I was dead tired from listening to Baek Beom’s rambling last night, so I left my room early in the morning and headed straight for the cafeteria. His nonsense had gotten worse than ever yesterday.
Just thinking about seeing him again after work, back at the dorms, already made my head throb. The dull ache was creeping in like a warning sign.
I didn’t really have an appetite, but out of habit, I grabbed a tray, scooped up some food, and settled into an empty seat.
Clack—
Right then, someone set a tray down across from me and took the seat. I glanced up and saw Kim Yong-ha smiling at me with a sleepy, slightly dazed look on his face.
“Sunbae-nim, you’re up early today.”
“…Yeah. Just happened to wake up earlier than usual.”
“You looked pretty deep in thought on the way here. Did something happen?”
He fidgeted with his spoon as he asked, and naturally, memories from last night’s dinner with Baek Beom flooded back.
“Maybe it’s because my own Guide made it, but this tastes amazing.”
“Quit talking and just eat.”
“Talking? I’ve never said anything wrong to my Guide.”
“Haa…”
“What, I can’t compliment my own Guide now? How’s that nonsense?”
Baek Beom wouldn’t shut up the entire meal, going on and on—my Guide this, my Guide that—like he was trying to brainwash me or something. He was so relentless I completely lost my appetite. In the end, I barely touched my food and went straight to bed. Not that I got much sleep, thanks to his endless chatter echoing in my head.
…And even this morning, he wasn’t any better, was he?
Today felt like a continuation of yesterday. He usually slept in, but for some reason, he got up early and started trailing after me like a lost puppy. And again with that damn my Guide mantra…
“Sunbae-nim? You sure you’re okay?”
Kim Yong-ha looked at me with genuine concern. I quickly shook my head, trying to shake off my thoughts before he caught on.
“…Ah, yeah. It’s nothing. My pet’s just been acting out lately.”
“You have a pet?”
Well, technically he looked like one. He definitely acted out and never listened to a word I said.
“Yeah. Just a small dog.”
At that, Kim Yong-ha’s face lit up.
“Oh, really? I used to have a dog too!”
“Did you?”
“Yeah! Do you think I could stop by your room sometime to see him? Maybe I can help out…”
“Ah, no, that’s okay.”
For a moment, his eagerness caught me off guard. His cheeks were slightly flushed, and he genuinely looked like he wanted to help. But I quickly shook my head and turned him down.
Baek Beom might look like a dog, but he was undeniably human. A Villain, no less—one targeting Kim Yong-ha. One of the reasons I kept him close was specifically to stop him from getting near him. Letting the two of them meet? Not an option.
“…He’s really shy around strangers. Maybe another time, if the opportunity comes up.”
“That’s a shame… I really wanted to help.”
“Thanks anyway. I appreciate the thought.”
I stood up right after saying that. Kim Yong-ha watched me leave, looking disappointed.
“You’re heading out already?”
“Yeah. Enjoy your breakfast.”
I could feel his gaze following me all the way out, but I ignored it and walked out of the cafeteria.
***
“Hyung!”
“…Kang Biso-ssi.”
I was walking while trying to figure out how the hell to shut Baek Beom up for good when I spotted Kang Biso waiting for me in front of the dorms. Who knew how long he’d been there?
“You’re up early. Did you eat yet?”
“I ran over the second I opened my eyes because I missed you! And I never eat breakfast anyway.”
He reached out and took my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. The only difference today was that he lifted it and started inspecting it carefully. I stood still, watching him silently as he met my eyes.
“I was worried I might’ve grabbed you too hard yesterday… Was scared you’d bruise. But looks like you’re okay.”
“This much is nothing.”
He was treating me like I was made of glass. I pulled my hand free and flexed it a bit to show I was totally fine. But then he grabbed it again and brought it up to his lips, planting a soft kiss on it.
“But still… this is the hand of the person I love. I need to treat it with care.”
“Th-That’s…”
“That won’t ever happen again. I promise.”
“…Okay.”
I lowered my head, unable to meet Kang Biso’s gaze. The way he treated me—with such tenderness—felt unfamiliar. Embarrassing, even.
Back when I was a Special Agent, getting hurt was just part of the job. If you so much as flinched, you were weak. If you complained, you got punished—extra training, harsher drills. That was my normal. So this kind of gentle concern? It didn’t just feel unfamiliar—it was almost overwhelming. Still, the flutter in my chest… it wasn’t a bad feeling.
Kang Biso kissed the back of my hand once more, then laced his fingers with mine. I instinctively tightened my grip in response, and he gave me a bright smile that practically lit up his whole face.
…Too bright. And it’s not even noon yet.
His smile alone seemed to wipe away all the stress Baek Beom had dumped on me, like it had never existed.
We walked together, hand in hand, heading toward the Guide Center. Neither of us said much, but just being beside him was enough to lift my mood.
Maybe that’s why the walk felt unusually short. I’d walked this path a hundred times, but today it felt like barely any distance at all.
And now I had to let go of his hand. For some reason, that thought hit harder than I expected. Maybe we should’ve taken the long way around. If I’d known it would feel like this, I wouldn’t have gone back so early last night. I would’ve stayed out here with Kang Biso instead.
The small pang of regret made me hesitate. Was this what it felt like to be in a relationship?
Caught in the unfamiliar rush of emotion, I stood in front of the Guide Center, toying with his hand, reluctant to let go. Kang Biso looked at me with a smile—part happiness, part reluctance.
“…We’re here already. I’ll come by later for Guiding.”
“Yeah. See you then.”
He lingered, staring down at our joined hands like he didn’t want to let go. For a moment, he looked like he was waiting for me to say something—anything. But then, slowly and with obvious hesitation, he released my hand and took a step back.
As much as I didn’t want to part, I turned and walked inside, leaving him behind as he waved me off.
I was on my way to the Guiding Room when I heard someone sprinting in my direction.
…What now?
I turned around, and there was Kim Yong-ha, rushing toward me, panting and flushed. He must’ve just arrived—Kim Hyun-joong and the Espers he’d come with were still behind him in the distance. The way he charged over made me freeze in place, unsure of what to expect.
He skidded to a stop in front of me, gasping for air as he tried to catch his breath.
“Haah… Sun… Sunbae-nim…”
“Did something happen?”
“Haah… I… I saw you!”
That came out of nowhere.
“…Sorry? Saw what?”
“I saw you! Just now—you were holding hands with someone!”
“Ah…”
So he’d seen that. I was so focused on Kang Biso, on just being with him, that I hadn’t paid attention to who might be watching. The realization made me feel a little awkward.
“What’s your relationship with that guy? Why were you holding hands like that?!”
…Why was he raising his voice?
Could he have somehow figured out who Kang Biso really was? Did he know something I didn’t?
This was the first time I’d seen Kim Yong-ha this upset. He was visibly agitated, voice rising, face flushed. People were starting to notice.
Given that he was an S-Rank Guide—someone who naturally drew attention—him showing up like this, breathless and emotional, was already more than enough to stir curiosity. People were whispering, heads turning.
If this kept up, we’d turn into a full-blown spectacle.
I reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him with me toward the Guiding Room.
“W-What—?”
“There are too many people here. Let’s talk in private.”
He still looked like he wanted answers right away, brows furrowed and lips pressed tight—but he didn’t argue. He followed quietly, letting me lead.
***
The moment we stepped into the Guiding Room, I let go of his wrist and turned to face him.
“…Why were you in such a rush just now?”
He rubbed his wrist for a second, then suddenly grabbed both of my arms.
“Who is that guy?! Who were you holding hands with like that?!”
He wasn’t just upset. He sounded… desperate.
For a second, I hesitated, unsure how to answer.
Judging by his reaction, he hadn’t figured out that the person he saw was a Villain. He didn’t know that Kang Biso was dangerous. In that case, telling the truth wouldn’t hurt. I didn’t feel like lying. Still, the desperation in his voice—his whole demeanor—it reminded me, strangely, of how Kang Biso looked when he got jealous.
No way. That couldn’t be it.
“…We’re dating.”
“…What?”
He froze, like someone had just hit him with a brick. Was the idea of me being in a relationship really that shocking?
“Could I ask you to keep it a secret for now?”
“……”
“Kim Yong-ha-ssi? Are you alright?”
“S-So… you’re saying… you’re dating him…?”
His lips trembled as he finally managed to speak. He looked… crushed. I didn’t get it. Why was he reacting like this?
“Yes.”
He inhaled sharply, held it, then let it out slowly—like he was trying to calm himself. Then, all of a sudden, his expression shifted. That pale, stunned look from earlier disappeared, replaced by a subtle, resolute seriousness.
Better than watching him look like he was about to collapse. But I still didn’t understand what was going on in his head.
“Sunbae-nim.”
“…Yeah?”
“…Break up with him.”
“…What?”
That came out of nowhere. My mind went completely blank.
He didn’t look like he was joking. But seriously—what?
I couldn’t process it. Before I could respond, he spoke again, voice low and pleading.
“I like you too.”
“…What?”
“So… break up with him. And date me instead. Please.”
I could only stare at him, completely speechless, eyes wide.
…Did he really just say that?
Kim Yong-ha had just confessed to me. Just like that—completely out of the blue.
