The Guide’s Dignity

Seo Ju-won, who has possessed the body of a mere extra guide in a novel, is utterly flustered and in denial but soon realizes there’s no way back.
Now that he’s stuck here, he resolves to prevent the tragedy that will befall the main character, Han Ji-hyuk, five years in the future.

After much hardship, he finally succeeds in becoming Ji-hyuk’s personal guide. His head is filled with thoughts of caring for the protagonist and eventually connecting him with the novel’s original female lead. Once that’s done, he figures his role is complete and he dreams of quitting the soul-draining guide work to enjoy the life he’s gained.
But somehow… he doubts things will go that smoothly.

“You’re such a kind person, hyung.”
Hearing that from my favorite character—how could I not feel proud? I lifted my shoulders in a playful show of confidence.
“Only to you.”
Ji-hyuk tilted his head, his face puzzled as if the idea had never occurred to him.
“…Only to me?”
“Of course.”
“Why am I the exception?”
“That’s because…”
His eyes focused entirely on my lips.

It wasn’t even a big deal to say out loud, but voicing it made me oddly shy. I paused for a breath, then continued.
“Maybe because… the way I feel about you is the same as how you feel about me.”

Your unconditional trust in me, the way you got angry on my behalf when I was treated unfairly, and all the little sweet gestures you’ve shown in your own quiet way—compared to what I’ve done, I feel like I’ve been given too much.
Until the day I leave your side, I’ll do everything I can not to betray the precious trust you’ve given me.

Han Ji-hyuk widened his eyes in surprise, then broke into a radiant smile that made his eyes disappear into crescents.
It was dazzling, like scattered light.