Ch.87Chapter 4. How to Conquer a Hero (8)

While riding my bike back to the dormitory with Ymir, I felt a chill from the intuition creeping up from deep within my mind.

‘I think she somehow knows that I’m Do Ji-hwan?’

If I had to put a probability on it, it’s about 90% certain.

I have no evidence.

It’s just my speculation anyway.

‘Is there some kind of intuition that only EX-rank people can feel?’

She is the protagonist after all, and since she didn’t appear in the original work, she might have abilities I don’t know about. Or maybe she’s been thinking about me as intensely as I’ve been thinking about the protagonist and Ymir.

‘So is she playing hard to get with me?’

If she knows I’m Do Ji-hwan and is subtly appealing to me, she’s doing something quite cheeky yet cute.

She’s still telling me that she doesn’t know the Goblin’s identity.

[How long do you plan to keep groping?]

“Until I figure out the true nature of your body protected by magical energy?”

Ymir continued feeling my abdomen and waist.

It’s probably to investigate the supernatural ability of my semi-ethereal body wearing the Goblin’s hat, but somehow her touch was becoming increasingly and blatantly sticky.

[Isn’t that sexual harassment at this point?]

“Oh my. Will I become a villain for sexual harassment? How are sexual harassment villains executed?”

[I wonder. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, sexual harassment for sexual harassment?]

“That’s such a villain-like thing to say.”

Squeeeeeze.

Ymir pressed her body closer to me from behind.

“Will you show me in exchange for this? I’m just curious.”

[The source of my ability?]

“…Yes. What kind of ability this person called the Goblin uses.”

[Are you planning to take my ability too?]

“I’m not stealing it. I’m not a demon. It’s more like… borrowing?”

[Do as you please.]

The dormitory gradually comes into view.

To avoid being spotted by others, I spread my mana more precisely and drove the bike over the dormitory wall, just like when I met Ymir.

[We’ve arrived. I’m sure you’d like to talk more, but I’m busy.]

“We could talk a little longer.”

[Let’s save that for another time.]

“Can I call you?”

[Do you know my number?]

“If you give me your number, I’ll contact you often. You should give me your business card. Even if you’re not interested now, you can contact me later if you change your mind.”

[…….]

Should I take a gamble?

If I do, it would essentially mean revealing my identity.

[Hmm.]

The problem with Ymir knowing my identity.

The problem with Ymir knowing that Do Ji-hwan is the Goblin.

There’s only one scenario.

‘If my identity gets exposed because of Ymir.’

People might say Ymir is often seen around this guy named Do Ji-hwan.

They look like they have that kind of relationship.

Huh? But Ymir is Platinum Sun?

And the Goblin always appears wherever Platinum Sun shows up?

Could it be?

[I’ll call you instead.]

“…Really? Do you know my number?”

[Personal information is all over the internet, and would a Syndicate salesperson really be unable to breach the security of an E-rank ability user?]

“Wow, are you saying you’ll hack to get my number?”

[What if I already know it?]

“…….”

Ymir said nothing.

I also looked down at her without saying a word.

[I’ll treat you as Platinum Sun. You treat me as the Goblin.]

“Ah-ha.”

Ymir flicked her finger toward me and winked.

“Is that your concept?”

[I don’t know what you’re talking about.]

“I thought the Goblin was a more honest person, but you’re playing games more than I expected. You probably fail at dating because you play too hard to get, right?”

[You just can’t stop talking, can you.]

I got off the bike and jumped down toward Ymir, who was standing right in front of the window.

[Listen carefully.]

I reached out my hand beside Ymir and pressed it against the glass wall.

Then I leaned forward, bringing my face close to hers.

[There’s only one time when a hero and villain who hide their identities from each other can reveal themselves.]

“What is it?”

[When they fall in love.]

“…….”

Ymir’s expression stiffened.

Sensing she was about to burst into laughter, I grabbed her cheeks with one hand and squeezed them.

[Don’t laugh. Do you think I’m joking?]

“N-no. You’re right. When you fall in love, you want to know their identity… and if you love someone, you might keep their secret even after knowing. Love, huh…”

Ymir looked at me with half-closed eyes and placed her hand on my chest.

“So if I steal the Goblin’s heart, the Goblin will reveal his identity to me?”

[That’s not what I meant.]

“But it’s true, isn’t it? If the Goblin falls for me, Ymir, not the magical girl Platinum Sun, wouldn’t he want to appear as his true self, not as the Goblin?”

[That might be true for ordinary villains. But I’m different. I already have someone I love.]

“Eh.”

Ymir’s mouth fell open in surprise.

[What? Is that strange?]

“Is it me?”

[What nonsense. How could I fall in love with you when we’ve barely met?]

“Ugh… if it’s not love, why are you treating me so well? Is it because of my ability?”

[You might be disappointed, but it would be quite troublesome if you became my enemy.]

“Wow. I thought you’d at least say it was because of me, even if it was a lie.”

[I’m not the type to joke around like that.]

Ymir pouted.

[I hope you continue walking the path of a hero. Well then.]

“Just one more thing.”

[What is it?]

“What if, just hypothetically…”

Ymir hesitated, then seemed to make up her mind, clenching her fist as she looked up at me.

“…Never mind.”

[How frivolous.]

“I was just considering saying something but stopped myself. We’re not at that stage yet for such conversations.”

I don’t know what she was thinking, but this distance feels just right.

If she’s not ready to join the Syndicate.

If she’s not ready to be called a villain by others even while doing the right thing.

Showing more “sincerity” will come later.

[Goodbye then.]

“Just one more thing.”

[What now?]

“Can I hug you once? From the front.”

Ymir spread her arms, and I hesitated for a moment.

[…Well, I suppose there’s no harm.]

I spread my arms, and Ymir immediately embraced me.

[You’re really going this far to check my ability…hey.]

I grabbed Ymir’s face and pushed her away.

Her hand had lingered below, and that touch was extremely uncomfortable.

[Now you’re openly sexually harassing me.]

“Hehehe.”

Ymir raised her hands beside her face and kneaded the air.

“The Goblin has a firm butt.”

[You’re dead.]

“I won’t tell anyone. I’ll just go to sleep with this sensation. Haha.”

[If you do this to others, you might get the same treatment.]

“Would I do this to just anyone? I only do this with you.”

[No matter how much I’m trying to recruit you and being lenient, am I being too submissive? Don’t forget that I’m an S-rank villain.]

“Then I’m… an EX-rank hero. And.”

Ymir took my hand and placed it on her chest.

“This makes us even, right?”

[…….]

“Look, you’re not taking your hand away.”

[It’s not that I’m not removing it, I’m just thinking about what you’re doing.]

They’re big.

As expected of an EX-rank.

[And.]

I am a villain.

[Did you think I’d act like some innocent fool?]

“……?!”

Ymir tensed up instantly.

I buried my face toward her shoulder and gently slid my hand inside her waist, pressing close.

“Ah, um, wait…!”

[What? You started it.]

“No, that… wait a moment. I didn’t expect this!”

[Do you think villains are dolls that move according to your expectations?]

Squeeze.

Fondle.

“Ah, um, I’m sorry. The joke went too far, eek?! Th-that place…?! I’m sorry! I really won’t do it again! Okay?!”

[Honestly.]

I pulled away from Ymir.

Ymir sobbed, breathing heavily, clearly different from before.

“Ugh, now I can’t get married…”

[What are you saying? Even women from the Joseon Dynasty wouldn’t say that.]

“What did you say?”

[Don’t cross the line.]

I lightly drew a line between Ymir and myself with my hand.

[If you do that again, I’ll discipline you with my Goblin club.]

“With what you keep stored in there—ouch.”

I smacked Ymir on the head.

[Until the end.]

“…Hmph. But still…”

Ymir smiled broadly even while sniffling.

“Seeing how you play along, you really are a good person. The Goblin.”

[…I’m just an executioner for villains. Ultimately, I’m basically a salesperson.]

I jumped in place and landed on my bike.

[If you want to join the Syndicate, let me know anytime. New comrades are always welcome.]

“If I’m interested, can I call you first?”

[…….]

I started the bike.

[Do as you please.]

Riding along the fence, I kept my eyes forward without looking back.

[…Tsk.]

No matter how I think about it.

[She seems to know.]

I wonder if she’ll start grabbing my butt when I’m Do Ji-hwan later?

[Fine.]

Now it’s a battle of pride.

[Let’s see how long we can both pretend not to know.]

I’ll win this battle.

* * *

“…….”

Ymir, who had just entered through the window, deactivated her transformation and lay down on the bed.

“…Hehehe, hehehehe.”

Ymir caressed her outstretched hands in the air while giggling, then placed those hands on her body and blushed.

“This isn’t easy.”

After lamenting briefly, Ymir put on her Taegeuk Watch and picked up her smartphone.

“…….”

There were no messages.

She didn’t have anyone to contact in the first place.

“……Should I call?”

After staring intently at the phone number of the person she had recently called, Ymir closed her eyes while hugging her smartphone.

“No, I can’t. My pride won’t allow it. Yes, this is a battle.”

Snap.

“I’ve decided.”

Ymir declared while tapping her cheek.

– I’ll pursue Do Ji-hwan as a woman, and the Goblin as a hero.

Just mouthing the words.