The Esper Who Loves Me

“Hey.”“Fuck off, don’t talk to me.”“Hey, hey.”“I said don’t talk to me!”“Hey, are you good at it?”Kim Yohan, mid-curse, stopped and stared at Eunseok, speechless.Good at what? His bewildered expression gradually morphed into a furious glare, but Cha Eunseok, struggling to find the right word, didn’t notice.Perhaps due to his exhaustion, the word wouldn’t come. It’s that kind of massage…. What’s it called? The word hovered just out of reach. Searching his mind, Eunseok muttered an incomplete sentence.“Are you good at it, that thing?”“What the hell are you talking about?!”“Can you do that for me?”“What…? Hey, watch your mouth!”With the hallway filled with suggestive sounds, Kim Yohan wasn’t sure if the “that thing” Eunseok referred to was what he thought it was.Just as his bewilderment turned to outright confusion, Cha Eunseok, who had been racking his brain, suddenly smacked his forehead and exclaimed, “Damn it, acupressure!” The relief of finally remembering the word brought a smile to his face.“Give me an acupressure massage.”“Are you crazy?”“Come on, just do it. It’s not a big deal. Just help me loosen up my muscles.”“Like hell! Why are you so entitled?”He’s a healing Esper, and they’re supposed to be on the same team. What reason could he possibly have for refusing? If it came down to entitlement, Cha Eunseok had plenty to say.“Do it.”“No!”“Do it!”“No!!!”“You ungrateful bastard, don’t you remember I saved your ass during your outburst?”Kim Yohan, who had been yelling, suddenly went silent. His mouth snapped shut, and his arrogant gaze fell to the floor.His memories of the outburst were fragmented, but some snippets remained. He remembered falling into a peaceful sleep at the end.He later learned that it was Cha Eunseok who had caused it, and that the incident had exposed Eunseok’s hidden ability, leading to his capture by the center.He had been excessively irritable towards the newcomer, annoyed at having to share a guide with him, but… the incident weighed on Kim Yohan’s conscience.Unable to express his gratitude due to his personality, he felt a prick of discomfort whenever he saw Cha Eunseok. Neither of them had spoken about that day, but it was a conversation that needed to happen eventually.Seeing Yohan’s uncharacteristic hesitation, Eunseok spoke nonchalantly, “I’m not asking for a thank you. Just consider it repayment for using your ability once.”“…….”“It’s nothing much for you. It’s not like I’m asking you to heal a major injury.”“…Well… fine.”“Are you free now? No time like the present.”Yohan, embarrassed, simply nodded. His ears turned red. Good. At least he had a sense of shame.Eunseok shoved his hands into his hoodie pockets and led the way. Kim Yohan followed a few steps behind.Stopping at his door, Eunseok suddenly asked, “But do you even know how to do it? Don’t bother if you’re going to mess it up.”His expression conveyed genuine distrust, not sarcasm. Yohan scoffed in disbelief.His ability was being questioned? He was the top healing Esper in the country.This isn’t even worth responding to. Kim Yohan opened the door and shoved Eunseok inside. Before the startled room owner could protest, the door slammed shut.⊹ ࣪ ˖Eunseok had arrived with only a small suitcase, and despite having spent some time living there, the room looked much the same as before he arrived.A bed, a small nightstand next to it, a wardrobe, a full-length mirror, and a floor lamp. That was all. Lacking even a chair, they stood awkwardly in the middle of the room.Kim Yohan broke the silence.He pulled back the covers and sat on the bed. Eunseok, taken aback by his casual appropriation of the bed, hesitantly approached.The soft mattress sank under Eunseok’s weight. Kneeling on the bed, he crossed his arms, grabbed the hem of his hoodie, and pulled it over his head.His slender abdomen was revealed. Startled by the sudden display of skin, Yohan yelped.“Hey!! I don’t do bare skin!!”The white t-shirt underneath the hoodie followed a moment later. Silence.“I don’t like it either.”He stated the obvious. Eunseok chuckled and collapsed onto the bed.His loose t-shirt and shorts shifted with his movements. He was so exhausted that simply lying down brought a sense of relief.Yohan took a moment to compose himself after witnessing Eunseok’s nonchalance. Don’t panic, Kim Yohan! Don’t act like an amateur!Repeating the words “healing, massage, muscle pain” to himself, he steeled his resolve and climbed onto the bed, straddling Cha Eunseok’s prone form. His firm thighs pressed against the inside of his calves and knees.Yohan reached to steady himself on the mattress, then hesitated.Wait… this isn’t right… He had unconsciously assumed a familiar position, but it was definitely not the right one for this situation.Cha Eunseok, also sensing the awkwardness, looked up. Their eyes met.“…….”“Hey, just turn over.”“Oh, right, right.”As Yohan quickly moved, Cha Eunseok swiftly turned onto his stomach. He refrained from unnecessary comments, given the already awkward situation.It was much more comfortable without having to make eye contact. Yohan took a breath and repositioned himself.Having never used his A-rank healing abilities on something as trivial as muscle soreness, Kim Yohan looked down at the long body and wondered how to begin.He positioned himself to minimize contact with Cha Eunseok. He spread his knees wide, tightening his thighs.For acupressure, do I press on pressure points?He hadn’t formally studied it, but he had basic knowledge of meridians and acupoints. Well, since it’s muscle pain, I guess I just rub and loosen up the knots… Formulating a rough plan, he rubbed his palms together.He focused his ability into his hands and touched Eunseok’s shoulder. The prone figure groaned. Yohan quickly retracted his hand and asked, “…Does it hurt?”“No, it feels good.”It felt good even though he hadn’t even started massaging, just a touch. It was a cool, tingling sensation, like applying medicated balm. But it wasn’t stinging; it was refreshing and pleasant.It was different from the feeling of being healed by an Esper during training. It was almost… touching.“Wow, Kim Yohan, you’re… really good at this….”Eunseok mumbled into the bed, and Yohan smirked.The coolness, comfort, and exhaustion combined to create an overwhelming urge to sleep. Cha Eunseok relaxed his tense muscles, letting his limbs go limp. He melted into the mattress.Yohan, who had barely started, gained confidence from Eunseok’s praise. He began to massage in earnest, applying slight pressure. He had been reluctant earlier, but now that he had started, his innate healing instincts kicked in, urging him to restore this battered body.Every muscle he touched was knotted. It must have been quite painful… He probably experienced frequent muscle cramps in his sleep.Yohan slowly massaged Eunseok’s shoulders, neck, and arms with his healing hands. As he concentrated, his hands moved down to Eunseok’s lower back.He felt the protruding vertebrae beneath the thin t-shirt. He pressed his thumbs against them, then spread his palms across Eunseok’s lower back.His waist is thinner than it looks…Unlike Seo Jiwoo’s soft body, Cha Eunseok’s was firm. His well-defined muscles weren’t excessive; they suited his long, lean physique.He felt the warmth of Eunseok’s body through the thin fabric. His fingers, infused with his ability, felt icy, naturally seeking the warmth. He slid his hands beneath the t-shirt, his fingertips brushing against bare skin. The skin was smoother and more supple than he expected.“Ahh…!”A soft moan escaped Eunseok’s lips, whether from the cold fingers or the soothing sensation.Startled, Yohan jerked his hands away. His fingers splayed like a frog’s, his face flushed. His heart pounded as if he had been caught doing something wrong.“…….”He calmed himself and placed his hands back on the t-shirt. He stacked his hands and pressed down on Eunseok’s lower back with his body weight. Cha Eunseok buried his face in the bed, clutching the sheets. His toes curled as Yohan’s hands touched the most painful spot.“Ah, right there…. Ahh! Right there.”“Fuck… stop it, will you?”Kim Yohan’s gritted warning went unheeded as Eunseok continued to moan.Not only that, but he started twisting his hips and bucking his backside. The restless movements affected Yohan, who was trying to remain still.Close your eyes, block out the sounds. Focus your mind like a monk…“Ahh… it hurts there. Be gentle.”“You bastard! You’re doing this on purpose!!!”Kim Yohan, jolted by the suggestive words, abruptly pulled his hands away and grabbed Eunseok’s hair.“Hey! That hurts!! Let go, you asshole!!”“Cha Eunseok, you crazy bastard! You lunatic!”“Hey!! Let go of my hair, you psycho!!”They wrestled on the narrow single bed, their hair tangled in each other’s grasp. The mattress creaked precariously under the weight of the two grown men. The commotion was loud enough to draw Park Jae-min and Seo Jiwoo, who were guiding in the next room, out into the hallway.They finally separated, each clutching a handful of the other’s hair. Still fuming, they glared at each other. Kim Yohan, his face crimson, stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.His heart pounded furiously.⊹ ࣪ ˖Eunseok ran his fingers through his messy hair, trying to smooth it down. The back of his head still felt warm… and perhaps a bit lighter.He went downstairs to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, hoping to cool his heated head.Bottles of water were neatly arranged in the refrigerator compartment. Normally, he would have grabbed one and left, but today, his eyes were drawn to the rows of canned beer.Despite the interruption, the massage had been effective. His body felt lighter, and his drowsiness had vanished. The craving for beer was a clear sign that he was feeling better.After a moment of hesitation, his right hand reached for two cans of beer. The golden cans, adorned with the image of a wholesome German maiden, were icy cold to the touch.Drinking alone in his room felt a bit off, and the house was empty anyway, so why not enjoy a beer in the living room?He settled into the middle of the plush sofa. He placed one can on the marble coffee table and opened the other. The satisfying pop of the aluminum tab echoed through the quiet room. It was a welcome sound.Leaning back against the sofa, Eunseok tilted the can. One gulp, two gulps, his throat bobbing rhythmically. He finished half the can in one go before exhaling with a satisfied sigh.The cool liquid and carbonation were refreshing, and the sweet fruity aroma combined with the slightly bitter malt flavor was delightful. The beer tasted especially good after a long, tiring day.Without his phone, he couldn’t browse the internet. He spent some time gazing out at the garden. Then, a thought struck him, and he began searching for the TV remote. He found the sleek black controller neatly tucked under the coffee table, looking almost untouched.The large screen flickered to life, and he instinctively flipped through the channels. He stopped at a news channel and turned up the volume. The anchor delivered the news with a serious expression, while breaking news headlines scrolled across the bottom of the screen.[Armed assailants occupy XX Tower in Gongneung-dong. 12 injured.][High-rise tower seized by illegal ability users… S-rank Esper subdues them in 5 minutes.][Public outcry against Esper Management Center’s 3-hour delayed response, relying solely on top-tier Esper….]News coverage of Esper operations was restricted until the situation was resolved, so the news only provided basic information. The report showed distant footage of the commotion in Gongneung-dong, focusing mainly on the reporter’s commentary.Having gleaned the gist of the situation from the headlines, Cha Eunseok switched channels without hesitation.The TV offered access to video streaming sites. YouTube, a repository of all things video, already had footage of the incident in Gongneung-dong, filmed surreptitiously.He clicked on the video with the highest view count, and a high-quality video filled the screen. The footage, seemingly taken by a drone, had no sound but offered a remarkably clear picture. The zoom was powerful enough to discern individual movements.The drone captured the tower and the Espers confronting it. The Espers were actively engaged but struggling against a transparent barrier.Apparently, one of the suspects had a barrier ability. Every time a fireball or ice shard struck, the dome-shaped barrier surrounding the building flashed brightly before disappearing, only to reappear moments later.After a while, the assembled Espers brightened and rushed towards someone exiting a car. The man effortlessly moved through the crowd. The drone zoomed in, capturing his face.Moon Seungwon appeared on screen, looking exactly as he had in the driver’s seat earlier.Someone approached him, gesturing frantically, seemingly explaining the situation. A single dismissive head movement from Seungwon sent the person scurrying back.Standing before the tower with a nonchalant air, Moon Seungwon put his hands in his pockets and stared at the building. He then took his right hand out and clenched it as if crushing something.White cracks appeared on the previously impenetrable transparent barrier. It crumpled under the force of his gestures, then ripped apart like paper. Eunseok imagined the gasps of those witnessing this spectacle firsthand.As the Espers gathered to breach the tower, Moon Seungwon, impatient, simply tore away a section of the building’s exterior wall.The concrete and steel structure was ripped open like a dollhouse, exposing the armed assailants inside. Startled by the unbelievable display of power, they aimed their guns and attacked with their abilities. But their efforts were futile against Moon Seungwon.Gun barrels made of aluminum alloy twisted like licorice, and the assailants were flattened against the ground, as if an immense force was pressing down on them. Their faces contorted in pain as they struggled against the invisible pressure.The video ended there.“Wow….”Eunseok, genuinely impressed, took a sip of his beer.The power of an S-rank Esper was truly on a different level, sending shivers down his spine. His hands itched throughout the video, and he clenched his fists repeatedly.He had seen short clips of Moon Seungwon using his abilities before, but they hadn’t left much of an impression. He had simply thought, “That’s amazing, cool.” It had seemed like a different world, irrelevant to him.But now, his perspective had changed. He knew the person in the video, and he felt a connection to his thoughts and emotions. Moon Seungwon’s face, though composed and elegant as always, betrayed a hint of annoyance. The sound of his voice from earlier in the car still echoed in Eunseok’s ears.The overwhelming display of power wasn’t for show; it was a desire to end things quickly. It was a protest, a message of defiance.Eunseok chuckled, imagining the Esper Management Center facing the inevitable backlash. He drained the rest of his beer and crushed the can, mimicking Moon Seungwon’s crushing of the barrier.As he wiped his mouth with a satisfied smile, a familiar scent, carrying the freshness of the outdoors, wafted towards him. He turned and greeted the newcomer.“Did it go well?”“As you saw.”He tilted his chin towards the TV screen, which had reverted to the initial screen with its sensational thumbnail.Embarrassed, Eunseok straightened his posture and awkwardly rolled his shoulders. He quietly turned off the TV and placed the crumpled can on the table.Moon Seungwon, instead of heading straight to his room, walked into the living room. He collapsed onto a single-seater sofa and exhaled wearily.He unbuttoned his collar and loosened his tie.The watch on his wrist glowed a deep red.He couldn’t see the exact number, but the high wavelength level was evident. He had exerted so much power… Eunseok was worried that he should be receiving guiding immediately.Seungwon reached for the beer can on the marble table, apparently thirsty. The beer, though left out for a while, was still cold, its surface dripping with condensation.He took a couple of sips from the can, then set it down, his thirst seemingly unquenched. As expected, the thirst stemming from a lack of guiding couldn’t be satisfied by any ordinary liquid.He held a small, flat case in his hand. He shook it gently. The clinking sound of a sterile syringe and ampoule inside. Secretary Kim must have delivered the guide medication to him after he arrived.“Cha Eunseok.”He swallowed, his voice raspy with suppressed heat, and called out Eunseok’s name. The unsuspecting face looked up, gazing at him inquisitively.“Is your schedule… at the lab tomorrow?”“Yes, sir, the whole weekend.”Ability control training was scheduled for the entire weekend. The short one-month training period demanded relentless effort, even on weekends. The ability practice, in particular, was something they both had been looking forward to.Seungwon pressed his hand against his forehead and said, “Good, learn well. After you’re done learning….”His voice trailed off, husky with fatigue. He mumbled a few more words, unable to finish his sentence. He tightened his grip on the injection case.After a long silence, he stood up, holding the barely-touched beer can.Seeing him about to discard it, Eunseok rushed forward and took the can from him. “I’ll take care of it. You should go and rest, Team Leader.”“…….”Seungwon looked down at his empty hand, then slowly raised his head.Their eyes met. His gaze was intense, almost predatory. Eunseok quickly turned and fled to the kitchen.⊹ ࣪ ˖The lab was quiet on the weekend.Only a handful of specialists, gathered for Cha Eunseok, were present. Their expressions were eager, a stark contrast to their wary demeanor just a few weeks ago when he had been treated like a ticking time bomb.The researchers had high hopes for Cha Eunseok’s immense potential. They outlined ambitious plans for utilizing his abilities, though they didn’t resonate much with him.He spent the morning focused on ability control training.His ability was so powerful that he struggled to control it. Without the piercings, he couldn’t contain the volatile energy, so the training focused on correcting this issue.Compared to his usual physically demanding training, ability training was a breeze. His backside ached from sitting for extended periods, and the measurement sensors attached to his forehead and temples were itchy, but these were minor inconveniences he could easily endure.The small room contained a chair, a desk, and a TV monitor displaying remote footage. Cha Eunseok, his piercings removed, sat inside, while the researchers monitored him from outside.He looked up from the screen, having just finished a test, and turned towards the window. The researchers outside were buzzing with excitement, engrossed in a lively discussion, their eyes darting between the monitors and printouts.— Esper Cha Eunseok, you finally achieved a 100% success rate! Amazing!A voice, brimming with joy, came through the speakers. Eunseok smiled shyly and replied, “Thank you.”Although it was virtual training through simulation, his control had noticeably improved.It was an exceptional achievement, especially for a first training session and within just three hours. They even discussed adjusting the schedule to move on to training with real people, deeming further simulations unnecessary.While everyone was elated, Secretary Kim suggested a break, and a rest period was naturally incorporated.Eunseok immediately put his piercings back in, and the door opened on cue. People in white lab coats entered and removed the sensors attached to his body.Secretary Kim followed cautiously, letting out a loud “Ooh!” and giving an exaggerated thumbs-up.“I really witnessed it today. Our Mr. Eunseok is truly A-rank.”“Wasn’t I before?”“Honestly, you were a bit clumsy, weren’t you?”He chuckled playfully and offered a paper bag.Saying that Eunseok had worked hard using his brain, he revealed snacks like chocolate and blueberries—all brain foods, particularly those said to improve concentration.Secretary Kim personally peeled a banana and handed it to Eunseok, who obligingly took a bite. The sweet, soft banana melted in his mouth.“Excuse me… Esper Cha Eunseok?”As he stretched his stiff limbs, a middle-aged woman approached and addressed him cautiously. The break seemed to be over.The woman, with neatly tucked-back short hair and a calm demeanor, exuded an intellectual air. Her lab coat bore the logo of a prestigious university and the embroidered name “[Professor Han Kiju]”.“I’m Han Kiju, a professor of neurosurgery at Hankuk University. Starting today, I’ll be assisting with your wavelength control training.”Eunseok straightened up, and Professor Han smiled warmly, extending her hand for a handshake. He clasped her hand and bowed.Professor Han, who had been researching the correlation between abilities and the nervous system for 20 years, was highly enthusiastic about Eunseok’s ability to control his own wavelength levels.Guiding was essential for Espers, and guides were the sole means of lowering wavelength levels. However, low matching rates or unforeseen circumstances could render guiding ineffective. In such cases, guide medication and machines served as substitutes.They worked by directly stimulating the central nervous system, which generated the Esper’s brainwaves, to calm the wavelengths. While different from guiding, they produced somewhat similar effects. However, their efficacy was limited.Cha Eunseok’s ability worked similarly to the guide medication, but with the potential for amplified effects. He had been using this method to regulate his own wavelengths for three years, demonstrating its effectiveness, comparable to guiding. The only problem was that he had never used it on anyone else.“So, Professor, you’re saying… I can lower other Espers’ wavelength levels? Like a guide?”“Comparing it to a guide isn’t quite accurate, but the short answer is yes. Similar cases have been reported overseas. In Korea, you’ll likely be the first.”“…….”“There are many Espers who, for various reasons, can’t receive guiding. For example, if their imprinted guide dies. Once an Esper imprints on a specific guide, they can’t receive guiding from anyone else. What happens if their imprinted guide disappears or dies?”“They can never… receive guiding again?”“Yes. Most resort to medication or machine therapy… but unfortunately, the effects are limited. They might lower a level of 50-60 to around 40. I’ve been researching ways to enhance the effects, but this is the reality for now.”“Then… what happens to those Espers?”“In the long term, the best course of action is to avoid using their abilities and live like ordinary people… but that’s not easy. Most endure the rising wavelength levels until they eventually experience an outburst.”Professor Han spoke matter-of-factly, but her words painted a grim picture.Espers who lose their imprinted guides and live in perpetual torment. Although he hadn’t experienced it himself, as an Esper, he could easily imagine their suffering.Sensing the somber mood, Professor Han continued in a gentler tone, “Your ability will undoubtedly help these people. It doesn’t have the side effects of guide medication and is far more effective than machines. Moreover, it works regardless of matching rates. Is there any Esper you’d like to help, Mr. Eunseok?”Professor Han’s question unexpectedly brought someone to mind. The image of tired, sensitive eyes and a watch glowing reddish beneath a shirt sleeve flashed through his mind.Why did he think of Moon Seungwon, an S-rank Esper who had a team guide and was immune to his ability?“I’m… not sure if I can be of help.”“Let’s work hard together. I’ll assist you in any way I can.”With each training session, Eunseok’s control over his ability improved. His power no longer spontaneously activated upon eye contact, and he mastered the art of conscious control. Except for complex skills like mind control, he could now manifest simpler abilities just by focusing his thoughts.He met with Professor Han three more times, dedicating two hours of his weekend ability training schedule to her.Despite being a neurosurgery professor specializing in ordinary people, Han Kiju was deeply interested in Esper brainwaves and was a renowned expert in the field in Korea.On their first meeting, she had attempted a theoretical lesson using a textbook she had authored, titled “Correlation and Understanding of the Central Nervous System and Esper Wavelength Levels”. As expected, the first page was filled with jargon he couldn’t understand. When Cha Eunseok politely raised his hand and confessed that he understood less than 10% of what she was saying, she abandoned the lecture.Theory wasn’t essential anyway. Cha Eunseok learned best through practical experience, and Professor Han provided valuable guidance. He practiced with Espers she brought in, and with each session, he became more adept at manipulating others’ wavelengths.Today, he was scheduled to meet an Esper with exceptionally high wavelength levels, requiring his utmost concentration. Waking up early, he reviewed the Esper’s profile and wavelength records, preparing for the afternoon training.38-year-old male. A-rank Cryokinetic Esper.A wavelength level of 82… the highest-risk case he had encountered so far… Should he ask the professor to stay outside? How much could he lower a level of 82 in one go? Should he push his limits this time?Actually, more importantly than that…“Why are you up so early?”Unable to ignore him any longer, Eunseok placed the A4 paper he was holding on the table and addressed the person sitting across from him. The yellow-haired figure flinched noticeably at his pointed tone.It was 8 AM.It had been almost three weeks since Eunseok moved in, and he had never, not once, seen him at this hour. And it was Sunday, no less.No one could fault him for sitting at the set table, but Kim Yohan didn’t seem to be there for breakfast. He had mechanically brewed coffee and placed a chair across from himself, but he had barely touched the mug.He sat slouching, glancing alternately at his coffee and at Eunseok, prompting Eunseok to finally acknowledge him. Kim Yohan narrowed his eyes and grumbled, “I woke up hungry. I like bread too, you know.”“Oh, really? Eat up then.”Eunseok pushed the bread towards him. They were both used to each other’s antagonistic banter and didn’t bother taking offense.“Next time, use your words instead of just staring,” Eunseok mumbled through a mouthful of bread. He flipped a page of the printout and returned to his reading.“…….”Yohan rustled the bread bag Eunseok had given him, pretending to open it. He made a show of it, then raised his empty hand, covering his mouth with the mug. He feigned sipping his coffee, his eyes busy observing Eunseok.Does he ever rest? What is he even doing out and about on weekends?What if he asks for another massage? Ugh… I should do it, since we’re on the same team, right?His mind raced with various scenarios, his eyes glued to Cha Eunseok’s every move.Looking at the dark brown hair, he thought, “I’m tired of bleaching my hair; should I dye it back?” Looking at the piercings, he wondered, “Is that the only piercing he has? The other ear is surprisingly clean?” He kept stealing glances at Eunseok’s ears.He spotted a small crescent moon tattoo on Eunseok’s finger as he brushed aside his bangs, and he gasped dramatically, as if he had discovered something extraordinary.He’s so skinny, yet he eats so much. Cha Eunseok took a large bite of the plain bread and continued talking without pause. Yohan found himself drawn to the way his lips moved as he spoke.After finishing the bread, Eunseok grabbed a yogurt and started struggling with the lid. He grumbled about the stubborn foil seal. His short nails seemed to make it even harder. After several attempts, he slammed the yogurt cup on the table in frustration, and the flimsy plastic container burst open.“…Damn it.”With a frustrated groan, Eunseok closed his eyes. More yogurt than he’d anticipated had splattered across his face, from his forehead to his eyes and lips. His t-shirt was soaked and needed changing.He blinked, managing to open his right eye. Speechless and bewildered, he wiped the yogurt from around his eye with his thumb. Yohan, sitting across from him, stared, mesmerized.The sight of the white, sticky liquid clinging to Eunseok’s eyelashes was, unfortunately, his biggest…“What?! No!”He slapped his forehead, the sound echoing through the room. As if that wasn’t enough, he then banged his head on the table repeatedly. The sudden, loud thuds shook the table, startling Cha Eunseok, who recoiled slightly.“What’s wrong with you? Have you finally lost it?”“…….”“Go see a doctor before it’s too late. Anger management issues are common these days. It happens when you’re stressed.”“…….”Despite Eunseok’s sincere advice, Kim Yohan remained motionless, his head still resting on the table.He doesn’t seem dead, so he’ll be fine. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s acted weird. Cha Eunseok grabbed a tissue and wiped the yogurt off his face. He stood up to wash up and change, failing to notice the red flush creeping up Kim Yohan’s neck.⊹ ࣪ ˖The Esper he met today was being held in the basement of the center’s main building.Unable to lower his dangerously high wavelength levels, he had voluntarily reported himself to the center and been confined a week ago.Contrary to Eunseok’s expectations of a prison-like cell with cement walls, the containment room was surprisingly comfortable.A plush-looking single bed, a small dining table, a laptop on a single-seater sofa. The room was sparsely furnished but cozy. If not for the thick steel door and the lack of windows, no one would have guessed it was a containment room.Was this a privilege granted to those who voluntarily surrendered? Or was it due to his wealth?The profile Eunseok had reviewed earlier revealed an unusual background.He was from the Beomhyeon Jin family, ranked ninth among the nation’s chaebols. He was known as the “fourth-generation chaebol Esper”. Groomed to inherit the family business, he had awakened as an Esper at the age of 18.Even those born with a silver spoon in their mouth were subject to the nation’s authority once they awakened as Espers. Fortunately, he had found his destined partner early and built a happy family through imprinting. Tragically, he lost his imprinted guide in an accident. Unable to survive without a guide, he now, at the young age of 38, stood on the brink of an outburst.The man, who had endured six years of torment after his wife’s death, seemed surprisingly detached from reality.He was weary of the endless suffering, the unquenchable thirst and pain. An outburst meant death, but he said even that didn’t sound so bad. At least it would be an end.“You don’t seem very hopeful.”After sending Professor Han out, leaving him alone with the man, Eunseok asked quietly. The man, with his sharp, sensitive features, turned to face him. After a moment of silence, he confessed his feelings.“I’ve tried everything to survive. For six years, I’ve used every expensive guide medication and machine therapy available. I’ve invested in research and development, sparing no expense, and tried every new drug as soon as it came out. That’s probably how I’ve managed to hold on this long… but I’ve reached my limit. Honestly, I don’t have much hope left.”Because nothing works except guiding. He smiled bitterly.He lowered his head and nervously picked at his fingernails, his heart a mixture of despair and a sliver of hope. Despite his words, he had agreed to Professor Han’s proposal, clinging to the last shred of possibility in the face of an impending outburst and death.Cha Eunseok didn’t respond with empty reassurances. Instead of offering false hope, he extended his hands towards the man. He beckoned with his fingers, and the man, as if being guided, clasped Eunseok’s hands.As expected, nothing happened.Seeing the man’s disappointment, Eunseok spoke calmly, “This isn’t guiding. Remember what the professor said? The way I regulate brainwaves is similar to the machines. I amplify the effect using my ability, but I can’t guarantee how effective it will be. However, I’ll do my best.”He tightened his grip on the man’s hands.“Let’s begin.”The man suddenly embraced Eunseok, burying his face in his shoulder and sobbing like a child, repeating his thanks. Eunseok smiled and patted the man’s back in response.The level stopped at 38.He had pushed his ability to the point of dizziness, but that seemed to be his limit. He couldn’t lower it any further. Confirming that the number remained unchanged, Eunseok released the man’s hands.This case was a last chance for the Esper facing an outburst, but it was also a crucial experience for Eunseok. He now knew how effective his ability was against high wavelength levels and the toll it took on him.A compatible guide might have stabilized the wavelengths further, but the man no longer had a guide.To him, Cha Eunseok was hope, a beacon of light.The man’s grip tightened around Eunseok, his hands clinging as if afraid to let go. Eunseok patted his shoulder reassuringly.“Esper Lee Jihoon, remember what I said? This isn’t guiding. I’m a mind-control Esper, and I’ve simply adjusted your wavelength level using my ability. We can meet again if your levels become unstable, and I can help you like I did today. But you must not mistake me for a guide or become obsessed with me. Understood?”Cha Eunseok implanted a suggestion into the man’s mind, reinforcing his words with his ability.After several cases where Espers had mistaken him for a guide, he and Professor Han had decided to implant “precautions” through suggestion.Of course, they obtained consent beforehand. Cha Eunseok’s ability to implant suggestions had also become quite proficient.The man nodded and loosened his grip. Eunseok praised him and returned the embrace.⊹ ࣪ ˖“Dalmore?”Moon Seungwon immediately recognized the box Eunseok was carefully holding. Cha Eunseok, who only knew it was whiskey, asked what it was.Esper Lee Jihoon had given it to him as a gift as he was leaving the containment room. He had tried to refuse, but the man insisted, saying it was a token of gratitude for saving his life. When he asked what it was, the man had replied, “It’s the last drink I planned to have before I died.”It seemed incredibly valuable, so he had brought it back carefully. A fourth-generation chaebol’s choice for a final drink must be something special. Surely, he wouldn’t choose something ordinary?If he had his phone, he could have looked it up, but his limited knowledge of alcohol offered no clues. The fact that Moon Seungwon recognized it meant it must be famous.“What kind of lunatic gives Dalmore 62 as a gift?”“I guess my life is worth that much.”“How much are you worth?”“…….”How much was a bottle of 30-year-old Ballantine’s? He vaguely remembered it being a little over a million won last time he drank it. Unaware that he was holding a 70 million won bottle, Eunseok estimated the price based on the most expensive whiskey he knew.As he pondered, Moon Seungwon took out his phone. Eunseok hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but he caught a glimpse of the screen.He saw Secretary Kim’s name. Moon Seungwon was typing a long message, his expression grim. A quick glance revealed phrases like “investigate his background”, “find out”. He’s nagging his subordinate again. It’s the weekend; let the man rest.Only he could save Secretary Kim. Eunseok ostentatiously presented the whiskey box. As intended, Moon Seungwon’s gaze shifted from his phone to the whiskey.“What, are you still showing off?”“Would you like to share this with me?”“…….”“If not, I’ll drink it alone.”The phone disappeared into Moon Seungwon’s pocket. He crossed his arms, a cryptic smile on his face, and jerked his chin.“Follow me. I have glasses.”⊹ ࣪ ˖To his surprise, he was led to Moon Seungwon’s room. Or rather, could it even be called a room? Opening the door revealed what seemed like another house entirely.He was taken aback when he saw another spacious living room, but he tried to remain composed. It’s understandable. The house is huge… this must be what they call “flexing”. So that’s why he uses the entire first floor himself.The private living room within the house was neatly decorated to his taste. A simple combination of white and wood. It somehow overlapped with the image Eunseok had imagined his room would be like.Following the homeowner, Eunseok stopped in front of a large double door. The reddish wooden door with intricately carved handles on both sides looked incredibly luxurious. He even had the whimsical thought that opening it would lead him to another world.“Wow.”Entering inside, Cha Eunseok couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.Stepping into the antique study, which seemed like a replica of a medieval interior, he felt as if he’d truly entered a fantasy world.The room, with a high ceiling, had a unique shape, with one wall curved in a semicircle.The nearly 6-meter wall was entirely covered with bookshelves from floor to ceiling, filled with thousands of books of all kinds. Arched windows, made of the same wood, were placed between the bookshelves, adding a noble atmosphere without feeling cramped.Seungwon, who had entered the study, gestured lightly, and the windows on both the first and second floors opened simultaneously.A gentle breeze from the garden flowed through the open windows. Were there acacia trees outside? A pleasant fragrance, fitting for the end of May, subtly permeated the study.On a plush, wide beige linen sofa, documents, a laptop, and a half-read book were casually scattered. Seeing this free and untidy space, so different from Seungwon’s usual perfect demeanor, Eunseok suddenly realized he had entered Moon Seungwon’s private domain.On one side of the wall, various glasses and liquor bottles were displayed instead of books. A small home bar seemed to utilize this space, with an L-shaped wood slab bar placed in front. Moon Seungwon went inside and picked out a glass with a familiar air.Though not called upon, Eunseok also approached the bar and placed the whiskey box he’d brought down below it. The wooden table without chairs reached his waist, making it comfortable to lean on with his elbows. He leaned slightly, crossing his legs, and watched Seungwon’s preparations with a blank stare.Even on a Sunday, Moon Seungwon was dressed in a suit. He was also one of those who worked without weekends.At least his rolled-up shirt sleeves and lack of a tie indicated that he was currently off-duty. He looked quite serious as he looked at the display case with his hands in his pockets.From the side, his face was still as beautiful as the moon goddess. The lines connecting his neat forehead, brow bone, bridge of his nose, and the tip of his nose drew a smooth curve. Each time he blinked slowly, his long, dark eyelashes followed. The moon fairy seemed particularly alluring today.The man’s upper body moved as he retrieved a glass. The perfectly fitted dress shirt stretched tautly over his firm shoulders and arm muscles as they moved. Eunseok’s gaze followed involuntarily.A small, plump brandy glass was placed on the wood slab.Eunseok, who had been unintentionally ogling, snapped back to his senses as the glass was held out to him. As he bent down to put the box he’d brought on the table, Seungwon retrieved a bottle from the display case first.It was a Dalmore 62, already one-third empty.“Drink that later.”He dismissively pointed at the bottle Eunseok hadn’t even taken out of the box. Feeling like he shouldn’t put it on the table, Eunseok discreetly nudged it with his foot.As he tilted the bottle adorned with a stag’s head, the dark caramel-colored liquor gurgled into the glass. The whiskey, adequately filling the small brandy glass, shimmered enticingly. It was a deep, shimmering color, almost like honey.Cha Eunseok lifted the glass, admiring its color before taking a sip. Surprised by its sweetness, just as it looked, his eyes widened.The rich taste of honey and vanilla, along with the heavy and deep oak aroma characteristic of whiskey, enveloped his tongue. Although the high alcohol content sent a burning sensation down his throat, he couldn’t help but swallow another sip, finding it too delicious.“You’ll get drunk. Drink slowly.”Seungwon came and leaned next to Eunseok, also slowly sipping his drink.They didn’t particularly converse, but it wasn’t awkward. The smell of books that filled the study and the relaxing night air from the garden were comfortable and pleasant in themselves. Eunseok understood why Moon Seungwon had chosen this place to drink. It felt incredibly cozy.“I saw you at a site before, Team Leader.”“Where?”“Sehyeon-dong. The large monster.”“Ah, that one.”Moon Seungwon chuckled as if he remembered. Was it about a month ago? Eunseok nodded when asked.“It was the first time. Seeing you in person.”“…….”“I thought you were someone I’d never be involved with.”And now we’re drinking together, Cha Eunseok thought, wrinkling his nose and raising his glass as if in a toast.He finished the remaining liquor in his glass. “Ah, this is so good, it’s dangerous…” he muttered worriedly, licking his lips. The empty glass was filled again.“Come to think of it, I think I saw you too.”“Me?”“Yeah, the yellow vest with glasses. You looked really ugly.”At his words, Eunseok burst out laughing. He corrected him, saying it wasn’t yellow but fluorescent lime. It really was a vest that could be spotted from afar. After laughing for a while, he added seriously,“Don’t underestimate those glasses. Even you, Team Leader, wouldn’t be able to pull them off.”“Don’t be ridiculous, I’ll never wear them.”When Seungwon’s expression turned cold, Eunseok laughed loudly again. They continued laughing, drinking, and bringing up trivial topics, and before they knew it, they had emptied three or four glasses. Even though he had a high tolerance for alcohol, drinking strong liquor without water was starting to make him feel tipsy.Cha Eunseok, who became fearless and uninhibited when drunk, suddenly grabbed Seungwon’s wrist. As if confirming something, he brought the watch close to his eyes and slowly read the numbers.“Six…ty… sixty-seven?!”“…….”He looked at Moon Seungwon, asking if he’d read it correctly, but Seungwon didn’t answer. He simply looked down at him with a composed expression, sipping his drink.