Breaking Up with the Heroine of the Female-Oriented Game

The clear sound of water trickling from the tap resonated gently throughout the spacious and pristine white bathroom. Only two people were present.

For a moment, Jin Soyeon and Yoo Seolhyun faced each other.

Soon after, Yoo Seolhyun smiled softly.

There was an unfathomable unease about her smile.

Jin Soyeon slightly furrowed her brows.

Yoo Seolhyun then began to move slowly.

The sound of her steps echoed.

Before long, Yoo Seolhyun, with measured steps, stood in front of the sink next to Jin Soyeon, whose profile now became clear.

Without saying much, Yoo Seolhyun pulled out her lipstick.

She casually touched up her lips while looking in the mirror, seemingly ignoring Jin Soyeon on purpose.

“Yoo Seolhyun.”

Stopping the tap, Jin Soyeon raised her voice.

“Why are you here at this time?”

“Hmm? Oh, just…”

Yoo Seolhyun continued with an air of nonchalance.

“I came to apply some lipstick. And…”

Removing the lipstick from her cherry-like lips, Yoo Seolhyun turned her head slowly towards Jin Soyeon and smiled, looking directly at her.

“…I have something I want to ask you. Opportunities like this, to have a one-on-one conversation, aren’t frequent, you know?”

“…”

Jin Soyeon mulled over her lips a couple of times.

She, too, had something she wanted to ask.

So, Jin Soyeon parted her lips slowly.

“Good timing. I was curious about something too.”

“Oh? Then, you can go first.”

While closing the lipstick cap, Yoo Seolhyun spoke generously.

Then, Jin Soyeon took the opportunity to speak.

“You know…”

“Mhm.”

“Why did you take Jinhyuk to the dungeon? It was dangerous.”

“Mhm?”

Yoo Seolhyun blinked several times.

Dangerous, huh…

She pondered Jin Soyeon’s words for a moment.

Considering Lee Jinhyuk’s hidden abilities, it didn’t seem particularly dangerous.

“I thought he could be helpful, why?”

“Helpful? Lee Jinhyuk doesn’t even have a superpower, and his combat evaluation is a mess. At best, he’s a bit smart, but how could that be of any help in a dungeon?”

“…”

Yoo Seolhyun fell silent for a moment.

What is it?

Is Jin Soyeon testing the waters?

Or if not that…

“Really? I found him quite useful, personally. Lee Jinhyuk was a big help to me.”

“There are plenty of veteran heroes there. Having Jinhyuk around would only add to the burden, wouldn’t it?”

Faces mixed with half worry and half complaint, Jin Soyeon spoke bluntly while Yoo Seolhyun quietly observed her. Then, as if contemplating something, Yoo Seolhyun tapped her lips lightly with her index finger.

That glance seemed solely like dissatisfaction for bringing a weak childhood friend into danger.

Suddenly, Yoo Seolhyun seemed to realize something and spoke up.

“Do you know nothing?”

“What sudden nonsense are you talking about?”

“About Lee Jinhyuk.”

“What about him?”

Yoo Seolhyun narrowed her eyes ever so slightly.

She hadn’t expected that Jin Soyeon would be completely unaware of what he’d been hiding.

After all, the two had been childhood friends for over ten years, even recent lovers.

Having spent such a long time together, Yoo Seolhyun thought Jin Soyeon would have some idea about his secrets.

‘Did he hide everything from even Jin Soyeon?’

She was hoping to subtly inquire about the things Lee Jinhyuk was hiding, but the outcome was somewhat disappointing.

Such a long-time friend as Jin Soyeon knew nothing.

For Lee Jinhyuk, who had lost his family, Jin Soyeon was one of his oldest connections.

And yet, she hadn’t been made aware, even of his precognitive abilities.

“Hmm, you don’t know. Then, never mind.”

“What have you been saying? What do I not know?”

Is there something I’m unaware of?

Jin Soyeon suddenly felt an indescribable irritation creeping up from within.

It almost seemed like they were sharing a secret she wasn’t privy to, and she did not like that sentiment at all.

It felt almost as if they were flaunting their closeness in her face, suggesting, ‘I know something you don’t.’

“I’d like to tell you, but I promised someone I wouldn’t.”

Of course, even the closest of friends have their secrets.

And those applied even to childhood friends as long-standing as they were.

However, the fact that Yoo Seolhyun could discuss something with Jin Soyeon being none the wiser was enough to stir feelings of discontent.

If Lee Jinhyuk had some ability or something useful for the dungeon conquest, why hadn’t he said a word to Jin Soyeon?

Knowing she would worry, yet all he had managed was a half-hearted lie about being sick before entering the dungeon.

Even after they emerged from the dungeon, Jin Soyeon, out of worry, bombarded him with questions, but he dodged them all, never giving a straight answer.

– “People were missing in the dungeon, and Yoo Seolhyun asked for help. After reviewing the data, it seemed I could be somewhat helpful, so I decided to join.”
– “Maybe she appreciated my tactical ability from the performance evaluation. In dungeon conquest, that’s more important than just strength.”

All were evasive answers.

She wanted to probe deeper, but sensing Lee Jinhyuk’s reluctance, she didn’t push any further…

“Why don’t you ask Lee Jinhyuk yourself if you’re that curious?”

“…”

“Now, it’s getting late. Shall we go? I can always talk to you next time.”

“…”

Afterwards, Yoo Seolhyun slightly nodded her head and decided to end the conversation.

Since Jin Soyeon was unaware of what she was curious about, further dialogue was nearly a waste of time.

Yoo Seolhyun slowly moved to leave the bathroom.

At that moment,

“You. You don’t like me, do you?”

Jin Soyeon’s voice, low with resignation, halted Yoo Seolhyun in her tracks.

“…”

Pausing, Yoo Seolhyun turned her head back.

Their eyes met, with negative emotions swirling within.

It seemed Jin Soyeon wasn’t fond of Yoo Seolhyun.

And Yoo Seolhyun?

‘Dislike, huh.’

To be frank, she didn’t dislike her to such an extent.

It was just her pride hurt since Lee Siwoon had paid attention only to Jin Soyeon, but not anymore.

Even if she had to choose between liking and disliking, it would lean more toward dislike.

Yoo Seolhyun then smiled.

“A bit out of the blue.”

She tried to lighten the mood once again.

“Maybe it’s because my friends spread some bad stories about you? If so, I’m sorry. I should have kept them in check better.”

It wasn’t that she didn’t try to control them; she simply didn’t. Moreover, she had even egged them on in secret.

But having promised Lee Jinhyuk she wouldn’t bother Jin Soyeon anymore, and since pestering Jin Soyeon would only displease him, she decided to change her attitude.

Lee Jinhyuk, with his precognition ability, would undoubtedly be of great assistance in the future. Why bother his longtime friend Jin Soyeon when it wouldn’t bring any good?

Yet,

“You’ve heard about some old rumors concerning you.”

“Uh?”

“About meddling with the boyfriends of girls you didn’t get along with in middle school? Resulting in a few breakups.”

“Ah, well…”

Yoo Seolhyun shook her head slightly.

She could have denied it, but she simply accepted it.

There was no need to lie, nor did she want to.

“Those girls spread malicious rumors about me first.”

Naturally, if they picked a quarrel, she would respond.

“So, I just flirted by being friendly and batting my eyelashes at their boyfriends a few times. But then, imagine the boyfriend dumping his girlfriend to confess to me? That was something I too found absurd.”

Her response was merely a reaction, but to Jin Soyeon, it sounded like a mere excuse.

Regardless of the circumstances, she had intentionally damaged other people’s relationships.

If that was all…

“Did you approach Jinhyuk for a similar motive? Because our encounter on the first day didn’t sit well with you?”

“Who knows?”

“Yoo Seolhyun.”

“Hmm?”

“If you dislike me, just bother me. Don’t drag others into this.”

Jin Soyeon glared at Yoo Seolhyun with eyes as sharp as a bird of prey’s, almost hinting at a faint hostility.

Jin Soyeon, who was usually friendly and got along with everyone, hardly ever showed such a serious demeanor unless it involved Lee Jinhyuk.

Like a mother bird safeguarding her chick from threats.

Watching her, Yoo Seolhyun felt slightly impressed internally.

Even after breaking up as lovers, they seemed to really care for each other, considering the lengths they went to.

Lee Jinhyuk, too, had set the ridiculous condition of ‘not bothering Soyeon’ in exchange for his help in the dungeon conquest.

Had she pressed for more advantage in the distribution of dungeon items, she could have gained much more.

That must mean they think of each other a lot.

Such protective behavior towards each other was a sight Yoo Seolhyun hadn’t seen except in one situation, making her feel a bit peculiar.

‘…’

Suddenly, her deceased mother came to mind.

Her mother, who was almost the only one to have loved her dearly. Although the household largely detested Yoo Seolhyun, her mother embraced her till the end.

But after her mother’s passing, Yoo Seolhyun…

‘…Why am I suddenly thinking about Mother?’

Yoo Seolhyun shook her head to break free from her thoughts.

What made her recall her mother upon witnessing the protective nature of the two?

Somehow, Yoo Seolhyun felt her mood deteriorate rapidly.

So, she decided to speak up.

To wash away this inexplicable discomfort.

“It seems there’s a misunderstanding, Soyeon.”

“What is?”

“I didn’t approach Jinhyuk with any bad intentions…”

Having promised as much, she wouldn’t go as far as to harass him, but surely a little teasing was permissible.

After all, lying wasn’t her intention.

“…I’m personally quite interested in Jinhyuk.”

Interest.

Right. Interest.

She was particularly keen on Jinhyuk’s abilities and the secrets he was hiding.

Curious about his ulterior motives.

And his own goals.

But Jin Soyeon, how will you interpret my words?

Might you misunderstand? Maybe.

“Interest? From you?”

“Yes.”

Not being a lie, Yoo Seolhyun nodded earnestly with a smile, causing Jin Soyeon to widen her eyes in sheer bewilderment.

Yoo Seolhyun interested in Lee Jinhyuk?

Although she had considered it a possibility, hearing it directly left her unable to settle her baffled heart easily.

What could a wealthy young lady like Yoo Seolhyun lack that she would be interested in Lee Jinhyuk?

They had lived in completely different worlds after all.

“Why, why would you be interested in Jinhyuk?”

“Hmm? What’s so wrong about Jinhyuk?”

Yoo Seolhyun shrugged and joked.

“Lee Jinhyuk isn’t that bad. He’s an Union Academy student, smart, and well his face, a bit lacking, though.”

“But, there’s something called standards. Why would someone from Gaon Nuri Clan like you…”

Capability, family background, looks, wealth, the environment they were raised in – the differences were far too vast to believe.

It seemed like Yoo Seolhyun was just teasing, but her interest seemed genuine to some extent.

“But Soyeon, why are you so concerned? Aren’t you two broken up?”

“Because we’re friends. Associating with you won’t do Jinhyuk any good. You have a bad history with men.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Yoo Seolhyun chuckled.

Ah, I shouldn’t enjoy this too much. Jin Soyeon’s reactions are quite amusing.

Aren’t you being a bit too obvious, Jin Soyeon? You might revert to your old self at this rate.

But let’s not go there. I’ve made a promise, so let’s keep things as gentle as possible.

“Bad history with men, huh… Maybe that’s not me, but you?”

“What?”

Jin Soyeon furrowed her brows at Yoo Seolhyun’s retort. What am I? Her baseless statement rang hollow.

“You have an active personality, mix well with men and women, and have always been quite popular with the opposite sex since you were young, haven’t you?”

“So what.”

“Well, just…”

Smiling slightly, she continued.

“Thinking about a boyfriend worrying about his pretty girlfriend mingling and going out with male friends. Must have been tough for him.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Just. Had I been in Jinhyuk’s position, I might have felt uncomfortable?”

“What do you know.”

Jin Soyeon was visibly displeased with Yoo Seolhyun speaking so carelessly about Lee Jinhyuk and her.

After all, theirs hadn’t been a relationship filled with affectionate exchanges.

Because it was a fake relationship.

“He asked for the breakup first, right?”

Yoo Seolhyun’s sudden, unexpected question caused Jin Soyeon’s shoulders to flinch.

“How do you know that?”

“Oh, really? I thought as much.”

“You…”

“Soyeon, Jin Soyeon.”

Yoo Seolhyun took a step closer.

Instinctively, Jin Soyeon stepped back.

“I heard you two broke up amicably because after being together so long, you didn’t feel like romantic partners.”

Yoo Seolhyun merely smiled.

“Is that true?”

As always.

“Really?”

“Then, what, do you think there was another reason?”

“Chuckling. No, no. I shouldn’t have said that, sorry.”

Turning full circle, Yoo Seolhyun headed towards the door.

“I thought maybe you grew tired of mingling with other guys, and asked to break up. With your looks, it’s hard to not feel like a romantic partner after knowing each other for so long, right?”

“…That’s not possible.”

“Sure. You both ended things on good terms, well, didn’t you, Soyeon?”

“…”

“Let’s head back to the classroom, really. We’ll be late now.”

Unable to detain the departing Yoo Seolhyun, Jin Soyeon could only stare at her retreating figure.

***
“What’s wrong, why are you so late? Lucky for you, the homeroom teacher hasn’t arrived yet. Must have some business to attend to.”

“…”

“Soyeon?”

“…”

Returning from the bathroom, Jin Soyeon took her seat quietly next to me, her lips pressed tightly shut.

“What’s with you? Still upset?”

“I told you I’m not upset.”

Brushing off my statement, Jin Soyeon heaved a sigh.

“Jinhyuk.”

“Yeah?”

“What was your reason for breaking up with me?”

“That? Didn’t I tell you before? I wanted a proper relationship.”

“Is that so…?”

Jin Soyeon made a complex expression.

“Why bring that up all of a sudden?”

“Just remembered, so I asked.”

Muttering quietly, she added,

“Just remembered and asked, don’t mind it.”

From that point on.

Jin Soyeon maintained her silence until the homeroom teacher arrived, deep in thought.