Chapter 9.2
“Whaaa! You’re so mean!”
Her long rabbit ears drooped pitifully. First ramen last night, now lunch today—she was clearly frustrated.
“This isn’t flirting at all!” she huffed.
It was just a story to fool Mommyammi! Why was she taking it so seriously?
The rest of the morning, she barely paid attention in class, sulking and moping around. When the lecture ended, she stood up abruptly.
“Fine! I’m leaving!”
“Alright, take care.”
“Y-you’re not even going to stop me?”
Eum-ah’s face fell as she turned toward the door. Before leaving, she looked back one last time, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Hmph…!”
She stormed out, sniffling dramatically. Like a child, honestly.
With everyone else off to lunch, the lecture hall was now empty except for me and Mommyammi. Being alone with her was like sitting on a time bomb, so I distracted myself with my phone to avoid any confrontation.
A KakaoTalk message popped up.
[Choi Eum-ah]: You’re mean ;ㅅ;
[Me]: Even if I’m mean, you’ll have to deal with it. Accept it.
[Choi Eum-ah]: ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
[Choi Eum-ah]: (Crying bunny emoji)
[Choi Eum-ah]: (Crying bunny emoji)
[Choi Eum-ah]: (Crying bunny emoji)
[Me]: Stop spamming me;
[Choi Eum-ah]: Okay…ㅠ
How cute can she be!
As I chuckled at Eum-ah’s KakaoTalk messages, the lecture hall door swung open. In walked a group of upperclassmen—seniors from the 22nd and 23rd classes.
‘Is it because they’re Su-ins? Everyone looks so unique!’
Four Su-ins entered the first-year lecture hall. Leading the group was a short Su-in with triangular shark teeth flashing in a mischievous smile.
‘Whoa! Teeth like that exist? Their dentist bills must be insane!’
The sharp-toothed, gray-haired senior greeted us with an enthusiastic wave.
“So, you two are Mommyammi and Jihyuk! Nice to meet you!”
“Whoa! Shark teeth!”
“Cool, huh? I’m a great white shark Su-in!”
“Wow! A great white shark!”
This was amazing!
But wait… a great white shark? Great white…
“Don’t tell me… you’re Senior Baek Sang-ah?!”
“Ding-ding! That’s me! I’m Baek Sang-ah, the class rep for the 21st class. And you must be Joo Jihyuk?”
“Yes! I’m Joo Jihyuk, the class rep for the 23rd class!”
“Wow! Every year, we get exactly one human in our department. Make sure you stick it out for all three years and graduate, alright? No dropping out, and no drama!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
What an encouraging pep talk!
Despite being a great white shark Su-in, Senior Baek Sang-ah was small and slender. The only “great white shark” thing about her seemed to be… her chest?
‘Wait. If she’s a shark, how does she survive out of water? Shouldn’t she be dead?’
Next, Baek Sang-ah turned to Mommyammi.
“So, you’re Mommyammi? You’re so pretty!”
“……”
How dare she just nod her head at a senior’s compliment! So rude!
“Haha, typical of a cat Su-in,” Senior Baek laughed it off, as gracious as ever.
‘How can she be so patient? Is it because, as a shark, she knows one bite would end it all? She doesn’t have to hold back for my sake!’
Senior Baek Sang-ah took her place at the podium while the rest of the upperclassmen sat in the front row. She introduced the others:
The 21st class vice-rep, Yang Hwa-bin, a rare black sheep Su-in. The 22nd class reps were Ha Ti-ho, a fox Su-in, and Kim Daram-i, a squirrel Su-in.
‘Wait… why are their names so weird?’
Yang Hwa-bin aside, everyone else’s names made Senior Baek’s sound almost normal.
‘Ha Ti-ho sounds like she’s about to break into song, and Kim Daram-i sounds like she’s from a cartoon underwater pineapple. How am I supposed to compliment them with a straight face?’
“Uh… Nice to meet you all!” I said awkwardly.
“Nice to meet you too! Seeing a human student here makes me so happy! Ha-ti-ha-ti-ha-ti-ho!”
“Follow orders, or else… Raccoon Thunder!!”
“Pleased to meet you-meeeeeeeh.”
What is wrong with these people?!
In the midst of this chaos, Senior Baek Sang-ah clapped her hands.
“Alright, quiet down, everyone! We’re thinking of holding our MT next Thursday and Friday for one night and two days. Any location ideas?”
Kim Daram-i raised her tiny hand.
“How about Acorn Village?”
Not knowing what that was, I quickly Googled it. It seemed similar to an herb village—a rural area with scenic views and fresh air. It looked nice, aside from being in the middle of nowhere.
Senior Baek tilted her head.
“Didn’t we go there last year?”
“Well, the owner’s my aunt~ She said she’d give us a discount if we go again this year~”
“Oh, in that case, let’s do it. It’ll save us money—and leave room in the budget for… other things.”
“…What?”
Wait, did she just imply… budget mismanagement? Did I just witness a class rep casually talking about embezzlement?
“Uh… How much do I owe for my share?”
“Our rookie class rep is so eager to help. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”
“Yes, ma’am! Thank you so much!”
Long live class reps!