Blonde Tanned Thug (1)
Solomon, to be honest, I knew I was trash too. I'd been turning a blind eye, but I'd tormented the heroines' hearts just because I was scared of their yandere sides. I'd been piling up guilt over that. So it took me a damn long time to finally make up my mind.
But now, I've decided for sure. I knew exactly what Seonwoo wanted.
The morning of the last day of the trip. The guys had packed up early and were chilling in the room while the girls finished getting ready.
I stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. The cool sea breeze brushed my forehead, chasing away the heat. I was enjoying the view when I heard the balcony door slide open.
"Nice out here, huh?"
I turned at the voice and came face-to-face with him. Seonwoo was strolling in from the doorway, wearing that same refreshing, cool-guy smile.
"Ah~ It's a shame the trip's ending. I got to get so much closer to you, Taeyang."
I just gave a quiet smile. Yeah, must've been nice. Now he could finally hope for that 'harem life' without holding back.
Even knowing Juyeon Noona's feelings, he'd mocked them like it was a joke—dragging it out with push-pull games, wearing down her spirit bit by bit. He'd hurt the girl who cherished him more than anyone, yet refused to let her go, toying with her heart.
Probably the same with the other heroines. Gahee Noona, Yuyeong, Cho Yuli, Hayan Noona—even Iri Noona. Every single one this bastard targeted could end up broken, one wound at a time.
Looking back, things had been off from the start. Sure, the noonas' affection was a bit much, but they were never the type to hurt anyone over it. They were sweet, always looking out for each other, tiptoeing around feelings.
For them to turn into such severe yanderes... how much had Seonwoo tormented them?
If I'd thought realistically instead of just game logic, I could've seen it.
"What're you thinking about?"
"Just some old memories."
"Old memories?"
"Yeah."
Old memories surfaced. Words from Dad before he passed, fresh in my mind.
—Taeyang, become a strong male.
—A strong... male?
—Yeah, only the strong males claim the females.
—How do I become a strong male?
Dad had stroked my little head and said,
—Taeyang, a strong male protects what's precious. Even if it means taking it from someone else.
—I don't get it.
—Hahaha, you'll understand when you grow up.
Now I finally got Dad's last words to me.
"Hmm... I'm curious what's up."
Seonwoo grinned cheekily, like a good big bro eager for his little brother's story.
I smiled warmly back and waved it off. "Nothing much."
It really wasn't a big deal.
"Just gonna steal all the girls around you."
It wasn't anything fancy, but it took time for it to sink into Seonwoo's head. He just froze there as I brushed past him out to the balcony.
"Huh?"
Only after I passed through the door did Seonwoo react with a dumb noise. Better than that fake smile, at least.
In the mirror, my dulled eyes caught my reflection—and for the first time on this trip, I was smiling easy, relieved.
After that, no alone time with Seonwoo on the way home. He couldn't exactly spill our chat with the other noonas around.
"Aw, it was so fun—too bad it's over~"
"I had a great time on the trip with you, Taeyang."
Chatting briefly with Gahee Noona and Yuyeong, I bumped into Iri Noona coming out of the room.
"Iri Noona, why're you so late?"
"Sorry."
"You look beat—overslept?"
"Yaaawn~ Stayed up talking all night."
Last night of the trip, everyone chatted till dawn out of regret. No teachers to stop us.
The guys' room had been quiet, though. The other girls seemed lively enough, but Iri Noona looked especially wiped. Her eyes kept drooping.
"Ugh... Hayan... don't rub my shoulders."
Hayan Noona dropped her playful hand from Iri Noona's shoulder and asked, "Didn't sleep much?"
"Yeah... I'll nap on the bus."
"Want my neck pillow?"
Seonwoo pulled out his and offered it.
"Yeah, thanks, Seonwoo."
Half-asleep, Iri Noona took it and used it right there.
After handing it over, Seonwoo glanced my way. Maybe 'cause I was smiling all calm and unbothered—he looked a bit rattled. But he hid it quick, smooth as ever.
"Iri Noona, you can't sleep standing up."
Tilting her head like that—won't her neck hurt later? I grabbed her arm to wake her.
"Mmm... huh, Taeyang... not sleeping."
"Jeez. What were you even thinking about all night?"
"Mmm... just Tae—"
"Tae?"
"Tae, Mount Tai is so vast!! That's what I was thinking. Yeah!"
Iri Noona's eyes snapped open in panic, pointing at the sea outside. Mount Tai where?
"Iri Noona, you must be exhausted."
"Hahaha! Guess so!"
Seonwoo cut in fast. "Should we draw lots for seats again?"
He looked around. "Yeah, let's!" I jumped in first.
Seonwoo eyed me a sec, then smiled and agreed. His idea, after all.
"Hayan's next to me."
That was Seonwoo's draw.
"Gahee Noona's next to me."
"Take care of me, Taeyang!"
"Sure."
"…"
"Bro, what's up?" What're you staring at, Seonwoo?
"Ah, nothing. Let's go."
"Yeah."
Time for a strategy shift. No more petty games like a little shit.
No matter how he thrashes, smash all the relationship flags deepening between them—that's it.
He can't beat me when I know every Love Chain route.
And there's a way to blow them all up at once. Yank the protagonist from his spot, and the story ends.
I'm gonna expose Seonwoo's true nature.
Of course, saying it outright won't make the noonas buy it easy. Gotta make him reveal his ugly side himself.
Time for an overall strategy revamp.
Lost in thought on the bus, I snapped out only after we got home.
Summer break was nearly over. Hard to believe school started in four days.
But one more issue before then.
The photo Juyeon Noona posted was a poster for a new movie. Not my thing, but I showed interest.
Wait, that sounds weird—let me rephrase. Movie bores me, but Seonwoo and Juyeon Noona's date? Now that's interesting.
A bit later, she replied.
So predictable. Juyeon Noona knew Seonwoo was subtly checking me. Back when planning the trip after the break ceremony, she'd invited me to trigger his jealousy.
'Won't you come hang if I just ask nicely?' She'd probably said something like that, but on the actual trip, she never used me to poke his jealousy once. Not even when he flirted with the other heroines.
Maybe it was just a friendly invite, and she held back to not cramp my style with the others.
Anyway, no need to worry about the other girls now. Time to poke Seonwoo's jealousy just right.
Confirmed the time and place, ended the chat.
"Juyeon Noona might hate me for this, but oh well..."
Now I'd really have to betray her. With a bitter smile, I opened a chat room I'd never messaged first.
Why's she yelling? I just asked about homework.
I deleted the last message right away. After she'd seen it, of course.
I uploaded the poster Juyeon Noona had posted earlier.
Shut off my phone, stretched. "Phew~ Now it's obvious..."
"Hey! Taeyang!"
As expected, Yuyeong spotted me at the ICinema entrance and ran over.
"Yuyeong?"
"Oh, Oppa and Unnie are here too. Hi."
"Uh?... Uh, hi."
"Nice to see you."
Yuyeong looked at me and gave an awkward smile.
"Hahaha, I suddenly had an extra ticket. Friends all bailed, and it was just one..."
Good job, Yuyeong. Help me out just this once.