Chapter 68

Song Do-yoon entered the room, stood still and looked around.

It was just an ordinary room without anything special.

“Take a seat.”

Professor Han pulled out a chair for Song Do-yoon and sat on the bed themselves.

Though they were facing each other, Professor Han didn’t know what to bring up and fumbled awkwardly.

Actually, it was Song Do-yoon who had suggested having this talk.

Song Do-yoon remained quiet, looking at Professor Han’s desk before finally speaking.

“Did you have a good break?”

“Yeah. I went to Hye-won’s house, went swimming, watched movies, although…”

Realizing their slip of tongue, Professor Han stopped, prompting Song Do-yoon to respond without any particular expression.

“It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“It doesn’t matter? What do you mean by that?”

“Yu Hye-won. I’ve come to a point where she doesn’t matter anymore.”

Professor Han couldn’t comprehend this.

Song Do-yoon was Yu Hye-won’s right-hand person and, besides, had feelings for her. That’s why they had troubled Professor Han, leading to their confrontation in the Human Combat Ability Evaluation.

All this stemmed from their feelings for Yu Hye-won, so how could it not matter anymore?

What could have happened during the break?

With that thought, Song Do-yoon fell silent, prompting Professor Han to tentatively ask,

“Did you have a good break?”

“I was discharged from the health center after getting treated everywhere. By then, the break was already over.”

“Aha…”

Song Do-yoon’s full-body cast due to the Human Combat Ability Evaluation was Professor Han’s doing.

It’s getting uncomfortable… Professor Han started regretting inviting Song Do-yoon inside.

“I didn’t come here to talk about that. The fact that I lost to you remains unchanged, and I don’t hold any resentment about it.”

“Uh…yeah.”

Then why did you come? But Professor Han had no idea.

“How’s your team doing lately?”

“Uh? Our team? Hye-won and me? We’re doing fine. The professor guides us diligently.”

“I see.”

And with that, Song Do-yoon stared silently at the wall again.

At this point, Professor Han even considered the far-fetched idea that Song Do-yoon’s preferences had shifted from Yu Hye-won to themselves.

Really, it was hard to think of any other reason they’d come in, waste time, and make small talk.

Finally, after a long silence, Song Do-yoon asked,

“Does having a team of only two people present many difficulties?”

“Difficulties? Hmm… I haven’t noticed anything so far. Hye-won is exceptionally talented, and we complement each other well. Most importantly, the professor trains us thoroughly to fight effectively, even with just two members.”

“I see.”

Once again, the same response followed by silence.

Eventually, Professor Han timidly inquired,

“Sooo… what exactly did you want to talk about?”

“I want to join your team.”

Confused and baffled by this sudden statement, Professor Han’s mouth dropped open, unable to respond.

Song Do-yoon, who had thrown out the statement, returned to their emotionless demeanor, gazing fixedly at Professor Han’s ankles this time.

It wasn’t due to fascination but rather awkwardness.

“Uh… you want to join our team? But teams are assigned by the Academy…”

“If the leading professors agree, transfer is possible.”

“Oh? Hmm…what did your professor say then?”

“They said they wouldn’t hold me back if I wanted to leave.”

Song Do-yoon’s professor is Professor Hyun Ju, who’s always been pretty cool about things, allowing them to leave without resistance.

I wonder how Professor Hyun Ju would react if I said I wanted to switch teams?

Probably with the same emotionless tone: “If student Min-ha wishes, then that’s fine. I’ll make sure to discuss it properly.”

I can’t easily imagine Professor holding me back. Heehee, that’s part of his charm.

Ah, right. I was having a conversation with Do-yoon.

“So…?”

“Can you bring it up with your professor?”

“Hmm… Maybe you should approach them directly?”

“I think your professor likes you a lot.”

“Eh?!”

Suddenly, Professor Han felt their cheeks grow hot and quickly clasped their face.

Professor likes me…?

No, that can’t be true. The professor treats Hye-won and me equally, doing their best as an instructor.

But…

“Sorry, I didn’t catch that. What did you say?”

“Your professor likes you.”

On purpose, Professor Han made them repeat it twice: the words that their professor likes them.

I hadn’t noticed, but if Do-yoon says this from a third-person perspective, maybe it’s how others see it?

Then exactly which part gave them that idea? I’d like to know, but how should I ask?

While Professor Han was lost in thought, Song Do-yoon bluntly asked,

“Can you do it?”

“Uh… sure, I can bring it up. But I think the professor would need to understand your motivation for joining our team. If it’s because you want to be with Hye-won again, they probably won’t approve.”

“As I said before, Yu Hye-won no longer concerns me.”

Song Do-yoon replied coldly, so icily that Professor Han instinctively crossed their arms.

As they stared at the arms crossed over Professor Han’s ample bosom, Song Do-yoon continued,

“First, I’m not happy with my current team. I don’t know about the professor, but the team members are not at the same level as me, making it impossible to collaborate effectively.”

“Ahh… but aren’t they all top-tier students?”

“Secondly…”

Ignoring Professor Han’s murmurings, Song Do-yoon went on,

“After almost being at the bottom, you decisively defeated me. I know it was because of the professor’s guidance, and now I want to learn from them too.”

“Ahaha, the professor is indeed a great teacher.”

“And thirdly…”

Still fixated on Professor Han’s chest, Song Do-yoon spoke with slightly more emphasis,

“I think it would be good to be on the same team as you.”

“Eeek? Me? Why?”

“Watching you fight in the Human Combat Ability Evaluation gave me the feeling that, even after graduation, if we were on the same team, I wouldn’t end up dying pointlessly.”

“But there are many other great students, not just me…”

“It’s possible I could become your sparring partner.”

“What? What do you mean by sparring all of a sudden?”

However, Song Do-yoon didn’t respond.

“So, please bring it up properly. Given your relationship, the professor would most likely agree.”

“Uh, why do you think so? About the professor liking me?”

Hoping to find out more, Professor Han subtly inquired. Song Do-yoon replied nonchalantly,

“You can see affection in the way they look at you. Not that cement-like expression they usually have during lectures.”

At the word “affection,” Professor Han felt a tickling sensation creep up from below.

But, given Song Do-yoon’s presence, it wasn’t appropriate to cross their legs dramatically. They gritted their teeth and suppressed the feeling.

“Well, I’ll bring it up with the professor then. With the reasons you just mentioned, they’ll likely find them valid.”

Professor Han readily accepted Song Do-yoon’s proposal partly out of a desire to help a struggling peer, but there was a bigger reason.

Likes me and looks at me affectionately?

Would the professor really accept a favor like this just because they like me?

If they do, maybe what Song Do-yoon said is true. Professor Han was practically driven crazy with curiosity.

I want to rush to the professors’ dorm right now.

Of course, I’d leave out any mention of “affection” or “liking.”

“Thank you.”

As Song Do-yoon stood up and extended their hand, Professor Han, slightly startled, shook it.

“Alright, I’ll wait.”

“Ah, okay!”

* * * * *

“So, that’s what you said, huh?”

Professor Han nodded enthusiastically, eyes gleaming.

On the side, Yu Hye-won wrinkled her face and spat disdainfully,

“That girl’s really got it bad. The way she’s saying she wants to join so badly, like her issues with me are no longer relevant.”

“Right? Maybe it’ll work out since we won’t have any more unpleasant entanglements with you. We could consider it positively.”

“Why do you have to think positively about it? It’s up to the professor to decide.”

At this, Professor Han looked at me expectantly.

“If all the reasons Student Do-yoon mentioned are true without any hidden motives, I personally don’t see a problem. Three are better than two for collaborative combat, and Student Do-yoon’s aerodynamics abilities are useful in many ways.”

“Huh, you’re actually allowing it?!”

Professor Han stuttered, slightly out of breath.

“Yes. I approve. Under the condition that Students Hye-won and Min-ha agree… Watch out!”

As Professor Han fell forward, clutching their forehead, Yu Hye-won and I caught them just in time.

“Hehe… Professor approved… Do-yoon was right… the professor really…”

“What is this crazy girl babbling about?!”

And thus, Student Song Do-yoon joined our Golden Viper and Gray Mold Guild.

Interestingly enough, Song Do-yoon is also in the Gray Mold division.

Yu Hye-won seems to have a knack for picking great team names.

* * * * *

After finishing their conversation with Professor Han, Song Do-yoon didn’t head back to their room but instead leaned against Professor Han’s doorframe.

Among the three reasons given for wanting to join Professor Han’s team, there remained one crucial, unspoken reason.

During the Human Combat Ability Evaluation, when Song Do-yoon was struck down by Professor Han’s decisive attack, there was a moment when Song Do-yoon ended up pressed against Professor Han’s chest.

At that moment, Song Do-yoon felt something that wasn’t hidden even by the training suit.

The incredible sensation of Professor Han’s chest.

Ever since that moment, Song Do-yoon hadn’t been able to forget that touch.

If I could just embrace Professor Han like that again…

That’s why Song Do-yoon wanted to join their team and even made the statement about becoming a “sparring partner.”

Lifting the hand that had just shaken Professor Han’s to their nose, Song Do-yoon closed their eyes and inhaled slowly and deeply.

Yu Hye-won no longer matters… From now on, my true desire is Han Min-ha…