The after-work gathering, which had been filled with lingering warmth, had finally come to an end.
—
Paaaaahh—!
Immediately upon returning home, Sua visited the interior of the special hotel. The place where she currently stood was the ‘Heart Space.’
Literally, this was the embodiment of Sua’s inner world.
Currently, it resembled a courtroom. Sua’s Courtroom.
Soon, Sua shouted.
“Everyone, gather here!”
Moments later, an immense number of Arctic Foxes darted out from all sides and took their seats in the tiered audience section.
In the middle of the courtroom was a hexagonal structure, with nameplates on each seat.
Nameplates clearly labeled.
【 Wi Ji-hye 】
【 Kim Yu-han 】
【 Lee Kang-cheol 】
Lee Kang-cheol was already in his seat.
Soon, Sua dressed in Wi Ji-hye’s uniform and Sua dressed in Kim Yu-han’s uniform appeared and took their respective seats before the nameplates.
These two were facing each other.
However, the last seat—
【 Kim So-hee 】
The Kim So-hee seat was still empty.
Sua tilted her head up to look at the special window in the sky.
Right now, she intended to hold an important meeting, so more attendees would be helpful. Absence was not acceptable.
“Hey, Special Window! Kim So-hee isn’t showing up, you know.”
No response.
“Put Kim So-hee in her seat.”
Still no response. Sua grew irritated.
“Hey! I said bring Kim So-hee and make her sit!”
The next instant.
Pfft—!
In a flash, Sua’s position had changed. When she regained her senses, she realized she was in front of the Kim So-hee nameplate.
“…?”
Sua slowly realized what this meant.
“Ahhh, this is the real me…”
But first, she decided to let it slide. This wasn’t the critical issue to address at this moment.
Sua slapped the desk in front of her twice with her palm.
“Alright, let’s gather opinions now.”
At that moment, words appeared in the air.
[b] [Topic: Is it right to attend the regular meetup?][b]
[b]
This was a dilemma Sua had grappled with all night without finding an answer.
Is it right to attend?
If I do attend, how much should I reveal?
And what demeanor should I present?
Life had changed too drastically compared to the past, and inevitably, this left many questions on Sua’s mind. With her current line of thought, she couldn’t reach a proper conclusion.
Thus, Sua’s Courtroom was called into session today to hear the refined advice of the roles she had portrayed.
In that manner, the meeting commenced under the watchful eyes of all the Arctic Foxes. The first one to break the silence was Kang-cheol Sua.
“It would be better not to attend.”
“Why?”
As Sua tilted her head,
“In the near future, the schedule will grow immensely busy. Mystic has given us an order to prepare our bodies for it. It’s better to enroll in gyms and prepare.”
“Hmm…”
“I have planned out a schedule taking principles and efficiency into account. Wake up at 6:00 AM, wash up, eat breakfast, run for two hours, and after that, study the liberal arts—”
Immediately afterward, both Sua and the foxes turned away from Kang-cheol.
Kang-cheol seemed taken aback by the reaction.
“What is this reaction?”
“Nope, nope. Your words are too correct to argue against.”
Too orthodox! Even if it sounds good in theory, implementation is too difficult. That kind of plan that everyone can think of when writing but can’t actually put into practice.
Not many people can’t think about these things.
Yeah, it’s only a matter of willpower.
The schedule that Kang-cheol created was almost too ideal.
That was about the time Wi Ji-hye spoke up.
“I agree with the conclusion. It’s better not to attend.”
“Wi Ji-hye’s reason?”
“Anyone seeking excellence must have the mindset of a seeker. Have you ever seen a flying bird look back? There’s no time to relax. Seek and experience the script to progress.”
“Hmm…”
Was that really right? Just then, as Sua scratched her cheek with her index finger,
“Everyone’s saying strange things.”
The first counterargument. With a shrug, Yu-han Sua.
“You’re wrong. We must attend.”
“Huh?”
“Sua-seonbae has achieved incredible progress compared to the past. There’s no reason not to attend in such a situation. On the contrary, I believe it’s crucial to attend.”
Wi Ji-hye’s eyes widened in surprise.
“How… stupid. Are you saying you’re taking the time out merely to boast? Understand this: there’s no greater waste of time than crushing others to feed your vanity. That is not the way of someone seeking excellence.”
“Just wait, let me finish.”
“There’s nothing else to add. Stop talking.”
As Wi Ji-hye drew her sword, Kim Yu-han drew his pistol.
A slightly awkward expression flickered across Wi Ji-hye’s face.
“Just listen.”
Sua thought to herself: guns win, right?
Everyone was focused on Yu-han.
“We’re not attending to boast. Instead, it’s a chance for humility, and our goal is to gain allies.”
“…gain allies?”
“Exactly.”
Wi Ji-hye nodded reluctantly at Kim Yu-han’s statement.
“Sua-seonbae has neither family nor friends. In the terms society uses, they belong to the isolated and disconnected individuals.”
“…”
Why bring up such a painful topic all of a sudden?
“In fact, this gathering is the only social circle we practically have, and it’s important to solidify it properly. Simply go, be humble, and say how everyone’s efforts have been helping you to work hard.”
“What will that achieve?”
“You must know that people don’t like those who bestow favors but are more inclined toward those who receive favors.”
Yu-han Sua smirked.
“What happens if Sua-seonbae boasts about recent achievements and gifts things? People will question why they’ve succeeded, and later, they’ll expect even more from Sua-seonbae. That’s human nature.”
“Hmm…”
“But if Sua-seonbae remains humble? If they emphasize receiving favors, and mention lightly overcoming a tough period thanks to everyone else?”
Yu-han’s voice grew firmer.
“They will root for Sua-seonbae in the future. After all, the more Sua-seonbae succeeds, the higher their own stakes will rise.”
“Hmm…”
“If later, people approach them to probe into Sua-seonbae’s relationships, it’ll only lead to more positive stories. Because from that point onward, Sua-seonbae’s success becomes everyone’s goal.”
“There’s a point to that.”
Finally, Wi Ji-hye sheathed her sword.
But her arms were crossed.
“But manipulating others isn’t righteous.”
“It’s not manipulation; rather, it’s guiding. Ji-hye-seonbae, remember that humans are not born equal from the start.”
“Huh?”
“Guiding people who might possibly harm into the path of assistance. Isn’t that the mission of those who have been born with special attributes? It’s about moving together toward a higher realm. Isn’t that also what ‘righteousness’ is?”
“….”
Wi Ji-hye soon turned away from Kim Yu-han’s gaze.
“Where do monsters like you come from?”
By then, Sua had nodded.
“It seems like the decision is made. I’ll do well.”
Sua pulled out her phone from her pocket.
But she couldn’t immediately make the call. Yu-han Sua had suddenly grabbed her arm.
“Just wait a moment.”
“Huh?”
“Who are you planning to call?”
“To Eun-bi. Go Eun-bi.”
“Ms. Deer, then. What do you intend to say to her?”
“Well, that I’ll participate in the regular meetup.”
“That’s not enough. Please don’t.”
Yu-han Sua shook her head.
“First, inform them that you’ll be arriving late.”
“What? But I’m free all day?”
“It’s important to emphasize that you’ve managed to free up time despite being busy. This will create the impression that you’re putting in relentless effort even where others don’t see.”
“A…?”
“There are several principles behind this, but since explaining might take too long, I’ll just feed it to you.”
Whish!
Right after, something entered Sua’s mind.
People invariably question and even become jealous of sudden success.
Especially, given Sua’s success is tied to Specials, it could seem incomprehensible or off-putting. It might even feel fishy.
Thus, this is important.
Subtly hinting at the hard work behind the scenes—such small, insignificant moments will accumulate, and eventually Sua’s success will seem like the result of immense effort.
After all, Sua has put in some effort.
This was part of what Yu-han had planned.
Sua immediately tilted her head.
“What? This was short? Are you sure you injected a long explanation?”
“What?”
“Come on, don’t you dare underestimate my intelligence…”
“…Alright, Seonbae. That’s not the important thing right now.”
Yu-han grabbed Sua’s wrist again.
“It’s not over yet.”
“What? Why?”
“Casually mention that you can make time somehow, but you’re uncertain about attending because of your financial situation.”
“Huh?”
“Well, naturally, you’ll pay generously.”
“That’s too mean, come on…”
“That’s not the case.”
Yu-han shook her head.
“That person will cherish the fact they helped Sua-seonbae for the rest of their life. This can be considered purchasing self-esteem through relatively little money.”
“…Hmm? Is that true?”
“Besides, weren’t you always teased in the group chat? Didn’t you feel hurt being treated like a punching bag all the time?”
Well, that was true.
“Sua-seonbae, you just need to keep succeeding silently. The more you become a great source of pride for them, the more you can consider your debts repaid. No, you’re even bestowing a favor.”
The Arctic Foxes in the audience shivered.
◈◈◈◈◈
4 days later.
On the day of the group chat’s regular gathering.
Finally, the Short Film Festival announced its start.
[Monkeying: Is everyone awake?]
[Deer: I’ll go right after work’s done.]
[Monkeying: Sua’s also coming later.]
[Deer: Okay, I heard.]
[Deer: I’ll pay the taxi fare.]
[Black Bear: See you all later!]
[Living Ji: Everyone’s gathering today! Yay!]
With the grand arrival of Sua,
[Sua: I’m way too busy and exhausted…]
[Sua: But I’ll try to join as soon as possible. ㅠ]
Coincidentally, it was also the day of Sua’s debut.
