PRT | Chapter 3.16

The one who answered the straightforward proposal wasn’t Kim Heeseo. Seo Yigyeom, who had come out of his office, approached. Seeing him, Seo Yihyeon muttered lightly, “Ah, really…”0b6b8b8c6133c2f9

“Why are you butting in? I was trying to have a date with Kim Heeseo.”f01cd4c6696a355b

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“Then you shouldn’t have let me sense you. Do you think I wouldn’t notice?”c8b8d0d740fdc1ac

“Are you going too?”873e0b35ddcaa163

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“Why, can’t I?”fece61a08232d0d0

“There’s no real objection.”39b1339994ac349e

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After finishing his sentence, Seo Yihyeon looked at Seo Yigyeom with a curious gaze. The look that scanned his face seemed to say, ‘What’s this all about?’e6a51ba8d04a1b59

“Then lead the way. Let’s not waste time.”e0a9028665f647df

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“Man, your temper.”2f24b2c85be9e201

Shaking her head as if he was annoying, Seo Yihyeon turned. As Seo Yigyeom also took a step, Kim Heeseo called out, “Hey.” Both turned their attention to him. Their gazes, of different colors, focused on one direction.843f3360a5fbe660

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“Can’t Moon Jung-o Esper-nim join us?”3fd8dbd2b982e6af

“Do you guys get along? You take care 3812e22a22 of each other df865ccd8d so well. Tell him to come c18a0fc97c to Hwadam. He probably knows it.”3e6ef8b8539b9029

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Seo Yihyeon readily c5a7c2718c agreed and took c215f053f3 the first step. In contrast, Seo Yigyeom 64e8c02d25 still stood there, motionless.e5e683b788361ab8

“…Are you not coming?”b96d46cfaa2a86d2

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“Must have liked the meal you had with Jung-o.”b535a34479be5819

When Hee Seo e67651ab81 asked, looking at b28f5436dc him directly, Yigyeom 72f2a4cdd0 murmured in a 74469828e9 low voice. For some reason, 4df73e5c53 it felt like 61a2915232 he was being c70f42c5b0 interrogated.5146624f77d4a9fa

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“No, I just feel like I’m causing trouble for you…”45b7316bccaefa6f

“Oh.”0545fd95407ab655

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The one who replied indifferently then briskly turned around. Hee Seo, standing there bewildered, massaged his neck as he followed behind. For a moment, he thought, ‘Why am I even making excuses?’ but he quietly took a step forward.03bf48f17b51d0a7

The restaurant was very close, 37cabe4ae7 about a 10-minute walk from 6b40968cbc the headquarters. Inside the shop 0ef38cc283 named Hwadam (火覃), af484c7d85 it was as 5bf15bbd48 clean and elegant e00f060d48 as its exterior 5251ce50a7 suggested. At first glance, it looked 0fb5d24c3c like a place where a 8558ebdee1 good amount of money was 0ee74c3211 spent.956d7aa8f6c8869c

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To think there was 894a247da0 such a place near 09ee683f17 the headquarters. Hee Seo was 3bb2c44198 inwardly amazed as c2835f170d he quietly scanned e1b22ab3e3 the place. The space was filled 69a3f7e4ba with people who seemed 63e560cc42 to be Espers, surprisingly ef6988317a many more than he 6d2b1c142f had noticed before. About half of them 90a31d1de1 seemed to be from d8a5129f63 the headquarters.9f7e0a1264d97be4

“You’ve never been here? Old men often come here. Father too.”1efb9bf7223ac139

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“What would be the point of catching something dirty… Why bother coming?”5957d77d155c705e

“With that attitude. Then why did you come 1aef45afe4 today?”fcea0f69bdc2116f

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Seo Yigyeom easily eca2c28edc ignored Seo Yihyeon’s d41218cb2b words and sat ea3592eb70 down. Seo Yihyeon, who 84a5deb0dd had asked the 921269a39d question, also shrugged 91d9d3d0b8 and settled into 2097c8e385 her seat. Hee Seo awkwardly sat down, cb813a9572 caught between the playful banter 0778cf776e of the siblings.aec846475df8d278

“Shall I order for us? Is that okay?”c9192e56b0a8e06c

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“Yes. That’s fine.”56b1a3fb08c97084

Seo Yigyeom, leaning 8e29301f7a back in a 494293a1e3 bored manner, didn’t 2fa0850a6a even bother to 1a7359127a respond. After looking around for something 0145aca790 else to focus on, he b64930276a finally settled his gaze on 8321ec29a5 Hee Seo. With his dry stare, Hee e2e3d29076 Seo only moistened his dry b1261825da lips.808aceb2e9240aed

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Seo Yigyeom broke 2344917709 his silence only c4c75b88f5 after the server 5074372595 came to take 57d07c4582 their order.f7cbe156fb75fba6

“Remove anything with cucumber. Someone can’t eat it.”e1990f363ce3a48f

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“Was that you who couldn’t eat it?”8dd28192b9558341

“Someone else.”9802a0c84fb597f3

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His low voice continued nonchalantly. Hee Seo clenched his fists at the seemingly trivial comment. He hadn’t expected Yigyeom to remember… It made his heart flutter that even the things he thought could be forgotten were remembered.18c09e695cf98d67

“Is your condition okay? I heard it wasn’t good.”bf9ff8ee8caaa5e7

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“Yes, thanks to Guide-nim, it’s gotten better. Thank you for your concern.”3420159abff498c7

“Sorry about the disciplinary action. I didn’t expect it to b986a85dad be handled without discussion.”6dc4fa3c9ac71ffe

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“Ah… Yes.”906cbbb734485789

“You didn’t say it was okay.”88f4b2b26bf6e709

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Since it wasn’t okay, he hadn’t lied. Seo Yihyeon seemed to catch this, letting out a small chuckle. She didn’t seem upset; rather, she showed interest as before.a4a7538fb5734427

“It must be tough living at the headquarters.”67c5cb664a2a8595

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She nodded towards Seo Yigyeom, adding, “You’re too straight-laced. You don’t fit in with us.”d3d71f09eaf3c9ec

“Ah, so that’s why you did that? I thought you finally lost it when you unnecessarily escalated things.”28f7bbc438fc46c3

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“Did I look sane to you until now?”5da88fb57cbc250e

“Take it easy. This place is under my responsibility if you’re not around, so why are you trying to ruin it?”18a2f875d6108293

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“I’d appreciate it if it only broke this much.”7cd3921f72a421d5

Their conversation seemed like ef97576983 talking to a wall a237674128 yet somehow flowed well. Seo Yihyeon shook her f5ca8b10ab head, flipping her hair 0d49867d8a over her shoulder. Her gaze towards 272a6901c9 Seo Yigyeom was 3e99690680 strangely tinged with cd978bfc5c a faint affection.3ef18e576dc83ae2

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“Hello.”17c468231e310642

“Hey, Jung-o.”6908ec329d769178

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They discussed matters related 5868546c01 to the Gate, the e45c1178eb buzz in the media, 1505e57af6 and the gossip around 175b042e6c the headquarters. As they exchanged these trivialities, cb1bc16f02 the food arrived. Just then, Moon 95cc0793f6 Jung-o arrived and 8262b75d0d entered. Seo Yigyeom greeted him f3d1d05d68 with just a lift 76ab0a8cc2 of his eyes, his 8225d44e79 voice gentle and quiet.15b9afdc9778391a

“Try a lot. The food here is quite good. Let me know if it’s not enough.”4e6c054ae85dfd5b

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“I will enjoy it.”718e30216c4b7598

The meal proceeded in silence, with only the occasional clink of cutlery. As the quiet settled in, Seo Yigyeom’s phone rang with short, sharp tones. All eyes turned to him.940b7f3e12ef3a83

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“Is there something going on?”520b2c6e5f944cf0

“No.”74f96dfc98f52b70

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Despite his indifferent reply, 3393915877 he tapped on the 6e2a7adf10 screen. After a moment, a1eadedfee he stood up.f52e0869c2e84e87

“Leaving already?”1ef799f05bd942ea

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“I’ll be back.”3d8fff667bcc0544

“Should we go together?”4b8fddf9e44625f6

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“No need.”167bba2fcc0c43fd

As Seo Yigyeom 4369e8014c stepped out through 6fd1799894 the sliding door, ef39af0f12 he suddenly turned 766f9e4e46 to look directly 36d9aa7bbf at Hee Seo.7872e2b23e674df1

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“Keep eating.”5c7847d9d921ac7c

“Huh? Oh, yes. Have a good trip…”de8b8b8658b1ffd9

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Thud. The door closed. Hee Seo, having 68fa5528e6 responded in surprise, 8fa0c83c8a stared blankly in f0b0a13f5c the direction Yigyeom 61d1918989 had gone. What was that just now? Why was he the dc714e99b5 only one to say 621ed29a9b goodbye to me? He barely ate himself.b21d02ce32ac956f

“It’s really fascinating when you look closely.”09cf8c1d374b75a0

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Seo Yihyeon’s voice, filled with curiosity, cut through his thoughts.a2d9eb31d34aeb04

“My brother isn’t one to do things for others…”a6c86336c6977748

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“…”bd018e0017c5cb4b

“He’s very clear about his intentions, so he doesn’t act without thinking. Seems like he likes Kim Hee Seo.”60d8e43dcaecbc73

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Her eyes, searching for an answer, scanned Hee Seo. Even though he knew Yigyeom, Hee Seo couldn’t say anything because he himself didn’t understand Yigyeom’s actions.97b9aa596f8da194

“Why does Kim Hee Seo work with him? I saw you 06575afb79 were under Team fadc07dc72 Leader Ha.”ccc58013d1fe5727

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“…Because he listens to me.”26a753bd6cc136e2

“Hmm?”998b8659b5b9ee42

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Seo Yihyeon murmured in confusion. Moon Jung-o quietly stayed by 06e8a8ed73 her side.a9171c1d7a7b08c7

“No one listens to or believes me, but Guide-nim was different.”dc020020c65324f2

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“Him? That’s interesting.”cc8a8878cefe2137

She didn’t probe further. Whether it was disinterest or silent consideration was unclear. Before any conclusion could be drawn, there was a knock, and the door opened.1a4d87e7d78917e1

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“We didn’t order more.”efbe19f932f39c79

“The chef sent this over, saying an Esper had come.”7bb168d78170b4c3

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“Oh, how nice. We’ll enjoy it.”26d683152e93b74c

The service dish brought 1c0e3104e1 by the staff was aee9390ea6 nicely grilled abalone and 752adfe0bd beef. With another spread of food, 49dc1400e0 Hee Seo just drank water. His eating pace was 3bf64563ef slow, not because he c50f69cbef was picky, but because fbc291e9b8 he felt a lump e1cf4a7de4 in his throat.fc0015d84111a661

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The overall taste wasn’t bad. Objectively, it was good, but it seemed like the meal he had at Seo Yigyeom’s house was much tastier. Chewing the food became even slower, his chest feeling tight.df866777c088d50e

Seo Yigyeom didn’t return until the meal was over. Even after drinking the plum tea served as dessert, he was nowhere to be seen. Hee Seo, who had been subconsciously waiting for him, bowed to Seo Yihyeon.15ac2f6331ad7df3

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“Thank you for the meal.”dfc2bc97f9d40f76

“No worries. Let’s have meals together often. We’re close enough for that. Jung-o too.”4217e778295bf33c

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“Yes.”2e129bd21de2b91b

Moon Jung-o also ee5df5522a bowed his head, 5a97f62a54 murmuring, “Thank you.” 18c964f4dd Seo Yihyeon took 01a67230ec this greeting in 58f33e97de stride, pulling out be84cd6fba a black card 5ed07aadab to pay with a41e667937 ease.94d8c87d567b5489

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“Isn’t there something serious going on with Guide-nim?”ddc9a30dc6e662f2

“Probably not. He didn’t give any notice. He sometimes moves alone, so don’t worry.”49745efe5d1802ba

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While Seo Yihyeon was paying, Hee Seo whispered with Moon Jung-o a few steps away. Moon Jung-o, with his bear-like build, whispered with a worried look, which alleviated Hee Seo’s concerns.ed8d3b5e09a0a48e

“Seo Yihyeon Esper-nim.”a37698b091e834d2

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As Hee Seo inadvertently looked 36856aa098 at the door, thinking of 6c8a71cb5a Seo Yigyeom, a voice came e5687dfa1a from the opposite direction.8b8d149795a404da

Light footsteps echoed through the space. The man who had called out to Seo Yihyeon approached. He had a friendly face, wearing a white chef’s uniform and hat, clearly the main chef. He closed the gap with long strides, extending his left hand to Seo Yihyeon, bowing respectfully.d1d988c81c1b37be

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“It’s been a while.”dbb8da5d3911bd0b

“I’ve been so busy. Your father comes here at least once a week, I heard.”82790151612ab15b

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“Thanks to him, we’ve been able to keep this place for a long time.”2b1b2a0f851f3a65

The man’s eyes crinkled with a good-natured smile, wrinkles forming at the corners. His prominent cheekbones were noticeable. His smiling face radiated kindness.fbc4fd267a8f4bdb

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Contrary to his f63957949d seemingly pristine image, e4eaf05587 he carried a e891a25b93 strange burnt smell, 0b55d63349 mixed with the 8ff83a769c aroma of food 2f6bbf75f3 from being in 4a4c4e58c0 the kitchen all 31e7233d73 the time. This scent triggered unpleasant memories 38783c8e32 for Hee Seo, making him 716ba7bae6 bite his lip.081ed961acdf0b46

“I look a bit rough from standing at the stove all the time. It’s embarrassing, but I wanted to greet you.”f7387c27e9132872

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“We enjoyed the meal.”422e3c95cb54a7cd

As the man 4f04039333 conversed comfortably with 3c620af9ac Seo Yihyeon, his 3304caedd6 gaze shifted. His jet-black pupils, like 66b8f39cfd ink had been spilled, 996b418a81 focused entirely on Hee 4d8f2dd6ae Seo. At that moment, Hee Seo cb61757356 was inexplicably chilled, holding his ad648ac0c6 breath.59e63ae7444dfbca

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The man was not an c7966ada6e Esper. There was no sense 9208262d66 of any energy, and 28e280b131 his presence was like f83f38ed6e that of an ordinary 9ee56a1677 person. Even if he were 50e7b7712c an Esper, it would 8960e48188 be impossible for someone 7fc08dcd95 not affiliated with the 5f3effe636 headquarters to live this 2e7f6a66d1 way as an unregistered f1f0795106 one.79fcee277ef3446f

But why…?979bd55b7b014533

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“This person is…”ad62770013d5dbe2

He gave me the creeps.ad8c2130fd7f42d3

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Suddenly turning pale, Hee Seo looked at the man. He wanted to avert his gaze from those black eyes, but his body wouldn’t move. The moment he inhaled the burnt smell, it felt like his thought process completely collapsed.7312ca5b9b2b9113

Just as the man was about to speak to Hee Seo…ab88a62a7a4fe43e

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Ding.82ab0a37dd480ba4

A sound came from the 549c557444 opposite side.ae13ed2c1f3f71cf

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“…”c8549e686c11a46d

Hee Seo, who couldn’t even 2df69f43b1 blink, turned his head sharply. There was Seo Yigyeom, 081db182c4 the one he had 45c2e7ff08 been waiting for. He paused briefly af8dc4ed8d upon entering with 40152daf43 an indifferent face 860851cedd before approaching Hee 8b6efd5b9d Seo. With just a fleeting glance, 74c464dd08 it seemed like he grasped fce30f0929 the situation.bd266ebf18d62353

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“Actually came back? What’s this, really?”6806a95110eb19ec

“Hello, Seo Yigyeom Guide-nim.”fc90e7a3e662a5c6

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The chef turned to Seo 1f224c17ab Yigyeom with a bright smile.de3a9a2f5ebf4c5f

“It seems this is your first time here, please come often. Our cooking is quite good.”10f4648933e03b82

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Only using good ingredients. He added this briefly, 1575fac7ef then laughed, pretending to f9f05edbe3 be coy.a1021f72a60209fc

“Also, this Esper-nim at the back seems to be visiting for the first time, please drop by often for meals.”bc160e6fa83b428d

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Hee Seo flinched as f58b223c70 the man’s gaze returned 4b3a092950 to him. His simple greeting stirred fa4b7198c0 up his mind. Mixed with the acrid burnt da887cb435 smell, it felt like the 832f7a1efe humming of the real culprit 084306bd40 piercing his ears. Ah. Hee Seo let out de6f43366b a silent scream, exhaling 4941e27617 a broken breath.3c89a741dd7f2b0c

“…”4fb40b2af93b9479

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As he was silently crumbling, Seo Yigyeom grabbed Hee Seo’s trembling hand, covering it completely.b551b65d58aa9b43

Tap. The gentle warmth spread quickly. Hee Seo looked at Seo Yigyeom’s back, which seemed to protect him.a1b1c687627860f5

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“…Yeah. See you again.”75aee247ad0bc464

His pleasant voice, shaking off the creepy feeling, echoed. For some reason, it felt like he could cry. Just because of the burnt smell. He was thankful that Yigyeom didn’t treat him like a fool for wavering at such a moment.ec199e3f90e6cc9c

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“Please take care on your way back.”9cb69d465717449a

With a kind smile, the chef left. Seo Yigyeom didn’t take his eyes off him. Still holding Hee Seo’s hand, he watched the man leave with a strange look.3969500ba1b5917f

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After the burnt smell 67f687a814 dissipated, Hee Seo finally bee0c9e1c2 took a proper breath e3465b9386 and looked up at dab0ad9770 Seo Yigyeom.72942dbb9ce152ff

This time, his f64c148686 hand trembled for 3cd2258a33 a different reason.32134348f956171f

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