Lim Haeyul pondered his response, causing the silence to stretch out. Objectively, the proposal was beneficial for him. If Lee Ju-yeon were to take over Cha Jae-woo, it would be safer for Lim Haeyul. Naturally, a B-rank Guide living with an S-rank Esper is better than a D-rank Guide doing the same. With relatively more mana, there would be less concern about fatigue. In many ways, it was a rational proposal.
Even though the person who made this proposal was Guide Association President Jang Gijun, who knew that Lim Haeyul’s health was at risk and still left him at Cha Jae-woo’s house, Lim Haeyul should have accepted the proposal without hesitation. That would have seemed natural to them.
However, Lim Haeyul could not do that.
The possibility of Lee Ju-yeon’s matching rate increasing was merely a hopeful idea. The likelihood of it not happening was much higher. In that case, Cha Jae-woo would have to endure with only a 37% matching guide.
‘He seemed to be getting some rest finally.’
As evidence, the housekeeper was becoming more mindful of noise, as Cha Jae-woo’s sleeping hours had increased. Just a few days ago, Lim Haeyul felt a sense of pride seeing the housekeeper happy instead of inconvenienced. Therefore, Lim Haeyul had to refuse Jang Gijun’s proposal.
‘But what reason can I give?’
The problem was that there was no Guide who could check an Esper’s condition. Therefore, Lim Haeyul could not use Cha Jae-woo’s condition as an excuse.
Couldn’t he just say that he would be better? That he would handle the guiding first, and Lee Ju-yeon could take over in emergencies? Wouldn’t that be more ideal?
Even if Lee Ju-yeon was B-rank, the matching rate was nearly three times higher. If the matching rate differed this much despite the lesser amount of mana, Lim Haeyul’s guiding would be much better for Cha Jae-woo. Even if he didn’t use his own method.
“I still think it’s dangerous. Raising the matching rate isn’t easy. We can’t gamble on that possibility,” Lim Haeyul said.
“But there is a possibility….” Jang Gijun countered.
“If the possibility was high, wouldn’t a Guide with a high matching rate for Cha Jae-woo have appeared already? As far as I know, Cha Jae-woo hasn’t had a high matching rate Guide for over 10 years,” Lim Haeyul argued.
“Ah.”
Did that work? Lim Haeyul felt a glimmer of hope as Jang Gijun let out a short sigh.
“But we can’t completely dismiss the possibility, can we? Let’s give it a try. It’s not like it will be immediately dangerous, so it’s worth a shot,” Jang Gijun responded.
Lim Haeyul was at a loss for words.
“Could it be that Guide Lim Haeyul wants Cha Jae-woo to rely only on him?” Jang Gijun asked.
“No, that’s not it…….” Lim Haeyul replied.
That wasn’t the case. If there was even a small chance that Lee Ju-yeon’s matching rate would increase as Jang Gijun hoped, it would be great for Cha Jae-woo.
So, Jang Gijun was right in saying it was worth a try. But…….
“There’s nothing to worry about. Oh, I heard that you like Cha Jae-woo…….”
Sensing that the odds were turning in his favor, Jang Gijun’s demeanor noticeably relaxed.
Lim Haeyul slightly frowned at his words. Given the commotion at the gate, it was no surprise that Jang Gijun had heard about it, but bringing up that topic in this situation—.
“I also understand that you are aware of the side effects. It used to be quite common. So, I understand if Guide Lim Haeyul wants to monopolize Cha Jae-woo,” Jang Gijun said.
He was clearly implying that Lim Haeyul’s refusal of the proposal was merely due to the side effects. He was suggesting that Lim Haeyul was being swayed by such emotions and avoiding what he should rightfully attempt.
“But shouldn’t we look further ahead? I think it would be better to keep some distance before the side effects get worse,” Jang Gijun advised.
“…….”
“This is also good for Cha Jae-woo. It’s a win-win situation for both Guide Lim Haeyul and Cha Jae-woo—.”
No matter how much Lim Haeyul thought about it, he couldn’t find a way out.
Lim Haeyul contemplated whether he should just blurt out the truth: that he could guide better than anyone else, and even if Lee Ju-yeon’s matching rate increased, his method would still be more effective.
“Guide Lim Haeyul.”
…No, he couldn’t. What kind of trouble would that cause? Cha Jae-woo had repeatedly told him that this must be kept secret at all costs.
“……Ah.”
“You didn’t even notice your nosebleed, did you? What were you thinking so hard about?”
Lim Haeyul’s mind, which had been racing to find a way out of the situation, suddenly went blank. A nearby researcher had handed him a tissue, and only then did he realize he had a nosebleed. It seemed the accumulated fatigue had finally caught up with him.
During exam periods, this was a common occurrence. Although he wasn’t particularly frail, the lack of sleep and proper meals while studying often led to nosebleeds.
‘It seems the timing is perfect,’ Lim Haeyul thought.
However, Jang Gijun interpreted it differently.
“It looks like guiding Cha Jae-woo has taken a toll on you. Lim Haeyul, you should take this opportunity to rest,” Jang Gijun said.
“No, this is—”
“I will contact Cha Jae-woo. I can have someone bring your belongings—”
Since when did he care about me? Lim Haeyul thought angrily. He had been so eager to convince Lim Haeyul that guiding wouldn’t harm his health, and now he was pretending to be concerned.
Lim Haeyul was about to tell Jang Gijun that there was no need for that when someone else spoke up.
“You should have been concerned from the start.”
Exactly! Lim Haeyul nodded in agreement. If Jang Gijun was truly concerned about his health, he should have shown it from the beginning. It was ridiculous how he had abandoned Lim Haeyul and was now feigning concern.
“……Huh?”
But suddenly, Lim Haeyul’s anger vanished. The voice was familiar, and his heart began to race with a different kind of excitement. This was unmistakably Cha Jae-woo’s voice.
“Cha Jae-woo!”
Overjoyed, Lim Haeyul tossed the tissue aside and smiled at Cha Jae-woo. However, Cha Jae-woo furrowed his brow as if he had seen something unpleasant. Lim Haeyul quickly realized he must look awful with blood dripping from his nose and hurriedly brought the tissue back to his face.
Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit him. He should have gone straight home to rest, but the fatigue was now overwhelming.
“Cha Jae-woo, what brings you here?” Jang Gijun asked.
“I came to pick up my Guide,” Cha Jae-woo replied.
“……Wow.”
Did Cha Jae-woo just call me his Guide? Lim Haeyul’s heart fluttered at the simple words. Yes, he was Cha Jae-woo’s Guide. He hadn’t guided any other Esper, and he hoped it would stay that way.
Just as Lim Haeyul was lost in thought, Cha Jae-woo appeared like a hero, arriving at the perfect moment to save him from Jang Gijun’s persuasion.
“You came to pick up Lim Haeyul?” Jang Gijun asked, clearly surprised.
“Yes.”
“You, Cha Jae-woo, came here for him?”
Jang Gijun couldn’t hide his bewilderment. He had never expected Cha Jae-woo to come to the association for Lim Haeyul. Jang Gijun looked back and forth between them, suspicion written all over his face.
‘Is it that surprising?’ Lim Haeyul thought.
Even with a high matching rate, there was no reason for Cha Jae-woo to go out of his way for a D-rank Guide like him. This must have raised even more suspicions in Jang Gijun’s mind.
“Well, since you’re here… let’s talk. I was planning to discuss this with you anyway—” Jang Gijun began.
“I don’t need another Guide,” Cha Jae-woo interrupted.
“……What?”
“I only need Lim Haeyul.”
Lim Haeyul’s heart raced, and he tried to suppress his excitement. But wasn’t this a bit too obvious? Didn’t Cha Jae-woo realize how suspicious this sounded? What was he planning? Regardless, the words “I only need Lim Haeyul” made his heart flutter.
His thoughts were a jumbled mess. Meanwhile, Jang Gijun narrowed his eyes and spoke.
“I’ve always found it strange how protective you are of Lim Haeyul.”
It was almost as if he was asking outright if there was something going on between them. His gaze was piercing, trying to uncover their secret. Lim Haeyul avoided his eyes and looked at Cha Jae-woo, unsure of how to handle the situation.
“But?”
However, Cha Jae-woo remained calm. He stepped towards Lim Haeyul and pressed the tissue more firmly against his nose. Then, he swiftly picked Lim Haeyul up in his arms.
“Whoa!”
It happened so quickly that no one could have anticipated it. A sudden silence fell over the test room.
“Is there something wrong with being protective?” Cha Jae-woo asked.
“Well, I—” Jang Gijun stammered.
“I heard everything outside. I don’t need anyone else. Since when did you start thinking for me?” Cha Jae-woo said firmly.
“…….”
“I only need Lim Haeyul.”
Cha Jae-woo glanced down at Lim Haeyul. His usually expressionless face twisted slightly, and surprisingly, the corners of his mouth lifted into a small smile.
Seeing Cha Jae-woo’s smiling face up close, Lim Haeyul’s heart raced again. His entire body stiffened.
“I don’t want anyone but Lim Haeyul touching me…” Cha Jae-woo said, his gaze shifting from Lee Ju-yeon to Jang Gijun.
“It’s becoming unpleasant now.”
What was Cha Jae-woo talking about? Lim Haeyul struggled to keep up with the rapidly unfolding situation. Maybe it was the fact that he was in Cha Jae-woo’s arms that made his mind go blank.
“……Cha Jae-woo, what do you mean?” Jang Gijun asked, bewildered.
“Oh, you don’t understand?” Cha Jae-woo replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
Yes, I don’t. At least, I don’t. Lim Haeyul silently agreed, trying his best not to nod.
“President Jang, you’re not very perceptive. Do I need to spell it out?” Cha Jae-woo said.
Lim Haeyul desperately wanted to understand what Cha Jae-woo was saying. He looked up at him, hoping for an explanation.
“I like Guide Lim Haeyul.”
Lim Haeyul almost shouted, “What?!” but Cha Jae-woo’s hand quickly covered his mouth. To anyone watching, it might have looked like he was wiping away the nosebleed, but it was clear he was silencing Lim Haeyul.
Cha Jae-woo looked down at Lim Haeyul and smiled again. It was a smile so bright it made Lim Haeyul’s heart skip a beat.
“Lim Haeyul might call it a side effect, but I’m serious. I don’t want to rest much from his guiding,” Cha Jae-woo said.
“Well, that’s…” Jang Gijun struggled to respond.
“Does that not make sense?” Cha Jae-woo asked.
“…….”
“How can it not make sense? Look how pretty he is.”
A heavy silence fell over the room. No one knew how to respond to Cha Jae-woo’s declaration.
