Chapter 68

R̀&e;a‍d ​on ​Кɑt‌Reａd́ì&n;g​Ĉａƒe

This was the worst.

Eugene steadied his queasy stomach and thought.

Since awakening his supernatural abilities, he had never experienced anything like this—being so utterly nauseous.

And no wonder. A supernatural’s body was fundamentally different from an ordinary person’s.

Even if the structure was the same, the durability was on an entirely different level.

For someone like Eugene, who had reached a certain level, it should’ve been impossible to feel sick even if he wanted to.

Yet, here he was, spectacularly sick. His stomach churned, and his head throbbed.

“There’s nothing I can do about it…”

Eugene sighed inwardly.

It was unbearable.

The stares from others? He could tolerate those. Annoying, but something he could ignore.

Eventually, people’s attention would fade, so a brief period of being in the spotlight was manageable.

The real problem was the golden-haired girl in front of him.

Her small mouth nibbling on her food.

He couldn’t take his eyes off her.

For some reason, he was so tense that he couldn’t even enjoy his own meal.

Whenever their gazes accidentally met, he’d jump and quickly look away.

Even while eating, he was sweating as if in the middle of a battle.

And finally, he ended up feeling sick.

Eugene’s face flushed red with shame.

“How are you feeling after taking the medicine? Are you okay?”

Lucia, who had escorted him to the infirmary, patted him gently on the back.

She didn’t realize it, but her kind words were poison to him right now.

His embarrassment was so overwhelming that he couldn’t even lift his head.

“Y-Yeah, don’t worry. It’s nothing.”

“Nothing? Your face is bright red like a ripe tomato.”

Truthfully, it really wasn’t a big deal.

He felt a bit queasy, but it was something his body would recover from naturally.

He didn’t even need medicine, let alone a trip to the infirmary.

But Arin had blown the whole situation out of proportion.

She was the one who sent him to the infirmary with Lucia.

It wasn’t malicious. If anything, Arin was trying to help Eugene.

She had done him a favor by creating an opportunity for him to be alone with Lucia.

But this wasn’t what he had in mind. Showing such a pitiful, queasy self to her—he wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.

Pat, pat.

Lucia continued to gently pat his back.

Her strength wasn’t excessive, but to Eugene, it felt like she was pounding on his heart, not his back.

Every time her fist touched him, his body jolted.

At this rate, his nausea would only get worse.

Desperate to mask the tremor in his voice, Eugene spoke.

“When you’re feeling this way, you should try pricking your finger… but do you have a needle here? If not, I can use my sword…”

“Eugene, that’s an unverified folk remedy. It’s probably just a placebo effect.”

“…Is that so?”

Was it really?

Eugene was dumbfounded.

Once, when Yui had been sick, he had pricked her finger to help her.

Though Yui was scared, he had convinced her it would make her feel better… But if it had no real effect, then he had just made Yui suffer for no reason.

Sorry for being such a terrible brother…

The wave of self-reproach grew stronger.

Seeing Eugene groaning in misery, Lucia seemed to take pity on him. She gestured to the infirmary bed.

“Here, sit down for a bit.”

It seemed she had misunderstood.

He wasn’t groaning because he was in pain but because he was lamenting his own foolishness.

Still, explaining everything felt too troublesome, so Eugene followed her instructions obediently.

“Eugene, give me your hand.”

“Huh?”

He reflexively asked back, not because he didn’t understand but because the words brought up a vivid memory from his past.

“Your hand. Give it to me.”

The warmth that had once traveled down his fingers came flooding back. Unable to meet Lucia’s gaze, Eugene awkwardly extended his hand. Lucia took it without hesitation.

“When you have indigestion, it’s good to massage between your thumb and index finger.”

She pressed her fingers into the spot, kneading gently.

Her golden hair swayed with her movements.

The sensation on the back of his hand tickled, but Eugene didn’t mind it.

Lucia’s diligent efforts, her small hands working tirelessly, made his mouth dry.

It wasn’t even that bad, but somehow, he felt like he had deceived her. Yet, saying he was fine now felt awkward too.

Her small, focused gestures were oddly endearing, and Eugene found himself wanting to keep watching her.

To distract himself from the awkwardness and embarrassment, Eugene blurted out whatever came to mind.

“Isn’t that just another folk remedy?”

“Eugene, that’s not the case. This is acupressure. It’s much more effective than just pricking your finger.”

Was that so? Eugene honestly had no idea.

He had never studied this kind of thing. His interests had always been in combat techniques and physical training.

But if Lucia said it worked, then maybe it did.

He could feel his earlobes heating up.

Though he couldn’t see himself, he was sure his entire face was flushed.

This sensation was becoming all too familiar.

Whether in the infirmary, the classroom, or the cafeteria—whenever he was with Lucia, it was always the same.

Why was that?

Eugene questioned himself but couldn’t find an answer.

Instead of solving the mystery, he focused on calming the turmoil in his chest.

Taking deep breaths, he made sure to keep it subtle enough for Lucia not to notice.

Controlling his breathing was the best way to steady his racing heart.

It was a technique he’d mastered through grueling training, and it worked here as well.

Slowly, the pounding in his chest began to subside.

It was still faster than normal, but at least it wasn’t deafening.

“Eugene, you’ve really worked hard, haven’t you?”

Until Lucia spoke again.

His carefully built composure crumbled in an instant.

His heart raced wildly once more.

Eugene bit his lower lip at the overwhelming sensation.

“Huh? Why are you suddenly saying that?”

“I don’t know. But holding your hand, I can kind of tell.”

Lucia lightly brushed the back of his hand.

Each time, Eugene’s body jolted slightly, though she didn’t seem to notice.

“I can feel the sweat you’ve shed each time I press your fingers or palms. There’s no way someone could have such hands without putting in a lot of effort, right? 

You’ve been pushing yourself all this time, haven’t you? Eugene, you’re amazing. 

Stand tall. Don’t worry about the stares from others. This is all the result of your hard work. All those efforts you’ve made—aren’t they proof of your achievements?”

“…”

Eugene was at a loss for words.

Such praise wasn’t something he was used to.

Wait, no—it had happened before.

This morning, even. Lucia had said something similar.

And yet, nothing had resonated with him quite like this.

Before entering the Academy, Eugene lived in an orphanage run by the Church. They supported his supernatural training, and he’d likely received words of encouragement during those years.

But nothing that had ever reached his heart like this.

“Still, I’m a bit worried. You’re pushing yourself so hard—I’m afraid you might collapse.”

Lucia’s soft smile was tinged with concern.

As she gently traced the scars on Eugene’s hand, her voice carried her heartfelt worry.

“Eugene, you seem to be a little too anxious sometimes. You look like someone who is constantly being chased by something. 

When you’re tired, why don’t you stop for a moment and rest? If you keep pushing yourself too hard, your body won’t be able to take it. 

Proper rest is essential. Got it? You’re not alone. You don’t have to carry everything on your shoulders by yourself. Whenever you’re struggling, just look around. 

There are people who will help you. They’ll be there to support you so you don’t collapse. You don’t have to look far for them. They’ll be right next to you.”

…So that’s what Lucia thought of me, Eugene realized.

It made sense. Looking back on himself, he had been restless. He was being chased.

He wanted to grow stronger—fast. To escape his own weakness.

Because he couldn’t stand being the weak version of himself anymore.

When it mattered most, he’d been powerless. He’d watched helplessly as someone dear to him died.

He couldn’t even protect his sister.

The memory sickened him. His own inadequacy disgusted him.

So he’d thrown himself into mastering his supernatural abilities.

He’d pushed people away and focused solely on his pursuit of strength.

Because he had a goal.

To become a hero.

To lead the charge.

To destroy all monsters.

To protect others.

And for that, power was essential.

That’s why he’d worked so desperately, as if someone had been chasing him every step of the way.

…But maybe that had made him seem unstable to those around him.

Yeah, maybe she’s right.

Eugene gave a small, self-deprecating smile.

Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to slow down a little.

Not that he planned to grow complacent. He’d still train just as hard, and he had no intention of letting go of his desire for strength.

But leaning on others didn’t seem so bad anymore.

He wasn’t alone now, after all.

Leo had reached out to him. Arin had become his friend.

It was a small circle, but they were people Eugene felt he could rely on.

And just as Lucia said, he didn’t have to look far—they were already by his side.

“…….”

A sudden thought tightened his grip.

There was someone holding his hand even now.

The golden-haired girl was carefully massaging his hand.

Could the “right next to you” she’d mentioned just now… actually include herself?

It felt like a leap in logic, but Lucia was one of the people around him.

She was worrying about him even now, giving advice, helping him relax.

Was she subtly trying to tell him she wanted to be one of those people for him?

…No. Calm down. Calm down, Eugene.

Don’t get ahead of yourself.

You’re just overthinking.

Her words were probably just genuine concern, nothing more.

“Lucia.”

Eugene blurted her name.

It was an impulsive move, and even he was surprised by it.

“Hm? What is it?”

Lucia responded naturally, her expression open and her smile sincere.

That look on her face, so pure and unguarded, made Eugene pause.

In that brief moment, countless thoughts raced through his mind.

What should I say? How should I say it, so she won’t be upset?

Eventually, he reached a conclusion.

The very reason he’d wanted the two of them to be alone in the first place.

The wish he’d been planning to share since this morning.

“About the wish token I mentioned this morning…”

Yes. This was the reason.

He’d already made up his mind on what to ask for.

He’d rehearsed the words in his head dozens of times.

All that was left was to say them out loud.

And yet…

Why can’t I speak?!

His voice wouldn’t come out.

Lucia tilted her head, blinking at him with a curious expression.

Eugene quickly covered his face with his left hand, trying to hide his embarrassment.

What’s wrong with me? Seriously, what is this?

Even fighting the high rank monster wasn’t this nerve-wracking!

It’s not a big deal. I just want to ask her to stay close, to continue getting along…

What if she finds it weird?

The thought hit him like a freight train.

Out of nowhere, asking her to be friends might come across as strange.

Especially since Lucia was a girl.

Wouldn’t it be awkward for a guy to ask that?

If they were both the same gender, it might’ve been fine. But coming from someone of the opposite sex…

It could easily be misunderstood.

Even if Eugene didn’t mean it that way.

…Didn’t he?

Eugene shook his head as if to banish the thought.

“It might be uncomfortable for you, are you sure you’re okay with it?”

He still couldn’t meet her eyes. His hand remained over his face, and he waited nervously for her answer.

“…Of course. I told you—I’d grant you any wish.”

After a brief silence, Lucia’s calm voice broke through.

Even she seemed a little nervous. Her grip on his hand had tightened.

Eugene suddenly wanted to let go.

Not because he didn’t like it, but because his clammy, sweat-soaked palm felt embarrassing.

Should I stop now?

No. I’ve come this far.

I can’t run away! Have I forgotten the vow I made never to run again?!

…Though I’m pretty sure this isn’t exactly the kind of situation I had in mind when I made that vow.

“Lucia.”

He called her name again.

Eugene lowered the left hand that had been hiding his face with all the strength he could muster.

It felt as if that simple action had drained his entire body of energy.

Exhausted, but determined not to stop now, he lifted his head.

He met Lucia’s soft, pink eyes.

She didn’t look away, her gentle smile unwavering.

“This is my wish,” he said.

“Y-yeah…”

He wasn’t the only one feeling self-conscious.

Lucia’s face had also turned a shade of red, caught up in the atmosphere of the moment.

Bolstered by her reaction, Eugene poured all his sincerity into his words.

“Please… be my friend.”

…He said it.

He’d done it.

There was no taking it back now.

Eugene anxiously waited for her response, trying to gauge her expression.

Lucia’s face froze in what seemed like shock, her usual composure momentarily lost.

Was that a good sign or a bad one?

Eugene’s mind blanked under the weight of his own tension. A faint ringing filled his ears, and his stomach churned with nerves.

He forced himself to think positively.

Lucia wouldn’t reject him outright. She was too kind for that.

And even if she did, she’d surely find a way to let him down gently.

After all, it was just a simple request to be friends. There was no way she’d get angry over something like that.

“Eugene.”

Lucia called his name.

Her face was unusually stiff, her expression unreadable.

Eugene’s confusion deepened as she continued.

“I’m disappointed.”

Her words were cold and sharp.

It was the first time Eugene had heard such a frosty tone from her, and it froze him in place.

Thud.

His heart sank, shattering under the weight of her words.

 

Author Note

A/N (Author’s note):
Eugene is an idiot.

If he had decided to be a master instead of a friend, it would have been a happy ending.

Idiot.

Translator Note

T/N (Translator’s note):
Woah, if I look away for a second. I might have thought his name was Siwoo, heh.