Absolute Value of Romance (로맨스의 절댓값)

A VARIABLE CALLED NA DEUL-I

- How have you been? - Good.

You seem to be doing well too. I'm happy for you.

To tell the truth, I was surprised to hear from you.

Pleased too.

You could have gotten in touch yourself.

Are you doing better now?

Yeah.

When I heard you had a surgery, I was really worried.

And I couldn't get hold of you.

I'm sorry I didn't say anything.

I was in shock.

And I was really upset too.

I can't believe you majored in Education and became a teacher.

It was so unexpected.

I was sure you'd stick with research.

Eui-ju?

What are you doing here?

EPISODE 10

Sir.

Oh, I was just doing some studying,

but it's time to go home.

Eui-ju.

Have you finally decided to put some effort into your studies?

Yes.

What brought you here, Mr. Ha?

Is that Mr. Ga?

What do we have here?

My dear Mr. Ga, the standoffish robot, is enjoying coffee with someone.

With a lady friend, no less.

Hang on a second.

By any chance…

You're Professor Na Deul-i, right?

Yes, that's me.

I knew it. I saw you on the news.

I was touched by the interview you gave after winning the Fields Medal.

Oh, thank you.

Where are my manners?

It's nice to meet you. I'm a colleague of Mr. Ga's.

My name is Ha E-den. It's such a pleasure.

Anyhow, how do you know Mr. Ga?

We're friends.

Friends. I see.

When a man and woman meet in a cafe on the weekend,

it's a date 99% of the time, no?

Shall we get going?

- Yes. - Okay.

You two look great together.

You make a great couple.

See you again soon.

- Oh, sure. - Take care.

As for you, study hard!

If you want to become as great as Professor Na.

Get home safely.

Hop on.

Thank you.

Hello.

My name is Yeo Eui-ju.

Mr. Ga is my homeroom teacher.

I see. Hello.

Wow, that's amazing.

I can't believe you have a student of your own.

Were you at college with Mr. Ga?

No, we've been friends since middle school.

I see. Middle school?

That's a long time.

You'd best get going.

About that thing I suggested.

You'll give it some thought?

I'm not sure.

Are you playing hard to get or what?

Get going already.

All right.

Until next time, Eui-ju.

Okay, goodbye.

Drive safe.

Mr. Ga, your friend

seems really nice.

She's pretty, and she seems really kind.

And she even won the Fields Medal.

That's so cool.

I wish I had a friend like that.

I bet she's super popular.

She must have a boyfriend, right?

Would it be difficult to find someone when you're as perfect as her?

When you're good at everything,

people would always compare your partner to you,

making them feel insecure.

What are you trying to say?

It's just

I was wondering what kind of guy someone so amazing would date.

Why?

If you don't get more than 50 points in the upcoming math exam,

I'm telling your parents about your novel at our parent-teacher meeting.

Sorry?

Come on, that's not fair.

Sir, you won't really, will you?

Please tell me you won't. Come on.

Sir!

I'll try my best, but 50 points in math is a tall order.

Sir, that thing your friend was talking about just now.

What did she want you to think over?

It's not really any of your business.

Would it kill you to be nicer?

Don't forget my coke.

Just a moment, sir.

I'll be right back.

Hold up.

Don't go.

Wait for me, okay?

Got it.

Don't forget the factors associated with constipation.

I hope you won't end up back in the ER.

It's not for me.

It's for my little brother.

You're a great sister.

What, getting blackmailed into doing his bidding?

What does he have on you?

Only two people found out about my secret.

As usual, I was engrossed in writing my novel…

And talking to others online.

Hey, I've got a random question. What do you have our group chat saved as?

Beautiful Life. BL.

Real Estate Chat for me.

Because sometimes, my hubby looks at my phone.

This is a rough draft of something I'm working on.

The characters are a young master and his servant.

Let me know what you think.

That's such a great character dynamic.

I don't get why your stuff isn't more popular, Imuk.

It's such a shame.

Just imagine the beautiful young master being heartbroken over the aloof servant.

That just shot chills down my spine.

I think

there's someone behind me.

Can it be a ghost?

It'd be better if it were.

If it's your parents, I'll pray for you.

Did you see anything?

Still, at least it wasn't my parents.

But I do have to keep buying him coke whenever he wants it.

Why do you like it so much?

I'm not sure.

People like what they like.

I guess that's why you kept writing despite bombing every time.

I always thought I'd hit it big if I just kept on writing.

That's unfounded confidence.

If there were a basis for it, that'd be a prophecy, not confidence.

I'll keep at it,

and I will get better.

Sir.

You know,

back when EBC's crew came by to shoot,

you didn't finish your answer to my questions.

I'm curious why you decided to become a teacher.

How was hanging out with your friend?

Good.

She's back for the first time in years

and being feted for winning the Fields Medal.

And yet, she took the time to come to Jeonju to see you.

Why would she do that?

This wasn't exactly a reunion with your old Olympiad team.

She came to see just you.

No one else but you.

Why is that?

Did you share a warm and precious memory from when you were both young?

Did they use to date?

That's the only explanation.

When it comes to men and women, it's all about the chemistry.

There needs to be that spark

for you to want to see that person again after years have passed.

- You know what I'm saying? - True that.

Mind your own business.

Looks like you're right.

Dude!

I thought all you ever did was study.

My guess is that.

Woo-su and this girl Deul-i

hit it off at the Olympiad, started dating, and then broke up.

- No way. - Hear me out.

That must be why he dropped out.

The thought of seeing his ex-girlfriend pained his heart too much.

- Been there. - Just the thought

upset him so much

that he couldn't face it.

Even our cold-hearted Woo-su once felt the flicker of true love.

Or something like that.

I'm so proud of him.

Still, he wouldn't just quit.

Of course, he would.

Why? Because they were rivals.

Woo-su would have said,

"I'll pull out

so you can reach for the stars." Or some such.

Only one of them could win.

You're saying Woo-su gave up on math for a girl?

Well, there was another reason as well.

What?

That thing.

His phobia of being filmed.