“…Can I… keep going…?”
His unexpected question made me bite down on my lower lip. The unease that had been looming in the back of my mind was starting to come true. What should I do? If I wanted to stop this, now was my chance.
But Kang Biso didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he slipped his hand under my T-shirt. His fingers moved slowly, starting from my side and inching upward—his touch trembled slightly, as if he were holding himself back, yet still felt unbearably gentle. The way he cautiously stroked my tense skin sent a wave of heat through me. That warmth began to melt my resistance, dulling my thoughts of pulling away.
“Nnh…!”
As his lips pressed against my neck, Kang Biso inhaled deeply—then bit me. No, not a real bite—just the faint pressure of his teeth. It didn’t hurt, but the unfamiliar sensation made a soft noise slip from my throat before I could stop it.
He must’ve liked the sound, because his hand immediately moved from my ribs to my chest. When I let out another breathy noise, he chuckled, pleased. His hand tightened slightly, cupping my chest fully.
I couldn’t even make sense of what I was feeling. This wasn’t like the rough, teasing touches I’d dealt with among fellow agents during training. No—this was different. The intent behind it was painfully obvious. Erotic, deliberate… and impossible to ignore.
His palm brushed over a sensitive spot, then his thumb and index finger grazed it—lightly pinching.
“Hah!”
No one had ever touched me there before. My lips parted in surprise, but I forced them shut and shot Kang Biso a glare.
Either he didn’t notice, or he didn’t care. His fingers pressed down harder, just enough for a twinge of pain, then flicked, then gently swept over the area again. Each time, the strange jolt that followed made my hands instinctively clench.
“H-Hah… Kang Biso-ssi, wait…!”
When he looked up at me, his eyes were clouded with raw desire. I thought—just maybe—he’d finally stop. But that hope lasted only a moment. His gaze dipped to my chest, and with eyes that gleamed with intent, he leaned in again.
“Kang Biso-ssi…? Kang Biso-ssi!”
I shook my head, realizing what he was about to do. But he was too far gone, overtaken by his own need. I couldn’t stop myself from seeing it—the way his warm, wet tongue peeked out, inching toward my chest.
That was it. I yanked my hands free from his grip and shoved at his shoulder.
“Stop…!”
“Why? Doesn’t it feel good? Hm?”
He leaned back a little, but his voice dipped low—like a devil whispering in my ear. This time, his hand slid down from my chest, heading lower. I heard the soft clink of his belt buckle and instantly grabbed his wrists.
“…Kang Biso-ssi. Please. Get a grip. This is the Guiding Room.”
“So what? It feels good… let’s keep going.”
He murmured, unable to hide how turned on he was. When he shifted, something heavy brushed against my thigh.
…No way. No freaking way.
I shook my head quickly and forced myself to stay calm.
“This is my workplace. I don’t want to do this at work.”
“…So what? Guiding involves physical contact. Isn’t that what the bed’s here for?”
“That’s… technically true, but…”
He pouted, voice laced with frustration, and laced our fingers together in a mock-cute gesture. But I couldn’t play along.
Sure, I was embarrassed, and I needed time to prepare myself emotionally—but beyond that, the weight I felt against my thigh just moments ago… it definitely wasn’t something I could overlook.
“This isn’t about the Guiding… we’re dating now, aren’t we…?”
“Exactly. That’s why—”
“I just… I want to take it slow. Really slow.”
I said it with my face flushed red. It was mortifying to even admit it out loud. I swallowed hard, afraid Kang Biso might take it the wrong way—that he’d think I hated physical affection altogether.
But instead of being disappointed, Kang Biso sat back on the bed, a gentle smile spreading across his face.
“Alright. It’s a shame, but if that’s what you want, I’ll respect it.”
“…Really?”
“Yeah. I guess I got carried away. It’s been a while since I last had any Guiding. Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay.”
“From now on, I’ll be more careful. We’ll go slow, step by step.”
He stood and straightened out his rumpled clothes. I did the same, and just as I finished adjusting myself, he suddenly reached out toward me. Startled, I instinctively shut my eyes.
— Tap.
I froze in place as his hand came to rest gently on top of my head. When I peeked my eyes open, I saw him looking at me with warmth in his gaze, carefully smoothing down my messy hair.
“Your hair was sticking up.”
“…Thanks.”
As I sat there, quietly receiving Kang Biso’s gentle touch, I looked up at him—and finally noticed how much calmer he seemed.
…He really does look better, doesn’t he?
Maybe the Guiding had worked after all. The dark circles under his eyes had faded, and a healthy glow had returned to his face.
“…Looks like the Guiding took pretty well.”
“Of course it did. Do you know who gave it to me?”
Kang Biso flashed a smug grin, all cocky confidence. It was hard to believe this was the same man who’d been practically trembling with need just moments ago. The contrast was almost jarring.
“You’ll guide me again next time, right?”
The way he said it—so casual and matter-of-fact—made me feel strangely uneasy. Somehow, I just knew he’d try to take things even further next time. I pushed the thought aside and glanced over at the clock on my desk.
“…It’s time for you to leave now.”
At my clear dismissal, Kang Biso’s face instantly fell.
“Huh? Already?”
“…Yes. The next Esper is scheduled to arrive soon.”
His expression soured at the mention of another Esper, his brow twitching in annoyance. But after a moment, he straightened up, stepped forward, and gently bowed his head.
—Smooch.
I flinched at the sudden kiss to my forehead. It felt like he was stamping me with some kind of seal. When I looked up at him, startled, he was smiling softly.
“I’ll come pick you up when your shift’s over. See you then.”
With that, Kang Biso finally walked out of the room.
Left alone, I let out a deep, weary sigh.
He’s going to drive me insane… seriously…
***
Kim Hyun-joong had been busy lately, asking around about Hwang Seol-bin.
“Hwang Seol-bin? I mean… he seems the same as always. Never really stood out.”
“Oh, that D-Rank? I’ve only bumped into him a few times, so I don’t really know him…”
“Changed? Not that I’ve noticed… Has he?”
He had hoped someone—anyone—might’ve picked up on something strange. But all he got were vague shrugs and confused looks.
Some people didn’t even remember who Hwang Seol-bin was.
Sure, he was a D-Rank Guide, so it wasn’t that unusual—but this level of obscurity? It was ridiculous. He had no presence, no reputation, and barely any relationships to speak of.
Eventually, Hyun-joong started subtly suggesting that Hwang Seol-bin seemed suspicious. But people just stared at him like he was the crazy one.
All he had was a gut feeling—no hard proof. If he’d had something solid, maybe people would’ve listened. But as it stood, no one believed him. All he could say was that the current Hwang Seol-bin didn’t feel real.
Frustrated, Hyun-joong chewed on his thumbnail.
I know he’s a fake… I just know it.
There was no way someone who used to trail behind him like a lovesick puppy would suddenly act like he didn’t exist. The old Hwang Seol-bin had practically lit up every time he acknowledged him. Just a smile or a word used to be enough to make the guy’s whole day.
That wasn’t something a person could fake… or just grow out of overnight.
But what was the point in insisting he was a fake if no one believed him?
Even Kim Yong-ha didn’t back him up. Worse—he scolded him for slandering someone without proof.
…This is bullshit. Why doesn’t anyone get it?
He felt humiliated. Especially by Kim Yong-ha’s reaction—that icy glare, the sharp words. He couldn’t forget the sting.
Still, just imagining how that self-righteous face would twist in shock when the truth came out… that was enough to keep him going. That image alone gave him the strength to endure the frustration.
But seriously, what kind of life was Hwang Seol-bin living for nobody to know a damn thing about him?
At this point, he was starting to think the problem wasn’t the imposter—it was the real Seol-bin himself. With how few connections he had, no wonder he got replaced so easily. Honestly, there was nothing remotely likable about the guy.
Scowling at the thought, Hyun-joong continued wandering through the Center, looking for someone—anyone—who might actually listen. That’s when someone walked up to him, smiling.
“Hello, Esper Kim Hyun-joong.”
It was Yoon Yi-hyeon, an A-Rank Guide.
They weren’t close. Far from it. The sudden friendly approach put Hyun-joong immediately on edge. Still, he replied politely out of courtesy.
“…Hello, Guide Yoon Yi-hyeon.”
“I haven’t seen you around much lately.”
“Ah… things have just been busy.”
Hyun-joong had seen enough of Yi-hyeon to know exactly what kind of person he was. He was a master manipulator—charming when he needed something, spinning sweet words and fluttering lashes like some sly fox.
Personally, Hyun-joong didn’t like him. At all.
He remembered once asking Yi-hyeon for a Guiding session. Their matching rate had been average, nothing special, but Yi-hyeon had acted like it was beneath him. He’d complained endlessly about having to guide an S-Rank Esper when he was just A-Rank, and then flat-out refused.
And now, as if none of that had happened, he was smiling like they were old friends.
“I heard there’s been an interesting rumor going around the Center about Seol-bin.”
“…It’s not a rumor. It’s the truth.”
“Oh? Judging by your reaction, sounds like you’re the one who started it.”
Yi-hyeon tilted his head, amused. The way he looked at him was curious, but detached—like he was watching a mildly interesting show. It only made Hyun-joong more suspicious.
Someone who normally didn’t give a damn was suddenly interested in Hwang Seol-bin? That didn’t sit right.
“I’m curious now. Would you mind filling me in?”
He stepped in closer, tapping Hyun-joong on the shoulder with a mock-playful flick. His tone was sweet, his body language flirtatious. It made Hyun-joong’s skin crawl.
What, now he wants to play nice? After all that elitist crap?
There was no way Yi-hyeon, who couldn’t be bothered with anyone below his own rank, actually knew anything useful about Hwang Seol-bin.
Hyun-joong narrowed his eyes and spoke curtly.
“…No thanks. I’ve got things to do.”
“…Excuse me? What was that?”
Yi-hyeon had taken another step forward but froze mid-motion. Clearly, he hadn’t expected to be brushed off. Seeing the flustered look on his face was oddly satisfying.
Smirking just a little, Hyun-joong turned away and walked off, ignoring the faint sound of Yi-hyeon’s awkward, forced laugh behind him.
