Chapter 39 : Chapter 39
Chapter 39: Planetarium
“This is HBC! Cadet Ryu Jinwoo! May we ask for a brief interview!”
“Mr. Ryu Jinwoo! Just a moment!”
“This is Reporter Chae Jiwoong from Gaju Economy. Requesting an interview with Cadet Ryu Jinwoo~.”
Just an hour ago, having been insulted via Telepathy by Ju Yeonhwa, Seol Hayun's grandmother, I responded in my own way.
Instead of causing a scene, I expressed my gratitude.
I was confident there was no way to fluster Ju Yeonhwa more than that at that moment, and the result was successful.
I definitely succeeded in screwing over Ju Yeonhwa.
It was worth watching her maintain a smiling expression without being able to say anything in front of the camera while being flustered.
Even though her emotional state was becoming a mess in real-time.
Screwing over Ju Yeonhwa like that was good, but the problem was the interest of people following after that.
The pouring interview requests.
[Yoon Bongsik]
[Interest, Excitement, Anticipation]
[Han Jiho]
[Anticipation, Suspicion]
[Chae Jiwoong]
[Fatigue, Indifference, Annoyance]
Names and emotions of people I have absolutely no interest in are crawling into my head.
[Kkihihihit! Here they cooome! Slap slap!]
The damn Mimic was firing the ‘Eye of Deception’ as if excited, and the burden was entirely mine.
The damn headache shows no sign of ending.
Having consistently given soulless interviews as if roughly agreeing, I could only escape from among them after a long while.
“……Ha.”
Outside the auditorium, feeling the late evening air, I rolled my shoulders.
Somehow I felt like walking in a quiet place.
Around the time I was walking along the promenade behind the campus avoiding people.
“Ryu Jinwoo?”
A familiar voice.
There stood Jin Cheongha.
Ocean-colored eyes, blue bobbed hair wavy like waves spread as if seeping into the dusk.
With her school uniform jacket draped over her shoulders and a few shirt buttons undone, she was smiling leisurely under the streetlight spreading along the promenade.
The problem was that a cadet was being dragged by her hand.
Anyone could see traces of being beaten severely were evident.
Because the face was bruised, eyes were unfocused, and the body was limp.
“…….”
I thought about going my way pretending not to see or hear, but.
“What, not greeting your sunbae?”
“Long time no see. Sunbae Cheongha.”
“Mm! Good, that's it!”
Jin Cheongha speaking cheerfully.
And that cheerfulness combined with the injured person in her hand exuded a somewhat eerie atmosphere.
“Ah, this?”
Perhaps noticing my gaze, Jin Cheongha brought it up first.
“It's a light disciplinary activity as the Student Council. Don't misunderstand? Just caught someone bullying another cadet in the forest.”
“I see.”
Then, goodbye.
I tried to go my way, but Jin Cheongha started following me continuously.
“What. Seeing you after a long time and that's it? Let's talk a bit more.”
Like that, an uncomfortable companionship began.
It's been a while since I thought I hope no one sees this scene.
‘Since people are still talking about how I beat Jin Cheongha on the academy bulletin board.’
Surrounding gazes are bound to be uncomfortable.
“Heard you performed big this time? As expected, you live up to the value I marked.”
Jin Cheongha thrust her head close and smiled brightly.
Too close. Isn't the sense of distance strange.
“Just got lucky.”
I scratched my head and shook it.
Jin Cheongha's interest was burdensome now.
“Where is luck? It's all skill.”
Jin Cheongha put her hand on the back of her head, stretched lightly, and continued.
“Oh right, but you need to be careful.”
“Yes?”
At the sudden transition, I paused.
“Lately, a strange circle targeting noticeable freshmen has appeared. What should I call it, proving? They call it something like that.”
Jin Cheongha started explaining drawing a small circle in the air.
“Picking fights with rising kids like you. If they win, it's a boast, even if they lose, they break even. It's like a gain whether they win or lose.”
“Aren't they just thugs?”
“Right. Amidst that, they call it ‘shoulder pressing’ among themselves? Injecting manners before having arrogant thoughts or something.
Jin Cheongha's eyes sparkled mischievously.
“Maybe because it's skill-first principle, even though it's nominally a hero academy, there are quite a few delinquent kids. Thanks to that, only I am busy.”
Jin Cheongha speaking as if complaining.
But I know. Jin Cheongha rather enjoys disciplinary activities.
Legitimate fighting and even delivering justice?
For her, dopamine circulates purely.
“So, I should be careful too?”
“You are quite noticeable these days. ‘The hot topic 1st year who beat Jin Cheongha’. Wouldn't you be a perfect target for shoulder pressing?”
“That was because sunbae surrendered as you pleased.”
“Right? But kids think differently. Officially I am recorded as having lost to you, and if the freshman who beat me even received a commendation this time, wouldn't it be dangerous somehow?”
Though she made an expression as if pretending to worry, the revealed emotion was a bit different.
[Jin Cheongha]
[Enjoyment, Playfulness, Anticipation]
‘You are enjoying it. This person…….’
Is it okay for a Student Council executive to be like this.
Anyway, it seems the fighting-loving tendency goes nowhere.
Also seems strangely fixated on me.
“Still, if someone picks a fight where I can see, I’ll help immediately. Or not? Maybe you can overcome it without help?”
Jin Cheongha laughed playfully.
Like a child who found an interesting comic.
Just when I was about to be dumbfounded, she pointed slightly at the cadet she was dragging in her hand and said.
“Chitchat was long. I’ll go hand him over to the Disciplinary Committee now.”
She walked away without even giving a chance to say goodbye.
Like that, I was left alone.
‘Coming like a wave and going like a wave.’
Even that was Jin Cheongha-like if it was Jin Cheongha-like.
‘Wait, where is this?’
Just how long did I walk,
Unconsciously following while talking with Jin Cheongha,
It seemed I had already come to a deep forest path rare even within the campus.
Looking to the side, under the dim lighting, an old sign was visible.
[No Entry: Danger]
It seemed I had entered a strange place somehow.
***
‘Going crazy.’
Navigation doesn't work inside the academy.
Jamming devices operate as basic security making the internal situation unknown.
Therefore, the moment one gets lost on the promenade, one has to rely on instinct and signposts visible here and there.
The problem is that I am totally hopeless in that regard.
‘Should I have just followed Sunbae Cheongha?’
She disappeared briskly as if it was her own front yard though.
When I went in the direction Jin Cheongha headed, only unknown paths appeared instead.
It was during then.
At some moment, the view opened up, and an unfamiliar building revealed its appearance below a low hill.
Curved outer walls and a hemispherical roof.
A dome rising toward the ceiling was facing the night sky.
Did I finally escape the forest? That thought was brief.
Because next to the building was filled with trees and bushes entirely.
The building itself looked neglected with cracks here and there.
It seemed I didn't find the way.
Baseurak-
And at that moment, a presence was felt nearby.
Instinctively lowering my posture, I examined the surroundings.
Between the bushes, someone's silhouette was faintly visible.
Judging by the glimpse of the figure, it was definitely a person.
‘Who is it?’
Someone else is in this deep forest?
Suddenly Jin Cheongha's words came to mind.
‘Just caught a kid bullying another cadet in the forest.’
A gloomy forest path where navigation doesn't even work.
Perfect for something delinquent to happen.
And just when such suspicion brushed past, the ‘Eye of Deception’ activated.
[Seol Hayun]
The popping name was an unexpected figure.
‘Eh? Seol Hayun?’
It was unexpected. On one hand, glad.
Maybe Seol Hayun might find the way for me.
The moment I tried to approach carefully with such expectation.
Seuseuk-
Seol Hayun's figure was erased and in the blink of an eye, she stood in front of me.
Quietly raising her hand blade, casting a shadow over my nape.
Silver hair flowed softly over her shoulders.
Below that, red pupils flashing through the darkness shone deeply.
Harmonizing with the moonlit forest scenery, creating a bizarre harmony.
Meeting eyes for a moment like that, she gasped flinching.
“……Ryu Jinwoo? Ah.”
Stepping back as if surprised, she lost balance and flopped- backward.
[Seol Hayun]
[Panic]
“Why are you here?”
Seol Hayun asked first.
“Got lost while walking the forest path. You?”
I answered truthfully.
And just when Seol Hayun was hesitating.
Deolkeong- deolkeong-
The door of the old building shook roughly.
Soon a certain sound was heard.
Wageujak- wajak-
Sound of chewing something wildly.
Somehow it didn't sound like a sound a human makes.
‘……What is it?’
The moment I reflexively put my hand on the sword at my waist.
Kkiik-
The door opened slowly.
And what revealed its appearance from inside was.
“Ah, the door is doing this again. Hayun came? Eh? Ryu Jinwoo?”
It was Do Haru.
Holding a shrimp snack bag in one hand.
And right next to her.
Wajak- wageujak-
A Fluffy Rabbit chewing shrimp snacks diligently was looking this way with round eyes.
***
“Huu, eventually Ryu Jinwoo also came to know this place.”
Do Haru started speaking with a low voice as if narrating.
Entering the dome-shaped building, an exotic scenery unfolded.
Round and open space.
Above the ceiling, a dome-shaped transparent glass covered it, but perhaps due to not cleaning for a long time, dirt and dust were thickly stuck.
Desks and chairs overturned here and there, in the corner a telescope covered in a cloth was sleeping.
It seems it was originally a planetarium.
‘Didn't know such a place existed.’
Really. Even though I played the game so much, it's the first time I knew this place existed.
Because it was a place that didn't appear.
Somehow feeling like I found a hidden map for the first time.
A strange satisfaction as a gamer visited.
“It was a secret place known only to Hayun and me, this got discovered.”
Shaking her head while speaking, she looked somewhat deserving of a flick on the forehead.
“Looks like an abandoned place, how did you know?”
“We tend to look for places like this originally.”
Do Haru answered my question.
“In the first place, where Hayun and I first met was also a warehouse abandoned in the corner of the middle school academy?”
“Went to find a quiet place, but it was the noisiest place.”
As Do Haru brought up a memory, Seol Hayun responded with a stiff voice.
“Saying that, you played together every day. Anyway, not honest at all?”
“Every day, you followed me.”
“Ey, you liked it inwardly~.”
“Bbii-!”
The Fluffy Rabbit made a cry as if agreeing with Do Haru's words.
Lowest rank but a demonic beast nonetheless, yet cute.
I looked anew at the Mimic flying buzzingly next to me with a creepy eye, mouth, and tongue attached.
If only that guy looked like a Fluffy Rabbit at least.
Thinking like this might be wicked.
[Kkihihihik! Kkihihik! Stomach! Jiggle jiggle! Gooood!]
“By the way Jinwoo, you were totally crazy today, is it okay for you to be here?”
Amidst that, Do Haru grabbed a sprawling chair roughly, sat down, and opened her mouth munching on snacks.
“I was surprised earlier, you know? Suddenly just, ‘Thank you. I will take it to heart.’ doing that really. Thought I would die holding back laughter?”
Shaking the snack bag around, Do Haru mimicked me.
Somewhat annoying. I decide to forgive her looking at the potato chips placed in my hand.
“Already suffered being harassed by reporters.”
“Of course they cling! Even I would have followed somehow. Curious to death. Just what did Grandma Yeonhwa say that…….”
Oops, the moment she brought up Ju Yeonhwa's name, Do Haru glanced at Seol Hayun slyly.
Simultaneously at the moment of hearing Ju Yeonhwa's name, the corners of Seol Hayun's mouth, which was expressionless, went down subtly.
For a moment, the only sound filling the room was the Fluffy Rabbit munching on snacks.
“Mmm, mm…… Drink! No drinks? Thirsty right? I’ll go buy something to drink.”
Do Haru headed to the entrance with quick steps.
“I’m treating today! Will bring more snacks too so wait! Take care of Fluffy!”
The sound of bustling footsteps grew distant.
A situation where Do Haru who lit the fire fled and suddenly only two remained.
Awkward silence flowed.
The one who broke the silence first was Seol Hayun.
“Sorry about Grandma earlier. She gets particularly strange regarding matters related to me. Caused trouble for you too.”
“Well, that's not your fault. Don't have to apologize.”
I passed it lightly, but Seol Hayun still felt sorry.
Well, I guess so.
Even I would kick the blanket for a few days if my family acted terribly to a friend.
Short silence passed.
Seol Hayun opened her mouth again.
“Envious.”
“Envious?”
“Because I can't do that. Especially in front of Grandma.”
Ah, talking about landing a blow on Ju Yeonhwa.
Since Ju Yeonhwa was quite angry.
“That well, because she is your grandmother.”
“Is that so?”
“Or try saying it once next time. Being suppressed isn't always good. Just close your eyes tight and shout. ‘I’ll take care of my life so leave me alone’.”
Pisik-
A laugh leaked out shortly.
Silver hair shone softly along the shoulder line.
Eyes narrowed on the slightly tilted head, red pupils drew a half-moon.
“If I say such things, I’ll die on the spot.”
“Seems like she is drying you to death even now?”
At my words, Seol Hayun paused as if breath caught for a moment, then her eyes turned red.
Then put- eventually burst into small laughter.
“That is also true.”
Muttering quietly, Seol Hayun looked up at the sky.
Moonlight flowing through the ceiling glass dyed the dark space softly.
How much time passed like that.
“Want to try rebelling.”
Low whisper was heard.
Seol Hayun's gaze was facing me before I knew it.
Since she seemed to have more to say, I waited silently.
“Is it okay to learn from you?”
“From me? What?”
“Just, thought I might learn observing you. How to say ‘leave me alone’ to Grandma.”
Seol Hayun dropped her gaze slowly to the floor.
And added small.
“Like you today.”
It was a fully serious expression.
Wondering if this requires research, but there shouldn't be any particular problem.
“Sure well, do whatever.”
“……Thanks.”
Seol Hayun nodding looked at me and opened a notebook.
Soon the pen started moving.
‘What is it?’
I tilted my head slightly and stole a look at the notebook.
- Carnivorous dinosaurs mostly didn't have vocal cords, thus couldn't roar. Presumed to have made low growling sounds like crocodiles.
It was information about dinosaurs.
Seemed to be that notebook she was writing something diligently in at the Mystery Hall.
And below that, Seol Hayun's writing was newly written.
- Ryu Jinwoo. 17 years old. Male.
- Has a philosophy that one should live one's life on one's own.
- Firm self-foundation -> Appropriate response to unjust insults.
Writing engraved clearly line by line was exceptionally distinct.
A strange weight beyond simple curiosity brushed past.
‘Is this really okay?’
It was a strange feeling, but decided to just let it pass.
Because it was a peaceful night with stars shining brightly.
Sagak sagak- seuseuk- seukseuk-
Except for the fact that the writing sound didn't stop.
‘……Is there this much to write?’
[Seol Hayun]
[Interest, Obsession]
The emotion ‘Obsession’ especially stepped on my eyes.
Is it really okay.
Feels like I woke up something dangerous.
Somehow throat felt dry.
And at that moment, the number window floating small next to the Eye of Deception twinkled minutely.
[Seol Hayun's Sanity value increases.]
[San: 54 -> 55]
Notification that Sanity increased minutely.
‘Well, if there is an effect, it's fine.’
Decided to leave it be.
Seol Hayun's San value is 55, safe zone.
But ‘safety’ is like thin glass, so the moment it cracks, it shatters at once.
Every collapse is dangerous.
But among them, Seol Hayun's collapse calls for an especially terrible ending.
Worst disaster. Because that is dormant inside her.
Now it's 55, still okay.
But if this value starts to go down and enters the danger zone.
I, might have to kill Seol Hayun.