Whing!

    The white paper easily dodged my sword attack.

    Then he grabbed my outstretched arm and tripped my leg.

    “Ugh!”

    White Paper breaks my wrist, takes the dagger, and holds it to my throat.

    The series of processes took place very quickly.

    So much so that it feels like it happened as soon as I closed my eyes.

    It may have been because I let my guard down, but even taking this into account, it was surprising.

    If they had strengthened their bodies by engulfing each other in magical power, the results would have been even more disastrous.

    “Manager, are you okay?”

    “… It’s okay.”

    He took White Paper’s outstretched hand, stood up, and took the dagger back from her.

    “When did you learn that move?”

    Anyway, I never expected that he would be this proficient.

    Isn’t it something that just popped out automatically?

    “I didn’t cook it? This is my first time trying it after seeing it on BD.”

    “… … ?”

    … I couldn’t believe it.

    This is a field that has absolutely nothing to do with magical talent, right?

    In games and in this world.

    It has been thought that the reason White Paper was able to show such incredible combat abilities was simply because its body was strengthened with overflowing magical power.

    That wasn’t it.

    In the first place, White Paper’s pure fighting skills had reached a considerable level.

    “… Again.”

    My pride was very hurt.

    I was also confident in fighting.

    Because I have been training through hard times under my teacher.

    ‘But at this level, it’s worth doing.’

    I felt like I could respond if I concentrated.

    “Yes. Please come again.”

    I swung the dagger again.

    Tuk! Tuk! puck!

    The white paper counterattacked by hitting my arm, and as I anticipated its move, I quickly dodged and continued to attack again.

    Repeat that.

    Neither side was able to comfortably subdue the other.

    The white paper looked surprised when I continued the battle without being easily defeated.

    ‘Why are you surprised?’

    It was the same here too.

    I had no idea that the attack wouldn’t go that far.

    ‘this… .’

    As the battle continued, the skills that White Paper had embodied in his body were revealed.

    By nature, such things tend to pop up without you even realizing it.

    So I was sure.

    ‘It looks like you received professional training.’

    Whether the talent is good or bad.

    White Paper’s agile and skilled movements cannot be performed unless he has received separate professional training.

    No matter how many times I repeated the fighting techniques I learned at the academy, it couldn’t be like this.

    Other people might not have been able to tell, but I was able to tell them apart.

    There was nothing strange about it though.

    The white paper probably has its own untold story.

    I’ve never told anyone that I’ve been training so hard.

    “… … .”

    But I end up worrying.

    Suddenly, I remembered playing the game.

    Five hundred books.

    Although it was a strong character, it did not have a large role in the game.

    Of course, most of the characters who belonged to different schools than the original protagonist had similar situations.

    However, there was something slightly different about the Five Baekseo.

    Unlike other characters, in the latter part of the game, not even a grain of sand appears and news is completely cut off.

    Is it just that the development team did not pay attention to the importance of the five books?

    Negative public opinion was formed in the gaming community.

    After the conversation, the name Oh Baek-seo could not be found on the Aseong High School graduation list.

    No matter which map I went to, there was no Obaekseo.

    Did he drop out, or was he expelled?

    Although exact information was not available in the game, it was clear that her whereabouts were unknown.

    I had that in mind.

    White Paper is my closest confidant, the person I have affection for, and the person I want to marry.

    If anything happened to the white paper, I would do everything to prevent it.

    So, if suspicious circumstances were detected in the white paper, I had no choice but to feel sensitive.

    Maybe there is a connection to the cause of her disappearance.

    “!”

    The timing is right.

    He expected White Paper to strike back and stretch out his arm, so he grabbed her arm with his previously extended hand.

    “Oh!”

    Sigh! He pushed White Paper’s shoulder back and at the same time pushed her ankle with his leg, knocking her down.

    thud!

    The white paper lost its balance and fell helplessly backwards.

    He immediately climbed on top of the white paper and thrust the dagger into his throat.

    On the mat.

    My shadow fell on the white paper.

    One arm of the white paper was held with my free hand, and the other arm was resting on one knee.

    Successful suppression.

    I won.

    “Phew… .”

    I took a deep breath and caught my breath.

    The white paper also frequently lifted its large chest as it tried to catch its breath.

    ‘I finally got a kick out of it… !’

    Perhaps because of my competitive spirit, I felt a great sense of accomplishment.

    Somehow, things have changed from preparing for the exam… .

    What does that matter now?

    Let’s enjoy this brief sense of accomplishment.

    “… I got hit.”

    White Paper grinned under my shadow, turned his eyes to the side and whispered softly.

    “I didn’t know that I would be attacked by the manager.”

    “Isn’t this expression strange? ?”

    Why is your voice so sexy… ?

    “Literally… . Have you ever had a strange dream?”

    White Paper narrowed his eyes and smiled slyly.

    It was a soft tone.

    My head was shaking. It seemed like he was intentionally trying to make me imagine something strange. Usually, when a white paper is like this, it’s a joke.

    ‘A joke like this again…’ .’

    It’s common.

    Whenever I’m lost in thought, he sometimes asks me, ‘Are you thinking dirty thoughts?’

    Of course, you’re joking like that because you trust me.

    I immediately had the urge to give a positive answer to that playful question and hug the white paper.

    It wasn’t anything new.

    Is this why the white paper is being installed?

    The current white paper was so fascinating that I felt a stronger urge than usual.

    ‘… ‘It’s really pretty.’

    The sight of Baek Seo, slightly disheveled, with beads of sweat running down her forehead and hair sticking to her face, was truly beautiful.

    Perhaps the romantic desire I feel for Baek Seo is also partly reaping the benefits.

    However, it was necessary to refrain from this desire until at least the advent of dystopia could be prevented and the burden of the leading manager could be laid down.

    Dating on campus is prohibited by school rules, and since you have to take responsibility as a leader, you can’t date comfortably.

    When I let go of all my burdens, if only I had a chance.

    I definitely planned to confess to Baek Seo.

    So now was the time to move on from this prank.

    “The strange joke is over… .”

    “Hehe.”

    My eyes avoided the white paper without realizing it.

    Perhaps because he didn’t know how fascinating he was, he smiled mischievously, unaware of the speed with which I was burning the white paper.

    “But where did you get your training?”

    I immediately changed the topic.

    “At school.”

    “Not receiving it separately?”

    “I just follow what I learned, right?”

    Is this a genius concept here?

    It’s not even funny.

    Is it because they are afraid that I might not realize that it is an issue that has nothing to do with the level of talent?

    “So, talented?”

    “Thank you for the compliment.”

    That said, if you don’t want to answer, that’s okay.

    Let’s move on for now.

    Let’s keep in mind the information that White Paper is good at fighting skills.

    I have no intention of questioning the White Paper over this issue.

    “Then what about the manager?”

    “I learned it from my teacher before.”

    “Master… ? It’s an expression you only see in martial arts.”

    “Because you liked being called that. That’s it, let’s continue… .”

    It was time to release the restraint.

    Tuk. Something spilled out of my uniform pocket, hit White Paper’s shoulder and fell to the floor. That caught our attention.

    It was a purple peony flower amulet.

    I picked up the amulet, walked away from the white paper, and sat down on the mat. The white paper raised its upper body and looked at me.

    “What is that?”

    “Something I received from an acquaintance in the past as congratulations on entering Asung High School.”

    White Paper gently tilted his head.

    “Congratulations?”

    “Uh, peonies are originally flowers given during celebrations.”

    “It looks like it was very good? If you make it like that and wear it as a talisman.”

    Because the size of the peony was quite large, it was an amulet made by cutting off the petals and stems into a small shape. I guess that sincerity was noticeable.

    “That’s right.”

    This flower was given by Kim Dal-bi.

    Dalbi was the first person in this city to be by my side, and the first girl with whom I envisioned a future together.

    Regardless of the fact that she was a villain, this flower had a precious meaning to me.

    The white paper sat down somewhat, putting both knees to the sides. Why are you staring at me?

    “Do you have something to say?”

    “Do you know the flower language of the ‘purple’ peony?”

    “The language of the peony flower is ‘shy’ when I looked into it some time ago. Why?”

    “No… , just. I got curious.”

    White Paper with her usual kind smile.

    His expression was still difficult to understand.

    “If there’s nothing more to say, let’s start again.”

    I had no intention of killing time by chatting like this.

    “Just now, I wanted to win a little, so I felt sorry. From now on, let’s just study for the real exam.”

    He said as he got up from his seat.

    “Yes, okay.”

    The white paper followed suit.

    … …

    The night was already deep.

    I headed to the subway station with Baek Seo to catch the last train.

    A road illuminated by street lights. The friendly sound of insects was ringing in the grass next to the sidewalk.

    White Paper was holding a bag in the hand opposite to me.

    As we walked side by side, the back of the white paper’s hand occasionally touched the back of my hand. I liked that moment of contact, so I didn’t really keep my distance.

    Meanwhile, the white paper said.

    “Manager, shall we make a bet?”

    That’s a random suggestion.

    “What bet?”

    “Score the test.”

    “Um.”

    Score the test.

    Not bad?

    It also seemed like it would become a stimulant and become a pile of firewood for the fire of my motivation.

    White Paper is the opponent I have to beat anyway.

    We need to compete properly.

    “Good. Come on.”

    When he answered without hesitation, the white paper covered his mouth with his slightly clenched fist and smiled.

    “It would be easy to grant a light wish.”

    “It’s definitely okay.”

    “Shall we do that?”

    “Then.”

    “Just in case, you can’t make dirty wishes?”

    “… With what kind of face do you make a wish like that?”

    “Hehe.”

    The sound of our conversation flowed through the sounds of grasshoppers, the silence of the night, and the smell of dry earth.

    What I want from the white paper.

    There was nothing special.

    Just keep staying by my side.

    Because I really like the white paper.

    Of course, it can be difficult.

    One, my goal is to ‘live happily’.

    Then again, I wanted to connect with someone I like.

    Of course, it wasn’t something that could be achieved by wishing.

    Let’s think of something else.

    ‘What would be better… .’

    If I beat the white paper and get the right to wish… .

    ‘When I go to write up mileage on the weekend after midterm exams. Should I ask you to go with me?’

    It’s a moderately troublesome task for White Paper, so a light wish will suffice.

    Because there is a cause and a clear purpose.

    It may be possible to hide the hidden purpose of dating.

    ‘It is perfect.’

    It feels like I’m already drinking kimchi soup, but… .

    It was inevitable that I would have fun just imagining it.

    “Manager, dog shit in front of you.”

    huh?

    “Wow! Seed… !”

    The moment I let my guard down, I almost stepped on the dog feces in front of the tree.

    I was so startled that I quickly raised my legs and jumped up.

    “Phew.”

    thank god.

    I didn’t step on it.

    “Phew!”

    “?”

    Suddenly, White Paper burst out laughing.

    “Ahahaha! What did you just do!”

    White Paper starts laughing.

    I guess my reaction was very funny.

    ‘ah… , I made a mistake.’

    I grabbed the front visor of my hat and lowered it, covering my eyes.

    ‘Ugh… .’

    My mouth was tightly shut.

    It becomes vain.

    ‘Such a shame… .’

    To show such a pitiful appearance in front of the couple just because of dog poop… .

    Anyone could see that his dignity as a leader was worthy of being cracked.

    As the cool-headed image and sense of weight I had maintained in front of the vice-president were lost, shame washed over me like a tide and my whole body trembled.

    Cleaning robot, what does it do other than cleaning up dog poop? It’s neglect of duty.

    “Ahahaha!”

    “… … ?”

    by the way.

    Suddenly, I felt a sense of discomfort as I saw White Paper bursting into laughter.

    I’ve never seen that in a game, and I only saw it once last year when we were alone together.

    White Paper always shows a kind smile, but she was never the type of person to laugh this loudly.

    Even when a funny senior made a joke banquet at the leader club dinner last year, she never laughed.

    Even though everyone around him was laughing together, Baek Seo only smiled calmly.

    In other words, it was a fairly rare scene.

    “Don’t laugh… .”

    “Phew!”

    As an angry voice came out without me realizing it, White Paper burst into laughter again.

    * * *

    In Academy City Neo Seoul, areas designated as residential areas have a particularly large number of security robots.

    This is to ensure a safe life for residents.

    First, Oh Baek-seo’s residence was located away from the residential area.

    There were security robots guarding the place as well, but there were many of them even though it was not a residential area.

    White Paper quietly studied for the test at a desk with a light on.

    “Hehe… .”

    Suddenly, I thought of the time I spent with Manager Ahn Woo-jin earlier, and the corners of my mouth naturally turned up with joy.

    Resting my chin, I simply drew Woojin’s face like a cute character in the corner of a textbook.

    Next to the face picture, expressions such as ‘handsome’, ‘cute’, ‘cool’, ‘I like it’ and several hearts were added.

    What Baek Seo harbored in her heart was a feeling of emptiness.

    It is a product of this terrible silence.

    After entering Aseong High School, Woo Jin-man, no one else, was able to fill part of that void.

    Maybe that’s why Baek Seo felt happy just thinking about Woo Jin.

    Isn’t happiness inherently a feeling that comes from satisfying a deficiency?

    However, Baek Seo was still not sure if he could fully enjoy this happiness.

    It’s just because my emotions can’t be controlled as I wanted.

    Every time I saw Woojin, I wanted to joke around and chat happily.

    As Woojin’s amulet appeared in my mind one after another, my head lifted and the corners of my mouth sank.

    On the desk, a dried peony flower that had already withered was placed in a vase in the corner.

    It is a precious flower that I held in my hands with a pretty girl with light pink hair when I was young.

    At one time it had a beautiful purple color.

    The reason I was able to remember the language of that flower particularly well was because the girl told me.

    He said it was his honest feelings.

    At that time, the white paper also picked a purple peony and smiled, saying that we were in agreement.

    I was so young that I couldn’t remember the girl’s face properly.

    “Purple peony… .”

    White Paper quietly looked at the withered peony flower.

    Peonies are used as a congratulatory sign, and as Woojin said, the language of the flower carries good meaning.

    However, only ‘purple’ was different.

    Purple peonies have bad flower meaning, so when celebrating with peonies, purple is usually left out.

    The flower language of the purple peony flower is:

    ─ ‘The meaning of the purple peony flower is ‘anger.’ I saw it in a book before. Go ahead and praise my knowledge!’

    ─ ‘Dalbi, there’s dog poop… .’

    ─ ‘Ugh! Wow… ! I stepped on it… !’

    ─ ‘Phew!’

    White Paper remembered what the light pink haired girl said.

    The girl who shared honest feelings with each other suddenly disappeared, leaving behind resentment and doubts in Baek Seo.

    These are childhood friends who are now six criminals.

    If he caught her, Baek Seo had something to ask.

    Depending on the answer, they would either punish her, throw her in prison, or help her.

    That’s why Baek Seo joined the leadership team to chase after her.

    I came to the conclusion that it would be difficult to track her down alone.

    “Another useless thought… .”

    White Paper’s eyes lowered as if weighed down by a heavy silence. It drives out distracting thoughts from your mind.

    I don’t know who Woojin received the purple peony from as congratulations.

    Perhaps that acquaintance must have given those flowers as a gift by mistake.

    The white paper thought so and moved on.

    … …

    2 weeks later.

    The midterm exam results are out.

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