Chapter 69: Chapter 69 - The Sin of Being Clueless

"Uh? I’m not someone who gets drunk easily... why do you ask?"

I was caught off guard when she suddenly asked if I got drunk easily. It didn’t seem like the question you'd ask right after meeting someone.

I looked at her, silently asking why, and Alice answered with a smile.

"Actually, I reserved a restaurant that serves a famous liquor. The alcohol content is a bit strong, so I was just checking."

"Oh, I see."

So she ordered expensive liquor but wanted to make sure it wasn’t wasted if I couldn’t handle alcohol.

"Well, I do like drinking, so I don’t get drunk that easily. Though, I wouldn’t say I never get drunk... I guess I’m about average?"

If I were transformed into a magical girl, I wouldn’t get drunk at all. But in my normal state, I do get drunk. After all, there’s no point in drinking if you don’t feel it.

"Really? Then that’s a relief! I’m about the same."

There wasn’t much about Alice’s drinking habits in the original manga, so I wasn’t sure how well she handled it. Turns out Alice was average too.

Come to think of it, I thought I knew everything about these main characters, but there’s still so much I don’t know. There are many things you can't find out unless you talk to them directly.

That’s probably why I didn’t notice Ha-Yeon’s shifting feelings either.

"Shall we go eat now? I’m starving."

"Sure. I’m hungry too, so let’s hurry."

Since it was a weekday evening, we decided just to chat and have a casual dinner before parting ways.

Alice had already told me she’d be covering the entire meal. Even when I offered to split the bill, she insisted it was her treat, saying she didn’t want me to feel burdened.

Alice indeed makes more money than I do, but still, it doesn’t feel right to let her pay. I should treat her next time.

The place Alice took me was a fancy Japanese restaurant. As soon as we entered, a server, who had been waiting, guided us to a private room.

It was very quiet, and the room seemed well soundproofed—perfect for a private dinner for two... But this place looked way too expensive. How much is she planning to spend on one meal?

"Alice, I’m just curious..."

"Don’t ask about the price. I don’t want Ms. Hye-Rim to feel burdened over things like this."

Alice interrupted me as if she already knew what I was going to say.

"The best way you can make me happy is by enjoying this without any worries. It wouldn’t feel right if the person I’m treating felt uncomfortable, would it?"

"Yeah, you’re right."

She spoke with calm certainty, so I decided not to press the issue.

That's true, if you go out of your way to buy someone an expensive meal and they spend the whole time feeling awkward, it would only make things uncomfortable. I could relate since I’ve had that experience myself.

Once we sat down, the food was promptly served, having been prepared in advance. Just as I was about to start eating, Alice lifted the sake bottle and said,

"This is the liquor I ordered earlier. It’s pricey, but I didn’t want to drink it alone, so I thought it’d be nice to share with you."

"Are you sure it’s okay to drink such a special liquor with me? Shouldn’t you save it for someone more important?"

Someone like Shin Chul-Min, for example.

I didn’t say that last part, but Alice shook her head.

"That’s why I want to drink it with you, Ms. Hye-Rim. I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone else."

"...Am I really that special?"

"Of course! You’re the only person I go out of my way to spend time with."

She poured me a drink, smiling shyly. Though her words gave me a strange feeling, I decided to ignore them.

What was that? Something felt off about what Alice just said, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint why.

Oh well. If the world’s most famous magical girl idol sees me as special, I guess I’ll take it as a good thing.

"Ms. Hye-Rim, I’ve been curious about something."

"Hmm?"

"I’ve been really into dating recently, so I was wondering... Have you ever been in a relationship? Or are you seeing someone now?"

Alice, her face slightly flushed, brought up the question during our meal.

Oh, finally, we’re getting into the main characters' love lives! This is clearly a relationship talk.

"You asking that means there’s someone you like, doesn’t it?"

"Ah, hehe... Yes, there is."

Alice scratched her head, embarrassed. She’s probably thinking about Shin Chul-Min right now.Her expression, like a girl deeply in love, was adorable.

Yes, this is what I’ve been waiting for. To witness this innocent love bloom around the protagonist.

"To answer your question, I’ve never been in a relationship. And I’m not seeing anyone now, either."

"Really? You, Ms. Hye-Rim?"

Alice looked genuinely surprised by my answer.

"I always thought you’d have dated several people by now. Aren’t you really popular?"

"Popular? Nah. If anything, more people are scared of me."

Of course, it’s true, I’m popular with the general public.

But that’s because they don’t really know me. The people who genuinely like me only care about my looks and achievements.

Those who know me well don’t even make eye contact with me, especially heroes.

Alice was like that at first too.

"Since I’ve never dated, I don’t have any stories or advice to share. Sorry."

"No, it’s actually helpful."

"...Huh?"

"It’s a relief, honestly. Thanks for answering."

A relief?

...Why? Why does she seem so happy to know I’ve never dated?

Is it because she’s glad to find out that I’m a "relationship newbie" too, thinking, “Well, if she hasn’t dated either, then I guess I’m fine”?

For the record, it’s not that I couldn’t date—I just haven’t. There are even famous celebrities who’ve expressed interest in me. I’ve just turned them all down.

"Ms. Hye-Rim, the person I like... is super popular."

"Really?"

Well, Shin Chul-Min is definitely popular. Even though Ha-Yeon doesn’t like him, plenty of other heroes are into him.

"There are so many people after them, so it feels like it’d be difficult for me to win them over. If you were in my shoes, what would you do?"

"They say love is something you have to fight for. You should go for it!"

"Hehe, right? That’s exactly what I think too. I’m not planning to lose to anyone else."

Alice’s smile grew even brighter, clearly agreeing with me.

In the original story, Alice was known for being subtly but aggressively proactive, even when pretending not to be. She probably would’ve gone after them anyway.

I didn’t expect her to bring up this topic with me, but it was the perfect opportunity. I’d been meaning to ask her about Ha-Yeon.

"Hey, Alice, I’ve been wondering about something."

"Yes? What is it?"

"Since we’re on the subject of romance... Do you happen to know if Ha-Yeon likes someone?"

"...Ha-Yeon?"

"Yeah. I was sure she liked Shin Chul-Min, but it turns out she doesn’t. I was wondering if you knew who she likes..."

"I’m not really sure."

Alice cut me off, her voice suddenly colder. The bright energy she had just moments ago seemed to dim.Hmm? Her response seemed genuine, but there was something strange about it.

Even though her reaction felt off, I decided to drop the subject.

"Really? That’s too bad. I was really curious."

"Haha, I see. Unfortunately, I have no idea where Ms. Ha-Yeon’s heart lies. Oh, Ms. Hye-Rim! Let’s toast! Have some more sake."

Alice offered more sake and food, shifting the conversation away from romance. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, nonetheless, I raised my glass.

I lied to Ms. Hye-Rim. Actually, I’m good with alcohol. No matter how much I drink, I can handle it and stay perfectly sober.

So, even after drinking this strong sake I ordered, I was still completely clear-headed.

Meanwhile, how was Ms. Hye-Rim doing?

“Mmm...”

Her face was flushed, and her eyes were half-closed, clearly tipsy. Good. This is exactly the situation I wanted. I got up from my seat and moved to sit beside her. Then, I gently rested her head on my shoulder.

“Ms. Hye-Rim, are you tired?”

“Yeah... sorry, I guess this drink is stronger than I thought,” she mumbled in a small, cute voice.

Strong, huh? This was exactly why I chose this drink. You don’t feel its effects right away, but when it hits, it hits hard. You think you’re fine and keep drinking, but all at once, it knocks you out.

“I think... I should head home now.”

“No, Ms. Hye-Rim. Just rest here for a little while. If you try to move now, you might stumble.”

I lightly pressed her shoulder, keeping her head resting on my shoulder as I spoke softly.

“It’s fine to stay here late. I’ve already reserved this room, so you can rest for a bit. Just... take a little nap.”

I infused my last words with a subtle magical influence, something Ms. Hye-Rim had taught me. It’s a spell that makes the listener do as you say. It’s not as powerful as hypnotism in a manga, but it works well on someone already tipsy like her.

As soon as I finished speaking, her eyes slowly closed. I watched her as I gently stroked her hair.

“Honestly, Ms. Hye-Rim, you’re being unfair. How could you bring up someone else when it’s just the two of us?” Earlier, when Ms. Hye-Rim mentioned Ms. Ha-Yeon, I felt a pang in my chest.

She thought Ms. Ha-Yeon liked Shin Chul-Min? There's no way. The one Ms. Ha-Yeon likes is Ms. Hye-Rim, who’s now sleeping on my shoulder. And the person I said I liked? That’s also you, Ms. Hye-Rim.

“You probably never imagined I was talking about you,” I whispered, but even so, I had to say it. It’s hard to hold back these feelings without letting them out. I gently poked her cheek as she slept, breathing softly. Her soft skin was so delicate against my fingertips. She looked so adorable even while asleep.

Though she usually seems strong and capable, when she sleeps, she’s just a beautiful, fragile woman. No wonder so many people want her.

I’m well aware of Ms. Hye-Rim’s popularity. Aside from knowing Ms. Ha-Yeon likes her, I’ve heard many stories while working in the entertainment industry. Like how a popular male actor who appeared with us on a variety show liked Ms. Hye-Rim and even confessed to her privately, only to be rejected. I’d overheard conversations like that during breaks.

“I can’t let those people take you away.” If I stay passive, someone else will eventually steal her away. Ms. Hye-Rim even said it herself: love is something you have to fight for.

If tomorrow were a weekend and I didn’t have work, I might’ve taken her to a nearby motel right now. Making it official is one way to secure what you want. I know it’s a dirty, underhanded method, but I’m the type who’ll do whatever it takes to get what I want.

“As much as I want to hold defenseless Ms. Hye-Rim close... I’ll have a little fun first.”

Yes, this is her punishment for bringing up someone else in front of me. Since she didn’t consider my feelings, a playful prank should be fine, right?

I pulled a pen from my handbag. At first, I thought about drawing something cute on her face, but that would be too obvious, and it’d be bad if others saw it.

So, I decided to do it somewhere less noticeable. Where would that be?

“Yeah, I’ll draw on her belly.”

It’s the perfect spot—somewhere hidden where it won’t cause any issues.

T/N: wdf alice thats messed up