Chapter 83

“Wow, it’s taken over 80 chapters to realize his own flaws.”

“Should I praise him or scold him?”

“Meh, it’s fine.”

“So, I want to practice talking. Can you help me out with that?”

“Practice?”

Rime tilted her head.

“How exactly?”

“Hmm, like a university early admission interview? Or maybe like a dating practice kind of vibe.”

“Who practices for a date and then goes on one? You’re such a lonely loser.”

“No foul language!”

“Oh man, sorry. My inner thoughts just slipped out.”

“If you’re gonna apologize, why don’t you admit it was a mistake too?”

“Alright, I get what Yu-jin’s thinking.”

“Actually practicing speaking will probably be somewhat helpful.”

“Considering Hwagcheon’s successor and Yu-jin’s current skills…”

“These two factors mean he’ll meet various people in the future.”

“Thinking about the future, Yu-jin definitely needs to improve his conversational abilities.”

“Hmm! Hmm! So you wanna practice pretending I’m your girlfriend?”

“Huh? Is it like that? Anyway, first off, please don’t pick up the water cup. I’m not playing the role of a guy getting dumped with a water bucket.”

“Tch.”

Rime clicked her tongue lightly but truly felt disappointed.

Lately, she always seemed to be watching something alone in the room.

It might be time to figure out what kind of content she’s enjoying.

“Alright, let’s pretend we’re normal school friends meeting for the first time.”

Rime brushed her clothes lightly and adjusted her posture.

Yu-jin also sat facing Rime.

“Okay, just say anything.”

“Hmm… Do you want to drink milk with me?”

“CUT.”

Rime frowned.

With that reaction, Yu-jin suddenly felt tense again.

He had this late premonition that he was about to get seriously scolded.

It felt like being a rookie actor performing in front of a director for the first time.

If he made another mistake, a roar would surely come flying at him.

“…Hey, why does milk even come into play here?”

“It tastes good. Everyone loves it.”

“Some people might take it as sexual harassment!”

“Where in the world is drinking milk considered sexual harassment?!”

“Just by suggesting drinking milk, it’s sexual harassment?”

“That girl could think ‘Is this guy implying my breasts are big and harassing me? Pervert! I’ll report you and make you eat beans!'”

“That’s just because that girl is a pervert!”

“No, it’s entirely possible! Which means you should stay away from women with large chests!”

How far can someone go with delusions over a single glass of milk?

At this point, it doesn’t feel like his fault anymore.

Or is he just saying whatever he wants?

“Nope, considering your stubbornly bad communication skills and your dumb-as-a-rock brain, this much consideration is necessary.”

“Rather than outright cursing, why don’t you?”

“Hey, dumbass! Do you know how many comments calling me stupid I’ve seen?”

“Are you really going to nitpick this?” Rime stroked her chin while sighing.

When talking with her, even if he says nonsense, it doesn’t seem odd.

But apparently, when dealing with people he’s not close to, tension becomes an issue.

And he still has the habit of staying silent in awkward situations.

Because of that, he’s probably faced enough misunderstandings to fill a truck.

“This is kinda serious.”

“Is it that bad?”

“In my opinion, you either kill people with words or die yourself.”

“But there’s no way Yu-jin will die, nor do I plan to let that happen.”

“So, someone’s bound to end up dead anyway.”

Let’s pray for their soul beforehand.

“Nah, even if it’s tough, it’s not that harsh a world.”

“Tsk tsk, this kid knows nothing. Close your eyes, and your nose gets cut off. Your wallet and personal info get stolen, and when you come to, you’ve joined some weird cult.”

Rime shook her head.

“While we’re on the topic, you need to start doubting people more.”

“No way. Even if it’s rough, I can’t do that. Being free of prejudice is my only strength.”

“You do know something after all?”

Rime chuckled.

Yu-jin looked slightly uneasy.

It feels like he’s being acknowledged in some way…

But it’s not particularly joyful.

“Still, you need to be careful. Got it? Except for me, assume every woman is after your wealth.”

“Pfft, surely not.”

“Really though?”

99

Rime said it like “This guy still hasn’t snapped out of it.”

“Definitely. Imagine luring someone in, then using the excuse of no audio recording or CCTV footage to sue for rape. Would you willingly pay damages?”

“Where do you think such people exist?! The world is a place where survival is key! The weak don’t survive!”

Slime’s view of life is too brutal.

Is this how a human-hating monster sees the world?

Or is she genuinely worried about Yu-jin?

“Whatever, let’s try practicing other conversations.”

Yu-jin and Rime tried talking in various scenarios.

Of course, none of them went particularly well.

The conversation kept veering off into nonsense.

Eventually, Rime was the first to throw up her hands.

“Ugh, this isn’t working. Let’s try some other practice.”

“Other stuff?”

Rime rummaged through the manga collection on the bookshelf.

She’d had him order these online out of boredom,

but Yu-jin hadn’t properly read any of them yet.

“Right. This one will do.”

Rime pulled one out and handed it over.

“‘I’m Role-Playing the Villainess But the Hero Who’s Into Me Keeps Obsessing Over Me.'”

“A masterpiece destined to leave its mark on history. Engrave it in your heart.”

“Looks interesting.”

“…You didn’t criticize this one? You’re awake, aren’t you?”

Rime nodded approvingly, satisfied that her partner should be at least this competent.

“So, how should we use this?”

“Read it while practicing conversations. A script would be better, but this is all we have for now.”

“Will that help?”

“Isn’t imitation the mother of creation?”

Something feels seriously off about the direction of this effort…

But he doesn’t have any particular thoughts either.

Doing it won’t cause any harm.

Since it’s Rime’s suggestion, let’s give it a shot.

“Then, shall we start reading from the beginning?”

“Ah, hold on. There’s a line I want to hear in your voice.”

“……Wasn’t that your goal from the start?”

Rime blushed slightly.

Seems like she hit the nail on the head.

“Hmm! Hmm! Better for everyone to be happy, right? Jeremy Bentham would be pleased in the afterlife.”

“I’m more of a Kantian, but…”

“Eh, I don’t wanna get criticized utilitarianly, so I’ll keep quiet.”

Though Rime seems to be doing this half-jokingly.

If it makes her happy, he can oblige.

“Anyway, should I read this part?”

“Haa~ The chocolate was delicious, wasn’t it~”

Young-hee walked down the hallway with a satisfied smile.

The sweet chocolate paired wonderfully with the slightly bitter tea.

Ideally, she wished Yu-jin and Rime could have shared it too.

For some reason, they refuse to leave their room.

“Hmm, Rime-san said she ran away from home, so this is a secret. That’s why she can’t leave the room.”

Young-hee noticed Yu-jin and Rime were getting along better recently.

Of course, Yu-jin saved her, so she had no complaints,

and Rime was secretly kind to her.

Before losing her memory, she apparently feared Yu-jin.

Why was that?

Was there some misunderstanding involved?

While pondering this, Young-hee reached for the door.

“I…didn’t want it to be like this.”

Young-hee froze.

This was a tone Yu-jin would never normally use.

A sincere, heart-wrenching voice.

“I wanted to be friends with them. To chat casually, to play happily… But I can’t. I have to be the villain.”

Huh?

What’s he talking about?

Unconsciously, Young-hee started eavesdropping.

“If I don’t play the villain, they’ll get hurt. Only suffering awaits them. So, I have no choice. This is the right answer.”

“Even if that makes you hated and hurt? Even if you’re misunderstood by very important people?”

Yu-jin responded to Rime’s question.

“Even if you keep getting pointed at as the villain?”

“……Keep sending those dogs after me.”

“But…”

“That’s my role. For the sake of my friends, I can do anything. I must remain the villain, and they must be the heroes.”

Young-hee swallowed hard.

Having lost her memory, she didn’t know the full story.

But from this conversation, it was clear Yu-jin was “acting” the villain.

“……This pleasant time will end soon too. But if it makes them happy…”

“I’m satisfied.”

“What a foolish thing to do. Even if you do this, they won’t appreciate your efforts. They’ll hate you again.”

“It’s fine. If it helps my friends regain happiness…”

Young-hee took a hesitant step back.

She wanted to enter and ask what was going on,

but decided against it.

She needed time to process this conversation.

Young-hee slowly moved away from the door.

Her mind remained confused even as she turned around and walked away.

“What… What is he talking about? Did I dislike Mr. Yu-jin before losing my memory?”

And Yu-jin was acting all along?

I don’t understand what’s happening.

But there’s no reason for them to make up such a story.

“Would I… if I regain my memory, end up disliking those people?”

Feeling complex anxiety about this possibility,

Young-hee clutched her head and continued walking down the corridor.

****

“Wow, wasn’t that acting pretty good?”

“Not bad. You brought out the protagonist’s emotions quite well. Want to try this next one?”

“It’s about the protagonist falling in love with a monster.”

“You’re just using this as an excuse to fulfill your personal desires, aren’t you? Hand it over.”

Unaware they’ve created new misunderstandings,

the two enthusiastically continued their practice to improve their social skills.

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