PRT | Chapter 2.2

A gate opened in the outskirts of Gyeonggi over the weekend. An incident occurred before dawn, causing significant damage. The number of civilian casualties reached fourteen. As a result, the headquarters was on high alert.

Although they managed to suppress it immediately, the gate remained unstable. There were strong signs that it would open again, so a support request came from the Gyeonggi branch. It was a big enough event to dispatch Team 1 and Team 2 for on-site support.

The media rushed in like crazy. They bombarded with sensational reports as if asking for trouble. The atmosphere inside the headquarters turned sharp due to the indiscriminate bashing. Everyone filled the conference room, on edge.

Was it because of this big incident?

Heeseo’s unauthorized absence last time passed without any comment. There were no repercussions whatsoever. Only Chilhyeon was glaring and showing a threatening attitude. Heeseo now found him just exhausting.

“According to the on-site verification, it is expected to open again within the period as an A-grade or higher…”

Heeseo looked at Chilhyeon, who was at the forefront of the dimly lit space, with contempt, then glanced at Jaewon sitting in the main seat. As always, Jaewon showed no openings. It seemed like Heeseo was the only one who had experienced emotional exhaustion.

Unconsciously, Heeseo touched his neck and withdrew his gaze without mercy. In his field of vision, which was fixed forward, Taebin showed clear signs of boredom. It was understandable. The meeting was going nowhere. Chilhyeon was passionately continuing his presentation, but it only amounted to going over press materials.

Heeseo blinked his tired eyes while looking at the scene photos. The horrific sight, overlaid with memories of that alley, made him frown. There was also a pain like someone was digging into his head with an awl.

Heeseo trembled involuntarily and bit his lip. The intermittent headaches had an obvious cause. It must be psychological factors mixed with a stubborn cold. Ha, his attention scattered over the long sigh that escaped him.

“Can you see it? They all have new forms, so we plan to form a team prioritizing mobility.”

A stupidly loud voice brushed past his ears. While staring blankly at the edge of the table, a discordant noise suddenly broke the silence. Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to the back.

“…”

Heeseo’s mouth slightly opened upon seeing who it was. Others reacted similarly. Among the C-grades, there were those who flinched in tension. Only the person himself remained nonchalantly calm.

Yigyeom, who had been leaning against the door, slowly stepped forward. Clack, his clear steps echoed in the now quiet space. Despite interrupting the meeting, he was unabashedly confident.

“Hello! What brings Guide-nim Seo Yigyeom here…?”

“Did I come somewhere I shouldn’t have?”

With an expressionless face, Yigyeom scanned the room. A faint hint of boredom was evident in his gaze.

“I was going to leave it be, but since you’re only saying things not worth listening to…”

His quiet remark was clearer than any criticism. Chilhyeon turned red and blue, showing materials to Yigyeom as if in protest. Yigyeom’s face was filled with contempt at this gesture.

“Would anything change just by looking at that? Do I look like I have time to waste in your eyes?”

“Pardon? No, Guide-nim. That’s not what I meant.”

“Enough, put it away.”

With no effort at all, Yigyeom pressured him, then looked at Jaewon. Jaewon stood up and bowed slightly, to which Yigyeom nodded lightly. Then, he fixed his gaze on Heeseo.

Heeseo’s body trembled at the gaze that seemed to have always been meant for him. Yigyeom watched even that reaction as he closed the distance. His direction had been this place from the start, without changing his course.

“I thought you would come looking for me first.”

Stopping half a step away, Yigyeom muttered like it was to himself.

“What are you doing? Not getting up?”

“…We are still in a meeting.”

“I just finished it, didn’t I? Or not?”

The following question was directed at Jaewon, not Heeseo. Jaewon silently indicated his agreement. He too seemed to have endured the chaotic meeting, just expressing it differently.

With the eyes moving to him, Heeseo hesitantly stood up. As he was about to follow Yigyeom, who had moved first, his eyes met Taebin’s, who let out an ‘Ah…’. Taebin’s eyes were gleaming curiously.

“It was Seo Yigyeom?”

Screech, Taebin stood up noisily, showing the most interested expression since entering this room. He closed the gap swiftly and muttered in a low voice.

“Wow, how did this happen? I’ve never heard of Seo Yigyeom sucking up to anyone.”

“Taebin, I told you it’s not like that.”

“Wow, impressive, hyung. Just looking at how much of a mark it left, I can imagine.”

Inappropriate vulgar words echoed in the public space. Heeseo, clenching his fist to refute, was interrupted when Yigyeom turned around.

“Esper Hong Taebin uses his abilities in interesting ways.”

Yigyeom responded indifferently before hardening his gaze. His eyes lowered, creating an intimidating atmosphere.

“Should I say your courage is admirable…?”

“…”

“If you’re that curious, why don’t you come find out yourself? You should at least show that much sincerity for me to be moved.”

The softly murmured words sounded like a threat. After glaring at him as if to bind him, Yigyeom positioned Heeseo beside him.

“And… ignoring people isn’t wise.”

Though he knew everyone’s eyes were on them, Yigyeom touched the mark on Heeseo’s neck as if to embrace it, then pulled his hand away. The slow, subtle movement clearly showed his intent.

“But it’s not like that.”

As if the mark’s owner really was him, Heeseo got goosebumps from the brief contact. He licked his lips, trying his best to swallow his confusion and act calm.

“Please, look away.”

As if acknowledging Heeseo’s effort, Yigyeom stepped back and turned away. There was no hesitation in his steps towards the exit. Heeseo stood still for a moment before gathering his things to follow.

The long corridor was unusually quiet. Yigyeom only stopped when he reached the elevator. Heeseo, who had been silently following, finally observed him. His indifferent face seemed subtly sharp, making Heeseo nervous.

Why did he come? He doesn’t look in a good mood. Speculating on his own, Heeseo glanced sideways for a while but had to stop when their eyes met head-on. Unlike before, Yigyeom did not speak first.

“…Doesn’t seem like you’re busy today.”

“Who knows. At least, I don’t have time to listen to unnecessary chatter.”

Heeseo’s lips, which had broken the silence, closed again. All his nerves were screaming. His personality, which couldn’t even lie to say it was good, was particularly pronounced now.

…Why is he like this? Trying to gauge the reason for his sensitivity, Heeseo quickly stepped into the elevator before Yigyeom could close the door. The machine began to rise quickly to the floor where Yigyeom’s office was located.

“Thank you for the last time. I received the item you sent well.”

“Ah.”

Upon conveying his gratitude, which seemed to remove any plausible cause, Yigyeom slowly reacted as if recalling something, lowering his gaze.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes?”

“I came straight from the hotel.”

“Ah… Yes. Thanks to you, I rested well for a day.”

“…”

Yigyeom’s gaze, entangled in the air, became peculiar. After watching him for a moment, he let out a laugh as if the wind had gone out of him and withdrew his attention.

“Well, if that’s the case.”

“And… I did go looking for you first, Guide-nim. You weren’t there, so I couldn’t see you.”

Puzzled for a moment, Heeseo, wanting to correct any unpleasant misunderstanding, added even unspoken words.

“I didn’t know you would come here for me.”

Yigyeom slightly lifted the corner of his mouth, whispering in a neutral tone.

“Why did you come down to the lower floors?”

“I wanted to spread some words around.”

The headquarters was a closed-off group. Most words spread like a contagious disease. If Yigyeom’s intended audience was the Head of Division, this was the most certain and straightforward method. Now, his actions made sense.

“Would you care about that?”

“…He’s a rather gloomy person. Like a venomous snake, he’ll keep an eye on you.”

Yigyeom, unexpectedly finding the conversation going well, continued speaking.

“Well, today’s purpose was more Kim Heeseo than him.”

“Eh?”

“What do you think it means to mess with someone around me?”

Even if not directly, it was as good as ignoring Yigyeom. Judging from what he had seen of Yigyeom so far, this was something that could never be tolerated. Ah… Heeseo responded more slowly than before.

“Everyone should understand that Kim Heeseo is under my protection.”

Yigyeom had created a safe environment by making himself a shield. The way he kept his promise in his own arrogant, self-righteous manner was oddly touching.

“But if you act like a thug, it gives me a reason to act kindly, so it’s not a loss.”

“…Why did you seem in a bad mood, then?”

Feeling an inexplicable chill, Heeseo touched his neck unconsciously and asked instead of greeting.

“Now you’re even acknowledging me.”

Laughing as if it was ridiculous, Yigyeom answered straightforwardly instead of brushing it off.

“Espers are the worst match for me. Their waves irritate my nerves, leaving no room for peace. It’s not pleasant to have pests crawling over you.”

There were at least nine espers gathered in that room earlier. Even Heeseo was an esper spreading chaotic waves. As soon as he realized his state, he had to keep his distance as if it were a predetermined procedure.

Yigyeom, immediately sensing this, lifted his lips crookedly and gave an enigmatic look.

“Why touch something you can’t handle?”

Was the pitying tone a form of reproach? While pondering, the elevator doors opened with a ding.

“When I cross over, Kim Heeseo should just follow.”

Yigyeom muttered as he stepped out of the elevator, crossing the threshold. His eyes shone when he turned around. Trapped in that gaze, Heeseo trembled. The spot where Yigyeom’s hand had touched felt hot, like an illusion.

“Before you judge recklessly, you should stay in your place. That’s why I brought you here.”

As the elevator doors were slowly closing, Yigyeom stuck his shoe in between them. The doors opened like a mouth against the obstacle. With one foot on the threshold, Yigyeom extended his arm.

“Kim Heeseo is quite…”

The hand that seemed to choke him moved downward. Heeseo looked at him with trembling eyes, not missing the moment Yigyeom lazily shifted his gaze and yanked him out.

“…fine, strangely enough.”

Their gazes intertwined. The distance was close, making retreat impossible. In that moment, Heeseo suddenly realized.

Ah. Perhaps I…

“So, stay here.”

Might become more entangled with Yigyeom. In a way that would be inescapable, intricate and dense.

Before Heeseo could react, Yigyeom started walking. His solid back was no different from usual. Heeseo followed, clenching his fists tightly, not wanting to reveal his agitation.

With each step, thoughts mingled. At the end of these thoughts, he engraved the judgment that he was in Yigyeom’s hands. It wasn’t just an easy shield.

Was choosing Yigyeom a lake or a swamp?

The only certainty was the instinct that he must never let go of ‘me’. Because in the end, only he would protect himself. As he took a breath and moved forward, he saw the office he had visited several times, now familiar.

“Have you come?”

Jung-o bowed his head in greeting as if he had expected a guest.

“Prepare a seat for us.”

“Yes. I’ve put what you mentioned on the table.”

“Thanks.”

Yigyeom, responding indifferently while heading to the door, suddenly said, “Ah,” and stopped, turning around.

“For now, let’s go out to the field together.”

“What about Esper Ha Jaewon?”

“He usually goes alone.”

Even if he held hands with Yigyeom, Heeseo was still part of Team 1. It was a place where no one welcomed him, but it bothered him. He was already labeled, and he didn’t want to do anything to get on the headquarters’ bad side.

“If you’re really worried, I can lend you Jung-o at noon.”

In contrast, Yigyeom, who seemed nonchalant, nodded slightly, making Jung-o’s eyebrows twitch. The dislike was evident. It was surprising to see him openly show emotion when he usually seemed like a machine. Seeing this, Yigyeom let out a short laugh.

“You care about the team you’ve left in such a state… You’re kinder than I thought.”

Quickly suppressing his laughter, his gaze briefly touched the mark on Heeseo’s neck.

“Then do your work.”

Bang. The sound of the door closing ended the conversation. Heeseo stood there, swallowing air in vain. His personality, really… Every time with Yigyeom, it ended the same way. He was kind yet ruthless, considerate yet indifferent.

“Do your work.”

Seated at the place Jung-o had prepared, Heeseo surveyed his surroundings. The neat, quiet space resembled its hidden owner. Calm yet cold. The chair squeaked as he leaned back deeply.

“…”