Ch. 65 - Then, who is it?

The day after saving the heroes, as expected, Jung Ha-Yeon moved in next door to us.

"Nice to meet you both. I look forward to getting along with you starting today."

That evening, after getting off work at the association, Jung Ha-Yeon came over to our house to introduce herself. It seemed like she was just planning on a simple greeting, but I suggested that we have dinner together while she was here.

After all, the fridge was full of food, and it was too much for just Yoo Seo-Eun and me to finish. If we left it, all the good meat might expire, which would be a shame.

"Oh, is that okay?"

When I suggested we have dinner together, Jung Ha-Yeon seemed worried about imposing, but she also looked happy. It seemed she liked the idea of sharing a meal with others.

"Not just today, but from now on too, as long as you're okay with it, let's eat together. I don't mind at all."

"Yes! I'd love to."

With a smile, Jung Ha-Yeon clenched her fists in excitement.

"Great. Stage one, successful."

She muttered this in a small voice, but I had no idea what she meant by it.

After having dinner with our usual group, now expanded to three, we chatted about various things. Mostly, it was me asking Jung Ha-Yeon questions.

"Is there anything special happening in the hero world these days?"

"Well, not really. The gate expedition that ended yesterday was the biggest event, but that's over now."

"I see. Let me know if you ever see a hero doing something bad or illegal. I'll handle it right away."

The reason I said this wasn't anything serious; it's just that there are quite a few heroes, who cause trouble. In the original story, there were cases where heroes colluded with villains or committed tax evasion.

All those cases fall under the jurisdiction of our team, responsible for catching criminals.

"Got it. I'll ask you for help when that happens, Ms. Hye-Rim."

"There are a lot of cases where heroes turn into criminals, huh? I didn't know that."

"Yeah, there are a lot. Just because they're doing the job of protecting people doesn't mean they're all clean."

There are quite a few who become heroes just to gain popularity or to enter the entertainment industry easily. In fact, there are fewer heroes like Jung Ha-Yeon, who genuinely want to protect people.

That's why the Hero Association is quite developed in the entertainment sector.

After talking about this and that, and doing the dishes, I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. But when I tried to squeeze out some toothpaste, the tube was already crumpled and empty.

"Hmm, I need to buy toothpaste. I'm thinking of going out for a bit. Ha-Yeon, do you want to come with me? You'll need to buy some daily necessities now that you've moved in."

"Oh, sure. I'll go with you."

"...I'll come too."

As Jung Ha-Yeon and I were getting ready to go out, Yoo Seo-Eun wanted to come along.

"No, there's no need for all three of us to go. I'll go, so you can rest at home."

"Oh, no, it's fine."

"Don't worry about it. If there's any snack you want, I'll get it for you on my way back."

"...I'm worried about the two of you going alone."

I couldn't understand Yoo Seo-Eun's words. Why would she worry about me and Jung Ha-Yeon? She should know how strong we are.

Leaving behind Yoo Seo-Eun, who seemed a bit displeased, I headed to the nearby convenience store with Jung Ha-Yeon.

To be honest, I already knew the toothpaste was out. I just used it as an excuse to spend some time alone with Jung Ha-Yeon.

I wanted to fan my curiosity a bit. I wanted to ask her how far she had progressed with Shin Chul-Min. I also wanted to see her embarrassed reaction.

A magical girl who's shy about love? That's the best. I should also give her some advice to get closer to Shin Chul-Min. As a devoted reader, I’m practically a Shin Chul-Min expert!

Jung Ha-Yeon doesn't seem to be making any obvious moves towards Shin Chul-Min, but it's probably because she's shy.

Love is something you have to fight for. If you hesitate, someone else will snatch Shin Chul-Min away, Ha-Yeon.

"Ha-Yeon, how is the hero's life? Do you like it?"

As we walked side by side, I casually moved a bit closer to Jung Ha-Yeon.

"Yes, I'm very satisfied. Thanks to you, Ms. Hye-Rim, Yun-seo will be returning as a hero starting this week. That made things even better."

"Really? I'm glad to hear that. But, I’m a bit curious about something."

"Curious?"

"Yeah. It's about romance."

Thud.

At the word "romance," Jung Ha-Yeon stopped in her tracks.

"Ms. Hye-Rim, are you… asking about romance? D-Do you have someone you like?"

She looked quite surprised. Her reaction showed she couldn't believe what she was hearing. It seemed she thought I was asking because I liked someone.

That wasn't the case, but just the idea that she thought I had someone I liked elicited such a reaction. Can't I like someone too?

...Well, I've never looked at someone with romantic feelings before.

"It's not about me liking someone. It's about someone else."

"Oh, I see. I thought for a moment that you were asking me for love advice."

Phew. A sigh of relief that seemed almost excessive escaped Jung Ha-Yeon's lips.

"Actually, it's the opposite. I could give you some love advice."

"...You're going to give me love advice?"

I gave her a sly smile and moved a bit closer to her. When I did, Jung Ha-Yeon seemed flustered.

"Ha-Yeon, you know, people tend to develop feelings the longer they spend time together, right?"

"Yes? T-That's right."

"As you develop those feelings and grow fond of someone, you might quickly fall in love, right?"

"...Ms. Hye-Rim, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Jung Ha-Yeon's face turned bright red. My heart started racing so much that I could hear the heartbeat in my ears.

Is she worried I found out who she likes? Sorry to disappoint, but I already know everything.

"Ha-Yeon, do you remember what I said at the academy?"

"Are you saying you know who I like?"

"Yes, that's right."

I nodded with a smile.

"At that time, I brushed it off as a joke, but I know who you like."

"...So you were serious back then."

"Yeah. Are you surprised?"

"Yes, I'm surprised. I can't believe you already knew my feelings."

Jung Ha-Yeon spoke in a small voice, almost like an ant crawling. Her eyes were now moist with tears.

Gulp. She seemed nervous as she swallowed. Without meeting my gaze, she asked again.

"Um, since when did you notice?"

"Uh... Probably from the very beginning."

"I see. So, you knew from the beginning."

"Well, I have a good eye. Catching criminals helps sharpen those senses, you know?"

"...Alright. Since you've already noticed, there's no reason for me to hide it anymore."

It seems like Jung Ha-Yeon is ready to admit it now. So, it's time for me to give her the proper advice.

The mindset needed for someone who likes Shin Chul-Min.

"Yes, I... "

"You like Shin Chul-Min, right?"

"............What?"

"It might be a tough road, but I'm rooting for you, Ha-Yeon. Capturing Shin Chul-Min's heart won't be easy, but I can offer plenty of advice."

"What?"

"Since Shin Chul-Min seems a bit clueless, it would be good to make your feelings clear. If you don't hesitate and show your affection..."

"Wait, wait, Ms. Hye-Rim."

"Huh? What?"

Suddenly, Jung Ha-Yeon interrupted me.

Why is she doing this? I'm giving her valuable information here. She'd lose out if she didn't listen.

"Ms. Hye-Rim, do you think I like Shin Chul-Min?"

"Of course, it's a fact, isn't it?"

"......So when you whispered in my ear before and started to say 'Shin...', you were referring to Shin Chul-Min?"

"Yes."

"......"

Suddenly, Jung Ha-Yeon's face completely changed.

Her expression turned cold, colder than a winter chill. Her face, which had been flushed with embarrassment, became pale, and her body no longer trembled.

What? What's going on?

"Ms. Hye-Rim."

"Yes?"

"I think you're mistaken about your observational skills."

"W-What?"

"You said you're a master at reading people's hearts? You're not even close. You've completely misjudged."

"W-Wait. Just hold on for a second."

Jung Ha-Yeon's reaction made my mind freeze.

This is impossible. What is this reaction? It's as if I completely misunderstood...

Right. It’s as if Jung Ha-Yeon isn't interested in Shin Chul-Min at all… Could she really be saying something that absurd?

"Ha-Yeon, you don't like Shin Chul-Min?"

"Not at all."

"......"

There didn't seem to be any hint of falsehood in her cold words.

Wait, you said there was someone you liked. But you're saying it's not the main character, Shin Chul-Min?

...Then, who is it?

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