Chapter 102
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: The Lion Rolls Logs from the Cliff
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The women quickly broke the ice and started chatting among themselves.
So-yeon, shy in a normal way.
Ga-eun, kind to the asocial one.
Super energetic Haneul.
And Su-hyeon, silently watching for cues.
Su-hyeon wasn't particularly talkative to begin with, but she was even quieter now.
"Wow, so you're a college student too? You as well, So-yeon?"
"Ah, no, I'm not... I'm still 19."
"Really? Then I'm your big sis!"
"Pardon? Haneul's my big sis?"
"Hee hee hee."
Haneul let out a meaningful laugh and lifted her chin proudly.
"Heh, this body of mine is 23."
"What!?"
So-yeon covered her gaping mouth in shock, while Ga-eun's reaction was comparatively lukewarm.
"Whoa, really? I totally thought you were the little sis."
With Su-hyeon right there, it didn't feel shocking enough for that level of surprise...
Of course, someone older looking like that was intriguing, but just that much?
Haneul then turned her attention to Ga-eun.
"How old are you, Ga-eun? Since you're friends with Su-hyeon, are you the same age as me? Friends?"
Haneul's eyes sparkled, and Ga-eun replied with a smile.
"No, I'm 20. So you're my big sis, Haneul? Can I call you that casually?"
"Of course! But I heard Su-hyeon is 23 too— you two call each other casually?"
"Uh, y-yeah... We're, friends... and stuff."
As interest turned back to her, Su-hyeon stammered, seizing the chance to emphasize their bond.
A quick glance.
But Ga-eun's reaction was indifferent.
"Ah, well, sure. We're in the same department too."
Thud.
Su-hyeon's eyes widened like saucers.
"Whoa, Su-hyeon is a college student too!? That's wild~."
The conversation continued for a bit after that, but presumed instructors entered, naturally quieting the chatter.
"Alright, everyone, listen up."
The instructor was a very tough-looking Latina woman.
The term 'female warrior' fit her perfectly.
"My name is Carmen Rodriguez. As you might have guessed from the name, I'm a Latin American, and I'll be the head instructor for this camp. I'm honored to have this opportunity through our connections."
Her voice was unusually thick and rough for a woman.
She'd look perfect in a red beret, barking orders...
Sensing something ominous, the men started exchanging uneasy glances.
Noticing the murmurs, Carmen scoffed.
"Unfortunately, with only three tight days, I plan to focus on essential core tips rather than physical training, so bear with the disappointment."
Sigh~.
The tension eased at last.
"Of course, if anyone wants personal training, I'll personally drill you after camp ends."
"......"
She scanned the participants' reactions with a satisfied smile.
During the ongoing orientation, Ga-eun spotted Su-hyeon nestled in Haneul's arms.
She seemed focused on the instructor, her sprout perking up and twitching above her head.
'She's listening so intently. Even though she doesn't need it.'
Come to think of it, Su-hyeon never dozed off in lectures, no matter how boring the professor was.
Did she just have a lot of interest in people?
Or maybe she just liked watching someone talk up front.
Like how babies find home shopping ads entertaining.
'...She's cute.'
Ga-eun smiled unconsciously, then her gaze lingered on Haneul's arm wrapped around Su-hyeon's chest.
A strange discomfort tugged at her heart.
'......'
Ga-eun shook her head slightly.
'Who am I to monopolize her relationships?'
Why was she feeling this way to begin with?
Unlike Su-hyeon, she had Brüel in a close relationship too.
Maybe because Brüel had a unique background, while she was the first person Su-hyeon truly opened up to purely?
'Yeah, this is right. She needs to build some social skills. Independence... she has plenty of that...'
Ga-eun resolved to put a bit of distance between her and Su-hyeon during the camp.
"...And that's the schedule. Finally, you'll receive your certificates in front of representatives from the Korea Hunter Talent Development International Association who made this possible and the guild staff who cooperated. That concludes the orientation. Please take care of each other for this short time."
Clap clap clap clap—
The instructor exited amid applause.
The orientation content was quite different from what she'd expected.
It focused on practical knowledge like teamwork, self-introduction skills, guild selection tips, ability explanation methods, and useful websites.
Considering the short three-day period and the varied participant levels, it wasn't a bad lineup.
There were a few unrelated bits, like 'early hunters' dedication'...
But that was unavoidable with the organizing body.
'The precise analysis alone makes it worth it. Outside, that'd cost over ten million won easy.'
Of course, she'd have to wriggle out of it somehow.
Jun-hyuk probably pulled some strings already.
And even if issues arose, Brüel would handle it.
"Alright, shall we head back? Still a bit before the cafeteria opens."
Ga-eun's voice snapped her to attention.
Su-hyeon turned to see Ga-eun rising from her seat.
"Yeah, the timing's a little awkward."
"Huh? You two go rest in your room?"
"Yeah, we'll change into the gym clothes they gave us, chill a bit, then come out. Whatever."
Haneul asked as So-yeon stood too.
'Huh, heading back?'
The time was floating awkwardly, but it was free time anyway. They could just hang out...
"W-wait... together...!"
As Ga-eun and So-yeon started leaving, Su-hyeon flailed and slipped out of Haneul's arms.
But.
"Huh? Su-hyeon, you're not in the same room."
"Uh...?"
Ga-eun smiled at Su-hyeon clutching her pant leg.
It was her usual kind expression, but Su-hyeon froze.
Because that smile was the one Ga-eun used for strangers during collabs.
'Why...?'
"See you later."
"I'll head out first."
"Bye, bye~."
Haneul approached and waved enthusiastically.
"Su-hyeon, shall we go back too? Or look around?"
"......Whatever."
Su-hyeon nodded limply.
'Did I do something wrong? Earlier too...'
Murmurs about the orientation filled the air, but they didn't register.
Only Ga-eun's receding back lingered in her vision.
Even at mealtime later.
"Ah, Ga-eun! So-yeon!"
Haneul spotted them from afar and called out.
They looked quite friendly, chatting happily.
Ga-eun was a pro at bonding quickly.
"Shall we eat together?"
"Haneul sis, yeah, sure."
Su-hyeon sidled up behind Ga-eun and So-yeon and spoke up.
"G-Ga-eun, hi? So-yeon too..."
Her voice trailed off weakly, making them turn.
"Huh, we just saw you—greeting again?"
"Su-hyeon s-sis... Pfft, haha, still can't get used to it. Hi?"
"Hehe..."
As Ga-eun chuckled amusedly, Su-hyeon's face brightened a bit.
"Sis, so here's what happened..."
But when Ga-eun turned back to So-yeon's story, Su-hyeon deflated again.
The subtle distance Su-hyeon felt persisted at the table.
Seating arrangements to start.
Normally, she'd always be next to Ga-eun.
Now, she sat facing her.
Partly because of their roommates Haneul and So-yeon.
Whatever the reason, the sense that Ga-eun was distancing herself felt bad.
This wouldn't do.
"Um..."
"Hey there."
As Su-hyeon hesitated, a group of guys with trays approached Ga-eun cautiously.
"Yes?"
"Uh, hi. You're that NewTube... person, right?"
"Ah? Oh, y-yeah... You too...?"
Their faces lit up at her confirmation.
"Yes! Whoa...!"
"Told you she'd come!"
"Bro, quiet down a sec. Um, is it okay if we sit next to...?"
They fussed excitedly but asked permission to sit.
"Of course, it's not like I'm reserving seats."
"Thanks! You're even prettier in person. Wow..."
"Eun-ga—no, Ga-eun! I've been watching since 20k subs. Total fan! I dragged this guy in at 100k."
"Haha, thanks. But what'd you just say...?"
"Y-yes? What?"
"Didn't you just say 'Eun' or something?"
"Uh......No?"
"Could you share your streaming nickname? I wanted to send a gift."
"...Ah."
Haneul was startled seeing Ga-eun chat amiably with these strangers.
"Ga-eun's famous! You knew, Su-hyeon?"
She whispered just loud enough for their group.
"Y-yeah... Of course."
"You do NewTube? You haven't heard? She's blowing up lately."
So-yeon knew too, apparently.
"No idea! Been busy working..."
"Work? What kind...?"
"Shh, secret~..."
Sigh.
Su-hyeon sighed deeply.
Normally, she'd puff up with pride like it was her own praise, but now it felt off.
Like Ga-eun was being stolen away bit by bit.
Of course, Ga-eun had her business, so she couldn't ignore fans.
"Ah, they took our phones, can't take pics together... Sigh..."
"Ungh, we'll get pics at the last-day ceremony."
Maybe because they were all adults?
The vibe leaned more toward Ga-eun getting attention than childlike Su-hyeon.
Her pretty, sweet smiles hit guys right in the feels.
Unable to find an opening to talk, Su-hyeon let mealtime slip by.
She left half her food untouched.
"Su-hyeon, done already?"
Haneul asked puzzled.
"Y-yeah, not really, just full..."
"Ah~ Makes sense, tiny stomach. Right?"
"Yeah. Overeating's no good anyway."
Haneul and So-yeon nodded nonchalantly.
"Looks like everyone's done—let's go? Ga-eun, wrap it up!"
"Ah, yeah. I'll head out fi—Huh?"
Ga-eun paused rising, spotting Su-hyeon's tray.
It was pork cutlet, her favorite.
Leaving that much was blatantly abnormal.
The portions here weren't cafeteria-giant either.
'...Was I too harsh?'
Seeing the pitifully drooping leaf like rain-soaked, Ga-eun's guilt surged.
"Have fun!"
"EunTube fighting!"
"Ah, haha, thanks. You two too!"
As Ga-eun reached for Su-hyeon's shoulder, the guys shouted pumped farewells.
And just like that, mealtime ended.