Academy City Sweethearts
Seong Hyun-jin stepped out into the downtown district of Academy City alongside Serena. Terastial Academy had secured an enormous plot of land, effectively turning itself into a kind of fortress. Before the academy was built, this had been an ordinary village, but rather than displacing it, they relocated the entire village within the academy grounds for protection. From the academy dean—a Palstar Hero—down to renowned talents serving as faculty, the grounds were safer than most walled cities. It was a win-win: the academy gained vast territory, and the villagers enjoyed its protection while building a thriving commerce around the students.
Naturally, what started as a modest village in the academy's early days had blossomed into a dazzling commercial hub after 35 years. Of course, given its status as an internal academy city, outsiders couldn't just wander in. Only those born and raised here or granted special permission could enter, making it essentially a haven for academy students—a place to hang out with friends, grab delicious food, and unwind from stress.
And now, into this city came Seong Hyun-jin, who had spent the last 20 years living in the mountains.
He'd lost a bet to Serena and had to treat her to an expensive meal. There was a student cafeteria, sure, but she'd insisted on coming here.
Seong Hyun-jin glanced around the city. For someone whose second life had been spent entirely in seclusion, his first impression was...
"...It's nothing special?"
"Pardon? It's so vibrant!"
His reaction was more blasé than expected. He was comparing it to the cities from his previous life in Korea. He'd lived in the capital area and frequented Seoul for studies, so even major metropolises didn't impress him much anymore. Stunning natural vistas were far more novel.
Serena blinked in confusion at his response.
"Doesn't it surprise you that there's a whole city inside the academy?"
"That part is impressive, sure. But the city itself feels pretty ordinary. You hyped it up so much, I was expecting more."
"...Someone who only lived in the mountains sure has high standards."
"I lived in a city in my previous life."
"Ah."
Serena occasionally forgot that Seong Hyun-jin was a reincarnator. Unlike transmigrators, reincarnators looked indistinguishable from locals on the outside, and his half-elf blood—shared with her elven heritage—made it even harder to spot.
"Right, you did."
Seong Hyun-jin turned to her. "So, where do you want to go?"
"Here—I've heard the crepes are amazing."
"That's not a meal. And you said expensive food."
"It's whatever I want. And yeah, it's a bit pricey."
"That's just saying it's expensive for crepes."
Seong Hyun-jin waved off her attempt to pass snack time as lunch.
"We'll get that as a snack. Let's eat something substantial first."
"Is there something you want?"
"That's my line. I'm treating you, so you pick."
"Crepes seem filling enough for me. I don't eat much anyway..."
"You don't eat much?"
Serena nodded slightly, and Seong Hyun-jin found it surprising. Dragons were notorious for huge appetites, but half-dragonkin like her must be different.
"Fine, crepes it is."
"But you said you wanted a proper meal."
"Yeah, but if crepes work for you... I lost the bet, so the winner calls the shots."
Serena blinked, then smiled warmly at his thoughtfulness.
"Really? Alright then, let's go. These crepes are a street food legend here."
"That good, huh?"
"No exaggeration—hurry, or we'll have to wait."
"How'd you know I was gonna say it was hype...?"
"You're predictable."
She'd read his face after just a few days apart? Seong Hyun-jin wondered if his emotions showed too plainly.
Following her deeper into the city, they arrived at the crepe stand. The waiting benches and long line made him groan inwardly.
"Crowded... way too crowded?"
"They say all the academy students love it."
One of a guy's least favorite things: waiting over 30 minutes for food. And this was just crepes, not even a full meal. It looked like at least an hour.
As his expression soured, Serena peeked at him and stepped in front, gauging his mood.
"Don't want to wait...?"
Meeting her eyes, Seong Hyun-jin stared blankly for a moment. Not at her face, but her figure, which he'd barely noticed until she stepped closer. Slim waist, ample bust and hips. Smaller than Karin's, but still impressively voluptuous. Especially those creamy thighs peeking between her white high socks and skirt—they held his gaze captive.
"S-Seong Hyun-jin? Your eyes are weird right now...!"
Caught staring too openly, Serena flushed and confronted him. Realizing his mistake, he played it cool.
"...What about them?"
"Where were you looking just now...?"
She knew exactly what he was doing. No room for denial. He cleared his throat lightly and owned up a bit.
"...Just looking at you."
"......"
Serena gazed at him blankly. She knew he'd been looking—of course. What bothered her was how thoroughly he'd scanned her body, like undressing her piece by piece. It was too intense, too unfamiliar; she had to call him out. Any girl would flustered by that gaze.
She should've been annoyed... so why did his straightforward admission make her feel a little better?
Shaking off the odd feeling, she advised him.
"Don't stare at other girls like that. They'll get the wrong idea."
"Guess I was too obvious. Sorry."
"It's fine. No need to apologize."
An awkward silence settled between them. Even someone as bold as him with his master knew better than to treat a 20-year companion like someone he'd known mere days. She said it was okay, but she must've been thrown off. Did I stare that hard? Yeah, or she wouldn't react like this. Feeling guilty, he tried to lighten the mood.
"Hey, Seren—"
"Junior Seong Hyun-jin?"
Before he could finish, someone called his name. The familiar voice drew his eyes to a pure white veil. Beneath it, brown hair framed crimson eyes sparkling at him.
"Senior?"
It was Yeonhui. One hand held a crepe, the other soft-serve ice cream. A bit of cream dotted her lips as she munched happily.
"Here for crepes too, junior?"
"Yeah, my friend wanted some."
"Friend? Oh...!"
Yeonhui spotted Serena and greeted her brightly, clearly recognizing her.
"Dragon Princess Serena Eldark! A pleasure. I'm Yeonhui, third-year theology major."
"...Hello."
Serena returned the greeting politely but stared blankly, unsure who she was—or how she knew Seong Hyun-jin. She's pretty... Brown hair, flawless white skin, shimmering crimson eyes—every feature was lovely. Her gentle demeanor gave off an innocent, girlish vibe Serena's icy elegance couldn't match. Not short, but her soft features and slender build stirred protective instincts.
"You're enjoying one too, senior."
"They're incredible. I don't come often, but whenever I'm in the city..."
"Business in town?"
"There's a chapel in the district. I was helping the priest there."
Serena watched their easy chatter, a twinge of something unfamiliar stirring. She'd thought she was his only close acquaintance here, yet he'd befriended this beauty—and when?
I don't know anyone else yet...
Loneliness and jealousy mingled. She chalked it up to losing a friend to someone else.
"That good? Worth this line?"
"It's long, but totally worth it."
"Hmm."
Seong Hyun-jin still seemed skeptical. Reading him, Yeonhui suddenly offered her half-eaten crepe.
"Try it, junior. You'll get it."
"But you just bought it—sure?"
She smiled brightly. "No problem. Just a bite."
"Well, if you insist..."
"Wait! That's where she ate from!"
Serena halted them as he leaned in.
"Better tear off a piece—more hygienic!"
"Oh, right."
"...Just eat the uneaten side?"
"Still...!"
Maybe overkill, but as he said, the untouched part was fine. Yet Serena instinctively objected. Th-that's an indirect kiss with her...! Whether he realized or not, she had to stop it.
Yeonhui nodded agreeably. "You're right, Serena. My bad."
She bit off the eaten end, then tore a fresh piece and handed it over.
"Eat quick—cream might drip."
"Thanks."
He popped the whole piece in his mouth. Even without high hopes for sweets, Seong Hyun-jin was stunned.
"Whoa, it's good!"
"Right? Worth the wait."
"Definitely."
Not a huge sweets fan, but even he loved it. Sweet-tooths—and especially dessert-obsessed girls—would go nuts. Nodding, he understood why Serena dragged him here.
"Business must be booming."
"I'll head out then. Take care, juniors."
"See you, senior."
"...Goodbye."
Yeonhui waved lightly and left.
"Man, that lingering sweetness—haven't had one like this in ages."
As he muttered, someone pinched his arm. Not painful, but annoying. He turned.
"Serena? What's up?"
"...You ate without me. Not fair."
She pouted up at him. Only then did he remember she wanted crepes first.
"Oh... Should've asked for yours too? Or shared mine."
"......No."
"Why not?"
"Her crepe? Pass."
"Huh?"
"Dunno."
Her cryptic reply left him tilting his head, but she clammed up, so he dropped it.
#
How long had they waited in line? Finally, it was their turn.
"What'll you have?"
"...Chocolate crepe with nut chips."
"Same for me then."
"Pardon?... No, you get chocolate. I'll do strawberry."
"To share?"
She nodded. Smart—more flavors to try.
Minutes later, the crepes were ready. He paid, handed her the strawberry one.
"Thanks. Dig in."
"Yeah."
Serena bit in immediately—clearly craving it. Seeing that, he nibbled his own edge. The sweetness flooded his mouth; he smiled.
"Tasty."
"It is."
He glanced at her; the sweetness seemed to lift her mood. As expected, she eyed his crepe.
"Lemme try yours."
"Sure."
He tore off an uneaten bit and passed it. She tasted and nodded.
"This one's great too. Academy-famous for a reason."
"Gimme a bite of yours."
She looked at her crepe, then him—then thrust it forward.
"H-here."
He blinked in surprise. This was the girl who'd insisted on tearing pieces earlier with Yeonhui.
"Just tear it off..."
"It won't break right! Eat the uneaten part!"
Her firm tone left no room for argument.
"Alright."
She said it was fine, so... He leaned down and bit where she'd indicated.
"!"
"This is good too? Not easy when every menu's a hit."
As he savored the strawberry, Serena's face flushed crimson. Her pale skin turned a lovely maple shade.
"I-I said the uneaten part...!"
"Wasn't it?"
"No...!"
"My bad then."
He shrugged it off casually.
"No big deal, right?"
"...W-well, no."
"I'll be careful next time if it bugs you."
True, not a huge issue. But Serena had never had a guy—anyone—put their mouth where hers had been. She'd half-expected it after Yeonhui's move, testing his reaction. But he actually bit? Unforeseen, and mortifying.
Worse, her own heart puzzled her. Why'd Yeonhui's action pop into her head? Why mimic it, like possessed? She never would've otherwise. Staring at the bitten crepe, she bit her lip and mumbled.
"What the heck..."
"Huh? What'd you say?"
"...Nothing."
Recalling his nonchalant bite, she steeled herself. Overthinking would look weirder. Feigning casualness, she bit into her crepe.
Seong Hyun-jin watched, thinking to himself: Wait... isn't this an indirect kiss?
Not quite on Karin's level, but Serena was a stunning beauty. What guy wouldn't enjoy this with a hottie—even indirectly?
Lucky me.
Grinning inwardly, he finished his crepe in high spirits.