episode_0011

012

The upcoming weekend.

I sent a message to Yuseolhyun and Seonari, saying that I had something to say related to the performance evaluation.

Seonari seemed a bit reluctant to be dragged out during the sweet weekend time, but when Yuseolhyun readily accepted, we were able to make plans.

The meeting place was a newly opened cafe.

The strawberry slice cake sold at this cafe would become Yuseolhyun’s favorite snack in the future, so I planned to let her taste it today.

Ding-dong~.

With a delicate chime, a woman entered.

She swept her tempting hair, as if sprinkled with gold dust, and glanced around the cafe before spotting me.

With a small handbag slung over her shoulder and the hem of her shallow long jacket fluttering, she took steps towards me with a graceful and straight posture, reminiscent of a freshman college student.

The mature atmosphere that couldn’t be felt in the academy uniform was evident. She approached me with elegant and precise steps, as if she were a model walking on a runway.

The men in the cafe secretly glanced at her back before being caught by her female friend who was by her side.

Yuseolhyun glanced at her and chuckled, covering her mouth coyly.

She had a mischievous personality that enjoyed such reactions.

Maybe she was worried about being seen as a villainess from a drama.

“You’re here early?”

“I just arrived.”

I nodded in response to Yuseolhyun’s words.

“I don’t even pretend to know, huh?”

At that moment, a familiar voice rang in my ears.

I thought it was someone else, but oh, she came with her.

Due to her petite frame, she wasn’t easily noticeable.

“Seonari.”

“Hmph.”

Seonari crossed her arms with a slightly displeased expression, glaring at me.

She seemed to have noticed why I reacted so late.

It was a complex about her height.

I shouldn’t mention it directly.

“Shall we start by ordering something first? Since I invited you today, I’ll treat you to a slice of cake.”

They chose Americano and Espresso double shots.

“Why Espresso? Isn’t it a bit odd to have it with cake?”

“What does it matter what I drink?”

Seonari responded as if she had a horn.

I wonder why she’s like that even though she can’t handle bitter things.

Yuseolhyun smirked at her reaction.

“Espresso does have a nice aroma, right, Nari?”

“Yeah, sure. Isn’t it that Jinhyuk doesn’t know this taste because he has a picky palate?”

Seonari took a sip of the Espresso and made an indiscernible sound of ‘ugh, ugh…’ in response.

Yuseolhyun teased her, “Is it good? Should I order another one for you?” Seonari hesitated for a moment, looking wide-eyed, before reluctantly agreeing.

She didn’t want to drink more, but she couldn’t refuse Yuseolhyun’s persuasion, so I chuckled and turned the conversation to help Seonari.

“Alright, let’s take a look at this.”

I took out several materials prepared for this performance evaluation and placed them on the table.

“Hmm?”

Yuseolhyun quickly scanned through the materials.

“Our first opponents are Handongwon, Oseongwoon, and Gomirae. You know them, right?”

“Hmph. They’re nobodies.”

Seonari chuckled confidently.

It was her confidence as the 17th ranked player.

“Even if they were nobodies in their own neighborhood.”

“Well, nobodies are nobodies.”

Well, that’s true.

After all, they’re not even named NPCs.

There might be many shortcomings compared to you, who had a significant weight, and the villain character Yeoseolhyun. Whether it’s combat ability or operational ability, anything.

But now, this world is not a game, but reality.

Whether it’s a named NPC, an extra, or the protagonist, one cannot let their guard down.

Moreover, while it is acknowledged that you all are stronger than them, it is never ‘overwhelmingly’ strong.

At best, you are at the same level as students.

Therefore, depending on how the opponent comes out, many variables could have been created.

Furthermore, even including me, who is not particularly useful as a combatant.

“They are all in the upper ranks. They use bows, swords, and spears, and overall have good balance. Although the abilities have already been revealed, Han Dongwon’s abilities may be slightly different. What you all need to keep in mind is…”

Various explanations were given about the opposing team.

Special abilities, power, martial arts, compatibility, positions, tactical plans, and so on.

What we need to do in the future and what we should do.

“Interesting.”

How much time has passed like this?

Yeoseolhyun, who had been quietly listening, lightly flicked the coffee cup and spoke.

“I heard you well. It seems like you prepared more than I thought?”

She smiled and looked at me.

“Maybe you’re not just the top in theory? It feels like I’m listening to a tactical advisor.”

“Back in middle school, whenever there was a team tactical evaluation, I was always assigned the operator role.”

Unfortunately, I didn’t have talent as a hero, so to score high in the practical evaluation, I had to play the role of a commander.

In the past, I used to analyze habits, compatibility, weaknesses, and specialties by dissecting training videos or sparring videos frame by frame.

Now, with memories of my past life, I almost know everything about the Romance Hero Academy’s setting, making it easier to plan tactics.

When I read official novels or fanfiction, there are many behind-the-scenes stories related to various characters.

“It’s good that you analyzed it diligently, but you wasted your time for nothing. Just you and Seolhyun should be enough without using any tricks.”

Seranri said with a sullen expression.

“Right now, that might be the case. But who knows what will happen in the future?”

The Han Dongwon team itself is not a big problem.

It’s just a practice match to see how much the game settings and the analysis from reality will work.

“Let’s say you two beat the Han Dongwon team. What about the next team? And the team after that?”

“Well, that’s…”

“In the end, you’ll have to face Ishiwoon or Kang Daehan’s team, right?”

Seranri bit his lip.

It seemed like he couldn’t underestimate even the male protagonists.

“And with someone like me having a hole, wouldn’t it be even harder to just fight recklessly?”

“Well, that’s true.”

Hey. Why do you admit so easily that I have a hole? …It’s true that I have a hole.

“It was a good strategy to turn the tables on unfavorable forces and situations. If we end up facing Ishiwoon or Kang Daehan’s team in the final match, we’ll be lacking in power, right? Let’s prepare in advance and improve our tactical abilities to match.”

“Are you being too confident about reaching the finals?”

When Yeoseolhyun added a word, I nodded in response.

“Of course. Didn’t we make a bet? I said I would at least get 1st or 2nd place.”

“Alright, I’ll look forward to it.”

“But you’ll follow my orders, right?”

“Of course.”

Yeoseolhyun smiled mischievously and looked at the papers spread out on the table.

“To be honest, I didn’t have much expectation for you, but the data you brought today and the explanations you listened to… maybe you’ll be okay as an operator.”

She picked up the fork and lightly cut the edge of the cake.

“Of course, theoretical talk is unnecessary, I hope to see it in action. I’m starting to have some expectations about whether what you said will really work or not.”

He picks up his fork and takes a bite.

“So, try doing what you want in the first match. I’ll follow your lead.”

He sets down his fork after finishing the cake.

He seems satisfied, judging by the fact that he finished the strawberry cake at this cafe.

Thanks to the delicious snack, he seemed to have listened quietly to what I had to say.

“Well, I’ve said my piece, but do any of you have any questions or things you want to say?”

“Oh, wait, I need to use the restroom for a moment…”

Seonari, whose complexion wasn’t looking good, raised his hand casually.

His face seemed a bit pale.

It seemed like he might have a slight upset stomach.

“…I told you to drink the espresso slowly.”

“S-Sorry, excuse me, Seolhyun, I’ll be right back!”

After giving me a guilty look, Seonari hurriedly ran off.

Thanks to that, only the two of us were left.

Seolhyun stared at my face intently and then opened her mouth with a slightly mischievous expression.

“Oh, by the way, how have you been lately?”

“What do you mean?”

What is she trying to say now?

“Lately, Soyeon and Ishiun have been hanging out a lot, haven’t they?”

“So what?”

“Even if they were childhood friends, wouldn’t it be a bit awkward if she started hanging out with another guy right after breaking up with her ex?”

I chuckled inwardly at Seolhyun’s words.

I’d actually prefer if they hung out more.

“What about you?”

“Huh?”

“Isn’t it uncomfortable for you to see Soyeon hanging around Ishiun?”

“Do I look uncomfortable to you?”

“I heard a rumor. There’s a rumor that you and Ishiun are engaged.”

“What?”

Seolhyun’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

Since the engagement is supposed to be a secret, she must have been surprised when I mentioned it.

“Where did you hear that?”

“I don’t know? I think I heard it from someone.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. And don’t take it too hard. You and Ishiun come from wealthy families and have known each other since you were young, so it must be a good gossip. People like hearing about love lines between young people.”

Seolhyun twisted her hair and looked at me.

“Well, that’s…”

Just as Seolhyun was about to continue speaking.

“…Jinhyuk, what are you doing here?”

“What?”

A familiar voice caught our attention.

Seolhyun and I turned our heads unconsciously.

We looked to see where the voice was coming from.

“What’s going on here?”

“I asked you first.”

Jinsoyeon looked at us with a stern expression.

***

Jinsoyeon was dumbfounded.

What on earth were these two doing meeting up for some reason at a cafe on the weekend?

Jinhyuk, who always used the excuse of not having time to hang out with her lately, was meeting up secretly(?) with Seolhyun to have coffee together?

This is betrayal, betrayal!

What’s up with you, Jinhyuk!

When she asked you to go to this cafe together not long ago, you said you were busy, right?

You said you didn’t have time on the weekend because of evaluations or something.

Was the reason you were busy because you had to meet up with Seolhyun?

“Oh, I see…♪”

Seolhyun smiled mysteriously, with the corners of her mouth slightly upturned. She seemed to be enjoying herself.

“Hi, Soyeon.”

“Yeah, but what were you doing with Jinhyuk?”

“Jinhyuk said he had something to tell me, so I came out for a moment.”

“Jinhyuk?”

For a moment, Jinsoyeon’s gaze turned towards Jinhyuk.

What could Jinhyuk have to say to Seolhyun?

Something to say?

If it was just a normal conversation, they would have had it at the academy.

What could they possibly have to talk about separately on the weekend?

“Wait a minute.

No way…?

– Actually, I’ve started to like someone else.

Why did Jinhyuk’s words from a month ago suddenly come to mind?

“Yoo Seolhyun. Don’t say weird things for no reason. We just gathered to talk about the performance evaluation. Look at this.”

“Oh.”

After finishing his explanation, Lee Jinhyuk took out a few documents that he had put in and waved them in front of Jinsuyeon.

“And it’s not just the two of us meeting. We also met with Senari.”

After a while, Lee Jinhyuk shrugged and pointed towards the empty chair.

Indeed, on the table next to the empty chair, there were coffee cups and plates left over from eating.

“So don’t get too upset.”

“…I’m not upset. And what do I have to be upset about?”

“You asked me to come here together last time, but I refused. Is that why you’re acting like this?”

Lee Jinhyuk shrugged his shoulders and Jinsuyeon secretly let out a deep sigh. She’s nice, but she really has no sense… sigh.

“What’s up? Jinsuyeon, when did you come again?”

“It’s Nari.”

Senari, who had returned from the restroom, suddenly pretended to know Jinsuyeon.

“Then we’ll go first. Nari, let’s go.”

“Oh, okay.”

“If you have something to say, feel free to talk as childhood friends. Then we’ll leave.”

Yoo Seolhyun quickly grabbed her coat and handbag and left the cafe, and Senari quickly finished the remaining cake and followed Yoo Seolhyun.

“…”

“…”

A moment of silence fell between Jinhyuk and Jinsuyeon.

“…Then I’ll go.”

“Sit.”

Jinhyuk, who didn’t have anything to say, tried to leave his seat sneakily, but Jinsuyeon frowned and insisted that he sit down.

No, she forced him to sit down.

“Do you not have time for me?”

“No, I’m busy.”

“Hah.”

Jinsuyeon chuckled suddenly.

Busy? Always busy whenever she sees him.

Is she only busy with him?

“Hey, Jinhyuk. Just tell me straight.”

“What?”

“Do you have any grievances against me? Why are you acting like this lately?”

Jinsuyeon pursed her lips slightly and glared at Jinhyuk.

No matter how much she thought about it, Jinhyuk’s behavior didn’t make sense.

She understood that he was busy, but she couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was avoiding her.

Was there something that made Jinsuyeon feel bad?

Or was there a reason?

“…I give up.”

Seeing Jinsuyeon’s ominous expression, Jinhyuk forced a bitter smile.

His demeanor was like that of an uncle trying to calm down a tantrum-throwing nephew.

…And that’s what bothers her more.

Lately, Jinhyuk seems to have become more mature.

“Soyeon.”

“What, why.”

Jinhyuk smiled gently and took out a significant amount of A4 paper from his bag, filled with writing.

There was much more than he had shown earlier.

It seemed to be related to the performance evaluation…

“As you know, I lack a lot of talent as a hero.”

“No, that’s not true.”

“I felt it myself. In middle school, I could manage without much talent, but not in the Union.”

“…”

“When others play, I want to play too. Hang out with you, play games after school, and have fun on weekends.”

“…”

Jinhyuk chuckled bitterly.

“But I feel like I can’t keep up when others play and work hard. So lately, I’ve been focusing only on training and studying. I distanced myself from you a bit because I thought I could… have fun with you. Maybe you felt that way. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, no, it’s… ”

Jinsuyeon scratched her cheek.

Certainly, Jinsuyeon could never focus properly when Jinhyuk was around.

“And also.”

“?”

“We’ve already broken up, but if we keep sticking together, it looks a bit awkward, doesn’t it?”

“…Huh?”

At that moment, Jinsuyeon blinked her eyes rapidly. What is she talking about?

“Why are you so concerned about that?”

“Well, it’s not that I’m concerned. It’s just that you might want to date someone in the future, and it would be awkward if you had issues because of me.”

“I’ve told you many times that I’m not interested in dating, right?”

“Well, despite that, it seems like you’re getting along well with Lee Siwoon these days.”

“…That’s just because you mentioned it.”

“What?”

“Wow, I may have said it quietly to myself, but did you really not hear it or were you pretending not to hear it?”

I heard it.

I just pretended not to know.

Internally, Lee Jinhyuk chuckled.

“Anyway, since we’re on the subject, can I ask you something? Is there really nothing between you and Lee Siwoon?”

“What are you talking about? I’ve already told you, right? It’s not like that.”

“Hey, just tell me. I’ve read a lot of relationship-related articles lately. I’m good at giving advice, you know?”

“I told you there’s nothing.”

What is she really saying?

Why is Jinsuyeon acting like this?

“Lee Siwoon is really good-looking, rich, and talented… What’s missing in him?”

“What are you saying?”

“Lee Siwoon seems to be interested in you too. Should I help you out?”

“I already told you no. Several times.”

Lee Jinhyuk felt something indescribable boiling up inside him.

He was annoyed by her persistent attempts to link him with Siwoon.

“Honestly, if it’s Lee Siwoon…”

“Hey!”

With a bang.

Lee Jinhyuk was slightly taken aback by Jinsuyeon slamming the table, and he immediately thought to himself, ‘Oh, she’s overreacting again.’

“Tell me. Are you interested in Yoo Seolhyun?”

“Huh? Me? What are you suddenly talking about?”

Lee Jinhyuk was puzzled by Jinsuyeon’s sudden words.

“You said you wanted to break up with me after the academy entrance ceremony.”

“Well, what about it?”

“You said you had feelings for someone else at that time.”

“Did I?”

Lee Jinhyuk raised a question mark above his head.

“That someone else isn’t Yoo Seolhyun, is it?”

“What are you talking about? That’s impossible. Me and Yoo Seolhyun, haha. Ridiculous.”

“Is that the feeling I just felt? Why do you keep trying to link me with Siwoon?”

“Stop it.”

“I’m annoyed…”

“I said I’m sorry, so let it go. I’ll treat you today to make up for it.”

Scratching his temple, Lee Jinhyuk opened his mouth.

“What do you want to eat? Cake? Parfait? Coffee?”

“…Just an Americano will do.”

“Ah. Just coffee is a bit boring. If you don’t want anything else, I’ll order for us.”

With those words, Lee Jinhyuk chose the menu, and Jinsuyeon quietly pondered in her mind.

– “Well, it’s not that I’m concerned. It’s just that you might want to date someone in the future, and it would be awkward if you had issues because of me.”

This statement could apply not only to Jinsuyeon but also to Lee Jinhyuk.

If Lee Jinhyuk saw Yoo Seolhyun at the entrance ceremony and fell for her at first sight, and then informed Jinsuyeon to end their fake relationship because of that?

If he purposely distanced himself from her to avoid interfering with his close relationship with Yoo Seolhyun after entering the academy?

If the reason he joined Yoo Seolhyun’s team for the assessment project, leaving Jinsuyeon behind, was… perhaps…?

‘…’

As she reached that point in her thoughts.

‘…It’s annoying.’

Jinsuyeon could feel something indescribable wriggling in her mind.