I Became a Villain’s Hero
Chapter 67: Sweet Reward (5)

TL/Editor: Raei

Schedule: 5/week, Mon-Fri

Illustrations: Here

Join the discord! Here

“...Mister...?”

Song Soo-yeon entered the restaurant around 10 o'clock.

As she walked into the dark restaurant, her voice revealed her confusion.

She must have been surprised not to see me there, as I had promised to wait.

“...Huh? Mister-”

-Bang!

Just then, I set off a firecracker.

“-Eek!”

“Congratulations!”

I shouted, trying my best to sound cheerful.

“...”

“...”

But I soon realized things weren't going as I had planned.

I had forgotten to turn on the lights.

I should have done that before setting off the firecracker, but it was my first time and I mixed up the order.

-Tick.

The lights came on belatedly.

Colorful firecracker papers were scattered in Song Soo-yeon's hair.

“....”

“....”

From her perspective, she had walked into a dark restaurant, been startled by a loud noise, and then covered in papers smelling of gunpowder.

My smile slowly disappeared.

“Uh...um...”

Awkwardly, I began to remove the papers from her hair.

It was quite embarrassing.

With her silent, it felt like I had made a joke that only I found funny.

“....Cough.”

But then, I heard laughter.

Song Soo-yeon, shaking with laughter, asked me.

“...What are you doing?”

“Uh, well? I was trying to...congratulate you.”

“All of a sudden?”

“I heard you made some new friends...”

To others, this might seem trivial, but to us, having friends is significant.

That's why we mean more to each other.

We are friends, after all.

“........”

Song Soo-yeon paused, then smiled again.

She also began removing the papers from her hair.

Trying to lighten the mood, I pointed to a nearby pizza box.

“Here, Soo-yeon. I’ve also prepared pizza. It’s late, but will you eat with me?”

“Yes.”

I cleaned up the scattered papers while Song Soo-yeon opened the pizza box and began setting up.

After finishing the cleaning, I sat down.

Song Soo-yeon, wanting to change the atmosphere, cleared her throat.

“...Mister, besides making new friends, I have something truly worth congratulating to tell you.”

“...Huh?”

I was immediately intrigued by what she had to say.

Enjoying my attention, she brushed back her hair and revealed.

“...I’ve gathered the deposit. I think I can return the house now.”

“...What?”

I took a moment to process her words.

Then, I stood up suddenly and asked loudly.

“Really? You gathered it all?”

“Yes, really.”

She smiled brightly, her face shining beautifully.

I was at a loss for how to react.

Learning that you're too happy can actually freeze your actions.

I wasn't sure whether to clap, jump around, or scream.

But one thing was clear: I was happy.

It wasn't just about getting my one-room back.

It was the joy of seeing Song Soo-yeon's growth.

Finally, I clenched my fists and told her.

“Congratulations, really...! Congratulations!”

But Song Soo-yeon shook her head, standing up.

She walked over to me slowly.

“No? This isn't something to be congratulated for... I should be thanking you, Mister.”

Her true feelings came out.

With a serious look, she spoke earnestly.

“....Thank you, Mister. Really, thank you.”

My smile faded.

I felt a lump in my throat from the heartfelt gratitude.

Would I ever experience something this meaningful again?

...I hoped for such a future but wasn't sure if it was possible.

Both of us had strayed from the villain's path.

I used to not care if others turned into villains, but Song Soo-yeon was different.

She was my friend.

How could I not be thrilled about her honest life?

I wondered if she'd have been happier as a villain.

But I chose not to dwell on that thought.

Instead, I resolved to ensure she wouldn't regret her path.

Looking into her eyes, I felt overwhelmed.

With my lips tightly shut, I couldn't utter a word.

My lower lip quivered.

Song Soo-yeon, noticing, chuckled.

“...Crying again, aren't you?”

Her words were much softer now compared to when she used to call me a loser.

Her gentle teasing brought a smile to my face.

She looked at me silently, then quietly asked.

“....Mister. It's been really hard for me, you know? Until I met you... I thought of ending it all every day.”

“......I know. I understand.”

“...So, can you hug me?”

“What?”

“Just once, tell me I've done well.”

Without hesitation, I hugged her tightly.

“Sniff....!”

Tight enough to squeeze the air out of Song Soo-yeon's lungs.

Patting her back, I reassured her repeatedly.

“You did well, really. You've endured so much.”

Song Soo-yeon's arms, initially flailing, eventually wrapped around my back.

Slowly, she hugged me tighter.

In her firm embrace, we reaffirmed our bond.

I felt a deep connection to her in that moment.

Closing my eyes, I pulled her even closer.

Not just for her sake, but for mine too.

This hug also filled me with immense joy.

“.....I'll continue to repay your kindness, Mister,”

Song Soo-yeon said while embracing me.

I nodded in response to her words.

“...Yes. I'm looking forward to it.”

---

---

Once Song Soo-yeon got home, she quickly washed up and immediately went to bed.

“...Haa... Haa...”

Her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing rapid.

The excitement from her embrace with Jung-gyeom lingered.

She had tried hard not to show it.

Perhaps it was because this skinship was different from before.

It wasn't just an excuse to help get over her 'hate of men'.

It was an embrace affirming their affection.

Perhaps that's why her heart remained unsettled.

Yet, there was still something even more thrilling to anticipate.

More exciting moments were ahead.

A dream.

A dream about dating him.

Only her deepest desires knew what scenes this dream would paint.

“...Haa... Haa...”

Just the thought made her body warm.

So, without fully drying her hair, Song Soo-yeon lay in bed and closed her eyes.

She reflected on the eventful day.

Not much time was left to sleep in this bed.

She felt a sense of loss.

“...”

Tossing and turning, she brought her nose close to the bedsheet.

A secret habit of hers, repeated often.

She sniffed the sheets, searching for Jung-gyeom's scent.

But it seemed his smell had faded, having been occupied by her for several months.

Disappointed, an idea struck Song Soo-yeon.

She paused, then got up and approached the laundry basket.

This was Jung-gyeom's one-room, so his clothes, his laundry, were here.

Out of consideration for her, Jung-gyeom had been diligent about washing his clothes before they piled up, but there were always a few items left in the basket.

Song Soo-yeon opened the small drum washing machine.

She took out Jung-gyeom's T-shirt.

“...”

She couldn't understand her actions.

But she moved without thinking.

If anyone, especially Jung-gyeom, saw her, she’d be mortified, but she was alone.

Her trembling hand pulled out Jung-gyeom's clothes.

“.....Haa... Haa...”

She realized she had become what she once despised.

Such a pervert.

Seeing her excited reflection in the mirror, Song Soo-yeon quickly looked away.

And with that, she quickly climbed into bed with his clothes.

“...Phew...”

She covered herself completely with a blanket, placing his clothes on top of her.

His scent enveloped her.

For a moment, it felt as if they were together.

Feelings of shame were replaced by happiness and a sense of betrayal.

Falling asleep became even more challenging.

What would Jung-gyeom think if he saw her like this?

He'd probably be disgusted.

But she shut her eyes tightly, replaceing solace in the illusion of being in Jung-gyeom's embrace.

---

---

When she regained her senses, she was checking the clock.

It was spring, a cool breeze wafted through the air.

Cherry blossoms adorned the roadsides, blooming beautifully.

But Song Soo-yeon felt irritated, despite the lovely scenery.

“...Sigh.”

She sighed, knowing in her dream that Jung-gyeom was late for their date.

More than 15 minutes had passed.

Suddenly, a well-dressed man started running towards her from afar.

Her excitement was fleeting as Song Soo-yeon looked away.

Jung-gyeom arrived, out of breath.

“Haa... Haa... Sorry. Did you wait long?”

“...”

Song Soo-yeon didn't respond.

She wanted to express a bit of her annoyance.

He wouldn't know how long she had waited.

15 minutes felt like hours.

“Look at me, okay? I’m really sorry.”

Jung-gyeom clumsily tried to apologize.

Song Soo-yeon found this endearing.

There’s something about seeing someone you love flustered over you, instilling a feeling of possessiveness.

His concern about being disliked by her was cute.

But Song Soo-yeon was aware.

This wasn't right.

It was an old, bad habit of hers.

She knew she needed to soften her sharp edges.

But it wasn't as easy as she wished.

Then, Jung-gyeom took Song Soo-yeon's face in his hands, turning it towards him.

Her eyes widened in surprise at his bold move.

And he gently kissed her.

-Smack.

“...Honey, forgive me.”

Jung-gyeom's eyes were filled with remorse.

Song Soo-yeon half-realized this was a dream.

But she couldn't help but smile, her anger dissolving.

She felt guilty for enjoying an illusion, yet it was so real she couldn't resist.

It was one of her deepest desires.

To be called ‘honey’ by Jung-gyeom.

To receive his kiss.

Song Soo-yeon bit her lip to suppress her laughter.

But she couldn't hold back.

Laughter escaped her.

Could this scene ever become reality?

No, it had to become reality.

From the moment she envisioned this scene, no other future seemed possible.

Someday, when he was late, she would turn her head, feigning upset.

Then, he would call her in that way, making her forgive him.

Song Soo-yeon inhaled deeply and looked up at him.

She practiced a name for him, one she'd use someday.

“...Okay, if it's Oppa, I’ll forgive.”

---

---

Today, I found myself checking the news on TV again.

Shocking information was being broadcasted.

Mayhem.

The news reported the death of the villain who ranked third before regression.

I was surprised, as I hadn't thought he was a villain who could be easily defeated.

It causing a stir in my heart.

Perhaps, like Solace, Mayhem had died before reaching his full potential.

But the Mayhem I knew from my timeline wasn't someone who would die so easily.

This made me worry about the changing future.

The news continued, identifying the suspected culprits as Tryno and Liquid Alliance.

Their faces were displayed on the screen.

I rubbed my chin, pondering.

“...They got him?”