Exam Study (2)
The brief commotion caused by Seong Hyun-jin's unnecessarily sharp observational skills didn't last long. Remembering their original goal of helping him study, Serena and Ciela calmed down and took their seats.
Seong Hyun-jin, who had been smacked by Serena and face-planted onto the desk, lifted his head, roughly brushed off the spot on his head where she'd hit him, and lowered his hand as he spoke.
"…Shall we study?"
"…Yes."
Though they tried to resume studying as Seong Hyun-jin suggested, his earlier remark had been downright ghostly. Serena and Ciela still hadn't fully settled their nerves. And they began to feel a twinge of guilt toward each other.
His words had been shocking, to be sure, but they'd also cooled the heated nerve war between Serena and Ciela moments before.
Exchanging subtle glances, Serena and Ciela apologized to one another.
"…I said too much."
"No, I think I went a bit overboard too."
With Serena's apology and Ciela's admission that her excessive skinship—especially with someone else around—had been too much, their spat came to an end for the time being. Serena let out a deep sigh and turned to Seong Hyun-jin.
"How about using that observational skill to remember the lesson content? Like memorizing everything after seeing it just once…"
"I would if I could."
Seong Hyun-jin admitted plainly that he couldn't, and Serena sighed again. Ciela gave a hollow laugh at the sight.
"Maybe our junior just has zero interest in studying? He picks up swordsmanship quick, and that incident last time… His brain's definitely sharp, though."
"Study smarts and that kind of smarts are different."
"True enough."
Ciela glanced at the antique grandfather clock in the Teraport Hall lobby.
"Time's passed more than I thought. If we're covering combat studies theory for you too, Serena junior, it'll be tight. Ready to really focus now?"
"Sounds like you weren't focusing until now."
"Ahaha, you're sharp where it doesn't matter, junior!"
Seong Hyun-jin shot her an exasperated look at how spot-on that was, but Ciela carried on without a care.
"Alright, junior. Want me to explain that part again from earlier? You weren't paying attention at all… right?"
Seong Hyun-jin's eyes widened slightly at Ciela's whispering tone. He recalled what she'd said while arguing with Serena moments ago.
—It's because I like you, junior!
Considering her unusually excessive skinship as actions born from liking him, Ciela's current behavior struck him as rather endearing aegyo. Watching her, Seong Hyun-jin had a sudden thought.
…Am I more appealing to girls than I thought?
Yeonhui's behavior toward him before had been similar, but Ciela's actions and words just now solidified it. He remembered what Daniel had said once: Once you're handsome, everything else is just a bonus.
Seong Hyun-jin was starting to feel the truth of that firsthand.
I always saw my elf blood as a downside…
For the first time, Seong Hyun-jin felt grateful for the elven blood flowing through him—whether from his father or mother, he didn't know.
Leaning in to whisper to her just as she had to him, he murmured quietly.
"Yeah, of course I was distracted and couldn't focus."
"…!"
Ciela, surprised by his honest affirmation of her playful question, stared at him before blushing faintly and whispering back.
"Then later…"
"Ahem!"
As Ciela tried to wag her tail again, Serena cleared her throat pointedly. Snapping out of it, Ciela said,
"Oh…! L-Let's study for now?"
"Sure."
A hint of leisure crept into Seong Hyun-jin's voice for some reason, but unaware of why, Serena and Ciela focused on teaching him. Ciela handled the basics, followed by Serena explaining combat studies theory.
Fortunately, Seong Hyun-jin wasn't completely clueless about the classes, so he grasped Serena's lessons well.
"This part will be on the exam."
"How do you know?"
"It's a test that needs to differentiate, so they have to include some tougher material, right?"
"Makes sense."
"So it's easy to guess. Obvious questions from combat studies theory that aren't too hard."
Unlike Ciela, Serena truly concentrated on teaching. Seong Hyun-jin tilted his head at her demeanor.
Not what I expected?
He'd assumed from her strong reaction to Ciela's behavior—and her past actions—that Serena was interested in him. But she was solely focused on the lesson, leaving him a bit puzzled.
Were all her actions just as a friend?
…Maybe Ciela-senior's just unique.
Thinking that inwardly, Seong Hyun-jin concentrated on Serena's class.
Meanwhile, Ciela mused to herself, watching Serena—who'd reacted so intensely—do nothing now.
…What an honest junior.
It was clear Serena felt more than simple interest toward Seong Hyun-jin. Otherwise, she wouldn't have reacted so fiercely to Ciela's actions. Yet here she was, not making a move despite the opportunity.
Not honest—maybe she just doesn't know how to use her own weapons.
Either way, it was good for Ciela. Serena Eldark, inheriting elven blood, was a woman of dazzling beauty. Her radiant platinum hair and porcelain skin were things Ciela could never have, and her delicately refined features made anyone blurt out "pretty" at first sight. Ruby-like red eyes sparkling like jewels, a perfectly straight nose, long and slender lashes that tempted a touch from the side… Honestly, judging purely by looks, Ciela felt Serena outshone her.
It wasn't for nothing that Seong Hyun-jin, who measured all beauty against his master, had instantly thought her a beauty.
In truth, Ciela's assessment was spot-on. Serena, who rarely ventured outside, was largely ignorant of how to wield her feminine charms as a woman. She was gradually learning as she became aware of her feelings for Seong Hyun-jin, but she wasn't yet bold enough to act daringly in front of others like Ciela.
…She won't have much leisure for that.
Convinced she needed to stake her claim before Serena realized it, Ciela resolved not to lose Seong Hyun-jin. And there was a good sign: He'd clearly noticed her skinship.
That meant it was working on him.
Even if Serena-junior's next door, after midterms, I'll have more time alone with Hyun-jin junior…
Planning to go on the offensive once midterms ended, Ciela regained her composure.
'Maybe I should hit the bathroom quick.'
With the tension eased, Ciela suddenly needed to go and stepped out briefly. But she didn't know yet.
Serena Eldark wasn't as dense as she seemed. Her current propriety was just fulfilling her duty.
Serena was the type to strictly separate work and personal matters. Once her role as tutor ended…
"Shall we call it here for today?"
…she was ready to be more sincere than anyone. Especially now that they were alone—her confidence surged.
"Yeah, getting tired. And hungry."
"Then…"
Serena glanced around slyly, confirming Ciela hadn't returned. She rose slightly, leaning her upper body across the table.
'Oh…'
Noticing Seong Hyun-jin's eyes naturally drawn to her figure, she smiled faintly in satisfaction and whispered to him.
"Want to grab something delicious together?"
"Something delicious?"
"Yeah. Thinking about it, I haven't properly repaid you for all the help before…"
She meant the Martial Exhibition incident. Realizing, Seong Hyun-jin asked in surprise,
"You've been thinking about that this whole time?"
"A little. I know you don't expect anything. That's why I haven't mentioned it…"
Serena met his eyes and gave a soft smile.
"You've studied hard, so consider it a reward and payback."
"If that's the case, sure, I'm in. But what about Ciela-senior…?"
"She seemed to have a stomachache earlier? Headed straight to the bathroom."
"That's why she hasn't been back."
Understanding, Seong Hyun-jin stood.
"Then just us."
"Sounds good."
Serena stood close beside him familiarly, yet maintained a certain distance. It was a natural reflection of their friendship—and her desire to draw nearer without crossing lines. At least, not yet; she lacked that much courage still.
Still wearing a slight smile, Serena said,
"I found a good place, so let's head there."
"Where?"
"I'll tell you when we get there. No fun spoiling it."
With that, Serena quietly led Seong Hyun-jin away for some alone time.
And naturally, when Ciela returned late to an empty spot, she panicked.
"Wh-where'd they go…!?"
Looking around frantically, she couldn't spot Serena or Seong Hyun-jin anywhere. To her, the once-silent Shamash spoke up.
"Master, looks like they went off somewhere together."
"Whoa…"
Ciela let out a sigh of lament, recalling Serena Eldark's studious focus just moments ago. Realizing even that had been laying the groundwork, she gave a hollow chuckle.
"I got properly played…"