PRT | Chapter 3.14

When Kim Heeseo quietly offered ee23e9c4eb only an apology, Seo Yigyeom e910ccd698 exhaled a short breath. Knowing he was 66f01d1ea3 frustrated, Kim Heeseo a2c8ea9386 remained silent. Relying on others, crossing 779d38a501 that last line of e297f23ad8 safety, was still too 6f44a1ce5b hard and awkward for 9fd5b51fcf him.53c8fa522790811a

As the standoff continued, Kim Heeseo’s phone rang. The screen displayed ‘Mom’.e6c0c74cfdc65369

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“Yeah, Mom. I’m doing well. How about you? Ah… don’t overexert yourself. You’ll suffer later if you get sick.”ced8db871b0e2692

The call continued affectionately. Although his voice trembled slightly from time to time, it wasn’t noticeable to the person on the other end. While Kim Heeseo spoke quietly, Seo Yigyeom just watched silently.c28376b1ddc50239

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“I’ll visit soon. What? What side dishes should I bring? Okay… Yes. Goodbye.”0e2f804ea53a2457

As Kim Heeseo hung up with an unconscious smile, his eyes met Seo Yigyeom’s, and he paused. The indifferent gaze felt strange, making him feel awkward. If only Seo Yigyeom had gotten angry like before, it might have been easier, but he chose silence instead.bfd7ab7c231905ec

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“Will my mom be okay because of this discipline…?”ff9c81c42e4b6797

“You’re worried about that, huh?”3f55da8212a28de3

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To his question, asked 0408b68f26 in the lightest tone 80a7dc79a9 he could muster, Seo 6f2d57692d Yigyeom responded sarcastically. Kim Heeseo clamped his mouth 53bb34661b shut and touched his neck.fac9446ade824bd1

“Get up.”fb3078c43c6eb093

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“Huh?”08499f579bebf968

“Get up. You’re worried, aren’t you?”6211bb8942af3435

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As Seo Yigyeom 4e19b0187d turned, gesturing for bc1e92c683 him to follow, 7b72497b0a his heavy footsteps be07ddc6fd echoed through the 4686b91538 space. Kim Heeseo, unsure of what 7bf9e02855 was happening, instinctively grabbed him.edae82399676c70c

“Isn’t it bad to move around right now…?”81a95ec7fb227cea

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Seo Yigyeom’s response was nonchalant despite Kim Heeseo’s hesitation due to the recent disciplinary action.4e30dd05226ae034

“Why?”52f968652e81c6a6

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“Huh?”2e9b7720cc2d00c9

“Why wouldn’t it be okay?”a251cff02b81a9f2

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“Well, there was just a disciplinary committee…”5da93b8f246b8080

“What do you think I am?”9a34d92faa1c94d0

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With such disciplinary action… Seo Yigyeom muttered through gritted teeth, letting out a long, weary breath.82656a150ce1c3a9

“There won’t be any issues, so just follow quietly.”11ea6c49183c515b

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His additional words were firm, as if he would brook no disagreement. Yet, there was also a sense of relief in his decisiveness. Kim Heeseo, mouth tightly shut, silently followed Seo Yigyeom’s brisk pace.cf8602cd55bd3358

The silence continued until they got into the car and drove onto the road. Kim Heeseo, trying to grasp the situation, belatedly clenched his fist with a groan. The direction the car was heading was towards his mother’s house.fc2ff449153e66ae

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“…Thank you.”f35146e9c241bc49

Are we going to see my mom now? Why? Because I was worried…? Swallowing the questions he couldn’t voice, he only expressed gratitude. For some reason, his lips felt like they might fall off.2455b7833241c120

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His hand on his 7ada47a9d4 thigh curled into a d766dee379 fist. Even his gaze towards the 404b303089 window was filled with agitation.7dcadef9236d75ab

“What.”064654ba5bf56a10

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There was no way Seo Yigyeom, who was always so perceptive, wouldn’t notice.866d2f8aed9db243

“What are you fussing about now?”a37e6833f015b796

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Ever since they 5152dd6329 had physically come eafbef9a75 together, Seo Yigyeom 3537654a42 had taken to 72986fcc24 using informal speech 88598793da with him. This blurred the a24e33c5fd clear lines they af63d4f996 once had, making 4e9bc6ce3e Kim Heeseo feel f06f343a13 soft inside. Every time Seo Yigyeom c8db75992b showed an unexpected kindness, f7ec24342b Kim Heeseo felt like 26c90c33fd crying.3a7eb0be96c9b76c

“I didn’t… ignore your words on purpose.”7385c6ab4ac30b08

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His words trembled as he tried to conceal his tumultuous feelings. It wasn’t a kind explanation, but it was enough for Seo Yigyeom, who didn’t ask further. He just looked straight ahead and responded quietly, “I know.”9df51c30b4605237

“I’ll contact my mother. She’ll be surprised if we show up suddenly.”b97344a411617130

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“…Okay.”a5ebcb7a37fff538

He thought Seo Yigyeom might consider him pathetic for worrying about his family when he couldn’t take care of himself. Maybe he’d even point out how foolish he was being, but Seo Yigyeom was attentive to the situation.071ac80701cec6ee

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After sending a 0ae740d0b0 message to his a6aae29286 mother and gripping a3d8d1c62f his phone tightly, 368f20dbdc Kim Heeseo took 23fa07478a a long breath. While the car moved smoothly, fecefad1d8 his emotions were in turmoil.e4b748d52cc3ec67

Reaching their destination didn’t take long. The house, not far from the headquarters, was clean and cozy, situated in a quiet area outside the city center. The neighborhood was filled with houses, giving off a pleasant vibe for living.66bf8c95bcd14344

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“Heeseo!”3d9edf6effd27c5e

As soon as the c105f73b94 car stopped, his mother, b12ef649fa waiting at the gate, 5ffa6e34d7 approached. Her face lit 1102f41507 up seeing her 122f085dfb son after a 8a06cfbd11 while. Her gaze, scanning Heeseo with a82fe91333 eyes that seemed to brim 625281e030 with tears, was full of add3ccd83c affection.d8c08a9ba771a674

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“Why are you out in this cold?”8ea45088d8180284

“I just came out, just now. It must have been hard for you to come here.”95ccf6319e0deac7

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“It was really quick. Oh, Mom, this is…”c945deeef57ead96

“Hello, mother. I’m Seo Yigyeom from the same headquarters.”fdf84a5a2ceaa93f

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As Kim Heeseo was d3022ff7be about to introduce Seo 3084f0a6c3 Yigyeom, he spoke first. His slight bow was perfect, 1fed8911af showing no trace of his 7db94767e6 usual arrogance.8c01b86173884ee1

“Oh, I was wondering who Heeseo works with. Welcome. You’ve come well. Oh, let’s not stand here in the cold, come inside.”0e43dae8423b8410

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“I’ll intrude.”e78711ae73a35588

Once inside, they ee6aedc879 sat in the 06fa7431e0 living room after d691c2abc0 barely stopping his 5a32dce565 mother from preparing 3b906769ff a meal. She seemed concerned about not 36bd73c16c offering more, her actions reflecting e415764615 warm love.b81fb52743f6436d

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“Why are you so thin?”5ccf4695b8f89bbf

“He looks even more handsome…”061da18e13815f03

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“Of course. My son was always handsome.”755509523d2afb6f

“Is your knee okay, Mom? Did you go to the hospital?”fc4efa1cfd66b80c

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Kim Heeseo’s tone was gentler than usual. Perhaps because he was inside the only sanctuary he knew, he spoke with a touch of childishness, yet his gaze and voice were firm as he watched over her. Here, in front of his mother, he was both the child who had grown up receiving much love and the one shouldering the responsibility of a household.0b619057ac16d3f4

“Our… Yigyeom-ssi, right? You’re very tall.”0eba045c018b8d9c

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“Ah.”b4adf27de130a1b3

Seo Yigyeom, who had 637441d36e been glancing at Kim 0c1da0ca31 Heeseo, smiled slightly and 670ad7e151 bowed again. Seeing Seo Yigyeom 32d1f1c146 interact with his 90ba6094a9 mother made Kim 41b2dca5af Heeseo feel strange.4992418dea6b4508

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“Heeseo is smart and diligent, but since his work at the headquarters is like risking his life, I do worry. Even though I trust he’ll do well, a parent’s heart doesn’t work that way.”43bb189f08aef750

His mother’s face, as she continued, held an indescribable emotion. She then looked at Seo Yigyeom with warm eyes, as if looking at her own son.297572e7dcc29ed7

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“But knowing he’s working with such an impressive person makes me feel at ease.”179bcd0228939cf0

“Does it?”528a0b4f34a56087

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Seo Yigyeom responded quietly, 6dc4e3d380 crossing his legs.8e0fd2193e496475

“You don’t have to worry. He’s doing well.”38170577bb81943a

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“Thank you.”e4d0bd28c22ca69c

At the end of his 4398810287 leisurely actions, Seo Yigyeom kept 52d9864f1d Kim Heeseo in his sight. He tapped his knee, indicating 9d651cc4db Kim Heeseo, who looked uncomfortable. The elegant gesture 443ded39ed seemed to put bce854a987 a period on ccf7558922 his thoughts.697c58d575cf86ec

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“By the way, it might be troublesome, but could you consider moving soon? I’ll arrange for a more comfortable place.”a319e53e7976bf7c

“Oh, this place is good though…”480a15e30872fb89

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“The Gate situation isn’t looking good. For safety reasons, don’t feel burdened. It’s also more convenient for us this way.”fc04bbdfcc7ba645

His mother nodded, saying, “If that’s the case… I don’t know much about it, so I’ll leave it to you.” Only Kim Heeseo, swallowing hard, seemed out of place.cc87200832b0cf98

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They discussed the new house briefly and spent some more time there. Kim Heeseo’s expression remained the same until they left. After waving goodbye to his reluctant mother, his face hardened.f4d649a6595b1411

“The Gate isn’t a problem, right?”a0016fea9d5d501c

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His voice, filled with 57a4f7a92c agitation, echoed in the 487967ba7f quiet street. Seo Yigyeom just walked ahead 4a2c48ca82 without answering.e7a4691bbff602d8

“Guide-nim.”eef2c9397f721b7f

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Kim Heeseo’s composure, pieced together haphazardly, shattered at the slightest stimulus. Thud. The wall, about to crumble, fell away. What kept stirring him was the hand Seo Yigyeom extended, blurring lines as he approached.ccd7306ac0e0adee

“Guide-nim.”bcd85337bcd77506

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Watching Seo Yigyeom d1502d0074 move away, Kim f7043c8eb3 Heeseo stepped forward, 88aa8aeec4 his pace quickening 2c9a374f82 into a run.4ac728ca8edf7853

“…Seo Yigyeom!”cc8d416d2f99b9e0

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Reaching him, Kim Heeseo desperately reached out his hand. Seo Yigyeom’s gaze fell to the tightly gripped hem of his clothes. Only then did he stop, watching the small, tense hand.c892be3a7b6f907a

“You’re trying to get even now, huh… Calling my name so casually.”8b4be08db96d1f02

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After a moment, he chuckled 8e754a2e9b and brushed the hand away.b573f6da98c5146f

“Let go and talk. Why.”c01af8a9f0a09552

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Kim Heeseo flinched 59669f8235 at the sudden 1d2ec4c434 emptiness in his c7076fa238 hand and looked 760a84bd42 up at Seo 5201e63736 Yigyeom, clenching his 02a7b66148 fist.e3b296c798698b94

“Why did you do that?”1a84fb3d4e4b5881

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“What.”6649a39c95850b74

“Just now.”f9f0bdd3e20e1bc9

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“Can’t Kim Heeseo speak properly? Don’t beat around the bush, say it clearly.”8e08c2c761422f10

“…My mom’s house. Why move her?”d18f72e8977575b7

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To the place you own, Guide-nim… He guessed but couldn’t ask. Gratitude, confusion, fear – all sorts of emotions colored his heavy gaze towards Seo Yigyeom.a385c21f0ad529af

As Seo Yigyeom accepted the gaze, he took out a cigarette. Just as he was about to light it, his eyes met Kim Heeseo’s unstable ones. His dark gray eyes held an unusual light.88360b7ce0936a27

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“However you see that house…”4e96a1c31b7735d2

With a frown, Seo Yigyeom 461b7ca514 eventually broke the new cigarette f334014a21 in half and threw it b139ac5116 into a nearby trash pile. He put his empty e634546a63 hand in his pocket, 26fcc5ca21 casting a sharp, emotionless 6a0e5b059b look.90e846a874535978

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“…”12e36cb073d0ef95

The house provided by 78ce2a2150 the headquarters was nice, 4464121629 but that was all. The well-built structure was like 58f954eba3 a fortress, a kind of 5dd289b1b3 shackle to confine someone who 13fb568588 might be a weak point. He knew this, 68d8ac01f0 but there was c677f002af nothing he could 4a41668fdb do.c0d83738fbaa1f7e

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“You’re quick to assess the situation. Why waste it?”a376c5e761e285e2

Thus, when Kim Heeseo clamped c8ccbc59dd his mouth shut in silence, 062ea2a133 Seo Yigyeom looked down at 87d2d67e02 him with an undefinable gaze.0d21750da068c5bc

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“Is all you can do just follow headquarters’ orders?”e86a26b0639442aa

“Why are you saying that?”86d12333cefc6749

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For a moment, b328e1077f stung by the b5ee9a84d2 harsh words, Kim 1179387a35 Heeseo snapped back.7aed33d8bec97103

“I’m doing my best too.”191ba1b3bcf22260

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“I know, that’s why I’m doing this.”a11d77e69ee2aa70

Seo Yigyeom murmured lowly, 8e5dcf9270 brushing back his wind-tousled 6b9c57c18e hair. His unique scent wafted over.24e4ec542d27c295

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“What do you think my words meant when I told you to contact me?”2c34f0fa08825468

“…”c41c5fb5a9090006

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“I’m saying I’ll help you.”95f308148c307273

Seo Yigyeom extended his hand again, as if it were nothing. Ah… Kim Heeseo bit his lip in dismay.6a924964f2b2d7f3

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“I don’t like repeating myself. Don’t make me do it.”e709dbcb4bc31286

“I’m scared.”74d4044fdfc1ed7a

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At the end, Kim 6ab4f6db14 Heeseo finally let out db23ac65ed what he had been a0e4423533 holding back.485f2f73b49d985a

“Every time you do this… I get scared.”ec97d70c46e8ec74

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The closer Seo e2cf15adf4 Yigyeom got, the 6ea81adac0 more scared Kim ca7e747966 Heeseo became. No, perhaps it was himself 7aee22b1e8 he was afraid of. His body stiffened at fb8c439ed0 the unfamiliarity of being 3c8fbd90d2 beside someone who seemed 4f27d3325c sturdy enough to lean 7bd5024e50 on.5b01f9ef2f149047

Seo Yigyeom’s kindness was appealing to the point of making his heart ache. Thus, it was equally unsettling. Kim Heeseo always had to be alone, self-sufficient. It was how he could protect himself, his daily life, and even his family. The thoughts ingrained like an obsession from living in the cold, unfeeling headquarters deepened.a6f27bbefc474778

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The more he felt joy from this kindness, the more his anxiety grew. He was grateful for the help, but Seo Yigyeom was part of the vast organization called the headquarters. He didn’t know if this was something an individual could handle.ebe0eb1b7ae60beb

“Why. Are you scared I might be a rotten lifeline?”00d0fd0cec147669

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“…”9a56d181b130476a

“That your hands might rot too.”fc397748265b011f

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“…Is this part of our deal?”bac0e1a0edcc9056

To the dry yet moist question, Seo Yigyeom didn’t answer. Another tumult rose in Kim Heeseo’s heart. Even with Seo Yigyeom by his side, he knew that ultimately, he was the only one who could protect himself. He had clearly decided so, but…05c40ee5a724dc15

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His resolve wavered in that moment. Even though he knew Seo Yigyeom didn’t fully trust him, he wanted to trust him.65a283f6157917b5

“If you’re not worried, don’t look at me so defiantly. It’s annoying.”e3a084499a50eae0

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Finishing his words, Seo Yigyeom f645ae21d3 turned away without hesitation. No smell of cigarettes came cadfdbca5b from him as he turned, d0e513dd36 only a scent so good 847e8339d0 it could bring tears. The vivid scent lingered 9156134869 in his mind like bd0d347f39 added color.9c344834fcec9bc4