Chapter Index

    008.

    A grand mansion spanning hundreds of square meters in the upscale neighborhood of Hannam-dong in Seoul.

    Tall walls akin to a fortress and CCTV cameras operating 24/7 were installed in all directions.

    Furthermore, within the private guard post, special security guards dressed in black suits were on standby at all times.

    This was one of the secondary residences of the Yoo family.

    The only residents were Yoo Seolhyun and a few servants.

    “Hmm.”

    Sipping on her black tea in the spacious room, Yoo Seolhyun briefly pondered the events that had taken place at the academy.

    It had been a month since she enrolled at Union Academy.

    During that time, various things had happened, but what piqued Yoo Seolhyun’s interest was none other than the relationship between Lee Siwoon and Jin Soyeon.

    “It seems like it’s the first time Siwoon has shown interest in a girl.”

    Yoo Seolhyun and Lee Siwoon had known each other for a long time.

    Due to family circumstances, they were somewhat like childhood friends. Therefore, Yoo Seolhyun couldn’t help but be surprised by the sudden change in Siwoon’s behavior.

    He used to not even bother talking to her if there was no reason.

    Just a few casual conversations with a blank expression.

    She raised an eyebrow at his indifferent demeanor.

    “Could it be that he’s really interested?”

    She thought it was just a passing interest, but maybe it wasn’t.

    A sense of curiosity arose in Yoo Seolhyun’s mind.

    It was hard for her to understand.

    Jin Soyeon was simply a girl from a commoner’s family. She didn’t come from a prestigious background or possess exceptional abilities.

    Her grades were decent, but that was about it. There was nothing about Jin Soyeon that would attract Siwoon’s interest. Not her family, abilities, or talents.

    “Is it her face…? Is it because of her face…?”

    The only somewhat understandable reason was her beauty.

    Even Yoo Seolhyun, who had glimpsed many beauties in high society, couldn’t help but admire Jin Soyeon’s stunning beauty.

    Her hair reminiscent of smooth black satin and her fair skin contrasting with it would captivate anyone, even another woman.

    And her long legs and curvaceous figure… How could the same woman not be attractive to others?

    But, how should I put it…

    Siwoon wouldn’t be interested in her just for her looks.

    Because Siwoon had been nonchalant despite seeing many beauties since he was young.

    So why did Siwoon like Jin Soyeon?

    And from the very first day at the academy.

    “….”

    When did Yoo Seolhyun finally get the chance to have a proper conversation with him?

    After months of his indifferent responses that seemed to indicate no interest, they eventually reached a point where they could have a decent conversation, right?

    But Jin Soyeon… from the first day…

    No. That’s not it.

    I heard they went to the same middle school.

    So it would be more appropriate to think that he had an interest in her since middle school. I don’t know what happened between them back then.

    Oh, but didn’t Jin Soyeon not have a boyfriend in middle school?

    A childhood friend named Lee Jinhyuk.

    Does that mean he had a crush on a girl who already had a boyfriend?

    Someone like Siwoon?

    “….”

    Yoo Seolhyun lay down on the soft bed.

    Gazing up at the ceiling for a while, she thought deeply.

    As she pondered for a while, Yoo Seolhyun couldn’t help but let out a sigh. The more she thought about it, the worse she felt.

    “…Siwoon, you’re unbelievable.”

    Pride.

    Yes, her pride was hurt.

    From Yoo Seolhyun’s perspective, Siwoon’s behavior was quite irritating.

    To never have shown any interest in her as a woman, and then suddenly fall for a commoner girl?

    …It almost felt like she was being overshadowed by Jin Soyeon.

    It was quite humiliating.

    Yu Seolhyun had everything – talent, ability, family background, and looks – yet she had been by my side for a long time without receiving proper attention.

    Why show such interest in Jin Soyeon, who has nothing special?

    There was a time when I tempted Lee Siwoon not out of seduction but to help Jin Soyeon, but he didn’t care.

    But why Jin Soyeon?

    I don’t have romantic feelings for Lee Siwoon, but being unilaterally rejected by Jin Soyeon was quite humiliating.

    Especially since it was from someone who had just broken up with their partner a while ago.

    Oh, wait.

    “Come to think of it, Jin Soyeon, didn’t she break up on the first day of the academy?”

    She caused quite a stir from day one.

    A beauty like Jin Soyeon becoming single.

    It must have been surprising news for some men who had been captivated by her.

    However, with Lee Siwoon lurking around, most men lost their confidence.

    “Breakup… a breakup…”

    It seemed like Lee Jinhyuk and Jin Soyeon had decided to remain just friends.

    Since they were childhood friends, there was no awkwardness between them.

    They still maintained a close relationship.

    It was as if they had never broken up.

    But could a couple who had been together for years just be friends without any lingering feelings?

    Lee Jinhyuk had been secretly watching Jin Soyeon.

    Jin Soyeon seemed to be a little concerned about Lee Jinhyuk.

    “Ah…”

    Suddenly.

    An unknown smile appeared on Yu Seolhyun’s lips.

    “What should I do? I just had an interesting thought.”

    If Yu Seolhyun were to approach Lee Jinhyuk, how would Jin Soyeon react?

    Since they had already broken up, would she cut off contact, watch Yu Seolhyun warily, or show an unexpected reaction?

    It was impossible to predict how Jin Soyeon would react.

    Hopefully, it would be more interesting than what Yu Seolhyun had in mind.

    If it wasn’t fun, she would have to make it fun.

    “I shouldn’t be thinking like this…”

    But it was inevitable.

    Yu Seolhyun had always been like this.

    ***

    It had been over a month since entering Union.

    “Today’s training ends here.”

    Despite undergoing various training sessions, it was not easy.

    The more I repeated the training, the more I felt the lack of talent as a hero.

    “We will conclude today’s training with this.”

    At Hong Daye’s words, the kids smiled happily.

    “Alright, everyone. Starting next Wednesday, there will be team performance evaluations.”

    “Team… evaluations?”

    “Yes. Form teams. Heroes don’t act alone. Of course, there are heroes who operate alone, but most operate in teams. It’s advantageous to have teammates who can complement each other. Whether it’s combat, evasion, survival, having a teammate is always beneficial.”

    The trainees listened attentively to Hong Daye’s words.

    “Form teams of three within your class and submit them by Monday’s closing ceremony.”

    “Are we supposed to choose our team members ourselves?”

    “Yes.”

    Hong Daye looked at us and spoke.

    “I’ll tell you in advance that this performance evaluation will assess tactics, strategies, combat, adaptability, teamwork, role performance, and more.”

    “…”

    “Choosing high-scoring team members to form a team may seem like a good idea, but it could backfire due to individual abilities. You might also lose the opportunity to showcase your own abilities.”

    “…”

    “When selecting team members, it’s best to consider combinations, synergy, gimmick performance abilities, and more. We’ll announce the type of test on the day itself.”

    It meant not to just pick team members based on combat skills.

    It was better to consider various situations when forming a team.

    Of course, if Lee Siwoon, Kang Daehan, and Yu Seolhyun formed a team, they would be the strongest.

    “Any more questions?”

    No response. The trainees already seem to be thinking about who to team up with.

    “If you don’t have a team, then that’s it. Disband for now.”

    “Yes!”

    With that, the students turned around.

    As they moved towards the classroom, the kids were constantly chatting with their teammates about the upcoming practical training.

    “Hey, want to team up with me?”

    “I don’t want to. I’m going to team up with Hanseong.”

    “Wow. I want to team up with Isiwoon. We’ll definitely win if we team up with him.”

    “I want to be picked for a team too. I’m confident I’ll do well.”

    They were all trying to find teammates.

    “Soyeon, want to team up with me?”

    “Hmm, let me think about it.”

    “Oh, come on, just say yes. What do you think? Huh?”

    “Hehe. Let me think about it.”

    Jin Soyeon seemed quite busy.

    Her current abilities were quite decent.

    She had a good balance overall, so she could handle any team task alone. Plus, she was popular among the boys because of her looks.

    “Pick me as your teammate. I have a gravity-based ability that will definitely be helpful.”

    “I’m in the current department, electricity. I can handle almost any situation…”

    Buzzing.

    Over there, many kids were trying hard to impress Isiwoon and team up with him. How many were there?

    But Isiwoon paid no attention to their flattery (?) and walked towards someone.

    And that someone was none other than Jin Soyeon.

    “Soyeon.”

    “Huh? Oh, it’s Isiwoon. You seem popular, everyone wants to team up with you. You can choose whoever you want, right?”

    “Do you want to team up with me?”

    “Huh?”

    Suddenly, Jin Soyeon blinked her eyes rapidly.

    “With me?”

    “Yes.”

    “I think others might be better than me… I don’t think I can team up with you.”

    “We’ve had a few matches in middle school. I think teamwork is important for the team performance evaluation.”

    “Oh, is that so? Well, thank you if you pick me.”

    In the game, Isiwoon didn’t initiate the conversation.

    Because I was by Jin Soyeon’s side as her boyfriend.

    But now, I’m just a childhood friend.

    Isiwoon didn’t hesitate anymore.

    “I’m glad Isiwoon asked first.”

    I nodded to myself.

    This performance evaluation is quite important.

    I wanted to take a strong lineup and lead Jin Soyeon to the finals. Because this performance evaluation is the starting point of the main story. There’s something we must do when we reach the finals.

    “Okay, now I… Huh?”

    “Hello, Lee Jinhyuk.”

    Out of the blue, Yoo Seolhyun came over and started talking.

    I inwardly chuckled slightly.

    I didn’t expect her to start the conversation first.

    “We’re in the same class, but we rarely talk like this, right?”

    “Yeah. But why?”

    “Oh. I have something to ask you.”

    Yoo Seolhyun smiled subtly and licked her chapped lips.

    “Do you have someone to team up with?”

    “I’m not sure.”

    Why ask when you already know?

    Based on a month of training, I know I’m not as competitive as the other kids.

    “If you don’t have a team, want to team up with me?”

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