Breaking Up with the Heroine of the Female-Oriented Game

In the sprawling hundred-pyeong mansion located in Hannam-dong, Seoul, towering walls reminiscent of a fortress surrounded the estate, with CCTV cameras operating 24 hours a day in every direction. Inside a private security post, special security guards dressed in black suits stood on constant alert.

This was one of the many separate residences owned by the Yoo Gamyeong family. The only permanent residents were Yoo Seolhyun and a few of the household staff.

“Hmm.”

Sipping her tea in the vast room, Yoo Seolhyun momentarily reflected on the events that had taken place at the academy.

A month had already passed since she entered Union Academy.

During that time, many things had happened, but what piqued Yoo Seolhyun’s interest the most was the relationship between Lee Siwoon and Jin Soyeon.

‘It appears to be the first time Siwoon has taken an interest in a girl.’

Yoo Seolhyun and Lee Siwoon had known each other for a long time. Circumstances through their families had brought them together, and they could be called childhood friends. Hence, Yoo Seolhyun couldn’t help but be taken aback. Siwoon, who usually just looked after girls, was now actively approaching one.

It was so different from when they first met. Siwoon hardly spoke unless necessary.

His interactions were limited to few words, his face always impassive.

‘Could he really be interested?’

Yoo Seolhyun had thought it was just a fleeting interest, but perhaps not.

A fleeting sense of incredulity stirred within her.

From her standpoint, it was incomprehensible. Jin Soyeon was just a girl from an ordinary family. She wasn’t born with a distinguished lineage or exceptional abilities. While her grades seemed decent, that was all there was to it. Siwoon had no apparent reason to take interest. Not in her family, abilities, or talents.

‘Could it be… her appearance?’

The only plausible reason was her beauty.

Even Yoo Seolhyun, who occasionally graced the social circles, had rarely seen a woman with such stunning looks.

Her skin, a contrast to her smooth, ebony-like hair, evoked admiration even from Yoo Seolhyun, who had seen many beauties grow up. And how about that perfectly curved figure and long legs? How could they not be attractive even to another woman?

But somehow, Siwoon wouldn’t have been interested just for her looks.

After all, despite having seen many beautiful women from a young age, he had always remained unfazed.

So, why did Siwoon take a liking to Jin Soyeon? And right from the first day of the academy?

“…….”

When had Yoo Seolhyun been able to have a proper conversation with him?

It took months of his indifferent short answers before they could somewhat freely exchange words, didn’t it?

But with Jin Soyeon, from day one…

No, no, that’s not right.

She heard they attended the same middle school.

Then it must be true that Siwoon had been interested since middle school. Whatever happened between them at the time was unclear.

But wait, didn’t Jin Soyeon have a boyfriend during her middle school years?

Lee Jinhyuk, a childhood friend.

Does that mean Siwoon harbored an unrequited love for a girl who was already taken?

For someone like Siwoon?

“…….”

Yoo Seolhyun flopped onto the plush bed.

Staring up at the ceiling briefly, she mulled over her thoughts and then let out a scoff. The more she thought about it, the worse she felt.

“Really, Siwoon…”

Pride.

Yes, her pride was wounded.

From Yoo Seolhyun’s perspective, Siwoon’s behavior was quite displeasing.

He had never shown any romantic interest in her, and now he was head over heels for a girl from a common family?

…Wasn’t this like being overshadowed by Jin Soyeon?

It was quite humiliating.

Yoo Seolhyun, who lacked nothing in abilities, talents, family or looks, had been by his side for a long time, yet he had never really paid attention to her.

But for Jin Soyeon, he had such interest?

She remembered teasing Siwoon in their youth to no effect.

But why Jin Soyeon?

It wasn’t that Yoo Seolhyun liked Siwoon in a romantic way, but the idea of being one-sidedly defeated by Jin Soyeon was a considerable insult.

Especially since she had a boyfriend until recently.

Ah, wait a minute.

‘That’s right, Jin Soyeon… she broke up on the first day of the academy, right?’

There was a bit of a commotion that day.

A beauty like Jin Soyeon was now single.

Good news for several boys who had been smitten at first sight.

But with the emergence of Siwoon, eagerly awaiting an opportunity, most of the boys lost their resolve.

‘A breakup… a breakup, huh…’

It seemed Lee Jinhyuk and Jin Soyeon had decided to just be friends.

As childhood friends, they managed to avoid any awkwardness.

They still maintained a close relationship.

As if the breakup had been nothing but a ruse.

But really?

Could a man and woman who had been lovers for years become just friends without any lingering feelings?

Lee Jinhyuk, after all, kept stealing glances at Jin Soyeon.

And Jin Soyeon seemed somewhat bothered by Lee Jinhyuk.

‘……Ah.’

A cryptic smile formed on Yoo Seolhyun’s lips.

‘What to do? A rather amusing thought has just occurred to me.’

What would Jin Soyeon’s reaction be if Yoo Seolhyun approached Lee Jinhyuk?

Would she cut ties, considering they had broken up, or would she watch Yoo Seolhyun with disdain and jealousy? Or might she show an entirely unexpected reaction?

Yoo Seolhyun’s anticipation grew at how Jin Soyeon would respond.

Hopefully, it would be even more interesting than what Yoo Seolhyun had imagined.

If it wasn’t fun, she’d have to make it fun.

‘I shouldn’t be doing this…’

But it was inevitable.

Yoo Seolhyun had always been this way.

***

It seemed like over a month since I’d entered Union.

“That’s all for today.”

The various drills we had undergone were challenging.

The more I trained, the more acutely I felt that I had no innate talent for heroism.

“Today’s training is concluded.”

At Hong Daye’s words, the students smiled at each other in groups of threes and fours.

“Everyone, starting next Wednesday, we’ll have a team performance evaluation.”

“A team… performance evaluation?”

“Yes. Form teams. Heroes don’t operate alone. Though there are some who act solo, most work in teams. It’s beneficial to have comrades who can compensate for each other’s weaknesses, in combat, evasion, survival, and so forth.”

The students listened attentively to Hong Daye.

“Form teams of three within the class and submit them by Monday’s assembly.”

“Do we get to choose our team members ourselves?”

“Yes.”

Hong Daye glanced at our faces before speaking again.

“I’ll tell you in advance that this performance evaluation will assess tactics, strategy, combat, responsiveness, teamwork, role fulfillment, and many other aspects.”

“…….”

“Although it might seem advantageous to team up with students who have high grades, it could backfire due to each individual’s exceptional abilities. You might also lose the chance to showcase your own.”

“…….”

“When selecting team members, it would be wise to consider combinations, synergy, and ability to perform specific roles. The type of test will be announced on the day.”

Her words hinted not to thoughtlessly pick teammates based on combat prowess alone.

It would be best to build a team with a variety of skills in mind.

Of course, a team with Lee Siwoon, Kang Daehan, and Yoo Seolhyun would be formidable.

“Any more questions?”

Silence. The students were already contemplating who they would team up with.

“If there are no further questions, we’ll conclude here. Dismissed.”

“Yes!”

The students dispersed at her command.

While moving back to the classroom, they engaged in endless conversations about potential teammates and upcoming practices.

“Hey, be on my team.”

“No thanks? I’m going to team up with Hanseong.”

“Wow, I wish I could team up with Siwoon. That’d be an easy win.”

“Me too, me too. If I’m chosen, I’m confident I’ll do well.”

Everyone was eagerly trying to form teams.

“Soyeon, wanna team up with me?”

“Well, I don’t know…”

“Oh, come on, what do you say?”

“Hehe, let me think about it.”

Jin Soyeon seemed quite in demand.

Given her current capabilities, she would fit well on any team.

Her well-balanced skills could contribute significantly, and her beauty had made her popular among the boys.

“I’ve got gravity-based abilities. I’m sure I’ll be helpful.”

“As you know, I’m electric-based. I can respond to almost any situation…”

There was a buzz in the air.

Those many students were earnestly promoting themselves to team up with Siwoon.

But Siwoon, unfazed by their courtship, walked straight toward someone.

And that someone was none other than Jin Soyeon.

“Soyeon.”

“Hm? Oh, it’s Siwoon. You’re lucky; everyone seems to want to team up with you. Just pick whoever you want, right?”

“Wanna be on my team?”

“Huh?”

Jin Soyeon blinked in surprise.

“With you?”

“Yeah.”

“Wouldn’t someone else be better than me? Honestly, I’m not really at the level to team up with you.”

“We’ve worked together a few times in middle school. I think cooperation is important, especially for a team performance evaluation.”

“Oh, is that so? Well, I’d be grateful if you chose me.”

In the game, Siwoon never initiated the offer.

It was because I was there as Jin Soyeon’s boyfriend.

But now I was just an old childhood friend.

Siwoon no longer had any reservations.

‘I’m glad. Siwoon made the offer first.’

I nodded to myself.

This performance evaluation was crucial.

I wanted to advance to the finals with a strong force, and especially with Jin Soyeon.

The upcoming evaluation marked the beginning of the main storyline.

There was something I absolutely had to do in the finals.

‘Alright, then I should… Huh?’

“Hello? Lee Jinhyuk.”

Yoo Seolhyun approached me unexpectedly and started a conversation.

I tilted my head inwardly, puzzled.

I hadn’t expected her to talk to me first.

“We’re in the same class, but we hardly ever talk, right?”

“Yeah. But why?”

“Oh, there’s something I wanted to ask.”

Yoo Seolhyun smiled faintly, her lips moving slightly.

“Do you already have a team?”

“Not really.”

She already knew the answer, surely.

After a month of training, she would know that I couldn’t possibly compete with the other kids.

“If you don’t have a team, would you like to join me?”