Chapter 110: Ah, How Can I Resist Cheon Yu-hak’s Birthday Party! (11)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 110: Ah, How Can I Resist Cheon Yu-hak’s Birthday Party! (11)
With the party only a day away, there was a woman trying her best to calm her trembling heart.
But if anxiety were something that could be easily quelled, no one in the world would ever worry.
Even heroes, though they tend to recover their composure faster than most, are not immune to unease—especially when the source of that anxiety is something entirely beyond their control.
Indeed, the woman trembling with apprehension was Cathy.
Now, why was she, who had so coolly declared her absolute faith in So-hyun, currently shaking with nerves?
‘…What should I do?’
— I’m confident in myself.
— Confident that, in the end, So-hyun will only have eyes for me.
Cathy had made that bold declaration, but in truth, she didn’t have a shred of composure left.
It was only because Leilan, one of the three people who had given her advice, had said things like, “Being older isn’t necessarily a disadvantage. Showing poise and confidence can be a new point of attraction,” and “Doubting him when he hasn’t even cheated might make him dislike you. The charm of an adult is giving him the certainty that you trust him no matter what.”
She had only pretended to be cool because those words sounded plausible.
In reality, she was terrified.
She was so anxious she felt like she was going crazy.
She hadn’t even considered the possibility of being rejected by So-hyun himself, though she had worried about opposition from Na-hyun or his family.
The rosy emotions that had found her for the first time in her life were as sweet as chocolate. She had been so intoxicated by that sweetness that she hadn’t noticed the bitterness hidden beneath.
So-hyun was kind.
Because of that, he didn’t turn away those who approached him.
The way he forgave those who had literally put a hole in his stomach or those who had bullied him could, depending on one’s perspective, be seen as bordering on abnormal.
“…I hate it.”
Of course, she could guess why he embraced so many people without choosing a single partner. It was likely something necessary for someone else’s sake.
Even so, she hated it.
She thought she could wait patiently, but the moment she realized his gaze might eventually settle elsewhere, she became restless.
So-hyun was like the sun.
The number of people receiving his warmth and sending him their goodwill would only increase from here on out. At the very least, it wouldn’t decrease.
By the time he graduated, she would be twenty-nine.
With a nine-year age gap, would there really be no one more attractive than her by his side then?
Of course, So-hyun wasn’t the kind of boy to abandon her. Besides, among heroes whose aging process was nearly non-existent, a nine-year difference wasn’t that significant.
But while her head knew this, anxiety was a weed that grew from imagination, not facts.
His personality, which had felt like salvation until now, felt a little resentful for the first time.
That resentment soon transformed into a desire.
She wanted to monopolize him.
She wanted to hide his warmth away and enjoy it all to herself.
At first, she was the only one who knew.
His philosophy of being able to smile even while sacrificing himself for others.
His surprisingly mischievous streak.
The way his expression softened far more than usual when he laughed sincerely.
It was all hers—things only she knew.
Of course, she soon realized that all of this was just a childish tantrum.
No, he wasn’t mine to begin with. I shouldn’t think like this. So-hyun doesn’t belong to anyone.
But was it because he didn’t belong to anyone? Because it felt like she could reach out and grab him, she wanted him even more.
A hero who had lived her life for others without ever wanting anything for herself had finally found something she desired after realizing her feelings as a woman.
* * *
“Hey, So-hyun. They say the Academy is closed tomorrow.”
“…What?”
When I came out after washing up in the morning, Ha-ni, who was staring at her smartphone, suddenly dropped that bombshell.
“Why all of a sudden? It’s not like they’re closing just because it’s Cheon Yu-hak’s birthday, right?”
“Actually, that’s exactly why.”
“…What?”
“The text says the Cheonhwa Group suggested it. They’re apparently preparing some recreational activities for ‘experiential learning’ inside the party venue, so they asked if the school could take the day off.”
“…Does that even make sense? No, why would the Academy agree to that? Ah, wait. I guess they would have to agree, wouldn’t they?”
“Yeah. Think about how much the Cheonhwa Group donates to our Academy. It’s not like this happens often, anyway.”
True.
Even my father had that much influence, and honestly, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say the Cheonhwa Group literally built several of the Academy’s facilities. If they set their minds to it, closing the school for a day would be child’s play.
…But thinking that the reason they used such immense wealth to close the Academy was for their son’s birthday party made it feel a bit pathetic.
Mr. Cheon Yu-hak. Just what kind of life have you been living…?
“I can’t wait to see Yu-hak’s face when we get to class.”
“Wow, Han-hee. You should be thinking about comforting your friend if he’s embarrassed. How can you say that?”
“Lower the corners of your mouth before you speak.”
Ah, how can I resist roasting Cheon Yu-hak?
“Hey, let’s go, quick. The others might have already started without us.”
“Teasing Yu-hak without us? We can’t let that happen.”
“Ah, damn. I wish I were in the same class next year too!”
We hurried to the classroom. I couldn’t contain myself, imagining Yu-hak—who usually maintained a noble, cool-headed attitude—trembling as he waited for us.
I’d been teasing him for the past few days, but it’s not my fault that it’s fresh and hilarious every single time, right?
* * *
“This is Reporter Kang So-hyun from the Leilan Press Department. On that note, could you give us a quick comment on how you’re feeling right now, Mr. Cheon Yu-hak?”
“And this is Reporter Kang Han-hee, also from the Leilan Press Department! Just one word, Mr. Cheon Yu-hak!”
“…Just looking at your faces makes my blood boil. I didn’t expect the good mood I had from planning to stick it to my father yesterday to hit rock bottom in just one day.”
“Cheon Yu-hak. Makes rebellious remarks. Verbally abuses reporters. Controversy.”
“…Do you have some kind of grudge against me? What did I even do to you?”
Nope, not at all, Yu-hak. This is just how friends play.
“Sigh, whatever. Knowing my father’s personality, if I show up without a partner tomorrow, he’ll probably try to introduce someone to me naturally. His face tomorrow will be even more worth seeing.”
“Wow, look at this unfilial son. Are you ashamed of the festival your father threw just for you!?”
“Yes, I am incredibly ashamed.”
“Controversy.”
“…Are you perhaps looking for a duel?”
Having reached his limit, Cheon Yu-hak finally turned red and summoned his spear.
“Whoa, look at him trying to hit people just because he’s famous now!”
“Guys, stop teasing Yu-hak.”
Lilac approached, pretending to mediate, but seeing how the corners of his mouth were twitching upward, it was clear he had just come to join in.
“…Lower the corners of your mouth before you speak, Lilac.”
“Ah, sorry. I didn’t mean to actually laugh.”
“Phew, fine. I suppose you usually don’t have anything to tease me about even if you wanted to. I’ll be understanding and let you enjoy yourselves while you can.”
But once Lilac joined in, Yu-hak seemed to regain his pace a bit, taking a deep breath and returning to his usual self.
Ah, this guy. Trying to calm down already? Not on my watch.
What else is there? Is there something that can break him in one shot?
“…Even when we first met as kids, everyone else was busy walking on eggshells around me, but you really haven’t changed a bit.”
“Yep, I have no intention of walking on eggshells. And I’m not stopping.”
Thinking about it, things really have changed a lot.
Only about two months ago, when I first saw these guys, I couldn’t have imagined a relationship where we’d joke around like this.
— Do I even have the right to be like this?
Ah, damn it. Here we go again.
At first, the memories beyond the noise only appeared when there was a major emotional upheaval, but now they were starting to react to even the smallest things.
“…Ah.”
Fortunately, the filth squirming in my heart today scraped together the fading noise and suppressed the memory quickly.
“What’s wrong all of a sudden?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I was just thinking about how to compress as much teasing as possible into a single day.”
“…Go away.”
“Not a chance, right, Han?”
“Of course. So.”
“Hey, let me in on it too…! Why are you two the only ones doing that…!”
“I’m begging you, please just get out of my sight for today…!”
Ah, he finally cursed. We win.
* * *
Finally, the day of the party arrived.
When I opened my eyes in the morning, Ha-ni, who was already fully prepared, was setting the table for breakfast.
She usually looks good in her school uniform or casual clothes, but seeing her in a men’s suit with her long hair tied back in a ponytail was fresh and suited her well.
Well, to me, she looked more like a boyish, beautiful girl than a handsome man, but as long as others didn’t suspect anything, it was fine.
“Oh, you’re up?”
“…Hey, why are you cooking? What if you get your clothes dirty?”
“I’m wearing an apron, so it’s fine. The party starts at lunch, so we should at least eat something light~”
“Yesterday you were acting like you were going to eat enough to bring down one of the Cheon family’s pillars.”
“You can actually eat more if you have a little something in your stomach beforehand rather than starving yourself~”
“That’s true.”
“You’re going to get ready after eating?”
“Yep.”
By the way, Noona brought me my suit yesterday, and when I tried it on, the length was perfect.
She said she had originally ordered it a bit large, but it seemed my body was actually growing now that I had reconstructed my bones and muscles.
After eating breakfast and washing up, putting on the clothes felt a bit strange. It’s not like I have many occasions to wear a suit.
— Technically, the things you usually wear with a mask also fall under the category of—
Uh-uh, stop right there!
…Exactly. I haven’t worn one recently, so it feels awkward. Yep, I’ve never worn a suit before.
— And yet you’re someone who actually enjoys wearing them once you put them on—
Sun Wukong kept spouting nonsense, but I ignored her.
“Oh, I thought so yesterday too, but you look better in a suit than I expected. If only you were a bit taller.”
“I’m still in my growth phase. Kang So-hyun’s growth spurt starts now, so look forward to it.”
“…I guess some kids do keep growing even at twenty.”
As she said that, Ha-ni wasn’t believing me at all; she was giving me a look of pity.
But I really am going to grow. Since I forcibly reconstructed my frame and fully assimilated the medicinal properties, shouldn’t I be much taller by next year at the latest?
“I’m planning to be taller than you, so don’t worry.”
“…Sure, if you say so.”
While exchanging silly jokes with Ha-ni, the appointment time drew near.
The meeting place was just in front of the dormitory, but well, these things are all about the formality, right?
“Oh.”
I thought I was out early, but everyone except Ha-ni and me was already gathered.
“Ah, he’s here.”
“The loser is late?”
“Whatever. It’s not even the meeting time yet.”
I knew it would be like this, but seeing them all together really felt like a K-drama set. The sight of these beautiful young men and women standing there in various dresses and suits was quite a spectacle.
I expected the guys to be in black at best, but Lilac was in a flashy white suit with sky-blue patterns, and while Cheon Yu-hak was in black, his watch and other accessories were clearly high-end luxury goods.
Of course, no matter how much those two stood out, it was nothing compared to the girls.
Honestly, I thought Ga-eul’s red dress from last time would be the most flamboyant, but seeing them now, that wasn’t necessarily the case.
Lee Yu-na, wearing a pale pink dress, had even applied makeup—unlike her usual self—looking like a radiant fairy. Ju Ri-ra, in a deep purple dress and earrings, gave off the vibe of a mature secretary.
Both of them were clearly determined to make a move.
My Noona, wearing a dress in the same red family as Ga-eul’s but in a darker shade, gave the impression of a flower on a high cliff that one wouldn’t dare approach. Professor Park A-ram, who had come along as Professor Cathy’s acquaintance, had chosen a dress with a more mature design than her usual “little witch” image, though it didn’t quite suit her.
Everyone was flashy and beautiful, but in the end, the one who captured everyone’s gaze was our Professor Cathy.
“Ah, haha. I told you not to stare so much, everyone. It’s a bit much for someone my age, isn’t it?”
Her dress, a harmonious blend of green and white, was paired with gold ornaments that matched her hair perfectly without being overbearing.
Despite the design having very little exposure, it emphasized her lines, making her feminine charm stand out vividly.
To put it simply…
It was big and beautiful. No, wait. That’s not it. Uh, she was just… beautiful.
I mean, honestly, I couldn’t help it. It was an irresistible force.
There was very little skin showing, but because of that, it—which simply could not be hidden—boasted its presence.
Every man she encountered at the venue would likely have her image seared into his mind.
I didn’t know for sure, but judging by how the girls—especially Lee Yu-na—were looking at their own chests and comparing, she would probably get quite a lot of attention from the women as well.
But Yu-na, give up. A human cannot beat a melon.
“Haha, Cathy, stop bragging to the kids. You look damn good in that.”
Ah, our Little Witch finally said what none of us could. Honestly, it really was a bit of a flex.
“What are you talking about!”
It swayed.
I’m not going to say what swayed, but anyway, it swayed.
Lilac and Cheon Yu-hak cleared their throats.
Those punks.
I understand.
It’s an irresistible force.
“Ahem.”
My throat-clearing was also an irresistible force.