PRT | Chapter 3.22

While Heeseo bit his 548b03c405 lip to stifle his 57d538113e groan, Seo Yigyeom came dc2b75ed11 around the hood, extending aa4f538d73 his arm. His face 3d75c9f440 showed no 1f9171f507 sign of 2a4221c8f9 annoyance. Instead, he held him 36b2eb1e9a firmly with careful hands.cf128d668b3bb4dc

“…You don’t like touching.”46cffef42d6a2979

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You seem to forget sometimes.”10b936b2fd261613

Thud. Seo Yigyeom closed the passenger door with an expression of disbelief, then slowly lowered the hand that had been supporting his back. Heeseo’s body trembled as the hand moved downward.71bb554a0a4c37f5

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Was it just touching?”3bcadc79e86424f8

“Ah!”8560a7c0a0688c88

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Seo Yigyeom’s hand, gently gripping his buttocks to not hurt him, moved subtly, making Heeseo gasp and quickly close his mouth. The long fingers seemed to move further down, sending chills. His temperature rose at the blatant touch. He tightened his grip on Seo Yigyeom, but he remained nonchalant.1e3d8975c7b99415

“But… we shouldn’t do this outside.”fd9ea75bcf788984

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“What are we doing?”a691e737f599b09c

Seo Yigyeom responded shamelessly, then removed his hand as if nothing had happened. He supported Heeseo very plainly, without any extra touch. Seeing Heeseo’s unintentionally indignant look, he said, “But…”9fcc770b4f25dfa1

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Does that mean it’s okay inside?”41199f3d08e00c54

The low 52fb05f29b question tickled e56f72409b his ears. Heeseo, eyes e580213f69 wide and 55ebda75f0 frozen, blushed f58c6342b7 to his 9b43c4c849 cheeks. His bright 3ca262dcbf red tongue 12901947cf busily wetted f5c9c8b656 his lips.167df1d45d24206c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“That’s not what I meant. That…”9944a5a3fc389e39

“You’re talking too much.”c360c8d244e6c48a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Snorting, Seo Yigyeom cut 075e760d5c him off short before abd05fd40d lifting Heeseo into his 829d96592a arms. He supported him under b4094dabe3 the thighs, securing a c013132f79 stable posture. Heeseo, suddenly hoisted into 8fdfeef4d6 the air, fidgeted in c1b1101ec6 confusion.a6b9bba4296ce017

“Wait, wait, Guide-nim.”679d60c834783e1d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Wrap your arms around my neck.”dec2250c005784c5

“Are you planning to carry me all the way inside? If you just support me…”ee50143f53afef30

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You can’t walk properly anyway.”1ebc9a2c273e7b31

“…”00a59245e25d45ee

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Or should we stand here all day, getting along well?”1341e0804899ef00

As Seo Yigyeom stated, the pain in his leg was worsening. After a moment of hesitation, Heeseo lightly grabbed his shoulder. Even just slightly turning his head, he could see Seo Yigyeom’s face, which was too embarrassing.787b7131428f4c9a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom showed no dbb580cffe sign of strain as 4d9be4aafc he carried Heeseo to d56be67dee the examination room. Thanks to his prior e4f69c66c5 arrangements, they met the 23c2dcdb7a doctor immediately. Heeseo tried to b32a4230bb stop him from 34cd8b4150 coming in but 0e3b6297ef ended up entering ab54036581 alone.dc46f745449209e1

“Fortunately, it didn’t hit any nerves. If it had gone even a bit further, it would have been dangerous, but the wound is very clean. The emergency treatment was well done. You shouldn’t worry too much.”7380f17265118697

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The area the doctor pointed to had narrowly missed vital spots by the length of a finger. Heeseo’s face was somber, unable to shake off the thought that the culprit had intentionally left such a wound.052be1c9fbf0cf21

“However, for a while, you must not overexert yourself. Try to avoid any physical labor.”63026a986e48605a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yes, thank you.”13d36b1ee89f66a4

“I told you to come back if anything felt off, but I didn’t expect to see you like this again.”12143902be8a2bde

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Neither did I… Things just turned out this way.”0a68222863edfbe8

Heeseo smiled awkwardly, 40137eb2f7 touching his neck. The doctor, a316eeafdf who smiled 2f45833a46 back, returned 8044170475 to his 709454dae6 desk to db1cc1d094 pull out 6fe374852c a chart. His gaze, 0a455e6983 holding quite bef5e80d43 thick documents, fe3377dcf5 was as 71b3a74070 kind as fb801d770a before.d9594e5dd2053d73

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Actually, I was about to contact you about the results of the detailed examination we did before.”38e8254081294d70

“Ah…”ac60d32dd5428e39

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Heeseo, overwhelmed by events, had forgotten he’d even had the examination, reacting a beat late.fc2b00029f5af8cb

“How has your health been recently?”cc8bf24cf9588b29

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“There haven’t been any major issues… Is there something wrong?”6df1bdeb69313acf

The doctor’s reaction was strange. Still with a kind face, he smiled as if troubled. It wasn’t easy to gauge whether the results were good or bad. The only clear thing was the discomfort reflected on his face.744b09584bcf9b26

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Hmm… To get to the conclusion, it’s not good. Or rather, it’s bad.”fc20e6024fbe3109

He spoke 3873c25be2 calmly, without 0eb7f7531f losing his 877508ae61 composure.874c89a27c76c2b2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You must have had days where headaches were severe or you felt unusually fatigued.”1613a81f7f0bf641

Ah. Heeseo let out 94fc9e9270 a low sigh, 9b0932fb0e unconsciously clenching his 121af9183e fist. The memory 4c2283f3bb of terrible 689cd1dc3e headaches tormenting c22c1f81eb him flashed 9363d18495 by, sending de37f2cfed a chill 5561b07b89 down his 9410e3b19b spine.a423171d3664dbc5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Usually, we think of these as aftereffects of excessive ability use and move on. Most are temporary and can be managed with medication or guiding, but in your case, it’s different.”3992eae9caf27482

“…What exactly is the problem?”e7f5c47d2b544605

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You were rated C-rank by the headquarters, but there was a time when it was read higher.”3467791fcd11769f

“Yes.”34ad234b8e1e7167

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Currently, you should think of yourself as above S-rank. The problem is that your body can’t fully contain this ability. It’s like trying to pour a whole bottle of water into a cup.”08f2d4ccf39bf0c9

Tap. The doctor tapped a 1ca4a71d61 small tumbler with his 48db1890d5 finger, continuing calmly.8dc59e6907a6af4d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Because the ability is too much for you to handle, your biological balance is breaking down. The impact itself is so clean it wasn’t noticeable. It’s a miracle we caught it now.”6ee3a1ee20d27019

Heeseo, stunned by a scenario he’d never imagined, showed little reaction. The doctor smiled reassuringly, as if knowing him.bba04a27b0e96d94

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“The situation isn’t good, but there are still options. First, let’s try to reduce your ability use. That won’t be easy given your position.”d052b3e7ae4e49bc

“Will that make things better?”791ab663e758ed20

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Hmm, no. That alone won’t be enough. Even if you just contain it, it’s a burden, so if left unchecked, it will collapse from within. You need to receive continuous guiding. As long as possible, without any downtime.”a2bd1809cb02f298

Guiding… Heeseo muttered quietly, instinctively thinking of one person. It seemed the doctor had the same thought as he gestured towards the door.c393026dd4f05ac3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“The only person capable of that would probably be Guide Seo Yigyeom. As you know, he’s also S-rank. Ideally, you should get a mark for safety.”0a5855d07327c8c2

“Is there no other way?”624c9027a4230809

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“For now… Well, we can only hope your body holds up better.”0601da33ed854605

“Ah…”22fb77f5a748bc0d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The sudden news was quite overwhelming. It felt unreal, not fully sinking in. I’m in danger now. Heeseo murmured slowly, finally managing a convincing smile after tens of seconds.63cc4a34e92ec877

“Please don’t tell Guide-nim about what we discussed now. I’ll tell him myself.”cbb83d830556a1db

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“As you wish. If anything feels off, please contact me anytime. Here’s my personal number.”4266e5c8e9150c21

“Thank you.”97013a11d53c11b2

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Heeseo bowed deeply, then stood up with the crutches provided by the hospital. Responding to the doctor’s advice to take care, he turned around.ae19671241b8bad2

Limping towards the door, he feigned calmness just before opening it. Squeak. Over the sound of the door opening, a small sigh mixed in. He rolled his eyes, hiding the agitation he shouldn’t show to the other.895710fdc9135a49

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Seo Yigyeom was 03a068e3cc sitting in a 32e0e8eb41 chair right outside f5c6f6b671 the examination room. Crossing his 5753dc5897 long legs, 25a826ace5 he looked dd82c60ddf uninterested until ae39830fd8 he shifted 23b97e615f his gaze. Then he stood up 98884c88e6 leisurely and stepped closer. The gap 4cbe00a91c closed in 4bc4ee8a78 an instant.587d0b4d96f69b00

“Is this some kind of protest, or are you overflowing with independence…?”551af12b8a78f737

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…”f5e18ff958139a0f

“What’s the result?”b1538750bdc61fd8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“He said there’s no big issue since it missed the nerves.”30cd2087a7927a24

“And?”773b69382e580c09

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom asked while ac202fa4a4 supporting him to avoid 1c69ba6156 putting strain on his 881ec0ac26 injured leg. His face 169ff0440c was cool, 1040f252b6 unlike the 7a0e90965b warmth enveloping c799fbab51 him. Heeseo, biting the inside 445cbd11ca of his lip, looked 89a3b61b4e at Seo Yigyeom silently.400e842d7fbc8eea

“He said I’ll be fine.”ab3cad12707a24b6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

In the end, he only spoke polished words. He swallowed all the unfinished, dying words so Seo Yigyeom would never know. Heeseo’s face bore a faint smile as he concluded.2d1d7f628d9ac0ef

Heeseo, smiling as e2f5603e55 if painted, lowered f7efc6456d his gaze. As the warmth on e2b801f8a7 his arm deepened, his 407c8feb32 thoughts deepened too. How did 1d96480068 it come dd0472e92e to this? Reflecting on the chaotic 716e4cdad1 situation, he traced it ed6cbd15be back to the starting 3a734c0716 point.1911934b3d7aa9da

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

…Ah.964c0fba7eb16b22

And then, b926905577 a sigh 629549ab4e escaped him. Initially, Seo Yigyeom and 4af732424b Kim Heeseo chose to 4f326e394a be together out of 372700dce4 necessity. Once their value 049f688274 was exhausted, this ac8cd1f1b9 relationship would be 0a961c1348 meaningless. They had an obligation d988100c10 to maintain the same 256005aae3 balance and fulfill their 71c571e706 roles. Now, he 4f8367d356 was stepping edc743cb55 out of b2fab8be3a the set 071af9bbed orbit.afd22778df0fe6ee

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“If I’m a mess… wouldn’t that be troublesome for you, Guide-nim?”cf18900ad2b595ff

So, there was no need to reveal the abnormalities in his body or the deeper emotions blooming within. No, he mustn’t let it be known.b496f4451c8322c7

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It would be troublesome.”c3afef8dbd988d16

Heeseo was rather relieved by Seo Yigyeom’s dry response. Unlike his faltering self, Seo Yigyeom seemed consistent. Heeseo, looking up at Seo Yigyeom, made that unilateral conclusion.756f309b3c5ff0ff

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine soon.”4e90b997955195b1

He whispered, looking 3335b8a765 at Seo Yigyeom, 99b6fd32e2 whose face showed 78623a6384 no hint of fe67dbb440 emotion, as if f786d4d9ac it were a 9836a15c2f wish.cbe5b9a1cfc2690f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

* * *1e41c21e1a1a5267

That day, the b90bb51f51 events that unfolded 36775938b6 on the rooftop 1e92e6bcc4 began to spread 85253d3538 through whispers. Before long, most people c0d7dc461e at the headquarters knew 8ffbb479f5 that Heeseo had been 0b7ee1ccb2 hurt. No one knew exactly 9344732605 how the story had 782c384309 been embellished as it dcb3c82d1c spread, but everyone was 8f57e64ee1 visibly glancing at him.8c88084ebbcd0aaf

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

However, no one approached 184f77f66a him directly to speak. The curiosity in 020e9ea78f their gazes was d5226f4ccd more out of a580e90eb1 simple curiosity rather 85c5947f84 than concern. Heeseo remained unperturbed by 55a4379020 it. After all, a78868fd81 he had 603ec0240f been enduring b96736b946 this ever 0851bdf0e3 since he 375db5dff9 stepped foot a2afae51e0 here under de005b3003 the shadow ca98929da0 of a 1a2c60f0fb murder accusation. Even though 5e28f968a4 time had cfdbab9b9b somewhat improved 28ce367078 things, his 7efd8ac524 status at 2ae996802e the bottom ad65a5acc0 remained unchanged.034ca3667c225926

“Ah.”db874e44c24e63e8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Heeseo stumbled slightly as f3c3a81e00 someone bumped into his 24603e1e45 shoulder and passed by, a05604fb0f his lips clenched in 91d026f6ed pain. A jolt of pain f4746c1d1e shot through his leg, 0f840336cb making him stand there c8efeb041a awkwardly, suppressing the pain. His gaze d041e382f6 on his 0f34689ab1 leg became bbecbdb6f7 indifferent.842df0907d06a9e4

I hope it b93d1e1488 heals quickly.9be0f108733a7322

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

With his eyes slightly lowered, Heeseo continued to think absentmindedly. He didn’t dwell on the possibility that the bump might have been intentional; he had grown accustomed to such treatment, and it rarely stuck in his mind.fcc5ed42476bb90b

The footsteps around him didn’t stop. They blatantly ignored his injury. Only Heeseo stood still. Lingering in a space that felt disconnected, he finally stepped forward.591b56561bd5cf26

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Tap, the sound of a793b4275a his clean cane touching 80180de735 the marble floor was c8b24611f6 irregular. Then, heavy 20e8fd84d8 footsteps followed, 406957db70 the presence 6bf9847602 announcing itself ee80ff8e8b grew closer. There was no 7e49c78ca3 need to turn 4772256e8c around to check; 102ee70e22 he could tell ab1e9210eb who it was 12bee15a1b just from the 293f6a20a6 sensation enveloping his ff2565d104 body.9c56af15e0fa75cf

“People here are so heartless…”c4e854aa02f181d6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

A faint scent of 131e48a675 roses tickled his nose. The winter 33d83f4943 air, slightly b771cf8a77 chilly, touched 13bdc07632 his skin.dd3d0a3627ee3d86

“Leaving a patient alone like this isn’t nice.”772c327d3990e4b5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom approached fd95fefa85 leisurely yet unstoppingly, 15255f4b62 murmuring disinterestedly. Heeseo, who had 8c89699169 been staring straight 339996cce2 ahead, turned his 56728cb3fe head to look 7d0bc549a6 at him. In his usual 7e57372ab3 burgundy suit, Seo 9d1bdcd9d0 Yigyeom looked splendid 0c12cfa03e as always. Perhaps because his indifferent 3b7876dacc face looked particularly pale, 36bc46fe5f it reminded one of eaaed295af the cold, harsh winter.362dce17ef9a0c3b

“Isn’t it?”23fb50acae742bf9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Yigyeom lowered 1c77d8e4a7 his gaze, their 0aa5a1a02e eyes meeting, and 7640dd8198 for a moment, 9f356abb10 it felt like 8484cd1707 heat was spreading. Heeseo, momentarily a6f64becc9 frozen, belatedly e17c4abd39 greeted him 76d5084096 with a 92c92127c8 bow.0ecaa5e4b22d1d1f

“Hello.”91b97c9758141fc2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Let me help.”e506c21509ce63a1

“Oh, it’s okay. You don’t have to.”e0161cdafb39df98

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“You won’t make it today if you don’t.”06cca2acc7f8f0bb

“I’m quite used to it now; I can walk well.”5dfe419846febd90

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…Alright then.”f955db5aa4234a4f

Seo Yigyeom, matching his pace, walked ahead without hesitation. His broad back, which Heeseo had leaned on countless times, filled his view. Seo Yigyeom walked at a distance close enough for his voice to reach but not his touch. Heeseo followed, suppressing his agitation, feeling the flutter in his heart from Seo Yigyeom’s consideration.a91c2c8f6b28911a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

With his clear eyes, Heeseo blindly followed Seo Yigyeom, hoping he wouldn’t look back. If Seo Yigyeom were to look at him now, he might see the emotions Heeseo deeply hid.8fb31bc97939cb95

What is this thing 2d95e8a975 called emotion?dc522c95ad47c152

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The affection he had fb05986489 unknowingly nurtured was quite 48fea02500 laughable. Even knowing it 35b9ee91af was unwanted, it b67c329b62 grew on its 221d245b69 own. After defining 10a2757542 it and 19898e1656 voicing it, 2c04632b77 it had 41b86461d1 swelled to 0abcea8d46 a fearsome d0dcfa2d46 size.6ef92c837ef8729b

It was a 9744e8517d one-sided, doomed affection. It was d5e9101a27 clear that c47f3e0511 Seo Yigyeom b24df82ce2 would not 363a365fee welcome this a6c216eed7 feeling. Therefore, Heeseo 4bdc9d0723 did not 71d8771303 hope for d9aaf947b0 a future. He just wanted 71af1fabf4 to remain as 6863af20df the only witness 550008a7da to this emotion.ec88deb4036d4aec

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Let’s end it. Let’s end it before anyone knows.890a123be9681793