episode_0051

Upon hearing Han Do-ah’s trembling voice, she entered the hospital room and recognized who she was.

“Han Do-young….”

She had explained her family background to Han Do-ah during a previous conversation in the counseling department.

Her mother was Han Do-young, a martial artist, and her father was Kim Nam-soo, a culinary intangible cultural heritage expert.

“So, the man I met on the stairs earlier must have been Han Do-ah’s father.”

It seemed like Han Do-ah’s family had come to check up on her due to her hospitalization. However, the atmosphere between the mother and daughter was far from ordinary for a family meeting.

“Weren’t you supposed to focus on your studies when you went to school with determination?”

In response to Han Do-young’s sarcastic remark, Han Do-ah couldn’t say anything.

“If neglecting your studies and causing trouble at the hospital is part of a student’s duty, then leave school immediately.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t ask for an apology.”

“I will make sure not to cause any more worries.”

Although Han Do-ah tried her best to placate her mother’s anger, it didn’t seem to have any effect on Han Do-young.

“Didn’t you try to persuade me before entering school that you would focus on your studies? Are you now the diligent student you claimed to be?”

Han Do-ah remained silent as if she had nothing to say, despite having a thousand words on her lips.

“You’re not saying you’ll stay in school until the end.”

“…Please give me one more chance.”

“The opportunity was given when you entered school. You squandered that chance yourself.”

Sighing, Han Do-young brushed her hair back and changed the subject.

“Let’s talk about your grades. Have there been any significant improvements?”

As soon as a favorable topic was brought up, Han Do-ah immediately spoke up.

“They have improved. I was planning to send my report card home when the vacation ceremony took place.”

“You speak with great confidence… ”

Narrowing her eyes, Han Do-young continued speaking.

“Don’t think that improved grades will cover up your mistakes. Even if you were the top student at school, my feelings won’t change.”

“….”

Looking at the defeated Han Do-ah, she turned her gaze towards me.

“You seemed overly excited in the presence of the outsider. I want to apologize to the male student over there.”

“It’s okay.”

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Kim Maru. I’m Do-a’s senior’s junior.”

“Having an ugly senior must be tough.”

Han Do-ah’s shoulders twitched. Ignoring her daughter’s reaction, Han Do-young continued with her questions.

“What’s your relationship with Do-a?”

“I mentioned that we have a senior-junior relationship.”

“Do juniors usually tie their seniors’ hair affectionately? Especially when Do-a doesn’t even allow her servants to touch her hair.”

That was new information to me. The original Han Do-ah had never shown such behavior.

“She was just helping me tie my long hair because it was getting in the way of my arms.”

Listening to my explanation, Han Do-young remained silent for a while, observing me and Han Do-ah with her eyes only.

“Do-a, what’s your relationship with this junior?”

“She helped me with my studies.”

“You’re prying unnecessarily. I want to repay you for visiting me.”

When the slightly softened Han Do-young gestured subtly, a well-dressed woman next to her approached me and asked.

“Please choose the method of payment.”

“Payment?”

“Yes. You can either provide your account number… or you can receive cash right here and now.”

I was taken aback by the sudden offer of money. When I looked at Han Do-ah, she seemed resigned, as if familiar with the situation.

Her expression seemed to say, “Just accept it.”

However, receiving money abruptly felt impolite, so I initially declined.

“I didn’t befriend Do-a senior with the expectation of compensation.”

“Think of it as pocket money given to a child’s friend. Use it for your daily expenses.”

Seeing Han Do-young’s stern gaze fixed on me, it seemed like refusing might hurt her pride instead.

Finally, I quietly recited the account number. The servant who received the number politely bowed and stepped back.

“And Doa, if you think I’ll back off this time as well, you’re mistaken. I will come to our hometown during this vacation and discuss your future.”

Han Do-young seemed to be showing signs of leaving, laying down the law to Han Do-a. Before she turned away, she glanced at me once again.

‘Why is she staring?’

As I pondered, meeting her gaze, Han Do-young spoke up.

“The money just transferred is also for our daughter’s tutoring fees. It’s a way of expressing gratitude for all the help provided so far.”

I understood what she was trying to say.

“There’s no need to help anymore.”

“Mother…!”

“Don’t raise your voice.”

Although Han Do-a glared at Han Do-young while biting her lip, Han Do-young did not flinch or stop speaking.

‘Is Doa trying to continue the family business?’

Han Do-young hoped that Han Do-a would devote herself to kendo. However, after graduating from middle school, Han Do-a expressed her intention to pursue academics with Han Do-young.

After that, it was as I had just heard. Back then, Han Do-young backed off once, and due to this recent incident, Han Do-young was in a very tough spot.

I need to decide on my course of action here.

Considering Han Do-young’s words, should I give up on her education, or should I support Do-a and persuade Han Do-young?

In fact, considering my original personality, choosing the former is more appropriate. I don’t want to meddle in other people’s family matters.

However, in the original work, Do-a’s colleagues supported her, and through their support, Do-a managed to sway Han Do-young and resolve the situation.

‘So, the answer is clear.’

Internally nervous, I looked straight at Han Do-young and replied.

“No, I will continue with the tutoring.”

“Maru junior…”

“Did I hear you wrong?”

Taken aback by Han Do-young’s raised eyebrows and tilted head, I held my breath for a moment. Nonetheless, I calmly continued speaking.

“Doa senior has been dedicated to her studies. Her efforts have paid off. I understand her studies better than anyone else since I’ve helped her.”

“…”

“Moreover, in this incident, Doa senior was the victim. She is an exemplary student without any flaws, and I don’t want to see her dream shattered.”

Even after I finished speaking, Han Do-young remained silent. At her indifferent response, my throat tightened.

She briefly glanced at Do-a behind me before closing her eyes tightly.

After what felt like an eternity, Han Do-young opened her eyes again.

“Doa isn’t doing poorly academically, but if you are tutoring her, she must be doing well.”

“…She’s the top student this semester.”

At least revealing this level of achievement publicly would give weight to my words.

Han Do-young blinked her eyes a few times, appearing to contemplate something calmly.

After her contemplation, she turned around. Then, she addressed Do-a.

“If you have a close relationship, you can accompany Maru to the hometown.”

With a brief statement, she left the hospital room. The servants also bid us farewell before leaving.

As the tense atmosphere eased slightly, I let out a sigh.

“Phew….”

Turning around to look at Do-a, I saw…

“…”

Her cheeks flushed red, and she gazed at me with a somewhat dazed expression.

“Senior.”

“…”

“Senior!”

“Huh, huh!? Oh, um….”

Clutching the blanket tightly, she mumbled, “Thank you for your encouragement, but it was too risky. My mother is not an easy person to deal with….”

“…I just wanted to show that Senior is sincere about her studies. I know Senior well.”

Do-a lowered her head so her face couldn’t be seen.

After fidgeting with her fingers holding the blanket for a moment, she cautiously looked at me.

“You said I could accompany Maru junior to the hometown this vacation….”

Having said that, she glanced at me hesitantly.

“What do you think…?”

“I’m fine.”

In the original work, there was an event where Handoa visited her family home during vacation. There, Handoa would grow mentally and strengthen bonds with her other colleagues… It was a kind of healing event.

When I agreed without hesitation, Handoa smiled faintly.

“Oh, really? Then we should make plans to go. We need to reserve two seats on the train.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Hmm? What?”

“The counseling department consists of three people, including me. So, you should reserve four seats.”

“….”

In an instant, Handoa’s expression turned cold. It seemed like the light had vanished from her eyes, perhaps due to her mood.

“I also plan to prepare for the upcoming Ojakgyo during the vacation.”

“…Alright, got it.”

She replied stiffly with a dry voice, flipped the blanket over, and lay down facing away, only showing the tip of her nose.

“I feel a bit tired today. I was nervous because my mother came.”

“That’s understandable. I’ll take my leave now.”

As I closed the door to the hospital room, Handoa quickly turned back to look at me, trying to establish eye contact, but it seemed like a meaningless gesture, so I closed the door.

At a cafe in Hakdo, a part-time worker was busily making drinks as a group order had come in.

The customers were so important that the owner was being extra attentive.

“Ah, that one is almost ready! Start with that!”

“Hey, guys! Is the smoothie ready?”

While the staff members were running around, some students entered the cafe. The part-time worker approached the students who had come in.

“I’m sorry, we have a special customer today.”

“Isn’t it Alice?”

“Oh, they’re here as a group. Please come in.”

After that, students started coming into the cafe periodically. The part-time worker smiled as he saw the students gathering.

“Are students able to afford renting out the whole place?”

It was a rare sight in society, but since this was Hakdo, the part-time worker thought there might be some reason behind it and let it go.

Students sitting in a corner were looking around cautiously. They were first-year students who had recently joined the group.

Since they had no speaking rights, sitting quietly was all they could do.

“The financial situation at Ojakgyo seems to be a mess these days.”

“They couldn’t get scholarships. It’s because of that Kim Maru guy or something.”

“Lee Jihye and Jegal Yeonhwa’s rankings dropped too. The side effects must be significant…”

They were worried about the future of their group when they suddenly stood up upon seeing two familiar faces entering the cafe.

“Hello, ladies!”

“It’s an honor to meet you!”

“Sure.”

Without even looking at the students greeting them, Jegal Yeonhwa sat on the central sofa. Jegal Hwarin followed and sat beside her.

Korean high school students gathered around the Jegal sisters.

Soon, Lee Jihye appeared wearing a hoodie. She received greetings from the students.

“Jihye, are you well?”

“Let me take your bag!”

“Damn, they’re not even gangsters.”

Lee Jihye shooed away the approaching crowd while swearing. Ju Wonyoung and Moon Hyeongmin sat next to her.

Korean high school students gathered around Lee Jihye.

“Moon Hyeongmin, when is Eun Yoori coming?”

“Huh? Isn’t it almost time? Oh, there she is.”

Eun Yoori and some students entered through the cafe door. And behind them was a female student with an even more recognizable face than theirs.

There wasn’t anyone present who didn’t recognize her.

“Wow, Seoyoon…”

“She’s really something else.”

“Do you need that level of physique to become a leader as a freshman?”

Eun Yoori and Seoyoon came over to the sofa where Lee Jihye and Jegal Yeonhwa were sitting. Jegal Yeonhwa waved at Seoyoon when she noticed her.

“Hello, Uni~. Let’s have a good time together today.”

“Yes.”

Seoyoon replied curtly and sat next to Eun Yoori.

“What’s with Uni?”

Seated at her desk, Eun Yuri organized documents and asked Jegal Yeonhwa, who replied succinctly.

“Yoon Yi’s nickname.”

“Talking nonsense.”

Beside them, Lee Ji-hye chuckled softly, engrossed in a mobile game.

Unlike the somewhat relaxed atmosphere among the officers, the regular students did not look cheerful. This was due to the recent darkening mood at Ojak Bridge.

“Why are the officers so carefree?”

“Alice doesn’t mess with the officers either. Envious, damn it. Looks like we’re the ones in trouble.”

The chatter of the students gradually quieted down. An unfamiliar-looking female student was approaching the café window.

That day, a barista making drinks at the café entrance saw the blonde girl and reminisced, “If the goddess of beauty were reborn as a student, wouldn’t that be her?”

Despite her ordinary white shirt, plain tie, and standard school skirt, everything seemed extraordinary because the girl wearing them was not ordinary.

As she walked through the café, all eyes turned towards her.

No student dared to speak.

Even Jegal Yeonhwa and Eun Yuri, who were chatting, fell silent, and Lee Ji-hye, previously focused on her game, immediately put her phone away.

Sitting on the central sofa, the girl quietly accepted the documents handed to her by Eun Yuri and began reading.

As if signaling not to disturb her reading, silence enveloped the café.

“The reason I called you all here today is…”

Alice, with a clear voice, began speaking.

“For disciplinary action.”