Chapter 19
The next afternoon.
I rode in Ji-a’s car to the Academy.
The scenery outside swept by like waves as the car moved along.
When we arrived, the Academy was a peculiar place where old and new buildings were mingled together.
“There are some new buildings scattered around, huh?”
“That’s because they’re reusing the site of a university that went under during the Great Cataclysm.”
“Ah, I see.”
Reusing it isn’t a bad idea.
The car passed through the entrance and moved along the roads inside the university.
It looked like they put a lot of effort into the landscaping; flowers and trees were arranged harmoniously, creating a beautiful view.
The shade cast by the lush trees flickered past the car windows.
Ji-a parked the car in a lot in front of one of the buildings.
As I got out of the car, Ji-a smiled and said softly.
“That headband is pretty. It suits you well.”
“Re-really…? Hehe… Si-yoon gave it to me as a gift!”
I couldn’t help but smile widely at Ji-a’s compliment.
I turned around to show off the headband better.
I could feel the sensation of my tied hair swaying gently.
Perhaps because I had been flaunting the headband so openly, Ji-a stifled a laugh and said quietly.
“So you know how to tie your hair up and decorate it too?”
“Oh, this? Of course, Si-yoon did it for me!”
“Ah, I see. Why don’t you learn to do it yourself? Si-yoon can’t always do it for you.”
“…Maybe someday in the future.”
Doing it on my own seems way too difficult right now.
I’m sure my future self will know how.
For now, it’s impossible in so many ways.
“We got here a bit early. Want to take a light stroll around? We’re just here for some fresh air anyway.”
“Sure.”
I nodded at Ji-a’s suggestion, and we started walking together.
Buildings divided according to majors, a wide sports field.
Strangely shaped sculptures occasionally came into view.
Seeing the campus scenery again after a long time felt nostalgic.
“Did you finish your studies, Ji-a?”
“No? I took a leave of absence when I awakened, but I ended up quitting school and going full-time.”
“Ah…”
Not having a degree makes us the same, I guess.
Although, whether it was due to necessity or choice, there is that difference.
“Why? Do you want to go back to school?”
“No, not really… I was just curious.”
“Hehe, those were such peaceful and good times.”
Suddenly, a breeze blew by.
Ji-a’s hair swayed lightly in the wind.
Next to the hand holding down her fluttering hair, I caught a glimpse of her slender neckline.
Without realizing it, my gaze was drawn to it, but I quickly looked away and stared ahead.
Ji-a smiled faintly and said.
“The weather’s nice, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I’m glad I came out.”
“Thanks for coming with me today. It would’ve been lonely if I came alone.”
“…It’s not a big deal.”
I nodded lightly at Ji-a’s gratitude.
Sometimes it’s nice to go out for a walk without any particular purpose.
It feels refreshing.
“Come to think of it, what brought you to the Academy today?”
“Ah, the principal keeps trying to persuade me to teach as an adjunct lecturer, so I came to properly turn down the offer.”
“Adjunct lecturer? Do they have that at the Academy too?”
“Of course. Why? Does it interest you?”
“…I’m not sure.”
Dropping out of college midway is something I definitely regret, but…
Jumping straight into being a professor seems a bit odd, doesn’t it?
I’m not even sure if I have the qualifications or abilities for it.
“Hehe, the Academy is similar to a regular university but also very different in many ways. If you’re interested, just let me know.”
“Okay, got it.”
I nodded lightly.
After taking a lap around the campus, we returned to where we had parked.
As we reached the entrance of the building, Ji-a spoke.
“Since we’re here, want to come along? It’ll be boring to wait outside.”
“…I’m fine, really.”
“You’ll meet the principal eventually if you continue as a hunter. It’d be better to get acquainted while you’re with me, don’t you think?”
“…You’re really good at convincing people.”
“Hehe.”
I immediately agreed with Ji-a’s reasoning.
If I’m going to meet them anyway, it’d be better to do so with Ji-a around, right?
In the end, I went with Ji-a to the principal’s office at the Academy.
-Knock, knock.
-Yes, please come in.
A voice came from inside, and Ji-a opened the door.
Feeling a bit hesitant, I followed her inside.
The woman in her late thirties, who had been diligently looking through documents, looked up.
“Ji-a, you’re here. Hmm? Who’s this?”
“Hello. This is my acquaintance, Si-hyun. Jeong Si-hyun.”
“…Hello.”
“Yes, hello. It’s nice to meet you.”
We exchanged greetings awkwardly.
To be exact, I was the only one feeling awkward.
The principal stood up from her desk and moved to the consultation table.
Since Ji-a sat on the opposite side, I naturally took a seat next to her.
“If Ji-a went out of her way to introduce this beautiful lady, then she must be a hunter too, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Both of their gazes turned to me.
“…I recently awakened. I’m an E-rank Holy Knight.”
“A Holy Knight? That’s a new profession. Awakening really is full of mysteries.”
The principal chatted cheerfully.
But I knew this was just a prelude to an offer.
“If you’re going to continue your life as a hunter, how about enrolling in the Academy?”
“Um…”
“If money’s an issue, you can earn plenty as a hunter. Isn’t that right, Ji-a?”
The Principal’s gaze shifted to Ji-a.
Ji-a responded with a wry smile.
“I’ve already explained it to her thoroughly, and she said she’d think about it. Let’s leave that topic there.”
“Hmm, I see. I hope you give it some serious thought.”
The Principal smiled softly, as if understanding.
Nice, Ji-a! Amazing, so impressive!
Just as promised, Ji-a naturally redirected the topic back to herself, ensuring I didn’t have to do anything.
“By the way, regarding the matter we discussed earlier.”
“Hmm?”
Ji-a and the Principal began talking between themselves.
I stared blankly at them for a moment, but since it wasn’t related to me at all, I turned my head.
I leisurely took in the sight of the Principal’s office.
Piles of documents and books stacked high.
It was the kind of office that screamed busy person just by looking at it.
“…I’ll just go to the restroom for a moment.”
“Okay, go ahead.”
I quietly excused myself and got up from my seat.
I gave the Principal a slight nod before stepping out.
The cool air in the hallway hit my lungs as I stepped outside.
I took a few steps in the direction where I assumed the restroom might be.
Whether it was the building itself or the fact that it wasn’t the academic term, I wasn’t sure, but there wasn’t a single soul around. The hallway was utterly quiet.
It felt somewhat nostalgic.
When I used to arrive too early or stay too late at my old university, it was often this quiet.
University life… I didn’t enjoy it like an extrovert, but it was still fun in its own way.
It was the simple joy of an ordinary person, I suppose.
Heh, I miss those days…
Lost in thought, I unconsciously made my way toward the restroom.
And just before entering the restroom—
I bumped right into a man who was coming out of the men’s restroom at the entrance.
“…”
“Uh…”
The man silently stared at me.
He had broad shoulders and a solid build, and because of that sturdy frame, his handsome face seemed oddly out of place.
His pupils began to tremble slightly.
“…This is the men’s restroom…”
“…?”
Startled, I stumbled back and checked the sign.
The simplified male pictogram indicated the entrance to the men’s restroom.
…Ah.
I spaced out and made a mistake.
“Ah, ah! I-I’m so sorry!”
“Ahem…”
I hastily apologized and scrambled into the women’s restroom.
I could feel his sharp gaze piercing my back until I was inside.
I’m sorry, handsome man. You must’ve been surprised because of me…
I felt an intense wave of shame as I covered my face with my hands, sitting on the toilet.
I’m going to die of embarrassment…
***
The man blankly stared at the entrance to the women’s restroom.
The delicate, beautiful face that had a blank expression as if lost in deep thought.
The way her face turned bright red, like an apple, when she realized her mistake.
The sight of her long, beautifully styled white hair fluttering in the air imprinted itself firmly in his memory.
She looked to be around the same age as him.
Was she a new Academy student this semester?
Perhaps they’d meet again someday.
The man left, leaving only a light impression behind.
***
After finishing my business, I hesitantly poked my head out of the restroom.
Shuffling to the left and right.
No one was around. It was safe.
“Phew…”
I sighed in relief and stepped back into the hallway.
I never thought I’d make a mistake like this in my life.
…But at least I didn’t go in too far!
I barely stepped inside the entrance, right at the threshold!
Anyway, it’s all good.
Even though no one scolded me, I rationalized it to myself as I made my way back to the Principal’s office.
It seemed like the conversation had almost wrapped up.
Ji-a was already standing up and giving a light farewell.
“I’ll be going now.”
“Yes, take care.”
The Principal looked a bit disappointed.
She shifted her gaze from Ji-a and locked onto me.
“Hehe, Si-hyun, you take care as well.”
“…Yes, goodbye.”
She wasn’t the type to hold on insistently, I see.
Well, it makes sense. A busy person like her wouldn’t have a reason to be obsessed with me.
After exchanging light goodbyes, I followed Ji-a out of the office.
“Did everything go well?”
“Yes. It’s basically the same conversation every year. We both know the outcome, but it’s like a customary exchange?”
“I see.”
I nodded, as if I understood.
We chatted lightly and got into Ji-a’s car.
As the car started, I instinctively checked my phone.
There was a new message on KTalk.
It was from Han-gyeol.
We’d exchanged numbers, but we’d never messaged each other before.
I wondered what it was about and swiped my finger over the screen to check.
“Hmm…”
“What’s up?”
“Ah, it’s nothing. More importantly, what should we do for dinner?”
“Why don’t we call Si-yoon and go out to eat together tonight?”
“Oh, that’s a good idea.”
It’s definitely convenient having a car.
But I guess I’ll have to meet Han-gyeol tomorrow.
—
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