The exam period had arrived.
As a result, Lim Haeyul was half-zombie. This was always the case during exams. He preferred cramming over consistent studying, which often led him to pull all-nighters.
However, once these exams were over, he would be free. Most of his exams were crammed into the previous week, so he would regain his freedom sooner than others. Although, he couldn’t bring himself to say he enjoyed it.
“…….”
After filling out the exam paper, he put down his pen and reviewed it one last time before standing up. Although he was a bit slow, the lecture hall had already emptied considerably.
He handed his exam paper to the teaching assistant and exited the lecture hall, finding the outside world bustling with people in comparison.
Lim Haeyul stretched and made his way through the crowd. He desperately wanted to go home and sleep. He was so exhausted that he couldn’t even remember how he had performed on the exam.
Kim Geon-ung, who had finished his exam earlier, was nowhere to be seen. He had complained about not studying at all, and Lim Haeyul wondered if he had managed to take the exam properly. But it was a pointless worry.
“Ugh!”
As he stepped outside the building, the reality of the exams being over finally hit him. He let out a meaningless shout, feeling the stares of others, but he didn’t care.
‘I need to go home and sleep.’
Sleep. He needed sleep. That was his only thought. Moreover, he had foolishly used some of his energy the previous day to guide Cha Jae-woo, which left him even more drained.
Although it wasn’t much, the impact was significant given his already fatigued state. Additionally, he had stayed up late studying for today’s exam, which explained his current exhaustion.
‘I might collapse.’
It seemed like a plausible concern. His legs felt weak, and his vision was blurry. He had to constantly focus to stay alert.
“Lim Haeyul.”
As he dragged himself towards the parking lot where the driver was waiting, he heard a familiar voice.
It couldn’t be… He looked up and saw Jang Gijun, the Guide Association President, with a sly smile.
‘Why is he here?’
It was surprising, yet it also felt like it had been too quiet for too long. Jang Gijun had always been suspicious of Lim Haeyul’s sudden disconnection from the Guide Association. And now, he had shown up at the school. It seemed too late for a visit.
“Hello, President.”
Lim Haeyul greeted him calmly, though internally he was cursing. Why today of all days? He was exhausted and just wanted to go home and sleep. Seeing Jang Gijun’s face, he knew his plans were ruined.
“Long time no see.”
“Yes, it has been.”
“I heard your exams are over today. Do you have some time? I need to talk to you.”
How did he know when the exams ended? Lim Haeyul thought it was creepy but didn’t say anything.
“Time?”
“Yes. I need you to come to the Guide Association with me.”
Guide Association.
Hearing the destination, a chill ran down Lim Haeyul’s spine. What was going on? Had they found out something? Did they discover his guiding method?
A flood of thoughts rushed through his mind. He struggled to maintain a composed expression.
“Why?”
“Well, there are too many people here to talk, don’t you think?”
Lim Haeyul let out a short sigh.
It was understandable, given that they were at the school. A man in a dark suit, presumably Jang Gijun, stood with two younger men behind him. Their presence drew curious glances from passersby, especially since they were near Lim Haeyul’s department building.
“Does it have to be today?”
“Not necessarily, but since we’ve already met, today seems like a good day.”
Lim Haeyul felt a surge of annoyance. Why today, of all days? He had just finished his exams and was exhausted. He sighed again, realizing that refusing would only make things more complicated.
‘Fine.’
Perhaps it was better this way. Lim Haeyul had often wondered how he would handle Jang Gijun if he ever showed up, and now he had his chance.
“Just a moment. I need to let the driver know.”
“Go ahead.”
Jang Gijun nodded, and Lim Haeyul called the driver. He explained the situation, and the driver offered to take him to the Guide Association in his car.
“Can I ride with the driver?”
“Of course.”
Lim Haeyul wondered why Jang Gijun was being so accommodating today, unlike his previous intrusive behavior. He couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
“Then I’ll see you at the association. I’ll head there right away.”
“Understood.”
At least he wouldn’t have to ride with Jang Gijun. Lim Haeyul walked towards the waiting car, where the driver was standing outside, looking concerned.
“I’ve already informed Cha Jae-woo.”
Lim Haeyul felt a pang of guilt. He had been so preoccupied that he forgot to contact Cha Jae-woo himself.
“Yes, I’ll get in myself.”
The driver stepped back with a smile, but his expression quickly turned serious again. Lim Haeyul could sense his worry. Cha Jae-woo must have instructed the driver to keep Lim Haeyul away from the Guide Association.
“Nothing will happen.”
“Ah, yes.”
As the car started moving, Lim Haeyul tried to reassure the driver, though it seemed futile. Ever since the incident where he snuck out, the driver had been wary of him.
‘I won’t do it again.’
Lim Haeyul felt a mix of frustration and resignation. He fidgeted with his fingers, feeling anxious about what awaited him at the Guide Association.
* * *
“Hello.”
“Hello.”
Upon arriving at the Guide Association, Lim Haeyul encountered an unexpected face—the guide who had filled in for him during an unforeseen gate incident with Cha Jae-woo.
“…….”
They exchanged greetings, but there was little to say. Lim Haeyul stole glances at the guide, remembering their brief encounter. The guide wore glasses and had a slightly taller build than Lim Haeyul. His disheveled hair and ordinary appearance made him seem unapproachable, and he showed no interest in Lim Haeyul.
Lim Haeyul tapped his foot nervously, wondering why this guide was here. It had to be Jang Gijun’s doing, but the reason remained unclear.
Jang Gijun finally arrived, apologizing for the delay.
“I didn’t expect you to be here already, I’m sorry for the wait. Shall we go inside?”
With his usual affable smile plastered on his face, Guide Association President Jang strode briskly into the building.
He offered no real explanation. However, the other Guide present—Lee Ju-yeon—seemed to already know why he had been summoned.
‘Would it kill you to explain it to me too, you bastard.’
Lim Haeyul barely managed to cleanse the crude words that almost slipped out, and finally opened his mouth.
“You haven’t explained what we’re doing today.”
Maybe because Lee Ju-yeon’s voice was calm, Haeyul’s own voice came out calm as well.
At Haeyul’s words, President Jang let out an “Ah,” and came to a stop.
“That’s right. I should explain first.”
‘Why even bother saying something that obvious?’
Haeyul swallowed his annoyance and nodded with a polite smile.
“We’re going to retest your Guiding capabilities.”
But faced with those completely out-of-the-blue words, the smile he had forced onto his face crumpled almost immediately.
