episode_0246

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…This is overwhelming.

After clocking in and spending the entire morning treating kids with broken bones and torn ligaments, now I’ve been dragged to the cafeteria to keep elderly teachers company.

I just wanted to build connections with promising heroes in advance—I didn’t come here to become a social worker.

“Should we order dumplings here too? Can you finish all of them?” “It’s not my money, it’s the Academy’s. What’s the problem?” “What about the menu? Should we all get pork soup with rice?” “Just order whatever you want. Since when do we unify menus in this day and age?” “…….”

I was practically forced to come here for lunch, so I barely even know the name of this soup place.

Leaving the two chattering teachers behind, I set out utensils at each seat, at least roughly.

I know a little about what the youngest should do in situations like this, thanks to what I picked up during my villain days.

But maybe it’s because I’m the healing type. Even that much effort earned me praise like, “You’re surprisingly considerate for someone your age.”

…Unless someone’s socialization skills are below elementary level, anyone with basic awareness could handle this much.

Rolling a cluster of words in my mouth, I deflected the conversation with a polite “Thank you for the compliment~” and a faint smile.

Unless I have a specific goal, there’s no need to make more enemies.

Allies are always welcome.

The saying “too much is as bad as too little” doesn’t apply here.

Especially when those old folks know most of what goes on in the Academy.

All the more reason.

“It’s hot~”

Kids these days really lack perseverance.

I heard two students from Class 2-B had a falling out. They used to be really close. Did you know, Teacher So-and-so?

That Japanese transfer student—where did they train? Their movements are insane. Why wasn’t there any record of them from the entrance exam?

Most of the chatter was about YouTube, baseball, stocks, politics, and the like, but bits about students slipped through now and then.

Unfortunately, none of it was useful to me.

What I need is information about Seol Da-bin.

Or, more precisely, about Seol Da-bin’s boyfriend.

…But asking outright would seem weird since there’s no buildup.

Is there another way?

“So, uh, Teacher Woojin, does it suit your taste?”

While poking at my pork soup with rice, a hand like a pot lid slammed down on my shoulder.

Following the voice, I saw a face resembling a cross between a bandit and a bear filling my vision.

A former hero-turned-teacher with a rough appearance—I’ve seen him on TV a few times, so I recognize his face, but not his name.

I don’t remember his abilities or the cases he worked on, but I do recall he was pretty strong.

Now, I hear he’s settled down and married.

After that, it seems his priorities shifted from protecting society to protecting his own life and family.

“Yeah, it’s decent. I don’t usually eat this kind of thing.”

“Haha! Kids these days only go for mala tang, tteokbokki, tanghulu, or whatever that ‘rose’ stuff is. Can’t blame you.” “…Haha.” “My daughter’s only ten, and she’s already into that stuff…”

None of those are my taste either.

But I can’t ruin the mood by saying that, so I just laugh. Amid the noisy cafeteria, his small talk continues.

“Anyway, you must be busy these days. The infirmary.” “Yeah, it’s that time of year.” “Those sparring matches—wish they’d tone it down a bit. Nowadays, it’s like, ‘Just take an arm if you have to!’” “Has it gotten that rough?” “Yeah. Back in my day, they’d go at it all day, stopping their weapons just before hitting the opponent’s nose—that was the thrill. Now, they don’t stop until they hear a thud.” “…So, in short, you don’t like how they rely on me to patch them up after going all out.” “Ah, no! I’m not saying I dislike you being there, absolutely not!” “I get it. You have kids of your own, so seeing students get hurt must be hard to watch.” “And it’s not that I disagree with Principal Jaehwa’s philosophy either!” “Principal Jaehwa… Ah, the headmaster.” “It’s just… my heart doesn’t race anymore.” “…” “At this rate, someone’s going to get seriously hurt. I’m always on edge, wondering when to step in.” “…”

I’d already vaguely noticed.

Anyone who’s seen the students visiting the infirmary lately would figure it out.

But coldly speaking, none of this was useful to me, which was disappointing.

At best, all I got was confirmation that the chances of students getting hurt are high right now. How is that satisfying?

With just this, all I can do is keep spinning my wishful thinking.

Like hoping Seol Da-bin or her boyfriend might show up at the infirmary if they get hurt during this time.

“…”

…This is giving me a headache. Seriously.

At this point, maybe it’s best to just forget about it and move on…

246

It’s sad that you don’t understand the beauty of love.

For the same reason, dragging Seo-yeon into this would be hard too.

She’s a gumiho, but instead of being all over men, she acts like a devout Christian, preaching premarital chastity or something.

No, more accurately, it’s not even about chastity—she just has zero interest in men.

But that doesn’t mean she’s a lesbian.

If she were, she’d have fallen for me by now, since I’m always looking out for her. Mhm.

Asexual? Unlikely.

Not that I have solid proof, but it just doesn’t feel right.

With a body like hers, how could she have no sexual desire? That doesn’t make sense.

It just doesn’t.

I’m good at reading people when it comes to men, so I’m probably right.

And since she left Japan to come to Korea and met Woojin, my instincts must be on point.

…Well.

Anyway.

“So, what should I do…?” “Hey.” “Huh?” “Why are you asking me?”

So I turned to Ji-yoon in the seat behind me and asked, “What’s the best way to play Cupid between friends?” But all I got was a cold response.

Her cuteness and coldness—her looks fit that tone perfectly. But I think she’d be even cuter if she smiled.

Would she giggle like that in front of Woojin too?

During sex, whispering about how good it feels?

“I already asked Sua-chan next to me. You’re the only one left.” “You have other friends, don’t you?” “Huh? A slut? I’m not a slut…” “…I didn’t say that! …People are staring, what’s wrong with you?!” “What’s wrong? If you’re friends with me, I’ll clear things up.” “…Tch.” “Pinky promise~ If I lie, I’ll swallow a thousand needles~” “…Yozora, why are you so obsessed with me?” “Hmm. Who knows? Maybe because you keep coldly rejecting me, I just want to corrupt you into being my friend?” “That’s not…” “Just kidding. Do I need a reason to want to be friends? If we talk and it’s fun, we’re friends.” “…”

The noisy classroom as lunchtime neared its end.

Resting my chin on Ji-yoon’s desk, I kept talking until she stared at me with a slight frown.

It’s better than being ignored like a ghost, but no matter how you look at it, her expression was like she was staring at a scammer. Hard to push further.

Too bad. Really too bad.

You don’t need to be so wary of me.

I’m just introducing you to a great product, that’s all.

“I’ve never seen a girl this cold about romance… Ji-yoon, are you just not interested in dating?” “No.” “Not seeing anyone right now?” “Does it look like I would be?” “Yeah. It does. You’re really pretty, after all!” “Pretty… …Sigh. No, I’m not.” “Hmm…”

So she’s not seeing anyone…

While mulling over her answer, I kept smiling brightly so she wouldn’t suspect anything.

1. Woojin and Ji-yoon are already in that kind of relationship. 2. Ji-yoon just has a crush on Woojin and visits the infirmary often because of it.

Either way, it doesn’t matter much, but for fun’s sake, I’d prefer option 2. So her answer wasn’t bad.

But I can’t take it at face value.

That pause in her response—

She’s definitely hiding something.

Whether it’s feelings for Woojin or an existing relationship with him,

I don’t know for sure yet.

“No one you like?” “No.” “Not even a little interest in anyone?” “…I’m going to listen to music. Go play with Han Sua.” “Aw, why? Let’s hang out. You’re bored, right?” “I’m not bored.” “Then I’ll go first. There’s someone I like right now.” “I said I’m not interested…”

Grabbing her wired earphones to stop her, I cheerfully recited the trash’s name.

“Teacher Seo Woojin from the infirmary.” “…”

Of course, just for now.

So no one hears—

Except Sua-chan next to me.

Except you right in front of me.

“He’s really handsome. Or maybe more like… he has this captivating aura?” “…”

Hiding my smirk behind my hand, I watched Ji-yoon’s complicated gaze fix on me.

…I was worried because she’s usually so stiff, but she’s more expressive than I thought.

This part of her is still childish.

Well, she was a minor until last year, so it makes sense.

“Ji-yoon, you’re not interested in him?” “…Why would I be?” “Hmm. I see. Then what about… Oh, what about that guy? The one who sits by the window—he’s not here now.” “I don’t know his face, so I can’t answer.” “Then do you know any guys’ faces?” “…” “…None?”

So, slowly, playfully—

I draped a wide noose around Ji-yoon.

“You know the health teacher’s face, right?” “Obviously. I’ve seen him a few times.” “Hmm… So for you to remember a guy’s face, they have to be at least as good-looking as him…” “…You’re twisting things. Editing and splicing words however you want.” “Just kidding. But seriously, he’s popular with other girls too.”

At a volume where others might overhear,

I casually dropped the words.

Then, just a little—

I tightened the noose.

“Just asking—you’re really not interested, right?” “…How many times do I have to say it? No.” “Other girls are really into him, though?” “So what?” “…So if I confess to him first, you wouldn’t care?” “…”

One more time.

Just one more tug—

Testing her reaction as I tightened the noose.

“Well, anyway, about that ‘friend’ I mentioned earlier… She and this guy like each other, but neither will admit it…” “…” “What should I do? Any ideas?” “…” “…Huh? Wait, you’re just going to ignore me and put your head down?!”

Letting her escape freely, I loosened the noose and playfully tugged at a strand of Ji-yoon’s hair as she pretended to sleep.

…Ji-yoon’s unfiltered, youthful reactions.

They’re way more delicious than I expected.

V. V.