Ch.BONUSHana Kang’s Depression

“Lately, I’ve been feeling irritable and depressed for no reason. Why is that happening?”

Hana Kang slumped in her chair as she explained her condition to the counselor.

Was there something wrong with her body? No. Her medical checkup showed no problems.

Perhaps there was discord at home? Nothing except her father complaining about side dishes.

Had she experienced the death of someone close? They were injured, but didn’t die.

No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t even begin to understand why she felt this way.

That’s why she had gone out of her way to make time for counseling—because it was so frustrating.

“Do you also feel a sense of helplessness?”

“Yes. I don’t want to do anything… I don’t even want to go to the Superpower Academy.”

“Hmm… Are there any other symptoms? Please tell me.”

“I can’t sleep well at night, and also…”

Scribble, scribble—

The counselor who had been writing something put down the document.

“Now I understand. Hana Kang’s problem.”

“My problem? What is it?”

“What else could it be? It’s because you’re single.”

…What? Wait, what did I just hear?

Hana Kang jumped up from her seat and quickly looked at the counselor.

The counselor who had been there was now completely gone.

“It’s because you’re single. So hurry up and get a boyfriend!”

And next to her stood Rina Lee with a mischievous smile.

“You feel lonely and empty at night, right?! Your side feels cold, right? You want to kiss, hug, and be pampered too, don’t you? That’s what we call love deficiency syndrome!”

“R-Rina?! Why are you here?!”

“What are you talking about, unnie? Why are you bringing up Rina?”

Huh? In the blink of an eye, Rina had transformed into Soohyun Kim.

The same voice as usual. But there was a hint of pity in her eyes.

“I told you. You should date someone.”

“N-no! People will think I don’t want to date! I do, I do want to date! I want to escape being single! But what can I do if no one shows up!”

“We call that a lack of ef-fort, President!”

Following Soohyun Kim, she now changed into Dasom Yoo.

Rina, Soohyun Kim, Dasom Yoo. The three of them took turns shouting: Date! Date! Single! Single!

All Hana could do in this terrible situation was scream “Aaaah!!” and run away to where she couldn’t hear their voices.

“I want to date too! But there are no men approaching me! And when I find someone I like and approach them, they just run away! It’s all your fault!!”

Honestly, from Hana Kang’s perspective, there were many unfair aspects.

Being the daughter of the Magic Tower Clan Master was something most men would find very intimidating.

And then the team she hangs out with has one current S-rank ability user, and the rest are all A-rank.

Even worse, if you include Rina as an honorary team member, there are a total of two S-ranks.

This is practically a walking strategic annihilation weapon.

What if some problem arises while dating someone associated with that group?

Those team members would come rushing over, clear their throats once, and your life would be over.

What’s even more unfair is that she hasn’t done anything, yet people keep misunderstanding her as a pitiful woman who likes Seojin Baek and follows him around!

“I want to date too! Only you guys! Only you get to be lovey-dovey! And I have to watch from the side! It’s so unfair!”

“Hana!”

Screech!—

At the thunderous shout, Hana Kang opened her eyes wide and looked around.

The counseling room and the three women who had been teasing her were all gone.

“What are you doing? If you’re tired, go home and sleep.”

The Magic Tower Clan Master, Inbeom Kang, muttered in a worried voice.

Since she would eventually be responsible for most of the clan’s work, Hana had recently started handling Magic Tower duties.

But the workload was so heavy that she often had to stay up all night, and it seemed that fatigue had finally caught up with her today.

“…It was a dream.”

“You were even dreaming? Don’t fall asleep at your desk, just go home.”

“But…”

“I can handle the rest, so hurry.”

At her father’s insistence, Hana finally nodded and left the office.

“Oh, Hana. What kind of dream were you having to say ‘I want to date too. Sob sob.'”

“Aaaack!!”

*

It’s hard. I’m tired. I’m hungry. But what resonates most is.

‘It’s cold. My side is so cold…!’

Why do I always see couples on my way home?

Holding hands, linking arms, hugging, leaning on each other, whispering and laughing.

Normally she would have just passed by, but after having that ridiculous dream, she felt unbearably frustrated.

I want a boyfriend too. I want to be lovey-dovey too. I wish I had someone to hug me when times are tough!!

“Ugh.”

Barely moving her tired body, Hana Kang arrived home and stood in front of the door.

But just as she grabbed the doorknob, instead of going inside, she stared intently at one spot.

“Come out.”

There was no answer. It seemed like no one was there.

But Hana could tell. Someone was watching her from beyond that darkness.

“Come out. I won’t ask nicely next time.”

A villain? Or a stalker? Or a government official?

Whoever it was, they didn’t seem to be here for a good reason.

As she quietly summoned her magical power and prepared to cast a spell.

“Um, excuse me.”

From beyond the darkness, a tall man appeared, scratching his head.

“I’m sorry. I know it’s rude to show up like this, but…”

“Oh. You.”

She remembered. He was the assistant instructor who had joined the Superpower Academy.

His ability as a power user was above average. His appearance… exactly her type.

“If you don’t mind… please take this.”

What the man handed over was a letter. Taking it, Hana’s brain froze.

Could it be? Could it really be what I’m thinking?! Really?!

“It’s, um, for student Hyunwoo Lee.”

Wait. Who? Hyunwoo Lee? Why is he looking for a man, not a woman?

“It’s a challenge letter. I want to compete with that student, but I haven’t had the chance. So I wanted to ask you, Hana Kang…”

Snap—

At that moment, Hana felt something break inside her head.

What happened next… well, she said she’d deliver it if he dated her!

And the man responded with: Huh? No, I absolutely didn’t come here with that intention!

It was a scene of attempted escape from singlehood that no one could watch without tears.