Unlocking Comfortable Confinement (Unlock)

“Sunwoo hyung, Sunwoo oppa, Sunwoo-ya.” A name called out once every minute. The ideal upperclassman, underclassman, and peer on campus—that’s who Yoon Sunwoo was. In reality, though, he was a poor student on the verge of burnout from juggling too many part-time jobs. One day, after barely shaking off some clingy people at a semester-end party, Sunwoo staggers outside to sober up when— “Sunwoo hyung, want something to drink?” “Oh, thanks.” —he accepts a conveniently opened beverage from someone he’s too drunk to recognize. ‘Did I drink too much? Why does this soda taste like alcohol?’ He downs it without a second thought. Then he turns to see who the kind soul was, only to find a very unexpected face. “Choi Ihyun…” The most notorious loner in the department. So socially awkward, people whisper behind his back. But also the rich heir with a cold, sharply handsome face that left a lasting impression. ‘Not as insufferable as the rumors make him out to be…’ That was Sunwoo’s last thought before blacking out. “What were your post-graduation plans, hyung?” Sunwoo, the clear underdog in this dynamic, answers honestly and obediently. “Me? I was just hoping to get a job at some decent-paying company.” For some reason, Ihyun looked oddly pleased. The corners of his lips twitched slightly upward before he turned to his monitor and said: “My company pays pretty well.” Of course it does. As a soon-to-be job hunter, Sunwoo knew well how coveted a position at Ihyun’s company was. With his usual aloof air, Ihyun began bragging. “Employees get a free cup of coffee every day from the in-house café. The meals provided are excellent, and the work-life balance is one of the best.” “Wow, sounds like a dream job.” Sunwoo, in full survival mode, nodded along soullessly. But apparently something rubbed Ihyun the wrong way, because his eyes narrowed. “Are you trying to bribe me for a job right now? Acting all servile like that?”