Chapter 33
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: If You Ignore Me, Something Big Will Happen.
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They soon parted ways and returned to their respective teams.
I followed behind, lost in thought.
The story of Han Yu-ra and Kang Hyun-soo getting together was famous back in our college days.
As a freshman, Han Yu-ra had such overwhelming looks.
She struggled with all the advances from upperclassmen until she fell for her classmate Kang Hyun-soo, who stepped in to protect her.
Unlike other guys who only cared about her looks and body, he treated her like a real woman—protecting and caring for her—and that's what made Han Yu-ra fall for him.
That sparked rumors across campus, earning her the label of the perfect "campus couple."
'So he's been gaslighting her ever since then.'
A strong suspicion about Kang Hyun-soo bubbled up.
If he wants the best woman out there, he could just go for a celebrity or someone else.
Han Yu-ra loves Kang Hyun-soo.
But it doesn't seem like he feels the same intensity.
Yet there's this vibe that he can't do without her, either.
This isn't something I'd just let slide.
'Time to scratch the surface.'
I wanted to see his true nature for myself.
So I went straight to him and called out.
"Hyun-soo sunbae."
"Oh? Min-seong. What brings you all the way here?"
"Could we talk for a sec?"
"Hm... sure. If it's quick."
We moved to a quiet spot, and I cut right to the chase.
"I heard your whole conversation with Yu-ra sunbae earlier. Was that for real?"
"With Yu-ra? What conversation?"
"Don't play dumb. Honestly, it pissed me off."
Kang Hyun-soo looked flustered for a moment before flashing an awkward smile.
"Oh, that."
He shrugged casually and smiled softly.
"Sorry about that, Min-seong. I was just trying to comfort Yu-ra. I meant don't overdo it alone—lean on you a bit. Guess I came on too strong. If it upset you, I apologize."
Perfect response.
If he'd gotten mad, sarcastic, or dismissive, I could've fired back.
But this calm apology threw me off instead.
This must be why he's built such a good public image.
Admitting fault isn't easy.
But I'd already pieced together enough from the context to see through him.
No reason to waver.
"You've always managed your image like that, huh?"
"...What?"
"Acting all gentlemanly on the outside while mocking people on the inside. You know, that sort of thing."
I smirked mockingly on purpose.
Watching me, Kang Hyun-soo suddenly chuckled.
"Looks like you're pretty disappointed in me, Min-seong."
"Disappointed? That's putting it mildly."
"I even apologized. Can't you just play it cool?"
"Cut the crap. Honestly, it's disgusting, sunbae."
For a split second, his smile faltered.
But he quickly composed himself and let out a quiet sigh.
"Haa... figured you'd say that."
He nodded slightly and stared right into my eyes.
"Guess I've been caught. Can't be helped. Too bad. I was hoping we'd stick together longer."
"What do you mean?"
"Means you're out of the loop now."
Kang Hyun-soo shrugged lightly.
Then he added in a low voice.
"But, Min-seong. You're not thinking of spreading rumors, right?"
"What if I did?"
"Eh, wouldn't matter much. No one would believe you anyway. And even if the rumors spread, I can handle it easy."
A guy who's this meticulous about his image could probably spin things to make someone like me take the fall.
"Really too bad."
He said with a light laugh.
"Feels like I just lost a good junior. I was planning to use your head down the line if you hadn't figured it out."
"So you manage your image like that until you're caught, then cut 'em loose."
"You wouldn't get it."
"Guess I can't understand your two-faced nature either, sunbae."
"Never expected you to."
His tone roughened.
"Right, Min-seong."
Kang Hyun-soo glanced around before whispering low.
"Just keep your head down and live quietly. Our worlds are different. Different goals. Soon enough, you won't even be able to look me in the eye. No point stirring up trouble."
There was deliberate provocation in his words.
But,
'Asshole.'
My head was already full of that thought, so it didn't faze me.
'Your girlfriend had my dick in her mouth.'
I flashed a casual smile and replied.
"Yeah, I'll live quietly. What could I even do to you, sunbae? It'd be like an egg smashing into a rock."
No need to declare war here.
"Smart kid, as expected. Really too bad. I wanted our connection to last longer."
"Sorry, but your true colors make me nauseous. Can't do it."
"Haha. Fair enough. Guess I'd hate having a loser like you around stinking up the place anyway."
He tacked on one last jab.
Time to get to the point.
"Can I ask one thing?"
"What."
"Yu-ra sunbae. Do you actually love her?"
I wanted to know his real feelings.
How he truly saw Han Yu-ra.
"Hm, why do you care?"
"Your chat earlier didn't make it seem that way."
"Not your business. Wait... are you into Yu-ra?"
His eyebrow twitched faintly.
"Who knows."
He reacts when it comes to Han Yu-ra.
"Looks like you are."
"Just feels bad for Yu-ra sunbae, that's all."
His lip curled.
"Min-seong, lemme give you some serious advice. Working together builds attachment, and it can get confusing. But brush it off—it's no big deal. I've invested seven years; not handing her over to anyone."
One word stuck out.
"Invested?"
"Means stay a good junior."
"What do you mean by invested?"
"She's the one I love, so I invest in her."
"Didn't sound like that."
Kang Hyun-soo chuckled.
"You writers sure have vivid imaginations."
Then he said firmly.
"One more time: stay away from Yu-ra. Don't even think about it. She's not for trash like you. Just do your job quietly. Or you'll regret it. Not that she'd ever waver from you anyway. Looks, specs—whatever, you don't measure up."
Total dismissal.
That's how he's always seen me, probably.
Likely since college, that's how he views the world.
To think I once admired and liked a guy like that.
Disgusting, how he looks down on the weak under that gentleman mask.
But inwardly, I laughed.
She won't waver no matter what I do.
If you knew what happened between us, you'd freak.
"Anyway, I'm out. You go do your work. Heed my warning."
"Sunbae, one last thing before you go."
"What."
"Sociopath bastard."
"What'd you call me, you punk?"
Nice reaction.
"That's what they call guys like you."
"...Haa. You're way too cocky. Fine, I'll chalk it up to a tantrum. I'm gone."
Kang Hyun-soo waved and walked off.
I watched his back and let out a scoff.
Having confirmed his true nature firsthand, any respect or fondness was gone.
If anything, it felt refreshing.
No lingering regrets.
'What face would he make if I stole Han Yu-ra from him?'
That conversation confirmed it.
Kang Hyun-soo is obsessed with her too.
Not quite love, but he definitely can't be without her.
So if the guy he ignores loses her to me, it'd be hilarious.
After that evening, I'd felt a bit guilty.
But today, it was all cleared up. Good.
Evening shoot wrapped up fine, and it was break time.
I finished up my tasks like always and stepped out alone.
On shooting days, this is my one joy.
The only healing time for some alone time.
Today's location was the beach, so I sat on a bench by the cool sea breeze, gazing at the ocean and night sky.
"Moonlight's pretty. Breeze is cool. Nice."
A sense of ease settled in.
The disappointment, anger, and irritation from learning Kang Hyun-soo's true nature washed away.
"In a way, he's impressive."
Hiding that side all this time.
"Maybe I should steal Han Yu-ra for real."
The girl I'd only watched from the sidelines in college.
I'd held back because she was someone else's and seemed like a good person.
But no matter how I thought about it, she was too good for a guy like Kang Hyun-soo.
More than anything, I wanted to stick it to the jerk who looks down on me.
The issue is Han Yu-ra.
I worried the girl who loves him might get hurt.
"Moon's extra pretty tonight."
Relaxing with the moonlight and waves healing me.
Riiiing—
My phone buzzed.
"Huh? Dad?"
Thought it'd take years for a callback, but it came quick.
"Hello?"
-Oh, Min-seong! Long time no talk!
"Not that long."
-Got curious how you're doing. So, son, you popping your cherry yet?
"...Coming in strong with the first question."
-Hahaha. You did! Good boy. That's my son.
"Why the sudden call?"
-Figured you're level 2 by now. You should have the hang of using your ability, right?
-Honeyyy. What're you doing on the phone in the middle of this?
-Just work that waist. Bitch. You trying to butt into my call with my son?
"..."
Voice and terms totally different from back then.
Dad, you're living the dream without envy. Glad you're healthy.
-Anyway, son. Any worries? Thought you might be confused, so I called.
"Confused?"
-You know, like there's this super pretty girl you desperately want, but she's someone else's—or some trash's. The dilemma between conscience and pleasure when you wanna steal her.
"Whoa..."
-Your reaction says it hit. Hahaha. Like father, like son.
"Any solutions?"
-Just remember one thing, son. Bitches ultimately want a better stud. Steal her and make her happy. Way better than leaving her with trash, right? Making her happy as my woman instead.
-Exactly, honey. That's how you saved me.
"...Dad?"
-Hahaha. This bitch here was my buddy's wife.
"What!?"
-That loser racked up gambling and scam debts, bolted, so I took her.
-True, young master. I'm happy now. Without him, I'd be... ugh.
"No way..."
Her common-sense-defying words just confused me more.
But weirdly, it made sense.
"Dad, you aren't using your ability on me right now, are you?"
-Hahaha. Feels convincing, right? That's why you shouldn't feel guilty about another's girl.
"But you'd hate it if someone stole yours."
-Why worry about that? We don't get stolen. Born with the goods.
Dad, you trash bastard?
Couldn't bring myself to ask.
-Anyway, just make her happy. That's key. Remember it, son.
"Uh, yeah, sure."
-And other men's girls taste the best. Hahaha!
Thinking of Kang Seo-yoon, yeah, had to agree.
Even the little taste of Han Yu-ra was killer.
Ah, convinced again.
Though yeah, want both Kang Seo-yoon and Han Yu-ra.
-Min-seong, live happily and enjoy. Life's short.
"Yes, Dad. Got it."
-Honey, hang up already. I'm revved up.
-You dare demand first, bitch? I'll punish you all night!
-Kyaaah! Yes, pleeease!
Click.
"..."
He's really living happily.
But you said your ability's gone.
"Some perks stick around?"
Maybe living carefree like Dad isn't so bad.
Never lost out following his advice.
Already got Kang Seo-yoon.
'Miss Han Yu-ra.'
Then.
Step. Step.
I turned at the footsteps behind me and spotted Han Yu-ra approaching from afar.
How is she so pretty.
Maybe the moonlight, but tonight she looked even more stunning than usual.
Makes me wanna own her for real.