SGC | Side Story 4

Fortunately, Ye Ilhoo’s not-so-subtle intimidation worked, and the hunters from IDEA couldn’t look down on or ignore Baram. Realizing his advice was quite helpful, some even sought him out for guidance.

Four eyes focused on the brightly lit tablet. Baram tapped the screen, pointing something out.

“Here. You see how you flinch a bit when you dive in from this side?”

Kim Garo, with a serious look, examined the spot Baram indicated. It was near his right shoulder.

“Oh, yes…”

“I saw in the data that you injured this shoulder a few months ago. It seems like it’s affecting you. Maybe you’re scared…”

Baram paused. Hunters were nothing without their pride. Although Kim Garo acted like a younger brother, they hadn’t known each other long. Baram quickly added, worried his comment might be taken as “You’re scared.”

“Oh, I’m not trying to belittle you. It might be a subconscious defense.”

Kim Garo, understanding his intent, smiled slightly and nodded.

“Yes, I understand what you’re saying.”

“I’m glad you get it.”

Baram sighed in relief. Having seen a few hunters with uneasy expressions, he was careful with his words. Kim Garo, of course, noticed this. He spoke cautiously, almost whispering.

“But, sunbae, you don’t have to be so careful. Just be honest with me. I appreciate any analysis you give. I applied what you mentioned the other day, and my movements improved. It was easier to use my abilities too.”

His voice trembled slightly, like a child awkwardly confessing their feelings. Baram looked at Kim Garo, who reminded him of Chae Goya in his sensitivity and consideration.

Thanks to Kim Garo, Baram had recently reconnected with Chae Goya. Though time differences made long conversations difficult, they managed a phone call. Of course, Ye Ilhoo wasn’t thrilled about their quiet chats.

It was a compliment that wasn’t unpleasant but rather fulfilling. Though he had once improved Ye Ilhoo and Chae Goya’s combat skills through 1:1 sparring, that felt like ages ago. Having been away from his main job for so long, he worried if he could offer practical advice.

Feeling a bit relieved, Baram shrugged with a smile.

“Hearing that it’s helpful gives me energy.”

“I’m not just saying it; I mean it.”

“Thank you.”

Baram genuinely accepted Kim Garo’s praise. After all, Baram was only working with the analysis team for this quarter and would leave the guild in two weeks. There was no need for flattery to earn points with him.

Being kind to Baram meant enduring Ye Ilhoo’s sharp gaze, which was proof enough.

Suddenly, someone draped an arm over Kim Garo’s shoulder, appearing from behind.

“Hey, Kim Garo, stop hogging sunbae. It’s my turn now.”

It was Kim Saero, Kim Garo’s twin brother. Still not used to their unique names, Baram smiled awkwardly.

“Did you wait long? I had a lot to discuss with Hunter Kim Garo today.”

“Oh! I didn’t mean to rush you!”

Kim Saero jumped in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected Baram’s reaction. Kim Garo grumbled but didn’t remove his brother’s arm. Soon, the two stood side by side, listening to Baram’s video analysis.

Kim Saero was a B-rank elemental defense hunter, dealing with flames like Ye Ilhoo. Usually, when siblings had different ranks, it led to underlying tension, but they seemed to get along well, perhaps due to good upbringing, despite their competitive nature.

‘Flames and psychokinesis, huh.’

Both abilities were very familiar to Baram, as they were Ye Ilhoo’s powers. So, even though the twins looked different, they often reminded him of Ye Ilhoo.

Of course, their use of abilities and combat styles differed. Ye Ilhoo was much more meticulous and skilled in controlling his powers compared to the twins. This allowed Baram to offer more than just video analysis advice.

This was likely why the twins were so fond of Baram. Not because of Ye Ilhoo’s baseless jealousy, claiming, “Those guys have ulterior motives for you.”

“What did Garo get critiqued on today?”

“Hey, why do you ask?”

“Why not? I’m curious. Plus, I want to use anything useful.”

With his brother, Kim Garo finally seemed his age. The two bickered noisily before suddenly asking Baram.

“By the way, sunbae, what are you doing tonight? Do you have plans?”

“No, nothing special. Why?”

Lately, Baram hadn’t dared to make plans, busy analyzing countless videos late into the night. Even Ye Ilhoo, who always sought to be close, had been subtly poking his thigh for the past five days.

Realizing tomorrow was Saturday, Baram listened as Kim Saero cheerfully suggested.

“It’s Yonghyun’s birthday today, so we’re having a simple meal at a barbecue place in front of the guild! Want to join us, sunbae?”

Kim Saero’s eyes sparkled with expectation. Kim Garo nudged his brother with an elbow, chiding him.

“He’s been busy all week; he might want to rest. Don’t pressure him.”

Despite his words, Kim Garo’s face also showed anticipation. Though they were hunters crossing dangerous gates, they were still young adults, inexperienced in hiding their excitement.

A light laugh escaped Baram’s lips. There was no reason to refuse. The barbecue place was where he used to hang out with Jeong Yeonji and Heo Taekgyun. Plus, having been confined to home and the hospital, he longed for a lively gathering.

Of course, he was tired. His stamina wasn’t what it used to be, and even a little exertion required a long rest. Falling asleep as soon as he got home was Baram’s routine these days. Ye Ilhoo constantly reminded him to stop before he collapsed.

Yet, he felt inclined to go. It was just a meal at a barbecue place in front of the guild, and he could rest over the weekend.

Surely, even Ye Ilhoo wouldn’t object. Baram smiled brightly and replied.

“Can I really join you?”

He was already acquainted with Park Yonghyun, whose birthday it was, having met him during the joint training.

The twins’ faces lit up at Baram’s answer. Even Kim Garo, who pretended to dissuade his brother, was delighted like a child.

“Of course!”

“I’ll call the restaurant and add a seat right away!”

Though he wondered if he was intruding on the kids’ gathering, Baram was only twenty-four in this world, despite being twenty-seven in his previous life.

Deciding to make the most of it, he planned to have fun since he was going anyway.

As expected, it was Ye Ilhoo who blocked Baram, who was as excited as if going on a picnic. As soon as Baram mentioned he might be late, Ye Ilhoo crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

“Yonghyun? Who’s that?”

“What do you mean? He’s an IDEA hunter. You don’t know? He’s close with Garo and Saero…”

“Never mind. What? Birthday?”

Baram sighed, narrowing his eyes.

He understood why Ye Ilhoo was being so cautious. Just a few months ago, Baram couldn’t even get out of bed.

And that wasn’t all. He frequently collapsed, had nosebleeds, and fell asleep. Considering the series of events that had dropped Ye Ilhoo’s heart to the floor multiple times, it was a miracle Baram was even working with the joint training analysis team.

Above all, Ye Ilhoo’s intense care for Baram stemmed from the fact that Baram’s frailty was due to him. Baram, who would have been healthy otherwise, had risked his life to bring Ye Ilhoo back from the dead.