Chapter 25
‘This is a problem. The trigger was supposed to be Seo Do-gyeom thinking it was unexpected for the female lead to be good at studying and taking an interest in her for the first time.’
Of all things, without knowing that, the pretty Baek I-hae turned out to be smart as well.
Thinking it was all her own fault for being so perfect, she let out a deep sigh. She was walking to the classroom side by side with Ye Eun-seol, each holding a textbook.
“Why are you sighing like that? Is it because you don’t want to tutor that guy named Do-gyeom?”
Unaware of her circumstances, he smiled innocently as he spoke. That expression was oddly irritating, so Baek I-hae grumbled.
Even though she thought she needed to manage her image, strangely, her usual personality came out around him.
“It’s not that. It’s just hard carrying your book for you.”
“Oh dear. You’re giving me such obvious hints. I thought maybe you…”
Ye Eun-seol paused for a moment, then leaned his head closer. Having approached her in a stride, he whispered softly into her ear.
“…were unhappy because you’re doing something that’s not even your role.”
What was his intention with those words?
It felt like he had read her mind or something. But it could have been her imagination.
When she stared at Ye Eun-seol without a word, he gave her a mysterious smile, as if he knew but didn’t.
[Baby Gangster, Seo Do-gyeom feels a strange frustration. Obsession level increases by 10.]
‘Obsession level?’
She had seen favorability and trust levels before, but this was the first time hearing about an obsession level notification. Moreover, Seo Do-gyeom wasn’t even here, so it was strange to get a notification out of nowhere.
Just in case, she glanced around and spotted Seo Do-gyeom walking toward them from ahead, his face expressionless.
“Baek I-hae.”
In the quiet hallway, an unusually low voice echoed.
Somehow, the atmosphere felt different from usual, making her tense up. As he strode closer, he stared intently at her hand holding Ye Eun-seol’s textbook.
Then, Seo Do-gyeom’s gaze shifted to Ye Eun-seol. Seo Do-gyeom was tall, but Ye Eun-seol was no slouch either, so their eyes met quietly from high up.
‘Huh, come to think of it, this seems like the first time Seo Do-gyeom is properly looking at Ye Eun-seol? Maybe he’ll fall for him at first sight?’
Judging by the cold expression, it didn’t seem like that at all. Seo Do-gyeom snatched the textbook Baek I-hae was holding and promptly tossed it on top of the one Ye Eun-seol was carrying.
Caught off guard, Ye Eun-seol’s body lurched forward.
“Carry your own stuff, or get someone else to do it. Don’t make Baek I-hae do things like this.”
Seo Do-gyeom’s arm gently wrapped around Baek I-hae’s wrist. Before she knew it, she was standing next to Seo Do-gyeom instead of Ye Eun-seol.
Her eyes widened at the events unfolding against her will. Seeing that, Ye Eun-seol spoke up.
He still had a smile on his face, but it was a peculiar one—hard to tell if it was from genuine good mood or just habit.
“I didn’t ask her; the teacher requested it.”
“There’s no need for Baek I-hae to comply with that. It’s your stuff.”
A subtle battle of nerves.
Still, the textbooks had been surprisingly heavy, so Baek I-hae was on Seo Do-gyeom’s side.
She timidly nodded from the side as if to agree, and Seo Do-gyeom and Ye Eun-seol’s gazes met. She thought the small movement would go unnoticed, but these guys were annoyingly perceptive.
Seo Do-gyeom’s hand stroked her head. It was like handling a small animal, which she found displeasing, but she stayed still anyway.
By now, physical contact like this felt natural, as their distance had grown that close.
“You two seem close.”
Ye Eun-seol was watching them with an odd look.
It was a strange gaze. Not just a simple misconception, but truly peculiar.
It felt like surprise that Baek I-hae and Seo Do-gyeom were close.
‘As if… he knows about our original relationship.’
[Main Quest Triggered!
‘Uncover the identity of the mysterious original female lead, Ye Eun-seol!’ has begun.
Time Limit: Until the end of the midterm exams
Success: Ye Eun-seol’s identity, Ye Eun-seol’s trust +10
Failure: Bullying episode proceeds]
[Caution!
The bullying episode involves some violence, so please be careful.]
Ye Eun-seol’s identity.
Given that it was even a main quest, Ye Eun-seol’s existence seemed quite important.
‘He really is the original female lead. Surely not in male disguise, right?’
Baek I-hae glanced at the status window floating in the air, then shifted her gaze to Ye Eun-seol. When their eyes met, he smiled silently as if asking why.
‘He’s too unambiguously male in build to ask if he’s in disguise. Or maybe transgender…?’
Of course, asking that would be rude too.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable under her serious stare, Ye Eun-seol asked first.
“I-hae, why are you looking at me like that? If you have something to say, go ahead.”
How could she ask in the most roundabout way possible?
She racked her good brain hard. After all, Baek I-hae was a smart character who ranked high in the school.
Pondering what elegant and dignified words she could use to avoid hurting feelings, she ended up blurting out without thinking.
“Eun-seol, were you dreaming of becoming a eunuch or something?”
“…?”
“….”
For the first time, Ye Eun-seol’s expression hardened. Seo Do-gyeom was silent.
[Baby Gangster, Seo Do-gyeom is greatly impressed by Baek I-hae’s savage burn skill. He is very satisfied.]
[Seo Do-gyeom’s favorability increases by 10.]
He was silent, but it was loud in its own way.
“…Sorry. Just let it go in one ear and out the other. I must not be in my right mind right now.”
Baek I-hae admitted to herself that it was some brilliantly absurd nonsense.
***
After that, things were awkwardly silent with Ye Eun-seol. She spent the class time in such a daze that she couldn’t recall what she was thinking, and before she knew it, it was time to go home.
“What on earth were you thinking when you said that earlier?”
Walking side by side with Seo Do-gyeom, he asked. Baek I-hae sighed in response.
“I just thought asking if he was a girl in male disguise would be rude since he looks so pretty.”
“Asking if he dreamed of being a eunuch seems the most rude of all.”
“…I’m reflecting on it now, so stop teasing.”
She had been trying to figure out how to probe his identity without offending, but who knew it would come out like that.
As Baek I-hae covered her face and groaned, a small laugh sounded. It was the first time Seo Do-gyeom had laughed out loud.
‘Come to think of it, this is the first time his favorability has risen so suddenly. Does he like this kind of absurd humor?’
Baek I-hae peeked at Seo Do-gyeom through her fingers covering her face. Then, a large hand came down on the top of her head again.
By now, he stroked her habitually.
“Seo Do-gyeom.”
“What.”
“I’m curious about something. Why don’t you cut your bangs? Doesn’t it bother you?”
“Not really. I never thought about it, and no one’s ever mentioned it.”
Well, Seo I-heum probably doesn’t care about appearances, and Seo-yeol would think whatever Seo Do-gyeom does is cool.
The other organization members probably couldn’t bring themselves to say anything to Seo Do-gyeom.
“Does it look bothersome?”
At Seo Do-gyeom’s words, Baek I-hae nodded firmly.
“Yeah. I can’t see your eyes, so it’s uncomfortable talking face-to-face. And it’s a waste to hide such a handsome face.”
“I’m not that handsome.”
What is this guy even saying?
The way he said it so calmly seemed genuine, so Baek I-hae smacked his forearm in shock, making a sound.
Of course, it only hurt her hand, and Seo Do-gyeom didn’t budge.
“If you’re not handsome, then who is? You’re insanely good-looking, you know?”
“Weren’t you into looks like Ye Eun-seol’s?”
Ye Eun-seol was handsome, sure. His flashy features had a charm that drew people’s eyes.
But was Seo Do-gyeom any less? He was even the main male lead in the original story!
Naturally, it wouldn’t be a lie to say he was the most handsome in the game world. So Baek I-hae could say with confidence.
“I like you better.”
Personally, even when playing the game, Seo Do-gyeom’s looks had been her favorite. She said it recalling those memories, but thinking back, the nuance felt oddly strange.
Anyway, he wasn’t the type to misunderstand something like this, so it should be fine.
“Really?”
As expected, Seo Do-gyeom’s reaction was nonchalant. They continued walking, with him nodding casually.
[Baby Gangster, Seo Do-gyeom’s favorability decreases by 5.]
‘Huh?’
[Baby Gangster, Seo Do-gyeom’s obsession level increases by 5.]
‘Um, excuse me. I think there’s an error in the status window.’
Seo Do-gyeom was still silent, but he was making more noise than anyone.
