The Esper Who Loves Me Chapter 1.8 - Hidden Esper (8)

Dohyun, who had been sent in to scout, returned 20 minutes later. In the meantime, the other Espers, having finished searching the upper floor, rejoined the group. As expected, the upper floor was empty.

According to Kim Dohyun, both the hostages and the suspects were on the first floor. He reported that the robbers all appeared to be combat-trained and fully armed with firearms.

“There are five hostages in total, all in front of the main vault. Four of the suspects are in front of the main vault on the first floor, and the remaining three are inside the basement vault.”

Dohyun finished his report while getting dressed.

Hmm. The invisible man act isn’t great either. The ending is…lacking. Eunseok watched him with a sour expression, and Dohyun, catching his eye, grinned. He looked at Eunseok as if expecting praise, so Eunseok ruffled his hair.

Now that he had a grasp of the situation, it was time to formulate a proper plan.

The Espers gathered in a circle around the building’s blueprints, exchanging opinions. Sungjoo, who was leading this operation as well, contributed the most ideas and steered the direction of the plan.

“Minjae and I will handle the hostage rescue. Gunwoo and Dohyun will take the first floor, and Seungmin and Hyunjoon will take the basement.”

“Hey, why?! You said hostage rescue is the most important, so why are you deciding that on your own?!”

“I can do it too! I want to rescue the hostages!”

At this rate, will we even be able to decide by the end of the day? The plan was going off the rails and about to crash off a cliff. While the kids were arguing under the guise of a strategy meeting, Eunseok picked up a stray desk and sat down. He pretended to be preoccupied with examining the new rifle Dohyun had retrieved, while eavesdropping on their conversation.

Guys, it’s been 30 minutes. We don’t have time for this.

Finally, Eunseok got off the desk, brushed off the dust from his pants, and placed the rifle back next to Dohyun. As he slipped into the group, the Espers, noticing his presence, made room for him.

“Something not working out?”

“No, it’s going well, so don’t worry about it.”

Sungjoo reacted sensitively. That bastard had slyly excluded himself from the role assignments earlier. Lightly ignoring the hostility, Eunseok hummed and pushed further into the group.

Listening to their conversation, he got a rough idea of what abilities the kids possessed.

He suggested the safest and most beneficial combination for everyone.

“The friend who manipulates space and Dohyun, with his invisibility, should extract the hostages from inside. Meanwhile, the wind and electricity users will provide cover and take care of the first floor. The rest will apprehend the robbers in the basement.”

“Who are you to decide?”

From Sungjoo’s perspective, Cha Eunseok was a telekinetic Esper. He hadn’t said so himself, but Sungjoo had clearly seen him playing around with a rifle floating in the air earlier.

His complete lack of tension was incredibly irritating. Sungjoo had tried to ignore him completely, but this interference was unacceptable.

“I told you, don’t interfere and mind your own business.”

“It seems like you’re the one lacking awareness. Don’t you know this is a real situation? Instead of dawdling here, you should be down there rescuing people.”

“Who’s playing around…!”

Sungjoo lunged forward aggressively. He tried to grab the collar of the man who was a head taller than him, but his wrist was caught instead. He blinked in surprise, completely unprepared to be overpowered. Contrary to his slender appearance, the other man’s strength was greater than expected.

Eunseok pointed to the body cam on his shoulder strap. I’m watching you, he mouthed, and, like magic, Sungjoo understood.

Sungjoo yanked his wrist free and breathed heavily. The unresolved resentment was evident on his face.

“…We don’t have time, so let’s do it that way. We’ll back each other up depending on the situation. Now, let’s move!”

How nice it would be if everything went according to plan.

Despite confidently entering the first floor, the reality they faced was a series of surprises. The robbers, assumed to be ordinary people albeit heavily armed, were all illegal Espers, and the suspects who were supposed to be split between the first floor and basement were all gathered in front of the main vault.

Confronted with seven suspects instead of the expected number, the Espers forgot their pre-arranged plan and were preoccupied with fighting. They had no time to consider the safety of the hostages, which should have been their top priority.

“Damn it!! Nobody said anything about Craders!!”

“Like you can tell just by looking!”

Even in this situation, their passion for blaming each other was remarkable. Amidst the flying bullets and Esper abilities, their mouths never stopped moving.

“Ahhh!!!”

One of the hostages screamed and threw themselves to the floor as a fireball the size of a basketball descended upon them.

They thought they were going to die, but there was no pain, only silence. Lifting their tear-streaked face, they saw a light blue shirt and tousled brown hair.

Eunseok had intercepted the fireball with a steel door he’d hastily pulled over with his telekinesis. Using an ability that was no longer his primary one left him breathless.

“Woo Gunwoo!!!”

He yelled, throwing aside the blackened steel door. Woo Gunwoo, who had been fighting in the distance, came running at the sound of Cha Eunseok’s voice.

“Can you create a wind barrier? How thick, a few centimeters?”

“Uh… 15? 20 centimeters?”

“20, maintain it absolutely, don’t let it thin out. I’ll call the space manipulator, so move the hostages out.”

Eunseok positioned Woo Gunwoo in front of the hostages and immediately left. The fight between the Espers was pure chaos.

Thunder and lightning crashed inside, and pillars of fire and water erupted fiercely. The sturdy foundation of the central bank building somehow held up, but its safety couldn’t be guaranteed if this continued.

While searching for the space manipulation Esper, Eunseok ran into Sungjoo. He was generating lightning bolts in his hands and hurling them at the enemies.

He’s the most composed one here, even though he’s a hyung. But when their eyes met, even the cool-headed Sungjoo faltered. He, too, was struggling to handle the situation.

“Wh-what should we do?”

He couldn’t make a decision on his own. So he asked Eunseok, whom he had been ignoring, for help.

At this point, Cha Eunseok considered his options. There were only seven opponents, and if he really wanted to, he could put all the robbers to sleep or brainwash them to end the fight right now, but…

That would rob the kids of the opportunity to prove themselves. It seemed most appropriate to evacuate the hostages first and then subdue the remaining suspects with ease.

“For now, gather the Espers with offensive abilities and hold the line. We’ll push forward after getting the people out.”

“Yes, yes.”

“Oh, but who was the space manipulator again?”

They all looked the same, and he couldn’t remember. He couldn’t grab each one and ask, “Is it you?”… As Eunseok looked around, Sungjoo pointed in a direction.

“3 o’clock, short hair.”

“Thanks.”

His retreating figure was nimble as he ran off after thanking Sungjoo. He skillfully dodged attacks without using any abilities. He took out the pistol from his waist and provided cover fire, even inflicting critical injuries on some of the illegal Espers. Sungjoo was impressed by the way he slid across the wet floor, changed magazines, and fired his reloaded gun.

He saw Cha Eunseok, who had run quite a distance, grab the waist of the Esper with space manipulation abilities.

“Wow, that hyung is freaking awesome.”

The fire-wielding Esper said. The other Espers had gathered on either side of Sungjoo. As Eunseok had instructed, the kids with offensive capabilities formed a defensive line. Their frantic movements subsided, and they gradually regained their composure.

It was all thanks to Cha Eunseok taking the lead and stabilizing the situation. He busily moved around, looking after the Espers and subtly using his abilities to alleviate their anxiety.

Excluding the two who were incapacitated by gunshots, there were five suspects remaining.

Despite being outnumbered 3 to 5, they were A-rank Espers renowned for their skills even within the training center. Holding the line and defending until all the hostages were evacuated wasn’t a difficult task.

While the three of them fended off the Craders’ attacks, Woo Gunwoo’s shield blocked the smaller attacks that slipped through, and behind it, Minjae, the space manipulator, transported the hostages outside.

After the last hostage was evacuated, Woo Gunwoo’s wind shield dissipated. Now they could fully focus on the offensive.

With Minjae outside with the hostages, the numbers were even at 5 to 5. The Espers each took on a Crader. They unleashed their abilities and took down the illegal Espers. Their heroic actions were vividly captured by the body cams.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

— Incident concluded! Attention, the Gwanghwamun incident has been concluded.

The radio announced the conclusion of the incident on the designated frequency. The bank robbery case was finally closed 1 hour and 40 minutes after they entered.

“Those who are injured, please proceed to the left tent for treatment, and those who require guiding, please move to the right!”

It was even more chaotic outside the bank than before. Many people were running around for the aftermath, and the smoke and acrid smell of gunpowder emanating from the building stung their noses.

The hostages were nowhere to be seen, likely already transported by ambulance, and the armed robbers were being dragged into a prison transport vehicle. The flashing lights and sirens felt like the final scene of an action movie.

It’s over. Cha Eunseok, just out of the building, stretched and rolled his stiff neck.

“Excuse me, Esper Cha Eunseok. I need to check your wavelength level!”

An official approached and, asking for his understanding, pointed to Eunseok’s wristwatch. Eunseok extended his left arm, and the man, holding a clear board under his arm, meticulously checked the displayed number. He was recording the wavelength levels of all the Espers.

After confirming the number ’45’ on Cha Eunseok’s watch, the staff member pointed to the right tent.

“A temporary guiding room has been set up on the right. You need to go there right now.”

“It’s alright. I’ll receive it later.”

“The training isn’t over until we confirm your levels have decreased. Please receive guiding and report the final reading.”

With a look that suggested he’d never seen an Esper refuse guiding, the official pointed to the tent again.

Eunseok sighed softly. He didn’t particularly like guiding, and he could lower his wavelength himself. There were many reasons, but sometimes it was easier to comply than to offer lengthy explanations. Just like now.

Nodding in agreement, he turned towards the tent where the Guides were waiting. He slowly suppressed his wavelengths as he walked. I can just kill some time and come out.

Arriving at the temporary guiding room, Eunseok lifted the tent flap and immediately regretted it.

“Oh! Hyung!!”

The kids who had disappeared after leaving the bank were all gathered here. Like Espers would do anything else but seek guiding right after it’s over. Even though they’re young, they’re all the same.

One was clinging to a Guide’s hand, whining for care, while another had taken off his shirt and placed their hands directly on their bare chest. He had thought they were just kids, but some of them looked even more built than Eunseok.

However, upon Cha Eunseok’s appearance, they all abandoned their guiding sessions and rushed out. Dohyun even clung to Eunseok’s waist.

The men, clinging closer than necessary, emitted a sour smell of sweat. Eunseok cringed and tried to pull away. But with his arms, waist, and back held captive, even shaking them off wasn’t easy.

“Hey, get off. Wow, you guys really smell…”

“Hyung, are you okay? Did you come to get guided?”

“There’s a spot here! Guide-nim!! Here! Please come here!”

The kids forced Eunseok onto a medical bed while still holding his limbs. It was as if he was being arrested… They even surrounded him as if to prevent his escape.

A Guide, hastily summoned by the Espers’ clamor, sat next to Eunseok, performed a quick matching test, and prepared for guiding. The semi-forced care began with their hands clasped together.

“I think we were pretty awesome today.”

“Hyung, the team leader of Team 3 praised me.”

“I wish we could all be on one team!”

Perhaps they were feeling a sense of camaraderie. The kids were even more clingy than before.

Oh really? Yeah, that would be nice, wouldn’t it? Not for me though. He responded appropriately to their chattering.

He was hungry because he hadn’t had lunch, and his body was tired. Just go, all of you. Please just go… Eunseok waved his free hand, trying to shoo them away. These brats, they act like they don’t even see me at times like this.

“I think you can stop now, thank you.”

“Oh! Wait… Esper!”

If you don’t like the temple, leave the monk! Eunseok stopped the guiding and stood up.

The Guide, startled as his hand was released, stood up as well, but the Esper was already off the bed. It was the Guide, not Eunseok, who looked dissatisfied with the interrupted guiding.

As the Guide clenched and unclenched his hand, a fellow Guide passing by asked if he was okay.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, that person… their wavelength is like a rock. Tightly packed, as if it’s been bundled up.”

“Isn’t it fine as long as the reading isn’t high?”

“Yeah, that’s true, but…”

He looked on with concern, but Cha Eunseok had already left the tent. Like the Pied Piper, he had taken all the fledgling Espers with him.

Eunseok headed to the situation room to return the body cam on his shoulder. As the busiest place, people were constantly coming and going. The tent at the entrance had been pulled back for easy access, allowing a clear view inside.

Eunseok, who had entered the tent to look for Team Leader Kang Jiho, froze in surprise. His eyes blinked like a rabbit’s as he spotted an unexpected person, and his surprised expression quickly softened into a gentle smile.

What, you said you couldn’t come, but here you are.

Moon Seungwon was waiting for Cha Eunseok inside the tent.

He looked impeccably put together, from head to toe, unlike someone who had just finished clearing a scene. His tightly knotted tie, his pristine suit without a single wrinkle, his polished shoes—everything was spotless and elegant.

Standing with a dignified posture, incongruous with the chaotic and messy surroundings, he quietly watched Cha Eunseok enter the tent. Although others might not notice, his icy, aloof expression softened ever so slightly.

The Espers who followed Eunseok inside gasped and crouched down upon seeing Moon Seungwon. Those who didn’t know them might wonder at their exaggerated reaction, but to the kids, he was an idol, a role model. This was their first time seeing the legendary S-rank Esper in person.

“Did you come to pick me up?”

“I thought you’d wait obediently.”

The kids seemed even more shocked to see Cha Eunseok conversing casually, even affectionately, with Moon Seungwon.

Eunseok pondered for a moment. Should I explain this?No. They’ll find out eventually. There were plenty of people who could explain on his behalf if anyone asked.

Goodbye, it was fun today. I don’t know if we’ll see each other again, but live well. After returning the body cam, Cha Eunseok offered a few words of wisdom and farewell to the kids and left the tent without looking back.

“Team Leader, have you had lunch?”

“Not yet.”

Good. I’m hungry, so I should suggest we get something to eat. Rubbing his empty stomach, he mentally listed a few menu options. Something that would tempt Team Leader Moon…

“Hey, hyung…!”

Just then, someone called out to Eunseok. The voice that stopped him in his tracks belonged, surprisingly, to Sungjoo.

Hyung? It was an unfamiliar title. As a bewildered Eunseok stopped, Sungjoo ran up to him and bowed deeply. This, too, was unexpected.

“Thank you for your help today. I was a bit…rude, so I’m sorry and also grateful.”

“Oh… yeah, it’s okay. You worked hard today.”

“Um…”

Sungjoo hesitated, unable to speak. What’s with him?Oh, does he have something to say to Team Leader Moon? Eunseok recalled Sungjoo mentioning his interest in Special Team 1. He probably wanted to make a good impression.

Cha Eunseok nudged the arm beside him, catching Moon Seungwon’s attention. The aloof face looked at him, questioning, “What?” Eunseok glanced sideways, indicating Sungjoo. Moon Seungwon frowned at the incomprehensible gesture.

“What are you saying? Speak clearly.”

“I’m saying, acknowledge him.”

“Hyung, can I get your phone number?”

They all spoke different things at once. Meanwhile, at Sungjoo’s request for his phone number, Moon Seungwon scoffed in disbelief, and Cha Eunseok asked back with a puzzled face,

“Number? Mine?”

“Yes, I’d like to stay in touch. Can I contact you?”

“I don’t have a phone?”

At the unbelievable rejection, Sungjoo’s face flushed crimson. A person’s face can actually get that red. Seeing his face turn from red to almost purple, Sungjoo reverted to his usual temper.

“If you don’t want to give me your number, just say so! Who doesn’t have a phone these days?!”

“Me.”

“Forget it! I’m leaving! Goodbye!”

Even in this situation, he didn’t forget to say goodbye. Honestly, he was a bit annoying at first…but he had manners. With his abilities, he’d surely land a good position somewhere.

Lost in thought for a moment while watching Sungjoo walk away, Eunseok suddenly remembered something and exclaimed,

“Phone!”

“…….”

“Can I go buy a phone today? I’ve lost contact with so many people, I think I need to start letting them know I’m still alive.”

“What model do you want? I’ll tell Secretary Kim.”

Cha Eunseok immediately stated the phone model he used to have, and Seungwon texted Secretary Kim with instructions. He seemed to be typing a lot for a simple request to buy a phone, but Eunseok didn’t want to think too much about it.

The long day was over. All that remained was the commissioning ceremony.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Some time after the field training, Eunseok met Professor Han Giju for the first time in a while. More precisely, he visited her office in the university hospital’s surgery department.

He had decided to undergo a brainwave examination at Professor Han’s suggestion. The specialized equipment capable of producing a graph of an Esper’s wavelength was only available at this university hospital.

The professor’s office contained bookshelves packed with specialized books, a desk with two monitors, and a sofa covered with old magazines and journals, making it impossible to lie down on.

Professor Han wasn’t the least bit embarrassed by the cluttered state of her office. She pulled a chair with a gruesome brain model on it in front of her desk. Hugging the model, she gestured for Eunseok to sit down.

“It’s a bit messy, isn’t it?”

“It has a very scholarly atmosphere.”

Professor Han laughed pleasantly. The brainwave examination itself was simple, but the results took some time. While waiting in her office, they caught up on recent events, mostly concerning the Espers Eunseok had helped with wavelength control.

“There’s almost no feedback about side effects, and the results are better than expected. Especially that Esper Lee Jihoon! Remember him? He was the case I was most worried about, but it’s almost a miracle that his wavelength level dropped to 17. Actually, I’m thinking of writing a paper on this case…”

Esper Lee Jihoon, he remembered. The chaebol heir. The man who chose self-confinement before going berserk.

Eunseok had met him twice more since then, and he was now completely stable. He had heard that Lee Jihoon planned to retire as an Esper and live as an ordinary person. He would probably take over the family business.

Professor Han showed him the list of Espers who needed help again. The list, arranged in order of urgency, was shorter than before. Cha Eunseok agreed to continue helping them once a week.

“Still not receiving guiding? Still controlling it yourself?”

“Yes. I do receive it when necessary, but I don’t have much time these days, and it’s a hassle.”

“Hmm… I respect your decision, Esper Cha Eunseok, so I won’t say anything, but if the Center finds out, things could get complicated.”

“Wouldn’t it be fine if you just pretended not to know, Professor?”

“Haha, let’s discuss that again after we see the test results. Ah, they should be ready soon… Just a moment.”

Professor Han called the neurosurgery department on her desk phone.

As if on cue, a knock came almost as soon as she hung up. A junior doctor entered and handed her a thick report.

“Now, let’s see.”

She pulled down the collar of her gown, straightened her posture, and put on her glasses. She looked serious as she scanned the report with the tip of her frequently used pen.

As she slowly and carefully read the graph, Professor Han’s complexion gradually darkened. After finishing the report, she took off her glasses and immediately picked up the phone again.

“Hey, it’s me. Find the test results and bring them to my office. Esper Lee Jihoon and Esper Kim Seokho’s. The most recent ones.”

Then she started reading the report from the beginning again. Sensing something was amiss, Eunseok also grew anxious. It’s my report, isn’t it!

Is there a problem? I didn’t notice anything strange…? His anxiety transformed into worry as time passed.

— Knock, knock

“Professor.”

The same doctor returned, this time with two reports. Professor Han took them, opened them to the brainwave graphs, and placed them next to Cha Eunseok’s. She took a short breath and clasped her hands as if about to make an important announcement.

“Esper Cha Eunseok.”

“Yes.”

“I’m going to ask you a few questions. They might be personal, but they’re important.”

“Yes…”

Professor Han started typing on her keyboard. Clickety-clack, her fingers paused occasionally to ask a question.

“When was the last time you received guiding?”

“Three days ago. I received it for about five minutes.”

“Level of contact?”

“Palm contact.”

The keyboard clicked again. The rapid typing continued. Unable to grasp the situation, Eunseok felt the back of his neck stiffen with tension.

“It was similar before, right? Only hand contact guiding?”

“Yes.”

“What’s your current level?”

“25.”

“Hmm…”

She nodded, continuing to type, her eyes narrowing as if she suspected something. Still focused on the monitor, Professor Han asked casually,

“When was the last time you had sex?”

“…Excuse me?”

“Sexual intercourse. Sex.”

“…….”

Cha Eunseok blinked, swallowing hard. This is what it means to be speechless. He couldn’t get any words out, but Professor Han urged him to answer quickly.

“The…criteria for sexual intercourse is…”

“Let’s say penetration is the standard.”

“Ah…then…”

He had to go back a long way. Eunseok racked his brain, trying to recall. When was it that I met that person…?

Seeing him hesitate, Professor Han breathed a sigh of relief, as if she had found the cause. She abruptly pushed Eunseok’s results towards him.

“Do you see this graph?”

He looked down at the area she was pointing to. The brainwave graph was mostly a series of worm-like curves, but the part she indicated had particularly strong wave fluctuations.

The dense and jagged curves looked rough and wild at a glance.

“Is something wrong?”

“Your wavelengths are very rigid. Like a rock. At this rate, simple contact guiding won’t easily resolve it, and eventually, even you won’t be able to lower it with your own ability.”

“What? But my body feels the same…”

“Of course, that’s because your level is currently low. Have you recently had your level drop below 20?”

He hadn’t. But he hadn’t thought it was a big problem… Professor Han’s accusatory tone was making him worried. Eunseok leaned closer to the desk and asked pleadingly,

“Why…why is that?”

“Because you’re not having sex.”

Her face was expressionless as she typed, clickety-clack. Her tone was so matter-of-fact that Eunseok wondered if he had misheard.

Professor Han finished typing quickly. The chart on the monitor displayed “sexual arousal deficiency.” Staring at the blinking cursor for a moment, she rested her chin on her clasped hands and looked at Eunseok.

“Have you ever heard of oxytocin and endorphins?”

“…No.”

“They’re both hormones secreted by the brain during sexual arousal. These two hormones play a role in softening the wavelengths.”

“…Softening?”

“Why do you think Espers engage in sexual contact during guiding? Simply for pleasure? No. It’s because those two hormones are essential for calming turbulent wavelengths.”

“…….”

“But you’re not receiving guiding properly, and you’re not having sex. How can your wavelengths not harden in this situation?”

He had never wondered about the reason for sexual contact. He had only heard that the more intimate the physical contact, the better the effect of releasing wavelengths, compared to just holding hands.

As technical terms like oxytocin, endorphins, cerebral cortex, and hypothalamus poured out of Professor Han’s mouth, Eunseok raised his right hand, overwhelmed.

“What happens if this continues?”

“The hardened wavelengths won’t disappear until they’re released. If you continue like this, they’ll keep piling up, and then…”

Boom! She spread her fingers in an exploding gesture. Then, Professor Han showed him a comparison with other Espers’ graphs.

“See Esper Lee Jihoon’s wavelength waves here? This record is from his second treatment. Although the level is high, the curve itself is smooth. He said he has a partner these days. And here’s Esper Kim Seokho. See how calm his wavelength curve is even though his level is over 40? He’s newly married. In this state, even with hand-holding guiding, his level can drop below 10. Because the hormones have already done their job.”

Cha Eunseok stared at Professor Han with wide eyes, and she looked back at him with a pitying gaze.

Han Giju spoke first. She gave her prescription in a firm tone.

“I’ll give you three months. Come back after you’ve released those hardened wavelengths.”

“What? Professor!”

“I’m not joking. Go out and have. Sex! If it’s still the same after three months, I’ll report it to the Guide Center. If you don’t want to be forced into guiding, follow my advice.”

The mention of the Center made Eunseok’s face pale. His feet fidgeted nervously on the floor.

“But I don’t have anyone to…how can I?!”

“Do I have to explain everything? You’re a young man; you should figure it out yourself!”

“…….”

“Honestly, you’re young, you’re in good shape. And with that face, you’re wasting it… I thought you’d manage on your own.”

Professor Han shook her head in disbelief. Eunseok hung his head dejectedly and asked tentatively,

“Kissing…or hugging, wouldn’t that work?”

“Those don’t produce the necessary hormones.”

“What about masturbation…?”

“Every little bit helps, but… your bones might decay before your wavelengths are released.”

“…….”

Her firm voice continued,

“Three months, I’ve made myself clear. If you leave it like this, it could lead to a berserk episode in severe cases. I’m saying this for you, Esper Cha.”

“Yes…”

As he reluctantly agreed, Professor Han’s expression softened.

She finalized Eunseok’s chart and printed out a prescription that read, “Sex Contact Required.” She even scheduled a follow-up examination in three months.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

“Oh, Mom. No, it’s okay. Yeah, there’s not much to prepare anyway. Don’t worry. Photos? Hmm, I’ll try if I can. No guarantees.”

Fresh out of the shower, Cha Eunseok was on the phone with his mother. His parents, currently living abroad, unfortunately couldn’t attend his commissioning ceremony today.

Yesterday, their indifferent only son had dropped a bombshell during a phone call, “Mom, I changed jobs. I became an A-rank Esper and I’m joining Special Team 1,” casually adding that the commissioning ceremony was tomorrow. His mother was so stunned she remained dazed for a while after hanging up.

Not only were plane tickets unavailable, but even the fastest flight wouldn’t get them there in time for the ceremony. He had managed to appease his disappointed parents by promising to send as many photos as possible.

He tossed the phone onto the bed after ending the call and finished drying his wet hair with a towel.

His hair, neatly trimmed at a hair salon for the occasion, felt much lighter. With his unruly hair tamed, his long neck and ears were clearly visible.

His damp, dark brown hair, now richer in color, quickly regained its shape after a few ruffles with his hand.

His uniform lay neatly arranged on the bedsheet. The Esper dress uniform, worn only for important official events, was more elaborate and made of finer material than his usual uniform. The gold Hibiscus emblem on the dark navy fabric and the badges adorning his chest reflected the responsibility the uniform represented.

Staring at it, Eunseok picked up the white shirt and slipped his arms through the sleeves.

“Hey, Cha Eunseok! When are you leaving?”

Kim Yohan barged in as he knocked. He acted as if he was entering his own room. Eunseok, struggling with his tie in front of the mirror, frowned at the sight.

“If you’re just going to barge in, why bother knocking?”

“No need for formalities between friends!”

Yohan’s shamelessness as he sat on Eunseok’s bed, watching him, was irritating. He’d been overly friendly lately, constantly invoking their friendship, and Eunseok was annoyed.

Eunseok ignored him and focused on his tie. It just wouldn’t cooperate today.

“Got a haircut?”

“Yeah.”

“Looks good, suits you.”

What’s this? Eunseok looked at Yohan in surprise at the genuine compliment, and Yohan simply shrugged.

Even Eunseok had to admit he looked good in the mirror. He smiled with satisfaction and put on his jacket.

The tailored jacket fit perfectly on Eunseok’s shoulders, hugging his torso just right, the sleeves ending just past his knuckles. With all four gold Hibiscus buttons fastened, a formally dressed Esper was reflected in the mirror.

He checked the time on his wristwatch. Time to go. As he grabbed his phone, Yohan suddenly grabbed his arm.

“You’re leaving now?”

“Yeah.”

“Want a ride?”

Eunseok shook his head. Secretary Kim was already scheduled to pick him up.

“What are you going to do there now? Just come later.”

“So what! I don’t mind, I’ll take you in my car.”

“Secretary Kim is coming.”

“Just call him and tell him not to.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Eunseok waved him off, annoyance evident in his gesture. See you later. He patted Yohan’s shoulder lightly and left the room. Hey! You always reject everything I suggest! Yohan’s whiny voice followed him.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

The luxury hotel convention center where the commissioning ceremony was held was imposing. The vast stage and the rows of seats below spoke to the scale of the event.

The prospective Espers, all in their dress uniforms, were already seated. The excitement and anticipation on their young faces made them look like students at a graduation ceremony.

These 100 or so young Espers would officially become Espers after today’s ceremony. The venue bustled with family and friends who had gathered to celebrate the first step of these trainees who had toiled for a year.

Eunseok, having arrived at the convention hall, found his seat. It was still quite chaotic as the ceremony hadn’t begun. The Espers were busy chatting amongst themselves, their laughter adding to the lively atmosphere. Cha Eunseok sat in his black satin-covered chair and surveyed the hall. In a place where he knew no one, the face he was searching for was obvious.

Finding Moon Seungwon wasn’t difficult. The man was noticeable even from afar.

He was in the back of the convention hall, talking with someone who appeared to be a high-ranking military official.

Moon Seungwon was also wearing the same dress uniform. The dark navy jacket looked particularly striking against his pale complexion.

Numerous medals glittered on his chest as he stood with his arms crossed casually, and his shoulders bore the epaulets of a commander. The ornate and weighty decorations seemed to emphasize his high rank.

Eunseok hadn’t seen Moon Seungwon since morning, as the man was busier than the participants of the ceremony.

He finally spotted him in the convention hall, but couldn’t catch his eye. Seeing how busy he was, Eunseok gave up on trying to get his attention. He felt a little disappointed.

His hope of staying unnoticed in a place where he knew no one was dashed when he ran into the kids from the field training.

Spotting Eunseok sitting quietly, they gathered around him one by one. Although it had only been a few days since the field training, they acted as if they were reuniting with comrades after years of separation.

Fortunately, they had all been assigned to the Special Unit. He had been worried about young Dohyun, but his invisibility was such a unique ability that various units had been vying for him. Eunseok congratulated them sincerely.

He couldn’t refuse their requests for photos and ended up giving them his phone number. Sungjoo, in particular, seemed to believe him about not having a phone before only after seeing his brand new one.

After achieving their goals, the kids left. Perhaps it was the intensity of their brief but demanding presence, but Eunseok felt the need for some fresh air.

‘Should I step out for five minutes?’

People were pouring into the hall as the ceremony drew near. Eunseok went against the flow and exited the convention hall.

There were people everywhere.

The restrooms, hallways, and even the lobby were crowded. Dodging people to avoid collisions, Eunseok leaned against the wall next to the restroom. I shouldn’t have come out. Should I just go back?

“……!”

As he pushed off the wall to turn back, someone grabbed his left arm. He recognized the familiar scent before he was pulled inside.

The powder room, hidden like a secret space between the restrooms, was narrow and long, barely enough space for two adult men.

The body pressed close to his released his arm and stepped back. Click, he heard the lock on the door behind him.

Eunseok was still stunned by Moon Seungwon’s sudden appearance.

The man, hands in his pockets, sat down on the faux marble counter of the powder room and stared at a bewildered Cha Eunseok. His dark eyes slowly scanned him from head to toe, as if appreciating a work of art.

“The uniform suits you better than I expected.”

His low voice offered the observation. His sharp, dazzling features, usually cold, were relaxed and at ease.

“…….”

Cha Eunseok was at a loss for how to react to the gentle expression and the subtle feeling of disappointment he had been experiencing all day.

Moon Seungwon stood up and took a step closer. His hand reached for the tie in front of him. Eunseok flinched and pulled back slightly, but Seungwon ignored it and slipped his fingers between the shirt collar and the tie knot.

Even though it was just the inside of his tie, the touch through his thin shirt felt intimate. Long fingers hooked around the dark green striped tie and pulled it down. The smooth silk offered no resistance.

He smoothed out the wrinkles and placed the tie back around Eunseok’s neck. Despite facing him and tying someone else’s tie, his movements were quick and practiced, as if he’d done it countless times.

“You’re still hopeless at this.”

“The dress uniform tie is wide, it’s hard to get it right.”

“It shows you haven’t done it before.”

Moon Seungwon smiled as he passed the wide end of the tie through the loop and adjusted the knot. He clearly remembered Eunseok asking him how to tie a tie recently.

In school, Eunseok had used clip-on ties. Even as an adult, he rarely wore suits, so he always struggled with his tie when wearing his uniform.

After learning the simple four-in-hand knot from Seungwon, he had become reasonably proficient. The problem was, that knot was too simple for a dress uniform.

Resigned to accepting help, Eunseok stood still and waited. With nowhere else to look, he bit his lip, staring at the tie, identical to his own.

He felt his collar tighten. When Moon Seungwon’s hand withdrew, a perfectly tied green tie was revealed, a flawless Windsor knot with a dimple in the center.

“I don’t think we’ll have time to talk later, so I’ll say this now.”

His voice was calm. He stepped back slightly, putting some distance between them. Moon Seungwon looked at Cha Eunseok’s face.

His eyes held a mixture of complex emotions.

“It’s been a tough month. Thank you for keeping up.”

“…….”

“I look forward to working with you.”

A navy blue sleeve with gold trim appeared before Eunseok’s eyes. A long, pale hand extended from beneath it.

“Congratulations on your commissioning, Esper Cha Eunseok.”