episode_0088

Finally, Kim Seo-jin and his party were able to arrive at Lee Ji-hye’s house. Everyone looked surprised and at the same time, they could see the look of admiration. That was because the place was very large.

Thanks to that, Lee Ji-hye felt a strange sense of pride.

Kim Seo-jin, who didn’t know about her feelings, naturally went inside without hesitation. If it had been normal, he would have waited for the landlord to go in first, but he was tired from talking in the car for so long that his judgment was clouded. All he could think about was that he wanted to rest quickly. So, Kim Seo-jin rudely went inside before the others.

Fortunately, no one cared about such etiquette, so everyone, starting with Kim Seo-jin, took off their shoes and went in without a problem.

Anyone who looks at it will see that it is a really nice family.

It was so spacious and clean that I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

In that splendid atmosphere, Choi Na-yeon was frowning slightly, harboring her own dissatisfaction.

‘I really don’t like it.’

I don’t know why I feel that way. But strangely, when I see Kim Seo-jin with Lee Ji-hye, I can’t help but feel a bad feeling.

‘What’s your relationship?’

An inescapable curiosity arose. Seeing her sticking around for no reason made me feel like my bad imagination was swelling up.

‘No way, lovers?’

Hey, no way.

He’s a cadet who hasn’t even become a hunter yet. There’s no way someone with such outstanding abilities would do that…

No way.

No, that shouldn’t be the case.

But strangely enough, I was able to erase that delusion. Especially since I was hiding something from Kim Seo-jin, it made me think even more absurd thoughts.

‘What, what does that have to do with me!’

Without realizing it, Choi Na-yeon ended up denying it.

Because of that, she became even more embarrassed and intimidated by this atmosphere. Since no one knew about her condition, everyone just went deeper inside.

“This is where Hunter Lee Ji-Hee lived.”

Seo Jae-hyuk looked around, exclaiming in admiration to himself.

A very huge house.

However, it was a bit smaller than he had expected. Of course, he had never seen a place like this in his entire life, but regardless, it seemed small because he thought that this was where Lee Ji-hye lived.

Her fame would probably allow her to live in a bigger house.

‘Do you live a small life?’

If not, are you just worried that it will be inconvenient to live while organizing?

In that case, you could just hire a cleaning helper or something.

In any case, it could be guessed that Lee Ji-hye was a person who tried to buy more efficiently than anyone else. It really was just as she looked on the outside.

When Seo Jae-hyeok stared at Lee Ji-hye intently, the two people could feel uncomfortable.

‘Jaehuk, why are you looking there?’

One of them was Yoo Seo-ra.

Another one.

Quite naturally.

It was Kim Seo-jin.

‘Fuck, why are you looking at it?’

Kim Seo-jin looked at Yoo Seo-ra and Seo Jae-hyeok alternately with more anxious and uncomfortable feelings than anyone else. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like it would cause any harm to Lee Ji-hye, but he couldn’t help but have some negative thoughts.

The atmosphere is getting heavy somewhere.

So, Lee Ji-hye, who was standing next to him, couldn’t help but notice strangely.

‘What, what is it?’

Did I do something wrong?

If she said no, why is her expression so stiff? She made me nervous for no reason. So, to ease her expression, Lee Ji-hye decided to open her mouth briefly.

“If you have any questions, you can come and visit me. If not…. You can ask me.”

Only then did everyone come to their senses at the sound of Lee Ji-hye’s voice.

Kim Seo-jin, who could easily guess what his expression would have been like, smiled without realizing it and continued the conversation.

“So where would be a good place to study? Would the living room be better? Or should we rent a room?”

Lee Ji-hye couldn’t help but ponder that question for a moment.

Come to think of it, I invited him without thinking about where he would study.

‘That, that too, in my room… … .’

Because that will help you get closer to Kim Seo-jin.

‘Oh, no.’

But isn’t there someone else coming in besides Kim Seo-jin? If so, it might be uncomfortable for no reason.

Above all, it is a private room in its own right. Even if you don’t have any personal hobbies, you can’t help but feel some resistance to it.

What Kim Seo-jin sees doesn’t really matter though.

So, I opened my mouth in a casual tone as if I had no choice.

“Do it in the living room.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Kim Seo-jin answered first and sat down in front of a table in the living room. Then, he roughly threw the bag he was carrying aside and took out the books he had organized.

Everyone naturally saw the sight and sat down to take out what they had brought.

And so, study time began to arrive.

‘Oh, is this right?’

And everyone was just quietly concentrating on their books without saying a word. It felt awkward for no reason, so Lee Ji-hye just kept looking somewhere else.

‘Didn’t you say you wanted to be taught how to study?’

But why don’t you ask questions?

Are you just looking at a book? Then why am I here?

‘Something is wrong.’

This isn’t what I wanted.

Lee Ji-hye had no choice but to keep her worries to herself. For some reason, she felt depressed and wanted to run out right away.

“Does everyone have any questions?”

I felt like I wouldn’t get anything out of it, so I had no choice but to open my mouth. I’m here because I want to know more about Kim Seo-jin.

In that state of mind, Lee Ji-hye found herself looking at Kim Seo-jin’s expression.

Kim Seo-jin just listened to those words with a blank expression. It was a face that had not expected such words to come out, but he did not seem that flustered. Thanks to that, she felt a bit annoyed.

“Hmm, I have a question.”

Kim Seo-jin asked in a monotonous tone.

“Does Hunter Lee Ji-hye have her own study method? If so, could you please tell me?”

“How to study?”

It was a question asked to avoid creating an awkward atmosphere. Of course, no one really knows about Kim Seo-jin’s consideration that they may not even know about.

“I just keep solving problems.”

What the fuck.

‘No, why do these kids only do workbooks?’

Actually, to this extent, isn’t it abnormal for me?

Kim Seo-jin couldn’t help but feel dissatisfied with those words.

And apart from that, Seo Jae-hyeok and Choi Na-yeon nodded slightly, showing some level of agreement with Lee Ji-hye’s words.

I’m speechless when I see that.

‘What? Was it true that I was abnormal?’

Is that all you need to study?

So what about my grades so far? Was I just being a jerk?

What the fuck is this?

‘Oh, no. If we go on like this, we won’t be able to use this time efficiently!’

Kim Seo-jin thought about it alone, then declared it as if he was thinking about it.

“Then, Hunter Lee Ji-hye. Can I ask you a favor?”

“Huh? What is it?”

He said in a slightly nervous voice.

“Please teach him how to study.”

He said, pointing to Seo Jae-hyuk.

If you think about it, you should be worried about that kid’s grades more than your own. But you left him alone for too long. That’s why you asked for as much help as possible.

“If that doesn’t work, then there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“Oh, no. I could listen to it well enough.”

Lee Ji-hye tilted her head and couldn’t help but wonder why she had asked her that. Knowing her feelings, Kim Seo-jin felt a little sorry.

And at the same time, I was able to feel a strange sense of urgency.

‘Well, ignore that.’

This is a problem that you don’t need to worry about.

“Okay, wait a minute. Why is Hunter Lee Ji-hye… …?”

“Just shut up and follow along. That’s what’s going to help.”

Don’t be sad that you lost your top spot in the school to Yoo Seo-ra for no reason.

“Since what you’re studying isn’t that special anyway, just follow along.”

“Yeah, yeah. Oh, I see.”

Seo Jae-hyuk suddenly looks gloomy, as if I had been speaking too harshly. Just looking at his expression makes me feel dirty.

When a man makes that kind of expression, it’s kind of disgusting.

“Then what should I do?”

At that time, Choi Na-yeon spoke quietly, stuttering. She could feel the anticipation that she might have something to do, and at the same time, that Kim Seo-jin might ask her to help him study.

As I stared at him quietly, he answered with a calm expression.

“Senior Choi Na-yeon, you can just focus on your own studies. You don’t have to worry about it.”

A tone that seems to say sorry.

When Choi Na-yeon heard that, she felt a sudden sinking in her emotions. She wanted to help him, and she could easily teach him how to study, but he refused.

I could feel that I was being strangely rejected all along, so I couldn’t help but feel depressed.

“Honestly, I don’t want to cause trouble.”

“Public nuisance?”

“Senior, your first-year studies won’t help you. I hope you focus on your own studies instead of helping me with my studies and lowering my grades.”

“… … .”

I meant it sincerely.

In fact, Kim Seo-jin had a feeling that Choi Na-yeon’s grades would not drop. That’s why he rarely spoke to her even though she could have received more help.

“Oh, I see. Thanks for your concern.”

Choi Na-yeon lowered her head in inexplicable embarrassment.

“What about me?”

Yoo Seo-ra glared at Kim Seo-jin and said.

“What?”

“I can help Jaehyuk study well, right?”

“I can’t believe you.”

In reality, if I were to ask Yusera to study for me, it would only be a hindrance and not of any help at all. It was the same in the original, that’s for sure.

“Okay, I understand.”

“You convinced me right away, I’m suddenly grateful.”

Then the conversation naturally ended and studying began.

Seo Jae-hyeok studied under Lee Ji-hye, following Kim Seo-jin’s advice, and it was truly a fruitful time.

While he was studying like that, Kim Seo-jin’s hands stopped.

“Huh? What is this?”

He muttered quietly to himself and took out another book for a moment. Anyone who saw him clearly saw that he was struggling with a difficult problem. Seeing that, Lee Ji-hye naturally ignored Seo Jae-hyeok who was next to her and tried to help.

At that time, Choi Na-yeon, who noticed the fact first, approached him.

“Show me where. I’ll tell you.”

“Yes? No. You don’t have to do that.”

“I’m fine. What’s wrong?”

Choi Na-yeon looked at the problem, speaking in the softest tone and with the most friendly expression possible.

“Ah, this is easy. Do you remember when I explained it to you before? This is it.”

She explained it fluently in a slightly relaxed voice. It was very natural, and at the same time, it seemed like she had a subtle but pleasant feeling. Lee Ji-hye, who was watching, almost burst out laughing for a moment.

An expression that crumples without me knowing it.

She could feel jealousy bubbling up in a corner of her heart. But Lee Ji-hye simply ignored it without understanding her feelings.

Today, their hearts gradually move closer to Kim Seo-jin.

As each day passed, he began to develop feelings for Kim Seo-jin. However, they just hadn’t noticed it yet.

*

The exam period is over.

Everyone decided not to meet on the day of the exam and to focus solely on their own studies. Thanks to this, Jaehyuk spent his time feeling as usual.

So I took all the tests and decided to take some time today to check my scores. Of course, my rankings aren’t out yet.

Inside a cafe.

As soon as I entered, Kim Seo-jin and Yoo Seo-ra, who had arrived first, caught my eye. And Choi Na-yeon was also next to them.

He usually arrives first, but he seems to be a little tired today, so he is late.

Jaehyuk naturally sat down in front of them.

“I’m here.”

Kim Seo-jin also smiled along with Seo Jae-hyeok. Then, after seeing the others, he stood in the center and spoke.

“We have been studying together for a while, so I called you to talk about this exam.”

Since Choi Na-yeon was right next to me, I had no choice but to use formal language. In some ways, it was a bit uncomfortable, but I couldn’t leave her out.

Because Choi Na-yeon was also the one who studied with me up until now.

“Seo Jae-hyuk, how was it for you? Was it difficult?”

In the original, he said that this test was quite difficult. However, apart from that, he said that he could solve it easily if it was normal, so he said it wasn’t too bad.

However, due to Yusera’s interference with her studies, her grades drop.

Of course, hadn’t he been trying hard to prevent that situation until now? Maybe that’s why, but for some reason, Kim Seo-jin waited for an answer.

“Hmm, it was difficult. But it wasn’t bad.”

Hearing that answer, I was able to immediately feel relieved. At that level, I would be able to maintain first place.

“What about you, Yusera?”

“I wasn’t too bad,”

“Okay.”

Anyway, if it was Seo Jae-hyuk, he would definitely be able to win. So I could move on to the next step with peace of mind.

“How was Senior Choi Na-yeon? Were you okay?”

“Yeah. It was just like usual.”

Of course it had to be that way.

In the original work, Choi Na-yeon’s grades were always maintained consistently. That’s why Kim Seo-jin passed over the obvious result and continued talking.

“Then, shall we check the grades?”

That’s what I called you to do anyway.

Starting with Kim Seo-jin, we check the problems using the answer sheet that was given.

Everyone checked their answers and wrote down their scores. Then they slowly put their pens down.

“Then, I’ll start by saying it.”

Kim Seo-jin smiled and said his score. In fact, it was extremely embarrassing and shameful to say his grades in front of them, but he continued to talk without stopping. He then observed their reactions.

“Oh, you did a pretty good job!”

Seo Jae-hyuk said with a smile. He seemed really happy, as if he had gotten good grades.

No, actually, that grade wasn’t something that anyone could easily get. That’s because you can tell just by comparing it to Kim Seo-jin.

“Of course. I tried so hard.”

In fact, this was the first time in his life that Kim Seo-jin had put this much effort into studying. Thanks to this, he felt like he could study even better than when he was a third-year high school student.

“Then who wants to tell next? Of course, you don’t have to tell if you don’t want to.”

Kim Seo-jin spoke, unconsciously, slightly conscious of Choi Na-yeon. Choi Na-yeon felt a strange sense of impatience as she received that gaze. That’s why she opened her mouth first.

“Then I’ll do it.”

“Oh, then thank you.”

This time, Choi Na-yeon spoke about her grades in a slightly more confident voice.

Kim Seo-jin, who heard that, could feel his soul leaving without anyone knowing. It was as if he had heard something that was not human.

‘Is this human sexuality?’

Damn, that’s really great.

“As expected, senior Choi Na-yeon! You are truly amazing!”

When Kim Seo-jin praised her, saying that she was amazing, Choi Na-yeon lowered her head as if embarrassed. It seemed as if steam was rising from her face, and thanks to that, the surroundings felt warm.

Seo Jae-hyuk, who was looking at the sight with a confused smile, decided to talk about his grades next.

“This time, I’ll do it.”

Seo Jae-hyuk’s score.

It was definitely a grade worthy of being ranked first in the entire school. Thanks to this, Kim Seo-jin couldn’t hold back his admiration once again.

“Hey, you’re really amazing too.”

“No. Because I’ve been working hard since I was little.”

As I was answering with such a warm smile, Yoo Seo-ra suddenly opened her mouth.

“I’ll tell you the score too.”

Yusera’s score.

What came out of her mouth was enough to silence everyone, because it was literally impossible.

Even more so when you consider that this is something that didn’t even happen in the original.

“I got perfect scores in all subjects.”

All back.

No matter how smart she is, it is practically impossible for her to get 100 points. Even Seo Jae-hyuk has never received such a score, so Kim Seo-jin frowned without realizing it.

‘What the fuck.’

The plan went awry.

Originally, I was planning to praise Seo Jae-hyeok a bit more. But because of this, it ended up going just like the original. It was a situation where I clearly felt guilty.

‘What should I do?’

Should I at least comfort her?

But it was something that could only make Seo Jae-hyeok feel worse. Thanks to that, Kim Seo-jin had to keep thinking and thinking.

That was the moment.

“Wow! You really got 100%? Sera, you’re amazing!”

A voice of genuine joy was heard from Seo Jae-hyuk. He was smiling and clapping as if it was natural.

Because of that, Kim Seo-jin and Yoo Seo-ra ended up being embarrassed.

“Huh? Are you okay? You’re about to lose your whole school job.”

“Huh? Why? Of course, it’s a shame to lose it, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Is it because my skills are lacking?”

There was something subtle.

Clearly, Kim Seo-jin couldn’t help but feel uneasy because of the different appearance from the original. Seo Jae-hyuk just kept smiling, seemingly unaware of her feelings.

Even though it was a will, I tilted my head in doubt at first and decided to just ignore it.

‘Yeah, well. I guess it’s good.’

That’s why Kim Seo-jin decided to just let it go. After all, there were mountains of other important things piling up besides this.

This is a bit ignorant. I feel like shit.

Jaehyuk looked at Yoo Seo-ra and then at Kim Seo-jin with a jealous gaze.

Obviously, Kim Seo-jin is weaker than him. He is an ordinary person and has no abilities. However, Jae-hyuk is clearly jealous of Kim Seo-jin and admires her.

‘Yes, because you are greater than someone like me.’

How many times have I seen that look? That look of not being intimidated by what other people say.

Even in situations where he would normally have just let it go, Jaehyuk couldn’t do that. From that day on, he couldn’t help but be conscious.

‘Back then, I lost to you.’

It was the day that I received a request for a sparring match from Kim Seo-jin. He smiled and showed his composure. The more Kim Seo-jin showed his composure, the more Jae-hyuk could become composure.

That day, he was sure that he could win because he was an Awakened One. However, Jaehyuk decided to do his best to maintain his manners.

It wasn’t a big deal, but it was a simple victory. After all, it was possible because I was an Awakened One.

But not everything went as planned.

Kim Seo-jin was pressing very deeply, and it seemed like I would lose immediately if I let my guard down even at a moment’s notice. That’s why I fought harder than ever.

The results were quite disastrous.

It was Yusera who stopped the sparring by blocking the way. At the same time, she declared that she had won, so I felt a bit embarrassed by that sight.

Still, in a way, it was a good situation for Jaehyuk. He didn’t have to force himself to continue the fight, and he didn’t have to do any more tiring and burdensome actions.

So when Kim Seo-jin gets angry, I quickly buy her a drink to help her calm down. I’m sure she’ll calm down after some time.

But I ended up hearing a result I didn’t want to hear.

‘I saw you winning.’

The voice of one person who always cared only for him. Despite being that person, Kim Seo-jin’s victory was certain.

When I heard that, I felt a bit discouraged.

‘What have I been doing until now?’

What did you do that you lost to even a normal person?

Of course, we don’t know how much effort Kim Seo-jin put in. It may have been an endless and desperate process that even made him bleed blood. But in any case, the fact that he, the awakened one, was defeated in the end did not change.

‘Why did I want to become a hunter?’

Yeah. To be confident in myself… … .

‘So that you don’t have any regrets.’

Close your eyes.

There was a child in front of me. The boy was just standing there, staring into space, meaningless.

I found myself clenching my fist without realizing it.

‘Everything I’ve done so far has been meaningless.’

So it has to change.

If you don’t change yourself, you will eventually lose again. If you lose again, you will never be able to be confident in yourself.

I had to keep up the endless effort as much as possible.

Enough to lose interest in today’s exam.

‘So don’t worry about the results.’

If I can finally stand up to myself and win, then all the results I have achieved so far will just be a process.

‘Kim Seo-jin.’

In a way, an object of jealousy.

And someone I admire and respect.

That was Kim Seo-jin to Seo Jae-hyeok.