LONG CHAPTER AHEAD

---

# Side Story 2: Seoul

After about a month, Kang I-won’s assignment was officially changed. He was now part of Seoul’s Second Branch, the same one as Heo Do-gyeong. Although it was a bit disappointing to no longer be in the same branch as Choi Soo-bin, who belonged to the First Branch, the joy of being in the same branch as Heo Do-gyeong far outweighed any sense of loss.

Once the reassignment was finalized, the two quickly packed their belongings and moved to Seoul. Since they had already taken care of most of the preparations while waiting for the reassignment, there was no reason to linger in the Southern Gyeonggi branch.

In the car on the way to Seoul, Kang I-won stared blankly at the unfamiliar scenery passing by outside the window. Then, turning his head, he looked at Heo Do-gyeong.

My Guide. My lover.
The sweetness of that realization was almost overwhelming, leaving him with a faint smile that refused to fade. Whenever he saw the two rings on Heo Do-gyeong’s finger, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction fill the emptiness left behind by their lost bond.

Yet, despite how fulfilling this was, greed began to rear its head once again. The growing desire left Kang I-won both surprised and unsettled.

He wanted to bond with Heo Do-gyeong. That longing was becoming increasingly intense.

Does Do-gyeong still want to bond with me? Kang I-won couldn’t be certain. If Heo Do-gyeong had even mentioned it casually, it might have been different. But he hadn’t said a word about bonding.

That night had been no exception. They had confessed their feelings, kissed, and exchanged rings. But that was it. Nothing more. Heo Do-gyeong had been so composed and straightforward that it made Kang I-won feel embarrassed for expecting something more.

From that night until now, nothing had happened. Sometimes their guiding sessions ended with a kiss, but that was all. And it left Kang I-won increasingly unsure. Considering how he reacted in the dome, it’s not like he doesn’t have feelings…

Is he satisfied with this? The thought gnawed at him. Was he serious when he said bonding wasn’t necessary? The uncertainty left Kang I-won feeling restless.

Noticing the weight of his gaze, Heo Do-gyeong glanced at him briefly and asked, “Why? Do I have something on my face?”

“No.”

Even as Kang I-won shook his head, he didn’t look away. Instead, he asked, “How’s it over there?”

“There? Not much different. The buildings are a bit nicer, and there are more people. But places where people live are all pretty similar.”

After answering, Heo Do-gyeong added in a colder tone, almost as if talking to himself.

“And… there are a lot of annoying things.”

“Annoying things?”

“Exactly what I said—things that are a nuisance. But it’s no big deal, so just ignore them.”

Curious about what he meant by “annoying things,” Kang I-won held back from asking further, noting the slight irritation in Heo Do-gyeong’s tone. I’ll find out once I get to the Second Branch anyway, he thought and let the matter rest.

After driving for about another hour, they arrived at Heo Do-gyeong’s house. It was a three-story standalone residence that left Kang I-won speechless. The house was stunning—so much so that he stood frozen at the entrance, staring inside without even taking off his shoes.

How did I ever think of living at my own place when this existed? The sheer luxury of the house was mind-boggling.

Noticing Kang I-won standing at the door, unmoving, Heo Do-gyeong asked with mild confusion, “Why are you just standing there? Aren’t you coming in?”

“Oh… Excuse me…” Kang I-won mumbled, stepping cautiously inside.

Seeing this, Heo Do-gyeong chuckled softly. “There’s no one else here, you know. And this is your house now too, so make yourself comfortable.”

“…I don’t think I’ll ever get comfortable.”

“You will. You’ll get used to it eventually.”

Kang I-won surveyed the spacious interior with a bewildered expression. While it was undeniably nice, it was almost too much—he doubted he’d ever adjust to it.

“I’ll show you to your room,” Heo Do-gyeong offered.

They ascended the spotless staircase to the second floor, which had a large living room similar to the one downstairs. Past the living room, Heo Do-gyeong opened a door and said, “You can stay here. Want to take a look?”

The room was clean but bore traces of someone else’s presence. Blinking, Kang I-won asked, “Isn’t this your room?”

“It is. What, don’t you want to share? You didn’t seem to mind before.”

While he didn’t exactly dislike the idea, it seemed unnecessary given how spacious the house was. Of course, as someone who was freeloading, he wasn’t in a position to complain. Still, Kang I-won hesitated.

“…The house is huge, though.”

Heo Do-gyeong laughed and opened the door to the adjacent room. “I was joking. You can stay here.”

The second room was slightly smaller but still quite large—easily more than twice the size of Kang I-won’s previous room. It was decorated in a sleek gray and navy color scheme, giving off a neat and modern vibe.

“I’ve already stocked it with the essentials for now. If you need anything else, we can get it later.”

Looking around, Kang I-won thought the room already had everything he might need. There didn’t seem to be anything missing—except for one thing.

“Where’s the closet?”

“I’ll show you the dressing room.”

Dressing room? Kang I-won blinked in surprise and followed Heo Do-gyeong to another nearby door. When it opened, he was greeted by a meticulously organized walk-in closet that looked more like a high-end boutique.

“Your clothes are over here,” Heo Do-gyeong said, pointing to one section.

“My clothes?”

His clothes were still packed in boxes since he hadn’t unpacked yet. Curious, Kang I-won looked where Heo Do-gyeong had indicated. Hanging neatly were some familiar-looking items of clothing.

They were the ones Heo Do-gyeong had picked out at the department store. Kang I-won’s face twisted into an expression of disbelief.

“You bought those too?”

“Of course,” Heo Do-gyeong replied matter-of-factly.

“…Why?”

“Because I wanted to?”

“You might’ve ended up throwing them away.”

“But I didn’t. They’ve found their rightful owner.”

At Heo Do-gyeong’s cheeky response, Kang I-won opened and closed his mouth, momentarily speechless, before finally managing to speak.

“Still, it’s a waste of money. Don’t do that again.”

“It’s fine. My father left me quite a bit, so spending this much doesn’t even make a dent. What’s the point of saving money if you don’t use it?”

It was a fair point, one that left Kang I-won without a proper retort. He simply exited the dressing room in silence.

Even after the dressing room, the house continued to surprise him. There was a small study set up for reading or working and even a room with a projector dedicated solely to watching movies, furnished only with a two-seater recliner sofa.

“Now that you’ve seen the house, want to watch a movie?”

Recently, the two had started a shared hobby: watching movies. Kang I-won had taken an interest after watching a film with Heo Do-gyeong during his brief hospital stay following the dome incident. Since then, they had been watching movies together more frequently and enjoying the experience.

After a moment of deliberation, Kang I-won nodded.

“What do you feel like watching? Action? Romance? Comedy?”

“Anything’s fine.”

Having only recently discovered an interest in movies, Kang I-won didn’t have any particular preferences yet. Even films that might bore Heo Do-gyeong held his attention.

“Then I’ll pick something I want to watch.”

“Okay.”

“Alright, sit down.”

At Heo Do-gyeong’s prompting, Kang I-won settled into the recliner. It was incredibly comfortable, with a footrest that made it easy to relax.

After turning on the projector and dimming the lights, Heo Do-gyeong sat down beside him. With practiced ease, he navigated the remote and started the film. The setup felt like a private theater, allowing them to focus entirely on the movie without any distractions.

Or at least, that was the idea.

Kang I-won found it hard to concentrate on the movie, distracted by the warmth radiating from Heo Do-gyeong beside him. The lack of an armrest between them meant their bodies occasionally bumped, making him acutely aware of every small movement. He stole a glance at Heo Do-gyeong, who seemed fully engrossed in the screen.

I need to focus on the movie too, he told himself, forcing his gaze back to the screen. In his nervousness, he failed to notice how stiffly Heo Do-gyeong was sitting beside him.

Two hours passed both quickly and slowly. While his eyes had been on the screen the entire time, Kang I-won couldn’t remember much of the plot. Instead, what lingered in his mind was the warmth he felt from where their bodies had touched.

As the credits rolled, Heo Do-gyeong turned to him. “Not bad, right? By the way, is there anything you feel like eating for dinner? I saw the housekeeper left some side dishes earlier. Should we just eat those?”

“Housekeeper?”

“Yeah. She comes every morning to prepare meals and sometimes leaves extra side dishes. The cleaning crew only comes when we’re out, so you probably won’t see them. But you might run into the housekeeper occasionally. I’ll introduce you next time.”

“Oh… okay.”

The idea of someone else taking care of cooking and cleaning was novel to Kang I-won. Then again, managing a house this size alone would be nearly impossible.

For dinner, they ended up eating the galbi-jjim and side dishes the housekeeper had left. The taste was astonishing, to the point where Kang I-won’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Does it suit your taste?”

“Yeah. It’s delicious.”

“Better than what I make?”

Honestly, the housekeeper’s cooking was better—though that wasn’t to say Heo Do-gyeong’s cooking wasn’t good. It was just that the housekeeper’s skills were on another level, which wasn’t surprising.

Kang I-won, terrible at lying, answered cautiously, “What you make is good too.”

“At times like this, you’re supposed to say mine is better,” Heo Do-gyeong said with a faint pout.

“Yours is better,” Kang I-won replied quickly.

At that, Heo Do-gyeong laughed, and Kang I-won found himself smiling along with him.

After finishing dinner, they watched another movie before heading to bed. When Kang I-won finally entered his new room, he couldn’t help but feel that it was a bit lonely.

Was it because the room was too spacious? Or maybe because it was unfamiliar?

Standing hesitantly by the door for a moment, Kang I-won eventually closed it and stepped fully inside.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he ran his hand over the soft mattress and smooth sheets. The luxurious feel put him at ease, and he thought to himself, I’m really living in comfort thanks to Do-gyeong.

Lying down, Kang I-won was soon enveloped by the bed’s warmth. It seemed like the perfect setup for a good night’s sleep.

Yet, he found himself tossing and turning.

His body was more comfortable than ever, and the environment was peaceful. Was it just the unfamiliarity of the room? But he had slept in unfamiliar places many times before.

Then what’s the problem?

Sighing softly, Kang I-won shifted again. It was only after a long time of restlessness that he finally managed to fall asleep.

* * *

The next morning, as Kang I-won got ready for work, Heo Do-gyeong watched him with a sulky expression and grumbled.

“Are you sure you don’t want to take a bit more time to rest? It’s not urgent, and they’d be fine if you took a few more days off.”

“What’s the point of resting? There’s nothing to do.”

“Nothing to do? You should be going on dates with me, obviously.”

“Da… dates…”

Kang I-won’s cheeks flushed faintly. Despite all the time they had spent together and their newly established relationship, moments like this still made him feel shy and flustered.

“That sounds nice, but… I really want to get back into it and get used to things.”

It hadn’t been long since his reawakening, and he still wasn’t entirely familiar with his new powers. Though he had occasionally practiced while at the Southern Gyeonggi branch, the opportunities had been limited, and the monsters he faced weren’t strong enough to challenge him meaningfully.

His control over his abilities remained clumsy, often resulting in frost forming on parts of his body when he used them. While it was only mildly inconvenient, it was a constant reminder of how much he still had to improve. His drive to train stemmed not just from pride but also from a deep desire to protect those he cared about, especially Heo Do-gyeong.

Espers always dream of greater power, and Kang I-won was no exception. Having lost many people due to his past limitations, he yearned for strength more than anyone.

Even though he knew such desires were often futile, the impossible had already happened—he had reawakened. So now, he couldn’t help but aim higher.

Smiling softly as he looked at Heo Do-gyeong, Kang I-won said, “My body feels a bit stiff, and I didn’t do much proper training while I was resting. I need to start again.”

“Alright, then. Let me get ready too. Just wait a bit.”

After preparing at a leisurely pace, the two set off together in Heo Do-gyeong’s car. The trip to the center was short, taking less than ten minutes, and despite their relaxed start, they arrived quickly.

The moment Kang I-won set foot into the Second Branch, all eyes turned toward him. People walking by stopped to glance at him, those chatting at café tables fell silent, and even those sitting in the nearby resting areas shifted their focus. It felt like the entire center was watching them.

The stares were brief, with people quickly returning to their tasks, but it was clear that their attention remained fixed on Kang I-won and Heo Do-gyeong.

Uncomfortable under the scrutiny, Kang I-won fidgeted awkwardly, but Heo Do-gyeong gently patted his shoulder and said in a kind voice, “Ignore them.”

“What?”

“Just ignore them. There’s no need to pay attention. Let’s go—this way.”

Hearing Heo Do-gyeong’s soft tone, a few audible gasps echoed around them.

Is this what he meant by ‘annoying things’? Kang I-won wondered, confused, as he followed Heo Do-gyeong toward their destination.

They were heading to the branch director’s office for a meeting. Normally, transferring to a new branch wouldn’t require meeting the director, but Kang I-won’s S-rank status made this an exception. Additionally, since it had been a while since Heo Do-gyeong had been active at the center, he was also scheduled for a meeting with the director.

When they arrived at the office, the director’s assistant greeted them and led them inside. The director, who had been sitting behind his desk, jumped to his feet to welcome them.

“Ah, it’s great to finally meet you, Esper Kang I-won! And it’s been a while, Do-gyeong. Please, sit down.”

Coffee was served as the director took a sip from his cup and started the conversation.

“We originally planned to have Esper Kang I-won join the First Branch, but we fought hard to bring him here instead. If it weren’t for Do-gyeong, we might have lost him to the First Branch! Haha.”

“…What?”

Hearing this for the first time, Kang I-won turned to Heo Do-gyeong, who leaned in and whispered, “I might’ve begged a little.”

“…Begged?” Kang I-won echoed, bewildered.

The cognitive dissonance hit Kang I-won hard as he stared blankly at Heo Do-gyeong. Even the branch director, who overheard the exchange, gaped at Heo Do-gyeong in surprise.

“I told them if they didn’t assign you here, I’d transfer to the First Branch too. I’m your Guide, after all—we should be in the same branch.”

That sounds less like pleading and more like outright blackmail, Kang I-won thought.

“Smart move, right?”

“Uh, yeah… good job.”

Kang I-won nodded absentmindedly, still trying to process what he had just heard. The director, regaining his composure, cleared his throat and resumed speaking.

“Ahem, anyway. S-rank Espers typically prioritize solo operations over team assignments, but if you’d prefer, we can form a team centered around you. Of course, even if you’re part of a team, S-ranks often act independently. Which do you prefer, Esper Kang I-won?”

After a brief moment of consideration, Kang I-won answered, “For now… I’d like to operate solo.”

“Understood. If you change your mind later, just let us know. And if you encounter any inconveniences while settling in, don’t hesitate to speak up. Naturally, Do-gyeong will be assigned as your dedicated Guide. For the time being, you’ll focus on nearby activities without being dispatched elsewhere. And….”

The director continued to explain minor details before wrapping up.

“Well, I think that’s everything for now. Do-gyeong, stay back for a moment. Esper Kang I-won, you can head out first.”

“It won’t take long. Wait for me, okay?”

“Okay. I’ll go ahead,” Kang I-won replied, nodding to both men before stepping out of the office.

As he sat on a bench near the director’s office, waiting for Heo Do-gyeong, someone hurriedly approached from the hallway, glancing nervously over their shoulder as if being chased. The man slowed as he passed Kang I-won but then stopped and turned back.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?”

“If anyone comes by and asks if you’ve seen me, could you just say you haven’t?”

“Uh… sure.”

“Thanks!”

Kang I-won nodded, bemused, as the man flashed a bright smile and walked away quickly. But before he could get far, the door to the director’s office opened, and Heo Do-gyeong stepped out.

The moment the man saw Heo Do-gyeong, he froze, his eyes widening in surprise.

“You! Hey! When did you get here?!” he exclaimed, pointing a finger at Heo Do-gyeong.

“Lower your hand,” Heo Do-gyeong said coolly.

The man obeyed, lowering his hand but still looking flustered. “Seriously, when did you come back?”

“Yesterday.”

Their casual banter left Kang I-won blinking in confusion. They know each other? He had never seen this side of Heo Do-gyeong before—so familiar and comfortable.

“What? You came to Seoul and didn’t even let me know? That’s cold,” the man complained.

“Why would I need to contact you?”

“Are we not close enough for that? That’s hurtful.”

Close? Kang I-won’s head snapped toward Heo Do-gyeong, his gaze sharp and questioning.

Caught off guard by the look, Heo Do-gyeong hastily said, “We’re not close. Not at all.”

“Not close?! We’ve been through so much together! Have you forgotten all that time? You heartless guy… sniff, sniff… Do-gyeong, this is so painful for me.”

The man pretended to cry, covering his face dramatically with his hands. Kang I-won’s expression turned unreadable, a mix of confusion and mild irritation.

Grinding his teeth, Heo Do-gyeong snapped, “Kim Jin-soo, stop fooling around. Seriously, we’re nothing like that.”

Kim Jin-soo dropped the act and chuckled, his demeanor turning playful. “So who’s this?” he asked, glancing at Kang I-won.

Immediately, Heo Do-gyeong stepped in front of Kang I-won, shielding him. “Don’t bother.”

“Why are you so touchy? I’m just saying hello. It’s polite.”

“It’s unnecessary.”

Despite their reunion, Heo Do-gyeong’s curt tone left Kim Jin-soo visibly disappointed. Noticing the tension, Kang I-won cautiously asked, “Who is he? I’m curious too.”

“He’s Kim Jin-soo, a Guide I know. You don’t need to pay him any attention,” Heo Do-gyeong replied firmly.

Kim Jin-soo blinked, then slowly smiled as realization dawned.

“Ah, ah… ohhh!” he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.

“It’s him, isn’t it? The one you wanted to be your exclusive! Am I right?! I knew it when I saw you sticking close to someone unfamiliar!”

Extending a hand with a bright smile, Kim Jin-soo introduced himself.

“Hi! I’m Kim Jin-soo, a Guide and this guy’s friend. Don’t take what I said earlier too seriously—it was just a joke. We’ve known each other for ages, so I get a little carried away sometimes. Anyway, it’s really nice to meet you! Let’s get along.”

Kang I-won hesitated, still unsure about Kim Jin-soo, but eventually took his hand for a brief handshake.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kang I-won.”

 

“Now that I think about it, I heard an S-rank Esper was joining today… could that be you, by any chance?”

Feeling awkward, Kang I-won nodded slowly.

“…Yes, that’s me.”

Kim Jin-soo’s face lit up as he smiled broadly.

“Oh, if you ever need guidance, feel free to let me know! Though, I have one favor in return—”

“You? Guiding him? Don’t bother,” Heo Do-gyeong interjected flatly. “Ignore whatever he says.”

“Ignore me?! Do you have any idea how much I’ve suffered because of you? Huh?! The mess you left behind—do you know how much I’ve had to endure because of it? You abandoned them, and I’m still stuck cleaning up your mess, you wretched guy! Ugh…!” Kim Jin-soo’s voice rose dramatically as he waved his hands in frustration.

“I told you to take over that team,” Heo Do-gyeong replied, utterly unfazed.

“And that’s what you’re going to say?! Unbelievable!”

The argument between the two left Kang I-won blinking in confusion, unable to follow the conversation.

“The ones you abandoned,” Kang I-won thought. Who could that be? But the answer came to him quickly—it didn’t take much imagination to figure it out.

As a Guide, Heo Do-gyeong must have had an assigned team at some point. So, Kim Jin-soo was likely referring to the Espers from Heo Do-gyeong’s former team.

For reasons he couldn’t explain, the thought left a sour feeling in Kang I-won’s chest. He rubbed at the ache near his sternum absentmindedly, finding the gesture oddly comforting.

From the distance, someone called out loudly, “Jin-soo hyung, come on! Listen to us already!”

Kim Jin-soo grimaced, clearly annoyed, and sighed. “Ah, crap! They’re already here. I’m out of here! If anyone asks where I went, you didn’t see me!”

He hurried off, leaving Kang I-won watching his retreating figure.

“Wow… what a chaotic guy,” Kang I-won commented.

“If he talks to you again, ignore him,” Heo Do-gyeong said firmly.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want you talking to other Guides.”

Embarrassed by Heo Do-gyeong’s blunt declaration, Kang I-won’s face flushed red.

“…But he’s your friend, not just another Guide.”

“Before being my friend, he’s still a Guide. Whatever he says, only accept guidance from me—not him or anyone else.”

“That goes without saying. And…”

Kang I-won was about to add “you too” with a tinge of jealousy when another voice interrupted.

“Oh, what’s this? Guide Heo Do-gyeong? Long time no see!”

The cheerful tone was met with a visible wave of irritation from Heo Do-gyeong, who immediately looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“Move along, will you?”

“Did you see Jin-soo hyung? Where’d he go?”

“I have no idea.”

“Come on, you must know.”

“I don’t.”

Heo Do-gyeong’s scowl deepened as he made no effort to hide his annoyance.

“If Jin-soo hyung takes over our team, we won’t bother you anymore, you know? He’s softhearted—if we push just right, he might say yes. So, help us out, will you?”

With a sigh, Heo Do-gyeong pointed in the direction Kim Jin-soo had disappeared.

“He went that way. Now, leave me alone.”

Waving his hand dismissively, as if shooing away a pest, Heo Do-gyeong turned his back.

“Ha, thanks a lot! Jin-soo hyung! Come on, listen to us already!” the man shouted as he walked off in the direction indicated.

“You weren’t supposed to tell him,” Kang I-won thought, but he chose not to say anything.

Once the man was gone, Heo Do-gyeong turned to Kang I-won. “So, what were you going to say earlier?”

“Ah… nothing. Never mind.”

Realizing what he had been about to confess earlier made Kang I-won feel a sudden wave of embarrassment. Shaking his head, he began walking ahead, only to pause and remember that he didn’t know the layout of the center. He slowed his steps and fell into stride with Heo Do-gyeong, matching his pace.

* * *

Kang I-won hesitated for a moment, staring at the empty space and the walls that the trainer, Lee Kang-seok, had so confidently praised. It wasn’t that he doubted the trainer’s words, but testing out his abilities on something that was touted as “unbreakable” felt like a lot of pressure.

“…Is it really okay?” he asked cautiously.

Lee Kang-seok’s grin widened. “Of course! These walls are designed for S-rank Espers to go all out. Trust me, no matter how strong the attack, it won’t even leave a dent.”

Still uncertain, Kang I-won glanced over at Heo Do-gyeong, who was leaning casually against the doorframe, watching him with a faint smile.

“Go on,” Heo Do-gyeong encouraged, his tone light. “It’s a good chance to test your control. Besides, I’d like to see what you’ve got.”

The subtle challenge in Heo Do-gyeong’s words sparked something in Kang I-won. Straightening his posture, he let out a slow breath and stepped forward.

“Alright. I’ll give it a try.”

Lee Kang-seok clapped his hands together, clearly excited. “That’s the spirit! Just let loose, and don’t hold back. This is what this space is for.”

Kang I-won took a moment to focus, feeling the cold energy within him start to surge. His breath became visible as the temperature around him dropped. Small tendrils of frost began forming along his hands as he concentrated, channeling his power into a single point.

With a sharp exhale, he extended his hand, releasing a concentrated blast of icy energy. A wave of frost shot forward, slamming into the wall with a deafening crash. The impact sent a shockwave through the room, and for a moment, the air was filled with the sound of cracking ice.

When the dust and frost settled, the wall stood unscathed, just as promised.

“…Whoa,” Kang I-won muttered, impressed by the resilience of the wall.

Lee Kang-seok let out a boisterous laugh. “See? I told you! This place is built to handle anything. That was a great hit, by the way. You’ve got some serious power!”

Despite the compliment, Kang I-won’s attention was already shifting. He was examining the faint trails of frost still lingering in the air, a sign that his control wasn’t as precise as he wanted it to be.

“It’s strong,” Heo Do-gyeong said, stepping closer. His voice was calm, but there was a glint of something—pride, perhaps—in his eyes. “But you’re scattering energy. Try focusing it more. Like this.”

Without waiting for permission, Heo Do-gyeong reached out, placing his hands over Kang I-won’s. The sudden contact made Kang I-won stiffen, but the steady warmth of Heo Do-gyeong’s touch helped him refocus.

“Don’t think of it as releasing power outward,” Heo Do-gyeong said softly, guiding him. “Condense it. Imagine holding it in your hand and then sending it exactly where you want it to go.”

Kang I-won closed his eyes, following Heo Do-gyeong’s instructions. This time, when he summoned his energy, it felt more controlled, like a steady stream instead of a wild burst. With a sharp motion, he released the energy again.

The impact was smaller this time, but the intensity was focused. The frost patterns on the wall were denser and more precise, leaving an intricate, snowflake-like pattern that quickly faded.

When he opened his eyes, Lee Kang-seok was staring at the wall in awe. “That was incredible! The precision… I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Kang I-won turned to Heo Do-gyeong, who gave him a small, approving nod.

“Better,” Heo Do-gyeong said simply, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction.

Kang I-won felt a swell of pride. For the first time in a while, he felt like he was starting to get a handle on his new abilities. And with Heo Do-gyeong by his side, guiding him, he was confident he’d only get better.

“Still… just in case,” Kang I-won muttered hesitantly.

“It’s fine, really. Just give it a shot. This wall can handle anything. What’s your ability that’s got you so hesitant?”

“It freezes things—my ability is cryokinesis. The wall will be covered in ice.”

“That’s no problem at all. At most, it’ll just frost over a bit. Go ahead and give it your all. This wall’s taken fire, water, you name it—it’s built for this.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Kang I-won finally gave in to the temptation. But before releasing his power, there was something more important to take care of—he turned to Heo Do-gyeong.

“Do-gyeong, could you step outside for a bit?”

“Why?”

“Just in case.”

Heo Do-gyeong paused briefly, considering Kang I-won’s request. Then, with a small nod, he left the room without argument. The door closed behind him, and Kang I-won let out a slow breath, steadying himself.

As the room fell silent, he began to unleash his power, carefully but resolutely.

* * *

“Ah-choo!”

Esper A sneezed loudly while walking down the hallway toward the training room. A sudden chill ran through their body, making them shiver as though they had stepped into a freezer. Wrapping both arms around their own torso, they muttered under their breath.

“Who the hell turned on the air conditioning in this weather? Ugh, it’s freezing.”

The center’s climate-controlled environment meant that in winter, it was always warm, and in summer, pleasantly cool. Because of this, employees typically didn’t wear heavy clothing indoors. But now, the cold seeped through, making Esper A’s body tremble. Someone must’ve lost their mind and turned on the air conditioning instead of the heater. What an idiot. Muttering curses, Esper A continued toward the training room, hoping it would at least maintain its usual optimal temperature.

Oddly, the closer they got to the training room, the colder it became. The chill deepened to the point where Esper A wondered if they might actually catch a cold. Grumbling, they reached for the doorknob of the unusually tightly shut training room—but immediately pulled their hand back.

The knob was so icy it felt like it might freeze their skin.

“What the hell is this?” they muttered, blinking in confusion.

From down the hall, someone approached—an employee bundled up in a padded jacket, clutching a stack of A4 papers. The staff badge hanging around her neck displayed her name and job title.

“Excuse me, miss. What’s going on here?” Esper A called out.

“Didn’t you hear? There was a minor incident. The training room will be closed for a while,” the employee replied matter-of-factly.

“Huh? Why?”

“I wasn’t given the full details. Just a moment, please.”

Esper A stepped aside as the staff member approached the door. She took one of the A4 papers and taped it to the door.

[Restricted Access: Check the announcements for details.]

That single line was all the notice contained.

“How long will it be closed?”

“I haven’t been given a timeline. When more information becomes available, we’ll update the announcement.”

“Can’t you at least give me an estimate?”

“I’m afraid I can’t speak to that. Please refer to the contact information in the announcement for any inquiries.”

Esper A nodded reluctantly. The staff member shivered, even in her padded jacket, and quickly scurried off with small steps, clearly eager to get away from the cold.

“Ah-choo!”

Esper A sneezed again, sniffled, and finally gave up. They walked briskly away from the sealed training room, rubbing their arms for warmth.

Their body still trembled uncontrollably. At this rate, they were definitely going to catch a cold.

* * *

Today, Kim Jin-soo was once again dodging those clinging to him, begging him to be their designated Guide. As he darted around, he spotted two familiar faces. Though he had just seen them yesterday, it was a pleasant surprise to bump into them again today.

But something seemed off—Heo Do-gyeong looked flustered, almost desperate. Despite being in a hurry, Kim Jin-soo couldn’t resist stopping. His curiosity reared its head, rooting him to the spot.

After some hesitation, curiosity ultimately won. Kim Jin-soo approached them quietly.

As he got closer, Kang I-won’s face came into view, a peculiar guilt clouding his expression. In front of him, Heo Do-gyeong was floundering, trying to console him with an unusually gentle tone.

Someone consoling someone else? And that someone being Heo Do-gyeong? Kim Jin-soo wanted to believe he was seeing things, but the soft voice ringing in his ears left no room for denial.

“It’s not your fault, hyung. It’s the trainer’s fault. That person told you it was fine to use your ability as much as you wanted, didn’t they?”

“Even so….”

“And it was that person who kept insisting, even after you refused. So, relax, okay? You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I should’ve controlled it better, though.”

“Being strong isn’t your fault, is it? If anything, the higher-ups will probably love this. A powerful Esper just joined.”

“…But now the training room is unusable.”

“That’ll be fixed soon enough. They only said it’ll be closed for a week.”

“And during that week, other Espers won’t be able to use it because of me.”

Heo Do-gyeong, sweating bullets, was doing his best to console Kang I-won, who seemed crushed by guilt after the accident he caused on just his second day. Watching this unusual display, Kim Jin-soo let out a small sigh and muttered under his breath.

“Wow, I never thought I’d live to see something like this.”

It was the first time he’d ever seen this side of Heo Do-gyeong. They’d known each other since high school, a relationship spanning years, and yet today, Heo Do-gyeong seemed like a completely different person. Consoling and comforting someone? The tone of his words and the way he interacted with Kang I-won felt utterly foreign. The soft voice tickling his ears even gave Kim Jin-soo goosebumps.

It almost felt as if someone else entirely had slipped into Heo Do-gyeong’s skin.

“It’s not like training is impossible without that room. Besides, hardly anyone actually uses it for practice. Most of them just pick fights with each other.”

But then, when Heo Do-gyeong reverted to his usual condescending and snarky tone, Kim Jin-soo felt a small sense of relief. Yes, this was the Heo Do-gyeong he knew.

So, the recent notice had been about Kang I-won. That made sense—an S-rank Esper was bound to cause some commotion. Though he didn’t know the exact nature of Kang I-won’s abilities yet, Kim Jin-soo couldn’t help but nod in understanding as he slyly inserted himself into their conversation.

“He’s right, hyung. Don’t worry too much. That place gets damaged all the time and always ends up under repair. If anything, it gets sturdier with every incident. Isn’t that right?”

“Hyung? Who are you calling hyung…? Anyway, Kim Jin-soo’s right.”

“Really?”

Heo Do-gyeong, who had been ready to retort with a scowl, shut his mouth and begrudgingly agreed with Kim Jin-soo. With both of them reassuring him, Kang I-won’s drooping shoulders finally seemed to regain some strength. Kim Jin-soo continued.

“When Choi Jae-young was here last time, he wreaked havoc too. Thanks to him, they reinforced the walls really well. I guess you wouldn’t know about that, Do-gyeong, since you weren’t around then…”

At the mention of Choi Jae-young, Heo Do-gyeong’s face twisted, his expression souring despite his best effort to stay composed. Kim Jin-soo, noticing this, awkwardly scratched the back of his head and quickly tried to steer the conversation.

“Oh, sorry. But hey, he found another Guide, you know. Met them at the place he was dispatched to. They’re a B-rank, but he seems really attached to them.”

“Him?”

“Yeah. Hard to believe, right? I couldn’t believe it either until I saw it myself. He was all over them, no matter the place. I was stunned. I even thought for a moment, Is this really the Choi Jae-young I know? But looking at it, you don’t need to worry. He doesn’t seem interested in you anymore.”

“Well, that’s good.”

“Exactly. So relax, okay? Plus, they sent him off to another place to make sure you two don’t cross paths for a while. He’s in Chungcheong Province this time.”

Kim Jin-soo’s words seemed to ease the tension on Heo Do-gyeong’s face bit by bit. Watching this, Kang I-won hesitantly asked, “Who’s Choi Jae-young?”

“He’s my former team leader. Not someone worth paying attention to, so don’t worry about it,” Heo Do-gyeong replied flatly.

“Hey, that’s not fair. He’s also an S-rank Esper. Though, to be fair, he’s not someone you need to care about anymore,” Kim Jin-soo added.

An S-rank Esper who apparently had shown interest in Heo Do-gyeong in the past. The mere thought made Kang I-won’s chest twist with an unfamiliar pang. He instinctively rubbed his sternum as if to soothe the discomfort.

From what he gathered, Choi Jae-young had found another Guide and wasn’t likely to bother Heo Do-gyeong anymore. Just as Heo Do-gyeong said, it was nothing to worry about. After all, it was a connection from the past, and now, Kang I-won was the one officially paired with him. Reassuring himself, Kang I-won felt the tension in his chest ease.

But it seemed the universe wasn’t done twisting his insides just yet.

“Guide Heo Do-gyeong! Is it true you have a boyfriend? No way!”

“It’s true, so go away.”

“Are you sure? How about ditching him and coming to me instead?”

“Not happening, so leave.”

“What does he have that I don’t?”

“Too many things to count. Now shut up and get lost.”

Kang I-won watched the endless stream of people pestering Heo Do-gyeong with a mixture of irritation and exhaustion. As Heo Do-gyeong said, the amount of attention he received was absurd—more than just a lot, it was downright overwhelming.

Watching him coldly reject every single one of them gave Kang I-won a strange sense of satisfaction, though it also made him a little uneasy. While rare, there were instances where Espers became physically aggressive toward Guides. Even though he could protect Heo Do-gyeong, the thought of not being able to at some crucial moment worried him.

“…Is it really okay to do that?” Kang I-won asked cautiously.

“Of course. If I’m too nice to those kinds of people, they’ll just crawl all over me, thinking they’re entitled,” Heo Do-gyeong replied, his tone dripping with exasperation.

“As long as I’m nice to you, that’s enough,” he added with a sly smile, his voice teasing.

With a grin, he continued, “I’m so popular, you’ll have to keep a close eye on me, right?”

“Yeah. Guess I’ll have to stick close to you,” Kang I-won agreed easily.

He hadn’t expected Heo Do-gyeong’s popularity to be so overwhelming. The lingering gazes from people of all ages and genders toward his Guide sparked a quiet sense of urgency in him. It seemed the only way to feel at ease was to keep him firmly by his side.

Even the ring he’d slipped onto Heo Do-gyeong’s finger felt ineffective now. Maybe he needed to go further—perhaps a marking, something unmistakable. Lost in serious thought, Kang I-won flushed slightly when he noticed Heo Do-gyeong staring at him.

“What?” Kang I-won asked, puzzled.

“Nothing… I just didn’t expect you to actually say that.”

“Well, I don’t plan on letting anyone else take my Guide.”

At those possessive words, Heo Do-gyeong bit his lip to suppress a smile, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him, curling upward. Seeing this, Kang I-won continued, his voice soft but earnest.

“I know you can’t only Guide me. I know that as a dedicated Guide, you sometimes have to take on other Espers too.”

“…Still, I wish you didn’t have to Guide anyone else if you could help it.”

Despite understanding the situation, he couldn’t help the greed spilling out. Every word he spoke dripped with the desire to monopolize Heo Do-gyeong entirely.

Hearing this, Heo Do-gyeong’s earlier smile faded slightly, replaced by a more troubled expression. The shift sent a pang through Kang I-won’s chest, but before his thoughts could spiral, Heo Do-gyeong spoke.

“I want that too. I’d like to Guide just you, but… for now, I’ll have to keep taking on others too.”

“…Why?” Kang I-won asked, unable to hide the shock in his voice.

“I can’t just do whatever I want, you know. It was one of the conditions I agreed to when I requested leave recently. They made me promise to Guide five Espers a day.”

“Five a day?” Kang I-won repeated, stunned.

“They wanted ten, but I managed to negotiate it down,” Heo Do-gyeong grumbled. Even so, Kang I-won couldn’t get past the fact that his Guide would be spending time with others daily.

“For how long?”

“They said six months… but I’ll try to cut it down to three. I’m too busy Guiding you to keep it up that long.”

With a resigned tone, Heo Do-gyeong leaned his forehead against Kang I-won’s shoulder, letting out a soft sigh. His playful whining only made Kang I-won’s frustration grow.

Kang I-won wanted to demand why his Guide had to care for others, but he knew it was because of him that Heo Do-gyeong had to shoulder the burden in the first place. He couldn’t complain.

Still, a heavy sigh escaped him. Why couldn’t he have his Guide all to himself? The unfamiliar surge of emotions made his chest twist once more, and he instinctively rubbed his sternum again, trying to soothe the ache.

* * *

Living in Seoul wasn’t too bad for Kang I-won, except for the fact that Heo Do-gyeong had to handle the Guiding for several Espers. Compared to his time in the southern Gyeonggi region, life here was a bit more leisurely, and he got to spend more time with Heo Do-gyeong.

Of course, whenever Heo Do-gyeong left for Guiding duties, it made Kang I-won’s chest twist uncomfortably, but it was still manageable—for now. After all, he only needed to endure it for three months. That knowledge helped him hold on.

Everything seemed fine, except for one thing: sleep—or rather, the lack of it. Three, four, even five days passed, and still, every night he found himself unable to sleep. His body felt tired, yet deep sleep eluded him. It wasn’t because of nightmares—there were none. He just couldn’t fall asleep, no matter what.

Even increasing the intensity of his training sessions hadn’t helped. Despite pushing his body to its limits, leaving it more fatigued than usual without relying on his regenerative powers, he would lie in bed and toss and turn for what felt like forever before finally drifting off.

The lack of explanation only added to his frustration. A sigh escaped him. At least tomorrow was a day off. Maybe he could afford to sleep in a little. Pressing his fingers to his throbbing temples, he rose from his bed.

At that moment, a timely knock sounded at his door. Opening it, he was greeted by a well-groomed and fresh-looking Heo Do-gyeong.

“Did you sleep well?” Heo Do-gyeong asked.

“And you?” Kang I-won countered.

“Of course I did,” he replied smoothly.

“I slept fine too,” Kang I-won mumbled, swallowing a yawn threatening to escape.

The two of them went downstairs, where they sat down for breakfast prepared by the housekeeper. The dishes she left behind every morning were nothing short of perfect. Today’s main dish was braised mackerel with radish. Although picking the fish off the bones was a bit of a hassle, there was no fishy smell, and the radish was tender and thoroughly soaked with seasoning. The subtly spicy flavor made it impossible not to keep reaching for more.

Watching Kang I-won, who was still a hearty eater despite not being quite as voracious as before, Heo Do-gyeong chuckled.

“The housekeeper says cooking for you is a joy because you eat so well.”

“…Tell her I appreciate her efforts and enjoy the meals.”

“I will.”

The housekeeper always left early in the morning after preparing breakfast, so neither of them had ever met her. Kang I-won made a mental note to thank her in person if he ever got the chance as he continued eating. Even the side dishes were perfectly to his taste, leaving nothing to waste.

After finishing their meal, they headed to the center together. Most of their time there was spent in Kang I-won’s private room. Spacious and well-equipped, the room was furnished for writing reports, relaxing, or even showering in the attached bathroom. It was practically equivalent to having a hotel suite at his disposal.

Of course, not every Esper was assigned a private room. This was an exclusive privilege reserved for S-rank Espers.

Kang I-won and Heo Do-gyeong weren’t doing anything special—just spending time together in Kang I-won’s private room. When it was time for patrols or when they were called away, they would leave separately. Kang I-won for his duties, and Heo Do-gyeong when there was a Guiding request. After finishing, they would return and spend more time together in the room.

Today was a patrol-free day, peaceful with no unexpected calls. Yet, Heo Do-gyeong kept leaving. Kang I-won couldn’t help but feel a twinge of dissatisfaction every time he remembered Heo Do-gyeong’s apologetic expression as he said, “I’ll be back soon,” before stepping out.

Curled up on the sofa, Kang I-won wrapped his arms around his aching stomach. He didn’t understand why he’d been feeling so uncomfortable lately, with his stomach twisting and aching for no apparent reason. The pain made him consider visiting a doctor, but he never followed through. Oddly enough, the ache would disappear the moment Heo Do-gyeong returned, so he kept putting it off.

If only he could bond with Heo Do-gyeong, then there wouldn’t be any need for him to Guide others. Should he bring up the idea of bonding?

The thought weighed on his mind, yet Kang I-won hesitated to voice it. The biggest reason for his reluctance was the lack of physical intimacy between them.

Even during the three months they had lived together at Kang I-won’s house, they hadn’t progressed beyond the occasional kiss. On the day they confessed their feelings for each other, they had kissed, and Guiding sessions sometimes came with a kiss afterward—but that was the extent of it.

Heo Do-gyeong’s restrained attitude made Kang I-won feel like he was the only one restless for more. Though Heo Do-gyeong had once said they could “try again,” after being turned down once, he never brought it up again. Did he not want to? But during the dome incident, he had responded earnestly. Was it different now? Was Heo Do-gyeong content with the way things were? These questions made Kang I-won sigh deeply.

He knew that being honest could resolve the matter—whether it ended in acceptance or rejection, Heo Do-gyeong would give him a clear answer. But the fear of rejection silenced him, the possibility too daunting to face.

Lying on the sofa, curled up and clutching his stomach, Kang I-won waited for Heo Do-gyeong to return. The wait felt unbearably long and tedious.

If waiting for such a short time was this agonizing, what was Heo Do-gyeong feeling when he was left behind while Kang I-won was away? The thought made his chest tighten with curiosity and guilt.

Before long, the door opened, and Heo Do-gyeong walked in. Seeing Kang I-won lying on his side, clutching his stomach, a worried expression spread across his face. He quickly approached and asked, “Is your stomach hurting? Why are you lying like that?”

Heo Do-gyeong’s warm, broad hand rested on Kang I-won’s stomach, and the dull ache seemed to vanish almost instantly. It was almost miraculous.

“It’s nothing. Just hungry,” Kang I-won replied nonchalantly, not wanting to worry him.

Relief replaced the concern on Heo Do-gyeong’s face, and a small smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

“It’s almost time to clock out. Should we leave early? I’ve finished today’s Guiding quota.”

“Let’s do that,” Kang I-won agreed.

“Great. I’ll cook dinner for a change. Is there anything you want to eat?”

After a brief moment of thought, Kang I-won replied, “Doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew).”

“Sounds good. How about watching a movie after dinner? We can stay up late since tomorrow’s a day off.”

“Sure. Let’s watch a horror movie,” Kang I-won suggested with a teasing smile.

“…No horror, please,” Heo Do-gyeong replied, his unease apparent.

Kang I-won chuckled softly at his reaction. “I’m joking. Let’s watch an action movie.”

“There’s a new one out that’s been getting good reviews. Should we watch that?”

“Sounds perfect.”

And just like that, the tension in the room eased, replaced by the quiet anticipation of a peaceful evening together.

“Okay.”

Whenever Kang I-won had these simple, mundane conversations with Heo Do-gyeong, a profound sense of fulfillment would well up in his chest. In moments like these, he wondered if bonding was really all that important. His worries would fade, only to resurface again later.

After arriving home, Kang I-won helped with dinner preparations. They had soybean paste stew cooked by Heo Do-gyeong, paired with side dishes the housekeeper had left. Once they finished eating, they settled down to watch the movie they’d planned on.

As the movie played, Kang I-won felt sleep creeping up on him. Even though the screen displayed high-speed car chases and loud, booming noises echoed through the room, his heavy eyelids betrayed him. It was likely due to the week-long struggle with sleepless nights.

He tried to stay alert, but his vision kept blurring, and the warmth emanating from Heo Do-gyeong sitting beside him lulled him into comfort. This isn’t good. He tried to fight it, but the weight of his eyelids was impossible to resist. Eventually, he succumbed to sleep.

When he woke again, the movie had ended at some unknown point, and the screen displayed nothing but black. Kang I-won blinked a few times before turning his head to look at Heo Do-gyeong, who had also fallen asleep, holding his hand tightly.

Checking the time on his device, Kang I-won realized it was already early morning. Surprised, he considered waking Heo Do-gyeong but stopped himself. Seeing him fast asleep with a peaceful expression, he couldn’t bring himself to disturb him.

The air was still chilly at night, so Kang I-won decided to fetch a blanket. He carefully untangled his hand from Heo Do-gyeong’s grasp and started to rise from the sofa. Just as he moved, a firm hand encircled his waist, pulling him back down. Kang I-won froze, his back pressed firmly against the warmth of Heo Do-gyeong’s chest.

“Don’t go….”

The sleep-laden voice of Heo Do-gyeong whispered in his ear, sending a shiver down his spine.

“I was just getting a blanket….”

“No. Don’t go….”

Still half-asleep, Heo Do-gyeong buried his face in Kang I-won’s back and tightened his hold around his waist.

Even though Heo Do-gyeong was only human, and Kang I-won, as an Esper, had much greater physical strength, he didn’t try to break free. If he wanted to, he could easily escape the embrace. But instead, he surrendered to it, unwilling to leave the warmth radiating from Heo Do-gyeong. Closing his eyes, Kang I-won quickly fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

When he woke again, the morning sun was just beginning to rise. He found himself startled by their position—the sofa was reclined as far back as it could go, and they were now wrapped in a thin blanket that he didn’t recall fetching. More notably, he was lying face-to-face with Heo Do-gyeong, their arms wrapped around each other.

As Kang I-won stirred, Heo Do-gyeong began to wake as well. He tightened his arms around Kang I-won and murmured in a groggy voice, “Should we sleep a little longer? I’ve been so tired these past few days….”

Kang I-won blinked in confusion. He said he’s been sleeping well, so why is he tired? Still, seeing the exhaustion etched on Heo Do-gyeong’s face, he chose not to question it and stayed nestled in his embrace.

Half-asleep, Heo Do-gyeong whispered near his ear, “I couldn’t sleep without you….”

The fatigue-laden confession sent a strange sensation through Kang I-won’s chest. Could it be that his own sleeplessness was because Heo Do-gyeong wasn’t there either? Realizing this, he softly admitted his own struggle.

“Me too.”

At those words, Heo Do-gyeong’s eyes snapped open, filled with a mix of surprise and intensity. Despite the clear exhaustion in his face, his gaze burned brightly as he looked at Kang I-won. Blinking rapidly, Heo Do-gyeong asked, “…What do you mean by that?”

“I couldn’t sleep either. I think it’s because you weren’t there.”

Hearing this, Heo Do-gyeong pulled him into a tighter hug, whispering, “Hyung, should we move to the bed and sleep a little more? Just sleep.”

Without much hesitation, Kang I-won nodded. The two of them moved from the sofa to the bed, where they slept soundly until the sun was high in the sky and beginning to wane. It was the best sleep either of them had had in days, completely free of the insomnia that had plagued them.

From that day forward, an extra pillow appeared on Heo Do-gyeong’s bed.

* * *

Esper T, who had been dispatched to Busan, returned to Seoul after two months. Back in Seoul, the one thing that filled Esper T’s heart with joy and longing was the prospect of reuniting with someone he had desperately missed—Heo Do-gyeong.

Watching Heo Do-gyeong from afar, Esper T couldn’t suppress the surge of emotion that rose within him. Ever since Heo Do-gyeong had been reassigned to southern Gyeonggi, he had missed him deeply.

To Esper T, Heo Do-gyeong’s Guiding was unparalleled, the best he had ever received. Other Guides could never compare, and each session with someone else left him yearning for Heo Do-gyeong even more. Now, the thought of receiving Guiding from him again made Esper T’s heart swell with anticipation.

Still, Esper T wasn’t delusional. He never wished for any deeper connection with Heo Do-gyeong. How could someone like him, merely an A-rank, even dream of forming such a relationship?

To him, Heo Do-gyeong was an unattainable presence. Someone admired by all but possessed by none. Untethered and free, his independence made him seem all the more fair and awe-inspiring. To be lucky enough to even brush against such a person was a privilege in itself.