Chapter 58: Helchang's Life

Chapter 58: Helchang's Life

It was 4 a.m.

As usual, I woke up at my regular time, packed a lunchbox in the kitchen, changed into my jogging outfit, and left the house.

My jogging route typically covered a 10 km round trip.

There was a certain romance to exercising alone in the dawn air before the sun fully rose.

However, today, for the first time, someone joined me on this jogging course.

It was a former biker with a regent haircut, who was the same age as me and insisted on calling me big brother.

Good morning, big brother!

Good morning.

For the next three days, I decided to spend my time with this guy, Koto Kazuya.

Honestly, I wanted to naturally shake him off because having a disciple like him would be tiring.

So, I proposed a hellish three-day course.

There was no way an ordinary person who barely exercised could keep up with my workout routine.

Koto, running beside me and keeping pace, said,

Its been a long time since Ive jogged like this! I used to run a lot when I delivered newspapers in middle school!

Newspaper delivery? Why did you do that in middle school? Were you short on allowance?

Koto, stroking his nose with his finger, replied,

My father left home when I was three, and since then, my mother raised me alone.

Hearing this unexpectedly heavy family history from Koto, I involuntarily closed my mouth.

Frankly, it wasnt my intention to bring up such a topic.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Koto bravely smiled and said it was okay.

No, Im not really okay with this

After completing a full round around the village along the riverbank, we headed to the civic park I visit every day.

Here, there were exercise machines often used by the elderly, perfect for someone like me to work out alone.

How many pull-ups can you do?

I used to do about five. I havent tried recently, so Im not sure.

Good. Watch closely.

I said that and immediately hung from the pull-up bar.

My shoulders and arms strained under the effort.

I easily managed about 50 pull-ups.

The key to pull-ups was maintaining a stable waist.

Swinging to gain momentum during pull-ups was not very effective for exercising, so maintaining the correct posture was essential.

After warming up, I encouraged Koto to give it a try.

Koto then gulped nervously and exclaimed with a tense face,

Ossu!

No, dont yell like that; its embarrassing

Yes! Big brother!

At least he was adept at following directions.

After completing our morning exercise, we made our way back home on the same route.

It was precisely 6 a.m. Since I had to leave for school no later than 7:10 a.m., I had roughly an hour of free time remaining.

Out of a bit of consideration, I fed Koto a substantial meal before sending him on his way.

I wont be, so just tell me.

Its the talent currently rising as the nations first love, Minato Naoya.

Minato Naoya?

Even if you, Yu-seong, have no interest in celebrities, you must know her name. Turn on the TV, and youll see her in commercials dozens of times a day.

With a sense of curiosity, I sifted through Kim Yu-seongs memories from before I possessed his body.

Indeed, she was as tremendously famous as Satoru had said.

She had originated from a leading theater group as a child actor.

I had no idea someone like that was attending our school.

Well, she rarely attended school due to her busy celebrity schedule. Recently, it seems shes expanding into the idol field as well.

Satoru said this with pride, puffing out his chest.

But why do you know so much about this?

Satoru, lifting his nose high, said,

Im a super, super, super elite member of Minato Naoyas fan club, numbered in the 100s.

His proudly boasting demeanor was the very image of an idol otaku.

I had a feeling he knew too much about her. So that was the inside story.

Why dont you try joining Naodang now? I can guide you well as a senior.

Ill politely decline.

I was too busy exercising every day; I didnt plan on wasting time on a celebrity I would never meet in my life.

While discussing Satoru and Minato Naoya, Sakamoto Ryuji, his childhood friend Yaguchi Maiya, Rika, and Sasha all arrived at school.

The first period on Thursday morning was math.

It was my favorite subject as a former graduate student in science and engineering.

Last week, since the exam was near, we had a free period. I thought wed resume the syllabus today, but I was wrong.

The math teacher looked around the class and then said,

Today, were going to grade the midterm exam papers together. Everyone, take out your papers.

At that, those who had been ignoring the cruel reality, frightened of grading their scores, began to panic en masse.

And one of them was Rika.

I shook my head, watching the scene unfold.

It seemed like a downpour of disappointment was expected on many peoples exam papers today.

After school, I immediately took the subway home.

I did it to keep my promise to Koto Kazuya.

Normally, unless there was something special, Id head straight to the fitness club after school.

But today, I decided to meet Koto, who was new to the route, and go with him.

The gym manager, eager for fresh new members, would surely agree with a smile if I asked for a free three-day trial for Koto.

Of course, he would expect me to do a lot of teaching.

Brother! Did you come back from school?

Koto, waiting in front of the store as planned, spotted me from a distance and bowed respectfully in greeting.

A passing child, clutching his mothers hand tightly, asked upon seeing this,

Mom, why is that man calling the younger-looking man brother?

Shh, be quiet, dear. Lets go.

I would have to stop him from greeting me like that when hes with me.