PRT | Chapter 2.12

Even if he were to be ignored, it would’ve been just brushed off. Yet, Seo Yigyeom took the time. Expressing genuine gratitude, Kim Heeseo watched as Seo Yigyeom glanced down at him with an odd look.39e4cfe807f6443c

“…Why?”b964eaf03bc9fd60

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To the small question, 54b446747a Seo Yigyeom chuckled as 8d23a599de if he found it 46510a3a36 ridiculous and entered the 4837c8002e elevator.17255dfa610b87fb

“I thought you might even be sarcastic, but not even that…”7c1ce9e0dc1fad0e

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“…”4556f5f6f3019925

“Dealing with Kim Heeseo is draining.”bf22d71ad0516896

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His words were 9bd4cfeb6f ambiguous, neither praise 406372c953 nor insult. While Kim efde6618b6 Heeseo chewed d0eb9990e5 over the b0f98de5c4 remark, Seo 57f5ff0479 Yigyeom added 327ec59f4b nothing more, 1313e0afc0 and the 960a0e360b elevator descended 5d1f20a1ae in silence 5028456a8f to the 4ba0900275 basement.76990c51ba6040c1

“Uh, aren’t we going to the company cafeteria?”243e49a63df27c5a

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“I don’t eat there.”c44fcc4bd8176954

With the firm answer, Kim Heeseo went, “Ah…” silently acknowledging. He guessed Seo Yigyeom’s taste might be quite particular. He had never once seen him at the cafeteria, which was considered decent. At the same time, he wondered if it was okay to go out now that lunchtime was over.eb1544186482ac27

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“Is it okay to leave?”8559aa2b84790a82

“Seems like you’re full of company loyalty. I’m not.”4471f6b17addbdc2

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His nonchalant attitude dispelled even the slight worry. Caught in Seo Yigyeom’s indifferent gaze, Kim Heeseo chose to remain silent. He certainly wasn’t that loyal, and for once, his smartwatch was quiet.d55b57c151d2e216

Ding. The elevator 09e210509c doors opened 9fc087be8f with a defc2571e6 cheerful sound. Upon reaching the basement f7739596e4 and following Seo Yigyeom, 4d70318df5 Kim Heeseo noticed a b796748e97 different car from the 3a0fabc1cd one he had ridden 6874bf862e before.c61d8a0fd43f057c

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How many cars 7eefbfd987 does he have?b3adc60ec748f213

Surprised anew, Kim Heeseo glanced at Seo Yigyeom beside him. He didn’t know much, but he knew everything about Seo Yigyeom was expensive. He realized why people talked about him so much, apart from his abilities.8cbc24432d6005f3

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“Uh, I’ll drive.”71a67fe14c26b3cc

Startled by Seo Yigyeom heading towards the driver’s seat, Kim Heeseo exclaimed.920ed2eab8c640d6

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“You’re injured.”47279bdb13ed5054

“I’m not the one with the injured leg; that’s Kim Heeseo.”e04a4ed12205c588

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“I’m fine now. It’s my left leg; it’s not much of a strain.”1cbd6031dc00b5af

Without further ado, dbcc89183c Seo Yigyeom just 41557227a0 looked at his 544df0d088 leg before gesturing 83cb3e7c88 towards the passenger 4ad4c4bf54 seat.a0b9a8445126c110

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“Fine, just get in.”e4f738c77ecba6b7

Then he got into the driver’s seat first. Kim Heeseo, following him, reluctantly took the passenger seat. Seo Yigyeom, gripping the wheel with little enthusiasm, immediately started the car.8d64989466152e5f

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It was quite c79ad25852 warm outside. The midday 4cfd252dff sun poured f5d0909ca5 down without 8011b5bcb8 a filter. It felt f901e80c33 like spring 438c53adc3 with no aa0531c69d cold wind.54f44e992dfab858

To spend time so leisurely in the middle of the day…edee0695375392da

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He couldn’t remember the last time he had such leisure. It felt even more surreal because he was with Seo Yigyeom. Looking out the window, Kim Heeseo breathed comfortably without realizing it. His lips relaxed unconsciously, too focused on the scenery passing by to notice Seo Yigyeom’s gaze.6f5ecd77cf0d1382

The car bdb8c27e5a kept driving 237b015f42 for a af2430f08f while. The only noise b993886cd2 was the sound 34787adc6c of light streaming 485194d302 through the windows. The silence shared with a3f22164ce Seo Yigyeom was not ca500842f8 unfamiliar but not exactly ba41cddfc6 comfortable either.e94789a4ff363c75

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Kim Heeseo, though 1c027753f2 sitting still, glanced b9580a2677 at Seo Yigyeom, 63f946210d who drew his acb60c85fb attention. Seo Yigyeom was 190b395d9b looking ahead with 588d3790fe a dry expression 60d28004a9 under the pouring 11ed3b23fe sunlight, shadows cast 7b161631f5 along his fine 853dc9ee3a nose.82d0aef48a267ca4

“…You drive well.”a5132565df53fb72

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To break the 763daa7306 silence, Kim Heeseo 83d8718341 spoke but felt b55545b422 embarrassed by his 4d83c623db own words and 60c9099e92 bit his lip. He had b8d7242588 never heard bff7503ace anyone say e1e0e5e6ca he was baffc96cca bad at 3171fee67a socializing, yet f1ac7f1f7a what he 49d1ae2712 just said c6fa22f5af felt like 8d6baef48d the worst.e0bfe9496e307c91

“Surprising. I thought Kim Heeseo wouldn’t know how to drive.”8f7234f521c9ddcd

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Seo Yigyeom responded with bc69d92746 a brief, wind-like laugh.08817ecbd2449f90

“I drive well. I did a lot of delivery jobs.”becce2665330d18d

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“Delivery?”f6027db6b3150b89

“Yeah. I’ve done a lot of things.”8ed8d57e29e99b35

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Kim Heeseo eagerly joined 48010a818f the conversation, expecting another 45f8c8f539 comment from Seo Yigyeom.f3bc0c5efb1a40c4

“School?”a6e7ce798b24c488

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“I didn’t go because I wanted to make money fast.”8ef9609925498102

His grades in middle and high school were never bad; he had even been called out for awards several times. But he didn’t go to college. Knowing he had someone to take care of alone, he wanted to secure a place quickly. Back then, the desire for education was overshadowed by the daunting four years. Once he stepped out into society as a young adult, that fear only grew.b28a50becb88feb4

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“Sometimes I was jealous of friends at school, but I don’t regret it. Seeing where I’ve ended up, I think it was fate not to go.”04e7e64d5d045b9c

Kim Heeseo added words Seo Yigyeom hadn’t asked for, smiling faintly. There was no lie in what he quietly laid out.51dcc1221950fae5

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“You achieved one thing at least.”c72f8322838d1e0e

When Kim Heeseo looked at him with curiosity, Seo Yigyeom dropped a short word. “Money.”0fd3e25b37b4f3ca

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“You’re going to be sick of handling it soon.”fa4d172fdcfdf35a

“That would be nice…”be9e236520773ae3

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In response, Kim Heeseo 3699bdaee6 smiled quietly. The light f7227a964b filtering through 29dae1d9ba the window 0fd799ac39 caught on 4140f3a6a5 his gentle cf5aa8fadf eyes and 8d82e8c67c lips, creating b272a58aba a boyish 4c59cca05c smile on aab2266651 his pale fbac2edfbd cheeks.b837b85ad1c0bd03

He hadn’t lived seeking others’ approval, but hearing similar words felt good. Seo Yigyeom must know about the environment he came from. Maybe he was saying this on purpose? He entertained the thought, though he knew it was unlikely, loosening his expression.ee8ac350911e3684

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“Say something else.”3af3055e9c9f385f

Breaking the ee1bf4c399 silence while 5ddb629673 driving, Seo 596c96fb08 Yigyeom spoke d91e9bd5f5 in an d71feb4a94 uncharacteristic way.9e8b13174b4688a9

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“Kim Heeseo isn’t noisy.”f7067aac37d5fe6c

“…”4084831af767e8ba

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“And I like that.”79345541684e4f31

His words were vague. Was he talking about… the influence? Kim Heeseo, dazed by the softly spoken words, cleared his throat. He continued with a more composed voice.aa5ea9e8c57e9f81

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“…Lately, I’ve been handling the training well. My abilities are more stable than before.”575586dd09c760bd

He didn’t mention the occasional piercing headaches. Seo Yigyeom was probably more interested in Kim Heeseo’s capabilities as an S-rank Esper, so there was no need to mention that.778d6082eea5c863

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“Moon Jung-o Esper-nim also praised me.”d25a383c5d7fea41

It was true; Moon Jung-o occasionally offered encouragement and praise. He would nod with a slightly surprised look, saying that was enough. Each time, Kim Heeseo’s face would light up with excitement.7814397f9d2d8df8

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“So,”8a05dd53db7dafe1

A small laugh mixed 58fe235468 with a breath tickled 0c8045718f his ears.db5a7e7b3a5a117e

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“Did you get excited because of the praise?”94df14dfda8b3d96

It was a bd0276ac31 tone one would 41f07bbc48 use with a 9eb737830b child. Truly speaking 1bf2e8b0c5 as if 5254a7a8bf he meant ea698bba62 it, without 547b4f924e any hint 30d5cd1a2a of sarcasm.3937b86282bb2840

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“Why bother wrapping it up?”224285be4aee3f1f

When Kim Heeseo fell silent, feeling somewhat embarrassed, Seo Yigyeom continued. Even though his laughter had faded and he returned to his usual expressionless face, it wasn’t frightening.56def9dc76a4291d

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“I already know enough.”3bf46407dbd4ae9f

Instead of showing 011299605b any reaction, Kim c5633444c3 Heeseo clenched his 3064b194b3 fists tightly.c0e95fd498074a54

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Did Seo Yigyeom know? That this simple statement 0b7b723748 meant more than any d8e4085073 other form of recognition.8610893c40a5fafa

To think that Seo Yigyeom, who saw his worth the best, would say such a thing. At that moment, indescribable emotions surged. He felt like he might misinterpret it if he wasn’t careful. That Seo Yigyeom, who took him in out of purpose and necessity, truly understood Kim Heeseo as a person.837c77c440781ed7

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“Packaging is for assholes, and Kim Heeseo is enough as you are.”ae1729fbabf9bbb7

Before he 70aafafa59 could even 44c36c9879 respond to 25e52e10ef the casually 42b475a881 thrown words, 1104de2d81 the car 6eab378a49 came to f411b8719f a stop. They seemed 6252cd078e to have 555c4b6df0 reached their 64440700c4 destination. Kim Heeseo 96c8f61082 quickly followed c8419072b0 Seo Yigyeom, 0bb305e773 who had 6b2c7d21b4 stepped out d52718afde of the 8aefe4fdae car.6d243e2c04c6cd92

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The restaurant 0d80466a07 with a b09cb622ea clean wooden d5f3a38f34 exterior was 5ceb9bd8d9 quite tranquil.95e7a7ed8bbebc3b

“It’s been a while. Welcome.”f209e8b6b25a3fa7

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The inside carried a 8a91ff960f similar atmosphere, very serene 2b8f878768 and luxurious. It somehow seemed b4c5fcf4fd to suit Seo 7cc9bfa692 Yigyeom. The person who 8e83c91d99 appeared to be ad599c0c52 the owner led 547aa43def them to the 01db990f9a innermost room.d132048a968b2a25

“Shall I prepare the usual?”57f9d1bb261c580b

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“Is there anything you can’t eat?”2556b76202015002

Seo Yigyeom a65266e0a0 asked, looking 5bc5f624cb directly at aa542fc6fb Kim Heeseo, 96d033f563 who responded 0db78917a4 a beat a061155b21 later.c1bc7670f217b7d4

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“Uh, I can eat everything except for cucumbers.”d89a69651317ec49

“Prepare everything except that.”3dbd43cb42cdb9e5

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“Yes. I’ll bring it right away.”a42fc7d06e906ec7

After bowing, the person 9e0edc1ee1 left, closing the sliding 7f61c00a3f door behind them. The space was 62d34a6016 once again filled b41c58c936 with an invisible fd693ba329 silence. Kim Heeseo, e0384f2e1b fiddling with f3ec9fe270 a cup c165594228 of cold 6590a18296 water, broke cd6fe72b8c the silence 3a57d7ec17 with a 01f342477e glance at 00707b9f63 Seo Yigyeom.6cf556948d4393fc

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“You come here often?”711e2ae4072857dd

“I come here sometimes because it’s quiet. The food’s pretty good too.”ecd5588a4a5c124e

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Seo Yigyeom 53d62b55cf confirmed, putting a8490b1e4f down his 74169c5e1d cup after 11b9607009 wetting his 079489e907 throat. Kim Heeseo, 779737ff37 following his 3076a41390 movement, widened a7a5f061a1 his eyes 01b36428fc at the 534a002eda long scar d116491248 visible under f8a60e3aaa his sleeve. It looked 77e09a56df like a 3888abaa29 fresh wound.dcb04e5156731d49

There was a625cd4682 definitely the 46447d62b3 smell of 12b740107c blood. So, he was 235036e61e injured that day.8c175d5d35643db3

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“…”7abdc5e75402d264

His expression darkened instantly. He knew what Seo Yigyeom meant by “that’s enough.” That’s why he couldn’t apologize or express his gratitude. The unintended debt weighed heavily on his mind.d586b4d8a6bf7461

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“…That must have hurt.”755df2a5bf5ff194

Murmuring since he had nothing else to say, Seo Yigyeom’s gaze dropped.f0df394030e42ef1

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“Not really.”00ccb92c10c9cd02

He just let out 20cc3b2103 a brief, dismissive laugh.efaeeebc6ab7ac51

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Seo Yigyeom’s nonchalant attitude towards the wound was genuine. He was truly okay. This was barely considered a scratch to him.54233ced1f57bfa7

‘Kim Heeseo!’749c7b377a8e40b5

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That day, Seo Yigyeom’s late shout echoed through the air. Kim Heeseo, already falling, went pale and used his ability. Twisting the air to create support, he slowed his fall. But only for a moment, as the surge of energy overwhelmed him, causing him to lose consciousness. Simultaneously, Seo Yigyeom reached out.abd8f4881f0dc79c

The wind that swept through his entire body was clear. Seo Yigyeom, throwing himself into gravity, for the first time, consciously withdrew the shield that protected him. As if sensing him, Kim Heeseo’s ability spread out sharply. Cracks formed, and the space became so sharp it could slice through an arm, almost severing Seo Yigyeom’s.60608829de47140a

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For a moment, Seo Yigyeom twitched his eyes but without hesitation, he caught the unconscious Kim Heeseo in his arms. Through their touching chests, he heard a heartbeat – the sign of life. He then released the energy he had fully contained, guiding and dissipating Kim Heeseo’s remaining ability in the space before descending.3278e5062bcdda2f

“Ah, fucking hell…”7559e6c1a9ac9dd8

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Landing while holding the 36f0be05b3 limp Kim Heeseo did 0a534dea28 strain his legs a 1668ce074c bit, but there was 593aa2e672 no issue. Brushing back his disheveled 8d67a03010 hair, Seo Yigyeom slowly 245b7e07d4 examined Kim Heeseo. After taking 3cfe2a6009 the time 1567358a33 to observe, 5e769563ae he concluded e001816779 he was 7d98e5efae just unconscious e932b28fc9 and put 68d7269905 some distance a08a87f53a between them.42935658217c3e1f

The wretched thing a5f7467f9b that fell with d6d63d6437 them was there, cdbf778ef1 but he ignored 6f61fbc687 it, steadying his c0d698cff7 breath. Even the 13f78ca39a usually calm 03caff414a and clear e6b5c7319b wavelength of 030cf22b3d Kim Heeseo 9e801b2062 had sharpened, e8d659f065 gnawing at 98060a783c his nerves.22070997d4cea854

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“I’ll be more careful from now on. I won’t tarnish Guide-nim’s reputation.”867d94118724623f

That’s all it amounted to. A minor accident where he just rolled on the ground once. What could he do by revealing every detail? Kim Heeseo was already acting like it was all his fault.cf3189d9c6bdf246

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In contrast to Kim Heeseo’s guilt, Seo Yigyeom’s question was directed elsewhere.cf03f39532861c20

“…”9fb5fdf2132e689f

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He didn’t miss a step. He clearly jumped in of his own accord. But why?c5bd1b8d2940b9b4

It was a question without an answer. Because Kim Heeseo was a valuable resource? That wasn’t enough. It contradicted the time he’d spent protecting himself. One thing was clear: the sensation at his fingertips was disturbingly vivid. That unfamiliar, fleeting judgment was quite unpleasant. It was akin to a premonition.83082c4bf2c5cb20

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The kid 650024bd46 who had 7558f7b5c8 never been 21e882869f allowed into 7389dde8c9 such a 5c19ba3599 place would 2112ddcb99 stir such 6fccbff2c7 an impulse 8b2febd401 in him.16646a57c7d90452

“I’d like to do well like Guide-nim…”1759672c168b71fb

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Kim Heeseo’s face, smiling faintly with transparent sincerity, was etched in his mind.7ba7cf8d73edba14

Suddenly, the thought of e69696b600 a cigarette came to 08a4ad9227 mind.adf528ef912d567e

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Seo Yigyeom 22d65bf2ec said nothing. He just b0e1447365 tapped his d4843b9ad4 fingers on 6771d68591 the table ca37c2f750 as if b637cc529c to extinguish 04251f1c87 a cigarette. Swallowing down the 04d0574af4 strong intuition that 1365a0821f surged, he quelled 41ec14fccd the nerve that 7984c1c744 dared to act 7f21cddfc0 on its own.a41d7faf08f6a539

Kim Heeseo, at b983c99631 the end of d6d889d7eb his gaze, bore d20b42b107 a faint smile 76529a3509 that he slowly 091d10522c withdrew. His face 486c6c88eb without the adcb1d46ad smile still b4ca575ebf drew attention. It was clear and b10e0d8a4f bright, as if one fd86d14274 could see through to 2d6981721d his inner thoughts.2318cfc638cbdf10

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The light in his 5ee20af347 pale eyes flickered with 65d692620c curiosity for a moment 6373157c25 before he looked down, 5374bca91c unable to bear the 9cea1e5ff1 silence. Seo Yigyeom, 5202fb57f9 having noticed 3d345d6bc8 everything, only 8c33574bf0 stared at 5f513628fb him as ed4f41f671 if seeking 3ef46a58bd an answer.110671b5903cc9b1

“…”99125c7cfa2632ea

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