Chapter 79
Chapter 79
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: The Reason I Hate You All
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"...A picnic?"
Three hours earlier. Lee Bora had received a sudden call from the orphanage director.
The moment the Black Woman's permission to clock out came through, she rushed over right away.
She'd been so startled, wondering if something bad had happened.
It had all ended without issue in the end, but the truth was, she'd been threatened by a villain.
No one could say for sure that something like that wouldn't happen again.
There wasn't even a Smiling Man this time. It could turn into a real disaster.
Harboring those worries, she headed there, unable to hide her anxiety.
But the news awaiting Lee Bora was nothing like that.
"Yes, Lee Bora. How about a day trip to Yeouido Hangang Park?"
"I see. But why me...?"
"Truth is, we had volunteers lined up, but with Ulleungdo nearly half-destroyed this time, so many people volunteered to help there instead..."
Aah. Lee Bora let out a sigh of understanding.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say all of Korea's attention was focused on Ulleungdo right now.
Volunteers flocking there was only natural, in a way.
"So the volunteers coming to our orphanage suddenly canceled."
"We considered hiring daily helpers with our operating funds, but this place is a special case, isn't it? We worried the kids might hurt their feelings with how they look at people. So, we're shamelessly asking for your help, Lee Bora."
The orphanage kids adored Lee Bora and followed her lead so well.
She'd be far better than some paid daily helper.
That was the director's conclusion, clearly thinking of the children.
"I'll cover food expenses, transportation, and even a daily fee for your trouble. So please..."
"No, Director."
Lee Bora shook her head, saying it wasn't necessary.
"You don't need to pay me extra."
"Lee Bora?"
"A picnic with the kids. Sounds fun. I'll go."
She tried to hide her pounding excitement and answered casually.
Hangang Park, of all places. She never imagined things would line up like this.
She'd almost asked first if she could join.
"Um, Director. In exchange, could I bring one more person?"
"Of course. Anyone coming with you must be a good person."
"You saw him last time. The man who did magic tricks for the kids."
"Ahh! Him! I'd welcome him with open arms! He really loves the kids too!"
Perfect. Now she had a natural reason to head to the location with him.
And the timing matched perfectly. It was a gift from the heavens.
All that was left was convincing the Smiling Man. She had to make it happen.
To avoid becoming his enemy, she had no choice but to give it her all.
On her way back to the dorm after finishing with the director.
Alright. Now to convince the Smiling Man...
"Secretary."
"...!"
She nearly screamed. Her heart pounded wildly.
When? Since when had he been tailing her?
She hadn't noticed at all. Not even a hint of presence.
And she was a spy, no less! How could she have missed this?
"Heading back from the orphanage?"
"Ah, yes. Yes."
"I see. Those smelly kids must have been a real hassle for you."
"... "
Hey. You, calling them smelly kids who torment you.
Are carrying boxes stuffed with toys and stationery in both hands.
How could a villain's words and actions mismatch so badly?
He probably grumbled during the Ulleungdo rescue, like, "Do I really have to do this?"
If only a guy like that were a hero instead of a villain.
Swallowing her regret, Lee Bora quickly spoke up.
"Um, Smiling Man. If it's possible, would you come with me on the kids' picnic?"
"The orphanage picnic? With me?"
Have you forgotten you're a villain? The Smiling Man let out a scoff.
A bad guy picnicking with kids? That doesn't make sense, was the added judgment.
But don't forget—he saved all of Ulleungdo.
The Union was still howling in bruised pride over it.
At least dozens of heroes had their lives saved there.
Add in the cadets, and he'd saved hundreds of future hero manpower.
"There's a reason."
Of course, she wasn't proceeding without a plan.
"The Union's reaction after the Ulleungdo incident has been off."
"Mm. Yeah, I figured. Looks like their pride took a big hit."
"I got word from a contact. They suddenly changed the meeting spot to Hangang Park."
"That's odd, right? Not some secluded spot, but a wide-open place full of eyes and ears?"
Suspicious. Very suspicious. The Smiling Man smiled.
Was it her imagination, or did it feel like he was saying, "I know everything"?
Her heart tightened again, but it was too late to back out.
"I don't know the exact details. But their info has always been gold so far, and the only way to verify right now is to meet in person."
"Got it. Understood."
Hmm. The Smiling Man pondered briefly before speaking again.
"You'll get permission from the boss, I assume?"
"Of course. And I'll let her know about your involvement too."
"If you're going to that trouble for me, how can I say no? Hahaha! It almost feels like you'd be in a bind if I didn't go!"
"...Actually, I already mentioned it to the director."
"Ahh! I see. Then I definitely have to go!"
Heck, I'll go talk to the director myself!
Ah, damn. Picnicking with those smelly kids isn't my thing.
What can you do? It's a request from our secretary, so I have to! Of course!
But there he was, hands full of gifts lined up for the kids.
Lee Bora quietly watched the Smiling Man head to the orphanage.
Damn... What an incomprehensible guy, she thought.
Friday evenings always brought a thrill to everyone.
That excitement multiplied the more people shared it.
So on days like this, everyone made plans to meet up.
Especially for couples—there was no better time.
< "Today, many more volunteers visited Ulleungdo. Everyone's banding together for the recovery efforts." >
< "In the midst of this, reports surfaced again of some local restaurants overcharging volunteers, drawing criticism even from political circles over the price gouging." >
< Experts say the villain known as the Smiling Man's power is at least on par with an S-Rank Hero... >
"Whatcha watching?"
"Ulleungdo news. Our underclassmen keep popping up too."
"Makes me think of those instructors we lost. They were good people."
"Yeah..."
To their Hero Academy classmates, they were the so-called childhood sweetheart couple.
Second-year cadet Jung Hye-seon. And second-year cadet Yoo Sang-hyun.
Not married yet, but both were already thinking that far ahead.
Growing up together since childhood, they saw each other as lifelong partners.
A man with only one woman for life. A woman with only one man to love forever.
Could there be a more beautiful sight anywhere in the world?
"Anyway, we should head out soon. It's Friday, but we've stayed too long. The library staff need time to close up too, right?"
"Y-Yeah? But I still have some work left on that monster traits summary assignment."
"I'll help you with it over the weekend. You know I'm better at the monster stuff than you."
Jung Hye-seon smiled, and Yoo Sang-hyun smiled back.
Learning together, striving side by side, moving forward as one.
Someday, both would become heroes protecting people.
And someday, the child they'd have would dream of being a hero too.
The two cadets chatted amiably as they left the library.
About what happened in class. Fun topics they'd heard from classmates.
What a lovely sight. The epitome of a perfect couple.
Such happiness was contagious, spreading good vibes to those around.
It warmed hearts. Made you think, "I want a love like that too."
A positive influence no one could dislike.
"There they go."
But the world was full of all sorts of people.
And all sorts of idiots and monsters walked around in human skin.
Scoffing at warmth, mocking and jeering.
Even annoyed by it, trying to ruin and steal it away.
"...Both live alone, huh."
"Yeah. Not living together yet. He's dropping her off at her place and heading back to his."
"You sure?"
"Checked a few times."
"Good."
Kim Woo-jun smiled, as if just imagining it was fun.
Shin Jae-gon beside him still seemed hesitant.
But seeing Jung Hye-seon's decent looks changed his mind.
"Once they're split, hit 'em with full illusion. Kill 'em if it goes wrong."
"Got it."
The two—two beasts—silently tailed the couple.
Like hyenas stalking prey. Sly as villains.
After that, it was a piece of cake. Too easy.
They approached the couple saying goodbye at the entrance and activated their Ability right away.
They supported the illusion-hit pair like good friends and hurried them into the rooms.
Not unconscious, so they could still answer questions.
Thanks to that, they got the door lock codes and entered.
Perfect so far. No room for suspicion.
Even CCTV would show them as helpful friends assisting classmates.
"Yo, lock the door."
"Got it."
"Easy peasy. Play till dawn, then bail."
They tossed Yoo Sang-hyun by the entrance and dragged Jung Hye-seon along.
Giggling as they opened the bedroom door—
"Huh?"
Dim room. Someone sat in the chair at the desk.
Lives alone, they said. Why was someone in an empty house?
"...Who?"
"Who, you say?"
Crack!
The figure cracked their knuckles and stood.
A wrinkle-free smile gleamed clearly even in the darkness.
"Pure love knight... nah, pure love squinty-eyed creep."