With midterm exams only one week away, we were spending our days in a haggard state, devoting ourselves to studying.
Then, one day at lunch.
"I've been worried about Senior Dasom lately."
Yeon Haneul, who had been picking at her food without much of an appetite, brought up the topic with a sigh.
I had been feeding her strawberries from beside her, so I couldn't help but tilt my head in confusion.
Our friends showed interest as well.
"Why? What's wrong with Senior Dasom?"
"It's just... she hasn't looked energetic at all lately. She can't focus on her work, like her mind is somewhere else."
"That senior lacks energy? The one who seemed like the most energetic and lively person in the Student Council?"
"Yeah, that's why I'm worried. Seeing someone who always led the atmosphere looking depressed..."
If I closed my eyes, I could still clearly hear Seong Dasom's uniquely elegant laughter ringing in my ears.
To think that she was in low spirits—I couldn't readily believe it.
The other friends had similar reactions.
Then Ham Minju, who had been sitting at the edge of our group petting wolves, added to the conversation.
"What Haneul senior said is true. Because of that, yesterday the Vice President pressed the President about what exactly was going on. Then the President told him it was personal and to mind his own business, which caused an argument."
"So the atmosphere in the Student Council room was pretty bad yesterday."
"If they haven't made up since, the cold war likely continues today. *Sigh*..."
"Right, probably. *Sigh*..."
Yeon Haneul and Ham Minju, both Student Council officers, complained as if sharing mutual sympathy.
Sympathizing with the two to some extent, my friends and I couldn't help but let out wry smiles.
Meanwhile, I asked.
"When did this start? Senior Dasom."
"Hmm, let's see... since last week?"
"If I remember correctly, Senior Dasom became like that after returning from volunteering at the orphanage. Perhaps she experienced something unpleasant there...."
"Orphanage volunteering...."
Ham Minju's answer sent my thoughts racing.
Orphanage volunteering.
I repeated it internally several times.
'Wait, now that I think about it....'
According to the game's progression, a Seong Dasom episode occurred around this time.
On the premise that Eun Suhyeok was the one inaugurated as Student Council President this year.
'But even though it's Senior Dasom and not Senior Suhyeok who is President, the possibility that the episode could still occur... I can't say it's impossible.'
In the route where Eun Suhyeok was Student Council President.
Seong Dasom, having failed to win the Student Council presidential election, lost her confidence and threw herself into orphanage volunteering.
There, she witnessed the human experiments secretly taking place, the Wing Project....
And further, she came to realize that the Gwangmyeong Clan not only condoned it but was leading it....
'Tormented by guilt over whether she should expose the truth of the Gwangmyeong Clan to the world or not, she stupidly ends up volunteering to become a test subject in place of the orphanage children. Saying that since she has the blood of the Gwangmyeong Clan flowing through her veins, she could raise the project's success rate....'
Seong Dasom was unable to choose either the truth or her clan, driving herself to ruin.
As a result, she transformed into an angel driven mad by slaughter due to the experiment's failure.
'In the game, when we went to find the missing Senior Dasom at Senior Suhyeok's request and set foot in the location where the Wing Project was being conducted, it was already too late. At that moment, Senior Dasom transformed into an angel....'
The party led by Gang Hanbyeol, who had temporarily added Eun Suhyeok, ended up battling Seong Dasom.
At that time, if they failed to defeat her, a Bad Ending awaited.
An ending where, because of her, the heavenly realm opened, angels toyed with humans as playthings, and ultimately demons joined in to cause the Celestial-Demonic Great War.
The world would be destroyed just like that.
'Unlike in the game, Senior Dasom probably had Senior Suhyeok brought in as Vice President to lessen her workload. Thanks to that, her volunteering hours may have increased, giving her an opportunity to approach the Wing Project.'
It wasn't that I hadn't considered clearing the Seong Dasom episode at all.
Considering the possibility of the world's destruction, it was something I had to resolve eventually.
'I had planned to put it off until we grew a bit stronger to lower the difficulty of clearing it, but....'
If Seong Dasom had already approached the Wing Project as I suspected, I couldn't afford to delay any longer.
Before she made a foolish choice while drowning in sorrow, as she had in the game, I needed to take action.
'The problem is that Senior Dasom needs to open up to us about the Wing Project and ask for help....'
Unfortunately, persuading Seong Dasom would be anything but easy.
Because the fact remained that she would have to destroy the clan she was born and raised in.
It was inevitable.
She would be treated as a traitor and expelled from the clan, and rather than receiving comfort from people, there was a strong possibility she would be lumped together with the Gwangmyeong Clan and denounced.
So to push her from behind and give her the courage to step forward.
'Senior Suhyeok needs to step in.'
As soon as afternoon classes ended later, I would have to contact Eun Suhyeok.
If it was the Eun Suhyeok I knew, he would act for Seong Dasom.
* * *
'The Wing Project....'
It was the Gwangmyeong Clan that she had been unable to help but take pride in, that she had regarded with such pride.
Having glimpsed the underside of such a clan, Seong Dasom could not shake off her miserable feelings in the slightest.
Disappointment and a sense of betrayal toward the clan sank deeply into her heart.
At the same time, she felt guilty toward the children undergoing the terrible experiments because of the Wing Project.
'What... should I do?'
Her desire to stop the Wing Project and save the children was naturally burning fiercely.
But to do so, she inevitably had to expose the Gwangmyeong Clan's shameful secrets to the world.
The clan's downfall in that process was an all-too-obvious outcome.
"...."
She hated the Gwangmyeong Clan.
She was disillusioned.
Even so, Seong Dasom couldn't help but hesitate in her resolve because of the remaining attachment she had to her clan.
No, more than anything....
'I'm scared.'
Because she would incur not only the clan's wrath, but also be unable to escape the world's condemnation.
Because she would lose everything she had enjoyed as a person of the Gwangmyeong Clan up until now.
As a result, she would end up falling into a lonely existence who was nothing.
Unable to avoid social ruin, she would live a lonely, miserable life with no one to lean on.
Perhaps she would even meet her end as a sudden death by the clan's retaliation.
'I hate myself like this....'
Seong Dasom mocked herself.
Knowing she had to expose the wrongdoing, yet pathetically standing by and watching helplessly—she was utterly pathetic.
Prioritizing her own situation rather than anyone else's made her feel infinitely selfish and ugly.
She was contemptible.
'If I were to volunteer in those children's place, me with the blood of the Gwangmyeong Clan flowing through my veins... If somehow I made the project succeed... Would my heart be a little lighter then?'
It was clearly a foolish plan.
It was nothing but running away.
Even so, Seong Dasom, tormented by guilt, couldn't help but be tempted by the thought that had suddenly crossed her mind.
'...I'll have to go meet the Center Director.'
It was late evening; all the Student Council officers had left for the day.
Having been handling work in the office, Seong Dasom decided to visit the orphanage as her thoughts led her.
Gathering her things, she rose from her seat.
That was when Eun Suhyeok came in.
"Ah... hadn't you left? What brings you here all of a sudden?"
"...I figured you were probably skipping dinner and working. And I happened to not have eaten yet either, so I bought a boxed meal to eat with you... are you already finished with work?"
She had thought he would be angry with her after their argument these past few days.
Seong Dasom was bewildered by Eun Suhyeok's consideration in suggesting they eat together as if he didn't mind.
On the other hand, her heart felt warm, and she felt grateful.
However.
"I have somewhere... to go. I'm sorry. I don't think I can eat dinner with you tonight."
Ever since learning of the Wing Project.
Seong Dasom couldn't face Eun Suhyeok with the same upright attitude as before.
She had another reason as well.
Avoiding his gaze with effort, she tried to leave immediately after apologizing.
Right then.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Eun Suhyeok grabbed her hand with a swift motion.
Seong Dasom was pulled by his strength and had no choice but to turn around.
She furrowed her brows.
"...What do you think you're doing? That hurts. Let go."
"No."
"Where I go or don't go, what business is it of yours, Suhyeok? It's personal. Didn't I tell you before to stop worrying about me for no reason?"
"Before you're the Student Council President and I'm the Vice President... I'm your childhood friend. You're saying that still doesn't matter?"
"...What's so great about being childhood friends. Don't act so cringeworthy."
"Are you going to the orphanage?"
"...."
"What is there that it's making you struggle so much?"
"That's... I can't say. No, it's none of your business."
"No, I absolutely have to know. Sit here. Let's talk over dinner."
"I. Have. Nothing. To. Say. Are you trying to pick a fight with me right now?"
"If I win the fight, will you tell me?"
"No, that's—..."
"You look exhausted these days, so eat something first. Once you eat, you'll have the energy to talk."
"*Sigh*..."
Why is he like this today?
Seong Dasom sighed openly.
In the end, unable to overcome Eun Suhyeok's tenacious persuasion, she had no choice but to sit on the sofa.
But then....
"You? Why are you sitting next to me? There's a seat in front!"
"Where I sit is up to me."
"Then where I sit is up to me as well."
"It's impressive how crookedly you live. Aren't you tired? Stop being so childish."
"Wh-what did you say? Do you even have the right to call me childish!? You started it!"
"Stop screeching. Let's just eat."
"*Sigh*... Excuse me? Wait. What is this hand? Why are you holding it?"
"In case you run away."
"Goodness...."
Seong Dasom ground her teeth.
But Eun Suhyeok responded shamelessly, as if he had made up his mind.
She couldn't shake the feeling that she was getting tangled up with him.
So she made a sulky expression to show her displeasure, but....
"Hm? What did you bring?"
Looking at the food Eun Suhyeok placed on the table.
Seong Dasom forgot the expression she had made and widened her eyes.
"Can't you tell by looking? It's restorative food. Nothing's better for replenishing your energy in a short time."
"No, wait... Hey."
"'Hey'? It's been a long time since I've been called that."
"Can you laugh at a time like this? You're telling me to eat eels, chives, deodeok, oysters... these things?"
"Why are you like this? They're delicious and good for you. I remember you liked eels. Chives and deodeok too. Ah, couldn't you eat oysters?"
"I can eat them now. I know now that they're delicious and good for me...."
"Then what's the problem?"
"...Forget it. I shouldn't have said anything."
"Yes, it's a waste of time to throw a tantrum. Hurry up and eat. Here."
"...What are you doing?"
Eun Suhyeok picked up a piece of grilled eel with his chopsticks and brought it near her mouth.
Seong Dasom was unaccustomed to it; his actions only felt awkward to her.
On the other hand, he maintained a brazen attitude.
"I figured you'd stop after a few bites if I didn't feed you myself."
"You, really... I won't. So stop embarrassing—"
"Hurry up and open your mouth."
"...Ah."
Her face felt like it was about to turn completely red.
Seong Dasom endured her embarrassment and opened her mouth, accepting the grilled eel that Eun Suhyeok offered.
Then he smiled at the corner of his mouth.
She pursed her lips for no reason.
"Don't smile. It's annoying."
"I don't think that's possible. Eat more."
"I said at least pretend. Ah."
"I'll try."
"Aren't you going to eat?"
"I plan to watch you eat first."
"You said you'd eat with me, and that's what you're going to do?"
"Then you feed me."
"You really are... It can't be helped. Open your mouth."
"...."
"Why? Are you embarrassed now that you're the one on the receiving end?"
"...No. I'll eat well."
Somehow, it ended up that way.
Seong Dasom and Eun Suhyeok ended up feeding each other.
Before long, the two of them grew used to the situation, shook off the awkwardness, and were able to relax.
It was as though they were recalling the days of their childhood, when they had been easy and unguarded with each other.
It was then that he spoke.
“Unless you tell me, I can’t guess what worries you’re carrying or how you feel.”
“…”
“But I swear on my soul.”
Eun Suhyeok met Seong Dasom’s eyes and carefully took her hand.
She did not resist and let him hold it, staring at him blankly.
When he spoke of a vow, she flinched in surprise and caught her breath.
And, quietly, she began to expect something.
“Even if you make the whole world your enemy, no matter what kind of person you become.”
“…”
“I alone will stay by your side, no matter what. I swear on my soul that I will never betray you. So don’t try to shoulder it all alone. I want you to tell me your worries, too.”
At Eun Suhyeok’s sincere declaration, which did not feel false in the slightest,
Seong Dasom could no longer restrain the emotions she had been steadfastly suppressing.
A tangle of feelings burst forth, and tears ran down her cheeks.
And at the end of it, her heart swelled with emotion, fluttering in her chest.
She asked in a trembling voice.
“Seriously… why are you acting so cool today? It’s cringey, so stop doing things you don’t usually do.”
“Do you hate it?”
“…No, I like it. I think it wouldn’t be bad once in a while. So, those words—do you really mean them? Is it true? No matter when or where, no matter what the situation is, will you be on my side?”
“Yes. I promise.”
“Even if I defect?”
“Then I suppose I can defect along with you. Are you going to? If I had one wish, I’d like you to give up on defecting to the Demon Society. You might die from a mana rampage in the process of turning into a demon.”
“Hehe, aren’t you being too serious? I’m joking. I’ve never even dreamed of defecting.”
“That’s a relief.”
“But… why do you keep coming closer? Your face is…”
Seong Dasom glanced at Eun Suhyeok and lowered her head shyly.
Then he followed her down and met her eyes again.
“Am I not allowed to?”
“…No. But… I probably smell like food right now… I ate eel and chives.”
“I don’t mind.”
“I do mind, you know? If possible, for the first time, I’d like it to be something we can commemorate…”
“So you hate it?”
“I don’t hate it, but…”
“I like you, Seong Dasom.”
“Ugh… How can you just say that out of nowhere? That’s cheating.”
“What about you?”
“…I like you too.”
“Then there’s no problem.”
There was no need to say anything more.
The two, who had fought over every little thing while failing to be honest with each other, pressed their lips together.
And so.
“Now you can tell me, can’t you?”
“…Yes. Before that, let’s brush our teeth and then do it again, properly, just once. I don’t think I can let it end like this. If we do, I’ll be the only one embarrassed and wronged. This isn’t going to count as the first one. Got it?”
“Then was it the zeroth kiss? I’m satisfied with that one, though. If we can do it again, I’m happy, of course. But are we really going to stop after just one more?”
“Seriously… you’ve gotten so sly. Anyway, I’m going to brush my teeth, so wait quietly. We’ll talk after that.”
Just as Do Gyeonu had intended,
Seong Dasom opened up about the worries that had been eating away at her heart.
I Became the Childhood Friend of the Mid-Boss