from the designer clothes down to the diamond-studded watch on my wrist. Even my underwear bore a luxury brand label. But it wasn’t just the expensive attire that set me apart; it was the aura I exuded, the pure chaebol energy that made me unapproachable.

When the food arrived, the server glanced at me and hesitated. “Would you like an apron?” she asked. I suppose my expensive clothes were hard to miss.

I told the server it was fine and picked up my spoon. As I debated whether to mix the rice into the soup, noodles suddenly appeared in my bowl. Startled, I looked up to see Sun Woo doing the unthinkable—he was putting the side dish noodles into my soup.

“You seemed like you didn’t know,” he said. “Eat them when they’re soft.”

Am I crazy? Why am I feeling touched by this? I rolled my eyes dramatically, pretending to be deeply moved. Was this really the same ice-cold Sun Woo who wouldn’t even blink when Ha Jin made a fuss, desperately trying to get his attention?

Ha Jin, you should be bowing to me for this.

The sundae soup tasted perfect—comforting and grounding, the kind that both fills you up and clears your head. I ate the rice and soup separately, pretending it was my first time and that I didn’t know any better, all to make sure Sun Woo wouldn’t feel disappointed for having added the noodles. Though it really does taste best mixed together…

Even while we ate, Sun Woo kept glancing at me. 

This is really touching.

“It’s delicious, Sun Woo. Do you know any other good places?” I asked, grinning. “Take me there next time too. I’ll treat.”

Because Sun Woo, you’ve officially qualified as my eating companion. Quiet, undemanding, and focused—exactly how I like it.

When I finished my bowl clean, I tried hard to solidify my spot as his eating buddy. But Sun Woo just stood up without a word. Ah, I guess it’s still too early to call us companions.

I handed over my card to pay and waited anxiously. Please don’t decline. That would be so humiliating. Thankfully, with a satisfying ding, the receipt printed out smoothly.

“I’ll come again,” I said to the owner as we left. Sun Woo gave me a look that clearly said, Let’s part ways here, but I ignored it and grabbed his arm. It must have been our first physical contact because he looked surprised, then quickly shook off my hand.

Ha Jin, see this? This is how you do skinship subtly. Not by forcefully pinning someone down.

“Sun Woo, let’s get coffee,” I suggested.

“No thanks,” he replied flatly.

“I like having coffee after meals. While I’m buying mine, I’ll get yours too,” I pressed on. “You get sleepy after eating, right? Let’s wake up with some caffeine.”

Sun Woo looked at me strangely, as though trying to figure me out. It hit me then—Ha Jin wasn’t supposed to be someone capable of casual, everyday conversation like this. But hey, it was still early in the semester. Plenty of time for him to get used to the new me.

“I’m full. Thanks for the meal,” Sun Woo said, standing up.

“Huh? You’re just leaving? Won’t you have coffee with me?” I asked, trying to lure him with a smile.

But despite my sweet talk, Sun Woo made a beeline for school, stubborn as ever. *How does he resist the temptation of coffee so easily?* With a sigh, I headed in the opposite direction toward a nearby Starbucks. Instead of ordering Ha Jin’s usual espresso, I opted for a white chocolate mocha with espresso whipped cream on top. See? I kept a bit of the espresso tradition.

When my drink was ready, I eagerly took a sip right at the counter. Having been deprived of luxuries for weeks due to lack of money, I anticipated the heavenly sweetness. But as I took a big gulp, I almost spat it out.

It’s so sweet.

Damn. My little corner of happiness had betrayed me. It clashed horribly with Ha Jin’s refined taste. The sweetness was overwhelming, almost painful, and I couldn’t swallow it. Reluctantly, I dumped the coffee into the disposal bin. As I walked away, I heard someone who had recognized me whisper, “Crazy Ha Jin, wasting money at another level.”

—

[The Lives of the Gold Spoons]

– Ha Jin’s Banned List

No electric heating mattress  

   └ But it’s cold! At least give him a traditional heated floor, lolol.  

   └└ Light novel characters don’t feel cold.  

   └ Hey, Ha Jin still needs to survive winter!  

   └ Doesn’t Ha Jin sleep in a bed? An electric heating mattress is essential.  

   └└ Light novel characters are cold-blooded.  

   └└└ What’s with the cold-blooded comment, lol? Though I agree he’s kind of an animal.  

   └ Totally agree. Major mood killer the moment he turns on a heating mattress.  

   └└ Death penalty the second he goes “ahhh” while lying down on a heated mattress.  

   └└└ Yeah, death penalty.  

   └└└└ Isn’t it the same whether he dies from cold or from using the heating mattress?  

   └ Mr. Ha Jin will be immigrating to a warm place with four seasons.