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

Inside a bar 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 blind date arranged through mutual acquaintances.

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

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

A junior he knew slightly had simply begged him for ages, saying a spot on the male side had suddenly opened up.

At first, he flatly refused when told he just needed to fill a seat. But the junior was persistent, rambling on about how he just had to sit there and that he would handle all the mood-making.

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

Hyeseong had barely spoken since sitting down. His black outfit 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 as drinks were exchanged and laughter erupted from across the table, he simply drank water or stared slowly at the tabletop.

Conversations naturally built up as they asked about each other's majors, confirmed year levels, and discussed who knew whom. Eventually, someone suggested they all introduce themselves properly.

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

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

When it was finally his turn, the junior next to him gave him a subtle nudge.

Hyeseong glanced that way for a moment.

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

"Do Hyeseong."

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

"Physics major, junior."

That was it.

It was excessively brief for an introduction, but Hyeseong seemed to have no intention of adding anything more.