Chapter 116

“It’s disgusting.”

“…I know.”

I let out a light sigh at Baeksan’s fact.

If I didn’t know someone liked me, it would have been fine.

But realizing someone likes me, the advances from the women around me are not just blatant but downright outrageous.

As if they’d do anything if I just said I liked them once.

The problem is, I keep falling for it.

I’m a man too.

With pretty women approaching me like this every time, I’m quite shaken.

‘Damn, am I an easy man? Is it normal to be swayed by three people at once? Greed has its limits.’

Loosening my tie to catch my breath, I took a step.

Anyway, I got approval from all three.

All that’s left is to accept Yoo Woo-jung’s advances appropriately and just let it pass.

‘But when I look for her, she’s nowhere to be found.’

Thinking she’d appear if I looked, but she’s nowhere to be seen.

“She’s here.”

At that moment, Baeksan pointed towards the emergency staircase.

Following Baeksan’s words, voices could be heard beyond the emergency staircase.

“Unnie, do you think Brother Ha-chan is interested in me?”

And that voice was none other than Ji-eun.

Listening closely, it seemed her conversation partner was Yoo Woo-jung.

‘I thought they had been getting closer recently.’

Were they having such conversations?

“No, Ji-eun, you’re pretty. Even Ha-chan wouldn’t be uninterested.”

“But unnie, you know how Brother Ha-chan is when he draws the line.”

“Uh, uh, right.”

Yoo Woo-jung seemed to be biting her lip, but Ji-eun seemed unaware.

“I like Brother Ha-chan. The way he treats Si-ho and me is clearly different. He seems particularly weak towards Si-ho.”

That’s because I know all about Si-ho’s situation and have taken on the role of her protector.

But I’ve never told Ji-eun about this.

She’s a relatively ordinary girl, unrelated to the Returners.

Looking back at what’s happened so far, the only times Ji-eun found out were during dangerous situations.

“Am I not attractive? Si-ho is pretty, cute, and strong, so maybe Brother Ha-chan likes her more. I like both Si-ho and Brother Ha-chan. I’m starting to envy and hate Si-ho, it’s a big problem.”

So Ji-eun had been harboring such thoughts.

I couldn’t open the emergency staircase door.

I had definitely been more distant with Ji-eun compared to Si-ho.

With Si-ho, too much is involved, so I can’t honestly say I can push her away.

I’ve even admitted to being swayed by Si-ho recently.

But Ji-eun is different.

She can live a happy life without being involved in dangerous Hunter activities.

It’s laughable to say Hunter work isn’t dangerous.

Every incident I’ve been involved with has been extremely dangerous.

I would have been dead long ago if it weren’t for Baeksan.

Even S-class Hunters like Si-ho have faced multiple crises.

So maybe I’ve been more distant with Ji-eun.

I didn’t want Ji-eun to get involved in these matters.

‘Did I not pay enough attention to her?’

I’ve done a bad thing to Ji-eun.

Knowing she depended on me after being bullied at school, I didn’t draw a clear line and left room for hope.

Thinking her feelings would naturally fade as a minor, I postponed dealing with it, which was the root of the problem.

If this continues, Ji-eun might end up hating Si-ho because of me.

“Ji-eun, unnie also has feelings for Ha-chan. Is it okay to consult unnie about this? You might end up hating unnie.”

“Ah, unnie is fine.”

“Me, I’m fine?”

Yoo Woo-jung’s voice sounded shocked.

Ji-eun doesn’t see Yoo Woo-jung as a rival at all.

In this aspect, women’s intuition might be quite accurate.

“That’s because unnie is comfortable. Hehe, I even feel a bit of camaraderie.”

“I don’t know what you mean by camaraderie… Ji-eun, do you think Ha-chan likes Si-ho more because she’s pretty, cute, and strong?”

“Si-ho is an A-class Hunter. Recently, she seems to have gotten even stronger. She might become S-class soon.”

“From what I see, Ji-eun, you’re pretty enough. It’s just that strength thing.”

What are they trying to say?

“Let’s talk more about this later.”

At that moment, her footsteps approached.

Thinking I shouldn’t be caught eavesdropping, I stepped back, and she opened the emergency staircase door, meeting my eyes.

Then she smiled slightly and whispered to me.

“You shouldn’t eavesdrop on women’s conversations, Ha-chan.”

“…Did you know?”

I had forgotten, but she’s an S-class Hunter. Maybe she knew I was approaching and deliberately had that conversation.

“I’m a physical Hunter, after all. I notice things. By the way, eavesdropping on me? Did you start to like me a bit? Here, a ticket to a recently released movie. How about it? Want to go together?”

“Sure.”

I quickly took the ticket she handed me.

She seemed surprised I accepted it so readily, her eyes widening.

Her face clearly showed her astonishment.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah, no. I didn’t think you’d accept. You always refuse.”

“I feel bad refusing every time. Consider it paying for eavesdropping.”

As I said that and put the ticket in my pocket, Yoo Woo-jung’s wide eyes slowly turned into a smile.

The corner of her mouth trembled slightly.

She seemed happy, so it must have worked.

If I hang out with her for a while, she’ll get tired of me soon.

“Did you really make a promise?”

“Yes, I won’t wipe my mouth after accepting.”

“Hehehe, I’m looking forward to it. I’ll surprise you, Ha-chan.”

“I hope it’s not too surprising.”

Saying that, she left, clenching her fists in excitement.

Watching her for a moment, I sighed and recalled the words she almost said earlier.

She’s an S-class Hunter, so maybe she was going to give Ji-eun some advice on getting stronger.

If she was trying to meddle with Alters, I might have to give her a lightning knuckle.

But I just thought I needed to give Ji-eun an answer soon.

The next day, I arrived at the movie theater for my appointment with Yoo Woo-jung.

Ending up on a date, I felt a sense of reality hitting me.

‘A date, huh.’

Having no real feelings for Yoo Woo-jung, I wasn’t particularly excited about the date.

I would have preferred to practice my Aura at this time.

But then I saw Yoo Woo-jung standing in front of the theater.

Differently styled and dressed beautifully, she was still quite a looker.

“Ah, you’re here!”

“Were you waiting?”

Seeing me, Yoo Woo-jung waved and greeted me. I nodded and approached her.

She then stood beside me with a bright smile.

“How do I look?”

Playing with her hair, she shyly asked. I scratched my head for a moment.

It’s hard to speak when you have no feelings.

“Ah, yes, you look pretty.”

“Right?”

Come to think of it, I decided to go along with her recently.

I shouldn’t act like this.

“Yoo Woo-jung, you look really pretty today.”

“Huh? Yes, right?”

“No, really, truly, incredibly pretty. Maybe the prettiest in the world.”

“Uh, I think once is enough?”

“You should receive more compliments at times like this. Double the prettiness. Should I tell everyone? Yoo Woo-jung is the prettiest in the world.”

“Are you teasing me now?!”

Caught.

Seeing her face turn bright red and pout, I laughed.

I must have developed a bit of a mean streak.

“Let’s just go watch the movie. I’ll buy the popcorn.”

“Ah, here’s a discount coupon. They give it when you buy a movie ticket.”

She handed me a discount coupon from her small backpack, and I took it.

I looked at her with a strange expression.

Come to think of it, she seemed quite resourceful.

Things like discount coupons and meticulously checking sales when buying something.

‘This must be her habit.’

No matter how much she acts like a gold digger, ingrained habits can’t be changed.

“I’ll use it well.”

After receiving the coupon from her, I bought the popcorn and hurried into the theater as the movie was about to start.

We found our seats and sat side by side.

“It’s been a while since I watched a movie.”

Saying that, Yoo Woo-jung looked at me.

I hadn’t been to a movie theater since high school when the school forced us to go.

“Is that so? Don’t people around you ask you to go?”

“No, most people live lives more intense than movies.”

Being Returners, after all.

Making a movie about their lives would be more intense than any movie.

“This movie has great reviews. The actor, Jade Nish, is known for his emotional acting. Plus, the lighting director is famous, so watching the use of light will make it more enjoyable.”

“…Do you like movies?”

Seeing Yoo Woo-jung’s detailed knowledge, I asked, and she smiled faintly.

“Yes, I used to watch a lot on TV when I was young. Maybe it felt like a dream. I still watch a lot.”

She didn’t seem to realize, but Yoo Woo-jung doesn’t smile slyly when her gold digger act isn’t on.

Meaning, she genuinely likes movies.

“A life like a movie is enviable but not necessarily happy when you’re the one living it. Yet, aspiring to movies is an interesting point.”

An unexpected side.

I felt like I was getting to know more about Yoo Woo-jung, whom I only saw at the company.

‘That’s why she kept asking to meet outside.’

She must be quite the player.

At that moment, a commotion came from the entrance.

“Really, you should rest sometimes! Trust your friend. You’ll collapse.”

“I rest at home.”

“Ugh, homebody. You’ll get sick.”

“If I get sick whether I rest or work, what am I supposed to do? You don’t even know whose fault it is that things turned out this way.”

“Huh, what are you talking about, Sia?”

“Don’t act dirty.”

At that moment, I turned my head at a familiar voice.

In the place I turned, there were two people I knew well.

“Josia and Seo-ho?”

“Huh? Kang Ha-chan, graduate.”

“Brother?”

I didn’t expect to run into them here, so I covered my mouth.

Josia, that guy Seo-ho, coming to watch a movie together.

They’ve been working hard.

“Brother, are you here to watch a movie too?”

Seo-ho, approaching me, looked towards my side.

Naturally, since there was someone unfamiliar there.

Following Seo-ho’s gaze, I looked at Yoo Woo-jung, who was frozen in place.

Ah, from her perspective, an S-class Hunter appeared out of nowhere.

And two people who were once in Alters with her.

“…Brother Ha-chan, is this person?”

Seo-ho’s eyes sharpened slightly.

Seo-ho and I have been discussing Alters’ matters.

Naturally, that includes Yoo Woo-jung.

So, seeing her now, he must have seen through her identity.

“Gasp!”

At that moment, Josia looked back and forth between me and Yoo Woo-jung, then narrowed her eyes.

Her expression was as if she had caught me cheating.

Come to think of it, she thinks I’m dating Si-ho.

Then, quickly looking between Seo-ho and me, she hurriedly stepped between us.

“Now, now! Seollsan Iri, Kang Ha-chan graduate must have things to do! Let’s not disturb them!”

From her perspective, she must have mistaken Seo-ho for catching me cheating on her younger sister.

Feeling a bit sorry for her always jumping to conclusions, Seo-ho’s gaze turned towards me.

“Brother, can I contact you later?”

“Sure.”

He probably has more to discuss about Alters.

Hearing my answer, he bowed his head and left.

Following him, Josia winked at me as if to leave it to her.

Narrow eyes winking look like that.

Watching them leave, I turned to Yoo Woo-jung.

She seemed to realize her behavior wasn’t normal and quickly composed herself.

“Oh my, that was Si-ho’s brother, right? Seeing Seollsan Iri and Imoogi for the first time, I was too nervous.”

“Yes, shall I introduce you properly after the movie?”

“Huh? No. Today, I came to be with you, Ha-chan! I don’t want to spend time elsewhere.”

Desperately trying to stop it.

She must have thought veteran S-class Hunters like Seo-ho and Josia might see through her identity.

Already caught, though.

“Too bad.”

“Haha, Ha-chan, you must have a wide network among Hunters. You know S-class Hunters too.”

Saying that, Yoo Woo-jung’s eyes seemed to sparkle more.

Somehow, it felt like my value had increased in her eyes.

So blatantly materialistic, it’s laughable.

“Just, just that.”

Then the movie started.

The movie was more enjoyable than I thought.

Her eye for movies seemed excellent, as both the content and visuals were great.

At that moment, while reaching for popcorn, Yoo Woo-jung’s hand touched mine.

I instinctively slapped her hand.

“Yelp!”

What kind of trick is this?

‘Ah, should I have accepted it here?’

Seeing Yoo Woo-jung pout, I slowly reached out my hand.

Then Yoo Woo-jung widened her eyes and, hehe, smiled as she took my hand.

At that moment, when she tried to interlock fingers, I slapped her hand again.