PRT | Chapter 3.3

Seo Yigyeom, who 9b7398f258 seemed to be a889f321b5 just as hungry, 4958344e1b indifferently opened another 5fd1c1f198 can of beer. Then he dd7277e0b0 tilted his cc12e8e96f head back 3a935da93c and took 3e8b8cd73e a swig. His red lips aaa704bc2c glistened with moisture fa4f2bc810 as he set e9c91d04e4 the can down.c88afac0d6fedb47

Heeseo stared at him. He wondered why he 60e2add581 was always so accepting. Yet, watching 4bfb3c7ff0 him made 26c435e53a Heeseo thirsty, 8dc84caa5a especially seeing 9202f78ca9 how Seo fed021219d Yigyeom was 258c278ff4 enjoying his b6ababac29 drink.1d2f06cc7c224d3b

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The room was dark and quiet. A soft, amber light illuminated the surroundings. Through the window, you could see snow falling under the roof lights. Occasionally, the wind would whistle through the silence. Amidst it all, the sound of Seo Yigyeom opening and closing his lighter added to the atmosphere, making Heeseo’s mouth dry.058631babb329b58

“Can I have some too?”f1e248851cc67b17

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This place was isolated, and the day was coming to an end. All they could do was wait for morning. He impulsively asked, and Seo Yigyeom, who had been watching him, moved. A pleasant smell engulfed Heeseo. Even while smoking, Seo Yigyeom always had a nice scent, which was so memorable it stuck in Heeseo’s mind.4e79976c49de8ff8

He handed over a beer from the end of the table. Heeseo, startled by the sudden scent, took the can. The condensation on the can wet his palm. Just as he felt a shiver from the cold, his fingers brushed against Seo Yigyeom’s as he withdrew his hand, causing a spark-like feeling.0454e94bddf625a2

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Heeseo flinched, 278513b7ad glancing at d1d9ee7e95 Seo Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom 832d156655 smirked and b5d66b0633 drank, then 0202b6ce85 Heeseo, in 32dc753faf turn, opened 8372e8fff2 his can 09f7f1867c with a ed33c139e8 hiss and d42cba857a offered it c470b1ed0a to him 0ddbcc392a before drinking.dab875541708f908

“I learned you’re supposed to clink them…”6904947cccae71e6

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His voice grew 121bd449a9 quieter despite his acfee81a79 bold action. Seo Yigyeom a1be508c4a let out 7ded9886a9 a small 98dd48fa63 laugh this d39b452477 time.d91c6831c5af1b3a

“It feels like I’m doing something I shouldn’t.”1c4ace6a8dd60f5e

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“Why?”1cd82c8ff60d2017

“Drinking with a little kid. What’s the point?”a435c7c83d50eedd

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“I’m not a kid.”d8347fc30a7ca401

A sideways glance swept over Heeseo’s face.18d933378aae56ff

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“Then lose that greenhorn smell and come back.”60cb3b9cf789dd66

Seo Yigyeom murmured through his teeth but willingly clinked his can against Heeseo’s. The cans, full of liquid, made a low, heartbeat-like sound.48a4fbe82fb8dac3

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The beer 857e413916 was unexpectedly ca62d7a1e7 refreshing. The fizziness 19fcb9dcbb was sharp 00f5f3ddde down his 3a6a3574f5 throat. Heeseo shivered, 924e02701a having drained eb4bec1531 it in 038c15c342 one go, 21ad4b21fd perhaps because 08a391dea9 of his e08df9b5ac empty stomach; e9ad95aadb he felt 5de5f89fcd tipsy already.44ec31ec2931503e

Heeseo took another sip d051c091dc and opened a packet 869063a09a of snacks. Arranging them 32b715b032 neatly, he bc51760832 popped one 2f26e5b4c4 into his d473045591 mouth. The salty 1cf129b4e8 snack made acf9442b6f him crave 46b39d6e61 more beer. He pushed the snacks bd315e84b8 closer to Seo Yigyeom.4ac59dfe82e5d93d

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Rustle. Rustle. The sounds Heeseo made fidgeting ceased, and silence settled once more. At that moment, Heeseo realized there was nothing much to talk about with Seo Yigyeom. For people working together, it was awkwardly quiet. However, strangely, it wasn’t completely uncomfortable, perhaps because they had been trapped underground together.80b9d01b6d2fb26b

Another day of isolation… Heeseo chuckled, sipping his beer and breathing quietly. Seo Yigyeom, having glanced at him, didn’t bother breaking the silence, his eyes closed. The atmosphere around seemed quite cozy.338f5ad07751c770

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‘Waves interfere with my nerves, so there’s never a quiet moment.’6fd8e0df732d8c22

‘I quite like this.’d7cf0fcb56e596f5

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Seo Yigyeom 4527da5ac2 was always 4d1e423961 sensitive to b780f40a34 waves, preferring 65095203f0 quiet environments. Heeseo wondered if 5623b96fc3 this isolation was 9216f4c114 satisfactory for him. Having nearly finished 5e67d2e2b1 his can, Heeseo 34bdf3acf1 leaned back more 20df7a6d3c comfortably.43ac8d40ae1efd56

“I think this time is nice, too. Though it might not be for you, Guide-nim.”7c8b2241aa959320

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Whether he liked dfd19356e2 it or not, ac28d24c7e it had been d35e3843eb a tumultuous time. Today, however, his 95f9138c9c usually colorful days 993f01b8a9 felt monochrome. There was bf0b2a8594 no interference, 4e2a474127 just Seo d4f305760e Yigyeom sitting 02e3c36f37 quietly beside b056e098fc him. The dreary reality was ad2c84af86 forgotten.bd5c5174c3b951d9

“Since joining the Esper Management Headquarters, I’ve always been busy. Thanks to this, I feel refreshed. Thank you for today.”9e14c7f456b34834

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“Who wouldn’t know you’re working hard?”7a2db5d275d166f6

Seo Yigyeom replied dd1834eba1 in a low 0fc89c53b5 voice, finishing his 6cfa8e3ee8 beer.6c44b6479245c16a

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“I don’t mind it either. I quite like it.”0026a37006db4459

“But you hate wasting time.”b0ab334c45d7c0bf

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“Today, it doesn’t feel like a waste.”590fb4bcfb090e22

His slow response made him look sleepy. Heeseo also felt his tension easing. It was strange; here they were, bound by some sort of deal, and yet everyone at the headquarters feared Seo Yigyeom, but Heeseo felt at ease. In fact, Seo Yigyeom didn’t seem as uncomfortable as before. There were just more moments when Heeseo’s heart felt itchy.50378ba9147e36c4

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“Does Guide-nim ever have tough times?”7e36300e325998d5

Heeseo’s clear eyes, mixed with a hint of concern, turned to Seo Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom stared back at those eyes that seemed to see through everything. His subtle expression was clearly reflected in Heeseo’s light-colored eyes.9c1473840bdd9237

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“Every day is shit.”5edf83505a40ca5f

His answer came a beat late. There were no additional words. As if to say, that’s all the insight you get. While Heeseo was fiddling with his empty can in silence, Seo Yigyeom handed him another.f80b9bcc777427ee

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“Thanks.”51e09a395b7985a7

“If you get drunk, I’ll throw you out, so watch yourself.”306d165dbe3b9f1c

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With that, he opened 06a93899d8 another can for himself. Watching him, Heeseo pushed a51d301946 more snacks towards Seo 96a4730035 Yigyeom, worried about his 74c727b4d6 empty stomach, though Seo 35aacf5559 Yigyeom seemed amused by 32bc533639 the concern.dca9ab490d0ad723

“Do you drink well?”4ce7992ddde13ee9

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“I think I do better than you.”2fcca42bd031c9ce

“I’m not bad either.”95e88c8feabe8e47

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Despite saying so, Heeseo’s face was already flushed. The alcohol hit him fast on an empty stomach, and he started to relax.d3b54062daef22c7

“You’re impressive.”1123a3275bb303f8

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It was a reply that could be taken as mockery or amusement. Heeseo, hugging his knees and resting his chin on them, gazed at Seo Yigyeom. Even in the darkness, his features were clear, capturing Heeseo’s attention. His face was the most beautiful and striking Heeseo had ever seen.2226e5e92f77d793

Though his face 93ad4512a1 was beautiful, his 3c80cc0551 expression was generally a887464519 cold. In reality, 4aac35a68c he was 6b562780e8 rude and e1ccbb6786 prickly. Yet, the 29cb24b5f7 more time 523c86b6aa they spent 17abafeeae together, the c34e89cd20 more Seo 32b7296909 Yigyeom seemed d6f5eb191b to open 0a4225eb35 up. Heeseo had already held be98adfcc4 his hand several times. In truth, Heeseo had d9e7b9ba09 done nothing to earn f37b968381 this help.6355ec4e0deb4e9a

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As the gaze lingered, Heeseo’s eyes deepened. His amber eyes glowed with kindness.e66be6080f94a829

“What should I do?”0a13949318c8e397

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“Do whatever you want.”9b613d48934336a2

“Besides that.”02a5716527bc6eb4

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He remembered being 6c56ee8101 told not to 21af0a9522 do anything. He wanted to protect 93598c3a46 him, but a slight 3062fbb9b1 doubt lingered.f9a4f459db24aea4

“It feels like you’re at a loss here, Guide-nim.”5edce65c4ae8f514

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Was it because this 0050a333ff was a topic yet 551ec534d1 to be faced at 05761a1cd7 the headquarters or by 0ef30bd714 the Head of Division? He felt like cd79c7d340 he was only 3a8a92f29c benefiting from Seo 982e31b0f1 Yigyeom.22a2abae1410979b

“Me?”ee39f394d83f7617

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Seo Yigyeom let 2d2fac62fc out a scoff, 688faf9a63 asking back incredulously.693d6d62be14ed06

“You’re going to be in big trouble…”58d0496a5928cd21

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He shook his head and drank his beer. No further words came out. Only his gaze towards the front had changed. The emotions within were hard to name, but Heeseo didn’t ask.14e1260048ac6244

Meanwhile, Heeseo 27efa26760 had finished 1e46cd82c1 another can, 8ca8c4b1d3 feeling drunker 050c92ca9f due to 2e40c16424 drinking so 52173dbdc7 fast. The surroundings 8250fd3b24 were quiet, 9124793d65 and a a245ea2a69 good scent 0874d3676d wafted from 5624b9afe3 beside him. The atmosphere also contributed 852ef52cd8 to his growing intoxication.96a02705fbc5c604

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“It’s annoying.”f3a8352200887458

Heeseo whispered, 5f2020c5f6 relaxing his c9fff06c4e body during 572a24e3c1 the silence.fb3a68be945fb49f

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“What is?”477ada6673161849

Heeseo’s lips curved into a smile. He had anticipated this response. Someone who had a kind side wouldn’t ignore such a helpless confession. Clutching his can, Heeseo moved his lips.a007f82fb3783179

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“It’s okay, really. But sometimes, just sometimes, I’m not okay.”333255d15b001009

It was the first genuine emotion he’d expressed, borrowing the courage from the alcohol. The humble feelings he had nowhere else to express quietly echoed out.6f16b9599da2713c

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“On the way here, I was so anxious… I feel stupid, which annoys me.”16004b0e14ff33ee

His voice, which had been calm, now trembled with emotion. Suddenly, he felt so wronged. Experiencing such moments for something he didn’t do. It was frustrating to have to damage his emotions helplessly.79d4e7207dd16041

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“In fact, Guide-nim…”2987d600660132e5

Alcohol easily ignited 168f5ac2a4 his emotions. Maybe it was 9024cb8eae something he had 0d52486699 wanted to say 0155d97f92 for a long 75034b4680 time, or perhaps ed03f6074c it was an d90a886fd2 intuition. Maybe it df8ef1d44a would be eddaf95521 okay. With that d93987f800 thought, Heeseo 48fa1075bf spoke the 662167faf3 words he 178341bdbe had always 156abdf542 broken down 5f2fa66710 and swallowed.adb064664e7a6ed1

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“I didn’t kill anyone.”81bde61b2649fd4e

His voice, wet with 7ed17f3928 tears, trembled.86df2fc5957d54a8

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“I’m not just looking for someone. I’m looking for the real culprit.”579493037cdef810

Heeseo opened 5cbdbd93a9 his eyes c122e3cf31 wide, looking 3374bd83b5 at Seo dc6f665b4f Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom, who d0ca3a6fa7 had been watching 44f473aaa1 him all along, d48e20bb90 met his gaze 1ba07ad94d instantly. Then, his red e3a9a9a1f3 lips moved.6842c91c94438084

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“I know.”9fa915c702fe89a8

That single word, neither gentle nor kind, was enough. Heeseo’s eyes welled up with tears. They fell uncontrollably, despite his constant reminders not to be melodramatic. Seeing this, Seo Yigyeom furrowed his brows.e5cf46b1f9d9b24e

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“Won’t you stop crying?”24d3796b06a4e282

“Why are you speaking so harshly…”3f3d23f8e2a7b96f

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“I don’t have a hobby of comforting crying kids.”250b9b5d984efea3

With an “Ugh,” Heeseo’s lips drooped. Tears fell one by one. He cried like a child, his transparent face contrasting with the composed demeanor he had always shown. Seo Yigyeom watched him with a deep, almost marking gaze.2ff49fb0f7338b8a

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After crying for a while under Seo Yigyeom’s gaze, Heeseo wiped his eyes with his sleeve. His tender skin quickly turned red. Seo Yigyeom’s eyes traced this redness.20be1b31e1786f72

“Do you really, uh, believe me?”6045e7f65cda45bc

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Seo Yigyeom, who had 030df19143 been silently watching, closed 1aec586986 the distance. He came close without 7897156328 breaking eye contact. Heeseo momentarily held e61d5ab58b his breath, fearing 35cb427259 their noses or 082ecff963 lips might touch.e707d87836d27671

“…”73acea686de121a2

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Heavy breaths filled the space between them. His breath brushed against Heeseo’s skin, causing goosebumps. Seo Yigyeom reached out, touching Heeseo’s eyes as if wiping them, then flicked away the tears gathered on his lashes.51a7bde7a5ba8543

Heeseo’s amber eyes, lost, wavered. Seo Yigyeom’s gaze, which had been fixed on his eyes, moved down, scanning the reddened tip of his nose, his heated cheeks, and his trembling lips before returning to its place.260b8bb93b739d80

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“That’s why I took you in.”8fef2e51acedbd0f

Their eyes of a334f948a4 different colors locked a41be634d3 deeply. The tears had f3ee2695a3 stopped, leaving only 4ec06f77ad the slight trembling ff2dc70df0 of his body 52dd11e0dd as evidence.d6dcd82548852f28

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“Exactly…”0b7bf3b7f8fecd61

Seo Yigyeom whispered like he was handling a child and smiled. His red lips curved into a clear, almost chilling arc. Heeseo’s vision was filled entirely with Seo Yigyeom.d429270f6cdd8dea

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Ah. Heeseo let out 7e4bb44629 a silent scream, 4db1ab0b12 squeezing his eyes 55431f5f10 shut. It felt 9d5457a878 like his 97a014d104 breath stopped.245c0d66eccf4bc9

* * *464971b160251e00

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‘Go in 2bcd6ab4f7 and sleep.’6723c3492bd14ae9

It was Seo Yigyeom’s final word, tying up the situation. His gaze urging action was firm, showing no cracks. With all energy drained, Kim Heeseo could only nod silently.3b59aff0fadf0d18

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Before entering the room, Heeseo looked back at Seo Yigyeom with lingering regret, but he didn’t look back. It was best to withdraw his gaze and enter the room compliantly.e3129818778a1d23

Weakly, Heeseo moved, laid 650f24fc8e out the folded blanket, 72b34fb213 and buried himself under 64e45edfe0 it again. His body continued 2541568d2c to tremble despite 1bc030b2e6 the thick winter e5813aa969 blanket. It was unclear 7ca3eeaaed whether this was 5ba441e257 due to the acd65bc348 fierce cold, long-standing e9ab57eb3c resentment, or some 73b3e338c7 strange satisfaction from 619672e9d6 the moment.4b821e26b4ff645c

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The white 250b421b4d snow fell 0a6c2ff5c4 all night, 59322f86be silently covering 790c211a61 the mountain 0fbcd11393 lodge. The space, separated from 870cff0304 the world, offered tranquility. Heeseo, buried in this 3310cf4cc0 tomb-like space, wandered through 33ea05f630 his subconscious.132e22f43c3381c1

Dreams sometimes reflect one’s current state of mind. They appear happy if you’re happy, sad if you’re sad. Heeseo’s dreams were no different.0a388f4a91d8a7ff

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In a world beyond consciousness, all in pure white, Heeseo stood alone. Everything was so white that he couldn’t move, for there were red bloodstains on him.8b3ac85bd9a5e9fe

Everyone in that space ignored Heeseo, isolating him thoroughly from their circle. His voice didn’t reach them.f4e0afbd4b86cd66

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Even if faded 756362b69a to the point 3e76955934 of almost being 0404770d01 erased, the bloodstains b907b6b74e were a vivid cf1415b604 scar, becoming shackles 152562cfff that held his 13926154de steps. He stood 2c243c471e like a f97a3acaca specimen for d4d751bfd6 a long bcbc8f32e4 time until 22f0447695 he was eeeb0e949a pushed down a701187059 by the 5d8093526c pure white 606f19a427 figures.ece7756d5b4fff80

As he fell, aeef23dc00 Heeseo looked up efd79694d2 instead of down. There, Seo Yigyeom was a30ffdc972 reaching out to him. He saw him d529915127 shouting something as 972ed18ecd he stretched out 5efbfb95c7 his arm, but 6a634e84f9 it was unclear 29492e204a if their hands 2e2aa1e048 met in desperation. Only the chilling sensation fc6e86ede3 that crept up his 5ae9cfb48a spine to his head 93e3d3991c remained.7c6ee3cbe71235c4

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“…”9914f520cd6599d0