So, now, just because one crazy guy revealed that I’m 7th in rank, there’s this absurd label of being ranked 0, all because of that one thing.
Squeezing the phone in his hand, Sihyun felt tension building up. Amidst his not-so-normal school life, there was this new student who added an extreme level of chaos. He wanted to find and confront this troublemaker right away.
No wonder there were more glances than usual.
Finally, he understood why people were whispering when they saw him. Even the freshmen, who already knew about my status as a Quadruple-Class, were murmuring about me, probably because of the title attached to me, like some sort of badge earned in the dead of night—Ranked 0.
It had turned into an international gossip topic without my knowledge. Trying to contain irritation at this openly uncomfortable situation, a discomforting voice suddenly cut through from the side.
"Ranked 0? Seriously? Did they use personality as a basis for ranking?"
"..."
The noisy surroundings fell silent in an instant after that remark. Sihyun turned his head towards the voice, seeing Kang Donghyuk's eyes meeting his, swallowing a sigh.
It was Kang Donghyuk.
Sihyun, already on edge due to his persistent actions lately, held back the urge to snap. Giving attention only fuels more. It was a suitable response for someone like Donghyuk.
"What's up with him now?"
"Ignore him."
Pulling Daun's arm to disregard him, Sihyun didn't want to throw gossip to the students who had gathered to watch unnecessarily. Enough trouble for one day. As he tried to calm Daun down, her dissatisfied eyes turned towards him.
"Don't you have any pride?"
"That's not going to feed us, is it?"
Hungry, let's eat. Trying to divert attention away, Daun seemed uninterested. Jihye, noticing Daun getting worked up, tried to calm her. It was a "Let's just give it a glance" meta from before.
As Sihyun moved towards the cafeteria, many footsteps followed and the crowd dispersed. It was a miraculous sight not seen for a long time.
"Why aren't they fighting? Interesting to see the Quadruple-Class skills."
"Is he really that weak?"
Amidst various comments, Sihyun ignored them and headed for food. But just as he tried to leave, a voice grabbed his attention.
"Why, can't say anything because of the shock?"
"...?"
"Why, no?"
Kang Donghyuk chuckled while looking at Sihyun, sending a mocking laugh his way. Sihyun held his breath as the mocking laughter reached him. Childish. Dealing with the likes of strong individuals like Haewoon made Donghyuk's immature behavior seem even more childish.
Many interpreted his avoidance as fear or disgust. And among them was Donghyuk himself.
"Forbidden prey."
"Don't give it attention."
Sihyun, metaphorically placing two virtual warning signs on Donghyuk's forehead, pushed Daun, who was about to explode, forward. He didn't need to care about stories scratching the surface. But at the same time, he felt his ambiguous attitude might be instigating Donghyuk's provocations. Not saying a word meant Donghyuk kept on attacking him.
Avoiding because it's scary, avoiding because it's dirty.
Breathing deeply as if expelling discomfort dissolved in the air, Sihyun continued with long breaths. There was nothing to gain from getting too worked up and excited. Indifferent eyes met Donghyuk's. If he could wish for something right now, maybe having a simple conversation might be better.
He originally just wanted to attend school normally, not wanting to be exposed and teased everywhere.
"What's bothering you so much?"
"What nonsense?"
"You're doing this because there's something bothering you, right? From what I heard, your words seem to lack a point. I need to know what's bothering you in order to fix it. Aren't you too old for childish tantrums?"
Casting a glance sideways while speaking, Sihyun looked at Haewoon. Seventeen. Another gaze returned to Seowoo. She, too, was seventeen. Turning around once more, his gaze settled back on Donghyuk. He was also seventeen.
"What's the problem?"
At the similar question thrown back, Donghyuk's expression twisted. Understanding the meaning behind Sihyun's gaze, his face reddened. Still, he seemed to understand the implications and chewed his lips quietly.
Changing words without saying them, the signals were read by Donghyuk as he blushed further. His fluctuating expressions seemed as if he were a crazy person.
"Just tone it down."
Tired of the pointless confrontation, Sihyun halfheartedly extended his hand toward Donghyuk to check on him. Donghyuk, who was gripping his fist tightly, shifted his gaze from Daun to Sihyun. Meeting Sihyun's eyes, he laughed.
The laugh that burst out like a breath being released was enough to add discomfort to Sihyun's mood.
"Hiding behind others' backs makes you comfortable, doesn't it?"
"..."
"Are they your spokespersons? You can't say a word, yet the people behind you seem to do all the talking."
Maybe they assume they can take that role when you're Quadruple-Class?
Nonsense. Sihyun raised his eyebrows at Donghyuk's words. Seemingly speaking nonsense and stirring things up, there was no need to pay attention. But simultaneously, he felt his own ambiguous attitude might be fueling Donghyuk's provocations. It seemed that Donghyuk found it difficult dealing with him, who was seemingly indifferent yet had a strong sense of pride.
Though he didn't show it much, having a moderate amount of pride was necessary. However, sometimes, it was okay to let go of that pride and quietly move on, depending on the situation. But for the seventeen-year-old Donghyuk, who hadn't experienced much in life, it seemed incredibly challenging.
Seeing Donghyuk's angry voice becoming audible, Sihyun lowered the tray he was holding.
"Are you going to take him away?"
"...Do you want me to?"
Quietly suggesting he didn't want that, Haewoon turned towards Donghyuk. A light laughter erupted in response to the rejecting sound. Donghyuk's face turned even redder at the mocking, but Sihyun seemed indifferent.
If you're going to gossip about others, you should be ready to experience it yourself.
It was about karma. Understanding how embarrassing and shameful one's own grievances were.
Knowing that made it easier; it would have been difficult if not. It was more challenging to deal with those who couldn't communicate.
"Can't speak, huh... Should I appoint a spokesperson for you?"
Not able to withstand the tension any longer, Sihyun held Daun's arm and led her away. Even though Daun occasionally showed signs of separation anxiety, it was perplexing why Seowoo acted like this, making him lift her up, and Seowoo smiled softly.
"I have no appetite."
"After eating all day, there should be something you've not eaten."
"Oh, remember?"
Could there be a time when he didn't remember? The sight of the gate that had been witnessed from the cafeteria entrance—Sihyun, Daun, Haewoon, and Seowoo turned to it.
Thank you for reading this far! You can access more chapters from HERE by joining my Patreon community. You'll gain exclusive early access to the COMPLETE NOVEL.
As a member of my Patreon community, here is what you'll get:
For $5
- Early access to 100s of chapters before they go public.
- You also get access to all the novels I'm translating, you can find them here HERE.
- Your name will be featured on the "Wall of Gratitude".
- The power to vote on which novel I translate next.
- You Get Ad-free Chapters.
For $10
- You get to suggest a Novel for me to translate.
- You get access to Digital art.
- Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in gold).
For $20
- You get to recommend a Novel and I will immediately start translating it.
- Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in blue).
Plus, you can Cancel your membership at any time.
Don't let this amazing opportunity slip through your fingers!
