This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 262

Chae-rim’s Perspective

When it comes to Dogun, he generally prefers to dress comfortably whether at home or outside.

That doesn’t mean he wears just anything, I would say he’s a bit stingy about grooming himself.

I’m not sure if it’s because he doesn’t feel the need to go that far, but that’s how it usually is.

So, occasionally, I felt a little sorry for that attitude of his.

I sometimes thought that Dogun’s behavior, different from his peers, must have been because he grew up living alone and had to mature early.

But at the same time, I was also a bit curious.

So, if Dogun, who always dressed comfortably, decided to change his mind and groom himself, what would he look like?

The answer to that was just beyond the curtain.

‘He might actually not suit it…?’

Maybe that was a possibility.

It’s just that the impression of formal wear is quite strong as adult clothes.

In contrast, since Dogun is still just a high school student, he might look like a kid who’s sneaked into his parents’ clothes.

Thanks to that, I had a slight chuckle in my head, picturing how Dogun would awkwardly fidget in his own strange appearance.

Time was running out, and as he vigorously resisted trying on all those clothes, he chose one from the hanger and disappeared into the fitting room.

He made a sound like he was contemplating something.

Did he try it on when he was told to, but now that he’s actually wearing it, he’s debating whether to step out or not?

After a while of standing still, Dogun’s silhouette broke the long silence and finally began to move.

And then, how long did it take?

With a swift motion, the fitting room curtain that served as a door was pulled aside, and Dogun revealed himself.

At that moment when I finally faced Dogun leaving the fitting room—

Thump…!

Thump…!

Thump…!

‘…Huh?’

I couldn’t help but be flustered.

“Um… I think the size is a bit big… What do you think, Noona? Is it okay?”

The moment Dogun’s appearance filled my sight, I felt my heart start racing, and blood began rushing to my face.

What could I possibly say?

The combination of the expertly tailored Dogun and the burgundy suit was, quite literally, a perfect match.

Even though the sleeves were slightly loose, it looked as if it were custom-fitted.

Thanks to that…

‘…This feels a bit dangerous, I think.’

…and it wasn’t even a joke.

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Dogun’s Perspective

When was it, I wonder?

Anyway, there was a time when I imagined something.

That is… what would Chae-rim look like if she dressed up?

Remarkably, the answer to that was right in front of me at this moment.

“Well then, shall we go?”

My sister, who had told me to wait just a moment while she went, appeared again wearing a dress that revealed her shoulders.

To be honest, just that was enough to surprise me, but the more astonishing fact was that she had completed full makeup in that short time.

Her hair was nothing to mention.

And the moment I saw my sister like that, I naturally realized.

I mean… I realized the reason she must have so many fans.

She’s someone who radiates coolness just with her usual appearance.

But when she dresses up like this?

It felt different, and I couldn’t help but think it was because of the gap from her usual self.

‘No wonder people fall for her.’

When limited to heroes, she occupies a position higher than anyone else, yet she’s not arrogant, and she’s more proactive than any other heroes, plus she’s beautiful?

Of course, a sane person would become a fan.

And what makes her look even more beautiful is…

“What do you think…? I guess I don’t even need to ask that.”

That confidence she exudes.

The smile that shows just a hint of her sharp canines perfectly matched her current appearance.

“Hmm? I’m just speechless.”

“No, when did I ever say that…”

Honestly, I was impressed, but I didn’t think I was lost in admiration that much.

As I argued defensively, my sister’s smile only grew even wider as she reached out and poked my chest.

“So? What do you think?”

Is she asking because she really doesn’t know?

Chae-rim’s appearance right now didn’t even need words.

So instead of chattering about this or that, I simply gave two thumbs up.

“Really? If you said it looked bad, I would have considered changing, but if you say that, then we can leave right away, right?”

We decided to use a limousine prepared by the Busan branch to the event’s location.

Honestly, showing up in that monstrous Humvee after she put in so much effort to look good felt like it wouldn’t be appropriate, but as luck would have it, this worked out nicely.

‘By the way…’

Am I really okay to participate?

Chae-rim said everyone would bring their partner so it wouldn’t matter, but the closer we got to the venue, the more that thought lingered in my mind.

Did it reflect on my face?

“Why? If you feel awkward about showing your face, should I get a mask or something?”

“Is that allowed?”

Considering that Chae-rim decided to participate in an event held in Busan, it must be quite important, which means there would be strict identity checks. Could I really show up wearing something like a mask?

With no other reason but genuine curiosity, I asked, and Chae-rim smiled as if it was a given.

“Of course. If I vouch for you, what could they possibly do?”

“Ah…”

Well, that’s true.

“So, do you need one? A mask?”

As Chae-rim spoke as if she could immediately ask the organizers about it, I shook my head in response.

And as I chatted with Chae-rim sitting next to me, we soon reached the front of the venue.

The event we were participating in was… surprisingly, not as formal as I had been worried about.

It felt less like a celebration or commemoration and more like a charity event.

And it goes without saying how overwhelming the interest in Chae-rim was.

Still, since everyone attending this event must hold a significant position in their respective fields, they acted as if they were star-struck girls meeting their idols when they stood in front of Chae-rim.

“But… who is that man next to her?”

“Yeah… the fact that he’s participating in this event doesn’t seem to be just any ordinary relationship…”

“Is he her manager?”

“Eh, I doubt it. Why would a manager be brought to an event like this?”

“Then perhaps… her boyfriend?”

“Could be?”

Thanks to that, the attention that was naturally directed at Chae-rim ended up landing on me, causing my face to flush involuntarily.

In contrast, my sister seemed so used to this situation that she handled it naturally, engaging with the people drawn to her.

Seeing her so composed made me realize I should calm down, but it wasn’t working out as I hoped, and I felt a bit parched.

So, I started accepting random beverages offered by staff circulating around the venue, and maybe that was a mistake.

Suddenly, I felt a pressing urge and excused myself to the restroom area, which was located in a corner of the venue, as Chae-rim was still busy dealing with people.

“Hey there?”

As soon as I finished my business and exited the restroom, I was unexpectedly grabbed by a woman I had never seen before.

And not just grabbed, I found myself pushed against the wall before I even realized it.

“I know it’s rude to do this on a first meeting… but are you somehow related to Lightning Lady?”

If she knows it’s rude, why do it?

Even though she seemed to know that fact, I wondered what her intention was.

Could she be a reporter or something?

Not knowing exactly, I opted for silence.

“Aha, so you don’t plan to tell me, huh?”

“…”

“Then how about this?”

The girl, who had been smiling sweetly, suddenly pressed herself closer to me.

Then she whispered into my ear—

“If you just tell me what relation you have with her…”

“…”

“Who knows? I might just feel generous and give you something in return…”

Suddenly, she started teasingly stroking my thigh and whispering in my ear, catching me totally off guard.

I was so shocked that I just stood there, dumbfounded—

“Hey—”

A lightning spear flew out of nowhere and pierced through the woman’s body.

“Are you insane? Can’t you keep your hands to yourself?”