It’s been two weeks since we came back from the amusement park.
After the Pumpkin incident, Athena was duly recognized for her excellent contribution, and everyone returned to their own routines.
That goes for me too. I’ve been working part-time jobs, spending time with Noah, and just passing the days.
Confession…? Since that similar event, Noah has been getting closer to me.
Our relationship itself hasn’t changed much, but should I say it’s gotten a bit more intense… or maybe even scary?
Anyway, it hasn’t gotten worse, so that’s good.
In fact, I feel more trusted than before, which makes me feel pretty good.
For example, in situations like this right now:
[Uncle, you do know you’re supposed to come starting at fifth period today, right?]
[Of course.]
[What time does fifth period start?]
[Huh? What?]
[??]
[Oh, I already told you it starts at 2 PM, didn’t I?]
[Ah… is that so… Was it?…]
[;;]
The kid asked me to participate in his observation class.
Since I’m technically his guardian, it’s only natural, but there’s also a joint meeting with the homeroom teacher.
Moreover…
[Joking.]
[Really?]
[Well, they say Noah is going to present an original song he composed on the guitar during music class, so of course I have to go.]
[It’s not that grandiose…]
[I’ll be looking forward to it later.]
[The bigger the expectations, the bigger the disappointment.]
[Then I won’t expect anything; our Noah will break a string while playing such amateurish guitar.]
Noah mentioned that he had been practicing the guitar recently and even managed to compose a song.
For me, this was a win-win situation.
I needed to visit the school anyway.
This place where I’ve manifested — it’s the world inside a game. Don’t think for a second that nothing happens at school.
‘Listening to Noah, it seems like someone suspicious is making moves…’
That’s what Noah told me.
Lately, there’s been a pervert showing up at school who steals girls’ underwear. Strangely, he doesn’t show up on CCTV, which has been causing headaches.
Of course, I know who he is.
‘The Shadow Villain An Gyeol Won.’
A villain who hides in shadows or uses them as weapons. But he’s not that important a character.
In the game, he briefly appears in an event where stealing Noah’s underwear causes a debuff.
But that’s just the game.
‘If only I could get my hands on his essence…’
Noah swallowed Bag’s essence and gained the ability to go berserk, though he hasn’t realized it yet.
After absorbing some of Pumpkin’s essence, all that happened was a level-up because Pumpkin didn’t have any special abilities.
There are a few essences with special abilities like that.
An Gyeol Won’s essence was one of them.
I confirmed again with Kkomkmu.
‘Does absorbing special essences mean you can use them?’
‘Yes, but where would you find them? It took over a year of hunting just to see one, and I ended up giving it to young Noah.’
‘It was an emergency. So, can you use them if you absorb them?’
‘Yes, it’s possible. Even if you can’t handle it perfectly, you should still be able to manage somewhat.’
That was a satisfying answer.
What I’m planning to create is shadow tentacles.
By combining Kkomkmu’s tentacles with An Gyeol Won’s shadows, I want to make tentacles sprout from my own shadow.
This way, Kraken gains another weapon, adding a new attack route.
And…
‘How dare they harass Noah, I’ll turn them into fools.’
Turns out, this guy is the leader of a bullying circle that’s been targeting Noah.
Not killing… well, not killing him, but there’s no reason not to crush him. This is my chance to give a clear warning to those who bully Noah.
To never touch Noah again.
“…Sigh, let’s focus on the observation class for now.”
As much as An Gyeol Won is a concern, Noah is my top priority.
Being invited to an observation class means I’m considered a trusted person.
I was deep in thought about this important occasion.
“Mr. Ha… what should I wear?”
Who would have thought I’d end up worrying about what to wear?
I’m already terrible at fashion…
Regretfully, my habit of throwing on whatever clothes is catching up to me.
Buying a suit isn’t an option since I don’t have the money, and there aren’t any rental places nearby either.
“This is hopeless…”
While rummaging through my wardrobe, I found a familiar piece of clothing: Noah’s school uniform.
“If I wear this, they’ll probably call me crazy…”
I shook my head after imagining myself in it.
It’s practically asking for a beating from Noah.
After pondering for a long time, I glanced at the clock.
The hour hand pointed to nine.
“I guess I have enough time.”
I picked up my phone and made a call.
After a few rings, a woman’s voice answered.
“Would you happen to be available right now?”
+++++
30 minutes later.
“Thank you for coming, Miss Jin-a.”
“It’s nothing. It’s all for the sake of our Noah, right?”
When I contacted her, Seo Jin-a immediately rushed to the clothing store to help me.
She was here to help me pick out something appropriate for the observation class.
Seo Jin-a has great fashion sense, certainly better than mine.
Just look at this store.
It’s several times fancier than the ones I usually go to.
I wonder how much this is going to cost…
“Don’t worry.”
“What?”
“It’s a place with many affordable yet good-quality clothes.”
That’s reassuring.
Guess I don’t have to tighten my belt after all.
Once inside the store, there were indeed plenty of options, and the price tags weren’t bad either. Sure, there were a few that made me gasp, but overall, it seemed pretty reasonable.
As I looked around, Seo Jin-a asked me:
“So, Mr. Shin Hyun, what kind of style are you looking for?”
“What kind of style?”
Is there really such a thing as style?
“Just something suitable for an observation class…”
“What does that even mean?”
I see…
“Sorry, I’m completely clueless when it comes to this…”
“Hmm…that’s unfortunate. You have a great figure, though.”
“Great figure…?”
“…Alright, here’s what we’ll do. What do you want to accomplish at this observation session, Mr. Shin Hyun?”
What do I want to accomplish?
Isn’t it just to check if Noah is doing well and living happily?
There’s nothing else I’d want to do, right?
“…Ah.”
Come to think of it, there is one thing.
Something I want to do.
“Uh…I don’t know if I should say this, but…”
“What is it?”
“I want to flatten the noses of those kids who disrespect Noah…”
Seo Jin-a gave me a puzzled look.
She clearly didn’t understand what I meant.
So I explained further.
“There are kids at school who bully Noah.”
“Ah…”
“They apparently did the same thing when he was in middle school. I thought if I dress nicely and look intimidating, people might hesitate to mess with Noah. So…something stylish but also a bit scary?”
I don’t plan to get friendly with anyone, nor do I wish for that.
Just thinking along the lines of: “He hangs out with such a cool person,” or even “That person looks scary, we shouldn’t mess with him.” That’s all.
If I can make them think that, it’ll be enough.
Seo Jin-a nodded after understanding my thoughts.
“Hmm…Indeed…”
“Is it possible?”
Seo Jin-a stared intently at me.
“Mr. Shin Hyun.”
“Yes?”
“Can you try squinting your eyes a little? Looking sleepy…yes, like that.”
“Um…okay…”
Keep it like that.
Even though it felt a little uncomfortable, I had to comply.
Since I asked for her help, I need to listen to her.
I can’t complain unnecessarily.
“Okay…how about these and these?”
Seo Jin-a moved around, carrying clothes.
Mostly leather-like textures, with some having slight damage effects.
I started feeling uneasy.
Is this really okay? This doesn’t seem appropriate for an observation class at all.
“Will this…be alright?”
“What about it?”
“But it’s an observation class. Shouldn’t we maintain some decorum?”
“Are you going there to observe proper etiquette? Or are you going for Noah’s sake?”
I was speechless.
“If we go too far, it might cause trouble for Noah, but let’s aim for a reversal of charm.”
“Reversal of charm?”
“Yes, trust me and leave it to me. At least someone who was once a high school girl knows the mind of a high school girl.”
“…It’s been at least six years-”
“…What was that?”
“Nothing, ma’am. I’ll shut up.”
I suddenly sensed hostility from Seo Jin-a.
I was reminded that mentioning a woman’s age is taboo.
Maybe it’s because I hang out with younger people all the time.
Fortunately, she didn’t seem overly upset. I chose to stay quiet.
And shortly after,
“Try these on.”
“These? They’re a bit…”
“Just try them on.”
I hesitated but decided to change into the clothes Seo Jin-a handed me.
“How…is it okay?”
“Wow…”
“What?! Say something!”
“It’s fine! No, it suits you incredibly well, Mr. Shin Hyun!”
Is that so…
“I’m not sure.”
“Hmm…Ah! Let’s ask Noah!”
“Asking Noah?”
Now that I think about it, it makes sense.
Noah will be the one seeing me in these clothes the most.
I stood in front of the mirror, took a full-body picture, and sent it to Noah.
[Hey Noah, I’m thinking of wearing this. What do you think?]
Ding.
[Are you crazy?]
“…So, you agree?”
“Come on, it’s fine. Here, take this.”
“Sunglasses?”
“Yes, wear them too. It won’t be complete without them!”
Smirking, Seo Jin-a handed me the sunglasses.
Though I doubted it,
[The outfit is quite flashy.]
After reading Noah’s message, I decided.
Today’s outfit will be this.
+++++
“Thank you all for visiting our school. Please enter using the QR codes distributed earlier.”
Lee Tae-hwa from the guidance department.
She was conducting her duties seriously, unlike her playful side when she’s with Noah.
This is her as a member of the guidance department.
Thorough and diligent, this is the true nature of Lee Tae-hwa.
While guiding the participants of the observation class, Lee Tae-hwa noticed something.
“Wow…look at that person…”
“Are they here to participate? Dressed like that?”
“Coolness wins, right?”
It was chaotic.
Not only the participants but even the guidance department members managing them turned their attention toward one direction.
Naturally, Lee Tae-hwa’s gaze followed.
There was a man standing there.
Tall and well-built, he was undoubtedly handsome, but was he really drawing so much attention?
However, Lee Tae-hwa understood why.
“…What is that?”
Black sunglasses, leather jacket, slightly torn black jeans—anyone would describe him as a bad boy or a delinquent.
And upon recognizing his identity, Lee Tae-hwa couldn’t suppress her laughter.
“Pfft…Noah is going to die today.”
