Chapter 66
Chapter 66
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 066
Chapter Title: The Booze Starts Flowing (1)
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On the way home after being discharged from the hospital, I mulled over the deal Han Winter had proposed to me the day before.
Accomplished in both letters and martial arts, with beauty to boot. Han Winter was, without a doubt, the top student among the first-year freshmen. She was a student, that is—but when it came to the ranking battles, she always came in second to Ryu Tae-hyun.
Han Winter wasn't weak by any means. It was just that Ryu Tae-hyun was ridiculously strong, beyond all norms. At least until the story hit its mid-arc developments, no one could hold their own against him in a one-on-one.
In order to beat him, she wanted my help with her training. At first, her request didn't make much sense, but after hearing her out, I got the gist of it.
'Be my punching bag.'
That was Han Winter's request in a nutshell. Of course, she hadn't phrased it quite like that. But that was the essence of it.
Han Winter believed the reason she kept losing to Ryu Tae-hyun was a lack of experience. She was half right. No matter how elite her education had been, there was a world of difference between Han Winter, the heiress of a chaebol family, and Ryu Tae-hyun, who had been through hell and back even before enrolling at the Academy.
What she was asking from me was to make up for that lack of experience. But what I couldn't wrap my head around was why me, specifically. With the power of the Hanseong Group, finding a sparring partner should be a piece of cake.
To my question, Han Winter gave a clear answer.
'Because your ability is the perfect counter to mine.'
The perfect counter. When I first heard it, it didn't click at all—I even asked her to repeat herself—but her explanation made it crystal clear right away.
'Flames can't burn smoke. It's even in One Piece, right? I'm Ace, and you're Smoker.'
Of all the analogies, she picks that one? Still, it clicked instantly. Just like she said, flames can't burn smoke. On the flip side, my smoke could trap or snuff out her flames. Perfect? Maybe not quite, but from her perspective, it had to be a real pain.
Of course, she wasn't asking for my help just because of ability matchup. She also rated highly my close-quarters combat skills and my overall battle prowess.
Dawn Corps executives, underworld hitmen, and even Wilhelm. Everyone I'd faced so far had been top-tier powerhouses.
...In truth, those victories had come from desperate flailing on the brink of death, but she had no way of knowing that.
In summary, to Han Winter, Ahn Su-ho was a powerhouse with exceptional combat ability who also wielded the perfect counter to her superpower. He was tailor-made as a training partner for honing PvP skills.
That's why she'd asked me to help with her training, and after a moment's thought, I'd accepted.
Building a close bond with Han Winter—a major character and heroine—could only be a win. Plus, if I could help her grow through this, it was all upside. To survive the brutal developments starting from the original story's midpoint, her current level just wouldn't cut it.
"......She sure gets things done."
As a result, there wasn't a single ant—or reporter, scout, or shadow—in sight when I got back to my place after so long. Han Winter had pulled strings.
-Creak. Clank.
The rusty hinges groaned as I opened the door, revealing my cozy studio apartment. Two months since possessing this body in this world. It finally felt like home.
I stashed the fruits and juices from hospital visitors in the fridge, then got straight to prepping a bath. Not being able to shower during my hospital stay had left me feeling grimy as hell. Dinner could be takeout; first, I wanted a hot shower.
-Ding-dong!
"Who's there?"
No one was supposed to visit, so I called out. A bright voice replied from the other side of the door.
-It's Ji Ye-won from next door! Did Ahn Su-ho get discharged?
The voice belonged to Ji Ye-won. Living next door, she'd probably sensed me coming home.
I opened the door to find Ji Ye-won in a fitted white tee and dolphin pants. Her hair was still damp—she'd just showered. Probably fresh off work.
"Oh, looking good as new? You get discharged and don't even tell me—why sneak back without a word—"
Her eyes twitched as she scanned me from head to toe, lingering on my shoulders and chest.
"Ah, sorry."
I'd been about to shower, so I was only in running shorts up top. Not exactly guest-ready attire, even for a friend. And I'd heard women see guys in running shirts like underwear.
"Ah...... Were you changing?"
Ji Ye-won flushed and looked away. Feeling awkwardly embarrassed, I scratched the back of my head.
"Yeah. Was just about to wash up."
"Yeah, figures. Should I come back later?"
"What's up?"
"Nothing much. I just got off work and showered too. Figured if you hadn't eaten, we could grab dinner together? What's your plan for tonight?"
"Was gonna do takeout."
"Knew it."
She beamed and clenched her fist lightly.
"You just got discharged—you need real food. I bought stuff for budae jjigae at home. Wanna join? Made enough for breakfast tomorrow too."
"Sounds good to me."
Truth be told, I preferred home-cooked meals over takeout. I usually tried to cook my own. Today was an exception since I was fresh out of the hospital, no ingredients, too lazy.
No reason to turn down Ji Ye-won offering to cook.
"Takes about 20 minutes, so take your time showering. I'll leave the door open—come on in."
With an oddly excited vibe, Ji Ye-won headed back to her place. Following her lead, I left the front door unlocked and hit the bathroom.
After a quick shower, I headed to her place. A spicy, savory aroma tickled my nose.
-Thud thud thud thud thud.
Glancing toward the kitchen in the corner of her studio, I saw Ji Ye-won cheerfully chopping green onions. Next to it, a pot of what looked like budae jjigae bubbled away in thick red broth.
"Oh, you're here? Quick."
"Stomach was stuck to my back, so I rushed. Need help with anything?"
"Nah? Oh, can you set the bowls and chopsticks?"
"Got it."
I squeezed in beside her and grabbed dishes from the cabinet. Unlike the barren vibe last time, her place now felt lived-in. Spotting the cat-paw bowls, I chuckled and headed to the table.
"Huh?"
Something odd sat on the table. A bottle of pale yellow liquid and slender glasses. This was...
"Champagne?"
"That? My part-time boss gave it to me. Wasn't gonna drink it alone—perfect timing. Let's toast to your safe return. What do you say?"
"Champagne with budae jjigae? Kinda mismatches."
"Come on, are you some gourmet snob? Oh, but you just got out—maybe booze is a no-go?"
"Well......"
I trailed off at her question. Random thoughts raced through my mind.
'......Now that I think about it, I haven't had a drink since coming here.'
I'd always loved drinking back home. Yet in nearly two months here, I hadn't touched a drop. Probably because I hadn't had the luxury of relaxing.
Thrown into this world with trash stats, tomorrow uncertain—booze? No way. After shifts, time went to strength training and power practice. There'd been Special Countermeasures team dinners, but they happened while I was hospitalized.
'Body feels fine.'
After chugging all those pricey potions, no issues physically. And a superhuman body wouldn't even notice one bottle of champagne.
After busting my ass nonstop, couldn't I relax just for today?
-Pop!
Unwinding the wire and pressing the cork produced a cheerful pop. Crisp alcohol scent teased my nose.
"Pouring without me? That thirsty for booze?"
"Yeah. Missed it."
Glug glug glug. As I poured, Ji Ye-won brought over the budae jjigae in a wide pot. Low broth, perfect bar-snack style.
"Whoa, up close it's even worse. Budae jjigae and champagne."
"Ahahaha! True. One glass of champagne, then switch? Got some in the fridge."
She seemed geared up for a full drinking session. I chuckled and asked,
"You a big drinker?"
"Me? Total boozer. Can't separate cops from booze. Off-duty, my team drank every three days. You?"
"I hold my own."
Back in college, I was always babysitting the drunks at orientation. Confident in my tolerance.
"Wanna go hard, but we got work tomorrow, so moderately—"
-Vrrr vrrr vrrr.
My smartphone buzzed, cutting Ji Ye-won off.
"What? Call?"
"Yeah. Be right back—gonna take this outside."
Checking the screen, I stepped out. Awkward to take in front of Ji Ye-won.
Hit accept, and a bubbly voice hit my ear.
-Oppa! It's Haneul. Heard you got discharged today?
Kang Haneul griped that she'd visited the hospital just after I'd left. I asked her,
"You weren't picking up yesterday or today—what's up?"
Since I woke up, Kang Haneul had been radio silent. No calls, no texts. I was worried and frustrated.
-Oh, that? No biggie.
"What happened?"
-I was just ignoring your calls?
"......What?"
Kang Haneul boldly admitted she'd ghosted me on purpose. Was that something to say so proudly?
-Needed time to sort my thoughts on how to explain it to you. About that ability.
I shut my mouth. Truth was, half my calls to her were to ask about her skill, Cherry Blossoms of True Love.
-You're home now, right? If it's okay with you, I'll head over. Too many ears outside...
"Nah, not tonight. Eating dinner with someone. Or late okay? Then whenever."
-Dinner? With who?
"Ji Ye-won from next door—"
'Oh crap.'
I swallowed hard mid-sentence. Shouldn't have let that slip to Kang Haneul.
'She'll freak if she knows I'm with Ji Ye-won......'
Sure enough, silence from Kang Haneul after my words. Then a voice cold as ice came through.
-......Why?
Why. So much emotion in one word. Cold sweat down my back, I replied apologetically.
"Uh, well. She lives next door, noticed me coming home right away. So, y'know, to celebrate discharge, dinner together. No food at my place, home-cooked beats takeout, so mooching a bit......?"
-So you're at that Ji Ye-won's place right now?
I confirmed, and she gulped. Her breathing grew ragged enough to hear over the line.
Disaster. Kang Haneul liked me. Her attitude lately, and that skill name—Cherry Blossoms of True Love. Ji Ye-won was ambiguous, but Kang Haneul? Crystal clear. She had it bad for Ahn Su-ho.
Right after discharge, alone at another girl's place for dinner? No way she wouldn't care.
'......She won't show up with a knife, will she?'
In reality, sure, but this was a novel world. And [Era of Superhumans] had two yandere heroines. Ryu Tae-hyun had dealt with similar; no guarantee I wouldn't.
That thought hit, and Kang Haneul murmured lowly.
-......I'm coming over.
"What?"
-Why? Can't I? More people, better for a discharge party, right?
Fair point on paper. But her intentions weren't wholesome—I could tell blindfolded. My mind flashed to her smiling sweetly, blue kitchen knife in hand.
"Th-that's true, but shouldn't the homeowner okay it first?"
-Then ask. If I can come.
"She'll say no......"
-Ask.
Kang Haneul's voice was icy, unlike her usual self. Anxious, I asked Ji Ye-won waiting inside if one more could join.
"Who?"
Said Kang Haneul, and Ji Ye-won's eyes narrowed slyly. A wicked smile crept on her lips.
"Sure. Tell her to come. I don't mind."
"Uh, really?"
"What? I really don't mind."
Ji Ye-won's answer had a shady grin. No choice—I relayed to Kang Haneul. She said 'On my way' and hung up.
'Fucked......?'
Vision of Kang Haneul licking blood off her lips, knife poised. Nah, even worst case, probably not. Ji Ye-won and I were stronger than her anyway.
'But Ji Ye-won agreeing? Unexpected.'
Kang Haneul's reaction was predictable, but Ji Ye-won? After their restaurant spat, I'd bet on instant no.
'......Does Ji Ye-won not like me?'
The thought made my face heat up. Embarrassing to assume without a confession. Circumstantially she seemed into me? Maybe? Or I'd chugged a bowl of delusion soup solo?
Frustrated, I scratched my head irritably. Meanwhile, Ji Ye-won hummed, prepping extra snacks for Kang Haneul.
......No clue what was going through her head.
-Ding-dong!
How much time passed? The doorbell rang, and Ji Ye-won sent me to answer.
Tense moment. Probably nothing, but opening that door might mean a gleaming blade lunging. Swallowing dryly, I prepped Starlight's Breath and gripped the knob.
'Fuck it!'
Half-resigned, I yanked the door open.
Then.
"Hi! I'm here!"
"......Huh?"
It wasn't Kang Haneul—it was Chae So-yeon. Why her, suddenly?
"Hey, Ahn Su-ho! Discharge party, right? You should've invited me! Leaving me out to party alone?! Lucky I ran into her on the way!"
Chae So-yeon puffed her cheeks, yelling.
My gaze shifted beside her. Kang Haneul stood there, utterly deflated, biting her lip like someone stuck with an unwanted tagalong.
"Ha, haha......"
Headache enough with Kang Haneul—why this gremlin now? No idea what was happening, but she was here. Grit teeth and welcome her.
"C-come in."
......Please, let this sudden twist not end in disaster.