Chapter 17: Date with Soojin (2)

Chapter 17: Date with Soojin (2)

Date with Soojin (2)



Yoo Minhyuk's holidays are as straightforward as it getsdedicated to family time! In a line of work where family departure is always on the table, holidays take on a special significance. Today, however, his daughter threw a curveball by mentioning plans outside.

"But shall we aim for a family dinner? How about indulging in lamb steak? Ah, imagining a peaceful family meal," he ruminated quietly.

Minhyuk eagerly turned the doorknob to his daughter's room and spoke, "Dear~ will you be able to make it for dinner~?"

Coincidentally, the exact moment Soojin chose a dress and lifted it up perfectly aligned with her father's grand entrance.

In his school heyday, Minhyuk was the Casanova, boasting a plethora of romantic escapades and had a quick wit. He's well aware that Soojin leans towards neat attire when heading out, especially if she's got something on her agenda. Her usual go-to casual ensemble involves jeans and a hoodie, but today is a deviation.

"Oh, Dad! Get out! Why did you just barge in without even knocking?!"

This was the same daughter who used to criticize him for being overly cautious within the family when he knocked before entering. Now, she's telling him to knock first and scram? A suspicion stronger than a fortress struck Minhyuk's mind.

My daughter's meet-up today isn't just a friendly one; it's with a guy.

A male friend? That's a myth. In all my years, I've never come across the idea that a man and a woman can sustain a platonic friendship without someone catching feelings.

All men are wolves. And I played the wolf game to secure my marriage. Does anyone genuinely sustain meetings with pure friendship? Spare me the nonsense!

"Dear you put on makeup today?"

Others might label him as old-fashioned or something. But who wouldn't care when their offspring suddenly starts dabbling in activities they've never considered before?

Minhyuk figured that once this chit-chat concluded, extracting any more intel about the prick meeting his daughter would be futile.

"Ah, just a touch of makeup what do you think? Is it alright?"

"Absolutely, you look stunning. I mean, you're my daughter after all!"

"Yeah? Does it give off that pure first love vibe?"

"Sweet first love?"

In that moment, Soojin stumbled over her words and promptly nudged Minhyuk away, wearing an expression that suggested she realized her slip-up. He couldn't help it. The phrase pure first love' reverberated in his mind.

Is this what it feels like for your stomach to drop?

Dismissed, Minhyuk settled onto the sofa. Glancing toward his daughter's room, he observed the closed door, registering the distinct sound of a lock. It was clearly secured.

He had anticipated that such a thing would arrive eventually, but he realized he might have grown too complacent. The shock left him at a loss for words.

If she's happy, then that's okay But what if the guy dating my daughter is a real scumbag? If he's a sleazy scoundrel who fools around with every girl? In that case, I won't hold back

Love can blind you, and misguided choices can happen anytime. Rectifying those choices is a parent's responsibility.

I should pay a visit to the school sometime soon.

Yoo Minhyuk, having conquered 17 S-rank dungeons and achieved a solo breakthrough of the Paektu Mountain Gate Wave, securing the title of the highest-class Hunter, made a promise to himself.

+++++++++++

First date

It wasn't a fateful encounter. Even though they mixed bodies on day one, Soojin wasn't about to label it a casual fling.nove(l)bi(n.)com

He's not that bad, though

She felt a sense of relief. No one was harmed, and, most importantly, Taeyang was safe. But suddenly

"Keeaaaak!"

"Kwaak kaak kaak kkaak"

"Keeaak, kkaak Kkak"

The gate, believed to have vanished, opened again, unleashing monsters. Unlike before, they didn't materialize right in front of her but emerged from all directionstwenty goblins, fourteen kobolds, three orcs.

She assessed quickly, but her body couldn't keep up. The pressure of handling everything alone was too much for a student. A slight mistake could lead to someone's death, and she had to prioritize whom to save.

The dilemma was overwhelming, and with added pressure, Soojin's body slowed down. Her dress looked like it had been randomly painted with green, and the white stockings were sporadically torn.

Increasing the output could have swiftly resolved the situation, but there was a high risk of entangling even civilians. Support skills? Soojin only had close-range skills.

"Save me! Do something!"

People who had cheered from afar when she casually killed a goblin were now screaming in terror.

In the face of danger, survival instincts heighten selfish tendencies. The capacity to think of others stems from personal safety. But what if safety is compromised? What if a goblin's club is about to strike their head at this very moment?

"Hurry, come and save me! Aren't you an awakened?!"

Hostility aimed at a single person poured in from all directions.

In terms of monster subjugation priority, it would be right to take out the orcs first. But what if, while dealing with the orcs, a kobold's arrow killed a child? Or when trying to save a child from a kobold's arrow, a goblin's club fell on an elderly couple? Or protecting the elderly couple, an orc's axe mutilated the employees?

Endless variables intertwined. Without a moment's rest, she swung her fist, moved her feet, and occasionally shouted to attract attention, but everything was temporary.

Even if all the monsters rushed at Soojin, they wouldn't defeat her. So why bother attacking her? Monsters are maliciousthey prioritize the pleasure of easily robbing lives over confronting overwhelming power.

"Save me! Save me! Quickly! You're the one killing! Why aren't you saving me first! Why?!"

Tears blurred her vision. In less than three minutes since monsters poured out of the gate, the corridor had turned into hell. The only savioran inexperienced studentcould shield only those within arm's reach.

A human arm was severed. Trying to resist by wielding a mannequin, they were quickly subdued. Someone's life was about to end in vain.

Soojin blamed herself for being unable to save anyone except the person in front of her, despite her constant movement. Her vision became hazy.

Not like this Not like this Not like this Not like this Not like this Not like this Not like this Not like this Not like this

She couldn't stop the tears, despite the countless self-reprimands.

People are dying because of me?

Emotions overwhelmed like waves, completely engulfing Soojin. She felt despair. Helplessness twisted her body.

"Damn it! You damn bastards! It's all your fault!"

Just before death, a terminal plea for life appeared. The goblin's club was about to tie the knot of one person's life. But then

"Noona, it happens to everyone initially. Don't beat yourself up over it."

The back that once stiffened, firmly blocking Soojin's view. A man with flowing white hair touched his bracelet, and all monsters fell hard on the ground.

"No one will die. It's okay."

The man, waving his white hair, smiles brightly as if telling her to forget everything just now. In that sight, unexpectedly relieved, Soojin burst into tears.