Chapter 61

<Episode 62> D-0: Yu-jin’s being all shy-puppy-like, and Chul-soo’s acting like a total dog.

After finishing their shopping, the two headed straight to a restaurant.

Could it be from finally having a decent chat after so long and even enjoying a date?

Rime’s eyes looked clearer, and her cheeks were smooth as silk.

On the other hand, Yu-jin seemed slightly worn out.

“Thought this ‘restaurant’ would be something fancy, but turns out it’s a buffet?”

Rime glanced around in amazement as she spoke.

The place was filled with gourmet dishes, and the lighting had this warm orange glow.

Plus, the interior design gave off serious hotel vibes.

Most of the customers looked like couples too.

Well, it wasn’t exactly the kind of place where you’d bring your family.

If anything, it felt more suited for lovers sitting by the window sipping wine.

“We could’ve gone somewhere even fancier under Hwagcheon’s name.”

“But Secretary Park really recommended some super high-end place with full-course meals. Even if that were true, I didn’t think we should go there as just kids.”

The per-head meal cost shocked Yu-jin so much his eyes nearly popped out.

Of course, money wasn’t an issue—there was plenty of it—but…

It’s still kinda awkward for students to hang out at such extravagant places.

Not to mention, Yu-jin himself has no clue what “course meals” or “deco” even means.

Yu-jin’s already enough of a socially awkward dude.

And inviting someone out only to stutter and fumble around would just make things weirder, right?

“Hmm… But I’m fine with it.”

Rime gazed excitedly at the food.

Even though it’s a buffet, it doesn’t feel like the usual neighborhood spots.

Rather, it’s like they took a fancy restaurant and turned it into a buffet-style experience.

“Not bad at all. Feels perfect for me.”

“Yeah, looking at what you’re wearing, definitely suits you.”

Rime wore an elegant white dress.

Even though school uniforms might’ve been too conspicuous, she switched to something else.

With her dazzling blonde hair and aristocratic outfit, she almost looked like a foreign noblewoman.

If she added some jewels, anyone would’ve thought she was some rich heiress.

“So, shall we? The honor of escorting me awaits you, sir.”

“Huh? What honor?”

They exchanged playful banter, laughing it off.

Rime was one of the few people—and arguably the *only* person—who Yu-jin could relax around.

“Reservation under Kim Yu-jin.”

“Yes, Mr. Yu-jin… Wait, are you perhaps from Hwagcheon?”

The staff member froze mid-check of the guest list, then turned ghostly pale before bowing deeply at a 90-degree angle.

“S-s-s-sorry!! I failed to recognize the heir of Hwagcheon!! This sin can only be atoned for with my death!”

“”

Other customers instinctively turned their heads at the loud shout!

Sure enough, everyone was staring now.

Some even panicked and started moving away from their seats.

It wasn’t just the volume; Hwagcheon’s notorious reputation is widely known even among civilians.

In this situation, Yu-jin—the ultimate awkward dork—felt like he was about to suffocate.

He was genuinely flustered, not joking around.

His mind went completely blank trying to respond.

“Eep!”

But even without meaning to, Yu-jin’s intimidating presence combined with the mention of Hwagcheon made him look ultra-powerful.

The staff interpreted his silence as anger and quickly sprang into action.

“Truly sorry! We’ll immediately guide you to our finest spot in the store!!”

Meanwhile, Rime watching from behind just chuckled silently.

She found the whole scene amusing, plus it seemed things were going in a good direction.

By the time Yu-jin regained his senses, they were seated by a window offering a great view of the night scenery.

“…I didn’t ask for this kind of treatment.”

“Why? I think it’s great?”

Smiling, Rime sipped on the complimentary wine offered by the staff.

It was sweet yet tangy, quite delicious.

She proudly swirled the wine glass in front of him.

“You need to become more aware of being Hwagcheon’s heir.”

“Aware?”

“People may not know how you feel, but they’re scared of you.”

“Hmm…”

Yu-jin stared outside the window with a sulky expression.

This probably wasn’t a situation he enjoyed.

The overly cautious guy disliked standing out due to special treatment.

Or rather, he simply hated drawing attention to himself because of it.

Though his personality often got in the way, and usually ended up letting others take charge.

‘He looks like a sad puppy again.’

Rime smirked.

Back in the day, this kind of behavior might’ve annoyed her, but now…

Now, she understood it as part of Yu-jin’s charm.

People like him aren’t common.

‘…Or maybe he’s just fully smitten?’

They say when you’re in love, the other person always seems cute.

In that sense, she might be in a bit of trouble.

Because even Yu-jin’s frustrating actions now seem adorable to her.

‘Meh, whatever.’

Regardless, his pure nature has genuinely helped in many situations.

If Yu-jin were a calculating person, things might have turned out worse—or even disastrous.

Neither Secretary Park would’ve praised him highly, nor would the Class President have fallen for him.

She wouldn’t have grown to like him this much either.

“Anyway, this is a rare chance. Don’t waste it.”

Rime crossed her legs and said casually.

She felt surprisingly cheerful.

A private dinner for two.

Beautiful city views through the windows.

Even the clothes gifted by her beloved boyfriend.

It was truly a perfect day for lovers.

“Wine? Want some?”

“Nah, I’m not big on alcohol.”

“…You refusing the drink I offer?”

Rime’s cheeks were already flushed pink.

Of course, thanks to her slime properties, detoxifying was no problem.

But right now, she was enjoying herself.

So, she decided to let it be.

Meanwhile, the food arrived.

Yu-jin learned for the first time that you could enjoy course meals even at a buffet.

“…Having the staff keep bringing food feels uncomfortable.”

“The staff probably thinks the same. Every time they come near, their hands shake uncontrollably.”

“That’s why it feels even more awkward knowing it.”

Hwagcheon’s infamous reputation certainly lived up to its name.

They must think any mistake or misstep would mean certain doom.

So, saying something reassuring would help, right?

But shy Yu-jin lacked the courage to do so.

Of course, Rime could’ve said something too—but ‘watching others tremble gives her joy,’ so she kept quiet.

Slurp.

Finally, taking a bite of the steak introduced by the trembling staff…

Humans might be annoying, but human-made food is undeniably tasty.

Especially today, everything tasted better.

‘Hmm, is it because I’m eating with Yu-jin?’

Despite her long existence, Rime has sampled some fine cuisine.

Still, tonight’s meal feels especially delightful, undoubtedly thanks to the man across from her.

Yu-jin tilted his head while looking at the lobster placed before him.

“How do you eat this thing?”

“Um, probably with these tongs here—”

“Ahh, it opened.”

“Did you seriously open it with brute force?”

“I’ll open yours too, Rime.”

“Ah!”

Eventually, Rime finished her meal happily.

When they stepped outside, it was already late at night.

The cool breeze brushing against her heated cheeks felt refreshing.

“Hehehe~ Today was fun.”

“Rime, are you drunk?”

“…Yeah, I’m drunk. Can’t walk properly, carry me.”

Rime extended both arms toward him.

Anyone could tell it was fake drunkenness and pure childishness.

She didn’t even try hiding it anymore.

“Sigh…”

Yu-jin laughed and leaned forward.

Rime naturally rested her body against his back, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Her sweet scent became stronger than ever.

Yu-jin slowly carried her forward.

“I had so much fun today.”

“Me too…”

Both hearts spoke the truth without a hint of falsehood.

All the hardships from the island seemed to fade away.

“…Thanks for going through the trouble to bring me here.”

Puck.

Suddenly, Rime kissed the back of Yu-jin’s neck.

For 1 second, 2 seconds, Yu-jin froze solid.

His neck felt like it was about to evaporate.

His heart began pounding rapidly.

“Rime?”

“……Zzzz…”

Maybe feeling embarrassed about what she did,

Rime started pretending to sleep awkwardly.

Whatever.

Yu-jin chuckled softly and adjusted Rime’s position on his back.

As she peeked open her eyes and silently smiled at him,

both remained silent, sharing an unspoken understanding.

How did it end up like this?

Chul-soo pondered under the dark night sky.

Since returning from the island, he hadn’t eaten anything.

He hadn’t slept either.

He knew his body would break down soon.

No, it already had.

But he simply couldn’t find the mood.

– “I hate you, Chul-soo.”

– “I hate you so much I can’t stand it.”

– “I wish you were dead.”

“Haa…”

Was my words and actions really that hurtful?

…

Regretting now won’t change anything.

What matters is what happens next.

“Class President said Young-hee isn’t doing well either, huh?”

Stress likely piled up due to everything related to Yu-jin.

Crunch.

My teeth ground together.

While evaluations changed somewhat after the island incident,

the fact remains that Yu-jin is trash.

Young-hee’s condition is surely Yu-jin’s fault too.

“No, I also messed up with Young-hee. It’s not solely his fault.”

I did hurt her.

I want to heal her.

To apologize and reaffirm each other’s feelings.

I don’t care if she hates me.

I just want her to be happy.

I want to see her smiling face instead of crying.

Chul-soo sincerely wished for that.

“For now… I’ll gather the courage to meet her.”

Even if I get rejected again, I’m confident I can handle it.

If I speak from the heart, something will change.

I don’t want to leave Young-hee alone like this.

“Alright, I’ll visit her tomorrow.”

Just as Chul-soo resolved himself,

THUNK!

He bumped into someone walking on the road.

“Ah, I’m sor-”

-GURK!!

“Huh?”

Blood splattered everywhere.

It took a moment to realize it was his own blood.

Normally, Chul-soo wouldn’t fall for such an ambush.

But his current condition was far from ideal.

He barely survived the tough survival challenge and hasn’t slept a wink.

Performing at less than half his usual capacity.

Moreover, the opponent wasn’t ordinary.

“Strong…?”

Even in the darkness, the ominous killing intent radiating from the figure was palpable.

This eerie feeling hasn’t surfaced since that man named Secretary Park who stood beside Yu-jin.

I don’t know if I could win even in a fair fight.

And now, in this state, I allowed myself to be ambushed.

“Wow, impressive. You’re still moving despite this?”

An oddly familiar voice cut through the darkness.

Chul-soo strained every ounce of strength to swing his sword.

The shadowy figure dodged swiftly.

-BAM!

A dull thud echoed.

Chul-soo collapsed onto the ground.

His body reached its limit during the initial attack.

More than anyone, he understood this reality.

‘Get…up…’

Yet, he tightened his grip on the sword once more.

The image of a girl flashed in his mind.

The girl he loved more than anyone, more precious than his own life.

‘I haven’t…apologized to Young-hee yet…’

Summoning his last reserves of strength, Chul-soo struggled to rise.

And swung his sword again.

In the dim alleyway, crimson blood mist sprayed into the air.

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