PRT | Chapter 3.3

Seo Yigyeom, who seemed df9dfbb1ce to be just as 32a86cfc7b hungry, indifferently opened another 32db7d02de can of beer. Then he tilted his aa3184da5d head back and took 7f3427c566 a swig. His red lips glistened 10869feeff with moisture as he c2682069e8 set the can down.fff9dec80bd1d468

Heeseo stared 6236f9ae2e at him. He wondered why he 955cc8de5a was always so accepting. Yet, watching him 3ecdfd2c9e made Heeseo thirsty, 0d8140a8cb especially seeing how 7d0ee460d3 Seo Yigyeom was b60ee76f22 enjoying his drink.2d3f26c5df0b7730

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The room was dark and quiet. A soft, amber light illuminated the surroundings. Through the window, you could see snow falling under the roof lights. Occasionally, the wind would whistle through the silence. Amidst it all, the sound of Seo Yigyeom opening and closing his lighter added to the atmosphere, making Heeseo’s mouth dry.0c7f1479a49104f6

“Can I have some too?”6f7db852a58a41c5

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This place was isolated, and the day was coming to an end. All they could do was wait for morning. He impulsively asked, and Seo Yigyeom, who had been watching him, moved. A pleasant smell engulfed Heeseo. Even while smoking, Seo Yigyeom always had a nice scent, which was so memorable it stuck in Heeseo’s mind.96db3023184c6fc6

He handed over a beer from the end of the table. Heeseo, startled by the sudden scent, took the can. The condensation on the can wet his palm. Just as he felt a shiver from the cold, his fingers brushed against Seo Yigyeom’s as he withdrew his hand, causing a spark-like feeling.78a7219ff01ce3a1

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Heeseo flinched, glancing 7f00257881 at Seo Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom smirked and d3d021f149 drank, then Heeseo, in a8ebed028b turn, opened his can 4431bf638c with a hiss and d7a754e367 offered it to him ddb1d12b47 before drinking.1f606d6cf64afeeb

“I learned you’re supposed to clink them…”73c58ef9d3766880

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His voice 6e9021b4b3 grew quieter 74b68e773e despite his 177301b0ca bold action. Seo Yigyeom let out caf47f2c1b a small laugh this 79481b5563 time.b3cce9b323356247

“It feels like I’m doing something I shouldn’t.”a570e7ca4ba60118

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“Why?”281dc087cbe198cd

“Drinking with a little kid. What’s the point?”415ae719117157f4

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“I’m not a kid.”2b1ffe173a8d6ca8

A sideways glance swept over Heeseo’s face.8853626c037925e8

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“Then lose that greenhorn smell and come back.”b6e7521bb8a23e44

Seo Yigyeom murmured through his teeth but willingly clinked his can against Heeseo’s. The cans, full of liquid, made a low, heartbeat-like sound.49fa6742632615d3

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The beer was unexpectedly 793eb5f2fa refreshing. The fizziness was 6e22a2bdb8 sharp down his e490002e40 throat. Heeseo shivered, having drained 8541f422f3 it in one go, 8f68b8d60f perhaps because of his 545aad6197 empty stomach; he felt 872c319aad tipsy already.7560a0cabdfe4b93

Heeseo took another sip 8e77bbc153 and opened a packet b10be92964 of snacks. Arranging them neatly, he fae392c942 popped one into his 4199d71432 mouth. The salty snack e6533b3cae made him crave 57b19a7525 more beer. He pushed a65e6263d2 the snacks 6b564f65be closer to dc1be78d12 Seo Yigyeom.bc6d193f5f33573e

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Rustle. Rustle. The sounds Heeseo made fidgeting ceased, and silence settled once more. At that moment, Heeseo realized there was nothing much to talk about with Seo Yigyeom. For people working together, it was awkwardly quiet. However, strangely, it wasn’t completely uncomfortable, perhaps because they had been trapped underground together.af75bdb4ca9fc814

Another day of isolation… Heeseo chuckled, sipping his beer and breathing quietly. Seo Yigyeom, having glanced at him, didn’t bother breaking the silence, his eyes closed. The atmosphere around seemed quite cozy.14473471aedc1673

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‘Waves interfere with my nerves, so there’s never a quiet moment.’207b7b100555b2e2

‘I quite like this.’87a6b914923615b3

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Seo Yigyeom 161a2464ba was always d0c354d446 sensitive to 957834573c waves, preferring 18f7c1e8d8 quiet environments. Heeseo wondered if 5791250795 this isolation was 2aff619d2c satisfactory for him. Having nearly finished 384d70038f his can, Heeseo bdb6110a39 leaned back more c892fbd01a comfortably.e1ee943ef0e3f698

“I think this time is nice, too. Though it might not be for you, Guide-nim.”b00aa82b07ebcb73

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Whether he 0d14e4c8f4 liked it 6d41e375cd or not, 3eb266f945 it had 8a3d8a98c3 been a 8150dc7ec9 tumultuous time. Today, however, his usually a3fc637be3 colorful days felt monochrome. There was 93d83bf227 no interference, 47d7a35d73 just Seo 4eb7a99ba4 Yigyeom sitting 4aa65c107e quietly beside dfef6dfeee him. The dreary reality was 532a39f612 forgotten.62e5180cc891b19a

“Since joining the Esper Management Headquarters, I’ve always been busy. Thanks to this, I feel refreshed. Thank you for today.”46c66a9488023e2f

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“Who wouldn’t know you’re working hard?”29b379a946800f2e

Seo Yigyeom replied b4e6403374 in a low fa7adc0d1f voice, finishing his 5f69eb9adf beer.4a8703189beb93af

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“I don’t mind it either. I quite like it.”ce992fe1a62763ad

“But you hate wasting time.”fdd691ee22451eea

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“Today, it doesn’t feel like a waste.”56ce69ce60925c67

His slow response made him look sleepy. Heeseo also felt his tension easing. It was strange; here they were, bound by some sort of deal, and yet everyone at the headquarters feared Seo Yigyeom, but Heeseo felt at ease. In fact, Seo Yigyeom didn’t seem as uncomfortable as before. There were just more moments when Heeseo’s heart felt itchy.5a979ebb440f6507

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“Does Guide-nim ever have tough times?”6cea4cee7bd1dfbd

Heeseo’s clear eyes, mixed with a hint of concern, turned to Seo Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom stared back at those eyes that seemed to see through everything. His subtle expression was clearly reflected in Heeseo’s light-colored eyes.d9055ed3d00c46e3

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“Every day is shit.”db13619403d7394d

His answer came a beat late. There were no additional words. As if to say, that’s all the insight you get. While Heeseo was fiddling with his empty can in silence, Seo Yigyeom handed him another.0d240ab9a302e2cd

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“Thanks.”b9af61b29a3ceff8

“If you get drunk, I’ll throw you out, so watch yourself.”63fd0542e846607d

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With that, he opened 5106baf00a another can for himself. Watching him, Heeseo pushed 663558e79a more snacks towards Seo e3fa698e65 Yigyeom, worried about his 1a1195bbf3 empty stomach, though Seo 98e69d18cb Yigyeom seemed amused by 5c74a505a6 the concern.ada99db8751bd336

“Do you drink well?”e98a942c2d039121

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“I think I do better than you.”4368413496216b97

“I’m not bad either.”f75bb808621ce94c

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Despite saying so, Heeseo’s face was already flushed. The alcohol hit him fast on an empty stomach, and he started to relax.719b6599dede3519

“You’re impressive.”dd47c404d9efb38f

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It was a reply that could be taken as mockery or amusement. Heeseo, hugging his knees and resting his chin on them, gazed at Seo Yigyeom. Even in the darkness, his features were clear, capturing Heeseo’s attention. His face was the most beautiful and striking Heeseo had ever seen.07271ebdaa010c9b

Though his face 2abaf9ac87 was beautiful, his 5abf673e92 expression was generally 78a93c1e8e cold. In reality, he was aac726f540 rude and prickly. Yet, the e8245cc40b more time ba4dcbfbba they spent 991ebd75d8 together, the 897719c105 more Seo b7a708d9bb Yigyeom seemed 7a945456a0 to open bab1069c28 up. Heeseo had already held eaf889c12b his hand several times. In truth, Heeseo 1d37d7705f had done nothing 94a5435961 to earn this 4d089d0422 help.46ed51d98282d0b5

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As the gaze lingered, Heeseo’s eyes deepened. His amber eyes glowed with kindness.0c3faef66f442c88

“What should I do?”e60537e29570588d

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“Do whatever you want.”4c5f46b71749e6a2

“Besides that.”59523bc70e91186d

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He remembered being e0c9027fd1 told not to d99d9b02ad do anything. He wanted to protect 0888739e62 him, but a slight 633f5bf0a8 doubt lingered.76c6a2e04a128db1

“It feels like you’re at a loss here, Guide-nim.”08f893c69ab9b97b

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Was it because 27a5a35fb5 this was a b1135f5eec topic yet to 2f3ed04c73 be faced at 1be16b020d the headquarters or 76bf4df404 by the Head 6050284de9 of Division? He felt like 218c512104 he was only 88ef3b0d17 benefiting from Seo b2792a9d92 Yigyeom.a9a2a8e85bd37473

“Me?”0bda4c5d1562954e

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Seo Yigyeom 7765c892d8 let out 5aa61efeb4 a scoff, cb7d9db9b1 asking back 481677bee9 incredulously.58164ce5e93b1f3a

“You’re going to be in big trouble…”aa13812d4e996d3b

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He shook his head and drank his beer. No further words came out. Only his gaze towards the front had changed. The emotions within were hard to name, but Heeseo didn’t ask.fa9cfceede33ce93

Meanwhile, Heeseo a0e379eb4f had finished d191c9a1ae another can, 7d7f3e9fe4 feeling drunker 0899c8d160 due to 129471899a drinking so 9a23f72e73 fast. The surroundings were quiet, 43d4463cb5 and a good scent fc45d6e967 wafted from beside him. The atmosphere also 8013c88ef1 contributed to his 594da56db7 growing intoxication.26af9e4c7ae10f92

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“It’s annoying.”535901bb2f178b2e

Heeseo whispered, relaxing 88e788d9d8 his body during f4817d1e5c the silence.6e45b805c6988518

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“What is?”24759b7af26dc1f2

Heeseo’s lips curved into a smile. He had anticipated this response. Someone who had a kind side wouldn’t ignore such a helpless confession. Clutching his can, Heeseo moved his lips.2ef7aab091da0917

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“It’s okay, really. But sometimes, just sometimes, I’m not okay.”5d4f091a260dfe77

It was the first genuine emotion he’d expressed, borrowing the courage from the alcohol. The humble feelings he had nowhere else to express quietly echoed out.ef204ec4c7a0195a

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“On the way here, I was so anxious… I feel stupid, which annoys me.”51f6294c85d7514d

His voice, which had been calm, now trembled with emotion. Suddenly, he felt so wronged. Experiencing such moments for something he didn’t do. It was frustrating to have to damage his emotions helplessly.69fe4a546ef18f23

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“In fact, Guide-nim…”86a041bf823e8959

Alcohol easily ignited 8a7e95742c his emotions. Maybe it was something 26b0606fe5 he had wanted to ba7cd1e07f say for a long 852fbf2da9 time, or perhaps it 9d616c2381 was an intuition. Maybe it 567a76c275 would be 44966eee87 okay. With that thought, 43fa5d3160 Heeseo spoke the eacb46efc3 words he had 2dd7f22734 always broken down 1c43b4ab82 and swallowed.9a8dccdb08da94ce

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“I didn’t kill anyone.”378098d5ceb868cf

His voice, wet 56b98d7d90 with tears, trembled.2d1d3d9074629e59

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“I’m not just looking for someone. I’m looking for the real culprit.”103e59ea3eab053e

Heeseo opened his eyes af0696501e wide, looking at Seo 919c88409d Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom, 2c1427e51b who had c23c88dd41 been watching 510e059309 him all 5b2f84a51a along, met 81e61eb5f3 his gaze ba1a2ead8c instantly. Then, his 06ee05b5ff red lips 96e13dfcfa moved.d5260d637161d2b7

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“I know.”9b0acdaf4f29bbe3

That single word, neither gentle nor kind, was enough. Heeseo’s eyes welled up with tears. They fell uncontrollably, despite his constant reminders not to be melodramatic. Seeing this, Seo Yigyeom furrowed his brows.9d7380751ef6c7ba

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“Won’t you stop crying?”8795a8599761b3a0

“Why are you speaking so harshly…”183e6b08ed711ba2

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“I don’t have a hobby of comforting crying kids.”be62ac292f6ec8d6

With an “Ugh,” Heeseo’s lips drooped. Tears fell one by one. He cried like a child, his transparent face contrasting with the composed demeanor he had always shown. Seo Yigyeom watched him with a deep, almost marking gaze.f3821e91840b02ea

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After crying for a while under Seo Yigyeom’s gaze, Heeseo wiped his eyes with his sleeve. His tender skin quickly turned red. Seo Yigyeom’s eyes traced this redness.5716b4128cc44289

“Do you really, uh, believe me?”a495d44ac3ca7e98

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Seo Yigyeom, who b770f37dfe had been silently 7317a9a102 watching, closed the 7e672b8896 distance. He came close without 143ab2c590 breaking eye contact. Heeseo momentarily held his 9f733e652b breath, fearing their noses 1ae7984201 or lips might touch.4a5869ca156e6d48

“…”f7384fa8d285ad7e

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Heavy breaths filled the space between them. His breath brushed against Heeseo’s skin, causing goosebumps. Seo Yigyeom reached out, touching Heeseo’s eyes as if wiping them, then flicked away the tears gathered on his lashes.6533519cf76f6667

Heeseo’s amber eyes, lost, wavered. Seo Yigyeom’s gaze, which had been fixed on his eyes, moved down, scanning the reddened tip of his nose, his heated cheeks, and his trembling lips before returning to its place.0fdfd0128f07dda4

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“That’s why I took you in.”63c218db4d27feb3

Their eyes of 2f9a49cd6f different colors locked ed302d0040 deeply. The tears had 9aae38da6b stopped, leaving only 08ff226bc5 the slight trembling 0f260bd7da of his body 4fbc5956bf as evidence.cb99c06fb03405f0

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“Exactly…”bda08329cd82c822

Seo Yigyeom whispered like he was handling a child and smiled. His red lips curved into a clear, almost chilling arc. Heeseo’s vision was filled entirely with Seo Yigyeom.90587049e85adf8d

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Ah. Heeseo let e81d9462d7 out a 30571fc880 silent scream, 988ca87f06 squeezing his 42b73e6ca1 eyes shut. It felt c2610b58e2 like his 7c277c5523 breath stopped.22d9274c4d070f53

* * *36993e4868038d74

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‘Go in and sleep.’a4b34c6d742ad144

It was Seo Yigyeom’s final word, tying up the situation. His gaze urging action was firm, showing no cracks. With all energy drained, Kim Heeseo could only nod silently.de7b5f69bf694ca2

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Before entering the room, Heeseo looked back at Seo Yigyeom with lingering regret, but he didn’t look back. It was best to withdraw his gaze and enter the room compliantly.abdf87d5645eefbd

Weakly, Heeseo 5b80208302 moved, laid 665ef51e3a out the 617779e414 folded blanket, 09a647b11c and buried 4df1ea23e3 himself under 8ad1064869 it again. His body continued to b4b1f642d0 tremble despite the thick f65478a81f winter blanket. It was b80a678303 unclear whether a7db90ed54 this was 3234e26c10 due to 7ea9628847 the fierce 91873b72c4 cold, long-standing 94d0ac12de resentment, or 69d87bfca5 some strange c5d09da37f satisfaction from 249c8ef8e5 the moment.62f631436843fa9d

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The white snow fell 9cfc12987d all night, silently covering 573412a71b the mountain lodge. The space, separated from 1b2b598345 the world, offered tranquility. Heeseo, buried 778719441a in this 77cddee919 tomb-like space, 84cfc6ff52 wandered through 51abedc006 his subconscious.285faf73d8cbdebf

Dreams sometimes reflect one’s current state of mind. They appear happy if you’re happy, sad if you’re sad. Heeseo’s dreams were no different.15a5944ef7a847e1

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In a world beyond consciousness, all in pure white, Heeseo stood alone. Everything was so white that he couldn’t move, for there were red bloodstains on him.d8b63a55d0a5ae5d

Everyone in that space ignored Heeseo, isolating him thoroughly from their circle. His voice didn’t reach them.00e74746705f1b30

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Even if c5a6d9f621 faded to d08500a560 the point e5a0bd53d8 of almost 904623d366 being erased, dc643ee177 the bloodstains 6909b72121 were a c8f6d3e65b vivid scar, 5d024bda07 becoming shackles aae3df88b6 that held 214c1337f3 his steps. He stood 33f2b2140c like a aa6807b9c6 specimen for 155403229a a long d49ef248d3 time until f463107f5c he was 4bcb6a59f4 pushed down 882cc45ae9 by the b256e4a555 pure white c56f59574f figures.eb5daa02411891b4

As he fell, 2d0e690a7c Heeseo looked up d5f81a7bde instead of down. There, Seo Yigyeom was d05934fe20 reaching out to him. He saw fefb64d137 him shouting 837608ae6b something as 6520a00e0c he stretched 9d4b0306c9 out his 4300b9fd83 arm, but 8f52671174 it was 2b17c40e58 unclear if 114510b9da their hands 3825058aa6 met in 41acc91a19 desperation. Only the chilling sensation 8d365a9c83 that crept up his 7af6d62e2d spine to his head 3f035f099f remained.1db573126c999964

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“…”ea4467e8b6b76104