Exchange Student (2) - Chapter 56
Shania said she'd go consult with Eleonora and left. Karin looked at Seong Hyunjin, whose expression wasn't great, and asked, “What's wrong, my disciple?”
“...Homesickness, huh? I just thought it was unexpected. Sure, Senior Yeonhui missed her homeland, but she never showed it like she was suffering from some illness.”
“It's common enough. This master went through something similar at first.”
“You too, Master?”
“A bit.”
Karin nodded easily, as if it were only natural. “Wouldn't it have to be? As a reincarnator, you know better than most—this world and that one are different in so many ways. For transmigrators torn from a completely different world, missing home is almost inevitable. I was fine with most things, but I did crave the conveniences.”
“How did you overcome it, Master?”
“By devoting myself to the sword.”
Karin placed a hand on the two taedos at her waist and spoke in a tone that seemed to recall those days. “I handled swords back there too, and fortunately, they worked the same here. So I threw myself into swordsmanship to soothe the longing. In time, I grew accustomed to this place and overcame it.”
“You must have had it rough, Master.”
“Indeed, it was no small ordeal. That girl Yeonhui must be struggling too, so make sure you look after her well.”
Seong Hyunjin nodded. “She's helped me out in so many ways, so I'll do whatever I can to help her back.”
To figure out a plan, he asked Karin, “So, what exactly does she miss when it's homesickness?”
“Everything from home. Buildings, food, people... The ones that come up most are family and friends, naturally.”
“Then I guess I should become her close friend, like those pals back home.”
“That's a good approach, but...”
Karin suggested casually, “Wouldn't a deeper relationship be even better?”
“...Deeper how?”
“What other kind of deep relationship is there between man and woman?”
Karin hoped this would finally get Seong Hyunjin to form a proper bond with girls his age and shake off his twisted fixation on her. No matter how youthful her body, she was far older than him. Without her blessing, she'd look even more aged and worn than Shania, whom she'd just chided for heavy makeup. So his feelings for her were undoubtedly misguided.
To begin with... it was tragic for anyone to harbor affection for someone who lived eternally.
She wanted her disciple to avoid that misfortune and develop normal tastes. She'd only met Yeonhui once, but the girl seemed kind-hearted and genuine. Judging from how diligently she helped with her disciple's affairs, they already had a decent connection—one that could easily deepen.
But to her surprise, Seong Hyunjin shot it down flatly. “That's a no-go.”
“Any particular reason? If you're about to spout nonsense like no other woman catches your eye because of this master, you'd best drop it.”
“It's not that, Master. You think I'm blind to every other girl just because of you?”
Karin was stunned by his response. “I-is that true?”
“...Why are you so shocked? Of course I notice pretty girls. Senior Yeonhui's plenty beautiful in that sense too.”
His utterly normal answer moved Karin to tears; she dabbed at her eyes. “To think my disciple has interest in other women too—this master could cry from joy.”
“That's not something to be that happy about, is it...?”
Seong Hyunjin stared at his master in disbelief as she rejoiced over plain facts, but Karin pressed on undeterred. “Then why not? Worried it'll make things awkward?”
“Nah.”
“Then?”
As Karin probed for the reason, Seong Hyunjin explained simply. “She's small.”
“Hm? She is a bit petite, but doesn't that just make you want to protect her more?”
He shook his head. “Not her build—her chest.”
“......What did you say?”
Karin stared as if she'd misheard. Seong Hyunjin repeated himself confidently, ready to say it again if needed. “Senior Yeonhui has small breasts.”
“......What nonsense is that?”
“Just what I said. She'd starve a baby to death.”
Yeonhui's breasts were regrettably small indeed. Compared to Karin or Serena, it was pitiful; at best, a shaky B cup. Sure, with his past-life memories, Seong Hyunjin might be content with that size—but judged by his current tastes, shaped by the women he knew best, it fell short. He knew Karin's measurements down to the digit, after all.
“If they'd been just a bit bigger, she might've been fine. So sadly, things can't go that far with Senior Yeonhui... Master? Why are you drawing your sword all of a sudden?”
“Since my disciple still hasn't come to his senses, how could this master neglect his education?”
Shing. Karin's sword slid free.
“How long do you plan to spout such drivel!? Cut it out!!”
“M-Master!? Calm down! ...Gah!!”
Karin thrashed Seong Hyunjin soundly. As he tumbled to the floor with a pained groan, she sighed. “If you're not interested in her, fine. But you might not see her much longer, so think carefully and act wisely. Don't leave regrets.”
“...Huh? Not see her much? What do you mean?”
As if the beating meant nothing, Seong Hyunjin lifted his head. Internally marveling at his resilience, Karin explained. “The Divine Star we just met. She came here to take Yeonhui back. Soon as midterms end, apparently.”
“...Ah, got it.”
“You're taking it well.”
“I knew she was an exchange student. Just figured it'd be sooner than expected.”
Seong Hyunjin realized why Karin had said that.
Senior Yeonhui's heading back.
The thought brought a twinge of regret. On impulse, he asked, “But does she really go back this early?”
“Normally it's a full semester, but she mentioned circumstances.”
“Hm...”
Seong Hyunjin pondered briefly, then thought to himself,
I should hang out with her more before she leaves.
That way, the regret wouldn't sting as much.
Having finished observing Karin's instructor evaluation, Seong Hyunjin headed to meet Ciela Teraport as planned after classes. Since he'd skipped today's lecture, he went straight to the second-year magic department classroom on the fourth floor. That way, their paths wouldn't cross awkwardly.
As he climbed the stairs, second-years were filing out—class must've just ended.
“Man, today's lecture felt longer than usual.”
“Yeah, kinda. What should we grab for dinner later... Huh!?”
They all startled. Seong Hyunjin realized why inwardly.
The assault incident?
The rogue attack on second-years was still fresh. Though the culprit was caught—and word was Seong Hyunjin had helped—their nerves hadn't fully settled.
“Oh, it's that underclassman.”
“Scared me.”
“He does look kinda similar.”
Recognizing him, they relaxed and passed by. But soon, they gawked for another reason.
[My master, Seong Hyunjin's over there.]
“Yeah?... For real? Underclassman!”
Ciela spotted him and hurried over, greeting him warmly. “I was gonna head to your classroom, but you beat me here!”
“Figured it'd be easier this way. No chance of missing each other.”
With the top second-year—the most talented and popular no less—acting so chummy, all eyes locked on them.
“Got it. Shall we go?”
“I know a good spot. Let's head there.”
“Lead on.”
And as the two walked off alone, the second-years were floored.
“A-a date...!?”
“No way Ciela...”
“......”
Some were too shocked to speak. Naturally, word of Seong Hyunjin and Ciela spread like wildfire among the second-years.
Oblivious to it all, Seong Hyunjin led Ciela away.
“We're here.”
Ciela looked puzzled and asked, “Um, underclassman?”
“Yeah?”
“Why here of all places?”
“It's quiet—perfect for talking.”
Seong Hyunjin had brought her to the Sun God's Chapel, managed by Yeonhui. He'd heard Serena's worries here before, so it seemed fitting.
“But underclassman, this is...”
Ciela knew it was quiet. After morning and lunch services, hardly anyone came. Post-class afternoons were empty for sure—but the manager was always around.
Wanting alone time with him, Ciela grumbled in disappointment. “...That senior's here.”
And out came 'that senior' from the chapel. Having heard Seong Hyunjin's voice, Yeonhui emerged with a bright smile, opening the door.
“Junior Hyunjin, what brings you... Junior Ciela?”
“Ah... Hello, Senior Yeonhui.”
“Hey, Senior Yeonhui. Mind if we borrow the chapel for a bit?”
Yeonhui's welcoming expression cooled slightly upon seeing Ciela.
[My master, that lady's expression looks a bit off...]
“...Shamash, quiet.”
Ciela didn't need telling—she could sense it. Yeonhui's face had gone frosty seeing her with Seong Hyunjin.
For some reason, Ciela instinctively knew Yeonhui cared deeply about him. She chuckled inwardly.
...I figured keeping an eye on Junior Serena would be enough.
But here was a rival on par with—or worse than—Serena.