Breaking Up with the Heroine of the Female-Oriented Game - Chapter 166

Chapter 166

Epilogue: A Die-Hard Fan and an Anti-Fan (1)

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“It’s already been a year.”

Mid-March.

Spring had come again to the academy.

As if announcing the start of a new academy year, beautiful cherry blossoms bloomed in full glory, and a gentle breeze danced softly.

“Time really flies.”

Looking up at the cherry blossoms fluttering in the wind, Lee Jinhyuk slowly shifted his gaze towards the trainees passing by.

The fresh-faced newcomers sparkled with excitement as they explored the academy grounds.

Joy, thrill, and hope about having entered South Korea’s top hero training institution were clearly visible on their faces.

One could really feel the unique youthful exuberance of the newcomers.

Many first-year students were gathered in small groups, laughing and chatting.

And then it happened.

He noticed numerous trainees glancing at a girl and whispering among themselves.

“Hey, look over there. Is that Ha Yua?”

“Ha Yua?”

The two boys whispered, slightly surprised.

“Don’t you know? She was pretty famous as a child actress back in the day. She appeared in a lot of TV shows and dramas.”

“Ah, I remember now. So she’s that Ha Yua. She’s definitely stunningly beautiful.”

“I heard she enrolled in the Union, but I guess it’s true.”

“Do you think she would sign an autograph if we asked her?”

“Pfft. Wouldn’t she freak out and think you’re a stalker seeing your face?”

Lee Jinhyuk blinked his eyes.

Then he rolled his gaze towards the boy who had been looking at them and stared intently at the girl surrounded by several trainees.

“Hmm. Ha Yua…”

Ha Yua.

Ninth in the freshman rankings.

With silky silver twintails and softly glowing red eyes, she boasted quite a beautiful appearance.

She had actively worked as a child actress when she was younger.

However, when she entered middle school, her parents were murdered by a villain, and since then, she has been struggling to become a hero.

Despite having undergone hero training since her early or mid-teen years, she enrolled in the Union at rank 9, indicating her immense talent.

In the game, she is one of the NPCs who can join the protagonist’s party.

…Ah, of course, I’m aware that the memories I have weren’t from the actual game but were relayed to me by the future So-yeon as a parallel to the game.

Nonetheless, it seems to be more comfortable to think in terms of the game as it has become a habit.

Hmm. Anyway.

Originally, I had planned to recruit her in the second year.

But, well, that’s no longer necessary.

I’ve already defeated Yoo Dahee and Rebellion.

It feels as if I’ve seen the ending while only playing the main story without completing the companion recruitment quests.

‘Well, it seems I won’t need to get involved with Ha Yua now.’

Since we were in the same class upon my return, we could exchange greetings, but I have no intention of becoming closer.

Because So-yeon might get jealous…

“Ah, just a moment.”

While he was lost in thought.

A clear, lovely voice brushed lightly against his ears.

Thanks to that, he snapped out of his reverie and, feeling puzzled, turned toward the source of the voice.

He saw a girl with beautiful silver hair, looking up at him carefully, her hair flowing down to her waist.

It was Ha Yua.

Ha Yua had now approached him, speaking to him.

But why?

Why did she suddenly talk to him?

Did she notice that he had been watching her?

“…”

Ha Yua hesitated slightly.

She bit her lower lip gently, appearing to be deep in thought.

For some reason, she seemed quite nervous.

“…Hoo.”

After letting out a short breath, she swallowed nervously.

And as if she had finally prepared herself, she began to slowly open her lips. But then:

“Um, um, eep.”

She seemed to be more nervous than she thought, biting her tongue slightly while speaking.

“Ji, Jinhyuk Sunbae!”

“Uh?”

Ha Yua lowered her head and bent her back deeply, her face burning red.

“I’m a fan.”

She then shoved a pen and notebook toward him.

“Could you… please give me your autograph…?”

Raising her gaze slightly, with anxious eyes and a shy face, Ha Yua’s unexpected confession left him momentarily speechless.

No, it was quite bewildering.

Suddenly a fan?

What is this?

“Um, I guess it’s not possible after all…?”

“No, it’s not that it isn’t possible, but suddenly saying you’re a fan is a bit surprising. What have I done?”

“Please don’t say that, Sunbae. I’ve been following everything you’ve done since you enrolled in the Union.”

“Eh?”

Everything he had done?

“I heard that not long after enrolling, you exterminated a monster that appeared at the academy and received an award for it, and you also successfully cleared the Youngdeung Mountain dungeon while rescuing professional heroes and even defeated Ouroboros in Busan, saving many people during the Gwanghwamun disaster.”

“Uh, um.”

With her ruby-like red eyes shining brightly, she enthusiastically listed the things he had accomplished. It was reminiscent of a devoted fan gazing at a beloved celebrity.

“Especially that you defeated the notorious villain Yoo Dahee.”

He had merely delivered the finishing blow.

Honestly, So-yeon and the others had done much more than he had.

But Ha Yua spoke as if he had done it all alone. Was she overestimating him because she’s a self-proclaimed fan?

“You’re truly amazing, Sunbae.”

“….”

He scratched his jaw for a moment in thought.

Although he had become quite famous since the Gwanghwamun disaster through TV, internet, and news, it was surprising for someone to approach him openly claiming to be his fan for the first time.

Seeing that she was well-informed about what he had done since entering the Union, it definitely seemed like she was a true fan.

Hoo. Originally, in the original story, he had been inspired by So-yeon’s deeds to follow her.

But this time, it seemed she was more interested in him than in So-yeon, probably because of the things he had done.

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you since the first day… But, I get so nervous just standing in front of you… I’m not normally like this when I’m anxious…”

Ha Yua fidgeted bashfully.

After watching her for a moment, he opened his mouth.

“By the way, why call me Sunbae? I’m also a first-year student, your classmate.”

“Ah, I thought if I called you oppa right from the beginning, it might seem too familiar and make you uncomfortable…”

“Not particularly, but alright, call me however you feel comfortable.”

“Okay, okay. Sunbae!”

She answered enthusiastically, her face still flushed, while he let out a slight sigh as he took her notebook to sign it.

He wondered if she would really be happy to receive an autograph from him, but she held the notebook to her chest tightly, her silvery hair swaying as if it was something truly precious.

Then she smiled gently.

Showing a remarkably beautiful smile that one wouldn’t expect from someone who was once a child actress.

Now that he thought about it, she was quite an important character in the original story.

Especially as one of the few exceptional archer characters.

With her specialty being powerful support fire, she would gain fame later with the nickname “Arrow of the Far Sky.”

“…Hoo. This feels nerve-wracking. Was this how my fans felt when they asked me for autographs back in the day?”

“…No, you just seem a bit peculiar.”

“Ah, so that’s how it is? Ugh… Strangely, just being near you makes my heart race, and I can hardly breathe, let alone speak…”

“…?”

Could it really be that intense?

“By the way, Sunbae.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“Do you perhaps remember me?”

“?”

He tilted his head.

What was she talking about? When had he met Ha Yua?

Seeing him puzzled, Ha Yua made a slightly disappointed expression but then shook her head and darted her lips.

“Of course you wouldn’t remember. Back then, everything was quite chaotic…”

She glanced sideways to continue.

“I actually went to see the Hero’s Day event.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes.”

There indeed was a setting like that.

The backstory where she went to enjoy Hero’s Day with friends before entering the academy.

“But suddenly, monsters flooded in…”

Her face paled slightly as she recalled the horrific events that took place at Gwanghwamun Plaza.

“As a trainee hero myself, I tried my best to save people but almost got killed by the monster’s attack. But then…”

As her face, which had been darkened, lit up with excitement.

“You defeated the monster, right? The one that was unphased by my attack, you took it down in one strike!”

“Uh.”

After defeating Yoo Dahee, he had helped exterminate the remaining monsters and rescued a few people back then, but he had no idea that it had left such an impression on her.

“With each swing of your sword, the monsters fell helplessly… I still can’t forget that sight.”

Ha Yua gazed intensely at his face.

“Some people might not believe in your rumors or say they are exaggerated.”

Her eyes held a deep sense of respect and belief.

“I was certain after witnessing that sight. The strength of the Sunbae I had only heard about was real. If it were you, you could surely have defeated Yoo Dahee.”

“No, that’s not true.”

He had indeed been a bit overhyped.

No matter how overpowering his unique abilities were, how could he defeat a monster like Yoo Dahee in a fair one-on-one fight?

It was only thanks to the efforts of other heroes that he had barely caught her.

“Thank you, Sunbae. For defeating a villain like Yoo Dahee. And for saving me.”

“You don’t have to be so grateful…”

He was speaking but glanced around.

He could hear murmurs and the sound of footsteps nearby.

“What’s that? That boy? Why is he acting so chummy with Ha Yua? Do you know who he is?”

“You idiot. That’s Lee Jinhyuk, Lee Jinhyuk. I told you to check the news.”

“Lee Jinhyuk? Could it be?”

Before long, several trainees were discreetly watching them.

It just so happened to be a crowded area, so it was easy for trainees to spot them.

“Wow. This is the first time seeing him in real life.”

“But is he really the one who defeated Yoo Dahee?”

“Come on, believe it? How could a trainee take down Yoo Dahee, a professional hero who couldn’t be caught even when everyone teamed up on her? It’s all lies. He probably just landed the finishing blow.”

“Seems plausible? But from what I heard, he must be an unprecedented genius.”

“Yeah, that seems right. He probably is stronger than most professional heroes.”

A few newcomers were skeptical about the rumors surrounding him.

It wasn’t outright gossip, but their whispers were slightly irritating.

And perhaps the murmurs reached Ha Yua’s ears, as she frowned and raised her voice.

“You guys. What have you been saying behind us since earlier? Daring to say that Sunbae’s rumors are exaggerated? Overblown?”

“Uh, no? That’s not it.”

“If you have something to say, come out from behind and say it directly.”

“Um, sorry.”

“Apologize to Sunbae, not me.”

“S-Sorry.”

“Nah, it’s okay.”

The newcomers glanced at him and Ha Yua, then swiftly offered their apologies before fleeing.

Ha Yua glared at the other newcomers who had been sneaking glances around the area and then made an ‘Oops’ expression.

“Oh, um, I’m terribly sorry. Did I interfere for no reason?”

He shook his head.

Thanks to her, the whispers had faded, resulting in a net positive for him.

“When I was active in the entertainment industry, there were many kids like that. So I unintentionally…”

“Ahh… Hoo…”

Just then, a familiar voice yawned as she walked up to Ha Yua.

Ah, that girl.

“Cheong Ah.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Just having a chat with Sunbae.”

“…When you say Sunbae, who do you mean?”

The girl glanced at Lee Jinhyuk.

Her half-closed eyelids and petite frame reminiscent of Sunari, as well as her unkempt green hair, were indicative.

‘She’s Lee Cheong.’

Lee Cheong.

Ha Yua’s closest friend.

She ranked first among the freshmen. One could say she is the star of the first-year class.

And Lee Cheong has an interesting setting. She is what one would call a lazy genius.

A typical talented slacker?

She was originally one of the characters intended to be incorporated into the protagonist’s party.

Perhaps if Ha Yua had gone to the Hero’s Day event with Lee Cheong, she might not have faced the threat of the monster.

Lee Cheong was that talented and capable.

This year, among the newcomers, it would be hard to find anyone who can match Lee Cheong’s talent.

Although she tends to take it easy to avoid attracting attention, the fact that she achieved first place in the freshman rankings speaks volumes.

If she showed all her true power, she would be stronger than the early years of Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan.

Ah, of course, she wouldn’t catch up to Lee Siwoon and Kang Daehan, who would become one of the strongest beings in the world.

Nonetheless, it is undeniable that she is one of the top geniuses at the Union.

“….”

With sleepy eyes, Lee Cheong stared at him for a moment before turning to speak to Ha Yua.

“…Hoo. We’re going to be late for the movie. Let’s go.”

“Ah! Has it really gotten this late?”

Surprised by Lee Cheong’s words, Ha Yua blinked.

“Um, then Sunbae, we’ll take our leave first. See you next time.”

It seemed that Ha Yua had made plans to watch a movie with Lee Cheong after the academy.

Ha Yua bowed respectfully, her posture straight, and Lee Cheong also nodded quietly.

Thus, the two disappeared into the distance.

At that moment.

“….”

Lee Cheong shot him a glance over her shoulder.

But her gaze didn’t seem particularly friendly.

It felt like she was questioning his interest in Ha Yua.

Did she think he was being overly familiar with her?

“Eh~.”

Suddenly, a familiar voice of admiration chimed in right behind him.

“Our Jinhyuk has really become popular with the girls, huh? Especially among the fresh-faced newcomers, it seems your popularity has exploded?”

“Ah. So-yeon, you just arrived?”

He had been waiting for So-yeon to walk home together, but it seemed she finally finished her errands.

However, So-yeon observed him with a slightly drowsy look.

Her somewhat discontented expression and her previous words suggested that she had probably overheard his conversation with Ha Yua and Lee Cheong.

“Was my smiling face that obvious? Did I come too early without realizing it? I should have come a little later, huh?”

“Yeah, you should’ve come a bit later.”

“What?”

He chuckled and shrugged.

“I’m just joking. It was a joke.”

“….So, what exactly happened with them?”

“Not much? Just exchanged some small talk.”

“…Hmph.”

So-yeon snorted, crossing her arms firmly.

“Apparently, you’ve gotten quite famous since the Gwanghwamun incident. I heard there’s even a fan club at the school because of it.”

“Oh? Really?”

A fan club? That was news to him.

Was he hitting his peak?

“Oh? Are you asking me to join in on that?”

“No, why would I react to something like this? Besides, you have way more popularity than I do. The freshmen are all just watching you.”

“…Tch. How annoying.”

So-yeon clicked her tongue, looking much more cynical than usual.

A year ago, she would have gotten along well with everyone, regardless of gender, but now So-yeon only found attention from boys to be annoying.

Her personality definitely seemed to have shifted.

When they were together, she laughed and joked like in the past, but when apart, she appeared somewhat cynical.

Her expression was a bit stiff, and her gaze and tone felt somewhat sharper.

After the freshman entrance ceremony, when a male student came on too strong, she had kicked him hard in front of everyone, causing a commotion right from the start.

“How long has it been since I started attending the academy for this to happen again… Hoo. It feels like girls keep gathering around you more and more…”

“What, are you getting jealous again?”

In the past, he would have denied it or brushed it off jokingly.

“Yep. I’m definitely jealous. Why?”

So-yeon nodded, looking brazen, fixing her gaze straight at him.

Should he respond in kind?

“You don’t have to worry about being jealous.”

“Yeah?”

“You’re prettier.”

“….”

As he jokingly tossed out the cheesy line he had wanted to say at least once, So-yeon only displayed a look of disgust.

“What’s with that cringey line?”

“Huh? What’s wrong with it?”

“…Jinhyuk, you’ve become quite bold.”

“Considering what you just said, you do realize your cheeks are slightly flushed, right?”

“Th-That can’t be!”

So-yeon lightly covered her face with her hands and cleared her throat.

“Hmm! Anyway, let’s stop with the weird talk and head home.”

With that, she urged him to hurry up, and he shrugged before nodding.

Thus, as he chatted with So-yeon, he thought.

How long had it been since he had such peace?

He never expected to be entangled with Ha Yua and Lee Cheong, but either way, it was a refreshing feeling to experience a peaceful academy life after a long time.

But a few weeks later.

“….Lee Jinhyuk Sunbae.”

“Yes?”

“….I’ve heard the rumors about you, especially during the Gwanghwamun disaster.”

During the first combat evaluation assessment for the first-year students.

“If it’s alright with you…”

Lee Cheong, who had already established a reputation as a monster trainee and was ranked first among the freshmen.

“Could I ask for your guidance?”

She looked sleepy yet confidently challenged him with a trace of animosity in her gaze.

End of Chapter