I Became a Villain's Hero

TL/Editor: raei

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"Did you meet Soo-yeon?"

Han Yoo-jung, who stilled for a moment, didn't even look at me as she answered.

"...No?"

"..."

She put a pot full of water on the stove and waited for it to boil.

She still wouldn't look at me, as if something was pricking her conscience.

"...Han Yoo-jung."

When I called her name, she shuddered and bowed her head.

I told her,

"...I told you not to do anything unnecessary."

"..."

"If you keep this up, I'll have no choice but to lock you up in prison again."

"..."

"Stop trying to get between me and Soo-yeon."

"..."

A long silence followed. I just waited for her to nod in agreement.

Then, the water began to boil, and bubbles formed as the salt was added.

Spurred by the sound of boiling water, Han Yoo-jung took a deep breath and said firmly,

"...I don't know what you're talking about."

She spits out the exact opposite of what I wanted to hear.

"Why would I meet Luna? Why are you suddenly bringing that up?"

"Black bean noodles-"

"-I made black bean noodles because I wanted to eat it. If it reminds you of Luna, isn't that because of the lingering feelings you have for her?"

"........"

Han Yoo-jung firmly denied it.

To the point where even I was confused.

Scratching the back of my head, I sighed.

Am I being too sensitive?

After all, I had been fighting with Solace all day, so my mood wasn't exactly great.

Had I unknowingly taken out my frustration without appreciating her effort in making the food?

"...Anyway, let's stop this nonsense."

I concluded the situation and took a seat.

Han Yoo-jung glanced over her shoulder at me and then focused back on boiling the noodles.

The sound of cooking filled the kitchen.

Again, memories with Song Soo-yeon came flooding back.

'...It's edible now.'

It felt like I could even hear her voice.

"...Heh."

I laughed without realizing it.

Recalling like this, it was kind of nice.

-Click.

Han Yoo-jung placed the black bean noodles in front of me.

Yellow noodles, black sauce mixed with various vegetables, topped with cucumber.

"...Eat, Gyeom."

Lost in memories, I asked,

"Do you have vinegar?"

"............Yes."

I took the vinegar she handed me and lightly drizzled it over my black bean noodles.

Even this small action was filled with memories.

Initially, Song Soo-yeon, who had disliked this habit of mine, eventually started to sprinkle vinegar on her black bean noodles as well.

When my habit transferred to her, it felt like we had built an unspoken bond.

"Does it taste better that way?"

Han Yoo-jung asked.

I shrugged my shoulders without answering.

Soon after, Han Yoo-jung followed my example, just like Song Soo-yeon would have.

We continued our meal like that.

---

---

"So?"

After finishing the meal, Han Yoo-jung asked me.

I chewed my food quietly, not understanding her question.

"Gyeom, so?"

"So what?"

"...How are things progressing?"

Maybe because she's deeply involved too?

She was curious about the situation.

There was no reason not to answer, so I did, also to let her know about the time she had left.

"...I plan to finish it within two weeks."

I have a promise to the association.

To hand over villains weekly.

Since I handed over Liquid today, I've bought one week.

Next week, if I hand over Riem, I'll have bought another week.

And during that time, if I can catch Tryno, everything will be concluded.

Han Yoo-jung nodded slowly, but I could see the sadness beginning to settle in her.

Then she asked,

"...Then, when are you going to hand me over?"

"..."

My chopsticks paused.

Yes, I had to hand over Han Yoo-jung too.

I knew it, but my heart became unsettled.

I felt a sense of relief when I handed over Stingshot, Liquid, and others.

But why does the thought of handing her over not bring the same feeling?

Because I came to know her circumstances?

Because it was pitiful how she struggled?

Because I knew she acted for my sake?

...I don't know.

So, I avoided her question about when I was going to hand her over.

"...."

"...."

She didn't press the unanswered question either.

She just changed the subject to continue the conversation.

"...Did you find any trace of Tryno?"

"..."

I didn't answer this question either.

Because I hadn't found him.

There was no need to let her know this fact.

Tryno had vanished like a mirage.

Of course, I still would find him within the two weeks, but it was still frustrating.

All that bravado, and now he's run away.

A petty criminal remains at the level of a petty criminal, after all.

My silence seemed to have been enough of an answer for her.

She showed a small smile, as if relieved.

It seemed because of my impending surrender.

The moment Tryno is caught, not only will our complicated relationship come to an end, but I will also end up in prison.

Spending time together becomes increasingly awkward.

It feels like a burden is constantly being placed on my heart.

I finished my meal and stood up.

I declared the end of our conversation.

"...Go rest inside. I'll do the dishes."

I took Han Yoo-jung's empty dish along with mine to the sink.

She did cook, but her still-healing wounds weighed on my mind.

I didn't want to see her forcing herself to do the dishes.

"Gyeom..."

"Go."

"..."

I turned on the water and began to clean up.

I gathered all the pots and pans she had used in one place.

Then, Han Yoo-jung hugged me tightly from behind.

The warmth of a person spread through my back.

I asked,

"...What are you doing?"

"....."

Taking shallow breaths, Han Yoo-jung whispered,

"...There are only two weeks left."

"..."

"...Just this once, Gyeom. I...want to experience this. For as long as I can..."

She was bracing herself for the maximum sentence.

"..."

But the more she did this, the more uncomfortable it became.

The idea of spending a lifetime in prison felt increasingly heavy.

Perhaps Han Yoo-jung was as lonely as I was.

If there's a difference between Han Yoo-jung and me...maybe it's that I was at least a little happy with Song Soo-yeon and Min-Bom.

I should be angry at such behavior...but I'm not.

I'm frustrated because I can't understand my own feelings.

Han Yoo-jung said,

"...Just once more... I'll be the bad one just one more time..."

"..."

Instead of answering, I turned on the water.

And then I started doing the dishes.

Han Yoo-jung stuck to me, no matter how I moved.

She wouldn't let go, as if trying to engrave this day in her memory after having only watched me from afar for so long.

When I was halfway through the dishes, she said,

"...I wish I could have become close to you normally."

"..."

".........I wish I could have received the love Luna did."

I turned off the water.

".....Haaa."

I let out a sigh unconsciously and closed my eyes tightly.

I put down the sponge and held onto the sink to support myself.

I keep seeing my own reflection in her.

It felt like my strength was continually being drained.

Today was especially harsh on me.

Fighting with Solace.

Recalling Song Soo-yeon.

Feeling pity for Han Yoo-jung.

Han Yoo-jung continued,

"........Gyeom, you probably know this but..."

"......."

".....I love you."

"..........."

"....I just... wanted to say that."

I couldn't respond at all.

It would have been the same for anyone in my place.

Afterward, Han Yoo-jung detached herself from me.

And then she slowly left.

Her footsteps faded away.

But even after she had left, I remained frozen in place for a long time.

Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om