Chapter 151 - Love Affair Rumors

"Hello! This is Entertainment News Update! Today, we've brought you some really hot news—it's about Villain Egostic's dating rumors!"

"Wow! Dating rumors about Egostic! But, Chae-ryeong, hasn't this person been involved in dating rumors several times before?"

"That's right. This isn't the first time. The very first dating rumor was with Hero Stardus. Let's watch that footage together!"

The video plays after the host's final words.

It shows Egostic kneeling beside Stardus, who had collapsed after stopping an oncoming train, speaking to her.

"Yes, Stardus. You did well. In a way I couldn't have imagined. Saving everyone like that—I really didn't expect it. This is your victory. I'll be going now, so get some rest. Other heroes will be here soon."

As the video ends, the hosts return to the screen, continuing with enthusiastic voices.

"Everyone, did you see that? When the hero collapsed after stopping his terrorist attack, instead of attacking her, he warmly encouraged her! It really made many people's hearts flutter!"

"Yes! That's why rumors spread that they were secretly dating! Of course, those rumors were eventually dismissed after strong denials from both the Association and the hero."

"That was during Egostic's second terrorist attack, so it was quite a while ago. Let's look at the next dating rumor!"

The screen changes to show new footage.

It shows Egostic carrying Electra in a princess hold, grinning widely.

"Chae-ryeong, how did dating rumors start this time?"

"Well! After seeing Egostic embracing Electra as if they were lovers, many people wondered if they were dating! Of course, as Egostic continued his terrorist activities, people gradually concluded that wasn't the case. And honestly, compared to the current dating rumor, those previous ones seem almost embarrassing to call dating rumors."

"Wow! What makes this current rumor so different?"

"Seeing is believing! Let's watch the footage!"

With those words, another video plays.

Against the dark night sky, Egostic is embracing Mist from behind.

At that moment, Mist turns her head and kisses Egostic on the cheek.

Then, with a seductive smile, she whispers to Egostic.

"Good job, honey."

As her words end, the screen returns to the two hosts.

"Oh my! I'm getting butterflies just watching!"

"Yes. Honestly, at this point it seems less like a rumor and more like confirmation! That's why netizens' reactions have been so heated. As of now, all internet communities are buzzing with this story."

"I suppose it's because Egostic is currently the most popular villain in Korean history, attracting the most public attention, and this scene was broadcast live on all TV stations. So, Chae-ryeong, what do you think?"

"Well... I think this pretty much confirms it, doesn't it? Anyone can see there's something between them. That's what the internet reactions suggest too."

"Oh, as we're speaking! Another new fact has emerged—do you see the ring on Egostic's hand in this footage? Netizens just discovered this, and there's speculation that it might be a couple ring. Specifically, Egostic wasn't wearing a ring before but started wearing one after Death Knight joined, so there's talk that they might have started dating around that time."

"The evidence keeps mounting! And speaking of internet reactions, I heard that Egostic's fan cafe, Team Mango, is in chaos right now."

"Oh, why's that?"

"Apparently, fans who had been pairing Egostic with various people are in great shock. They're in an uproar, unable to accept that a suddenly appearing new woman has claimed the position of his lover."

"Oh my, dear."

...What's with the "oh my, dear"?

"...This is really getting out of hand..."

Night.

In the living room of Ego-House.

Sitting on the sofa watching TV, I felt my head throbbing as I saw what was playing on screen.

Seriously. Why did Seo Ja-young have to do something like that...

Right after I rushed home, startled by Seo Ja-young's impulsive action.

Before I could even ask why she did it, Seo Ja-young was captured by the scary-looking but smiling Han Seo-eun, Eun-wol, Ms. Su-bin, and Choi Se-hee, and disappeared somewhere.

She reached out her hand pitifully, begging me to save her before being dragged away, but it was too late. Seo Ja-young was taken to somewhere in the room of time and mind.

...Well, although the ending was strange, the terrorist attack was relatively successful.

Leaving my companions who had disappeared somewhere, I cleaned myself up and was now resting my tired body on the sofa.

And as soon as I turned on the TV, this chaos was unfolding.

...But honestly, I wondered if this was really such a big deal. I mean, there's nothing between Seo Ja-young and me... but even if there was, would it be such a problem? I don't understand why people are so interested in a villain's love life. I'm a terrorist, not a celebrity.

Of course, seeing a photo of Seo Ja-young kissing my cheek on the front page of portal sites... it just made me dizzy. Come on, they should focus on the terrorist attack, not put something like this as the main headline.

"...Oh, right. I heard my fan cafe is in chaos too."

Remembering what I'd heard on TV earlier, I decided to check my fan cafe after quite a long time.

Let's see what they're talking about...

As soon as I entered the main page, I saw numerous posts.

Skimming through their titles, I felt my mind going blank.

*

[No matter what you say, Purple Mango is confirmed lolololol]

[Like if you think Mist is pretty and cute lol I'll start first lolololol]

[The official one is EgoStar, what nonsense are you all talking lolololol]

[The IceMango ship isn't dead yet...]

[This guy still can't accept reality wwww]

[Our Egostic fan cafe officially recognizes FogMango as the legitimate relationship]

[Everyone shut up!!! Our Ego oppa would never do that!!!!!!]

[When you were all shipping Star, Ice, Moonlight, Electric, whatever, Mango was already scoring with Mist lolol]

[Yeah right, that was an illusion, it's actually EgoStar~~]

[No matter what you say, it's all settled with that ^kiss^]

[Didn't you see how shocked Egostic was? It was obviously just a joke;;]

[Why is it so funny seeing you all collectively losing your minds lolololol]

[Early adopters have already boarded the FogMango coin, get on quick]

[This isn't a coin, it's already an established currency lolololol Didn't you hear "Good job, ^honey^"?]

[I only circuited with Mango, I can't breathe knowing he's suddenly dating someone I never shipped]

[Please make an explanation broadcast please say it's not true please]

[These idiots don't care about the terrorism or Shadow Walker, they're only obsessed with shipping lolololol]

*

"...."

After quickly reading through the posts, I unconsciously pressed the home button to close it.

...There was definitely a reason I hadn't visited this place until now.

Just as I was thinking that, the door on the other side burst open, and Seo Ja-young staggered in.

"Ugh..."

"You're back."

"Yeah... Haa, I barely escaped by selling out Stardus..."

She collapsed face down on the living room floor.

I rested my chin on my hand and asked her:

"Seriously, why did you do that? The TV is talking about nothing but you and me..."

"Why, you ask? Because it was fun... well, that's part of it. I was curious about people's reactions... Why, did your heart flutter?"

"Yeah. It fluttered so much I almost flicked your forehead right then and there."

"Hehe..."

As expected, she said she did it because she thought it would be fun.

Right, I knew it... geez.

Still wearing her black hoodie while lying on the floor, she suddenly started giggling.

"...Hehe."

"Why are you laughing now?"

"No, I just remembered Stardus's expression and it made me laugh..."

"What are you talking about?"

She continued to giggle while muttering incomprehensible things.

I approached her and pinched her cheek.

"Owww...."

"Are you going to do such impulsive things again, or not?"

"Ow, I won't, so let go..."

I sighed and released her.

But she was still laughing.

"Sigh... I guess I'll have to make an explanation broadcast."

"Want me to help?"

"You helping means staying still... And honestly, I don't really need to do it, but if I don't, they'll keep making a fuss. I'll mention it during the next broadcast..."

"Mmm... I feel a bit sorry now."

"Could you stop laughing when you say things like that?"

"...Hehe. Oh, here comes Seo-eun..."

Our conversation was interrupted by Han Seo-eun and Ms. Su-bin walking toward us.

But well, if I think about it, it's not really a big deal. Even if the public thinks I'm really dating her, what does it matter? I just need to do my terrorist activities well.

It's not like she was trying to reveal my identity like Lee Seol-ah did before. I can laugh this off.

Nothing's going to change because of this.

I just need to keep terrorizing Stardus well.

***

BANG-

"Eek?"

In the hallway of the Hero Association Headquarters.

An Association employee walking down the corridor with documents was startled by the sudden noise and dropped the papers.

"...What was that? It sounded like it came from Stardus's office..."

Looking around, the employee spotted Stardus's office.

The door was half-open, and peering inside, the employee saw Stardus's desk partially smashed, as if she had struck it. The employee quietly turned away.

...Well, she must be upset about something...

'I should contact the department below and ask them to send a new desk...'

The employee thought while hurrying away.

After working at the Association for a long time, she had learned long ago:

It's best to avoid angry heroes and not disturb them.

And so, another day was coming to an end.