The Moment You Compare Your Ex to Your Current, the Game is Over
Cheolsu had finally returned to the Hero Academy. No matter what mess had gone down, there was something comforting about this place. It felt nostalgic seeing it after so long.
'Even if I barely have any friends here.'
But that was fine. This school had his precious childhood friend, whom he truly loved, and a reliable buddy who stood by him without flinching at threats. Their bond wasn't some fragile thing that'd shatter over a petty squabble. It was a small circle, sure, but one built on deep, quality connections. A tight-knit tie like that was something Cheolsu could proudly call his own.
'Time to catch up with everyone.'
He hadn't seen Younghee in ages, what with the hospital stay and training. He'd been dying to see her face and hear her voice again. Pushing open the classroom door, his eyes landed on her right away. Even among dozens of students, she stood out effortlessly. Younghee was always special—always shining.
"......Long time no see."
As Cheolsu approached and spoke, Younghee quietly turned her head. For some reason, her eyes looked lifeless, like they'd lost their color. Was this what they called dead fish eyes? Her lips barely moved as she replied.
"......Yeah, sure."
Cheolsu's body twitched involuntarily. Something about her response gave him a nagging sense of déjà vu. It wasn't because she hadn't insulted him like usual.
'......The vibe's off.'
Younghee had always acted like she hated him, but it was just a performance—for Kim Yujin's eyes only. Yet now? It felt......
'Like she actually hates me.'
Cold eyes, a parched expression. And that utterly frigid aura. It was the kind of reaction you'd give someone you genuinely despised. Even knowing it was an act, it stung his heart.
'What happened while I was gone?'
He brushed off the doubt with forced nonchalance. He knew Younghee's heart better than anyone. No matter what, her feelings for him wouldn't change. She'd probably just gotten better at the act in his absence.
'It's fine. Once I take down Kim Yujin, everything'll sort itself out. Until then, words won't matter anyway.'
Her outward behavior didn't faze him. As long as their real bond held, he was good. He knew that connection—over ten years strong—wouldn't vanish easily.
With that thought, Cheolsu turned away. There sat the class president, prim and proper as ever.
'She's the same as always.'
A book lay open before her, pen in one hand. Her gaze was vacant, lost in thought, staring into empty space like she was lost in some bizarre daydream.
"Class prez?"
"H-Huh? Ch-Cheolsu?"
She jolted like her shoulders had springs, her flustered face twisting into an awkward smile after some fumbling.
"Oh, you're back from the hospital. Congrats."
"Thanks. I had it easy thanks to you."
"Huh?? What do you mean?"
Her baffled expression made him chuckle inwardly.
'She already knows about the hospital bills, the donations, even the B-rank gear.'
But she'd helped anonymously on purpose. Pointing it out would just be tacky. Cheolsu shook his head with a grateful smile.
"Nah, forget it. Anyway, can you help with training again starting today?"
"Uh......training? You just got out...... Shouldn't you rest?"
"Nah, I'm in top shape. No worries."
He'd just fought multiple battles outside against active heroes. If anything, this was his peak condition.
'No time to slack anyway.'
Even after getting stronger, the gap with Kim Yujin had only hit home harder. Every minute counted now. He had to power up fast—for Younghee's sake, to free her from that bastard.
"If you're cool with it, I'd really appreciate your help."
"Ah, well......"
The class president bowed her head, fidgeting like a guilty kid. Regret and guilt swirled on her face.
"......Sorry. I'm not up for it today. Tomorrow okay?"
"Oh, sure?"
"Yeah, I'm not quite ready yet......"
"No, no! My bad—I was too pushy. Got ahead of myself and didn't think about your side."
"Haha......"
Cheolsu flashed a trusting smile, but it only made her feel worse.
"Let's call it quits."
In the empty training room, as usual for their sessions, the class president spoke up. She wore her standard workout gear—a white crop top showing her navel and black dolphin pants—instead of the uniform, since she sweated buckets training with Kim Yujin.
"Today's our last session."
"Hm, yeah?"
"Yeah. Our deal was only till Cheolsu got back anyway."
That was her hard-won conclusion. Sure, there was a tiny pang of regret. But that sensation of circulating Yujin's mana...... She wouldn't feel it anywhere else. And that's what made it so dangerous. She might get hooked for real.
'Gotta cut it off before I fall too deep.'
She'd been wrestling with guilt already. Yujin was the villain—the creep attacking her friends and sowing discord. Helping him get stronger? Insane.
......And what about getting genuinely drawn to him?
That dilemma had tormented her endlessly.
'But seeing Cheolsu sealed it.'
Spotting him back had triggered her guilt. Betraying a close friend for his enemy? Her conscience screamed. Channeling that into resolve, she'd decided to end this addictive thrill.
"From tomorrow, I'll train with Cheolsu again. No time or reason for you anymore."
"Got it."
She stood still, waiting for his response. Deep down, she'd expected him to fight it—tell her to pick him over Cheolsu, offer money. She had counters ready.
But why? Yujin said nothing. Just stretched calmly, business as usual.
"Nothing to say to me?"
His indifference boiled her blood. She was going back to his rival Cheolsu—probably never seeing her again. Their only overlap was these sessions. How could he be so detached knowing that?
"My training wasn't helpful enough?"
"Nah, it was plenty good."
Yeah, figured. She nodded. Yujin's mana was vast and flowed fast; stabilizing it had boosted him a rank, no doubt. She could vouch for that.
But then why not fight harder to keep her?
Impatience won out. She pressed bluntly.
"You cool just letting me go? I'm heading to Cheolsu."
"Can't be helped. Your call."
Her shoulders flinched. Did he know her inner turmoil all along? And now playing dumb?
'No, he probably figured it means nothing if I don't choose him willingly.'
She wasn't the type to fold for money or power—or she'd have joined him from the start. He'd waited for her to choose him on her own, embracing her desires until she was truly his.
That must be Kim Yujin, heir to Heukcheon, in a nutshell.
'......And since I didn't choose him, I'm out of his interest. Doesn't care if I go to Cheolsu.'
Exactly the outcome she'd wanted. A threat or force would've been worse.
So why this lingering regret deep down? Why feel miffed he wasn't holding on?
"Alright, let's start."
"Okay."
She placed her hand on Yujin's back, linking their mana pass. For some reason, focus eluded her today.
'Why do I feel so off?'
It was like watching the neighborhood dog you thought was your buddy run to someone else. Honestly, it pissed her off. She'd given her all to his training; he'd grown stronger because of her.
How could he stay so serene, zero attachment?
'......Annoying.'
This was her choice, what she'd wanted forever.
Yet she couldn't contain the dark emotion bubbling up.
"Well, thanks for everything."
"Yeah."
The final session ended on that sour note. She showered in the locker room as usual, changed, and bagged her sweat-soaked clothes. No need to bring them anymore. Cheolsu's mana was weaker than Yujin's—less stimulating.
'......No, this is the right choice.'
Forcing down her turmoil, she left the shower room. Too distracted to notice the shadowy figures tailing her.