Chapter 28
How long had they been driving?
The school wasn’t far, so they were able to arrive quickly.
“We’re here. As much as I’d like to escort you to the entrance, you said you don’t want to draw too much attention.”
Dowoon spoke with obvious regret. If he did that, it would spread rumors to everyone there that this Guide belonged to him.
‘Is it already known?’
Although it hadn’t been officially announced to the media, rumors tended to spread through word of mouth.
‘Still, making it publicly known would be best.’
That way, all those random people inside wouldn’t try to cling to him.
With a worried heart, Dowoon began to offer various pieces of advice.
“If any weird guys approach you, let me know.”
“Weird people?”
Seoyul tilted his head in confusion. Seeing this, Dowoon thought it would be better to explain further.
“Yeah, guys who unnecessarily try to act friendly with you.”
“Umm…”
But Seoyul didn’t understand his meaning and just blinked repeatedly.
He wondered why anyone would pretend to be close to him when they weren’t.
‘And… wouldn’t that be… a good thing?’
Due to his shy personality that made it difficult to approach others first, the warning didn’t really resonate with him. He even thought it might be good if someone approached him first.
And if someone wanted to be friends, couldn’t they… pretend to be close? It would help them become friends faster.
But Dowoon seemed to think differently as he continued passionately in a serious voice.
“Be especially careful of Espers because they’re black-hearted. Do you understand?”
“Hmm…”
Seoyul trailed off, rolling his eyes. That statement didn’t really make sense to him either.
Wasn’t Dowoon himself an Esper? He certainly wasn’t someone to be wary of. And he wasn’t black at all. He was a pure white light.
So Seoyul quietly thought that statement was wrong.
“You’re so gentle that I’m worried you’ll be spreading energy everywhere if someone’s even slightly nice to you.”
Ah, it seemed he was worried about revealing that Seoyul was S-class, so being careful wouldn’t hurt.
Finally understanding completely, Seoyul answered with a confident voice.
“I won’t do that.”
“What do you mean you won’t! The car is already full of it!”
“Oh.”
Only then did Seoyul notice his own energy and quickly pulled it back in. He thought he had been suppressing it well, but apparently not.
“How can you be so defenseless…”
Dowoon let out a deep sigh, genuinely concerned. But Seoyul truly believed it would be fine.
“It’s only because you’re here, Esper. I really don’t do this with other people!”
“…”
Dowoon’s heart fluttered at those words. It was always pleasant to hear, and his face automatically turned red.
“Ahem. Well… if you say so.”
Dowoon cleared his throat softly and covered his face. Seoyul smiled brightly at this and brought his remaining hand forward, clasping both hands in front of his chest.
Wondering what he was doing, Dowoon watched quietly as Seoyul closed his eyes and began Guiding.
“Ah…”
At first, C-class energy trickled in steadily. But it soon amplified and completely enveloped Dowoon.
He began to sink relentlessly into the depths, caught in powerful waves. The world seemed to stop, becoming quiet and peaceful.
Dowoon closed his eyes and absorbed the energy Seoyul was sending with his entire body. Having grown accustomed to it now, he absorbed it all and enjoyed the pleasure of the quiet depths.
“Haah…”
As he exhaled deeply, the Guiding stopped and Seoyul’s hands fell away. Dowoon looked at Seoyul with somewhat dazed eyes.
“How was it? I can control it well now!”
He was saying not to worry. Though still inconsistent at times, this was tremendous progress.
Even if not for important missions, he could now be deployed to most places.
‘Sigh. I don’t want to let him go.’
First to school, and eventually to the Center. Seoyul would gradually venture out into the world. Dowoon didn’t like that. He wished Seoyul would only Guide him like this.
Once he went out into the world, even though he had a paired Esper, there would be people trying to cling to him.
‘This isn’t the time to just grumble.’
He needed to quickly grow stronger. Strong enough that Seoyul, who would freely soar high into the sky, would always look back at him—strong enough to have Seoyul all to himself.
“Esper?”
Seoyul looked curiously at the silent Dowoon, tilting his head. His clear eyes were filled with Dowoon’s reflection. Emotions were about to burst forth.
To think he had to send away someone as pretty, cute, gentle, and lovable as Seoyul!
“If anyone bullies you, tell me immediately! I’ll teach them all a lesson!”
“Pardon?”
“I’ll handle them all, so tell me everything. Got it?”
“Ah… yes.”
Seoyul tilted his head, wondering why Dowoon was going this far. Still, it wasn’t bad that he was concerned. No, rather, it made him happy, and he smiled brightly as he said:
“Thank you, Esper.”
“…What exactly are you thanking me for?”
Dowoon asked with a sulky face. In response, Seoyul, with his gentle expression, poured out words of gratitude.
“Everything. Thank you for driving me here and for worrying about me. I’ll really work hard! I’ll pass the exam right away and become better at Guiding so I won’t be a burden to you as your Guide!”
The way he clenched his hands and declared this was so cute that Dowoon wanted to bite him. Dowoon’s heart melted once again, and he smiled as he spoke.
“Alright. Be careful.”
As he gently stroked Seoyul’s soft hair, Seoyul responded with that beautiful smile of his.
“Yes, I’ll be back.”
* * *
Yeon Jiwoo, who was in the university phase—the final course of the special school for ability users—was one of the most notable Guides.
His high A-class rank was one reason, but that wasn’t all.
The highest Guide rank in South Korea was A-class. Such individuals were usually scouted by famous guilds with good conditions right after graduating high school.
But Yeon Jiwoo chose a different path. He entered school to keep his options open. There was one reason for his choice.
‘Cha Dowoon.’
One of the few S-class Espers in South Korea and the only one without a pair.
Everyone in this field knew. His compatibility with Guides was terrible, and his energy was so violent that it was difficult to handle.
But he was strong. No, perhaps he was stronger because of that situation. His combat style that used minimal energy for maximum attack power.
Yeon Jiwoo fell for that sight the moment he accidentally witnessed it. To be precise, he wanted to possess a strong Esper. That’s why he chose to attend school and prepare for the Association’s entrance exam.
He was confident. He was certain he could form a pair with Dowoon once he entered the Association. Not only was he a precious A-class, but he also had a type that generally scored well in matching rates.
But…
He recently acquired some information. The news that Cha Dowoon had formed a pair with a C-class Guide.
‘A C-class?!’
It was so absurd that he almost burst into laughter. A C-class Guide who reportedly had high matching rates with many Espers.
Thanks to that, he heard, this Guide could become the pair of an S-class Esper that no one else could approach.
‘That’s ridiculous. A mere C-class.’
Yeon Jiwoo gritted his teeth. That position should have been his. Yet some nobody had already taken that place.
“Did you hear? Cha Dowoon Esper’s Guide is transferring to the second semester?”
“What? Really? Why?”
“Seems he’s not affiliated with the Association yet. Maybe he’s coming to take the exam and attending classes at the same time?”
“Oh! Then can we see Cha Dowoon Esper too?”
“I think so?”
“Wow!”
The school was buzzing with the conversation between these two.
Yeon Jiwoo didn’t like it. Until now, all the attention and focus had been on him.
Espers tried hard to speak to the A-class Guide, and Guides were desperate to create even a small connection.
He had lived thinking that this attention and gaze were natural. But for the first time, his attention was being stolen.
‘Seoyul…’
He thought he couldn’t just stand by and watch. Not only had this person taken his position, but now they were even eyeing his place at school.
‘No, this is actually good.’
He had planned to teach this person their place after entering the Association. But if they walked in on their own like this, there must be a reason.
‘I wonder what kind of person they are.’
Yeon Jiwoo moved forward with a confident expression, lifting the corner of his mouth in a smirk.
* * *
The school grounds were quite well-maintained. Was it because it was the only university offering courses for ability users? The towering buildings, well-trimmed green grass and trees, and even the benches placed here and there were harmoniously arranged.
‘Wow… it’s beautiful.’
The fresh, vibrant feeling was exactly as he had always imagined.
Seoyul moved forward with an excited heart. Since he had already studied where classes would be held, he was able to find the lecture hall without difficulty.
“Whew…”
Standing in front of the door, his heart began to pound again. There would surely be many people inside.
Could he do well? He would do well. He could do this.
Only after reassuring himself multiple times did Seoyul pull the door handle.
Creeeeak.
The stiff iron door made a loud friction sound. Seoyul flinched, not expecting such a loud noise. But since he had to enter, he cautiously stepped in.
Immediately, he felt a flood of gazes directed at him.
Startled, Seoyul quickly lowered his head. Trying to suppress his rapidly beating heart, he quickly found an empty seat and sat down.
‘It’s okay. It’s okay.’
Despite repeatedly reassuring himself at the door, his startled heart wouldn’t calm down.
Seoyul closed his eyes tightly and began to recall one by one the people who had encouraged him.
Sunjeong and the researchers, and Dowoon.
Especially, he kept recalling Dowoon’s words in the car wishing him well. Gradually, the noisy pounding began to stabilize.
‘As expected… Esper is amazing.’
To think he could give such strength even when not present. Seoyul lifted his head carefully in admiration.
Then, as if they had been waiting, people rushed over to him.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
