Chapter 17
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Alumni Are Scary (1)
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A long-forgotten pain. Dizziness tangling up my head. It felt a lot like the agony I'd endured after taking a blow to the skull mid-battle. My head rang as a brutal headache crashed over me.
"Ah.... I'm gonna die."
An unexpected ambush. Getting backstabbed by someone you thought was an ally is always a cold shock. Was all that fake familiarity and kindness just leading up to this?
My fault for not realizing when that green-bodied temptress shoved itself in my face. No, thinking about it, it was Sihyun's fault for grinning like an idiot and pouring it straight down my throat. She was way too nice compared to usual. Should've known better—too much goodwill always means trouble. I was the fool.
Anyway, nausea was surging up. I couldn't just puke lying down, so I dragged my unresponsive body upright. My shaky vision brought back memories of yesterday's battle.
It had been a brutal fight. In a clash where victory seemed impossible, I'd led us the best way I knew how. Even the teammate who'd mocked me ended up fighting alongside in the end. Of course, I'm talking about Legend of League.
I stumbled out of the room and, unable to hold back the churning anymore, headed straight for the bathroom.
"Ughhhh...."
After holing up in there and heaving my guts out for what felt like forever, my vision finally started to steady.
The clock I glanced at read 9:30. For someone who usually woke at 6 sharp, this felt downright weird. Beating me to sleep in over three extra hours thanks to booze? Kinda surprising.
Only now was my sight sharpening bit by bit, the piercing ring in my head fading away. Was it really normal to suffer this much from just a little drinking?
"Ughhh.... This sucks. And she's already off to work like nothing happened...."
The house felt empty except for me, so she must've headed out while I was passed out.
Shrugging it off, I rummaged in the kitchen for something quick to shove in my mouth. I'd heard you're supposed to eat hangover remedies the morning after, so the leftover pineapple pizza should do the trick.
"Mmm, that's the stuff. Pineapple pizza for the hangover win."
And damn, it worked wonders. Stomach settled, hangover lifting—mood instantly better. I flopped on the living room couch and fired up the TV.
"Bixby~ I'm bored. Put on something fun."
Sihyun showed me recently that it had voice recognition now. No need for "Wingardium Leviosa" anymore—great for an unemployed guy trying to conserve every drop of mana.
Bixby responded sweetly and switched to my usual variety show. I zoned out to the familiar faces, killing time.
How long had it been? My stomach growled again—lunchtime vibes.
Clock said exactly 12:00. My internal clock never failed. Perks of always eating on schedule.
A pointless swell of pride hit me as I headed back to the kitchen. Breakfast was whatever, but lunch deserved something hearty.
Hmm, what to make?
I was pondering that when—
Creak—
The front door swung open.
"Ughhh.... Gonna puke...."
Sihyun shuffled by, whimpering toward the bathroom.
The door slammed shut, then—
- Uwaaaaaack! Ughhh....
A massive retching echoed out. Soon, water ran. After two rounds, she emerged from the bathroom, face pale as a ghost—my little sister.
"Ah.... You're up early, bro...."
"Well, yeah. Kinda."
"Making breakfast...? Whip some up for me too.... Just hangover ramen for me."
"Of course I'd make yours too."
But.
"What about work...?"
"Ah."
What do you mean, "Ah," you little punk.
"Uwaaaah~ I'm alive! That hangover wrecked me earlier~"
"Is that the issue? What happens if the breadwinner skips work?"
"C'mon, bro~ Missing one day won't kill us. I called in sick and used a vacation day. You okay? Get your fix?"
"Obviously. Pineapple pizza cured me right up."
"....I always think this, but your taste in food is still a mystery. You weren't like this before."
It's not that weird. No idea why everyone hates it.
"Anyway, looks like we can hang out today~! Was gonna be bored alone, but you're here!"
"No, I'm the one who needs a break...? And bored after all that running around yesterday? Rest up."
"Nope. I'm bored. Play with me, Sihyunnie~"
"Wow.... You're really aging backward, bro. How are you this childish?"
Whatever.
After thirty minutes of begging, Sihyun—ever the pushover—listened patiently until her face lit up with an idea.
"You little.... Ah, got it! Bro, remember any old friends we used to hang with?"
"Uh...no? Not really."
No family memories, so friends were a long shot.
"Didn't think you'd forget.... Still, why not track 'em down? At 31, you've probably had a few reunions already, right?"
Old friends. Yeah, I was kinda curious. Past connections, school buddies, army seniors and juniors—that was my whole life back then. No harm in checking.
"Wise little sis strikes again. But I'm too dumb to know where to start—will my genius sis help out~?"
"Only 'genius' when you need something. How are you this sly?"
She grumbled, but dimples creased her cheeks—score. Piling on the flattery, she sighed and nodded.
"Sigh~ Fine. I'll look tomorrow at work. There was that friend, Jaehyun oppa or something? I'll find him. You're on your own after."
Didn't ring a bell, but.
"Sure~"
She was great at agreeing.
Next day, while zoning out to TV, a text from Sihyun popped up.
- Sent you Kim Jaehyun's number, your friend. Call it.
She'd checked first thing at work—before lunch even. Wasn't mentally ready yet. Guess I'd call later...
- You whined about being bored so much I looked it up right away. No excuses about prep or awkwardness—just call now.
How does she know me so well? I flinched, scanning the room. Hidden camera maybe?
- Don't get paranoid about cameras. Heading to work now. Have fun.
What the—?
Spending thirty minutes ransacking the room for spy cams felt dumb. Time to stop wasting time.
Still dreaded calling, but whatever.
Hesitantly, I dialed the unknown number. It rang and rang—rrrring—then finally, someone picked up.
- Hello?
A deep male voice. Totally unfamiliar—I froze.
Uh, um. What do I even say? Haven't made new friends in years; first greetings felt alien again.
- Hello...? Say something.
As I dithered, another prompt came. If I didn't speak, he'd hang up—so I blurted,
"Do you happen to know the Way?"
Ah, crap—no.
- ...What the hell, you psycho. Who says crap like that anymore? Ugh, damn it. Busy as hell and weirdos keep calling.
Beep beep beep—
....
I stared blankly at the dead line. One word, and he goes off like that...?
Felt down. Screw old friends—maybe just game. I'd get flamed online anyway; no need for voice abuse from strangers.
Moping on the couch, my phone rang—Sihyun.
- Bro, you call? Bet you didn't.
"I... did. But he called me a psycho."
- Huh? What'd you say?
"Do you know the Way...?"
- You're a talent at screwing up.... Not even criminal vibes, though.
"Eek."
- Cut the whining and call back properly. Idiot.
Following her advice, I redialed.
Failure is the mother of success for heroes—no giving up after one flop.
....
At least I left a memorable first impression.
I decided to think positive.