Chapter 66
Chapter 66
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: Three of Us on a Date (2)
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“Jeong Su-hyeon! Over here!”
The movie theater entrance was wrapped in the peculiar quiet of a new town early in the morning. Right in the middle of the silent sidewalk blocks, as if dropped into the heart of an urban planning blueprint, Yu-jeong sunbae and Ichie—both dressed to the nines—waved at me. Their voices echoed between the buildings.
The theater stood out among the towering structures with its uniquely flashy signboard, radiating presence. Its vibrant colors drew the eye even amid the rigid surrounding buildings. A few elegant ladies passed by, heading to the department store upstairs.
I waved back at Yu-jeong sunbae. Ichie followed suit a beat later. I had to keep waving like a triumphant general marching in.
Yu-jeong sunbae wore form-fitting jeans and a pretty blouse. Ichie sported a tennis skirt with a navy blazer. She timidly gripped her skirt hem or tossed her head side to side, subtly showing off her charm. Yu-jeong sunbae spoke up.
“Su-hyeon, you look great today.”
“Yeah?”
It was worth the effort I'd put into my outfit. I straightened my clothes once more and flashed a grin. Ichie chimed in from beside Yu-jeong sunbae.
“Su-hyeon oppa. You look cool.”
“Thanks, Ichie. You look pretty today too.”
Ichie blushed faintly and nodded. She seemed especially upbeat today. I was looking forward to the movie too. It was ten minutes to showtime. Yu-jeong sunbae said,
“Shall we grab some popcorn?”
“Sure, why not?”
I didn't usually eat popcorn at movies—it broke my focus. But Yu-jeong sunbae looked like she wanted some, so I went along with it today. She nodded and turned to Ichie.
“What about you, Ichie?”
“We'll share. I like popcorn.”
“Perfect.”
We ordered a half-and-half popcorn combo for three. The theater staff gave me a weird look, seeing me sandwiched between two girls. I grinned and paid with my card. Ichie and Yu-jeong sunbae each took a drink—Ichie grabbed mine too.
“Let's go?”
At Yu-jeong sunbae's question, Ichie suddenly stepped in front of me. She nodded and said,
“Yeah, let's go.”
Yu-jeong sunbae waved our tickets with a laugh.
“Right, hurry up.”
Then she slipped between me and Ichie. Ichie glanced at her and nodded.
“Come to think of it, I don't know the seats. You go first, Yu-jeong unnie.”
“Row E, seats 14, 15, 16. Center spots. Pretty good, right?”
“You picked great seats.”
“Shall we head in?”
The two exchanged smiles. They always got along so well. Midway, Ichie slowed her steps, falling behind me. Yu-jeong sunbae sighed deeply and shook her head. In the end, we sat Yu-jeong sunbae, me, Ichie.
The lights were still on before the movie, making the red seats stand out. We settled into the plush, cozy cushions, feeling them sink under our hands as we found our spots. Not many people came to weekend morning shows? The auditorium was nearly empty.
Ichie said,
“I'm so excited for the movie.”
“Yeah. A movie starring an S-Rank Hunter.”
“Our clan leader really wanted a role, but they said he was too old.”
Hearing that suddenly made the Black Dragon Clan's leader seem a bit pitiful. He'd spent his whole life dreaming of becoming the Heavenly Demon, only to miss out on the movie. Yu-jeong sunbae added,
“Instead, he consulted on the martial arts for the extras and supporting cast. He's a real black belt, after all.”
“I see.”
Ichie blinked at me. Her skirt had ridden up a bit, revealing her pale thighs. I had to force my gaze away. Whether she noticed my effort or not, she spread her legs slightly to adjust, hiking her skirt higher.
Thank goodness the lights went out before the movie started. As soon as they did, Ichie readjusted again, smoothing her clothes. I held the popcorn. Yu-jeong sunbae really loved it—she munched steadily through the ads. Ichie focused on the ads, sipping her cola through the straw.
Phone commercials, previews for upcoming films, and emergency exit notices scrolled by. I straightened up and silenced my phone. Yu-jeong sunbae chewed her straw, blinking.
Ichie's hand reached for the armrest. She fumbled a bit, then looked at me. I was holding the popcorn, so no armrest for me. Our eyes met; I smiled. She nodded, quirking her eyebrow.
I turned to Yu-jeong sunbae. Her smooth nose bridge, moist lips. The cheeks I'd caressed so many times. Without thinking, I reached toward her face. As my hand touched her, she smiled and nuzzled it like a puppy.
Her cuteness made me chuckle. Yu-jeong sunbae said,
“Oh, movie's starting.”
I straightened up and dove into the film. After the flashy opening, handsome Heavenly Demon Lee Hyun-woo appeared on screen. His swift, swallow-like leaps between buildings drew gasps. Yu-jeong sunbae whispered,
“They filmed it no-CGI since he's a Hunter.”
“Impressive.”
Especially his seven midair spins before landing—like a gymnast. Taking down dozens of evil organization goons with flashy martial arts felt like a wuxia hero come alive.
We watched slack-jawed, popcorn untouched. Heavenly Demon Lee Hyun-woo vanquished evil with dazzling action, confronting the fake Heavenly Demon. When the fake used dark sorcery to fell him, we sighed; his revival via elixir had us cheering unconsciously.
In the final clash, the Heavenly Demon roared,
“You're no Heavenly Demon! Reveal yourself!”
The masked villain laughed maniacally and tore off his mask.
“Yes! Curious about my identity? Behold! I am streamer Areum Sol-sol!”
Shocking twist. Areum Sol-sol, the girl who'd been flirting with the protagonist Heavenly Demon, was the fake all along. Ichie gaped, glued to the screen. The lead's stunned expression was spot-on.
“What?! Popular streamer Areum Sol-sol? No way! She was streaming just yesterday!”
“Muahaha! You know nothing of this world! Fool! Yesterday's stream was pre-recorded! To steal your power, I pretended to be an unknown singer! You fell for it like an idiot! Now, with your power absorbed, I'm no fake Heavenly Demon! I'm the real one—Heavenly Demon Areum Sol-sol!”
“No! It can't be!”
“Die! Divine Arts of the Heavenly Demon! Heavenly Demon Fire!”
“You wretch! Don't defile the Divine Arts of the Heavenly Demon!”
The fierce duel raged with flashy CG and terrifying moves. It was wild seeing the actress sync with an S-Rank Hunter. CG magic? Lethal strikes grazed perilously as the Heavenly Demon was slowly pushed back. On his knees, Areum Sol-sol cried,
“Now, die!”
At that moment, Lee Hyun-woo awakened to the true essence of the Divine Arts of the Heavenly Demon. He rose and pierced Areum Sol-sol's chest at invisible speed.
“Guhk...!”
Rain poured. Amid the ruined city, the pair stood. The fake Heavenly Demon, who dominated an era, staggered toward death, a hollow smile on her lips.
“In the end... I couldn't beat the real Heavenly Demon. How frustrating.”
She collapsed. Torrential rain engulfed her body. Mud from the wreckage swept her underground. Alone in the desolation stood the solitary Heavenly Demon Lee Hyun-woo. His anguished cry ended the film.
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“So moving.”
“Yeah. What a mind-blowing twist.”
Ichie nodded, her eyes a bit red. Yu-jeong sunbae beamed at us.
“In the original, Areum Sol-sol's an unknown singer. They changed her to a streamer here.”
“Oh, it was fun. I get why our clan leader loves it.”
“Right?”
“I really enjoyed it.”
Still, I wondered what the Black Dragon Clan's leader thought watching this—a younger Hunter, who'd hit S-Rank first, perfectly embodying his lifelong dream. It must've felt bittersweet.
Thinking that way made my own heart ache a little.
Yu-jeong sunbae stretched and said,
“What should we eat? The amusement park has great food at their restaurants.”
“Let's get something Su-hyeon oppa likes.”
“What do you like, Su-hyeon?”
“Let's do spicy stir-fried chicken. There's a good place nearby.”
Ichie's eyes sparkled.