Chapter 0: Prologue

 

Could it be that being an adult means accepting the life given to you?

 

Maybe living out each day and monotonously ending your life was what being human was all about?

 

Even I, who thought this way, had one thing that excites me.

 

Every Friday, I eagerly awaited the release of a new episode from a web novel, which became my singular respite from fatigue.

 

“This too ends today, though...”

 

It was a youthful romance harem story.

 

It was a novel about an 18-year-old, second-year high school student.

 

I often thought if I had such a youthful life, I would have relished it.

 

Most notably, in this web novel was a woman I had dreamed of.

 

Her name was Shin Eun-ha, the pure and kind-hearted childhood friend who had lovingly watched over the protagonist since their childhood.

 

I was certain that today’s episode would depict the protagonist, Kang Seo-ha, accepting Eun-ha’s confession.

 

Though there were other main heroines besides Shin Eun-ha, it made sense in the storyline for him to choose Eun-ha.

 

I was confident that Eun-ha would smile happily and start dating the protagonist.

 

[ I’m sorry, Eun-ha. There was a time I held feelings for you, but now... Jung-yeon holds a bigger place in my heart... ]

 

“What the hell with this bastard?”

 

I shot up from my bed.

 

Was this not the same guy who was on cloud nine for an entire day after Eun-ha presented him with chocolate in episode 15?

 

And what of episode 21, when he commented on her fragrance as she helped him study?

 

Not to mention, during episode 40, he gave every indication that he would immediately accept Eun-ha’s confession in a heartbeat.

 

Now this? If he had any decency, he should be with Eun-ha, allowing us the delight of their blossoming romance!

 

Yet, contrary to my desires, our kind heroine gracefully accepted his rejection and said to the male lead,

 

[ Thank you for being honest... Go... You must be happy with Jung-yeon, okay? After all, she’s my friend too.

 

Unable to contain my frustration, I promptly dove into the comment section.

 

It seemed I wasn’t alone in my sentiments. Numerous Eun-ha supporters were fervently inquiring about the author’s address.

 

『Eun-ha’s Devotee: The ending is seriously disappointing. It’s trash. Considering the emotional trajectory and narrative thus far, he absolutely should have ended up with Eun-ha. Come on! Author, perhaps consider making this an alternate universe plot and rewrite it for an Eun-ha ending. How does this even make sense? How can he possibly choose Jung-yeon, who just screeches like a dolphin?

 

˪ ForeverJungYeon: Why would he date someone who frustratingly conceals her feelings every single day? Both main heroines are undoubtedly beautiful, but based on personality alone, it’s obvious to not choose Eun-ha. Isn’t it instinctual to be attracted to someone who takes the initiative? If Jung-yeon’s being compared to a dolphin, then Shin Eun-ha is undoubtedly a sloth. It’s what she gets.

 

“Ah, these damn dolphin fans...!”

 

I went back and forth with these dolphin fans for quite a while.

 

But, as the skirmish in the comments escalated, the moderators and the author decided to disable the comments.

 

Feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment, I placed my phone beside my bed and tried to rest.

 

Unbelievable.

 

I still can’t accept it.

 

If I were the protagonist, Eun-ha’s happiness would have been my top priority.

 

I would have lived a life looking only at Eun-ha and living only for her.

 

That foolish protagonist chose the dolphin.

 

The more I think about it, the angrier I get.

 

“If it were me, I’d make her the happiest woman in the world.”

 

Lost in my thoughts and just as I heaved a weary sigh, my phone’s screen began to glow unusually bright, enveloping everything.

 

What on earth?...

 

--- End OF The Chapter ---

 

[ TL: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read up to 2 chapters ahead of the release: https://www.patreon.com/taylor007  ]