“QQQ! Mr. Noah! Wake up! It’s morning!”
Noah woke up from sleep at the chirping sound.
Just as QQQ said, sunlight was shining outside the window.
“I’ll get up…”
Noah started getting ready, rubbing his sleepy eyes. Even so, it’s the first day of high school, and there’s no way he can just go about it carelessly.
He washed his face and put on a new school uniform.
His neatly combed hair and crisp, clean uniform looked perfect. Though he couldn’t wear makeup, spritzing a little perfume should be fine, right?
He took out a small pink bottle and sprayed it lightly over his body.
It was a gift from Uncle for his birthday—a nice, subtle strawberry scent.
But all these preparations paled in comparison to Noah’s radiant smile.
“…Heehee.”
The girl in the mirror was smiling like an idiot.
For some reason, she felt happy today. Somehow, she had this feeling that she would meet that person.
While adjusting her clothes, she realized how quickly time had passed.
The past year…
Thanks to that person, she had been able to live without much difficulty.
That person took care of her when she was sick, consoled her when she was upset, and lent her a shoulder to cry on.
And yet, they always managed to give her a gentle smile and soothing pat…
“Haaaaa…”
Noah let out a long sigh.
She glanced up and looked into the mirror again.
There was a girl whose smile had disappeared, replaced by a shy expression with a slight blush.
Her heart was racing.
It felt like there was a frog inside her chest.
She’d long stopped questioning why she felt this way. Thinking about it wouldn’t yield any answers, and asking the internet didn’t help either.
– Question
[Hello, I’m a 16-year-old middle school student with a question.]
[Hi, I have something on my mind lately. To cut straight to the point, there’s a guy I keep thinking about. He’s just an acquaintance…no, more like an uncle. For some reason, whenever I think about him, my head gets fuzzy and my face turns red. Why am I feeling this way? Is there something wrong with me?]
– Response
[This is serious. You have a big problem. Your heart races, you feel hot, and you get dazed, right? This needs treatment fast. Here’s a link; check it out.]
When clicking on the strange link, a peculiar wiki popped up.
– How to Confess to the Guy You Like.
More bizarre advice appeared.
“…Love? That’s ridiculous.”
Love? The other person is an odd uncle five years older.
How could she possibly love such an uncle?
That’s what Noah thought.
What she was feeling now was merely a kind of affection one shows to a close uncle.
Because she didn’t have anyone else to lean on, she figured it was okay to act a bit spoiled around him. It was a relationship born out of necessity.
“Ahh, Uncle!”
When meeting Uncle, her steps naturally became light.
“Uncle, did you see this?”
She wanted to boast about her accomplishments for no reason.
“What about cuddles? I did well, didn’t I? You should praise me!”
She also liked having her head stroked by those large, rough hands.
It was all because she needed it—it absolutely wasn’t anything like love!
Still…
“Hehe…I like being stroked…”
The affectionate moments with Uncle were enjoyable. During those times, she could forget all her worries.
Though she used to feel embarrassed, now she simply enjoyed it.
That’s why, when Uncle tried to touch her hand, she acted a little spoiled. Uncle looked slightly flustered but…
“It’s your fault…you taught me how good this feels, so you need to take responsibility…”
What could she do? After all, he was the one who made her feel this way.
“Heheh…”
After enjoying his attention for quite some time, Noah suddenly realized something.
“…If I keep this up, I’ll be late.”
Being late on the first day of school for the opening ceremony? She definitely wanted to avoid that.
“Still, I met Uncle this morning.”
With a cheerful expression, Noah boarded the bus. Somehow, today seemed like it would be the best day ever.
+++++
…Noah’s day today would probably turn out to be the worst.
I could confidently say that.
“Mr. Shin Hyun.”
“Why.”
“Really, what’s going to happen?”
“Yeah. One hundred percent sure. Trust me.”
The reason I could say this with such certainty was simple.
Because I saw it firsthand, but also because the original game had elements of academy-style content.
An academy’s opening ceremony. Such events are great material. They can showcase the protagonist’s abilities or introduce surrounding characters.
To achieve that, professors might prepare tests, or students may engage in sparring matches during special events.
“Sigh.”
“Why the sigh?”
“Just thinking about how chaotic things will get on the first day makes me feel sorry for Noah.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if this opening ceremony turned out like a typical青春 drama?
Unfortunately, I knew very well that it wouldn’t.
“So, speaking of which, is there a reason we’re standing here?”
“Of course. What should we do before entering a place full of students?”
“Hmm?”
“Disguise ourselves, naturally. Subtly.”
Near Noah’s school, I changed into different clothes.
Since it was expensive, I handled it carefully, ensuring it didn’t tear.
“How does it look? Do I pass as a student?”
“Oh…you’re still alive.”
“Right? If people start staring because I’m handsome, it’ll be problematic. I can’t afford to be recognized by Noah.”
“That won’t happen.”
“You’re too harsh.”
What I wore was Noah’s school uniform. Since I was worried and planned to observe personally, there was nothing better than this uniform to blend in unnoticed.
As long as Noah doesn’t recognize me, who would suspect a grown man wearing a school uniform to watch the opening ceremony?
Transforming into a woman would be the most foolproof option, but unfortunately, the potion isn’t available yet.
“Shall we go?”
After adjusting my tie, I slowly headed toward the school—Noah’s high school, “Hyesung High School.”
After walking for a while, I arrived at the auditorium of Hyesung High School. Many children were gathered, chatting cheerfully.
Among them, some kids were managing the entrance to the auditorium.
My gaze was drawn to a boy with blue hair among them.
“Hmm.”
“Why? Do you know him?”
“Well…it’s complicated.”
I spotted a familiar face. Actually, someone only I knew.
A girl with turquoise hair and golden eyes.
“Itaiwha.”
Noah’s childhood friend, who could become either an ally or an enemy depending on the storyline.
Known for her meticulous personality and thoroughness, she had been the head of the guidance committee since middle school and continued her duties upon entering high school.
“Maybe I should make sure they meet later.”
For unknown reasons, Noah and Taehwa had drifted apart.
Even in the game, when they cooperated, there wasn’t much warmth between them.
It would be nice if they could reconnect, but that’s a problem for another time.
“She’s already doing this even though she’s a freshman.”
Taehwa was currently managing students while wearing the guidance committee badge.
She was maintaining order with her characteristic charisma.
“Please scan the QR code provided by the school before entering.”
“But…I don’t have a QR code…”
“What? Is that possible? Every Hyesung High School student should have one.”
“But…”
“Could it be…someone trying to sneak in disguised as a student? Sorry, but please proceed to the guidance office to resolve this.”
Watching someone being dragged away forcefully, I swallowed hard.
If I got caught, I might be accused of being a pervert—or worse, end up at the police station.
This was troubling.
I had planned to enter casually, but now it seemed my plan was unraveling from the start.
I paused to think.
There were two options.
Admit defeat and go back.
Or find a way to get through that gate no matter what.
Under normal circumstances, I would’ve gone back. But is today normal?
What if something bad happens to Noah because I left?
Would I be able to live with regret later?
“…Tch.”
“What should we do?”
“Get ready, Puppet.”
“With what?”
“Operation Marionette.”
During the past year, living as the villain Kraken gave me more abilities and improved my tentacle control.
“Excuse me.”
“Yes, hello. Are you a student?”
“I want to enter…but I forgot my phone at home…what should I do?”
“Not allowed. At Hyesung High School, we use QR codes for attendance due to potential emergencies. This was clearly stated in the announcements.”
I could feel Taehwa’s sharp glare.
Seeing her in person, she was truly intimidating.
Rather, I missed Noah’s endless chatter, even if it was somewhat annoying.
“Sigh. Noah, I’m doing all this for you.”
Slowly nodding, I reached into my pocket.
Tiny, thread-like tentacles grew from the tips of my fingers.
“Did you really forget your phone?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Well, direct confirmation from a teacher would suffice for attendance.”
“But…I’m terrible with directions. Could you guide me to the office?”
“Hmm…Alright, this is part of our duty. Follow me.”
As Taehwa turned her back, several thin tentacles shot out and wrapped around her body.
“Huh?”
Confused by the changes in her body, Taehwa stumbled awkwardly before heading into the auditorium.
“What is going on-”
“Didn’t you say to follow?”
“Impossible…!”
“Please lead the way properly.”
“Pervert-”
A few tentacles moved to cover Taehwa’s mouth.
“All I need is for you to be my puppet. Understand?”
“Mmmph! Mmph!!”
“I’m sorry, but think of it as helping Noah. Just endure it for a moment.”
Mentioning Noah’s name quieted Taehwa immediately.
Whatever happened between them, I’ll have to ask her later.
For now…
“This auditorium is huge. Please guide me to the opening ceremony venue.”
First and foremost, making sure today goes smoothly is the priority.
