“If this ends up on TV, that’d be amazing. I mean, public perception of Guides is still worse than that of tour guides!”
At Ryu Yoon-jae’s innocent comment, the muscles near Baek Woo-gyeong’s eyes twitched beneath his smile. Clearly, something about a rookie speaking so casually and candidly to the Chairman had rubbed him the wrong way.
But neither Kim Se-hee nor Ryu Yoon-jae had meant any offense. Their words had been entirely genuine. So in this situation, anyone who got upset would only look like the petty one.
Watching Baek Woo-gyeong’s composure crack, even if just a little, Ho-eun couldn’t help but feel a small sense of satisfaction. He’d thought the guy was a pompous ass from the first moment they met anyway.
“Tour guides probably do come to mind first. That’s why we’re working on multiple projects to better promote Espers and Guides.”
No sooner had Baek Woo-gyeong delivered that smooth line than Kim Se-hee clapped her hands together.
“Oh! So that’s why Ho-eun made the promo video!”
“Right? When I sent it to my hometown, they finally understood what it is I actually do.”
The Guide Corporation had been around for decades. Yet somehow, that single promo video by Ho-eun had done more than all those years of effort. Anyone who watched the video could now clearly understand what a Guide was and how they helped heal Espers.
He’d only been assigned to PR work as a disciplinary measure after the incident at 63 Square—but judging by Kim Se-hee and Ryu Yoon-jae’s reactions, the video had clearly made a splash not only with civilians, but also among other Guides.
Ho-eun couldn’t help but feel a little proud—his shoulders practically lifted themselves.
“That’s right. Not only did Kwon Ho-eun make a great promo video, but he also agreed to appear in the upcoming Guide checkup commercial. I can’t thank him enough.”
Then maybe reward him with a bonus while you’re at it? Kim Se-hee whispered to Ryu Yoon-jae, but given that Baek Woo-gyeong was an Esper, there was no doubt he’d heard it too.
“Ahem. By the way, Ms. Kim and Mr. Ryu, you both had great presence in the last promo video. How about appearing in the new ad too?”
“Wait, what?!”
It was like snapping out of a dream—Ho-eun’s voice cracked as he looked at Baek Woo-gyeong in disbelief. That wasn’t part of the plan. The materials they’d sent clearly only listed Ho-eun as the onscreen talent. And besides, this commercial was being used as bait to provoke the anti-government Espers.
Having Kim Se-hee and Ryu Yoon-jae appear—when they had nothing to do with the PR Department—could end up dragging them into a very dangerous mess. Ho-eun’s heart thudded anxiously in his chest.
“If it’s going on TV, doesn’t that mean our faces will be shown?”
“Our supervisors told us it’s better not to expose our identities as Guides.”
Before Ho-eun could say anything, Kim Se-hee and Ryu Yoon-jae had already pointed out the key concern. Guide identity exposure could go either way—but generally, it was Field Guides whose faces were made public.
“Just like we used those animal emojis to hide identities in the previous video, we can do the same this time. Your faces won’t be revealed. It’s just that… seeing you three together today, the chemistry seemed too good to ignore.”
Baek Woo-gyeong’s voice oozed like a snake’s tongue, and the sour feeling in Ho-eun’s gut only got worse. Was this some passive-aggressive punishment because the interns had annoyed him earlier? Was he throwing them under the bus just to get even?
All Ho-eun really knew about Baek Woo-gyeong was that he was one of the people Hosoo couldn’t stand.
Not knowing whether this was all part of some grand scheme or just a spontaneous whim, Ho-eun did the only thing he could—he looked at Kim Se-hee and Ryu Yoon-jae and urgently crossed his arms into an X to signal “refuse.”
“If our identities won’t be exposed, then I’m okay with it.”
“Sounds fun, actually.”
Ho-eun stared at the two in shock. His crossed arms looked more pitiful than assertive now.
“Great. That works out nicely. The outfit concept Ho-eun sent over will look even better with three people rather than one.”
“Chairman, wait a second! Se-hee? Yoon-jae? Are you really okay with this? Even now, there are random photos online claiming to be your real faces because of that YouTube video…”
With the video’s popularity skyrocketing, viewers’ curiosity about the unmasked Guides had reached a fever pitch. Everyone wanted to know who they were.
In Ho-eun’s case, even though the Corporation hadn’t officially confirmed it, his past YouTube activities had already been exposed. As for Kim Se-hee and Ryu Yoon-jae, speculative videos and articles had started surfacing online, suggesting they were other people entirely.
It would be safest to lie low until public interest died down. But if they appeared in another video, people might go so far as to drag in complete strangers and claim they were the Guides in question.
“Still, I’m getting kind of sick of desk work every day. As long as my identity stays hidden, I want to try it!”
“I’d love to have another video to show my parents. This sounds great.”
“Well, that settles it. I’ll make sure both of you receive appropriate bonuses for your participation.”
Baek Woo-gyeong dabbed his lips with a napkin like he was already done with everything.
“By the way, Chairman, did you really come here just for coffee?”
As Baek Woo-gyeong began to stand, clearly preparing to leave, Ho-eun asked the question on everyone’s mind. He had claimed this was all a coincidence, but based on his behavior, he didn’t seem to have any real business here. He hadn’t come to eat, and this hotel wasn’t even near the Guide Corporation or Incheon Branch. Coming all this way just for coffee?
“Yes. I really like the cake here.”
As he stood, a waiter brought over a coffee and a small box. Judging by its size, it likely held a slice of cake or some other dessert.
“Well then, I’ll be off.”
The three of them stood and bowed politely as he left. Once they confirmed Baek Woo-gyeong was completely out of sight, Ho-eun turned toward the others with a scolding tone.
“Are you two completely out of your minds? We’re not Espers! What if the anti-government people take notice?!”
“You’re in the same boat, Ho-eun.”
Still focused solely on her cheesecake, Kim Se-hee answered nonchalantly. Ho-eun couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Yeah, but I’m a Field Guide…”
“Ho-eun. We told you we’d help if you needed it. And let’s be honest, it’s way more annoying when three people mess with them than just one.”
Ryu Yoon-jae placed a piece of fruit on Ho-eun’s plate like it was no big deal.
“You’re both willing to help even knowing how dangerous this could be?”
Ho-eun popped the fruit into his mouth on reflex, then scrunched up his face at the sourness. It jolted his senses back online.
“Yes!”
“Yep.”
Ho-eun went blank. He hadn’t expected that. He’d been shouldering this alone the whole time. Even if they were all Guides, he was the one on the front lines. It had been his choice—even if it was partially forced—and that meant he had to take responsibility.
But here they were, casually offering to share the burden.
“What’s the big deal?”
“Exactly.”
As the conversation flowed effortlessly between them, Ho-eun chewed the remaining fruit slowly. The sourness faded, replaced by a lingering sweetness that coated his tongue.
“Thanks, both of you.”
Kim Se-hee and Ryu Yoon-jae looked at each other as Ho-eun bowed in gratitude. Then, their expressions turned mischievous.
“You know this means you owe us something delicious next time, right?”
They started tossing out the names of extravagant dishes they wanted to try, playfully one-upping each other. Ho-eun couldn’t help but laugh as he finally lifted his head.
***
After finishing lunch and returning to the Incheon Branch, Ho-eun headed straight for the training hall like usual. Bae Yeon-woo must still have been out on assignment since there were no messages from him. With no clerical tasks left behind for him, and Ho-eun not yet confident enough to initiate tasks on his own, he figured he might as well build some leg muscle.
Just outside the building’s entrance, a familiar silhouette came into view. Dressed not in his usual suit but in workout clothes, it was Do In-ho.
“What are you doing out here?”
o-eun instinctively grabbed Do In-ho’s arm—where the blue veins stood out starkly—and checked his guide watch. The levels were stable. Maybe the intense contact guiding this morning had paid off—especially since In-ho had clung to him like a sticker, apologizing for not being able to hold back.
“Just wanted to loosen up a bit.”
“You’re free today?”
“Yeah. Seems like Team Lead’s schedule is running late.”
Do In-ho glanced at his phone, then tucked it back into his pocket.
“You eat well?”
“Yeah. Let’s go together next time. It was expensive, so of course it was good. Oh, and—I…”
He’d been about to casually mention bumping into the Chairman when he abruptly shut his mouth. If he brought that up, the commercial might come up too. Fortunately, Do In-ho didn’t seem to notice and was just looking at him with his usual soft expression.
“Since we ran into each other like this… wanna go grab some coffee?”
Before Do In-ho could answer, Ho-eun tightened his grip on his hand and pulled him along.
They left the training center and headed to a café. After ordering drinks, they sat side by side.
“Perfect timing. If you’re planning to train, let’s do it together.”
Ho-eun took a sip of his sweet chocolate frappe. Only then did it feel like his brain was firing on all cylinders again.
“What kind of training are you doing?”
“Lately, I’ve just been running. Got any suggestions?”
“How about something to work your calves?”
“Oh, like weight training instead of just the training hall stuff?”
After being so clingy this morning—eating together, sticking close even while sleeping—Do In-ho now wasn’t touching him at all. It was almost like he’d become a completely different person.
Honestly, I thought if we ran into each other today, he’d at least ask me to hold his hand…
Ho-eun swirled his whipped cream into the drink with his straw, stealing a glance at In-ho through narrowed eyes before quickly looking away.
“For endurance, you need strength training too.”
“Good point. I’ll use the lower-body machines today.”
“So… nothing else to talk about from lunch?”
The sound of ice clinking against the glass echoed clearly. Droplets formed on the cup’s surface and slipped down like they were on a tightrope.
Do In-ho leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as always. Which meant Ho-eun had no idea what he was thinking.
Ho-eun ignored the sweat trickling down the back of his neck and took another sip through his straw. It seemed like an innocent question, but the guilt made it feel loaded.
There was no way Do In-ho could know he’d run into the Chairman today—he’d been at the Incheon Branch the whole time. It wasn’t like someone would report back to him. Still, as Ho-eun struggled to come up with a response, he licked his dry lips.
“Not really…”
“Hmm. Just noticed a… strange scent.”
Jazz music played softly from the speakers on the wall. The unfamiliar melody and gentle rhythm made your body want to sway. Ho-eun had even started moving his upper body to the beat earlier.
Now, though, he was frozen solid.
Is this what turning to stone feels like when you meet Medusa’s gaze? Ho-eun, stiff as a statue, moistened his lips again.
“A waiter, maybe…”
“Maybe.”
“…Hhhiik—!”
Without warning, Do In-ho pressed the cold glass full of ice against Ho-eun’s face, and a startled yelp escaped his lips.
“You looked hot.”
Do In-ho said it without a trace of warmth—his face shadowed, his words sharp as ever.
