PRT | Chapter 3.14

When Kim Heeseo quietly fa341357b0 offered only an apology, b99a1782e2 Seo Yigyeom exhaled a ccbeea216d short breath. Knowing he was b3f35499ab frustrated, Kim Heeseo f3e0b4028d remained silent. Relying on others, 4eb3abdb18 crossing that last bd61f73601 line of safety, 20e6122f92 was still too 54f59e76a9 hard and awkward eb276f564e for him.196d77d4e0870bff

As the standoff continued, Kim Heeseo’s phone rang. The screen displayed ‘Mom’.9e4942ba3b3e3fb8

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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.”bcbbd9ce66241550

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.3dfd36db830bb6f5

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“I’ll visit soon. What? What side dishes should I bring? Okay… Yes. Goodbye.”b9de68f57f4cb230

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.4faf6fa5a5ce9845

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“Will my mom be okay because of this discipline…?”deb26de603bdbc24

“You’re worried about that, huh?”31ff65385543975b

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To his question, asked 2bb19cc73f in the lightest tone 80a1e34ef6 he could muster, Seo dd8e6cd3af Yigyeom responded sarcastically. Kim Heeseo clamped his bda190b3ed mouth shut and touched d8dd31b73a his neck.0b737911761fa6e7

“Get up.”e2f5039299e73899

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“Huh?”808223b70a966f0a

“Get up. You’re worried, aren’t you?”ad6b3de4fdb9d1e2

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As Seo Yigyeom turned, gesturing f0544bd6cf for him to follow, his e5dfe1b2b2 heavy footsteps echoed through the f4f5f4f4f8 space. Kim Heeseo, unsure of what 87a87c5cd1 was happening, instinctively grabbed him.5ab5c99c86565df9

“Isn’t it bad to move around right now…?”0c3e7b3fa62add5f

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Seo Yigyeom’s response was nonchalant despite Kim Heeseo’s hesitation due to the recent disciplinary action.31ae2a770dd098ac

“Why?”6ec4f34793391840

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“Huh?”b94658ff81255671

“Why wouldn’t it be okay?”9fe59b1f434977e8

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“Well, there was just a disciplinary committee…”a6235c6bda4fcd67

“What do you think I am?”0257491b051240f2

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With such disciplinary action… Seo Yigyeom muttered through gritted teeth, letting out a long, weary breath.5f58711d4f3cfb69

“There won’t be any issues, so just follow quietly.”1d5d19e60b876a4c

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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.34d6ab6dc9606fce

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.33bd2ec5785c900a

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“…Thank you.”0a4f08cc1f1d9953

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.13f3cde85b7c56de

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His hand on his thigh 0f621b633b curled into a fist. Even his gaze 4962bfc3f9 towards the window d74ffefe52 was filled with 950123d291 agitation.8348d0e2632a262c

“What.”1fa37060fd419b7a

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There was no way Seo Yigyeom, who was always so perceptive, wouldn’t notice.c0e474fa19d0b2d5

“What are you fussing about now?”aea01e46bf46fa07

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Ever since they had physically 52de82ba77 come together, Seo Yigyeom had 21112135b1 taken to using informal speech ad3ac773d3 with him. This blurred the clear b1896a3531 lines they once had, 1ddea38e21 making Kim Heeseo feel daf0ec11fd soft inside. Every time Seo Yigyeom showed 467a836871 an unexpected kindness, Kim Heeseo 81c1384d09 felt like crying.95aff2b021163101

“I didn’t… ignore your words on purpose.”f15f24870629442f

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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.”74907eed103a8c22

“I’ll contact my mother. She’ll be surprised if we show up suddenly.”ae29e179c5e3fc85

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“…Okay.”1d9b469745032344

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.03d3c8b25f9c1698

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After sending a message to d40b05d082 his mother and gripping his 6861ac30ba phone tightly, Kim Heeseo took 31d0f10f4b a long breath. While the car fa365b4fd7 moved smoothly, his 2bb9d30ed1 emotions were in 01ea6b844d turmoil.6f7670f8106a993c

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.64adf6faea53ccb7

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“Heeseo!”9d537841cb418dbe

As soon as the b77995aa5c car stopped, his mother, 85fbd9203e waiting at the gate, 0dfeb78d20 approached. Her face lit up seeing cefff31a13 her son after a while. Her gaze, scanning Heeseo with fa95033097 eyes that seemed to brim 41dfcc4962 with tears, was full of 682cee8e67 affection.27848eb426df7f2a

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“Why are you out in this cold?”d9b58ed405884a4d

“I just came out, just now. It must have been hard for you to come here.”de613a0024bdfe93

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“It was really quick. Oh, Mom, this is…”c8f515a08faf6806

“Hello, mother. I’m Seo Yigyeom from the same headquarters.”ad09005f271326d1

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As Kim Heeseo was about f0cfac9ee5 to introduce Seo Yigyeom, he 13dc850696 spoke first. His slight bow was 1ad04e9958 perfect, showing no trace 07f847d49b of his usual arrogance.27282125bf482c8c

“Oh, I was wondering who Heeseo works with. Welcome. You’ve come well. Oh, let’s not stand here in the cold, come inside.”a7aede847a7dad8c

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“I’ll intrude.”0de042233ab2f588

Once inside, they sat 6adbe9e2a9 in the living room 3b5079e50b after barely stopping his 0873d3ab4d mother from preparing a af2dc9f2ed meal. She seemed concerned 20e0b40ff6 about not offering d5977885bc more, her actions 4a69f22f90 reflecting warm love.764632f24fe88c2e

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“Why are you so thin?”2a31dd13ca5afa0c

“He looks even more handsome…”41aa97cf6ea9b47f

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“Of course. My son was always handsome.”6ae10ef38fe96cba

“Is your knee okay, Mom? Did you go to the hospital?”696affebd6ac1cd3

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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.557fcf17f8e0656c

“Our… Yigyeom-ssi, right? You’re very tall.”6531f0101beaca2c

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“Ah.”f0a6b963bcd084e2

Seo Yigyeom, who had been cd50a0d20d glancing at Kim Heeseo, smiled e84122b39d slightly and bowed again. Seeing Seo Yigyeom 0f6eb103e7 interact with his 530de9daed mother made Kim 3dc78f8db7 Heeseo feel strange.55ca430653d9ee73

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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.”26118595364c4f40

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.b82cadd25e48cc10

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“But knowing he’s working with such an impressive person makes me feel at ease.”20a7dd512fcf9468

“Does it?”dfc481fd4c79c13e

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Seo Yigyeom responded 904a369137 quietly, crossing his 9799f65fe6 legs.c99e44c7c14dc0b1

“You don’t have to worry. He’s doing well.”f340b431fc407f05

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“Thank you.”c00f9b4fd144ff27

At the end of 2285415e43 his leisurely actions, Seo 243695cc54 Yigyeom kept Kim Heeseo 6d60038131 in his sight. He tapped his knee, indicating 67fc34bb05 Kim Heeseo, who looked uncomfortable. The elegant gesture seemed to edd0c61d56 put a period on his 509cb0a505 thoughts.9399a11d95b3ac5a

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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.”2e6c515d9ec770fb

“Oh, this place is good though…”74568faeed1f43c5

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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.”bec3b42a5ab4443a

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.711cf94ffadb077e

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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.6fe7400dc53b3e9c

“The Gate isn’t a problem, right?”989808f1365e1a70

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His voice, filled with agitation, 4a21dba1a1 echoed in the quiet street. Seo Yigyeom just 198f0eb9aa walked ahead without 52064e3afd answering.9d53743c321316e2

“Guide-nim.”21ca330570e031a1

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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.f9de7ab413ef6713

“Guide-nim.”4c4cb5133c370bdf

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Watching Seo Yigyeom move away, b2e602ff51 Kim Heeseo stepped forward, his 6e2eae49e8 pace quickening into a run.46b5b71602b46ab8

“…Seo Yigyeom!”d471bbf684ff8a1f

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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.20ee9c63a2e2e3da

“You’re trying to get even now, huh… Calling my name so casually.”453d10d24cd4d4f2

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After a moment, he 82e5d91119 chuckled and brushed the 803b966993 hand away.7d6b35f68db35d71

“Let go and talk. Why.”69675dfb14f774cc

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Kim Heeseo flinched at 2f53c59e7d the sudden emptiness in 5feaaffc53 his hand and looked 9a1d3da5be up at Seo Yigyeom, 9397fc0107 clenching his fist.052f6be3e00a335a

“Why did you do that?”4fe66680e6f2d3df

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“What.”e406af2c38b27e34

“Just now.”46e673531e63eff4

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“Can’t Kim Heeseo speak properly? Don’t beat around the bush, say it clearly.”364ea0ad11525ade

“…My mom’s house. Why move her?”5667dda6d1161034

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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.0ebe543721512003

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.4b6736f185d37f9d

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“However you see that house…”592aa38708fff3f0

With a frown, Seo Yigyeom 16360ec6b7 eventually broke the new cigarette 24a984f9ed in half and threw it 7df3f0eadf into a nearby trash pile. He put his empty hand 4167a45aca in his pocket, casting a 3c685566f3 sharp, emotionless look.aeebe6079cc0cfb9

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“…”2e21bf5bf30e2168

The house provided 53ae6cb9de by the headquarters 784cb8a8ad was nice, but 8034542519 that was all. The well-built structure was like 950d8cf0ab a fortress, a kind of 58253630ed shackle to confine someone who 01a81ef7bc might be a weak point. He knew this, but there d16f164d68 was nothing he could do.ee643cfef1ee03c3

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“You’re quick to assess the situation. Why waste it?”a63b36ac73891f6f

Thus, when Kim Heeseo clamped b9ec3e7610 his mouth shut in silence, c0e9963719 Seo Yigyeom looked down at 2cd4a5e2fa him with an undefinable gaze.8147aa391fa8a53f

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“Is all you can do just follow headquarters’ orders?”b36c6bc1f31b2aa2

“Why are you saying that?”e36e0fdac4bbd732

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For a moment, 6f3c52bc5b stung by the 252336ea8e harsh words, Kim 69a005d2da Heeseo snapped back.36a134bd9be557ff

“I’m doing my best too.”758e456569751008

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“I know, that’s why I’m doing this.”7cc78373bf2d2aae

Seo Yigyeom murmured 8953e86166 lowly, brushing back ce27493da0 his wind-tousled hair. His unique scent wafted over.857d81d28f88cfb6

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“What do you think my words meant when I told you to contact me?”3d6692309c127516

“…”7a992df817ec6ad4

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“I’m saying I’ll help you.”ebd7ec16bae08683

Seo Yigyeom extended his hand again, as if it were nothing. Ah… Kim Heeseo bit his lip in dismay.1536050e09b3138e

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“I don’t like repeating myself. Don’t make me do it.”7a696a708aaeeebe

“I’m scared.”51590f2067be27ae

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At the end, a22ac66ce0 Kim Heeseo finally 8d537328d3 let out what 1cdad7c323 he had been 0dee9ae4ab holding back.422dabce2eeb20a6

“Every time you do this… I get scared.”bef30a069413c304

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The closer Seo 4f2250c778 Yigyeom got, the 4e30752d43 more scared Kim a5e14cbe86 Heeseo became. No, perhaps it was himself d714716040 he was afraid of. His body stiffened at ce5ee5ca16 the unfamiliarity of being fdcdb8cea9 beside someone who seemed b21a75c43c sturdy enough to lean 1d95455f06 on.67d03132308b407f

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.b35385d6957543ce

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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.a675fdadef3a6e28

“Why. Are you scared I might be a rotten lifeline?”9902a298fcfa4ddb

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“…”c832f980e150c482

“That your hands might rot too.”040fec55142f2d7e

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“…Is this part of our deal?”1fb70e795248d9ad

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…03da001267f4fe3e

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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.a9a431a4a9991dd7

“If you’re not worried, don’t look at me so defiantly. It’s annoying.”44fc35c726305d29

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Finishing his words, Seo Yigyeom 1c6f4bd0dd turned away without hesitation. No smell of cigarettes came 8b7e6a2204 from him as he turned, 8b41427e3c only a scent so good 708e070ab3 it could bring tears. The vivid scent lingered 089055e607 in his mind like 9a659fae57 added color.80229bde15139269