Mixed-Blood in a Gender Role Reversed World - Chapter 60

 Chapter 60: Fangs Never Forget Themselves (3)

Several hours had passed since the audience with her.  

Fonda was once again summoned by the boss, Natasha, and headed to her villa.  

Stepping past the unguarded gate, Fonda entered the villa. Before even reaching the hallway, a metallic stench assaulted Fonda’s nose.  

“…”  

Drawn by the smell of blood, Fonda arrived at a scene where five or six bodies lay collapsed, eyes still open. Each had a neat, round hole in the center of their foreheads. From throats deeply slashed by a blade, red liquid gushed in spurts.  

Fonda, struck anew by fear of her overwhelming power that caused this carnage, adjusted their glasses to steady their resolve. As expected, today was another failure. Facing a wall of insurmountable height could break one’s spirit, but Fonda was not someone to crumble so easily. Stepping onto the blood-slicked floor, Fonda reached the devil’s room, where Natasha, fresh from a shower, stood in a white robe, her ample chest partially exposed.  

“You called…”  

“Have you ever been to Korea, Fonda?”  

Before Fonda could fully bow, Natasha, wiping a blade without sparing a glance, asked the question. The broad, sharp military dagger gleamed ominously. Recalling the bodies from earlier, Fonda adjusted their glasses again and answered.  

“I’ve only heard of it… never been, Boss.”  

“I see.”  

Natasha nodded casually and continued.  

“By the end of today, get me what I need to learn Korean. Oh, and take over my duties for a while. You can handle it, right?”  

“Boss, you don’t mean…”  

“Shh.”  

Even though no one else was around, Natasha playfully placed a finger to her lips. Fonda couldn’t grasp the intent behind her words, but a dangerous desire began to stir within.  

Her rise to that position at such a young age wasn’t due to luck. There was something beyond the label of genius something unique to her. Beyond her brilliant mind and unmatched strength, she possessed an instinct. An instinct to discern what would benefit her and what wouldn’t.  

Even knowing I sent assassins, the Boss keeps me alive. She must have foreseen what would happen if she entrusted the throne to me… Is this, too, within her grasp?  

“Understood.”  

But Fonda always bowed their head.  

To the Boss, and to their own desires.  

“Then I’ll take care of the club matter.”  

It seemed Natasha had gone wild after hearing news about *that guy*, so the implication was to let her go have her fun without interference.  

“Leave it be.”  

“…?”  

Her cold voice cut Fonda off. Tensing, Fonda asked cautiously.  

“May I ask why…?”  

Natasha brushed her bangs up, eyes downcast.  

It was a gesture she made when plans were disrupted or something displeased her. Fonda immediately backed off, swallowing their words.  

---

Sunlight or what seemed like it stabbed my eyes, waking me from sleep. Rubbing my bleary eyes, I checked my phone.  

“Still got some time before school… What’s this?”  

The tattoo artist had already sent me a design via message. It was my surname, RYU, stylized in an elegant, flowing font. I planned to get it inked on my index, middle, and ring fingers.  

“Turned out better than I expected.”  

Smiling with satisfaction, I suddenly felt an emptiness and glanced around.  

The house, now eerily quiet overnight.  

“…That’s how it is. When it’s here, it’s a hassle; when it’s gone, it feels empty and hollow. Still, I’ve gained my freedom.”  

I shook off the feeling by ruffling my hair. Then, stripping off my clothes, I headed to the bathroom, splashing water on myself. That’s when I realized something I’d forgotten.  

“I didn’t dream…”  

---

I was in a good mood today. Perhaps because of the relief that I’d get through the day unscathed, my steps felt light as I crossed the classroom threshold. Ignoring the stares trailing me, I plopped into my seat, only to notice the empty spot beside me.  

Mina’s seat.  

Something’s been up with her lately she’s been arriving later than usual. Yesterday, she was even late.  

“She’s not the type to do this.”  

A subtle worry crept in, and I sent her a message, but she didn’t check it probably rushing to school. My guess was confirmed five minutes before morning homeroom.  

“Slept in or something?”  

“Haa… haa…”  

Mina, panting heavily, nodded at my question.  

Her small head bobbing was cute, so I brushed the hair stuck to her forehead and said,  

“Studying too hard, aren’t you?”  

“…Huh? Uh, yeah.”  

“You’ll ruin your health like that. Take it easy.”  

“Okay… Oh, want this? I got it on the way here because it reminded me of you.”  

“For me?”  

Caught off guard, my eyes widened slightly. Mina rummaged through her bag and handed me a Pepero stick. I took it awkwardly and asked,  

“Why this…? Is it Pepero Day or something?”  

“You like sweet stuff, don’t you…?”  

Mina, too shy to continue, tucked her hair behind her ear, mimicking me. Her pale cheeks flushed as she stole glances at me.  

“I’ll eat it well.”  

Suppressing the tickle in my chest, I smiled. That was all I could do. I wasn’t oblivious to Mina’s feelings for me, but going deeper becoming lovers felt… uneasy.  

Why?  

It’s not like Mina’s lacking or unlikeable.  

“Everyone, attention. Hyemin and Suyoung are transferring schools today…”  

My thoughts snapped back at the teacher’s words, and I glanced at their seats.  

…They were really empty.  

“Guess Aunt scared them off. Or maybe threatened them.”  

Good.  

If they were around, I’d keep seeing that 100 million won that slipped through my fingers…  

“What’s wrong?”  

“Oh, nothing.”  

Mina, who’d been staring at me with wide eyes, slowly turned away at my response. I didn’t press further since I wasn’t that curious.  

Time passed, and when school ended, Mina and I left together. As we reached the intersection on the way home, Mina cautiously spoke, as if walking on ice.  

“…Sehwa, I’ll head off here.”  

“Why? Let’s go together.”  

“I’ve got something to do nearby…”  

She avoided my gaze, as if hiding something. Not one to cling, I nodded.  

“Guess there’s no helping it.”  

“D-Don’t get the wrong idea! It’s not because I don’t want to go with you…”  

“What misunderstanding?”  

“It might happen sometimes from now on…”  

“Sure.”  

As the conversation went on, Mina’s expression grew complex a mix of relief and disappointment that I didn’t press her to stay. I just laughed.  

“Must be going to some academy or something. Work hard.”  

“That’s weird… You’re not mad, are you…?”  

“Why?”  

“They say on the internet when guys talk like that, it’s a bad sign…”  

Mina, shorter than me, looked up with an anxious face. Staring into her blue-moon eyes, I raised a corner of my mouth as if to say, “What are you talking about?”  

“Don’t worry. I’m not like that. See you tomorrow.”  

---

As planned, I stopped by home to change before heading to the martial arts academy. Dressed in a black tracksuit and short-sleeve shirt for ease of movement same as in my past life. Feeling an odd sense of familiarity, I entered the building with a sign reading *Strain Mixed Martial Arts Academy*. The sounds of punching bags being hit and bells ringing filled the air.  

“Gotta warm up first.”  

After rolling my neck, I strode in, only to be called from the counter.  

“Hey…”  

The woman from registration whose name I couldn’t recall held out a can of coffee with trembling hands. I took it, eyeing her with a questioning look.  

“The head coach… asked me to give this to you. Said they’d love for you to come by often…”  

Was that true? I gave a polite nod with a smile and started to move on, but I froze when I saw someone struggling alone in front of a punching bag.  

Long, shapely legs and calves hugged by tight leggings. A sports bra revealing a pale back and waist. Each clumsy punch sent her rounded chest and silver hair swaying, creating a striking sight.  

“Haa… So this is what she ditched me for…”  

Quietly, I approached her from behind. Tapping her sweat-slicked shoulder, Mina jumped like she’d been shocked.  

“What are you doing here?”  

“Eek!? S-Sehwa? Why are you…?”  

“That’s what I want to ask. Didn’t you say you were done with this?”  

“W-Well…”  

At my stern tone, Mina’s shoulders visibly trembled. Sighing, I narrowed my eyes, feeling uneasy.  

“After all that effort to pull her away… back to square one.”  

To make matters worse, Mina, like a rain-soaked rabbit, stared at the floor with dejected eyes, fueling my frustration. I gazed at her silently, though inside, I was struggling to hold back a lecture about her foolish actions.  

“Sorry…”  

“Why were you hitting it alone? Where’s the coach?”  

“…They’re helping someone else. I was practicing in my free time…”  

“…”  

“…Should I stop?”  

Her voice, trembling with fear of my disapproval, made me pause. I kept brushing my bangs back roughly, not responding.  

I wasn’t angry because she ignored my wishes it was something else.  

“Member, I’m here. Who’s this guy next to you…?”  

A woman, likely a coach, approached, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.  

“Hello. Are you the coach?”  

“Uh… yes. Can I help you…?”  

Her expectant gaze met mine, and I deliberately placed a hand on Mina’s shoulder as I spoke.  

“This is my close friend. Could you focus on someone else instead? Sorry for the request.”  

“Oh… sure, sure.”  

Whether it was my serious tone or polite manner, the coach quickly moved to another beginner. Mina, who’d been listening, took off her gloves, fidgeting nervously.  

“…I’ll stop now…”  

“Don’t hit the bag alone from now on.”  

“…Huh?”  

“Your straps are tied wrong too.”  

“…?”  

Ignoring Mina’s wide-eyed confusion, I bent down, took her delicate hand, and undid the straps.  

“I’m mad for one reason.”  

Fixing my gaze on her hand as I retied the straps, I continued calmly.  

“Who taught you to hit like that? What if you get hurt? If you injure a ligament, it’s over, you know.”  

“…Uh, sorry?”  

“As long as you get it.”  

After securing the straps on both hands, I stood up. Mina, looking at her hands, gave me a puzzled glance, as if asking why I’d done it.  

Hiding a bitter smile with a sigh, I decided to take the action I should’ve taken from the start.  

“What are you doing? Get in stance.”  

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Translated by Reversalmanhwa.web.id  

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