Chapter 17 (Continued)

 

I almost shivered reflexively but maintained my composure and managed my expression.

 

“Ow.”

 

I flicked Yesong’s forehead lightly.

 

“If you say weird things like that again, I won’t let it slide.”

 

“Hehe, I was just joking.”

 

“Besides, why do you still talk about that….”

 

“Because it’s fun?”

 

Yesong rubbed her forehead and continued to smile, whispering again.

 

“But Leader, you seem quite resistant? You must have imagined something quite stimulating.
Like someone who has seen something even more….”

 

“You really….”

 

She had an unnecessary sharp intuition.

 

The other executives seemed uninterested in whatever Yesong was saying. It was common for her to spout strange things.

 

“I’m fine with anywhere I can spend time quietly.”

 

Doha seemed okay with anywhere.

 

“I have a suggestion.”

 

Suddenly, Baek-seo spoke, drawing our attention.

 

With her kind smile, Baek-seo said,

 

“I found a camp without bugs. How about that?”

 

“Show me, Baek-seo-ssi.”

 

Seeing the screen on Baek-seo’s smartphone, Yesong gasped and exclaimed in shock.

 

“Unlimited meat supply…?”

 

Was that the reason?

 

***

 

Neo Seoul is located in the center of the Korean Peninsula.

 

The four seasons rotate smoothly here.

 

The air polluted by the magical beasts outside clears as it passes over this land.

 

Radiation too is naturally blocked as if an excessive amount of harmful elements is filtered out.

 

This was thanks to the blessing of the Golden Sheep bestowed on this land and a few other places on Earth.

 

‘Why is it so hot….’

 

Thus, summers here were as scorching as in my previous life.

 

On the day of the retreat.

 

The cries of cicadas longing to breed filled the air, and the heat of August made the roads shimmer with heatwaves.

 

It was a full-fledged summer.

 

“Phew.”

 

Thankfully, there was a portable mini air conditioner.

 

Pressing the power button.

 

A cool breeze quietly flowed out, cooling my face.

 

‘Feels amazing every year.’

 

Although the high-performance battery drained quickly, requiring careful selection of when and how long to use the mini air conditioner,

 

the cool breeze during the hottest moments brought about a sense of happiness.

 

“Hmm?”

 

Soon, a cool breeze also blew from the side.

 

Baek-seo, who was walking with me, had directed her mini air conditioner towards me.

 

Turning my head, I saw Baek-seo’s considerate smile.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“You looked hot.”

 

“I’m fine. You use it.”

 

I turned Baek-seo’s mini air conditioner back towards her.

 

Her thoughtfulness was godly.

 

Due to summer, Baek-seo’s attire had also become lighter. Her fluttering skirt was shorter than usual.

 

The problem was… occasionally, guys would sneak glances at her.

 

‘Where are you looking.’

 

If anyone stared at her, captivated by her appearance, I would make them look away by giving them a look.

 

When climbing stairs, I subtly walked behind Baek-seo, using the bags in my hands to cover her hips and thighs.

 

On the subway, I sat next to Baek-seo. The interior of the subway was bathed in the silver sunlight streaming through the windows.

 

“It’s the first retreat since the first year?”

 

“How was it back then?”

 

I remember where we went for the retreat and

 

what we did.

 

However, last year, I was focused on becoming the Disciplinary Committee Leader.

 

Like a politician running for office, I was busy trying to impress the seniors.

 

The retreat didn’t leave any memorable impressions.

 

“I’ve never been, so I wouldn’t know.”

 

?

 

“Why did you talk as if you had been?”

 

“I was just basing it on the fact that there was a retreat. Actually, this is my first time. I’m looking forward to it.”

 

“Well… Let’s have fun then.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Since it was her first time, I should ensure it’s a great day for Baek-seo.

 

***

 

[Park Minhyuk: I’m sorry ㅠㅠ… I suddenly caught a cold…! I’ll atone by committing seppuku…!]

 

[Yoo Doha: Suddenly, something important came up that I need to prove.]

 

[Ha Yesong: My friend is suddenly very sick…]

 

[Ha Yesong: (Crying emoji)]

 

[Ha Yesong: I’ll come later!!]

 

“……”

 

We arrived at the camp location, a log cabin.

 

Seeing my smartphone, I frowned.

 

‘What are they saying…?’

 

The three executives collectively pulled a no-show, giving excuses as if they were part of a group project.

 

It didn’t upset me.

 

It was clearly suspicious.

 

Even if they were strange, they weren’t devoid of common sense.

 

So, the sense of discomfort was even stronger.

 

‘Are they planning something?’

 

They must have secretly planned something behind my back.

 

Today isn’t my birthday, nor is it any special anniversary for the Disciplinary Committee, so there must be some hidden motive.

 

I couldn’t just say ‘Still, come anyway.’ There was no way to prove their excuses were lies.

 

“Leader, what’s wrong?”

 

After setting down the luggage, Baek-seo approached me.

 

“They said they couldn’t come.”

 

Seeing my smartphone, Baek-seo pondered without a hint of surprise.

 

“Hmm….”

 

“Today is the reservation day, so we can’t cancel the stay. We already bought camping supplies, and it would be a waste to leave….”

 

She was true to her role as Vice-Leader.

 

Instead of being swayed by emotions, she immediately sought a solution.

 

What’s this?

 

Is she trusting them as colleagues?

 

We turned on the air conditioner and sat against the wall.

 

Baek-seo was still thinking.

 

“Baek-seo.”

 

Feeling sorry for her, I decided to speak directly.

 

“Those guys clearly….”

 

“Then it can’t be helped.”

 

“What?”

 

Baek-seo, who seemed to have concluded something in her mind, said,

 

“Let’s have the retreat just the two of us?”

 

“?”

 

She gave me a gentle smile.

 

“I don’t mind at all.”