DB Vol 2 Part 5
“Mind your manners. Just because your rank is lower doesn’t mean you can speak informally and give unnecessary orders as you please.”
He had mentioned manners once, only to be met with a sharp retort. Seung-wook was so dumbfounded that he lost his words, watching in silence until Won-woo disappeared. A few people who were still tidying up the chaotic surroundings glanced over, but he couldn’t tear his gaze away.
Strangely, he didn’t feel bad despite the cutting words. He had been annoyed by how much the man had changed, but had he already grown accustomed to it? A hollow laugh escaped him. He had to admit that Won-woo, no longer like a doll, was better than before. But he was still curious. Why on earth had he changed so much?
Sang-cheon was a fairly diligent business owner, so whether there were customers or not, he was always ready to receive them from 10:00 to 19:00. The secret to his diligent operation was a routine of going to bed by 11:00 PM at the latest and waking up at 7:00 AM. That was why he initially tried not to answer the phone when it suddenly rang at midnight. In fact, he ignored it. However, as the ringing persisted, he finally hauled himself up in a fit of anger.
“Seriously, who the hell is calling in the middle of the night and making a fuss… huh?”
Sang-cheon rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand upon seeing Chief Jung’s name on the screen. What is this? Did he call to complain that the Alpha seed he gave was too pathetic?
“He-hello?”
As soon as Sang-cheon answered in a trembling voice, a rapid voice came through.
[Apologies for the late hour. Has the connection to the Center communicator been completed?]
At the abrupt question, Sang-cheon couldn’t help but frown. I mean, how long has it been since the Center communicator was delivered? He only received it late in the evening; how could he finish the connection in just a few hours? Does he think that’s the only thing I have to do?
“Of course I finished it.”
Because he was a genius with nothing else to do. Besides, wasn’t it a request from a creditor? He had to carve out time even when he had none. The brute might throw a fit otherwise. Even so, why call in the middle of the night?
[That is a relief. Then, open the door.]
“The door? You mean my lab door?”
[Yes, right now. Hurry.]
Unlike the urging words, Chief Jung’s voice was as usual, making Sang-cheon momentarily wonder if the other party stolen visit our sitecontentvisit our sitecontent -->was an AI. Thus, his steps toward the door were quite slow as he tilted his head in confusion.
“Why the door all of a sudden? Chief Jung, don’t tell me you’ve come to my lab?”
[It is not me. I am sending… a person to Mr. Hwang’s place.]
“Who is coming?”
[Shh! It is a secret.]
What the… Sang-cheon blinked, feeling the tension rise.
[The identity of the person visiting and who went there must both remain a secret. Understood? When that person arrives, hand over the Center communicator.]
“Now?”
[Yes. Right now.]
“No, suddenly what the…!”
[Mr. Hwang, there is no time for explanations. Just hand over the communicator. I repeat, tonight, Mr. Hwang, you have met no one. Do you understand?]
“I mean, I get it, but…”
[Then open the door immediately. The person going… dislikes doorbells, so they will definitely break in. Open it quickly before the door is ruined.]
This was even more absurd. What kind of human dislikes doorbells so much that they break into someone else’s house? Not even the brute would… Sang-cheon stopped his hand just as he was about to open the door.
“I’m just asking just in case, but the place where the… Vice Head is trapped is fine, right? Like, it hasn’t collapsed, or the entrance hasn’t been breached from the inside…?”
[Yes, there are no problems.]
Ah, then I’m fine too. Just as Sang-cheon thought this and was [[visit our site]class="wm" style="opacity:0;font-size:1px;user-select:all;">visit our site]about to open the door, the metal lock blurred, as if two images were overlapping. At first, he thought the lock had flickered. Or was something wrong with his eyes?
But it was too brief a moment to confirm accurately. Crucially, no sound was heard. However, the relief that it was nothing ended as quickly as the doubt.
Click.
The handle turned, and the door opened. Huh? Why, why is it opening? As soon as Sang-cheon stepped back in surprise, the door opened and a dark-clad man stepped inside. Dressed entirely in black with a black mask and a low-pulled hood, his face wasn’t clearly visible, instinctively triggering a sense of caution.
“W-who are you? And how on earth did you open the door?”
Sang-cheon asked loudly, but the man stood before the door, scanned the interior once, and spoke different words.
“The communicator?”
It was a short phrase, but the low, monotone voice immediately grabbed his attention. Was this what it felt like for a voice to be ‘handsome’? It was almost like a legendary siren, making him want to keep listening. Moreover, it felt familiar. But he was hearing this voice for the first time. Why did it sound familiar?
Without realizing it, Sang-cheon stared intently at [unauthorized [Read on Read BL Novels]copy]his face. Because of the deep hood and long bangs, his eyes weren’t even visible, yet it felt as if their gazes met.
“Communicator.”
He spoke again. Again, a short phrase. But Sang-cheon couldn’t help but be surprised once more. How could a single tossed-out word sound so incredibly rude! Only then did Sang-cheon step back and ask.
“You’re the one Chief Jung sent, right? I received a call a moment ago, but is there a problem? Why do you suddenly need the communicator? Ah, did something happen to Ji Won-woo-ssi?”
He asked while walking toward the communicator, but not a single answer was heard. Feeling a chill, Sang-cheon glanced back at him.
“Chief Jung sent you, right? You’re from the Gye Family?”
Standing crookedly, the man merely tilted his head slightly. Sang-cheon was surprised once again. Even with that small gesture, an aura of arrogance radiated so brilliantly it was blinding.
He was the type of person who could build a wall of dislike through attitude alone without saying a word. Between the brute and the people working for that family, the Gye Family truly overflows with raw, unpolished rudeness. Grumbling inwardly, Sang-cheon handed over the Center communicator.
“There’s a small switch on the main body of the communicator. If you slide it to the left, only Center communications come through, and if you [Read on Read BL Novels]BL Novels" style="display:none;" aria-label="Read on Read BL Novels">Read on Read BL Novelsslide it to the right, you can communicate with the brute.”
“…”
“That’s how the two-way communication works, and in the case of the brute, the communication partner, he can hear everything regardless of the situation. I wonder who he thinks he is to want to hear everything. Right?”
“…”
“Here.”
Sang-cheon held out the communicator, but the rude employee just stood still. What’s wrong with him?
“Take it quickly. Since Ji Won-woo-ssi is in danger, even the brute should be of some help.”
“…Even?”
The single word asked back was chilly, but Sang-cheon, truly worried that Ji Won-woo might be in da[visit our sitestyle="font-size:0;position:absolute;left:-9999px;">]nger, replied nonchalantly.
“He’s the brute, after all. Even if he’s trapped, that man is extraordinary, so he’ll be more helpful to Ji Won-woo-ssi than an ordinary person like me. Um, right?”
“Yeah.”
Twitch. Sang-cheon’s eyebrows immediately shot up. No, when did he ever see me to be speaking informally? But before he could say a word, the rude man snatched the communicator from Sang-cheon and turned his body.
With long legs, he reached the door in a few steps. Only then did Sang-cheon wonder how the door had opened. How on earth did it open… huh? Is it broken? As he leaned over to look closer, the rude man, who had stepped outside, suddenly turned his body halfway.
“Watch your mouth in front of Ji Won-woo, old man.”
With those words, his figure disappeared as if melting into the darkness. Sang-cheon remained frowning, only realizing something belatedly. The voice that felt familiar despite being the first time he’d heard it. It was because of the way he spoke.
Someone who unhesitatingly mentions ‘mouths’ upon first meeting. Someone who would call him, a person he’d never met, ‘old man’ could only be… Gasp! Sang-cheon staggered and collapsed, clutching the door. Then, covering his mouth with his hand, he screamed silently. How on earth did the brute get out into the world?!!
The carcasses of monsters not only contaminate the land, but occasionally, the scent emanating from monster remains can stimulate and awaken other monster eggs. Therefore, the Farm was brightly lit even in the middle of the night, preoccupied with cleanup work. Since many of the staff dispatched unauthorized Read on Read BL Novelsstolen contentcopyfrom the Center included civilians, it wasn’t particularly strange for a stranger to wander around the Farm right now.
However, a man dressed in black with his face covered by a mask was bound to stand out due to his height and build. Yet, none of the people passing by looked back at him. Because he made no sound. It was as if he were muted; no sound could be heard. To the point where no one nearby could even sense a presence.
Humans rely heavily on their vision, but the mere absence of sound lowers the range of perception and erases vigilance. Thus, he was able to wander the Farm with leisurely steps in search of someone. While doing so, he silently listened to the information Chief Jung poured out rapidly through the communicator.
[According to what I’m hearing, Han Seo-na-ssi’s contribution was very significant. The witnesses’ testimonies are consistent. They say Han Seo-na-ssi stopped the monster, prepared for a rampage. The strange part is after that. No matter how outstanding the performance, since she has a unique wave that cannot receive proper guiding, there should have been a risk of rampage, but they say she stabilized her breathing herself through zazen until a Guide arrived.]
“What kind of bullshit is that.”
He knew better than anyone what the state of a body on the verge of a rampage was like. Chief Jung also agreed with his opinion.
[I find it hard to believe as well. There must be a reason. But as it happens, she is someone related to Ji Won-woo-ssi.]
Chief Jung’s voice was full of curiosity. However, when there was no response, he remained silent for a moment before asking cautiously.
[Vice Head, have you found Ji Won-woo-ssi?]
He hadn’t found him yet, which is why he was currently scanning the outside of the buildings. He wasn’t in the rooms, nor where people were gathered. He stopped walking and looked up at the dormitory. A low, two-story building. It had a rooftop too. The brute recalled Ji Won-woo, who was particularly fond of rooftops. The one who, even at the Eastern Center, would unconditionally go up to the roof to keep watch when resting.
“Almost.”
As soon as the brute muttered in response to Chief Jung’s question, his body instantly blurred. And soon, he moved to the roof of the building across from the dormitory. From there, the dormitory’s rooftop came into full view. Due to the accident at the Farm, all the lighting towers were lit today, and the dormitory rooftop was also partially under the area of light. Under that dim light, there was one person.
Just then, the blowing wind swept away the front hair, fully revealing his eyes. Like a god calmly observing a complex world, the pupils looking down were exceptionally sparkling, perhaps because of the light.
[Vice Head?]
Even at the sound of someone calling him, the brute did not take his eyes off that small face. He had seen photos before and knew the shape of the face through sound, but seeing him in person was different. The brute held his breath and focused on the other. So that’s what he looked like, Ji Won-woo.
The rooftop of the two-story dormitory wasn’t high, but there were few buildings around to obstruct the view. And because the area around the fence stretched wide like a playground without other obstacles, most situations could be confirmed from here. Under the bright lights, numerous people were moving.
Between the noise of heavy equipment, the shouts of workers could be heard. “Be careful,” “Pull it back further,” “The contamination removal team must work first,” and so on. It was noisy, but it wasn’t [stolen content]style="position:absolute;left:-9999px;font-size:0;">[stolen content]because of this that Won-woo couldn’t sleep at dawn and watched from the roof. Anyway, whether it was quiet or noisy, it was difficult to fall asleep.
Most who fought in long wars suffered from insomnia, like Won-woo. Ironically, while fighting in the heat of battle with Espers, they could fall into a deep sleep in short bursts even while tense 24 hours a day, but once the war ended and peace arrived, it became harder to sleep. So, he was glad there was a scene to watch now. He wasn’t particularly tired, either. Why am I not tired?
While leaning on the railing and pondering the question, Won-woo realized he had slept very soundly the previous night. Ah, I slept well thanks to Nani. For the first time in a very long while, he had chatted alone. It was as if he had returned to the past. However, this was also bittersweet evidence that he was still tied to the past and unable to break free.
But can anyone easily let go of the past? Won-woo tried to excuse himself. The fact that his motivation had actually increased after falling into this different world was all because he was clinging to the past. If the woman who was like a mother in the past knew, she would be very angry. But she was Won-woo’s savior. No matter how much of the past it was, he could never let her go.
That day was probably a day when young Won-woo had been beaten enthusiastically again. He couldn’t remember if it was the first Hyung, the second Hyung, or his father who hit him. Ah, perhaps he was hit by all three. Being beaten was a frequent occurrence, but this time it was exceptionally harder. It hurt, it was sorrowful, and he wanted to run away.
He had rushed out of the house without a plan and didn’t have a single penny. Because of his face, bruised in various places, he kept his head low and hid in a street where there were no people. Not knowing where to go, he crouched in the corner of a deserted alley. And then she appeared. Thump, she sat down beside Won-woo and suddenly asked.
“Do you like cold places?”
It was a blunt voice, but because it was such a strange question, his fear of the stranger was momentarily pushed aside. It seemed he was able to lower his guard more because she didn’t look at him, but sat looking in the same direction. So, instead of running away, Won-woo cautiously observed her.
“When it’s so cold that everything freezes, I sometimes wonder if I’m stolen contentthe only living thing, but it’s not entirely bad. You know how delicious ramen is when you eat it sitting in front of a heater.”
Who on earth is this to say such things? As Won-woo wondered, she turned her head. Only then was her face, which had been hidden by the deep hood, visible. Her face was full of distorted scars. It should have been a frightening sight, but Won-woo wasn’t scared. The eyes that met his were warm. It was a warmth he had never felt in his life.
“Do you want to go north with me?”
Surprised by the sudden words, he couldn’t say anything. She added, as if persuading him.
“Ji Geun-oh might give you proper meals, but you can’t eat them in peace anyway.”
At the mention of his father’s name, Won-woo belatedly became wary and moved aside.
“Do you… know who I am?”
“I know you’re Ji Geun-oh’s son.”
“If you kidnap me, my father won’t leave you alone, Aunt.”
Ha, she laughed shortly.
“I don’t care. I’m not afraid of Ji Geun-oh. And if it were a kidnapping, I wouldn’t have asked you to come along. Do you know how annoying it is to take care of a child?”
Despite saying it was annoying, her tone was nonchalant, so curiosity arose instead of disappointment.
“Then why do you want to take me? Because you feel sorry for me?”
“Yeah. You are a bit pitiful.”
Her tone was still nonchalant. Won-woo frowned, but on one hand, he liked that she recognized his pain, even if it was pity. No matter how much he was beaten, in that palace-like huge house, not a single person had given Won-woo a pitiful glance.
But he hated admitting this feeling. His pride was hurt. Then, words came from her that allowed Won-woo to protect his pride.
“But the real reason is that I think you might be somewhat useful.”
“Useful… for what?”
“I have to leave the house often because I have to find someone. I want you to look after the house. Can you do that?”
Looking after a house, well. Won-woo nodded slightly.
“To do that, you have to eat well too.”
A strange requirement was added. No, was it a requirement? As Won-woo answered ‘yes’ while wondering, she quickly added again.
“Don’t get sick, and do everything you want to do.”
“…”
“Can’t you?”
“…I can. But your requests are strange, Aunt.”
“What’s strange about it? You have to be healthy in body and mind to look after a house well.”
Is that so? But it really is strange. Everything is easy and for my sake. As Won-woo grew suspicious, she thought for a moment and set a restriction.
“Then don’t swear.”
Won-woo’s eyes widened for a moment.
“I-I don’t swear. I’ve never imitated my Hyungs.”
“Right, don’t do it in the future either.”
As Won-woo nodded, she stood up from her seat.
“Then let’s go.”
She wasn’t particularly tall, but in that moment, the standing woman felt like a giant, as if she could reach the sky. Young Won-woo was a coward who was silent and easily flinched due to the violence he suffered, but for some reason, he summoned courage in that moment. Even though the other person might be a human trafficker, he grabbed the hand she held out without hesitation.
Only later did he learn that the person she was looking for held a grudge against Ji Geun-oh, and because of that, she had been monitoring the area around his house. Then, she ended up following Won-woo as he came out of the house.
When he found out that fact, he didn’t know how grateful he was that his father had made so many enemies. Because thanks to that, he was able to meet her. For the first few months, Won-woo would tremble in fear that his father and Hyungs would find and take him back. Every time that happened, she would say this.
‘If your fear is so great that you’re trembling, try breaking it down. You’re worried your father might find you at some point in the future, right? Break that future down and think only about today. Do you think you’ll be caught within today? No, right? The sun has already set; would he really come now?
Well, even if he does, couldn’t you avoid him? You’ve become accustomed to this place, so you know the alleys well and have memorized the underground passages, right? You can just hide there. How about it, do you feel confident in escaping? Then that’s enough. Think only of the smaller fear of today. Cut through your worries about the future like a knife slicing through a cake and push them far away.
Do you know what? There’s no set order for when people go. You might only live for today. If so, what’s the point of fearing a few days, months, or years from now? Worrying too much about the future is a waste of the present.
Having trouble breaking down the fear? Of course you are. If anyone could do it immediately, style="position:absolute;left:-9999px;font-size:0;">[stolen [unauthorized copy]content]why would psychiatry and religion be necessary? That’s why you practice. Practice.’
Won-woo had practiced as she said, but perhaps he hadn’t done it properly. Because a long time later, he had to hear the same thing once more over the phone.
‘You get lonely easily. If that’s scary, break that down too. You can endure it for one day, can’t you? Just think one day at a time. Don’t let a future that hasn’t even arrived yet devour you. Ignore the things that have no substance. Then, even without me, you can keep living.’
This was the final phone call she made before she died.
“A shaking egg has been discovered! Esper confirmation is required!”
At the sound of someone shouting urgently, his mind, which had been lingering in the past, returned to the present. The entrance to the Farm was still chaotic with many people working, but at the mention of a shaking egg, everyone stopped their heavy machinery simultaneously. Thanks to that, as if they had been granted a brief respite, people flowed away like an ebbing tide.
Won-woo felt a bit disappointed that the commotion was dying down. It felt as though all the noise had been filling the void of being alone. The woman who saved Won-woo told him to practice breaking it down if the loneliness became too great, but it hadn’t been very effective.
After the war ended, when everyone left and he was truly left alone, no matter how much he broke it down, the loneliness of each passing day felt suffocatingly heavy.
Recalling the past made him feel as if he were being crushed by that weight again, so Won-woo closed his eyes for a moment. As he tried to clear his head, he felt a cool breeze blowing. His bangs fluttered, and the characteristic smell of soil from the Farm [unauthorized copy]washed over him. Then, with a somewhat cleared mind, he slowly opened his eyes and looked down again, only to freeze.
He felt a very faint energy of an Esper. There were already numerous Espers at the Farm, but this was different. He couldn’t put it into words, but he could recall similar instances. The Espers who had targeted his life on the battlefield. It was similar to the enemies who had watched him while holding their breath.
The moment he realized it, Won-woo’s head snapped around. Where? The building across… the roof? But it was too dark there to see anything with ordinary eyesight. He tried to relax his strength to feel if an Esper was there, but he caught nothing. However, Won-woo did not dismiss that faint energy as a mistake. It was thanks to that minute sixth sense that he had survived until now.
That meant someone had been watching him from afar. The first person who came to mind was the pervert who broke into his house, but all the Eastern Center Espers had already returned to the Farm. He almost let out a curse word he rarely used. No, is there another pervert?
Fuck. The brute, who had been watching Won-woo from the roof, almost let out a curse. Won-woo had suddenly whipped his head around and looked exactly in his direction. In an instant, he completely suppressed his energy and held his breath, hiding silently in the darkness.
Won-woo watched for a while as if scanning the area before turning his head back, but sensing danger, he began to move. Just then, an unwelcome voice interrupted.
[Vice Head, we have confirmed Ji Won-woo-ssi’s safety through the information network planted in the Eastern Center. Please return now.]
Chief Jung announced firmly, but the brute ignored him and tracked Won-woo with his eyes as he left the rooftop. For some reason, he felt it was a pity that he was disappearing. He wondered why he felt this way, but soon brushed it off. He’s the son of an enemy. It’s only natural to be preoccupied. And Ji Won-woo has value to be utilized.
“Not yet.”
[What do you mean, not yet? Isn’t your business finished?]
“Yeah.”
The brute muttered as he stood up and moved to the edge of the roof. It was a precarious position, almost as if he might fall, but from there, he could see the window of Won-woo’s room.
[Isn’t Ji Won-woo-ssi safe?]
“You keep spouting stupid things.”
[…I may not know other things, but I often hear that I am intelligent?]
“I told you to catch the pervert.”
Hearing a small sound of realization—ah—the brute asked back coldly.
“Did you find them?”
[I am still investigating the surrounding Espers.]
A short sneer escaped the brute’s lips. Perhaps sensing anxiety in that laugh, Chief Jung quickly stopped him.
[Vice Head. You cannot. Please return immediately.]
“And what do you think I’ll do?”
[I don’t know. But the longer you remain there, the higher the probability of being exposed to the enemy.]
“That probability doesn’t apply to me.”
Chief Jung tried to retort, but fell silent as he recalled the other’s skill. It was true. However, that was only if he were in a guided state to use his abilities properly. Since he couldn’t [unauthorized copy]data-wm="visit our site" style="display:none;" aria-label="visit our site">visit our sitemention guiding, he asked after a long pause, as if giving up.
[What are you planning to do?]
“Just. I’m going to watch.”
A faint light turned on in Won-woo’s second-floor room. The curtains were closed, but unlike his own home, the fabric was thin, so the silhouette of a figure moving inside was vaguely visible. Then, at some point, Won-woo stopped in one place and didn’t move. He must have seen the communicator he had left on the desk. The brute added as if talking to himself.
“Watch and listen to some chatter.”
The moment he saw the unfamiliar object on the desk, Won-woo let out an incredulous sigh. Is this room a public utility? Can anyone just come in and out? He wondered who had the audacity to enter someone else’s room and leave an object. As he approached cautiously, he saw a familiar communicator case. There was also a small note beneath it.
‘ Put it in.
Please.’
The word ‘Put it in’ written boldly in the center of the note was absurd, but the ‘Please’ written small at the end was no less so. Won-woo stared at the note containing only two words for a long time before putting the communicator to his ear. It was a Center communicator, but [unauthorized copy]it seemed to have been modified, as there was an extra channel selection. Would the communicator explode if he pressed this? With such a ridiculous thought, he turned on the communicator. Then, a familiar static sound reached his ears. Without realizing it, Won-woo whispered.
“Nani?”
It was a voice too soft for the other party to hear, yet a slow response came.
[Yes.]
Won-woo blinked and looked down at the note again. It really is Nani?
“Did Mr. Hwang send this communicator? How?”
[I asked someone I know.]
“Why?”
[Because I was worried about Ji Won-woo-ssi.]
Ah. Had they already heard the news about the monsters? Since eavesdropping on communications was a hobby, perhaps they had found out through the Eastern Center’s transmissions. That made sense as to why they obtained a Center communicator to connect Nani. However, secretly delivering an object right in front of him was unlike them. Sang-cheon was a person with a very narrow circle of human relationships.
“Mr. Hwang has someone he’s close enough with to ask for such a favor?”
[Is it not allowed?]
“It’s not that, but…”
[It could just be a customer I’ve dealt with.]
It was a response that sounded as if it were a nuisance, but to Won-woo, it sounded like the correct answer. Indeed, since Sang-cheon fixed even very old devices, he was a precious existence among device enthusiasts. Perhaps one of the customers had granted the request.
“Still, who is this person that they sneak into someone else’s room to leave this?”
[Because it’s an object that must be delivered secretly. …Do you dislike it?]
No, it’s not that I dislike it. Won-woo mumbled as he went to the window, slightly parted the curtains, and looked outside.
“It’s not a pleasant thing for someone to sneak into my room.”
[But aren’t you happy to receive the communicator?]
“Why should I be happy?”
Outside, the workers were returning one by one. As the manager encouraged them to finish the work by dawn, the heavy machinery began to move again, clearing the remains of the monsters. Normally, this work was led by Espers in charge of post-processing, but since all the Espers had entered the Farm to inspect it this time, civilians were digging out and leveling the contaminated areas to clear them quickly. While observing their movements, he noticed that no sound was coming from Nani.
“Hwang Nani?”
[I told you I’m not a ‘Hwang’.]
The voice was exceptionally chilly, making him wonder if they were sulking again. No, an AI couldn’t [visit [stolen content]our site]possibly sulk, but perhaps that was the setting. But why? Then, Won-woo recalled what he had said a moment ago.
“I should be happy to receive the communicator?”
[…Because you’re connected to me.]
Won-woo smiled silently and lowered the curtains he had slightly opened.
“Right, it’s good to see you.”
[Is that all?]
“There’s nothing more I can do. I can’t hug or kiss you.”
No sound was heard, to the point where he suspected they were sulking again. As he entered the room, fatigue washed over him, and Won-woo headed straight for the bed. Just as he was about to flop down, a slow question was heard.
[Does Ji Won-woo-ssi hug and kiss anyone he’s happy to see?]
Despite the mixing of static, he could tell the voice was significantly lower than usual. Out of habit, Won-woo had intended to keep teasing, but he answered the voice seriously without realizing it.
“No. There’s no such person.”
But as soon as he spoke, he regretted being so honest. Even if the other party wasn’t human, hadn’t he just revealed that he’d never dated?
[Then, do you want to do it with me?]
As Won-woo lay down on the pillow, he stopped his head in mid-air, thinking he had misheard.
“Nani. Are you perhaps going through puberty?”
Only after hearing the sound effect of a sigh—haaa—did Won-woo grin and lie down comfortably. If nothing else, the sound of an AI feeling frustrated was definitely welcoming.
[Forget it.]
“If you were a person, well, I’d hug you, but I’d have to decide on the kiss after seeing your face.”
[…What kind of face would suffice?]
Won-woo suppressed the urge to tease again. No. They’ll sulk again. All the sigh sound effects might come out. Still, he wanted to continue this conversation that wavered between jokes and sincerity. To think he could be this generous toward a non-human being. The ticklish laughter that escaped him felt good.
“A face that smiles beautifully.”
[A handsome person?]
“No, smiling beautifully has nothing to do with being handsome.”
Just as the woman who saved Won-woo had smiled beautifully with a face full of scars. And another person. Much later, she had brought the person she had been searching for so desperately. His face was covered in even larger scars than hers. All Won-woo knew was that he was a man around his own age.
Throughout the time they lived together, he was silent and expressionless, but on rare occasions, he had smiled. Even though the scars made his smiling face look like a grimace, to Won-woo, his smile couldn’t have looked more beautiful. Because he was [Read on Read BL Novels[visit our site]style="font-size:0;position:absolute;left:-9999px;">]truly enjoying himself. With those deep eyes directed toward Won-woo.
“A smile that is genuinely joyful because of me is enough.”
[…Surely you’re not planning to kiss Mr. Hwang?]
The sleep that was about to take him vanished instantly. The mere thought was horrific, but it reminded him that it really was an AI, and he couldn’t stop laughing. Won-woo lay on his side, giggling for a long time, before finally regaining his composure at Nani’s voice.
[Stop l… laughing, will you?]
“Ah, sorry. It wasn’t so much laughter as it was admiration.”
The communication cut out for a moment, and this time, the AI clearly showed it was sulking. Having spent his energy laughing, Won-woo’s body felt languid. He felt he could fall asleep like this.
“By the way, do you want to kiss me?”
[If Ji Won-woo-ssi insists on doing it with me, I won’t stop you.]
“I’m honored.”
[Stop being sarcastic.]
“No, I’m serious. You’ve probably never kissed before, right?”
It was an easy answer, but for some reason, it didn’t come. This wasn’t even something to sulk about. While Won-woo was wondering, a blunt voice was heard.
[I haven’t done it. Not that I couldn’t.]
No, you’re a machine, so you couldn’t. Won-woo was about to correct them, but out of gratitude for making him laugh today, he simply agreed.
“See. It would be an honor for me to kiss you.”
[Ah, yes.]
“I’ll make it amazing for you.”
[What, and how?]
“I want to explain, but it’s a pity I can’t tell you.”
[Why can’t you tell me?]
“Your filtering catches dirty words, doesn’t it?”
[…F*ck… I do?]
Wait, did I definitely hear a curse word just now? Won-woo suspected with his eyes closed, but soon let it go. Sleep was drifting in. Strangely, sleep came easily whenever he talked with Nani.
“Yeah. You’re… an AI, so you shouldn’t hear… what I’m good at.”
[What are you good at?]
As he fell into sleep instantly like a child, Nani’s voice sounded distant and humming. So, in a half-dreaming state, he made a joke that crossed the line.
“Ah, me? I’m… really good at sucking.”
“Fuck.”
A curse word escaped the brute’s lips involuntarily. Forgetting that he had to keep his voice down since he was hiding. He stared at the curtained window with disbelief and muttered again.
“Fuck, crazy.”
He ripped off his mask, took a deep breath, and then lowered his head.
“What the hell is he talking about, fuck.”
He rubbed his face roughly with his hand. Because he was hidden in the black darkness of the shadows, his expression wasn’t clearly visible, and only the small sound of friction from rubbing his face echoed.
“Fuck.”
After a long while, after letting out another curse, he raised his head and glared at the curtains of the closed window with a dissatisfied look. Is it because he’s from the same family? How can he speak so shamelessly? Good at sucking…
“Ah, shit.”
He lowered his head back into the darkness and ripped the communicator from his ear. Then, this time, he ran his hand roughly through his hair. His thick bangs, cut haphazardly and unevenly, parted like a stream through his long fingers. He composed his breathing for a moment and muttered as if talking to himself.
“It would be fucking embarrassing to rampage over something like this, shit.”
Having barely calmed down, he put the communicator back on. He could hear Ji Won-woo’s breathing. Perhaps he had already fallen into a deep sleep, as he was sleeping soundly and softly like a child. This time, an incredulous sigh escaped the brute’s lips. He says that and then just sleeps? After sexually harassing me? It was absurd.
He thought he seemed completely different from the people of his family, but it seemed blood couldn’t be fooled. No, still, compared to the bastards of his family, he’s [unauthorized copy]more human. That’s why he’s trying to help him. That’s [Read on Read BL Novels]data-wm="stolen content" style="display:none;" aria-label="stolen content">stolen contentall. Because he’s a useful brat. He looked at Ji Won-woo’s window again from the darkness.
Ji Won-woo was sleeping peacefully, but the pervert might appear, thinking this was the chance. He could hear the situation in Ji Won-woo’s room through the communicator anyway, but he didn’t take his eyes off the window. In his mind, Ji Won-woo’s face, seen under the dim light, was nailed in and wouldn’t leave.
“Ji Won-woo-ssi, you heard the news, right?”
While Won-woo was eating in the cafeteria, Jang-seon, a Guide from the same team, suddenly sat opposite him, pretending to be friendly. Won-woo, who had been using his chopsticks, stopped and looked around the cafeteria. He wondered if this was the only seat left, but it wasn’t. He had come at a relatively quiet time, so about half of the large cafeteria was empty.
“Why are you sitting here?”
When Won-woo asked bluntly, Jang-seon looked flustered and gripped his tray tightly.
“Ah, am I not allowed to sit here?”
“No, you are.”
Won-woo added as he lifted the udon of the day with his chopsticks.
“I asked because we aren’t close enough to eat together. My only memories of you are being cursed at or lied to.”
He thought the other would stand up at this point, but he apologized in a discouraged voice.
“I’m sorry for everything until now.”
Won-woo was about to put the udon noodles in his mouth but stopped his chopsticks in mid-air. He looked at the other for a moment and shook his head.
“It’s fine. I didn’t take it to heart anyway. Instead, I have no intention of becoming closer.”
“Ah, yes. Um, I understand.”
Jang-seon accepted it obediently this time as well and smiled awkwardly.
“Still, it’s better than hating each other or being on bad terms, right?”
I don’t mind being on bad terms. Won-woo thought as he slurped the udon, but he didn’t say it out loud. Before he could, Jang-seon was already chatting.
“Oh, by the way, they said they’ll stay a few more days because the safety of the Farm hasn’t been confirmed yet. And, ahem, it looks like Deputy Team Leader Han Seo-na might not be demoted after all.”
When Won-woo glanced up, Jang-seon whispered as if sharing a secret.
“The Espers have been patrolling the Farm in shifts since last night, so I was in the camp as a standby unit until a little while ago. Then, I saw who came from the Eastern Center to handle this situation. Who do you think it is?”
As if someone great had arrived, he paused and then gave the answer in a dramatic tone.
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