SSS-Class Revival Hunter - Chapter 146

WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ SSS-Class Revival Hunter ◈

Chapter 146: Friend (2)

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"Wow, there's no rule that says you have to just sit around and die!"

Turning misfortune into a blessing.

Entering high school, this might be the first time I've truly felt what friendship is.

"They say a real friend is one who extends a hand in tough times."

Right. Let's reflect. I've been too arrogant.

People make mistakes in life. I trusted the kids too much! I never considered the possibility that one of my friends could leak the recording to get back at me.

"It's okay. There are still many days left to live."

I'm just a second-year high school student. I have more than 60 years ahead of me. There will be mistakes in the future, and times of despair with each mistake.

"But there's always a chance for a turnaround."

So let's not be easily disappointed. Don’t give up too soon. Believe in myself. Believe in my friends! Unlike those livestock-like trash, I am strong! A strong human being.

"Life is about experiences."

Let’s chalk this up as a [good experience].

"It's better to experience this before entering society. Yes, let's think of it that way. It’s not like I've failed in business or been caught by the police. It’s just a bit of ostracism from the kids, right? And that will be resolved after the election anyway."

It's really a good experience.

"I'll also sneak in an apology to my girlfriend in the apology letter. Mentioning it directly would upset her, so I'll make it subtle so only those who know will understand."

Hmm. I should also apologize to the clients for the trouble I've caused.

"The ones I truly need to apologize to are actually the clients, not Kim Yul. Whether Kim Yul accepts my apology or not, it ends there, but the clients could become my clients again anytime. I should apologize sincerely."

On the day of the student council election...

I finally completed a masterpiece.

Hello, everyone.

I am Hwang Eun-Seo from Class 2-5.

(Bows in greeting.)

The reason I’m standing here today, even though I’m not running in the election, is that I have something to confess to all of you.

Students of Shinseo High School!

I have committed a terrible wrong.

I, Hwang Eun-Seo, participated in ostracizing a classmate.

(Pauses for 2 seconds.)

I did nothing when I saw a classmate being bullied. Not only did I not intervene, but I also joined in the bullying, claiming it was just 'playful teasing.' I hit him, cursed at him, and laughed at him, calling it 'just a joke.'

(Pause.)

Students of Shinseo High School.

Until now, I didn’t realize that was wrong. I thought it was just playful teasing and jokes among friends. But one should never hurt someone under the guise of ‘teasing,’ nor laugh at someone under the guise of ‘jokes.’

Not knowing it was wrong.

Hurting someone without even knowing it, and mocking them without even knowing it.

That is my greatest mistake.

A candidate in this student council election made me realize my mistake. I kept asking, ‘What did I do wrong? It’s just a joke, just some teasing,’ and didn’t listen to the candidate. But the candidate stayed after school for two weeks to talk to me.

‘You need to apologize.’

‘You can apologize.’

‘If you sincerely apologize, you can be forgiven by your friend….’

Thank you.

(Bows towards the president.)

Thanks to the candidate’s efforts and encouragement, today I am able to confess my mistakes in front of all the students, in front of my classmate.

Of course, the hurt my classmate received won’t disappear just because I apologize today.

(Looks around the auditorium.)

Not only did I hurt my classmate, but I also caused trouble for other friends and many people in the school. I spoke and acted thoughtlessly. I believe many of you were disappointed in me.

(Bows to the audience.)

I was wrong.

(Bows and speaks.)

I'm sorry.

(From here, the speech goes off-script.)

(Speak with genuine emotion! Don't read the speech!)

(Memorize every line! Important!!)

From now on, I won’t ‘tease’ or ‘joke’ lightly.

I will always think and rethink.

Not from my perspective, but from my friends', from others' perspectives.

(Enhance storytelling. Bring attention to surroundings.)

The friend I ostracized came to school early every morning and went to the animal pen behind the school. There, my friend cared for chicks and rabbits that no one else looked after.

He is a diligent and really good friend.

I deeply regret bullying such a diligent and kind friend.

(Make a tangible promise that feels realistic.)

Starting today, I will take care of the animal pen, not just in his stead, but with him.

Every morning at 6:30, I will go to school to take care of the pen. I won’t miss a single day until graduation, not even on weekends or holidays.

(Why? A plausible reason.)

This is not only to apologize to my friend, but to remind myself every day of the grave mistake I made.

(Lol.)

A single apology here doesn’t erase the wrong. Nor should it. Students of Shinseo High School! If I miss even a day, please criticize me.

I haven't changed yet. But I want to change. I thank Candidate No. 2, who helped me change myself.

(It might be better to mention the number rather than the name??)

Students of Shinseo High School.

Candidate No. 2 made it possible for me to stand here today. Persuaded me. Spent two weeks just to convince one student.

(Emphasize No. 2.)

I believe this isn't just ‘talking’ communication, but true ‘communication.’ Communication is effort. It takes time. It changes the people around you.

(Absolutely don't read the speech. Speak naturally.)

(Look each person in the eye.)

Candidate No. 2 is a candidate who makes efforts.

A candidate who spends time on you.

A candidate who changes the friends around you.

(Conclude.)

I don’t know how you will remember your school days.

But I hope you remember them happily and joyfully. However, for all of us to be happy and joyful, none of us should suffer, even a little.

For a slightly better school life.

For a slightly more joyful school experience.

I ask for your vote for Candidate No. 2.

(Steps away from the microphone.)

(Shouts in a loud, clear voice.)

Kim Yul!

I’m sorry for everything I’ve done!

I’m truly sorry!

I hope we can get along from now on!

(Bows in apology and greeting.)

(Exits.)

Perfect.

“Hmm. Good. It’s decent...”

The president read my apology letter and commented. Good? Is this just good? Are you blind? Thoroughly blind. This isn’t just good, it’s a masterpiece. Do you have any idea how much psychological technique is in here and you can't recognize it!

I need to be forgiving. Phew.

"Can you remember all the parts you need to say by heart?"

"Of course. I stayed up all night memorizing it. I can do it with my eyes closed."

"Reliable, Hwang Eun-Seo. I’m glad I chose you as a friend."

The president patted my shoulder. Brat.

"Let's check the rehearsal first..."

The class president planned to display his pledges and vision in a PowerPoint presentation. That required the auditorium to be dark. Fortunately, pressing a button and waiting a moment made the curtains move automatically, leaving the auditorium fairly dim.

During the rehearsal, I accidentally made eye contact with my girlfriend.

"......Hmm."

My girlfriend pretended not to know me. But I deliberately bowed my head. I assumed an apologetic posture toward her. Then, unexpectedly, she looked surprised.

'Wait.'

I smiled inwardly.

'Today is Hwang Eun-Seo's comeback day.'

The time for the election speech approached.

The entire school gathered in the hall. It was bustling. My girlfriend seemed anxious, walking back and forth in the back of the hall.

In contrast, the president was calm. He sat upright in his chair, seemingly unaffected by nerves. Even I was a bit nervous, but what’s with his iron heart?

"Hey. Aren’t you nervous?"

"Not at all."

The president murmured softly.

“Only people who haven’t prepared enough get nervous. Do you know how much... how much I prepared for today? How obsessively I fantasized about this stage and this day? There’s no way I would ruin it by getting nervous.”

His voice was cold.

"......"

For a moment, the back of my neck went cold. The class president’s voice was that cold and dispassionate. We had spent every afternoon together for the past few days, but this was the first time I had heard that voice.

‘What? You’re acting differently too.’

Feeling somewhat rebuked, I stood awkwardly when someone approached us.

"Uh, excuse me."

A familiar face.

"It's time to start... Could you submit your USB...?"

The head of the broadcasting club, who had tried to blackmail me not long ago, approached hesitantly. When our eyes met, the broadcasting club head hunched their shoulders. Ha. They had probably realized for themself that they had treated me too harshly.

"Sure, here."

The president handed the USB to the broadcast head.

The broadcast head's hands trembled as they received the USB.

"Is t-this the file I should display...?"

"Yes. Just do it like the [rehearsal]."

"Like the rehearsal... T-Then..."

"Then your job is done."

The president stared sharply at the broadcast head.

"Why? Do you think there's more to see?"

"No! Uh, no! I was just asking. Sorry! Thanks for your effort!"

The broadcasting club head hurried down below the podium with the USB. Beneath the podium stood a dizzying array of broadcasting equipment, including a laptop and projector.

‘...What's this?’

The broadcast head's behavior seemed very suspicious. They were always a bit strange, but they weren’t usually this stuttering.

"Now, we will have a speech from the principal."

But there was no time to investigate the suspicious behavior. The principal and the chair of the election committee, represented by last year’s student council president, launched into one long-winded speech after another. Before long, even the auditorium that had been noisy with the entire school packed inside fell quiet.

"Would candidate number 1 please come forward."

My girlfriend spoke first.

As the president predicted, she bombarded with promises. Each pledge required money. However, she was rich enough to keep these extravagant promises, and most students were well aware of it.

'Simple, yet powerful.'

She exited to thunderous applause.

'It’s okay. As long as I act well, we will win. No, the president doesn't even need to win. I just have to do well. The important thing is to apologize to Kim Yul in front of the whole school. Then, [that's enough] will be what everyone thinks...'

I took a deep breath.

"Would candidate number 2 please come forward."

"......"

I looked back.

The president was watching me.

He nodded at me.

'Good.'

Let's go.

'Give it everything in the performance.'

I ascended the podium. With each step, the weight of gazes clinging to my body increased. Thump. Thump. I desperately suppressed the pounding of my heart.

Whirrrrr-

Thick curtains moved to block the sunlight. The hall was enveloped in dark shadows. The broadcast head adjusted the projector, and clear light shone on the stage. Dust particles twinkled in the light passing through the air.

Hundreds of gazes.

Hundreds of breaths.

"Hello, everyone."

Slowly opened my mouth.

"I am Hwang Eun-Seo from Class 2-5."

And then.

"The reason I’m standing here today, even though I’m not running in the election, is that I have something to confess to all of you."

A truly memorable speech followed.

'Oh.'

Once I caught the rhythm, the tension washed away. No. The tension was still there, but the thrill of performing overwhelmed it, freely guiding my tongue.

'It’s working.'

My voice naturally rose and fell.

'It’s working!'

The expressions weren't awkward.

I could feel my facial muscles moving naturally.

'Damn! It’s actually working!'

Come to think of it, I had filmed countless videos. Playing director, I had staged the Kim Yul game. That had undeniably been a stage and a production too. I had become a better actor than anyone else at Shinseo Middle and High School.

"Students of Shinseo High School! Until now, I didn’t realize that was wrong....!"

The provocative topic of bullying, coupled with my acting skills, even attracted the attention of disinterested third-year students.

"I was wrong."

All the students were looking at me.

"I'm sorry."

Their breaths felt like a tangible flow in my hand.

"I haven't changed yet. But I want to change!"

Look at me. Look at Hwang Eun-Seo. He's not dead yet. He won't die.

The recording had been leaked in an absurd stroke of bad luck, but that was only a mistake. I could cover a mistake perfectly well, just like this. I was an incredible human being. When I turned my head, even my girlfriend was watching me with a dumbfounded expression!

"I ask for your vote for Candidate No. 2."

I stepped back from the microphone and shouted.

"Kim Yul!"

Confident of victory.

“I’m sorry for everything! I’m truly sorry!”

I bowed towards where the students of Class 2-5 were gathered.

"I hope we can get along from now on!"

Silence.

What broke the silence in the hall was a faint sound.

Clap,

From the direction I bowed, applause started.

Clap clap, clap, clap.

Kim Yul stood up, clapping his hands. Yes, it was Kim Yul. The very person I apologized to, the one who should forgive me, was giving a standing ovation. Although Kim Yul's expression was cold, and the applause wasn't enthusiastic, a standing ovation had only one meaning.

Forgiveness!

Following Kim Yul's lead, other students also started clapping. Applause easily spread. As if they had seen a great show, as if saying, "That's enough," the students clapped. Even the teachers joined in.

‘Sob...!’

Tears welled up in my eyes.

‘Thank you!’

Not because Kim Yul forgave me. What use is it if recycled trash forgives me or not? It's because I did it. I fell into hell but managed to recover on my own. That’s what makes me proud.

‘Thank you, me! Thank you for not giving up! Well done!’

Clap clap clap clap-

‘Thank you all!’

Clap clap, clap, clap clap-.

‘Thank you for being swept away by the mood! Thank you! Keep being livestock! Even after I graduate, go into society, become an adult, forever remain as livestock!’

I was grateful for everything in this world.

-Hey.

A sound flowed from the speakers installed in the hall.

-Senior.

The sound of applause did not subside easily. At first, the sound from the speakers was drowned out by the noise. But as the broadcast head adjusted the volume, the sound gained strength.

-Is it okay to film this?

I wiped away tears. Uncertain, but it seemed the broadcast head had played some video. Turning around, a video was projected on the dark wall of the hall.

-Don't worry.

A familiar face appeared in the video.

-I'll just share it with a few people and then delete it.

It was me.

"......."

Huh?

-Hello, clients. Kim Yul TV is back again today. Ah, I received many notes saying Kim Yul TV sounds cheesy. I agree!

An unrealistic scene flowed.

In the video, I was holding a camcorder, filming my face and Kim Yul. It was before the [game] had officially started. The kids were casually poking Kim Yul as a joke.

-But I have no talent for naming things. Haha. Clients, I’d appreciate it if you sent me messages suggesting a name for the series yourselves!

Wait, what?

-All right, let’s keep the introduction short. How are we going to play with Kim Yul today? We received a lot of submissions. And today’s glorious winning submission comes from... Da, da, da, da-da-da!

The entire school gathered in the hall buzzed.

-Queen!

The teachers looked at the video.

-Congratulations! Now, I’ll announce Queen’s request. Let’s move quickly, quickly. Ah, prepare two bottles of banana milk. Grind a centipede into one, and in the other...

My mind went blank.

“Hwang Eun-Seo, you crazy bastard!”

Someone shouted.

My girlfriend's voice.

Having finished the speech and returned to her place, my girlfriend stood, shouting.

“You crazy bastard! You fucking psycho! You goddamn piece of shit...!”

I couldn't hear my girlfriend's voice clearly.

I was just dazed.

I instinctively turned my head to look at the broadcast head.

"......."

The broadcasting club head had their head bowed low as they gripped the mouse connected to the laptop.

I turned my gaze again.