* * *
Time flowed naturally, and before long, it was the day before Doyoung’s graduation.
Honestly, he didn’t feel much attachment to this place; after all, he had found Beom Sinje, managed to get him enrolled, and had watched him adjust well.
But if there was any reason he felt a sense of regret…
‘Hm, maybe it’s that I won’t get to see Beom Sinje’s skills up close anymore?’
While he could technically visit him on campus anytime he wanted, after graduation, he’d lose the excuse to see him regularly.
What he’d miss the most, though, was the anonymous board, which only students could access.
◇◆◇◆◇
[Beom is insane. Did you see that glare? LOL like a young beast. Not an insult, I swear.
└Honestly, they need to take his weapons away.
└I mean, the guy’s build is a literal cheat LOL
└Beom Sinje’s duel today.jpg posted! Everyone, hurry and check it out!
└OMG, really? I’m going right now!! Thank you!!!♥]
◇◆◇◆◇
In just half a day, the flood of posts was making Doyoung’s hands and eyes busy.
Thanks to his growing popularity, Beom Sinje’s name was all over the board lately.
But once Doyoung graduated, he’d lose this amusement.
“Hm… If I switched to an instructor position…”
That would cause quite a stir.
Inside and outside.
People already had a lot to say about him suddenly enrolling in school.
But since no one could really stop someone with such absolute power, they’d been waiting for him to graduate and leave.
Considering his plans, staying here longer didn’t make much sense either.
“But why did he even come to this school?”
Honestly, Doyoung had never questioned that point before.
The novel never revealed his reason, so it was hard to guess.
“Maybe it was to foster talent.”
Seeing where Zero had been active, it could be possible.
Recruiting young Espers who hadn’t yet joined any organization would certainly be easier.
‘Then should I try recruiting, too, like in the original story?’
He pondered over any graduates who might be worth bringing in.
Diligent, justice-driven Espers? No way.
‘Their loyalty would be strong, but if I invited them to join a criminal organization, they’d be horrified.’
He considered students who’d caused trouble or struggled to fit in with the school’s structure.
Naturally, he thought of Beom Sinje, who’d become a favorite among both students and staff.
Unlike himself, who tried to go unnoticed, Beom Sinje had somehow gathered a following.
It was a striking difference from the Beom Sinje who’d lived like a lone wolf in the original story, and Doyoung knew that it was because of Yeo Giwon’s sociable and cheerful presence by his side.
‘That’s all thanks to me. Not that he’d know.’
With a sly grin, Doyoung skimmed through new posts about the Beom Sinje, saving photos and videos that caught his eye.
Being the last day, there was an unusual amount of interesting content, and he found himself lingering on the forum late into the night.
The next day, the school grounds were buzzing with excitement, more so than usual.
Instead of regular classes, a ceremony for graduates was scheduled.
Behind the large stage in the biggest training hall, a long banner stretched out, reading, “Congratulations to the Graduating Class of XX.”
The wording was embarrassingly outdated.
“That’s him, right? The famous first-year Esper.”
“Looks like it. But why doesn’t he have that intimidating greatsword with him today?”
“Probably didn’t bring it since he’s not here to fight.”
“He looked amazing with it. He should wear it all the time!”
“Amazing? It’s just for show.”
Standing off to the side with his arms crossed, Doyoung listened to the nearby chatter.
As he scanned the crowd, he spotted Beom Sinje, standing out clearly even among the packed gathering.
‘Talk about standing out like a crane among chickens.’
Thinking back to their first meeting, it felt surreal.
Back then, he had shown up covered in grease and grime, looking a mess, making quite the impression.
Now, he was radiating an aura that overwhelmed his surroundings.
With his intense, hawk-like eyes fixed ahead, he resembled a fierce predator, like a lion or tiger.
Though his gaze was currently calm and dark, when he activated his powers, his eyes gleamed gold, earning him comparisons to a beast in battle.
“Think he’d acknowledge us if we said hi?”
“Hey, we have our pride as upperclassmen. Let’s just casually bump into him and strike up a conversation.”
“Huh? Did he just hear us? He’s coming this way!”
The graduates muttered excitedly as they saw Beom Sinje striding toward them.
Doyoung’s gaze also shifted back to him.
At the moment their eyes met, Beom Sinje’s mouth opened.
“Senior Na Doyoung.”
‘Didn’t I tell him not to act so familiar?’
That was Doyoung’s first thought as soon as his name was called.
“What do you want?”
Doyoung hid his discomfort, responding curtly to appear detached.
He wanted to make it clear that they had no connection.
“Congratulations on your graduation.”
Without knowing Doyoung’s intentions, Beom Sinje delivered his congratulations in his usual blunt manner.
Though, it was something he could have said in private later.
“Sigh…”
Doyoung’s cheeks, neck, and even the back of his head tingled with embarrassment.
He had worked so hard to hide any association with this guy, only for him to act like this in front of everyone.
Of course, Beom Sinje hadn’t done anything wrong.
It was Doyoung’s own fault for not giving him a heads-up.
Just as he was thinking he should be thankful they wouldn’t cross paths again after this, a large hand appeared in front of him.
As Doyoung stared at it, wondering what it was, Beom Sinje gave his hand a slight nudge, urging him to shake it.
“Oh, come on.”
Why was he acting so out of character today?
Doyoung tilted his head and looked straight at him.
‘He really is ridiculously good-looking.’
Those deep, dark eyes, the perfectly arched brows, a smooth forehead leading down to a straight, sharp nose, and well-shaped lips.
His thick neck and broad shoulders hinted at a strong, muscular build under his shirt.
‘He’s changed so much in just a few months.’
It was satisfying to think it was all because Doyoung had gone out of his way to check up on him when he vanished.
Not that anyone would know or care.
Just then, a large hand firmly grabbed Doyoung’s, shaking it up and down.
“Huh?”
As he chuckled in disbelief, Beom Sinje, with his usual indifferent face and tone, said, “I’ll be sure to repay your help, senior.”
The intensity in his gaze grew even stronger.
At this point, Doyoung couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
‘Is he doing this on purpose?’
Glancing at his hand still held in Beom Sinje’s grasp, Doyoung clicked his tongue internally and changed his expression.
His eyes softened, and a gentle smile formed on his lips.
“Sure. I hope you’ll become an outstanding hunter for the country.”
It wasn’t so much encouragement as it was a given for someone like Beom Sinje.
But he couldn’t help the hint of sarcasm that slipped into his tone.
He pulled his hand back and turned away, weaving through the crowd of people who looked eager to chat him up with ease.
Though Beom Sinje watched him as he walked away, Doyoung brushed it off as mere curiosity from onlookers.
* * *
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Wolf watching his prey😭😭😭