8 | just this once, i'll take his place

2nd Lead Syndrome
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Day three.

As I arrived at class early after track practice, I stumbled upon a revelation about Jimin that left me intrigued. Despite my initial assumption of her indifference toward Junwoo's confession, a fleeting glimpse of her sulky expression at her desk made me reconsider everything.

Since our classmates went to change into their P.E. uniforms, we were the only ones in the classroom. Unlike the others, Jimin confidently showed up to school already in her P.E. uniform. Well, nothing looks bad on her anyway.

I was lucky that I chose to sit behind her. This way, I can watch her interact with the main characters whenever and for as long as I want.

Being an observer is the best!

Oh, speaking of that... I have to mention that these weird floating percentages of numbers suddenly appeared over everyone's heads the instant I woke up. I'm not sure what it was at first but got an idea of what it was all about once the Imaginari app notified me.

I didn't bring the tablet today since I forgot to charge it last night, but the notification alerted me like this...

~ Alert! ~
The Author of this world has fulfilled the requirements to earn a special ability called the "Happiness Meter"! This is a gift from the original owner of this tablet as a good luck at finding your exit to this world!

I've earned a special ability called the "Happiness Meter." The name says it all. Now, when I want to activate it, a percentage of numbers float above everyone's heads, revealing their happiness levels. Because of this sole ability, now, I was really sure that I had to make Jimin happy.

That means... I have to prevent her from falling completely in love with Junwoo to spare her from that heartbreak! And... I must ensure she doesn't get into an accident that would make her miss the most important violin competition in this world.

"That accident..."

I couldn't help but mumble to myself as I blinked back to reality and noticed Jimin, who had lightly slammed her desk and appeared slightly mad. In the story, it was around this time when Aeri and Junwoo finished changing into their uniforms, likely playing around the track field by now. Conveniently, our classroom windows offered a view of that field.

She's good at hiding it and replacing it with other emotions like yesterday, but...

Jealous.

Jimin is jealous.

Sigh.

This scenario was never shown in the original webtoon. So, I guess it would be fine to interact with her right now—her happiness meter is in danger too...

[ 0% ]

I'm still not sure how the happiness meter works since it was only this morning since I got it, but I am certain Jimin is not happy at whatever she was watching beyond that window.

Therefore, after a long moment of thought, I huffed and reluctantly stood up. Taking a deep breath, I looked around to make sure no one was around to avoid attention and approached Jimin.

"Hey."

I called out to her. And when Jimin turned away to look at me, something weird happened.

[ 5% ]

I tried blinking a few times, but her happiness meter went unchanged.

Am I seeing things...?

...

Ahh, whatever! I need her to get out of here if I don't want that meter to stay at 0%.

Looking at me with her usual poker face but with interested eyes, Jimin stared at me and rested a chin on her palm. "Hmm, Kim Minjeong? It's unusual for you to approach me unless you need to talk to me about something."

I snickered at her keen, observant nature, "I saw you slamming on your desk just now. You do know that I'm here, right? You looked kinda upset."

Jimin hums, "I know."

I raised a brow, "You do?"

"Mhm, you don't look like you care or have anything to say about it anyway."

"Ahh, do you do that all the time to people you're acquainted with? I mean, those who are like me?"

"Nope," Jimin stood up and glanced through the window again before turning back to me. "Just you. I don't know why, but I feel like it's fine if it's you. After all, you said you didn't want any attention or to make a fuss, right?"

Ah.

"Well? Do you have anything to say to me?"

"Oh, right." I cleared my throat, "Classes start in the next hour... do you want to get ice cream together? My treat."

[ 10% ]

Huh, it increased again.

Raising a brow and staring at me as if something was suspicious, Jimin analyzed me from top to bottom before cracking into a faint smile—Ugh, so pretty.

I was expecting to get a reply, but she only nodded, gestured for me to come with her, and left the classroom.

Seriously...

 

૮ ・ﻌ・ა

 

Just a few blocks away from the track field, this school has its own convenience store- Wait, no. This school has its own shopping district! Why, Minjeong? Well, I wanted this school to look as prestigious and unique as possible!

The school is divided into three areas, not including SM University which is located not too far from this humongous place.

This school has a tradition and is well-known for welcoming outsiders as long as they present their ID to the guards and can only roam around the shopping district.

Then, there's the second area of the school. It's currently where Jimin and I are located. Here, only the s

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Yooorra
thx to 2LS my art style is improving... so, pls do expect little to severe art changes here as the story goes~ i'm honestly still a baby when it comes to art (꩜ᯅ꩜;) 

Comments

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rvforevs 0 points #1
Chapter 18: Oh my goodness, I am beyond thrilled for you on your promotion! Your stories are absolutely captivating and truly deserve to be in the spotlight. Looking forward, I can't help but hope that either Ningning, Minjeong, or both of them will be the heroes that save Aeri from her oppressive father. They don't need a man to rescue them, they are strong and capable on their own. Not to discredit Junwoo, of course. I admire Minjeong for always striving to give every character a happy ending, because they all deserve that kind of happiness. And Jimin, oh Jimin, I am so proud of her for standing up for herself. It takes immense courage and strength to do so, and I'm grateful she has Minjeong by her side through it all. Minjeong is like a guardian angel for everyone, even if she can be a bit oblivious at times. And your art, oh your art is simply breathtaking. It's more than just pretty, it's indescribably awesome! Keep shining bright, my dear friend. Your talent knows no bounds.
_multiplayer__troy 0 points #2
yey! congratulations for the promotion 🥳
chuyeaaah 0 points #3
Chapter 18: puppy 😭
Psykotato 29 streak 0 points #4
Congrats on the promotion🥳
Psykotato 29 streak 0 points #5
Chapter 18: Minjeong you 😭, also I love the art so pretty
RookieToki 14 streak 0 points #6
Chapter 18: WAAAAAHH THE ART WHFJSJFJSJSHSJS CONFFESSIONNNNNN YASSS
Yoo2521 0 points #7
Chapter 18: 😭😭😭 is minjeong is as dense as junwoo
reveluv316 814 streak 0 points #8
Chapter 18: minjeong is so clueless🙄
Viola_Ella 0 points #9
Chapter 18: reminding me of dump and dumper 😂
athyrka 0 points #10
Chapter 18: minjeong really is the female version of junwoo. an athlete, kind. and stupid. lol
just kidding, love u minjeong