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Chapter: The Beautiful Sky

“The sky is so pretty. With all the fine dust and whatnot these days, it’s hard to see a sky like this.”

Yuri’s awe made me puff my shoulders up a bit. I’ve seen clear night skies before, but this was on a whole different level. They say a breathtaking view makes paintings look like doodles, and that couldn’t be truer.

The sight of thousands of twinkling stars was nothing short of magnificent. Lying on the camping car bed and looking up at the sky, I wondered how such a view could even be possible through the wide-open sky view in the ceiling.

“Look! A shooting star!”

“Huh? A shooting star? Where? I didn’t see it!”

“You clueless idiot, you fell for it.”

“I’m gonna die, seriously.”

Well, it’s fine to bicker, but just don’t do it with me in between you two.

“Shh,” I whispered as I gently covered Dae-young and Ah-jin’s mouths with my fingers.

We’re going for a calm camping vibe, so loud noises aren’t welcome.

I got tricked too, but it’s probably best to stay quiet for now.

By the way, was I staring at the sky too intently? My eyes were definitely starting to sting from the effort. No wonder they feel prickly.

While I rubbed my eyes, Ji-hye, who was stretching beside me, spoke up.

“Oh, this is nice. It’s my first time having a vacation like this since coming to Earth. Thanks, Se-hee. I’ve been a bother to you.”

“If you’re thankful, then behave. Don’t make me worry with your groaning.”

“Yes, yes. If Se-hee says so, I’ll follow like a good dog. Master, please give me some food. Woof!”

“You’re hilarious. If you had said that on air, the chat would have exploded.”

“Right?”

“….”

“….”

“….”

Before long, everyone fell silent, and an awkward stillness lingered between us on the camping car bed.

However, it wasn’t an unpleasant silence. We simply chose to enjoy the current atmosphere quietly.

At that moment, Ji-hye turned her head.

“Se-hee.”

“Hmm?”

“You’re going to keep streaming, right? Accepting every hero that comes along?”

“Probably? Heroes aren’t exactly common. Are you worried about more people joining in the future? It’s just this crowded because it’s the first time; after a year or two, there won’t be any new heroes joining.”

Even though we were all gathered together, it could get confusing since heroes are actually pretty rare in this world.

But Ji-hye shook her head in denial.

“Well… whether you keep us as a collection or gather us for another reason… it doesn’t really matter to me. I have no say in it. But…”

“….”

“Sometimes I feel like you obsess over other heroes, and I can’t take my eyes off you. Usually, that can lead to some darker things. So, it’s best to be careful.”

At her words, Ah-jin and Dae-young complained.

“What are you talking about? It’s not like there’s a curse or anything. What do you mean by darker things? Our Se-hee is the best… Oof!”

“Uh, uh, yeah. Our sister is so strong… Ow!”

Just like that, I playfully pinched their cheeks.

This isn’t a little kids’ fight or something…

“Anyway, to continue what I was saying, these darker things are usually something we can overcome together. In a nutshell, what I mentioned before….”

Ji-hye’s smile reflected the starlight beautifully.

“If it gets too tough, let me know. I may be a third-rate hero, but I can help in some way.”

At that moment, Dae-young perked up and spoke poutily.

“Excuse me, why are you all saying such cheesy stuff while I’m caught in between here?”

“You clueless idiot, messing up the atmosphere again.”

“Hey, it’s not like you’re in the clear with Yuri beside you. I have to squeeze in between you both.”

“Did I ruin the mood? I should sleep. Sorry, everyone.”

With a carefree escape, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Was there an even deeper silence than before? Or am I imagining things?

Staring blankly at the sky, I kept waiting for sleep to come when…

“I want to protect you all this time… at least you guys.”

I accidentally murmured this as my eyelids began to droop.

* * *

Had everyone fallen asleep? The harmonious melody of steady breathing echoed gently.

Only one person, Yuri, who had opened her eyes upon realizing everyone else was asleep, slowly sat up.

The light of the stars and moon illuminated everything around, brightening even without a lamp, revealing the faces of the other heroes to Yuri.

Among them, her gaze fixated on the blonde woman sleeping in the center.

At first, she was just a thankful person, but now she was also a fascinating fellow hero since they shared the same status.

Perhaps it was due to her wealth, or the playful generosity she showed as a hero.

For that reason, that one last phrase lingered in Yuri’s mind.

“Hmm…”

Judging that she didn’t need to step forward in that moment, she quietly pretended to sleep.

But after listening to Ji-hye, she felt a slight doubt about Se-hee.

That peculiar obsession with gathering heroes.

From what Dae-young and Ah-jin had shared briefly, it was to help other heroes. But hearing that made Yuri internally tilt her head.

Is it really just a simple act of altruism? There’s more to it than meets the eye with that last spoken word.

They had spoken before, but there seemed to be many unknowns still left.

As she gently reached out to smooth Se-hee’s bangs, a sudden question popped into Yuri’s mind.

What if she couldn’t save the heroes… how would this sister react?

“Darker things…”

The ‘darker things’ Ji-hye had mentioned… I can only hope it doesn’t come to anyone.

And if those ‘darker things’ were to appear in moments of crisis…

“I need to protect you.”

Because that’s what heroes do.

Underneath the peaceful starry sky where everyone was sleeping soundly, Yuri’s gaze remained fixated on Se-hee, her eyes colder than usual.

* * *

“Hero Geigei folks! Wake up quickly! It’s already 10 AM! You’re gonna be late!”

Morning came thanks to the loud and demanding cries of Bbaebba. Wait, why is it morning already?

At the shout that we might be late, one by one, everyone rubbed their eyes and let out a big yawn.

While blinking away sleepiness, we all stretched simultaneously.

“Yawn!”

“Yawn!”

“Yawn!”

“Yawn!”

“Yawn!”

“Shut up, you annoying heroes.”

Bbaebba’s grumbling was nearly inaudible to the remarkably well-stacked Se-hee, who then masked her expression with a broad smile.

“I’m hungry, Yuri. I want to eat. I’ve been starving since last night. Please give me food quickly.”

“Oh, I forgot. To get something for Bbaebba.”

Se-hee’s face, now wide awake with sudden realization, turned a bit awkward.

These rascal heroes ate like pigs all night while I starved… and this only just now occurred to them?

I gritted my teeth, but at that moment, Bbaebba, sensing the cold stare, turned towards the source.

There stood Yuri, with her eyes sparkling brightly.

“Yikes!”

That dark-hearted girl…

Gazing intently at Bbaebba, Yuri stood up and dusted herself off.

“Come on, Bbaebba. I’ll get you breakfast.”

“Th-thank you, Yuri. You’re so different from that other Dae-young who insists she’s a magical girl at over 20. I’m touched.”

As Yuri led the way to the kitchen, she turned back and asked.

“Se-hee, Ji-hye, and the other ladies are having some too, right?”

At Yuri’s question, Se-hee rose, feeling a strange sense of unease.

In Yuri’s eyes, which were fixing on her, there was a lively freshness like the scent of spring, just as always.

Staring blankly at her, Se-hee soon realized the source of that discomfort. Ah, this girl…

‘She just called me sister.’

Until now, Yuri had been keeping a slight distance, calling her Se-hee, but now it felt as if she had torn down that wall to welcome her.

“Yes, please.”

“Ahh~. I’m craving some hangover soup, Se-hee. Do you have any leftover wine from last night?”

“Are you really gonna burn another bottle worth 600 million? Stop squeezing my spine, okay?”

“No way, if you combine all our fortunes, even a wealthy heir would get knocked out. At that point, 600 million is like finding 500 won on the ground. Dae-young is overreacting.”

“That’s your money, not ours. And you’re a real hero, yet you have no shame; this isn’t even martial arts!”

“Well then, if I’m gonna be shameless…”

With a sly grin, Ji-hye’s eyes scanned Dae-young’s body, a look of mischief in her eyes. Did she feel that ominous feeling? Dae-young, feeling a chill, quickly tried to back away.

“Whoa! What are you doing?! Why are you touching my chest?!”

“Oh, Dae-young has some hidden curves, huh? Let’s see… is that a full B-cup?”

“Stop touching me! For real!”

“Shut up, clueless idiot. Can’t you see? I’m just touching your chest.”

Watching the chaos unfold with the heroes, a small smile danced on Yuri’s lips.

At last, she accepted it. Se-hee, and all the heroes currently with her, had found an important place in her heart.

Was it simply because they treated her well? Or was it because they were fellow heroes?

Well, she couldn’t really say for sure. But one thing was clear…

“Yeah, I like these people.”

As long as Se-hee allows it… whenever the day comes when things get tough, she wants to be a support for them.

As she enjoyed the commotion of the bickering heroes and the whining Bbaebba who was hungry and causing trouble, Yuri opened the refrigerator.

And just like that… the camping bonding time among the heroes under the beautiful sky was coming to an end.