I Became a Villain’s Hero

"...Mister, I'm so hungry, could you please buy me a meal?

I must say, I have never seen a woman more beautiful than 'Luna'.

Her sharp nose and piercing eyes.

Ebony hair.

An expression that seemed dissatisfied with something.

It was impossible to mistake her, thanks to such striking beauty, even in a school uniform.

She had a wild aura.

Not just her sharp appearance, but even her clothing radiated a strong sense of delinquency.

Everyone wears the school uniform differently.

Her skirt was short.

A black t-shirt covered by a white school shirt.

A shabby tracksuit jacket.

A frayed bag.

She approached with a look that was unmistakably delinquent and somewhat unkempt.

"...You..."

But of all her features, what shocked me most were her legs.

Luna was standing.

In her past life, she was always in a wheelchair.

I naturally wondered.

What would happen in the future to make her lose the use of her legs?

"....Damn.."

While I was deep in thought, Luna grew irritated.

"Mister, stop staring at my legs."

"...Ah."

I realized I had been staring at her legs for too long, lost in thoughts about the wheelchair.

I couldn't even make an excuse.

'I was just looking because you'll be in a wheelchair in the future.'

I couldnt say something like that.

I couldn't help it if she thought I was a pervert.

I didn't care anyway.

I tried to keep the conversation going.

"....Sorry. What were you saying?"

Luna scratched the back of her head, sighed, and turned away.

"....Ah...never mind. What am I even doing..."

As she was about to leave, I quickly snapped back to reality.

In fact, Luna and I were acquainted in our past lives.

We were the top two in the villain danger ranking, so naturally, we shared information.

We were never friends, but among the villains, I thought she was one of the better ones.

It was difficult to just stand by when she, in such a ragged state, asked for food.

The original me wouldnt have cared.

But just now, the lady at the restaurant had shown me kindness, and I had set a goal to feed the hungry, so I didn't want to let her leave like this.

The opportunity for a good deed was right before me.

Pretending we were strangers, I spoke up.

"No, tell me. Are you hungry?"

"Forget it. What do I expect from a pervert who just stares at legs..."

As the situation escalated, I quickly thought of a way to stop her.

"I noticed your stockings were torn. I wasnt admiring your legs."

She paused for a moment, then looked down at her legs.

Immediately after, her small fist clenched tightly.

"I'm not a pervert, so don't worry. Let's go, I'll buy you food...."

Suddenly, Luna started to run off.

"Hey, wait! Where are you going!"

But she didn't stop.

Her figure gradually became distant until it finally disappeared.

---

---

The next day, I checked my bank account balance.

As expected, for a 22-year-old, it was a considerable sum.

At this point, I wasn't earning money through crime... but it wasnt exactly clean money either.

It was earned through fights in underground rings.

Still, it wasnt enough to open a restaurant, but it wasnt too far off either.

Would it be enough to start with a loan like I planned yesterday?

I visited a real estate agent first to find a location.

Starting everything with my own hands felt quite different.

I think.

Solace.

I won't bother you in the future and live earnestly.

---

---

After my regression, luck seemed to be on my side.

I managed to open my own restaurant within a week.

It was small, accommodating only three tables, but I was satisfied.

I felt I couldnt handle much more anyway.

I was lucky.

The owner of a previously unsuccessful restaurant sold the entire place to me.

I didnt need to buy essential items anew.

Refrigerators, cooking tools, dishes, even a grill...

The restaurant owner was going to dispose of them anyway and sold them to me at a bargain price.

It was a relief to solve these problems so cheaply and simply.

Of course, not having a specific type of shop in mind also played a part.

For me, all that was needed was a kitchen and dining tables.

How such luck kept finding me, I dont know.

This allowed me to save a lot of money and solved a few of my problems, which was great.

I didn't really want to, but I began to feel the need to work harder for others.

After finalizing the contract with the landlord, I was fully ready to announce the opening of my restaurant.

I only changed the signboard.

The signboard read Heros Heart Restaurant*.

In addition to food, it also meant to share one's heart.

And the menu consisted of dishes I liked and thought I could make.

"Alright, let's go?"

---

---

.....And so, a week passed since I energetically opened the restaurant.

For 7 days, not a single person entered the restaurant, despite being open for business.

Even though I had a sign out front saying, 'Free food if you don't have money,' still, no one came.

".....Sigh...."

I began to understand why the previous owner sold everything to me at such a low price.

No one seems to be coming this way.

Now that I think about it, maybe the name 'Heart' on the signboard is deterring them.

Even so, youd think people would come for free food.

".....Was this a mistake?"

As I slightly regretted my decision, I couldn't help but chuckle at my own change.

A former villain now worried about not being able to help others.

".....Sigh....!"

I sighed louder, as if that could somehow improve the situation.

-Ding!

Perhaps the magic of my sigh worked, as the bell on the door rang, signaling the arrival of my first long-awaited customer.

"Welcome, welcome!"

I exclaimed loudly, almost stuttering in my surprise.

"What can I get for..."

But my voice faded away as I struggled to speak.

.....

.....Damn..."

The customer also couldnt complete their sentence.

It was Luna, standing before me once again.

Unintentionally, I found myself gazing at her legs again.

I still wasnt used to seeing her standing.

However, unlike before, her black stockings didnt have any holes.

Realizing I had been staring at her legs for too long, I noticed the awkward silence and looked up at her again.

...

She was glaring at me with a look of contempt.

.....But really, if you think about it, its hard not to stare when someone who always used a wheelchair is now walking.

Luna seemed to be contemplating.

Whether to turn around and leave or to come inside.

During her hesitation, she shivered slightly, indicating the intense internal struggle she was facing.

-Gurgle....

A sound broke our silence.

....

...

Even if I closed my eyes and pretended not to hear, the sound was too distinct.

I felt a pang of sympathy and awkwardness for having heard it.

When I slightly opened my eyes, I saw Luna, her face flushed red, grimacing as if angry.

As if she had to transform her embarrassment into anger to endure it.

Before she could run away again, I spoke indifferently.

"Sit anywhere you like."

I switched to formal language, trying to put her at ease.

....

She hesitated again for a while, then clutched her stomach.

....I know that feeling too well.

Hunger is really hard to endure.

Finally, as if her internal conflict had ended, she threw her bag down and took a seat.

"....Give me a plate of black bean noodles."

She said this as she threw off her tracksuit jacket.

The nametag clearly read 'Song Soo-yeon.'

Without a doubt, she was Luna.

'Song Soo-yeon' was Lunas real name.

".....Mister, youre not charging, right?"

She asked sharply.

".....Ah, yes. It's free if you don't have money."

I used to be called Lord Dice.

But naturally, now it's just 'Mister.'

I dont mind.

After all, Ive aged 10 more years in my mind.

She nodded coolly in response to my answer.

Though to me, who has seen it all, she didnt seem that cool.

After telling Song Soo-yeon that I would prepare her meal, I went into the kitchen.

Despite some hiccups, I pulled myself together.

"Phew...!"

I slapped my cheeks.

This is really the start.

Hadnt I decided to live like Solace?

For others, like a hero.

That way, I wouldnt die alone as I did before.

Even if there had been some awkward moments with Song Soo-yeon, I shouldn't dwell on them.

Even knowing her from a past life, I shouldnt keep it in mind.

My only goal is to feed her well.

....But does this mean Im now sharing food with the future number 1 villain, now that Im gone from the villain ranking?

I shook my head to dismiss the thought.

Solace approached me, the number 1 villain, without any prejudice.

I can do the same.

I must.

Soon, the black bean noodles were ready.

Enjoy your meal!

I said cheerfully as I brought the food to her.

No longer do I need to act like a dignified villain.

I could behave as Solace did with people.

...

Song Soo-yeon silently picked up her chopsticks and took a big bite of the noodles.

...

I blinked several times.

It being my first act of kindness, I had several expectations.

.....Don't people usually start with a word of thanks?

I thought I might hear a word of gratitude for the first time in my life.

Ah, no.

That's right, I need to understand.

Song Soo-yeon is going through a tough time.

That's why shell become a villain later.

Her shabby clothes, unkempt appearance, and eating here also spoke of her difficult circumstances.

People dont speak kindly when they're in distress.

Its natural.

Thinking generously like this, I felt proud, as if I had taken a step closer to Solace.

This might be the charm of doing good deeds.

And watching Song Soo-yeon eat with apparent enjoyment made me feel happy too-

Ptui!

....Huh?

Lost in my benevolent thoughts with my eyes closed, a sound reached my ears.

When I opened my eyes and looked at Luna, no, Song Soo-yeon, she was spitting out the noodles and wiping her mouth with a tissue.

Damn... this tastes awful.

......

...Living like Solace.... so I won't regret it later...

Song Soo-yeon's voice interrupted my thoughts.

....How can anyone eat this? Are you joking?

At her words, I replied with a smile.

"...Get out of my restaurant."

A casual remark slipped out.

Old habits die hard.