PRT | Chapter 3.16

The one who answered the straightforward proposal wasn’t Kim Heeseo. Seo Yigyeom, who had come out of his office, approached. Seeing him, Seo Yihyeon muttered lightly, “Ah, really…”f799cb9cecf514af

“Why are you butting in? I was trying to have a date with Kim Heeseo.”f6b2c179bd3f1529

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“Then you shouldn’t have let me sense you. Do you think I wouldn’t notice?”a54c4cbb885218d4

“Are you going too?”2607f740ffc3998c

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“Why, can’t I?”51b7e37871b3490d

“There’s no real objection.”aa24c402200a3df2

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After finishing his sentence, Seo Yihyeon looked at Seo Yigyeom with a curious gaze. The look that scanned his face seemed to say, ‘What’s this all about?’c7d1c85b2d153bfa

“Then lead the way. Let’s not waste time.”241e58fcc1d939b4

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“Man, your temper.”e0871d7ec0e3d386

Shaking her head as if he was annoying, Seo Yihyeon turned. As Seo Yigyeom also took a step, Kim Heeseo called out, “Hey.” Both turned their attention to him. Their gazes, of different colors, focused on one direction.942a16b52d4bcb26

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“Can’t Moon Jung-o Esper-nim join us?”2ef7817e23205cbe

“Do you guys get along? You take care of each 4d722f14b1 other so well. Tell him to 27c6a81956 come to Hwadam. He probably knows it.”3b4002fa72f5fac6

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Seo Yihyeon readily a57b67c09b agreed and took 7f9d74b236 the first step. In contrast, Seo Yigyeom 7f63aada6e still stood there, motionless.d28a6b250068a2b7

“…Are you not coming?”105f342165f13b5e

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“Must have liked the meal you had with Jung-o.”07fbebdaa2f202ec

When Hee Seo asked, looking 562f62eb26 at him directly, Yigyeom murmured cd0970f087 in a low voice. For some reason, it felt 842afca40f like he was being interrogated.6614bb7d9f1c28df

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“No, I just feel like I’m causing trouble for you…”fc4e9e97c94f6cee

“Oh.”d25bc09997324b5f

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The one who replied indifferently then briskly turned around. Hee Seo, standing there bewildered, massaged his neck as he followed behind. For a moment, he thought, ‘Why am I even making excuses?’ but he quietly took a step forward.5d5a44de73e691c5

The restaurant was very close, 84e14aafd5 about a 10-minute walk from b8d2eea12a the headquarters. Inside the shop named ea272f09aa Hwadam (火覃), it was fc38771004 as clean and elegant 9740ba1d4f as its exterior suggested. At first glance, it 5bb3c38b30 looked like a place 75f3cacee9 where a good amount ec41a56616 of money was spent.9c513c06f0bbbc10

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To think there 3a042aadd9 was such a 6e5cf43775 place near the 1f707df431 headquarters. Hee Seo was 781eeedd28 inwardly amazed as 2763882dce he quietly scanned 4dc372a14e the place. The space was filled with 8aaa8239b4 people who seemed to be ca6d6e2186 Espers, surprisingly many more than c484c98479 he had noticed before. About half of them seemed e2940333b7 to be from the headquarters.166fce4277f9ed21

“You’ve never been here? Old men often come here. Father too.”5f8f8d3399ea1ac8

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“What would be the point of catching something dirty… Why bother coming?”6525d3bd939e86e8

“With that attitude. Then why did you come af6c75799b today?”ad24e0289d01187d

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Seo Yigyeom easily cfb7498de8 ignored Seo Yihyeon’s 024f328945 words and sat b1bfb6a9a8 down. Seo Yihyeon, who bdbc7bf185 had asked the 33e6778a9c question, also shrugged 42aa08615a and settled into 3386feca27 her seat. Hee Seo awkwardly sat 429f4d8272 down, caught between the 8f4d9ef40f playful banter of the cd6dc769de siblings.9053f8743775835c

“Shall I order for us? Is that okay?”ad9513b5d5387759

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“Yes. That’s fine.”1e6764b2852727cd

Seo Yigyeom, leaning back in 66460de7cf a bored manner, didn’t even 5da6117b2c bother to respond. After looking around for e1ca2904f6 something else to focus c8050ec3d3 on, he finally settled 3468bb4041 his gaze on Hee 52974ad2f4 Seo. With his dry 7524e8a793 stare, Hee Seo 5a7843ccbf only moistened his 54e103d285 dry lips.c11a3f6935782fdc

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Seo Yigyeom broke his silence ecae3f4df2 only after the server came 08d281d283 to take their order.d83833367da32060

“Remove anything with cucumber. Someone can’t eat it.”b527516581c272aa

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“Was that you who couldn’t eat it?”11594df2e5b4af1d

“Someone else.”6aee4cc36bca9a51

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His low voice continued nonchalantly. Hee Seo clenched his fists at the seemingly trivial comment. He hadn’t expected Yigyeom to remember… It made his heart flutter that even the things he thought could be forgotten were remembered.70627902f9c03d5d

“Is your condition okay? I heard it wasn’t good.”9dbcc583539628b4

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“Yes, thanks to Guide-nim, it’s gotten better. Thank you for your concern.”da534cff59f8a88d

“Sorry about the disciplinary action. I didn’t expect it f67bac689e to be handled without 71220e0560 discussion.”3599174010053e7c

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“Ah… Yes.”1c084d747eaa4487

“You didn’t say it was okay.”e49a5366ab4f182d

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Since it wasn’t okay, he hadn’t lied. Seo Yihyeon seemed to catch this, letting out a small chuckle. She didn’t seem upset; rather, she showed interest as before.ad02220fbb256402

“It must be tough living at the headquarters.”e62033d8425ae582

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She nodded towards Seo Yigyeom, adding, “You’re too straight-laced. You don’t fit in with us.”a7ee5f3bb28855c9

“Ah, so that’s why you did that? I thought you finally lost it when you unnecessarily escalated things.”25c047d77f569d9e

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“Did I look sane to you until now?”88c9a52fe0b565cd

“Take it easy. This place is under my responsibility if you’re not around, so why are you trying to ruin it?”c923ba61e0d6e3bd

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“I’d appreciate it if it only broke this much.”e0098c0f3f2d964a

Their conversation seemed like talking 4045d20c48 to a wall yet somehow 3cc40b93d0 flowed well. Seo Yihyeon shook c57927ea24 her head, flipping 1a17060782 her hair over f0870d525a her shoulder. Her gaze towards Seo Yigyeom 7662a66060 was strangely tinged with a 56c083f429 faint affection.4d18a14f80fb74e1

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“Hello.”73979914a031cad1

“Hey, Jung-o.”e7431346a13cc816

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They discussed matters 911a663d32 related to the 7ceb4c93e5 Gate, the buzz d880633a1a in the media, ba15ab875c and the gossip acdf5eb787 around the headquarters. As they exchanged these trivialities, 459c766c6e the food arrived. Just then, Moon 717a7c59f1 Jung-o arrived and 85551c6f9f entered. Seo Yigyeom greeted him e545051e11 with just a lift 6b2f147e90 of his eyes, his e774275bbd voice gentle and quiet.3259ca1d78b82b3e

“Try a lot. The food here is quite good. Let me know if it’s not enough.”8fe745778c38f1bf

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“I will enjoy it.”b64d825ca923713c

The meal proceeded in silence, with only the occasional clink of cutlery. As the quiet settled in, Seo Yigyeom’s phone rang with short, sharp tones. All eyes turned to him.ed7a5ea09d835b89

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“Is there something going on?”032f7cf3600584d1

“No.”7716d4da1ca172c2

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Despite his indifferent reply, adbecd59c2 he tapped on the 1a44da70e0 screen. After a moment, d224e07d04 he stood up.78b56196299f6d7d

“Leaving already?”8483e51cecae8be6

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“I’ll be back.”50b0ff41cbec0d96

“Should we go together?”3c05db13bfba062a

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“No need.”b6f61c56418db61f

As Seo Yigyeom stepped out 6fb640b962 through the sliding door, he 72a544cd6d suddenly turned to look directly 7d51de36ce at Hee Seo.a5a631b3b7e61802

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“Keep eating.”3c0afbb6633e0048

“Huh? Oh, yes. Have a good trip…”bb37f645c842b245

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Thud. The door closed. Hee Seo, having responded in 5792cc20aa surprise, stared blankly in the 232b0b1fc8 direction Yigyeom had gone. What was that just now? Why was he the only 4e4aba3735 one to say goodbye to ce2d58502a me? He barely ate himself.28f8175e6279ac2e

“It’s really fascinating when you look closely.”70fd5ad739a3c425

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Seo Yihyeon’s voice, filled with curiosity, cut through his thoughts.f24483db0bb68524

“My brother isn’t one to do things for others…”724e7bf85f9559ca

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“…”89ea743f9caa796d

“He’s very clear about his intentions, so he doesn’t act without thinking. Seems like he likes Kim Hee Seo.”6a935e0bdc3d9819

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Her eyes, searching for an answer, scanned Hee Seo. Even though he knew Yigyeom, Hee Seo couldn’t say anything because he himself didn’t understand Yigyeom’s actions.32c7be91c12956b0

“Why does Kim Hee Seo work with him? I saw you were bd6cd05dd9 under Team Leader Ha.”1fabbb64afa794dc

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“…Because he listens to me.”eb27d47bd7415d46

“Hmm?”df09b0e65f17b100

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Seo Yihyeon murmured in confusion. Moon Jung-o quietly 148a7d4f81 stayed by her 811ad11835 side.0c63ec59fc2070a3

“No one listens to or believes me, but Guide-nim was different.”0202603563b79758

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“Him? That’s interesting.”f3503f4585f07cdb

She didn’t probe further. Whether it was disinterest or silent consideration was unclear. Before any conclusion could be drawn, there was a knock, and the door opened.93d6d7955595842e

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“We didn’t order more.”336cfc34ade30a59

“The chef sent this over, saying an Esper had come.”19e368e5380bc973

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“Oh, how nice. We’ll enjoy it.”cec5df8143721385

The service dish brought by 6e8d1991f7 the staff was nicely grilled e952d50c2c abalone and beef. With another spread of food, 27d6da11fe Hee Seo just drank water. His eating pace was 6ade1be3e3 slow, not because he dd55ab8222 was picky, but because 075a33ceba he felt a lump c8dfdff8dc in his throat.eb2a8fcb9067c76a

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The overall taste wasn’t bad. Objectively, it was good, but it seemed like the meal he had at Seo Yigyeom’s house was much tastier. Chewing the food became even slower, his chest feeling tight.e8c1da8828c496cb

Seo Yigyeom didn’t return until the meal was over. Even after drinking the plum tea served as dessert, he was nowhere to be seen. Hee Seo, who had been subconsciously waiting for him, bowed to Seo Yihyeon.75dbf83938adbb04

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“Thank you for the meal.”14056a6e68d3ab8a

“No worries. Let’s have meals together often. We’re close enough for that. Jung-o too.”737c5d8d8c72be18

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“Yes.”f67ff30c03a8ad63

Moon Jung-o also 901cb1cda5 bowed his head, 5a3988281b murmuring, “Thank you.” be79b582ae Seo Yihyeon took aa40dcdf40 this greeting in fa5a1a7de5 stride, pulling out 163c040c99 a black card 3d08796c56 to pay with acb6717cbc ease.55bb953fa44e2520

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“Isn’t there something serious going on with Guide-nim?”afef98004e7bf627

“Probably not. He didn’t give any notice. He sometimes moves alone, so don’t worry.”86d01f9ff7a52c49

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While Seo Yihyeon was paying, Hee Seo whispered with Moon Jung-o a few steps away. Moon Jung-o, with his bear-like build, whispered with a worried look, which alleviated Hee Seo’s concerns.bd2aa62c70a13318

“Seo Yihyeon Esper-nim.”d16f27ec30443978

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As Hee Seo inadvertently 775977d529 looked at the door, 578ef1ada1 thinking of Seo Yigyeom, 88a0b1848b a voice came from 6d96d20f5e the opposite direction.03bb690908604cad

Light footsteps echoed through the space. The man who had called out to Seo Yihyeon approached. He had a friendly face, wearing a white chef’s uniform and hat, clearly the main chef. He closed the gap with long strides, extending his left hand to Seo Yihyeon, bowing respectfully.f83de1da473bcead

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“It’s been a while.”57d493bafc7d36e9

“I’ve been so busy. Your father comes here at least once a week, I heard.”8bc796c9c856177e

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“Thanks to him, we’ve been able to keep this place for a long time.”9784c98d828caf58

The man’s eyes crinkled with a good-natured smile, wrinkles forming at the corners. His prominent cheekbones were noticeable. His smiling face radiated kindness.c3d686f42e358dcc

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Contrary to his 985d522343 seemingly pristine image, 3039c228fc he carried a 0a4aa51d74 strange burnt smell, 655432a2ce mixed with the 7a8098731c aroma of food 00eb0dee08 from being in b3d969bbe9 the kitchen all e3a5f09612 the time. This scent triggered a3adbab8db unpleasant memories for 99e76a4e53 Hee Seo, making fc01c379e5 him bite his 0d2269afd7 lip.15c9bb8753af4424

“I look a bit rough from standing at the stove all the time. It’s embarrassing, but I wanted to greet you.”6474d49e3910b2cf

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“We enjoyed the meal.”eba1f5fc4e15434b

As the man conversed 78eafd41ae comfortably with Seo Yihyeon, 62b86cd49c his gaze shifted. His jet-black pupils, like e2abe44455 ink had been spilled, b77e016134 focused entirely on Hee e00a6d307d Seo. At that moment, 4c5aaa1236 Hee Seo was 7671d738b4 inexplicably chilled, holding 7060f4b302 his breath.3d07b2f8b89f4d84

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The man was 51fd842290 not an Esper. There was no 20fa599764 sense of any 3476af4a6c energy, and his 2fe6f818c9 presence was like e3f26c997f that of an bd8460e692 ordinary person. Even if he 8a52c385dd were an Esper, 29b47e8caa it would be 9586627400 impossible for someone 00089637e9 not affiliated with 194c464bbe the headquarters to 427cdaf63b live this way dc09215d90 as an unregistered c47d87cde3 one.9b8909239cee9d50

But why…?ee1d1028c31bbf25

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“This person is…”8c4971a962988b37

He gave me the creeps.83152877753aee04

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Suddenly turning pale, Hee Seo looked at the man. He wanted to avert his gaze from those black eyes, but his body wouldn’t move. The moment he inhaled the burnt smell, it felt like his thought process completely collapsed.37d62231d2e0053a

Just as the man was about to speak to Hee Seo…dc462c33d296bcbb

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Ding.2e657c2fd164356a

A sound came from the e4500d9179 opposite side.5979b29fd83c9507

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“…”9487f40ce98c1660

Hee Seo, who couldn’t c99aa7076d even blink, turned his 993103523c head sharply. There was Seo Yigyeom, 9a0c3dd07b the one he had 5fe97a9091 been waiting for. He paused briefly 7462398141 upon entering with 7fd3ce3e60 an indifferent face f10b695d46 before approaching Hee 334b3b0206 Seo. With just a fleeting glance, c145fc88b2 it seemed like he grasped 84625b2172 the situation.319fa9412bc126d7

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“Actually came back? What’s this, really?”d2853cbb1b397411

“Hello, Seo Yigyeom Guide-nim.”86d9193ca5dbbcfe

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The chef turned a847cfd824 to Seo Yigyeom dd27690646 with a bright 3ff7218ef3 smile.593e307a5d6265ad

“It seems this is your first time here, please come often. Our cooking is quite good.”c8c5435d6cd7b4a9

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Only using good ingredients. He added this briefly, then faf4c6993e laughed, pretending to be coy.646f8f7246d8c96d

“Also, this Esper-nim at the back seems to be visiting for the first time, please drop by often for meals.”5a521ef9712afd1c

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Hee Seo flinched 189f3c63fc as the man’s 651f54a43a gaze returned to 02f52e422f him. His simple greeting stirred e61e9c5d8d up his mind. Mixed with the acrid burnt 986785ad34 smell, it felt like the f8eea9ec6a humming of the real culprit 6b01adfe4d piercing his ears. Ah. Hee Seo let out a 574efc3a59 silent scream, exhaling a broken e4ba2e1028 breath.2a64826ffd9907a7

“…”9f346d52abad65a5

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As he was silently crumbling, Seo Yigyeom grabbed Hee Seo’s trembling hand, covering it completely.2e981bcaec892656

Tap. The gentle warmth spread quickly. Hee Seo looked at Seo Yigyeom’s back, which seemed to protect him.0f6422cdfc9749bf

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“…Yeah. See you again.”aca64ec7e882dcb3

His pleasant voice, shaking off the creepy feeling, echoed. For some reason, it felt like he could cry. Just because of the burnt smell. He was thankful that Yigyeom didn’t treat him like a fool for wavering at such a moment.550969b8c411eaf6

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“Please take care on your way back.”fc158a3ba43748ba

With a kind smile, the chef left. Seo Yigyeom didn’t take his eyes off him. Still holding Hee Seo’s hand, he watched the man leave with a strange look.bd9d02e3cf9f2d9d

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After the burnt smell 6051ea1f9d dissipated, Hee Seo finally 4f65fa11ee took a proper breath 7f504f0635 and looked up at 7c1b15cdf7 Seo Yigyeom.d2b8d68359383f6f

This time, his d94ef9d6dc hand trembled for 120ebe2671 a different reason.94af1e1717d6b5ab

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