This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 33

Her expression suddenly froze, and at first, I wondered why she was acting that way.

But then, a voice that I felt like I had heard before echoed inside the shop. When I finally caught a glimpse of the person who entered, I couldn’t help but nod my head involuntarily.

Honestly, I wasn’t really bothered, but from Yoonseo’s perspective, it was definitely an opponent who warranted such a reaction.

After all, it wasn’t just any opponent; this was the one who had handed me my first defeat since my Awakening.

And not just any defeat, but one that ended so quickly it was hard not to think of it as a complete wipeout from my perspective, making it all the more memorable for me.

‘Wait, how is this happening…?’

Is it really possible to bump into each other like this?

Especially at a time like this?

Considering that we’re in the same area, I had thought I might run into her eventually, but I never expected it would be today.

Is this what they mean by the day you go out is market day?

If there’s any consolation in this situation, it’s that quite a bit of time has passed since that tournament.

What if this had happened right after our match?

The atmosphere would have been even more awkward than it is now, that’s for sure.

‘By the way…’

Just like we recognized each other, it seemed she had also figured out who we were. So why on earth was she showing such a cheerful expression?

It came to me in a flash and then vanished just as quickly, but I definitely saw it.

That emotion flashing through Baeksulhwa’s eyes.

And that left me even more puzzled.

Logically, there shouldn’t be a reason for her to greet us just as much as we had recognized her, and she similarly shouldn’t have a reason to be happy to see us.

But here she was, looking delighted.

What could be the reason for that?

As I was lost in that internal conflict, glancing at the unexpected guest who had just entered and creating an awkward atmosphere, the shop owner, Auntie, who was supposed to be measuring Yoonseo, suddenly seemed to get excited upon seeing the new visitor.

“Oh my?! Is that you, Baeksulhwa! It’s been a while, dear!”

How did the two of them know each other to be so friendly?

“But what brings you here?”

“Oh, I just came to buy a few new blouses.”

“Is that so? Then, is it the same size as before?”

“No, um… just one size bigger, please.”

Was it that embarrassing to say?

The voice of Baeksulhwa, who spoke those words, seemed to slip out, contradicting her otherwise strict appearance.

“Oh my…”

As an unusual sound of admiration escaped Auntie’s lips, Baeksulhwa became even more flustered.

When the person who had momentarily caused confusion stepped out for a moment, the three left seated were lost in their own thoughts.

Among them, Baeksulhwa, who had arrived last, was inwardly relieved but trying not to show it to the other two.

‘Thank goodness…’

If this continued, I might not even get the chance to see her, which is why I had rushed into this encounter.

Luckily, the shop was one I had been frequenting for a long time, so I was able to achieve my goal safely.

‘So this is what she looks like…’

The only person who recognized my talent when everyone said it was impossible and acknowledged my potential.

That person was right in front of me.

And not only that, but she also looked a bit flustered…

‘Wait? Now that I think about it…’

She was wearing the familiar school uniform I saw every day.

I had assumed she would head to Huiseogo, but could it be that she’s coming to our high school?

Considering she’s wearing our school uniform at this timing, she must be going to our school.

Is that the reason for my anxious thoughts about how to approach her? Whether to casually strike up a conversation, my heart was racing in anticipation.

If she really is attending our school, there’s no rush, after all.

If we are in the same school, opportunities will arise in the future.

So rather than rush and mess this up, it would make more sense to leave a good impression and depart.

“Uh… Hello? You’re the one I saw at the Regular Tournament last time, right?”

I carefully attempted to initiate a conversation.

To be honest, the one I was really trying to talk to was different, but since we didn’t know each other properly, bringing it up would seem odd.

So I intentionally chose a roundabout way, yet the response I received was not particularly encouraging.

Could she still be holding onto the memory of that loss?

‘Oh no…’

I never expected this, and as I was mulling this over, her answer came a moment late.

“…Yes, hello.”

“I see you’re wearing the school uniform. You must have gotten into Huiseogo?”

“Yeah? Ah, yes…”

Thus, Yoonseo suddenly found herself conversing with someone she didn’t want to talk to.

In her mind, one thought dominated her:

‘What’s with this? Why is she acting all friendly?’

No matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t comprehend the reason.

Surely, she wouldn’t be the type to think that just because they fought once, they were friends.

So what could be her motive for this?

While she was lost in those thoughts, the person who had been observing Yoonseo suddenly directed her gaze elsewhere.

And that gaze was fixed on… Dogun.

The atmosphere had suddenly turned awkward as Dogun stood there, caught in limbo, unsure of what to do.

Of all times to look at Dogun?

Thinking simply, it could have just been curiosity about who was our companion, but… was it truly that simple?

“Congratulations.”

“What for? It’s only natural.”

“I suppose… that’s true. But who’s this person with you?”

Perhaps because such thoughts filled my mind, I found myself wanting to avoid answering that question.

I didn’t know why, but I felt that way.

“He’s a friend.”

So I deliberately avoided being specific and provided that vague response.

“Oh, a friend… I noticed you seemed to have gotten in, so I wanted to say hi.”

“Hm? You’re from Yeongang High, right?”

How oblivious can she be?

If you’re going to be quiet, just remain quiet. But she reacted when I mentioned we were in the same school.

“Yeah, although I only have a year left until graduation.”

“Still, a senior is a senior. Oh, can I call you senior?”

For some reason, that felt quite irritating.

Perhaps it was just my mood, but while I was inwardly pouting in irritation, their conversation continued.

“Of course, no problem. Ah, if you have any questions about school, feel free to ask.”

Surely, she wouldn’t actually be looking to ask anything, right?

No way?

Fortunately, it seemed she hadn’t completely lost her wits.

The fact that she was awkwardly smiling meant she likely wasn’t genuinely curious.

Just as I thought that, Auntie had returned from the storeroom and we could no longer watch the two engage in conversation.

Which made sense, since they had achieved their goal of getting the blouses, it was time for them to leave.

I did wonder what would happen if they didn’t leave after receiving their blouses, but thankfully, she wasn’t that shameless.

“Well then… see you at school later.”

“Yep.”

After watching Baeksulhwa, who tightly hugged what she had received, as she exited the store, I sighed and relaxed.

Though I had been taken aback by the unexpected visitor at such a timing, now that she was gone, there was no longer a reason to dwell on it.

Of course, simply ignoring it would leave me with lingering feelings that didn’t sit right.

Among those, particularly what stood out was Baeksulhwa’s unusual behavior.

She seemed oddly concerned about Dogun.

Logically, there should be no reason, yet Baeksulhwa acted strangely.

That’s why it had me worried.

But I didn’t want to dwell on it for too long since there were more pressing matters at hand.

So I decided to set that aside for now…

“Okay, we’ve got the uniforms. Shall we get scarves now?”

Gotta focus on the task at hand.

“Yes yes, let’s go.”

Grumble—

“Unless you want to grab a bite first?”

“…Sure.”

The sudden rumble from my stomach was a bit embarrassing, but on the other hand, I thought it worked out well.

If we went straight to getting the scarf, by the time shopping was over, I wouldn’t have a reason to keep Dogun around.

Knowing opportunities like today were rare, I definitely wanted to avoid that scenario.

After all, wouldn’t that feel rather empty?

“So, what are we going to eat?”

“Um, well…”

I had thought about needing to eat with Dogun, but I hadn’t really settled on a menu.

“Any tasty options?”

“Oh, there are a lot of tasty things. The problem is the money.”

That was true enough.

However… today was a bit different.

Because today, I had my dad’s card, which was basically a free pass in my hand.

Of course, it was somewhat embarrassing to flaunt someone else’s card. But I could always repay Mom and Dad later when I became a Hero by treating them like royalty.

“Come on, do you have anything you want? Just say it; I’ll treat you.”

“No way. Flexing with your dad’s card…”

“Hey, so you’re not gonna eat, huh?”

“Then, um… can we do a sushi buffet?”

“A sushi buffet? Is that a good idea?”

“Then…”

“How about I take you to get sushi special?”