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

In a corner of a pub near Seongun University, people who wouldn't normally gather in one place were sitting across from each other. Two different departments, different years. It was a group date arranged through mutual acquaintances.

Three from the Physics department. Among them was Do Hyeseong.

In truth, there was little reason for him to be here. As a junior, he had never shown interest in group dates or blind dates. This time was no different. He hadn't volunteered.

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

He had flatly refused at first 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 the atmosphere.

In the end, Hyeseong gave in—not because he was curious about the date, but because the junior's pestering was more annoying than the event itself.

Do Hyeseong had barely spoken since taking his seat. His black outfit and red hair stood out anywhere, and even slight movements of his arms revealed tattoos beneath his sleeves. He seemed indifferent to the attention. Even as drinks were poured and laughter erupted from across the table, he merely drank water or stared slowly at the tabletop.

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

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

Hyeseong showed no 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 give 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 shifted his gaze to the people across from 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 looked like he had no intention of adding anything more.