Chapter 118: Retreat (5)
The atmosphere at the training camp was charged, with numerous games taking over.
Since the cadets had barely had any drinking sessions due to the intensive training throughout the semester, the charged energy hung thick in the air.
- Whats that?
-Dont you know this? Its the washing machine, the washing machine!
-How am I supposed to know that just by watching you swing your arms around?
The cadets constant creation of cringeworthy moments made the freshmen laugh with laughter.
Recreational activities might sound dull when merely described, but theres a unique joy in watching people scream and play games.
A sense of long-forgotten peace spreads warmth through the heart.
No matter how exhausted, a contented and lazy yawn slips out. It feels like a step up in ones quality of life.
Okay, then those with the highest cadet numbers from each team! Please come to the front!
The game appeared to be an individual challenge.
It was a daunting trial if one couldnt handle the embarrassment of dancing wildly at the front.
What are your cadet numbers?
Starting with 3? I have 2.
Im 4.
Given that mens cadet numbers began with 1 and 2, women seemed to be the intended participants. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that Jin Dallae was orchestrating the game.
Do I really have to go?
Fighting. Go and sweep them off their feet.
Uh, okay.
Jin Dallae, still reeling from the embarrassment of the previous movie-guessing game, approached the front while fanning her flushed face.
The auditorium stage was crowded with notably attractive cadets.
Aside from the all-male teams, it was predominantly women.
Guseul surveyed the cadets on stage, then picked up a large piece of newspaper and began to wave it lightly.
Alright~ Currently in the lead is Team 4 with 2100 points! And Team 10 is close behind with 1900 points. The other teams still have a chance to catch up because this game is worth 500 points!
To increase enthusiasm for the game, it was essential to emphasize the later games significantly.
Guseul began spreading newspapers across the floor while she described the game.
This game is simple. Just stand on this newspaper for exactly 10 secondsonly 10 seconds. Got it?
The challenge was to endure standing on the newspaper.
The cadets on stage nodded, acknowledging Guseuls instructions.
But!!
The game would not be interesting without a twist.
She introduced a condition.
You wont be alone; youll be with a partner on this newspaper. The team that stands the longest wins. And with whom, you ask? Hehe, Ill tell you now.
Guseul chuckled, clearly amused by her own game.
Bring the opposite-gender person you like the most onto the paper!
-Oh!
Excitement erupted among the seated cadets.
Some female cadets on stage showed their displeasure, but why should they care?
Witnessing the embarrassing moments and love stories of others was always more fun and entertaining.
Hurry and choose someone! You have 10 seconds. There are penalties for being late!
Such a game could only thrive in an atmosphere charged with excitement.
Despite their reluctance, the girls went into the crowd to pick someone, each returning to the stage with a partner.
The all-male teams caught off guard, approached a few female cadets but were met with rejectiona cringeworthy scene unfolded.
Jin Dallae was also navigating through the seated cadets toward us.
As expected.
Jin Dallaes lips quivered, her face reddening like a ripe persimmon.
I, uh, dont know anyone else Will you come with me?
She offered an excuse before making her request.
Despite her earlier hesitation, her voice was firm when she asked.
Her pink eyes were a swirl of nervousness and hope.
Although the spotlight at the front of the auditorium made it difficult to see her face clearly, her intent was somewhat apparent.
Here it comes.
We all knew it was coming.
What other choice did I have?
Just as I was about to stand and swiftly conclude the game,
-Snicker.
Guseul, looking at me from the auditorium, wore a mischievous smile.
Are you okay?
Her face was flushed as though she were intoxicated.
Im fine. Lets go to the next, the next round.
Obsession.
I realized too late that assuming everything was fine because there had been no problems so far was too convenient for me.
It had been over a week since I first saw signs of obsession in Jin Dallaes affection level.
Hwangdo had reacted immediately, but Dallae had held out for a long time. Now, seeing Dallae proactively folding the newspaper, I found myself speechless.
I-Ill start now! Please step up!
Even Guseul seemed hesitant as she called out. The remaining cadets stepped onto the newspaper.
Some were already confirmed couples, engaging in skinship without hesitation.
Two of the remaining four teams were couples.
Another team, a strong contender like us, had advanced through sheer determination.
Arent you coming?
Lets try.
If I didnt, it felt like something bad would happen.
I stepped forward, feeling the noticeably reduced space.
Given my size, fitting all four feet on the now-smaller newspaper was difficult.
Normally, this would mean falling off.
If it had been normal.
Shall I step on your foot? Or do you want to step on mine?
Step on mine.
Tsk.
Jin Dallae, slightly displeased, climbed onto my foot and hugged me tightly. Although balancing was precarious, we managed. Standing on my foot, Jin Dallaes height increased, creating an even more awkward scene.
The heavy moment came again.
One~ Two~ Three~
Those damned 10 seconds, which actually felt more like 30 due to Guseuls trickery.
-Ouch!
-Aah!
Some cadets collapsed nearby.
Since we couldnt avoid the rumors of romance, I gritted my teeth and maintained my balance.
Are you okay?
Not really.
Ill get closer.
As she said this, she pressed her face against my collarbone, nearly causing me to lose my balance. Our pose now resembled an intense embrace. The cadets cheered, enjoying the spectacle.
Who will win? Only two teams left! Essentially, the winner here takes it all!
Guseul broadcast enthusiastically, heating up the atmosphere.
In the midst of that pink atmosphere, Jin Dallae, unnoticed in my arms, whispered something barely audible.
-.
I didnt hear it.
Her voice was too soft, and the surrounding noise too loud.
Ah, uh.
The problem was that this whisper seemed to be a significant point for Jin Dallae.
-Pop.
A little above her left temple, a faint pop sound, barely audible, emanated from her head.
Pink flower.
Modest yet radiant petals blossomed, similar to the color of her hair, symbolizing her joy.
-Teeter!
Suddenly, Jin Dallae, who had just bloomed the flower, lost her balance and fell backward.
Ah!
For some reason, I felt it shouldnt be seen by others as if it were a fruit. I reached out and pulled her back.
It was a bit rough but effective. She regained her balance and covered one side of her head with her hand.
Why would a flower bloom in her hair?
Bewildered by this inexplicable phenomenon, I saw Jin Dallaes face up close.
Her eyes were darker than before.
And slightly dangerously so.
RECENTLY UPDATES
