The Perfect Vol. 6 Chapter 1

A week had passed since I met Director Kook’s aunt. I thought there was no one left to worry about anymore. After all, I had no family and had always been alone. My life, aside from the people I met at work, had no personal connections, so I believed that even more strongly. That’s why I never could have imagined so many people would take an interest in my love life.

“What? You’re still dating Director Kook?”

I met Deputy Yoo from the Population Management Office briefly for some business, and he asked with a deep frown. In the past, I might have thought he was worried about me because of Director Kook’s personality, but not anymore. Right now, he was the person I was most jealous of on Earth.

“Yes. Why? Got a problem with that?”

“No. I’m so happy every minute and second these days that I can’t feel any complaints.”

Damn it. I was the only one who got hit by that. The leisure and happiness of a high-pension retiree were like an invincible shield nothing could break. I gulped down the coffee-flavored water masquerading as coffee in front of me in one go.

“So, why did you want to meet?”

He must have heard my question clearly, but Deputy Yoo sipped his tea leisurely. Or rather, it looked leisurely, but to my eyes, it seemed like he was stalling to choose his words. As far as I knew, there was only one topic that could make him act like this.

“Did something happen to the department head?”

I asked sharply without realizing it, and Deputy Yoo furrowed his brow.

“While living as Han Jemyung, why do you still think like Han Jiwoo?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“The reason for today’s meeting is indeed the department head, but it’s not because something happened to him. Why do you automatically assume it’s bad news?”

Well, because you were hesitating to speak… I grumbled to myself, but Deputy Yoo’s nagging continued.

“Live with a bit more ease, man. Stop always drinking the cheapest coffee like some miser.”

“Excuse me?”

I called out to him, doubting my ears.

“Now that you’re getting a pension, do you see everyone as a beggar or something?”

“You do look a bit like one.”

His words acknowledging me as a beggar weren’t as bad as the way his eyes scanned me up and down. I was about to snap back in anger when he added nonchalantly.

“You could earn money if you wanted to, but you’re choosing not to.”

“What are you talking about? Do you think I’m working at the company right now as a hobby and not to earn money?”

“You could earn much more. With your skills, if you became a Heartless hunter, you’d rake in bounties and get rich quick. Though I hear the Heartless bounties have gone down since there are so many hunters these days.”

“I’m not interested in risking my life to get rich, so stop talking nonsense.”

“Then go after bounties that don’t require risking your life.”

“What kind of bounties?”

“With Heartless reducing the workforce managing society, the government’s having a hard time catching every illegal act, so they’re encouraging reports with bounties.”

Like reporting drug-related stuff? As I thought about it, Deputy Yoo gave an example.

“Selfish hunters who cause unnecessary property damage or harm innocent people under the pretense of catching Heartless are also reportable.”

Selfish. That one word immediately brought someone to mind. Was he telling me to report Yangshimless myself? Of course, I had a mountain of things I could report, and the thought of becoming filthy rich from those bounties tempted me for a moment. But I quickly shook my head firmly.

“I don’t know any hunters like that.”

Deputy Yoo looked at me, exasperated.

“You’re acting all loyal just because you’re dating.”

No, that’s not it. I’m just scared of retaliation, okay? I could’ve confidently argued back, but I’m a high school-educated intellectual who knows shame.

“If it’s so pathetic, why don’t you date someone, Manager?”

When I spoke roughly, he tilted his head curiously.

“Everyone says life gets fun when you’re dating, smiling brightly and becoming kinder, so how come you’re getting even grumpier?”

“I don’t know about being nice, but I know a thing or two about knives.”

“Yeah, well, at least know something.”

His sarcasm didn’t faze me. I considered borrowing a katsu knife from the café owner to swing at him, but Deputy Yoo finally got to the point.

“The department head is turning sixty soon.”

“I know.”

When I replied curtly, he chuckled.

“What, then it’s easy. I was worrying for nothing.”

Easy? Puzzled, I looked at him, and he casually asked.

“So, what gift are you preparing?”

…Do I have to give a gift? Hiding my panic, I replied.

“Well, I’ll handle it, so don’t worry about it. You take care of your part.”

“Me and the Restoration Agency are preparing an absolutely amazing gift.”

“How amazing is it?”

“Just know it’s an expensive gift befitting the level of a high-pension recipient.”

Damn it. The department head is getting a pension too. I lifted my already-empty coffee cup and shook the last few drops into my mouth.

“The problem is you.”

“The department head isn’t the type to judge gifts by their monetary value. And, well, he never really liked gifts in the first place.”

“He says he wants to receive them this time. He doesn’t know how much longer he’ll live.”

I froze. I stopped moving and looked at him. Words didn’t come out right away, so I had to clear my throat once.

“He’s not exactly healthy, but there’s no particular health issue, right? Don’t tell me… is he sick or something?”

“It’s an era where more people die from Heartless than from diseases. Apparently, one of the patients at the nursing home where the department head is staying turned into a Heartless. Seeing that made him feel like he doesn’t know when he’ll die.”

It wasn’t like the department head to sound so weak, and I clamped my mouth shut. Was it because of his age? It felt strange. Damn it, I should’ve visited a few more times even when he told me not to. Despite my regretful thoughts, my mouth spat out a snarky reply.

“Tell him to focus on living long so he can keep collecting that hefty pension.”

“Don’t worry. He said he’ll make sure to use up all his pension. But accidents can happen anywhere. That’s why there’s no order to who goes first. You might even go before him.”

What? Was he worried about not knowing when I’d die, talking about my lifespan? The gloom that had been spreading like fog vanished instantly.

“Oh, I’m going to live to a hundred, so don’t worry about my lifespan.”

Deputy Yoo looked at me with pity.

“What’s the point of living to a hundred without a pension?”

“Ugh, seriously.”

As I got annoyed, Deputy Yoo smirked. This is why I didn’t want to meet him. Back then, everyone at TP was always itching to tease me. They’re all gone now, though. I no longer get emotional over past losses, but thinking about this fact still stops me in my tracks. My thoughts, my breath.

“So.”

I looked up at Deputy Yoo’s slow voice. The playful glint in his eyes faded, and for a moment, his slightly darkened gaze seemed to study me before he launched into his usual stern nagging.

“This time, give a proper gift. The department head thought of you like a son, after all.”

“Thought of me like a son? Then why did he beat me up while training me?”

“You never got hospitalized during training, did you?”

I shut my mouth at his words, but I still didn’t want to accept being called a son. If he really saw me as a son, he wouldn’t have pretended to be dead and cut contact for years.

“And he specifically said he really wants to receive your gift.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. So give him a gift as a son would.”

I almost bristled at the word “son” again but swallowed it down. The department head had no family and no personal life. I heard he was married when he was young, but he lost his wife in an accident, and their marriage didn’t even last a year. After that, he dedicated his entire life to the TP department. And, like me, he was probably left with nothing but a sense of loss. Looking at the comrade in front of me, I asked gruffly.

“Should I perform some tricks for his sixtieth birthday or what?”

“That’s exactly it.”

What? Thinking he was messing with me, I glared, but Deputy Yoo added seriously.

“Everyone else is doing well, but he’s still worried about you. So show him proof that you’re living more and more stably as a gift.”

“What kind of proof?”

“Photos, videos, there’s plenty of options.”

So, like showing slides of kids and grandkids at a sixtieth birthday party, he wants me to put up my photos too? I was dumbfounded and snapped back.

“I hate taking photos. And I’ve been living stably this whole time.”

“You’re still renting, have no savings, write weird web novels, and get ignored at the Special Affairs Office or 4K office, don’t you?”

Every word hit like a stab to the bone. It was all true. I barely managed to counter one point.

“I’m not renting. I’m living at Director Kook’s place, you know?”

“You’ll break up soon and have to find a new place to rent.”

“Why would I break up soon?”

As I widened my eyes at his words, Deputy Yoo’s eyes sharpened too.

“Are you going to marry Director Kook or something?”

I froze without meaning to. Um, I hadn’t even thought about marriage. Deputy Yoo immediately caught my reaction and praised me.

“Well, seeing as you don’t even have a ring, you’re probably not thinking long-term.”

I glanced down at my bare fingers. Do I need something like a ring? Then Deputy Yoo said in a scolding tone.

“Yeah, you don’t need to date with the future in mind. Unless it’s just a fling. Anyway, I’m against Director Kook.”

Come to think of it, the Restoration Agency was against him too. I didn’t need their support, but hearing constant opposition made me a bit annoyed.

“Why are you against him?”

“You’re asking because you don’t know?”

I asked because I don’t know, obviously. I just didn’t want to admit it. Pouting, I got a light reply.

“Director Kook has a lot of enemies.”

It was an unexpected reason, and I couldn’t find words to respond. Blinking, I asked.

“What’s that supposed to mean? There’s no way I’d be in danger. Are you worried about me or something?”

“No way. If you get caught fighting Director Kook’s enemies and your identity gets exposed, it’d make the awards I got on my own look a bit ridiculous, wouldn’t it?”

Figures. Worried about me? As if.

“And the Restoration Agency says Director Kook isn’t the type for a proper relationship.”

“We’re dating just fine, what’s that supposed to mean?”

I shot back immediately and then cautiously asked.

“Ahem, what’s a proper relationship anyway?”

A pitiful look gleamed in Deputy Yoo’s eyes.

“I knew you wouldn’t know.”

“No, I do! I write romance novels, you know.”

For some reason, the disbelief in his eyes deepened.

“Are you dating properly?”

Dating… Have we ever done that?

“Of course, we do it every day.”

“Besides commuting to the office together.”

Other than that… nothing. We hadn’t exactly held hands and gone anywhere. Just, well, sex at home… ahem.

“What, you really don’t go on dates?”

“No, we do! Every day.”

He didn’t seem to doubt my composed reply, but he added with a hint of dissatisfaction.

“They say Director Kook is an arrogant guy. You’re lucky if he’s not dragging you around against your will.”

“It’s not like that.”

When I got a bit annoyed, he looked at me calmly and added indifferently.

“A relationship lasts when both sides are balanced. But you two…”

Deputy Yoo brought his teacup to his lips and mumbled the rest. It sounded muffled, but I heard it clearly. He definitely said:

“One side’s just too good for the other.”

Am I… that bad? Feeling a bit down, my phone rang as if reacting to my mood. Speak of the devil, it was Director Kook.

“Hello?”

[…….]

No response. Wondering what was up, a slightly lowered voice asked.

[Did you want to call me ‘honey’?]

Am I imagining things, or has his nonsense gotten worse since we started dating? I barely swallowed the urge to tell him to go to an ENT doctor. Still, he’s my boyfriend, so I turned my blunt medical advice into something friendlier.

“Clean out your ears.”

[What if I do?]

Well, that’s a bit…

[I’ll pay you for your trouble.]

“I’ll clean your eardrums spotless with utmost sincerity.”

Laughter came through the phone. It was short but pleasant, and I smiled slightly too, only to stiffen my expression. Deputy Yoo was staring at me intently.

“Ahem, why’d you call?”

[Just had a bad feeling.]

I’d been noticing lately, but is this guy sensing my feelings now?

“No, nothing’s wrong.”

[……Who are you meeting?]

“Uh, yeah. Um, an old colleague.”

I hadn’t done anything wrong, but I couldn’t help feeling nervous. I’d recently noticed that he was a bit jealous, so I wondered if he’d press me about who it was. But after a brief silence, what I heard was different from my worries. His voice sounded somewhat restrained, but still.

[Finish your business well.]

“Is that all you have to say?”

[Is there something you want to hear?]

It’s not that, it’s just that his reaction was so normal it felt strange. I hesitated since Deputy Yoo was right in front of me, unable to say this out loud, when a single word came through.

[I love you.]

W-what, all of a sudden? His sudden confession startled me, and my heart raced, making it hard to keep my expression in check. I turned my head, pretending to brush my hair back, and quickly replied to him. I didn’t want to look soft in front of Deputy Yoo for no reason.

“No, I didn’t mean for you to say that.”

[I just said it because I wanted to.]

“……Oh, okay.”

[…]

“Then, um, I’ll hang up—”

[Why are you hanging up?]

“Wasn’t your business done?”

[My business is overflowing. But your business is done too, isn’t it, Han Jemyung?]

What’s that supposed to mean? It hasn’t even been a minute since you told me to take care of my business.

“It’s not done.”

[What are you doing?]

I’m stuck talking to you. I was about to snap back in disbelief when a restrained voice came through the phone.

[I don’t know what kind of bastard you’re meeting or what you’re doing, but finish the rest of your business well.]

The first part was still nonsense, but the latter was normal again, so I hung up, feeling bewildered. Why’s he acting like this all of a sudden? No suspicion, no further interrogation? I tilted my head in confusion, then noticed Deputy Yoo staring at me.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, it’s just that he was too normal…”

I stopped mid-sentence. There was no need to bring up Director Kook to someone who already disapproved of my relationship. But Deputy Yoo, true to his past as someone who gathered and analyzed information, had an uncanny knack for picking up on things.

“Is it that strange for Director Kook to talk normally? He must be pretty abnormal, as I’ve heard. Even to you, his boyfriend.”

I blinked a few times before slowly opening my mouth.

“Yeah. But I still like him.”

Seeing Deputy Yoo’s changing expression felt satisfying, but my embarrassment outweighed the satisfaction.

The 4K employees had learned the hard way through experience not to meddle in Director Kook’s affairs, but this time, they couldn’t help but get involved. Just moments ago, he’d finished a call with Han Jemyung and was now staring daggers at his phone. Despite saying cringeworthy things like “I love you” during the call, they couldn’t understand why he was now radiating a murderous aura while trying to suppress his anger.

Of course, as long as their paychecks came on time, they could tolerate a bad atmosphere. The problem was a horrific memory from the past. Once, when Director Kook was in a similarly foul mood, he’d dragged everyone into a car to hunt Heartless. That day, they caught a glimpse of hope that with a human radar like him, they could eradicate Heartless from the planet.

But after a 24-hour hellish experience, none of them had any intention of joining that hopeful path again. It was the worst ordeal of their lives. And now, Director Kook’s mood was just as menacing as it had been back then. Why, exactly? They needed to know the reason to fix it, so, reluctantly, the youngest, Seungjae, was pressured by the other two to call out to him.

“Um, Director?”

“Fuck, I’m pissed.”

Flinching, Seungjae cautiously asked.

“Is it because of Han Jemyung?”

Director Kook shot him a piercing glare. Seungjae quickly swallowed and made an excuse.

“No, I mean, Han Jemyung sometimes makes lame jokes.”

“Even if his jokes are fucking terrible, they’re a hundred times better than you lot who just burn through my money.”

You’re not exactly a saint yourself! Seungjae boiled inside but held it in, as always. The salary was high for the work, and the benefits were amazing, so it often felt like they were wasting company money. So what was making him so mad that the atmosphere was this tense? As they stared, Director Kook muttered to himself. But in his low, aggrieved tone, all they could clearly hear were the curses at the start and end.

“Damn it, my mom… so gently… fuck.”

Mom? Oh, did he get scolded by his mom? The three 4K employees, having worked under the insufferable Director Kook for years, knew a few things about him. One was about his mother. Wasn’t she the only person Director Kook couldn’t beat? They’d heard that since becoming an adult, he’d lived as far from his mother as possible, rarely going home. They were jealous. They couldn’t help but envy Director Kook’s mother. What could she have said to him?

“…If you want to be loved… like that bastard Jinwook… fuck.”

Amid his mumbling, only the curses came through clearly again. Unable to hold back, Deputy Manager Bae asked directly.

“What did your mother say about your relationship?”

Director Kook lifted his expressionless face.

“She said if I don’t want to get dumped, I shouldn’t be jealous.”

Everyone silently sent their condolences to his mother. As if Director Kook would ever listen…

“So I decided to restrain myself.”

He listened. The employees doubted their ears. Especially Deputy Manager Bae, half-drunk and barely rational, couldn’t believe his hearing and asked again.

“You decided to jerk off?”

“Jerking off is something I do every day because Han Jemyung keeps me horny 24/7.”

That was ear-rotting information. Ignoring the employees’ discomfort, Director Kook warned.

“Don’t talk to Han Jemyung from now on. You only talk to me, got it, fuckers?”

“You said you’d restrain yourself and not be jealous.”

“I’ll restrain myself. But only in front of Han Jemyung.”

Director Kook answered shamelessly, then scanned the employees.

“But do I need to restrain myself in front of you guys?”

A chilling dread hit all three simultaneously. This shameless guy was planning to act all proper in front of his boyfriend now that he had one. It was the end of the world. A sign of the apocalypse. On the other hand, it was more shocking that he was actually listening to his mother. They could believe Director Kook’s mother was a legendary assassin at this point.

“But do you listen to everything your mom says? If she told you not to have sex, would you stop?”

“Fuck, how’d you know?”

Director Kook took a menacing step toward Seungjae with a deadly expression. Startled, Seungjae hid behind Manager Seo, trembling.

“W-what, did she really say that?”

Manager Seo asked instead, and Director Kook frowned deeply, muttering again. But once more, only the curses at the start and end were clear.

“Fuck, reduce your greed… don’t force things… or you’ll get dumped… cursing her own son… damn it.”

It was hard to hear, but she’d clearly demanded the impossible from her son. However, Director Kook’s mother obviously didn’t know him well. No matter what else, there was no way a man driven by instincts like Director Kook would suppress his desires…

“So, fuck it, I decided to hold back from jumping him whenever I’m horny.”

Director Kook gritted his teeth, showing his resolve. The employees’ eyes widened in shock. That, of all things? A guy overflowing with energy—where was he going to channel that desire? According to the first law of thermodynamics, it made no sense. Deputy Manager Bae, a science major, muttered in disbelief.

“…Is he possessed?”

To the shocked employees, Director Kook ordered.

“So, everyone, get up.”

Get up? The three blinked at him, and Director Kook commanded with a menacing glare.

“We’re going to hunt Heartless.”

A sense of foreboding washed over the employees. Unable to speak, frozen, Deputy Manager Bae spoke for them.

“What Heartless?”

“You’ve been slacking off in the office, mooching off salaries, and now you’ve forgotten what Heartless are? They’re everywhere, fuck. I’m going to kill every single one I see.”

Director Kook grabbed an axe, radiating murderous intent. The employees’ faces turned ashen at his plan to vent his desires on Heartless. They could already see the hellish ordeal ahead!

“B-but hunting Heartless without a commission? That doesn’t pay.”

Seungjae desperately mentioned money, which Director Kook loved, and Director Kook turned to him.

“Why wouldn’t it pay? You know how much bounty you get for each Heartless taken down.”

“But compared to what we earn, that’s chump change…”

“Chump change?”

Director Kook looked at the three expressionlessly.

“Since when do we care about chump change?”

To the speechless three, he ordered in a chilling voice.

“Grab your weapons. Unless you want to die without a trace.”

Thanks to being Director Kook’s boyfriend, I ended up working as a cooperative employee at 4K, but as you know, I don’t actually do anything. Maybe someone was annoyed that I was freeloading, because my in-person reporting schedule at the Special Affairs Office went from once a month to three times a week. The human heart is fickle. Whether it’s once a month or every day, I have nothing to do, so I just go, but the increased schedule started to feel bothersome. Probably also because of that high-pension retiree I met yesterday. His face was so glossy!

“Yes, all necessary items have been checked. Are there any special changes to the operations?”

The officer in charge, always asking the same question, inquired seriously as usual. The previous officer seemed to resent me, probably knowing I was basically freeloading at 4K, but this one focused only on work and sent me off right after. His work was always clean and efficient. He was clearly someone who excelled at his job. It was puzzling why he was handling such an unimportant task. As I got up to leave, I found out why.

“Oh, by the way, starting next week, someone else will be in charge of you, Han Jemyung.”

I stopped pushing my chair and looked at him.

“Got a promotion?”

He frowned, puzzled.

“Don’t people usually ask about a department transfer first?”

Well, you’re good at your job, so.

“Getting a promotion and a transfer, huh?”

“Well, sort of.”

He turned his face to hide his embarrassment but soon nodded.

“I was offered a position earlier, but since it’s a new department, I was waiting here for a month until they were ready.”

I see. He really is good at his job. I said my goodbyes and stood up, but he suddenly made an offer.

“Want to come along, Han Jemyung?”

A recruitment offer out of nowhere? Puzzled, he added casually.

“You’re not going to stay at 4K forever, are you?”

“What, did they tell you to quit?”

It’s a cushy job where I do nothing! I asked desperately, and thankfully, he shook his head.

“Haha, no. You’re at 4K because of the person you’re dating, right? Since it’s just casual dating, I thought you might leave eventually.”

Casual? Does he know how heavy my heart was when I accepted that guy? I glared, indignant.

“If it was casual, I wouldn’t have registered as partners.”

“It’s not marriage; partner registration is easy to cancel, you know.”

He spoke lightly and glanced at my hand. I looked at my hand too. Empty, no ring. The officer was wearing a thick gold ring with a line of small diamonds in the middle. Noticing my gaze, he proudly held it up.

“Couple’s ring.”

“…Looks nice.”

“Come on, if you wanted, you could get one a hundred times more expensive from your boyfriend.”

He doesn’t know. I shook my head firmly.

“No, he just paid off his debts.”

“What? But Director Kook is…”

“Anyway, I’m not dating casually. And I’d never be the one to suggest breaking up.”

Obviously. If I suggested breaking up, I’d face retaliation.

“That’s surprising. I didn’t know you liked Director Kook that much.”

He overestimated my love. Embarrassed, I looked away.

“Then 4K will keep you for a long time. That’s a shame. I really wanted to recruit you.”

“Where are you going?”

“Heartless response training facility.”

“Oh, the hunter training center? That already exists.”

He nodded.

“Yes. But this one’s for training against Special-A-grade Heartless.”

Special-A-grade. Not many know that grade exists. It was created because of that colonel who died in the anthill. Of course, only a handful know I fought alongside that colonel’s group. And he’s making me an offer?

“Are you from Special-Special?”

My voice and expression changed, but he wasn’t surprised and nodded calmly.

“Come if you’re interested. It’s a place short on hands, so even if you just sort papers, you’d be welcome.”

“No, I’m not going. I’m satisfied with my current job.”

I stood up and turned to leave when I heard his mutter.

“Really? You looked bored.”

I left the Special Affairs Office a bit irritated. Bored? Getting paid to do nothing—how great is that? When 4K employees rush out on missions, I stay safe, waving them off, feeling at ease. Everything’s good. Plus, I’m dating, so there’s no better time in my life.

But why does everyone say I’m grumpy despite dating, or that my life looks boring? And why do they all think we won’t last long? I stopped walking and looked at my hand. Fine, I’ll buy a ring. With that resolve, I checked my bank balance and headed straight to a jewelry store, boldly proclaiming.

“Sir, show me couple’s rings.”

The fifty-something owner, delighted by my enthusiasm, led me to a glass display case.

“This is the most popular design these days. Try it on.”

It was a thick gold ring with a line of small diamonds in the middle. Like the officer’s? I shook my head immediately.

“No, something more special.”

The owner quickly pulled out another ring design and handed it to me. But before taking it, the small price tag next to it loomed large like a billboard. It was in the millions.

“Try it on.”

“Um, any special but reasonably priced rings?”

“What’s your budget?”

“34,000 won.”

“…….”

The owner’s eyes flashed with all sorts of emotions. I think I saw some curses in there too.

“Sir, we have card installments.”

Oh, right, installments. I shook my head calmly.

“My card’s maxed out.”

Most of that limit was eaten up by the massive dining bills Director Kook racked up and the no-show fines for meetings GM’s representative Na signed me up for. That’s right, 4K was the cause of my financial ruin. Feeling wronged, I quickly added to the owner.

“I got cleaned out because I met the wrong guy.”

The owner now looked at me like I was a beggar. A moment later, he pulled a pair of rings from a drawer under the display. The gold-colored rings had some kind of lettering engraved on the sides. They looked cool, like the One Ring from The Lord of the Rings.

“What’s the material?”

“Stainless steel.”

Fair enough, better than nothing. I was about to pay but asked just in case.

“What do the letters on the ring mean?”

“One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them.”

It really was The Lord of the Rings.

“Do people wear that as a couple’s ring?”

“Sauron?”

“…I’ll come back later.”

“Get lost.”

Walking along the wall of the safety zone, I pondered for a moment. Do we really need rings to date? As long as we get along and live well together, that’s enough. Appearances don’t matter, right? But Deputy Yoo’s words from yesterday kept nagging at me.

‘If you don’t want the department head to worry about you, show him solid proof. Photos or videos of how well you’re living, how happy you are.’

How do I prove I’m living well? Heck, I’m not even sure if I’m living well myself. It’s obvious. Just eating, working, sleeping, waking up—a normal routine. If anyone’s asked if that’s living well, they’d pause.

Since there’s no right answer to living, I could just take some photos of my life, maybe wear the One Ring as a couple’s ring and show off, but that didn’t sit right with me. Especially since I’m living in a great place anyone would want, perfect for taking photos.

I cast my gaze at the endless, boring road and the massive wall, with the main gate still far off. The high wall stretched on, with electric currents running along the top to deter intruders and countless surveillance cameras consuming massive amounts of electricity.

To anyone, it looks like a prison wall, but inside, it’s more peaceful than anywhere else, and people are happy. So, am I happy too? I stopped walking and looked up at the tall wall. As I stared, a loud screech of tires suddenly rang out.

Screeeech—!

A car that had been driving recklessly stopped ahead. There weren’t many cars on this road, so no accident happened, but seeing the smoke from the tires after such a sudden stop, I wondered if something was wrong and quickly approached. Of course, I held a self-defense baton in hand. The urgent issue could be Heartless-related, after all.

But the stopped car wasn’t shaking, and no screams came from inside. Instead, there was a long-haired woman slumped over the steering wheel. Was she sick? I knocked on the car window, and she jumped, lifting her fear-filled eyes. She was sweating so much her hair stuck to her forehead, and her hands gripping the wheel were trembling. From what I knew, Heartless symptoms didn’t look like that. Something was definitely wrong with her body.

“Are you okay?”

I asked loudly in case she couldn’t hear, and she trembled even more. Then she asked from inside. Her voice was so soft I read her lips to understand the question.

‘A-are you human?’

I wondered for a moment if I looked like a mess. Or did my eyes look so crazy she mistook me for a Heartless? Thankfully, my reflection in the window showed my usual, perfectly handsome self. What, I look human enough. As I stood there dumbfounded, she seemed to realize I was human and shakily lowered the window about 10 centimeters. Just enough for communication.

“Are you okay?”

“No, not really.”

She didn’t look okay at all, even at a glance.

“Should I call 119 for you? But they might be slow to respond. If you’re feeling ill, it’s better to drive straight to the hospital. Or should I contact someone you know?”

She shook her head weakly in response to my words.

“I’m almost home.”

Home? I glanced at the towering wall. She must be a resident of the safety zone.

“I don’t usually come out because of panic attacks… but I had to today for work…”

Panic. That one word explained everything. It wasn’t just her. In a world where a passerby could suddenly turn into a monster trying to kill you, more and more people stopped leaving their homes. In the early days when Heartless ran rampant, the government had no resources to care for them, and some people died in their homes from fear. Even now, though the world has stabilized somewhat, access to mental health care remains limited for many.

“Look at me for a moment.”

I spoke to her and then shone the blue light in my hand into my eyes. Even after showing her I wasn’t a Heartless, her panic symptoms didn’t improve.

“I’ll drive the car into the safety zone. Is that okay?”

Nod, nod. She barely managed to nod, and a moment later, I was in the driver’s seat. Sitting close, I could feel her trembling state more vividly. She was curled up, drenched in cold sweat, her breathing ragged. But as I drove the car into the safety zone, her chest, which had been heaving rapidly, gradually calmed.

Clunk. As the heavy iron gate of the safety zone closed behind us, she rummaged through the console box and belatedly pulled out a pill bottle. Her hands were still trembling so much that the pills spilled out all at once. In an instant, the pills scattered inside the car, but she was so desperate to take one that she swallowed it without water. I glanced at a pill that had fallen near my seat while driving slowly. It was a vivid purple, so bright it could be mistaken for candy.

“Phew, thank you.”

She exhaled deeply, as if the pill alone was enough to ease her tension, and wiped her face with her hand.

“Good thing you had the medicine.”

“Oh, yes.” She nodded, still covering her face with her hands.

“I feel like I’m holding on because of this medicine. Without it, me, my husband, my friends… we’d all…”

She shuddered, as if the thought alone was horrific.

“Outside is truly hell.”

I couldn’t help but glance at the side mirror. The iron gate that blocked out hell looked like just an ordinary gate to me.

“Thank you.”

The husband, who met us in front of their house, supported her and bowed in gratitude. I quickly bowed back. The kind-looking husband explained her situation to me, a stranger.

“My wife hasn’t left the safety zone in over a year because of her Heartless phobia.”

I nodded, understanding the situation completely. He looked down at his beautiful wife with pity.

“She’s an actress by profession, loved meeting people more than anyone, but… you can’t stay inside forever. She’s been trying to get used to Heartless indirectly and practicing by circling the safety zone, but it seems it was still too much.”

His expression was filled with sorrow, and I couldn’t suppress my curiosity, cautiously asking.

“Did something bad happen to her outside?”

“No.”

She shook her head and added, as if it were obvious.

“Outside is crawling with terrifying Heartless. It wouldn’t be strange to die out there at any moment.”

Her husband wrapped an arm around her shoulder to comfort her and gently nudged her toward the house.

“It’s okay. It’s safe here, so let’s wait inside a bit longer. When the world escapes this hell, we can try again.”

He didn’t take his eyes off her as she entered the house. Her fear of Heartless was understandable, and the way they cared for each other was heartwarming. But as I watched them, a discomfort lingered in a corner of my heart. Maybe because I knew there were plenty of people, including me, living perfectly fine in the “hell” they described outside. I thought I hadn’t shown my feelings, but the husband seemed perceptive.

“Oh, if that sounded uncomfortable, I’m sorry. Since everything—cultural activities, everything—is available inside the safety zone, the outside feels like another world.”

“Cultural activities?”

“Yes, theaters, bookstores, markets, all sorts of amenities—everything you need is here. Sometimes I think it’s a shame there’s no amusement park.”

“There’s a theater?”

I was surprised, and he seemed surprised by my reaction.

“Didn’t you say you’re a resident of the safety zone?”

“Yes, but I haven’t been here long.”

“Oh, that’s why I haven’t seen you before.”

He nodded as if he understood. But even if I’d lived here longer, we probably wouldn’t have crossed paths. There are thousands of residents here. Then he smiled and asked.

“You’ve never been to a gathering, have you?”

“Um, you mean like a neighborhood meeting?”

“Pfft, a neighborhood…” He burst out laughing and apologized. “Sorry.”

But then he made another mistake by laughing even harder.

“Hahahaha, a neighborhood meeting.”

Even in an era where neighborhood meetings have vanished, he laughed too much. Feeling awkward, he cleared his throat and barely suppressed his laughter.

“That was an unexpected term, my apologies. I meant the social gatherings held in the zone. Small parties are often held here.”

Then he pulled a business card-sized piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to me. The luxurious pearlescent paper had the word “Invitation” embossed in gold foil. Below it, only the time and place were listed—no details about what kind of party or who was hosting. The location was an address of a villa within the safety zone. I checked the address and immediately turned to look at the three-story villa building right beside us. It was the same house I’d brought the woman to.

“Yes, it’s at our place.”

He confirmed, noticing my gaze. It really must be a small party. Or their house is insanely big. I looked up at the villa again. It seemed more like the latter. The villa I was staying at with 4K was already quite spacious, but this building looked at least twice as big from the outside. A rich person within the safety zone, where only the wealthy could live. Even if the world ended and only ten people remained, there’d still be a hierarchy of wealth among them.

“If you work at the Special Affairs Office, you must have a lot of stress from Heartless. You should come. It’ll be really fun.”

“…Well, I’m not exactly the social type.”

“It’s fine. There are ways to handle that.”

Ways… What ways? The vivid purple pill suddenly came to mind.

“We’ll prepare something enjoyable and wait for you. But really, why haven’t I seen you before? Someone like…”

His words trailed off with a laugh, barely audible. Someone like what? I looked up to meet his curious gaze. He had a wife, so it was probably just innocent curiosity, but even that level of interest made me uneasy. Maybe it was an instinctive defense mechanism after being with a jealous boyfriend. But think about it—what if that jealous boyfriend was a human radar? As I thought this, swoosh, a long arm wrapped around my waist from behind.

What the—?!

The sudden contact sent chills spreading from where his arm touched to my entire body. If my heart muscles were as elastic as a balloon, they’d have swollen to the point of bursting. I froze, holding my breath, about to swat the arm away, when I paused. My instincts first registered familiarity. The solid body pressed against my back and the faint scent of soap. It was so subtle, so fleeting, yet I immediately dropped all my defenses. It was him. Director Kook. My heart returned to its normal size, thumping in relief.

“What are you doing?”

A whispered question came to my ear. He must have leaned down, as his voice carried warm breath. Taller than me, he always liked speaking right into my ear when he hugged me from behind. He’d said it was perfect since he only needed to tilt his head slightly to reach my ear.

When I got distracted, he’d even nip at my ear to make me focus on him. I hadn’t realized it, but my ears were sensitive. Whenever a low, moist voice reached them, I’d flinch without fail. This time, too, I flinched and turned my head. Right in front of me was his face, looking down at me.

Sometimes, when our eyes met like this, the rest of the world seemed to vanish. This moment felt good because I was sure he felt the same. Maybe because he was the least empathetic person in the world, this thrill felt even more special.

“Oh, you have a boyfriend.”

Startled by the husband’s voice, I turned my head, and the arm around my waist tightened. Sensing that a ridiculous remark was about to come from above, I automatically blurted out.

“Yes, my one and only boyfriend in the world. We’re already registered as partners, currently living together, and through rational discussion, I’ve taken on the most annoying household chore—laundry—in lieu of rent. Unlike our rough start, we’re now maintaining a harmonious relationship without any conflicts.”

The husband chuckled at my rapid-fire words. Then his gaze shifted upward, and his expression froze. Huh? Did Director Kook scowl or something? I turned to him again, but he was expressionless. Then, noticing me, he lowered his eyes.

“What?”

That’s it? He used to pick fights with strangers just for talking to me. Of course, he picks fights with everyone equally, regardless of me. Just in case, I quickly explained the situation to him.

“A woman had a panic attack while driving in front of the safety zone, so I helped her. Her husband was thanking me and inviting me to a small party at their house.”

I showed him the invitation and waited for his reaction. Maybe something like, “Why waste time on that?” or “I’m not joining a bunch of idiots drinking brain-damaging alcohol.” That’s right—Director Kook rarely drank, claiming it dulled his mind. He took annoyingly good care of his body.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

“Oh, home?”

“No. The party.”

He gestured with his eyes at the invitation in my hand. I was still awkwardly turned, my waist held by him. There was someone else present, so I wanted to pull away, but if I tried, he’d get sulky. And later, he’d take revenge in bed. But I needed to face him now, so I pushed him with my hands and turned.

“Seriously, you want to go?”

“Yeah. Let’s go. Didn’t you tell me because you wanted to go?”

I did want to go. Not to enjoy the party, but for another reason. But whether it’s a party or a retreat didn’t matter right now. Director Kook showing such a normal reaction? I couldn’t believe it and stared at him, not even noticing the husband say goodbye and leave.

Why? Is he sick? There’s no way he’d suddenly become normal otherwise… Wait, did he get hit in the head during a fight?! Did someone with a grudge attack him? It’s not entirely far-fetched. He has more than a few enemies. If you gathered them all, you could easily form a nation.

But I soon dismissed the idea of an attack out of vengeance. No homo sapiens on Earth could succeed in taking revenge on Director Kook. So, he just got hurt? I reached out, grabbed his head, and turned it side to side.

“You said you were hunting Heartless. Did you get hurt?!”

“I’m not an idiot. Why would I get hurt hunting measly Heartless?”

His response finally sounded like Director Kook, and I felt relieved. I was about to lower my hands when he grabbed my wrist.

“Touch me more.”

For a moment, I wondered if a nerve issue from a neck disc was causing brain problems. After all, I’d just twisted his head like I was giving him a chiropractic adjustment. So, I asked without hesitation.

“Is your neck stiff? Any headaches?”

If it’s a disc issue, I’d twist it properly, I resolved firmly, looking at him. Then I belatedly noticed the sticky heat in his eyes. He was smiling, clearly pleased. I froze, my thoughts halting. His face filled my mind entirely. I couldn’t look away. I must be crazy. I’d seen that smile hundreds of times, but it felt like the first, sending a jolt through my heart.

I raised my hand again. This time, I carefully smoothed his tousled hair. Director Kook slightly lowered his head, staying still like an obedient child to let me pat him. I never imagined I’d be stroking a grown man’s hair in the middle of the street. Of course, there was no one around, so I could do it. But I soon felt embarrassed and lowered my hand.

“Done?”

“No way.”

He grabbed my wrist again. Seeing him not hide his childish greed confirmed it was Director Kook. Yeah, that’s the Yangshimless I know. Relieved, I stepped back. Someone was approaching from a distance. His grip on me tightened, his gaze briefly sharpening, but he soon let go. I thought, huh? Again, in the past, he’d have threatened me under the guise of a question for pulling away.

“What’s wrong?”

I asked without thinking. He twitched his eyebrow and answered calmly.

“We’re outside. I need to restrain myself.”

“Restrain yourself outside so we can do it more often?”

“Restrain myself.”

Restrain. The word least suited to Director Kook in the entire world came out of his mouth. Sure, you could make a dictionary of words that don’t suit him, but “restrain” would be in the top 1%, wouldn’t it? It’s his head. He must’ve been hit in the head. If not by a Heartless, then by whom?

But no matter how much I thought about it, no one could succeed in attacking him out of vengeance, so there was only one conclusion. He’s finally received divine punishment. God was angry. Director Kook proved the existence of God to an atheist like me. He’s like a human Bible. I barely suppressed the urge to grab his head again to check for wounds. Uneasy, he asked with a hint of displeasure.

“Should I not restrain myself?”

“No, please do. I love it.”

I blurted out my true feelings and glanced at him. He pressed his lips together and looked away.

“Glad you love it…”

He muttered through gritted teeth, like someone forced to do something unpleasant. Then, as if suppressing his emotions, he took a deep breath and suddenly turned.

“I’m going to work.”

“What? Weren’t you just hunting Heartless?”

“I was,” he answered, his jaw twitching as he spat out menacingly.

“I need to hunt more until I feel better.”

I wanted to text any Heartless I knew to run. Instead of me, he immediately made a call.

“Everyone, get out here. We’re going Heartless hunting. Yes, right now.”

I thought I heard a faint scream-like wail through his phone, but he hung up mercilessly. As he stormed off to vent his stress on Heartless, I looked down at the invitation in my hand.

I could just go, snap some photos, and leave, right? Oh, and since there’s a theater in the zone, I could take pictures there too… Wait, that’s a date. A date?! Inspiration for my writing sprouted like grass. Excitedly running home, I brushed off Director Kook’s uncharacteristic kindness and consideration as a minor lapse of a crazy guy.

A few days later, the theater we went to with Director Kook was small, with fewer than 100 seats. It wasn’t a massive multiplex like the ones I used to frequent, but the carpeted floor that absorbed footsteps, the smell of popcorn wafting from the entrance, the tall, dark interior, and the large white screen filled me with a slight sense of awe.

Nostalgia often carries a bittersweet ache, but sometimes, like now, it hits so hard it makes your chest throb. A mere theater wrapped my past in a glittering era. To be honest, my past now felt like Huxley’s Brave New World—unreal, an era of unrestrained abundance and mindless consumption, observed with detachment.

So, the old me would’ve seen this theater as a futile attempt to recreate that selfish, glorious era, but now I pushed away cynical thoughts. The sound booming from speakers all around was grand, and the huge bucket of popcorn was unbelievably delicious. Of course, it was outrageously expensive.

I boldly declared I’d buy the popcorn, only to be hit by a wave of regret when I saw the price. In the end, buying the popcorn meant giving up on the One Ring couple’s ring. But the popcorn, eaten after so long, was incredibly savory. The theater showed old movies on rotation, and luckily, it was one I hadn’t seen.

The movie started with a car chase, followed by noisy gunfire and booming explosions that deafened my ears. It wasn’t exactly interesting. In fact, it was kind of boring. I munched on the expensive popcorn, lazily watching the screen, when I glanced to the side. Our eyes met. The screen’s flashing colors dazzled my vision, but his gaze was clear. I froze for a moment.

“Not fun?”

“No.”

His immediate answer made me flinch for a different reason. Normally, he’d say something like, “Can’t you tell by looking at my eyes?” or “It’s fucking boring.” What was with that soft voice? Did I do something wrong? Did I eat too much popcorn by myself?!

“Want some?”

He stared at me so intensely it was embarrassing, then opened his mouth halfway. …Is he asking me to feed him?

“Ah—”

I froze in surprise, and he made a sound, leaning his face closer. Hesitating, I carefully held the edge of a popcorn piece and brought it to his mouth. I tried to pull my hand back after placing it, but as if reading my mind, he leaned forward and took my hand in his mouth along with the popcorn.

I tried to pull my hand away in surprise, but he gripped my wrist tightly. Then his tongue swept over my hand. It was just the tip of my finger, but my entire body shivered as if his wet, hot tongue had licked me all over. In the movie, the protagonist and his allies were now engaging in a tense standoff to find a traitor in the dead of night.

The darkness from the screen spread to us. But even in the dark, I could clearly see the smile Director Kook wore. His excited, cruel eyes gleamed, having noticed my reaction. I thought he’d drag me home right then. But he only sucked my hand once more, then let go. He turned his gaze back to the screen.

I was the one who couldn’t focus on the movie. Wasn’t that what he wanted to do? But he didn’t let go of my wrist. Instead, his thumb slowly rubbed the spot where my pulse ran. It felt like all my nerve cells were drawn to that point. The signal was clear: I want you.

But he was going to keep watching the movie? Director Kook wasn’t the type to hold back. I must’ve stared at him for a while. He muttered, still looking forward, as tense music played in the movie while the protagonist infiltrated enemy territory.

“If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to hold back.”

“…Why are you holding back?”

We were the only ones in the theater. There was no need to lower my voice, but I did, as if asking for a secret. He shared the secret.

“You wanted to watch the movie.”

So he’s holding back and waiting for me? I couldn’t believe it and couldn’t take my eyes off him. He lifted my hand and pressed his lips to my palm. Unlike the way he teased my entire body with his tongue and lips in bed, this was just a light touch of his lips before pulling away. That was all.

I still looked at him like I was out of my mind. Honestly, it’d make more sense for him to pounce on me here, regardless of others’ gazes or the place. But he just held my wrist and watched the screen. Only his thumb continued to slowly rub my wrist.

It wasn’t a sticky caress. It wasn’t the intense temptation that usually trapped me, making it hard to breathe, with his desire-filled eyes. Yet, this gentle act of holding my hand and stroking my skin made me the one who was impatient. I swallowed hard, my throat burning.

Ignoring his warning, I kept staring at him. The screen’s vibrant lights reflected in his eyes. His corneas sparkled like neon signs. I swear, it was far more interesting than the movie I’d watched for over 30 minutes. He slowly turned to look at me, then lowered his gaze.

Only then did I realize I’d pulled his hand toward me. I was holding his large hand with both of mine. Because he wielded an axe, his palms were calloused. I traced the calluses with my fingertips. His hand tensed under my grip. My heart tingled at his reaction.

“Director Kook.”

He just looked at me. I got the sense he wasn’t choosing not to answer but couldn’t. His eyes were filled with familiar desire, but unlike before, it was subdued, calm. I wanted to ask what happened. The movie, now in its middle, roared with gunshots and explosions as the protagonist faced another trial.

To make sure he heard me, I pressed myself close to him. I placed one hand on his shoulder and brought my lips to his ear. The scent of soap hit me, mixed with the popcorn’s fragrance, fresh and sweet. His shoulder twitched under my hand. I’d meant to ask why he was suddenly being so gentle, but I changed my mind. Instead, I said.

“The movie’s boring.”

Instantly, his hand grabbed me and roughly pulled me up.

I don’t know how we got from the theater to the house. The safety zone is large enough to require driving, but that day, using the date as an excuse, we’d walked 15 minutes to the theater. That meant we had to walk back. But it felt like it took less than a minute.

I half-ran to keep up with him as he led me by the hand, and when the 4K lodging building came into view, we really did run. Bang! The front door slammed shut loudly, and my body was pressed hard against the iron door. But I didn’t even feel the pain. He wrapped me in his arms, burying his lips in my neck.

Caught between the iron door and his equally solid body, the pressure, the suffocating tightness, the electric urgency—it was all thrilling. A man who could run kilometers without losing his breath held me so tightly I could barely breathe, panting heavily.

I exhaled through my mouth, raising my arms to wrap around his head. His lips on my neck sucked hard, his tongue sweeping over my skin. A chill spread down my spine. He pressed his lower body against mine, grinding. Damn it. My head spun so much I could’ve sworn inside.