episode_0124

124.

“Will everyone be safe?”

Rocksan’s private office at the Jungo Church.

“I hope nothing bad happens.”

Rocksan, who was diligently working in his office, absentmindedly muttered to himself as he gazed out the window.

He already knew that Lee Jinhyuk and his team were heading to Busan to take down the villain, but he was taken aback by the sudden news of a giant monster appearing.

On TV, he saw a monster reminiscent of a giant weapon.

Beyond the brown screen, he could see several heroes struggling to fight, and it was none other than Lee Jinhyuk and his team. It was difficult to calm his anxious heart.

He couldn’t even focus on his work properly, worrying about whether people would get seriously injured.

“Oh, our Rocksan is worrying too much.”

Cynthia, who brought tea, chuckled and shrugged as she handed a cup of tea to Rocksan.

It seems Cynthia wasn’t too worried.

“It’ll be fine. Aisha is with them, after all.”

“Is that so?”

“You know, Aisha is more skilled than she looks.”

“Yes, she is undoubtedly skilled, but…”

Apart from her skills, there was a slightly worrying aspect due to her playful and not-so-serious personality.

But Rocksan quickly shook his head to dispel his worries.

There are many other heroes there, so it’ll be fine.

“Our Rocksan is worrying too much today. Oh, could it be that you’re worried about that guy~?”

“What do you mean by that tone?”

“Oh, nothing.”

“Sigh, really.”

Rocksan looked at Cynthia with a slightly puzzled expression.

Then he sighed once and slowly sipped his tea.

“You don’t need to feel embarrassed, Rocksan.”

“I’m not feeling embarrassed.”

“You’re at that age where you care about relationships, hmm. Oh well.”

“You don’t listen to what I say…”

He couldn’t help but sigh at Cynthia’s exaggerated behavior.

He couldn’t understand why she kept associating him with that guy.

He was just genuinely worried.

There was a time when he mistakenly thought that Lee Jinhyuk liked Rocksan because of Cynthia’s false hopes.

But after experiencing that incident at the restaurant, it remained as an embarrassing memory.

He had made unnecessary misunderstandings because of Cynthia’s groundless speculations.

“Just… as a church member and a friend…”

Friend.

It had a nice ring to it.

It was a bit embarrassing to talk about, but Lee Jinhyuk was his first friend of the opposite sex.

“I’m just worried.”

No matter how much Lee Jinhyuk had the ability to foresee the future, he couldn’t predict everything.

There could be unexpected dangers due to unforeseen events.

So, may God be with him.

May they all safely finish their business without any incidents.

Rocksan quietly prayed in his heart…

Ring, ring.

“Oh.”

The phone rang just in time.

“Who’s calling?”

“It’s a call from Aisha.”

“Oh, really?”

Rocksan picked up the phone.

“Hello? Aisha? Are you okay? Did anyone get hurt?”

“…Ah, yes, I’m fine.”

I’m?

Does that mean someone else got hurt?

The snake monster did look quite dangerous, so it wouldn’t be surprising if there were casualties.

“Um… well.”

“Aisha?”

Aisha hesitated slightly.

They were supposed to be friends with Rocksan.

Considering Rocksan’s personality, he would definitely be worried.

But that didn’t mean she shouldn’t tell him.

Aisha gently extended the conversation before quietly pursing her lips.

She cautiously conveyed the news of his passing.

And then…

“Yes?”

Clang.

Rocksan suddenly dropped the teacup he was holding.

***

Death.

Death always comes unexpectedly.

Jin Soyeon knew this fact well.

Just by looking at the internet, TV, news, and newspapers, stories related to death were constantly being circulated.

Living as a hero, I knew that someday I would experience it.

The hero industry was full of dangers lurking due to monsters and villains.

I had already made some preparations.

But I never expected to experience it like this.

Losing Jinhyuk so tragically.

I had no idea… I had no idea…

It happened right in front of my eyes.

Ugh.

“….”

Jin Soyeon sat on the living room sofa blankly, staring at the ceiling.

She stared at the ceiling, trying to push everything that had happened so far into the back of her mind.

After he died.

Jinhyuk’s funeral was held.

And it was none other than Jin Soyeon who took charge of the funeral.

With no parents or relatives. Jin Soyeon’s mother was overseas due to work, so Jin Soyeon, who could be considered his family, had to take on the role of the main mourner. Thanks to Yuseolhyun’s help, she was able to smoothly prepare for the funeral.

Many mourners came to pay their respects.

Among them, the largest group was, of course, the academy students.

Familiar faces of academy students were reflected.

Ishiwoon, Kang Daehan, Seonari, Roksanne, Baek Yurin, Han Dongwon, Oh Seongwoon, Go Mirae, Yulriya Troianova, and so on.

In addition, Han Seowoo from Gaon Nuri, Ju Hwayoon from Heukyeong, Cynthia from Jungo Church, and Aisha also came.

Many people mourned Jinhyuk’s death.

While everyone was in mourning, Jinhyuk’s body was trapped in the coffin and buried in the dark, damp ground.

Jin Soyeon just looked at him with a hazy gaze.

Something… Something… It didn’t feel real.

Until the funeral was over, Jin Soyeon was just blank. It didn’t feel real that she was watching Jinhyuk’s funeral.

It’s because not long ago, she was traveling all over the country during the summer vacation, catching monsters, resting, and playing.

But now she was watching Jinhyuk’s funeral?

With her own hands?

This is ridiculous.

Please…

“….”

How much time had passed since Jinhyuk’s funeral?

Jin Soyeon was just stuck in the house, doing nothing.

The summer vacation had ended a long time ago, but Jin Soyeon had no intention of going outside. She didn’t want to go out. She really hated her classmates who were laughing and talking as if they had already forgotten about Jinhyuk’s death.

The world didn’t care about Jinhyuk’s death.

As if his death had no meaning or value, people went back to their daily lives.

In that flow, Jin Soyeon couldn’t accept it.

No, to be precise, she didn’t want to accept it.

She just hated everything.

People who were laughing annoyed her.

She was irritated for no reason.

She hated everything.

“….”

Jin Soyeon looked in the mirror.

Her fresh hair had turned messy, and her bright and clear eyes had lost their light, becoming hazy.

The house was messy with dust and trash, and it was dim with the curtains closed.

In the dim house.

Jin Soyeon was alone, hugging her knees in the darkness, gently closing her eyes.

When she closed her eyes quietly like this, the conversations she had with him would vividly come to her mind.

The memories and moments she had with him.

But at the same time, Jin Soyeon had to struggle with guilt.

His death was her fault and sin.

Didn’t she once confidently say?

That she would protect him when he was in danger.

– Don’t worry, if things get dangerous later, please protect me first.

– Don’t worry about that. Jinho, no matter what it takes, I’ll protect you. I promise.

– Really?

– Yes!

That’s what was said, but instead of being protected, he ended up receiving protection in return.

He had confidently said to have strength in his appearance.

It’s not even funny.

We promised to protect each other.

So why am I stupidly receiving his protection?

Jin Soyeon bit down hard on her lower lip. Blood dripped down in droplets.

Although Jinho had told her not to blame herself before he died, the more she thought about it, the deeper her self-loathing and resentment grew.

Because it was clearly Jin Soyeon’s fault that she had exposed Jinho to more danger than necessary.

Originally, Jinho didn’t seem to have any intention of fighting against the giant monster.

He only followed along when she said she would fight.

Of course, she had decided to face the danger alone and asked Jinho to help people evacuate, but this was a cowardly excuse.

Due to his personality, he couldn’t just leave her alone in danger.

Jin Soyeon’s reliance on his kindness led to his death.

If Jin Soyeon hadn’t stubbornly insisted on going, both of them could have safely evacuated to a secure location.

Then, they wouldn’t have been attacked by Yoo Dahee.

Even if they were attacked, they would have been able to respond to some extent with their strength intact.

However, at that time, everyone, including Jin Soyeon, was exhausted, so they didn’t notice Yoo Dahee’s attack.

“Uh, ugh.”

The word ‘if’ kept swirling around in her head.

She regretted her actions at that time.

She shouldn’t have acted without knowing the situation just because she gained some strength.

Why did she make that choice?

To make Jinho die…

Ding dong.

“Who is it again…”

It was already close to evening.

Jin Soyeon ignored the doorbell.

Since she hadn’t been attending the academy, a few friends including Lee Siwoon and Yoo Seolhyun had visited her house.

But Jin Soyeon just sent them back.

She didn’t want to hear or see superficial words and actions.

She just wanted to be alone quietly.

Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong!

“Today of all days, it won’t stop…”

Beep. Click.

The door opened.

How?

And who?

“Ha, Jin Soyeon.”

The person who forcibly opened the front door and entered was none other than Yoo Seolhyun.

“Why is the house in such a mess? Clean up and live properly.”

“…Yoo Seolhyun.”