Shinyoung’s Center (1)

“It was a big deal.”

“Either noona is worried or laughs, that is all she does.”

“Huhhhh.” Claire burst into a weird laugh in response to Kang Shin-hyuk’s story. It was, of course, about what happened at school that day. The whole school was in a fuss about his rank, and many people had commented on him and Baek In-ha that they received more attention than necessary. It all happened so quickly that it felt cartoonish, which was why Claire had reacted as so.

“It’s not a joke. The finale is Douglas Payne…the Knight Crown…”

“Did you fight with him?”

“No, I fought Baek and beat him. I’m not sure what the hell he was thinking.”

“I understand.” Claire shook the glass in her hand as she laughed. The amber-colored liquid within it shook gently around a square ice cube.

“I didn’t want to fight with him directly. I was afraid of this.”

“You challenged Baek In-ha even though you knew this would happen?”

“He challenged me.”

“Hmm. And what about Eleanor?” Kang Shin-hyuk let out a sigh filled with annoyance.

“There’s nothing between my senior Eleanor and me… you’ll know if you just talk directly with her.”

“Shin-hyuk, what do you think of Eleanor?”

“She’s a talented senior with a good personality. She’s likable, but I don’t want to be deeply involved with a person who carries such an annoying burden.”

“Hmmm.” Claire smiled a little, satisfied with Shin-hyuk’s judgment. She took a sip of her drink, and Kang Shin-hyuk joined her with his own non-alcoholic cocktail that she had prepared for him.

“It’s also annoying that Karen keeps trying to push me closer to her.”

“…Hmm.”

“However, they are reviewing the position of vice-captain at least. Baek In-ha is trying to get me into the student council, but I think the Wyvern Knights would be less annoying than that.”

“I wonder why, but I think you will eventually join the student council.”

“Actually, I was worried about that, too.” Claire burst into laughter again at his agreement.

“Ah, it would’ve been fun to attend school with you…”

“How about joining as a teacher?”

“While working as a bartender?”

“The Alchemist, taking on the job of a teacher and a bartender. Why not?” It was just an off-handed joke, but Claire was seriously considering it. Finally, she shook her head.

“I think my current position is the best.”

“That’s my noona’s answer.” Kang Shin-hyuk laughed and emptied his glass. Claire mimicked him. It felt lovely when there were no customers, and the two could sit and have a chat.

“Well, before all that, I made a bike.”

“Made, not bought?”

“Yeah.” Kang Shin-hyuk explained in detail what had happened in Mirotoz, how he had made a bike by converting the blue cow with the work he had recovered from Anvil. Claire’s eyes showed her amazement.

“Is this the skill of a blacksmith? Even making complex machines…”

“There’s nothing that can’t be done with a blueprint.”

“I want to see it too.”

“The next date is a driving date.”

“If it’s a drive date, you should get a car.”

“I won’t know what to do if we’re alone in a car, so let’s stick with a bike.”

“Wow, you’re one to talk.” Claire laughed, jabbing him in the cheek. It felt fun, unlike when he was hit by Karen.

“How about this Saturday?”

“It’s good for me.”

“Good.” The date was set. Claire pumped her fist under the table.

“Oh, I heard from Lee Na-hee.” Kang Shin-hyuk suddenly spoke up.

“Why did a different girl suddenly come up while we were talking about dating?”

“She said my noona took a video.”

“Uh.” Kang Shin-hyuk’s eyes narrowed.

“Is it possible that my noona took the photos of Shin Eun-hyuk that have been running around Metube lately?”

“No, I only took it for my own appreciation. Really.”

“For your appreciation?” Claire blushed silently as Kang Shin-hyuk realized they had a long way to go to cure her disease of having a taste for a certain middle schooler.

“Please enjoy it alone.”

“Yes, sir.” It wasn’t just because of that, that she had taken the video, but Kang Shin-hyuk was too ashamed to ask for further details.

“Is it well shot?”

“Yes, it came out very nicely.”

“It’s because I’m cool.”

“I know.” Perhaps that response was the correct answer. The two immersed themselves in a pleasant atmosphere.

“I’m here.” It was Shin Eunah who boldly broke the atmosphere. She frowned when she sensed it but soon let it go with a hum.

“Aren’t you busy?”

“The guilds are tightening their resources after the countercurrent, so this is how it is for the time being.”

“Well, I’ll take a drink. With alcohol.”

“What is it?” Claire prepared a cocktail with a surprised look. She made a sweet one with melon liqueur. It was easy to get drunk from just sipping it, so it was known as one of the lady killers. Shin Eunah took the glass that sparkled bright green and carefully sipped on it.

“Can the junior also make such delicious drinks?”

“A Midori sour is a basic among basics. I did teach him well.”

“…” Shin Eunah flinched slightly at Claire’s proud response. A sharp gaze passed between the two as the temperature suddenly dropped.

“But, he can’t drink alcohol yet.”

“That’s because I’m a minor. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make it.” Kang Shin-hyuk shook his empty cup in response. Claire gave him a new cocktail with a smile.

“Thank you, juniors.”

“Why so, suddenly?”

“I thought it would be good to praise my juniors after my boss praised me.” Kang Shin-hyuk tilted his head at Shin Eunah’s unexpected words. He was about to ask her when he realized it himself.

“Did what happened at Shinyoung make it to the association?”

“Of course… It is one of the best training institutions in the world, not only Korea. I graduated from there myself, so it is only natural to pay attention to them.”

“Shin-hyuk, your reputation is growing.”

“Perhaps already to a global scale.” Shin Eunah declared she liked the cocktail and emptied it at once.

“The association is not the only one paying attention to Shinyoung. In the first place, the fact I was in charge of Baek and you for a while was enough for me to hear from the American association. Give me another drink similar to this one.”

“Okay.”

“Ooh…” Kang Shin-hyuk had been viewing Shinyoung as a very narrow world, but once again, his view was rocked by a different perspective from the outside.

“The student Baek In-ha was a talent everyone paid attention to. However, it’s obvious he will be the successor to the Baekyang guild, so no one would consider recruiting him. Then he was defeated by the Magic Crown… what was his name?”

“Nathan Bodin.”

“Yes. His evaluation rose as a result. Then it lowered after he was miserably beaten by a junior…” Did that happen? Without him knowing, Baek had prepared the medicine for Nathan Bodin that Kang Shin-hyuk gave him. Of course, he had been bothered by being accused of bothering the woman he liked.

“Now, June Buck. This one is a little more sour.” Shin Eunah emptied half of the bright and colorful cocktail at once before speaking.

“There was a lot of talking that Baek had finally revealed his true power, boldly showing off to his juniors. The battle between you two is spreading throughout superhuman society around the world.” Could that have been the deep meaning behind Baek’s simple request for a duel? As he listened, he began to understand. He had already heard about it in the health room, after all.

“I’ve heard about Baekyang already.”

“Yes. That was why I was praised, as the heads of the association know that you are already supported by them.” It didn’t matter if Kang Shin-hyuk didn’t join the association, it was clear he was sponsored by them, and the fact that he had a good relationship with Baek was enough reason for Shin Eunah to be highly evaluated.

“Eunah just wanted to provide for her grandpa, right?”

“Huh…” Eunah’s expression sharpened at Claire’s joke. She emptied her glass again and handed it back to Claire.

“One more drink.”

“I’ll be heading off. I have classes tomorrow.”

“You don’t want one more?”

“It’s okay.” Kang Shin-hyuk responded with a smile as he changed clothes on the spot (using his equipment slot switching function) and waved at the two before departing. Claire smiled pleasantly at his back as he departed before turning back to Shin Eunah.

“Is that so?”

“Yes.” Shin Eunah received her third drink, a Cuba Libre. She drank it with a smile, enjoying the taste before she looked up at Claire.

“You are like that.”

“Huh?”

“Didn’t you say you don’t have any romantic interest?”

“Well…” Claire was wondering if she should answer honestly, lie, or flee. As she contemplated those options, she sensed something in Shin Eunah’s eyes. It felt like it would be okay now, so she conveyed her sincerity.

“Yes, that’s it.” Shin Eunah bit her tongue and didn’t say anything. Claire walked around the counter with a smile, turning the sign to say it was closed. She then headed back to the counter to pour herself a glass of whiskey.

“Cheers.” The two clanged their glasses and toasted. Despite the toast, however, they were staring at each other fiercely as if they might fight. Claire laughed.

“It’s all about friendship.”

“You sound so experienced.” Shin Eunah regarded her carefully, glancing up and down at her. Claire shrugged her shoulders in apology.

“I’ve never had a bad relationship with another because of a guy who liked me…”

“Then what about now?”

“I like Shin-hyuk, is that really any different?” Shin Eunah seemed a bit surprised to hear her answer so clearly, bringing a laugh out of Claire.

“To think you’ve become so normal because I’m in love.”

“It sounds like it’s been weird so far.” Claire sipped at her whiskey. Shin Eunah still showed an odd expression, but now she seemed to be acting more like an adult than a child.

“You… It might be good that your first love is Shin-hyuk.”

“…I think so too.”

“Huff.” Claire laughed again.

“What’s so funny?”

“No, sorry. I shouldn’t laugh, but you keep making faces…”

Only

“I’ll get angry.” Even though the cocktail had a low alcohol content, Shin Eunah’s face was a bit flushed as she emptied her glass once more. Claire grinned as she waved her hands in front of her face.

“You’re my friend, but you’re still so cute. Any man would fall for you, really.”

“I know. My junior also said I was cute.”

“But I can’t concede. Never.”

“…” Shin Eunah held her cup out; her cheeks were slightly red.

“Give me something strong too.”

“Good.” They clinked their glasses together in another toast.

It was the moment two high-rankers began to fight over a man earnestly.