Wholehearted Affection
I think I really overdid it after all.
I'm so sleepy.
After returning to my room to splash water on my face and rushing to get ready for school, I couldn't shake off the hazy drowsiness.
By the time I met up with my friends in the dormitory cafeteria for breakfast, I was practically nodding off.
"Gyeonu, be careful. Open your eyes. What are you going to do if you topple face-first into your tray?"
"I keep dozing off...."
"What am I going to do, I'm exhausted.... Don't train after classes today—just rest well in your room, okay? Don't fall asleep, and make sure you eat every bite. Be good?"
"Haneul, feed me...."
"What?"
My body was so exhausted that I didn't want to move, and eating felt like too much of a bother.
With my eyes constantly trying to slide shut, I had no appetite whatsoever.
So to someone like me, Cha Eunsol—who stuffed her cheeks full of food like a squirrel and munched away from early morning—was nothing short of a wonder.
"Yam? You want some? If you want to eat, go get your own over there."
"...No, I'm good."
Cha Eunsol covered her plate with her hand, on guard as if worried I might steal her food.
Having earned such an absurd misunderstanding from her, chopsticks in her mouth, I shook my head.
Meanwhile, aside from Go Eunbi and Nam Yuri, the rest of the group was brimming with exhaustion.
"Lisa, your hair! Your hair!"
"...What!?"
"Your hair fell into the soup."
"Ah...."
Lisa, who had been eating breakfast in a daze just like me, ended up dipping her braided blond hair into the pollock soup.
Awakened by Go Eunbi's warning, she saw her golden hair dripping with broth and made a face on the verge of tears.
Then she glared sharply at me.
"This is all because of Gyeonu...."
"Why is it my fault again?"
"When you think about it, it's because you wouldn't let me sleep last night. I begged you to let me rest, even just a little, but you wouldn't leave me alone.... You actually liked it even more. Gyeonu, you're truly a beast."
"We had fun playing together, and now you say that? Besides, what do you mean calling a person a beast?"
"I just can't bring myself to curse at you, that's why."
"That's right, Lisa Lisa! The three of us had a blast last night! Let's have fun together again next time! And Gyeonu-Gyeonu was really vigorous. He was just like a beast!"
"Anyway, it's all Gyeonu's fault. I think I need to wash up again, so I'll get going first. I'll head to school separately today too. See you later."
Lisa let out a long sigh, picked up her tray, and stood up.
After saying goodbye to us, she left the dormitory cafeteria just like that.
Getting scolded for no reason while I was quietly sitting there, I clicked my tongue as I watched her walk away.
Then, I felt Yeon Haneul's gaze on me.
"...What is it?"
"Nothing, just wondering. You guys only hunted in the Gate, right?"
"Obviously... What else would we do in a Gate besides hunting?"
"You hunted Slimes, right? You didn't hunt anything else?"
"I told you earlier—that Gate only had Slimes."
"Yeah, looks like nothing happened."
Yeon Haneul let out a light snicker.
Unable to understand her reaction, I decided to continue eating breakfast.
Meanwhile, Min Arin, sitting across from me, was eating hangover ramen with a face that didn't look so good.
She suddenly made a strange sound.
"Urp!"
"Ah, Arin! The bathroom is that way! Let's go together!"
"...."
It seemed that even hangover-relief magic couldn't completely cure Min Arin's hangover.
Hand clamped over her mouth, she dashed to the bathroom with Go Eunbi.
'She can't even hold her liquor—how much did she drink?'
According to Yeon Haneul, she had even played the bottle trumpet with soju.
I clicked my tongue at the pathetic sight of Min Arin.
Even during all that, the triplets were lying face down, trying to sleep.
"They said they'd eat a little before resting.... They haven't touched a single piece of bread and are just sleeping. Should I wake them?"
"Let them sleep. They must be tired."
Yeon Haneul seemed worried, but the triplets were the type to thrive even if left outside unsupervised.
I tore my eyes away from them and looked back at my tray.
'Setting that aside, I'm really sleepy....'
I wanted to sleep with every fiber of my being, but since Yeon Haneul had told me to eat breakfast, I had to.
That was when a pair of chopsticks holding a meatball approached my mouth from the side.
I looked at Yeon Haneul.
"Come on, say ah."
"...."
"You asked me to feed you earlier. There aren't many people watching right now, so I'll feed you."
"...I'll enjoy it."
Yeon Haneul hadn't expected me to take a joke seriously.
But I had no intention of refusing.
I opened my mouth and accepted the meatball she offered.
Then a spoon entered my mouth.
"You'll get thirsty eating only side dishes, so eat some rice too. Aah."
"...It tastes good. Maybe because you gave it to me."
"Tch, whether I give it or someone else gives it.... No, it tastes good because I gave it to you. Is there anything you want to eat?"
"This time, the rolled omelet."
"Okay. Aah."
Is this what a baby bird feels like being fed by its mother?
Thanks to her, I was able to eat breakfast comfortably.
* * *
Battling drowsiness during class was nothing short of torture for me.
Unable to overcome my descending eyelids, surrendering to sleepiness time and again, I ended up getting scolded by Hong Yena and Yu Noeul.
"Wake up, Do Gyeonu. What on earth did you do last night to end up like this?"
"Gyeonu, if you overdo it, your bones will rot. You need to know moderation in all things. Got it?"
"...I'm sorry."
Just earlier, I had thought I could endure since I'd slept during break.
But before I knew it, I'd dozed off again.
Awakened by Hong Yena's voice, I straightened my back and pressed myself against the chair's backrest.
Yu Noeul, who had been patting my head and teasing me, soon withdrew to wake up other students.
"I definitely woke you up, right? But you didn't get up."
"...I got it. Anyway, how far did you take notes? Let me see."
"I knew it. Be grateful I'm sitting next to you. And what is this handwriting?"
"I guess I wrote it while half-asleep. Sigh... I'll have to rewrite it from scratch."
Min Arin, who tapped my elbow from the side, lowered her voice as if to tell me not to get the wrong idea.
Unlike when I'd seen her at the dormitory cafeteria, her complexion had improved; it seemed her hangover had finally subsided.
I copied the lecture notes she passed to me with a proud air.
And then, when break time came, I made a firm decision.
'This won't do. I'm really skipping afternoon classes.'
Short naps were useless.
Even the nap pillow Yeon Haneul had borrowed from Cha Eunsol for me after morning assembly wasn't enough.
Rather, it only whetted my appetite for sleep even more.
Even if it meant missing class, I needed to stretch out both legs and sleep soundly.
Having reached that conclusion, I decided to recruit friends to join me on my smartphone.
[Me]: Anyone want to skip afternoon classes with me? I really think I need to sleep
Maybe because it was break time.
The read receipts quickly disappeared, and the group chat sprang to life.
[Yong Haerang]: Moderate sleep does help with muscle growth, after all.
[Yong Haerang]: Skipping class is one thing, but I'll join just this once!
[Go Eunbi]: Wow... It's not even just skipping out after attendance, but cutting entire classes... Gyeonu, you're such an insider...
[Go Eunbi]: Outsider me will attend class!!
[Haneul]: If you're that tired, it can't be helped.
[Haneul]: What about dinner? Should I buy something and bring it after class?
[Me]: I'll probably be up by dinner time.
[Me]: I can just think about what to eat then, so you don't have to buy anything :)
[Ttolmani Geum]: Do Gyeonu! Our childhood friend!
[Ttolmani Eun]: Where the needle goes!
[Ttolmani Dong]: The thread follows! If you're doing it, we're doing it too!
[Gang Hanbyeol]: Adding one more to the skip list!!
[Nam Yuri]: What, what???
[Nam Yuri]: You're skipping class???
[Nam Yuri]: Yes!! Great!!! Rebellion is always welcome!!!!
[Bak Sageun]: Hmm... Would missing one day affect my grades much?
[Bak Sageun]: If you guys are doing it, I'll join.
[Cha Eunsol]: Then I'll skip too.
[Min Arin]: Cha Eunsol, what are you?
[Cha Eunsol]: Me? I'm Cha Eunsol.
[Cha Eunsol]: (Ribbon pig emoticon with question marks over its head)
[Min Arin]: That's not what I meant ;;
[Min Arin]: You didn't even go into the Gate, so why are you skipping???
[Cha Eunsol]: Because I'm sleepy too.
[Cha Eunsol]: It's uncomfortable without a pillow.
[Haneul]: Sorry, Eunsol...
"Wow... What is with her really?"
"Eunsol being Eunsol, what else."
"Isn't she from the Sunhwan Cha family? Doesn't she care about grades? Doesn't her family say anything?"
"Does she look like someone who'd care about grades? She's not one to listen even if her family says anything...."
"She's really hopeless."
Min Arin, who had been checking the group chat beside me, let out an exasperated sigh.
Yet the corners of her mouth twitched upward.
She was enjoying the nonsensical conversation with Cha Eunsol.
'Just how few friends must she have had all this time....'
I inwardly pitied Min Arin.
Then, my eyes met hers.
"Wh-what!? What are you looking at?"
"Nothing, just... You used to act all high and mighty, saying you don't check messages often, but aren't you the one practically living in the group chat right after Eunbi? You reply diligently too. I just found that fascinating."
"Wh-what? It just looks like that because our free times happen to coincide! And responding to messages is basic social etiquette, isn't it? I reply because leaving people on read seems rude! And Cha Eunsol looked bored, so I'm specially keeping her company!"
"Isn't it Eunsol keeping you company?"
"I'm keeping her company!"
"Sure, sure."
That was Min Arin for you—unable to be honest and making excuses for everything.
But if I prodded her further here, I'd only end up hurting her pride.
Having teased her until her face turned red, I decided to stop here.
Then, when I checked the group chat again, Lisa had joined the conversation.
[Lisa]: I dozed off during class and got scolded by the instructor ㅠㅠ
[Lisa]: I think I'll skip today too ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Lisa Grace was someone who, despite being low in the imperial succession order, had always tried to maintain dignity and propriety as a princess.
So it was surprising to me that she, who had been far from rebellious, would want to skip class.
I typed on the keyboard.
[Me]: So you've fallen too.
[Lisa]: And whose fault do you think this is ^^;
[Haneul]: Sorry, our kid has been led astray...
[Go Eunbi]: No! Come back to the Lisa I knew!
[Me]: Life's no fun if you only live virtuously.
[Me]: Good thinking.
[Nam Yuri]: Exactly! Life is short, so you should live faithfully to your desires! And people are animals too, right?
[Cha Eunsol]: Agreed.
The group chat became lively once more.
In the chat, we noisily fussed over Lisa's act of rebellion.
Gang Hanbyeol joined in on the excitement and proposed a new topic.
[Gang Hanbyeol]: Guys, if we're going to sleep anyway, why don't we all sleep together?
[Gang Hanbyeol]: It feels like something's missing otherwise.
[Me]: Sleep together?
[Gang Hanbyeol]: Won't the club room be empty around when afternoon classes start?
[Gang Hanbyeol]: They have bedding there too, so how about everyone who wants to sleep crashes there together?
[Nam Yuri]: Oh! I agree!!
The club room was used for club meetings and activities, as well as a place for members to bond.
All officially recognized clubs at the academy possessed club rooms.
The Mystery Exploration Club was no exception.
We often spent time in the club room located in Inyeon Hall.
[Me]: The seniors might be there, but I think it'll be fine.
[Gang Hanbyeol]: Right?
[Go Eunbi]: You guys are probably going to play instead...
[Go Eunbi]: You don't just not want to attend class, right??
[Haneul]: I think so too.
[Me]: Since we're skipping anyway, wouldn't it be a shame to just sleep?
[Gang Hanbyeol]: (@Me) Great minds think alike!!
[Haneul]: ^^;
Go Eunbi and Yeon Haneul, who had decided to attend afternoon classes, seemed reluctant, but it wasn't a bad idea.
Those of us skipping class, like Gang Hanbyeol and me, expressed our agreement.
And so, as soon as morning classes ended, we planned to eat lunch and head to the club room, but...
"Gyeonu and Arin, go to the main conference room in Gyohak Hall after the closing bell."
"Huh? Why there?"
Of all times, an unexpected appointment had cropped up.
Just as I was packing my bags to leave the classroom, I couldn't help but feel dismay at Hong Yena's announcement.
She replied as though it were no big deal.
“Why else? They told me to attend because there’s a representative meeting.”
“Wouldn’t it be enough for Arin to go alone?”
“If this were the usual representative meeting, then like you said, one person would’ve been enough. But today’s meeting is important, so both the representative and vice representative have to attend.”
“What kind of meeting is it that it’s so important?”
“We have to hold a Class Competition meeting. You must have adapted to academy life by now, so isn’t it time to determine which class is superior and distinguish the strong from the weak?”
“Ah….”
Along with the ranking matches that would begin next semester, the Class Competition would torment us throughout the three years until graduation.
Come to think of it, it was about time for it to start according to the game’s flow, too.
Unable to hide my disappointment at having to attend the meeting as vice representative.
‘Damn academy really won’t let a person rest….’
* * *
Since this was a meeting that class representatives had to attend unconditionally, neither I, Yong Haerang, Lisa, nor Park Sa-gun had the right to refuse.
On the other hand, those who weren’t representatives were probably heading to the club room to rest about now.
I couldn’t help but envy the triplets led by Gang Hanbyeol, as well as Nam Yuri and Cha Eunsol.
‘I should hurry up and finish so I can go to sleep, too.’
The other classmates attending the meeting had agreed to meet at the main conference room.
Min Arin and I, having left the classroom, immediately went up the stairs.
We chatted while passing students coming down the stairs.
“For the sake of coordinating with our classmates, I’d like us to fight an easy class at first…. What do you think?”
“I’d like that too. We’ll just have to pray the lottery luck turns out well.”
There were roughly over fifty combat-track first-year classes.
The Class Competition in which they competed adopted a double elimination tournament format consisting of a winners bracket and losers bracket.
It was a system that introduced loser revival matches to a standard tournament, allowing each class to compete in at least two or more matches.
Furthermore, the students’ school records contained detailed accounts of their contributions in the Class Competition.
For students who had to build their school records—which were practically portfolios for their future—they couldn’t afford to neglect the Class Competition.
It made sense for Min Arin, who wanted to elevate her own worth, to be interested in it.
That’s why in the game….
‘It became the main cause of Arin going on a mana rampage.’
Min Arin, having been defeated by Gang Hanbyeol in the Class Competition, ended up suffering a huge wound to her pride.
Noise arose in the precariously maintained relationship with Gang Hanbyeol until then, developing into the Thorn Vine Spire episode.
But since I had already cleared that episode earlier than the game’s timeline, it was nothing to worry about now.
‘The problem isn’t Arin, but what comes next.’
There were two episodes that would occur in the future due to the first-semester Class Competition.
One was the episode stemming from Min Arin, Gang Hanbyeol’s first-round opponent, as I’d mentioned earlier.
And the other was the episode stemming from O Junsik, her second-round opponent.
‘The brackets are decided by lottery, and the class assignments are different from the game, so I don’t know what will happen.’
The Black Magic O Clan, the foremost family in the black magic track.
O Junsik, a collateral branch of a prestigious family occupying one of the seats among the Ten Great Clans, had a certain connection to an episode that occurred during the final exams.
But while the overall flow might be the same, this world right now was one where minor flows underwent changes.
Whether the Class Competition between Gang Hanbyeol and O Junsik would occur as scheduled like in the game was unknown.
‘It’s not related to a bad ending, so it wouldn’t matter if it didn’t happen, but…’
After all, the Class Competition with O Junsik was nothing more than a hint at future story developments for the player.
Even if Gang Hanbyeol didn’t create a point of contact, the final exam episode related to the Black Magic O Clan would happen eventually.
I decided not to worry too much about it.
It was then that I spotted Do Sieun.
Having arrived at the floor with the main conference room, I called out to her walking ahead.
“Noona.”
“Ah, Gyeonu.”
Do Sieun, wearing the armband indicating the student council president, with striking blue eyes.
She turned to look at me and raised her hand in greeting.
“Are you going to the class rep meeting too? Because of the Class Competition?”
“That’s right, because I’m the student council president. Managing the Class Competition is my role.”
“Then you’ll be the one drawing the lots?”
“Right?”
“Please take good care of our class. Try to draw us against the weakest class possible.”
“I don’t usually accept requests… but since it’s purely up to luck, I’ll try my best.”
Do Sieun responded to my joke.
Soon, shrugging our shoulders lightly, we exchanged recent news.
It was then that Min Arin abruptly spoke up.
“Ah, hello, Student Council President!”
“….”
“I’m Min Arin of the Magecraft Min family, in the same class as Gyeonu! It is truly an honor… to meet the student council president I’ve always admired. Nice to meet you.”
Min Arin stood with her back rigidly straight, as if standing at attention.
I couldn’t help but find it odd that she was trying so hard to look good to Do Sieun.
‘Why is she doing something she never does?’
My head tilted on its own.
In the meantime, Min Arin was introducing herself to Do Sieun.
Soon, Do Sieun, who had been staring at her in a daze like me, cut her off.
“Yes, hello. I know all about you.”
“Ah, really? Thank you….”
“Of course, I know. As student council president, memorizing enrolled students’ names is a given. Even if that weren’t the case, I couldn’t help but know well. Because…”
A look of delight spread across Min Arin’s face.
But it lasted only a moment.
Immediately after, Min Arin’s mouth fell wide open at the calm words Do Sieun uttered.
“Because I was the one who commanded the spire raid.”
“Ah….”
“It was quite difficult cleaning up the mess back then.”
“I-I’m sorry….”
“It’s already in the past… but be careful from now on. I’ll be watching.”
“Y-yes….”
The prideful Min Arin became extremely deferential toward Do Sieun.
I let out a bitter smile at that sight.
‘Looks like she’s on Noona Sieun’s bad side. Well, she suffered a lot back then.’
This is why you shouldn’t cause accidents, Arin.
I teased Min Arin internally.
I Became the Mid-Boss’s Childhood Friend
(177) [Illustration]
Since we were going the same way, we could move together.
Do Sieun and I walked down the hallway to the main conference room while chatting.
Min Arin followed listlessly at my side.
“I buttoned the first button wrong, the first button….”
Min Arin muttered incomprehensible things and sighed.
Her drooping shoulders and gait seemed to represent her feelings.
‘Seems like she’s really hurt by being marked by Noona Sieun.’
In an academy where students’ autonomous activities were guaranteed, the position of student council president, who represented the general will of the students, was practically enormous power.
Having received a warning from Do Sieun, who held that position, it was no wonder she felt bad.
It wasn’t unreasonable for her to worry about potential disadvantages.
Having roughly guessed Min Arin’s feelings, I subtly hinted.
“Don’t worry. Noona Sieun isn’t as bad a person as you think.”
“….”
Min Arin, who had been walking with her head bowed deeply, stared up at me.
Then, putting strength into her yellow eyes, she spoke in a cold tone.
“I know that too, you know?”
…So she was depressed even though she knew?
Considering prideful Min Arin’s personality, it might be bluffing so as not to appear weak.
I snorted and tilted my head looking at her as she turned her gaze away.
Seeing her shoulders rise and her gait become more confident, she seemed to be feeling better.
It was a sight I, who couldn’t fathom the reason, could hardly understand.
‘Bipolar disorder, maybe…?’
The more I got to know her, the stranger and more peculiar she was.
There was probably no one else anywhere who would tolerate that kind of personality like we did.
Min Arin should be grateful to us.
However, having someone with severe mood swings like Nam Yuri in our party was already enough.
I wished for her to consistently exist as the weakest in the party.
It was then that Do Sieun spoke to me.
“Come to think of it, Gyeonu.”
“What?”
“I received contact from Shield this time. They said you helped capture a Dust Worm in Heartland.”
“You knew too? That’s right, we had a hard time with the kids back then.”
“They said there could have been many casualties due to the Dust Worm’s bomb, so as student council president, I’m truly proud that you stopped it in advance. As your noona, too. Well done.”
“Thanks. It sounds good coming from you, Noona.”
Do Sieun tapped my chest with her fist.
Praised by her, the corners of my mouth naturally rose.
But she hadn’t spoken merely to encourage me.
She quickly changed her tone and warned me.
“But don’t forget your position. Unless it’s approved by Shield like this time, you’re still just first-year students. Remember that unless it’s an emergency, you can’t use your Devices outside as you please, nor do you have the authority to arrest villains in a hunter’s stead. If someone gets hurt because of you, the problem could become serious.”
“…I know. I’ll be careful so that doesn’t happen, like you said.”
Do Sieun gazed at me with blue eyes.
Meeting her eyes without avoiding her gaze, I nodded.
Then her face softened somewhat.
“Yeah, I’m asking you. Aside from that, you haven’t had any other external activities recently, right?”
“If you mean external activities… yesterday I went into a Gate with Hanbyeol and some other kids and came out. You know Hanbyeol is taking requests from the Chairman, right? I helped with that.”
“If it was entering a Gate, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about separately. If you think a problem might arise, tell me anytime. Don’t try to handle it alone and make things bigger.”
“Noona, do I look like someone who’d do that? If a problem arises, I’ll hand it over to you immediately.”
“…Can you try not to cause accidents? I think I understand how Second Uncle feels now. And I wish you’d stay out of trouble for the time being. This semester… no, until this year. If possible, I’d like you to behave until graduation.”
“…Noona, just what do you think of me?”
A tone that assumed I would either cause an accident or make trouble.
Having trusted her, I couldn’t help but feel betrayed.
It was absurd and nothing but unfair.
Perhaps realizing her mistake, she hurriedly answered me.
But her response was very clumsy.
“Gyeonu, you are… um… a kind and good person.”
“Wow….”
“…?”
Even I, who had never confessed to a woman across two lifetimes, knew what I needed to know.
Wasn’t Do Sieun’s answer the typical line for rejecting a confession, given out of courtesy to someone you had no feelings for?
Feeling like I was being forced to take a rejection, I couldn’t hide my disappointment.
Of course, I was joking.
Her flustered face wasn’t something you saw every day, so I should enjoy this more.
I narrowed my eyes deliberately and asked in a low voice.
“Is that all?”
“…No. You’re comfortable to be around… and, um….”
“Noona, do you like me?”
“Yeah, I like you.”
“How much?”
“…As much as the sky and the earth?”
“So not as much as the universe. Sorry, but I don’t think you like me as much as I like you.”
“No, that’s a misunderstanding….”
“Let’s break up.”
“….”
We had just arrived in front of the main conference room.
Deciding to hear the rest of Do Sieun’s business later, I signaled the end of the joke and tried to open the door.
Right then.
‘…Huh?’
Do Sieun suddenly grabbed my wrist and pushed me against the wall.
Having hit the wall hard with my back, I looked down at her in surprise.
I should have been looking down at her, and yet….
‘What is with this noona?’
Facing her sharp blue light, I felt as though I were the one looking up at Do Sieun.
What presence.
How cool.
Overwhelmed by her spirit, I couldn’t get a word out.
Soon, she placed her hand on the wall beside my face and growled lowly.
“It can’t end like that. We can’t break up.”
“….”
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
Do Sieun really was someone who didn’t take jokes well.
She took every joke as a serious remark.
Overwhelmed by her momentum, I nodded in a daze.
“Uh… okay, Noona. Let’s just be together forever, forever….”
“Good thinking.”
Only then did Do Sieun withdraw her hand.
Freed from that bizarre sense of pressure, I could finally relax.
And then, I replayed what had happened to me moments ago in my head.
*Should I try it on Haneul too?*
* * *
"Don't cause any problems for the time being and stay as quiet as possible."
The reason Dosieun had said those words to me was none other than Doseungu.
Apparently, the incident he had caused during the midterms had turned public opinion against the Divine Sword Do Clan.
So the gist was to keep my head down until the situation died down.
I could understand where she was coming from, but I couldn't fully accept it.
"Come on, he's the one who did something wrong. Why do we have to tiptoe around?"
"I know how you feel, but it can't be helped. We're from the same clan, after all. In the eyes of the public, you, me, and Seungu are all birds of a feather. Especially since you and Seungu are the same age. Externally, it's known that Seungu transferred because the factional fight with you got too excessive. So the attention focused on him could easily fall on you as well."
"Still, this really sucks... So I can't even skip class easily?"
"...You don't skip class, Gyeonu."
To think I had to exercise self-restraint just for being a member of the same clan.
That bastard Doseungu was utterly useless in my life.
Having realized that truth once more, I inwardly cursed the bastard who was probably living a miserable life right now.
Meanwhile, Dosieun conveyed another reason.
"And the Clan Head is very angry because of this incident. If you cause any more controversy here..."
"The next person will receive an even harsher punishment than him, huh."
"Yeah, the chances of that are high. The selection period for the new Ten Great Clans isn't far off. The Clan Head can't help but be sensitive about anything that might tarnish the clan's honor."
"We're practically guaranteed a spot in the next Ten Great Clans anyway..."
"We don't know how the True Crimson No Clan and the White Sword Baek Clan will turn out. You can't let your guard down like that."
"...Noona's right, I guess."
"Anyway. Maybe that's why it seems the Clan Head is planning to 'inspect our character' this summer vacation."
"Inspect our character?"
"Yeah."
"Shouldn't they only inspect the character of kids who cause trouble? Why... That Doseungu guy isn't even treated like he exists, so he probably won't even stop by the main house... This is going to be such a pain."
"..."
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"...Nothing. So make sure to keep your character in check beforehand."
"What is there to keep in check? I'm always equipped with good character."
"Right..."
For some reason, Dosieun's reaction seemed half-hearted.
Anyway, having heard all that, I decided to follow her advice despite my dissatisfaction.
Thanks to that, I had to give up on my dream of lazing around in the club room after the class rep meeting ended.
I needed to get to class right away.
My sighs wouldn't stop.
*Why does Doseungu even live?*
The more I thought about Doseungu, the more my teeth ground together.
I chewed over thoughts of him again and again as I waited for my friends who hadn't arrived yet.
I had saved nearby seats with Minarin for them.
Shortly after, Yeonhaneul, Goeunbi, Lisa, and Baksagun—who were attending the class rep meeting—arrived.
"You all came together?"
"Yes, we ran into each other on the way up."
"You saved us seats. Thanks, Gyeonu."
"Ahem? I'm here too, you know?"
"Arin, thank you too! You were upset we didn't say anything, right?"
Lisa sat down next to Minarin, and Baksagun sat next to her.
Goeunbi ignored the seat next to me and deliberately sat down beside Minarin.
Then, as if it were only natural, Yeonhaneul approached the empty seat beside me.
"Sorry, did you wait long? But your class always seems to end early."
"We do end a bit early. I guess the Witch and Instructor Noeul don't want to teach either."
"Tch, maybe your teacher doesn't want to be around you?"
"What are you talking about? The Witch likes me so much. And Instructor Noeul gave me candy again today."
"Yes, yes, little Do Gyeonu. By the way, what's this on the desk?"
"It's lunch boxes from the student council. They ordered them for people who have to skip lunch because of the meeting. We can eat now or during the meeting later."
"I was thinking of buying some bread on the way here, so this is perfect. Did they give strawberry milk too?"
"I thought water alone would be boring. You like strawberry milk, don't you? I got it from the vending machine in the hallway earlier."
"...Yeah, I see. Thank you so much."
Yeonhaneul smiled, fiddling with the strawberry milk with both hands.
Just seeing that made me feel as if the unpleasantness caused by Doseungu was washing away.
It was then that a thought suddenly struck me.
I called out to her as she waved happily at Dosieun, who was preparing for the meeting on the podium.
"Haneul."
"Yeah, what?"
"Come out with me for a second."
"Huh?"
Yeonhaneul tilted her head to the side.
The rabbit ears that flopped over with the motion looked just like question marks.
I stood her up from her seat as she expressed her confusion like that.
Then, without properly explaining, I grabbed her wrist and left the classroom.
"Gyeonu, wait. Where are we going all of a sudden? The meeting is about to start..." she said, flustered, but followed after me anyway.
We soon went down to the stairwell landing.
*Thud!*
"Ow! Why are you doing this..."
I cornered Yeonhaneul against the wall and placed both hands on the wall.
I was mimicking what Dosieun had done to me earlier.
"How is it?"
"...How is what?"
"Manly?"
"Huh?"
"You said you wanted to try it once, like in that drama. A wall slam on the stairs."
"Ah, what? That's what this was?"
With nowhere to move, trapped by me, Yeonhaneul clasped her hands in front of her chest.
She had been looking up at me warily at first, but now she giggled as if none of that had happened.
She soon put her hands behind her back and pressed one foot against the wall.
A strangely captivating light glimmered in her red eyes, which seemed to appraise me.
"Zero points. Not manly at all, little Do Gyeonu."
"What, why?"
"First, the situation should have been natural. You can't just drag me out of nowhere and do this. It's so forced."
"Hmm... I guess so."
"Second, what's with you asking me if it's manly? That's not charming at all. It looks calculated, and above all, it makes you seem like you have no confidence. Plus it's childish. Oh, right, Gyeonu is a child, isn't he?"
"...Cut it out. Yeah, sorry for being childish. Happy?"
"Third, doing this suddenly is scary. I was worried I did something wrong. You lacked consideration. You should have read my feelings."
"You're right about that too. Sorry for scaring you. Were you surprised?"
"And fourth, you pushed too hard."
"Huh?"
"You suddenly shoved me against the wall, so my back hurt."
"Ah... sorry, are you okay? I didn't think that far ahead."
"It only hurt a little. It doesn't hurt at all now. I'm fine. But be careful next time."
"Got it. Is there a fifth?"
"Shall I find a fifth?"
"No, it's fine. Since it seems like I'm bad at this, I shouldn't do it anymore."
I had let my excitement get ahead of me.
Looking back, I had only considered things from my perspective, not Yeonhaneul's.
I never thought I'd become a laughingstock to her or end up threatening her.
I had acted thinking she would like it, but it ended up only hurting her feelings instead.
Feeling self-reproach, I tried to pull my hands away from the wall.
At that moment.
"...Haneul?"
"Just stay like this."
"..."
Yeonhaneul grabbed my collar tightly so I wouldn't pull away.
Caught by her, I placed my hands back on the wall.
She was smiling bashfully.
"So you didn't hate it?"
"When did I say I hated it?"
"So you liked it?"
"Maybe?"
"...Which is it?"
"I won't tell you."
"..."
"Since we're doing this anyway... I want to stay like this a little longer."
Yeonhaneul shyly wriggled her body slightly.
Yet her gaze never left me.
I kept looking at her as well.
"Then... shall we stay like this a little longer? Until the meeting starts."
"Yeah..."
Her gaze was so deep and enchanting, as if it would suck me right in.
Was Yeonhaneul thinking the same thing about my gaze?
I hoped so.
Meanwhile, the situation of silently locking eyes felt somehow awkward.
She seemed to feel it too.
"Don't just stand there, say something..."
"You're really pretty."
"Geez... not that... Now I'm even more embarrassed..."
"That's the only thing that comes to mind, what else should I say..."
"Ah..."
"What's wrong?"
"I just realized... we're so close that your breath is reaching my ear... and your voice echoes too. That's cheating. So unfair."
"What's cheating or unfair about it? Should I back away?"
"Ah, don't move. It'll brush against my ear."
"What do you want me to do then..."
"Just... stay still like this. Like a stone statue. Don't close your eyes, and don't breathe."
"Hey, are you telling me to die?"
"...Speaking so softly is cheating too."
"Hoo... I'll seal my lips. Satisfied?"
"Ah, hm..."
Ignoring the students passing by on the stairs.
Like that, we focused only on each other until the meeting began.
* * *
The class rep meeting began.
Having returned to the meeting room, Yeonhaneul and I ignored the meaningful gazes of others and listened attentively.
We didn't forget to dig into our lunch boxes either.
"No one else has any questions? Then we'll proceed to draw the matchups for the Class Competition."
The meeting, which had been proceeding under Dosieun's leadership, had moved on to the Class Competition.
She had student council members bring a box with a hole in the top to the lectern.
Having neatly packed away our lunch boxes so they wouldn't smell, we fixed our eyes on the box.
"We'll draw for the third-years first."
No one objected to Dosieun's request for understanding.
She reached into the box and drew a slip with a class number on it.
The student handling the on-screen bracket immediately entered the number.
Like that, the third-year class competition bracket was slowly filled out.
*So once your bracket is confirmed, you can leave early. That's why they started with the third-years.*
One by one, the representatives of the confirmed classes quietly got up and left the main conference room.
I watched them enviously, waiting for our turn.
To pass the time, I glanced at Yeonhaneul.
*She must be bored too.*
During class rep meetings, she would usually take notes diligently.
With nothing left to write, Yeonhaneul was quietly fidgeting with her hands while staring at the screen.
Feeling oddly moved, I reached out and grabbed her left hand.
"..."
Yeonhaneul whipped her head toward me, her hand caught in mine.
She blinked her round, rabbit-like eyes repeatedly.
*What's with this hand?*
Her eyes seemed to ask exactly that.
Not wanting to answer, I replied brazenly.
"What?"
"...Nothing."
At that, she let out a small smirk and grabbed my hand back.
She even interlaced our fingers.
"..."
"Whaaat?"
Just as I had done moments ago.
Yeonhaneul held back a laugh, testing my reaction.
*What's with this hand?*
Feeling like I'd somehow lose if I said that, I shook my head as she had.
"...Nothing."
"..."
Even if we had nothing to do, we couldn't chat during the meeting.
With our fingers intertwined beneath the desk, we silently passed the time rubbing the backs of each other's hands with our fingers.
Every time I touched Yeonhaneul's hand, the same thought crossed my mind...
*Why are girls' hands so soft? It makes me want to keep touching them.*
I felt like I could touch them forever without getting tired of it.
Meanwhile, I felt sorry for Yeonhaneul, who had to touch my rough hands.
But that didn't mean I wanted to let go.
I kept playing with her hand.
We wrestled with our fingers, played sword fights with them, wrote words on the backs of our hands, and sometimes just squeezed tightly...
Before I knew it, time had flown by.
"Now we'll draw the first-year bracket."
"..."
Dosieun took a sip of water, cleared her throat, and announced in a composed voice.
The students remaining in the room, including us, stared intently at the slip she drew.
The first-year bracket was gradually completed.
*Please, let us get matched with an easy class.*
Everyone’s hopes were probably about the same.
As the classes were called out, I let the bursts of cheers and sighs wash over me and prayed.
And so—
“Class 12. And their opponent is…”
“…”
“Class 25.”
As if the game’s episodes were bound to happen one way or another,
Class 12, with Gang Hanbyeol, Lisa, and Bak Sagun, was matched against Class 25, with O Junsik of the Black Horse O Family.
And then—
“Class 17. Their opponent is…”
“…”
“Class 8.”
“Ah…”
Class 17, with Min Arin and me, was matched against Class 8, with Yeon Haneul and Go Eunbi.
Faced with a situation none of us had wanted, we all let out sighs without meaning to.
There couldn’t have been a worse draw for any of us.
But now that it had been decided, we had to accept it.
“Haneul.”
“…Huh?”
It’s unfortunate, but from this point on, we’re enemies.
I let go of the hand I had been holding.
She had been standing there with her mouth open in a little “ah,” and now she looked puzzled.
I informed her.
“Let’s break up.”
“…”
“…?”
“…”
“…Haneul? You know I’m joking, right?”
Why isn’t she moving at all?
I examined Yeon Haneul, who had frozen as if time itself had stopped.
A moment later, as if she had finally come back to her senses, she answered in a voice that made sure I heard every word.
Her red eyes were terrifyingly fierce.
“Don’t say that, not even as a joke.”
“Uh… okay. I won’t do it again.”
With a thud,
Yeon Haneul placed her device on the desk.
It seemed like an implicit warning that if I said something like that one more time, she would smash my head in with a sledgehammer.
Flustered by a reaction I had never seen from her before, I nodded before I knew it.
“I’m not breaking up with you. Never. Why would I ever tell you I wanted to break up?”
“Just try saying that again…”
Yeon Haneul seemed very angry.
To soothe her, I laced my fingers through hers once more.
I Became the Childhood Friend of the Mid-Boss