Memorize

"So this is the current situation. What… what do you plan to do?"

After Kim Han-Byeol finished her explanation, she immediately asked which side I was leaning toward. Although I had already made up my mind, I pretended to be unsure, tilting my head thoughtfully.

"I didn't expect the discussion to go that way. I'm still undecided."

"I feel the same way."

"How do you feel about what that man said?"

At my question, Kim Han-Byeol briefly looked into my eyes and answered in a softer voice than usual.

"I don't think what he said was wrong. However…"

"Is there something that bothers you?"

"…Yes. I feel uneasy whenever I see that man. But strangely, I couldn't find any mistakes in what he said at the time."

Shin-Woo and Ibo-Rim moved on. Seeing them, Kim Han-Byeol must have been deep in thought.

And I finally understood why she said she would personally bring me. Although I wanted to discuss more, time had already passed significantly, so I took a step and momentarily kept quiet. Now that I had a glimpse of her thoughts, I could return and just add some seasoning.

Though there was no exchange of words, it was clear Kim Han-Byeol was following behind me. After waiting a bit, I spoke up.

"I don't like what that man said."

"..."

"He cleverly mixed the strengths and weaknesses of his logic. Therefore, there couldn't be any wrong statements. He wrapped the weaknesses well with strengths, making his arguments highly advantageous."

Though there was no verbal response, I felt an unspoken request for further explanation. Despite Park Dong-Gul's considerable cunning, I couldn't afford to lose Kim Han-Byeol. So I decided to explain the answers to her concerns one by one.

"There's a condition for being honest that goes beyond just not lying: it's whether one can adhere to the words they've said. Does that man seem like someone who sticks to what he says?"

"No."

Kim Han-Byeol answered immediately.

"From our first meeting until now, his impression hasn't been great, and his actions have been disrupting the team's harmony. I'd rather stay with the people who are already here than join the team based on his uncertain words. So, I'll be staying with the existing members."

Glancing back slightly, I saw that Kim Han-Byeol was deep in thought, contemplating my words. Less than a minute later, as people became visible in the distance, I could hear her whispering softly behind me.

"I'm worried about the two who went ahead."

This statement was practically confirmation that Kim Han-Byeol had made up her mind. I was relieved that I hadn't gone in with a blunt approach, but rather chose a more indirect method. If I had started with something like, "Park Dong-Gul is trying to use Lee Bo-Rim and Lee Shin-Woo. So, don't go. If you do, you'll be used too," she would have likely distrusted me as well. Since she seemed quick-witted, I figured a gentle nudge would allow her to grasp the general meaning of my words.

As the distance between us and the hill decreased, the people divided into two groups at the top of the hill became clearly visible. The situation hadn't changed since the last time I saw it.

On one side were An Sol and An Hyun, along with Lee Yun-Jung. On the other side were Lee Shin-Woo and Lee Bo-Rim, with Park Dong-Gul in the lead.

The moment we reached the top of the hill, I could see six pairs of eyes focusing intently on Kim Han-Byeol and me.

"Looks like they're coming now. Anyway, thanks for keeping watch."

Seeing Park Dong-Gul acting as if everything was settled already stirred a bit of resentment in me, but I forced myself to keep calm. The varied expressions in the eyes of An Hyun, An Sol, Lee Yun-Jung, Lee Shin-Woo, and Lee Bo-Rim created a strange feeling within me. I chose to halt instead of immediately joining them, causing Kim Han-Byeol, who had been following me, to stop as well.

"I thought you'd arrive soon. Anyway, did you get the gist of what happened on the way?"

"I did."

"It ended up like this. It's tough, but please try to understand. We're doing this to survive."

As Park Dong-Gul finished speaking, I heard Lee Yun-Jung mutter a curse softly. Regardless, Park Dong-Gul strode over to me and extended a large hand.

"Join our team. We could be friends. We'd welcome both you and the young lady behind you."

The tension in the air reached its peak, with everyone waiting for my response. Knowing well the anxious feelings of those around me, I turned away from his hand and replied in a cold tone.

"I can decide for myself who I can be friends with. I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline."

Park Dong-Gul didn't blink. Still keeping his hand extended, he turned to Kim Han-Byeol and asked,

"…And what about you?"

"I can't trust you."

Kim Han-Byeol also turned away from him. As we passed by him, Park Dong-Gul sneered and spoke in a mocking tone.

"Ah, so you're going to be like that. No matter what you heard from that fox on the way, you'll surely regret this."

"If you value your own life, you should value others' lives as well."

"You're talking nonsense. I went out of my way to consider you, and this is how you respond… Well, do as you please. I have no intention of forcing anyone who doesn't want to join. Just don't come begging to rejoin the team later."

"That won't happen."

"Shin-Woo, Bo-Rim, let's go! We'll be in danger if we stay with such a hypocritical person."

Had they already introduced themselves? Seeing Lee Shin-Woo and Lee Bo-Rim being dragged away by Park Dong-Gul, I felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted. I took calm steps and stood in front of the remaining people. Their eyes conveyed a mix of relief and an unclear sentiment towards me. An Hyun let out a deep sigh and spoke to me.

"Thank you for your hard work. As you can see… it turned out like this."

"Hmph. It's for the best. There's no need to feel disheartened, right? They left because they wanted to. Let them do as they please. Whether they live or die is their own business."

Lee Yun-Jung's sharp words made me involuntarily chuckle. As she said, they were the ones who left. And we are not the ones who were left behind but rather the ones who chose to remain.

These two statements carried a significant difference.

.

.

.

.

You can read advance chapters and view R-18 images of the characters on pat reon page.

pat reon.com/GreenBlue17

200 Power Stones for 1 extra chapter.

10 New reviews for 1 extra chapter.

Goal refresh every week.