The Perfect Chapter 6.2

The tingling sensation spreading through my lower abdomen urged my impatient body on. I slid my hands down, tracing his back, but in that moment, he suddenly pushed my shoulders and pulled back. What, what’s wrong? He held back at the theater, and now that we’re home, he’s finally letting loose. Confused, I instinctively tried to move closer, but he pressed my shoulders firmly.

Why? I looked at him, the question rising again. His hair, mussed by me, the heat flushing his eyes, the dark intensity pooling in his gaze—he was clearly as aroused as I was. Yet, he took a deep breath, as if forcing himself to calm down, and looked straight at me.

“Is it okay?”

“…What?”

“I’m about to have sex with you, Han Jemyung. Do you consent?”

He gritted his teeth, spitting the words out menacingly. That murderous edge was unmistakably Director Kook. If it wasn’t, I’d have thought he was possessed and called for an exorcism. I didn’t know why he was acting like this, and at first, I was stunned, but soon a laugh escaped me. I didn’t make a sound, just curved my lips into a smile.

His gaze immediately shifted to my lips, darkening. My small change triggered a twitch in his jaw. His eyes devoured me, yet he patiently waited for my answer. I felt a slight urge to tease him. In the past, I wouldn’t have dared with someone who’d just charge at me, but now, he seemed teaseable. He was being gentle. It felt forced, which was puzzling, but still gentle.

“Well…”

At my words, his expression turned chillingly cold. Wow, he might actually kill me. But even as chills ran through me, a strange thrill spread alongside them. To think my little joke could stir such an emotional shift in him. The realization that I had that much influence over him exhilarated me. This sense of superiority made me bold. I reached out, cupping his face, and gently brushed my thumb over his lower lip. He moved to embrace me, perhaps taking it as permission, but I shook my head, looking at his lips.

“Hold back.”

It was a murmur, but the force pulling me toward him vanished. I pressed my fingertip against the soft flesh of his lips, slipping it slightly between them. His mouth opened, and his red tongue touched my finger. The wet, soft flesh was surprisingly hot. It must’ve been the same temperature as my body, but somehow, he always felt scalding.

That heat always set me ablaze. It slowly warmed my blood, turning my breath into steam, evaporating me entirely. It was like I disappeared, leaving only sensation. I pushed my finger further into his mouth and looked up. The dark eyes gazing down at me shimmered with condensed heat.

My throat burned. As I swallowed, his gaze slid down to my neck. A tension, like a taut rubber band, made it hard to breathe. Being intimate with Director Kook was familiar now, and I could gauge the pleasure to expect, but this time felt different. Both of us were holding back our desires, as if underwater, fighting to last until the end.

I pulled my hand from his lips and grabbed the large hand still gripping my shoulder. It followed my lead willingly but stiffened at its destination. I took his fingers and licked them with the tip of my tongue, just as he had done. His muscles twitched, as if about to pounce, but he held back again.

“Taste good?”

He asked in a hoarse voice. He always spilled provocative words in bed, so I thought I was used to it, but I still felt embarrassed for some reason.

“Well, what about you?”

“Fucking delicious.”

“Want more?”

Seeing the delight spread in his eyes, I boldly commanded.

“Then kneel.”

He slowly lowered himself to the floor, one knee at a time. The hand on my shoulder slid down my body, brushing my torso, and stopped at my waist. He gripped my hips firmly and looked up at me. What’s next? I knew his question was urging me, but I wanted to savor this angle of him a bit longer.

I raised my hand and brushed his bangs back. Director Kook leaned into my hand, rubbing against it playfully, almost like a puppy. His intense eyes, looking up as if to devour me, didn’t quite match the playfulness, giving the impression of stroking a growling beast.

But it’s fine. This beast, no matter how it bared its teeth, wouldn’t bite me. The exhilarating sense of superiority thrilled me. But honestly, I didn’t have the luxury to enjoy it. Just leaning against the door, my breathing wouldn’t settle.

“Take off my pants.”

His hands, still on my body, moved like they were peeling me, sliding past my waist to the button. He kept looking up at my face. His gaze stung. I was the only one watching his hands. His long fingers slowly, teasingly unfastened the button with a pop.

But his fingers didn’t move further. Instead, he leaned his face toward my pants. They were already bulging from my erection under the underwear. I held my breath as his face touched the fabric. Director Kook opened his mouth, grabbed the small zipper pull with his teeth, and dragged it down.

Ziiip. As the zipper slowly descended, he tilted his eyes up to meet mine. When my underwear, covering my hardened member, popped out, he brought his tongue to it and licked upward. I’m going crazy. I barely swallowed the words that almost spilled out. Instead, I repeated my earlier command.

“Take them off.”

He grabbed my t-shirt, pulling it up, and moved his lips to the boundary between my briefs’ waistband and my skin. His tongue licked both the band and my flesh, then his teeth caught the band. Goosebumps erupted where his tongue touched. Using his hands, this would’ve taken seconds, but it felt agonizingly slow. It was the opposite of how he usually ripped buttons off my shirt while undressing me.

He kept watching me with his eyes, pulling the band down with his lips. The sensation of the underwear rubbing against my erect member was vivid. His nose brushed against it as it sprang free. I couldn’t hold back and inhaled sharply. Our eyes met, his smiling. His dark eyes gleamed iridescently, like an oil slick on a sea of desire. He finally pulled my underwear down with his mouth and asked.

“Suck it?”

His voice was amused but as low and hoarse as mine. This breathtakingly slow pace was new and deeply satisfying. But I must’ve lacked patience. At this rate, my blood would dry up. I wondered if he could keep holding back. I exhaled a hot breath and nodded.

“Yeah. But not there.”

His eyes darkened as I whispered.

“Behind. Get it wet.”

His eyes seemed to darken further, and my body was suddenly turned around. As soon as I placed my hands on the cold door, he grabbed my hips roughly and pulled me toward him. My cheeks parted painfully, and a wet, hot tongue touched me. The slow, teasing time was over. Slurp, slurp, as I heard him sucking behind me, I couldn’t hold back and started rubbing my own member.

When did this hard, hot mass invading my body become so welcome? As soon as his tongue loosened me, he brought his member to my entrance without even using his hands. He stood up behind me, unbuttoned his pants, and unzipped them. Throughout it all, our ragged breathing mixed with the sounds.

I was still holding my member, pressing my forehead against the door. But when the round tip at my entrance forced its way in, I stopped my hand. The first entry was always overwhelming. This time, since he hadn’t fully prepared me, there was pain too. Yet my impatient body was ready to endure it all.

“Ha, fuck.”

A small curse came from behind as he thrust into me in one go. A groan of pain must’ve escaped my lips too. Strangely, my own voice didn’t register clearly. All I felt was the hot mass filling me, dominating my body. Thankfully, he paused after thrusting in, giving me a moment.

My entire rear, embracing him, pulsed as if it had become one giant heartbeat. Just having him inside made my legs nearly give out. But I wouldn’t collapse. The hands pulling me from behind held me firmly. Their owner leaned over my bent back, pushing the rest of his member in completely.

“Hnng.”

I couldn’t hold back the moan and squeezed my eyes shut. His large hand covered mine on the door. His other arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. With his member inside, just lifting my torso increased the pressure and pain inside.

I flinched, taking a sharp breath, and his arm tightened around my waist, as if telling me not to move. I took short breaths through my mouth. The tingling anticipation, pushed aside by the pain, slowly spread through my abdomen again. His lips touched my ear, but I only noticed when I heard his voice.

“What should I do?”

“…Fast.”

“Fast what?”

My rear twitched before I could answer. I vividly felt his lower body, pressed against my cheeks, tense.

“Fast how?”

With his urging question, he lowered his hand and gripped my member. I instinctively tensed my rear. A heated curse brushed my ear.

“You have to say it.”

His voice sounded angry, but his lips gently nibbled my ear. As his hand stroked my member again, I exhaled heavily, trying to relax my tensed rear. Adjusting my breathing, I moved my hips slightly up and down, rubbing against him.

“Shake it fast.”

“Ha, fuck.”

With a growling curse, his member pulled out and thrust back in one go. Unable to withstand the force of his weight, my torso slammed against the door. Bang, the sound echoed, but neither of us cared. The sensation of his skin pulling out sent shivers through me. That feeling built in my lower abdomen, dulling the pain.

“Ugh… haa.”

Breathing heavily through my mouth, I closed my eyes tightly as his member dug into me again. Director Kook straightened his hips, gripped my pelvis firmly, and began pistoning.

“Every time we do this, your insides are so fucking perfect.”

Panting like me, his words blurred into his breath. But strangely, they were crystal clear to my ears.

‘I’m pissed.’

An unexpected phrase, but I vaguely understood. It’s just so good, but my body can’t fully handle the feeling. I want to keep climbing this pleasure forever, but there’s a limit. But I couldn’t say I understood.

I was too focused on the stimulation in my rear to talk. As his member hit the sensitive spot, my body instinctively clenched with each thrust. We didn’t speak anymore. The sound of flesh slapping and our ragged breathing filled the air.

“Haa, ugh… hn!”

“Hnng, hnng, fuck…”

He lifted my collapsing hips and thrust roughly. As his member pressed hard against the sensitive spot, a scream burst from my mouth.

“Hnng! Haa… ah!”

A spark like a small firework burst in my mind, pleasure spreading briefly. At some point, I started moving my hips in rhythm with him. Unlike his earlier deep thrusts, he began short, rapid strokes, keeping his member half-buried.

The sound of my cheeks hitting his groin echoed loudly. As his pace quickened, the tingling pleasure inside me built faster. My rear entrance burned hot. The jolting sensation through my pelvis with each thrust drove me wild.

Unable to hold back, I started stroking my member. Already leaking clear fluid, it climaxed easily with the brief stimulation. A convulsive shudder ran through me. As I clenched my rear tighter, a growling sound came from him, followed by muttered curses.

“Hnng, hnng… fuck, I’m going crazy.”

Suddenly, he pulled out and turned me around. Still reeling from the climax’s overwhelming pleasure, I slid down the door as soon as my back hit it. My legs had no strength. I tried to brace myself, but my body was lifted abruptly. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck to avoid falling.

Director Kook supported my body with one arm while guiding his member to my rear with the other. Even leaning against the door, lifting a grown man like a child so effortlessly was astonishing. I marveled at his physical prowess briefly before he aligned the tip of his member and thrust in.

“Hnng.”

Just swallowing the round tip sent a jolt through my sensitive body. I wanted more, but he paused, looking down at me. We locked eyes for a few seconds, both panting heavily. Even as he pinned me against the door, his eyes showed no satisfaction.

The more we intertwined, the more his eyes revealed an intensifying greed. Seeing that dark obsession and desire always sent a thrill through me. Haa, haa… I barely held back the plea trying to escape. More. Thrust harder. Instead, a more romantic request came from my lips.

“Love me.”

He stopped breathing. The joy spreading in his eyes was as vivid as an explosion on a giant screen. He kissed me urgently, tilting his head and filling my mouth with hot breath. I wanted to be closer. As I tightened my arms and wrapped my legs around his waist, he thrust his member upward into me.

“Mmph!”

He smothered the scream rising in my throat with a desperate kiss. He pulled back and thrust up again. Each time he pushed, my body slid up against the door, shaking. Thud, thud, after a few thrusts, he found his rhythm and pounded in earnestly. Then, to focus on the act, he broke the kiss and buried his face in my neck. His member began driving into me mercilessly. A tingling sensation in my lower abdomen hardened like an iron ball. Even after climaxing, the relentless waves of pleasure drove me insane.

“Ah! Haa… ugh, haa!”

Screams poured from my freed mouth. Director Kook, panting, licked my neck and whispered.

“Hnng, so good… fuck, Jiwoo, hnng, hnng…”

Hearing my real name, only used during sex, always made me feel exposed, embarrassing me. Oddly, this shame became another kind of pleasure. Maybe he called it on purpose, noticing my reaction. Unable to hold back, I twisted my body. Sticky fluid leaked from the tip of my member, rubbing against his abs.

“Ahh! Hnng… wait… ugh, haa!”

My body trembled with pleasure, but his relentless member kept stimulating me. Unable to handle the intense pleasure, I wanted to escape. I twisted my torso to break free, but his solid body wouldn’t let me. Instead, he pressed me harder, pinning me, then pulled out until only the tip remained and thrust back in to the hilt in one go. The pent-up tingling in my abdomen exploded, a jolting sensation spreading instantly to my head.

“Aah! Hng… hnng…”

Every muscle and cell below my waist clenched as if wrung out. A growling moan spilled from Director Kook’s mouth.

“Ugh, hnng, fuck…”

Then he began short, rapid thrusts. The unending stimulation was now painful. Unable to escape, I clung to him, nearly crying, my body tense. My rear twitched with spasms beyond my control.

Slap, slap, slap, his pistoning grew faster, and his body holding me hardened like stone. He pulled out long and thrust hard one last time. He shuddered briefly as he climaxed. The roaring locomotive stopped, but like an engine still hot, we panted in that state for a while. Soon, I felt his member hardening inside me again.

After sex, it’s always the same. The climax ends, the noisy breathing calms, but what remains is the heavy, thumping heartbeat. Exhausted and limp, I stared blankly at the ceiling, and as always, sleepiness crept in. No matter how intense exercise is, it only tires me, but sex brings drowsiness. Why?

Drifting in languor, lost in pointless thoughts, I realized something was different today. We’d gone three rounds from the door to the bed, but I didn’t think it was over. He couldn’t be satisfied. Sometimes, it feels like grueling labor.

Since it’s Director Kook, I’ve half-given up, and my TP unit days, pushing my stamina to the limit daily, probably help. So, I thought I’d just want to sleep but couldn’t. Yet, there were no clinging lips or hands. Puzzled, I looked up to see him getting up and dressing. Huh? Dressing to do it again? Fully clothed, he looked down at me and said curtly.

“Sleep.”

“…Like a ruler for measuring?”

“Go to sleep.”

“Why?”

I asked without thinking and immediately regretted it. What if he undresses again? But he just put his hands in his pockets and said.

“You’re sleepy.”

What did I just hear? My eyes widened in shock. His narrowed in return.

“Not sleepy?”

“Insanely sleepy.”

I reflexively answered for survival and studied him again. Director Kook saying something so normal? Should I call for an exorcism? As I worried, he called someone and issued a brief order.

“Everyone, assemble in front of the lodging in three minutes.”

A scream mixed with despair, likely from Deputy Manager Hong, leaked through the phone. Director Kook ignored it casually, hung up, and reached out to me. I flinched instinctively, but his hand only brushed my hair once. It was rough enough to pull out a few strands, not exactly gentle, but to me, it was like an angel’s touch. This was Director Kook!

“You’re so sleepy, so… sleep well.”

It sounded like he almost said “darling,” but I barely heard it. The fact that he let me go after just three rounds was still shocking.

“Where are you… not going to hunt Heartless, are you?”

“Yeah. Gotta hunt some Heartless.”

He clenched his teeth and fist, his menacing look enough to scare off any Heartless. What’s so urgent? A new variant Heartless?

“Are the Heartless you’re hunting high-grade?”

“No idea.”

No idea? But I couldn’t get an explanation. He avoided my gaze oddly, only repeating “sleep” before leaving. It sounded like “darling” again, but that wasn’t the point.

Bang.

The door slammed, and I realized belatedly. He was being considerate again. Considerate?!

I learned why Director Kook had changed a few days later. It was the day of the villa resident’s party, and I was rummaging through my few clothes. Normally, I’d think covering my privates was polite enough for a party, but this time, I was mindful since I planned to take photos for the department head.

I didn’t want to hear “beggar” comments from Manager Yoo or the Restoration Agency later. Director Kook, despite it being the weekend, was called by his lawyer and would join me at the party later. As I held a solo fashion show with my limited wardrobe, a guest barged in. Guest? More like a blackmailer.

“Let’s not do this.”

Clicker lowered his voice, picking a fight. Of course, 4K’s IT guy wasn’t scary, but the two beside him, glaring at me like corpses, were different. Their faces were gaunt. Muscle Guy could barely stand, swaying precariously in a hunched posture, looking like someone who’d escaped a century of slave labor. At least he was standing; Drunkard was slumped on the floor, barely propped up by a liquor bottle. Already looking older than his age, he seemed to have aged ten more years in days. It felt like Deputy Manager Bae, not the department head, should have his sixtieth birthday first. Among them, only Clicker had the strength to speak, his bloodshot eyes glaring.

“Because of you, Han Jemyung, Director Kook has changed. No, he’s pretending to change. And because of that, he’s venting his stress by hunting Heartless. That crazy guy…”

Clicker’s voice trembled with overwhelming emotion, and he barely continued.

“My earlier statement about a crazy guy is just my personal opinion, with no proper evidence or basis. Anyway! Because of Director Kook, we’ve been through hell these past few days… sob!”

Clicker finally swallowed a disgusting sniffle. I wanted to mock his pathetic state, but something in his words caught me. Pretending to change. Something came to mind.

“If you’re talking about Director Kook being nice to me…”

“That’s it! Exactly! After getting scolded by his mother, he’s doing things he never did to treat you well.”

Oh, he got scolded by his mom. Why did she tell him to be nice to me? I recalled meeting Director Kook’s aunt recently. Did she speak well of me? But I barely said anything then. Puzzled, Clicker added, exasperated.

“Because of that, Director Kook even said the word ‘restrain’ himself. Does that make sense?”

“Oh, I heard that word too.”

Flinch. All three were shocked. Drunkard’s eyes trembled like a horror movie victim.

“It’s the end of the world. The end.”

I agree. When Director Kook said that, I suspected the apocalypse was near.

“So what do you want me to do?”

It’s his doing, not mine. I asked, feeling wronged, and all three glared as if waiting for this. Clicker, as their spokesperson, stated their demand.

“Just tell him to go back to normal.”

“No way.”

“Why not?!”

“Because, well, he’s being sweet now, and I like it.”

As I blushed slightly, their faces twisted simultaneously.

“So you’ll let your family-like colleagues die just to live happily alone?”

“I’ve never had family like you guys.”

“We haven’t either!”

This guy needs an exorcism too. While the others were physically drained, Clicker seemed mentally unhinged, turning the tables on me.

“Such trivial words aren’t important right now.”

“Then what is important?”

“I told you. Do you want to live selfishly by yourself?”

I wanted to snap back, exasperated, but since it was three against one, I held back for now. Still, a snarky retort slipped out of my mouth.

“What’s so selfish about me?”

“You’re just pushing Director Kook away for your own comfort. Tell him to go back to how things were.”

“Go back to what?”

Clicker’s lips twitched, but he couldn’t answer. What’s with him? I was puzzled, but Muscle Guy and Drunkard, standing beside him like walking corpses, urged him with their eyes. Clicker let out a heavy sigh, then spoke to me directly, as if he’d made up his mind.

“Sex.”

I doubted my ears and asked again.

“Washing my face?”

“No! Sex with Director Kook! Your sex life! Please, just go back to screwing Director Kook all night long until morning, making the villa shake with your screams!”

There were three people in front of me, barely alive, looking like corpses, and I joined their ranks. The blood drained from my face.

“What, what are you talking about? When did I… what screams… all night long…”

“The soundproofing here is surprisingly bad.”

“…Is it?”

I had no words. Damn construction company. Did they mix Styrofoam into the cement for such an expensive building? An awkward silence followed, and Muscle Guy, barely clinging to life, changed the subject.

“You were doing it every day before, so what’s the big deal about doing it again? Honestly, isn’t it great that Director Kook is so virile?”

“Yeah, it’s great.”

I nodded readily and added seriously.

“As long as my life isn’t in danger.”

“Ha, what danger to your life…”

“It’s dangerous if it’s ten hours straight without a break.”

Silence fell again. The three of them sighed simultaneously with a “damn it” expression, but Drunkard soon countered in his slurred voice.

“But you enjoyed it, didn’t you?”

“Why don’t you, Deputy Manager Bae, drink your beloved liquor for ten hours straight without sleep or a break?”

Drunkard turned his head away. Guess he cares about his liver’s rest. With two of them shutting up, Deputy Manager Hong, the least wrecked of the trio, whined like a child.

“You don’t have anything to do anyway, Han Jemyung, so you can just rest, right?”

“No work? I go to the office every day.”

At my words, all three snorted “Ha!” in unison. Did they rehearse this?

“What do you do at the office? Doodle? Nap? Waste time on the internet?”

No, I write. Sure, I do those three things too, but I write as well. Do they know how painful creating is? I was indignant but couldn’t reveal what I did, so I just shot back.

“It’s not doodling.”

“Then what is it? You’re always clutching that notebook, scribbling something. What, writing insults about us?”

Damn, how did they know?

“Anyway, you don’t do anything at our office, Han Jemyung. You just show up, kill time, and leave. You’re bored… and we… damn, we’re dragged into Director Kook’s stress relief, taking all his frustration… We’re the ones crossing life and death every day.”

Clicker’s voice cracked with emotion. I looked at him for a moment and quietly offered comfort.

“But you get paid a lot.”

All three avoided my gaze at once. How much are they getting paid? I was insanely jealous.

“Do I really look bored?”

Of course, their simultaneous shout and their gazes made me feel strange. Am I bored? That word had never mattered to me before. I’d convinced myself that a safe, peaceful routine was the best. So “boredom” wasn’t a word I cared about. The greatest enemy in my life was “change.”

Meeting Director Kook had thrown me into a storm for a while, but I’d gone back to playing it safe, steadily turning the wheel of my life. No danger, focusing on my writing hobby, getting paid to do nothing. Such a stable life. I believed simplifying happiness didn’t diminish its value. I must’ve blocked out any negative words to protect this happiness. Did others see the word I’d pushed away?

“Fine. If you grant me one small favor, I’ll try talking to him about finding another way to relieve his stress.”

It wasn’t persuasion. Just saying I’d try. Why would I mess up how comfortable and good things are now? I stepped back, but the three still looked displeased.

“No, just go back to how things were…”

“If you want that much, you should show some sincerity, like sharing your salary.”

They shut up immediately.

“Don’t like it? Then be satisfied with this.”

“Ugh, what’s the small favor?”

Oh, that. Thinking of the party I was attending that afternoon, I looked at Clicker.

“Deputy Manager Hong, lend me some clothes.”

“Why clothes?”

“I’m going to a small party in the complex.”

The eyes of the three, who’d been half-dead, blazed like volcanoes erupting after a millennium.

I knew I made the right choice. A shopaholic’s closet was full of brand-new clothes with tags still on. Clicker protested strongly, clearly displeased by my gleaming eyes.

“Why my clothes?”

“Our builds are similar.”

Tch. Ignoring his grumbling, I inspected the clothes. Why are they so flashy and tacky? I picked out a relatively subdued shirt with just the collar and cuffs in a different bright color. But before I could fully pull it out, I met immediate resistance.

“Not that shirt!”

“Others are fine?”

Clicker trembled but couldn’t answer. Then, indignantly, he pointed at the shirt.

“But that shirt is an OEM product for home shopping, mass-produced in a Chinese factory after an Italian artisan meticulously marked the stitching lines!”

So, it’s designer. I liked the shirt even more.

“I’ll take this one.”

He silently clutched his hair in frustration.

“Ugh, I hate sharing clothes.”

“I’ll pay you.”

Clicker stopped his pained writhing and cleared his throat.

“Ahem, how much?”

“2,700 won?”

“Are you kidding?”

“Do I look like someone who’d break into your house and open your closet just to mess around?”

He flared up, but Clicker raised his voice instead.

“2,700 won is worse if you’re serious! That’s not even enough for dry cleaning!”

I looked down at the shirt and cautiously asked.

“Can’t I hand-wash it?”

“Ha! This is dry-clean only!”

“Fine. I’ll use neutral detergent.”

Still unsatisfied, he turned his sulky face away. What a stingy guy.

“I’ll give you 3,000 won. It’s just sitting in your closet, never to be worn. Better to earn 3,000 won now. Plus, I promised to talk nicely to Director Kook, so don’t make me feel bad.”

He thought for a moment, then muttered reluctantly.

“Fine. 3,000 won.”

Sweet. For pants, any black pair will do…

“But what’s the point of dressing up? You’ll still look like a stuffy office worker.”

Clicker’s gaze went to my 8:2 parted hair, covering my forehead awkwardly. To be fair, the first thing I did to soften my look was let my bangs down. I used to be told I looked sharp. So, a stuffy office worker was exactly the vibe I wanted. I brushed my hair back casually and replied.

“If I style it with my bangs up, it’ll look different.”

“Really? With wax?”

I nodded and looked at him seriously.

“Speaking of which, lend me some wax too.”

The party in the complex was exclusive to residents, so after a few years, it became a predictable gathering of familiar faces. That’s why the three 4K employees, despite not having invitations, weren’t kicked out after resident verification. But that was it. They were tolerated, not welcomed. Unaccustomed to such events, the 4K trio quickly became wallflowers, clutching punch cocktails and huddling together.

“This house is huge.”

“Everyone here looks so relaxed.”

“The drinks are good.”

They ran out of things to say. As they noted, the residents filled the double-story living room and spacious terrace, laughing leisurely, greeting each other, and lightly clinking glasses. Everyone was polite, but blending in was oddly difficult. They’d smile and respond if spoken to, but that was it. No one initiated new topics. Some who approached with smiles asked about their residence and jobs, then left with a “have fun.”

“Why’s it so boring?”

Deputy Manager Bae sipped his punch, scanning the room.

“They’re all smiling, but it feels like they’re just pretending.”

Seung-jae lowered his voice, wary of being overheard, and Bae nodded.

“Their conversations are about nothing. Outside, everyone talks about Heartless first. The government’s announcement about tightening censorship for a clean city was a big deal too. But no one here mentions it.”

People indifferent to the world. The invisible alienation wasn’t pleasant.

“Tch, we came for nothing.”

Seung-jae grumbled in frustration.

“These people don’t care about anyone who’s not like them.”

The other two nodded in agreement when they noticed people’s gazes shifting toward the entrance. A new person was arriving. Just black pants and a shirt, but the casually rolled-up sleeves, a couple of unbuttoned shirt buttons, and neatly swept-back hair suited him perfectly. With his face fully visible, his slightly cool demeanor and well-fitted clothes instantly drew attention.

When he paused at the entrance to survey the room, the host noticed him immediately. The host’s face lit up with a wide smile as he approached the new guest. But to the three 4K employees, the host’s warm welcome was invisible. Instead, their jaws dropped, and they froze as the host’s awed exclamation echoed in their ears.

“Wow, were you always this handsome?”

Click, click. As expected, the party was perfect for photos. The OEM designer shirt and the lavish interior of the wealthy house made for great show-off shots. It was a bit of a shame I didn’t have anyone to take photos with, but maybe later with Director Kook… Whoa! Holy crap!

I was diligently snapping photos for the department head, weaving through people greeting me, when I jumped in shock. Three pairs of eyes were staring at me like lasers. Why are they lurking in the corner like thieves? When did they even get here? For some reason, the 4K trio’s gazes were filled with shock, denial, and chaos.

“What are you guys doing here?”

Even at my question, they just stared until Drunkard finally spoke.

“Han Jemyung, I didn’t peg you as the type, but you’re really…”

Really? I leaned in, but Muscle Guy and Clicker grabbed him, muttering something serious. Something about jealousy? Drunkard nodded at their urging and finally finished his sentence.

“…human.”

“Was I an animal before?”

“You were like Jiwoo-dog.”

Are they picking a fight? I was dumbfounded, but his drunken, slurring voice explained.

“Your presence was always so faint, Han Jemyung. No, you tried to seem faint. Gulp, it felt like you were hiding as Jiwoo-dog to avoid standing out.”

He took several swigs of his drink mid-sentence. He must’ve been drinking heavily before I arrived, his speech slurred and drawn out. So, it had to be drunken nonsense. Yet, I couldn’t brush it off with a scoff. A small chill ran through me. His words were too precise. Jiwoo-dog. Thankfully, Muscle Guy sprinkled salt on my mood.

“I mean, Han Jemyung did seem a bit like Jiwoo-dog shit.”

I glared at Muscle Guy, and he subtly avoided my eyes. What’s that? Normally, he’d glare back and snap at me. Did he drink too much too? His flushed face confirmed he was drunk.

“I thought you stole my clothes to enjoy the party, so why are you just taking pictures?”

Clicker was clearly drunk too. He had the nerve to call it stealing after extorting 3,000 won from me.

“I came to take pictures. Oh, and there’s one other purpose.”

“What purpose?”

“To make some money.”

What are you talking about? I lowered my voice to their puzzled looks.

“Bounty.”

Their eyes sharpened instantly. Of course, hunters. Mention a bounty, and they think of Heartless.

“With Heartless reducing the workforce managing society, they’re encouraging reports of illegal activities with bounties.”

I shared the info from Manager Yoo and mentioned the pills I’d seen. Those vivid purple pills.

“Drugs?”

Keep your voice down. I glanced around in case anyone overheard and shrugged.

“Just a bit suspicious.”

“Even if you’re right, how would you find them?”

Well, that’s the thing. I looked around. Everyone was standing or sitting, drinking and chatting, enjoying the gathering.

“It’s a party.”

People gathered for fun. The host said these gatherings had been happening for years. Surely, just drinking and chatting would get boring by now. They couldn’t be satisfied with this. I explained my suspicions eagerly when a woman approached me from a distance. It was the host’s wife, the actress.

“Han Jemyung, enjoying the party?”

She smiled brightly, as if she’d never had a panic attack outside the safety zone.

“Nah. It’s more boring than I expected, so I’m thinking of leaving.”

I answered bluntly, but her smile only deepened. Instead, she scanned me with an intrigued look.

“Oh, really? We can’t let our savior leave like that. Is there anything else you need?”

Something I need. I brought the glass to my lips without drinking and looked around.

“Your husband said there’d be something fun…”

But coming here, there’s nothing, is there? I signaled with my eyes and grinned to show no malice. She mirrored my smile.

“Something fun? Of course, there is. Just wait a bit. It’ll get exciting soon.”

“Is there some special event?”

“Absolutely.”

She winked, as if to say “look forward to it,” and left. I was about to wait obediently as she said when I glanced at the three standing awkwardly. They were looking at me with strange expressions. What’s with those wary, unfamiliar eyes? Are they planning to split the bounty if I find drugs at this party? No way. That’s my One Ring money. I immediately went into defense mode.

“Even if I get a bounty, it’s less than 100,000 won. Peanuts.”

What are you talking about? They looked confused. So, it wasn’t about splitting the bounty?

“Then do you have something else to say to me?”

The three froze simultaneously and turned their gazes away. I was floored. These were the 4K trio who never missed a chance to rag on me. What’s with them? I couldn’t help but exclaim. But I didn’t care to dig into their complicated motives, so I brushed it off and changed the subject.

“Why come all this way and just drink in the corner instead of enjoying the party?”

For people whose eyes lit up at the word “party,” they were too subdued. With displeased expressions, they each took a sip from their glasses and threw out a comment.

“Just because.”

“It’s meh.”

“Lame.”

Everyone looked at Drunkard, who’d said the last word. He gulped down half his glass and added in his slurred voice.

“Why are there so many security guards at this lame party?”

As he said, there were guards in black suits with earpieces scattered around. His voice was loud enough that nearby people glanced at us. But they soon whispered among themselves, laughing. From their lip movements, it seemed like they were talking about hunters. Still, their gazes were unsettling.

Why did it feel like they were spectating? Only then did I notice some people occasionally glancing at the 4K employees. I hadn’t noticed earlier because they weren’t looking at me. Being a hunter isn’t that special to gawk at, is it? The answer came five minutes later when a scream rang out.

“Kyaaa!”

The 4K employees instinctively ran toward the sound. I followed quickly at first but slowed after a few steps. We were the only ones startled by the scream. No one else looked surprised. They moved toward the sound, but their faces showed slight excitement. Only some guards ran to the source, while others stayed in place. What’s going on?

“It’s, it’s a Heartless!”

Another scream-like cry rang out. It didn’t take long to recognize it as the voice of the woman I’d helped. She was at the center of a gathering crowd. Opposite her stood a man, lips smeared with red liquid like blood, growling menacingly like a monster. But I stopped myself from rushing to help. So did the 4K employees.

Because it wasn’t a Heartless. My instincts, honed from years of dealing with them, told me so. He was just mimicking one. Poorly, more like a zombie than a Heartless. Then I recalled her husband saying she was an actress. So, this is all acting… Damn it.

When any emotion gets too intense, my mind goes blank. Whether it’s shock or disbelief, it wasn’t pleasant. But the crowd was different. As the fake Heartless was blocked by guards from reaching the hostess and turned away, people finally screamed and moved as if fleeing.

But their screams were laced with laughter, and their fleeing steps were light, like playing tag. The room quickly became chaotic with people dodging the fake Heartless. We were the only ones standing still, unable to comprehend. What the hell were they doing?

“Run! If the Heartless kisses you, you’ll become one too! If you’re brave, catch it and tie its hands!”

The host shouted from the second-floor balcony. Immediately, a woman’s laughter-mixed scream came from behind. A woman kissed by the fake Heartless, her lips smeared with red liquid, lunged at a nearby man. The refined party turned into a circus in an instant. The 4K employees and I snapped out of it belatedly but still couldn’t move. How could they make Heartless a game?

“This is bullshit.”

Someone’s comment captured everyone’s mood. Immediately after, Clicker erupted in anger.

“Can’t we report this to the police?”

“You think that’d work?”

Muscle Guy snapped back fiercely, spitting out a short curse.

“Fuck, we shouldn’t have come. Let’s go.”

As he tried to drag the other two away, I quickly stopped them.

“Wait a sec.”

“If you want that bounty, stay and gather evidence yourself. We’re too pissed to stay any longer.”

“That’s why I’m saying stay a bit longer.”

What are you talking about? To their questioning looks, I countered with a question.

“If there’s someone who could pour cold water on this party, who do you think it’d be?”

“The police wouldn’t do much even if they came… huh?”

Muscle Guy stopped mid-sentence, and the three blinked. Then, as if catching the hint from the word “cold water,” their eyes widened. The one person who could not only douse the world’s most joyous festival with cold water but also slap it with ice. This devilishly talented individual was right among us.

“No way?!”

The single word someone blurted out was filled with hope and joy. When I’m on the receiving end, he’s a living hell, a demon like no other, but as an ally, he’s the most reliable person. That’s right, he was supposed to come.

“He’s coming?”

Someone asked, trembling with uncontained excitement. I nodded, and with that single gesture, all their sadness and grievances washed away in an instant. They were so moved, their eyes even welled up with tears.

“When’s he coming?”

I glanced at my watch, about to answer. Any moment now… Before I could speak, a horrific scream echoed through the room.

“Aaaargh!!”

There had been screams earlier, but this one was distinctly different. The high-pitched cry, torn from instinct, was filled with pure terror. Everyone’s eyes turned toward the entrance. A man sat sprawled on the floor, having fallen on his backside, with an axe lodged between his legs. As everyone stepped back in shock, a man approached him from the entrance. Click, click, the sound of shoes on the marble floor grew closer, and the face of the fallen man turned deathly pale.

“Wh-what is this?”

“Heartless hunter.”

The new guest, speaking in an eerie tone, yanked the axe from the floor and raised it high. The startled host rushed forward, shouting.

“That man isn’t a Heartless! Put the weapon down now…!”

His plea was completely ignored. Director Kook swung the axe toward the man. Whoosh, everyone clearly heard the faint sound of the air. It was the prelude to the party’s descent into chaos.

“So, the party’s host didn’t mention it was a game?”

I nodded for the umpteenth time to the same question. The incident Director Kook caused made headlines, albeit minor ones. A rich people’s Heartless game held within the safety zone. Astonishingly, Director Kook was portrayed as an innocent hunter who took the game seriously and attacked.

Innocent. The shock I felt seeing that word in the news still lingers vividly. To write such a false article. I nearly forgot Director Kook was my lover and almost sued the reporter. Thanks to Director Kook’s radar-like instincts and heavenly luck, I was at the police station for a witness interview. The questioning officer sighed, clearly annoyed. I glanced at him cautiously and asked. There was a reason I willingly went through the hassle of this in-person interview.

“By the way, was anything else illegal found at the party? Like, purple pills, or drugs…?”

“Oh, that.”

Yes, that!

“There was an anonymous drug tip, but when the police went the next day, the house was clean. They didn’t find anything special.”

Of course, going the next day is too late. I pressed my hand to my chest, suppressing my frustration.

“But.”

The officer glanced at some documents and continued casually.

“People who find a safe life boring and treat Heartless as a game are likely candidates. The purple pills reported do match the appearance of a trending drug.”

If the issue comes to light, they’ll get caught, the officer said, but I couldn’t nod happily. What’s the point if they’re caught later? My bounty’s gone now. So, those pills were drugs after all. The officer said the issue would surface eventually, but honestly, I didn’t care if it didn’t. Back in the TK department, I’d dealt with drug issues a few times, and a caseworker once said something memorable.

“The cruelest thing you can do to drug users is let them keep using.”

So, with a bit of malice, I cursed them to fall apart because of drugs. Then the officer closed the file and told me.

“You can go now, Han Jemyung.”

I was done, but one issue still nagged at me.

“Will Director Kook get in trouble?”

I asked cautiously, and the officer shrugged.

“Fortunately, no one died, but knocking out that many people with the flat of an axe will cause problems. Especially since the people there were all pretty wealthy. Some big shots were among them. But.”

But?

“Director Kook is an even bigger deal.”

Awe spread across the officer’s eyes. Of course, how great is Director Kook? How greatly insane is he? A smile crept onto my face, like a parent whose kid got into Seoul National University, but I forced it down. Pretending ignorance, I asked.

“Is he?”

“Yeah. He’s a huge deal. Once they heard who he was, they all tucked tail and ran.”

I stopped mid-laugh. Who he was? Oh, is 4K famous among civilians too? It didn’t quite add up, but anyone who knows Director Kook even a little would freak out, so I let it slide.

“In fact, Director Kook’s demanding compensation, so they’re freaking out over there.”

I didn’t ask why. No need to hear it to know it’s some petty, ridiculous nitpicking. For once, I cheered for Director Kook to squeeze them dry. Unable to hold back, my lips curved into a smile. The officer gave me a wry grin.

“He doesn’t seem like the nicest guy, but he must treat those close to him well. You and the 4K employees at the scene are all rooting for him.”

“No, that’s not it.”

I quickly shook my head, correcting the facts.

“We’re not rooting for Director Kook; we just don’t want the other side to win.”

A bemused look flashed in the officer’s eyes, but he soon agreed.

“Well, I deal with Heartless on the job sometimes, so I get Director Kook. Some of us face life-and-death situations daily because of Heartless, and they treat it like a game. I don’t have some grand sense of duty, but I feel a heavy responsibility. I don’t expect gratitude for that, but I wish people would at least recognize that we’re out here, just as scared as anyone else, stopping Heartless.”

He sighed, rubbing his mouth tiredly.

“We’re not doing this because we’re heroes.”

His last words stuck with me. Not heroes. Just as scared. But stopping Heartless. Leaving the station to head back to 4K, my feet oddly wouldn’t move. Wasting electricity, writing a bit, messing around online, napping when bored.

It’s a comfortable, danger-free routine, so I should hurry back to the office, away from these risky streets. Even in broad daylight, the streets weren’t crowded. Still, everyone kept an unspoken distance to avoid bumping into each other. Everyone was cautious. Yet, to me, these people, accustomed to this danger, seemed more human than those freely running around in the safety zone.

Ding.

A text came, as if pushing my unmoving back. Thinking it might be Director Kook, I checked, but it was the far less welcome Manager Yoo.

—Department Head’s getting discharged tomorrow.

The notification made me scowl instantly. His body’s barely recovered, and he’s going somewhere?!

“What the hell? Going on a trip with that body?”

As soon as I saw the Department Head, I picked a fight. He looked up from slowly packing his bag.

“Yeah. Unlike you, I’m swimming in money.”

Damn it, how much bounty did he get?

“The world’s dangerous. A trip? You might end up on a one-way trip to the afterlife before spending it all. Just watch travel videos in a nice nursing home.”

My concern came out snarky. He glanced at me briefly and asked bluntly.

“Jealous?”

“Ha! What’s there to be jealous of?”

Of course, I’m a bit jealous. I don’t have a single won for a trip. Knowing me too well, the Department Head snorted at my denial and sat on the bed. His bad lungs made him short of breath with little movement.

“See? It’s tough. A trip? If you’ve got money to burn, give some to me.”

“Not a single won for you.”

He refused so firmly. My joking request was shot down hard, making me a bit sulky. Ugh, I shouldn’t have come. I turned to leave, but he called me back.

“Hey, you still haven’t ditched that axe guy?”

Already annoyed, his question pissed me off more.

“Why does everyone want me to break up? Did you all bet on it?”

He silently looked away. What… did they?!

“You even registered as partners, but you’re running around without a ring.”

I swore to sell my hair if I had to for a ring as soon as I left. Then he pulled a small box from his bag and handed it to me.

“No money for a ring? Wear this.”

He tossed it like charity. But when I opened it, I couldn’t take it lightly. A pair of scratched, old gold rings. My eyes went to his fingers. He’d kept wearing his and his late wife’s wedding rings, even after losing her young. As far as I knew, he’d never taken them off. I stood frozen like a statue, unable to speak, as he waved me off.

“Get out, you’re annoying.”

I stared at his scarred, thin hand for a long time before turning away. I couldn’t say anything. Opening my mouth felt like it’d lead to embarrassing tears.

My life didn’t change much after that. I still went to 4K, got paid to do nothing, and returned to the safety zone at night to rest free of Heartless. So, I was a bit worried about how Director Kook would react to my decision.

“Transferring departments?”

Yes. I nodded, subtly pushing a plate toward him. On it were soft, chewy jellies, prettily arranged as a bribe.

“To the Heartless response training center. I’ll likely be an instructor. Work hours are the same as before.”

So, not much changes. We just won’t see each other at the office. Worried he might object, I glanced at him. Surprisingly, he nodded easily.

“Transfer.”

“Really? You’re okay not seeing me at the office?”

He nodded again and said.

“If you transfer, it’s not just me not seeing you. That bastard Na won’t either.”

Representative Na? I barely talk to him anyway. Just had tea a few times when Director Kook wasn’t around. But that alone seemed to satisfy Director Kook, as he muttered with emphasis.

“If I can just get that bastard out of my sight.”

“What?”

“Nothing. I’ll come find you when I miss you.”

…Will anyone welcome him? That’s a later problem. Expecting strong opposition, I happily pulled out what I’d prepared. How thrilled will he be? My heart was already pounding.

“I, uh, have something for you.”

I took out the ring box from the Department Head, opened it, and held it out like a proposal. I watched him with expectant eyes. He stared at the rings expressionlessly for a while, then looked at me with trembling eyes. Oh, is he too touched? Feeling a bit shy, I heard his shocked voice.

“I knew you were broke, Han Jemyung, but this bad?”

“What?”

What’s he talking about? As I blinked in confusion, his eyes narrowed.

“You didn’t buy this junk, did you? Who sold it? I’ll get your money back.”

“No, the Department Head gave it to me.”

“It’s used too?”

I was speechless. I opened my mouth, closed it, and scrambled for the right words in my muddled mind.

“It’s a meaningful ring.”

“Meaningful to the Department Head, maybe.”

True. But still, this isn’t right.

“He gave me something he cherished his whole life. Don’t you get what that means?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care. Only your heart and meaning matter to me.”

I stared at him quietly, then looked down at the old rings. I vaguely understood why he wasn’t thrilled. He probably wanted a ring filled only with my heart and meaning. But understanding didn’t erase my hurt. I grabbed his hand and lifted it, purely out of that hurt. A bit angrily.

“You want a meaningful ring?”

He nodded enthusiastically.

“Yeah, that’s why I’m scouring the world for one.”

I paused as I lifted his hand.

“…The world?”

“Of course. It’s for us to wear, so it can’t be just anything.”

I vowed to take my plan to buy a One Ring to the grave.

“Then wear this temporarily until we find that ring.”

Director Kook looked displeased, but when I lowered his hand to my face, his eyes changed. Before putting on the Department Head’s ring, I took his ring finger in my mouth, sucking and biting it. My tongue wrapped around it, my lips reaching the knuckle. I pressed my teeth where the ring would sit. Worried it might hurt, I glanced up and met his blazing eyes. Unconsciously, I smiled with his finger in my mouth. I bit harder, leaving marks, before letting go. As expected, his finger bore my mark.

“Let this be the meaning for now.”

He looked quietly at the marks on his hand.

“Will you do this every day?”

“Yeah. I’ll suck it every day.”

Yes, it was an intentional word choice. Director Kook’s eyes filled with desire, ready to burst. These moments always send an electrifying thrill through me. He lifted my hand to his mouth and sucked on my finger, leaving marks as I had. When my saliva-soaked finger was finally freed, his lips sought the next target. Hot lips covered mine. He demanded in a husky voice.

“Suck more.”

The transfer was quick and easy. The moment I submitted my application, I was ordered to start at the Heartless response training center the next day. It was so fast, I should’ve been suspicious. No government agency moves that quickly. It was all prearranged, and I realized it on my first day.

“This is the director. By the way, this center was quickly established through donations from many people, and the director is one of those donors.”

The recruiter from the special agency introduced me to the highest-ranking person here. But I couldn’t bow. Standing before me, leaning on a cane, was the Department Head.

“…What are you doing here?”

He scanned me sharply up and down.

“Newbie’s got some nerve.”

Ha! I could only laugh in disbelief. What made it worse was the deputy director standing beside him.

“We’ll need to train the instructor before the trainees.”

Manager Yoo spouted nonsense. I turned an annoyed glare on him.

“Did you donate too, Manager Yoo?”

“Everyone did except you.”

“Damn it, if I’d gotten a bounty, I’d have donated with a smile. No, you should’ve told me you two set this place up! I wouldn’t have come if I’d known.”

But both just snorted. What? Feeling ignored, I glared, and my recruiter asked.

“Are you saying you’ll quit?”

“No, I’ll go back.”

“That’s not possible.”

“Why not?”

“Didn’t the contract say that for security reasons, those who work here can’t return to other departments?”

As if expecting my reaction—likely tipped off by the Department Head—the recruiter held out a prepared contract.

“Look. You signed it.”

His finger pointed to fine print in font size 4 in the dense contract. Damn it, this is a scam. But my former colleagues knew exactly how to handle my anger.

“I’m hungry. Let’s eat cup noodles and get to it.”

Cup noodles for breakfast? At the Department Head’s crazy suggestion, Manager Yoo nodded and asked me.

“You eating too?”

I glared, suppressing my anger.

“You weren’t going to offer me any?”

They chuckled and turned away. The recruiter looked on with curious eyes, but he’d soon learn. This was a familiar routine. And for the first time in ages, I felt like I was stepping into a real routine. For years, the company was just a boring obligation for survival. But now, it felt different. This was truly my job.

The ambition surged, mocking the years I’d sworn to live ordinarily and safely. As much as writing novels. Funny, isn’t it? I once thought my desperate survival had shattered my life’s wheel. Believing it would never roll properly again, I curled up, content with the present.

But those years, when I thought I was just barely alive as a coward, my broken wheel kept rolling, somehow patched up. It creaks, not as cool as before, but I hear my life rolling again. It might break again someday, but it’ll keep going.

Sometimes, those who find enlightenment over time share lessons. But no matter how much they talk, I only understand after experiencing it. That’s how it is now. I’m starting to get it. If it breaks, it takes time, but you fix it and keep going. Life is surprisingly simple and sturdy. It’s meant to roll on.