ALL NOVEL Chapter 4.2
Flustered and unable to say anything, I just froze. Choi Uma let out a soft giggle and lowered her skirt back into place.
“I-I was just kidding….”
“Oh, a joke. Of course. I knew that. Totally.”
At that moment, I realized something: Choi Uma had a unique talent.
The ability to make a man furious both above and below.
A rare gift, indeed.
Eventually, I managed to cool down, and the elderly professor walked in. The lecture began.
On the very first day, the professor spent time talking about various topics before pulling out a stack of books to introduce.
“These are textbooks I’ve written myself. You can purchase them from online bookstores, and I expect everyone to have them ready by the next lecture.”
‘Isn’t this just a book-selling scheme?’
The professor was clearly focused on theory, which explained the sheer number of required textbooks. But three books for a single course? Was he trying to drain every penny out of broke college students?
The three-hour lecture finally came to an end.
“Well then, I’ll see you all next time.”
“Good work, everyone!”
As the professor exited, Gyun Nari, the TA, entered the lecture hall with her signature cheerful expression, practically glowing with enthusiasm.
“Hey, everyone! I saw you yesterday, but I wanted to see you again today!”
‘Adorable!’
Even kindergartens don’t get this level of warm welcome, but having Gyun Nari—a fluffy, lovable large dog beastman—greet us so enthusiastically felt oddly healing.
When Gyun Nari wagged her fluffy tail, the other canine beastmen eagerly wagged theirs in response. At this rate, someone’s going to start whining. Probably the one sitting next to me, too!!!
Then Gyun Nari spoke up.
“As I mentioned in the announcement this morning, we’re going to choose the class president and vice president! Let’s start with the president! Who wants to volunteer?”
The class president and vice president—roles representing the entire year. Before I could even wonder who would step up, hands shot up from all directions.
Typical beastmen. The word “leader” must resonate deeply with their instincts, because everyone wanted to take on the role, even shy-looking Choi Uma.
“Hm, this is tough. Only one person can be president, and only one can be vice president.”
Gyun Nari stuck out her tongue in mock frustration, pondering. Sure, take your time deciding… but why are you looking at me?
“That’s it! Our human student!”
“Me?”
“Yes, you!”
“Why?”
“Why not?”
“…Why?”
Seriously, why?! Just because I’m the only human here? I just want to graduate quietly! I don’t want to be class president!!!
“Wow! Ji-hyuk is going to be the president!”
Ignoring my internal protests, Choi Uma clapped cheerfully next to me, her round cheeks puffing up as she smiled. Soon the other beastmen joined in.
“Congratulations!”
“Congratulations!”
“Congratulations!”
Don’t congratulate me! Don’t clap while saying omedetou! Please stop!!
“Alright! Now, Ji-hyuk, you get to pick the vice president.”
“Excuse me?!”
“Quickly, quickly!”
Gyun Nari wagged her tail like a helicopter rotor, spinning it so hard it made a buzzing sound.
Even if she was rushing me, I didn’t know anyone well enough to pick someone! Should I just choose Choi Uma? No, absolutely not. That’s a terrible idea!
‘Huh?’
While I was battling my internal dilemma, I felt someone’s gaze.
The pedigree-looking feline beastman, Momyammi, who had been staring straight ahead the whole time, was now glaring directly at me.
Her eyes, as clear and blue as a summer sky, were filled with dissatisfaction. Her ears pinned back, and her tail lashed sharply from side to side—classic signs of feline irritation.
Cats pin their ears and swish their tails when they’re angry, don’t they? Why on earth was she mad at me?
‘Ah! Could it be?!’
I got it! Your feelings have reached me!
I pointed to the next vice president.
As I headed back from the lecture hall, Choi Uma trailed behind me with a pout on her face.
“J-Ji-hyuk… I’m disappointed in you…!”
“What did I do to deserve your disappointment this time?”
“I-I wanted to be vice president too…!”
“I had no idea.”
That was a lie. I knew. But even so, you’re just not an option.
Her puffed-up cheeks betrayed her disappointment, swelling like two balloons.
“You’re not a rabbit beastman—are you a toad beastman instead?”
“Nooo!”
“Unbelievable.”
“Uuugh!”
For a brief moment, I felt the urge to poke her inflated cheeks, but I held back. After all, we’d reached the dormitory.
Whirrr.
“Well, I’m heading off!”
“W-wait, Ji-hyuk…!”
I passed through the first-floor lobby, hopped into the elevator, and hit the button to close the doors before Choi Uma could follow me inside. As the doors slid shut, I caught a glimpse of her disheartened expression. Harsh? Maybe. But I needed to draw some boundaries.
‘I just need a little space from her!’
The infamous lecture hall incident still lingered in my mind. Getting too close to her? No thanks!
Ding—
[5th floor.]
The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out, only to freeze in shock.
“W-what…?”
“Hoo. J-Ji-hyuk, you’re so mean. A-are you mad at me or something…?”
How—what? This was the 5th floor. I took the elevator. How was Choi Uma here before me?!
“Did you… use the emergency stairs?”
“Y-yeah. You… left me behind… in the elevator….”
“Oh my god.”
She’d sprinted up five flights of stairs and still managed to beat the elevator?! And she wasn’t even out of breath?!
As my brain struggled to process what I’d just witnessed, a story my mom told me as a child resurfaced in my mind.
‘Furries’ physical abilities surpass humans, and beastmen, who inherit their blood, aren’t far behind. While it might take a human their best effort to run 50 meters, a beastman can cover that in three seconds.’
This was that! This was exactly that!
Shiver.
Paralyzed by fear, I watched as Choi Uma giggled softly. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she grabbed my hand. Normally, holding hands with a cute girl would’ve been exciting, but all I could think about was how she’d outrun the elevator. My balls shriveled from sheer terror.
“J-Ji-hyuk, you’re so mean. Leaving me behind like that…”
As she said this, her face lit up with a blushing smile. Meanwhile, my own face had turned pale. Ji-hyuk is scared stiff!!!
“You hurt me twice already today… So if I’m struggling later, you’ll have to help me, okay?”
I don’t know what you’re talking about!!!