The Finally Revealed Unimaginable Identity (Never Hidden)
Anyway, once that yapping bastard finally vanished, my mind felt a whole lot lighter. Just as I thought I could finally enjoy a peaceful meal and picked up the menu again.
"S-Su-hyuk-!"
A shrill, bird-like scream suddenly pierced the air, followed by a woman rushing toward the man. His sister, if I recalled correctly. Even after he'd grabbed her by the hair and tormented her, she was still trying to look after her family. Watching this touching display of sibling love only made my stomach growl louder.
Just as I was thinking it was time to order something substantial, Maria spoke to me in a frantic voice.
"Si-hoo..! What are you gonna do..?!"
"Hm? Oh. Debating whether to get more intestines or more tenderloin."
"What..?! No, that's not..!"
"Eun-ha. What was good for you?"
"A-anything Si-hoo-nim eats is delicious for me..! H-how about trying the seasoned ones too?"
"Seasoned, huh. Yeah, can't come to a barbecue joint and skip the seasoned stuff. Alright, Maria, what was your favorite?"
"Me, I personally like the short ribs bu-but no, that's not the point..!"
"Is that so? Well, yeah, just order everything and no need to overthink it. Let's get another mixed platter for now then.."
"No, Si-hoo..!"
Maria looked exasperated, as if I couldn't understand a word she was saying. But I knew exactly what she was worried about. She was fretting over the fact that I'd beaten up a guy. In this world, a woman hitting a man was a serious crime. But what could be done? It was already done. No point worrying over spilled milk. And above all, I'm not a woman.
"Excuse me..!"
Then, the woman who'd been tending to him suddenly called out to me, glaring daggers. She strode over, eyes wide with fury, and snapped.
"Isn't this going too far?! Su-hyuk actually liked you, and you hit him instead..?!"
The moment I heard her voice, I looked at her in surprise. Not because of what she'd said, but the voice itself. It was outrageously loud and agitated, yet utterly empty. No trace of anger or any real emotion in it. As if it had nothing whatsoever to do with her. And yet her face was clearly twisted in rage—it was so bizarre I couldn't help but stare.
Compared to other women, she had a petite, delicate build and faded gray bobbed hair. Cute little animal ears perched on her head marked her as a beastkin. Her brother seemed like a plain human, though—could siblings be mixed like that? Anyway, just as an odd feeling washed over me, our eyes met.
And in that instant, I finally saw it. Eyes as devoid of fluctuation as her voice—completely hollow. In other words, this woman was acting. And she was damn good at it.
Sensing I'd caught on, perhaps? She flinched, her voice trailing off in a murmur.
"O-of course, Su-hyuk was a bit harsh with his words.. but even so, a woman hitting a man is..!"
"Actress?"
"..Pardon? What do you mean all of a sudden..?"
"Nah? Just felt like I'd seen you somewhere. If you're interested, give it a shot. You'd be great at acting."
"..You.."
"Kuaaaah-!! It hurts..! My face..! Hurts so muuuch..!! Hnggh..!"
Just then, as a glint flashed in her eyes upon hearing me, the man came to, screaming his lungs out. Clutching his face, tears streaming down, he bolted upright, snot and all, and glared at me.
"You little..! I was gonna play with you 'cause you had a pretty face..! H-how dare you hit me?! Me, Lee Su-hyuk..?! Don't you know who I am?!"
"Didn't wanna know, but now I do. You just said it yourself—Lee Su-hyuk."
"Not that! Can't you tell just by looking?! I'm a man, a man! The world's precious treasure and natural monument, and instead of loving and cherishing me, you hit me?! You think you'll get away with hitting a man like me?! It's a major crime! One report from me and you're dead—execution! And that's not all! Those pig bitches next to you, I'll drag 'em all in too and..!"
"Hey."
I'd been ignoring his barking, but the bastard crossed the line again. Should've hit him harder earlier. Should've made sure he couldn't get up for a month. I stood and approached him. Standing, he barely reached my shoulder. Weight might be similar, though. Looking down, I could see his eyes trembling, locked right on my fist. All that tough talk, but terrified of another hit. I got it, but even if I could turn back time, I'd punch him again. He swung first—that was wrong. Gotta do what needs doing.
"First off, I'm sorry for hitting you. No matter the reason, violence can't be justified."
"Wha..? S-sorry..?! N-now what good is that?! You think I'll let it slide?!"
I bowed my head politely and apologized. He exploded in disbelief, but that was expected. Even if he kicked me right then, I'd take it. Report me? Go ahead. Own your actions—that's basic.
So, you own yours too.
"Got it. So hit me back, call the cops, do whatever. But first, you apologize. For insulting those women—one word of sorry."
"D-don't make me laugh..! Why the hell would I?! To those ugly bitches..?! No way in hell!"
"..I see. Then choose."
"Ch-choose..? Choose wha.."
"Fist or foot..!"
"H-heek..?!"
I'd bowed to build momentum.. and the rest is obvious, asshole. Won't talk? Then take it physically.
And as my fist stretched toward his face once more.
Bweeeep-!
A sharp, piercing whistle rang in my ears. I froze and turned—to see a woman with a whistle in her mouth, grinning.
She pulled it out, flipped open a notepad, and said,
"Freeze. This is the police you've all been waitin' for, deyo. Both of ya, stop what you're doin' and come on over here. Make any more racket and it'll be tiresome for everyone, deyo."
Suddenly appearing on the scene, Officer Gumiso swallowed a sigh threatening to escape. She'd come to this pricey steakhouse for a rare day off meal. Who'd have thought an incident would pop up here? She wanted to play dumb and ignore it, but things had escalated too far.
Normally, with violence involved, they'd all head to the station for statements. But..
"Police station? Why go there if I didn't do nothin' wrong?! Just take those bitches!"
"No, but to get the full story accurately.."
"What's left to say? You got eyes—ya saw it! Or are ya blind, goin' around with 'em shut? How the hell'd you even become a cop?!"
'Whoa, this guy's no joke..'
She couldn't, thanks to the dwarf stubbornly refusing the station. She knew the whole story from watching, so she didn't care much. But that made it even more absurd. Did he really think he was innocent? Even as a third party, it was embarrassing and infuriating. Considering his words, it was a miracle he only took one hit. In a normal case, it'd be mutual or self-defense. Problem was, woman hitting man—always favors the man. No woman had ever won or come out ahead in mixed-gender cases historically.
Gumiso glanced at the dwarf's companion. A body and face that drew awe no matter how many times she looked. Even among ripped cops, she'd never seen one like this. Honestly, watching her send the dwarf flying had been satisfying. But as a cop, she had to arrest her.
'Aigoo, told ya young folks not to throw punches. Wanted to look the other way, but one more and it's life in prison for sure.'
She'd stepped in to prevent worsening, but minimum jail time was locked in. Sympathizing as a fellow woman, but duty first. She asked,
"Um.. Mr. Kang Si-hoo? Can you explain the situation properly? I saw it all, but hearing it direct is best."
"Sure. This guy showed up outta nowhere and insulted my friend and wife. Couldn't take it as her friend and husband, so I hit him."
"Yes.. Of course, as a friend and husband.. Wait, what?"
Scribbling what she already knew, Gumiso suddenly caught the oddity and looked at Si-hoo. Even the dwarf gawked at him in shock. She asked again,
"Um.. Husband? Who.. are you two a couple, by any chance?"
"Don't talk nonsense. I'm the husband."
"Pardon? No, but.. Lee Su-hyuk said your wife..?"
"Why keep asking? From the start, I'm.."
Bang-!
"M-me..! I'm Si-hoo-nim's wife..! And Si-hoo-nim is my husband!"
"Whoa, what the—?! Door was locked, how'd ya get in?!"
Then Eun-ha burst through the locked door. Gumiso panicked, trying to block her, but her strength was no match.
"Si-hoo-nim is innocent! Let him go now! Or I'll curse you all with magic.. Mmph!"
Smooch-!
Mmch, mmch, smooooch-!!
Si-hoo snatched the charging locomotive-like Eun-ha and planted a deep kiss on her. Forced to witness it up close, Gumiso's jaw dropped.
"I told you to wait outside quietly."
"Heh, hehehet..! Si-hoo-niim..♥!"
As their lips parted, Eun-ha finally calmed, face flushed and trembling. Si-hoo gently held her and told Gumiso,
"Clear now? She's my wife. I'm her husband. In other words.. a man."