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.

“…Why?”

To the small question, Seo Yigyeom chuckled as if he found it ridiculous and entered the elevator.

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

“…”

“Dealing with Kim Heeseo is draining.”

His words were ambiguous, neither praise nor insult. While Kim Heeseo chewed over the remark, Seo Yigyeom added nothing more, and the elevator descended in silence to the basement.

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

“I don’t eat there.”

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.

“Is it okay to leave?”

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

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.

Ding. The elevator doors opened with a cheerful sound. Upon reaching the basement and following Seo Yigyeom, Kim Heeseo noticed a different car from the one he had ridden before.

How many cars does he have?

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.

“Uh, I’ll drive.”

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

“You’re injured.”

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

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

Without further ado, Seo Yigyeom just looked at his leg before gesturing towards the passenger seat.

“Fine, just get in.”

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.

It was quite warm outside. The midday sun poured down without a filter. It felt like spring with no cold wind.

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

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.

The car kept driving for a while. The only noise was the sound of light streaming through the windows. The silence shared with Seo Yigyeom was not unfamiliar but not exactly comfortable either.

Kim Heeseo, though sitting still, glanced at Seo Yigyeom, who drew his attention. Seo Yigyeom was looking ahead with a dry expression under the pouring sunlight, shadows cast along his fine nose.

“…You drive well.”

To break the silence, Kim Heeseo spoke but felt embarrassed by his own words and bit his lip. He had never heard anyone say he was bad at socializing, yet what he just said felt like the worst.

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

Seo Yigyeom responded with a brief, wind-like laugh.

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

“Delivery?”

“Yeah. I’ve done a lot of things.”

Kim Heeseo eagerly joined the conversation, expecting another comment from Seo Yigyeom.

“School?”

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

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.

“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.”

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

“You achieved one thing at least.”

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

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

“That would be nice…”

In response, Kim Heeseo smiled quietly. The light filtering through the window caught on his gentle eyes and lips, creating a boyish smile on his pale cheeks.

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.

“Say something else.”

Breaking the silence while driving, Seo Yigyeom spoke in an uncharacteristic way.

“Kim Heeseo isn’t noisy.”

“…”

“And I like that.”

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.

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

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.

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

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.

“So,”

A small laugh mixed with a breath tickled his ears.

“Did you get excited because of the praise?”

It was a tone one would use with a child. Truly speaking as if he meant it, without any hint of sarcasm.

“Why bother wrapping it up?”

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.

“I already know enough.”

Instead of showing any reaction, Kim Heeseo clenched his fists tightly.

Did Seo Yigyeom know? That this simple statement meant more than any other form of recognition.

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.

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

Before he could even respond to the casually thrown words, the car came to a stop. They seemed to have reached their destination. Kim Heeseo quickly followed Seo Yigyeom, who had stepped out of the car.

The restaurant with a clean wooden exterior was quite tranquil.

“It’s been a while. Welcome.”

The inside carried a similar atmosphere, very serene and luxurious. It somehow seemed to suit Seo Yigyeom. The person who appeared to be the owner led them to the innermost room.

“Shall I prepare the usual?”

“Is there anything you can’t eat?”

Seo Yigyeom asked, looking directly at Kim Heeseo, who responded a beat later.

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

“Prepare everything except that.”

“Yes. I’ll bring it right away.”

After bowing, the person left, closing the sliding door behind them. The space was once again filled with an invisible silence. Kim Heeseo, fiddling with a cup of cold water, broke the silence with a glance at Seo Yigyeom.

“You come here often?”

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

Seo Yigyeom confirmed, putting down his cup after wetting his throat. Kim Heeseo, following his movement, widened his eyes at the long scar visible under his sleeve. It looked like a fresh wound.

There was definitely the smell of blood. So, he was injured that day.

“…”

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.

“…That must have hurt.”

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

“Not really.”

He just let out a brief, dismissive laugh.

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

‘Kim Heeseo!’

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.

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.

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.

“Ah, fucking hell…”

Landing while holding the limp Kim Heeseo did strain his legs a bit, but there was no issue. Brushing back his disheveled hair, Seo Yigyeom slowly examined Kim Heeseo. After taking the time to observe, he concluded he was just unconscious and put some distance between them.

The wretched thing that fell with them was there, but he ignored it, steadying his breath. Even the usually calm and clear wavelength of Kim Heeseo had sharpened, gnawing at his nerves.

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

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.

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

“…”

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

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.

The kid who had never been allowed into such a place would stir such an impulse in him.

“I’d like to do well like Guide-nim…”

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

Suddenly, the thought of a cigarette came to mind.

Seo Yigyeom said nothing. He just tapped his fingers on the table as if to extinguish a cigarette. Swallowing down the strong intuition that surged, he quelled the nerve that dared to act on its own.

Kim Heeseo, at the end of his gaze, bore a faint smile that he slowly withdrew. His face without the smile still drew attention. It was clear and bright, as if one could see through to his inner thoughts.

The light in his pale eyes flickered with curiosity for a moment before he looked down, unable to bear the silence. Seo Yigyeom, having noticed everything, only stared at him as if seeking an answer.

“…”