Chapter 4: Chapter 1: I Want to Become a Top Tutor! (4)
".."
Is there any reason to hesitate? Even if it's not just because I've fallen for that woman, there are more than enough reasons why I have no other option but this method right now.
".. First, my top area."
No matter what, it's not easy to find someone around me who's built up this much affection, especially someone the system identifies as a "class target" in other words, a MILF who fits my preferences. Above all, you never know what might happen if you mess with a married woman carelessly.
"And my dropped stats..."
My health, stamina, and charm are all down. The first quest was to get a phone number, and it doesn't make sense to try anything else when I'm in this weakened state.
So, to sum up, I have no other choice. I'll just have to trust the affection I've built up and at least get her number.
"I'll proceed."
[System: Starting 'Han Sua' Affection Upgrade Quest. (Time remaining: 71:59:58)]
That meant I had to settle things within three days. I had to treat that real-time timer as my remaining lifeline and give it everything I had.
But before that, a quest should have clear completion conditions.
Sure enough, a message popped up right away.
[Completion Conditions]
Obtain 'Han Sua's' contact information.
Promise a date with 'Han Sua.'
[Rewards]
1st Affection Cap Unlock
Penalty Removal
500p
[Tip]
'Han Sua' is preparing to finish the workout she couldn't do in the morning.
Talking with you helped her relieve some of the pressure she usually feels.
Don't do anything stupid approach her sincerely.
.. Is this thing picking a fight with me?
"Sigh..."
I guess I should go to that park in the morning? There's no way they'd leave a tip for no reason.
Following the message's advice, I dressed in casual, comfortable clothes and took the bus. I had to transfer to the subway once, so it wasn't a short trip, but since no new messages appeared, it seemed there wouldn't be any problems.
After the rattling subway ride and a bit of walking, I arrived at the park, but it was already after sunset and dark. People were out exercising, taking walks, or dating in ones and twos. The problem was, there were too many people.
".. How am I supposed to find her here?"
Surely they don't expect me to camp out here for 72 hours straight to solve this. I don't have the strength or the time after all, I'm a college student.
"I... I'll just walk along the running course..."
I glanced at people as I walked the course, but it was hard to even find anyone who looked like the woman I saw in the morning. That's understandable someone with a figure like hers isn't easy to spot.
"Haa..."
I walked for so long that I was sweating just from the walking. As I sat down on a bench to catch my breath, someone tapped me on the shoulder from behind.
"Huh...?"
"Hi?"
The very person I'd been searching for until just now greeted me with an awkward smile. I stood up and bowed.
"Ah, hello!"
"Ahaha... We meet again? Out for some exercise?"
"Uh... I, well..."
What should I say here? Out for an evening workout? Just passing by? Forgot something at school?
My mind went blank, and I couldn't organize my thoughts, but then I remembered the message's advice.
[Don't do anything stupid approach her sincerely.]
...Yeah, it's all or nothing anyway.
"I, um... wanted to see you again."
"Uh, huh?!"
"Ah, we parted so suddenly this morning..! I just... I really regretted that..."
"Oh, my..."
Her face turned red enough to see even under the streetlights. She fanned herself with her hand and, pretending to look around, spoke to me.
"Then... shall we take a walk?"
Before I knew it, we were taking a night stroll. As we started walking, the course became strangely less crowded. After a while of walking in silence, she spoke first.
"Your name was Sehyun, right?"
"Y-yes!"
"Oh my, haha... Don't be nervous. Are you scared I'll eat you up?"
She let out a seductive laugh, but it still felt odd hearing her call herself "ajumma" (auntie).
"Ah, you're not an ajumma..."
"Why not? I am an ajumma..."
She said this while tidying her clothes with a slightly sad expression.
"My daughter is twenty... and I'm forty."
"You don't look it."
"Hmm?"
"I mean... when I first met you, I just thought you were a few years older than me."
"Oh my, listen to you trying to flatter me!"
She chuckled, unable to hide her good mood.
"Hearing that from a young guy like you, I guess I'm not dead yet~"
"You're beautiful. Really."
"Oh, come on~ There are so many young, pretty girls at university you don't have to say that."
"No, really! I mean it... um..."
Honestly, I didn't know what to say. Maybe I should just be honest?
"Sigh... If my daughter were as smart and outgoing as you, I'd have no more wishes. Going to a top university, speaking so well... Your parents must be so proud."
"Ahaha..."
Wait, could it be...
"You said your daughter is repeating a year, right?"
"Yeah... Sigh, I just hope she studies properly this time. I wanted to send her to a boarding academy, but she absolutely refused."
"Um, I..."
To heck with it.
"If you don't mind, should I tutor her?"
"You, Sehyun?"
"I used to tutor before the army. I've helped a lot of students get into good universities. Here..."
I opened my phone and showed her photos from when I tutored students acceptance letters they sent me, Q&A from classes, conversations about managing their mindset.
My gut told me: this was my chance.
"Hmm..."
She thought for a moment, then her gaze sharpened. Until just now, we'd been chatting casually, but now she was showing her parent side. That was even better for me.
After all, my achievements were real.
"..Alright. Can you give me your number?"
I did it.
"Yes..! Here..."
I entered my number into her phone and handed it back. She immediately called me, and my phone vibrated in my pocket her number appeared on the screen.
Success.
"You got it, right? That's my number, so save it. And... hmm, it's late today, so let's go home for now. How about we meet tomorrow and talk more? Is 3 o'clock okay?"
"Yes!"
"Alright, hehe... Sehyun, you're pretty good at selling yourself, huh? Self-promotion at a time like this."
"Ah... haha... It's not just that."
It wasn't a lie. I did need a tutoring job, but more than that, I just wanted her number. So it wasn't really a lie.
"Hmm~ You're quite the player? I hope you're as good at teaching as you are at this."
"I'm confident about that."
"Oh my, listen to you."
She laughed and even patted my shoulder, making me feel like the walls between us had come down.
"Okay, let's go in now. It's too late."
"Ah..."
"Why, are you disappointed?"
She looked at me with a chuckle.
"Still, you have to go. Ajumma has work tomorrow."
"Of course. I-I knew that."
"Hmm~ Really? You look disappointed to me. See you tomorrow, Sehyun."
"Goodbye."
I watched her until her figure disappeared from the park, then plopped down on the bench.
"Wow, this is crazy..."
Even after rubbing my face with my hands several times, it didn't feel real. I now had her number in my phone. I'd even set up a date that wasn't quite a date.
It didn't end as a one-day encounter. I now had a chance to get closer to the perfect woman for my tastes.
"Yesss!!"
I was so happy I shouted in the empty park. And then, a message appeared before my eyes.
[System: Congratulations! You have completed the Affection Upgrade Quest!]
[System: All penalties are removed.]
[System: 500p awarded as quest completion reward.]
[System: The 'Shop' is now open with your first points. You can now purchase necessary items.]
[System: 'Han Sua's' first affection cap is unlocked. Current affection: 40.]
It was a perfect success.