Chapter 12
Chapter 12
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Scandal (2)
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"Hello?"
"Ah, h-hello."
Moon Soo-rin had tied her platinum blonde straight hair into a ponytail and was dressed in her uniform, fitting for the Student Council President. I focused on her face, careful not to let my eyes wander over her body.
"Mind if I sit here?"
"Ah, y-yeah. Sure, go ahead."
But seriously, joining me out of nowhere?
Moon Soo-rin seemed unfazed by my surprise as she casually set her clutch bag on the seat next to her and hung her coat on the chair.
"You like that stuff, huh?"
"Pardon?"
"The Claret Rose Latte. The owner said you're the only one who orders it. He was thinking of taking it off the menu until he saw your face and decided to keep it. Nice to know someone else enjoys it too."
"Ah... yeah. I love it. That spicy kick at the end is so addictive."
"Right? How do people not know about this deliciousness?"
Slurp...
She ordered two Claret Rose Lattes and slurped them down noisily while grumbling. It was adorable.
I was tempted to offer her mine too.
💖 Heroine Status Window 💖 🌹 [Moon Soo-rin] ❤️ Favorability: 25 💋 Lust: 15 🍴 Appetite: 30 😴 Fatigue: 70 Her favorability had gone up by 5 since the last time we met. Why was it rising when I hadn't done anything?
"Sorry about the restaurant earlier. I wanted to chat with you, Ho-yeon, but it was too public."
"No worries. I was rude last time too. I never imagined you'd be the Student Council President."
"It's fine. We're both at fault, so let's just let it go."
Swoosh. Moon Soo-rin leaned forward, locking eyes with me. Her face suddenly so close startled me, and I instinctively pulled back.
"Wh-what is it?"
"It's weird. We've only met a few times, but every time I see you, Ho-yeon, it feels like we're old friends. So comfortable."
"..."
'The heroine's mindset is fully in place.' That was the only explanation.
If she felt that familiar with me, all the better. It'd make conquering her easier.
"Ah, then feel free to speak casually. I'm just a first-year."
"Sure? Then I'll be casual, so you do the same, Ho-yeon."
"Got it, President."
"I said casual. We're only two years apart."
"Still, how could I with the President..."
Glare. She shot me a displeased look.
"Come on, say it. Noo-na."
"Noo...na."
"Heehee... Ahem. Yeah. Call me Noona casually. Su-rin Noona would be even better."
"Okay. Su-rin Noona."
"Kuhuh..."
Every time I called her Noona, she'd clamp her mouth shut and squirm like a returnee student hearing 'Oppa' from a junior.
'Why is she this easy, Moon Soo-rin...'
One word—"Noona"—and she was floored.
Had I ever made a girl smile just by saying 'Noona' in my life? I felt oddly proud.
I watched her cover her mouth, smiling warmly.
Click!
Then, a camera shutter sounded from the large window.
Looking over, I saw a man in a black coat fleeing into the distance.
"What the hell, that bastard."
I jumped up to chase him.
"It's fine, sit down, Ho-yeon."
"Why? It's a paparazzi. We can catch him if we go now."
No matter that I'd gone the mage route, there's no way I couldn't catch a fleeing civilian.
"He's not a civilian. Even if you chase him, he'll deny taking the photo. A picture of me with a guy won't prove anything anyway."
Moon Soo-rin already seemed resigned.
"Wait, not a civilian? An Awakened doing paparazzi work? Does this happen often?"
"Yeah, I've lost count. I never thought I'd be worrying about this, and I'm not even a celebrity."
Moon Soo-rin sighed and slurped her Claret Rose Latte.
'The stalker incident is about to start.'
The main event in Moon Soo-rin's route: the 'Stalker Incident.' It seemed to be kicking off.
The protagonist solves it with her, growing closer. I knew who the stalker was, but it wasn't time yet. Interfering now would just get me labeled crazy.
"Anyway, I saw your 1v1 duel video. You're pretty good."
"Huh? How'd you see that?"
"It was on EveryDay. Uploaded without your permission, I assume."
The video itself wasn't important. The key was the 'Stalker Incident' main event.
'I need to get involved in the 'Stalker Incident.' But not at the start—when Moon Soo-rin is really struggling.'
Sorry, Moon Soo-rin, but that's how the conquest gets easier.
"... It's fine. But, Noona, just in case."
"Yeah?"
"If you ever need help, tell me right away. I'll do whatever I can. As you saw, I've got some skills."
"Hehe. Yeah. Thanks."
She looked at me like a proud big sister gazing at her reliable little brother. It was kinda embarrassing.
"Well, I'll head out then, Su-rin Noona."
"Yeah. Take care. Ah, wait!"
Moon Soo-rin rummaged in her clutch bag and handed me something.
"Put your number in before you go."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ EveryDay.
Vicki Academy's student community site.
It shared Awakened issues, guild info, new dungeons—useful stuff among students.
Of course, it had a free board too. A post from Wednesday night turned the site upside down.
📰 Breaking News [Breaking! Student Council President Moon Soo-rin on a Solo Date with a Guy?] The post was just one photo, no text.
Moon Soo-rin covering her laughing mouth with one hand, smiling man across from her.
Anyone could see it was a couple enjoying a date.
It racked up over 500 recommendations, hitting the top of EveryDay's list.
💬 Comments — Anon123 Well, does it even make sense for Moon Soo-rin to be single? — Fanboy456 No, what boyfriend? There was a pic like this before, but it was just a student council junior. — Reply to Fanboy456 ↳ Reply Nah, that guy was too low-tier. Look at this guy's face. Pretty boys and beauties stick together. Sigh, fml. — RageQuit Die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die die A nothing post dropped like a meteor into the calm community, spreading like wildfire.
📰 Breaking News [Breaking! Guy's Identity Revealed.] — CuriousCat Who is he? Model? Celeb? — Insider Lee Ho-yeon, A-Class freshman at Victoria Academy. He's in my class lol. — JealousAF Wtf. A freshman? I'm a sophomore and haven't even talked to Moon Soo-rin yet. Heading to A-Class tomorrow to lay down the law. — GamerPro Lee Ho-yeon? The guy whose eyes glowed gold in that 1v1 duel vid? Looked insanely strong. — Deleted [This message has been deleted.] — Lolz Lmao, deleted and dipped right away. Lee Ho-yeon.
He'd caught the professors' and Elise's eyes by soloing a Rank 7 Iron Giant in the exam, but most students didn't know him.
The 1v1 with Lucy had gone up, but few recognized him.
— Witness Lee Ho-yeon pulled Rank 5 in virtual monster training today, then one-shot the Rank 7 Iron Giant too. — Skeptic What? How's Rank 5 in A-Class? ⭐ Top Comment — EnvyMaster They say he cleared up to 7. Even if not, dating the Chairman's granddaughter? What's impossible? — Salty This ain't right lol. Good looks, skills... Total envy fuel. — UltimateSalty But dating Moon Soo-rin is the peak envy, agree? — AgreeAll Agree lol. Guy has it all. The most shocked were the A-Class first-years.
"Hey, you see EveryDay? Says Lee Ho-yeon is dating the Student Council President?"
"What? For real?"
A-Class was noisier than ever that morning.
A male cadet vented his frustration.
"What does Lee Ho-yeon have that lets him date Moon Soo-rin?"
"You seriously asking? With that face, he could live off it forever."
"..."
The female cadet's sharp fact left the guy sullen as he sat back down.
The semester was new, few issues to buzz about. So the scandal between Lee Ho-yeon and Student Council President Moon Soo-rin naturally drew all attention.
No official confirmation they were dating, of course. But that spread Lee Ho-yeon's name across Victoria Academy.
Then.
Slide—
The scandal's center, Lee Ho-yeon, entered the classroom.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Friday morning.
No duels today, just theory classes. So I'd grinded magic training till late. Textbook read-through done, key papers skimmed—time to ease off theory for a bit.
"Haa, sleepy."
Waking in the dorm felt routine now.
Drawing the curtains, unpleasant morning sun bathed me.
Not a morning shower guy, so I washed hair, face, shook off water.
Donned cadet uniform casually, headed out. Felt like back to college—still fun. For now.
On the way, weirdly lots of stares. Guys whispering in corners, eyeing me? Paranoia?
"Lee Ho-yeon... something something."
"...gonna kill..."
Hard to hear, but my name popped up. Maybe Su-rin Noona mentioned the 1v1 vid?
Uneasy, I quickened to the first-year lecture hall.
Slide—
Entering A-Class, every eye turned to me.
They didn't look away. Just kept staring.
What? Why's everyone like this?
Over 30 people silently staring creeped me out. Should I back out? Seriously considering, then Kim Young-han approached.
"Good morning."
"Yeah, morning. But what's with the vibe? Something happen?"
"Your fault. Scandal Boy."
Scandal Boy? Then it hit—yesterday with Moon Soo-rin.
"Wait, because of the photo with... the President?"
"Yeah. One pic's got the academy in chaos. You really dating her?"
Hmm, what if I said yes?
Best case: Dating Moon Soo-rin. But my goal isn't dating her—it's conquering all heroines.
Worst: Can't date her, favorability drops.
Better play it safe.
"Nah, just ran into her at the cafe. Same fave drink, chatted a bit. That's it."
"Same drink leads to sharing a table?"
"We kinda knew each other before."
"...Okay? Good."
Kim Young-han still looked iffy, but whatever. I'm here.
"See? Told you it wasn't me."
"Yeah~ We all know you were raging about quitting the fan club."
"Shut up and sit?"
Past the noisy class, I sat.
Time before class, pulled out smartphone—new message.
[Ho-yeon, you're not really dating the Student Council President, right??]
From Lumi.
Glanced— she was chatting away with Lucy, acting oblivious.
[No, told you.]
[Really? Phew.]
Anyone'd think we were dating. No reply needed, ended chat.
"Alright, good morning."
Homeroom prof Kim Jin-hyuk entered, slicked-back hair, black suit as usual.
"Good morning. Announcement: Starting next week, freshmen can join clubs. Pick at least one, submit by next Friday..."
Boring notices done, everyone prepped for morning class.
"Next is Mana Studies intro."
"Why? Sounds hype. They say it's the most practical class here."
Mana Studies—theory but practice-heavy.
Practical hunter skills? Looking forward.
"Hm."
Need to conquer heroines, but I've been too academy-focused.
Weekend plans with Lumi. Nam Da-eun and Elise need top scores first. Moon Soo-rin not same year. Last heroine—meeting this weekend.
Only one I can chat with now... Lucy.
Scanning, Lucy packed for Mana Studies next to Lumi.
💖 Heroine Status Window 💖 🌹 [Lucy] ❤️ Favorability: 27 💋 Lust: 5 🍴 Appetite: 40 😴 Fatigue: 20 💖 Heroine Status Window 💖 🌹 [Lumi] ❤️ Favorability: 35 💋 Lust: 30 🍴 Appetite: 15 😴 Fatigue: 40 Favorability decent on both.
Maybe chat? Lumi's groupmate—perfect excuse.
"Lumi, did you send our pic to the prof?"
"Ah, Ho-yeon! Yeah, sent it that day."
"You two look close."
Lucy's tone had thorns. Sharp for 27 favorability.
Lucy gets picky about Lumi's friends. Unaware she's the reason Lumi can't make any. Lumi's too sweet to complain—vicious cycle.
"Hey, Lucy. Same group as Lumi, gotta get along."
"Yeah, whatever. Ho-yeon's not bad. But if you meet privately? Won't let it slide. Got it?"
"Haha, no way."
"..."
"What, Lumi? Why so quiet? Anyone'd think you made weekend plans."
"No, not that!"
"..."
Lumi's eyes darted wildly. Can't lie, huh.
"...Hey."
"Assignment looks good, so I'll bounce. See ya, Lumi. Bye, Lucy!"
Best to dip quick. 'Cause I'm the bad boy Lee Ho-yeon.
"Hey, Lee Ho-yeon! Get over here. What'd you do to our pure Lumi?!"
"Lucy, wait, lemme explain. No magic in here!"
Wasn't bad boy supposed to be like this?