Chapter 43
Chapter 43
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: 09. Everyday Life and Changes
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Thanks to that, at least the aunties' chatter got cut off midway, which was a blessing. Women's gossip, especially among aunties, tends to drag on forever. We'd all apologized to each other, and after yanking each other's hair, our clothes and hair were a total mess. So, my friend and I decided to head home early with our parents. On that note, I brought up getting a haircut with Mom.
"Your hair?"
"Yeah. It's too tangled. I think I'll just chop it into a bob."
As I said that, gently combing through the knots with my fingers, my friends—who'd been watching me and Mom with slightly awkward expressions—looked shocked.
"What? You're cutting it?"
"Yeah. Why the surprise? Oh, you guys should head back to class quick."
I glanced at Minhee with a puzzled look, then waved the kids off. They looked disappointed.
"I'll text you later on my phone. Oh, by the way, how'd you seniors even get here? The campus is separate—how'd you hear the rumors, and what about your classes?"
Mom turned from my friends to look at the seniors. Who? Seniors I know. The three of them awkwardly greeted Mom. Only then did Je-hyeon oppa answer my question.
"Don't worry. I have the right to skip class openly. I heard about you from Minhee by chance."
But... what? I stared at him in disbelief.
"What...?"
Cheonho oppa waved it off with a laugh.
"Nah, kidding. It's a free period right now. Middle and high school have elective classes. During off times, kids rest in the classroom, wander around outside, or train. Lots take jobs then too. Or skip class for work."
"Oh... I thought—"
Eunhee unnie smacked Je-hyeon oppa on the back of the head with a headachey look. It hurts. He muttered, looking anything but pained.
"Well, thanks for looking out. Kids, I'm heading off first."
My questions answered, I turned crisply, waving goodbye. The seniors and friends waved back.
"See ya."
"Yeah, later."
Je-hyeon oppa and Inha led the others in saying goodbye, telling me to get my wounds healed and my hair cut pretty. I held Mom's hand with one hand and waved big with the other as I walked away. First stop with Mom: the salon in the shopping district.
I grabbed my bag from the classroom. Classmates approached with curious looks, dying to ask questions, but I just said I was fine and bolted. Walking to the nearby warp hole, Mom healed the nail scratches on my face, neck, and hands with magic. Her healing wrapped it up in no time.
"Seriously, how bad was the fight to get scratches like this?"
"She got it worse... It's even, I guess. I'll tell you about the fight later."
"I figured you'd be super mad about fighting, but nope? Doesn't seem like you're dwelling on it."
"Hmph. I am dwelling. She didn't do a single thing right. But once I vented, I just got calm about it."
"To hear that from an elementary kid..."
Mom shook her head with a sigh.
At the salon, I got my hair trimmed into a bob. Mom suggested a perm while we were at it, but I flat-out refused. My hair's naturally wavy from birth. Any curlier, and it'd look ridiculous. Wavy's fine, but artificial curls don't suit me.
"Ugh, how'd it get so tangled?"
The stylist auntie seemed more upset than me while fixing it. I awkwardly spun a tale about gum and getting caught in a tree—made it sound plausible.
After the cut, we teleported straight home with an item. First thing I did: explain everything. The trouble with that girl, how it led to the fight, why she held a grudge. It was embarrassing and burdensome since I don't usually do this, but I explained to the end.
Even my complicated feelings when she asked me to introduce her to the seniors.
"I see... Mom gets that feeling. People handle it differently by personality... Yeah, once you accept it, close relationships get weird. You did right, Eunha. But how do you think so deeply? You're really one of a kind."
"It's hard to explain, but yeah. It'd just get awkward and hurt feelings for no reason... I hate that."
I hesitated. I knew why not to introduce her, but words failed. If it was pure admiration, fine—but if she just wanted to use their status...
Maybe I should've brushed it off as kid stuff. But how stifling and uncomfortable for the person being introduced? Sure, some might love it. A friend introduces someone who admires you—could feel shy, proud, happy. Or not. And once that discomfort hits, the relationship crumbles.
Especially if you're not super close. Meet someone new who idolizes you, they thank the friend with sparkling eyes, you've dealt with this a lot, and suddenly your friend and the admirer look awkward—or too chummy. Feels like everyone's using each other. Even if the friend meant well, as the "you" being introduced, seeing that... how can you be sure you won't think, "Oh, they're all the same"?
Once doubt creeps in, relationships end. Happens a ton. Even clumsy me knows that much. To protect bonds with people I like, I reject that feeling.
"Seona had it too. So many asked me to introduce her. Most wanted to use our connection... I did sometimes. Seona said it was fine, but it weighed on me. Rejecting's the hardest. You might not get it yet, Eunha..."
I blinked at Mom. Truth is, I've been that person.
In my past life, I was a novelist. Not world-famous, but pretty popular. As an introvert, I didn't know many, but novel circles gave me some contacts.
Old acquaintances I'd cut off acted buddy-buddy when they heard I was a famous author—nauseating. But a close friend? Different, I thought. How naive.
One day, she introduced a "fan" friend. Felt okay at first. Then I learned the fan used me to get close to her, gained popularity off my status...
Not everyone’s like that, I know. But people aren't all saints either—we learn that the hard way. So over half my block was gut instinct from experience. Those ties end badly for both.
Past life: zero trusty friends left. This time, no bitter endings.
Soon after talking with Mom, Inha came back. I explained the same to her, but she only got the surface—not the depth.
"Of course I wouldn't with your mom. People approach her to use her. But pure admiration? Introduce away."
"Yeah, but I don't want to."
"Then don't. If you hate it, done."
Inha's always Team Me. Relieved me.
In group video call with friends, only Minhee got it.
[Ah, seriously? Fought over that? If she said no, just accept it. Brainless.]
Kids throw fits when things don't go their way—immature, unavoidable. Minhee mixed her usual cute face with a rough tone. She's no saint either.
[Just introduce and done? No hassle.]
[Feels gross after. Happened to me a few times—thanks for getting it, Eunha. My bro dealt with tons. Fought girls over it once... Now he hates little girls. Says they're faker.]
Ha, I laughed awkwardly, sobering up. Only those who've felt it know. They'll get my unexplainable heart when older. Using's okay in limits, but via others? Gross sometimes.
I sighed at the ceiling. Anyway, it's over.
[But Eunha, short hair changes your vibe a ton. More mature.]
Sensing I was done talking, Siha smiled. True! Minhee jumped in. Hyunho and Hansu agreed.
[Right! Bob suits you great!]
[Yeah, looks more grown-up.]
[My sis looked more kid-like after hers.]
"But bob's good, upkeep sucks. My hair's wavy—frizzes wild."
[That's the issue?]
[Probably. Juyeon unnie's curly, always complains. Oh! She mentioned gel for it? Magic product maybe?]
"Really? I'll beg Mom. Can you ask Juyeon senior?"
[Sure.]
I beamed. This counts as using? But it's fair—moderation's key.
Call started with fight, ended on hair. Good—magic world! One more solved.
Dad home later, I explained similarly. He looked stunned—I'd fought at school?
Next day, school life changed. Maybe my personality showed—no more challengers. Especially that Yesl? Leader who'd hurt bad for a kid—gone, bullying and sneers fizzled.
Still, haters hated. I know I'm not likable—sharp glare when idle, hate chit-chat, shy...
No challengers = easier school.
Days after incident, ran into Eunhee unnie.
"Heard from Minhee. Fight was over us?"
"Ah, she... admired you guys..."
"Ahem. I'm kinda famous, see."
She plopped on a bench—not center, leaving space.
I blinked. Just finishing moving class, alone. Fine for a bit. Sat as intended. She grinned.
"Next time, introduce instead of fighting. We like cute admirers. Easier on you. Oh, exclude Je-hyeon—he hates girls."
Reminded me of past me. She says that, but I hated it—uncomfortable using intent. Even from her. I shook my head.
She hesitated, mumbling.
"...It's fine."
Shook again.
"I hate it. Feels burdensome, suspicious... worse."
She stared blankly.
"...You're so mature, Eunha."
Smiled.
"But it's okay. I'm used to it."
Used to being used, doubted, burdened... Lonely, heartbreaking. I know—a bit. I pressed my lips tight.
She said that, but no betraying them.
Days flew. Mid-July, cleared basic evasion training level 30 with detection. Soon, semester practicals: I took 1st. Written? Minhee aced, true self.
We don't share scores, but kids do—brief ranking buzz. They thought Yesl best at magic—7th practical. Who got 1-6? Heard their chats guiltily.
Summer break hit quick.
"What're you doing this break?"
Post-ceremony, no rush home—park stroll, chat. Sad to split soon.
Break talk inevitable. Minhee licked ice cream, asked. Inha first, blunt.
"Homework, play?"
"Oh, that. Forgot all last year—got yelled at."
"Duh, idiot."
Hyunho scolded Hansu. I laughed. Minhee called Hyunho dummy, giggling, shared hers.
"Beach or pool with bros! You, Eunha?"
"Uh... Home, probably."
Brief think. Last summer similar—some outings, mostly homebound.
"Or camp with Inha's? Summer."
"Yeah, summer."
Inha nodded. Minhee envied.
"Ugh, jealous! All my close friends boys—always solo girl anywhere! Feels off! Fun, but..."
Siha next to her awkward. I laughed, nodding—yeah, childhood friend Siha boy, bio bro boy, bro's friends boys...
"Hiiing, wanna squeeze between you and Inha on trips. Bros fun, but girl trips!"
Tough face at whiny Minhee. Then Inha, who'd tilted head:
"Oh? Ask Mom if Minhee can join?"
Eyes wide at surprise. Minhee beamed.
"Really?!"
"Yeah, no biggie."
I smiled, thumbs up.
"Yeah, perfect. I'll ask Mom."
"Yay!"
Minhee pounced, hugging, smooching cheeks. Puppyish—mood boost. Hansu, Hyunho pouted.
"Unfair, girls only. This break, Siha's ours."
Hansu arm around Siha—not. Siha shocked. Hyunho pumped fist.
"Yes! Three vs. three!"
"Good. Even match."
Deal sealed. Trip not set—contact later if plans.
"Last~ Granche for treats!"
"Yes!"
"Let's!"
Followed Minhee's shout united. Cafe snacks, then parted—super reluctant.
Summer break began.
Inha and I, true introverts, holed up home. Not idle—full days.
Some lounging, but books, study, Inha house swaps for magic training. Semester 2: real combat, so parents helped.
Dad non-mage; others are. Mom support (comm), Jeongmin uncle medical. Seona auntie combat pro—mostly her.
Basement magic marathons. I learned defense/attack suiting my affinities from her. Plus tons more.
Like defense: barriers galore. Similar to barriers. While practicing, she said similar magics can link existing spells to your unique ones—like yours. Efficient. I linked all barriers to my wards. Easier.
My wards tough, but mine—high proficiency, familiar. Learned defenses gradually, linked useful ones.
Attack: No native, so practiced affinity attacks or spell attacks, finding fits. But real threat magic from my hands? Chills.
"Side-by-side, skill gap's huge."
Just started evasion—no sparring yet. Virtual same— not ready for combat training. Just tips. Attacks: shoot walls/floors.
Revealed: My spells vs. Inha's—big difference. Same spell, mana chant—looked identical. Mine: double speed/power.
"...Why the gap?"
Hmm, Seona auntie fingered chin, pondered.
"Watched close—Eunha, not just mana strong, control too. You nail my instructions perfectly. Inha lags—takes longer to complete, inefficient mana/power drop. Yours: pro-level control, unbelievable effort."
Got it. We eyed each other. Yeah, Inha's control behind. Precise = efficient magic. Obvious—precision maxes power.
"But Eunha, attack spells? Most specialize one affinity over multi. You?"
"Uh, fuse affinities. Can't yet..."
She pondered seriously. Fusion hard—needs top control, or deadly.
"Yeah, suits you. Boosts destruction. You fuse opposites well... Opposites right: massive power if tuned. Start compatibles... Fuse mana well = great attack. Your control's innate genius..."
Blinked at her words.
"Similar affinities easier... But no mixing affinities yet. Basic four (water/fire/wind/earth) safer, but dark/light super dangerous—no combos. Got it? No touch min 3 years. Middle school earliest."
"...Yes."
Hesitated, but knew risks—nodded. Dark/light tricky. Inha's hers, fine; not mine. Mixing now? Insane. Not adventurer type.
Next:
"So? Main one?"
"Dark... and light...?"
Knew it face. Dark/light fusion: hardest. No rush fuse, but solo yes. She okayed affinities/light, but dark: no high-level yet—dangerous.
Trained hard. Kept unique/original practice. Especially teleport! Extending range. Only with Seona auntie—mishap = molecular death.
"Okay... To me. Visualize right in front."
15m gap. Used detection talent.
'Spot, her mana front...'
Eyes shut-open. Spacetime mage here—familiar now, not hard. Grinned at her smiling face.
"Good job."
Inha sighed watching.
"Sigh... When me teleport..."
"Life-moving teleport: tough sans great affinity. Fine—you have some. 3 years max."
"Yeeah..."
Mid-break, updated friends. They got inspired—trained in "relax" break.
Especially teleport! Inha can't self yet, but objects yes. Others too. Hyunho: teleport talent. Space affinity fits. Water-space jump: trope for reason.
Ten days in... Aug 5, 202X: 5-night Waterworld Island trip.
Waterworld: whole isle pool/amusement/theme park. Near-future culture vs. my Earth. Beach beaches, inland massive indoor/outdoor waterpark. Park links giant water rides to sky—summer paradise!
Lodging/shops/food solid.
"Cool, right?"
Hesitated at Seona auntie's pitch. Mom hyped, calling Dad in living room.
Expected normal beach/valley. Hand up.
"Q1! Swimsuits mandatory?"
"Nah? Thin clothes fine—why?"
"Q2! Pricey?"
"Uh... yeah?"
Sigh. Oh no. How invite Minhee? Inha blank-stared. Well...
Perplexed me: auntie blinked.
"Why? Thought you'd love."
"Happy, but... uh..."
Explained Minhee. Inha got it, hesitated at mom. But auntie burst laughing post-explain.
"Pfft, that's it? Invite. Free passes—owners gave. Had 3 extra, perfect. Her, her bro too—needs guardian."
Woo! Beamed. But not all friends. She pondered.
"Fine. Hansu's gone—overseas with Siha."
"Good. Last one?"
We bolted upstairs, called Minhee—ecstatic.
[Really?! Awesome! Telling bro now. Wait, one left? Can I bring Cheonho oppa? Us three always, or with Siha fam.]
Inha intercom-ed auntie—greenlit.
[Yay!! Bro, bro...!!]
Minhee, thrilled, dragged Je-hyeon oppa in on call.
He heard all, hesitated.
[Me and Cheonho? Fine with Minhee, but parents? Strangers guys with daughters... Worry? Kids group, adults group—I'll follow her then...]
Blank face. True. Auntie okay, but Jeongmin uncle? My parents? Unknown high schoolers?
Age gap huge, no pervy vibes. But parent view? Normal worry. Rough world—contingencies?
"Why? Just guard Minhee."
[Inha, too young... Moms worry 'bout daughters. If Minhee sleepover bro-friend house... Worry, esp teen boys girl-interested.]
Yeah, same if sister. Arms crossed, pondered. Tough sans knowing well.
[Can't just go?]
[No. Need guardians' okay...]
Groan...
Decide: ask downstairs. No Dad, but Mom/auntie/uncle—okay?
Auntie prior yes, but others/Mom/uncle awkward. Auntie pondered too.
"Huh? Her bro plus one? Who?"
"Minhee's bro—Je-hyeon oppa's bestie. Trips with her often."
"With Minhee?"
Faces brightened.
"Maybe okay?"
"Yeah. Awkward otherwise—spy rude."
"Right..."
"One pass left..."
"Anyway giving self-defense items—island big..."
Nodded.
"Fine."
"Heh, might as well guardian while at it."
Inha unusually thrilled; I sighed relief. Je-hyeon couldn't? Unavoidable, but Minhee—good together. Avoid awkward rift.
Upstairs, recall. Cheonho oppa joined—worried. Nodded at their faces.
"Yeah. Asked Mom/uncle/auntie—all good."
[Really?!]
"Yes."
Je-hyeon short sigh—relief? Iffy.
[Meet, thank parents. Worried Minhee solo with you—even with Eunha.]
[Yay! Play hard! Bow soon meet!]
[Yes!]
Minhee/Cheonho high-five hyped. I smiled warmly. Yeah—all or nothing proper.