GIJS

Chapter 28

Free-topic Sijo Impromptu Recitation

At the scene of the first ranking announcement, Gunja wore a rather relaxed smile.

A ranking announcement. If he was to compare it to something from 300 years ago, it would be like announcing the successful candidates of the past.

Gunja had no desire for rankings.

Having survived was already a satisfying result.

It would be nice to have a high rank, but...

Well, this isn't the final ranking, so he thought, "Hehe."

As the names of the participants in the 40s were announced, Gunja's name was not among them.

"Hyung! None of us are on the list!"

"I see."

Even as the names of the participants in the 30s were announced, Gunja's name was still not called.

"Oh, confirmed in the top 20!"

"That's great."

With the announcements continuing for 20th and 15th places, Gunja was still not on the list.

"Seonbi-hyung!"

"You must be really high up!"

"Congratulations, Gunja."

"Hehe, all this fuss."

Gunja laughed, waving his hands as if it were no big deal. For some reason, his lips were trembling and dry saliva was trickling down his throat, but he thought it might be because he hadn't had water in the morning.

"This isn't even the final ranking."

"Still, high rankings are always good!"

"Hehe, a gentleman doesn't get too excited or worried about such rankings..."

At that moment, Jeong Haejin loudly announced the name of the 11th participant.

"11th place, Yoo!"

"Ah!"

"Yoo Kyun-sang! Congratulations! Yoo Kyun-sang takes 11th place."

Gunja, who nearly shouted without realizing, quickly covered his mouth with both hands to maintain his composure.

"...Gunja-hyung?"

"Uh, yes?"

"Your hands are shaking a lot."

"Ah, this is..."

Though he hastily hid his hands behind his back, he couldn't hide his trembling legs.

"Y-Your legs are shaking too..."

"Haha, it's okay. I did the 'evil teacher's' homework last night, so that's why."

Despite trying to smile, sweat was already forming on his forehead, and his lips were turning purple as if he had been to a pool.

"Hyung, are you nervous?"

"...Nervous, what do you mean?"

But now Gunja had to admit it to himself.

At this moment, before the first ranking announcement of his life, he was in extreme tension.

After the mid and lower rankings were announced, only the top rankings remained.

Even for Yu Gunja, who had lived by the motto of 'contentment in life,'

'...Still, it would be nice to be ranked higher...'

At this moment, he was an unavoidable human.

He briefly scolded himself for his petty desires but soon decided to change his thinking.