Hunter Kindergarten, Dolphin Class! - Chapter 153

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 153

 

“Teacher, is it here?”

 

“Yeah, it seems like it… Well then, shall we go in?”

 

“Let’s go quickly!!”

 

Weekend afternoon, 6 PM.

 

XX Hotel, Crystal Hall.

 

I had finally come to this place.

 

Dressed up from head to toe in a way that anyone could see I was formally attired.

 

‘This feels a bit awkward.’

 

My bangs were neatly swept back, and I wore a hastily bought and tailored business suit.

 

Since I knew nothing about this sort of thing, this was the result of relying entirely on the department store employee’s advice…

 

-“There aren’t many clean black suits that fall with such a nice fit like this. Oh my, this is totally perfect for you, sir?”

 

-“Ah, is that so? Then, I’ll take this one…”

 

‘Well, it was more like I was completely swept away by their flowery words…’

 

Anyway, I had deliberately dressed up considering the occasion.

 

‘I knew this would happen.’

 

At first, when they said the dress code was ‘semi-formal,’ I really planned to dress lightly.

 

-“But when you actually go to places like that, everyone comes dressed to the nines. Just in case, put a little effort into your appearance.”

 

‘I’m glad I listened to Hyung.’

 

From the hotel entrance, I could feel that with just any ordinary attire, I wouldn’t even be able to present my business card.

 

‘The venue and the atmosphere… it’s like a different world.’

 

Still, thanks to moving diligently since morning, I didn’t have to feel intimidated from the start. Feeling relieved inside, I held Tae-jae and Nabi’s hands on either side and entered the hall under the hotel employee’s guidance.

 

For reference, Tae-jae and Nabi were also wearing children’s formal wear.

 

Nabi wore a dress shirt with a bow tie as a point accent, while Tae-jae wore a neat and clean suit like a private elementary school uniform.

 

‘How cute.’

 

I smiled softly looking at them and then looked straight ahead again.

 

‘Right, this was bound to happen anyway…’

 

“…”

 

The reason I continued agonizing even while getting beaten up by the children at the kindergarten was just one thing.

 

‘Is it really okay for me to go together?’

 

Grandmother would be there too… And above all, though I didn’t know the detailed circumstances, his parents would be there too, so I couldn’t quite decide if it was right for me to come here with Tae-jae in their place.

 

So in the end, how did I break out of this cycle of worry…

 

‘I asked directly.’

 

After all, I needed a guardian’s permission to come to this place with Tae-jae anyway.

 

I carefully explained the situation to Tae-jae’s grandmother over the phone, conveyed my opinion, and subtly probed about family matters.

 

And the result of that…

 

‘There were reasons for everything Tae-jae thought that way.’

 

Cruel as it was, that’s the conclusion I reached.

 

Recalling the phone conversation, my expression almost hardened for a moment, but I consciously pulled up the corners of my mouth.

 

‘That’s that, and today I need to accommodate Tae-jae’s mood as much as possible.’

 

I even prepared something special for that!

 

Anyway, I had grasped the situation and obtained the guardian’s permission, so there was no reason I couldn’t come.

 

‘It’s Tae-jae’s request, and besides, it’s the weekend, so what’s the problem.’

 

It’s not like I’d wear out from coming to places like this a few times with him.

 

“Nabi, Tae-jae. You absolutely cannot run inside. Don’t let go of Teacher’s hand.”

 

“Okay!”

 

“Yes.”

 

Well… Shall we really go in now?

 

Under the gorgeous chandelier, contrary to what they said about holding it modestly, the interior of the hall looked quite splendid.

 

I entered inside with the children while maintaining a slight tension.

 

Up until then, there was definitely no problem.

 

***

 

Nam Tae-jae felt the warm body temperature transmitted through one hand as he finally entered the party venue.

 

‘I’m here.’

 

It was the moment when the desire he had kept in his heart for a full two weeks was being realized.

 

His heart was pounding with excitement.

 

‘Hae-cho said she was already here, so she can play with Nabi.’

 

Without realizing it, his steps quickened.

 

Around them, adults were wearing nice clothes and holding transparent glass cups, and instead of bright, cheerful music, only low-pitched melodies could be heard.

 

It felt a bit different from the flashy parties with balloons flying around and dazzling lights.

 

Quiet, but somehow chatty feeling.

 

‘So this is what adults’ parties are like.’

 

“There are so many people! But where are the snacks?”

 

Nam Tae-jae completely agreed with what Nabi said.

 

If it weren’t for Teacher’s hand, they would have gotten lost halfway through.

 

‘If we played hide-and-seek here, no one would be able to find us.’

 

“Teacher, I said a friend came here.”

 

Nam Tae-jae said while looking at Teacher, who was feeding him and Nabi chocolate-covered biscuit snacks.

 

“Really? What’s your friend’s name?”

 

“Lee Hae-cho.”

 

“I see~ Let’s take our time playing and look for Hae-cho.”

 

“Yes.”

 

While eating snacks, he looked around.

 

‘Hae-cho definitely said she was coming.’

 

While worrying whether he’d be able to find her with so many people around.

 

“Nam Tae-jae!!”

 

“…Lee Hae-cho?”

 

“Hi!!”

 

“Hi.”

 

Lee Hae-cho, wearing a pretty yellow dress, suddenly appeared out of nowhere with a ‘pop.’

 

And what could be seen behind her was…

 

“Hello, so you’re Tae-jae. Auntie was busy so I’m just now meeting our Hae-cho’s friend. Nice to meet you.”

 

“Hello, I’m Hae-cho’s dad.”

 

“This is my mom and dad!!”

 

His friend’s mom and dad.

 

Nam Tae-jae realized that the moment he saw that harmonious family, an indescribable emotion preceded his joy.

 

‘My heart doesn’t feel good…’

 

The emotion he felt when seeing something he could never have.

 

This feeling, beyond jealousy and almost close to a sense of loss, made Nam Tae-jae feel intimidated.

 

“Who did you come with?”

 

“Huh? Um… I came with my teach-”

 

“I’m Tae-jae’s hyung.”

 

“!!”

 

At his friend’s following question, there was no time to be flustered.

 

Because right after, Teacher’s gentle whisper reached his ears.

 

“This isn’t the kindergarten, so you don’t have to call me Teacher.”

 

“…Ah.”

 

“But, well… Like with Lee Gyeon mister, you could introduce me as mister instead of hyung, and Teacher would be fine with that.”

 

He didn’t look fine with it at all.

 

Nam Tae-jae finally smiled a little and shook his head.

 

“Teacher is handsome, so he’s my hyung.”

 

“R-really?”

 

“Yes.”

 

The child, who purely preferred Na Hwi-yeon’s face over Lee Gyeon’s, was simply telling the truth, but….

 

Teacher spoke to her with an even brighter smile than before.

 

“Even if it’s a lie, thank you. Teacher is really touched.”

 

“….”

 

It’s not a lie though.

 

“Wow! Tae-jae hyung is here too? I’m jealous!”

 

“I have a younger brother too! I’m Tae-jae’s younger brother!”

 

“I’m Nabi.”

 

Everyone burst into small laughter as Nabi appeared, jumping even higher than Hae-cho who was bouncing around.

 

“How old are you?”

 

“Me? Twenty-nine years old!”

 

“That’s my age…. Nabi is 7 years old.”

 

“….”

 

Nam Tae-jae stood still and watched Hae-cho cheerfully greeting Nabi.

 

“What! I’m 7 years old too! Then you’re not Tae-jae’s younger brother.”

 

“Tae-jae is smarter than me! Then he’s my hyung!”

 

“Mom, really?”

 

His same-age friend with the same healing-type ability, smiling brightly.

 

Lee Hae-cho.

 

‘What’s different about her from me?’

 

What exactly was different between them that made that friend get along so well with her parents?

 

Nam Tae-jae’s gaze moved from the lady’s hand resting on Hae-cho’s shoulder to the toy handbag the mister was holding.

 

The naturally felt atmosphere of being a loved child.

 

‘My mom and dad hate me because I’m a healing-type Awakener.’

 

Then shouldn’t Hae-cho be equally hated by her parents?

 

Such an ugly thought suddenly entered his mind, but….

 

‘No, Hae-cho shouldn’t be hated.’

 

That would be too sad.

 

Nam Tae-jae grabbed Teacher’s hand again, which he had briefly let go of while greeting Hae-cho.

 

‘I guess I’m just a child who can’t be loved.’

 

The conclusion he reached himself made his heart ache.

 

“Nam Tae-jae! This kid is weird!”

 

“You’re weirder!”

 

“Do you really have a younger brother like this?”

 

“I do! I do! Why are you saying things to me? Do you happen to like Rest?”

 

“What’s Rest? Rest? Is that something you eat? I learned a little Chinese characters so I know!! The ‘sik’ for eating, right?”

 

“It’s not something you eat, but it’s good. I’ll take you there.”

 

“Okay~ that’s enough.”

 

With Teacher smiling and separating Hae-cho and Nabi, then hurriedly feeding snacks to the two of them as the last scene.

 

-It’s 6 o’clock.

 

The lights went out.

 

All the lights in the hall went out except for the candle-shaped lamps in the corners.

 

However, it wasn’t completely dark.

 

A dazzlingly bright spotlight was shining down on the stage.

 

Everyone who had been conversing also turned their attention there.

 

Nam Tae-jae was no different.

 

-We express our gratitude to everyone who came to the ‘Healer Grand Festival’ held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Healing Awakener Association.

 

The low, dignified voice of the person standing on the platform echoed throughout the hall.

 

A person who seemed to be absorbing everyone’s full attention.

 

However, Nam Tae-jae noticed that the surroundings were somehow bustling.

 

“Nabi? Teacher?”

 

Even in the darkness, he could see Nabi going to Hae-cho and talking to her.

 

“Rest is good. Let’s go together. I’ll give you snacks!”

 

“Are there lots of snacks there?”

 

“We can just buy lots! I have a card.”

 

“Whose card is it?”

 

“It was originally hyung’s…. But now it’s mine!”

 

Nabi and Hae-cho having a friendly conversation.

 

Behind them, Hae-cho’s parents watching the two and smiling.

 

When he barely managed to look away and turn his head….

 

He noticed Teacher standing next to him holding up his mobile phone and calling someone.

 

Looking alternately at his wristwatch while talking on the phone, he seemed busy.

 

‘Teacher must be busy.’

 

“I shouldn’t have….”

 

Asked to come.

 

The party wasn’t as fun as expected, and his heart felt uncomfortable the whole time.

 

Getting angry, then depressed, then suddenly like this…. He felt unbearable misery.

 

‘Why am I the only one….’

 

“…who has to be alone?”

 

The host’s voice continuing to come through the microphone and the conversation sounds of people gradually getting used to the atmosphere began to grow louder.

 

The hall was still dark, and people were busy having their own conversations.

 

Enough that no one would notice if someone disappeared.

 

And in that gap, there really was someone who disappeared.

 

“…Tae-jae?”

 

Nam Tae-jae vanished like that from the middle of the party.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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