# Side Story 1: Southern Gyeonggi

Kang I-won’s loved ones had all left his side during cold winters. His mother had, his younger sibling had, and so had Kim Seon-young. Because of that, it felt like no time had passed since he observed Kim Seon-young’s death anniversary, and now, his mother’s and sibling’s anniversaries were already upon him.

Entering the columbarium alone, Kang I-won approached the two resting together with slow steps.

“…I’m here. Your brother’s here, Jin-ah.”

His mother and sibling were laid to rest on the same floor, side by side. His father was not. He had deliberately been interred in a different region—Kang I-won couldn’t bear to place the man who had caused his mother’s death in the same space as her. Naturally, he never observed his father’s death anniversary either. He considered placing him in the columbarium as fulfilling his duty.

Looking at the urns of his mother and sibling placed next to each other, Kang I-won added a photo he had brought from home. The smiling faces in the picture stirred an overwhelming wave of emotions within him.

Right, that’s what they looked like.
Kang I-won committed the faces of his mother and sibling to memory for the first time in a long while, vowing never to forget them again.

There was so much he wanted to say, but when the moment came, no words came out. Even though he had left Heo Do-gyeong outside and entered alone to speak freely, he still couldn’t find the words. Instead of forcing out unspoken words, Kang I-won let their faces etch themselves into his heart. There was a long life ahead, and there would be plenty of chances in the future.

After staring at the faces of his mother and sibling for what felt like an eternity, Kang I-won finally emerged from the columbarium, a little later than he had intended. Weary, he let himself fall into Heo Do-gyeong’s arms, where the other man had been waiting for him.

Holding Kang I-won close, Heo Do-gyeong asked in a gentle voice, “Next year, will you let me greet them with you?”

“Yeah.”

Kang I-won nodded at Heo Do-gyeong’s words, promising the future together.

After marking the death anniversaries of Kim Seon-young, his mother, and his sibling, the test results finally arrived. Along with them came a change in Kang I-won’s official Esper rank on paper. It was time for him to return to active duty.

Though he had accepted the offer to transfer to Seoul, his affiliation hadn’t yet been officially updated. For now, Kang I-won returned to the Southern Gyeonggi branch to complete his reinstatement process. It felt like it had been a long time since he’d last been there, though it hadn’t been long at all. Nostalgia washed over him.

He never thought he’d be back again.

Standing still in front of the center, simply staring at it, Kang I-won caught the attention of Heo Do-gyeong, who asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing.”

After taking a moment to gaze at the building, Kang I-won began walking inside. Heo Do-gyeong followed alongside him, matching his pace.

As they walked down the corridor, Kang I-won spotted someone familiar up ahead. That person, upon seeing Kang I-won, looked momentarily puzzled, staring at him with a curious expression. Then, as if realizing something, their eyes widened, and their mouth opened in shock. The Esper, unable to hide their excitement, quickly approached him with a big smile.

“My goodness, Esper Kang I-won! You’ve changed so much I almost didn’t recognize you! And I heard you’re transferring to Seoul? Congratulations!”

The Team 9 leader greeted him warmly, offering genuine congratulations. Kang I-won, somewhat bewildered, nodded and thanked him politely. Grasping his hand, the Esper continued speaking.

“From that three-headed snake incident to everything before that… You’ve really helped us out so much. My team members wanted me to pass along their gratitude as well. When we heard you’d lost your ability, we were so shocked. But I’m so glad things have worked out for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Please stay healthy and take it easy in Seoul, okay?”

“Ah, yes. I will.”

After offering his well-wishes and advice, the Team 9 leader left. Kang I-won, still taken aback, watched him walk away. Seeing his reaction, Heo Do-gyeong asked, “Are you close with him?”

“No, we just know each other by face.”

They had crossed paths and exchanged words at field sites a few times, but that was it. The heartfelt congratulations from someone so unexpected made Kang I-won’s lips twitch slightly. Scratching his chin awkwardly, he tried to brush it off.

The two of them resumed walking, but before long, someone else stopped them in their tracks.

“Wow, no way! Is this really the same Esper Kang I-won I know? Seriously, why haven’t you been walking around like this sooner? You’ve been wasting that face all this time? What a shame. People like you who have it all really don’t seem to realize it.”

“…?”

At the baffling comment, Kang I-won tilted his head slightly in confusion. The short-haired Esper snapped back to their senses and quickly continued speaking.

“Oh! That’s not what I meant to say. I heard Esper Kang I-won got promoted to S-rank? Congratulations! That’s amazing.”

“Ah… Thank you,” Kang I-won replied awkwardly, managing a faint smile. The short-haired Esper grinned and turned to Heo Do-gyeong.

“I heard you’re heading to Seoul. Is Guide Heo Do-gyeong going with you?”

“Yes,” Heo Do-gyeong answered curtly.

The short-haired Esper glanced back and forth between them with a peculiar expression before barely suppressing a smirk. Finally, they said with a hint of amusement, “Looks like all your hard work is finally paying off. Good things are coming your way. When you’re in Seoul, let’s meet up! Let’s have a meal with Soo-bin too!”

The short-haired Esper, revealing a previously unknown connection, waved and walked away.

Once they were gone, Heo Do-gyeong asked again, “…What kind of relationship do you have with that Esper?”

“Nothing at all…”

“Hmm.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Let’s go.”

After sending off the short-haired Esper, the two resumed their steps, only to be interrupted again.

“I heard you reawakened?!”

The congratulations and questions about Kang I-won’s reawakening and transfer to the Seoul branch continued nonstop. Though some eyes were filled with envy and veiled resentment, Kang I-won barely had time to notice amidst the overwhelming flood of well-wishes. By the end of it, he found himself barely holding on, dazed from the sheer volume of attention.

The genuine congratulations from others left Kang I-won feeling bewildered and strange. It wasn’t a feeling he was accustomed to, likely because he had never expected anyone to celebrate him this much.

Although his chest felt uneasy, it wasn’t unpleasant. It was a ticklish sensation, similar but slightly different from what he felt with Heo Do-gyeong.

Pressing a hand against his chest, Kang I-won glanced at Heo Do-gyeong, who was silently frowning beside him. His sulky expression hinted at some unspoken dissatisfaction.

“What’s wrong?”

“Why are there so many people acting so familiar with you? It’s annoying.”

“Are you jealous?”

“Of course I am.”

Though Kang I-won had meant his question as a half-joke, Heo Do-gyeong’s earnest reply caught him off guard. With a grumpy voice, Heo Do-gyeong added, “I told you before—I want to be the only one who’s special to you. But there are so many people pretending to be close to you.”

“They’re just people I barely know. To me, the only special one is… you.”

Embarrassed by his own words, Kang I-won looked away, but the tension in Heo Do-gyeong’s expression visibly softened.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Thankfully, no one interrupted them further as they walked down the corridor. Their destination was the director’s office. It was Kang I-won’s second visit, and while he walked confidently, Heo Do-gyeong stopped at a nearby sofa and gestured toward it.

“I’ll wait here, so take your time with the meeting.”

Kang I-won nodded and knocked on the door before stepping inside. The director wasn’t there yet; only their assistant greeted him.

“I’m Kang I-won. I have an appointment with the director.”

“Oh, Esper Kang I-won! The director is on his way down. Please wait inside for a moment.”

“Alright.”

Following the assistant’s instructions, Kang I-won took a seat and sipped the coffee offered to him. As he absentmindedly fiddled with the empty cup, his thoughts wandered to Heo Do-gyeong, who was waiting for him outside.

Since the disappearance of their bond, being away from Heo Do-gyeong left a hollow ache in his chest. The void, born that day, always reappeared at unexpected times, asserting its presence. Being near Heo Do-gyeong helped ease it, but it never completely went away.

What if they bonded again? This time, not a partial bond, but a complete one?

Now that Kang I-won had reawakened as an S-rank Esper, with powers strong enough to protect Heo Do-gyeong, he felt certain he could keep him safe. A new bond would allow him to guard Heo Do-gyeong more firmly.

But how would Heo Do-gyeong feel about it? Did he still want to bond with Kang I-won?

Since Heo Do-gyeong had casually started living at Kang I-won’s home, he hadn’t brought up the idea of bonding again. Nor had he initiated any kind of physical contact. While it had made Kang I-won nervous at first, over time, he had grown comfortable with the arrangement.

There had been the incident in the dome that necessitated direct guiding through mucosal contact, but that was it. Nothing more had happened since then.

Kang I-won’s expression grew serious. Sure, he couldn’t remember much from that day, and it had just been guiding, but they had done what was necessary. On top of that, he had even confessed. Heo Do-gyeong liked him, and he liked Heo Do-gyeong in return. But they had never officially started dating.

Wait, are we even dating? He confessed, I confessed, and we’ve shared our feelings. But beyond that, there’s been nothing.

Does this count as dating? If not…

Then what kind of relationship do I have with Heo Do-gyeong? Just an Esper and his Guide? Kang I-won’s face grew even more troubled, the weight of his thoughts deepening. His stern expression didn’t waver, even when the director finally entered the room and was startled to see the look on Kang I-won’s face.

* * *

The resignation letter Kang I-won had previously written was torn up, and the weapons he had returned were given back to him. While the reinstatement process was completed swiftly, there were still various matters to be handled in Seoul. As a result, Kang I-won remained part of the Southern Gyeonggi branch for the time being, albeit without being assigned to a team.

Considering he was soon to leave, he wasn’t given a designated area of responsibility, leaving him with little to do unless an emergency call came in. During this unstructured time, Kang I-won focused on practicing control over his newly gained powers and, when not doing that, reviewed overdue reports alongside Heo Do-gyeong, who had followed him.

Apart from having Heo Do-gyeong at his side, these days weren’t much different from the usual.

However, his weekends were busy with sorting out his old home and preparing for his move.

One day, while cleaning the kitchen, Kang I-won picked up an old frying pan with slightly peeling coating from a corner. As he examined it, Heo Do-gyeong spoke up firmly.

“Throw it out.”

“Why? It’s still usable.”

“The coating’s peeling off. Just throw it away.”

“If I throw it out, I’ll have to buy a new one.”

“There’s already one at home, so throw it out.”

At this, Kang I-won tilted his head in confusion. What home was he talking about?

“What home?” he asked, baffled.

As though it was the most obvious thing in the world, Heo Do-gyeong answered, “Our home, of course.”

Kang I-won blinked, his confusion deepening. He had already submitted his application for an Esper-exclusive rental apartment in Seoul, so what was Heo Do-gyeong talking about?

“…What do you mean, ‘our home’?”

“When you move to Seoul, you’re going to stay at my place, aren’t you? It’s close to the center.”

Kang I-won froze. He had never agreed to such a thing, and his expression made that fact abundantly clear. Seeing it, Heo Do-gyeong’s face twisted into an ominously dark scowl.

“…Don’t tell me you were planning to live alone in Seoul? And who exactly gave you permission to do that?”

“Obviously, I planned it myself…”

“And my life is tied to yours. Who gave you permission to decide that?”

“….”

“Who, gave you permission?”

As Heo Do-gyeong stared at him, waiting for an answer, Kang I-won averted his eyes and muttered, “I… already applied for the rental apartment.”

“Cancel it. Or should I move in there too? Though, rental apartments are smaller than here, right? I don’t mind. Living closer sounds even better. There might not even be enough space to lay out a blanket, so should we just share one bed?”

Sharing a bed with Heo Do-gyeong? Just the thought of it made Kang I-won certain he wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink from the tension. He quickly responded, “I’ll cancel it.”

Even so, it felt a little embarrassing to freeload completely. After hesitating briefly, Kang I-won offered, “Should I at least pay rent?”

“No need for rent. Forget rent. But instead, throw this out too. Why are you keeping something you don’t even use? Toss that one too.”

Following Heo Do-gyeong’s instructions, Kang I-won ended up throwing out so much that there was hardly anything left. Since he’d always moved frequently between branches, he didn’t own much to begin with, but thanks to Heo Do-gyeong, even that small amount was cut in half.

All that remained were clothes, blankets, a few usable dishes and kitchen tools, and some everyday essentials. And even these would likely end up untouched in boxes once he moved into Heo Do-gyeong’s place.

Still, the idea of living together… did that mean they were a couple? But then again, not all cohabitation meant romance. Friends lived together, and it wasn’t uncommon for Espers and Guides who formed a team to rent a large house together. The thought made his head spin.

“So, now that we’re mostly done organizing… is there anything you want to eat?”

Unaware of the turmoil in Kang I-won’s mind, Heo Do-gyeong casually asked. Kang I-won pushed his thoughts aside and answered with the first thing that came to mind.

“That pasta with clams you made before was really good.”

“There aren’t any clams in the fridge. Should we go grocery shopping?”

Kang I-won nodded and began preparing to head out. Even as he got ready, his thoughts continued to swirl unresolved. He had no experience being in a close relationship with anyone, so how could he know for sure? He could just ask Heo Do-gyeong directly, but for some reason, it felt too embarrassing.

As they walked side by side outside, Heo Do-gyeong naturally took Kang I-won’s hand in his. The warmth from their joined palms seemed to melt away all the tangled questions in his head, like fog dispersing in the morning sun.

Does it really matter? What mattered was that Heo Do-gyeong was by his side. That was enough.

Walking hand in hand, Kang I-won decided to savor the simple happiness of the present.

“Oh, next holiday, should we go back to that restaurant we visited before? They said they’ve developed a new menu and invited us to drop by.”

“I’d love that.”

A natural smile appeared on Kang I-won’s face.

* * *

Without being assigned to a team, Kang I-won primarily spent his time assisting wherever needed. Today was no exception—he responded to an emergency call and headed to the scene, where he was greeted by some familiar faces.

“You’re aging me, I swear!”

Han Kang-jin, who narrowly avoided a critical injury thanks to Kang I-won, let out a deep sigh of relief. At his remark, a newly joined B-rank Esper on Team 5 spoke up with a sympathetic tone.

“Oh no, Team Leader, you already look older than your age. What are we going to do? I think the wrinkles around your eyes are getting deeper. My mom uses this eye cream that works wonders—should I bring you some?”

“That’s not what I meant!”

Han Kang-jin smacked his chest in frustration, while the rookie Esper gave a cheeky grin and continued, “Come on, middle-aged men are all about skincare these days. Don’t be shy about it.”

“Good grief!”

Watching Han Kang-jin practically die from exasperation, Kim Young-ho clicked his tongue.

“I wasn’t like that when I was a rookie.”

Kang I-won thought back to Kim Young-ho’s rookie days. He had been clumsy, full of flaws, and lacking control—there were a few close calls where Han Kang-jin nearly got zapped by his mistakes. Looking between Kim Young-ho and the rookie Esper, Kang I-won remarked,

“What are you looking at me like that for?”

“You were just like that.”

“What? No, I wasn’t! You must be remembering wrong. I was great from the start!”

“….”

Kang I-won stared at Kim Young-ho in disbelief at his shameless response. Feeling the gaze, Kim Young-ho awkwardly looked away and mumbled, “Well, sure, I made some mistakes, but I wasn’t that bad!”

Still avoiding Kang I-won’s eyes, Kim Young-ho sighed deeply and added, “Still, it was easier when you were around, though.”

“They’re rookies. They’ll be fine once they get the hang of things.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yeah.”

Everyone starts off clumsy, awkward, and prone to mistakes. Over time, those mistakes build into experience and skill. That was true for Kim Young-ho, and it was true for Kang I-won as well.

But in this line of work, where lives were constantly on the line, rookies often faced harsh realities. Ironically, most people, like Kim Young-ho, seemed to forget their own rookie days, saying things like I wasn’t like that back then.

Kang I-won continued, “He’s still new, so cut him some slack. Everyone’s awkward and clumsy at first. No one gets it right from the start.”

“Wow, why didn’t you treat me like that when I was a rookie?”

“Didn’t I?”

As Kim Young-ho and Kang I-won bickered, Han Kang-jin finished his round of scolding and sighed heavily as he approached Kang I-won.

“I owe you one, I-won. You saved me back there.”

“It was nothing.”

“Now I have to teach that one until they’re competent… Why me, seriously…”

Han Kang-jin groaned, pressing his temples as if trying to ward off a headache. He seemed stressed from having to take on yet another rookie, this time a melee combat specialist.

Trying to comfort him, Kang I-won said, “From what I’ve seen, they’re picking things up pretty quickly. They’ll adjust in no time.”

“Wow, seriously. That beast froze solid in one hit. You really are S-rank,” Han Kang-jin whistled as he stared at the massive frozen monster. Kang I-won dusted off the frost clinging to his fingertips and gave a faint smile. His control was still rough, leaving traces of ice wherever he went.

“We’ll handle the cleanup, so you can head back. Good work today, and thanks.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll get going then. Good work, Young-ho, Ho-jun, and you too, rookie Esper,” Kang I-won said with a nod.

The rookie Esper, clearly reluctant to see him leave, blurted out, “Oh no! Are you leaving already? That’s too bad! Um, maybe I could get your device number—”

“Still having trouble with monster disposal? I’ll walk you through it,” Hyun Ho-jun interrupted, dragging the rookie towards the frozen beast before they could finish.

“Wait! Senior, hang on! Just a moment—!”

Kang I-won glanced at the pair briefly before turning to leave the scene.

Since the center wasn’t far, he strolled back at a leisurely pace. As he walked alone, his thoughts began to drift again.

What’s Do-gyeong doing right now?

Only Kang I-won had returned to the Southern Gyeonggi branch. Heo Do-gyeong, being part of the Seoul branch, had no obligation to guide Espers in Gyeonggi. As a result, Kang I-won had been able to monopolize his time, a situation that brought him far more satisfaction than he expected.

Although Heo Do-gyeong wasn’t officially listed as Kang I-won’s dedicated Guide yet, they would be if assigned to the same branch. If that happened, he could continue to have Do-gyeong all to himself. Not entirely, of course, but the mere thought of Heo Do-gyeong officially becoming his Guide made a small smile tug at his lips.

But the smile faded just as quickly. Sure, it seemed fine to leave things as they were, but something about it felt incomplete and frustrating. Perhaps it was because the disappearance of their bond left him unable to sense Heo Do-gyeong’s emotions. Maybe that’s why he felt uneasy.

He wanted clarity about his relationship with Heo Do-gyeong. Perhaps it was even a desire to replace their lost bond with something else.

Caught in his thoughts, Kang I-won hesitated for a while before finally deciding to call someone he could trust. After a few rings, a familiar voice greeted him warmly from the other end.

“Oh my, what’s the occasion? You’re actually calling me?”

“…I need to ask something.”

“You? Asking me? Oh! Is it about your move to Seoul? Do you need advice on that?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

“Well, um, you see…”

“Why are you hesitating? Just spit it out already.”

Without much forethought, an unfiltered question tumbled out of Kang I-won’s mouth.

“I confessed, and…”

“What? A confession?”

A shriek of surprise erupted from the other side of the device, making Kang I-won grimace.

“Why are you screaming?”

“Am I supposed to not be surprised?! You, Kang I-won, confessed? To someone? Who was it? Tell me everything! Wait—no, I think I know. It’s Heo Do-gyeong, isn’t it? Of course, it’s him! I knew it! Ahhh! When you come to Seoul, you better treat me to something nice! This time, I’m eating something expensive. Prepare your wallet for some damage!”

…Should I hang up?

Kang I-won stared at his device with a mixture of irritation and disbelief as Choi Soo-bin’s excited chatter showed no signs of slowing.

“You’re not about to hang up on me, are you?”

“…No.”

“Liar. Anyway, you actually confessed? You, to Heo Do-gyeong? Oh my god, what happened while I was gone? This isn’t something you just share over the phone—we need to meet in person for this! But I guess I have no choice. So, spill it. Tell me everything!”

Finally, as Choi Soo-bin’s enthusiasm began to settle, Kang I-won found the opening he needed to start explaining.

“I mean, I confessed… but does that mean we’re dating?”

“Huh?”

“Do-gyeong said he likes me, and…”

“Oh my gosh! You just called him Do-gyeong!”

“…Should I hang up?”

“No, no, okay, I’ll shut up. Keep going!”

“Well, Do-gyeong said he likes me, and I said I like him too, but… I’m not sure if that means we’re dating.”

“If you both said you like each other, then of course you’re dating! What’s there to think about? You didn’t say you didn’t like him, right? You said you like him too.”

“….”

Kang I-won fell silent.

“….”

Choi Soo-bin also went quiet at his silence. The pause stretched on for a moment before she cautiously broke it.

“…Wait, did you reject him?”

“Yes.”

“…What? But you said you like him.”

“I do.”

“Okay, hold on. What exactly happened? Start from the beginning.”

“Well, at first, Do-gyeong confessed to me, but I turned him down.”

“Why?”

“It wasn’t the right time for that.”

“What do you mean, the right time? If you like someone, you just date them—wait, so what happened after that?”

“Much later, I told him I like him too, but it wasn’t like, ‘Let’s date.’ I just said I liked him, that’s all.”

After a long pause, Choi Soo-bin hesitantly asked, “…Okay, so how did Heo Do-gyeong respond to that?”

Recalling the moment, Kang I-won replied in a slightly embarrassed tone, “…He said if I tell him I love him, he’ll leave me alone.”

At that, Choi Soo-bin let out a small, exaggerated noise of disbelief before clearing her throat and speaking in her usual tone again.

“So… did he leave you alone? Where are you right now?”

“I had somewhere to stop by for a bit.”

“And that was it? He didn’t say anything else?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm… It’s hard to tell just from what you’ve said. Since you told him you like him, has his behavior changed at all? Like, does he take care of you more, is he more physically affectionate—anything you’d notice?”

Kang I-won thought about how Heo Do-gyeong usually acted. Nothing seemed particularly different.

“He’s about the same as usual.”

“Really? Then maybe not…”

“Yeah, I thought so too.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure what to say. Honestly, I can’t tell what’s going on just from listening. Why don’t you just ask him directly? Better to clear things up than leave room for misunderstanding.”
Kang I-won hesitated.

“…What should I ask?”

“Just casually ask, ‘What are we?’ And seriously, how did I end up giving you, Kang I-won, dating advice? You’re out here dating while I’m not.”

“Dating? Hardly.”

The word dating made Kang I-won’s face flush hot. He brought the back of his hand to his cheek, feeling the warmth spreading across his skin. Trying to cool down, he asked cautiously,

“But… what if I ask, and he says we’re nothing? What do I do then?”

“Wow…”

The unexpected exclamation made Kang I-won frown in confusion.

“What?”

“Are you even the Kang I-won I know? You’re acting so unfamiliar.”

Choi Soo-bin teased in a playful tone, her voice laced with amusement. After a small laugh, she continued,

“I’m just kidding. If he says you’re nothing, then confess properly! Who says he always has to confess first? You can take the lead this time.”

“That’s… true.”

Kang I-won nodded, almost entranced. If it turned out they weren’t anything, he could just confess himself. Since Heo Do-gyeong had already said he liked him, there was a good chance the answer would be positive.

Over the device, Choi Soo-bin let out a sigh.

“Ah… but I need to go now. They’re calling me.”

“Alright. Thanks.”

Sincerely grateful, Kang I-won replied. On the other end, Choi Soo-bin gave a faint chuckle.

“Don’t mention it. But seriously, when you get to Seoul, make sure you call me. Let’s find time to meet up. I’ll check my schedule and let you know.”

“Okay.”

By the time their call ended, Kang I-won had arrived at the center. Checking his device, he saw a missed call from Heo Do-gyeong. He quickly returned the call.

“Do-gyeong, what is it?”

“What do you mean, what is it? You said you’d be back ages ago, and you’re still not here. Who were you on the phone with for so long?”

Hearing Heo Do-gyeong’s grumbling over the device, Kang I-won chuckled softly.

“Soo-bin.”

“Esper Choi Soo-bin? Why?”

Technically, it had been for advice, though he couldn’t tell Heo Do-gyeong that. Kang I-won answered vaguely, “Just talking about meeting up when I move to Seoul.”

“Why would you need to meet Esper Choi Soo-bin?”

“To catch up, I guess.”

“…Alright, whatever. When are you getting back?”

“I’m in the lobby. Just wait a little longer, I’ll be right there.”

“Fine. Hurry up.”

As Kang I-won headed for the center lobby, a familiar but unwelcome voice called out, stopping him in his tracks.

“Well, if it isn’t Esper Kang I-won!”

Turning to face the source, Kang I-won found himself looking at a man with droopy eyebrows and eyes that gave him a sly appearance. He didn’t recognize him.

“Do-gyeong, hold on a second. Were you talking to me?”

“Is there another Esper Kang I-won around here? Of course, I meant you. It’s great to see you. Got a minute to chat?”

“What’s this about?”

Though his tone was curt, the man didn’t seem to notice and continued, “Oh, nothing much. I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while now, but you’ve been hard to track down. It’s lucky we ran into each other today! So, do you have time to talk?”

“No, I’m busy.”

“Ah… well, in that case, could I at least get your device number? Maybe we can meet up when you’re free to chat and get to know each other better. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself—I’m Kim, an A-rank Esper…”

“I’m not interested.”

Kang I-won cut him off decisively, rejecting the offer outright.

Ever since his reawakening as an S-rank Esper, this kind of thing happened occasionally. Strangers would try to get close to him, attempting to build a connection for their own gain. They were nothing but opportunists seeking to leverage his status.

The A-rank Esper blinked in surprise at the blunt refusal, but Kang I-won didn’t spare him another glance.

“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

 

“Hey, wait, wait! What’s the rush? No need to be so cold,” the A-rank Esper called out, trying to grab Kang I-won’s attention again.

Kang I-won brushed off the man’s hand immediately, unable to hide his displeasure. As he did, he noticed Heo Do-gyeong walking briskly across the lobby toward him. Why didn’t he just wait? Kang I-won, caught off guard, spoke to him.

“Why’d you come all the way here? You could’ve waited.”

Meeting Kang I-won’s eyes, Heo Do-gyeong softened his previously annoyed expression and smiled faintly.

“Why do you think? I came to find you. Are you tired?”

“Not really.”

As Heo Do-gyeong spoke to Kang I-won, the A-rank Esper, who had been watching the exchange with interest, chimed in with a familiar tone.

“Oh, and here comes Guide Heo Do-gyeong! Perfect timing. If you both have a moment, maybe the three of us could grab—”

“Let’s go upstairs. I’ll guide you,” Heo Do-gyeong cut him off as if the A-rank Esper didn’t exist, speaking directly to Kang I-won.

The A-rank Esper blinked in surprise at being ignored but continued, “Well, maybe just a quick cof—”

“Is there anything you want for dinner?”

“Hey, I’m talking—”

“I noticed the fridge was nearly empty yesterday. We should probably shop before heading home,” Heo Do-gyeong continued, completely disregarding the other man.

Kang I-won glanced at the A-rank Esper, who was now visibly flustered and red-faced from humiliation.

“Hyung, why are you looking at him? Look at me,” Heo Do-gyeong said, drawing Kang I-won’s attention back.

“Right, let’s head up,” Kang I-won replied, deciding to ignore the A-rank Esper as he motioned for Heo Do-gyeong to follow him.

“Good idea,” Heo Do-gyeong said, nodding happily.

As the two walked away, the A-rank Esper muttered bitterly, loud enough for them to hear, “Lucky bastard, awakening as an S-rank and acting all high and mighty.”

Hearing the comment, Heo Do-gyeong stopped and turned sharply. “What did you just say?”

“I said, you think being S-rank means you can look down on everyone?”

“Heh.”

Before Heo Do-gyeong could reply further, Kang I-won placed a hand on his arm. “It’s fine, Do-gyeong. Let’s just go.”

There was no point in wasting energy on this. They were heading to Seoul soon, and Kang I-won doubted he’d ever have to deal with this man again. Getting worked up over someone like him wasn’t worth it.

Though reluctant, Heo Do-gyeong clicked his tongue in annoyance but allowed Kang I-won to lead him away.

As the two walked off, the A-rank Esper gritted his teeth and muttered under his breath, “That Guide… acting like he’s something special. Just wait. One day, I’ll—”

His words were cut off by an involuntary shiver. Cold. Bone-chilling cold enveloped him suddenly, leaving no doubt where it came from.

He didn’t need to turn around to know—it was Kang I-won, staring at him with an icy, murderous gaze.

In the Esper community, fights outside of training were strictly forbidden. Even during training, Espers were expected to regulate their powers. But there were exceptions.

From the moment an Esper entered training, they were taught repeatedly, almost as if brainwashed: powers were for killing monsters, protecting civilians, and guarding Guides. Never use your powers to threaten, oppress, or intimidate civilians or Guides. These principles were drilled into them as absolute, unshakable rules.

If an Esper broke these rules and posed a threat to civilians or Guides, the use of force to subdue them was permitted—even if it meant using powers against another Esper.

And right now, Kang I-won seemed ready to act on that exception.

Kang I-won could tolerate insults directed at himself—he was used to them and never paid them much mind. But hearing someone speak ill of Heo Do-gyeong was another matter entirely, especially when the words were threatening. The A-rank Esper’s remarks could easily be interpreted as intimidation, and that was something Kang I-won couldn’t let slide. If someone dared to threaten his Guide, subduing them was nothing less than self-defense.

Frost began to form on Kang I-won’s fingertips. His anger flared, cold and cutting, ready to escalate further.

But before it could, he felt warmth envelop him. Heo Do-gyeong had wrapped his arms around Kang I-won, his familiar warmth melting through the icy rage.

“Hyung, I’m fine. Don’t waste your energy on this. Let’s just go upstairs, okay?” Heo Do-gyeong’s soft voice whispered in his ear.

The fury that had surged up to the top of Kang I-won’s head dissolved almost instantly. He exhaled, the tension leaving his body as he nodded.

The A-rank Esper, visibly shaken, slumped to the ground. Without sparing him another glance, Kang I-won and Heo Do-gyeong headed to the Guide’s room.

From the café connected to the lobby, two individuals watched the scene unfold. A woman sipping her drink finally spoke up as the pair disappeared from sight.

“Wow, that was intense. What was that idiot thinking, acting like that? Idiot,” she clicked her tongue in disapproval.

The man seated across from her, focused on his phone, nodded in agreement. “No kidding. Does he still think Kang I-won’s just a regeneration-type Esper?”

“Apparently. Shame though. If that guy had gotten Kang I-won’s number, I’d have asked for it too,” the woman remarked, taking another sip from her straw. She suddenly looked up, as though struck by an idea.

“Oh, wait. Didn’t you say you know Kang I-won? Do you have his contact info?”

“No.”

“Then ask him. This is a rare chance to get an S-rank Esper’s number. If you get it, share it with me too.”

The man finally tore his eyes from his phone to glare at her, frowning. “Seriously? After seeing that, you’d still say that? Cold-hearted much?”

The woman tilted her head in confusion. “Why? You said you know him. You’re not as much of a jerk as that guy, right?”

“…”

“Wait, don’t tell me… did you do something to him? Are you feeling guilty or something?”

The man hesitated, his mouth opening and closing before he finally muttered, “…Back when Kang I-won first came here, I was assigned as his temporary Guide for a bit.”

“So? What’s the problem? That’s not a big deal,” she said, puzzled.

Looking increasingly uncomfortable, the man closed his eyes and murmured under his breath, “…I didn’t guide him.”

“What?”

“I didn’t guide him!” he snapped, louder this time.

“What? Why not?”

“He was just a regeneration-type Esper back then! I didn’t think he needed it,” he said defensively.

The woman pulled her straw from her drink, giving him a look of utter disbelief. “Wow. You idiot.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it! I should’ve done it. I regret it, okay?”

“Well, what good is regretting now? It’s way too late for that.”

“You think I don’t know that?”

Frustrated, the man grabbed her iced coffee and downed it in one go.

“Hey!”

She shouted, stunned at having her drink stolen. Regaining her composure, she smacked him on the head with her straw.

“Ow! What the hell?”

“Who said you could drink that? Buy your own, you freeloader!”

“Come on, it’s just coffee. Stop being so stingy!”

“Stingy? Says the guy mooching off me!”

The two bickered, their playful argument masking their shared sense of frustration and missed opportunities.

* * *

Recently, Heo Do-gyeong found himself perpetually irritated.

He liked Kang I-won, and Kang I-won liked him back. They had confessed their feelings to each other. Yet, they were still not officially in a relationship, and that unsettled him.

But he didn’t want to act rashly. His first confession had been spontaneous, driven by an unexpected surge of emotions. The second had been much the same—hurried and more about expressing his feelings than anything else.

Now that Kang I-won was ready to accept those feelings, Heo Do-gyeong wanted to do things properly. He wanted to confess again, clearly and thoughtfully, and officially start a relationship with him.

To that end, he had even prepared rings—custom-made ones, no less. He knew some might scoff at the idea, asking why he’d go so far just for a confession, but he didn’t care. He wanted a physical symbol that showed Kang I-won was his.

Lately, far too many people had been vying for Kang I-won’s attention, and it grated on his nerves. He felt that as long as there was something visible to show that Kang I-won was taken, he could rest a little easier.

The process of making the rings had delayed things, though. He couldn’t settle for something generic from a store—none of those options felt right. He couldn’t bear the thought of putting something less than perfect on Kang I-won’s finger. So, he had waited, however impatiently, for the rings to be ready.

Finally, the rings were done. He had scheduled a dinner with Kang I-won and picked a spot with the right ambiance for his confession. The plan was simple: have dinner, take him somewhere nice, and ask him properly to be his boyfriend.

But with just a few days left until their planned date, Heo Do-gyeong felt increasingly agitated—thanks to the persistent nuisances around them.

Clutching his stomach in frustration, he grimaced as he recalled the scene that had just played out.

“Do you happen to need another Guide? I’ve got a pretty good match rate with Esper Kang I-won, you know. I may be just an A-rank, but… if you ever consider it, please feel free to reach out!”

“No, I don’t need—”

“Thank you for your time!”

The flustered Guide had shoved a slip of paper with their device number into Kang I-won’s hand before practically fleeing. Kang I-won, bewildered, stared after the retreating figure before crumpling the paper and tossing it into the nearest trash bin.

Watching that small act of dismissal eased some of the ache in Heo Do-gyeong’s gut.

Espers and Guides alike had been swarming around Kang I-won lately, all vying for his attention. It disgusted Heo Do-gyeong to no end to see those who once dismissed Kang I-won’s regeneration abilities suddenly flocking to him after his promotion to S-rank.

As Kang I-won turned away from the trash can, he spotted Heo Do-gyeong and widened his eyes in surprise. The expression was so endearing it drew a laugh from Heo Do-gyeong, though the pain in his stomach hadn’t completely subsided.

Hurriedly, Kang I-won approached him, concern written all over his face. “Do-gyeong, are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

“No, I’ll be fine if I just stay like this,” Heo Do-gyeong murmured, leaning his face against Kang I-won’s shoulder. The familiar scent of Kang I-won calmed him, easing the twisting pain in his stomach little by little.

Heo Do-gyeong loved Kang I-won. He loved the low timbre of his voice when he called his name. He loved the way Kang I-won’s eyes, once indifferent to the world, softened with affection when they looked at him. Every little thing about him was precious, so much so that the emotions often overwhelmed him.

But it felt like he was the only one who ever worried about their undefined relationship. He was the only one who felt so impatient. Sometimes, that made him uneasy. At moments like this, he reminded himself that it was enough that Kang I-won had accepted his feelings.

Still, he wished Kang I-won would desire him with the same intensity. Holding that thought close, Heo Do-gyeong pulled Kang I-won into a tighter embrace. The warmth radiating from him soothed the turbulence in Heo Do-gyeong’s heart, even if just a little.

* * *

When should I ask?

Kang I-won mulled over the timing. Perhaps during their upcoming dinner on the holiday? That seemed like a good opportunity to ask carefully. Just in case, he should prepare for a confession too. But how does one even confess?

As he searched online for confession ideas, his eyes caught a particular word: couple ring.

His gaze kept drifting back to the term, and Kang I-won found himself seriously contemplating whether he should prepare rings. Isn’t it too much to think about couple rings before even confessing properly? he wondered. It felt over-the-top, but he couldn’t stop thinking about it.

To Kang I-won, a couple ring felt like a replacement for the bond they had lost. It was something tangible that could serve as proof of their connection. The thought of leaving a physical mark on Heo Do-gyeong’s hand, something that said he’s mine, was so tempting that Kang I-won eventually gave in and prepared a ring.

He didn’t know Heo Do-gyeong’s exact ring size, so he made an educated guess. If it didn’t fit, they could fix it later. For now, it was more about having the symbol ready.

With the ring in hand, Kang I-won anxiously awaited the day of their meeting.

On the long-awaited holiday, Kang I-won discreetly slipped the ring case into his pocket, finding himself constantly touching it. The light case felt unbearably heavy, a constant reminder of the weight of his intentions.

Sitting in the passenger seat as Heo Do-gyeong drove them to the restaurant, Kang I-won kept fidgeting with the case. Even after they were seated at their reserved table and the food was served, he couldn’t figure out when to bring it up.

“How is it? Is it good?”

“Yeah, it’s delicious,” Kang I-won replied, though he wasn’t really tasting the food. He was too preoccupied with his thoughts. When should I say it? After we finish eating? Before we leave? While walking out? In the car?

But even after the meal, even as they drove to a scenic spot with a beautiful night view, even as they strolled up the quiet, breezy pathway, Kang I-won couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

His heart grew increasingly restless. If they just looked at the view and left, the day would be over. Finally, Kang I-won came to a stop.

“Do-gyeong.”

“Yes?”

“I… have something to say.”

“What is it?”

What are we? If we’re nothing, let’s start dating. I like you, Do-gyeong.

The words he had prepared swirled in his mind, but none of them made it out of his mouth. When the moment came, they all felt childish and awkward. He couldn’t bear to lay his feelings bare. After hesitating for a long moment, Kang I-won shook his head.

“…Never mind, it’s nothing.”

“You’re being so anticlimactic,” Heo Do-gyeong teased lightly.

The two resumed walking side by side, but Kang I-won’s mind was in turmoil. If not today, when? Tomorrow? The day after? If I can’t even say it today, how will I manage once we’re back to our regular routines?

No, today was the only chance. He had to say it today.

Determined, Kang I-won reached out and grabbed the hem of Heo Do-gyeong’s coat, halting him.

“…Do-gyeong.”

Hearing his name again, Heo Do-gyeong furrowed his brow slightly and turned to face him.

“Why are you acting like that? You’re making me nervous.”

“I feel like I won’t be able to say it if I don’t do it now.”

“…Say what?”

Kang I-won glanced at Heo Do-gyeong, whose face was pale with unease. Guilt washed over him—he realized he had yet to fully reassure him.

Just as Kang I-won had been nervous, so had Heo Do-gyeong. Without understanding that, he had let his own worries consume him. I should’ve just said it earlier instead of waiting.

Kang I-won searched his feelings.

He liked the way Heo Do-gyeong looked at him, with eyes full of affection. He liked the warm, gentle tone of his voice when he called his name. He liked the big, comforting arms that hugged him, the unwavering care, and the earnestness that never gave up on him. He loved every part of Heo Do-gyeong—the persistence, the unfiltered honesty, and the constant affection.

Every moment spent with him had become a precious memory, filled with happiness. Kang I-won wanted to spend more time with him, to live out a future he had never dared to imagine before.

The feelings he wanted to express couldn’t be captured with a simple I like you. It wasn’t enough.

Taking a deep breath, Kang I-won gathered his courage and spoke the words that carried the full weight of his heart.

“I love you.”

A soft smile spread across Kang I-won’s face as he looked into Heo Do-gyeong’s eyes, holding his gaze. The unexpected confession left Heo Do-gyeong stunned, his expression blank with shock.

Kang I-won chuckled lightly and repeated himself, “I love you, Do-gyeong. So, if we’re still nothing right now… should we start dating?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Heo Do-gyeong pulled him into a tight embrace. Kang I-won wrapped his arms around him in return, their bodies pressed close without an inch to spare.

“Yes. I love you too. God, this feels so good,” Heo Do-gyeong said, his voice filled with unrestrained joy.

He smiled radiantly, a smile Kang I-won had never seen before. It made his heart race wildly, his face heating up in response.

“Can I kiss you?” Heo Do-gyeong asked, his smile still in place.

“Yeah.”

Without hesitation, Kang I-won grabbed his chin and pulled him in for a kiss. Their lips met softly at first, but as they deepened the kiss, it grew more passionate. Heo Do-gyeong responded eagerly, his tongue exploring with fervor, leaving Kang I-won breathless and flushed.

It wasn’t for guiding or anything else—just a kiss. And that made it all the more exhilarating.

By the time they finally pulled apart, their lips were swollen and tingling. Heo Do-gyeong’s fingers brushed against Kang I-won’s lips, tracing the lingering warmth.

“Since you confessed first, let me do this part,” Heo Do-gyeong said, pulling out a small ring box.

Inside was a pair of rings—elegant and clearly designed for a proposal rather than a mere confession.

“Sorry for doing this without asking. I was… in a rush,” he admitted.

Kang I-won blinked, speechless.

“With all those people crowding around you since you became S-rank, I figured I needed to make it clear you’re mine. It’s a warning—back off, he’s taken.”

When Kang I-won didn’t respond, staring silently at the rings, Heo Do-gyeong’s voice turned cautious. “Do you… not like it?”

Kang I-won shook his head immediately. “No. I like it. I really like it, but…”

“But?”

Kang I-won scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “If I’d known, I would’ve said something sooner.”

“Like what?”

“I prepared something too,” he said, pulling out a simpler pair of couple rings he had bought. Compared to Heo Do-gyeong’s elegant design, his felt modest and unassuming. Embarrassed, Kang I-won muttered, “Do you think I can return these?”

“Why return them? Put them on me,” Heo Do-gyeong said, holding out his hand.

“But you already have these,” Kang I-won replied, gesturing at the fancier rings.

“So what? I’ll wear both,” Heo Do-gyeong said with a grin.

With trembling hands, Kang I-won slid the simpler ring onto Heo Do-gyeong’s finger, alongside the other. Both fit perfectly. Satisfied, Heo Do-gyeong took Kang I-won’s hand and did the same, placing his ring on Kang I-won’s finger.

Bringing the newly adorned hand to his lips, Heo Do-gyeong kissed the ring and smiled. “Never take it off.”

“You either.”

“I won’t.”

“Me neither.”

The two stared at their matching rings, an odd but perfect pairing, and intertwined their hands tightly. Their hearts, once filled with uncertainty, now felt perfectly aligned.