KTC | Chapter 41

“It’s not a problem per se. We need to focus on immediate damage control first.”

Choi Seonwoo sighed lightly, a weary look in his eyes as he surveyed the surroundings. Seo Jihan, who had brutally beaten someone to a pulp and then disappeared, and the village chief’s son were all contributing to a hefty headache.

“So our Brother John has fled to Yeongjong Island after causing quite the stir?”

The bodyguards, sensing the mood might lead to drastic measures, began to defend Seo Jihan once again.

“As we said, he didn’t flee. He really went to the animal hospital.”

“He swept the entire island because there might still be some animals alive. The bodyguards even split up to rescue all the animals they could find.”

Choi Seonwoo stood up swiftly.

“I’ll just change my clothes and come out, please see if there’s a boat available to borrow.”

“…You don’t really need to—”

“I don’t want to keep such trash in my space a moment longer.”

Choi Seonwoo’s comment led the four bodyguards and Goo Seungjun to look down at ‘such trash’. Indeed, it was too vile to leave the bloodied mess in the sacred priest’s residence until morning. Since there was only a police station on Shindo, they had no choice but to transfer the culprit to Yeongjong Island.

As Choi Seonwoo went to change, the bodyguards exchanged uneasy glances and whispered among themselves.

“What do we do? The team leader said to leave him be until he arrives.”

“I don’t know. If we hand him over like this, won’t Young Master Jihan end up clinking behind bars for assault?”

“…Can’t we claim self-defense?”

“That won’t work.”

Goo Seungjun interjected.

“Even if that guy swung a weapon first at his friend, the extent of the beating he gave him makes it tough to claim self-defense.”

One of the bodyguards finally picked up his phone. It seemed time to send an SOS to Chairman Seo.

Then Goo Seungjun spoke up again.

“I’ll handle this.”

He had no fondness for a man who would glare at him as if to skin him alive, but since Choi Seonwoo had helped him twice now, he decided to return the favor.

The dawn stretched on, melting into the day like molten sugar. Without even having showered, Choi Seonwoo crossed over to Yeongjong Island and headed to the 24-hour animal hospital where Seo Jihan was supposedly hiding.

Seo Jihan was uncomfortably asleep in the waiting room, but Choi Seonwoo first checked on the hospitalized cats. Seeing the limp cats in neck collars stirred his anger anew.

Meow.

Angela, recognizing Choi Seonwoo, immediately sprang up and scratched at the clear door. Stitches were visible above her eyes, and one leg was bandaged. Although he had heard about her condition beforehand, he still let out an involuntary sigh of relief that it was no worse.

“She won’t be going on her favorite walks for a while.”

Angela continued to scratch at the door, questioning why she wasn’t being let out immediately.

“This one can be discharged today according to the doctor. Shall I let her out now?”

The nurse asked. Choi Seonwoo nodded, “Yes,” and the nurse opened the door. Before the cat could dash away, Choi Seonwoo picked Angela up.

“Doctor, could you please prepare travel carriers for the ones that can be discharged today?”

“Yes! Just give me a moment!”

Prompted by the young, Roman-collared priest’s polite request, the nurse nodded enthusiastically and hurried off.

Choi Seonwoo gently tapped Angela as he returned to the waiting area, then suddenly punched the peacefully sleeping Seo Jihan on the crown of his head.

“Ah! Shi— What the hell,”

Startled, Seo Jihan shot awake. Seeing Choi Seonwoo’s stern face, he quickly erased his aggressive demeanor and produced a benign smile.

“Father, I’ve never tried as hard in my life as I did today.”

Brother seems to be at his worst when trying his hardest.

Choi Seonwoo internally scoffed, deciding that the punch was punishment enough. He considered hitting the animal abuser again to balance things out but shook his head, letting it go.

“Why are your lips like that? Don’t tell me that bastard bit you?”

“Just the scab came off again. You see it often enough.”

“Really?”

Seo Jihan glared like a jealous husband. Choi Seonwoo was too tired to respond.

Ah, the priesthood, such a great crisis…

Rubbing his tired eyes, Choi Seonwoo turned away without another word.

After arranging with the vet to take the cats that could be discharged immediately, Seo Jihan had already paid the hospital bills, so they were ready to leave with just the cats.

“Hey, but if everyone’s here, who’s watching that bastard?”

Seo Jihan frowned at the bodyguards who had all shown up.

“He brought his girlfriend along too. Goo Seungjun said he’d handle the cleanup, so just leave it to him.”

What exactly he planned to clean up was unclear, but Choi Seonwoo was too tired to be curious. The NIS employee would surely manage somehow, he figured.

Well, even if things went slightly awry, it didn’t matter much. If Seo Jihan ended up in jail today, it would merely be him facing the consequences of his actions.

…Still, that would be a bit much.

A thought unbecoming of a priest crossed his mind—whether not treating something inhuman as human was indeed a sin. Choi Seonwoo sighed deeply and made the sign of the cross again.

It’s just because I’m so tired. Not because I’m used to Seo Jihan or anything.

“Father, are you sleepy? Want to hand Angela to me and rest?”

Seo Jihan, clueless to Choi Seonwoo’s inner turmoil, cooed annoyingly. Choi Seonwoo just glared at him, but the smile on that perfect face was so innocently beautiful that he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

Am I really okay with this?

“Father, I think I should head back too.”

Just then, Goo Seungjun, who had been on the phone outside, returned with a gust of cold air.

“Ah, okay. Take care of yourself.”

“Thank you. Don’t worry about today’s matter; it will be handled well.”

Suddenly curious, Choi Seonwoo asked.

“May I ask how it will be handled?”

“Park Seonhee, his girlfriend, is actively cooperating. They’re planning to charge him with animal cruelty and attempted murder. That’s all you need to know.”

Choi Seonwoo nodded, satisfied. Goo Seungjun bowed politely and then left promptly.

After sorting the cats into travel carriers and getting their medication, Choi Seonwoo also left the hospital. How time passed after that was a blur. Drifting in and out of sleep, he found himself back at the church.

“Sleep well, Father. I’m heading in first—”

“Stop right there.”

As soon as he had settled the cats needing care in the guest room, Choi Seonwoo caught Seo Jihan who was about to sneak off. Meekly pulled along, Seo Jihan tried his best to look innocent and smiled.

“Brother, if you resort to violence like that again, you’re out immediately. Such actions are quite distressing for this priest who is supposed to be your breakwater.”

Seo Jihan seemed to be getting used to this life-saving facade. This time, Choi Seonwoo could issue the warning without hesitation. However, his voice lacked sternness, probably due to fatigue—an astute guy like Seo Jihan wouldn’t miss that.

“Got it. So you’re forgiving me this time?”

Before Choi Seonwoo could reply, Seo Jihan had already lifted him up like a princess. Recent bulk-up routines had made his body feel significantly robust through his college shirt.

“Oh, lighter than I thought?”

Seo Jihan murmured, evidently pleased with himself.

Choi Seonwoo had neither the energy nor the will to protest, “Put me down,” as he felt he could fall asleep in 5 seconds if his head hit any surface. Angela, too, nestled against him like a long-lost family member, was blissfully asleep on her back.

“Father, holding you like this is surprisingly thrilling.”

“Stop talking nonsense and just put me down gently on the bed and disappear.”

Seo Jihan did as told. He gently set Choi Seonwoo down on the bed in his room and said goodnight, his face glowing angelically in the moonlight—or perhaps devilishly, as even devils often wore the faces of angels.

I need to deal with that damned guy first thing tomorrow…

Choi Seonwoo’s thoughts blurred as he was swiftly overtaken by sleep within seconds.