Vol.3 Chapter 18

Yuna’s PoV

“I’ve had my staff call for her. She should be here any minute now,” Mr. Henderson, the school’s Dean of Student Affairs, said with a warm, practiced smile.

“Got it! Thanks again~ and sorry for all the trouble,” I replied, flashing him a quick, polite grin.

"Not at all! Your visit here is a great honor, and I'm delighted that you're interested in one of our students," he responded amicably.

“Hehe~ you praise me too much!” I said lightly, punctuating my words with a delicate smile.

As the conversation paused, I shifted slightly in the plush chair, the soft fabric of my skirt brushing against my legs as I surveyed the room.

Mr. Henderson's office was... overwhelming, to say the least. Mahogany bookshelves lined the walls, showcasing thick tomes that screamed prestige. The faint scent of leather filled the air, and I couldn't help but notice how everything felt curated—like a display meant to impress.

But then I felt it—that flicker of attention, the way his gaze slid over me when he thought I wasn’t looking. It was subtle, almost dismissive, but with perception as honed as mine, it was impossible to miss.

Can’t you be any more obvious? Have some restraint. You’re more than twice my age!

“Ahem,” he began, clearing his throat and leaning back slightly, as if to feign casualness. “You know, my daughter is a huge fan of Aurévo luxury items. She watches your commercials every time.”

Why do I get the feeling she’s not the only fan in the family?

A smile tugged at my lips—the appealing, practiced one I usually wore.

“That’s so sweet! I’m thrilled to hear she likes the designs. Aurévo means a lot to me—it's one of the very first brands I was sponsored by,” I said, adjusting my tone to be light and genuine despite my true feelings.

I continued making small talk about the campus, complimenting the school’s facilities and nodding appreciatively as he shared anecdotes about its accomplishments while we waited for Miss Katyusha to arrive. Beneath the surface, though, my thoughts ran in an entirely different direction.

Tsk! I can’t believe I’m going through all this trouble because of that girl.

She refused all our offers, no matter how good they were. Is she playing hard to get or something? Is she doing it on purpose, hoping that I'll notice her? Well, I can’t blame her; people would do everything just to get my attention, and I’m sure she’s no exception.

I wouldn’t go this far if it weren’t for her exceptional talent. There are even rumors that she is a protégé of Yuusha, or even Yuusha herself. Well, I doubt that. People often spread misinformation online for the sake of gaining clout, creating drama, or increasing views.

But after seeing her face off against Murasame, one thing is crystal clear: this girl is the real deal. And I’ll do whatever it takes to bring her to our side.

The sharp tone of Mr. Henderson's intercom buzzed through the room, cutting through our conversation. His assistant’s voice followed, calm and professional, yet tinged with a sense of urgency.

“Dean Henderson, Miss Katyusha has arrived. She’s waiting in the lobby.”

“Let her in,” Mr. Henderson replied with a steady voice.

Phew, finally! Took her long enough.

Well, it looks like it’s time to bring my A-game and make a favorable impression on the girl.

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With a deep breath, I raised my hand and knocked softly on the door marked Dean of Student Affairs. The sound seemed to echo faintly in the quiet corridor, amplifying the anticipation bubbling in my chest. I adjusted my posture, smoothing my jacket before stepping inside.

“You called for me, Dean Henderson?” My voice came out steady, though my curiosity was already piqued. Why was I summoned here, of all places?

The office was spacious yet intimate, lit by warm-toned lamps that cast a cozy glow over the mahogany furnishings.

My gaze flitted from the imposing bookshelf laden with thick, leather-bound books to the large desk that dominated the room. But what truly caught my attention was not the office decor—it was the girl inside the Dean’s office.

Sitting elegantly in one of the guest chairs was a girl, and the moment I laid eyes on her, my world seemed to come to a halt.

Who is this cute girl? Her charm is off the charts! If Clarissa hadn’t trained me to withstand such cuteness, I would have squealed shamelessly on the spot, my image be dammed!

Is she a student, too? But, if someone as cute as this were in our school, I’m sure everyone would be talking about her by now.

Dean Henderson broke the silence, his voice calm but tinged with importance.

“Miss Katyusha, you have a guest,” he said, gesturing towards the charming girl.

She rose gracefully and approached me, extending her hands to clasp mine in a warm and welcoming gesture. I noticed that she was a bit shorter than me, and as our eyes met, her face lit up with an unmistakable brightness, and for a brief moment, I felt my pulse quicken.

“Hi~ hi~! Katherine, right? It’s so nice to finally meet you in person!”

Her voice carried an engaging warmth, complemented by a playful, melodic tone that perfectly suited her radiant demeanor. She shook my hand confidently, her enthusiasm evident in the way she held it with both of her own.

“Pardon me, but… who might you be?” I asked hesitantly.

Her reaction was instantaneous. She looked at me as though she couldn’t fathom that I didn’t recognize her.

Wait, why is she that shocked? Is she a childhood friend or something? No, that’s impossible! I didn’t have any close friends back then… which is a bit depressing now that I think about it.

Then who could she be? She does look familiar. As I recall correctly, she said that, ‘It's nice to finally meet you in person.’ So, is she perhaps a fan of mine from the tournament back then? I do receive those kinds of greetings from time to time.

Regaining her composure, she removed her hoodie, allowing her features to come into full view—a moment that revealed an irresistible charm almost too much for me to handle! With a radiant smile, she effortlessly lit up the space around her.

“Ahem! I’m Eun-ha Kang, from Atelier~. Most people just call me by my in-game name, Yuna. Nice to meet you~!”

That name hit me like a jolt of electricity. Oh! So that’s why she looks familiar.

“So now you recognize me!” she exclaimed, a delighted smile lighting up her face.

It must’ve been obvious from my expression, despite my best efforts to keep my emotions in check. What does an Andartha’s Cup champion want with me, though? From what Liz told me about her, she’s essentially a celebrity and the most famous streamer at the moment.

“Tehee~ I’m surprised it took you this long to recognize me,” she teased. “We played in several matches in the Andartha Cup. Our team even won the entire tournament!”

Her words carried an air of accomplishment, and rightfully so since it was a huge feat. Their team is currently the strongest in the world, a dream for millions of CoA players to achieve. Many players probably worship her by now.

I nodded, trying to mask the fact that I hadn’t watched a single game in the AC. That particular detail wasn’t something she needed to know.

“…Sorry. I’m not very good at recognizing faces.” I made up a white lie. Well, it’s not entirely false either since I’m really bad at names.

“That’s perfectly fine! Don’t worry about it,” she replied cheerfully, waving her hands dismissively as if to ease any discomfort I might have felt.

“But what does a title holder want with me?” I ask curiously.

Her eyes sparkled as she straightened up slightly.

“Let’s talk somewhere a little more… private,” she said with a playful wink that sent my heart racing.

That’s dangerous! Good thing I’m a woman—if I were a guy, I’d probably be flatlining right about now.

Yuna turned toward Dean Henderson with a radiant smile.

“Thanks again, Mr. Henderson! I’ll take it from here—see you later~!” she said cheerfully, waving as she made her way toward the exit.

I blinked, still processing the sudden turn of events. Follow you? I don’t recall agreeing to this yet. She’s even more assertive than Liz.

I turned my attention to Dean Henderson, who appeared as though he wanted to say something further. However, before he could speak, Yuna had already left the room.

I gave the Dean a polite bow and excused myself, recognizing that the purpose of my presence here seemed entirely tied to her.

The door shut softly behind me, and as I stepped into the reception area, I saw her further ahead. Her stride was confident yet unhurried.

She reached into her bag and pulled out a sleek facemask, slipping it on with effortless precision. Once it was in place, she flipped up the hood of her jacket, the oversized fabric practically swallowing her face in shadows. The change was subtle but kind of fascinating—her whole vibe shifted, going from bright and approachable to mysterious and low-key.

Honestly, I get it. She probably didn’t want to draw any unnecessary attention, especially if it might cause trouble for the school. But why is she in such a hurry to leave, though?

I tailed a few steps behind, watching as she exited the receptionist's room. She stopped outside the room and turned her head slightly, waiting just long enough to make sure I was following before continuing down the hallway, easily blending in with the other students.

I sped up to catch up with her. People gave us a few curious glances—she’s got that kind of vibe that naturally draws attention—but luckily, no one stopped us. Once I was close enough, I cleared my throat and finally asked what had been bugging me since earlier.

“Alright, so... what do you want?” My voice was firm, but I couldn’t mask the curiosity creeping in. It wasn’t every day someone like her showed up out of the blue.

Is she here to recruit me or something? But if that’s the case, why didn’t they just send a regular representative instead of her taking the effort to meet me in person?

“Oh, nothing much~,” she said with a light shrug. “I’m just taking a little tour since we got some vacation time after our big win. My teammates are spending theirs with their families, but I wanted to do something different—travel, explore, you know?” Her tone, muffled a bit by the face mask she wore, was casual, almost conversational.

“I happened to pass by here and remembered that your school was located here, so I thought, why not stop by?” she continued.

I get it now. Makes sense. There’s no way someone like her would go out of her way just to see me. She probably figured out where to find me because of the sponsorship logos our school forced us to wear during the tournament.

“You watched the Champion’s Brawl?” I asked, unable to hide a hint of curiosity.

“Well, not live, but Aoi-senpai mentioned that you’re exceptionally talented. Considering how rarely she praises her opponents, I just had to see your match for myself. Honestly, I was so impressed that you managed to give our ace such a hard time! I’ve become a fan and have been wanting to meet you ever since~,” she replied enthusiastically.

“I see,” I replied neutrally, unsure of how to properly respond to the unexpected compliment.

She didn’t seem to mind my lack of reaction, though. Flashing her usual bright smile, she clasped her hands together and leaned in slightly.

“That’s why I'd like you to accompany me for just a short while today. I really want to get to know you more~!” she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Her request caught me completely off guard. I hesitated, my mind racing to come up with a response.

Before I could stammer out an excuse, she leaned closer, tilting her head slightly as she gazed up at me with an expression so undeniably cute that it should have been illegal.

“Pleeeeaase?” she begged, her voice lilting in an almost sing-song tone.

Ack! This is the second time I almost died of a heart attack today! Curse it, she’s exploiting my greatest weakness, the power of cuteness. I don’t stand a chance!

“…Alright, just for a bit,” I crumbled under the overwhelming pressure.

Good thing my classes just wrapped up, so her timing couldn’t be any better. Wait... did she plan this? Nah, I’m probably overthinking it.

“Yay~! Thank you! I promise it’ll be super fun!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands together excitedly.

“So... Where do you plan to go?” I asked inquiringly.

“Hmm…” She tapped her finger to her chin, her gaze drifting upward as she fell silent in thought. After a long pause, her face lit up with realization.

“Is there an arcade nearby?” she asked, tilting her head slightly as she met my gaze.

My thoughts drifted to the time I had gone shopping with Liz near our college. I distinctly recalled passing by an arcade in that vicinity—one of those vintage establishments that seemed preserved in a bygone era. However, her choice left me pondering. Why would she opt for an arcade?

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YOU LOSE*

The arcade's merciless announcement resonated, mocking me with its unrelenting finality.

"Yay! Another win for me~!" Yuna’s jubilant voice, which is slightly muffled by her face mask, poured salt in my wound.

Five losses in a row... Five! How was this even possible? My mind raced, grappling with the sheer absurdity of my consistent defeat.

After agreeing to Yuna’s request, I took her to this arcade station—a relic from a bygone era when arcade cabinets were the crown jewels of gaming. Thankfully, there aren’t many people here since arcades are extremely old-school.

I’m fairly certain the owner here is an avid arcade enthusiast, given that this place is still operational. That or this whole place is just a front for laundering schemes.

I’d never claimed to be a pro at fighting games, but I wasn’t a complete novice either. Yet, here I was, repeatedly bested by Yuna in the classic arcade game ‘Boulevard Fighter 5’.

Despite my mounting frustration, I had to admit that she was incredible. Every time I attempted a combo, she anticipated my every move with precision. She’s really just that good. Well, she is an AC champion after all, so I shouldn’t be surprised by her game sense.

“That last match was close, though! You’re improving so fast! I don’t think I could keep winning against you like this!” she said, her tone light with genuine admiration as she racked up another victory.

“…Another one!” I said, failing to hide my emotions.

I’m getting a bit too competitive again after losing so much. Honestly, each loss felt like battling an unbeatable boss, but I was constantly adapting to her movements and attack patterns. I could feel myself getting closer to beating her, though. I’m fairly certain the next game will finally be the one where I win against her.

“Alright~, but let’s elevate the stakes this round~,” she said, her tone light yet thoughtful.

I tilted my head curiously for her to elaborate.

Yuna’s eyes gleamed with a playful edge as she leaned in slightly. “How about this: the winner earns the right to give the loser a single command. Nothing too outrageous, of course. It’ll make the challenge far more exciting, don’t you think?”

I paused for a moment, mulling over her idea. She’s the leader of the Atelier guild, so winning could mean securing a favor from her—something that could greatly benefit our guild.

This time, though, I felt confident. I’d been studying her attack patterns and habits the whole time. There was no way I was going to lose this round. All I had to do was enter the zone.

“So, what do you say? Don’t tell me you’re chickening out~,” she teased, flashing a playful grin.

“…You’re on. Don’t forget the bet when you lose,” I said, leaning forward and locking eyes with her.

Time to show her what happens when I get completely serious.

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PLAYER ONE WINS! *

YOU LOSE! *

The arcade system blared in bold, unapologetic letters across the screen, the flashing lights only adding insult to injury. I stared at the screen, momentarily frozen as the weight of yet another loss sank in.

I lost to her... again…

Are you kidding me right now?! She was clearly holding back our previous matches, just letting me think I had a shot, when in reality, I never stood a chance when she got completely serious. How did I miss the sly mastermind hiding beneath all that cheerful energy? Honestly, it’s quite impressive —and slightly terrifying.

I guess she wouldn’t have gotten as far as she has without some serious wits, so I shouldn’t be too surprised.

“Tehee~! Looks like I won!” she chimed, all cheerful and bubbly, as if she hadn’t planned the whole thing from the start.

“How… how are you this good?” I blurted out, still trying to process my defeat.

Yuna leaned back slightly, her cheerful grin never faltering.

“Hmm… well, back when I was a kid, I used to sneak out a lot to an arcade near our mansion. I went there all the time,” she said casually, as though sneaking out was an entirely ordinary part of childhood.

It was just a question on a whim, but her answer piqued my curiosity. Why does she need to sneak out? Can’t she just ask her parents for permission?

“Are your parents strict?” I asked, unable to hold back my curiosity any longer.

The question lingered between us, and for a brief moment, I noticed her expression shift slightly—something unreadable flickering behind her cheerful demeanor.

“Yes, they were always focused on the importance of academics, to the extent that there were no gaming consoles or even gadgets in my room so that I would focus on my studies and inheriting the company,” she admitted with a strained smile.

“Between my home tutors and endless study sessions, as well as etiquette, dance, and instrument lessons, among other things, there wasn’t much room for anything fun. So, I used to sneak out whenever I could. Thankfully, my parents are seldom home, and my nanny never reported it to them whenever I got caught,” she continued, her smile growing small and almost nostalgic.

What kind of Spartan upbringing is that?! I know that there are parents who are strict with their children, but that’s on a whole other level! It must have been tough to deal with such rigid rules and expectations.

“Looking back, I think that’s how I developed my passion for video games,” she continued thoughtfully.

Just as I was mulling over her words, her expression shifted. Her bright demeanor quickly returned, as if she’d suddenly realized the mood had gotten too heavy.

“Oops, too gloomy, huh?” she said with a sheepish laugh, rubbing the back of her neck as if she were brushing away the moment.

“It’s fine,” I replied, shaking my head lightly to reassure her.

But before I could dwell on it further, her mischievous grin reappeared, lighting up her face like a warning signal.

“Still…” she began, her tone playful, “don’t think I’ve forgotten our agreement! Now you have to grant me a wish~.”

Ah, right... the agreement. It was entirely my fault for falling into her carefully laid trap and letting myself get swept up in her rhythm. Yet, even as the weight of defeat settled in, I couldn’t help but admit—despite everything—I’d truly enjoyed myself.

Losing to her hadn’t been nearly as frustrating as I had expected. On the contrary, the challenge of defeating her had been thrilling, like going toe-to-toe with a formidable nightmare difficulty boss that left me eager for just one more round until I finally won.

“Alright… lay it on me,” I said, accepting my fate. Besides, if her request is truly troublesome, I could always refuse her.

“Hie-hie~! It’s nothing too bad. I just want you to be my guide while I’m here! You know, show me around, help me explore the city! It’s only for a couple of days. And of course, it won’t interfere with your classes—I’ll wait until you’re done for the day,” she added with a sly grin.

“You want me to accompany you while you’re staying here?” I blinked, momentarily taken aback.

“Yup!” she chirped, her tone cheerful as ever. “You live here, so you know all the best spots, right? Think of it as a fun little adventure. Besides, I don’t want to get lost or waste time looking up places when I can just follow you!”

Honestly, I thought she was going to try to recruit me into her organization or something equally as complicated, which I would have adamantly refused. But this? This sounded harmless enough.

“Well… I guess I can do that,” I said slowly, nodding as I considered her request.

“Yes! I knew you’d agree~!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing in place.

It was such a charmingly cute gesture that it made me instantly glad I accepted her request.

After wrapping up at the arcade, we stepped out into the cool evening air, letting the city's bustling energy wash over us. The vibrant lights from nearby shops and street vendors made everything feel alive, almost magical.

“Alright, first stop: souvenirs,” Yuna announced, scanning the street with bright eyes. “Something cool and unique! Got any ideas where to find one?”

“Sure, I know a place,” I nodded, glancing at her as we walked.

I took her to a spot where Liz, Lenna, and I had gone shopping before. I wouldn’t call myself an expert on all the best tourist spots—since I’m not exactly the outgoing type—but living here for a few months has given me some ideas.

Still, I couldn’t help but feel uncertain about whether I was up to the task of giving a celebrity like her a good time.

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Yuna’s PoV

The taxi rolled to a stop in front of the grand entrance of the 5-star hotel where I was staying. As I stepped out, the air was cool against my skin, carrying with it the faint hum of life outside the hotel.

A doorman in a crisp uniform greeted me with a practiced smile, his movements polished and precise as he opened the door.

I nodded politely and stepped into the lobby, where a wave of calm washed over me. The scent of fresh lilies mingled with polished wood, and the faint sound of soft classical music played in the background.

Every detail, from the marble floors to the glittering chandelier overhead, seemed designed to exude elegance. A member of the hotel staff approached me swiftly, bowing slightly before offering to escort me to my suite.

Minutes later, I thanked him cheerfully as I arrived at my own place. The door to my suite clicked shut behind me as he gave a respectful bow in return.

I exhaled deeply, slipping off my heels as I made my way to the plush king-sized bed at the center of the room. The weight of the day seemed to settle on my shoulders as I sank into the soft mattress while staring up at the tastefully adorned ceiling.

The hotel suite was exquisite, yet at this moment, all its luxury barely registered.

Today’s events replayed in my mind on a loop. That girl—she was unlike anyone I’d met before. Peculiar in the most unexpected ways, yet there was something about her presence that was oddly soothing.

It was as if, in her company, I could let my guard down in a way I never had before. Somehow, I’d found myself sharing snippets of my past with her—things I rarely spoke of with anyone.

I turned onto my side, clutching a pillow to my chest as I mulled over the interaction. Still, I didn’t expect it would be this... fun. A faint smile tugged at my lips as I recalled her calm and straightforward demeanor.

Is this what it feels like to hang out with a friend after school? I never had that experience—not a real one, anyway. Being homeschooled meant my world was built around rigorous lessons and expectations. And as for friends? I’d never had the chance. Most people my age were rivals, competitors in the relentless race for success.

I shook my head, dismissing the thought before it could settle.

Focus, Eun-ha Kang. Remember why you’re here.

I sat up, brushing a hand through my hair as if to physically clear my mind. You’re here to win her over, to recruit her into the organization—not to indulge in the idea of friendship.

Although I’m not sure I made much progress, given how calm and unruffled she is. Even though I’d approached her with the same charm that had won over countless others, she remained calm and unaffected. I hadn’t expected that. My charisma had always worked, regardless of who I was speaking to—but with her? It was as if I’d hit an unshakable wall.

Am I doing something wrong?  No, I was certain I hadn’t misplayed my hands. In fact, I’d gone above and beyond—saying and doing things I usually wouldn’t, hoping to elicit even the faintest reaction. And yet, she remained unruffled, aside from occasional flickers of emotion.

I do know she’s quite competitive, though. Maybe I should take her to the arcade again?

I softly closed my eyes, willing myself to focus on tomorrow’s strategy.