episode_0015

My expectation that reporters would swarm in front of Korea University’s College of Humanities the next day remained just that—an expectation.

To put it simply, only a few students came to see me, with no reporters in sight.

“Hey, isn’t that obvious?” “What is?”

Yoo Han-gyeol, standing next to me, responded as if I’d said something absurd.

“Who’d dare provoke a Variant and risk something happening? Especially you—the Variant who crushed that terrifying Minotaur-type Variant.” “……Is that so?” “Yeah. They might sneakily take photos of you from behind, but no one’s bold enough to shove a camera in your face outright.” “But since when have Korean gutter journalists ever been that polite? Pretty sure they didn’t give a damn about that stuff just three months ago.” “A while back, one tabloid messed with the wrong Variant, and three reporters died on the spot. For the record, that Variant was the Minotaur you smashed into the ground.” “……Seriously?” “It wasn’t put on the wanted list for nothing. The reporters were the ones who felt firsthand how terrifying that Minotaur was. Of course they’d be cautious around you—the one who turned it into paste.” “Must’ve been chaos.” “So yeah… Maybe there’ll be some hushed articles like ‘Korea University’s Variant’ or whatever, but no one’s got the guts to interview you directly.” “That’s a relief. Ugh, my younger sibling told me yesterday that rumors about me have spread even to the business department.” “Wait, really? Your sibling goes to Korea U?” “Yeah. Business school. Didn’t I mention it?” “Nope. Are they cute?” “What kind of answer do you expect from me, their older brother? Also, you’ve got a girlfriend, you bastard.” “I’ve been single for ages.” “Oh, really?” “It hurts, so stop asking.” “Fine. Anyway, I thought reporters would be camped out in front of the humanities building since the university forums are all about me. I expected countless handshake requests waiting for me.” “Dream on.” “What’re you doing after this?” “Dunno. I’ve got a free period now.” “Damn, I’m jealous.” “What about you?” “Just… major classes on loop. Should’ve finished them last semester.” “No electives this term?” “I’ve already filled most of mine. I pushed my major courses back in first and second year to slack off… Regret it now.” “You’re setting a great example for underclassmen.” “How?” “They’ll learn from your mistakes and take their major courses properly in first and second year. Hey, by the way, aren’t you curious about the girls from your year? They’ve been asking about you.” “Why would I care about them? They either sided with those bastards back then or stayed silent while it happened.” “Fair point…” “They’re probably fourth-years now. Tell them to graduate and get out of my sight. If I run into them on campus, I might actually kill them.” “Damn, you sound serious. That’s scary.” “It’s just words. But you know what they did to me. You really asking me to let it slide?” “……You’re right.” “Especially Ahn Ye-in. If you see her, tell her to stay the hell out of my sight. She should be grateful I’m holding back for the sake of Variant public perception. I might not kill her, but I’ll make sure her life is hell. I can tolerate the others, but if I see her, I’ll roast her alive.”

Ahn Ye-in. It’s been a while since I last thought of that name.

She was the ex-girlfriend of the senior I beat half to death, the one who spread every possible rumor and slander about me after the hazing incident.

If that was all, I wouldn’t be this furious… but it didn’t end there.

The real problem was that she conspired with that senior to frame me as a sexual predator.

Thankfully, Professor Shin Jung-min, who knew I’d never even been close to her, helped me avoid disaster…

But even now, remembering it makes my blood boil.

My entire first-year department life was ruined because of her. No, it’s a miracle it stopped at my academic life—my whole future could’ve been destroyed.

“You joking?” “Does it sound like a joke?”

Whoosh.

In an instant, the tips of my hair burst into flames.

I clicked my tongue. My emotions must’ve flared too much.

“Whoa! What the hell?” “Sorry. Got carried away for a second…” “Got it. If I see her, I’ll definitely warn her to stay out of your sight. But it’s not like I’d run into her much anyway.” “Tell the others too.” “……Yeah.”

This goes beyond Variant public perception.

That woman almost ruined my life. The fact that I’m holding back now is a mercy.

If she ever shows her face in front of me… Well. I’m not sure my rationality will hold.

Since Yoo Han-gyeol left after his morning classes, I took the chance to text Si-hyeon.

You free today? I’ll treat you to something good for lunch.

Si-hyeon spammed happy emoticons in response.

Then asked if they could pick the place.

I readily agreed.

I usually just ate cafeteria food or fast food, so I didn’t know any good spots anyway.

And honestly, it’s better to let the underclassman choose.

Normally, seniors recommend places to underclassmen… but Si-hyeon’s been here a semester now, so they’d know what’s good and what’s not.

If they relied on my terrible taste, we’d both end up disappointed.

I waited near the main gate until Si-hyeon appeared.

“Hi, sunbae!” “Hey, underclassman. You’re lively as always.” “Hehe. Can’t help it when it’s free food.” “True. No one in Korea turns down free meals.” “I found this place by chance before. It’s really good, so I go there often with friends.” “What kind of place is it?” “Do you… like Indian curry? Not the kind you mix with rice, but the kind served with chicken or something.” “Oh, I love that.” “Their chicken curry is amazing. Tandoori chicken too. Only downside is it’s a bit pricey… Hehe.” “Don’t worry about the price. I’ve got more money than the average college student right now.” “Then, if you don’t mind…” “By the way, that money? All from taking down the Minotaur. Got a reward.” “Huh, really?” “Turns out that Minotaur was pretty infamous. Just found out today—apparently it was a murderer.” “Yeah, that’s right. I didn’t know either since I wasn’t interested, but I looked it up after that day.” “Anyway, no need to worry about my wallet.” “Got it!”

Si-hyeon’s recommendation didn’t disappoint. I had no idea the food would be this good.

Especially the naan dipped in chicken curry—the flavor was insane.

Worth every penny.

For dessert, plain yogurt. Light and nutty, absolutely perfect.

A thoroughly satisfying meal.

“That was amazing.” “Glad you liked it, sunbae. Thank you so much. I’ll get the coffee.” “Sure. Wanna come back here? We’ve got the same class after lunch on Tuesdays anyway.” “I’d love to.”

As we chatted cheerfully and walked toward the College of Humanities, I noticed people staring. Honestly, I’d felt their eyes on me at the curry place too… but it was bearable.

Variant sightings aren’t common, and news about a dragon-type Variant had already set Korea University’s forums abuzz.

If someone actually approached me, it’d be awkward… but no one did.

People whispering among themselves? Whatever. They’re free to do that.

How many people wouldn’t feel uneasy looking at me now?

Given how messed up society’s perception of Variants is.

“So you should be careful with that professor’s class. Not sure if there’ll be a group project this time… but probably. They enjoy watching students suffer.” “That’s rough…” “If you can get into my group, let’s team up. Before I became a Variant, I was a group project carry. My slides might’ve been rough, but in second year, every group project I did got an A+. My classmates can vouch for that.” “Whoa. But I can’t just freeload…” “Of course I’ll assign you research. That’s enough for a freshman. Or… wanna practice making slides together at my place later?” “Yes! I’d really appreciate that!”

Si-hyeon was easy to be around—just a good person overall.

And since I get more talkative around people I’m comfortable with, Si-hyeon seemed to enjoy that too.

Maybe we just click.

After all my classes ended, I sent Si-hyeon home and headed back myself.

Up to this point, it could’ve been a perfectly normal, even satisfying day.

Why could’ve?

Because…

I ran into someone I never wanted to see again in my college life.

Ahn Ye-in.

The woman who tried to drag my life into hell.