Chapter 49
Midterm Exams (1)
‘Did it wrap up well?’
In the end, the stalker incident concluded with Choi Changwon’s voluntary withdrawal.
The academy wanted to avoid the negative publicity of a stalker incident leaking to the media, and since Soyeon had shown leniency, it was decided as a recommendation for withdrawal rather than expulsion.
Thus, without the need for complicated procedures like convening a disciplinary committee, Choi Changwon was made to withdraw immediately.
Choi Changwon, deeply bowing his head, apologized to Soyeon and thanked her before agreeing to withdraw amicably.
He knew that the academy’s and Soyeon’s decision was exceedingly merciful.
Had the disciplinary process been followed normally, Choi Changwon would have faced expulsion and various other punishments.
He would have been publicly humiliated through media exposure and unable to transfer to another academy, likely causing much distress.
Moreover, his parents, who had worked hard to raise him, would have been devastated to learn that their son was expelled for perverted stalking, leading to numerous difficult situations.
Choi Changwon would have wandered for a long time, burdened by his parents’ shock, friends’ contempt, and the media’s criticism.
Eventually, he might have come to resent and hate Soyeon, the cause of it all, leading him to become another villain.
…Actually, in the game, there is a route where this happens.
Of course, since reality differs from the game, Choi Changwon might not fall into villainy, but you never know.
Anyway, it was fortunate that the matter concluded without any lingering issues.
Choi Changwon seemed to reflect on his actions, perhaps due to Soyeon’s unexpected leniency.
If he had been deeply entrenched in his malicious behavior, it might have been different, but since he was still early in his stalking, he seemed to come to his senses quickly.
‘Siwoon seemed slightly dissatisfied, but… he let it go after Soyeon persuaded him a few times. Siwoon is really weak to Soyeon.’
I smiled wryly to myself.
In the game, Soyeon had strongly punished Choi Changwon.
That was because, in the game, many victims had already suffered due to Choi Changwon’s actions.
Seeing numerous victims in pain, Soyeon couldn’t afford to show leniency.
She believed that only a punishment befitting the crime could somewhat console the victims.
‘But this case is a bit different.’
In reality, Soyeon was the only victim.
Kang Yujeong was slightly affected, but honestly, she brought it on herself.
And the crimes weren’t extremely severe—just spreading bad rumors, gossiping with Kang Yujeong, stealing Soyeon’s belongings, and taking secret photos.
Unpleasant crimes, but not the worst.
These reasons and the fact that it was his first offense led Soyeon to make a lenient decision regarding Choi Changwon.
She even kept it a secret, so the other students didn’t know why Choi Changwon withdrew.
Some perceptive students might have guessed the situation.
‘By the way, I thought this incident would bring Soyeon and Siwoon closer, but things seem a bit off.’
They looked the same as usual, but there was a slight awkwardness.
They seemed to be having a normal conversation, but there was an underlying awkwardness.
Did something happen after I left?
“What are you staring at?”
“Eh?”
Yoo Seolhyun approached gracefully, her golden hair shimmering, and acknowledged me.
She followed my gaze towards Soyeon and Siwoon.
Yoo Seolhyun’s lips curved mischievously, as if she had thought of something amusing.
“You’re staring at those two so intently. Worried?”
“Just, well…”
Thi s w a s co p i e d f r o m k i n g m t l. o rg
I shrugged nonchalantly.
But Yoo Seolhyun, with a faint smile, sat at the desk next to me and looked at me intently.
Because of my fake confession about Soyeon, Yoo Seolhyun had started making teasing remarks more often.
She thought I still had lingering feelings for Soyeon.
My acting had worked too well.
That was the problem.
‘But it seems like Yoo Seolhyun is starting to talk to me more…’
Perhaps it was a sign that we had grown closer over the past few months.
Originally, Yoo Seolhyun hardly spoke in a classroom full of students.
T h is w as co pi e d from k i n g m t l.or g
But lately, our conversations had become more frequent.
“What do you think about those two?”
“About what?”
“Oh my, pretending not to know? Do you think they handled the situation well?”
T h i s w a s co p i ed fr o m k i n g mt l .or g
“What do you think?”
“Answering a question with a question isn’t very nice.”
“No, I really don’t know. Don’t you think their atmosphere is a bit strange?”
I glanced at the two while asking for Yoo Seolhyun’s opinion.
After all, she had known Siwoon for a long time, even if not quite childhood friends. She had a good insight into him.
“Indeed.”
Yoo Seolhyun nodded and pursed her lips.
Thi s w a s co p i e d f r o m k i n g mt l .o r g
“Siwoon does seem a bit off.”
“Right?”
“Did he possibly confess and get rejected right away?”
Smiling mischievously, Yoo Seolhyun’s strange words made me shake my head.
The chances of Siwoon confessing were very low.
Siwoon, dealing with the psychological strain from Choi Changwon’s case, wouldn’t have confessed.
“No way.”
“Hmph, it would have been interesting. Siwoon getting rejected by a girl… hehe.”
Yoo Seolhyun laughed quietly and then changed the subject.
“What if Soyeon had confessed instead?”
“That doesn’t make sense either.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
Even if Siwoon had heroically taken down the stalker, Soyeon’s feelings wouldn’t shift that quickly.
Soyeon was slow in recognizing her own feelings and slow in opening her heart.
In the game, Soyeon only realized her feelings after experiencing a decisive event.
It was death.
My death.
Only when I died did Soyeon realize she liked me romantically and started to break down.
The sorrow of not being able to protect me, anger towards my killer, and self-blame for her helplessness.
The scene of Soyeon sobbing and calling my name is still vividly etched in my mind.
In the game, my death was a plot device to turn Soyeon into a tragic heroine.
But in reality…
‘I have no intention of dying.’
I knew that my death would be a catalyst for Soyeon’s growth and for her to open her heart to the male protagonists.
It would also trigger her hidden strength due to the shock and anger from losing a loved one.
But damn, I can’t just die, can I?
Even if my death is the official route in the game, I’m doing this to survive. If I die, it’s all for nothing.
‘Pretending to be dead for Soyeon’s awakening… might be okay… but if she finds out, won’t she kill me for real? Hmm.’
I scratched my chin, contemplating.
In hero stories, a protagonist often awakens after a loved one is killed.
Thinking of future events, Soyeon needed to become stronger, but for now, it should be fine.
T hi s wa s c o p ie d f r o m k i n g m tl . o rg
The threats weren’t too dangerous yet.
Still, it’s good to keep it in mind.
T his wa s c o p i e d f r o m k in g m t l . o r g
My death and Soyeon’s awakening… Huh?
“Did you finally notice?”
This w a s cop i e d f r o m k i n g m t l . o r g
“……”
I realized Yoo Seolhyun was staring at me with a peculiar expression.
Oh, right.
I was talking to her.
She had been silently watching, so I cleared my throat awkwardly.
“Ahem. You should have said something.”
“I was curious about what you were thinking so deeply about.”
“How considerate of you.”
“Hmph.”
Yoo Seolhyun chuckled, lifting the corners of her eyes.
“Just felt sorry for you, worrying about Soyeon…”
Th i s w a s c o p ie d f r o m ki ng m t l . o r g
“Worrying about me?”
At some point, Soyeon approached and looked between Yoo Seolhyun and me.
“Worrying… about me?”
Soyeon muttered quietly and then looked at Yoo Seolhyun.
“The instructor will be here soon. Can I sit down?”
“Sure.”
With a slight smile, Yoo Seolhyun got up from the desk.
T h is w a s c o p i e d fr om k i n g m tl . o r g
Soyeon watched her leave for a moment.
Then she softly spoke.
“Jinhyuk.”
“Yes, what’s up?”
“I… have something to apologize for.”
“Apologize? Suddenly?”
T h i s w a s c op i e d f r o m k i n gm t l .or g
“Not suddenly, I’ve been thinking about when to say it for the past few days, but it’s not easy.”
Soyeon didn’t meet my eyes.
She seemed uncomfortable.
“What is it?”
“Well, um…”
She lowered her gaze and hesitated.
“I’ll tell you after the midterms… I don’t want to distract you.”
“This is more distracting.”
“Anyway.”
I nodded casually.
I had no idea what she wanted to apologize for, but she seemed serious. What could it be?
‘Well, she said she’d tell me after the midterms.’
Midterms, huh…
It’s that time.
I planned to score high in both practical and written exams.
Knowing how the midterms would be conducted gave me an advantage.
Also, using the space ring would allow me to employ various tricks.
With the items I had asked Yoo Seolhyun to get, I could achieve good results.
‘…I hope those guys don’t make a move now.’
Their usual timing to act was during the training camp episode, but you never know.
It’s best to be prepared for anything.
Right?
End of Chapter.