I Became a Villain's Hero

Chapter 23: Graduation (5)

TL/Editor: Raei

Schedule: 4/week

Illustrations: Here

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Song Soo-yeon couldn't understand why she had acted that way.

Why had she wanted to be stroked?

She had always avoided any physical contact with men, but she couldn't resist this impulsive desire.

She wanted to be stroked, to be comforted.

The usual her would never have said such a thing, even at the brink of death.

But everything had fallen into place too perfectly.

She had entered the room hoping for a compliment about her hair.

But there, he had noticed her pain more quickly than her changed appearance.

Song Soo-yeon was left speechless, overwhelmed by the unexpected warmth of his concern.

Others always focused only on her appearance.

No one ever cared about her inner turmoil.

Only Jung-gyeom's words had the power to touch her heart.

She wanted to feel more of his warmth.

But he had turned away, and Song Soo-yeon was left feeling a sense of longing.

She hadn't missed how his hand had moved towards her face, then stopped.

The compliment about her hair, being overshadowed by his concern for her, was somewhat irritating.

All these reasons combined led her to yearn for his touch.

She was curious about the feel of his hand and wanted to imprint her new hairstyle in his mind.

She even craved for more compliments.

Ultimately, she had tricked him with her sharp words, making him touch her.

Her body's reaction to his touch was astonishing.

Song Soo-yeon didn't expect to feel such emotions.

When his hand touched the top of her head, her mind went blank as if by magic.

Her heart pounded as if it would burst, and heat flushed her face.

It felt as if he was directly touching and comforting her heart.

Indeed, she thought Jung-gyeom was different in so many ways.

While other men's touches were repulsive, his didn't evoke such feelings at all.

"So, what time does it start tomorrow?"

Jung-gyeom asked from the kitchen while cooking.

Her daydream about his touch was interrupted.

".....It starts at 10 o'clock."

"I see."

The sound of food being stir-fried in the kitchen reached her ears again.

Listening to those peaceful sounds, the stress Song Soo-yeon had accumulated throughout the day seemed to melt away like snow.

This place was her sanctuary, a fact she couldn't deny.

She wanted to work here for the rest of her life if she could.

The ordinary life she had long sought was right here.

Soon, Jung-gyeom brought out the black bean noodles.

He placed each bowl down at the table she had prepared.

"Here, I tried even harder today. Eat and regain your strength."

Even his casual words made Song Soo-yeon feel energized, knowing he wanted her to feel better.

At that moment, Jung-gyeom pulled his chair back.

"......"

Feeling as if he was avoiding her, Song Soo-yeon was suddenly struck by an inexplicable discomfort.

".....What are you doing?"

"....Huh?"

"....Eat the black bean noodles. Why are you moving back?"

"....Aren't we taking pictures today?"

"Ah."

Realizing he wasn't avoiding her but rather considering their usual routine, Song Soo-yeon's irritation subsided.

Today, she didn't particularly feel like taking pictures.

However, given the choice, Song Soo-yeon started to contemplate.

........

Then, she swallowed her saliva and stood up, walking towards Jung-gyeom.

Jung-gyeom, seeing her stand, tilted his head in confusion.

"....Mister, come closer to the food."

"....Like this?"

Song Soo-yeon then bent her knees and snuggled close to Jung-gyeom.

"What are you doing?"

"....Just stay here."

Song Soo-yeon took out her smartphone and stretched out her arm.

She turned on the camera, capturing herself, Jung-gyeom, and the food in the frame.

Her shoulder touched his and then pulled away repeatedly.

Though she acted nonchalant, each light touch sent ripples through her heart.

To the equally baffled Jung-gyeom, Song Soo-yeon commanded.

"Ah, smile, will you? After all this time taking pictures, are you still going to be awkward?"

".....That......okay."

After hesitating, Jung-gyeom managed an awkward smile towards the camera.

Seeing his smiling face through the camera, a natural smile appeared on Song Soo-yeon's face.

Jung-gyeom looked surprised at her expression.

"Hey, did you just smile?"

"Ah, it's just for the photo...! Just stay still, will you."

Song Soo-yeon hid the reason behind her smile.

She was still too embarrassed to be honest.

Moreover, she didn't quite understand why she was smiling and was reluctant to admit it.

It was just the tickling and amusing situation that had made her react first.

She was just as surprised by her own smile as Jung-gyeom was.

-Click!

As soon as the photo was taken, Song Soo-yeon quickly stood up.

Then she casually went back to her seat as if nothing had happened.

"Done, now let's eat."

........

While she hoped the situation would just flow away like water, Jung-gyeom raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

After observing him for a while, Song Soo-yeon decided to confront him head-on.

"What?"

".....No, it's just..."

"We've been around each other for months, and you react like this to taking a photo?"

"That's....true..."

"Everything has a first time. Why be so flustered about one photo? Did I do something wrong?"

"No...not at all."

As she pressed on and he backed off, Song Soo-yeon didn't miss a beat.

"...And you know, it's not just for me. It's for you."

"For me?"

"I'll send this photo to you. It's nice, isn't it?"

Song Soo-yeon knew Jung-gyeom liked her.

She subtly conveyed this fact to him.

The puzzled look on Jung-gyeom's face softened into a smile.

"....Yes, it's nice."

"I don't understand why you're reacting like this in the first place."

"No....I'm just confused. So this photo is not just of the food, but of us together, right?"

"You don't know even after taking it?"

His face broke into a bigger smile.

Ah, so you took it because we're close?

..........

He began to laugh more happily, clearly reveling in the happiness of the moment.

Ahaha, you could've just said that. I was surprised because it was so sudden. Of course, I like it.

You're weird-

I'm not having any strange thoughts. I'm just happy that we've gotten close enough to take a picture together.

.......

Song Soo-yeon felt his happiness was contagious.

She leaned her head closer to her black bean noodles bowl, trying to hide her expression.

And then, to conceal her embarrassment, she said,

"......It's because you're a pushover. You always say you like everything."

Jung-gyeom ignored her comment and continued to hum while stirring the black bean noodles.

Song Soo-yeon suddenly felt an urge to know more about him.

Now was a good opportunity.

.....Is there anything you dislike? Youre always just smiling.

You mean me? Of course, there are things I dislike.

Song Soo-yeon was inwardly surprised.

She had thought he wouldnt have such dislikes.

As he stirred the black bean noodles, he looked at her and smiled.

I dislike people who call me a pushover, a loser, a fool, a pervert, and so on.

It was an obvious joke.

His smiling face said it all.

But Song Soo-yeons heart froze for a moment.

.....Was it really just a joke?

Or was there some truth to it?

However, she quickly calmed herself down.

.........

Thinking about it, it wasn't that bad.

Despite all those things she called him, he still cherished and cared for her.

He comforted her when she was hurt, stroked her hair, and cooked for her.

It was more a testament to how much he liked her.

He still liked her despite her doing things he supposedly disliked.

Song Soo-yeon felt a slight sense of pride in that fact.

Its obviously a joke, right?

After a short laugh, Jung-gyeom spoke.

Song Soo-yeon shrugged her shoulders.

So, what do you really dislike?

Hmm......

He thought for a long time.

Song Soo-yeon pretended not to be interested and started to eat her black bean noodles.

Ah.

Jung-gyeom's expression hardened.

His smile faded.

Then he spoke seriously.

I dislike villains.

.........

Thats the truth.

...Why?

Jung-gyeom wore a complex and subtle expression.

Song Soo-yeon became increasingly intrigued by his words.

Who likes villains in the first place?

.....Thats true. But don't you sometimes feel that what villains do seems liberating?"

............Really?

Taken aback by the seriousness in Jung-gyeoms voice, Song Soo-yeon hastily added an explanation.

She felt anxious whenever he spoke in such a tone.

Better than hypocritical heroes, right? You dont like heroes much either.

"Come on, who said that?"

Once again, Jung-gyeom regained his smile.

Relieved, Song Soo-yeon took a bite of her black bean noodles.

It definitely tasted better today.

She filled her mouth with enough food to chew and looked up, eager to continue the conversation.

Covering her mouth with her hand, she continued talking.

....Didnt you dislike them? Our views on heroes are similar, and you even got angry at the Hero Association....

Ah. There are annoying heroes, yes. But that doesnt mean I dislike heroes.

Really?

Yes. I told you before. If you meet a true hero, you can't hate heroes.

...Ah.

Song Soo-yeon looked at Jung-gyeom.

Yes, she understood the meaning of those words.

She had learned what a true hero was after meeting Jung-gyeom.

She continued to watch Jung-gyeom eat his black bean noodles.

Suddenly, a spontaneous question popped into her mind.

.....But who is this true hero youre talking about?

.......

Jung-gyeom smiled and softly exhaled through his nose, but he didnt answer.

Song Soo-yeon felt a strange stubbornness rising within her.

....Who is it? I wont know if they are a true hero until I see them.

.......

Jung-gyeom continued to smile leisurely, chewing his food and looking at Song Soo-yeon.

Ah, who is-

-Its a secret.

Jung-gyeom declared.

It was a firm answer.

Song Soo-yeon muttered.

".............Why so serious all of a sudden?"

She lost the will to probe further.

---

---

After the dishes were done, and while Song Soo-yeon was watching TV, Jung-gyeom approached her.

Normally, he would have sat at a table quite far from her.

But today, he sat opposite her at the dining table, just like during a meal.

Feeling him sit close by, Song Soo-yeon calmed her startled heart.

....Why?

Jung-gyeom then turned off the TV.

...Mister. There are plenty of other seats. Go sit over there. Dont get the wrong idea just because we took a picture-

-Im not misunderstanding. I have something to say.

.........

Realizing this wasn't a joke, Song Soo-yeon sensed something was approaching.

To the anxious Song Soo-yeon, Jung-gyeom spoke.

......Do you want anything for a graduation gift?

...A graduation gift?

Anything. A graduation gift plus a celebration for becoming an adult.

Feeling anxious, Song Soo-yeon was again presented with a warm sentiment.

Truthfully, she didnt need anything.

She was already too happy with the present.

.....Why? I dont need anything.

You know why. Just tell me.

He was taking on the role of her parents.

Perhaps it was because he heard her desperate longing to live a normal life.

He was trying to gift her some semblance of normalcy.

....Really...it's okay.

Song Soo-yeon couldnt be harsh with him at this point.

She had her pride too.

Her sharp tone was usually just a cover for her shyness, not a lack of decency.

She had already received so much from him a place to rest, food, part-time job earnings.

It was hard to ask for more.

Hmm.

However, Jung-gyeom feigned seriousness as he spoke.

Song Soo-yeon laughed at his attempt.

It was too clumsy, and after all, as he had said, their age difference wasnt that great.

She was now 20, and he was 23.

....Perhaps it was time to change the way she addressed him?

Song Soo-yeon shook her head.

Then, returning to the topic at hand, she pondered what gift she could lightly accept without burdening him.

......Ah.

An idea struck her.

Yeah, tell me.

Jung-gyeom seemed to sense she had come up with something.

Song Soo-yeon cautiously made her request.

....Then....I want to go to an amusement park.

......An amusement park?

Before he could say anything, Song Soo-yeon preemptively got defensive.

......Dont you dare mock me for being childish.

....I wasnt thinking that.

...Anyway. Ive never been to an amusement park. You know why.

.........

So, Im curious... I want to go just once.

Jung-gyeom silently nodded.

His expression didnt show it, but his smile conveyed his tender feelings towards her.

Thats great.

He said.

Song Soo-yeon felt proud of her idea.

.....Just to confirm before getting my hopes up, you mean to go together, right?

Jung-gyeom wanted to be sure.

Song Soo-yeon turned her head.

Of course, she meant to go together, but admitting it wasnt easy.

It was embarrassing.

.......Im just curious about the amusement park. Its okay if its not you... but I dont want to go alone.

Hmm. Then we should go together.

Song Soo-yeon smiled inwardly.

Jung-gyeom added.

Good. Ive never been either.

You too...?

Yeah, for similar reasons as you.

.......

Always been curious about it.

Every moment with him was healing for Song Soo-yeon.

She hadnt realized how empowering it could be to have someone so similar by her side.

Perhaps that's why Solace's comfort didnt work.

Even if a well-loved greenhouse flower pretends to be on her side, it only seems deceitful and hypocritical.

Only someone who has been in her position can truly understand and offer meaningful words.

Jung-gyeom said he had no parents and no friends, and felt lonely.

They shared many similarities.

Really, she wanted to stay like this forever.

Alright, so that's the graduation gift....and there's another thing I need to say.

.......?

Hmm......

Jung-gyeom, unlike his usual self, looked up for a moment, seemingly hesitating with his words.

He slightly rocked his body back and forth.

It seemed like he was struggling to say something.

.....What is it?

So....how should I say this?

Song Soo-yeon swallowed.

The atmosphere, beginning to feel tense.

She warned him,

.....Mister, I told you a confession would be boring.

Ahaha, its not that....

Song Soo-yeon also laughed along with Jung-gyeom.

She couldnt remember the last time she had laughed so genuinely.

Jung-gyeom then seemed to make up his mind, clicking his tongue.

He then looked straight at Song Soo-yeon.

Well, you probably already know this... but I think I need to be clear about it.

........Yes.

.........After you graduate, look for another part-time job.

Song Soo-yeons expression hardened.

She doubted her own ears.

...........What......?

Suddenly, it became hard to breathe, as if her chest was tightly constricted.

---

*ehh did I miss something, she was 19 and turned 20 during the time skip? Wasn't this high school? Do ya graduate at this age in Korea? My memory bad