episode_0053

“Yay~! Vacation starts today!”

“After school, let’s go to the PC bang!”

Unlike usual, there were many lively students on the way to school. Considering today was the start of vacation, it was a natural phenomenon.

However, vacation brings both functionality and dysfunction.

“This is bad… My mom found out about the boarding academy….”

“The college entrance exam is around 120 days away already….”

Students, with shoulders slumped as if carrying a heavy burden, were heading to school even during vacation.

As for me and Kim Noeul, our shoulders were slumped for different reasons.

“Do you think Okjakyo will be active during vacation?”

“Well, I hope it stays quiet. That way, we’ll have time to focus on our studies.”

I calmly responded to Kim Noeul’s worried question. In the original work, Okjakyo didn’t cause much trouble during vacation.

But in this world, with ‘me’ as an irregular player, predicting the future is uncertain.

“If any problems arise, Gumiho or Seongnari seniors said they would inform us, so that’s somewhat reassuring.”

Adding to my statement, I reassured Kim Noeul. However, she still looked concerned with a dark expression.

“We’re going to Doa senior’s hometown during our vacation.”

“Why is that?”

After Doa senior’s mother allowed us to bring friends over, I immediately contacted Kim Noeul and Nayuna. Both agreed readily. As a result, the counseling department decided to visit during summer vacation.

“If problems occur while we’re away, it could be a big issue.”

“…We can’t worry about everything. We won’t be stuck studying at the academy all vacation long.”

As I mentioned, many students return home during vacation. I also planned to visit Han Doa’s house and the orphanage during vacation.

“You said you’d stay at the orphanage?”

“Yeah. I’ll help out the director while I’m at it.”

When Kim Noeul asked, I simply nodded. After hearing my response, she hesitated for a moment before making an unexpected statement.

“I want to come too.”

“What?”

“It’s to repay the help you’ve given me. Besides, there’s no one at my house anyway.”

It then occurred to me that Kim Noeul’s parents had been abroad for quite some time. Apart from Kim Gaeul, there was no one else at her home.

“Wouldn’t your younger sibling feel lonely? It’s better for siblings to be together.”

“These days, my sibling acts up whenever I talk to them. It’s better not to cross paths.”

Kim Noeul’s words puzzled me. The Kim Gaeul I knew wasn’t like that—she seemed polite, considerate, and caring towards her sister.

“Ga-euli isn’t like that.”

Upon hearing my words, Kim Noeul’s expression turned cold.

“What gives you the right to say that… Of course, she puts on a front when she’s outside.”

“…Is that so.”

It was quite shocking. Just the other day, she had sobbed on the hospital rooftop and clung to me, but now I realized there was something about Kim Gaeul that I didn’t know.

“Anyway, if I stay at the orphanage as part of volunteer work, the director would appreciate it, right?”

“But I won’t be at the orphanage for long.”

“What? Where are you usually during that time?”

“I’ll be staying at Angel’s House during vacation to fulfill my long-term volunteer service.”

“Oh, the one written on the board by the homeroom teacher?”

Suddenly, Kim Noeul looked troubled.

“Is that still open for applications?”

“I’m not sure. Since the first round is over, aim for the second round.”

“If I apply for the second round, will it not overlap with your schedule…?”

“I don’t know. You figure it out.”

With no hope in sight, Kim Noeul arrived at school with a defeated look. Time passed quickly after arriving at school.

During the morning assembly, our homeroom teacher led us to the auditorium, where we held the vacation ceremony.

“Umm, so, I’ll have a latte, please~.”

Principal Seonsaeng-nim seemed to have received a lecture, which was exceptionally long. Some students dozed off openly, and even some teachers yawned.

Among those teachers was also the counselor Chae Yubin.

“Hmm…?”

“Chae Yubin, what are you doing in front of the students?”

“…Oh, sorry.”

As she woke up from dozing off, she shook her head vigorously. When our eyes met directly, she blushed and averted her gaze.

“Lately, she mentioned that she’s been losing sleep trying to find ways to resist other schools’ student councils and Ojakgyo.”

Indeed, her efforts had been effective, as besides Yusin High School, several other schools had contacted Kim Noeul to establish a cooperative front.

Chae Yubin felt proud of her accomplishments, but separately, she struggled with sleep deprivation.

“Look at Maru, how straight his posture is. The essence of being a teacher…”

“Sorry, I’m sorry.”

Teacher Chae Yubin was scolded for quite a long time. As I watched her being scolded with interest, the turn for the inauguration ceremony arrived.

“Next, we will have the inauguration speech by the new student council president. Kim Noeul, please come up to the stage.”

Carrying a single sheet of paper with the speech, Kim Noeul, who had been waiting in the wings beside the stage, stepped up onto the platform.

Even from a distance, the aura emanating from her was different from that of the culprits. Other students seemed to feel similar emotions and buzzed with excitement.

“She’s so beautiful, seriously.”

“They say her approval rating is 75 percent, the highest ever.”

“I envy her figure… I’m so lanky…”

“Is she going to talk about the Ojakgyo issue?”

When the noise from these students was interrupted by Kim Noeul tapping the microphone, they fell silent. She swiftly changed the atmosphere and began her speech.

“Hello. I am Kim Noeul, the 13th student council president of Haneul High School.”

As Kim Noeul nodded politely, the students and teachers applauded.

“I extend my gratitude to the students who supported me. Most of you probably empathize with my ideals.”

‘She’s starting.’

It was anticipated what topic Kim Noeul would address.

“My goal is to create true students.”

Kim Noeul got straight to the point, clearly stating her objective first.

“To become true students, the school must normalize, and for the school to be genuine, the students must normalize. But how is it now?”

Kim Noeul looked around at the students as she spoke.

“Delinquent students persecute righteous students, even forming organized groups to create a corrupt system.”

“Is she mentioning Ojakgyo?”

“This is insane… speaking about this in such a public setting…”

Some teachers were also surprised and focused on Kim Noeul’s speech.

“This is the current state of students. With this situation, we cannot become true students. That’s why I have made up my mind to change these students.”

She took the microphone and walked towards the podium. Her firm steps left a strong impression on the students.

“I will guide the students who deviate from the path and ultimately eliminate the root of evil that created these students.”

Kim Noeul clenched her fist.

“I will not betray your expectations. As the president of Haneul High School, I will confront the corruption of students head-on.”

“This is ridiculous, Ojakgyo isn’t anyone’s pet’s name.”

“What confidence. If it’s just words, what can she really do?”

While there were negative students, we, including Kim Noeul, had already proven ourselves.

“I have actually proven it.”

We did not lose miserably to Ojakgyo in the Rotary Fight, and having tormented Ojakgyo in various ways, we had much to say.

“We changed the unequal education at academies and saved students suffering near the Rotary. Think about it. Hasn’t a lot changed since the beginning of the semester?”

“…That’s true. Nowadays, Korean high school kids don’t openly provoke us.”

“There are more math practice tests given to me at the academy.”

We actually did it, so we were entitled to express our ideals. If we show such tangible achievements, many students will be swept up in the atmosphere.

“Yeah, I didn’t mean to mess with the Ojakgyo kids, but it turned out well.”

“I’m thinking of applying to the student council’s sub-organization. My younger sibling has had run-ins with the Ojakgyo students.”

“Count me in~.”

The teachers did not stop us. It was partly due to the nature of academia, but also because they felt frustrated by the deteriorating state of academia.

“Let me say it again. I will create true scholars. I will take the lead, so please follow me. Then, a pleasant academic environment will unfold before your eyes someday.”

Kim Noeul returned to the podium and tucked the speech into her uniform pocket.

“With that, I conclude my speech. Sky High’s Student Council President, Kim Noeul.”

As Kim Noeul stepped down from the platform, the students erupted in cheers. As she returned to her seat, many students’ hands touched her body and then fell away.

With an impeccable smile, Kim Noeul responded to the students’ reactions.

“It was a scene praised even in the original work, but seeing it in real life is overwhelming….”

Even I found myself captivated by Kim Noeul’s speech, listening absentmindedly. How would other students react?

That is Kim Noeul’s potential. She was already undeniably “Alice’s Heir.”

“Noeul is really amazing….”

“…After today’s vacation ceremony, I might give it a try.”

Enthusiastic male students couldn’t break free from Kim Noeul’s charm and contemplated making a move. Indeed, the guys around Kim Noeul were simply staring at her in a daze.

“It’s going to be a busy day today.”

The vacation ceremony ended, wishing Kim Noeul luck in dealing with confessions.

To plan our visit to Handoa’s hometown, the four of us decided to meet behind the school gymnasium.

I thought I could get to the meeting place faster than Kim Noeul, but my expectations were wrong.

“Maru, can you spare a moment?”

A girl from my class grabbed me and hesitated. In the past, I might have been unsure, but having experienced this several times, I responded skillfully.

“Sure. Since there are hardly any people around, go ahead and talk.”

Of course, there were many people hiding and watching me nearby.

“…I like you! I hope you’ll give me a chance!”

“Sorry. Right now, I want to focus on my studies.”

It was a perfect excuse. While others might not know, no one would question someone who ranked first in the whole school for wanting to concentrate on their studies.

“Oh…. I see. Sorry.”

The disappointed girl returned to her group with a bitter expression. As soon as she left, I saw other girls teasing her.

Confessions were not limited to just one attempt.

“Maru, I like you.”

“I’m sorry, I’m too focused on studying…. Seniors are about to take the college entrance exam, so please study hard.”

Seniors also approached.

“Senior, I’ve admired you for a long time! Your quiet dedication to studying in the classroom was impressive! Please date me!”

“You have plenty of opportunities ahead, so find a better guy than me. I’m about to become a test-taker, so I don’t have the luxury.”

Juniors also came forward.

I managed to fend them off with pre-prepared responses, barely managing to push them away. Already exhausted, I arrived at the meeting place with weary steps.

There, Nayuna was tapping her foot impatiently. I approached her.

“Senior.”

“Huh!? Oh, you’re here. You’re quite late. Why are you late, huh?”

“I was chatting with people around, that’s why I’m late.”

I calmly replied to Nayuna, who had started speaking quickly. Even after hearing my response, Nayuna’s eyes trembled intensely.

“Oh, did you accept it?”

“What…?”

“That… confession….”

“I saw it.”

“I’m sorry! I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop! But we’re a force against Ojakgyo, and if you start dating, it might disrupt our future plans…!”

“There won’t be any delays. I’ve rejected everything.”

Upon hearing my words, Nayuna exhaled with a relieved expression. Her bangs were still long, making it hard to recognize her face.

“But have you not changed your style since starting modeling?”

“Yeah… I put on makeup for shoots, but I feel resistant in my daily life…”

Nayuna’s goal is, as she mentioned to me before, the unification of Yuna and Nayuna.

That unification has not been fully achieved yet. However, progress was being made. This was because there were women approaching Nayuna.

“Oh… You’re Yuna, right? The SC rookie who debuted recently…”

“Oh, yes, that’s me.”

“I saw your profile. I heard we had an SC at our school too…”

“Yuna, I’m a fan! I subscribed to your YouTube channel!”

“Thank you… very much.”

“You usually cover your forehead with your bangs?”

“Silly, if Yuna showed her face, what would happen? People wouldn’t leave her alone.”

Nayuna, flustered, signed autographs for the fans and politely sent them away. It was something impossible for the previous her.

“It seems to be working. Since you started modeling.”

“…Do you think so? I’m still not sure. I get nervous standing in front of unfamiliar people.”

“I think you handled it quite well.”

I honestly said. Nayuna seemed to realize that my words were not false, and she smiled subtly.

“Maru, I have a question…”

“Yes.”

“…Are popular models not great as partners?”

“Why are you suddenly asking that?”

“Just curious.”

I seriously pondered Nayuna’s question. She must have asked such a question as she began preparing for the future.

This is a good change. Therefore, I should respond well.

“It may vary from person to person… but generally, wouldn’t they not like it?”

“Is that so?”

I answered differently than I thought. If my partner were a celebrity, I felt it would be burdensome and difficult to handle.

“I see… heh, hehe….”

“….”

While watching her smile wryly, Handoa arrived. She seemed tired.

“You look very tired.”

“…I contacted my hometown yesterday.”

Handoa replied listlessly to Nayuna’s words. Knowing about her family situation, I sympathized with her struggles.

“Your parents know you’re coming. We just need to set a date now.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to go sooner rather than later?”

“That would be best.”

I agreed with Nayuna’s words. It’s better to quickly deal with Handoa’s hometown event and focus on studies.

The option of not going to her hometown is not even worth considering. It’s a necessary episode for Handoa’s growth.

“Look, Noeul is coming.”

Nayuna pointed in Kim Noeul’s direction. But Kim Noeul had something in her hands.

She came to us with a pile of gifts.

“What’s that?”

To Handoa’s question, Kim Noeul sighed and replied, “They’re gifts from friends.”

“Boyfriends, right? That’s what I saw.”

At Nayuna’s bombshell statement, we all widened our eyes. In the midst of this, I marveled at Nayuna’s observational skills.

“She’s surrounded by guys all the time, so her future partner might feel uncomfortable… Don’t misunderstand, I’m saying this out of envy… If only I had many guy friends too…”

Although Nayuna said she was envious, her expression did not show it at all. Kim Noeul quickly put down the pile of gifts and looked at me.

“Ma-Maru. These don’t mean anything special. They’re truly just from friends…”

“Noeul’s underclassmen should have fun with the guys who gave her gifts during the break. Meanwhile, I’ll take good care of Maru’s underclassmen back at our hometown.”

This time, Handoa also joined the offensive. She was rarely seen lifting the corners of her mouth.

“If there are many men around, it’s hard to focus on your studies. Don’t worry. If I assist, Maru’s underclassmen will be fine.”

“Right… Noeul can have some fun….”

Nayuna covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled. It was a gesture that could make people feel bitter.

The light gradually disappeared from Kim Noeul’s eyes. It was the same phenomenon I had seen from Nayuna before.

“…Unnie Yuna, you’ve changed a lot.”

Kim Noeul suddenly exuded a fierce aura.

“Eek!?”

Overwhelmed by her intensity, Nayuna stopped laughing and sniffled.