Adjusting the Gangster Male Lead’s Intensity [Novel] Chapter 44

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 44

Chapter Title: Summer Vacation Begins

-----------------------------------------------------------------

‘Ah, the burn scar.’

Yi-hae Baek had forgotten all about that scar.

It was only noticeable when washing up, and otherwise invisible to the eye, so that was natural. Besides, it was a wound from scrambling for rank, so there was nothing embarrassing about it.

“S-Sorry, Yi-hae! I didn’t mean to... I just...”

Jang Seul-gi apologized with genuine panic on her face.

“It’s fine. It’s a pretty big scar, so it might look gross. No big deal.”

Her expression seemed sincere, not pretentious, so Yi-hae Baek forgave her readily.

The frozen atmosphere thawed a bit at her casual dismissal, as if it were nothing.

“Sorry. I didn’t know you guys were here when I brought her along.”

Eun-seol Yeo chimed in with an awkward smile. Then, noticing Yi-hae Baek’s back still blatantly exposed, she started shrugging off her gym jacket.

It was obvious she meant to give it to Yi-hae Baek, so Yi-hae stayed put, hands extended.

“Your back’s showing through, so cover up with this at least.”

She can be so oblivious sometimes. Though I guess it’s because she remembers her past life as a girl.

Telling her to cover up because her underwear was showing right in front of everyone.

Yi-hae Baek wondered if a normal high school girl would have blushed in embarrassment.

She nodded nonchalantly and was about to take the jacket when something else landed on her hand—not Eun-seol Yeo’s.

“......?”

“......?”

Yi-hae Baek and Eun-seol Yeo both looked up with puzzled expressions.

There stood Do-gyeom Seo, his hand on Yi-hae Baek’s shoulder, pressed close. She could feel his firm chest against her back.

He was probably trying to cover her exposure... but this was even more embarrassing!

“Why should she wear your clothes?”

“...No, I just felt bad because it seemed like my fault.”

“Yi-hae Baek doesn’t need to take after you. If it were because of me, maybe.”

With that, he draped his own gym jacket— which he’d placed over her hand—over her shoulders.

A tiny “ooh” of admiration escaped from the group of girls, but Yi-hae Baek nearly gasped for an entirely different reason.

Whoa... this is mortifying!

Adults had their trashy affair dramas full of melodrama, and kids had their steamy web novels.

Yi-hae Baek felt like the girlfriend of the school’s top delinquent, inwardly shedding bloody tears.

The cringe was making her whole body crawl, her heart pounding for all the wrong reasons.

“Right, Do-gyeom? You’re totally right.”

Eun-seol Yeo, having no choice, took back her jacket and spoke as if entranced.

She didn’t even notice the weird looks from Jang Seul-gi and the others.

Yi-hae Baek’s shoulders were pulled into Do-gyeom Seo’s embrace just like that.

Uh, what?

Before she could protest in surprise, he’d already dragged her back to the classroom.

She kept getting swept up in his actions, missing the chance to refuse every time. Yi-hae Baek blinked in shock, then rolled her eyes.

Class isn’t even over yet.

Yet no teacher dared touch Do-gyeom Seo. Moments like this really drove home that this was a game world—absurdly so.

A few days passed like that, and summer vacation loomed right around the corner.

Even in summer uniforms, the heat was unbearable, leaving her dazed and panting.

As she fanned herself with her notebook, begging Do-gyeom Seo to do the same, and aired out her armpits, someone approached.

“Um, Yi-hae. Got a sec?”

It was Jang Seul-gi.

Hesitant and alone—unlike her usual self—she approached Yi-hae Baek.

Do-gyeom Seo, never wary of a girl, just glanced at Yi-hae Baek.

“Oh, sure. Do-gyeom, I’ll be right back.”

“Yeah.”

Yi-hae Baek stood and followed Jang Seul-gi out into the hallway.

From behind, she heard Eun-seol Yeo asking Do-gyeom Seo if he could fan her too. His reply was inaudible, of course.

Once in the hallway, Jang Seul-gi hesitated a moment before holding out her phone to Yi-hae Baek.

“I’d like to keep in touch over break. Could you give me your number?”

Honestly, Yi-hae had been a bit guarded, figuring her for the villainous side character role.

Seeing Jang Seul-gi’s face tense with nerves, Yi-hae Baek smiled softly. Maybe she’d been too prejudiced all along.

“Sure.”

“Thanks! And I’m really sorry about the thing on the field last time. Even if I was flustered, that was something that could hurt you...”

As Yi-hae input her number, she heard the apology.

She’d said sorry back then too, but it seemed Jang Seul-gi had still been dwelling on it days later.

She doesn’t look it, but she’s got a soft side.

Yi-hae Baek really had misjudged her.

“I meant it when I said it was fine. To me, it’s a badge of honor, in a way.”

Yi-hae Baek handed back the phone. Jang Seul-gi, who’d been staring entranced, nodded slowly.

She still seemed to have more to say, fidgeting with her hands. Yi-hae Baek waited patiently.

“Also... you might not have noticed, but I was jealous of you. Seeing you close with Do-gyeom and Eun-seol.”

Yi-hae knew. The status window had outright called her a side-character villainess, and she’d had that much intuition.

But without showing it, Yi-hae just responded calmly, “I see,” prompting her on. Jang Seul-gi continued.

“Do-gyeom was already close to you, so I don’t know what I was thinking... Later, seeing how much more he likes you, I gave up. You two look great together, so I’ll cheer for you for real.”

“Ah...”

In this heartwarming moment, saying they hadn’t decided to date yet would seem too cold.

Yi-hae Baek politely replied, “Thanks.” Jang Seul-gi let out a relieved laugh.

“Still, you should be careful around Eun-seol.”

She leaned in close and whispered.

“She seems to really have it bad for Do-gyeom! He’s popular with everyone regardless of age or gender, after all.”

Oh god.

Yi-hae Baek barely stifled a laugh. She nodded vigorously instead.

Jang Seul-gi’s face was dead serious as she gave the advice.

“And this is a little bribe because I want to get closer to you.”

From her pocket, Jang Seul-gi pulled out a sky-blue keychain with a tiny rabbit doll attached.

Yi-hae took it, and Jang Seul-gi, embarrassed, hurried off.

“Have a great break! I’ll text you first!”

Only then did Yi-hae notice Jang Seul-gi’s phone had an identical pink rabbit charm.

Cute.

She hadn’t expected to befriend the antagonist side character.

Or for someone without visible affection meters to show such clear goodwill.

A smile tugged at Yi-hae Baek’s lips as she held the keychain.

The end-of-term ceremony began.

It was summer vacation for their second year of high school. For once, Yi-hae Baek was basking in worry-free, peaceful happiness.

The status window had become rare since completing the main quest. Do-gyeom Seo’s changes were progressing smoothly.

Eun-seol Yeo was a bit of a hassle but a reliable ally sharing her secret. And Jang Seul-gi, a same-sex friend who wanted to get close.

I hope things stay like this.

Of course, that hope would crumble around this time next year.

But right now, Yi-hae Baek knew nothing of it.