Ch. 66 - Interlude - Teacher Jang Hwaeun

Before I could even approach the door to the clubroom and open it, it opened up from outside with a bang as someone entered in a hurry.

“Joon!”

At the sudden light that poured inside from the hallway, both Jinhee and I couldn't help but frown. We had been inside the dark clubroom for a long time so the sudden light hurt our eyes.

Sunah quickly ran over with worried eyes and scanned me from top to bottom before asking.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m okay. I’m not hurt.”

“Thank goodness.”

The rest of the club members, who were told to wait outside, also rushed in.

“It’s so dark here, really.”

Teacher Hwaeun also entered the clubroom and switched on the light.

“Prez, are you okay?”

“Uh, uh, I'm okay.”

As everyone only focused on my well-being, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. I coughed, trying to hide the embarrassment and direct their eyes away from me.

“Uh, um. Actually, Jinhee was the one who defeated the ghosts. From the beginning to the end, she did all the work. So don't only focus on me.”

At those words, everyone's gaze slowly turned to Jinhee.

However, since everyone didn't have a good impression of Jinhee, not to mention their interactions were also minimal and more awkward than newly made friends, they all hesitated to open their mouths.

“Thank you for working hard, Jinhee.”

Hayoon was the first one to express her gratitude to Jinhee.

Then, surprisingly, Dukhun approached her hesitantly as he tried to let out some encouraging words.

“Oh, I'm glad you're not hurt…”

However, Jinhee snorted and handed him the baseball bat.

“It seems Dukhun’s courage has increased a lot. He has the guts to worry about his Noona now.”

“Ku, so... “

With that, Jinhee coolly turned around, approached the sofa before lying down to rest.

I coughed once again to dissipate the awkward moment that flowed after she left before asking Gyeongwon.

“So, did you notice anything suspicious from outside? We had been making a lot of mess inside.”

“That…”

Raising his glasses, Gyeongwon made a puzzled expression as he said.

“The door… it suddenly disappeared.”

Just as I expected.

Before long, I gathered all my members in the middle of the clubroom that had been turned into a mess from upside down, and listened to Gyeongwon’s brief explanation of the situation.

“Not long after we left the clubroom, the door suddenly disappeared in the blink of an eye.”

“Disappeared completely?”

“Yeah. No trace at all. Only the smooth cement wall that contained the door remained. As soon as it disappeared, Sunah desperately began knocking on the wall, did you hear it?”

We probably just started playing the Corner Game with the dolls when the door disappeared.

“… No. We didn’t hear any sound from outside.”

“Since there was nothing we could do, we had no choice but to wait outside. Just waiting for about 20 minutes, the door suddenly appeared again and Sunah rushed in.”

“....So that’s what had happened.”

Huuu. I let out an exhausted sigh.

But Teacher Hwaeun.

She must have witnessed everything.

For the first time not being possessed by a ghost story, she experienced a strange phenomenon.

‘....What should I do?’

While I was agonizing over a solution, Teacher Jang Hwaeun was standing silently behind the students with her arms linked behind.

She was someone who was easily influenced by supernatural phenomena and got possessed by ghosts more than often. Because of that reason, I had excluded her before when I explained everything to my members, fearing that aspect of her could be a threat to us.

‘…Even so, it's not like I can exclude her forever, since I'd be studying in this school for three more years.’

It was during this CA session that I realized something.

Despite my willingness or unwillingness, Teacher Hwaeun had to be included with us as long as she was a member of the Ghost Story Club.

Since that was the case, it was quite difficult to do CA activities without letting her know the truth. It wouldn't be long since she figured out the truth anyway.

‘....What would I gain if I were to take the risk of revealing everything to her and bringing her to my side?’

Aside from the fact that she had a constitution that was easily influenced by supernatural phenomena and possessed by ghost stories, she was the only adult and teacher among our club members.

Now that it has been revealed that my enemies were not only the Demon King and ghost stories, but also a suspicious group within the school that was trying to kill me, it seemed unnecessary to just leave Teacher Jang Hwaeun alone like this.

‘I need her.’

No matter how much I ponder, I didn't think she was someone from that suspicious force.

Considering her actions so far, she definitely couldn't be entangled with that group.

‘...I guess I would just need to watch out for that damned possession.’

Nevertheless, I had to explain why the door disappeared right before their eyes.

Since she had witnessed such a strange phenomenon, it was inevitable.

In the end, I had no choice but to tell my secret to the teacher.

“Teacher. There's something I need to tell you.”

“Please explain everything to me. You guys are acting a bit strange, don’t you think?”

“…Yes. What do you want to know, Teacher?”

Unlike her usual cheerful personality, a serious expression was plastered on Teacher Jang Hwaeun’s face as she looked at me.

“You guys have been doing something suspicious behind my back.”

“I’m sorry.”

“So, what was that you were doing? Care to explain?”

I sighed for the second time as I opened my mouth.

“Let’s remove the paper boxes that we plastered from the window and rearrange the desk and everything back to their original state first. Then I’ll explain everything.”

Soon, Sunah and Hayoon began to take off the boxes from the window, while Gyeongwon and the teacher moved the whiteboard and desk back to their original places.

Dukhun went to move the sofa, but since Jinhee was lying down on it, he urged her to get up. However, Jinhee just stuck out her foot out and poked Dukhun’s stomach instead of getting up, showing her capricious personality.

Sitting around the desk, I roughly explained to the teacher about what had happened so far.

I didn’t dare mention the part about her being possessed and trying to kill me. I felt like she wouldn't be able to accept the fact if she knew.

Going to one of her student’s houses at night carrying a knife without even her being aware.

It would have been quite hard to make her believe.

‘…Should I reveal the incident of Red Tissue, Blue Tissue?’

“Some kind of invisible panel, which I like to call Status Window, suddenly appeared before my eyes one day. And then, strange phenomena which were known as ghost stories began to come alive…”

Teacher Hwaeun listened to the whole explanation with a surprisingly serious expression.

“....This is what happened.”

I wonder if she would believe me?

Although I had finished explaining most of the things, Teacher Hwaeun still didn't show any particular expression. Holding her chin with one hand, she had a somewhat blank look on her face, as if deep in thought.

‘....I’m getting nervous.’

Just as I had thought, explaining and convincing an ordinary person about such strange incidents was stressful.

Obviously, I hadn't forgotten my members who believed me without much of a fuss. Even so, the feeling that they must have thought I was a strange person wouldn't go away.

It was like trying to persuade an atheist to go to a church, or believe in god.

Finally, what seemed like eternity later, Teacher Hwaeun took her hand off her chin, as if she had come to a conclusion and leaned back in her chair before opening her mouth slowly.

“Well, what should I say…”

Crossing her arms over her chest, she turned silent once again.

For the next few minutes, she only changed her posture, from holding her chin to crossing her arms. But her mouth remained shut, as if she was still pondering on how to react.

Even the members looked nervous and hesitant at the silence.

“...If Teacher doesn’t believe me even though you just witnessed the door disappearing in front of your eyes, I can show a few other things to prove that I'm telling the truth.”

“What?”

“That… I also have some strange abilities.”

“Um, that’s okay.”

Teacher Hwaeun waved her hand and refused with a slightly tired expression.

“I’ve encountered many strange things since I was young. I’m from a family of shamans after all. However, though I had grown up in such an environment, I'm still a bit surprised because this is the first time hearing such things.”

….Well.

I could understand why the strange phenomena that I was experiencing right now were considered unique to her, compared to other religious or occult experiences.

Game-like system, ghosts, Status Window, ghost stories, leveling up, abilities, regression.

And the Demon King.

Strange elements that seemed completely incompatible and inexplicable to ordinary people were all intertwined as they were becoming alive.

“Then, Teacher, I guess I can assume you’ve accepted it for now. So I would like to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

I had to know if this person was truly on our side or not.

“There are a group of people within the school that are trying to kill me. Do you know anything about that?”

At the carefully asked question, Teacher Hwaeun showed an astonished expression.

Seeing her expression, I concluded she wasn't aware of the fact and explained everything related to that.

So far, she only had a serious expression on her face as she listened to my explanation. However, perhaps the information was too shocking for her to digest, she had no choice but to open her mouth.

“So that’s why the science teacher died? And your homeroom teacher and Vice Principal are in cahoots? No, wait. Why are these people…”

“We’ll have to figure it out somehow.”

Teacher began to mutter something absentmindedly.

Then, her eyes opened wide as if something occurred to her.

“Most of those people you mentioned, Joon, they are the members of the faculty and staff of the soccer club.”

“....Soccer club?”

“Yeah.”

Teacher nodded in affirmation.

From her explanation, it seemed like our school had a club where the faculty and staff could get together to play soccer.

Most of the teachers’ names that I found out during the incident in midterms were teachers who belonged to that club.

“Have you ever played soccer with them?”

“That…”

The teacher furrowed her eyebrows at the question.

“As far as I know, they don't invite anyone to play?”

“So you have never been invited?”

“Yeah, I mean, no. I just know that the members of that club would get together on weekends after school and play soccer….”

“I see.”

Crossing my arms, I thought something for a while before opening my mouth.

“Can you join that club?”

“...What?”

Teacher Hwaeun showed a surprised look.

Even the club members looked at me in surprise.

“Isn’t that too dangerous, Prez? They’re people who can kill students without blinking an eye…”

“Aren’t you demanding too much…”

Gyeongwon and Dukhun tried to reason, but I shook my head firmly.

“Since we are studying in this school, we will be meeting those people sooner or later in the next three years, whether we are willing or not. Rather than living in fear of being attacked at any moment, it might be better to attack them first to find out their weaknesses.”

“Um, but Joon. Don't think that I don't want to join because what you’re saying is ridiculous, but that club isn't a place where anyone can join randomly…”

Teacher Hwaeun also tried to deter my suggestion.

“Only teachers or staff, who have been at this school for a while, can join this club.… But I just joined the school last year, so…”

“Just tell them that you want to join. I'm sure it’ll work out.”

“T, that…”

Teacher showed a struggling expression.

Well, among friends, it is natural to form their own social gatherings to pass their time.

Obviously, one can't just barge into a friend circle and tell them she wants to join them.

Especially if that social gathering only consists of a few people who have been colleagues for a long time in the workplace.

For an adult to infiltrate such a circle without being invited, it sure is embarrassing.

‘A pretty 34-year-old single female teacher who can eat two chickens at one go is trying to join a club because she likes to play soccer.’

Sounds interesting.

“Is it really necessary for me to join there? Your reasoning sounds strange…”

“I have told you before, if you don’t believe what I’m saying, I can show you evidence.”

“No, well… It’s not that I don’t believe you…”

Perhaps it was not only her pride as an adult to go into a gathering where she wasn't invited, but also the aspect that people of that club were suspicious was what made her hesitant.

Without anyone telling, I knew well enough that my suggestion was definitely an embarrassing and rude request.

“Joo, Joon…”

Sunah, who mostly went along with whatever I suggested, also gave me an anxious look at my stubborn attitude.

However, there was a reason why I was suggesting this.

Teacher Jang Hwaeun.

A pretty female English teacher in her mid-30s with her womanly charm.

She was mainly scheduled to teach the upperclassmen, and because of that, she had zero interactions with freshmen students.

From some rumors that I had heard, it was said that she was quite popular among the students because of her cheerful and easy-going personality. I even heard that she had received confessions from a few male students.

However, either her knowledge in English or her womanly charm, nothing would come in handy if she were to infiltrate a club where the members were involved in suspicious activities.

What was most important to me was the role she could play in the three-year journey to defeat the Demon King.

I even told her information related to my regression and the game-like system, and I absolutely in no position want my enemies to know about it.

That's why, I had zero intention of playing the good student card quietly.

‘If she wants to be on my side, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, she must do her part. It's not like I became the president because I wanted to.’

“Please try to join the soccer club, Teacher. Infiltrate their secret.”

“You want me to be a spy….”

Teacher Hwaeun was both a teacher and someone who worked in this school.

She was the only one who could fulfil the role of a spy perfectly.

“....You are asking so suddenly. At least give me time to think-”

“The teachers of this school are trying to harm us. But I can’t even report it to the police because I don't have any evidence.”

With as much sincerity as I could master, I begged the teacher earnestly.

Judging by her expression when I mentioned my parents during the entrance ceremony, I knew that she was at least someone with a strong sense of professionalism as a teacher.

“Please help us, teacher. Please protect your students.”

At my sincere words, I could see her eyes shaking slightly.

“You’re the perfect example of a ‘teacher’ who not only teaches but also protects her students.”

Perhaps my little play truly moved her, the attending teacher of the Ghost Story Club, Jang Hwaeun, flinched before sighing helplessly.

“… However, Joon. You are wrong about that. If someone were to harm the students, even if it was a teacher, I should try to protect you as an adult. I’m sorry that I can't promise you that I can do this but.”

“… No. I know it’s a difficult request, so-”

“I’ll try it.”

Clenching her fists, Teacher Jang Hwaeun declared in a determined voice.

“I’ll infiltrate that club and find evidence or information that you can use to report to the police!”

“Thank you, Teacher!”

The members, who hadn't uttered a single word since the start of the conversation and had been witnessing everything tensely until now finally let out a sigh as if they were relieved.

“....You’re great, Teacher.”

“Thank you, Teacher!”

“I respect you!”

Then, Hayoon slowly started clapping and everyone else also followed suit.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

The heavy atmosphere that had been lingering in the clubroom slowly eased up.

“Oh. How embarrassing.”

Clap, clap, clap, clap.

Blushing, Teacher Hwaeun turned away her head.

“Guys, clap loudly!”

“Pheeeeew-!”

When I encouraged for a louder response, Gyeongwon blew a whistle with his mouth.

“Clap! Clap!”

“Teacher, you’re the best!”

“You’re so cool!!”

“I think I’m going to fall in love with you!”

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

Teacher Hwaeun’s face gradually turned a deep shade of red. Eventually, not being able to handle it any longer, she slammed the desk while laughing happily.

“Stop it, stop it! That’s enough!”

“Everyone! Jang Hwaeun! Jang Hwaeun!”

“Jang Hwaeun! Jang Hwaeun!”

Pheeeeeeww.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

Whee~ Whee~

“Jang Hwaeun! Jang Hwaeun! Jang Hwaeun!”

"What is up with you children! I'm telling you to stop!"

“Jang Hwaeun! Jang Hwaeun! Jang Hwaeun….”

Even after a long time, when the atmosphere reached its peak, the applause did not subside. As expected from excited high school students, their excitement to do something new could never be suppressed.

“Jang Hwaeun! Jang Hwaeun! Jang Hwaeun!”

As Dukhun was closest to her and was the most enthusiastic one, Teacher Hwaeun laughed as she hit him on the shoulder.

Screaming loudly, Dukhun held his shoulder that was about to be fractured by the teacher's punch.

“Ah! Don't hit me! I was just clapping!”

Clap, clap, clap, clap.

Unable to resist our passion, the teacher stood up and started doing her usual hula dance.

The scene was so hilarious that the members all burst out laughing, some even fell backwards, unable to hold their weight and control their laughter.

Teacher Hwaeun was as eccentric as ever.

“Puhahaha.”

“Ahaha.”

“Hahaha.”

“Yalujyanaika~ Nakanaka yalujyanaika~”

[T/N: This is Japanese but written in Korean. It means "Not bad at all. You're pretty good.” Here how it is written in Japanese: やるじゃないか。なかなかやるじゃないか]

“Teacher, is this Japanese you're speaking?”

“Ahahaha. Please help.”

In such a noisy atmosphere, our CA session ended in a harmonious environment.

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