BKR Ch 14

Kim Jihan put Dohan on the bus and took a taxi to his destination.

He arrived at Daeyeong Military Hospital, where he had previously brought Dohan to the emergency room. Kim Jihan got out of the taxi and walked towards the main entrance.

“Young Master, you’ve arrived.”

Secretary Yoon, who was waiting at the front entrance, bowed to him. He held a large fruit basket in one hand and a flower basket in the other.

Ding-

The two stepped out of the elevator and walked down the hospital corridor.

“This way, Young Master.”

Secretary Yoon led Kim Jihan to a private room. Entering the room first, Secretary Yoon looked at the hospital bed.

Cha Woohyuk, lying in the bed, was still asleep. Secretary Yoon quietly placed the two baskets he had brought onto the table facing the bed.

Kim Jihan, who had been silently watching the scene, spoke softly.

“Thank you for your hard work. Please leave for a moment.”

“Yes, sir.”

Secretary Yoon bowed his head and withdrew.

Click- As the door closed, a quiet stillness settled over the room.

Kim Jihan walked over to the table where the baskets were placed, pulled out a chair, and sat down. He leaned forward, clasped his hands, and looked at the bed in front of him.

Cha Woohyuk’s sleeping face was entirely wrapped in bandages, except for his eyes and mouth. Most of his facial bones had been damaged, requiring surgery on his entire face.

The eyes visible between the bandages were bruised dark purple. There was also considerable swelling, as the surgery had been performed recently.

“…….”

Various emotions welled up in Kim Jihan’s eyes as he observed the result of his actions.

But soon, he erased those emotions and replaced them with a detached gaze. He looked at Cha Woohyuk impassively for a moment, then shifted his gaze to the window.

Tick, tock.

Time passed slowly. An hour had already gone by.

Cha Woohyuk still hadn’t woken up. Nevertheless, Kim Jihan didn’t wake him and simply continued to stare out the window in silence.

Finally, Cha Woohyuk opened his eyes.

Through his blurry vision, he saw Kim Jihan sitting at the table opposite him.

“……!”

For a moment, Cha Woohyuk doubted his own eyes. Though his jaw surgery made it difficult to open his mouth, a groan escaped his cracked lips.

“Ah… Uh…”

Hearing the sound, Kim Jihan turned his gaze from the window. As Cha Woohyuk met his amber eyes, chills ran down his spine and his legs turned to jelly.

A fear ingrained in his very bones.

The perpetrator who had done this to his face was right in front of him.

“Suc… Succes…sor.”

The deeply rooted fear was amplified to an extreme by the fact that this man was the nation’s first successor, wielding the power that had led to the arrest of his entire family.

“Sor… Sorry…”

Cha Woohyuk trembled like a leaf, realizing that he hadn’t recognized the true apex predator, shrouded in a veil. He continued to plead with a mouth that could barely form words.

“Please… s, save… me…”

As if Kim Jihan would kill him right there and then.

As if he were the one who would send his arrested family to the gallows.

“…….”

Kim Jihan silently watched Cha Woohyuk, who was pleading with him, the perpetrator. He simply watched for a long time, his expression unreadable. The usual smile he wore was nowhere to be seen.

Gasp…

Cha Woohyuk swallowed a groan, feeling a suffocating pressure he had never imagined from Kim Jihan’s quiet demeanor. He had never experienced such a chilling coldness.

He was no longer the Kim Jihan he knew.

“Sob… I’m sorry… truly…”

Cha Woohyuk felt like Kim Jihan was a stranger. The man in front of him, with his immense status, became even more terrifying, and he squeezed his eyes shut and sobbed.

Kim Jihan continued to watch the terrified, near-panicked Cha Woohyuk without a word. Then, he lowered his gaze to the floor. He remained motionless in that position.

There was no other word or reaction from him. For a while, only silence hung between them.

As the silence continued, Cha Woohyuk, who had been trembling and crying, slowly began to regain his senses. The reason that had been paralyzed by extreme fear gradually stabilized.

“Ugh…”

Somewhat calmed, Cha Woohyuk cautiously looked at Kim Jihan again. His body was still trembling, but he no longer cried or pleaded.

As if waiting for this moment of composure, Kim Jihan, who had been staring at the floor in silence, finally opened his mouth.

“I thought you wouldn’t want to see me… I even considered sending someone else to deliver this.”

“…….”

“But I think this is something I should deliver personally.”

Kim Jihan took a white envelope from his pocket and walked towards Cha Woohyuk. Cha Woohyuk flinched as he approached.

Kim Jihan looked down at the trembling figure with an impassive expression, placed the thick envelope on the table next to the bed, and spoke briefly.

“I’m sorry about your family.”

Kim Jihan’s eyes flickered momentarily as he mentioned the family. Many things, unshowable to anyone, flashed within them.

He, too, once had a proper family.

Although it had been twisted and broken by his father. Recalling that process, family was nothing but hell to him.

All the comfort he could offer was a simple envelope of money.

This was the world he lived in, and this was the extent of his courtesy. Of course, he didn’t know if this would be enough to console the family.

The phantom image of a family unit in his mind felt so distant and unreachable to him.

Shaking off the lingering image in his head, Kim Jihan turned around.

As he stepped out of the room, he saw a nurse and a doctor down the hallway.

Kim Jihan slightly lifted the corners of his mouth. The familiar mask slipped back onto his expressionless face.

Thud, thud-

His confident footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Projecting the ingrained image of the privileged successor, he left the ward with a dignified air.

✦✦✦

Brigadier General Kwak Junyoung was in a better mood than ever.

The Berserkers, belonging to the 1st Special Abilities Brigade, had succeeded in occupying Cherthil’s capital, Pervia. The main base of the armored troops had been completely destroyed.

With this achievement, which would be etched in the annals of history, Kwak Junyoung’s long-awaited promotion was confirmed.

‘Capital Defense Command!’

Along with the promotion that would add another star to his shoulder, he would become the Commander of the Capital Defense Command, the position he desired most.

Along with this tremendous advancement, he could finally leave this dreadful Yeongam Island.

He had been stationed here since he was a lieutenant colonel and had finally become a two-star major general. It had been worth enduring the discrimination he faced as a non-academy graduate and enduring 10 years in this place teeming with monsters.

‘Yes!’

Kwak Junyoung pumped his fist in the air, rejoicing at the realization of his long-held dream.

Knock, knock-

At that moment, there was a knock.

“Lieutenant Colonel Jeokho has arrived.”

“Send him in.”

Kwak Junyoung quickly composed his expression and lowered his arm.

Jeokho, who had returned after conquering Pervia, entered the office, accompanied by a middle-aged man whom Kwak Junyoung had never seen before.

“Annihilation.”

Jeokho, dressed in a black uniform, saluted with his hand to his forehead. His presence filled the office with an undeniable tension.

“I heard the news, General. Congratulations on your promotion.”

“Ah, thank you. But I’m still a Brigadier General.”

Kwak Junyoung readily accepted the pleasant greeting. Then, he turned his gaze towards the unfamiliar man.

Reading his gaze, Jeokho immediately introduced the man.

“I met him in Pervia. His name is Ken Jo. He’s a Cherthilian of Korean descent.”

At the mention of Cherthil, Kwak Junyoung’s expression immediately turned serious.

“You’re telling me you revealed this location to a Cherthilian!”

Kwak Junyoung raised his voice urgently.

However, Jeokho remained completely unfazed.

“He’s brought information that’s worth that much. It’s about the S-Class Black Warlock and Cheongyeon.”

“What?”

Kwak Junyoung’s eyes widened in surprise. It was understandable, given the sudden mention of both the S-Class Cheongyeon and the Black Warlock, who had supposedly died six months ago.

As if waiting for his reaction, Jeokho gestured towards Ken Jo with a nod.

“Ken Jo here will explain.”

Ken Jo, the middle-aged man, now neatly dressed unlike when he was a prisoner, stepped out from behind Jeokho.

Instead of a salute, Ken Jo bowed deeply to Kwak Junyoung, a custom of his country. Then, raising his head, he spoke politely.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, General.”

The conversation stretched on. The three men sat on the visitor’s sofa in the office and continued their discussion.

“What do you think of my suggestion?”

Jeokho, sitting on one side of the sofa, asked.

“…….”

Kwak Junyoung, seated in the single sofa in the center, remained silent for a moment. Then, he slowly began to speak.

“The Black Warlock deserted… He faked his death to avoid pursuit, and Cheongyeon helped him. He’s already obtained a new identification… ”

Kwak Junyoung listed the facts as if organizing them, then rubbed his forehead with his hand.

‘Damn it!’

A curse welled up inside him.

He was on the verge of being appointed to the Capital Defense Command, and at this critical juncture, a ‘desertion’! And of all people…

A Berserker desertion.

The moment this reached the ears of the military commanders, he would face severe disciplinary action, let alone a promotion. What was even more mortifying was that they had been unaware of this for six months.

He might even be discharged from the military.

‘What a bloody mess!’

He gritted his teeth. Kwak Junyoung glared at Ken Jo, who was sitting on the sofa, his eyes filled with resentment.

Ken Jo, the enemy spy.

“Him. Can we trust him?”

Kwak Junyoung asked, his expression filled with suspicion.

“Yes, you can trust him.”

Jeokho answered firmly, glancing at Ken Jo sitting opposite him.

“Among the prisoners captured in Pervia were his family members. We confirmed their relationship through acquaintances. They are currently being transported here. Of course, I will share their information with you, General.”

Ken Jo also spoke solemnly.

“If you guarantee the safety of my family and me, I will cooperate in any way I can.”

“Hmm…”

Kwak Junyoung felt slightly relieved.

Spies were always prepared to die, but their families were an exception. They were effectively the best hostages.

Having made up his mind, Kwak Junyoung leaned forward and clasped his hands together.

“Anyway… this must never be disclosed.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Only we know. Absolutely.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jeokho replied readily. Kwak Junyoung carefully recalled the plans Jeokho had mentioned earlier.

“So, about your suggestion… you want me to create a temporary ID for you so you can personally capture the Black Warlock?”

“Yes.”

‘This…’

Kwak Junyoung knew it well.

Capturing a deserted Berserker with military police or special agents was practically impossible. Of course, confidential information would also have to be leaked.

‘There’s no other way.’

He was effectively in a deadlock.

Fortunately, the one who could resolve this situation was Jeokho. He was an undefeated general who had never failed a mission.

Kwak Junyoung felt relieved by that fact, despite his unease.

He had no other choice. Watching him, Jeokho secretly sneered.

“Okay, fine. Who are you taking with you?”

Kwak Junyoung asked, having resolved himself. Jeokho thought of those he had already chosen.

“I’ll take two. White Wolf, Golden Lion… and Cheongyeon.”

Kwak Junyoung’s eyes widened at the last name.

“Cheongyeon? Weren’t we supposed to deal with him here?”

“We’ll take him as bait.”

Jeokho’s eyes flashed.

“Isn’t it natural for a wild beast released from captivity to immediately seek out its young?”

Jeokho’s words echoed in the office.

His low voice concealed an intense rage unknown to anyone.

✦✦✦

The last day of the semester.

The military academy cafeteria was bustling with students who had come for lunch. Cadets in comfortable fatigues carried their trays, looking for empty seats.

Among them were Kim Jihan and Dohan.

Screech-

Kim Jihan, back at school after his disciplinary period, pulled out an empty chair and sat down. Dohan placed his tray on the table in front of him and pulled out a chair.

Kim Jihan looked at Dohan sitting opposite him with a slightly curious gaze.

It was a first.

It was the first time they were eating together in the cafeteria.

Normally, Dohan would have loathed such an open space… Kim Jihan spoke to him in a rather gentle tone, knowing that Dohan hadn’t eaten in the cafeteria once while he was away.

“Eat a lot.”

Dohan picked up his spoon without a word. The smell of food in the cafeteria had already stirred his empty stomach with hunger. He wanted to eat quickly.

Kim Jihan, who had been confined to his home until yesterday under his father’s orders, also picked up his spoon. The two continued their quiet meal.

But before long, the surrounding cadets began to murmur.

“Hey… who’s that?”

“Was there a kid like that here?”

“I don’t know, I’m seeing him for the first time.”

Hearing the whispers, Kim Jihan raised his head and looked around.

The cadets in the cafeteria were constantly glancing in his direction.

“Isn’t that the scrawny kid?”

“Ah, right. The freshman.”

“Wow… he’s changed.”

The subject of their whispers was clearly Dohan. Reading the surprise and admiration in their voices, Kim Jihan turned to look at Dohan.

His gaze was captivated by the sight of a young man, no longer bearing the appearance of someone ill.

His previously gaunt face now had smooth contours, and his rosy lips beneath a straight nose looked lusciously ripe.

His translucent skin was as white and clear as snow. It blended beautifully with his jet-black hair and eyes, creating a mystical and alluring aura.

His gaze was captivated by the sight of a young man, no longer bearing the appearance of someone ill. His previously gaunt face now had smooth contours, and his rosy lips beneath a straight nose looked lusciously ripe. His translucent skin was as white and clear as snow. It blended beautifully with his jet-black hair and eyes, creating a mystical and alluring aura.

“…….”

Kim Jihan stared blankly at Dohan, as if time had stopped.

The noisy surroundings suddenly fell silent, as if a mute button had been pressed. His vision, as if distorted, was filled with the face of a single person.

Thump, thump.

An unfamiliar beat pulsed through his body.

Kim Jihan blinked his dazed eyes, as if waking from a trance. This much of a change just from gaining some weight? He tilted his head, finding it hard to believe.

Indeed, Dohan’s current appearance was distinctly different from the sickly face he had first seen. He felt an inexplicable sense of disconnect.

If placed side by side, it would be difficult to recognize them as the same person; Dohan had changed that much.

However, because he had seen him every day, because the change had been gradual like clothes getting wet in a drizzle, he hadn’t noticed it until now.

Kim Jihan looked around again. The cadets in the cafeteria were constantly glancing at Dohan’s face, a buzz of excitement in the air.

Seeing this, Kim Jihan’s eyes turned cold.

“Hey.”

Kim Jihan abruptly called out to Dohan.

“Wear a mask from now on.”

“……?”

Dohan, who had been concentrating on his meal, raised an eyebrow at the unexpected remark. He mouthed, “Why?”

“…….”

Kim Jihan blinked, speechless. He had spoken without thinking and couldn’t find a reason.

Tsk, Dohan clicked his tongue, thinking that Kim Jihan was saying something strange again. He picked up some side dishes with his chopsticks, ignoring him.

Kim Jihan’s jaw clenched.

He glanced at the corner of the ceiling, his eyes darting around. Then, he gave a belated answer to Dohan, who was chewing on his cutlet.

“Your throat, the virus. You just recovered, do you want to suffer again?”

‘It’s not a virus.’

Dohan muttered inwardly and focused on eating. He couldn’t explain that it was a side effect of the drugs, so he had nothing to say.

“You must wear it. That’s the only way to block the virus.”

Kim Jihan didn’t stop.

“Even now, the droplets in this place…”

Click, Dohan finally put down his spoon and put a finger to his lips. The meaning was clear.

‘Shut up.’

Only then did Kim Jihan close his mouth.

Though he shut his mouth, he glared at Dohan with eyes blazing with unspoken words.

‘What’s wrong with him?’

Dohan couldn’t understand why Kim Jihan was suddenly looking at him with an angry gaze. Why was the air around him turning cold?

In any case, not knowing the reason, he simply ignored him and continued his meal.

Suddenly, Kim Jihan stood up abruptly, holding his tray. He strode over to the food waste area, dumped all his uneaten food, and walked towards the exit.

“……?”

Dohan stared blankly at Kim Jihan leaving the cafeteria, spoon in hand.

After lunch, the training finally concluded with a speech by the headmaster. Summer break, a whole month long, was about to begin.

Dohan left the school building, relieved to have finished the semester safely. He ignored the upcoming end-of-semester party. He had no intention of attending anyway.

Thud, thud-

The sound of resolute footsteps grew closer. Glancing sideways, he saw Kim Jihan walking next to him, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

‘What?’

Dohan narrowed his eyes at Kim Jihan, who had left the cafeteria without a word. Why was he now casually following him after leaving so abruptly?

…He was truly an incomprehensible person.

The two walked side by side towards the school’s main gate.

As they walked, Kim Jihan looked around. White tents were spread out on the vast lawn. Everyone was busy preparing for the party.

The end-of-semester party was the only time alcohol was permitted within the strict confines of the Ami Military Academy.

This event, held twice a year, was a grand festival where all the cadets gathered to drink, accompanied by the military band and singing military songs.

However, there was no regret in Kim Jihan’s eyes as he passed by.

Having already received an academic warning, he knew that a second one would inevitably send him to the front lines. In such a precarious situation, he felt no need to attend a drinking party crammed with cadets.

Whew— Suddenly, a whistle blew from somewhere. Kim Jihan turned his head towards the sound.

“……?”

The senior cadets gathered on one side of the lawn were all looking in the same direction. Kim Jihan, feeling puzzled, followed their gaze.

They were looking at Dohan.

Some even craned their necks to get a better look.

“…….”

Dohan, seemingly unaware of the attention he was attracting, continued walking, looking straight ahead. A senior cadet whistled again, trying to draw his attention.

Wheeew—!

“Ha…”

An amused chuckle escaped Kim Jihan’s lips. He glanced over the scene with an amused look, then, as if showing off, he slung his arm around Dohan’s shoulders.

“……!”

Dohan looked at Kim Jihan with a startled expression.

They were in an open space, under the gaze of all the cadets.

“I didn’t eat much earlier, so…”

Kim Jihan leaned towards Dohan, ignoring his reaction.

“Let’s have our own end-of-semester party and have a drink. I’m really hungry.”

Dohan glared at him as if to say, Who told you to eat so little? He shrugged his shoulders, trying to shake off Kim Jihan’s arm.

However, Kim Jihan pulled Dohan closer and whispered in his ear.

“I have painkillers in my bag, so tell me if you have trouble swallowing them, okay?”

The surroundings fell silent. The two looked like a couple, even from a distance.

Kim Jihan smiled at Dohan, looking satisfied. Dohan, bewildered, simply let himself be led away.

✦✦✦

After dinner and drinks at a restaurant near the school, it was already late afternoon. The two boarded the bus at the school bus stop, as they always did.

“Oh, it’s raining?”

Kim Jihan, looking out the window, raised an eyebrow at the raindrops splattering against the glass.

“…….”

Dohan, sitting next to him, didn’t respond. He had earphones in his ears.

“It’s raining harder.”

As the rainfall increased, Kim Jihan, his eyes slightly flushed from the alcohol, looked at Dohan again.

“…….”

Dohan still didn’t react. However, inwardly, he was marveling at the incredible amount of alcohol Kim Jihan had consumed at the restaurant.

‘A heavy drinker…’

Kim Jihan was a true alcoholic. He would down every 500cc glass of beer in one gulp. He had drunk several glasses in a row, yet he didn’t seem very drunk.

On the other hand, Dohan, who had never drunk alcohol in his life, had only drunk water. Carbonated drinks irritated his throat, making them difficult to swallow.

“It’s really coming down now.”

Kim Jihan, after continuously being ignored, finally pulled out one of Dohan’s earphones and brought his lips close.

“It’s raining.”

Finally, Dohan looked at him with an expression that said, So what?

“Do you have an umbrella?”

Dohan abruptly turned his head without replying.

Seeing this, Kim Jihan muttered to himself as he looked out the window again.

“…No.”

“Run—!”

Kim Jihan, having gotten off the bus, dashed through the pouring rain. He already knew the way to Dohan’s house.

“……?”

As he ran, Kim Jihan glanced to his side, puzzled by the silence. There was no one there. Surprised, he stopped running and looked back.

He saw Dohan leisurely strolling far behind him, unconcerned about getting drenched in the rain.

“Are you out for a walk?”

Kim Jihan, with a bewildered expression, ran towards Dohan and grabbed his hand. Dohan’s mouth opened slightly as his fingers were once again interlaced with Kim Jihan’s.

“Let go of…”

“No, you’ll catch a cold!”

Kim Jihan declared firmly and pulled Dohan towards a closed shop in an alleyway. The old awning above the shop offered some protection from the downpour.

Whoosh!

Kim Jihan brushed the rain off his gelled hair and looked up at the stormy sky.

“Wow… it’s pouring.”

The downpour was so heavy that streams of water were flowing like a river on the ground.

Watching the relentless rain, Kim Jihan chuckled, a look of schadenfreude on his face.

“The end-of-semester party is ruined. Serves them right for being nosy.”

What is he talking about? Dohan glanced at him, puzzled by his strange muttering, and then stepped forward.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

“……!”

Kim Jihan quickly grabbed the back of Dohan’s neck and pulled him back. The lightweight Dohan was easily pulled back.

“Don’t get rained on! If you catch a cold in your condition, it’ll be really bad.”

Remembering how Dohan had nearly died recently, Kim Jihan flung his arm around Dohan’s shoulder to prevent him from dashing off again.

“Aren’t you going to let go?”

Dohan glared at him fiercely.

“No.”

Completely immune to Dohan’s glare, Kim Jihan didn’t even flinch.

Dohan frowned, watching him fuss over a little rain.

“I won’t catch a cold from something like this…”

“Just wait a bit. It’s a shower. It’ll stop soon.”

At his words, Dohan looked up at the grey sky. He stared at the dark clouds for a moment before speaking again.

“I don’t think it’ll stop soon.”

“Let’s go when it lets up a little. If we go now, we’ll be soaked like drowned rats. Our clothes, our bags, everything.”

“We can dry them.”

Kim Jihan shook his head firmly at the indifferent reply.

“No, my bag will be ruined if it gets wet. It’s not about the money, it’s a limited edition, so it’s hard to find the same one. And my shoes are custom-made…”

He listed every possible reason to avoid getting wet. Dohan’s mouth dropped open as he listened.

“Such a slave to material possessions,”

Dohan muttered with a look of disdain.

Nevertheless, Kim Jihan just smiled and looked at the falling rain again, tightening his grip on Dohan’s shoulder.

Whoosh—

In truth, he didn’t care about his bag or shoes. Catching a cold wasn’t his main concern either.

It was this closeness, this physical contact with Dohan.

Thump-thump.

His heart was pounding again, just like in the cafeteria. An unfamiliar excitement, along with a pleasant floating sensation, washed over him.

‘Why is this happening…?’

It was strange that his heart, which had never reacted to anyone before, was now pounding like this. He wondered if it was the alcohol. He had drunk more than usual, and he was feeling slightly tipsy.

Then was this strange excitement he felt whenever he touched Dohan also because of the alcohol? In the past, no amount of physical contact had ever affected him this much.

No.

Kim Jihan recalled the kiss they had shared before.

He realized that this heat wasn’t from intoxication. He had felt this strange sensation even when he was sober back then.

Moreover, the dark rain clouds now looked like iridescent, multicolored clouds. The sound of the pouring rain sounded like a sweet melody.

‘Something is wrong.’

Kim Jihan looked around with bewildered eyes.

Beyond the pounding heart and the strange feeling, even his senses felt different. The world literally looked different.

Something was definitely broken. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made such ridiculous excuses about his bag and shoes. Why did this closeness matter so much? Why did he want to stay close to Dohan, no matter what?

Even now, at this moment…

He didn’t want to be apart from him, not even a little.

“Let go. I’m going.”

However, contrary to Kim Jihan’s wishes, Dohan continued to be unyielding.

“Let go of me.”

As Dohan continued to struggle and try to move forward, Kim Jihan finally frowned.

“Just stay still.”

“Let go.”

Unable to bear it any longer, Dohan finally shook off Kim Jihan’s arm forcefully and stepped forward.

Splash—!!

Just then, a truck sped past the alley, splashing a wave of rainwater onto Dohan.

“Ugh…!”

Dohan squeezed his eyes shut as the water splashed onto his face. He wiped his eyes with his hand and then looked down at himself, completely drenched like a drowned rat.

Pfft, Kim Jihan let out a soft chuckle from behind.

Hearing the small sound, Dohan’s brow furrowed.

Quickly composing his expression, Kim Jihan approached Dohan and put his arm around his shoulder again. Dohan turned his dripping face to look at him.

“Well, since you’re already wet, there’s no helping it. Let’s go.”

Kim Jihan smiled at the falling rain and walked on leisurely. Dohan, seemingly resigned and tired of shaking him off, simply followed.

The two walked serenely through the downpour.

As he walked, Kim Jihan looked at himself, thoroughly soaked. He looked like a drowned rat, but a faint smile lingered on his lips, caused by a certain emotion that was permeating him completely, just like the rain soaking his body.

His heart pounded pleasantly.

As if intoxicated by alcohol, by the sound of the rain, by his emotions… He enjoyed this loosened feeling, this softening of his normally rigid walls, as if they were turning into wet paper.

He enjoyed this moment, this deviation from the norm, this exception to everything.

By the time they arrived home, it was dusk. The relentless rain had almost stopped.

“Shouldn’t you go home now?”

“No.”

Kim Jihan, his normally styled bangs plastered to his forehead, smiled cheerfully.

“Ah, this is comfortable.”

After drying himself with a towel, Kim Jihan entered the room and lay down on the floor as if he owned the place.

Dohan, who had hung his wet bag on a hanger, glared at him before taking out a change of clothes from the dresser. As he headed straight for the bathroom, Kim Jihan asked,

“Taking a shower?”

Dohan nodded in response.

The bathroom door closed immediately. The sound of running water came from inside.

Kim Jihan looked around the empty room and walked towards the mirror hanging on the wall. Looking at his reflection, he brushed his damp bangs off his forehead. A pleasant smile still lingered on his lips.

Buzz.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. Kim Jihan took it out.

[I’ve recruited as many former special forces colleagues as possible. Including me, there are five. Is that enough?]

It was a text message from Instructor Jeong, whom he had spoken to at the kennel.

Back then, when Kim Jihan had mentioned the Class 1 spy, Instructor Jeong had brought up the need for colleagues and requested preparation time.

‘Ah…’

Kim Jihan’s smile faded as he read the message.

The Class 1 spy.

If he succeeded in capturing the spy alive, a medal of honor would be a certainty. The nation’s first successor would save the entire population from the enemy’s threat, and he would demonstrate his potential as a leader of the world’s strongest nation to his father. The suffocating academic warnings would also vanish.

After considering all this, Kim Jihan replied without hesitation.

[I’ll put it on hold for now. I’ll contact you later.]

Putting his phone back in his pocket, he looked up at the ceiling with a relieved expression.

‘…I like things as they are now.’

He didn’t know what consequences this choice would bring in the future. But it didn’t matter. He wanted to stay with Dohan. He couldn’t imagine being separated from him here.

At least not now.

Whoosh—

The sound of running water continued. Kim Jihan, having sent the message, got up from his spot.

He walked to the window and slightly parted the curtains. As he brought his face close to the screen and looked out at the Seoul nightscape, a gentle breeze brought a pleasant freshness.

Kim Jihan pulled the curtains further to the side to let the cool breeze in. As he pushed the curtains between the wall and the wardrobe, his fingertips touched something.

“……?”

Kim Jihan’s eyebrows rose.

A long, flat, black hard case was standing in the narrow space between the wardrobe and the wall, hidden by the curtains.

Kim Jihan looked at the case, which looked like it might hold an electric guitar, with a puzzled expression.

Could Dohan have a guitar…?

Wondering if Dohan, like him, had an interest in musical instruments, he couldn’t resist reaching for the case. A genuinely pure smile spread across his face as he pulled it out by the handle.

Kim Jihan placed the case on the floor and pressed the button.

“……!”

Kim Jihan’s eyes widened as he opened the lid.

Inside were a black belt about a handspan wide, an armband made of thick cloth, and two jet-black swords.

‘This is…’

Kim Jihan looked at the contents with a surprised expression.

A belt, an armband, swords…

These were clearly unusual items. Moreover, the quality was so exquisite that they looked like works of art crafted by a master.

Looking at the contents with astonishment, he first picked up the wide black belt.

Touching it directly, he found that although the surface was leather, the inside was as hard as a steel plate. It seemed to have some kind of metal reinforcement inside. Also, the leather buckle seemed to have been worn down considerably, as if only one notch had been used.

He held the belt against his abdomen, just in case.

“…….”