episode_0034

Spring, the season when flowers and love sprout.

After a brief separation from the future, we returned here after ten springs.

“There’s nothing you haven’t taken care of in the future, right?”

“Yeah, I got them all.”

Today is Mirae’s day to enter the academy. But for some reason, I feel more nervous than Mirae…

“Oh, my blouse is folded. Just stay still for a moment.”

It is no exaggeration to say that first impressions account for half of human relationships. We can’t let our daughter meet her friends in a disheveled state. Besides, isn’t this an important moment when the original story of ‘Children of the Stars’ begins?

I straightened the collar of the future coat that had been tangled in it and took a step back.

“Okay. Hmm, again… .”

I circle around the future to make sure I haven’t missed anything. I run my fingers through my waist-length hair and tug on the hem of my black jacket to straighten it out.

After walking around two more times like that, I looked up with satisfaction and my eyes met with Mirae’s, who was staring down at me.

“Aren’t you worrying too much?”

“… Did you hate it?”

“No, I don’t hate it… .”

The future smiled and put its arms around my waist.

“I’m afraid I might run out of time.”

Because Mirai’s height has grown so much, I now have to look up to Mirai. Even if Mirai catches me like this, I can’t escape. Is this the difference between a person with powers and a normal person? In fact, I was already behind since middle school, but since my powers blossomed, I’ve been treated like a complete child.

“Now? We’re going to go to school together anyway, right?”

“You want to do it on the bus? I don’t mind.”

I shook my head in horror at the question of the future.

“Sa, it doesn’t matter. Okay, let’s hurry and go. I’ll wait for you.”

I lifted my toes slightly and got closer to the future. A small breath settled on the bridge of my nose. Soon, a soft sensation met my lips and warmth was transmitted to them.

Our greeting that has continued for a long time. I never thought that Mirae would ask for a kiss even after she became a high school student, but on the other hand, I am happy because, despite her appearance that has changed noticeably, her heart seems to be the same as when she was young.

Mirae still needs her mother’s affection. Well, it’s not like it’s weird for a mother and daughter to kiss. I don’t know for sure, but Mirae said it was a normal greeting that everyone around her did.

“Haha… .”

Our lips, which had been locked for about 10 seconds, parted. My breathing was a mess because of that, but Mirae went out to the front door as if nothing had happened and put on her shoes.

“Did you come out after Seo-hu?”

“No.”

When I asked Mirae why she went out into the hallway first, she shook her head and headed towards the stairs.

No, if you haven’t come out yet, you should wait. Why are you trying to go first?

“Future, let’s go together!”

“Come quickly. You’re late.”

“Don’t be like that, Seo-hu will be out soon too… .”

“Not coming out.”

What kind of confidence is that? Mirae made up her mind and disappeared down the hallway without looking back.

“Goodbye, I’m back!”

“Seohu, one of the textbooks is missing!”

“Ah, aah!”

At the same time, Seo-hu opened the door and rushed out. It seemed like he had almost tripped and fallen while trying to put on his shoes in a hurry. He had a piece of bread in his mouth, and the woman followed him out holding a textbook. It was a completely different scene from our house, and he was completely disoriented.

“Oh, hello, ma’am.”

“Good morning. Did you oversleep?”

“Yeah, well… haha.”

Seo-hu, who had barely managed to keep his composure, smiled awkwardly.

“Oh my, you came out early one day? Watch and learn. You’re a high school student now.”

The lady who had been shouting inside also came out and put textbooks in Seo-hoo’s bag. Then she grabbed Seo-hoo’s shoulder and turned him around, shaking off his uniform.

“Do well. Listen carefully in class, be friendly with your friends, don’t cause trouble, and… .”

As expected, all mothers have similar feelings. I couldn’t help but smile at the endless worries.

“Okay, I said. I’ll go and come back!”

“He doesn’t even listen till the end.”

Seo-hu ran, shaking the bread he had bitten into. He was at an age where everything his mother said sounded like nagging.

“Ahaha, you must be nervous. Then I’ll go too.”

“Yeah, have a nice day and future too!”

As the woman waved her hand from behind, Mirae, who had been waiting on the stairs, nodded.

So the three of us started walking together. Until yesterday, I used to go to work alone. But with the kids by my side, I feel like my steps are lighter.

“Future, come with me.”

No, it didn’t get lighter, it just got faster.

When I asked her to wait, Mirae stopped in her tracks. Thanks to that, I was able to catch up with her, but because Seo-hoo kept walking without stopping, the distance between us grew longer again.

Why are they like this?

I don’t think we fought… Did you realize you had feelings for each other during the vacation?

Indeed. A childhood friend who has difficulty expressing his feelings. This is a classic among classics, a true cliché. If this continues, they will become close in an instant after experiencing a certain incident.

“… I told you to come out quickly.”

“Sorry, sorry. Mom doesn’t know what the future holds.”

You were embarrassed, weren’t you? Well, I’m already upset, and I won’t be able to calm down if I see your face.

“My… heart?”

Mirae stared at me blankly. Oh no, I shouldn’t be smiling. It must be a serious concern for Mirae.

“Oh, it’s nothing! Don’t worry about it.”

I held Mirae’s hand, trying my best to calm my trembling lips.

“Sigh… .”

And as I ran towards Seo-hu who was ahead, Mirae let out an incomprehensible sigh and was dragged along.

There was no need to force them to get close, right? If I rushed into something for no reason, our relationship might get worse. The silence was a bit uncomfortable, but when I thought about it as part of youth, my heart fluttered.

“Three people.”

Tiik─

First, I got on the bus and tapped my card.

I guess I should buy a car now. I got my driver’s license when I was twenty, but I didn’t need it at the time and I didn’t want to spend money on maintenance, so I didn’t buy one. But now that I have to drive Seo-hoo and Mirae every day, I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy one.

“I have that bus card.”

“Okay, let the lady do this much.”

The bus we took headed to Istie District 1. There is a branch of the Hero Guild Istie there, and there is also an academy attached to it managed by the guild.

Oh, by the way, I succeeded in getting a job at the guild. The first time I tried when I was 21, I failed the written test, and the second time I took it when I was 22, I passed, but I was so nervous that I failed the interview.

And at 24 years old. After three attempts and a year of preparation, my written test was perfect. I was able to get to the interview without any problems.

The interviewer I faced was none other than Justice. His bright blond hair was still as radiant as ever, and his muscular body that could easily defeat a demon was still there.

‘Nice to meet you.’

‘Yes… Please take care of it!’

After some brief greetings and introductions, Justice asked me one question.

‘What would you do if you saw someone in trouble?’

‘I will help you.’

It was a surprisingly simple answer, even for me. After all, the question itself already had an answer. Even if I had not thought of it that way, I would have given the same answer. Who would say that they wouldn’t help someone in trouble in front of the interviewer?

‘Ah, that’s not it…!’

But now I’m in an interview. I have to squeeze out even the most nonsensical story, so I can’t end my appeal like this.

‘That’s not to say it’s not true… The person who raised me always said that if I reach out first, it will come back to me someday.’

I was mumbling and mumbling, but deep down I already knew.

It’s ruined.

In a position created to evaluate abilities, there is no way they would want to select someone who has personal circumstances or is letting things go.

‘So I want to help you to the extent that I can. Maybe I’m helping you so that you can do well…’

He finally finished his speech with a smile of resignation. I thought it would work this time. If only I had thought a little slower, it wouldn’t have been a problem.

‘hmm….’

Justice also woke up, drooling.

‘I hope it turns out well. It was a fun time.’

A word of warm encouragement sounded to me like it was telling me I didn’t need to see any more.

And the result is here now.

At the age of 24, he passed the exam at a young age and has been working at the guild window for four years.

To my surprise, Justice gave me a passing necklace. The reason for this was in principle unknown, but I think it was because I had said I would help without any hesitation that it had a positive effect.

Profit─

While I was lost in thought for a moment, the bus stopped, gasping for breath.

Seo-hu had been so absorbed in web novels for some time that he didn’t even think about getting off and was just looking at his phone.

In addition, Seohu is well-versed in animation, comics, and light novels.

I used to have the same hobby, so I thought about pretending to know her, but I felt terrible thinking that I was a boy of Seo-hu’s age and sharing a hobby with the woman next door, so I eventually gave up.

“Future, wake up. We’re all here. Get ready to get off at Seohudo.”

The future is still weak in the morning. It is even harder as you get older and go to bed later.

I shook Mirae awake, who was sleeping on my shoulder. As I looked around, the atmosphere felt strange.

“Guests, please wait inside the bus for a moment. Don’t worry, the guild will provide immediate support… .”

As I squinted at the knight’s guiding voice, I saw a rabbit-shaped demon with huge legs a little way away.

4th grade demon, foot rabbit.

Oh, I see. Since the kids have entered the academy, of course I should come out.

The beginning of ‘Children of the Stars’. It was the appearance of a grateful monster that allowed Mirae and Seo-hoo to meet.