Chapter 15: The Ice Witch's Jealousy
Whirr~. Fresh out of the shower, Jeong Ye-na dried her damp hair with the blow dryer. She'd started intense training lately, filling her days with purpose. In the end, she'd decided to transfer to the Cheonsu Guild. It was the best choice she could make, just as Seojun oppa had said.
Not only were the terms great, but more than anything, she was thrilled to finally escape from the Baldy Guild. Farewell to that clueless outfit she'd naively signed with. Deep down, she wanted to pay the penalty fee and follow him to Pania Guild instead.
"Honestly, that penalty is insane-level," she muttered. A quick internet search had revealed just how absurdly unfair her contract was. All she could do was sigh and blame her own stupidity.
"I need to get strong enough that Pania begs me to join." She pictured oppa smiling sheepishly as he made the offer. Her heart fluttered, and the corners of her mouth lifted.
"Office couple? Sounds perfect to me." She patted herself on the back for negotiating a short contract term with Cheonsu. Good job, me.
"Oh! They must be out of the dungeon by now. Is he busy? No messages." Tilting her head, Jeong Ye-na unlocked her phone screen. Notifications popped up immediately.
"...Already up, huh."
XTube, the video platform also known as ExTube. A place flooded with countless uploads. This was a notification from a recently subscribed channel: Pania Guild's official one.
Every guild had an official channel, of course. Think of it like an entertainment agency's page for idols—promoting hunters by showcasing their monster-slaying feats. Above all, it gave civilians a sense of psychological security.
Truth be told, she hadn't subscribed to Cheonsu. But Pania? With Seojun oppa there, no choice.
"...Huh?"
Even without edits, it was a full raw video, yet the views and comments were skyrocketing. A vague unease prickled her as she hit play and scanned the comments.
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"What the hell, he's my oppa. The nerve. Boyfriend? Are they nuts? Doesn't Pania moderate comments?" She checked the description: just a note saying highlights were coming soon, please wait.
Trembling fingers typed away. Views were probably climbing as she wrote. Soon it'd hit algorithms, hot videos, every community.
She frowned. Kinda bland. What if every girl in the world falls for him? Nah, no way. Pondering seriously, she added another.
A line that'd be pure black history if Seojun saw it.
Sighing, she locked her phone. A reply notification pinged instantly. Heart pounding, she checked.
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Really. So annoying. Jeong Ye-na flopped onto the bed. The fluffy blanket felt nice, but her mood stayed sour.
"Maybe text him. He's probably tired?" Her mouth said that, but her hands dutifully unlocked the phone and typed.
Clenching her eyes shut, she hit send and buried her face in the blanket.
⁕⁕⁕
Sizzle. He wrapped sizzling meat in lettuce with onions and ssamjang, popping it in his mouth. Glancing ahead, Park Ha-yoon was chowing down heartily too.
"Gonna take this call quick. No fighting, back soon." Mom grabbed her buzzing phone and stepped onto the balcony. Silence fell instantly.
Awkward, but not that uncomfortable. It'd been ages since he'd eaten with her.
Once his stomach was somewhat full, Park Ha-yoon's slowing pace brought her gaze to him. She flinched, then spoke in a clear voice.
"Lately... hard to see your face."
This awkward air. Gonna give me indigestion. Well, including his past life, their paths had barely crossed.
He swallowed his salad and met her eyes. Her glasses reflected the ceiling light.
"Yeah, been busy."
"...I see."
Lukewarm response. His throat felt dry for some reason. He sipped his soda and added,
"This, eating together like this... it's been forever."
They both bowed their heads wordlessly. Kinda stifling. Her chopsticks had stopped too.
"Not eating more?"
What? Did I say something wrong?
"Uh, need anything?" Now he had some leeway. He'd known her forever. Maybe help out somehow.
"……."
No answer. Ugh, whatever. Once Park Ha-yoon left, hot bath time.
"Done? Want fruit?" Mom returned, voice upbeat. The heavy mood lifted, airing out.
"Anyway, Hayoon, you're so young and pretty—why not move out and live with us?"
"I'm comfy now. Keep saying that, I get burdened."
Childhood Ha-yoon hadn't seemed so stubborn. More teary-eyed, maybe.
"Thanks for the meal. Gonna rest in my room. Seriously exhausted." Scrape. Chair dragged as she stood, flashing a bright smile only to mom.
"It's late, I'll head out. Amazing food, ma'am."
"Aigoo, ate a lot? Come often."
Mom sounded wistful. They hugged, patting backs.
What. They really look like mother and daughter.
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Drained. Flopping onto bed, he checked his phone—message from Jeong Ye-na.
Cute bunny emojis brought a smile. Her lively vibe made him chuckle involuntarily. If she hadn't lost her leg, pre-regression Ye-na might've been this bright too.
Rest well~ T_T 🐰🔙
Knock knock.
"Come in."
Mom entered his room, face stiff. Her slumped shoulders tugged at his heart. Should've helped with dishes. Or was she unwell?
"Son, you and Hayoon on bad terms?"
"No, just awkward."
Mom's eyes narrowed, gauging his sincerity.
"Really? You don't hate her?"
Hard to explain. They both knew the awkwardness, but not enemies. Even if they hated each other, who'd admit it? Not a snitch.
"Don't hate her. Don't worry. If anything, she hates me."
Didn't know why exactly. Mom shook her head.
"No. Hayoon doesn't hate you."
Firm conviction. How would she know?
"Why think that?"
Smiling softly, mom replied.
"Obviously. How could she hate our handsome son?"
"Not that."
Moms say that. Sitting on the bed, she nodded.
"Maybe a small misunderstanding or conflict."
Yeah, possible. Proper talk might smooth it.
"Got it. I'll try."
"Do what you can. Mom believes in you."
Ha-yoon was like a daughter to her. Heart-adopted.
Ugh. Where to even start. His head throbbed.