PRT | Chapter 2.12

Even if he were to be ignored, it would’ve been just brushed off. Yet, Seo Yigyeom took the time. Expressing genuine gratitude, Kim Heeseo watched as Seo Yigyeom glanced down at him with an odd look.c637586ae24bc880

“…Why?”bad6911f6bb76c48

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To the 67f9c04566 small question, 74e55b5fd6 Seo Yigyeom 77ef1457f5 chuckled as 56628882a6 if he a803e4c631 found it 44e6de2ad8 ridiculous and d0868b340c entered the 88342ba9d9 elevator.de350862f4cdbca7

“I thought you might even be sarcastic, but not even that…”3a2f79856268e283

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“…”16bae4ae1f0f2d05

“Dealing with Kim Heeseo is draining.”caef75610cc732df

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His words were 0014854097 ambiguous, neither praise b714599326 nor insult. While Kim Heeseo ba05c4f189 chewed over the dad4570337 remark, Seo Yigyeom c57f7f72a4 added nothing more, 091b0c76f7 and the elevator 6afc1bdec8 descended in silence 0bcc8043a0 to the basement.964daabbdc9e18a4

“Uh, aren’t we going to the company cafeteria?”523c1b2842d996fe

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“I don’t eat there.”4015e57f1ffc0056

With the firm answer, Kim Heeseo went, “Ah…” silently acknowledging. He guessed Seo Yigyeom’s taste might be quite particular. He had never once seen him at the cafeteria, which was considered decent. At the same time, he wondered if it was okay to go out now that lunchtime was over.419a2325e0ecd849

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“Is it okay to leave?”b472a3415489f099

“Seems like you’re full of company loyalty. I’m not.”e971641750fbf2bc

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His nonchalant attitude dispelled even the slight worry. Caught in Seo Yigyeom’s indifferent gaze, Kim Heeseo chose to remain silent. He certainly wasn’t that loyal, and for once, his smartwatch was quiet.7fce8e47629d4e78

Ding. The elevator doors bdcd72bec5 opened with a fc90c7e1c4 cheerful sound. Upon reaching 873a18f21f the basement 36a2a0fae2 and following 848fa250b4 Seo Yigyeom, c9270207ea Kim Heeseo 751bdb2d92 noticed a fb6da7051f different car 6195e4cd02 from the d28766024f one he 3884647e0f had ridden 4d949a8f14 before.fd927c2830bca325

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How many d52117a0e1 cars does c748520cd8 he have?316a9b40f0a53ffa

Surprised anew, Kim Heeseo glanced at Seo Yigyeom beside him. He didn’t know much, but he knew everything about Seo Yigyeom was expensive. He realized why people talked about him so much, apart from his abilities.4c5256109ba57c10

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“Uh, I’ll drive.”8e9a117093dfc9c4

Startled by Seo Yigyeom heading towards the driver’s seat, Kim Heeseo exclaimed.d6c5b9c632ed75f8

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“You’re injured.”d9a9bc6e2b30370e

“I’m not the one with the injured leg; that’s Kim Heeseo.”bb29b141852cbd36

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“I’m fine now. It’s my left leg; it’s not much of a strain.”ea804c5c9e48d832

Without further d660d76fdd ado, Seo ce52106258 Yigyeom just 764fc1bf78 looked at 7ac5e1d131 his leg ec25788c20 before gesturing c020ffa522 towards the 00fb6474c2 passenger seat.2aaf5e2d1ca642be

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“Fine, just get in.”823352df692b69ab

Then he got into the driver’s seat first. Kim Heeseo, following him, reluctantly took the passenger seat. Seo Yigyeom, gripping the wheel with little enthusiasm, immediately started the car.bdb823d69b8d54d3

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It was quite warm a01cebc9a1 outside. The midday sun 8f1ee370c1 poured down without a34c45a81d a filter. It felt 2fec4c7736 like spring e888b833c8 with no f863d9ce46 cold wind.8ed9a1b258c3b654

To spend time so leisurely in the middle of the day…24b1acba9e095f31

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He couldn’t remember the last time he had such leisure. It felt even more surreal because he was with Seo Yigyeom. Looking out the window, Kim Heeseo breathed comfortably without realizing it. His lips relaxed unconsciously, too focused on the scenery passing by to notice Seo Yigyeom’s gaze.4e74199f685b467c

The car kept driving 99624bc30b for a while. The only noise was 47198fb325 the sound of light 508f3d1941 streaming through the windows. The silence shared with a41c836be5 Seo Yigyeom was not fc7e3a0e53 unfamiliar but not exactly 529525c332 comfortable either.e5ba35a516f2d8fc

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Kim Heeseo, 0d041c7f6c though sitting 2b45c34c7a still, glanced 025dba31eb at Seo b8039fc976 Yigyeom, who 33c03c63bc drew his 95f0145198 attention. Seo Yigyeom was 7dd867c761 looking ahead with 20456a904a a dry expression affe08666a under the pouring aac7c431ae sunlight, shadows cast de7689db77 along his fine 68bc9b9c7c nose.0f601cae61dadbaf

“…You drive well.”9bc0c6ebe05a0641

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To break the silence, c3e57d003c Kim Heeseo spoke but e27846b791 felt embarrassed by his 1019a28e2e own words and bit 4cb8ff9b67 his lip. He had never heard 05eb2ca2f1 anyone say he was c1533b3051 bad at socializing, yet 9abe92b4f5 what he just said 2bb92c390d felt like the worst.fd6c26422274fb72

“Surprising. I thought Kim Heeseo wouldn’t know how to drive.”9cd2f18525be4515

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Seo Yigyeom 6e77a35ce2 responded with 36a3f82caf a brief, ea86a4e72d wind-like laugh.e2dc1606927b2625

“I drive well. I did a lot of delivery jobs.”eb04c5c0c760fc09

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“Delivery?”4b5e848e05d2e069

“Yeah. I’ve done a lot of things.”c4d5cad7944bbfc3

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Kim Heeseo 9a856472c0 eagerly joined 41619a9b54 the conversation, 3e026660e1 expecting another d8760296d4 comment from 5127cd0f4c Seo Yigyeom.8762c2bc4804f8e6

“School?”f3e28b6bc84a6bdf

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“I didn’t go because I wanted to make money fast.”8c268b0b7fcd874d

His grades in middle and high school were never bad; he had even been called out for awards several times. But he didn’t go to college. Knowing he had someone to take care of alone, he wanted to secure a place quickly. Back then, the desire for education was overshadowed by the daunting four years. Once he stepped out into society as a young adult, that fear only grew.82b7bdf7e8d876d4

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“Sometimes I was jealous of friends at school, but I don’t regret it. Seeing where I’ve ended up, I think it was fate not to go.”4693ade8e872ede8

Kim Heeseo added words Seo Yigyeom hadn’t asked for, smiling faintly. There was no lie in what he quietly laid out.7e1b70c1b13d8f7f

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“You achieved one thing at least.”a0e6e9fe3e4b7ffc

When Kim Heeseo looked at him with curiosity, Seo Yigyeom dropped a short word. “Money.”e3491440042d96cf

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“You’re going to be sick of handling it soon.”0915d15fbf8b32cd

“That would be nice…”d6a792e8c9c83f4c

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In response, Kim Heeseo d947321fc6 smiled quietly. The light filtering abddf1a077 through the window 722d6aa9ab caught on his b1eab6e323 gentle eyes and 5c1221af61 lips, creating a d479313d17 boyish smile on 699d32081f his pale cheeks.ac63821b87df14d3

He hadn’t lived seeking others’ approval, but hearing similar words felt good. Seo Yigyeom must know about the environment he came from. Maybe he was saying this on purpose? He entertained the thought, though he knew it was unlikely, loosening his expression.f4ffedfa6bed19aa

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“Say something else.”28caa62fef51030f

Breaking the b0f3c5159a silence while 30982a0fa0 driving, Seo c628ae6482 Yigyeom spoke e62ecf9845 in an 560e16934a uncharacteristic way.b620d801067b53b9

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“Kim Heeseo isn’t noisy.”10583aae70635cb6

“…”25bf90f572b772d1

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“And I like that.”43aea5082f12de0b

His words were vague. Was he talking about… the influence? Kim Heeseo, dazed by the softly spoken words, cleared his throat. He continued with a more composed voice.4573c6903bc6d1b4

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“…Lately, I’ve been handling the training well. My abilities are more stable than before.”1b1b82961d3b2750

He didn’t mention the occasional piercing headaches. Seo Yigyeom was probably more interested in Kim Heeseo’s capabilities as an S-rank Esper, so there was no need to mention that.7a7789ed6b818df3

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“Moon Jung-o Esper-nim also praised me.”143926fde601abb4

It was true; Moon Jung-o occasionally offered encouragement and praise. He would nod with a slightly surprised look, saying that was enough. Each time, Kim Heeseo’s face would light up with excitement.94abea17c81dff1b

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“So,”013852ad19670b73

A small laugh 0d7ca0d9c0 mixed with a 5a267d6d62 breath tickled his 712cf4806a ears.a163f9234f62bcb6

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“Did you get excited because of the praise?”c7d2ace9f628aa73

It was 4ec8739ff8 a tone 0ed182cc83 one would 3caeb40759 use with 0ecb9373f6 a child. Truly speaking as 59053d1268 if he meant 3f323e05a6 it, without any 3cad4ff4c9 hint of sarcasm.cbd41a75c5e23b1e

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“Why bother wrapping it up?”0b754674d531e2c1

When Kim Heeseo fell silent, feeling somewhat embarrassed, Seo Yigyeom continued. Even though his laughter had faded and he returned to his usual expressionless face, it wasn’t frightening.fe0c6becca69902f

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“I already know enough.”a678cc26af2e9049

Instead of showing any e415a2e802 reaction, Kim Heeseo clenched 778cafa4ef his fists tightly.b6a512a945356714

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Did Seo Yigyeom 25cfd80661 know? That this 792eea7e9b simple statement 50168330a7 meant more 3aabbbc3d2 than any 5e07565da0 other form e51b0780ca of recognition.d6f2e4dcaf644b63

To think that Seo Yigyeom, who saw his worth the best, would say such a thing. At that moment, indescribable emotions surged. He felt like he might misinterpret it if he wasn’t careful. That Seo Yigyeom, who took him in out of purpose and necessity, truly understood Kim Heeseo as a person.4956a1aff2b3f059

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“Packaging is for assholes, and Kim Heeseo is enough as you are.”f328ca26a1a74e7f

Before he could even 6fe5a08777 respond to the casually 7d8ea2f939 thrown words, the car 257c0bf2a1 came to a stop. They seemed to 751b6e12fa have reached their edf22f6466 destination. Kim Heeseo quickly 0aa1fa4993 followed Seo Yigyeom, 3d8466ebc0 who had stepped a2f383b9e2 out of the 7cd52d824c car.cc351be7455c3eaa

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The restaurant 156c5f38ee with a da7c5ede16 clean wooden 1e8adcc238 exterior was 983349e959 quite tranquil.038968f825194bc6

“It’s been a while. Welcome.”50a375f513cff1a8

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The inside carried 4943050df4 a similar atmosphere, 94af770279 very serene and 66e6cea074 luxurious. It somehow seemed to 0a7767c772 suit Seo Yigyeom. The person who c7310bad08 appeared to be b4a7505a71 the owner led 85ce06d886 them to the 2718b83281 innermost room.40d68a307985156a

“Shall I prepare the usual?”6918533410c0ab35

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“Is there anything you can’t eat?”5ba2ebad67a50057

Seo Yigyeom c198af5824 asked, looking 61d4abb12a directly at 6614c37a6c Kim Heeseo, da03b127e1 who responded 4773795b8e a beat 631f4bd9d9 later.3f97d8ea832e6aa0

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“Uh, I can eat everything except for cucumbers.”4d0091f56556fdd0

“Prepare everything except that.”7e9ae42d56473fda

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“Yes. I’ll bring it right away.”e5c21580b9ea0916

After bowing, the 8b586793c6 person left, closing d426546a64 the sliding door 809bb92d8a behind them. The space was once 19b2df3244 again filled with an 708b5b31e5 invisible silence. Kim Heeseo, fiddling 5150a05fbe with a cup 1345585f5e of cold water, d76ef02580 broke the silence 31e52aa3fa with a glance c5aacc4195 at Seo Yigyeom.fb6611e48815a9f5

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“You come here often?”4f45dae3d0a42261

“I come here sometimes because it’s quiet. The food’s pretty good too.”d26b9a8196e6d048

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Seo Yigyeom confirmed, 4d7e538746 putting down his 3bdf7aed1c cup after wetting 9f7ff1f1dd his throat. Kim Heeseo, following ae71a30ad4 his movement, widened a0aa888916 his eyes at 4d122a8ed1 the long scar 2585ba3d6a visible under his ab185a767b sleeve. It looked like d0929e569f a fresh wound.5ee29e908b84e813

There was definitely the b157a2ec9c smell of blood. So, he f0dfaca728 was injured fc7fb75271 that day.ddbb7af9ded7113e

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“…”0b13b8786a4fd24a

His expression darkened instantly. He knew what Seo Yigyeom meant by “that’s enough.” That’s why he couldn’t apologize or express his gratitude. The unintended debt weighed heavily on his mind.a3f70775cf45a167

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“…That must have hurt.”c59d4fb76597fe38

Murmuring since he had nothing else to say, Seo Yigyeom’s gaze dropped.7a2cf900aec0cc59

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“Not really.”3165d5d9987549b0

He just let out 8b2ec5323e a brief, dismissive laugh.369a77e78bfaf04c

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Seo Yigyeom’s nonchalant attitude towards the wound was genuine. He was truly okay. This was barely considered a scratch to him.4b7d03bf6d44d102

‘Kim Heeseo!’c9bb2a24e01de145

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That day, Seo Yigyeom’s late shout echoed through the air. Kim Heeseo, already falling, went pale and used his ability. Twisting the air to create support, he slowed his fall. But only for a moment, as the surge of energy overwhelmed him, causing him to lose consciousness. Simultaneously, Seo Yigyeom reached out.9a1a189cbbb99be2

The wind that swept through his entire body was clear. Seo Yigyeom, throwing himself into gravity, for the first time, consciously withdrew the shield that protected him. As if sensing him, Kim Heeseo’s ability spread out sharply. Cracks formed, and the space became so sharp it could slice through an arm, almost severing Seo Yigyeom’s.d3feca91a61d3104

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For a moment, Seo Yigyeom twitched his eyes but without hesitation, he caught the unconscious Kim Heeseo in his arms. Through their touching chests, he heard a heartbeat – the sign of life. He then released the energy he had fully contained, guiding and dissipating Kim Heeseo’s remaining ability in the space before descending.100686a4c72e9a3e

“Ah, fucking hell…”36fd5c32d347ed46

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Landing while ec942db7f4 holding the 6a8e209884 limp Kim 933a3763ea Heeseo did a36dfcaa23 strain his 6a863e1949 legs a 10445da6ca bit, but d63a3e5395 there was a560a31ede no issue. Brushing back 74fbc46374 his disheveled 13e3ade28e hair, Seo 71619a9cf0 Yigyeom slowly 11317c5d8c examined Kim fa8fc11865 Heeseo. After taking the c9b7d0a7b6 time to observe, b420897675 he concluded he f8928dfaeb was just unconscious 5c942ca1f4 and put some 63fc5fd5e1 distance between them.f6e7684fd4991229

The wretched thing that 4180545a17 fell with them was b29734ce05 there, but he ignored 35e1005683 it, steadying his breath. Even the e72ad8d45f usually calm 7317d578f0 and clear fcaf7f4b2f wavelength of 991a415206 Kim Heeseo e7457d9e73 had sharpened, a97c99a573 gnawing at 88d343e4de his nerves.72fcaec075b800ac

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“I’ll be more careful from now on. I won’t tarnish Guide-nim’s reputation.”675321bfab118790

That’s all it amounted to. A minor accident where he just rolled on the ground once. What could he do by revealing every detail? Kim Heeseo was already acting like it was all his fault.187d45d42af673a7

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In contrast to Kim Heeseo’s guilt, Seo Yigyeom’s question was directed elsewhere.c51795c47b750c11

“…”6f5b4a86e8f31be2

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He didn’t miss a step. He clearly jumped in of his own accord. But why?3e5c84da198ae0b5

It was a question without an answer. Because Kim Heeseo was a valuable resource? That wasn’t enough. It contradicted the time he’d spent protecting himself. One thing was clear: the sensation at his fingertips was disturbingly vivid. That unfamiliar, fleeting judgment was quite unpleasant. It was akin to a premonition.b2003c1572a9d31a

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The kid who had a8027524a7 never been allowed into 1d97f41fcf such a place would 42df62c2d2 stir such an impulse 9e04d07c41 in him.2d4489804735141d

“I’d like to do well like Guide-nim…”68f0bef8be59817a

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Kim Heeseo’s face, smiling faintly with transparent sincerity, was etched in his mind.f4d4ece7250445df

Suddenly, the 7a47c4cfdb thought of 3493f00d57 a cigarette 5e3a52bb2f came to 90307011a7 mind.87c1eb8af4e24065

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Seo Yigyeom 27932d3be2 said nothing. He just tapped his 12b83c94d6 fingers on the table b5bfbe17d8 as if to extinguish e54a7099fb a cigarette. Swallowing down 439c6f8855 the strong a440725e3b intuition that 54af471dcb surged, he 9c1d21cdd7 quelled the 7001f2fdc1 nerve that 456bb690fc dared to 6c1a75e5d9 act on bc079dc28a its own.d5400bfe28dd37f5

Kim Heeseo, at 17a4e70c30 the end of da5c286fa4 his gaze, bore 5b3eec63da a faint smile 1d81060e2a that he slowly d118fa7bee withdrew. His face without the a361e59b5f smile still drew attention. It was clear 931cf15727 and bright, as f1882674ed if one could c13e086bb7 see through to dfe9757da1 his inner thoughts.d8988d3ec23721c9

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The light in his 0120a89ea9 pale eyes flickered with 3b28b811da curiosity for a moment 8a74dd0014 before he looked down, 63c87895b7 unable to bear the c8b76a7cf1 silence. Seo Yigyeom, having noticed 9a67ec1112 everything, only stared at d952fc3b63 him as if seeking 953e86d16a an answer.66d3afc1c8b499a2

“…”03f07bd7fc346423

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