Chapter 21

Espers often experienced heightened arousal immediately after being guided.

The process of drawing energy from a Guide’s body typically occurred through physical contact or intimacy, and studies suggested that certain parts of the brain struggled to differentiate between the two.

Experts theorized that when a specific area of an Esper’s brain was activated during guiding, it triggered abnormal sexual arousal and euphoria. This phenomenon was thought to be closely tied to why Espers often developed romantic or physical attraction toward their Guides.

Seo Ji-hyuk wasn’t surprised by the physiological reaction taking place in his body—his rationality gradually slipping and his pulse quickening.

He was well aware of the theory and understood that it was something beyond his control.

But what he couldn’t understand was why, every time he closed his eyes and let his thoughts wander, an unexpected face kept appearing in his mind.

Kang Yu-han.

His pale nape, his cold, indifferent gaze—images of him filled Seo Ji-hyuk’s thoughts.

The idea of Kang Yu-han, usually composed and stoic, losing himself in pleasure, his body trembling, and his expression undone, made Seo Ji-hyuk’s chest tighten with heat.

‘Why… why is it you?’

Logically, he should have been thinking about Kim Si-on, the one who had actually guided him. Though the guidance had been less than satisfying, it had still been Kim Si-on who had transferred energy to him, sticking close to his body.

Yet, the sensations from earlier were fleeting and vague, like trying to grasp something through a glove. Only Kang Yu-han’s vivid, imagined expressions seemed real.

As his thoughts wandered further, Seo Ji-hyuk’s actions became more fervent, filling the air with an unmistakable tension.

*･☪D✶༄ ‧₊˚a⋰˚☆m✶༄ ‧₊˚

The sound of a door opening interrupted the moment.

“I’m back—”

Standing frozen in the doorway, Kang Yu-han’s eyes widened in shock. What lay before him was undeniably Seo Ji-hyuk sitting on the bed, clearly in a private moment. That alone could have been overlooked.

But the strange part was that Seo Ji-hyuk didn’t stop even after noticing his returning roommate.

“What are you staring at?”

Seo Ji-hyuk’s tone wasn’t one of embarrassment. If anything, he seemed annoyed at the interruption.

Kang Yu-han, already aware of Seo Ji-hyuk’s lack of consideration for others, realized there was no point expecting normal decorum from him. Turning his gaze downward, he reached for the doorknob to leave.

“Wait.”

Seo Ji-hyuk’s voice, hoarse and unsteady, stopped him.

“…Kang Yu-han.”

Hearing his name spoken like that, Kang Yu-han flinched. There was a strange warmth in the way it was said—a tone laced with something he didn’t want to name.

Seo Ji-hyuk repeated his name, and despite knowing better, Kang Yu-han felt his heart race.

“Come here.”

The low, commanding tone sent a chill down Kang Yu-han’s spine. His feet moved hesitantly, as though drawn by an invisible force.

Within moments, Seo Ji-hyuk grabbed his wrist, pulling him onto the bed. Kang Yu-han’s balance gave way, and Seo Ji-hyuk loomed over him, his body radiating heat like a predator cornering its prey.

“S-Seo Ji-hyuk!”

Panicked, Kang Yu-han struggled to make sense of the situation. Seo Ji-hyuk’s weight pinned him down, and his intense gaze left him feeling defenseless.

Logically, Kang Yu-han understood this was a byproduct of Seo Ji-hyuk’s temporary state of heightened emotions post-guidance. The physical contact with Kim Si-on had sparked a reaction, but Seo Ji-hyuk’s fixation had somehow shifted to Kang Yu-han.

“Stay still.”

Seo Ji-hyuk murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Kang Yu-han knew in his head how meaningless this was and tried to push Seo Ji-hyuk away. However, his reason blurred like an unpolished window, while his body’s sensitivity surged uncontrollably. Kang Yu-han found himself reacting as well, and their heated bodies pressed together, rough and unyielding.

“Ah… ngh…”

Seo Ji-hyuk was completely out of control. One look at his clouded eyes, and Kang Yu-han understood—Seo Ji-hyuk was consumed by raw physical tension, driven by the residual effects of guiding. His desires weren’t personal; they were a volatile release of misplaced energy. Knowing this didn’t make the situation feel any less degrading.

“Ugh!”

Seo Ji-hyuk gripped Kang Yu-han’s jaw firmly, leaning down as though to capture his lips. Shocked, Kang Yu-han turned his head, and Seo Ji-hyuk’s lips instead landed on his neck. The contact burned like hot metal against his skin, leaving him shuddering somewhere between pain and overwhelming sensation.

Seo Ji-hyuk moved relentlessly, his lips tracing upward again. When he closed in once more, Kang Yu-han covered his mouth with his hand to block him.

“Damn it.”

Seo Ji-hyuk hissed in frustration, biting down on Kang Yu-han’s hand. It wasn’t enough to break the skin, but it made him flinch with a small gasp. That sound seemed to ignite something deeper in Seo Ji-hyuk, and his movements became erratic. He pressed his weight into Kang Yu-han, driving the tension between them to unbearable heights.

The grinding motion between them was nearly indistinguishable from something far more intimate. But Kang Yu-han clung to the belief that this wasn’t ‘that’.

‘Espers always get aroused after guiding,’ he told himself. ‘Sometimes, they even act impulsively with their Guides. I just happened to be nearby. This heat… it’s not directed at me.’

Seo Ji-hyuk eventually reached his peak, his body trembling before collapsing onto the bed. He showed no signs of movement, leaving it unclear whether he had fallen asleep or passed out. Most likely, the energy buildup inside him had been completely released, leaving him utterly drained.

In some ways, Kang Yu-han was relieved that Seo Ji-hyuk had fallen unconscious first.

The following day, neither of them brought up what had happened. It was as if they had silently agreed to forget it. For Kang Yu-han, this was a relief—asking questions like “Why did you do that?” or “Were you thinking of Kim Si-on?” would only reopen wounds best left untouched.

Instead, he decided to lock the memory away, pretending it never happened.

But every now and then, the memories would return. Whenever he caught sight of Seo Ji-hyuk’s toned body, his strong thighs, or the intense furrow of his brow, the vivid images of last night would replay in his mind. The look on Seo Ji-hyuk’s face, consumed by a mixture of tension and release, was impossible to forget.

* * *

“Major, why aren’t you keeping your promise?”

Lost in thought while walking through the research wing, Kang Yu-han was startled when he bumped into Kim Si-on. The Guide’s expression was filled with frustration.

“Sorry. I’ve been busy.”

“Busy? Do you know how much effort I put into helping you? I’m not letting this go—I’ll make sure I get what I’m owed.”

Kim Si-on pouted, clearly dissatisfied. Kang Yu-han had been postponing their promised outing for days. While it was true that his task force work kept him busy, the real reason was that he wanted to avoid meeting Kim Si-on altogether. Admitting this would make him seem heartless, so he simply kept his excuses vague.

“I’ll make time soon.”

“When is ‘soon’? This afternoon? Tonight? Give me a date, or I’ll have no choice but to get upset.”

Kim Si-on’s straightforwardness made Kang Yu-han’s heart feel heavy. He didn’t blame Kim Si-on for feeling this way—it wasn’t anyone’s fault. But knowing that the person he wanted to spend time with wasn’t Kim Si-on made the situation all the more burdensome.

And yet, he couldn’t help but indulge in a fleeting fantasy: What if Seo Ji-hyuk acted like this—earnestly demanding his attention? How happy would that make him?

It was a dream that reality would never allow, but the thought lingered, bittersweet.