D-0: Yujin Like a Puppy, Cheolsu Like a Dog
Having finished shopping, the two headed straight to the restaurant. Was it because they'd chatted freely for the first time in ages and even enjoyed a date? Lime's eyes sparkled clearer than before, her cheeks smooth and radiant. Yujin, on the other hand, looked a bit worn out.
"I wondered what kind of restaurant it would be, but it's a buffet?"
Lime looked around in wonder. The place featured upscale dishes and lighting that cast an amber glow. The interior evoked a hotel, and most of the patrons inside appeared to be couples. It wasn't exactly family-friendly, after all. If anything, it felt like the perfect spot for lovers to sit by the window and savor wine.
"With the Heukcheon name, we could've gone somewhere even fancier."
"Park Secretary recommended this insane place with full course meals. But even so, it felt too much for just us kids."
Yujin had been shocked by the per-person price on the menu. Sure, money wasn't an issue, but it was still intimidating for students. Besides, Yujin had no clue about course meals or fancy presentations. As a total outcast, inviting someone and then fumbling through it himself would just be awkward.
"Hmmm~ Well, I'm happy with it."
Lime eyed the food with keen interest. Even as a buffet, it wasn't your typical neighborhood spot. It felt more like a high-end restaurant transformed into buffet style.
"Not bad at all. Suits me perfectly."
"Yeah, especially with what you're wearing."
Lime wore an elegant white dress. School uniforms would've drawn too much attention, so she'd changed. Her flashy blonde hair and ladylike outfit gave off an air of foreign nobility at first glance. Add some jewels, and she'd pass for a pampered heiress.
"Well then, shall I grant that gentleman over there the honor of escorting me?"
"Oh, what an honor."
She grinned playfully, so he fired back in kind. Lime was one of the few people Yujin could relax around. No, probably the only one.
"Reservation under Kim Yujin."
"Yes, Yujin... Wait, from Heukcheon?"
The staffer, mechanically checking the ledger, froze stiff. His face drained of color, and he bowed at a perfect ninety degrees.
"S-s-s-sorry!! I failed to recognize Heukcheon's heir!! I'll atone with my life for this!"
A booming shout that turned every head in the place. Sure enough, all the customers stared. Some even jumped up and scurried away. The volume was one thing, but Heukcheon's infamous reputation was well-known even among civilians.
In that moment, outcast loser Yujin felt like he might suffocate. He wasn't joking—he was genuinely flustered. His mind went blank, barely managing a response.
"Eek!"
But with Yujin's already intimidating face and tall frame, plus the Heukcheon name, his presence was overwhelming. The server mistook his silence for rage and sprang into action.
"Truly sorry! We'll escort you to our best table right away!!"
Lime, watching from behind, just chuckled quietly without intervening. The situation amused her, and more importantly, things were heading in a good direction.
By the time they snapped out of it, they were seated by a window with a perfect night view.
"......This isn't what I wanted."
"Why? I like it."
Lime sipped the complimentary wine the staff had brought, smiling. Sweet yet bitter—it hit the spot. She swirled her glass deliberately for him to see.
"You need to embrace the fact that you're Heukcheon's heir more."
"Embrace it?"
"I don't know about you, but others are scared of you."
"Hmmm." Yujin peered out the window, pouting. It probably wasn't his ideal scenario. Timid as he was, he didn't care for special treatment. Or rather, he hated the spotlight it brought. His personality kept him from complaining, leaving him to fumble and get dragged along like before.
'He looks like a sulky puppy.'
Lime smirked. Back then, that might've frustrated her a bit. Now, she saw it as part of his charm. Guys like him were rare.
'......Or am I just head over heels?'
They said lovers always found each other adorable. In that sense, she might be in deep trouble. Even his frustrating habits felt cute to her now.
'Whatever.'
Either way, that pure nature had been a huge help. If Yujin were calculating, things might've gone worse. Park Secretary wouldn't rate him so highly, the class president wouldn't fall for him, and she wouldn't like him this much.
"Anyway, it's a rare chance. Don't waste it."
Lime recrossed her legs, feeling great all over again. Dinner alone together. Pretty nightscape outside. Clothes from her beloved man. A perfect lovers' day.
"Want some wine?"
"Nah, I'm not big on booze."
"......You won't take a drink from me?"
Lime's cheeks were already flushed. Slime physiology let her detox anytime, but she was in too good a mood to bother.
Soon, the food arrived. Yujin learned buffets could mimic courses.
"......The staff keeps bringing dishes. It's awkward."
"They probably feel the same. Their hands were shaking every time."
"That's why it's more awkward."
Heukcheon's rep loomed large. They probably feared a single slip-up meant doom. A reassuring word would've helped, but timid Yujin lacked the guts. Lime could've said something, but—
'Seeing humans quake is fun.'
She wasn't exactly nice either.
Nom. She took a bite of the meat the trembling server had introduced. She hated humans, but their food was undeniably good. Especially today—it tasted even better.
'Mmm, probably 'cause I'm eating with Yujin.'
Lime had lived ages and sampled luxuries. But this hit different, thanks to the man across from her.
Yujin tilted his head at the lobster before him.
"How do you eat this?"
"Hmm, probably with these tongs—"
"Ah, it's open."
"You just rip it open with strength?"
"Want me to do yours?"
"Ahh—"
Anyway, Lime finished her meal satisfied. Outside, it was late night. Cool breeze on her warm cheeks felt amazing.
"Ehehe~ So fun today."
"Lime, you drunk?"
"......Yeah, drunk. Can't walk—piggyback me."
Lime stretched out both arms. Obvious lie and baby act. She didn't even hide it anymore.
"Jeez."
Since when did she get so childish? Yujin chuckled and offered his back. Lime leaned in naturally, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her sweet scent wafted strongly.
He walked slowly like that.
"I, I had a blast today."
"Me too..."
No lie—pure truth. The island ordeal's stress melted away.
"......Thanks for bringing me somewhere nice."
Smack.
Suddenly, Lime kissed his nape. One second, two—Yujin froze solid. His neck felt like it might evaporate. Heart pounded wildly.
"Lime?"
"......Snooore—"
Embarrassed by her own move? She started fake-sleeping poorly.
Jeez. Yujin smirked and adjusted her. Peeking open, Lime gazed at him and smiled silently.
...
Why did things end up like this?
Cheolsu stared at the dark night sky, lost in thought. Since returning from the island, he hadn't eaten. Hadn't slept. He knew this would wreck his body. It already had. But he just couldn't muster the mood.
- I hate you, Cheolsu.
- Hate you so much I can't stand it.
- I'd rather you were dead.
"Haa."
Had his words and actions hurt her that deeply?
| • ••Day
......
No point regretting now. What mattered was what came next.
'Class prez said Younghee's not herself right now.'
Probably stress from Kim Yujin piling up. Grind. Teeth clenched. The island had shifted opinions somewhat, but Yujin was still trash. Younghee's state was all his fault.
'No, I messed up with her too. Can't blame him alone.'
He had hurt her. He wanted to heal that. Apologize, reconfirm their feelings. He didn't mind if she hated him. Just wanted her happy. Smiling, not crying.
Cheolsu meant it.
'Guess... time to man up and see her.'
He was good at enduring pain and clashes. Even if she rejected him again, sincerity might change things. He couldn't leave her like this.
'Yeah, tomorrow—I'll go right away.'
The moment he resolved—thud, he bumped into someone on the path.
"Ah, sorry—"
Splat!!
'Huh?'
Blood sprayed. Realizing it was his took time. Prime Cheolsu would've dodged the ambush. But now? Awful condition post-survival, no sleep. Half his usual power. And the foe wasn't ordinary.
'S-strong...?'
Hidden in shadows, hard to see. But the killing intent screamed danger. First since that Park Secretary guy by Yujin. Even straight-up, victory wasn't sure. And he'd eaten a sneak attack in this state.
"Oh, impressive. Moving in that condition."
A familiar voice cut the darkness. Cheolsu mustered strength, swinging his sword. The black shadow moved too.
Thud.
A dull impact echoed. Cheolsu crumpled. His body had hit limit from the first blow. He knew it best.
'Gotta... get up......'
Still, he gripped his sword tighter. A girl's face flashed—one he loved more than life.
'Haven't... apologized to Younghee yet.'
Cheolsu rose with all he had. And once more—blood sprayed in the dark alley.