Chapter 33 – Rule 15. The Leader Has a Dedicated Weapon (1)

 

LKim Dalbi browsed photos of Ahsung High School’s disciplinary committee executives on her smartphone.

 

Leader: Ahn Woo-jin. Vice-Leader: Oh Baek-seo.

 

“…”

 

She already knew they were together. Dalbi often observed Woo-jin, wanting him to be safe.

 

Both were deeply connected to her childhood.

 

How they ended up entangled like this, she couldn’t fathom. The world felt cruel.Memories of New Yongsan Street resurfaced.

 

What remained most vivid wasn’t her confrontation with Woo-jin or her clash with Baek-seo. It was the image of the two strolling down the street, side by side.

 

That sight stabbed at her heart like needles.

 

Dalbi pressed her smartphone against her forehead, closed her eyes, and bowed her head.

 

A heavy silence enveloped her.

 

* * *

 

The outside was bustling with the sound of movers and robots carrying luggage.

 

At first, Woo-jin thought a new person had moved in next door, but then Oh Baek-seo greeted him directly. She explained that she’d discovered the vacancy next door and signed an automatic lease.

 

Some residential areas in Neo Seoul, like this one, were city-owned. You could sign a lease through an app and move in right away.

 

All you needed was money. And no entry ban.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me…?”

 

“Does it bother you?”

 

“Not really. Just thought you could have given me a heads-up.”

 

Baek-seo stroked her chin, humming in thought. Then, she spoke.

 

“… I’ve decided to stay close to the Head for the time being.”

 

Baek-seo went on to explain.

 

She had moved in next door because she was worried about him.

 

He was targeted by a bomber and clashed with Kim Dalbi. She wanted to be nearby, ready to intervene if anyone else targeted him.

 

He had no right to object.

 

It wasn’t illegal; she wasn’t intruding; he had no moral obligation to her, and strictly speaking, they weren’t even dating.

 

It was Baek-seo’s choice.

 

“I apologize, but please understand.”

 

“It’s nothing to apologize for…”

 

Still, this was… a little much.

 

‘This is overprotective.’

 

Was she his mother?

 

‘Well… it’s not like I mind having her around.’

 

Both in terms of security and daily life, having Baek-seo close by would be beneficial in many ways.

 

He offered to help her unpack, but Baek-seo firmly refused. She didn’t want to show him her private life.

 

For Baek-seo, who was always relaxed and generous, to refuse so directly meant she was dead serious about it. So, he didn’t push it.

 

‘Well, she can’t be completely perfect.’

 

Baek-seo must have a secret or two she didn’t want to share. Especially someone like her, known as Ms. Perfect, might have unique quirks.

 

‘…I’m curious.’

 

He wondered what it could be. Curiosity burned, but he suppressed it.

 

It was best to respect her privacy. Just like how he wouldn’t want anyone to find his hidden folder full of Brown-eared Bulbul videos.

 

“Head, want to have dinner together?”

 

From then on, as if it were natural, Baek-seo brought over side dishes or cooked at his place and they had meals together.

 

The next morning, too.

 

Baek-seo, wearing a pink apron, appeared at his door.

 

“I made too much food. Shall I pack you a lunch?”

 

“Uh… well, thanks.”

 

He ended up taking the lunchbox Baek-seo had prepared and headed to school with her.

 

“Let’s have dinner together at least once a week, okay?”

 

“Why?”

 

“I want to cook for you sometimes. You know I enjoy it.”

 

This was getting…

 

“Now that I think about it, I should probably get to know this neighborhood. Could you show me around later?”

 

“Is there anything to show? Like walking paths or good restaurants.”

 

“Yes, I like those.”

 

This was definitely…

 

“If you’re ever bored, just call me. I can at least be a listening ear.”

 

This was really…

 

‘This feels like dating… without actually dating.’

 

To be precise, it was a relationship that felt like a couple, but wasn’t.

 

It was too strange to be just friends, too ambiguous to be declared lovers. Somewhere in between.

 

‘It feels like we’re building a life together.’

 

Come to think of it… looking back, he realized something.

 

Starting with the egg mayo sandwich, the virus called Oh Baek-seo had gradually infiltrated his territory. And now, she had reached a point of no return.

 

He had a feeling that if she were to disappear, it would leave a gaping hole in his life. A hole that would be filled with a deep emptiness and loneliness.

 

‘I guess I should be grateful…?’

 

As he mentioned before, he was focused on fulfilling his duties as the Head of Discipline, and then confessing to Baek-seo.

 

Of course, he was anxious. Baek-seo could grow distant, or her heart could be captured by another man.

 

But Baek-seo’s recent actions, what could he call them? It felt like she was saying, ‘I’m ready to be with you.’

 

As if she knew his plan and was acting accordingly.

 

‘Am I overthinking it?’

 

Maybe he was getting ahead of himself. However.

 

‘…Still.’

 

Dangerously.

 

‘This is… happiness…!’

 

The stress from work, the pressure from future knowledge, all seemed to be neutralized by Baek-seo.