This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 58

Was the feeling of a hangover that I experienced for the first time in my life really that intense?

Everyone, even Yoonseo, who is a pro at complaining, became unusually docile; from my perspective, it was quite comfortable and nice.

‘Isn’t it fascinating…?’

Isn’t a characteristic of expensive alcohol supposed to be the lack of a hangover?

Yet, it made the kids groan all day long with such a potent hangover.

What exactly was that drink?

Anyway, the camping, which started with such high hopes, ended up a bit lackluster since most participants were suffering from hangovers. And just like that, the last event before entering high school came to an end.

Before I knew it, March 2nd had arrived.

The day of entering high school.

Maybe because it’s the second time for me, following middle school graduation, it didn’t feel particularly special.

It was just… kind of annoying to have to wake up early after a long time.

That’s all I thought while preparing in the morning.

Sigh…

I really wished I had just been assigned to my first-choice school.

If that were the case, at least I could have slept an extra 10 minutes.

No…

What’s 10 minutes?

I could have comfortably lazed around in bed for at least 20 minutes.

Although it seems trivial, knowing how precious those 10 or 20 minutes are in the morning, I couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful… but what can I do?

That chance was gone.

So even if I’m a bit annoyed, I have to accept it.

‘By the way…’

I’ve almost finished getting ready for school, but I wonder how the one who eagerly messaged me last night is doing, asking to go together in the morning.

With only about a minute left until the promised time to meet in front of my house, my mobile phone remains silent, which makes me a little uneasy… but I should at least check.

If I just head out without checking, it’ll become even more troublesome later.

I barely had anything inside my bag, just a pen and a new notebook, which is why it felt particularly light today as I slung it over my shoulder before heading to the neighbor’s house.

“Is Dogun here?”

“Hello, Sir.”

“Ah, you’ve come to pick up Yoonseo, right?”

Since this wasn’t the first time during middle school, I guess my neighbor has gotten used to it by now.

He casually told me to head up to the second floor, and after nodding my head, I went upstairs.

As soon as I arrived, the first thing that hit my ears was the loud sound of a hairdryer working at full blast.

‘Looks like she’s awake.’

From the sound of that dryer, it seems like she’s not quite ready yet.

Thinking I might be able to help, I cautiously approached the source of the noise.

Once I reached there, I lightly knocked on the door—

“Ah, just wait a moment…!”

That was the immediate response I got.

“How long are you going to make me wait?”

I probably thought it was my dad answering back since I was knocking, but she probably didn’t expect it would be me on the other side of the door.

The only thing that responded was the sound of the hairdryer echoing in the room.

And how long did I wait?

“…Ugh, ten… no, five more minutes?”

“Really? You think that’s enough time?”

In my opinion, that’s a no.

“Or… should I help?”

I suggested that since I thought it would be a good idea, but her reaction was strange.

“…What?!”

Why is she panicking like that?

If someone saw us, they would think this was the first time I ever made such a suggestion.

Or did she perhaps completely forget how I’ve helped her out all this time now that it’s our high school entrance day?

“…Do as you like.”

Fortunately, it didn’t seem that far off.

Anyway, having received permission from the party involved, I asked for consent and opened the door to step into the utility room where Yoonseo was, and she greeted me with her hair looking particularly rebellious today.

‘Oh dear…’

Of course, it would take time since she’s struggling so much to do it all by herself.

By the way, was she a bit embarrassed to be so late on the first day of high school?

Yoonseo, dressed in a blouse completely different from what she wore in middle school, had a slightly flushed face compared to usual.

“What? You still haven’t put all your clothes on? So when exactly are you planning to leave?”

“Uh, I just have to put on my jacket here.”

“What?! Don’t you have to wear a vest?!”

“…Um, apparently it’s optional.”

Is this how people call a prestigious school?

Comparing it to a school that had emphasized in bold letters on the admission notice sent via text that incoming freshmen must wear the full winter uniform and even necktie, this was a surprisingly lenient stance.

“I’m kind of envious of that. Anyway, can you pass me that comb? And the hairdryer?”

“…Uh, sure.”

After receiving the items in both hands, I showed that definitely messy section of hair some heat from the dryer.

And once the damp部分 had sufficiently dried, I used the comb in the other hand to gently smooth down her tangled hair?

It turned from slightly curly into a relatively neat style.

‘Yeah…’

This is what it’s all about.

I think I initially found this quite annoying, but after consistently doing it for three years of middle school, I can now say I’ve reached a point of enjoyment with it.

“What do you think about today’s style? Guest?”

“…It’s acceptable.”

“Of course. I know you’d say that. So let’s hurry and finish getting dressed so we can get going. I’m starting to get anxious here, you know?”

We’ve spent a decade side by side.

Surely, I should have been able to predict this.

Despite still having a bit of time, it’s better to move with a relaxed mind rather than rush.

So I said that and intended to turn to leave the utility room and head out, but then…

“Uh… wait a second.”

“Yeah? What is it?”

“It’s about your necktie. Isn’t it tied a bit crooked?”

“…Really?”

Maybe…?

Hearing that, it did seem a bit off… or maybe not…

“I’m not sure?”

“No… the shape and direction of it are a bit… strange.”

And then came remarks that could be interpreted as teasing or challenging.

“Ugh… aren’t you a kid? You can’t even tie a necktie correctly?”

“Well, I’d know how if I had the experience.”

I did actually watch videos while practicing, so I didn’t think it looked that bad, but if it seems terrible to others it might be different.

If I had known this would happen, maybe I should have tied it more often in my previous life.

Aside from the fact that it was rare in everyday life, aside from special occasions like job interviews or some events, I was really not familiar with neckties.

Still, I didn’t think she had the right to criticize me…

“Ugh… come here. I’ll fix it properly for you.”

“Do you know how to tie it?”

“What are you saying…? Every morning my Lady also has me tie her necktie for her, you know?”

“…Really?”

“I’m telling you!”

If that’s true, then I guess I shouldn’t worry too much.

Somehow, though, I just couldn’t bring myself to trust Yoonseo so easily.

“Fine, if you understand, then… can you just lower your head?”

“Why? Is it because you’re too short to reach?”

“I can reach! It’s just uncomfortable!”

“Sure, sure.”

Well, maybe… it’d be okay to let her have a go just this once?

*

As Dogun was thinking that and bent his head slightly, Yoonseo was trying hard not to show her anxiety.

It was inevitable because she had been waking up early for the past few days just to practice how to tie a necktie for today.

Of course, her practice partner was none other than her mother.

‘Can I… do well?’

Despite having practiced, it’s only natural to feel tense thinking about the real deal.

The necktie draping around Dogun’s neck looked fairly decent for a beginner, which made her even more anxious.

However, her comments about its crookedness weren’t solely meant to show off her practice; there was another reason.

That conversation they just had made it hit home so clearly how they had ended up in separate schools.

Thus, she didn’t want to waste this moment.

Especially since it was the first day.

“What’s taking so long? Are you going to make me late?”

Yet, as Dogun kept urging her while being oblivious to her feelings, she felt like grabbing that necktie and yanking it.

Or maybe just give him a playful whack on the head since he was bowing down.

‘Don’t you… feel any regret?’

They’ll ride the bus together, but once they get off, they won’t see each other until school is over.

“Ah, just…! Wait. You tied it weirdly, making it hard to untie…”

“Oops, my bad.”

“If you feel sorry, then just stay still and don’t move around for no reason.”

“Ah, unlike some people, I’m tall, so bending like this is really uncomfortable for me.”

“This is…!”

*

In that manner, Dogun and Yoonseo were bickering and getting ready for their first day of high school when someone had already finished their arrival.

“Chairman? Is there anything else to prepare?”

“Ah, yeah. I think we’re good now, so just rest until the entrance ceremony starts. Once it begins, you won’t have a chance to relax.”

“Yes.”

“Also, please prepare some snacks for the kids who have worked hard this morning.”

“Of course.”

That was Seolhwa, who held the position of Student Council President at the school Dogun would be entering.

As the student council members who helped with the entrance ceremony stepped out to take a break, she was left alone in the auditorium, which would soon be filled with new students, murmuring to herself.

‘Finally…’

Today is the day.

The one she’d likely meet soon wouldn’t even realize how much she had been waiting for this moment.

Hence… having waited so eagerly…

‘Absolutely…’

She wouldn’t fail.

No matter what happens.

No matter what price she has to pay.

She would never… let it slip away.