I Became the Cute One in the Problem-Solving Team

Thinking about it, I really hated going to the hospital when I was a kid. Of course, I wasn’t the type to scream and resist violently, saying I didn’t want to go. I grew up in a strict household where acting up would immediately result in five times the punishment. If I sensed something off, I’d quickly run away or quietly hide in the closet—more of an escape artist.

But in the end, I had to go to the hospital when I was sick or needed vaccinations. If my gut feeling was right, it wasn’t hard to pick up on the weird vibes.

Yet, once I actually got to the hospital, I’d obediently get shots and take medicine without a fuss. Why did I hate going so much back then? Looking back now, it’s really funny.

Maybe it was to deal with me, who would vanish without a trace at the mere mention of the hospital. My parents’ coping skills started improving day by day… and one of them was the art of deception.

“Let’s go eat steak. I’ll buy you a toy. How about the amusement park? Let’s check out the festival. A celebrity’s in town…”

I can’t even count how many times I fell for it. The resentment is still deeply engraved in my heart.

“Ah, haha… Yuria, you’re not into pork cutlets, right? How about sushi?”

“…”

Maybe that’s why. I could clearly sense something suspicious about Alice, who seemed awkward. Wait, she’s supposed to be at the office right now… her being here is already weird.

There’s definitely another motive here.

Thinking that, I didn’t approach Alice recklessly and subtly shifted my gaze. That’s when I spotted Karen inside the shop, striking a pose as if cheering.

Judging by the direction she was looking, she wasn’t cheering for me but for Alice. So… they’re planning to take me somewhere I shouldn’t notice!

‘Since Alice likes me, I can probably trust her with anything. But hiding the destination is bothering me. …Still, I’ll play along for now. If it gets too weird, I’ll pretend to go to the bathroom and run away.’

After a brief moment of hesitation, I cautiously approached Alice.

If it were someone who usually treated me badly, I would’ve turned my back without a second thought. But it had to be Alice, who always lets me win no matter what, so I couldn’t just ignore her.

But if it’s something really unbearable, I’ll run away immediately!

Holding Alice’s hand, who looked like she was on the verge of tears, I stayed on high alert.

A pro at escaping should never let their guard down.

Right now, I was a wild cheetah.