Chapter 15
Chapter 15
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: For Now, Let's Just Try Something. (4)
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For the time being, I figured I'd give it a shot anyway.
It was nearly eight by the time I finally let her go after tormenting her for hours. Had I pushed her too hard on her first day? She did look like she was about to hurl around halfway through. Her first impression had been that cool and chic vibe Yoo Soo-jung described, but seeing her all broken down and trudging back to the dorm made me feel a little guilty. Still, borrowing a line from some sports coach or other: Mana grows stronger the more you use it, right? Well, that's the going theory, at least.
So I'd unearthed a new gem and worked her hard. Humming to myself about what to have for dinner, I stepped into the house—only to sense something off in the air tonight.
"You're back?"
"Yeah. I'm home, Ji-hyun."
"You didn't come home last night either. And you're late again tonight?"
"Guild stuff came up. Haha..."
"What were you up to? Let me just 'hear' it first."
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡ Hypnosis Target compelled to answer truthfully.
"Huh? Didn't you hear something just now?"
"Hear what? Don't change the subject."
The air felt heavier than before for some reason. Sweat beaded on my palms, and as I tried to wipe it on my pants, my hand was suddenly gripped tight—I couldn't pull away and had to answer.
"Took on a disciple. Gave her a workout on the way back."
"A disciple? A student?"
"Yeah. Scouted her from school rounds for the guild. Similar family situation to me or you, plus fire-affinity mana."
"So, an orphan. I'd like to meet her sometime."
"You'll think she's cute too, Ji-hyun."
"Anyway. Why didn't you come home last night?"
Seo Ji-hyun suddenly tightened her grip on my hand. Where does she get this strength?
"Answer."
"Let go of my hand first, just for a sec—"
"Answer."
"Something came up. Dungeon raids need a ton of prep, you know that!"
"Liar. What prep does Oppa need that takes so long for a dungeon?"
"Wait, seriously, it hurts, Ji-hyun!"
"Camping gear and a few mana potions—that's it for someone who scouts and fights solo?"
"Okay, okay, just—!"
"Kyaa!"
It hurt so much I instinctively flared my mana in a burst of flame. Some kind of barrier shielded Seo Ji-hyun, thankfully, but the force still knocked her flat on her butt. Flustered by my own reaction, I reached to help her up—only for her to swat my hand away.
-Slap! "Ah."
"Ow..."
We both looked mortified, like we'd slapped without thinking. I felt half-wronged myself, but in a spot like this, the guy should step up. I offered my hand again, and this time she took it, letting me pull her to her feet.
"Sorry. You okay?"
"...Sorry."
"No big deal. It happens. We'll talk later, yeah?"
"...Yeah. Really sorry."
"I said it's fine. Let's eat once you've calmed down a bit."
Dinner was fried rice. It had way more ingredients than usual without skimping on the rice—clearly a lot of thought and prep went into it. We scooped portions into our bowls and sat across from each other at the table to eat.
"......"
"......"
Normally we'd chat over the meal, but the emptiness gnawed at me. Mostly, I worried about how down Seo Ji-hyun seemed. More than that—had she known about me and Yoo Soo-jung all along? In the original story, it mentioned she knew we were close.
Not a word passed even after we finished eating, right up until the dishes were done. Only then did she approach me, spaced out on the sofa.
"Lend me your lap."
"Huh?"
"To lie down."
"Uh... sure?"
My response came out questioning, but I didn't mind. She lay sideways, resting her head on my thigh. We weren't that close, honestly, but she looked so out of it I just went with it.
"Vice Guild Master-nim."
"Yeah?"
"You don't have to lie about sleeping with the Guild Master."
"Uh, well..."
"Everyone in the guild knows about you two."
I hadn't realized that. Made me feel bad for lying out of needless guilt.
"Stroke my hair."
I couldn't see her face since she was lying turned away, but her reddened ears suggested she was pushing through embarrassment, so I did as asked.
-Swish. Swish.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡ Hypnosis Target releases mental block / compulsion.
"What?"
"...Nothing. Just keep stroking."
"...Alright."
She seemed in better spirits now. Her brown hair—which I'd thought dyed—felt surprisingly soft, not frizzy at all. As I stroked it, I playfully shook it side to side now and then.
And just like that, we spent a peaceful evening—unlike before.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ That jerk. Promised to protect me, then goes and sleeps with the guy who ruined me? Even knowing my situation. We spend all weekend goofing around together, and he still crashes with someone else?
Seo Ji-hyun had heard the whole story straight from Lee Seo-woo's mouth at the front door. Seeing him lie about it pissed her off. Squeezing his hand too hard was her mistake, sure—but so was his sudden mana flare. When he reached to help her up after she fell, she'd slapped his hand away without thinking. Of course, his anxious expression as he offered it again softened her a bit.
Honestly, she felt ridiculous even to herself. She'd soloed everything in her past life before regressing. Thought she'd be numb to it all by now. But a taste of human warmth, and her emotions went haywire.
To the guy who'd tanked her life, no less.
Still...
He's different. She knew that in her head. And they weren't even dating. Had she overreacted?
What if he leaves me too? Back to a life with no one to trust?
Fear hit her for the first time in ages.
Don't take away this 'normal' life I'd been blind to. I'd only just discovered it.
The feeling of seeing someone off to work. Anticipating what to cook for dinner. The satisfaction of a welcome home.
This happiness of sharing the same space and time.
Why had she lived without knowing these feelings? Tears nearly came, though none were left to fall.
"Stroke my hair."
His hand gliding softly over her head was bigger and warmer than expected. Should she ask for a kiss too?
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡ Hypnosis Target releases mental block.
She'd done it herself, but when his stroking hand froze, a stone dropped in her chest.
"Hic..."
Just a pause—why did it hurt so much? Turning to meet his eyes, she saw his usual hollow gaze, somehow colder today. Her heart squeezed. Fix it quick.
"Feeding mouth-to-mouth? Erase that from your head. Kisses are for lovers..."
Lovers only—but the words wouldn't come. He wouldn't see her that way. Just roommates sharing a house, nothing more. They'd grown closer over time, but he'd been scared of her at first.
So make him see me as a lover...
"Crazy bitch."
After crashing her own life once. Now scheming to drag him down too? She knew exactly what would happen. Yoo Soo-jung would notice any change and get suspicious. Women were sensitive about that stuff. She'd been involved with the old Lee Seo-woo too, even if not officially dating.
Getting caught would screw us both.
"Kisses are for lovers..."
This was right. No lingering attachments. She'd always faced problems head-on. Just make him fall for her.
"And."
Still,
"Think of me as more precious."
This much should be fine. Rationalizing it to herself, she turned back and snapped her fingers.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡ Hypnosis Target adjusts perception / compulsion implanted.
-Snap!
Incredibly, he resumed stroking naturally. Warm relief spread through her body. Satisfied, she basked in it happily—unaware, under hypnosis, that oblivious Lee Seo-woo spoke up.
"What?"
"...Nothing. Just keep stroking."
This time was good enough. She'd messed up, not him. Forcing down her tangled emotions, she played it cool.
"...Alright."
His touch grew playful, tousling her hair lightly—sign the suggestion had taken hold. She felt pleased.
And just like that, we spent a happy evening—unlike before.