The Date
"You got here earlier than I thought. Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."
"Ah, I just arrived too. Ha, haha."
She scratched her head with an awkward smile. Her expression made it clear she'd been waiting awhile, but I didn't call her out on it. I looked at Yoo Ara. Her hair ends, probably styled with a curling iron and full of bounce, swayed gently. Her fair skin, lightly touched up with foundation, was accented by thick eyeliner and red lips. She was fully armored for battle.
She wore a blue sprite shirt with sleeves rolled up to her elbows, and underneath, a short white crop camisole that teasingly exposed her skin. A glimpse of cleavage showed, along with her smooth abs. It was a perfect blend of innocent college girl charm and healthy allure. Ivory denim shorts revealed her thighs, her pale skin striking—unusual for a hunter. The orange shampoo scent from her hair tickled my nose.
She usually showed up in comfy clothes, so this fully dolled-up version felt strangely unfamiliar.
"Wh-what are you staring at like that?"
"Nothing. You're just pretty."
"Eek! What, why say something like that so casually?"
"Just sharing my honest impression."
"Ughhh... Fine, whatever."
Yoo Ara fidgeted with her fingers and glanced at me.
"Y-you look handsome too, Teacher. More than usual."
"So I look ugly normally?"
"That's not what I meant, but think whatever you want."
I'd chosen a beige linen shirt, nearly black bootcut pants, and brown shoes for a clean look. Figured if we're going on a date, might as well dress sharp. She approved, so...
Feels good.
Sniff sniff. Yoo Ara leaned in close, nose twitching as she smelled me.
"Sprayed on some cologne—does it smell okay?"
"Ah, uh, n-no! It's f-fine?"
"Yeah? Hmm, maybe it's a miss-match."
I sniffed my wrist. It was my personal favorite, but apparently not. Oh well, can't be perfect every time.
"Hungry?"
"Ah, yeah. A l-little?"
"Let's go. Seats'll fill up."
"O-okay."
Truth be told, when she wished for a date, I had no clue where to start. I'd never dated in academy, and as a hunter, I barely had time. This was awkward as hell for me. But panicking would kill the vibe. As the older one, I had to lead.
So I searched recommended date spots near Gangnam Station. Endless restaurants, no sweat. Went with pasta—classic date food, safe bet. Gates and hunters hadn't changed much there. Predictable.
-♪♩♪♩♪~~
Soft classical music filled the pasta place. Nice atmosphere. An overly friendly server seated us. Ordered two pasta dishes and a small pizza. Hunters burn more calories than normals—this should suffice.
"We'll bring it out soon."
The server left.
"......"
"......"
Silence settled. What to say? Couldn't read her mind. Had to start somewhere.
"Tough exam, huh."
"N-no, Teacher taught me so well I passed thanks to you."
"Figured first place was guaranteed with my lessons, but seeing it felt great."
"Ah......"
Yoo Ara hesitated, then asked.
"Teacher, you said you watched it, right?"
"The exam?"
"Yeah. How was it?"
"Who? You?"
She nodded vigorously.
"Hmm... Right from the start, you got focused and scouted around—good. Spotting survivors but suspecting villains first? Smart......"
"N-not that."
"Then?"
"Th-that......"
She fidgeted again.
"Was I... u-ugly at all?"
"Huh?"
"Dodging Harold, covered in dust and sand, total mess. And fights after got me dirtier."
I met her eyes and smiled. Cadets often worried about this. TV broadcast and all—YouTube too. Of course they'd care.
"Hunters look coolest and prettiest covered in dust. Means you fought hard."
I continued, looking at her.
"So among all cadets on video, you were the prettiest. No need to worry."
"R-really?"
"Yeah."
"Phew, glad. Since Teacher says so."
Her face flushed. She seemed perked up.
It rose again. Without much effort. Flushed face, rising progress. Misunderstanding my words?
Overthinking it.
Didn't want to stir weird assumptions, so I stayed quiet. Food arrived—photo-worthy plating on pasta and pizza. Forks flew first, though.
Fun meal. Chit-chat from trivial to serious.
"Before Teacher, I thought I'd quit academy. Studied till dark circles, but no dice."
"Not heading home this break?"
"Probably, but short. Week max?"
She took a small spoonful and continued.
"No more class talk."
Personal stuff too.
"What's your type, Teacher?"
"My type?"
"Yeah. Looks, hair, personality—whatever."
"......Blind date?"
"Jeez, just answer."
"Nothing specific. Just......"
"Just?"
"Someone trustworthy."
"Trustworthy?"
"Yeah. Got burned bad before."
"Ah."
Shin Seo-ah still stung. Didn't see Daesung hookup coming.
"Trust......"
She murmured, nodding to herself. Long meal, lots of talk. She ate light.
"Movie after?"
"Lunch on me."
"Nah. Today's your gift—I got it all."
"Still......"
"Fine, coffee later."
No freeloading from a student. She already paid plenty in tuition.
We headed to the theater. Blockbuster action based on real hunters. Choi Hoseon—Choi Hocheol's brother—starred, big hype.
Boring.
Honestly dull. Painfully so. Obvious name-dropping cash grab.
Zzt zzt. Felt Yoo Ara's glances. In dark, stealing looks, wrinkling nose to sniff. Thought I didn't notice?
Sniff sniff. Got bolder. Watching her was funner than the movie. She didn't notice I saw.
Her twitching fingers inching toward me confirmed it.
She really likes me.
Dunno the trigger, but clear interest.
After reaching 100% Conquest Progress and having sex with Yoo Ara, you can utilize her active skill Telekinesis (B) 5 times.
How to take it? Sleep with her for the skill? Ignore her feelings? Or get serious? No right answer—tough.
I glanced at her fidgeting fingers, pretended ignorance, and offered my hand. Gently took hers.
"Your hand's cold. Should've said something."
"Ah......"
Dark hid it, but her face burned red. Boring movie dragged; her hand was soft. Released after credits.
"Better now?"
"......Yeah."
She couldn't look up.
Talking with Teacher Siu was fun. Nothing special, but his words drew me in, made me react. They just clicked.
Dressed up more than usual? His nice scent? Or...
Holding hands?
Face heated recalling. Staring at him during movie, got close; suddenly he grabbed my hand.
Didn't see me sniffing, right? Embarrassing.
"Ughhh."
Planned to seduce him today—dressed sharp, sexy underwear. Why go so far? Tutor and student, right?
But Siu Teacher wasn't ordinary. Did the impossible: turned a repeater into number one.
Won't let anyone take him.
Wanted to know more, share more. Monopolize him. Craved his focus, talents all mine. Got jealous thinking of others—cowardly, but used wish slip to hook him.
Get closer, make him inseparable. Even give everything if needed.
Dating him confirmed it.
Teacher's got charm.
Beyond skills—he was attractive. Not romance material—age gap. Then what? Admiration? Awe at ability? Dunno.
One thing sure: Want to stay with him.
"Satisfied enough?"
Siu Teacher asked after delicious dinner at pricey Japanese place. Worth the wish?
More than expected. Just being together was fun. No big activities, pure joy. Stared at his profile endlessly.
So a bit more. Just a little.
She grabbed his sleeve.
"Teacher."
"Yeah?"
"Drink with me?"
"Booze?"
"No drinks at dinner. So, my place—one glass."
Motel scared her. Bar wouldn't set mood. Home: familiar, comfy. Perfect for finale?
"Booze?"
"Don't wanna?"
"Not that."
"Just a little. Break now—no school."
Yoo Ara whined just a tad.