“Chicken coop! That’s what it is!”
Though unsure of its exact meaning, one thing was certain—it was derogatory.
“Chicken coop…you say?”
Upon hearing this, Seo Jin-a slowly rose to her feet. Witnessing her movement, Noah fell into deep thought.
‘Should I intervene?’
Truthfully, a fight here would complicate matters. First impressions last long. How far could a team that starts off on the wrong foot really go?
With an impassive expression, Seo Jin-a approached.
“Huh!”
“…!”
“That’s not how you should speak already!”
She began to reprimand the girl sternly, looking much like a teacher scolding a misbehaving child.
In fact, there was nothing strange about it.
Magical Girl Black Heart—she was just a young middle schooler after all.
She smiled at Noah and Tae-hwa who stood there dumbfounded.
“I have a lot of younger siblings. I’m used to dealing with unruly kids.”
“Ah…”
“Well, no one has directly called me a chicken coop or anything like that.”
As she spoke, her smirk gave the impression of a reliable wall—someone who seemed capable of protecting others from the world’s troubles.
After pondering for a moment, Noah decided against speaking up. There was no need to stir things unnecessarily.
“Apologize to them too. What kind of greeting is that to someone you’re meeting for the first time?”
“…Tch. You were both calling me a chicken coop and lecturing me.”
“Tsk! Again!”
“Hmph.”
Magical Girl Black Heart,
Middle schooler Yoo Yul blew her nose as she returned to her seat.
She then shot a fierce glare at the group.
“Why haven’t we started yet? It’s obvious everyone’s here.”
“…”
“Our grandfather said time is money,” she declared. “Don’t waste my precious time!”
“…”
“Haa…Understood. Let’s begin then.”
Thanks to Yoo Dae-ri’s familiar presentation, the situation passed without further incident.
While listening to the mundane project explanation, Noah, who had been tense until now, looked around.
There was Tae-hwa, already close friend, the easygoing older sister Jin-a, and the arrogant brat Yul.
From a balance perspective alone, it was quite impressive.
Isn’t this combination common in games too? Warrior, archer, healer, mage.
Iris takes the role of warrior, Stella the archer, Natalia the healer, and Black Heart the mage.
Theoretically sound, but…
“Just a moment.”
Top student Lee Tae-hwa suddenly raised his hand.
“I understand the four-person coordinated system, but will it be that easy?”
This was also something Noah wanted to point out.
Coordination usually requires extensive practice, especially during chaotic battles.
Aware of this fact, perhaps, Yoo Dae-ri spoke up.
“Yes. Therefore, I suggest you take some time to get to know each other.”
In short,
“So, we should just become friends?”
Seo Jin-a’s statement was met with a nod from Yoo Dae-ri.
“A membership card issued by the Association will be provided. Over the weekend, spend some time together and verify your bonding.”
It was emphasized that such meetings should occur frequently.
“That concludes today’s session. We’ve prepared a meal, so please enjoy your time-”
“Excuse me!”
This time, Noah raised his hand.
Noah opened a large lunch box bundle and suggested,
“Wouldn’t it be better if we shared what I brought?”
With a clatter, the lunch box was opened, releasing a fragrant aroma. The beautifully decorated lunch impressed everyone.
The effort Shin Hyun put into making this didn’t need mentioning.
Fortunately, the reaction was explosive.
“Wow! Did Noah make this?”
“My uncle made it. Share it.”
“Uncle? What kind of uncle? Is he Noah’s boyfriend?”
“Not at all!”
As the three discussed the lunch, Yul appeared disinterested.
She merely sat apart, looking aloof.
“Hmph, sounds like your uncle eats like a pig. How does he expect us to eat all of this? Does he think it’s possible?”
“…”
“No…Noah, bear with it.”
“Hmm…understood. Arguing with a middle schooler wouldn’t look good anyway.”
To lighten the mood, Tae-hwa deliberately spoke cheerfully.
“How many tiers are there? Can I open the bottom layer?”
“Yeah, go ahead. It was meant to be shared anyway.”
Clatter.
In the next compartment lay—
“Spicy fried chicken!”
Beautifully glazed spicy fried chicken dominated the space, displaying its grandeur.
The appetizing smell made everyone’s mouths water.
And then,
“…”
“Do you want some spicy fried chicken?”
“Hmph! Who likes such common food? Deep-fried with sauce all over! Eating this will clog your arteries in no time!”
“But it must taste good.”
Jin-a, using chopsticks, devoured a piece of spicy fried chicken and exclaimed,
“It’s delicious!”
“Right? Uncle cooks well.”
“Ah, I wish I had a boyfriend who could cook like this. Oh! But since you said he’s not your boyfriend, there’s still a chance-”
“…Huh?”
Instantly noticing Noah’s icy gaze, Jin-a corrected herself.
“But…aha, I prefer older men.”
Sweating profusely, Jin-a heard a sassy voice behind her, “Older than a chicken coop? Isn’t that even more chicken-like?” but chose to ignore it.
At a loss, Jin-a received quiet advice from Tae-hwa.
“Sister…please don’t say things like that. You might actually get killed. She’s incredibly strong…”
“Got it, I’ll be careful.”
“What are you whispering about? Come and eat quickly. Tae-hwa, you too!”
“Alright~”
“Okay.”
Watching them start their meal, Noah felt proud.
He wanted to boast, “Our uncle is such a great cook!” but refrained from appearing childish.
Suppressing that urge, Noah was about to start eating when he noticed someone watching him.
“Would you like some?”
“Mm…”
“Looks like you like it, so just have some.”
“If it’s dirty, don’t eat it.”
A sharp retort startled Yul.
“Noah, she’s just a kid!”
“…Tae-hwa, hah. Alright, take it and eat.”
Zip. Thud.
Seeing chopsticks thrown toward her, Yul hesitated but split them.
Carefully, Yul took a bite of the spicy fried chicken.
Munch munch. As Yul started eating the spicy fried chicken,
“Hmph, it’s okay. Not bad.”
While saying that, her mouth worked tirelessly. In fact, she ate like a hamster, puffing up her cheeks.
It wasn’t hard to see that her words didn’t reflect her true feelings, but Noah still felt uneasy.
‘If you’re going to complain, don’t eat it.’
This was valuable food made with effort by his uncle. It was a shame to give it to someone who only complained.
But still, she’s just a kid, so let it slide. That thought shattered when…
“Hmph, there’s nothing special.”
“…”
“This ordinary food, why are people going crazy over it?”
“…”
“This is the best they can do—what trash-”
“Hey, I can’t listen to this anymore.”
Noah broke the chopsticks and stood up. In a flash of light, Iris replaced Noah’s position.
Ready to fight, Jin-a widened her eyes.
“Wait! Noah!”
“Let her be.”
“Tai-hwa! She’s your friend! You should step in first!”
“Because she’s my friend, I know she can’t be stopped. Even I can’t stop her.”
Iris roughly grabbed Yul by the collar.
“Hey. Show some manners.”
“What…what is this?”
“Follow me.”
Flames sparked in her eyes.
“Say ‘I lost’ three times.”
+++++
“So.”
“Yes.”
“What did you say?”
“Yes.”
“Did you win?”
Noah silently made a V with his fingers.
Beside him came a reproachful voice.
“That’s not the important part, right?”
“Excuse me, who are you?”
“Ah, hello, Ms. Nanoa. I’m Deputy Director Yoo Dae-ri from the reception department.”
“Ah…I am Sa Shin-Hyun, Noah’s guardian.”
I took the business card handed to me and slipped it into my pocket.
Next to me, Noah wore a satisfied smile,
“That girl’s a monster…”
Yul, wrapped in bandages and tape, trembled in the corner.
When I arrived upon receiving the call, it was at the Association office. Apparently, Noah couldn’t hold back and beat up Yul.
Checking the training room CCTV,
“Whoa.”
Iris mercilessly pummeled her opponent.
Breaking through Black Heart’s dark magic, Iris grabbed the small body of the girl,
-BANG!!
And slammed her into the ground.
That was it.
In her Gothic Lolita outfit, Black Heart’s transformation dissolved, returning her to the sobbing form of young Yul.
‘I’m…I’m sorry…I won’t insult you anymore…’
‘It’s fine if you insult me. But.’
Gaaaah!
Iris’ tightly clenched fist embedded itself beside Yul’s head, creating a shockwave.
‘Don’t ever insult my uncle again. Got it?’
With those words,
I turned my gaze to Noah. Sensing my look, he quickly averted his eyes.
“Because I couldn’t stand someone insulting my uncle…hehe…”
“…”
“Ju…”
“…”
“I didn’t use any fatal blows.”
Very impressive indeed.
“…Hmm. Since no one got seriously hurt, let’s leave it at that.”
How can I criticize him when he did it for my sake?
Just adjust the plan slightly and that’s all.
“…Ah, and you…aren’t you Miss Yul?”
“Th…that’s right.”
Noah interjected.
“Yo.”
“Th…then?”
Caught perfectly.
Suppressing laughter bubbling up inside, I spoke as politely as possible.
“I apologize for today’s incident.”
“…”
“Truly sorry. I’ll ensure this doesn’t happen again, so could you forgive us?”
“Ah! Why are you bowing-”
“Shhh, Noah.”
I bowed my head.
After staring at me for a while, Yul snorted.
“Fine. I forgive you. But if you do this again, that’s it-”
“…Is it?”
“It’s…tch, whatever! Anyway, I’m leaving!”
Yul disappeared as if fleeing, and Noah looked apologetically at me.
“I’m sorry…”
“Why?”
“Because of me…you said this morning that today was a day to endure.”
“And?”
“I couldn’t control myself…because she insulted you…I’m sorry…”
Seeing me bow my head, Noah seemed troubled.
I gently patted the boy who looked ready to cry.
“It’s alright, Noah. It happens.”
“…”
“Really, I’m fine. Don’t cry, finish your lunch instead. Are you hungry?”
Nod.
“Good, let’s go. Tai-hwa! And…”
“Call me Jin-a.”
“Jin-a, come along too.”
“Thank you. Is…is Noah alright?”
“He’s fine. Please don’t worry too much.”
“Still, it’s fortunate…”
We continued our meal with the remaining lunchbox. Throughout, Noah maintained a gloomy expression.
“Noah, are you still feeling guilty?”
“Yes…”
“…Pfft!”
I pulled Noah’s head gently towards my shoulder.
“E…eh!?”
Startled Noah.
I lightly pinched his cheeks.
“It’s okay.”
“Really?”
“Of course. It’s fine, so Noah, smile and eat. Understand?”
“…Yes. Your hard work shouldn’t go to waste. Once again, thank you for the meal.”
Once more, Noah happily devoured the food. Watching him eat contentedly filled me with warmth.
That’s right. That’s how Noah should be.
I’m truly fine.
Even if I bow my head once.
‘Anyway.’
I’ll repay him twofold later.
Since time immemorial, the cane has been the remedy for disobedient children.
