Chapter 141: Academy Heroine's Right Diagonal Back Seat
Chapter 141
After completing her tightly packed schedule late into the evening, Sylvia returned to the mansion, dragging her exhausted body and collapsing onto her bed.
As she stared blankly at the ceiling in her dark room, her mind swirled with various thoughts, particularly the scenes she had witnessed at the academy.
"...I never imagined that Miss Scarlet would be interested in things like dieting or makeup."
Wanting to look good for someone you like and grooming yourself for that purpose is a very ordinary thing that is often seen in young girls.
However, the fact that the person displaying such behavior was Scarlet, who had recently left the mansion, was what complicated Sylvia's feelings.
Scarlet Evande. A girl born with a tragic fate, a product of the darkness within the Astra family.
Sylvia had always thought of Scarlet as someone far removed from the word "ordinary"—a girl who maintained a blank expression and nonchalantly accomplished tasks that ordinary people couldn't.
But today, she realized something she hadn't before.
Despite how extraordinary Scarlet appeared, deep down, there was also a very ordinary girl who simply wanted to look good for someone she liked.
Recalling how Scarlet had blushed in embarrassment while denying the teasing from others about whether she had someone she truly liked, Sylvia couldn't help but let out a dry laugh.
She had known nothing at all.
She had just assumed that living in a nice mansion, eating good food, and enjoying a luxurious life would make Scarlet happy. She had selfishly thought that way.
But that was just her own desire to be with Scarlet.
Seeing Scarlet, who had escaped from what must have been a hellish mansion and was now living with someone she liked, she looked truly happy, even if her life seemed ordinary.
The person who could bring happiness to Scarlet was not her.
The realization of that undeniable fact weighed heavily on her heart, mingled with a trace of jealousy and overwhelming resignation.
Overwhelmed by the crushing sense of defeat, Sylvia impulsively made a phone call without even realizing it.
The person she called was—
"[...Sylvia? What's going on?]"
—Yoon Si-woo.
Sylvia, having made the call on a whim and not expecting him to pick up, was slightly flustered as she asked, "A-are you busy right now?"
"[I just happened to be on a break. It's fine for a moment. So, what’s the matter?]"
"Ah... that is..."
When asked what was wrong, Sylvia questioned herself.
Why had she called Yoon Si-woo in the first place?
After thinking for a moment, she realized.
The base emotion hidden deep within her heart.
She didn't want to acknowledge it.
The fact that Yoon Si-woo could do something she couldn’t.
"...Do you remember what you said during the interrogation the other day? That if Scarlet was a threat to humanity, you'd kill her yourself."
"[...Yes.]"
"Were you serious about that?"
Once she came to her senses, she found herself asking that question.
She wanted to find some flaw in him, to use it as a consolation.
"[...What if I was?]"
"...Ha, so you're saying it wouldn't matter to you if Scarlet died?"
After hearing Yoon Si-woo's response, Sylvia asked in a contemptuous tone.
She might have even smirked as she said it.
She cared more about Scarlet than Yoon Si-woo did.
Therefore, she was a better match for Scarlet than Yoon Si-woo was.
She knew it was petty to criticize someone just to tear them down, but those thoughts provided her with a strange comfort.
"[...There's no way I'd be okay with that.]"
However, Sylvia's expression hardened at Yoon Si-woo’s voice on the other end of the phone.
"[The thought of Scarlet dying... I don't even want to imagine it. But Scarlet... She's someone who hates the idea of causing harm to others more than she fears death itself. She'd be incredibly sad if that ever happened...]"
His trembling voice made it clear that the thought of Scarlet dying was something he couldn't even bear to consider.
Yet, his answer revealed the depth of his feelings for her, to the point where it was almost suffocating. For some reason, Sylvia understood.
"...So, Miss Scarlet asked you to do that."
"[...!]"
The sharp intake of breath she heard from the other end confirmed her suspicion.
Sylvia let out a bitter laugh.
So, she was prepared for that possibility.
Now, she understood why Scarlet had been keeping her distance.
Out of concern for her feelings, deliberately.
It was terrifyingly kind of her, a way of showing consideration for the future grief Sylvia would feel.
Yes, Sylvia knew that Scarlet was that kind of person.
That’s why she understood why Scarlet hadn't asked her to be the one to kill her.
As much as Sylvia knew about Scarlet, Scarlet knew about Sylvia too.
As someone perceptive enough to notice when Sylvia simply wanted to eat macarons, Scarlet had already realized that Sylvia could never fulfill such a request.
She had said she would do anything for Scarlet, but that was one thing she could never do.
The mere thought of killing Scarlet with her own hands was so unbearably painful that it made her feel like she would go mad.
And so, the reality of that truth struck her all the more deeply.
Even though he had such deep feelings for her, Yoon Si-woo was willing to make such a difficult choice for Scarlet's sake, putting his own sadness aside.
The realization that he might be a much better match for Scarlet than herself was starting to settle in.
At the very least, it was clear that he prioritized Scarlet's feelings over his own, unlike herself.
There was no excuse—she had lost.
Sylvia sighed and offered her apology over the phone.
"...I'm sorry. For what I said earlier. I know you care about Scarlet, but I just couldn’t help myself..."
"[Wha—w-wait a minute. How does everyone just *know* I like Scarlet like it’s common knowledge...?]"
Sylvia felt her mind go blank at Yoon Si-woo’s question.
Then, with genuine disbelief, she asked him in return.
"...Seriously, did you think you were being subtle about your feelings?"
"[...So it was really obvious, huh? I thought I was doing a good job of hiding it...]"
"As if you could ever hide it from me, of all people. Especially when I even know that you’re living with her."
"[...Yeah, you’ve got a point there.]"
Sylvia couldn’t help but chuckle at Yoon Si-woo’s reaction.
He looked like he’d faint if anyone else found out they were living together.
To think they’d gone that far...
As her thoughts reached that point, a mischievous idea popped into her head.
A little teasing wouldn’t hurt.
Sylvia casually suggested, "By the way, even if you’re living together now, don’t go overboard with the... improper behavior. Remember, Scarlet is still a student."
As expected, his response was immediate and intense.
"[I-improper behavior?! There’s no way...!]"
"Hmm, but I know about the two of you going to a motel in District 15. I mean, you’re free to express your love anywhere, but as a public figure, you should be more careful. You could end up on the front page, you know?"
"[It’s not like that!!! I mean, yes, we did go to a motel together, but...! Nothing happened! Seriously, there’s nothing going on between us!]"
Sylvia was taken aback by Yoon Si-woo’s outburst.
There was genuine frustration in his voice.
Wait... so they went to a motel together, but nothing happened?
And he’s saying they aren’t even in that kind of relationship...
"...Are you saying you’re not dating Scarlet?"
"[...No, we’re not. I mean, I do like her, but... I don’t think she feels the same way.]"
"...But you’re living together."
"[...It’s more like we’re just roommates.]"
Hearing Yoon Si-woo’s melancholy murmur, Sylvia was left speechless.
Then, feeling a mix of exasperation and disbelief, she sighed and muttered.
“Miss Scarlet has been dieting recently. She’s also shown interest in makeup, which she’s never cared about before."
"[...Really? I wonder if she’s trying to impress someone?]"
"...Who else would she want to impress? You’re the one living with her."
"[...!]"
When Sylvia noticed his delayed reaction, she shook her head and continued.
"...Maybe Scarlet has never experienced romantic feelings before, so she doesn’t know how to express them. Both of you seem pretty clueless, so maybe you should be the one to make a bold move."
"[But, bold? How...?]"
"Why not ask her out on a date on your next day off? I’m sure she’d love it."
"[A date...]"
Yoon Si-woo hesitated for a moment at the word "date," but then, as if making up his mind, he responded with determination.
"[...Yeah, I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the advice, Sylvia.]"
"...No need to thank me."
Sylvia shook her head at his gratitude.
She didn’t need his thanks.
What she wanted was simply...
"...Just make Scarlet happy."
She only wanted Scarlet to be happy.
Blushing, Sylvia ended the call before hearing his response.
"...Ugh, why did I say something so embarrassing like an ex-girlfriend...?!"
And that night, Sylvia spent the entire time tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep.
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I'm sure their date won't turn into a traumatic event...
ReplyDeleteWitch of Sloth ends up sitting next to them in the cinema and screws the whole date with her loud snoring lol
Deletelol
DeletePLEASE GOD JUSTTTT JUSTTT AAAAAAAAAA
ReplyDeleteIt seems like Sylvia also holds romantic feelings for Scarlet at some level.
ReplyDeleteI am team siwoo but dammit Sylvia is pretty cute. Feels bad
ReplyDelete