Chapter 72

<Chapter 74: The Class Prez is Here, Along with Some Awkwardness>

“Haaah… Why am I even here?”

The Class President sighed as they stared at the massive mansion and its gates before them.

They knew Heukcheon was no small organization. And it made sense that Yu-jin, the heir to Heukcheon, wouldn’t live an ordinary life. But this was ridiculous.

“Wait, this isn’t even their main estate? It’s like a vacation home?”

The Class Prez couldn’t help but wonder how enormous the actual main house must be.

“Haha… Even if Yu-jin and I ever got serious… would I even have a place in his world?”

Thinking about dating brought a heavy weight to their shoulders.

There was no denying it – the Class Prez had feelings for Yu-jin. What started as simple crush-like feelings…

Now felt different somehow.

It wasn’t just about wanting Yu-jin to like them back anymore.

They wanted his respect more than anything.

!

!…

.

“What have I been doing lately anyway?”

During the survival competition, they hadn’t done much of note. They’d been so lost in their own thoughts that they’d missed Young-hee’s struggles entirely.

And when Young-hee went into overdrive, they ended up getting hurt instead of stopping her.

What exactly does Yu-jin see in me? What should he recognize?

Their inferiority complex had reached its peak after all these events.

“Another huge mansion… Is there really no magician in this vast Heukcheon who surpasses me?”

Their already low self-esteem felt like it was burrowing underground.

“Shouldn’t… have come…”

Fact was, the Class Prez didn’t come here purely out of concern.

Sure, half of it was genuine worry about Young-hee. They did bring necessary items like underwear, pads, and pajamas for her memory loss issues.

But the other half…

Was filled with anxiety and jealousy about Yu-jin being alone with Young-hee.

“Woah, even I think I’m pretty disgusting right now…”

They never realized how much they disliked themselves.

Their closest friend was suffering from memory loss and social anxiety. Another friend had disappeared after saying they were busy.

Yet all they could think about was their crush on Yu-jin.

How pathetic.

“Alright… I’ll just drop off the stuff and leave.”

They decided on this course of action.

They didn’t want to appear weak in front of Yu-jin.

The thought of disappointing him further terrified them.

With that mindset, they knocked carefully on the door.

A staff member answered.

An unassuming woman in a suit, though still exuding professional presence despite Heukcheon’s reputation.

“I’m a friend of Yu-jin and Young-hee, here to deliver some necessary items.”

The staff member gave Young-hee a brief glance before nodding expressionlessly.

“Please wait a moment.”

The door closed, then reopened with someone else.

A tall man in sunglasses and a suit – the same person who’d driven Yu-jin before. Ah yes, Secretary Park.

“Ah, you…”

Secretary Park clearly recognized them too.

The Class Prez bowed politely, wanting to make a good impression as one of Yu-jin’s closest friends.

Thinking about how they’d never bow to Heukcheon under normal circumstances made them realize just how powerful love can be.

“I’m Seo Yura, a friend of Yu-jin and Young-hee. I’ve come to deliver some needed items.”

“Ah, welcome.”

Surprisingly friendly service.

This was the first time they’d properly exchanged greetings with Secretary Park, who usually kept his distance.

“Please come in. We’re quite busy, but…”

“No, no! I’ll just leave the luggage and go…”

“You should stay. Master Yu-jin will be pleased to see you.”

At the mention of his name…

Their carefully controlled emotions unraveled instantly.

Reluctantly, the Class Prez followed Secretary Park inside, rationalizing it as being for Young-hee’s sake.

“Head this way. I must take my leave now.”

Secretary Park bowed politely and departed.

The Class Prez swallowed hard and looked ahead.

“Uh… what am I supposed to say again?”

Now that they were actually meeting…

They started feeling nervous.

No, they shouldn’t feel this way.

Young-hee was injured and suffering from memory loss. They were here as a friend, nothing more.

They shouldn’t indulge in selfish desires and should act normally.

“AH! Hey Yu-jin! It’s me, the Class Prez! No ulterior motives, just worried about Young-hee…”

What they saw next was…

Their half-naked friend soaked with water.

And their crush Yu-jin similarly shirtless.

****

Awkward.

Yu-jin thought to himself.

For someone as socially awkward as him, this wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling.

Though usually, awkwardness was something he shared with friends.

If only this wasn’t his room, and if only there weren’t three women present…

“Why am I in this situation?” Yu-jin wondered internally.

The situation itself was simple:

He brought an injured Young-hee home.

Rime intervened upon seeing this.

Then the Class Prez showed up worried about Young-hee.

And now we’re here.

“There are no villains, just victims. If only I wasn’t one of them…”

Nothing unusual about any of this.

If anything, the culprit was the guy who hurt Young-hee – Jekyll.

Let’s kill Jekyll together, everyone!

“…So.”

In the suffocating silence,

The Class Prez spoke first.

To clarify, the four were in Yu-jin’s room.

Sitting across from each other at the table.

Young-hee nervously sipped her tea.

Yu-jin sat tensely.

Meanwhile, the Class Prez and Rime stared silently at each other.

Their gazes carried an intimidating power.

“What’s your relationship with Yu-jin?”

The Class Prez placed down her teacup with a smile.

A perfectly kind and pure smile.

Rime returned it with an equally confident grin.

“Engaged, by arrangement between our families.”

CLUNK.

The Class Prez slammed her teacup down.

The sound made Yu-jin and Young-hee beside her flinch.

With barely contained emotion, she spoke.

“…I envy you. You must have known each other since childhood then.”

“Well, we do have deeper roots than school acquaintances…”

The Class Prez looked directly at Rime.

Rime met her gaze unflinchingly.

And smiled.

Perhaps this was their mutual declaration of war.

“Wow, arranged marriage in this day and age? So outdated. Who would believe in such forced relationships nowadays?”

“Ah, regular people might find it hard to understand. But such arrangements tend not to change easily.”

“Ho ho, how do you know? Yu-jin still has a bright future ahead, plenty of people to meet. His heart might change along the way.”

“That’s just worry from someone lacking charm. Don’t have much confidence in yourself, do you?”

“…Why are you speaking casually to someone you just met?”

“If it bothers you, you can too. Such trivial concerns show narrow-mindedness. Girls who nitpick like that aren’t popular.”

Sparks seemed to fly between them.

This must be what girl rivalries look like.

Honestly, scarier than monsters.

“…”

Suddenly sensing a gaze, Yu-jin looked up to see Young-hee looking at him.

Her eyes were tearing up.

Her frightened expression clearly said “Help me!”

Me? I’m scared too!

“Anyway, what’s with that outfit earlier? I can excuse Young-hee, but shouldn’t you dress more appropriately?”

“Ah, right! This was bought by Yu-jin. Doesn’t it fit me well?”

Rime stood up, grabbed her skirt with both hands, and spun around.

The black skirt and white blouse suited her perfectly.

Internet commenters would probably spam 10,000 dislikes under “Girlfriend Style Showcase” posts like this.

Watching this, the Class Prez bit her lip hard.

Oh, Rime won this round.

Maybe physical fights would cause less damage.

“Hmm! Hmm! Just because you’re engaged doesn’t mean you should sleep over at someone else’s house, right? Coming from a prestigious family like Heukcheon, you should know better.”

“My firsts are fine with Yu-jin taking.”

GLUP!

Yu-jin choked.

He quickly wiped his mouth with a tissue and stared at Rime.

“You, what are you saying?”

“Hm? I’m being honest. Want to do it tonight?”

Rime approached with a seductive smile.

She reached out and pulled on Yu-jin’s tie.

Their gazes were almost close enough to kiss.

“What are you doing right now?!”

The Class Prez shouted, her face turning red.

Young-hee covered her reddened face too.

Though she was peeking through her fingers.

“Hmm… territorial marking?”

Rime stated confidently.

The Class Prez opened her mouth as if to say something.

But ultimately couldn’t get the words out.

Instead, she turned her flaming face away.

“I’m going to the bathroom…”

After the Class Prez left, Young-hee sighed.

Yu-jin looked at Rime reproachfully.

“Rime”

“What? What? She started it…”

Yu-jin lightly bonked Rime on the head.

Not very painful due to lack of strength,

But such physical contact was rare for him.

Only then did Rime notice Yu-jin’s expression.

“Um… are you mad?”

“Not really angry, but don’t mess with my friends.”

“…Tsk.”

Rime stuck out her tongue unhappily.

But she understood Yu-jin’s feelings.

No one understood the importance of Yu-jin’s friends to him better than Rime.

“Grrr. Fine. Honestly hate humans, but I’ll do it for you.”

“Good boy, good boy.”

Yu-jin patted Rime’s head approvingly.

Her slightly pouting face gradually softened under his touch.

Young-hee watched enviously.

“How long are you going to keep petting her?”

After some time,

Rime sharply turned her head.

“…I’ve had enough. Go smooth things over with the Class Prez.”

“Huh, but…”

“Don’t misunderstand. Not out of consideration or anything.”

Rime moved closer to Yu-jin.

Pointing at Young-hee, she whispered in his ear.

“Got some sneaky business to do while the Class Prez is distracted.”

“…Are you deliberately doing this?”

“Nah, that part’s genuine dislike.”

…Anyway.

Seems like he understands.

Yu-jin stood up and left.

“Ah.”

Left alone with Rime, Young-hee anxiously glanced at the door.

Blocking her view, Rime began speaking.

“Hey, Young-hee.”

“Yes? Yes, yes!”

“Do you really want your memories back?”

---