PRT | Chapter 2.10

The Gate, shimmering dangerously, was eerie. Perhaps because it resembled an abyss, even a brief look made him dizzy. It also seemed to give off an unusually foul smell.

Without realizing it, Kim Heeseo tensed up and stepped forward. Just as he took one step, his eyes met with Seo Yigyeom’s. It seemed like Seo Yigyeom had been watching him for a while now.

How long did they exchange those strange looks?

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Suddenly, all movement stopped. Instinctively, he felt it. The energy from the Gate close by was not normal. The atmosphere became unstable in an instant. The flow of air around them changed very slowly.

“Kim Heeseo, come over here.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom’s eyes hardened as he commanded firmly. He must have sensed the Gate’s anomaly too because he moved as he spoke. Kim Heeseo, glancing at the Gate that looked like it might explode any moment, started to move.

One step. Two steps. Three steps.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Ugh…!”

Someone grabbed his foot as he moved towards Seo Yigyeom. Looking down, Kim Heeseo was horrified. It was the hand of a monstrosity, gripping his ankle. Even as it was dying, it made its last struggle.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Its strength was so fierce it felt like his leg might break. The ground where its heavy body pressed was beginning to crack. The unstable energy from the Gate surged, enveloping the area.

“Guide-nim, wait…”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Kim Heeseo urgently looked up at Seo Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom, who had already closed the distance, changed his expression and reached out. Kim Heeseo also reached out for help, but their hands didn’t meet.

“Kim Heeseo!”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Their fingertips brushed past each other. The ground beneath suddenly gave way.

It was an endless fall.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

* * *

“Heok!”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Kim Heeseo flinched, his eyes snapping open in shock. Like someone pulled from the water, he flailed around, trying to grasp his surroundings. Despite the faint pain wracking his body, his hands roamed the damp ground.

It took a moment to grasp the situation.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Ah…”

Lifting his upper body off the ground, Kim Heeseo ran a hand through his disheveled hair. His face, marked by confusion and fatigue, bore traces of the chaos. Only then did his sense of judgment return to its place.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

The surroundings were dark and musty. The only light was seeping in from a hole in the ceiling. The scene before his eyes and his last memories predicted the present. Unfortunately, his guess was spot on.

He had fallen after all.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The situation was so absurd that he was left speechless. Why did he always end up in these messes? It felt like he was cursed with bad luck.

“Guess it’s good to be alive.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Kim Heeseo glanced up at what seemed like the ground above and let out a wry chuckle. It was more like a laugh of disbelief.

What had he done while free-falling? He guessed he must have used his ability unconsciously. Trying to twist space to find a way out, a sudden, terrible headache had forced him to close his eyes. After that, everything went black.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

…If he was unharmed, it meant his ability had manifested properly.

He had sensed that something was off with the Gate. The energy emanating from it was far from benign. Even Seo Yigyeom had a different expression than usual. It was dangerous as it was, and he had tried to avoid it based on instinct.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

At that moment, he was the closest to the Gate. There was no one else around, only Seo Yigyeom giving him attention. Just as he tried to dodge while meeting his gaze, something horrific had grabbed his ankle.

“Shit, it hurts…”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Recalling the fleeting sensation, Kim Heeseo touched his left ankle. Feeling the swollen shape, he feared he might need another cast. Dropping his eyes, he gently touched it for a moment before freezing as if the power had been cut off. A sudden shiver ran down his spine.

Before he fell, he was undoubtedly with some monstrous entity. It had pulled his ankle, causing the fall. If that was the case, the creature was also in this damp, eerie space.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Panic-stricken, Kim Heeseo turned his head like a broken machine.

“Argh!”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He screamed as his eyes met those of the creature staring right at him. Instinctively, he clenched his fists and bit his lip, remembering the unnatural strength. The darkness made it all the more terrifying.

…It must be dead, right?

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Stepping back from the creature, Kim Heeseo stopped in his tracks when he saw one direction. “Ah…” His voice trembled as he looked at Seo Yigyeom. The tension around him eased slightly.

Seo Yigyeom was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, silent. He seemed to have watched Kim Heeseo’s entire ordeal, both when he was unconscious and when he woke up in a panic.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Why are you here?”

“That’s what I’d like to know.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Surprised and somewhat embarrassed by Seo Yigyeom’s unexpected presence, Kim Heeseo asked, and Seo Yigyeom answered in a low voice.

Kim Heeseo stared at him. The last person he had seen before falling was Seo Yigyeom. Now, here he was, possibly several meters below with him. It felt strange.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Seo Yigyeom also seemed different, not bothering to hide his irritation, standing there like a grim reaper.

Their hands clearly hadn’t touched. Did he jump in after him? Was that why he had such a daunting aura…?

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Despite knowing Seo Yigyeom was watching him, Kim Heeseo was lost in thought. The situation was that surprising. There was no doubt Seo Yigyeom was one of the best people he’d met at the Esper Management Headquarters, but whether he was a good person was still up for debate. Would he be kind enough to save someone? The answer was doubtful.

…If we worked together, would he save me like this?

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Would he have jumped if Moon Jung-o had fallen? That image didn’t come easily to mind. Seo Yigyeom never seemed like someone who would risk himself to help others.

“Why?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

As if he couldn’t answer his own question, Seo Yigyeom asked Kim Heeseo instead.

“Did you jump after me because you were worried? To save me? Because you were concerned…?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Did you hit your head when you fell? You didn’t have any external injuries.”

When Kim Heeseo voiced his guess with a hint of doubt, Seo Yigyeom responded with a look that said he was crazy. Feeling awkward at the sharp response, Kim Heeseo touched his neck. Come to think of it, aside from his ankle, all he felt was muscle pain. Meanwhile, Seo Yigyeom seemed uncomfortable. His posture was not that of someone unscathed.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Surprised, Kim Heeseo stood up abruptly, limping towards Seo Yigyeom. He crossed the invisible line he had set without realizing it and finally approached him. After a brief inspection with his eyes, he noticed something like blood and reached out to grab it.

“Guide-nim, are you hurt somewhere?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Looking at him with a now serious expression, Seo Yigyeom let out a light chuckle.

“Don’t just grab people.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

He spoke quietly and pushed the hand away.

“Seems like Kim Heeseo finds me comforting.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Not really.”

The idea of finding Seo Yigyeom comforting was absurd. Even if they planned for future collaborations, he couldn’t be at ease with him. Answering grumpily without thinking, Seo Yigyeom smirked as if amused.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Then move a bit further away.”

Quickly withdrawing his smile, he pushed his forehead with his finger, looking more worn out than usual. Perhaps his injury was severe; fatigue seemed to seep through.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Pushed back by his gesture, Kim Heeseo rolled his eyes. The scent of blood seemed to mix with Seo Yigyeom’s usual fragrance. He worried about what might have happened while he was unconscious.

“There’s a smell of blood from Guide-nim.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Does that excite you?”

“…Huh? No?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

After quietly responding, Kim Heeseo realized the implication and raised his voice. His face heated up. Confused by the suggestion, Seo Yigyeom chuckled and pulled out a cigarette.

“Then just ignore it. It’s nothing serious.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“But…”

“Focus on your own ankle. It looks like it’s about to explode.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

With Seo Yigyeom’s harsh tone, Kim Heeseo only moved his lips before closing his mouth. Clearly, this man who seemed to have jumped on his own accord still spoke roughly.

If only he would show off a bit, but Seo Yigyeom didn’t make any show of it. Even though they might have fallen from a considerable height and could have been seriously injured, he just sat there nonchalantly. This made Kim Heeseo feel both grateful and guilty, muttering like a grumble.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I’m not that bad off.”

“A doctor has arrived, it seems.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“You were like that too.”

“The comparison’s off. Do you think I’d be foolish enough not to know my own condition?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

His pointed words silenced Kim Heeseo. Seo Yigyeom filled the silence.

“It’s annoying, so sit down. Standing next to me won’t solve anything.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I was just worried.”

Irritated by Seo Yigyeom’s sarcastic tone, Kim Heeseo retorted quietly before sitting down a little ways off. Although he didn’t show it, his leg really did hurt. It seemed to hurt even more after standing for a bit.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Shit…

Silently swallowing his groan, Kim Heeseo adjusted his leg out of Seo Yigyeom’s sight, touching his ankle. He didn’t realize that even his pained expression was visible.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

While Kim Heeseo tended to his leg, Seo Yigyeom remained silent. Glancing at the man standing idly, even in the dimness, his presence was undeniable as he just held a cigarette.

“Aren’t you going to smoke?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I don’t have a lighter.”

“Ah…”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The memory of Seo Yigyeom throwing his lighter to Lee Chilhyeon came to mind, and Kim Heeseo worried about the aftermath. It was an assault, and there were many witnesses. Photos might have already spread around. It would certainly cause a stir.

“…I’m sorry. And thank you.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Feeling an unwarranted sense of responsibility, Kim Heeseo said quietly. Seo Yigyeom only shifted his gaze slowly to look at him. The look in his eyes seemed to ask for a reason, so Kim Heeseo added quickly.

“Actually, I felt really good about it earlier. That’s why I just watched.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He knew it could become a problem. He was aware that more rumors would fill the Esper Management Headquarters, yet he had ignored it. He had selfishly enjoyed the moment, hiding behind Seo Yigyeom. Kim Heeseo was aware of this.

“Kim Heeseo is honest even at times like this.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom murmured as if talking to himself, his face deep in thought.

“I understand what you’re thinking, but let’s leave it at that. There won’t be any issues.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He declared that the incident would end here. The white cigarette that had been in his mouth fell to the ground, and he crushed it under his shoe, signaling the end of their conversation. Kim Heeseo nodded without further questions.

“And.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Just as Kim Heeseo was about to look down, Seo Yigyeom caught his attention.

“Why are you acting so defeated?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

He looked genuinely puzzled.

“What do you think your standing is in the Headquarters?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“…”

“You seem to be under some misconception, but I’m the only one you need to bow down to here.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He always said it. Don’t forget he’s S-rank. That part was still awkward, but Kim Heeseo quietly agreed. Being treated as nothing more than a C-rank was better than this.

“Don’t get beaten up. It ruins my reputation to carry you around.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text