#7
Ever since that day, Ui-jin found the newly stiffened relationship with Seung-oh extremely uncomfortable. No matter how hard he tried not to show it, the wall of ‘rejection’ was difficult to forget. Of course, they still slept in the same bed every night and kissed, but the awkwardness was clearly felt.
Moreover, with his rank promotion, Seung-oh was deployed in various extreme situation training programs. That meant there was no time to even exchange words unless they were in bed. Just three days into their relationship, the two had been reduced to a weekend couple.
“What’s this? Why are you looking half-dead? You’re the guide of an S-class Esper.”
“Don’t even bring it up.”
“Why?”
“Just… don’t.”
Ui-jin set down his backpack—nearly as large as himself—on the bench and let out a deep sigh. He had reached the point where tanned skin and chiseled abs that he’d touched until his palms were worn out were floating before his eyes. These days made him acutely aware that an abstinent lifestyle didn’t suit him at all. Ui-jin licked his rough lips, shook his head, and opened the cabinet.
“What, are you tired of hearing about Seung-oh all the time?”
Eun-hu narrowed his eyes into triangles and kept poking at Ui-jin. As Eun-hu said, when Seung-oh was promoted to S-class, Ui-jin was the one who became the subject of gossip by association. In just a few days, he’d received more attention than he might get in a lifetime.
But despite their remarkable achievement, the relationship between Seung-oh and Ui-jin hadn’t progressed further. If it weren’t for that damn ‘City,’ they could have slept together under the pretext of celebration, or making history with the newly promoted rank. If it weren’t for that damn City!
“What are you talking about? He’s the S-class, not me. It’s annoying.”
“Oh really? Ah, I’m going to be late. I’m going in first!”
“Yeah…”
After checking the time, Eun-hu hurriedly entered his personal training room. Ui-jin glanced at the clock hanging on the pillar and sighed again. Today was the third day of the seven-day grace period Seung-oh had mentioned. Already, almost half had passed meaninglessly.
Ui-jin shook his head and shifted his gaze to the cabinet. In the deepest part of the cabinet were two boxes of condoms he had seen in an advertisement before. He had purchased them just in case. When would he ever get to use these? As Ui-jin was slowly pulling out the blue training clothes hanging on the rack, a refreshing herbal scent suddenly enveloped him from behind.
“Hello.”
“Huh?”
Ui-jin quickly turned around at the careful tap on his shoulder. The person who had greeted him opened his eyes wide once, then smiled so brightly that the corners of his eyes nearly disappeared.
It was someone Ui-jin had never seen before. He had an impression where even the few strands of his silver hair caught in his glasses frame looked stylish. Beyond the smile directed at him, if not for the stereotypical undertones, it could have been called an angelic smile.
“Ah, I’m Kim Do-hoon, a guide trainer starting today. Please take care of me.”
“Ah… ah… Yes. I’m Ji Ui-jin. Nice… to meet you.”
Do-hoon maintained his smile and offered a handshake. Ui-jin stared at the extended hand. In contrast to his pretty appearance, his large hands were impressive. Ui-jin slowly extended his own hand. He flinched at the cold body temperature, so different from the warm face.
“As it happens, my first assigned guide is you, Ui-jin-ssi. We can go in together.”
“Yes, let’s go in together. Please take care of me.”
Do-hoon waved the clipboard with Ui-jin’s chart and smiled brightly once more. The two entered training room number 2 side by side.
“They told me as soon as I came in. That Ui-jin-ssi helped promote an A-class Esper to S-class.”
“Ah… This is a place where rumors spread quickly. Though Seung-oh is a rare case.”
Ui-jin relaxed his grip on the stick and watched the electronic gauge gradually rising. It was training to increase the total amount of energy generated instantaneously. Since it was a newly added program, it wasn’t easy to adapt right away. Do-hoon noticed sweat running down Ui-jin’s temple and took out a handkerchief from his coat pocket.
“Don’t push yourself too hard. I only came today for a simple check-up and introduction.”
“Ah, thank you.”
Ui-jin inserted the stick into the holder and accepted the handkerchief. Their fingers brushed slightly, and they both felt a tingling sensation. Startled, Ui-jin’s body jerked. Do-hoon’s face remained smiling.
“Must be static electricity. I tend to be quite dry, so I generate a lot of static.”
“I guess so. That surprised me…”
As Ui-jin rubbed his fingers together, Do-hoon quietly added:
“That’s why at my previous workplace, I mostly did surgical operations. With anesthesia.”
“So you were a doctor?”
“In that context, yes.”
In that context? Not thinking much of it, Ui-jin wiped his forehead as one cycle ended and came down. Breathing heavily, he downed a 500mL water bottle in one go and, while crumpling the plastic bottle, casually asked:
“Which center were you at originally, Trainer Do-hoon?”
Do-hoon, who had been meticulously recording Ui-jin’s training data, looked up once before turning to Ui-jin.
He’s really handsome. In the amber eyes illuminated by sunlight through the window, Ui-jin’s admiring face was clearly reflected.
“Originally, I ran a hospital treating non-Espers. Not affiliated with the government.”
“Huh? Then how did you end up here?”
“Hmm.”
Do-hoon pressed the back of his pen under his lower lip and frowned. That looks handsome too. Ui-jin swallowed as he stared at the fine hair on the pale skin.
“Well. It’s a bit of a long story to tell right now, but I’ll tell you about it later when we have a chance. Ah, I don’t mean I don’t trust you.”
“Not at all! I just… thought you seemed nice and wanted to chat. As a way of welcoming you…”
Do-hoon stared at Ui-jin, who started making excuses with a flustered expression, and smiled brightly enough to show his even teeth. Ui-jin’s cheekbones grew hot. It was more a feeling of admiration than affection. Ui-jin thought anyone would feel the same when first meeting someone this handsome and kind.
“Haha! Ui-jin-ssi is really friendly. I thought you’d be quite wary, but to even welcome me.”
“…Well, that’s good… First impressions are important, but I think I looked like a fool.”
“Not at all. I’m actually relieved that you’re so approachable.”
Ui-jin stood up with a soft chuckle at Do-hoon’s gentle response. The machine, which had been in sleep mode, began to hum and prepare to operate again as Ui-jin’s bare feet touched it. Gripping the stick he had inserted, Ui-jin focused on the blinking light in the center of the gauge.
“…”
Do-hoon, who had been staring intently at Ui-jin now absorbed in training, pressed the back of his pen that had popped out. The ink-clogged pen tip left another record under the written numbers. Guide Ji Ui-jin, A-class, Energy Generation Ability A+, Regeneration Ability A, Wide Radiation Range, Single Maintenance Time about 10 minutes. Energy amount and regeneration ability are expected to improve upon contact with partner Esper.
“We’ll end today’s training here.”
“Yes! Thank you for your hard work.”
Ui-jin wiped the sweat from his forehead and responded with a relaxed expression. Do-hoon removed the clip from the clipboard, carefully folded the recorded data, and put it in his pocket.
“Ui-jin-ssi, if it’s not too presumptuous—”
“Yes?”
“I haven’t talked with many people yet. Would it be all right to have lunch together?”
Do-hoon’s face had the talent for inviting goodwill. A kind face with a kind nature. Ui-jin nodded without hesitation. He was so willing that he would have printed and brought the month’s menu even if Do-hoon hadn’t wanted it.
“Of course! The food at our center is really delicious!”
And so the two sat together in the middle of the cafeteria for lunch. Ui-jin, who had spooned a heaping portion of freshly made fluffy fried rice into his mouth, saw Do-hoon nibbling and personally placed some side dishes on his spoon.
“Try this, it’s really delicious.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Do-hoon continued eating with a gentle smile at Ui-jin’s kindness. While exchanging small talk and gradually breaking down walls of wariness, Do-hoon subtly changed the subject.
“Your partner must be very busy in many ways.”
“Mmm, I suppose so. I see him being called away a lot. If everyone’s stirring things up around me like this… I can only imagine how tired the actual person must be.”
Ui-jin, whose spoon had been moving quickly as if he were hungry, seemed to have hit the brakes at the thought of Seung-oh. His shoulders slumped slightly as he answered while digging into the center of his fried rice. Do-hoon gazed at Ui-jin for a moment and smiled.
“That’s when Ui-jin-ssi needs to be more supportive. Because you’re the person the Esper absolutely needs. Indispensable.”
“Is that so…? It doesn’t seem like it to me. Ah! You know Seung-oh is a mental Esper, right? I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I’m a bit scared that Seung-oh might read my thoughts.”
Mental Esper? Do-hoon put down his spoon upon hearing those words. It must be information that the informant killed by Cheonum had either failed to uncover or had hidden, and the latter seemed more certain. Cheonum could accurately distinguish intentional actions. Learning this new fact, Do-hoon smiled and stroked his lean jaw. If that man were to rummage through his mind, all plans would be in vain.
“When dealing with someone who can read thoughts, one naturally becomes tense.”
Ui-jin nodded in agreement at Do-hoon’s gentle voice.
“Yes, that’s right. I used to beg him to read my thoughts first… Looking back now, I wonder why I said such things. Haha…”
Do-hoon, who was staring at Ui-jin scratching his cheek, slightly pushed aside his tray that had barely been touched. He felt the need to learn more about him.
“Are you and Seung-oh-ssi particularly close?”
“What?”
At the sudden question about their relationship, Ui-jin’s small face burned bright red. Even though it was a fact everyone knew, he felt unnecessarily embarrassed to confirm it to Do-hoon. Moreover, they were currently in a bit of a cold war.
“Not all Espers and Guides are like that, but there are quite a few teams that turn into lovers.”
“Y-yes… I suppose…”
“When I see your expression while talking about Seung-oh-ssi, it seems like your feelings are more than just friendship.”
At Do-hoon’s playful words, Ui-jin waved his hands dismissively. The action was strong evidence of affirmation. With an amused expression, Do-hoon solidified his approach towards Ui-jin. What they had was still just an innocent affection.
However, if it transformed into a love that didn’t shy away from sacrifice, that would be somewhat problematic. Though he had never experienced it himself, people everywhere always claimed that love was greater than anything else.
So before they developed a love that couldn’t be watched without tears, before Seung-oh’s abilities became even more powerful, Do-hoon planned to cut it off personally.
“Um, is it that obvious? But still—”
“Ji Ui-jin.”
Just as Ui-jin was about to continue, Seung-oh approached. Do-hoon maintained his smile. A strange spark flew in the gaze between them as they stared at each other.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
