The opening ceremony was over.
I got up from my seat, slung my bag over my shoulder, and looked around for Yeon-ha-neul.
She was organizing her locker.
The sight of her small, round tail peeking out as she rummaged through her things was oddly captivating.
Should I wait until she’s done and ask if she wants to walk home together?
I considered it for a moment, watching her rabbit-like tail. Then, I gave up on the idea.
No. Let’s save that for when we’re closer.
The more urgent something is, the more likely it is that mistakes will be made.
I didn’t want to burden Yeon-ha-neul or make her feel uncomfortable around me.
For now, I decided to be content with having been paired with her today.
At the very least, I should say goodbye.
“I’ll head out. See you tomorrow,” I said as I passed by her.
Yeon-ha-neul flinched at my words.
She lifted her head out of the locker, turning toward me. Her red eyes, filled with caution, met mine.
“…Why…?”
It seemed like she wanted to say more but hesitated. Her lips moved as if trying to form the words. Finally, she spoke, her voice tentative.
“Why did you sit next to me?”
“…?”
So that’s what she wanted to ask?
I wondered why she’d hesitated over such a simple question. Without much thought, I chuckled softly and decided to answer her directly.
“Because I wanted to get to know you.”
“…What?”
Of course, there was another reason—one I wasn’t about to share.
That way, I could recruit her.
Yeon-ha-neul’s eyes widened in surprise, her mouth slightly agape.
“What kind of reason is that…?”
“It’s exactly what it sounds like,” I replied casually.
“…You sat next to me because you wanted to get to know me? Why? Are you dissatisfied?”
“No, it’s not that…” She hesitated again before continuing. “Why would you want to get close to me? I don’t think it’s likely, but are you…?”
Her voice trailed off, leaving her sentence unfinished.
Then, in a barely audible murmur, she added, “I… I kind of like it…”
I smiled lightly. “I just want to be friends with you. If you need a specific reason… well, it’s because you remind me of Mongsil.”
“Mongsil?”
“Yeah. Mongsil is my pet rabbit at home. He’s a male, by the way.”
“…?”
“That’s why I like rabbits.”
“So… the reason you want to be friends with me is because…?”
“Yeah. You remind me of Mongsil.”
“…But you said he’s male. Are you saying I’m male?”
“Of course not! But you do have rabbit ears.”
“I’m not a rabbit!”
“I know that. When did I ever say you were?”
“That’s not… Ugh, really…”
Her expressions shifted rapidly—from surprise to curiosity, then bewilderment, and finally, a pout.
Her reactions were so amusing that I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.
“Anyway, I’ll get going. See you tomorrow.”
“…Bye. See you tomorrow.”
This time, she managed to return the farewell properly.
I waved at her, then left the classroom.
As I walked, I decided it was time to calmly process my memories of my past life.
Until now, everything had been such a whirlwind that I hadn’t had the chance to reflect.
Reincarnated… into the world of a game?
It still felt surreal.
Yet, whether I liked it or not, this was my reality.
Can I check my status here?
In the game, players could view their character’s stats through a status window. But so far, I hadn’t seen anything similar in this world.
Still, it was worth a try.
I muttered quietly, “Status window,” just in case.
Suddenly, a translucent screen appeared before me:
[Personal Information]
Name: Dogyeonwoo (Male, 12 years old)
Nickname: Rabbit
Affiliation: Raon Elementary School
[Owned Gift]
- Evasion Instinct
[Physical Abilities]
- Physical Strength: 37
- Strength: 34
- Endurance: 32
- Agility: 43
- Magic Power: 30
- Luck: 25
Remaining Points: 0
For a moment, I just stared at the status window in awe.
This… feels like the game. But it’s real.
I scanned the details quickly.
Not bad. Actually, it’s pretty good.
As a member of the Shingeom Doga, I’d started learning the sword practically as soon as I could walk. I’d been taught to hold and swing a sword before I even understood what it meant.
Those early lessons seemed to have paid off.
My stats are unusually high for a 5th grader… but to think I’ve been living like this without realizing my potential.
All this time, I’d been intimidated by my family, meekly following their orders, and letting myself get bullied like a fool.
The more I thought about it, the angrier I became.
Why did I live like that?
Never again.
Never, ever again.
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