Your Commander-in-Chief – Chapter 121

Everyone is enjoying food and drinks while having fun conversations. In this naturally formed atmosphere, it feels like everyone has set down their heavy burdens, behaving as if they were in a game.

“Hmm…”

In settings like this, alcohol is a must.

Sohee, as per my request, had arranged for the drinks. From light can beer to the commonly available soju.

It seemed Sohee couldn’t quite grasp my choice not to go for expensive alcohol.

“Why did you choose the cheap stuff?”

“Because it’s easy to drink.”

Even with my explanation, Sohee tilted her head in confusion and came to sit beside me.

Shaking the cup in my hand, I observed the guild members.

The orange juice inside the cup slowly sloshed around.

The types of alcohol Sohee had brought for the members were from common brands. They weren’t expensive and could be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. Without financial burden, people reached out without hesitation.

Though they pretended otherwise, some guild members appeared uncomfortable in this situation.

To facilitate smooth interactions, we needed to lighten the mood.

That’s why I didn’t opt for expensive alcohol.

I quickly scanned the surroundings.

Everyone’s gaze was scattered in all directions.

There was no one watching me.

Even Sohee sitting next to me was busy checking her phone, making this the perfect opportunity.

I quickly shook the soju bottle I had secretly tucked away and popped the cap.

As the cap of the soju bottle quickly flew off and rolled along the ground, I tilted my cup and poured soju into the orange juice.

Glug glug glug—

My mind ignited like a white-hot flame, sharpening my senses.

This swift, decisive action successfully achieved my goal.

With my objective accomplished, I quickly concealed the remaining soju bottle under the table.

At that moment, Sohee looked up at the perfect timing.

“Did you… get more juice?”

Her attention was fixed on the cup of juice in my hand.

She seemed puzzled by the sudden increase in the orange juice quantity.

I shook my head and lightly tilted it.

“No?”

The complex, rich, orangey aroma masked the alcohol scent, swiftly sliding down my throat.

The taste, flowing without hesitation, vividly resurrected hazy memories.

The lingering flavor on my tongue was undoubtedly of strong alcohol.

“Hah—”

Simultaneously sensing the slightly bitter aftertaste and the intense fragrance of orange juice, I realized something.

This body was ridiculously weak against alcohol.

Not long after drinking, a subtle warmth spread throughout my body.

I didn’t feel too bad. In fact, it felt quite good.

A moderate inebriation improved my mood.

But alas. As I licked my lips, slightly savoring the taste, Sohee’s sharp gaze was fixed on my face.

Why was she staring at me like that?

“What’s on your face?”

“Nothing.”

The warmth spreading through my body began to amplify, seemingly asserting its presence.

I felt slightly droopy. I slouched into my chair.

“Ugh.”

What a shame. I wanted to drink more.

If only I could finish one more bottle, I’d feel really good…

Cautiously, I poured more orange juice while keeping an eye on Sohee.

The sloshing yellow liquid filled the transparent cup, just as Sohee stood up.

“Sohee?”

“Just a sec, I’ll take this call. Dad is calling…”

Sohee spoke apologetically as she stood up and exited the hall.

I was left alone. The clingy gum stuck to my side was finally gone.

Harang was busy mixing it up with the other guild members. Others were enjoying themselves, drinking and having fun.

I wasn’t being watched. No one was focusing on me.

This was my chance.

I quickly crawled under the table.

There rested the bottle of soju I had hidden away.

It was about two-thirds full.

With a light smile, I mixed the soju into the orange juice and began sipping.

Who knows when anyone might come back. I hadn’t even been able to taste it properly.

Sipping, sipping, sipping.

With each sip of orange juice, its color gradually diluted.

I drained the soju bottle in an instant. I thought I should drink up while I could.

“Ah—”

I could feel my tongue getting twisted. But who cares? I felt good.

My arms and legs felt relaxed. A happy smile lingered on my lips. I couldn’t believe I could feel such joy from just one bottle of soju.

Middle school girls really are the best.

The heat surged through my entire body.

I spread my palms and gently rubbed my face as if caught in a whirlwind.

My senses were muddled, but the feeling remained vivid.

My vision spun, and I collapsed onto the floor.

My head was spinning, but my body stuck flat to the ground without turning.

That contrasting sensation was strange and familiar, making me chuckle.

“Heehee…”

My face reflected off the now-empty soju bottle lying on the ground.

My small, cute face slowly blurred away.

I reached out to it, flailing, but my fingertips couldn’t catch the soju bottle.

The empty soju bottle rolled away, escaping beyond the long tablecloth.

“Ugh…!”

I quickly got back up.

I didn’t have time for this. I needed to return to my original seat before Sohee came back.

I crawled and peeked my head out from beneath the table.

Thanks to the long tablecloth, my figure would probably remain hidden except for my head.

I carefully observed the situation outside.

Fortunately, Sohee was nowhere to be seen.

She seemed still on the call.

I exhaled in relief and crawled out.

“You… what are you doing?”

“Ugh…”

Crawling on all fours like a puppy, I noticed a shadow looming over me.

Curious, I looked up to find Harang standing there with a face full of disbelief.

What the heck? Why is this guy so tall?

I frowned and got up from my position.

Despite evolving from four-legged to two-legged movement, I still had to tilt my head uncomfortably to see him.

That didn’t sit well with me.

“What’s up… have you been drinking?”

“Just a little?”

Had a bit of a drink. What’s the big deal?

I patted my wobbling legs and returned to my original seat.

The path was swinging wildly. This brat, that brat. Stay still.

Thud thud—

I mimicked Harang’s heavy footsteps, stomping around like a dinosaur.

“Is she out of her mind…?”

Am I crazy?

I chuckled at the absurdity.

I hadn’t lost my mind. I could sit perfectly in my original seat.

If I had lost it, I wouldn’t be able to sit here looking so composed.

“So, where’s Sohee?”

This guy was still after Sohee, huh?

I glared at Harang while grabbing the can beer next to me.

The small white can looked huge in my hand as I lifted it slowly.

“Hey!”

At that moment, I heard Harang’s startled voice as his hand shot out.

That was definitely a diabolical hand trying to snatch my can beer.

My head was heating up. My senses kicked in, feeling just like when I was gaming.

Zip- zip- zip—

Short bursts of light illuminated my vision with each moment in a dazzling way.

This time, my reactions felt oddly different. I felt like I was in a dream.

My small, agile body dodged all of Harang’s attempts to seize the beer.

But I didn’t have strength. I immediately toppled over onto the table, letting my can beer slip from my grasp.

“Whoaa~”

It rolled, clattering, and then fell with a thud.

“Ugh. I’m losing it…”

My vision flickered in and out.

Through my hazy mind, Harang’s voice echoed distantly.

My arms and legs felt fiery. Not only that, my entire body was ablaze. It was hot. My eyelids were getting heavier.

It felt like if I closed my eyes, I’d slip straight into sleep.

I simply draped myself over the table.

It was more comfortable lying down than sitting.

I lay there, feeling the time drift slowly by.

Gradually, very slowly, light started to wobble.

Through my blinking vision, I spotted Sohee’s urgent expression for some reason.

“Hayun…”

“Hey.”

Had she wrapped up that important call?

I tried to lift my body but my limbs wouldn’t obey. I decided to just give up on getting up.

“Oppa… did she drink?”

“Seems that way…”

“Hayun, get up…”

I didn’t want to get up. Rather, the more accurate statement would be that I couldn’t get up.

I frowned and shook my head.

“Ugh…”

“I’ll take care of it. Can you ask Iyap to manage the situation?”

“Me, me?”

“Yes, since Hayun is like this now, we can’t proceed with the gathering anymore.”

“Ugh… understood.”

“Thank you. I’ll lay Hayun down, so I’ll count on you until then.”

Lay me down? Where?

With blurry vision, I blinked as Sohee struggled to lift me.

Sohee, it turned out, was stronger than she looked…

A moment of dumb admiration passed before consciousness faded away.

*

When I finally regained my senses, the first thing I felt was a pounding headache.

It was a splitting pain that couldn’t compare to an ordinary hangover.

It felt as if several colossal dinosaurs were stomping around in my head.

“Ugh…”

A cracked voice escaped weakly.

As I strained my eyes open, my blurred vision slowly started to return.

The sensations in my body began to gradually awaken. That was when I realized I wasn’t in my own room.

I carefully pulled down the soft, fluffy blanket.

I noticed I was wearing unfamiliar pajamas—a soft and baggy white negligee.

“Ah…”

Perched on the edge of a strange bed, I rubbed my forehead. Slowly, blurry memories began to surface.

Having stealthily finished off a bottle of soju… crawling around on the floor… stomping loudly, complaining about the sway…

I sighed deeply and wiped my weary face.

What a disgrace. As a guild leader, I had shown an awful figure in front of everyone.

Undoubtedly, the guild members were disappointed.

“Already awake?”

At that moment, familiar sliding sounds and a voice came from behind me.

Why was Sohee’s voice coming from right behind me?

As I pondered that question, a hand slipped out from under the blanket and embraced my neck.

“Ah—!”

Just as I let out a short scream, my body was yanked backward with a sudden pull.

I was dragged into a warm, soft embrace.

“It’s still early morning. Go back to sleep.”

“Is, Is that you, Sohee…?”

“Yeah. It’s me.”

“W-What is this…?”

“I told everyone at home that I’m sleeping over. Don’t worry, all guild members have left.”

Sohee spilled out all the details I was curious about.

Then, she tightened her embrace around me, as if unwilling to let go.

“Just relax. It’s okay.”

As Sohee said that, she pulled the blanket up higher.

Within the blanket that swathed me completely, Sohee’s scent filled the air.