Chapter 23. Women's Petty Mind Games
You couldn't keep the unexpected guests standing in the entryway forever. In the end, they each claimed a spot in the living room and sat down. I glanced at the fruit basket I was holding. It was filled with vibrant, fresh fruits that looked mouthwateringly appealing. It had some serious weight to it, but seeing Jeong Ye-na carry it effortlessly in one hand made me realize once again the gap between hunters and regular folks.
"...By the way, I never expected both of you to show up on the same day."
They must have been just as surprised, but so was I. Yoo Chae-eun, looking far more relaxed than before, spoke up.
"It's fine with me, Seojun. These things happen. Ye-na, right? I hope I'm not inconveniencing you?"
"Ah~. No, sis, what are you talking about? Not uncomfortable at all. I've always been curious about you as a senior hunter."
I felt a bit guilty, but since they both said they were okay, I could breathe a little easier. They were already calling each other sis and little sis—made me feel oddly proud for no reason. After excusing myself briefly, I fetched the photo album from the drawer.
"Chae-eun, I brought it, but... it's a little embarrassing."
"Whoa, really? I can't wait..."
"Ack!! Oppa, what's that?! Can I see too?!"
Jeong Ye-na looked intrigued, her face lighting up with curiosity. No real reason to hide it, so I nodded and flipped through the pages. Truth be told, I hadn't been able to bring photos from my baby days in old Seoul. But from the time we moved to New Seoul, they were diligently documented. Of course, the frequency dropped as I got older.
As I turned the pages one by one, glimpses of my childhood self appeared. It was embarrassing, but when else would I get a chance to look through them? Each photo had the date scribbled in the margins, along with a brief note about what happened that day.
- My first trip to the amusement park. (A young boy rides the carousel, smiling at the camera, clearly thrilled.)
- Seojun at the beach. (A little boy squats by the sea, staring intently. A small crab is visible in the direction he's looking.)
- Seojun playing house with a friend. (He's playing pretend with a girl about his age. They look very close.)
"You can really see how much care your mom put into this. The dates are so meticulously recorded—it's touching."
Yoo Chae-eun said with a soft smile, pulling out her phone app as if she planned to snap some pics.
"Yeah. Oppa, you're so cute. Look at that smile. Hasn't changed a bit."
Jeong Ye-na beamed warmly, letting out a bright laugh. As the album finally closed, they smacked their lips in disappointment.
"But who's that girl?"
It was a photo of Park Ha-yoon from childhood. I hadn't even remembered it existed. No need to bring it up anyway.
"Ahem. Just a friend from way back. Alright, we've seen it all. Let's put it away."
Quite some time had passed flipping through the album, and now I had no idea what to do next. I grabbed the smartphone on the sofa. I really did need the bathroom.
"Ah, excuse me, I need to use the restroom real quick."
Might as well search for something while I'm at it. We'd already watched a movie. Hmm.
"Sure, Oppa. Go ahead."
"We'll wait, Seojun."
"But I'm not that much older."
As Lee Seojun headed to the bathroom, Yoo Chae-eun's lips pouted. Jeong Ye-na found it ridiculous but replied with a hint of amusement. This was classic—wanting the big-sis treatment without the age gap reminder.
"Oh, is that so~?"
In the past, Jeong Ye-na would have just taken the political maneuvering lying down. She was younger and less experienced back then. But she was different now.
"How old are you?"
Yoo Chae-eun eyed her. To think someone else was eyeing Oppa first. Truth be told, she hadn't liked her from the moment they met.
"How old do I look?"
Her innocent tone made Yoo Chae-eun's expression stiffen visibly. She's wearing it on her sleeve.
Yoo Chae-eun was a famous hunter, so her age—mid-20s—was public knowledge. But Ye-na's wasn't.
"I asked first. Can't you just tell me?"
"Sis, I'm early 20s."
Yoo Chae-eun's face hardened completely. And? What now, sis? She'd have to fix that expression before Oppa got back. It was kinda funny. Jeong Ye-na wondered if she'd gone too far. No. She shook it off inwardly. A woman's world was ruthless. Just being here, in Oppa's house, said it all. No more playing nice. Time to get aggressive. The enemy was older but visually superior. And Yoo Chae-eun had more social experience. She couldn't let herself look like easy prey. Plus, Pania Guild. Her boss Kang Ga-young hated them for some reason.
"Alright, Ye-na was it?"
"Yes, sis."
Yoo Chae-eun quickly composed herself and spoke slowly. Jeong Ye-na stayed alert inside while keeping a relaxed facade.
"Are you always this rude? To Seojun too?"
Ha, really.
"Sis, what's wrong? Did I upset you? Sorry."
Her eyes blank, but her mouth curved down in feigned remorse. An innocent person might buy it, but this woman wouldn't.
"Ha. Ye-na, what makes you act like that?"
Yoo Chae-eun asked curiously, her eyebrow twitching. Just as Ye-na opened her mouth to reply, Lee Seojun returned from the bathroom.
I washed my hands and stepped out to see them chatting. They'd only just met, but already deep in conversation. To someone like me with low social charm, it was fascinating.
"I searched around, but there's not much we three can do. No board games or anything, hmm..."
Honestly, I just wanted to chill at home now. How to end this nicely? As I pondered rewatching a movie or finding a group game, Yoo Chae-eun spoke.
"Ah, I should head out soon. Thanks so much today, Seojun. The movie was great."
"Really? Glad you enjoyed it. The macarons were delicious too."
"No, the braised pork was way better. Can I come again sometime?"
"Anytime. From now on, I'll keep my phone charged. Just text ahead."
Yoo Chae-eun nodded with a bright smile. Her glossy bob swayed, revealing her pale nape each time.
"Right, Ye-na, you're leaving too? It's late—I'll give you a ride, sis."
Jeong Ye-na looked flustered. Before I could say anything, Yoo Chae-eun linked arms with her and led her along. Already that close? At the entryway, Yoo Chae-eun turned back to me.
"Oh. I think I left my phone in your room earlier. Mind if I check?"
"Hold on. I'll grab it."
I hurried to my room. Bed, floor—searched everywhere, but no sign of Yoo Chae-eun's phone. Checked multiple times. Coming back to the entryway, I said dejectedly,
"Uh... what now? I looked everywhere, no luck."
"No worries, Seojun. My bad—I had it in my bag."
"Phew, good."
Jeong Ye-na stood awkwardly beside her, looking uncomfortable. Anyone would think she desperately needed the bathroom. 急尿? Fair enough.
"Ah, don't worry about Ye-na—I'll take good care of her."
Jeong Ye-na's face crumpled at that. Poor thing. She could use our bathroom. Must be embarrassed.
"Aw, too bad. Ye-na, you've barely been here—stay longer."
"...Sorry, Oppa. Something urgent came up. Can I come back next time?"
She gave a faint, wistful smile. I nodded, telling her anytime.
"See you at the raid!! Seojun."
"Oppa, I'll definitely come again."
Before long, raid day arrived. I donned my old robe and headed quickly to the Pania Guild headquarters.
"I-I'm here."
Inside, the waiting members greeted me warmly, nothing special.
"Hahat! Our little Seojun bro, long time no see!!"
Ma Pildu, as boisterous as ever, flexed his muscles proudly. Beside him, Kim Na-yoon inspected her spear in her armor.
"Hmph, you always this bad at keeping in touch? At least say hi in the group chat—that's basic manners!"
Her dye job had faded a bit; Lee Soo-jung brushed back her slightly dull red hair.
"Yeah. Worried about me?"
It wasn't teasing—just touched by the unexpected concern. But Lee Soo-jung flailed her arms in fluster.
"Wha?! Not like that!! You're our guild's only healer. Newbie or not, of course I'm worried!"
She admitted it herself. I chuckled and massaged her shoulders.
"Got it, got it. I'll keep in touch from now on~."
"Hey, I didn't say I was worried abou— Eek! Wait, not there..."
As Lee Soo-jung stammered, Yoo Jae-hyun's voice cut in. Heavy footsteps approached, drawing everyone's eyes.
"Good. Everyone's here? Let's move out. Other guilds are probably heading there too."
Outside, porters loaded trunks. We boarded our assigned vehicles by team. Media coverage and traffic control meant smooth sailing—no jams.
And there it was: the raid dungeon. Big ones like this were sometimes called gates, depending on who you asked.
"Hello. From Maxas Guild."
Yoo Jae-hyun shook hands with some female hunter. All-women guild—unique vibe. Some looked delicate and pure, but most had that tough big-sis energy. Like they'd crush a rap battle.
"They look tough despite appearances, huh? Hahat!!"
Ma Pildu sidled up, muttering loud enough for all to hear. They looked tough from the jump. I nodded vaguely, scanning for others. All-male Unicorn Guild—newbie status, hard to spot. No luck.
Then, clicking heels and two familiar faces appeared.
"Hello. Cheonsu Guild, here for the raid. Kang Ga-young. Pleased to meet you."
Kang Ga-young approached, sword at her hip, offering a handshake to Yoo Jae-hyun. Jeong Ye-na beside her waved happily at me. Yoo Jae-hyun, stone-faced, shook hands and exchanged greetings. Their chat revealed Unicorn's whereabouts.
"Unexpected. Cheonsu joining? No need, right? Stealing a newbie guild's spot?"
"Rumors of your recovery were true. We compensated them fairly—generously, even."
Kang Ga-young scanned the area post-handshake. Just standing there exuded an untouchable aura. Spotting me, she strode straight over.