17

This battle hadn't been reported in the news.

It was probably the largest battle I had participated in, but the problem was that it had taken place in a location classified as top-secret by the Galactic Federation.

Naturally, the story didn't leak to the media.

It wasn't just because of press restrictions; they had likely taken steps to prevent the information from getting out.

Noir Corporation also didn't seem to be interested in spreading the story about the battle.

Both sides were keeping its existence a secret.

Even if emotions could be hidden, the fact that 'humanity was being moved' to advance something wasn't easy to conceal.

"...."

"What?"

"Is something good happening?"

Ji-hye asked as she watched me lying in bed, rolling around under the covers. I had come home late last night and slept until the afternoon, barely getting up.

"Good thing?"

"It's a guy, isn't it?"

Ji-hye didn't answer my question but immediately shot back with:

"After coming home in the middle of the night and being in such a good mood the next day, there's got to be a reason. It can only be your boyfriend, right?"

Well, it was a fairly reasonable guess, but she was wrong.

There were a lot of men involved, though.

"Just… one of those days. Today is really just a day with nothing going on."

The reason I felt good was simple.

Finally, I had managed to land a blow on the magical girl.

Of course, I didn't actually land a solid hit.

My fist never actually reached Iris.

But still, I managed to use her attack to my advantage and get the senior officer out of the way.

The look Iris gave me in that final moment was enough to give me a sense of accomplishment.

And right after that thought, I felt a bit guilty.

Iris was annoying. Honestly, if you asked me whether I liked her, I'd probably only be able to say no.

I knew her character story already from the webtoon, and I understood the environment that made her crave recognition.

When I first read the webtoon, I honestly thought she was a bit pitiful.

I even thought she was cute at times.

That was before I got hit by those laser beams in this world.

No matter how pretty the opponent is, if they keep hitting you, you'll eventually want to strike back.

This time, I succeeded—even if it was just indirectly.

It was also a possibility.

Whether or not I could win was uncertain, but the fact that I could actually stand against a magical girl gave me hope.

That was why I couldn't help but feel good.

And then—

Blossom.

"...."

"Ah, your mood just dropped all of a sudden."

Ji-hye murmured as she looked at my face, so I waved my hand dismissively and turned to lie on my side.

Hayoon was a good person.

She cared about me, even though I didn't have many friends, and when we were in a dangerous situation last time, she stepped up to protect people.

That's why she's a magical girl, and that's why she's the protagonist.

She's strong, incredibly strong.

She's so perfect, dazzling to the point where you can't look away.

Well, even someone like her has feelings.

When people show they don't like her, she gets hurt, and she also feels burdened by others' expectations.

But still, when I look at her, I can't help but feel something.

It's jealousy.

The jealousy that no matter how hard I try, I can never be like her.

No matter how hard I study, I can't get the same grades, or even better grades, as her.

Despite studying less than me, Hayoon is always at the top of the class.

No matter how hard I try, I can't be as good as Hayoon.

Hayoon is the kind of person who would pick up trash on the street and throw it in the bin.

I wouldn't even think to look for that trash.

Hayoon is loved by everyone, and I'm the opposite.

When Hayoon speaks, it's always bold and admirable, but when I do it, it's seen as "showing off."

The more Hayoon is by my side, the more I feel an odd sense of "envy" in the way others look at me.

In reality, I'm the one who's envious.

I know that if I think like this, it'll only make me miserable, but I can't stop these thoughts.

Hayoon is great.

She's a really good friend, and I want to stay friends with her for a long time.

In about 10 years, I hope we can even drink together.

But still, I want to win.

Even though I know I can never win.

By any means possible.

Maybe when I was offered the suggestion, I accepted it because of these twisted feelings.

"…Haha."

At this rate, I'm no different from Iris.

Turning my body in the opposite direction, I chuckled to myself, and Ji-hye looked at me seriously and said:

"Ji-eun, maybe you should see a psychiatrist? If you're really worried, I can go with you."

I swatted her hand away from my forehead, giving her an incredulous look. Ji-hye chuckled.

She then got up and said:

"Should we listen to some music?"

"Sure. Play me a song."

The music CD Ji-hye played was the soundtrack from some space opera movie.

Although it was labeled as an OST, it wasn't the original soundtrack of a movie; it felt more like a collection of 20th-century hit songs.

But they say there's a reason why hit songs are hit songs, right?

The music playing was so lively that it lightened my mood a bit.

People really can read your thoughts.

I chuckled as I watched Ji-hye, sitting in my chair, trying to mimic the way I usually listen to music.

*

Winter break felt both long and short.

When I was working, I used to think it would be great to have a full month to relax, but now that I'm a student, the break felt way too short.

Then again, which vacation lasts forever?

Holidays are always over in the blink of an eye.

At least, it was a blessing, I guess.

The only hobbies I had were my smartphone and the CD player I found, so I didn't usually stay up late.

The battles were the same.

After the last base invasion, it seemed like the magical girls had gone into a bit of a reorganization phase, and their activity level dropped significantly.

The company, too, was barely moving, as if they were up to something shady.

For me, the monthly donation to the orphanage was a given, but I wondered if the other fighters were starting to get nervous.

I thought they were all temp workers, after all.

Anyway, no battles was good news for me.

It meant I didn't have a reason to be out late at night.

Thanks to that, when the break ended, I was in great condition for the first time in ages.

I exchanged goodbyes with Ji-hye as usual and walked slowly to the bus stop.

Hayoon was already there.

Both of us tend to leave for school a bit early, so there were only a few people waiting for the bus besides us.

Hayoon could easily take a car to school if she wanted to.

"Hey~"

I had worried she might have been pushing herself too hard after the last battle, but as soon as she saw me, Hayoon beamed and waved her hand.

Just seeing her smile was healing.

Who wouldn't like that smile?

Only people whose hearts are as twisted as mine wouldn't.

Not that I dislike it.

I gave her a slight wave back.

As I stood next to her, Hayoon spoke in a slightly disappointed tone.

"We didn't get to meet much during the break."

"…Yeah."

A brief silence passed after my short response.

It wasn't awkward.

This was just how our conversations usually went.

"There's a new bakery in the neighborhood. Want to check it out?"

Hayoon asked again.

"Sure, we can. Anyway, today's classes will end early."

I responded cheerfully, and Hayoon nodded enthusiastically with a big smile.

She still doesn't know…

Then again, since I was in my battle gear, there's no way she'd know.

I let out a soft sigh.

It was still cold, and my breath formed a white puff in the air.

Hayoon moved a little closer and stood next to me.

Our arms brushed against each other.

I thought the touch wouldn't be enough to transfer body heat, but I guess I was wrong.

By the time the bus arrived, I felt a little warmer.