Chapter 9

<Chapter 10> Let’s Live Luxuriously. This guy doesn’t even know he’s being a jerk.

When Yoo-jin returned, the school was in chaos.

Teachers and some random hero who appeared out of nowhere were all over him, checking if he was okay.

Apparently, the Ogre’s appearance was a total accident.

It was way too dangerous for students to handle—like, monster-level dangerous?

‘Hmm, safety protocols really need to be stricter.’

Thankfully, no one got seriously hurt, so that was a relief.

But what worried me more was the homework situation.

Because of all this mess, we couldn’t wipe out the goblin group like I hoped.

I was kinda counting on taking down a big monster for points…

Turns out, the Ogre was completely unexpected.

It wasn’t going to count toward our official score—but then…

“So, the Ogre doesn’t count for points?”

Yoo-jin’s offhand comment made them quickly change their minds and add it.

Ah, democracy at its finest!

Even a passing remark from a student gets heard here.

‘Guess words *do* have power!’

Plus, the Ogre gave quite a lot of points.

No matter the assignment rules, it was obviously number one.

Our homeroom teacher kindly explained that an A+ is practically guaranteed now.

Sure, it was scary, but with results like these, I can’t complain.

‘Heh, with good scores like this, the kids will probably be happy.’

Chul-soo, who got injured, was called in for detailed tests.

Young-hee followed after him.

They both looked pretty serious…

Were the injuries worse than they seemed?

He seemed fine when he was talking earlier…

‘I gotta ask them if they’re alright next time I see them.’

Yoo-jin also got questioned by some investigator.

Not that he had much to say since he didn’t know anything…

The investigator didn’t look too pleased about that.

“…Seriously, you don’t have any guesses?”

“Yes.”

“Hmph, don’t think you can keep evading the law forever.”

Huh? Could this “accident” actually be tied to some crime?

Scary stuff. Gotta be careful not to get involved next time.

Judging by how upset the investigator was, they must’ve been chasing this criminal for a while.

‘Seriously, why would someone like that even be near a school? What kind of conscience-less person is this?’

While I was just enduring the formal questioning, some well-dressed guy came in and whispered something into the investigator’s ear.

The investigator glared at Yoo-jin before leaving in a huff.

Clearly ticked off.

‘Oh dear, did they lose the suspect?’

Hang in there, mister!

Life doesn’t go as planned, does it?

Anyway, with that, Yoo-jin’s interrogation ended, and he headed outside.

He was told to head home right away since it was getting late.

“Phew, what a fulfilling day.”

Helping friends in danger and acing grades—could I maybe have social skills after all?

My status window better hurry up and erase ‘Social Awkwardness’ and add some new skills already.

“Welcome back, young master.”

“Gulp…”

Biseo Park, waiting patiently, bowed deeply as he opened the door.

Honestly, it feels awkward, but I don’t have the guts to tell him to stop.

This might technically be part of his job, after all.

“I’ve heard the story. I’ll handle things appropriately.”

“Understood.”

“Do you need anything else? Since you went out personally, there might be something you’d like done…”

“No, leave it to you.”

“…”

I just nodded along without knowing what he meant.

It’s embarrassing to admit I don’t understand when the other person clearly expects me to.

Surprisingly, even vague answers like that work perfectly fine.

Mr. Park is truly an amazing secretary.

“We’ve arrived.”

After a short drive, the car stopped.

This time, I got out before Mr. Park could open the door for me.

Looking up, I saw my mansion.

‘Wow, this place is huge no matter how many times I see it.’

The current Yoo-jin residence is a massive estate with a garden.

A long fence stretches endlessly, enclosing several buildings inside.

It’s bigger than combining several regular houses.

How do you even build a house like this in the middle of Seoul?

Definitely a suspiciously wealthy family.

‘Thinking about getting rich is one thing, but I didn’t expect *this* level.’

Tensely opening the gate, this is definitely the most nerve-wracking moment of my day.

As soon as I stepped into the ridiculously spacious garden, a massive shout echoed:

“““Welcome back, young master!”””

“Uh-huh.”

All the servants bowed deeply in unison.

Men in suits lined up on the right, women in suits on the left.

With dozens bowing at once, the air seemed to crackle.

‘Ugh, this is still way too overwhelming no matter how many times it happens.’

Dozens of people bowing just for me—it’s an immense pressure for any socially awkward person.

Also, side note: Mr. Park is surprisingly handsome for a secretary.

His stern face is decent enough, but the other men look outright terrifying.

If I met them on the street, I’d probably drop to my knees within a second begging for mercy.

‘Anyway, let’s get this over with.’

Yoo-jin walked forward, keeping his eyes ahead.

Unaware, the Black Heaven organization members were making their usual mistaken assumptions:

“Today, he’s as confident and cold as ever.”

“That’s the charisma of the heir to Black Heaven.”

“That attitude shows he doesn’t care about us commoners. Truly fitting for the one destined to lead our organization.”

Their heads are firmly filled with delusions.

To them, every action of Yoo-jin is proof of his mafia potential.

Eventually, Yoo-jin managed to reach his room under heavy tension.

“Ahh, I’m dead.”

For an awkward loner, there’s no safer place than being alone in your room.

Finally, the tension melts away.

The soft bed enveloped him.

On the desk, as always, peanuts and dried squid were laid out.

Whoever keeps bringing them—I gotta say, it’s lacking in taste.

‘I prefer sweet snacks. And honestly, who gives these kinds of things to a student anyway? Not even alcohol…’

Of course, Yoo-jin lacked the courage to complain.

So, despite grumbling, he ate everything anyway—his flaw and charm.

By the way, alcohol *was* available next door, but Yoo-jin had no clue about that.

He never even considered the idea of having multiple personal rooms.

Anyway, as he munched on peanuts and reviewed today’s lessons…

Ding!

Suddenly, his phone rang.

Startled like a cat spotting a cucumber, Yoo-jin jumped.

A phone call?! After days without a single spam message?!

‘This must be a trap! Stay calm…’

It could be political texts or insurance pitches.

Even Yoo-jin, the ultimate awkward person, couldn’t hang up first.

Once, he talked for hours because he missed the chance to hang up until the operator finally did.

Besides, unlike his past life, money isn’t abundant now.

One wrong move and he could lose hundreds of thousands of won.

Though, realistically, no one would dare scam the heir of Black Heaven.

But Yoo-jin didn’t know that.

‘The fact it hasn’t stopped ringing means it’s probably a message… Who could be contacting me?’

Carefully checking the sender…

There it was—clear as day—”Young-hee.”

“Young-hee?!”

A friend texted me first!

Not just any friend—a female friend!

Is this a green light?!

‘Nah, that’s unlikely.’

Young-hee is not only the prettiest face in the academy but also top academically.

And we’re just casual friends.

She wouldn’t possibly like someone like me, right?

‘But messages between friends… That’s normal, right?’

Yeah, this is just a normal message.

Especially considering today’s events.

Kind-hearted Young-hee checking in is natural.

‘Alright, I need to reply fast.’

Awkward people live by the rule: reply instantly.

First, check what she wants!

-Are you free to talk now?

Yoo-jin hesitated.

A direct voice conversation…?

“Nope, too hard.”

I wouldn’t know what to say.

Pro tip for awkward people: avoid creating situations where you have to talk.

-Text works too?

-Yes, whatever’s easiest for you.

A wave of excitement swept through him.

I’m texting with a friend!

I thought this only happened during group projects.

Yoo-jin calmed his trembling hands and continued typing.

-What’s up?

-I wanted to talk about something.

-That’s fine. Go ahead.

-Actually, it’s kinda hard to say via text. Can we meet tomorrow?

Meet tomorrow?!

Tomorrow’s definitely a weekday.

So, this isn’t at school—it’s outside?

We’d have to set aside time, dress up, go out…just the two of us?!

‘Wait, meeting a friend on weekends…’

I thought this only happened in fairy tales.

Sure, I knew other people did it…

But in my mind, meeting friends ranked somewhere between unicorns and pink elephants.

Looks like even in this world, such days exist.

I’m so glad I came to this world…

‘Oh no! I need to reply fast!’

I got lost in the moment.

Young-hee must’ve worked up her courage to send this.

Need to respond quickly!

-Sure! Anytime, anywhere!

Maybe I got a bit too excited, but that’s fine.

Why hide my feelings anyway?

-??

-Uh, yeah. Sure.

-Then how about we meet at the movie theater downtown?

Movies?!

‘Totally an insider event.’

I can’t even remember the last time I went to the movies.

Better look up movie etiquette online before I go.

-Got it! See you tomorrow! (Cute animal emoji saying OK)

-?? Yeah, see you tomorrow.

Yoo-jin leapt off the bed.

I was planning to spend the weekend locked in my room doing nothing.

Now I have plans!

Heading to the computer, he started researching movie etiquette.

[Going to the movies with a friend for the first time on the weekend. Are there any rules I should follow?]

Huh? What’s this?

Is it a girl?

You have to take off your shoes. Staff will greet you.

You must buy the largest popcorn. But beware—there’s a fine if you don’t finish it.

There will be an event halfway through—make sure to participate.

Event participation is mandatory.

Fines apply if you break the rules.

‘Hmm, shoes off, popcorn fines, mid-movie events… The theaters here are strict.’

Good thing I asked online.

Imagine how embarrassing it would’ve been otherwise.

Yoo-jin eagerly took notes, preparing for tomorrow’s rendezvous.

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