Let’s avoid doing what Lim Haeyul dislikes.
He said it was okay to appear as long as the frequency wasn’t shown. So, the first step was to gather the inexplicable frequency.
Ultimately, this meant needing guidance from someone. Although it was an unwelcome task, there was no other choice. So, Cha Jae-woo went straight to the Guide Center and received guidance from anyone available.
Even if the matching rate was low, there would still be some effect. Having relied on it for so long, it didn’t feel unusual.
“Ugh…!”
Of course, it was unexpected when the pale-faced Guide couldn’t even insert a bit of mana and rushed out of the Guide Room, covering their mouth.
“…….”
The arm that the nameless Guide had been holding throbbed. The furrowed face showed no signs of relaxing.
That Guide must have felt it too—that Cha Jae-woo was resisting the guidance. The mana was repelled before it could enter. While Cha Jae-woo only felt a throbbing arm, the Guide seemed to have received an unbearable shock.
“Haah….”
Cha Jae-woo let out a long sigh and wiped his face. With the cause unknown, there was no solution. His mind was a mess, and his insides were burning.
Being able to appear in front of Lim Haeyul meant being able to see him up close, sense his scent, and hear his voice. But if the frequency couldn’t be controlled, even that would be impossible.
How could this be resolved? From his perspective, the frequency seemed well-controlled. Even when he intentionally released it, no one at the Center noticed his emotions. This meant only Lim Haeyul could perceive it. Was it because he was special? If that was the case, it would be better if he wasn’t…
“What did you do?”
A familiar voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts. Cha Jae-woo looked up, not realizing someone had entered the Guide Room.
It was Kim Sol. Cha Jae-woo remained expressionless and silent. There was nothing to discuss with Kim Sol.
“I heard someone vomiting in the bathroom? Did you drain their energy?”
Kim Sol seemed unbothered. Twelve percent—that was the matching rate Cha Jae-woo recalled as Kim Sol approached casually.
“You─.”
Cha Jae-woo started to speak, thinking that maybe the previous Guide was just a bad match. Any percentage would do. Anyone who could help control his frequency, even a little.
“I won’t do it, the guiding.”
Before he could finish, Kim Sol flatly refused. Cha Jae-woo’s expression darkened, but Kim Sol didn’t seem to care.
Kim Sol was always like that. Whether it was Jo Gyeong-hoon or Cha Jae-woo himself, Kim Sol acted as if he held their lives in his hands, yet remained confident. Cha Jae-woo didn’t need to understand why.
“Why would I do it if you’re just going to end up like that last Guide?”
Of course, it wasn’t a matter of life and death.
“……How is Haeyul doing?”
Kim Sol asked cautiously, standing a few steps away from Cha Jae-woo.
Why was he asking that? Cha Jae-woo’s face immediately twisted in annoyance. He just didn’t like anyone asking about Lim Haeyul.
“You’re watching him, aren’t you?”
But the next words left Cha Jae-woo speechless. He had never told anyone he was watching Lim Haeyul. Yet, Kim Sol acted as if it was obvious.
“Well, he must be doing fine if he escaped from here. He must be so relieved not to see Cha Jae-woo Esper’s face anymore.”
He kept talking without waiting for a response.
Cha Jae-woo’s fingers twitched. Just as Kim Sol said, Lim Haeyul was doing well. Cha Jae-woo knew that his absence contributed to Lim Haeyul’s peace. But he couldn’t help it.
I don’t know. He doesn’t welcome my appearance, but he doesn’t dislike it either. That might not be a very positive sign, but being able to see him from a distance is better than nothing. If only it weren’t for this frequency…
“Can you see my frequency?”
After a long silence, Cha Jae-woo abruptly asked. Kim Sol tilted his head, not immediately understanding.
“What frequency?”
“Can you see the frequency around me right now?”
“……No, I can’t.”
Kim Sol replied calmly, swallowing the urge to ask how one could see such a thing. To resolve the issue, Cha Jae-woo needed to understand the cause. Perhaps receiving some guidance to calm the frequency would help.
“Please, just a little guidance.”
“I already said no.”
“Just enough to calm it down.”
“…….”
Despite his commands, Kim Sol hesitated and then shook his head. He didn’t want to do it. He could if he had to, but something made him reluctant. It wasn’t just because of the previous Guide who had rushed out.
“Who can see it?”
Kim Sol asked, still not moving from his spot. His tone implied that such a thing was impossible.
Before meeting Lim Haeyul, Cha Jae-woo would have agreed. It was common knowledge that an Esper who hadn’t received guidance for a long time would emit a faint frequency. Although Kim Sol had never seen it himself, he knew it was possible.
But not now. Cha Jae-woo’s condition didn’t seem good, but it wasn’t due to a lack of guidance.
‘Maybe it’s because of Lim Haeyul.’
It was almost laughable. Cha Jae-woo, of all people, was troubled by someone else. The world was full of surprises, but seeing Cha Jae-woo affected like this was unbelievable.
“Lim Haeyul.”
“What?”
Kim Sol, lost in thought, didn’t understand Cha Jae-woo’s reply at first.
“Lim Haeyul can see it.”
Kim Sol was taken aback. Cha Jae-woo wasn’t one to explain himself, let alone repeat his words. This behavior was unusual for him.
Seeing the confusion on Kim Sol’s face, he understood why Cha Jae-woo’s demeanor had changed. Lim Haeyul could see Cha Jae-woo’s frequency, and it was causing problems. Kim Sol didn’t understand why this was an issue, but it was clearly bothering Cha Jae-woo.
“How does he see it?”
Kim Sol asked, trying to sound casual.
Seeing emotions through frequency? That was impossible. Kim Sol had encountered many Espers with high matching rates, but he had never seen their frequencies, let alone their emotions.
“He says he can see… my emotions.”
Cha Jae-woo answered, hoping for any clue. But Kim Sol was only more confused.
“Is he just saying that? Your emotions are obvious—anger, frustration, annoyance… things like that?”
Kim Sol knew Cha Jae-woo had feelings for Lim Haeyul. He had realized his emotions when he sent Lim Haeyul away. It was surprising that Cha Jae-woo could care for someone like that.
For over six months, Cha Jae-woo had watched Lim Haeyul from afar without bringing him back. He knew that Lim Haeyul would suffer if he returned, so he kept his distance. It was astonishing that Cha Jae-woo could be so considerate.
“……No. Different emotions.”
Cha Jae-woo replied, suppressing a sigh.
Kim Sol felt a mix of emotions. He had never cared for Cha Jae-woo, finding him pitiful and annoying at best. His pity came from hearing about Cha Jae-woo’s struggles as an Esper. Otherwise, Cha Jae-woo meant nothing to him.
Perhaps that’s why he had entrusted Lim Haeyul to Cha Jae-woo. He knew Cha Jae-woo would do his job well if paid enough. He had been sure that Cha Jae-woo would teach Lim Haeyul without personal feelings involved.
In a way, Kim Sol admired Cha Jae-woo’s dedication. But now, hearing about these emotions, he felt a pang of something unfamiliar.
“Emotions?”
Kim Sol echoed Cha Jae-woo’s words, his brow furrowing. Cha Jae-woo’s dark gaze fixed on him, waiting.
“Are you sure Lim Haeyul can see your emotions?”
Kim Sol’s question hung in the air, and Cha Jae-woo straightened, hoping for an answer. His throat felt dry with anticipation.
