TSCEIAB Ch. 43

 

 

“Wouldn’t Hugo be able to comfort and take care of Haley?”

 

Yi-seo’s state of mind was much more stable than before.

Perhaps it’s the effect of constant counseling.

Although she occasionally felt depressed, she quickly learned to get out of it.

It was only natural that her parents trusted Yi-seo’s therapist.

 

“…… So, we’re considering Yi-seo transferring to a new school. Will that be okay?”

 

Her parents talked to her therapist about the issue.

The therapist concluded that Yi-seo would be able to adapt to her new environment, and that the new stimulation would benefit her.

The idea of Yi-seo and Hugo meeting was also met with a positive response.

The therapist judged that the stage of avoidance had passed.

 

“Well, it looks like your dream is coming true.”

 

“What?”

 

“Sophia. You wanted to go to the same school as her.”

 

Yi-seo’s parents quickly made their decision. And they informed Gary about it.

Gary calmly persuaded the hesitant Hugo.

 

“You know Sophia’s cycle is speeding up, don’t you? Just basic contact guidance is probably reaching its limits.”

 

“…….”

 

“Regular guiding will be necessary. It’s about time. Convince Guide Sophia to learn how to guide properly.”

 

Hugo, needless to say, was needed by Yi-seo, too.

But Hugo’s reaction, which Gary thought would be positive, was skeptical.

Could it be that changing Yi-seo’s environment was not driven by his own greed?

 

“…… I don’t know.”

 

“What are you so worried about?”

 

“What if……. Yi-seo’s condition gets worse again? What if she has a seizure when she sees me.”

 

“You’re scared.”

 

Scared?

 

Yes. When it came down to it, Gary was right.

Hugo was scared right now.

He still didn’t have the courage to stand in front of her.

What if she runs away when she sees him? Would he be able to handle it?

 

“Alright. Then we’ll wait a little longer. But don’t forget. You can’t last much longer like this. Neither you nor Sophia.”

 

“…… I know. I’ll think about it.”

 

It wasn’t an empty statement. From that day on, Hugo thought what it would be like to stand in front of Yi-seo.

 

Every day. Without fail.

 

Some days, he was excited at the thought of being by her side, while other days, he feared that his presence would worsen her condition.

Occasionally, he would have nightmares where Yi-seo left in horror when she saw him.

In his dreams, she didn’t look back, no matter how much Hugo called her.

He reached out to grab her, but the nightmare always ended just before his hand reached Yi-seo.

 

“Gasp……!”

 

As that situation repeated, his worries only grew longer. He couldn’t make up his mind to meet her.

However, the more time he spent thinking about it, the shorter the cycle became.

In the end, Hugo accepted Gary’s recommendation without being able to completely organize his thoughts.

 

“I think it would be good for her to transfer to Melissa’s school.”

 

This was the conclusion after much thought. Gary slowly nodded.

 

Melissa Caleb.

She was Gary’s niece. When Hugo was younger, they often met and had meals together.

 

“Yes. Maybe Mel could ask for Sophia.”

 

“She still needs a little more preparation. I think I should transfer first and get settled in, and then bring in Yi-seo.”

 

“Sounds good. Let’s do that.”

 

 

 

 

 

Hugo changed schools first so that Yi-seo could adapt better.

Gary also stepped down from his position as center director and moved with Hugo.

With the change of affiliation, Hugo has more work to do than he thought.

Re-evaluate his ability, form a team that fits those abilities, train with his teammates, and rounding the gate.

As a result, the plan to bring Yi-seo was delayed.

Occasionally, Hugo would visit Yi-seo in time for the new cycle, and then he go back to his busy days.

 

Then one day.

 

“Hugo! Go see Sophia. It looks like the cycle has been further shortened.”

 

“……!”

 

It was unexpected.

 

With the area changed it took twice as long to get to Yi-seo’s house.

Luckily, the director of the Arizona center, who knew Hugo’s situation, provided a helicopter to help him reach Ohio in time.

 

“Ugh…….”

 

Yi-seo, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, was panting heavily with fever.

As if having a nightmare, she was frowning, and her body was trembling.

 

“Yi-seo ……. ”

 

Hugo stood beside her, barely catching his breath.

He hesitated for a moment then gently cupped Yi-seo’s cheek.

 

“Phew…….”

 

The ring was removed from Yi-seo’s finger. As soon as he cupped her cheek, a rush of guiding energy surged in.

 

‘I can’t put it off any longer…….’

 

The time it took to travel from Arizonahad far been to long.

If there was any further delay, Yi-seo would be in danger.

 

“…… go …….”

 

Yi-seo’s lips twitched and a small voice came out.

Was she talking in her sleep?

Hugo leaned down to hear her words more closely.

Kneeling beside the bed, he heard her muttering.

 

“…… Hu.. go…….”

 

“……!”

 

Yi-seo was calling his name. Her eyelids fluttered, and tears streamed down the corners of her eyes.

 

“Heuk …….”

 

She was crying. Yi-seo was, calling his name.

Flustered, Hugo quickly wiped her tears away.

 

‘Why is she crying? Is it because of a nightmare? Or is she still in pain?’

 

He grabbed Yi-seo’s hand with his other hand and intertwined their fingers. As the contact area widened, the amount of energy flowing into his body increased.

However, Yi-seo continued to cry and call Hugo’s name. It seemed to be because of the nightmare.

 

“Shhh……. Don’t cry, it’s okay.”

 

Hugo wiped away her tears until she stopped crying, and lifted his cold hand, chilled with his freezing ability, to cool her down.

As he placed his hand on her fluttering eyelids, Yi-seo’s whimpering began to subside.

Now she stopped calling Hugo and fell into a deep sleep.

It seemed that the horrible nightmare was over.

 

“…… Yi-seo.”

 

“Hmm…….”

 

Yi-seo answered as he called out softly. Hugo brushed back her hair and whispered softly.

 

“…… Yi-seo. I miss you.”

 

Yi-seo pursed his lips and then lifted the corners of her mouth.

Ah, She’s smiling. Yi-seo, my guide.

Hugo awkwardly smiled and brought his lips to her ear.

 

“We’ll meet soon. My guide.”

 

It was finally time to bring in Yi-seo.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

Hugo put the ring on Yi-seo’s finger and left the room.

Before leaving, he met with her father and handed him the USB drive he had prepared in advance.

It was a USB drive containing a selection of songs he wanted to play for Yi-seo periodically.

 

“Here you go, mister.”

 

“Thanks. How’s Yi-Seo?”

 

“She’ll be okay. But the place I’m staying is too far from here……..”

 

“Hmm.”

 

“I was thinking, why don’t we move forward with Yi-seo’s transfer now?”

 

“…… Are you ready?”

 

“Yes, I’m sorry it’s too late. She will adapt well to her new school.”

 

Yi-seo’s father beamed at Hugo’s words.

 

“I’m sure you’ll take good care of her. Neither I nor her mom are worried. We trust you.”

 

A smile unconsciously bloomed on Hugo’s lips.

They trusted him. As always, he was both sorry and grateful.

 

 

 

 

 

A little while later, Yi-seo transferred to Hugo’s school.

After only seeing her asleep recently, it was refreshing to see her awake and walking on her own two feet.

For some reason, his heart was pounding.

 

‘Yi-seo …….’

 

He wanted to call her name out loud, but he barely managed to suppress the impulse.

From a distance, she stood frozen as she stepped into an unfamiliar place.

 

‘Let’s not surprise her. I’ll approach slowly, little by little.’

 

He intended to simply watch quietly.

However, contrary to his plan, his body moved arbitrarily at the sight of Yi-seo stepping on the laces of her untied sneakers and about to fall.

 

“Be careful.”

 

He caught her by the shoulders, her body flinched against his touch. With a face flushed red, she looked up.

 

“Uh, t-thank you-…….”

 

Yi-seo’s eyes widened. He was pleased to see his reflection in her brown eyes, which reminded him of acorns.

Hugo opened his mouth with the ‘pretty’ smile he had practiced before.

 

“I’ve never seen you before. Are you a transfer student?”

 

He decided to approach Yi-seo cautiously, pretending not to know until she settled in the school.

Just like in his nightmares, Yi-seo might run away.

Fortunately, his sly acting seemed to have worked.

Finally, her lips, which had been trembling, parted.

 

“…… Hugo?”

 

The moment he heard her calling his name, a surge of excitement ran through him.