What Kind of Relationship (11)
Upon arriving at the training ground, Chae Do-min and Sa Hae-geon headed to their respective positions. Hae-geon stood in the center of the training ground taking deep breaths, just like last time, while Do-min watched him from the resting area. He definitely looked in better condition than when he first came, but…
‘Still, wouldn’t it be better if he received professional training?’
Do-min wondered if it was right to waste an S-class Esper like this. With Hae-geon’s specs, guilds would surely compete to recruit him with top industry standards, so it was unfortunate that he insisted on the government-run Center.
‘Who am I to…’
Who am I to be so fixated on the Central Center’s Field Team 1? While Do-min was lost in these thoughts, the ground began to shake. This time, it seemed Hae-geon planned to use underground water directly, as the artificial river flowing around remained calm.
Soon, transparent streams of water burst forth from the cracked ground. Like a serpent becoming a dragon and ascending to the sky, the water rose dramatically, filling the air of the training ground. Hae-geon stood in the midst of the undulating waves. As the light interacted with the clear water, the interior of the training ground shimmered in various colors, as if scattered with shards of sparkling glass.
Hae-geon floated in mid-air, stepping on the water without getting wet at all. The water beneath his feet had frozen into a thin layer of ice. Hae-geon didn’t stop there, drawing up even more underground water.
‘With this level of ability, couldn’t he solve droughts?’
It seemed such a waste no matter how Do-min looked at it. This wasn’t just training ground level. It would be good if he could receive guidance from experienced Espers and work in coordination with them. Do-min thought he should try recommending joining another center or guild again when the opportunity arose.
With these thoughts, Do-min watched the rare sight of Hae-geon freely using his ability for quite some time.
After the training ended, Hae-geon embraced Do-min, looking quite tired. Though given Hae-geon’s size, it might be more accurate to say he embraced Do-min rather than the other way around… Do-min roughly patted Hae-geon’s back as he nuzzled into Do-min’s chest like a child seeking comfort, and gently sent out his wavelengths.
It was frustrating and bewildering to Do-min that Hae-geon was fine initiating contact like this, but would jump back startled if Do-min so much as touched him.
Hae-geon, his large frame at odds with his actions, crumpled himself into Do-min’s arms and mumbled:
“It was easier to handle the power than last time.”
“Really?”
“I think it’s because you kept Guiding me. Aren’t you tired?”
“I just watched and rested, so why would I be tired?”
“I heard that Guiding an Esper who’s exhausted from using a lot of ability isn’t an easy task.”
“Who did you hear that from?”
Wasn’t Hae-geon someone who didn’t even have basic knowledge about Guiding? Do-min couldn’t hide his surprise. Hae-geon, who had been catching his breath in Do-min’s arms, continued in a low voice:
“…My father. He said it feels like pouring water into a bottomless jar. Is that really true?”
“Well, it does feel similar. The higher the Esper’s rank, the more so.”
“Then did you feel that way every time you Guided me?”
“No. Rather than that… it felt more like carefully untangling a ball of thread that’s so tightly knotted it seems like it needs to be cut.”
Hae-geon fell silent at Do-min’s explanation. As Do-min patted Hae-geon’s broad back, he looked around the training ground, which was in a terrible state. Water puddles had formed in various places where the ground had twisted, and the windows made of sturdy glass material had disappeared without a trace.
It didn’t seem like he had used his ability that aggressively. Do-min could see what looked like scratch marks on the walls.
“Hae-geon.”
“…Yes.”
“Isn’t there anyone to guide you in using your ability?”
“No. My mother taught me occasionally, but there were limitations since I couldn’t receive Guiding.”
“Wouldn’t it be good to receive guidance again, even now? And… shouldn’t you visit your family home again?”
Hae-geon let out a small sigh near Do-min’s collarbone. Did he feel anxious about the suggestion to visit his family home? Worried that Hae-geon might misunderstand, Do-min quickly added:
“No, if you’re really worried, I can go with you. I’m curious about your condition too.”
“…Why? You’re not even thinking about living together yet. And in fact, you’re in a situation where you can leave me anytime you want. There’s no need for you to meet my parents.”
It was true, but Do-min was momentarily speechless, surprised that Hae-geon could see the reality so clearly.
“You’re right, but living together is still something I’m considering. It’s not an easy decision to make. Well, if it were just a housemate arrangement, I could answer quickly, but that’s not what you want, is it?”
“No, it’s not. That’s why I’m not rushing you either. I just… I just want you to seriously consider it. I don’t want to forcibly confine you or try to persuade you anymore. I won’t do that.”
Saying this, Hae-geon pulled away from Do-min’s embrace. The Guiding was more or less finished, so it didn’t matter that Hae-geon left his arms, but something felt odd. Was Do-min annoyed that Hae-geon embraced him on his own and then pulled away as he pleased?
Why should that bother me? Do-min couldn’t understand himself. As he blankly watched Hae-geon meticulously adjusting Do-min’s padded jacket and scarf, he suddenly had a realization.
‘Right. It must be because his face is so handsome that it’s distracting.’
That was the most plausible explanation. After roughly dealing with one complicated thought that was making his head spin, he followed Hae-geon to the car.
On the way home, a long silence fell. Hae-geon seemed to be focusing only on driving, but Do-min could feel him checking on him from the corner of his eye from time to time.
“Do you have something to say?”
“…No. Ah, is there anything you want for dinner?”
Hae-geon, who was about to shake his head, asked urgently.
“Something I want? Well… Everything you make is delicious, so I don’t mind anything.”
“B-but still.”
Do-min laughed as he saw Hae-geon’s ears turn red at the compliment. Despite occasionally turning Do-min’s insides upside down, he was basically a cute guy. He definitely felt much better about Hae-geon now compared to when they first met.
At first, Do-min thought he was just a complete weirdo. Of course, that didn’t mean he didn’t think Hae-geon was weird now. It’s just that now he thought Hae-geon had some sense in him.
And to others, Do-min himself, enjoying this “kidnapping vacation,” would seem no less weird, so they were even.
“Hmm, what can you make quickly? Actually, delivery food is fine too. You should rest a bit too.”
“Delivery food?”
Hae-geon asked back in a shocked voice. His expression was also displeased, as if Do-min had said something terrible.
“No, I really meant that I don’t mind anything. You also trained hard today.”
“I still have enough energy to make a meal, hyung. And I don’t want to feed you that kind of food.”
“What’s wrong with delivery food? I often ate it when I lived alone, and it was delicious and convenient.”
“Yes. That’s why I don’t want to feed it to you even more.”
Do-min was speechless at the firm answer. Delivery food is so convenient, why such a negative reaction?
“You’ve ordered delivery food ten times in a week before, hyung. Don’t you know how bad stimulating food is for your health?”
“…How do you know I ate delivery ten times in a week? Even I don’t know that?”
“I just… happened to find out somehow. Anyway, Cream doesn’t like strangers coming either, do you really want delivery food?”
“Ah, okay. I’ll eat the food you make. I’m sorry. But make something simple.”
Hae-geon seemed to know everything. But had there really been a time when Do-min ordered delivery food ten times in a week? He wasn’t sure because he never counted while ordering… It seemed Hae-geon had done a very thorough background check on him. Even Do-min himself was sometimes surprised by the information that came out of Hae-geon’s mouth.
Do-min watched Hae-geon driving silently again and then casually turned on the radio. It had been a long time since he’d listened to the radio while driving on the outskirts of Seoul as the red sunset began to fall.
[Oh my, news is coming from everywhere that the Ability Department, which had been silent about the whirlwind incident, has finally released a statement. Our listeners have been worried all this time, so this is really good news. But unfortunately, it’s not something to be entirely happy about. Oh dear…]
News about the Ability Department suddenly came on the radio, which should have been playing listeners’ stories calmly. By the way, about releasing a statement on the whirlwind incident… Do-min turned his head to look at Hae-geon.
“Did you bring your phone?”
“Yes. It’s in my pocket.”
“I’ll borrow it for a moment. Just want to read some articles.”
“It’s in the right pocket of my coat.”
Do-min rummaged through the pocket of Hae-geon’s coat and turned on the internet browser on the phone he found. As expected, the portal site was filled with articles about the whirlwind incident.
While checking the endless stream of article titles, the phone vibrated and a message popped up on the screen.
[Mother – Hae-geon, I’m leaving a message because I can’t reach you. Did you find the person you said you needed to find? Are you feeling okay?.. Call me when you have time. What if you show signs of going berserk again like last time when you’re being so careless about checkups.. I’m worried, so contact me soon]
…Signs of going berserk? Do-min’s hand gripping the phone tightened.
