By Zephyria 
Of all things, to be branded as Vasily’s lover. To those who knew Vasily’s true nature, like other Espers or association executives, my likability rating wouldn’t just hit rock bottom—it would plunge straight down into the deep sea.
From their perspective, I was like a time bomb that shouldn’t be touched or approached. Vasily’s lover… I let out a sigh, wondering how much of a lunatic I must look like.
I recalled the way the Espers in the previous Gate had looked after me like a comrade.
The Esper industry was small. They, too, would see this article and realize I was a Guide. And they would likely believe the nonsense that I was Vasily’s lover.
I had to change Vasily’s mind somehow.
From threats to persuasion. As I brainstormed every possible means, Vasily spoke again.
“Think about that slowly. First, give me some guiding.”
“I’m not in the mood for guiding right now.”
“You said you’d do it after the meeting. Are you going to break your promise too?”
“Wa—wait…”
Vasily’s massive frame crashed over me like a tidal wave.
Suddenly overwhelmed by his huge body, I lost my balance and staggered. Because Vasily leaned into me with his full weight, I stepped backward and tripped over something, falling onto my back.
“Ugh!”
Seeing as a plush cushion caught me, there must have been a sofa behind me. Relieved that my head hadn’t cracked open, I pushed against Vasily’s shoulders.
“You’re heavy, so please move…”
“I’m just going to sleep like this for a bit. I feel even more tired after the meeting.”
I felt suffocated as his heavy, solid body pressed down on me. However, Vasily didn’t seem to care; he lay draped over me and pulled me into an embrace.
“Hmph…”
With my face forcibly crushed against his chest, I struggled for a while before finally managing to poke my head out to gasp for air. In the meantime, I felt the strength leave Vasily’s body as if he were trying to fall asleep. I spoke urgently.
“Are you really going to sleep like this? If so, let’s move to the bed instead.”
When I mentioned the bed by the window, I felt Vasily’s gaze flicker toward the window.
“I don’t like it over there; the sunlight comes in too well.”
“The sky is cloudy today, so it’s fine.”
“The rain might stop suddenly.”
A firm rejection came from Vasily. Was he really determined to cram himself onto this narrow sofa?
Feeling like I would roll onto the floor with the slightest movement, I had no choice but to press my body close to his. Then, a cold breeze brushed against the nape of my neck. For a moment, I thought it was the air conditioner, but upon checking, it was Vasily’s breath.
Why on earth am I thinking about the contents of that dream right now?
I tried to subtly slide my lower body back, but Vasily noticed immediately and moved. Feeling my lower body, which I had managed to distance, press firmly against him again, I twisted my body.
“…!”
Press.
I froze instinctively at the heavy sensation touching my thigh. Realizing exactly what it was in an instant, I inhaled sharply and stiffened.
Thinking that if I moved now, I might stimulate the heavy thing pressing against my thigh, I kept my body as still as possible. Unaware of my tear-inducing effort, Vasily took advantage of my sudden compliance and fell fast asleep.
“Sigh…”
Realizing Vasily was asleep, I gave up on escaping and lay there, letting my strength fade.
I was worried that a guest might suddenly visit the private room. To anyone, this scene would look like a confirmation of the dating rumors.
From erotic dreams to dating rumors. It was a day that made me feel I really needed to keep my distance from Vasily. But in a situation where we lived together and were stuck to each other every day, was keeping distance even possible?
“My body is killing me…”
Exactly one hour later, I escaped from the embrace of the deeply sleeping Vasily.
Even though we had only been stuck together for an hour, my head was starting to ache, so I took out the medicine I kept in the private room’s drawer. I swallowed a large softgel capsule with water and sat on the opposite sofa, staring at the still-sleeping Vasily.
Vasily was still in a deep slumber. With his eyes peacefully closed and not even a sound from his breathing, he slept as if he were dead.
He’s practically an angel as long as his eyes are closed.
A handsome face, long legs, and a sturdy build that could be felt even through his suit. It was no wonder the public’s interest in him never ceased. Vasily possessed looks that were more striking than most celebrities or actors.
It was almost time for lunch, but since Vasily was sleeping so deeply, I thought it would be better not to wake him. Leaving the sleeping Vasily behind, I quietly left the private room.
“Maybe I’ll try the cafeteria for the first time in a while.”
Whenever I was with Vasily, we always ate out, but since I was alone today, it was an opportunity to use the cafeteria.
Finally, I can eat Korean food.
After visiting only Western restaurants, the thought of eating Korean food for the first time in a long while whetted my appetite. The association’s cafeteria boasted top-tier quality. To think one could have a meal that rivaled high-end traditional Korean restaurants for just a few thousand won.
That was why the cafeteria was always bustling with people once lunch hour began. I walked quickly and checked the time. Because it had taken so long to get out of Vasily’s arms, it was an awkward time, slightly past the peak of lunch. Still, it would be more relaxed since the crowds would have thinned out.
As I passed through the hallway, I heard a commotion from somewhere.
Sounds like it’s coming from the association lobby?
Since I happened to be passing through the second-floor hallway overlooking the lobby, I glanced downstairs. And… I ended up seeing it. The entrance crowded with reporters holding cameras and microphones.
“Is it true that Esper Vasily is in a relationship!”
“Where is Esper Vasily right now!”
Association employees were desperately blocking the reporters, who looked ready to barge inside at any moment. Judging by the reporters’ expressions, they weren’t likely to leave until the Chairman came out and made an official statement.
External visitors were only allowed up to the first floor of the Esper Association. Fortunately, the reporters wouldn’t be able to barge into Vasily’s private room, but…
Looking at the chaotic lobby, I seriously contemplated whether I should bring Vasily, who was likely sleeping soundly in his private room, to see this. If Vasily saw this, he would probably change his mind about taking down the article.
I wanted to wake Vasily and show him this scene, but if I did, a new topic—Vasily’s massacre of civilians—would emerge instead of dating rumors. I had no desire to test a result that was so obvious.
I passed by and arrived at the cafeteria, where I began to fill my stomach with Korean food. However, the scene I had just witnessed wouldn’t leave my mind, so I couldn’t really taste the food. Feeling like I might get indigestion, I quickly put down my utensils and left the cafeteria.
Even on my way back to Vasily’s private room, the voices of reporters shouting Vasily’s name followed behind my footsteps.
* * *
My daily routine ends with watching the 9 o’clock news.
Before the regression, I wasn’t the type to keep up with the news. It was more accurate to say I didn’t have the luxury, as it was almost midnight by the time I got home and grueling training was scheduled from the next dawn.
However, after returning to the past, I had been watching the news regularly. I felt that identifying the events of the day would help me remember past events that I hadn’t yet recalled.
Today, as always, I sat on the sofa before the news started. But for a long time, I couldn’t bring myself to turn on the TV, merely fiddling with the remote.
Eventually, I bolted upright.
“I can’t watch this sober.”
I moved to the kitchen and opened the cupboard, where rows of high-proof whiskies were neatly aligned.
I took out the bottle at the very front and poured a full glass.
Drinking this much would certainly be fatal to my liver, but trusting my sturdy body, I downed it in one go. Immediately, a burning sensation scorched my throat, and my stomach began to glow with heat.
Feeling the alcohol hit me quickly, I sat back down in front of the TV.
Just then, the 9 o’clock news began, and the familiar music echoed. I stared at the screen with a feeling of resignation.
The reason I was this nervous was simple. It was because of what an association employee had told me when they visited my private room just before I clocked out.
They said Vasily’s dating rumors were scheduled to be reported on the evening news today. I had suspected it to some extent, but the news that it was becoming a reality caused my mental state to crumble rapidly.
As I watched the news with a complicated expression, the story about Vasily and me began.
[Today, speculation that Esper Vasily is in a relationship is becoming a hot topic. The Esper Association has not provided a definitive stance, stating that it is difficult to make an official statement as it is a matter of personal privacy. Furthermore…]
I clicked my tongue as I listened to the association’s response. Saying they couldn’t answer because it was private. That’s practically the same as a confirmation.
I pressed the remote to check other news channels. All three major broadcasting stations were reporting Vasily’s dating rumors in huge headlines.
Now the whole country knows.
“You were already watching. I was going to tell you it started.”
As I stared at the screen with a bitter smile, I heard the door open, and Vasily stepped out.