episode_0032

*****

Morning comes early at Cheonmyeong High School student dormitory. But that’s just a weekday story. Even if you’re a hero, there are times when you want to play all day as a student, and there are times when you just want to sleep.

In fact, since their schedules are tight on weekdays, there are quite a few students who relax on weekends. Normally, the roommates, including Fine, would have woken up around lunch time.

But that day, the dormitory room had been shaking noisily since Saturday morning.

“Hey, open the window quickly. We need to start with ventilation. Where did you put the Febreze? Your underwear is broken, right?”

“Bevriz… , DB D… ,Isseulgeol… .”

“Crazy, it’s fucking cold. It’s October. Do you have to open the window?”

“Of course! How terrible it smells in here. If you go outside for just 5 minutes and come back, your mind will change completely.”

To be more precise, I would say that one boy was roasting the other three.

“Hey, fat! Wake up!”

“Mom, just 5 more minutes… .”

“If you have time to drip, get up quickly and make up your bed!”

An afternoon where I was rolling around on the bed with my thighs being pounded by a painter. Unless you go out to train quietly alone, it is quite a rare sight to see a painter urging others on.

Jeongyoung, wondering what the fuss was all about in the morning, asked Ohjeong, who was dusting the dust with magic, about the situation.

“What, what is there today? There’s still some time left before I take the midterm exam.”

“No matter how much you want to escape reality, would you clean on a weekend morning? He said he was coming, he.”

I guess Ami is coming, Jeongyoung naturally understood.

Not only is he someone Surtur would invite to the dormitory, but he is also someone he cares about so much. When I think of such a person, there is only one person that comes to mind.

“But did you say that?”

“You were there too. Although the condition looked a bit bad.”

“I feel like the effects of excessive diving are finally gone.”

The hero Jabberwock’s potential was powerful, but it also took away a lot of stamina. Jeongyoung’s physical strength had barely recovered around yesterday evening.

“But is there a need to make such a fuss about it?”

“My words. I guess that’s because I don’t feel like I can’t understand it at all.”

Fafnir──It has been three weeks since Ami Kim was transferred to Class A. Ami, who was quite unusual even for a hero, was now accepted as an ordinary member of the class.

Around the first week, most of the students in the class were confused about whether to treat Ami as a girl or a boy. However, it did not take long for Army’s position to be decided.

Anyone who saw Ami could only see her behavior as a man.

‘Oops! The ball is flying away!’

‘So this series should have ended at number 5. I shouldn’t have gotten a 6──What!? You got up to 8!?’

‘go? Go pay for a drink? Are you sure you’re going to remove this?’

ARMY literally flies around when she is with male students. Attitude when speaking, choice of topic, perspective on things. All of it is manly and natural.

Ami got along well with most male groups, as she was easy to get along with thanks to her strangely pretentious attitude and easy-going nature of being a fool.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that relationships with girls are bad. No, but the direction was significantly different from the male group. Right now, ARMY’s attitude has changed 180 degrees.

‘Amiya Amiya, look here. Chi~z.’

‘Don’t keep moving like that. ‘The hair I’ve been holding up for so long is falling out.’

‘I, I…’ , he’s a man… .’

‘What do you think? ‘What if the guy is cute?’

‘that’s right. These days, even men take care of themselves.’

Ami, who used to fly around among boys, became as quiet as a sack of barley when thrown into a group of girls. Even if I pretended to be calm, I couldn’t seem to overcome my shame in the end.

It’s not that there aren’t people who are jealous of being surrounded by female students, but most male students who guessed the awkwardness of the situation looked sympathetically.

Through that process, now there are no men who pay excessive attention to Ami, at least on the outside.

Except for one person.

“I don’t think the smell will go away with Febreze… . Does anyone have any perfume or anything? Oh, and what about computers? You should also hide video files in advance─”

“In moderation! a little! Do it!”

In the end, the painter’s rampage continued until the afternoon anger exploded. Even Hwa-in could not help but flinch at the shout of the soul, which had even abandoned its usual conceptual tone.

“PM is correct. There is no need to touch the computer.”

“But you might play a computer game or something, and if you look at a file or something wrong… .”

” Let’s not worry too much. And if you see it, what do you think?”

What do you think when you see it? Hwa-in thought it was a terrible thing and tried to refute Oh-jeong, but couldn’t think of anything to say.

What would happen if you showed such a file to Ami?

‘What happens? What happens? Nothing will happen.’

At best, the end result would be to make fun of him and ask him if he sees something like this with a grin on his face. No, there was even a possibility of starting the conversation about tastes with a calm face.

At least that’s what you would normally imagine: a girl screeching! Hwa-in was sure that something like that would not happen and her cheeks would turn red.

Above all, you would never open such a file unless you were forced to find it.

“Isn’t the very fact that you care about it in the first place a nuisance to ARMY? He doesn’t like that kind of thing.”

“That’s true, but… .”

Even though I was a Chinese, it didn’t mean I didn’t know that fact. In fact, Hwain tried several times to treat Ami like he treated other children.

But every time, I think of it without thinking. Two bright red eyes looking up at him, close to him. For a 17-year-old boy, that first impression was a bit too strong to forget in just three weeks.

Of course, we have already experienced enough how different that first impression is from the truth. The painter shook his head to shake off the unhelpful memories from his mind.

“… Okay, sorry. It was too much.”

“I wish I knew.”

Only then was the painter able to admit that he had gone too far and cool his head a little. Ohu wasn’t really angry either, so he accepted the apology lightly.

“Hwain may have been a bit rude, but it’s also true that you guys don’t clean the house too dirty. It’s a good opportunity, so get rid of it and live, you guys.”

“You are too sincere.”

Even as he said that, Oh Jeong resumed his cleaning magic again. The other two also cleaned up in their own way, and Jeongyoung cleaned common areas such as the floor, as he usually kept it tidy.

In the end, the untimely cleaning could not be completed until slightly after lunchtime.

***

“Why is it so shiny… .”

Ami, who arrived at her room, seemed a little tired of the almost shiny room.

So there was no need to go this far. The three people, excluding Hwain, inwardly shook their heads.

“It’s better than being dirty, right?”

“That’s true, but I’m sorry if you made me clean just because I came.”

“I usually clean at least once a weekend.”

“Oh, really? You guys are sincere.”

ARMY simply admires. All four of them looked away, pricked by their conscience.

“Well, you ate lunch instead, right? Do you want to see it right away?”

“Well~? I think it would be okay to watch it while playing. Now, here are some confectionery”

Ami answered without even suspecting the artist’s words and handed over the snacks and drinks she had bought. Four people’s eyes lit up at the considerable amount.

“Wow! Is it big? I’ll eat well!”

“What do you mean by eating well? Are you going to use it for betting?”

“Bet? Oh, are you going to give the loser the money for snacks?”

“Of course!”

All four people, including Fine, smiled mischievously and accepted the bet. Everyone looked like they didn’t think they would lose at all.

Of course, even if it was the price of snacks, it was a small amount of money to those who were paid as heroes.

Once the details of the bet were roughly decided, Ojeong and PM began setting up the game machine. Naturally, the remaining three people brought plates from the kitchen and set up the snacks.

“It’s no joke to mention a kitchen on the topic of dormitories. I guess the school has a lot of money.”

“Well. In that case, I would rather have a private room.”

While Jeongyoung and Ami were chatting while opening a bag of snacks, Hwain brought a plate and glanced at Ami.

Today’s Army was dressed in a normal outfit of jeans and a hoodie. Just looking at the composition, it was easy to think that it was worn roughly.

But just because you wear it roughly doesn’t mean it doesn’t suit you. The jeans were for women, so they exposed the line of the pelvis, and the white oversized hoodie covered ARMY’s self-conscious defenselessness while sublimating it into cuteness.

No, is it really true that there is no awareness? The painter said that it was confusing to see him like this sometimes, and he was not dissatisfied, but rather dissatisfied.

Of course, for ARMY, it was truly an unintentional misunderstanding. In the first place, Ami didn’t even know that there were separate types of jeans for women and men.

I just chose and wore appropriately non-feminine clothes out of the clothes I had at home.

Thanks to this, there was an absurd difference between the views of those around them and the perceptions of ARMY themselves, but the reality was that most people just brushed it off, thinking, “Because it’s ARMY.” Hwain, who was worried about Ami, couldn’t do that.

‘It’s true that I overthink other kids. … I’ll have to consult with Raon later.’

Thinking of a favor to ask her childhood friend, Hwain carried the prepared plates and cups.

From then on, the five of us played the game for about three to four hours. The rule was that after a little exploration, teams were divided into teams and matched, with the loser paying for the snacks.

Of course, there are bound to be good people and bad people among them. In particular, the competition between the two of the five who could be said to be at another level was fierce.

“Let’s go! I won!”

“This can’t be right~… .”

In the end, after several fierce battles, Ami’s character defeated Ohu’s character. It was the downfall of an otaku youth who claimed to be the strongest in the dormitory.

“Ami, didn’t you say that this is your first time playing this version? Why are you using character frames? Tell me honestly, isn’t this your first time?”

“No~? Is this really your first time? If you need anything, you can ask Teacher Sia. I don’t even have this game console?”

“Ugggg… . That doesn’t make sense. Oh Jeong-ah, are you sure you didn’t really use magical power?”

“Of course. Why do losers talk so much, it’s ugly~.”

“Ugly~.”

“Geugigeek… .”

Ojeong, who had been saddened by defeat, joined forces with Ami and attacked as a pair, but what can a loser say? In the end, I had no choice but to soothe my stomach by rolling around on the floor in the afternoon.

Most awakened people have superior visual acuity, etc. However, when it comes to running a fighting game, there are many things to consider besides simple physics. So, Ohu had no doubt that his overwhelming experience would crush Army.

How could you have known? Who would have thought that Ami would have played the same game countless times in her past life. Of course, there was no way they could reveal things like past life experiences, so it was a complete fraud on Ami’s part.

“Wow, I never thought it would be late in the afternoon. Last time, you robbed Jeongyoung with just one button.”

“… Let’s not talk about that.”

Jeongyoung, who is particularly weak at computer games, turned his head to Hwain’s admiration. At that sight, Army giggled and said that it was a punishment given to another team member even though they were on the same team.

“Once the game is over, do you want to watch it next time?”

“Ah, that’s right. I came to see that.”

‘That’ was merchandise or pamphlets of famous heroes these days. During the last incident, Hwa-in continues what he said, ‘There are many people who like heroes.’

‘Then how about coming to see it for yourself?’

The recommendation continued.

Army, who wanted to find out the current status of the heroes, had no reason to refuse.

“Now, this is the most basic figure. It’s okay to think of it as a symbol of popular heroes. A lot of bromides are made, but it seems like minor heroes are often seen because they are easy to make?”

As befits a self-proclaimed otaku, Ohu was excitedly bringing out the things he had. Ami looked at the figures with interest, but quickly made a subtle expression.

“I don’t know as many faces as I thought?”

“Really? They are all famous heroes. Look, there is also Mr. Strong.”

“Oh, it’s true.”

One of the teachers at Cheonmyeong High School, a muscular old man, was striking various poses with his top off. Ami smiled bitterly, wondering if there was a demand for such figures.

Even Jeongyoung, who wasn’t really interested in these things, looked at her secretly, and it felt like Ami had come to know the status of a hero to some extent. It may be that they become more attached to each other because they are the same heroes.

“Who is the man in the mask? What is Magician Hero?”

“There must be those people, but… . Do you know a lot of old heroes? Now, they don’t do much outside activities.”

“Ah, ahaha. What happened?”

ARMY was shocked for a moment, but of course no one suspected anything like that. Everyone just thinks it’s minor taste.

Sighing in relief, Ami turned her gaze in the other direction. There, four high-quality figures that were more than twice as large as other hero figures were gathered side by side.

“Wow, it’s a figure of the Four Heroes. How much is this?”

“Confidential. Let me just say that I had a hard time for a few months. If it weren’t for hero salary, I wouldn’t have been able to dream… .”

While Ohu was unraveling the story about the struggle to obtain the figure, Ami stared blankly at the Four Heroes figure.

As expected, the figures of the Four Heroes were made of high quality, as they were expensive. Paladin. witch. Priestess. and… , to Kwon Seong.

Looking at the figure, which was almost believable as a miniature version of real life, Ami was overcome with complex feelings.

“So, ARMY, who do you like best among those four?”

“!? Me, me? Uh, uh… .”

Oh Jeong asked the question without much thought, but it was a complete surprise to Ami. However, Ami’s embarrassed mouth was spitting out an answer before she could even finish thinking properly.

“I like Gwonseong… ?”

‘Aaaah… !!’

How can you praise yourself in the image of someone else? Ami screamed and rolled around in indescribable shame. Of course, just inside.

If it had stayed the same just a little longer, not only my face but even my ears would have turned bright red. However, there was someone who reacted strongly before that.

“What do you know!”

He was a painter who held Ami’s hand with an unusual sparkle in his eyes.

“Huh!? What, what?”

“Okay. Asura Kwonseong is literally the pinnacle of the Four Heroes… . In fact, he is not the Four Heroes, but a person who deserves to be called the best hero!”

Ami was surprised by the sudden rave review, but Hwain’s eyes were serious. This was the first time I was embarrassed. The corners of Ami’s mouth slowly turned up as she continued to praise the artist.

“I guess that’s about it~?”

“Of course! Even though he was only 10 years old during the period of great chaos, he was the one who showed the most outstanding performance without distinguishing between villains and monsters, and brought Korea’s stability by more than 10 years.”

“Ehehe, why so much.”

“Ami, why are you so embarrassed… .”

Even though Jeongyoung looked at her in amazement, Ami’s grumpy expression did not seem to ease.

ARMY has used this kind of praise and attention as its driving force from the beginning. It was the first time she heard rave reviews since becoming a member, and it made ARMY’s mood soar to the sky.

“A. Still, the only thing he knows how to do is fight. Even though it was buried there, if you examine the remarks made after the stabilization period, it is likely that controversy will arise due to personality issues──”

“Uh-huh, that’s all a misunderstanding. Of course, there were some inappropriate remarks, but it turned out that the remarks were politically calculated!”

“That’s right!”

‘To be precise, Changhyuk somehow connected what I said in moderation to political gain!’

“7 years ago, he defeated the dragon that almost devastated Korea with a noble sacrifice of his life!”

“That’s right!”

‘It’s just that I caught it all and it got sprained in an accident!’

These two people, one who does not know the truth and one who ignores the truth, came together strongly. Sigh. The palms of two people clashed in the air. Now the two of us have definitely become a team… !

“So it’s not something you should be proud of.”

That is, until one word from Jeong Young poured cold water on him.

Once the heat of being possessed disappears, all that remains is the hands held together with momentum. The painter was startled and withdrew his hand as if he had been burned.

Actually, Ami just tilted her head as if asking why.

“In the first place, the reason Hwain likes you Kwonseong is not that grand.”

“That’s it! … Well, that’s true, but.”

“Huh? okay? Then what is the reason?”

It was my first time hearing about not only ARMY, but also Ojeong and Opm. Facing the urging looks from her friends, Hwa-in was a little reluctant, but began to blurt out the story.

“That… , Actually, there was a big accident when I was young.”

“Ah… .”

Accidents in childhood. As awakening requires an opportunity, stories of misfortune were common for heroes.

At that time, the period of great chaos had not yet ended.

“It was a big fire. I found out later that a Class A monster had gone on the rampage. At that time, I thought he was completely dead.”

It was hot and painful, but I was also unconscious due to the gas. The painter at the time was convinced that if things continued like this, he would die soon.

But at best, there is no way something would be possible for a child. While he was trapped in a burning building, unable to receive help, and dying alone without anyone noticing.

“That person came.”

A large young man came to rescue him.

Regardless of the hot flames, the young man hugged the painter. Moreover, he blew away all the flames around him with just one swing of his fist.

It was a little later that I found out that it was Asura Kwonseong, who was called the strongest hero even at a young age.

After hearing the story, Ojeong and Ohu were quite impressed. Even though misfortune occurs often, stories like being saved directly by the Four Heroes are quite rare.

And the important expression on ARMY’s face was full of pride, as if shouting, ‘This is me!’

“So why are you… . Ugh, that’s it. That’s it. I think I’ve seen enough of this. Shall we eat dinner soon?”

If things were left like this, it seemed that Kwon Seong’s fans would unite again, so Jeong Young changed the topic. All five people are in their prime of growth. Whatever I ate for lunch had already been digested a long time ago.

Everyone was talking excitedly about what to have for dinner, as if they had completely forgotten the previous conversation.

***

“Senior, you seem to have a very good personality these days?”

“Why, what’s wrong? What’s going on?”

“No. When I saw you in the classroom, you were surrounded by girls and you were having fun.”

It was a fun day at Fine’s dormitory. When I returned home after dinner, I found Sia sipping a hero drink.

From my experience of living together, it doesn’t look very good if this guy drinks alone. So I tried to sneak into the room. In the end, he was discovered.

Once this happens, there is no escape. Since the living room was better than coming into the room and being a nuisance, I shook my head slightly and sat down across from Sia.

“What kind of bug is a bug? How old is the age difference between him and I.”

“For something like that, your face was bright red and stiff.”

“Ugh… . Well, that can’t be helped. I’m not used to it. I’m not sticking around because I want to too.”

Honestly, I don’t really want to hang out with girls. Most boys see me as a friend of their own age, but girls say something… , I feel a bit reluctant because it feels like I’m seeing a cute animal.

Nevertheless, the reason I sometimes take on the role of a doll is because of requests from my friends.

‘Sorry, Amy! You just have to hold on for a while, just for a while!’

Marie and Bobbin were distant from their classmates. Raon’s request to help these two become friends with the classmates was very desirable to me.

If there was a problem, it was the means. What on earth does playing with me have to do with kids becoming friends?

”’… … .”’

However, I was not so stoic that I could reject the passionate gazes of the three people, and in the end, I ended up being pinched and played with like a doll from time to time by the girls in my class. It was a bonus to get involved in this or that conversation.

What use am I? Sia’s answer to that was as follows.

“Seniors are quite convenient beings.”

“Convenient?”

“You may look like a girl on the outside, but you’re a man on the inside, right? Because she looks like a girl, it’s easy to approach her, and if you approach her, you’ll hear good things about her now that you’ve become friends, right?”

“That’s right.”

Because when girls ask questions with a smile on their faces, I don’t have a strong heart that can return them with bad words.

“But inside, you’re a boy. Since it is actually a compliment from a man, your self-esteem will be boosted. Look, how comfortable is it?”

“… No, wait, hey. It’s scary. What is that strangely squishy feeling? I don’t think they’re thinking like that… ?”

“Seventeen is the age to get married? Well, you might basically want to become friends with Marina Bobbin.”

“If you knew, tell me about it from the beginning!”

At my protest, Sia frowned and stuck out her tongue. Really, this nasty guy.

“I like what the kids think. What is important is the attitude of the senior.”

“What do you think about my attitude?”

“Anyway. You were completely red like mugwort and were shaking.”

“It wasn’t that bad!”

“It’s really a big deal. If this continues, when the senior returns to his original body, there will be rumors of him dating a minor. This junior is worried so much.”

Was I really making that crazy face? no… , right?

Actually, I am not confident, but here is the time to strongly deny it. Because I also have face. I glared at him with a slightly stronger expression, and Sia seemed to think he was being harsh, so he slightly averted his gaze.

“What… , Still, the senior denies it that much. Then, if you would do me just one favor, I will believe you.”

“One thing, what is it?”

“It’s simple. From now on, please repeat what I say. One, Kim Ha-min does not lust after young girls.”

What else are you aiming for? I was a little suspicious because something had happened to Sia over the past few days.

Still, it’s not a bad thing if you can get out of this living room just by following the words. First of all, it’s not really a strange thing to say so far.

“… One, Kim Ha-min does not lust after young girls.”

“Two, that Kim Ha-min doesn’t look like those girls are of the opposite sex at all.”

“Two, that Kim Ha-min doesn’t look like those girls are of the opposite sex at all.”

“Third, the target of Kim Ha-min’s lust is an adult woman over the age of twenty-eight.”

“Three, that Kim Ha-min is lustful… . Wait, what?”

The standards are a bit strange?

“Why, senior. Is there anything strange?”

“Of course it’s strange! To lust after someone over the age of twenty-eight, that’s a standard that came out of nowhere!”

“Then you don’t lust?”

“Of course… , Huh?”

I feel like something is going on strangely. Twenty-eight years old? If you’re twenty-eight years old… .

“Senior, you have been unconscious for the past 7 years, right? So, mentally, it’s safe to say you’re 30, right?”

“Yeah, whatever. Right?”

In reality, I became conscious of my past life when I was 10, so it’s a bit confusing. Still, there will not be much difference in the characteristics of this world, where the soul follows the body.

“Then it’s normal for a 30-year-old man to lust after a 28-year-old woman. Or are you the type of person who can’t lust after someone who isn’t older than you?”

“No, that’s not it… .”

I like people of the same age, but I don’t mind slight differences up and down. I’ve never actually dated a woman, so I can’t be sure.

“Then it’s not wrong, right?”

“… That’s right.”

In the end, I couldn’t think of anything to refute Sia’s words, so I agreed.

… Something seems strange. Hmm~?

“Now, this time, please do it right and not hang up. Third, the target of Kim Ha-min’s lust is an adult woman over the age of twenty-eight.”

“Third, the target of Kim Ha-min’s lust is an adult woman over the age of twenty-eight.”

“Hehe. Well done.”

But Sia didn’t give me time to think. In the end, I couldn’t refute the request that came right away and I repeated it.

Was that quite satisfying? Sia was shaking and trying to pat my head, so I quickly pulled back.

“That’s rude, senior. It’s not like it’s worn out.”

“Why is my mentality worn out? Rather, drink in moderation. Then you’ll have to suffer again tomorrow.”

“Hehe. Still, I feel quite reassured.”

Look at this guy. Now you don’t even listen to me. What can you expect from a drunk customer? Ugh.

“Why were you relieved?”

“I think you are enjoying your school life. You are living a much more humane life than your predecessors.”

It’s a human life. A wry smile appears at Sia’s expression. The workload was definitely crazy back then.

But it wasn’t really because I was a workaholic. I just had no choice but to do it.

“Your physical condition is different now than it was then. If you act like that now, you’ll collapse and die from overwork.”

There is nothing to do or do. Because I just did as much as I could.

For me, who has trained myself to the limit for a difficult task that would put an ordinary person out of it, it is just ‘ordinarily difficult’.

When I explained it like that, Sia’s smile deepened. Gulp. A sip of beer goes down Sia’s throat.

“So you are saying that if you go back to your old level, you will act the same way?”

“Huh? That’s right, right?”

Isn’t it a waste to play needlessly? It’s no fun not being able to use the strength you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.

For me, the obvious answer was met with silence for a moment. Gulp. Sia’s neck moves as she drinks.

“… Puha~. Well, it’s a long time coming anyway. For seniors who are still standing and trying to do their business.”

“Hey! That was some time ago!”

I was taken aback by the sudden attack and resisted. Old story… , although it was just the day before that I went out drinking with Changhyuk.

While he was very drunk, he inadvertently stood and did his business as before, and a catastrophe occurred. I’m not sure whether I should be glad that it wasn’t outside, or whether I should blame Sia for witnessing it because it was inside my family.

Still, you might make some mistakes while drunk. Wouldn’t it be too much to keep making fun of it over and over again… .

“Hehe. Senior, don’t you want to spend your whole life lounging around at my house? It’s okay for me to pee?”

“Do you think you will agree with this trend!? I absolutely hate it!”

“Oh, I got kicked out.”

As I continued to join in with Sia’s drunken jokes, it was already past 12 o’clock. Time flies so fast it’s scary.

I carried Sia to her room when she suddenly passed out drunk. What on earth is this guy dreaming about that keeps kicking the blanket? It almost seems like it was intentional that the hem of the dress goes up to the chest.

Still, he’s a strong guy, so he won’t catch a cold. I returned to my room after praying for peace in advance for Sia, who was suffering from a hangover tomorrow.

*****