episode_0040

“Then let’s begin the 1st Counseling Department meeting. Kim Maru, who is in charge of this plan, will lead. Please take care of it.”

There were hardly any students wandering the corridors after school. Inside the quiet counseling room, three female students were listening intently to my story.

Kim Noeul, Na Yuna, and Han Doa applauded at my introduction.

“But why did you come, Doa?”

After the applause, Na Yuna looked at Han Doa and asked.

“Maru’s junior asked me to join the meeting. Since the cheerleading squad will be involved in the fight anyway.”

“That’s right. I thought it was best for us to listen together here.”

Na Yuna quietly nodded at my words. Kim Noeul, who had been focused since earlier, remained silent, gazing at me.

“Then let’s start with a brief overview of the operation.”

I explained the whereabouts of Jegal Hwarin and Yu Hana and outlined the approximate time and place for their operation.

As I finished the explanation, Han Doa subtly raised her hand, indicating she had a question.

“Yes, senior. Please go ahead.”

“We have received Yu Hana’s personal information. However, can we trust the informant Maru’s junior contacted?”

Come to think of it, I hadn’t provided detailed information about Veritas to the counseling department members. Also, there was an agreement with Gumiho, so I decided to introduce them now.

“I am collaborating with Veritas.”

“They… are helping too.”

Na Yuna and Han Doa muttered as if they couldn’t believe it.

Understandably, Veritas had not collaborated continuously with any specific individual or group for security reasons.

However, an exception had been made for ‘me.’ Due to my involvement in various incidents within the school, Gumiho and Sung Nari had singled me out.

“But it makes sense in a way. Dismantling Ojakgyo would be beneficial in the long run for Veritas to carry out smooth journalistic activities.”

Kim Noeul readily accepted my statement, considering the benefits Veritas would gain.

Honestly, it was unexpected. Considering Kim Noeul’s cautious nature, she should have been wary of informants, but there was no sign of that.

“She’s the one Maru chose.”

“Maru chose me, so he trusts me.”

“…Did he?”

I didn’t know why I said that all of a sudden, but I responded nonetheless.

“Then it’s only right for me to trust the person you chose. If I doubt the person you chose, I’d end up doubting myself.”

“It oddly makes sense…”

I agreed with Kim Noeul’s logic.

As Kim Noeul and I exchanged glances, Na Yuna, who was beside us, interjected.

“What exactly does ‘chosen’ mean? We heard similar things last time, but it was just brushed aside!”

Uncharacteristically, Na Yuna raised her voice. Kim Noeul calmly reassured her with a relaxed expression.

“It’s nothing special. It’s just that we chose each other.”

“Nothing special? Even the way you say it sounds strange…”

“Don’t tell me you’re dating?”

This time, Han Doa chimed in from a different angle, leaving me bewildered.

“What are you talking about?”

“Exactly what it means. Choosing each other… If it means what I think it does…”

Han Doa continued, her face turning redder by the moment.

“Junior Maru, I’d appreciate a proper explanation.”

“Doa, let’s finish the briefing now, shall we? Why are you so concerned?”

Kim Noeul leaned back in her chair, slightly lifting the corners of her mouth and stretching. Naturally, her prominently raised chest became noticeable.

Unbuttoning two top buttons of her white shirt, her tie was caught between the bones of her chest.

As she relaxed, Han Do-ah’s expression turned cold to the point of frostiness.

“Maintain a proper demeanor. Maru’s juniors are watching.”

“What did I do? I just stretched!”

“I’m talking about what’s visible! You can only unbutton one top button!”

Frustrated, Han Do-ah even scolded me.

“Why are Maru’s juniors staring like that! That rural lump has no value whatsoever!”

Something seemed off about Han Do-ah’s character setting, which amused me. She was someone who would get flustered and lose her composure when strange stories came up even in the original work.

Kim No-eul continued to act leisurely but managed to fasten the last button. Taking out the tie stuck between her chest, she sighed.

“If the tie gets caught often, it’s a problem… Yu-na senior does this often too, right?”

“Huh? Me? Well, maybe I did.”

“Doa senior also… No, forget it. Let’s finish the briefing.”

“…Why did you just stop talking now? And while looking at my chest area?”

“It doesn’t mean anything special, does it?”

“I won’t ignore provocations beyond that.”

Lost in their conversation, I pondered deeply.

The situation with these girls currently debating about chests felt similar to men being proud of ‘that’ in a past life.

“Please quiet down. The discussion has veered off course. We’ll continue with the next topic.”

I emphasized the significance of this operation while flipping through the PowerPoint slides.

“This operation marks the beginning of a power struggle since Sky High took the lead at TT Academy. It’s akin to a school union battle, especially with help from external students and Yushin High students.”

“Is it bigger than the incident at the academy last time?”

“It certainly seems so… Sky High’s leadership and counseling teams are now at the center of the Half Five Bridge faction. We can’t afford to fall behind here.”

In response to Han Do-ah’s muttering, Yu-na replied.

Yu-na seemed scared by the excessive attention they were receiving as she spoke.

“Let’s focus on the immediate tasks at hand. Ultimately, the most likely places are two. Near the SC building bus stop and near the Yushin High intersection, right?”

Nodding at Kim No-eul’s summary, I agreed.

“Right. Some of the leadership team members will be at the former, while the counseling team and the rest of the leadership team will be at the latter.”

So, Kim No-eul and I would head towards the Yushin High intersection.

Given that Yu-na had a schedule at SC, she would join Han Do-ah leading the leadership team near the SC building bus stop.

“It’s uncertain where Jegal Hwa-rin will appear. Yu-hana’s movements are also unknown. Nevertheless, we should be able to handle whoever comes.”

And if the bait I threw in also arrives, the plan cannot fail.

“With final exams approaching, I hope everything goes smoothly…”

With Yu-na’s sigh as the last sound, the counseling team meeting concluded. Now, everyone must focus on their safety and prepare accordingly.

*

*

*

“Thanks for coming. I owe you my life after getting caught.”

Jegal Hwa-rin smiled warmly and reached out her hand to the girl in front of her.

The girl didn’t even look at the hand, instead glancing around.

“Isn’t Jung So-yeon around here?”

“…Yeah. She’s working as a model here.”

Jegal Hwa-rin withdrew her hand coolly.

“What an arrogant girl. If things hadn’t turned out this way, I wouldn’t have to ask a girl like her for help.”

Yu-hana seemed like a wild beast ever since leaving Gat Seonyeon. She shouted at the girls following her.

“Everyone, go to your positions and wait! If you spot Jung So-yeon or the leadership team girls, inform me immediately!”

At Yu-hana’s command, the girls dispersed quickly, and Yu-hana clenched her fist.

“Jeong Soyeon… Making a model out of people and thriving by sending them to the boys’ home, right? I won’t let you walk with those pretty legs again.”

“Do it in moderation. Our sister doesn’t like trouble near here, and she barely gave permission.”

Despite Jegal Hwarin’s opposition, Yu Hana chuckled.

“Damn, if that was your plan, you shouldn’t have reached out to me. How to help is up to me. If you’re scared, go tell your sister to come directly.”

‘Wow, this person is even crazier than I thought.’

Perhaps because Yu Hana wasn’t a student, she had no fear towards the leaders of Ojakgyo. To Jegal Hwarin, her attitude felt new.

“Whether you’re a leader or a follower, is playing kids’ games so fun for you? Doing things like studying at academies~. Picking fights on the streets casually~. Participating in contests and winning prizes~.”

“……”

“They say Alice has immense backing, right? Then you can act even more recklessly, can’t you? You’re more cowardly than I thought.”

The more one hears, the more one can only grit their teeth. Indeed, Yu Hana knows too little about Ojakgyo.

Hakdo is currently the center of education in South Korea, and excelling here can lead to advancement in society.

Academics, sports, arts, connections…

Ojakgyo monopolizes such valuable futures. In the long run, it wouldn’t just be dismissed as students’ power struggles.

Furthermore, leading Ojakgyo is Alice, the illegitimate daughter of Sungkwang.

From school days, everyone knows how much having a connection with her can benefit one’s future.

In reality, considering the future, the leaders and students of Ojakgyo are living a more luxurious life than most members of society.

Watching Yu Hana trapped in a mindset still typical of students, Jegal Hwarin inwardly mocked her.

“Enough. Just do your job well. If we handle the leaders and seniors here properly, your usefulness ends there.”

“If you deal well with the seniors, you’ll definitely get paid. I’ll also put in a good word for you with our sister.”

“Naturally.”

“Then I’ll head towards Yushin High School. They have high activity there too, so we need to occasionally shake them up.”

Jegal Hwarin led the gang towards Yushin High School. Walking along the road, she recalled the events of that day.

The day she was exposed by the leaders of Hakdo and humiliated like a dog. She even faced the humiliation of being slapped by a male student.

Kim Noeul and Kim Maru.

Both were so arrogant that they could be chewed up and spit out. Jegal Hwarin secretly wished to meet them at Yushin High School.

“Just meet them. Make sure they never mess with us again.”

Cracking her knuckles, Jegal Hwarin arrived at the intersection near Yushin High School. She explored the streets and spotted two female students in Hakdo uniforms.

“Since Yu Hana’s gang will back us up anyway, we have the numerical advantage. Let’s proactively start the conflict.”

Determined, Jegal Hwarin sent some of her gang members to the Hakdo students.

Grabbing the Hakdo students by their hair, the gang brought them in front of Jegal Hwarin.

“Hello there. Strong and mighty afternoon?”

Jegal Hwarin sat down and mocked the Hakdo female students who had been brought before her. However, the female students glared back at Jegal Hwarin rebelliously.

Jegal Hwarin didn’t understand their defiant looks.

“What’s with you? Who are you to look at me like that?”

“…The girl who got beat up by Kim Noeul.”

As one of the girls muttered, a vein popped on Jegal Hwarin’s forehead. She kicked the girl in response.

“Ugh!”

“You’re asking for it by acting all tough. I was just going to take your money and send you off, but you’re asking for a beating. Hey, step on her.”

The Korean high school girls stomped on the fallen girl. Amidst this, another Hakdo student shouted,

“What do you think will happen if the leaders or counselors find out about this? Do you want to embarrass yourselves in front of Hakdo again?”

“You…!”

“Go suck your sister’s tits.”

“You’re dead meat today!”

Unable to maintain composure in the face of Haenul High School girls’ provocation, Jegal Hwarin maintained his mount position and relentlessly struck the girl’s face who had provoked him.

However, even as she was being hit, the pupils of the Haenul High students remained resolute. Their status at Haenul had now risen compared to before.

Despite hitting her, Jegal Hwarin felt a surge of anger as he did not like the look in their eyes.

“Just because you briefly shone, do you think you’ve become something? Do you really think you can stand against Ojakgyo!?”

“If you thought that, you shouldn’t have even started.”

Someone quietly replied to Jegal Hwarin’s outburst. He stopped hitting and turned around.

There stood a long-haired female student in a white shirt.

Distinct features even from afar.

Haenul High School uniform skirt fluttering in the wind.

And behind her, Haenul’s student council members and a familiar male student.

Jegal Hwarin had a hunch about who she was. Although he had never seen her in person, she was a rising star who had been causing a stir in the school lately.

“…Kim Noeul, and Kim Maru.”

“Send our students over here. I won’t say it twice.”

“What nonsense!”

A Korean high school girl beside Jegal Hwarin couldn’t hold back her anger and rushed towards Kim Noeul.

The girl was bigger than Kim Noeul. Her swinging fist created a threatening sound as it cut through the air.

Kim Noeul watched the fist until the end and then grabbed it with her hand.

Thud!

The girl whose fist was caught struggled to free herself but to no avail. Instead, under Kim Noeul’s gradually tightening grip, the girl’s hand began to swell.

Kim Noeul’s nails tore into the girl’s skin and pressed down.

“Ah, Aaargh! Let go! You bastard!”

As the girl, engulfed in the illusion of her fist being broken, screamed and flailed, Kim Noeul slapped her face with her free left hand.

Thwack!

With a louder noise than before, the girl momentarily floated in the air before crashing to the ground.

The Korean high school students stared blankly at the scene they had just witnessed.

“S-Someone just flew…”

“Damn, what’s with the sound of that punch…”

Jegal Hwarin glared at the frightened Korean high school students.

“You idiots! We outnumber you! Our plan succeeded!”

“Our plan…?”

As Kim Maru muttered next to Kim Noeul, Jegal Hwarin chuckled softly.

“Yeah, this pathetic guy. You’re screwed from the moment you came here.”

Jegal Hwarin confidently approached the Haenul students.

“Na Yuna, she’s also in SC, right? But what will you do? I’ve sent people there too. Even more than here.”

“…The remaining student council members can go there.”

At Kim Noeul’s retort, Jegal Hwarin smirked.

“Didn’t you hear me? I sent more deliberately knowing that. Because it would be difficult for you if you all gathered, I intentionally used a double-sided strategy. The power balance there is probably twice as much as here, right?”

Jegal Hwarin expected a shocked reaction from the Haenul students, but they remained calm.

“What’s going on? Why no reaction?”

Something was off. Even if they were elite members led by Han Do-ah, it would be difficult to handle the number of Yuha’s gang members.

“Do they have faith in something? No, but our plan couldn’t have leaked. We couldn’t even know the location precisely…”

“How kind of you. Spilling the beans about the plan.”

As Kim Maru slowly walked forward, he spoke up.

“Don’t just talk, come in if you dare. I’ll slap you like last time.”

“You damn brat.”

Pointing at Kim Noeul and Kim Maru with his finger, Jegal Hwarin was rushed by the Korean gang members. The Haenul student council members also stood against them.

“I usually don’t hit guys, but Kim Maru, you’re an exception.”

As Jegal Hwarin lunged at Kim Maru, Kim Noeul blocked his way.

“Maru, help the student council members.”

“Got it.”

Jegal Hwarin’s lips trembled as he missed the chance to take revenge on Kim Maru right in front of him.

“Hey, Kim Noeul. Don’t get cocky just because you think you did well against Ojak Bridge. You’re not at that level. Today, you’re going to get a beating from me like a dog. I’ll let you be grateful for your absence in that moment.”

Kim Noeul was talking about the time when she attacked the Sky High Counseling Department during the mock competition.

Kim Noeul quietly spoke up.

“It’s the other way around.”

“What?”

“If I had been there at that moment, you wouldn’t be walking around like this now.”

Kim Noeul narrowed her eyes, assuming a stance.

Every time Kim Maru recalled the scene of Ojak Bridge students tormenting him, his chest felt suffocated as if going insane. He wanted to relieve that suffocation.

“You should be thankful that I wasn’t there at that time.”

“Where do you get such ridiculous arrogance from!”

Jegal Hwarin closed the distance and kicked out.