episode_0078

078.

‘Yoo Seolhyun…’

Jin Soyeon unconsciously wrinkled her brow.

With her cherry pink lips pursed, she tugged at the edge of the blanket.

The heart that had been fluttering like a shy little girl just moments ago sank in an instant.

It felt as if someone had tightly clenched her heart, making her uncomfortable.

Oh, right.

She knew this feeling all too well.

She had felt it a few times before.

Back in the day, she used to worry as a childhood friend when Jinhyeok got close to a bad girl like Yoo Seolhyun.

But now, she clearly realized what this feeling was all about.

It was jealousy.

It might sound childish, but she felt jealous.

If it had been any other girl, she might have brushed it off, but Yoo Seolhyun was beautiful, wealthy, and talented, a rich girl who had all the elements that could drive boys crazy.

In fact, Yoo Seolhyun was very popular among the male trainees. Not only in our class but also in other classes, she had them all swooning over her. Like a fox.

And now Jinhyeok was getting close to Yoo Seolhyun?

And to make matters worse, Yoo Seolhyun had mentioned having an interest in Jinhyeok?

It made her feel uncomfortable and anxious in many ways.

“…Seolhyun, did she also come?”

“Yeah. She was really worried about you.”

Worried?

About me, by Yoo Seolhyun?

She wasn’t sure if Yoo Seolhyun really worried about her, but Soyeon simply nodded along with Jinhyeok’s words.

“I see.”

“When you were kidnapped, I received a lot of help from Yoo Seolhyun. If it weren’t for her, I might not have been able to save you.”

“What… help did Seolhyun give?”

“She coordinated with the media and the police, supported the members of Gaon Nuri Clan, and handled the aftermath of the incident. She was a great help in many ways.”

“Oh.”

A feeling of curiosity arose at the thought of Yoo Seolhyun providing so much help.

After all, Soyeon and Yoo Seolhyun were just classmates. Even if Soyeon had been kidnapped by villains, there was no reason for Yoo Seolhyun to help.

It seemed like she had gone through a lot…

She couldn’t figure out why Yoo Seolhyun had helped her so much. Surely she didn’t help out just because she was a hero trainee, right? Yoo Seolhyun, who was usually very calculating, wouldn’t have helped at a loss.

“It seems like I owe something to Seolhyun…”

She didn’t want to admit it, but she couldn’t deny that Yoo Seolhyun’s help was invaluable. Soyeon bit her lower lip slightly.

Of all people, she had to owe something to Yoo Seolhyun.

It was a bit complicated. Her feelings were a bit unsettled.

“You don’t have to think too much about it. Yoo Seolhyun also gained quite a lot in her own way.”

“Huh?”

“As a reward for helping to rescue you, I took care of various things for her.”

Jinhyeok smirked inwardly.

Especially the substantial amount of visa funds that Seong Yura had secretly hidden away was quite substantial. Cash, gold, and jewels piled up like that. He had seen it in the game, but seeing it in real life, it was truly an enormous amount.

Oh, of course, he didn’t give it all to Yoo Seolhyun.

He played it smartly.

A significant amount of cash was needed to acquire the relics that would be auctioned off for resurrection in the future.

“You did?”

“Yeah. As you know, I have the ability to see the future. That’s why I was able to provide Yu Seol-hyun with valuable information that could be profitable.”

At Jin-hyuk’s words, Jin So-yeon glanced down slightly.

Ah, I see.

Once again, I ended up relying on Jin-hyuk for help.

To think that she would request help from Yu Seol-hyun by offering a huge price, even after directly infiltrating the dangerous Seong Yura’s residence…

I always rely on you for help.

Most people would just contact the police, but you, Jin-hyuk, always face danger to save me.

Jin-hyuk, why do you help me like this?

Just because we were childhood friends?

Because we’ve been together since we were young?

Because I was a girl you once liked?

Or maybe…

– I don’t like you anymore.

Thump.

Between the words exchanged, Jin-hyuk’s past remarks passed through So-yeon’s mind, causing her heart to ache and her chest to tighten.

– I have someone else I like now.

Thump.

It felt like her heart was being pricked with sharp needles.

‘Yes, that’s right… Jin-hyuk doesn’t like me anymore…’

So-yeon lowered her head with a vague expression.

She was the one who had tormented Jin-hyuk with fake relationships for a long time.

To boldly like him now could be a burden to Jin-hyuk. How could she have the audacity to like Jin-hyuk after causing him so much pain? Even risking her life multiple times.

‘Jin-hyuk…’

Why did she ask Jin-hyuk for a fake relationship back then?

So-yeon didn’t know how Jin-hyuk had accepted that request in the past and how much pain he had endured because of it.

But it was clear that Jin-hyuk had suffered a lot.

Of course, Jin-hyuk had brushed it off, saying it was nothing to worry about, but So-yeon was concerned if he had truly forgiven her.

She was worried if she had not buried her resentful feelings deep inside and had not just pretended to let it go, So-yeon was anxious.

‘Ah, the ability to see the future…’

Suddenly, So-yeon pondered Jin-hyuk’s ability.

Honestly, she had her doubts, but if Jin-hyuk could really see the future, who would be by his side in the future?

Would So-yeon still be by his side in the future?

Or would it be another woman…?

‘No, no…’

Shudder.

So-yeon shivered as she thought about it.

She didn’t want to experience losing Jin-hyuk again.

If, just if…

Jin-hyuk started dating Yu Seol-hyun in the future?

Could So-yeon handle a future where they were always together, laughing, playing, and going out?

Could she sincerely bless the two of them, sharing affectionate gestures when no one was around, whispering love in each other’s ears, and promising a future together?

‘I can’t. I won’t be able to…’

Just imagining it was dreadful.

So-yeon didn’t want to think about Jin-hyuk, who had always been by her side, being with another woman in the future.

She truly didn’t want to think about that future.

But did So-yeon even have the right?

The right to be by Jin-hyuk’s side.

“…”

“So-yeon, what’s wrong? Is your health not good?”

“Uh, yeah. I think so.”

“Well, it’s been a while since you woke up. Oh, by the way, why aren’t these gentlemen coming? Should I go and call them myself?”

“No, it’s, it’s okay. They’ll be here soon.”

As Jin-hyuk tried to get up from his seat, So-yeon unconsciously grabbed his hand.

Ah. As the warmth of his skin transmitted through her peripheral nerves, So-yeon involuntarily swallowed a dry spit.

It felt like she was holding Jin-hyuk’s hand after a long time. Warm. And a bit rough but gentle. It felt different from before.

During the brief moment when Jin Soyeon firmly held onto Jin Hyuk’s hand and refused to let go, Jin Hyuk had no choice but to sit back down.

Then, he turned his head towards Jin Soyeon.

Jin Hyuk glanced at her meaningfully, as if asking her to let go of his hand, but Jin Soyeon only blushed and continued to fidget with the thin blanket in her hand.

Meeting Jin Hyuk’s eyes once again was difficult for Jin Soyeon.

Her heart was truly racing just from holding his hand and looking at his face. Why is this happening? We used to have this level of physical contact all the time, Jin Soyeon!

Why do I get nervous over every little thing, really!

Experiencing the unfamiliar excitement and physical contact as a woman for the first time, Jin Soyeon felt a mix of bewildering emotions and simply squirmed.

“Soyeon? Can you let go of my hand?”

“Uh, oh! Y-yes, of course!”

When Jin Hyuk directly asked her to let go of his hand, Jin Soyeon was taken aback and quickly released his hand.

The feeling of holding hands… It was really nice…

Uh, why am I like this?

I never knew that holding one hand could make my heart race like this…

“You seem a bit strange today. Well, it’s understandable since you just woke up from the hospital bed.”

“Oh, haha. Is that so? Maybe my head is a bit foggy because it’s been a while since I woke up?”

Jin Soyeon awkwardly chuckled and scratched the back of her neck.

“Well then, should I head back first?”

“Huh?”

“I have to go to the academy tomorrow. Oh, you can rest for a few more days and come later. You need to get another detailed check-up too.”

Jin Hyuk stretched lazily as if to loosen his stiff body.

“Oh, right. Your mother was really worried. She couldn’t come herself because she’s on a business trip, so she must have been really upset. I’ll pass on her regards later.”

“Uh, okay.”

“Since I mentioned it was just a simple accident… You understand, right?”

Jin Hyuk put on the jacket hanging on the hanger.

“Well, I’ll be off then.”

“Ah… W-well, goodbye Jin Hyuk, see you next time.”

With a brief farewell, Jin Hyuk turned to leave.

She watched his retreating figure for a moment before letting out a deep sigh.

The academy tomorrow, the academy…

I should go to the academy soon too.

“Oh, right, Jin Hyuk mentioned that he likes someone, right, I remember.”

He must be a student at the academy.

Could he be flirting with someone else while I was unconscious?

Maybe they even became close while I was passed out.

“No, that can’t be.”

Shaking her head vigorously to dispel the futile delusion, Jin Soyeon forced a bitter smile.

She wasn’t sure who exactly Jin Hyuk liked, but it was unlikely that the other person reciprocated his feelings.

Jin Hyuk rarely interacted with girls in a way that could lead to a romantic relationship, and he had always been just average in popularity.

He had a decent face and good grades, but due to the fact that Jin Soyeon was his girlfriend and that his family was poor and his abilities were lacking, he didn’t attract much attention.

If he had been really popular, there would have been girls chasing after him whether he had a girlfriend or not, but that wasn’t the case for Jin Hyuk.

“The kind of girl Jin Hyuk would like… The only one that comes to mind is Yoo Seolhyun. If he’s not interested in Yoo Seolhyun and likes someone else… It wouldn’t be easy, right?”

Jin Soyeon let out a relieved sigh, shaking her head in solitude.

It was a bit pitiful for Jin Hyuk to not be popular because of her, but it was also somewhat fortunate.

***

One week later at the academy after school.

“Jin Hyuk, hi. By the way, do you have a girlfriend?”

“No, I don’t. Why?”

“Oh, really? That’s great.”

“Huh?”

On the day Jin Soyeon returned to the academy, she realized something.

“Then, would you like to date me?”

“What?”

After the midterm incident, Jin Hyuk’s popularity among girls had skyrocketed.