While pretending to know, while pretending to understand, I’ve seen many cases where people end up in a bind. And when people end up in a bind, human relationships often get entangled. Organisms are primarily divided into two categories: male and female.
Excluding hermaphrodites and asexual organisms, the biggest criterion for distinguishing organisms is their gender. Humans are also divided into males and females, and sometimes there are things that cannot be understood between genders. However, since humans are categorized as one group, things that cannot be understood do not deviate from common sense. Even if they do not deviate from common sense, it does not mean that everything can be understood.
Moreover, even within the same gender, personalities differ, making it hard to understand each other. It is impossible to fully understand someone with a different personality and gender. Living while adjusting to parts we don’t understand is part of human society, and this applies everywhere in the universe. Conversely, there are no organisms in the universe that can perfectly understand others.
The current situation also seems to fall into an incomprehensible category. Just because I have five girlfriends doesn’t mean I can fully understand women. That’s evidence, perhaps?
I couldn’t understand why Luche was acting like this when I saw her rushing off. Of course, it wasn’t unusual for Luche to act in ways I couldn’t understand, so I wasn’t particularly surprised.
Still, watching her leave, I thought it necessary to consider what might have caused her to act this way.
“Since I’m going to the office anyway, how about you come along?”
Muttering to myself, I headed to the office to listen to the messages, chasing after Luche.
Sometimes, when thinking about my girlfriends’ reactions, situations like this occurred.
The main difference was the relationship with the target. The fact that she was or wasn’t a girlfriend significantly influenced my perception.
Even though I’ve known Luche for over ten years, when I thought about girlfriends I had only known for a few months, my thoughts processed much faster. Simultaneously, I felt I needed to know more about them.
Occasionally, I felt that close relationships transcend the duration of knowing someone.
Returning to the main point, when I considered the moment Luche got angry, I concluded:
After returning to Seoul on the team leader’s advice, I moved into SuA’s house. Even though the team leaders suggested the move, it was ultimately a personal matter and didn’t require reporting.
However, Luche expressed dissatisfaction with me moving into my girlfriend’s house and asked me to come to her place instead.
Luche knew that I was involved with Yellow, a member of the enemy team, HunterKiller. She was concerned that problems might arise again due to the hyper-human, and thus wanted me to stay at a relatively safer place, her house.
She then said, “Why would I go to your place?” Although it seemed like an overreaction, from Luche’s perspective, it was understandable.
Thinking I should apologize later, I returned to the office and sat down at my new assigned seat. The computer was fine, and I was wondering what else to place on my desk when I noticed the office was bustling with activity.
Turning my head, I saw that new colleagues were gathered together. While I had military experience, I didn’t know everyone.
Among the new members, I recognized Theo and Roy, and Alt who hadn’t yet returned from Japan. The rest were strangers to me.
Likewise, they probably felt the same way. There were far more unknown faces than familiar ones, and they needed time to adapt to the new environment.
During my absence, renovations were underway at headquarters, and we all worked on them together. However, adapting without having team time was challenging.
New colleagues were sizing each other up. I wasn’t surprised or worried by this. It’s a common sight when a new person joins the team.
This was one of the scenarios resulting from a system where everyone in the same rank is on a horizontal level.
“So, you did well in the second fleet, so now you want to be the boss here too?”
“Is it really that hard to understand that I deserve recognition? How twisted must your mind be?”
When a new person joins, conflicts inevitably arise. This is part of the process where individuals adjust their thoughts based on others to form an organization, so it’s not something to worry about.
However, we will be working together as a team, and we need to synchronize our efforts, especially in the upcoming confrontation next week. Having negative feelings toward each other is not beneficial.
“This reminds me of the past.”
Similarly, Theo, who had experienced much, spoke calmly upon seeing the new colleagues sizing each other up. Like me, he showed no signs of tension.
“You and Klugger fought?”
“I should say it right. You and I fought Klugger.”
“I was just dragged into it.”
While reminiscing about old times and observing the new colleagues’ stiff expressions, Luche came out of her room.
“What are you doing?”
Colleagues who had been engaged in a silent confrontation with sharp gazes lost their words and quickly returned to their seats.
It’s hard to adapt to the temperature difference between being alone and being with everyone. Perhaps Luche is trying to assert herself with the new members… but I guarantee that this weight will shatter in the next confrontation.
“As you all know, our active operations are resuming, so let me reintroduce myself. I am Luche, the team leader of Team 3.”
The new colleagues tensed up slightly as Luche introduced herself formally with a firm voice.
Looking at Luche, I thought,
“She must have gone into her room to fix her makeup before coming out.”
I noticed her makeup had become slightly heavier compared to before.
Luche wears heavy makeup during confrontations. To avoid being underestimated as a young-looking team leader, she chose this method.
Probably because this was an official first meeting with new members, she added some makeup to show her authority.
Although I usually felt playful around Luche, knowing she was ATi made me feel even more playful.
But since she was putting on makeup to assert her authority, I decided against joking around.
“We plan to issue new suits soon.”
The screen displayed detailed information about the new suits. They were the same types used during previous invasions of other planets.
“Anyone have questions?”
After Luche finished explaining the suits, she opened the floor for questions. Someone raised their hand, and Luche nodded.
“I understand the conclusion that Assault Suit 16 is suitable against hyper-humans. But I think Battle Suit 37 would yield better results. Why won’t we use Battle Suit 37?”
“I reviewed everyone’s previous records. Do you think it’s appropriate to ask if I’m considering past success with Battle Suit 37?”
“Yes.”
“A. I agree with you that Battle Suit 37 is more versatile. It significantly boosts individual combat abilities. However, given that confrontations occur nationwide, the decision was made to prioritize versatility and enhance teamwork with Assault Suit, rather than focusing solely on individual performance.”
The discussion became serious as we considered future tasks, almost as if we hadn’t just had a conversation alone.
“I believe our team could achieve better results if we wore Battle Suits. We might even match HunterKiller in combat. But we shouldn’t assume every team’s conditions are similar to ours. Especially since Team 3 has many new members, we need to pay extra attention to teamwork.”
Hearing Luche’s words, I resolved my doubts. As she mentioned, I had previously worn Battle Suits and achieved significant results.
Wearing that suit immediately wouldn’t guarantee victory against HunterKiller. No matter how good the suit is, the foundation remains individual physical ability, which is far superior in HunterKiller members compared to ordinary Spacystro soldiers.
Considering the situation of other teams, it seemed reasonable that the upper management chose suits that enhance teamwork rather than individual combat abilities to boost the overall capabilities of Spacystro soldiers across the nation.
“How will we coordinate our teamwork?”
Just as I finished my question, a new colleague seated in the back raised their hand to ask a question.
“Our team adjusts tactics on-site after everyone is familiar with the general strategies. Our approach involves experiencing various situations and performing confrontations based on individual thoughts.”
The new colleague was speechless. They understood this method seemed absurd.
However, Team 3 had maintained this style since its inception. Initially, there was much disharmony, but over time, we developed strategies to respond to situations instantly without lengthy discussions or signals.
Despite this, we never defeated HunterKiller.
“Is this okay? Even if there’s a rule against killing, adjusting on-site in confrontations to achieve real results…”
It’s a valid concern. While I had long been accustomed to such situations, new soldiers might find it confusing.
Luche nodded in understanding, but her expression remained unchanged.
“Our team operates based on my instructions and each member’s judgment of the situation. Those who can’t follow orders and lack independent thinking are not needed on our team.”
The colleague who had asked the question fell silent under Luche’s sharp gaze and the tense atmosphere.
During invasion activities, unexpected situations often arise. With new members joining, we need to perform at 100% in critical moments. Since becoming a team leader ten years ago, Luche has developed numerous strategies to create such a team.
The recent terrorist incident likely solidified her resolve to create a team capable of responding at 100% in emergencies.
“Have I answered your question sufficiently?”
The colleague’s eyes turned to those originally from Team 3, including me. We remained silent, listening to Luche.
We were already familiar with her perspective, agreeing with her viewpoint.
Creating a strong team to counter HunterKiller, composed of powerful hyper-humans, is undoubtedly an arrogant thought.
And our repeated inability to defeat HunterKiller proves this arrogance. If asked whether our strategy would guarantee a win against them, the answer would be no. The gap between Team 3 and HunterKiller is significant.
Nevertheless, despite knowing our arrogance, Team 3 chose this method.
“Yes, thank you.”
Rarely, Luche appeared as she did ten years ago when we first met.
Now, I know she’s gentle inside, but ten years ago, she seemed like a charismatic team leader.
Subsequently, we discussed tactical strategies to counter HunterKiller. Most of the content was familiar, with a few changes noted.
After a meeting that lasted several years, Luche returned to her room. Rising from my seat, I headed straight to her room.
Knocking, I heard her voice from inside, “Come in,” and entered her room.
As I entered and saluted, Luche avoided eye contact.
“…Senior, is it okay to fight with your girlfriend?”
“It’s not okay. I’m only your girlfriend’s boyfriend when I’m not wearing the suit. When I wear the suit, I’m clearly her enemy.”
Actually, I don’t want to be enemies with my girlfriends.
But until they enter Spacystro.
While remaining a member of the Earth Defense Union, and before the invasion problem is resolved, I must maintain the existing adversarial relationship to protect my girlfriends.
If it ever became known that any HunterKiller members were in a romantic relationship with Spacystro soldiers, the Earth Defense Union might do something to them.
Spacystro might also give orders to use them.
In any case, I wanted to avoid revealing the relationship and causing harm to my girlfriends, so I planned to treat HunterKiller as an adversary in official confrontations.
Thus, I hope my girlfriends will focus entirely on the battle without being conscious of my presence.
“Okay. Then let’s not talk about this anymore.”
Luche nodded, understanding my thoughts. Despite having more to say, I stayed in place instead of leaving her room. Seeing me standing still, Luche tilted her head.
Wondering if someone might overhear, I glanced at the closed door and then looked back at Luche.
“I’m sorry for moving to your place without telling you.”
“Huh?”
Perhaps not expecting an apology, Luche widened her eyes, unable to hide her surprise.
“As a team leader, my safety was probably the top priority. It might have been better to tell you about my safety.”
I deduced the reason for her anger, and I believe this is correct.
Luche observed me silently and then smiled.
“Really, Senior…”
With a smile, Luche didn’t seem upset.
“Do you really think you’re sorry?”
“Yes.”
Without removing her smile, Luche rested her elbow on the desk and propped up her chin with her hand, looking at me intently with clear eyes.
“Then tomorrow.”
Just as Luche was about to speak, a knock was heard. Before Luche could say anything, the door opened.
“What is it? I didn’t say to come in.”
“Sorry. I was busy?”
Luche, whose words trailed off, clearly showed her displeasure, but Esmeralda, who entered the room, didn’t seem to care much.
“I wasn’t busy.”
“Team 3’s meeting is over, right?”
“Yes.”
Confirming that Team 3 had no further plans, Esmeralda nodded and redirected her gaze from Luche to me. As Esmeralda’s eyes turned towards me, Luche also looked at me, and both team leaders’ gazes made me shrink involuntarily.
“A. Let’s visit the sick. It seems best to go tomorrow. Is the timing okay?”
“Yes, I’m available.”
“Wait!”
Meeting Esmeralda and Klugger at headquarters, we discussed visiting the sick together. Considering the confrontation, it would be best to go on the weekend.
Since I had no schedule, I was about to accept her proposal when Luche suddenly stood up and shouted.
“Huh?”
Esmeralda and Luche’s eyes met again, and I sensed something going wrong.
