Adjusting the Gangster Male Lead’s Intensity [Novel] Chapter 33

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 33

Chapter Title: Dodgeball Pairings

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As soon as she arrived at the gym, Yi-hae Baek spotted a crowd of boys gathered together. Right in the center, as expected, were Do-gyeom Seo and Eun-seol Yeo. Seeing them like that gave her a strange feeling.

Do-gyeom probably had no choice but to stick by Eun-seol since she kept following him around.

He looks so annoyed.

Judging from how he usually wandered alone, he didn't seem to like crowds. Must be a real hassle for him.

Then Yi-hae made eye contact with Do-gyeom. His gaze was subtly different from usual.

Yeah, he must be wondering why I'm suddenly hanging out with these guys. Totally baffled.

He'd never suspect it was because of him. Do-gyeom didn't strike her as the quick-on-the-uptake type anyway.

"Everyone here? We're doing dodgeball today, so pair up in twos. No whining like elementary kids—no 'I don't wanna' excuses."

The gym teacher said it all with a face full of annoyance, waving his hand lazily. But the students, used to it, sprang into action quickly.

Usually, people paired with their usual buddies or someone they liked.

Do-gyeom was heading straight for Yi-hae as if it was the most natural thing. His eyes were fixed on her so obviously that even Jang Seul-gi and the other girls were staring.

Does he do this on purpose?

He had to be either the type who ignored everyone around him or just completely oblivious—one or the other.

Pairing with Do-gyeom would be easy for Yi-hae. But she couldn't risk getting kicked out of the group before figuring out Jang Seul-gi's personality.

"Eun-seol! Pair with me!"

"Huh? Me?"

Eun-seol was smiling at another girl's invitation but looked surprised.

Do-gyeom's face twisted into a scowl. He strode over, leaning down to glare at Yi-hae.

"Why are you pairing with her?"

No, I'm displeased. Displeased! With your attitude!

But Yi-hae couldn't say it outright. Instead, she flashed a smooth smile.

"Even at school?"

Her voice was soft, of course. Just to avoid any misunderstandings from the others.

"I wanna date someone too. I like handsome guys, so go pair with someone else. How about Seul-gi over there? She doesn't have a partner yet."

Yi-hae glanced at Jang Seul-gi as she spoke, and the quick-witted girl smiled shyly. She instinctively knew Yi-hae was recommending her to Do-gyeom.

But whether Jang Seul-gi's face flushed or not, Do-gyeom kept staring piercingly at Yi-hae, making it awkward for everyone.

His gaze stung so much she seriously pondered what to do, when he asked, puzzled,

"Why date her?"

"Huh?"

"I'm more handsome."

She almost said, When did I— but clamped her mouth shut. Come to think of it, her loose lips might have caused this.

His looks are definitely more my type than Eun-seol's.

Yi-hae shook her head to clear her mind and patted his shoulder. She tried to sound casual.

"That's different from this. Even if you say no, to me, you're like family."

"You're tricky."

Do-gyeom frowned. Then he muttered under his breath.

"Just like my error notebook."

Why an error notebook came up out of nowhere was a mystery, but luckily, Do-gyeom turned and headed toward Jang Seul-gi.

As he walked, Jang Seul-gi's face lit up brighter and brighter in Yi-hae's view.

Do-gyeom's expression remained blank, but seeing him next to another girl felt weird.

"If it bothers you that much, why not pair with Do-gyeom?"

Eun-seol, who had snuck up, grinned like he knew exactly what she was thinking.

As if he knew nothing. Or maybe he knew the situation better than Do-gyeom.

"Attack and defense, split up. Anyone confident, step forward—doesn't matter your gender."

Most of the boys surged to the front for offense. Some guys playfully shoved girls ahead to hide behind them.

Yi-hae, too lazy to move, planned to hang back, but Eun-seol put a hand on her shoulder.

"...What's this setup?"

"I'm no good at sports."

"Even so, you're like two heads taller than me. Isn't that a bit unfair? You won't even fit behind me."

"Then I'd just die quick, right?"

He seemed hopeless at sports and had no ambition either.

Yi-hae had no strong desire to survive long either, so after a moment's thought, she nodded.

A tall guy hiding behind a petite girl looked pretty ridiculous.

Once teams were set, tension rippled through the gym. Yi-hae stood at the edge, eyeing Do-gyeom across from her.

Jang Seul-gi was shyly clutching his waist.

"Loosen up your face. You sent him over—don't make that expression now."

"What expression?"

Yi-hae shot back at Eun-seol, who whispered with a grin,

"Like a wife catching her husband cheating."

Goblin-like, huh.

Yi-hae touched her facial muscles. She wasn't frowning, but apparently the sight bugged her enough.

"Why pick me over Do-gyeom? Afraid of rumors you're dating him?"

"Yeah. Girls' jealousy scares me."

"Honest. But then I'm not a great choice either. Plenty of girls like me too."

Eun-seol seemed objectively aware of how others saw him. His calm tone held no bravado—just facts.

"True, but no one really cares about me, so misunderstandings don't bother me."

"Sounds like you do care about Do-gyeom, so rumors would be trouble."

Right then, a dodgeball whizzed past from the other side, grazing Eun-seol's side. Do-gyeom had thrown it—barely missing.

It felt intentional. Aiming for Eun-seol's head from that distance? Impressive aim.

"...Whoa, I got scared there."

Do-gyeom was glaring at Eun-seol like he was ready to bury him, who knew how long he'd been watching.

Eun-seol leaned in closer. His breath tickled her ear.

Yi-hae ignored it and opened her mouth anyway.

"I've got a question."

"Not worried I got spooked?"

"Hey, watch out. Do-gyeom throws hard—could take you out."

"Not that—"

Eun-seol shut his mouth. He sighed deeply, then asked what she wanted to know.

Thankfully, the ball had gone to another student, not Do-gyeom.

The kids dodging and attacking flailed around like frisky foals.

Chaotic as it was, no one paid attention to Yi-hae and Eun-seol's chat.

"You got a little sister or twin sister?"

Yi-hae didn't turn, but felt his stare. Maybe because the question was so out of left field.

After a brief silence, Eun-seol asked,

"Why ask that?"

"Just curious."

"Tell me why, then maybe I'll share personal info. Even if you say you're interested in me."

His sly smile suggested he'd already forgotten the near-miss.

She clicked her tongue as the ball headed back to Do-gyeom.

Correction: Do-gyeom snatched it from the kid next to him.

"Not telling easily, so if I say I'm interested, just once—"

As Eun-seol leaned in to whisper,

Thwack!

The ball sliced through the air and nailed him square in the face. So hard, every eye in the gym turned to him.

"......"

What were the odds of hitting the face from that far?

No clue, but one thing was certain.

Baby Yakuza bro, nice shot.

Eun-seol's attitude had irked Yi-hae a bit, so this felt satisfying.

If anyone could see my status window, they might spot: 'Yi-hae Baek's decade-old indigestion cured.'

Okay, a little pitiful. Just a little!