Chapter 67
Chapter 67
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 067
Chapter Title: The Booze Goes In (2)
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I could only pray that the conclusion to this sudden turn of events wouldn't end in total disaster.
But there was one fact I'd overlooked: in this godforsaken world, everything that happened was designed to screw me over.
"Ye-won, hi!"
"......Huh?"
"This fu—"
The moment we stepped into the one-room apartment, Chae So-yeon called out with a bright smile. I swallowed my curse at her oblivious behavior. At the end of the finger she was pointing was Ji Ye-won, staring back at us with utter panic on her face.
The reason she was freaking out over just hearing her name was simple. Right now, Ji Ye-won wasn't Ji Ye-won—she was a completely different person named Ye Ji-won.
"......Ye-won?"
Sure enough, Kang Haneul—who knew Ji Ye-won as Ye Ji-won—tilted her head. Her sharply slanted eyes scanned Ji Ye-won with suspicion.
"Ye... won! Ye Ji-won! Shortened to Ye-won, right?! That's it, isn't it, Chae So-yeon?!"
"Huh?"
I shouted while grabbing Chae So-yeon's shoulder tight, making sure my intent got across loud and clear.
"Uh, uhuh! Yeah! Ye Ji-won, so Ye-won! I'm Chae So-yeon, so Chae-yeon! And Ahn Su-ho is, uh, A, A, An-ho...?"
Chae So-yeon's eyes spun in circles. It was a clumsy act, but pretty decent for her.
"Right! Anyway! How many times have I told you to quit giving everyone weird nicknames?!"
"Y-Yeah! I-I'll fix it! I'll work on it! Hehe. Ehehhehe..."
"Ahahaha!"
Kang Haneul gave us weird looks as we faced each other and burst into laughter. Good—better she think we're the weird ones than start suspecting Ji Ye-won.
"......Hurry up and come sit down. Su-ho, just set out two more plates."
At Ji Ye-won's scolding, we newbies shuffled into the one-room. As we passed, I shot Chae So-yeon a sharp glare, and she scratched the back of her head awkwardly.
"E, ehehe?"
She laughed. The kind of laugh that made me want to smack her.
-Snap!
"Ow! Why'd you hit me!"
"......To snap you out of it."
"Jerk!"
Chae So-yeon puffed out her cheeks and glared, but she knew she'd messed up and didn't complain further.
'This is nerve-wracking.'
It wasn't just about Chae So-yeon. The whole situation—Ji Ye-won, Kang Haneul, and Chae So-yeon all together—had me on edge.
Something headache-inducing, way different from before, was about to go down.
I pushed down the creeping anxiety and sat at the table.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The impromptu drinking session.
Four men and women sat around a table laden with tasty snacks and booze, each harboring their own thoughts and goals.
'He definitely said Ahn Su-ho saved her again this time.'
Ji Ye-won first. She narrowed her eyes and glanced at Kang Haneul. When Chae So-yeon told her Ahn Su-ho had been hospitalized, she'd gotten the rough rundown of the incident too. Summarizing just the Ahn Su-ho parts: in a sudden crisis, he'd risked his life to save Kang Haneul—again.
......Yeah. Again.
Ahn Su-ho had nearly died for Kang Haneul not once, but twice. Once might be coincidence, but twice? That wasn't coincidence. A security guard risking his life for a student like that—it wasn't something to take at face value. At least, not for Ji Ye-won.
As far as she figured, Ahn Su-ho and Kang Haneul weren't just acquaintances. And when a guy and girl aren't just acquaintances, well... that meant what it meant.
'Gotta grill them properly tonight.'
Ji Ye-won snuck a glance at the rows of liquor bottles behind her. All high-proof stuff, easily over 30-40%. Superhumans could hold their liquor better than normals, but this was plenty to get anyone drunk. Obviously—it was all for getting herself wasted in the first place.
"......Let's start with the first round."
Ji Ye-won popped the champagne to kick off the session. Her eyes seemed calm, but she was constantly gauging Kang Haneul and Ahn Su-ho.
"Thanks."
Kang Haneul bowed her head as she took the glass. Her mind was a mess too.
'What's with this girl? He said she was just a neighbor next door, right?'
She replayed what Ahn Su-ho had said on their date. Ye Ji-won here was supposedly just a kind neighbor. But dinner right after discharge? With booze? At her place, just the two of them?
This wasn't neighborly friendship. Kang Haneul dared to guess they weren't ordinary. And like before, guy and girl not ordinary meant what it meant.
'Oppa definitely said he didn't have a girlfriend last time. Was that a lie? Or not girlfriend but still close...?'
That's when Kang Haneul noticed something off.
'Wait, did they both just shower...?'
The faint shampoo scent from Ji Ye-won. Ahn Su-ho's hair still damp.
The realization sparked a new possibility in her mind.
'......Yeah. They're both adults. Doesn't have to be lovers. Like, sex friends or something...?'
Her ears burned red at the embarrassing thought. She rubbed her modestly pressed thighs together uncomfortably. Under her hot pants, nervous sweat slicked between them.
'......Whatever it is, I'll find out their relationship tonight.'
Kang Haneul vowed silently. Ahn Su-ho sighed inwardly watching her expression.
'Clear as day—they're both full of hostility toward each other. One slip and it's catastrophe.'
Catastrophe meaning no deathmatch, but hair-pulling catfight? Totally possible. He eyed the bottles behind Ji Ye-won.
'Worst case, they get wasted and fight. So I gotta keep the party from overheating. If needed, dump it all on Chae So-yeon to stop those two from getting sloshed.'
In the razor-thin tension, Ahn Su-ho clenched his fist, vowing to overcome this.
Meanwhile, Chae So-yeon across from him was...
"Ehet. Sausage yummy."
Happily munching sausages from the budae jjigae, her soft cheeks puffing cutely.
Ji Ye-won sighed shallowly at the sight.
"First round, so cheers. To celebrate Su-ho's discharge too."
She raised her champagne glass, and Ahn Su-ho and Kang Haneul followed. Moments later, Chae So-yeon lifted hers with wide eyes.
"Cheers!"
Clink! Four glasses rang out. No fancy toast. Ji Ye-won and Kang Haneul downed theirs quick. Cold sweat trickled down Ahn Su-ho's back.
"Unexpected party, but since we're here, let's enjoy. Plenty of booze—time to open up about stuff we couldn't before."
Ji Ye-won opened a new bottle and filled Kang Haneul's glass. Brown rum bubbled up with sharp alcohol scent.
"So, Kang Haneul, right? Sorry about last time. Had a rough day, showed a bad side to a guest."
"No, I was immature too. We're even."
"Good. Rare chance like this—wash away old grudges with booze. Oh, you drink?"
"A bit?"
Kang Haneul took the bottle from Ji Ye-won and filled her glass in return. Rum over champagne residue, but neither cared. Their focus: get the other drunk and pry out the truth.
"Perfect. Lots I wanted to talk about with you."
"Oh, really? Me too. Ah, talk casual. Same age as Su-ho oppa, right?"
"Yeah. Haneul it is. You call me noona."
"Yes, Ji-won noona. Cheers!"
Clink! Glasses met cheerfully, and they gulped rum like it was planned. Empty glasses refilled instantly.
"Hey, why're you chugging like that? Straight rum like water?"
Ahn Su-ho tried intervening, but they had no intention of stopping.
"What? Feeling left out? Join us then."
"We're all superhumans—won't get drunk quick anyway. Oppa, drink up."
His glass filled; Ahn Su-ho sweated.
'These two are going all the way tonight.'
Easy to guess their schemes. He sighed and raised a hand.
'Cool this overheated vibe first.'
"On the rocks—ice would be nice."
Won't dilute much, but better than nothing. He placed his hand over his half-full glass.
-Kagagagak!
Cold rushed in; a small ice orb formed in his palm. The three others stared, mesmerized.
-Plop!
Perfect round whiskey ice dropped into his glass.
"Wha—what?! Ahn Su-ho, how?!"
"Seriously, how? Magic?"
"Oppa, no way..."
Kang Haneul's reaction hinted she guessed; Ahn Su-ho nodded and pulled out the necklace around his neck—the Frost Spirit's Emblem.
"Yeah. Artifact from the double dungeon last time."
"Knew it..."
Frost gathering into form reminded her of Wilhelm's power, she nodded to herself. The other two tilted heads.
"What? Don't nod like it's an inside joke—explain. Double dungeon means that one, right? What happened?"
"Yeah! Don't keep it from me!"
"Was just about to tell."
Ahn Su-ho added ice to their glasses, grinning.
'Plan working.'
Show cool artifact to calm heat, shift topic naturally. Both on track. Steer the flow, avoid worst case.
......So he thought—but it was a foolish miscalculation.
"Ahn Su-ho's empty! Refill! Jack Daniel's this time!"
"Hey, lemme rest a sec..."
"Nah, oppa! No resting at drinks! Chug! Eat and die! Booze incoming! Gulp gulp guuulp!"
"I'm a discharged patient today!"
"Ahahahat! Wounds healed fine with team leader's potion—quit whining!"
"Chae So-yeon, shut it!"
"Chuuug! Thuuuunk! Ah, lonely alone? Cheers!"
"Ehehe, cheers!"
"Me too!!"
Ji Ye-won grabbed Ahn Su-ho's head, half-forcing booze down. Intimate contact would've irked Kang Haneul—but she didn't blink. They formed a silent alliance: take down Ahn Su-ho blocking their goals (getting the other drunk).
'Fuck.'
Dizzy vision; Ahn Su-ho scowled. The two, desperate to feed each other, suddenly targeted him mid-way. Even Chae So-yeon joined eagerly; he exceeded his limit. Sharp booze breath escaped deeply.
'Keep this up, I'll drop first.'
Couldn't let that happen. Change tactics: if can't cool, fan flames. One of them passes out drunk, no catfight.
'Who to knock out?'
He checked faces. Kang Haneul flushed, near limit. Ji Ye-won hyped but pale as ever. Seemed Haneul weaker.
'Target Kang Haneul, put her down.'
"Uuungh..."
That instant, Kang Haneul groaned with droopy eyes, snapped up, and yelled.
"Ugh, can't anymore. Transform!"
-Flash!
Blur of light; her appearance changed. Avatar ability activated.
"......Huh?"
Hair turned blue; face cleared. Avatar injuries don't affect real body, so states separate. Activating avatar sobered her temporarily.
"Ehehehe. Shall we refill?"
Ji Ye-won tilted head at suddenly fine Kang Haneul. Unaware of ability, she couldn't guess truth. Only Ahn Su-ho saw through, biting lip in dismay.
"Huh? Can transform? Me too!"
Ominous shout from side.
Ahn Su-ho turned; flushed Chae So-yeon grunted "Kkuuuu!" powering up.
-Crack! Crunch!
Her body shifted. Bones grew; limbs lengthened; red scales sprouted. Before he could stop, mature dragonkin form grinned innocently.
"Ta-da! Adult So-yeon!"
Unlike Haneul, intoxication remained. Crimson flames flickered between giggling lips.
"Crazy, that ability's once every few days!? Why now?!"
"Doesn't move much, recharges in a day~"
Chae So-yeon stuck tongue out, blowing raspberry at his worry. Body matured, mind same.
"......"
"......"
Meanwhile, Kang Haneul and Ji Ye-won stared fixedly—as if agreed. Not at cute tongue, but lower: chest ballooned by transformation. Even they gawked at awe-inspiring size. Complex emotions crossed faces.
"Ahhat."
Kang Haneul laughed high. Ji Ye-won turned; hand over mouth, eyes crescent, she teased.
"What now. So-yeon noona was last before, now noona's last?"
"......What?"
Ji Ye-won blanked, then blushed furiously.
"Y-You, wh-wh-what's that su—"
"Drank enough, mood's ripe—wanna play a game?"
Ignoring slurred outburst, Kang Haneul cleared table.
"Game?"
"Yes. Drinking game. Young folks gathering? Drinking games rule. Like..."
She laid empty bottle on bare table.
"Truth or Drink?"
Her sharp gaze pierced Ji Ye-won. Avatar trump card out—no retreat. Topple her while sober, get truth. Kang Haneul smirked triumphantly.
"......Truth game?"
Ji Ye-won's lips curved into a deep smile too. No reason to refuse. Accept challenge gladly. Sat back, cold eyes on Haneul.
"Know rules? Spin bottle turns; question pointed person. Can't answer? Penalty shot."
"Know 'em. Sounds fun. Very fun."
"Right? Thought noona'd like. Everyone else okay?"
"Yeah! I'll do it! Looks fun!"
"No, it's late, time to..."
"Starting! Who first..."
Ignoring Ahn Su-ho, Kang Haneul smiled friendly. Chae So-yeon shot hand up.
"Me! Me first! Me me me!"
Before okay, she grabbed and spun bottle. It whirled, stopped pointing Ahn Su-ho.
"Great! I question! No answer, Su-ho penalty? Where's penalty?"
"This."
-Thud.
Ji Ye-won set clear bottle white label on table. Untouched tonight, but half gone.
"Spiritus Rectorificatus. 96 proof, top edible alcohol. One shot equals soju bottle. Penalty needs this heft."
Kang Haneul gulped. Weakest tolerance here. Even with cheat, that monster would wreck her soon.
'Fine. Applies both ways.'
Truth game: luck decides target. She'd hit limit first.
"Okay! Question!"
Two sparked glares; meanwhile, innocent Chae So-yeon pointed Ahn Su-ho smiling. Thought: truth game makes opponent drink. So, unanswerable question forcing Su-ho drink?
Her mind raced. Always serious pranks. Tension built; Ji Ye-won, Haneul watched expectantly, anxious mix.
"Ahn Su-ho."
Chae So-yeon spoke.
"What color panties today?"
"Fuck."
That a question? Ahn Su-ho scowled; she giggled, tilting bottle.
'Drink this, I'm done.'
Couldn't drop first. Bit lip, glared Chae So-yeon—giggling clueless.
"......Fuck."
Short deliberation. Embarrassing, but to avert disaster. Repeated mentally; pushed bottle aside, muttered low.
"Blue."
Three women's eyes dropped to his pants.
Ji Ye-won flushed. Kang Haneul averted head shyly, eyes fixed. Questioner Chae So-yeon gagged "Euek!", shocked he'd answer.
"......We really doing this game?"
Ahn Su-ho pleaded faintly.
"Yeah. Fun?"
"First was weird, but truth games are like that. My turn?"
"What? Why yours? Mine! Clockwise usually!"
"Huh, really? Always counterclockwise. My game, my rules."
"Who says? Majority vote!"
No quitting for them. Realizing, Ahn Su-ho sighed deeply.
Night deepened, but their party was just starting.