Breaking Up With the Heroine in an Otome Game

67 – vs Seong Yura (1)

067.

Night.

It became night.

Lying on the bed with a light pink nightgown on, she tried to sleep as usual, but her mind felt unusually restless.

Unable to calm her chaotic emotions, she tossed and turned on the bed.

But the mood didn’t improve.

Jinsuyeon tightly hugged a large penguin doll.

The warm and soft touch gently embraced Jinsuyeon. Oh, now that I think about it, this doll was a birthday present from Jinhyuk. It only made her feel more uneasy.

“Sigh.”

She let out a deep sigh and glanced outside through the window.

The entire world beyond the window was immersed in a cozy darkness, but Jin Soyeon’s mind was somewhat fuzzy, to say the least.

Sleep… Sleep wouldn’t come.

The reason she stayed up all night with her eyes wide open was the conversation she had with Lee Jinhyuk earlier.

“Someone I like appeared.”

“I don’t like you anymore.”

These two statements were like sharp stakes firmly lodged in the peace of reconciliation in Jin Soyeon’s heart.

Even though she heard the answer she wanted from him, her mood sank strangely.

Why is my heart so uneasy?

In fact, Jin Soyeon, who could somewhat grasp the reason, had no choice but to chew on her lower lip.

She didn’t want to admit it easily, but once the situation had reached this point, continuously denying it like a fool was difficult.

Especially when Lee Jinhyuk said he no longer liked her, it felt like her heart was tightening.

Moreover, when she heard that he had started to like another girl, it was piercingly painful, like needles pricking her heart.

There was only one thing these emotions and feelings meant, even for the somewhat insensitive Jin Soyeon.

“Come to think of it, I’ve felt this way a few times before.”

The uncomfortable feeling she felt every time Lee Jinhyuk chatted happily with girls like Yoo Seolhyun.

At first, she thought it was a concern that her precious childhood friend would be entangled with a girl of low character like Yoo Seolhyun.

But now, she realized it was a bit different.

No, it might be very different…

“Is it jealousy?”

Jin Soyeon muttered quietly with a calm voice.

The voice that had floated into the air slowly penetrated Jin Soyeon’s ears and confused her mind.

“I thought so.”

Jin Soyeon absentmindedly raised her arm.

On her left wrist was the bracelet Lee Jinhyuk had given her earlier.

A simple design, a bracelet he had given her as a token of trust, saying it was for her safety.

His face, with that sincere expression, flashed in Jin Soyeon’s mind.

He genuinely cared for her as a friend and family, like an older brother worrying about his naive younger sister.

If it were the old Jin Soyeon, she would have accepted his kindness without much thought. But now, it was troubling in many ways.

Really disturbing.

‘I guess the reason for jealousy is… because of that?’

Of course, it’s unclear whether it’s just liking or loving.

However, as someone with a certain degree of affection as a rational being, it is clear as day.

Affection, it’s called affection.

Now, towards Jinhuk… sigh.

When exactly was it?

I thought about it deeply, but I don’t know, I just don’t know.

The more I think about it, the more my head hurts.

Jin Soyeon tightly closed her eyes.

It’s already late at night.

Thinking about tomorrow, I should go to sleep… huh?

‘Wait, what’s this? A presence?’

Outside the door, there was a very faint presence-like thing.

I thought it was a mistake, but the indistinct presence of unknown people was faintly transmitted.

‘Inside the house? Who on earth is it?’

If it were before entering Union Academy, it was an extremely subtle presence that could never be felt.

But the intense life-and-death struggle with the powerful Black Hand Gibbon and the assassins like Sung Yura, who was much stronger, fueled her growth even more.

‘She’s not just a simple thief. She knows how to hide her presence.’

Jin Soyeon quickly grabbed the sword she had placed near the bed. It was the sword given by Lee Jinhyuk. I never thought I’d be using this sword already.

At that moment.

Suddenly, with the sound of the door opening, several people entered.

All of them were villains, surpassing active heroes.

***

I remained seated, glancing at the wall clock.

“… What’s up with Soyeon? Why isn’t she here?”

Normally, Soyeon would arrive at the academy early, but today she’s surprisingly late.

Could it be because of yesterday’s incident? It can’t be oversleeping, right?

Hmm.

“I’ll excuse myself for a moment.”

“Uh?”

When the girl with a clear, soft voice gently touched my ear, I blinked repeatedly.

Wondering who it was, I slowly turned my head to confirm the face.

Rosy pink hair and eyes reminiscent of the deep blue sea. A sturdy nose and lips like plums. Even a slightly loosened tie.

One might dare say she rivaled Soyeon. She possessed a striking, exquisite beauty.

But she was…

“Roxanne?”

“Yes.”

Surprisingly, it was Roxanne. Roxanne.

Why would she be talking to me? There couldn’t be any reason for that. Oh, was it because of the coincidental help during the Battle Survival? But there were plenty of trainees I’d helped besides myself.

“Can you spare a moment? I have something important to discuss.”

“….”

Something important…

There was a risk of getting involved needlessly and attracting the attention of Seongyura, but if she had come personally to mention something this significant, maybe it was worth hearing her out.

Given Roxanne’s nature, it couldn’t be something trivial.

“Alright, just until before the assembly starts.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

We stepped out of the classroom for a moment.

Walking through the corridor, we reached a spot where there were no kids around.

“Okay, then.”

Roxanne cautiously scanned the surroundings and then flicked her finger with a tap!

She had employed some kind of barrier.

‘Why resort to a barrier for whatever conversation she’s about to have?’

Feeling an unfamiliar unease, I scratched my chin, and Roxanne, looking at me quietly, slowly moistened her lips.

“You… you’re the one, right?”

“What?”

“The one who saved me at Chungnam Yookseongsan.”

Chungnam Yookseongsan?

I furrowed my brows.

That’s where I had gone to farm the spatial ring.

In my mind, there remains the image of a couple who were attacked by three villains in that place.

Could it be that the woman attacked by the villains was Roxanne?

Though her face looked completely different.

Perhaps it was a disguise.

“How did you know it was me?”

Now, expressing doubts seemed futile, so I simply voiced my curiosity.

At that time, Roxanne had concealed her face using a hat and a multi-mask, making it impossible for her to penetrate my identity.

“Thanks to the equipment you had, a sword and a bow.”

A sword and a bow?

“During the midterm exam, I remembered that the equipment you used was quite similar to what you used on Mount Yukgyeong.”

“Ah.”

I recalled using Bilanthe’s sword and the Crow Bow during the Battle on Mount Yukgyeong and the midterm exam.

It was easy to be exposed like this.

“Honestly, that alone couldn’t provide certainty. However, witnessing you fend off the attacks of the villain with white hair and even inflicting wounds made me realize.”

It was almost coincidental that Yoo Da-hee got injured.

“And the voice sounded similar too.”

“Well, fine. I get it. But you didn’t just call me to reveal my identity, did you? If you have something important to say, get to it.”

“I want your help.”

“Help?”

“Yes.”

Roxanne cautiously nodded her head.

“It seems that Sung Yura was also involved in the Union attack incident. She probably has a deep cooperative relationship with the villain organization.”

“Hmm.”

“Sung Yura clearly crossed the line. Someone needs to stop her, but it’s beyond my capabilities.”

“…Why not report it to the police or the Hero Association?”

“I already tried, but it was useless. Sung Yura already has significant influence in politics, business, prosecution, and the hero community.”

Yeah, that makes sense.

How much money does Sung Yura offer in bribes?

Unless there is clear and undeniable evidence, dealing with Sung Yura through law enforcement would be impossible.

“Mr. Lee Jin-hyuk, I know that you possess skills far superior to active heroes. So…”

“I’m sorry, but it seems like I can’t help.”

I firmly rejected Roksanu’s plea, cutting off any further discussion.

And rightfully so, as granting Roksanu’s request was exceedingly perilous. I already dreaded stepping outside the gaze of Sung Yura. Dealing with her now was a daunting task, let alone what might come later.

Sung Yura was a formidable adversary, especially in the latter half of the game.

The power of the faction she independently built could rival, if not surpass, that of a high-ranker.

“I’m not just seeking help for the sake of it. I may be weak, but I can assist you, and together, we can mutually benefit.”

“What kind of help do I need from you?”

I questioned, skeptical of any assistance Roksanu could offer.

“I’ve noticed, and I believe Sung Yura has as well, especially considering your interference with the midterm exams. She knows you’re the one who disrupted things at Yook Sung Mountain.”

“Ah, damn.”

It dawned on me that Sung Yura was behind dispatching those villains at Yook Sung Mountain!

If that was the case, considering we used the same equipment during the battle survival, there was a high probability that Sung Yura had spotted me.

No, she definitely did.

Given Sung Yura’s personality, damn, this is messed up.

“Considering Sung Yura’s typical behavior, she might prioritize targeting those around you over you.”

Certainly, based on Sung Yura’s character traits, she might take a family member as a hostage.

If she mistakenly believes that I am strong, that is.

But I don’t have any family.

It’s truly unfortunate, but my parents passed away a few years ago.

So, the only person who could become a hostage for me…

“While our faction’s power may be weaker compared to Sung Yura, it can help protect those around you.”

“…”

“Whether you accept or reject my request, I promise to do my best to protect, as it was an incident that arose from helping me in the first place.”

“…”

“But if we leave Sung Yura alone, you’ll continue to face risks. So, cooperating with me to restrain Sung Yura would be beneficial for both of us, I believe.”

From Noble mtl dot com

“…”

I closed my eyes tightly, lost in contemplation.

Of all times, why did it have to become entangled with Sung Yura like this?

Sung Yura is a real villain, a true villain.

Due to her nonchalant attitude towards human life, leaving her unchecked might lead to unimaginable consequences.

Under his command, he even has several hired thugs.

“Damn. If Seong Yura is really targeting me, I can’t just leave this alone for real….”

Fortunately, there is one weakness to Seong Yura.

A secret ledger commonly found in dramas, novels, and games. Just like the Achilles’ heel of villains, Seong Yura also possesses a crucial ledger.

Given her rise to power through various illegal activities, the secret ledger contains handwritten records of bribery, transaction details, and other key confidential information involving influential figures.

If one could obtain only that, it could threaten Seong Yura’s sturdy position.

Of course, the problem lies in the fact that the secret ledger is hidden deep within Seong Yura’s heavily guarded home, known as the “Bokma Jeon.”

“I should have visited you earlier and had a conversation if I had realized your true identity sooner.”

Well, it had been several days since the midterms were abruptly halted. If I had planned to have such a conversation, I should have come sooner.

“Moreover, due to this incident, the church’s opposition has been strong, and I couldn’t attend the academy for several days. I’m sorry. Still, it’s fortunate that Seong Yura doesn’t seem to be making a move yet…

– Ring. Ring.

“You can answer it.”

“It’s Soyeon’s phone number.”

Something ominous.

It could be called intuition’s hunch.

The feeling isn’t good. Really.

“Soyeon, why aren’t you coming to school like this?”

“Sorry, but I’m not Jin Soyeon. It would be better if you come to the location written in the message by exactly 11 a.m., Jinh hyuk. Be punctual, okay?”

“Jin, Jinh hyuk, don’t come…!”

Thunk.

The call was cut off.

I clenched my phone tightly.

Beyond the phone, I could hear the voices of Seong Yura and Soyeon. Damn it. Why is the ominous premonition never wrong? Seriously.

“…Looks like it’s already too late.”

“What?”

“It was Seong Yura’s voice. It seems like she kidnapped my childhood friend.”

As the protagonist is kidnapped by the antagonist, I could only bite my lower lip tightly.

“Seong Yura, this woman is for real.”

Dare she mess with Soyeon?

While I am concerned about other Rebellion members, there’s nothing to be done now that it has come to this.