I became a mentor to a rude senior from the sports club.

01. Shadow of Darkness

Chae-eun thought she was exceptionally lucky today.

Being able to borrow the book I wanted from the library right away was also

Finding a four-leaf clover in the flowerbed on the way to school by chance was also

And also getting the score I wanted so much.

<Report Card> Min Chae-eun, 2nd Year, Class 6, Onseong High School - [Korean 1 / 324 ] [Mathematics 1 / 324 ] [English 1 / 324 ]... - [School Rank: 1 / 324] - [School Rank: 1 / 324]

학생

Wow, Min Chae-eun is ranked first in all subjects again?

학생

Seriously, how do you get first place every time?

학생

At that level, it's just talent.

The children glanced at Chae-eun's report card and

Everyone said a word.

Some long for, some envy, and others resignation

At the children's words, Chae-eun shook her head with an embarrassed expression.

민채은

No, I was just lucky.

민채은

It was difficult for me this time too.

Although she said that, a smile spread across Chae-eun's face as she looked at her report card.

It felt as though I had been fully compensated for the fatigue I had accumulated from studying while cutting back on sleep.

Chae-eun never did anything half-heartedly.

Even if it is not studying, but human relationships or simple games

Chae-eun wanted to be recognized.

Chae-eun always thought.

Effort never betrays you.

Because nothing had been impossible with his own efforts until now

If the results were not good, I pushed myself harder.

He was harsh on himself.

To Chae-eun, the children's grumbling was

Because it seemed like they were only expecting good results without putting in any effort.

Chae-eun could not understand the children.

학생

Hey, I'm screwed this time..!

학생

Seriously, what am I going to do?

학생

Chae-eun, this exam was really hard, right?

However, he never showed it in front of others.

민채은

Yeah, it was a bit difficult for me too. It'll be fine, don't worry.

In that case, everything he has done will come to nothing.

It was because I knew it all too well.

학생

Chae-eun, you always see things so well. I'm jealous.

To these words of envy I often hear from children

Chae-eun felt satisfied.

If it is a remark that gives a sense of superiority, implying that one is better than them

It didn't matter what was said.

Yes, today was truly a perfect day for Chae-eun.

That is, until Ryu Min-seo came in and spoke.

류민서

Chae-eun! The teacher is looking for you.

Chae-eun thought.

For some reason, I felt like I was so lucky today.

Chae-eun didn't know why her homeroom teacher had called her, but she was certain of one thing.

민채은

(Muttering) Damn homeroom teacher, what is he going to say now?

The fact that that work would absolutely not be of any help to him.

류민서

If it looks like it might take a long time

류민서

Should I tell the next subject teacher?

For one thing, whatever it was, Chae-eun had no choice.

After all, half of the student record depended on the homeroom teacher.

민채은

Then please tell the music teacher!

류민서

Yeah! Be careful on your way!

Chae-eun didn't like Min-seo either, who had relayed the homeroom teacher's message, but

That doesn't mean I hated him that much, though.

If you were to ask who Chae-eun's friend is at this school in the first place...

Chae-eun was sure she would answer, "No."

However, whenever I see Minseo, who actually has a good personality and decent grades

Chae-eun simply felt it was particularly jarring because it contrasted with the image she had put on.

For Chae-eun, this summer seemed like it would be unusually hot.

Looking at the scorching sun and the sports field with puddles here and there from the rain that had fallen for a few days

I had a hunch that this summer would be plagued by terrible tropical nights.

The hallway was like a bustling market with many children gathered there.

Despite the sweltering heat, the boys played soccer outside or ran around in the hallway.

The girls gathered in small groups, appearing as if they had opened their own salon.

민채은

It’s a really mismatched combination, but surprisingly, it’s similar.

Salons and exercise are polar opposites, but

Maybe at least the noise level was the same.

If they're going to act like that, why are they studying instead of joining a sports team?

The thought crossed my mind, but I soon withdrew my interest, thinking it wasn't my business.

A banner hanging on the school playground had a message congratulating our school's basketball team on their victory.

Then, the moment I turned my gaze away from the banner, the sound of a salon brushed past my ears.

학생

Hey, you know that rude kid in the third year.

학생

They say they're picking a high-achieving second-year student to be their mentor.

Chae-eun suddenly had a bad feeling.

Could it be that the homeroom teacher called me in for this?

학생

But honestly, I doubt there is a single person who would want that rude jerk as a mentee.

학생

Honestly, you know, acting all cocky relying only on your looks and skills...

학생

In the end, he has nothing but a nasty personality, so who would want to be his mentor?

The student spoke loudly and irritably, as if he had a lot of complaints.

학생

I heard I'm going to fail the year anyway. Is there really a need to do it?

학생

You said you didn't even look into colleges because you were planning to go pro.

학생

He just fights with his juniors, anyway, he's really ill-mannered...

That third-year senior was quite famous at Chae-eun's school.

His name is Yoo Kang-min.

He was the captain of the basketball team until his injury, but quit basketball due to the injury.

A rude student who acts as they please.

That was the public's assessment of Kang Min.

Chae-eun didn't really care about the rumors about Kang-min, but

Becoming that senior's mentor was a different story.

학생

Anyway, I don't know who that mentor will be, but it's really pitiful.

While Chae-eun was trying hard to believe it wasn't true

A large shadow fell behind the female student.

The expressions on the faces of the female student's friends, upon seeing the owner of the shadow, grew increasingly stiff and turned pale blue.

학생

Hey, what's wrong with you guys? Are you okay?

학생

That is, behind you...

Even at that moment, the shadow grew larger and closer, as if it were about to swallow the speaker in the salon.

And soon, the shadow's owner opened their mouth.

유강민

Try more.

유강민

Since we've already started, it would be a shame to end it like this.