Breaking Up With the Heroine in an Otome Game chapter 78

78 – Love (2)

078.

‘Yuseolhyun…’

Jinsuyeon unconsciously wrinkled her nose.

Holding the edge of the blanket, she slightly pulled it up, covering her blushing lips.

The heart that had been fluttering like a shy little girl just a moment ago sank in an instant.

It was almost uncomfortable, as if someone had tightly squeezed her heart.

Ah, yes.

That bitter and frustrating feeling.

She knew it very well.

Because she had felt it several times before.

In the past, when Jinhuk got along with a naughty girl like Yuseolhyun as a childhood friend, she worried as if he was just a friend. But now, she clearly understood the nature of this emotion.

This emotion was jealousy.

It might sound childish, but it was indeed jealousy.

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If it were another girl, she might have brushed it off, but Yuseolhyun was a beautiful, wealthy, and talented girl from a wealthy family.

In short, the boys had a variety of elements that could drive someone crazy.

Indeed, Yoo Seol-hyun was very popular among male students. Not just in our class, but he had an effect on boys from other classes too. Like a fox.

But Jin-hyuk getting close to Yoo Seol-hyun?

Moreover, wasn’t there mention that Yoo Seol-hyun was interested in Jin-hyuk?

It was uncomfortable and unsettling in many ways.

“…Seol-hyun, was he there too?”

“Yeah. You were quite worried.”

Worried?

About me, by Yoo Seol-hyun?

I wonder if Yoo Seol-hyun really worried about Jin So-yeon or not, but Jin So-yeon simply nodded along with Jin-hyuk’s words.

“I see.”

“Even when you were kidnapped, I got a lot of help from Yoo Seol-hyun. If it wasn’t for him, I might not have been rescued.”

“What… help from Yoo Seol-hyun?”

“Coordinating with the media and the police, supporting the members of the Gaon Nuri clan, handling things after the incident… He was a huge help.”

“Ah.”

A puzzled feeling emerged at the thought of Yoo Seol-hyun providing so much help. After all, Jin So-yeon and Yoo Seol-hyun were just classmates. Even if Jin So-yeon was kidnapped by villains, there was no reason for Yoo Seol-hyun to help.

He must have gone through quite a bit…

But Jin So-yeon couldn’t figure out why Yoo Seol-hyun helped him so much. Surely, it wasn’t just to play the hero student? Yoo Seol-hyun, who usually calculated everything meticulously, wouldn’t incur losses just to help.

“It feels like I owe Seol-hyun…”

Reluctantly acknowledging it, Jin So-yeon couldn’t deny Yoo Seol-hyun’s help. He nervously nibbled on his lower lip.

Of all people, to owe something to Yoo Seol-hyun.

It’s hard to articulate… His feelings were a bit complex.

Jin So-yeon felt all the more uneasy because he didn’t want to owe anything to Yoo Seol-hyun.

“You don’t have to think too much about it. Yoo Seol-hyun gained his fair share of benefits too, in exchange for helping to rescue you.”

“Huh?”

“I took care of various things as a reward for helping to rescue you.”

Jin-hyuk smirked inwardly.

Especially the substantial amount of illicit funds secretly hoarded by Sung Yura had been quite plentiful. Cash, gold, jewels… She had piled up quite a lot. He had seen it in games, but seeing it in reality was staggering.

Ah, of course, not everything was given to Yoo Seol-hyun.

He hit it just right.

To secure the relic that would be auctioned off in the future, a considerable amount of cash was needed.

“You?”

“Yeah. As you know, I have the ability to foresee the future. So, I could provide Yun Seol-hyun with information that would be valuable in terms of money.”

At Ji So-yeon’s words, Ji In-hyuk casually lowered his eyes.

Ah, I see.

Once again, I ended up getting help from In-hyuk.

Asking for help even to the extent of breaking into the perilous Seong Yura’s remote place, and paying a huge price to Yun Seol-hyun…

I always end up relying on you.

If it were an ordinary person, they would have just contacted the police. But In-hyuk, you always bear the danger and rescue me.

In-hyuk, why do you help me like this?

Just because we were childhood friends?

Because we’ve been together since we were kids?

Because I used to like you?

Or…

– I don’t like you anymore.

Thump.

In-hyuk’s words from the past flashed through Ji So-yeon’s mind. Suddenly, her chest felt stuffy, and her heart throbbed painfully.

– I’ve found someone else I like.

Thump.

It was like the feeling of a sharp needle poking at her heart.

‘Yes, that’s right… In-hyuk doesn’t like me anymore.’

Ji So-yeon lowered her head with a vague expression.

She had tormented In-hyuk with the fake relationship for a long time.

Now, shamelessly admitting her feelings could be a big burden for In-hyuk. How could she like In-hyuk so boldly after causing him so much pain, even risking his life multiple times?

‘In-hyuk…’

Why did she ask In-hyuk for a fake relationship back then?

Ji So-yeon didn’t know what feelings In-hyuk had when he accepted that request in the past and how much pain he had endured.

But it was clear that In-hyuk had suffered a lot.

Of course, In-hyuk dismissed it lightly, saying there was nothing to worry about, but Ji So-yeon was concerned about whether he truly forgave her.

Actually, Jinsuyeon felt uneasy, wondering if she hadn’t deeply buried a resentful feeling in her heart or if she hadn’t deliberately overlooked it without expressing it outwardly.

‘Ah, the ability to foresee the future…’

Suddenly, Jinsuyeon pondered for a moment about Lee Jinhyuk’s ability.

Honestly, she was a bit skeptical, but if Lee Jinhyuk could really see the future, who would be by his side in the future?

Would Jinsuyeon still be there by his side in the future?

Or would it be another woman…?

‘No, I don’t want that…’

Shudder.

Jinsuyeon shivered, her shoulders trembling.

Having lost Lee Jinhyuk once before, she didn’t want to experience losing him again.

If, by any chance.

Lee Jinhyuk started dating Yuseolhyun in the future?

Could Jinsuyeon handle a future where they always stuck together, laughed, shouted, and went out together?

Could she sincerely bless the two men and women who, when no one was around, shared subtle physical contact, whispered love into each other’s ears, and promised the future?

‘I can’t. I won’t be able to…’

Even just imagining it was dreadful.

She didn’t want to think about a future where Lee Jinhyuk, who had always been by her side, was with another woman.

Such a future was truly unpleasant to think about.

But, does Jinsuyeon really have the qualifications?

Qualifications to be by Lee Jinhyuk’s side.

“…”

“Soyeon, what’s wrong? Is your health not good after all?”

“…Uh, maybe.”

“Well, it’s been a while since you woke up. Oh, by the way, why aren’t these gentlemen coming? Should I go and call them myself?”

“No, it’s, it’s okay. They’ll come soon.”

When Lee Jinhyuk tried to get up, she instinctively grabbed his hand.

Ah. As the warmth of his skin transmitted through the peripheral nerves, Jinsuyeon involuntarily swallowed dry saliva.

It felt like holding Lee Jinhyuk’s hand after a long time. Warm. And a bit rough, but soft. It felt different from before.

For a moment, as Jinsuyeon held his hand tightly, Lee Jinhyuk had no choice but to sit back down.

And he turned his head towards Jinsuyeon.

Jinhyuk stared meaningfully as if asking her to let go of his hand, but Jinsuyeon, with flushed cheeks, only fidgeted with the crumpled blanket in her hand.

It was increasingly difficult for them to meet eyes again.

Just holding Jinhyuk’s hand and facing him made her heart tremble. Ah, why is this happening? We used to have this level of physical contact frequently, Jinsuyeon!

Why do I tremble at every little thing, really!

Experiencing the excitement and physical closeness for the first time with someone of the opposite sex, Jinsuyeon felt a perplexing mix of emotions and could only babble in confusion.

“Soyeon? Can you let go of my hand?”

“Uh, yeah! Y-yes, sure!”

When Jinhyuk asked her to release his hand, Jinsuyeon was startled and quickly withdrew her hand.

The sensation of holding hands… It was really nice…

Ugh, why am I like this?

I didn’t expect my heart to tremble just because we held hands…

“You seem a bit strange today. Well, it’s understandable since you just woke up in the hospital.”

“Oh, haha. Is that so? Maybe I feel a bit dizzy because it’s been a while since I woke up?”

Jinsuyeon awkwardly smiled and scratched the back of her neck.

“Well then, I’ll go first.”

“Huh?”

“I have to go to the academy today. Oh, you should rest a few more days and come later. You need to have a thorough checkup again.”

Jinhyuk stretched slowly, as if trying to loosen his stiff body.

“Oh, right. Your mom was really worried. She couldn’t come herself because of a business trip. I’ll pass on your greetings later.”

“Yeah, got it.”

“Since I mentioned it was just a simple accident… you know how to handle it, right?”

Jinhyuk put on the jacket hanging on the hanger.

“Well, I’ll be going now.”

“Ah… Well, take care Jinhyuk, see you next time.”

Jinhyuk left with a brief farewell.

Watching his retreating figure for a moment, she sighed deeply.

The academy, the academy…

I should go to the academy soon too.

“Oh, come to think of it, Jinhyuk mentioned he had someone he liked, right? Probably a student at the academy.”

Certainly, he must be an academy student.

Perhaps there wouldn’t be any sweet moments between Jin Soyeon and someone else while she was unconscious.

Maybe they’d developed a good relationship while Jin Soyeon was out cold.

“Nah, that can’t be.”

Shaking her head dismissively, Jin Soyeon brushed off the futile delusion, forcing a bitter smile.

It was unclear whom Lee Jinhyuk exactly liked, but the likelihood of the other person reciprocating those feelings towards him was slim.

Lee Jinhyuk rarely engaged in interactions that could lead to closeness with girls. Moreover, he had been somewhat average in popularity since old times.

His face was decent, his academic grades were good, yet he hadn’t garnered much attention. Perhaps it was due to the fact that Jin Soyeon was his girlfriend and his family was poor with insufficient abilities.

If he had truly been popular, there would have been girls throwing themselves at him, whether or not he had a girlfriend. But that was not the case for Lee Jinhyuk.

“If there’s a girl Lee Jinhyuk might like… The only one that comes to mind immediately is Yoo Seolhyun. But if it’s not Yoo Seolhyun and he likes someone else… It wouldn’t be an easy situation to handle, right?”

Alone, Jin Soyeon sighed in relief, shaking her head slightly.

Lee Jinhyuk’s lack of popularity was a somewhat regrettable but also somewhat fortunate thing because of Jin Soyeon.

***

One week later, at the academy after school.

“Jinhyuk, hey. Do you have a girlfriend?”

“No, I don’t. Why?”

“Oh, really? That’s good then.”

“Huh?”

The day Jin Soyeon returned to the academy, she realized.

“Then, would you like to try dating me?”

“?”

After the midterm incident, it became apparent that Lee Jinhyuk’s popularity among girls had skyrocketed.