PRT | Chapter 3.3

Seo Yigyeom, who seemed ef4eb33f30 to be just as c685efb921 hungry, indifferently opened another 3a2b1bae6e can of beer. Then he 1579452054 tilted his 0c3b0538b9 head back 61cf54f04b and took 635508ca4a a swig. His red lips 760af9402b glistened with moisture da095af58b as he set de085eead5 the can down.87767490b89be668

Heeseo stared at b28433e09e him. He wondered why he da60e15f44 was always so accepting. Yet, watching him e70191b504 made Heeseo thirsty, a879113f5f especially seeing how 0272f0fde7 Seo Yigyeom was bc9907f977 enjoying his drink.a37094af1cb26fef

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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.be7161607194b408

“Can I have some too?”37751129755e1790

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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.383d10b1b0fa40d2

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.288db0f6d2db4798

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Heeseo flinched, glancing e32ccb307f at Seo Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom 511729e877 smirked and 9679fb7baa drank, then 5d268c44a3 Heeseo, in a755ba9cba turn, opened d782dffcf9 his can 5e93dd8a08 with a 973f179a29 hiss and 9c06d35b45 offered it 61e873ad92 to him 3780489077 before drinking.0ac415d26c30e558

“I learned you’re supposed to clink them…”18f8d9dc31e227d4

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His voice 9d997a4bab grew quieter c66c4e44db despite his 76dbc7d086 bold action. Seo Yigyeom 7642cbb1d0 let out 1f91dc0f6f a small 6cd4f7d821 laugh this 001e474df4 time.6ea37ed414657c74

“It feels like I’m doing something I shouldn’t.”a6109651ac64727b

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“Why?”9a000e66b2fc7074

“Drinking with a little kid. What’s the point?”774956782035729b

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“I’m not a kid.”4ecff924ed855ac4

A sideways glance swept over Heeseo’s face.c13a290be7b22241

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“Then lose that greenhorn smell and come back.”af7a2a9d903cd935

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.c7b45e3d54a0f0a9

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The beer a73276d259 was unexpectedly 2662ee3868 refreshing. The fizziness was fc6705756d sharp down his 8084f59773 throat. Heeseo shivered, 12eb6f45c0 having drained d046a9bc08 it in 399f54d64f one go, 3b01fade62 perhaps because 90b5869c1b of his a46cdfb87d empty stomach; 373fa53b38 he felt e60c4cc8fd tipsy already.36aecc734ba30ca3

Heeseo took 4294c39c79 another sip d5baf77ddd and opened a59848c989 a packet 7bdaa5e86e of snacks. Arranging them neatly, 08dc0814c0 he popped one 00c4cb9821 into his mouth. The salty snack 54efc833db made him crave 29dd125258 more beer. He pushed 0f837a004b the snacks f8219e8daa closer to e553ea092a Seo Yigyeom.6ca02ca588e305b7

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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.f243f889d83825fa

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.d33d8dfe72fe7f8d

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‘Waves interfere with my nerves, so there’s never a quiet moment.’b83b5e20204cbdb1

‘I quite like this.’097b397a962a6987

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Seo Yigyeom was always 111d3bfbcc sensitive to waves, preferring ffc6d7c531 quiet environments. Heeseo wondered d7d433260e if this 66773dea0c isolation was a619f562f3 satisfactory for b2110e0bdb him. Having nearly finished ce18cb5443 his can, Heeseo 4239320546 leaned back more 66e17719d5 comfortably.b59b15880e56d5a1

“I think this time is nice, too. Though it might not be for you, Guide-nim.”c129af90c723d96c

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Whether he liked dae23286b3 it or not, 02d608a601 it had been 92e280c914 a tumultuous time. Today, however, his usually da94c6cd2d colorful days felt monochrome. There was no 42c2c78759 interference, just Seo b3e1bf1614 Yigyeom sitting quietly bb8056019d beside him. The dreary reality was 17c2b0cc26 forgotten.ce6bc4dab6297f1c

“Since joining the Esper Management Headquarters, I’ve always been busy. Thanks to this, I feel refreshed. Thank you for today.”52d8c4c5f868a6fd

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“Who wouldn’t know you’re working hard?”30a3e56058b25f4a

Seo Yigyeom replied 9866451cf1 in a low 02009fc5ae voice, finishing his e9e8578cba beer.5a7170a5f4a1adf8

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“I don’t mind it either. I quite like it.”c16e16605fcb97f2

“But you hate wasting time.”bd32bdd8ad4319dc

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“Today, it doesn’t feel like a waste.”42b8149dacf9d5ac

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.968efcb4875059de

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“Does Guide-nim ever have tough times?”5d603499def78ee8

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.b155dbe8b66e1c0d

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“Every day is shit.”e38611851743f6f7

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.4f6b636effca9384

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“Thanks.”f32cd685e2dc70f5

“If you get drunk, I’ll throw you out, so watch yourself.”675e93c9f0d2fb98

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With that, e68f1444c5 he opened 068c6fcfd8 another can 2809a3e309 for himself. Watching him, ee31f21711 Heeseo pushed aee72759d8 more snacks 936ca0d30d towards Seo 746f089178 Yigyeom, worried 351fbd5f75 about his 1c733e3c33 empty stomach, 50b4aee06e though Seo a521a807d3 Yigyeom seemed 73fe0867de amused by 0dbb11ee5b the concern.4088936765557447

“Do you drink well?”ecd0289cdcfb4a08

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“I think I do better than you.”1af2e6d7791c8840

“I’m not bad either.”c86198ba5354c98d

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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.458f7506dc359cf0

“You’re impressive.”65bb2e71ac627030

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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.b3bf2cbc8db7d622

Though his 12c3d2d48e face was 0c7f90f35b beautiful, his a739f559c9 expression was 9fbbe9a56e generally cold. In reality, he f7c90f000f was rude and c6166bb8ee prickly. Yet, the more time 4fab455bda they spent together, the 6791e9dc5f more Seo Yigyeom seemed 73ae1d1a5e to open up. Heeseo had already 9a3a0a69de held his hand fdc4b960d9 several times. In truth, Heeseo cae4c2052b had done nothing c00f8166f7 to earn this 1f25caa4dc help.87d397d7f894b99a

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As the gaze lingered, Heeseo’s eyes deepened. His amber eyes glowed with kindness.b294856955683180

“What should I do?”c1ea4f157cc63de8

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“Do whatever you want.”b22f2e61cf45b11d

“Besides that.”9c6a61ca6f99fd88

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He remembered being told 90d095bacd not to do anything. He wanted a75097d4be to protect f921d11753 him, but 5df53c0c65 a slight 830f0f3193 doubt lingered.f40fe1033786fdde

“It feels like you’re at a loss here, Guide-nim.”0553d76de2d23f88

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Was it because this 721fd21280 was a topic yet e736c948a7 to be faced at 369a6fd4d2 the headquarters or by c127be9375 the Head of Division? He felt fb7d9f0b31 like he 2aba94fc92 was only c0039fc9c2 benefiting from 5cdb52dacb Seo Yigyeom.e10ba894b108e584

“Me?”bf28a443d995c036

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Seo Yigyeom let 2d8e093f70 out a scoff, 908c8eed1a asking back incredulously.fcbd8f1359cfa17a

“You’re going to be in big trouble…”9029299a33193673

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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.17ba7f2358dbdd15

Meanwhile, Heeseo ddc80a4f2b had finished c6cd4a6890 another can, 70249191ca feeling drunker 549e7d827a due to 9eedd18a7d drinking so 1f8f0b2996 fast. The surroundings 779b0273be were quiet, 90ea2e9d7c and a 059ee4b7f3 good scent a43290a19a wafted from 9275968aa0 beside him. The atmosphere also 28c5c70cdb contributed to his 1a24148ff6 growing intoxication.84bf6f9706a54f26

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“It’s annoying.”587bbe8530a831fb

Heeseo whispered, fffacb9e72 relaxing his 34ffff25bc body during 68d63b383d the silence.806f0086358f6667

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“What is?”05101459910b4401

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.c25e62498dd76c48

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“It’s okay, really. But sometimes, just sometimes, I’m not okay.”daf0766f30740e2c

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.52273b0a9dd4c533

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“On the way here, I was so anxious… I feel stupid, which annoys me.”549e07f2fca4103c

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.6caf3d808955a366

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“In fact, Guide-nim…”958a0d185d486c24

Alcohol easily 03e73441da ignited his 54ac4578ad emotions. Maybe it 72170abee5 was something 9a8370c1aa he had 54edaa1d4b wanted to df07ba0b94 say for ec36b1b60a a long ee02276ac9 time, or 2d192de99d perhaps it b0976ca3c6 was an 965a729ee8 intuition. Maybe it would 7a616ec19d be okay. With that thought, 37fc201e37 Heeseo spoke the 4d7f4de30f words he had a79200ef50 always broken down 0f54b87548 and swallowed.5afd169fcc80ea10

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“I didn’t kill anyone.”038aa6138038845a

His voice, wet with 4bae7573af tears, trembled.652dfe9b8639e156

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“I’m not just looking for someone. I’m looking for the real culprit.”747fb243688808b1

Heeseo opened a251bddfcd his eyes b03b09ea9e wide, looking 87bf5e46eb at Seo 35750b6ce6 Yigyeom. Seo Yigyeom, who 749ed89d90 had been watching ec20a32f26 him all along, fd28e5048c met his gaze b9c11d726e instantly. Then, his red f4be02cb09 lips moved.d072c2e8e7240815

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“I know.”73ef33e4fc582059

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.5ac5134a5f86a01d

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“Won’t you stop crying?”afb44b4894e5c965

“Why are you speaking so harshly…”674fd4b3d26799b8

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“I don’t have a hobby of comforting crying kids.”8d3c75c31b30ed94

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.8b1e4db50a7d8807

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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.ba506f2297bd7cb0

“Do you really, uh, believe me?”622da92ee5d51dae

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Seo Yigyeom, who had 061998e48e been silently watching, closed 7567b7c472 the distance. He came close 6433a803df without breaking eye d8a1da76dc contact. Heeseo momentarily held his 473eccd3f8 breath, fearing their noses 3608619c95 or lips might touch.22ca1076080c2b36

“…”c77a3a1e165bad6e

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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.b6ac1a9f1a429473

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.d3ca0ae3331f448a

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“That’s why I took you in.”76f601d5e77fb134

Their eyes of different 4f64f2f8c9 colors locked deeply. The tears had 767f65cddb stopped, leaving only 1ced0f42b4 the slight trembling bb381d88a8 of his body 2a4563bb44 as evidence.5408d555ab10cf8c

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“Exactly…”e721bb5a17d46c8d

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.4f196ba5cccc7b8b

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Ah. Heeseo let 60a5a05106 out a dedaa9034c silent scream, fee251bbaf squeezing his e690c7fe20 eyes shut. It felt like 85ce862c66 his breath stopped.665410a09b47c431

* * *761d9d5c3b6b1885

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‘Go in and 96ad7443a3 sleep.’ba025027c9f270a8

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.b5f62331be9cc553

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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.410424b0768884b4

Weakly, Heeseo moved, 1431ea0938 laid out the fa5320f386 folded blanket, and f8e572a805 buried himself under 6703069069 it again. His body fef1efb7f3 continued to 04ff346dbc tremble despite a1c5a4f6ff the thick ebfc2b3c77 winter blanket. It was b64bde5a31 unclear whether 7cb7ad95c7 this was d11eda9a15 due to 4e3288b32b the fierce ca5626e89b cold, long-standing 3dce103064 resentment, or f132f6be5f some strange 34b14628c3 satisfaction from 9a4957566d the moment.243a6d1f62d8fb12

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The white snow 099bd38cf7 fell all night, 164ffc05e3 silently covering the 04dfe207f8 mountain lodge. The space, 6495bcd44a separated from 8922740e53 the world, b8b1b968f5 offered tranquility. Heeseo, buried in 7b3513c937 this tomb-like space, 45ddfc1c58 wandered through his 25cff27d5b subconscious.d50b547bdbd1a61f

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.fd343cab199e1b45

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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.9f0295ba851ba20c

Everyone in that space ignored Heeseo, isolating him thoroughly from their circle. His voice didn’t reach them.07957059a467f573

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Even if faded to cc02d214f1 the point of almost 8a92ca38c7 being erased, the bloodstains e82618e638 were a vivid scar, aebb758b6d becoming shackles that held 05718defee his steps. He stood like 7b1db72de0 a specimen for b4bae439e1 a long time 3ed5a13927 until he was 4028510431 pushed down by 855688b9ab the pure white 61ff3007d5 figures.74b29b59c8b47a9b

As he fell, fbd28805b8 Heeseo looked up 12dcc897cf instead of down. There, Seo Yigyeom was 1b62f02f77 reaching out to him. He saw him shouting 6b874cd989 something as he stretched 932e962b34 out his arm, but 36e1877a91 it was unclear if ca430e32b1 their hands met in 3b8d2134aa desperation. Only the chilling sensation 7d7deff0fd that crept up his 88b5ba6af5 spine to his head b31e771a9e remained.e5c93cd857b103ef

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“…”0ab679118889c38b