Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Everyone Looks at Me
Chapter 4: Everyone Looks at Me
Thinking of this, Karen couldn't help but recall Hina.
She had a tall and slender figure, straight pink hair that reached her waist, dark brown eyes, and lips painted with red lipstick.
After struggling to get up from the ground, Karen clenched his fists. Now that he had made his decision, there was no room for hesitation.
Returning to the dormitory, Karen took a cold shower, washing away the fatigue from his body.
Looking at himself in the mirror, his short blond hair framed delicate and handsome features.
Karen wiped his hair dry, nodding with satisfaction.
"That's right. As expected, I'm really handsome."
---
Marine Recruit Training Camp Cafeteria
Karen arrived early, waiting at the cafeteria doors. This was the only place he could approach Hina.
Unlike the strict atmosphere of the training grounds, the cafeteria buzzed with laughter and chatter, recruits leaning on each other's shoulders as they talked.
For five minutes, Karen stared intently at the entrance. When he finally saw Hina walk in, he immediately made his move.
Hina noticed Karen rushing towards her, her expression filled with surprise and a hint of wariness.
She sighed internally, already predicting what would happen next. A confession, flowers, maybe a love letter—it was all too familiar.
As the unofficial "beauty" of the Marines, Hina had encountered countless confessions. The person before her was no exception—just a bit more handsome than the others.
Nearby recruits observed with knowing looks, their commentary unsurprised:
"Another one confessing to Goddess Hina."
"Fifth time this week. She's just too charming."
"Hmph, a toad trying to eat swan meat. Aside from being slightly better looking than me, this guy's skills don't measure up in the slightest."
The voices of the recruits didn't bother Hina. With a calm demeanor, she asked:
"What does Hina want?"
Karen, standing so close to Hina that he could smell her fragrance, swallowed nervously.
Encouraged by the Marines around him shouting, "Come on! Be brave and say it!" Karen took a deep breath.
What came next wasn't for love—it was for strength.
Karen suddenly raised his hands and shouted, "Come on, everyone come on! All eyes on me!"
The cafeteria quieted. All eyes turned to Karen.
Taking another deep breath, Karen shouted with all his might:
"Listen up, everyone! I am Cucuro Karen! And I like Hina! Hina!, I love you!"
For a moment, the room fell silent. Then applause erupted.
This was not the usual reserved confession. Even Hina, accustomed to such gestures, was stunned.
---
The Marines' Reactions
Recruits murmured among themselves:
"Wow, this Karen guy has guts."
"That's bold. I'll try this when confessing to Gion next time."
Nearby, former Marine Admiral Zephyr, who had been passing by, paused and watched with amusement. Stroking his chin, he mused about his younger days, marveling at the recklessness of youth.
Karen's goal wasn't necessarily to succeed. It was to make himself known—to stand out.
As Karen monitored the progress bar in his mind, he saw it tick up: 101/1000. Finally, he relaxed, though he felt deeply embarrassed.
To keep up appearances, Karen forced a bitter smile and hoarsely said,
"I understand, I understand…"
Without waiting for Hina's reply, Karen lowered his head and stumbled out of the cafeteria.
---
The Aftermath
The recruits whispered among themselves:
"Rejected again, huh?"
"Poor guy. Getting rejected in public must hurt."
"His gait looks so sad—it's like he's crushed."
Karen, overhearing the chatter, winced internally. His stumbling wasn't from sadness but exhaustion from training.
As he exited, Hina finally snapped out of her shock, confused.
Wait, what just happened? I didn't even say anything!
Zephyr, who had watched the farce unfold, stepped into the cafeteria and barked,
"Alright, back to your meals. Don't crowd the entrance."
The soldiers dispersed.
Zephyr approached Hina with a small smile. "That recruit Karen has guts. It seems like he genuinely likes you."
Blushing, Hina saluted Zephyr and responded,
"Teacher Zephyr, Hina has no such intentions. Falling in love would interfere with Hina's training."
Zephyr chuckled. "Training is important, but love is one of life's essentials too. Balance is key. Don't overwork yourself—learn from others like Smoker."
Hina looked puzzled. "Learn from Smoker?"
Zephyr's smile froze. Thinking of Smoker's rebellious attitude, he shuddered.
"Actually, no. Forget Smoker. Just do what you think is best."
With that cryptic remark, Zephyr walked off, leaving Hina to reflect.
"Love, huh?" Hina murmured to herself.
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