If people simply believed that Joo-hyun was delayed because of mission complications, he could survive this day and see the next one. Strangely, the fact that this didn't bother him made Joo-hyun nervously lick his lower lip, trying to sound composed.
"I have to go now because of a mission. It was nice talking to you..."
"Wait, did you really call just because you thought of me?"
"Is that not allowed?"
"It's not that it's not allowed..."
Looking around, the outside had become a bit darker, and the crowds had significantly thinned. Joo-hyun's face brightened.
"If I get swayed by things like this..."
Cha In-ho's voice, muttering distractedly, was so faint that Joo-hyun could barely hear it.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing. Be careful on your mission and see you tomorrow. Use your abilities as much as you like; I'll come for guiding. I enjoyed our call too, Joo-hyun."
With that, the call ended. Joo-hyun stood holding the receiver for a moment before contacting the staff, saying there had been a slight issue but the mission was completed.
On the way back, using his psychokinesis, Joo-hyun soared through the sky, his cheeks flushed with the glow of the sunset, full of life.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow, Cha In-ho would come to guide him. A warm guiding, not painful or unpleasant.
Joo-hyun, who now found himself enjoying the view from the precarious tower, realised he had indeed been ruined. Memories of scoffing at movies and dramas where espers went mad with obsession over their guides flashed through his mind.
But it wasn't as despairing as he had thought. Maybe because he could get sweet guiding for a while longer.
Living was still painful, but suddenly, Joo-hyun thought it might be okay to breathe a bit more.
* * *
Joo-hyun woke to the sound of raindrops pattering heavily against the window. Though summer was approaching, the rainy season hadn't quite started yet, so it would stop soon.
"I wish they wouldn't give us missions on rainy days. We don't even have umbrellas."
Chae-kyung, lying on the sofa, said languidly. His sunglasses, worn indoors and even at night, made it hard to tell if his eyes were open or closed.
"Tell the monsters not to come through the gate when it rains."
Se-hwa, flipping through a newspaper dated four days ago, didn't even bother to look up.
"I envy your ability, Joo-hyun. You don't need an umbrella, do you?"
Joo-hyun, who had been re-reading a page he liked, looked up. It was true that he could avoid getting wet if he used his power.
"I don't use my ability just to avoid rain. It's wasteful."
Since manifestation, Joo-hyun had never had enough guiding. He saved his power for critical situations, never for trivial matters.
"Isn't it okay now?"
Chae-kyung adjusted his sunglasses, his fingers trembling from withdrawal from guiding drugs, and added,
"You have a guide now, no need to save it."
"..."
"Someone I knew never lifted a spoon himself. Take this chance and use it to your heart's content."
Receiving guiding twice a week was far less than the average esper, but for a runaway esper, it was a rare opportunity.
Psychokinesis was one of the most useful abilities in daily life. Turning switches on or off, retrieving objects—all could be done without lifting a finger. But for Joo-hyun, branded dangerous upon manifestation and thoroughly indoctrinated in safety, it was different.
Avoiding Chae-kyung's gaze, Joo-hyun pretended to focus on his book and replied,
"I use it plenty on missions."
"Use it for yourself. It's your power."
Fortunately, Joo-hyun didn't have to respond. Chae-kyung, who had twitched as if shocked, sighed deeply and got up.
"I just said I don't want missions on rainy days."
Muttering, he left the break room.
Joo-hyun, who had been keeping an eye on Se-hwa, discreetly took a square card from his pocket. The orange phone card, often carried by Beom-gyu, reflected the dim fluorescent light.
The reason for buying the phone card was simple. Just in case he got curious about the weather sometimes. Or maybe to call a customer service centre... Unable to be honest even with himself, Joo-hyun hastily shoved the card back into his pocket.
After completing a mission that involved leaving documents on the Association officer's desk in Block A, Joo-hyun reported to the staff that his identity had been strongly recognised by the esper, Choi Kang-hoon. Though he was punished by Tae-seok for this, the mission was deemed a success as the esper, Hyun Shin-joo, was reported dead during the mission.
The next day, Cha In-ho, who came to Block C for guiding, seemed slightly annoyed by Joo-hyun's bruises but completed the guiding in a relatively pleasant atmosphere.
Despite the well-finished mission, why was Joo-hyun now lingering in the corridor outside the break room, near the public phone?
Since Beom-gyu's death, the public phone had gathered dust, unused.
Joo-hyun, glancing at the old, grey phone, paced back and forth a few times before entering the break room.
He repeated this several times until Se-hwa, who was reading the newspaper, looked up with irritation.
"What's wrong? Do you need something?"
"No."
"Then why are you pacing like a dog needing to pee?"
Feeling embarrassed, Joo-hyun realised he must have appeared that way to others.
In truth, Joo-hyun didn't know why he was so anxious and hesitant. If calling Cha In-ho was so difficult, he could just not do it, but he kept finding himself attempting it, puzzled by his own actions.
After buying the card, he couldn't return it, and throwing it away wasn't an option. Making up excuses, he ignored Se-hwa's narrowed eyes and left the break room.
Finally, gripping the receiver, Joo-hyun's hand was slow and awkward, though dialing was easier than the last time he had called Cha In-ho from outside.
Back then, Cha In-ho hadn't seemed annoyed by the call. He had even seemed pleased. Of course, it was probably just polite conversation, but it had been reassuring for Joo-hyun.
"Apparently, we're being called in advance for the next mission briefing. Luckily, today we can relax-"
Bang! Laughing, Chae-kyung entered, and Joo-hyun hung up the receiver at lightning speed, startling Chae-kyung.
"Wh-what's wrong, Joo-hyun?"
"There was a bug."
"Really? Did you catch it?"
"No, it got away."
"Wait, I bought something for this."
Joo-hyun, unable to stop Chae-kyung, sighed as he hurried away. Thankfully, the receiver wasn't broken or cracked.
Chae-kyung returned, proudly holding bug spray, something he must have coaxed out of Hee-rok, the store manager.
The spray hissed, spreading acrid liquid everywhere. Watching the black receiver glisten with the spray, Joo-hyun thanked Chae-kyung, who pretended to wipe his brow with satisfaction.
All further attempts to call Cha In-ho failed. Though it shouldn't have been embarrassing, Joo-hyun found his fingers twitching, making it impossible.
One day, Seung-cheol caught him lingering by the phone, giving him a compassionate smile before disappearing into the break room, making a reassuring gesture before closing the door, as if understanding Joo-hyun's dilemma. This made Joo-hyun harshly hang up the receiver again.
As time passed, his desire to call his matching guide waned. Alone, his thoughts grew more negative, and a week after the mission, Joo-hyun concluded that calling Cha In-ho was utterly foolish.
The phone card was shoved into a drawer, the phone left to gather dust. Yet, three days later, Joo-hyun found himself once again standing in front of the grey public phone, card in hand.
* * *
"Actor Cha In-ho was involved in an accident around 1 p.m. today while filming a movie, crushed by equipment."
Everyone in the break room froze at the TV announcer's voice. Even Se-hwa looked up from her newspaper, but Joo-hyun couldn't focus on anything. The announcer's words seemed to bypass his eardrums entirely.
"Currently hospitalised and receiving treatment, the accident was caused by equipment malfunction..."
"Joo-hyun, Shin Joo-hyun!"
A sharp voice snapped Joo-hyun out of his daze. Looking up, he saw Bom-i's worried face.
"Are you okay?"
What was there to be okay about? He wasn't hurt, just resting in the break room. But no words came out. Bom-i, Se-hwa, and Seung-cheol all watched him with concerned expressions.
"It shouldn't be too serious," Se-hwa said, her brows furrowing.
It was only then that Joo-hyun realised the news he had heard wasn't just a hallucination.
Cha In-ho had been injured. He wasn't an esper who was constantly in danger, nor had he been on duty as a guide. Yet, he had been rushed to the hospital.
Bom-i, Se-hwa, and even Seung-cheol. Despite Cha In-ho being the injured one, they were all looking at Joo-hyun with worried faces. This was because Cha In-ho was Joo-hyun's matched guide. Whatever the reason, they had signed a contract and spent time together in the guiding room every week, conversing.
Joo-hyun's hand gripped the hem of his white hoodie. After hesitating for a long time, he let out a sigh and nodded.
Now, several hours later, in the dead of night, Joo-hyun stood in front of the lounge, having sneaked out of his room without anyone noticing. He held a garish orange phone card in his hand. He had barely used it, yet it was already somewhat dirty.
With a click, his injured finger inserted the card into the grey phone. His fingers moved slowly but deliberately as he dialled the number.
The unmistakable ring, which he had only heard once, began to sound.
"It shouldn't be too serious," Se-hwa said, her brows furrowing.
It was only then that Joo-hyun realised the news he had heard wasn't just a hallucination.
Cha In-ho had been injured. He wasn't an esper who was constantly in danger, nor had he been on duty as a guide. Yet, he had been rushed to the hospital.
Bom-i, Se-hwa, and even Seung-cheol. Despite Cha In-ho being the injured one, they were all looking at Joo-hyun with worried faces. This was because Cha In-ho was Joo-hyun's matched guide. Whatever the reason, they had signed a contract and spent time together in the guiding room every week, conversing.
Joo-hyun's hand gripped the hem of his white hoodie. After hesitating for a long time, he let out a sigh and nodded.
Now, several hours later, in the dead of night, Joo-hyun stood in front of the lounge, having sneaked out of his room without anyone noticing. He held a garish orange phone card in his hand. He had barely used it, yet it was already somewhat dirty.
With a click, his injured finger inserted the card into the grey phone. His fingers moved slowly but deliberately as he dialled the number.
The unmistakable ring, which he had only heard once, began to sound.
The corridor was pitch black, but Joo-hyun's eyes, accustomed to the darkness, saw every detail clearly. Cracked walls, peeling paint on the handles, rusty hinges. He looked down at his worn slippers, his toes wriggling.
He didn't know why he was doing this at such an early hour.
For a normal person, it would be time to sleep, and however badly injured he was, calling would surely disturb his recovery. Then again, In-ho might be too injured to even answer the phone.
But why should Cha In-ho's injury matter to Joo-hyun at all? If he couldn't continue guiding, they could just terminate the contract. It was only a one-year contract anyway; it would just end a little sooner than expected.
Although no one would kindly explain the details to Joo-hyun, he would find out within a week. The contract stipulated guiding sessions twice a week, and if In-ho didn't show up, it meant the contract was over.
Despite all this, Joo-hyun didn't hang up the phone. His resolve not to cling to his guide seemed to waver...
"Hello? Is someone there?"
"..."
"Joo-hyun? Is that you?"
Cha In-ho's voice on the other end was slightly lower, softer, with a hint of laughter. The runaway esper banged his forehead against the old payphone. The relief was so immense, it didn't even hurt.
"What was that noise just now?"
"Nothing at all."
Joo-hyun answered as calmly as he could, turning to lean against the wall and lowering his head. As he rubbed his now throbbing forehead, In-ho's voice filled his ears.
"Joo-hyun, were you worried about me?"
Although it made sense to hear it so close to his ear, Joo-hyun flinched in surprise.
Worried? As he sank down to a crouch, his legs giving way with relief, he replied.
"Yes."
Joo-hyun's voice echoed down the dark corridor. In the stillness, even a whisper sounded loud.
"I was worried my guide might have died."
There had been research long ago showing that when an esper and guide matched, hormonal changes made attachment easier. Joo-hyun wondered if that was happening to him too.
If this feeling was due to the match, would he feel the same with another guide?
"…I see."
Joo-hyun, rubbing at the indelible stains on his sleeve, focused on In-ho's voice.
"Don't worry, I'll be out in a few days. I didn't even need to be hospitalised, but everyone insisted, so I had no choice."
Though In-ho tried to sound cheerful, he couldn't hide the weariness in his voice.
"I'll be back for guiding next week, so don't worry."
He couldn't bring himself to say he wasn't worried about the guiding. It felt strange to admit he was concerned about In-ho, not as his matched guide but as a person.
Other than being an esper and a guide, there was nothing between them. Why would Joo-hyun worry about In-ho instead of the guiding sessions? Joo-hyun didn't want to desire guiding or the guide himself. He didn't want to suffer loss like Han-gyeol or others in Block C.
"Anyway, it's a bit boring here, so thanks for calling, Joo-hyun."
Joo-hyun stared at the cold, grey floor between his feet, unable to bring himself to apologise for disturbing his rest and hang up.
"How did you get hurt?"
"A staff member was moving something and it all collapsed. I jumped in without thinking and... haha."
"And you think that's something to laugh about?"
He was surprised by how harsh his tone was, but he didn't retract his words.
"Do you have a hero complex or something? What if you'd gotten seriously hurt? Why would you do something so reckless when you're not even an esper?"
There was silence on the other end. He could hear faint breathing, so the call hadn't been disconnected, but without seeing his face, he couldn't tell how In-ho felt.
"Everyone else called it heroic."
"That's not heroism, it's recklessness. If you had died, that person would live with guilt forever. What about the trauma for everyone there?"
He hadn't called to scold him. He hadn't picked up the receiver to say these things. But he couldn't stop his mouth from moving on its own.
Joo-hyun squeezed his eyes shut, trying to compose himself. He wouldn't blame In-ho for never calling again. Who was Joo-hyun to lecture him? It was presumptuous.
Yet, part of him felt relieved, and he waited for In-ho's response.
"Joo-hyun."
In-ho's voice was neither high nor low, neither fast nor slow, but it sounded very calm. At that moment, Joo-hyun thought he heard a faint sigh.
"Were you afraid I might have died?"
The corridor, without a single window, was in complete darkness. In the blackness, the runaway esper's blood-red eyes opened and closed repeatedly.
Joo-hyun wanted to say no. He wanted to shout that someone who feared death wouldn't fear another's death. But the calloused and scarred palm rubbing his dry face told another story.
Cha In-ho wasn't an esper. He was a guide, a matching guide, but he didn't follow Joo-hyun on missions. Although the civilian world wasn't completely safe, accidents and deaths happened every day.
However, Joo-hyun had never anticipated In-ho's death. For that reason, he...
"Where did things go wrong?" He pondered silently.
Was it the moment he reached out for a bomb he knew was armed? The day In-ho saved his life? Perhaps it was the moment he saw the anxious face of a man who had accidentally pressed the pager and tried to stop the staff.
Having finished his dry wash, Joo-hyun's eyes sparkled. He wasn't angry, but he wasn't smiling either. If anything, he felt resigned as he opened his mouth.
"And if I was afraid, then what?"
A cowardly dog barks loudly. Joo-hyun wasn't a coward, nor a dog, but that's how he felt now.
With a silent sigh, Joo-hyun bowed his head, clutching the back of his head. What could In-ho possibly do even if he knew? Moreover, why tell a sick person? But it was too late to be honest now. He began to regret making the call.
"Who worries like that?"
"Ah, yes. I'm sorry for this. If you don't like it, just stop doing reckless things."
"I didn't say I didn't like it."
"..."
"Actually, it makes me very happy."
Joo-hyun, who rarely made anyone happy, looked up sharply. Realising he was alone in the corridor, he lowered his head again, unable to hide his slightly blushing neck.
"With so many people worrying about you, why would you be happy?"
"Because you don't worry because others do. You have strong pride. It's like... rarity?"
"If you're teasing me, I'll hang up."
"Haha, I'm serious."
A light silence followed. However, it wasn't as awkward or uncomfortable as before. Joo-hyun shifted his posture, leaning against the wall. He tucked his knees under his chin, feeling more at ease.
"You said hero complex earlier, right? Thinking about it, you're probably right."
In-ho's voice was soft and gentle, yet slightly unsteady. Perhaps his illness had weakened him, making him more vulnerable.
"I always feel like I need to help someone... don't you feel the same, Joo-hyun?"
Honestly, it was surprising. Joo-hyun had always thought of In-ho as confident, a bit annoying, and carefree. Although he had realised In-ho wasn't entirely lighthearted, he hadn't expected him to think this way.
"...I guess I have a lot of sins to atone for."
Joo-hyun, not physically in pain, couldn't understand why his weak spots were showing.
He wanted to atone, but the more he lived, the more he craved air, the more sins he seemed to accumulate. Perhaps, as his mother had said, he was destined to live and die in despair.
"There's nothing to be afraid of."
A single insect, having somehow found its way inside, wavered through the darkness. It flitted unsteadily, but rather than crashing down, it sought out the light.
"I've been helped by so many people. I won't die until I repay them all."
The insect, crushed by Joo-hyun's power, disintegrated without leaving a trace.
It was a small, weak, insignificant insect, one that no one would remember. Even if it hadn't died and had reached the light, it would have burned to ashes eventually.
Just like him. Was Joo-hyun, who reached for the light despite knowing better, doomed to the same fate? The runaway esper, so strong he had become weak, hugged his knees.
"How will you repay them?"
"Well, I'm trying my best."
Though he had left his cigarettes behind, the sound of a lighter flicking open echoed through the darkness. The tiny flame burned brightly in the gloom.
"Is matching with me part of that effort?"
He had considered many theories: perhaps quelling rumours or coercing Joo-hyun into missions. Maybe they were all wrong. Perhaps, without any ulterior motives, Cha In-ho had contracted with the notorious runaway esper out of some inexplicable sense of guilt.
It didn't matter. The lighter clicked off, and the hallway grew darker than before. Eyes barely adjusted to the darkness saw nothing after that brief flare of light.
"No. It's a personal interest."
The voice was clear and strong.
Joo-hyun suddenly wanted to see what expression Cha In-ho was making. It pleased him to know that contracting with him wasn't out of mere pity.
"Is anyone there?"
A voice from the staircase at the end of the hallway—it was a night guard.
Runaway espers weren't allowed out of their rooms after midnight unless on a mission. Joo-hyun hadn't filed a request for training or other reasons. Depending on the guard, he might get off with a warning, or he might find himself cuffed to his bed for a week.
"I should go. Take care of your treatment."
"Thank you for calling. It gave me strength. Sweet dreams."
Cha In-ho's goodnight sounded natural. For Joo-hyun, not so much. He fumbled for words, but footsteps approaching the stairs made him end the call silently.
"Ah, Joo-hyun."
He was about to end the call, if not for Cha In-ho's words.
"You'd better have a good reason for being out at this hour." The guard, who enjoyed picking on Joo-hyun and his peers over minor infractions, appeared at the end of the hallway, teeth clenched in barely suppressed glee.
Though he knew ending the call and giving an excuse was best, Joo-hyun couldn't. He pressed the receiver closer, waiting for Cha In-ho's next words.
"I'll come straight to see you once I'm discharged. Don't meet any other guides in the meantime."
Joo-hyun couldn't say anything. Meeting another guide wasn't simple, but what was the point of saying that? This time, he finally lowered the receiver.
"Runaway espers aren't allowed out after midnight. Can't you remember that simple rule?"
The guard stopped right in front of him, eyes shining with a mix of anger and delight.
Cha In-ho had said he would be discharged in a few days. In a few days, he would come to see Joo-hyun in Block C. Thinking of that made the guard's unpleasant touch on his shoulder bearable.
It seemed like a good idea to call, Joo-hyun thought as the handcuffs clicked around his wrists.
Chapter 5. Wednesday Film.
"We're resuming filming next week."
Cha In-ho's face was free of bandages as he spoke.
After an accident where equipment had fallen on him during filming, he'd come to Block C looking like a mummy. Though he claimed it was exaggerated, Joo-hyun, with his experience of many injuries, could tell otherwise.
Joo-hyun had declared he wouldn't receive guiding until his guide is fully healed, which had left the latter with a sour expression. Only today, having fully recovered, did he hold Joo-hyun's hand.
When Joo-hyun first met In-ho, remote guiding had sufficed. Now, holding his hand felt like proper guiding. The thought of what would happen once their contract ended worried him, but there was nothing he could do about it now.
"That's good news."
"Yes. I'm glad I recovered quickly. If it had taken longer, I might have been cut."
Joo-hyun, staring at the faint scars on In-ho's hand, blurted out without thinking.
"Is there anyone who can possibly replace you?"
Though the scars were barely visible, they bothered him. Actors' bodies were their assets, after all. He wondered if In-ho was okay. Noticing the silence, he glanced up.
In-ho, eyes wide in surprise, stared at him. Despite having ordinary coloured eyes, they sparkled like jewels as they looked at Joo-hyun.
"No, um, I mean, is there another skilled actor like you who is free? It's not easy to find someone to fill your role..."
His words seemed to dig him deeper into a hole. He meant that it wouldn't be easy to replace a popular actor like In-ho, but his face grew hot nonetheless.
"That sounds like a huge compliment."
In-ho's eyes curved, and a pleased breath escaped his lips.
Feeling awkward, Joo-hyun wondered when the previously distant In-ho had become so close. There wasn't a clear marker, but if he had to choose, it was probably the day he thought he was truly going to die.
Perhaps seeing an esper on the brink of death made In-ho decide to treat him better, knowing he might die any day.
No one could know another's inner thoughts, nor was there any need to. Shaking off the thought, Joo-hyun gripped In-ho's hand a little tighter.
* * *
After two phone calls, Joo-hyun and In-ho began to call each other occasionally. Since it was from a public phone, Joo-hyun always called, and In-ho always answered, as if he wasn't busy.
It was a small change. Joo-hyun still killed people and monsters, and In-ho still filmed. Sometimes, he just called his guide. These ordinary days, however, felt oddly invigorating.
Despite not having talked to many people, Joo-hyun realised In-ho was a good listener. His responses were gentle, and his laughter genuine, making even the inarticulate Joo-hyun want to talk.
Initially, his colleagues had teased him for holding the receiver, but they soon got used to it and passed by without comment.
Then, one day, as he looked up at the clear blue sky, he thought of In-ho.
A mission that had started at dawn ended by morning, and as the blood on his arm clotted, he thought of the guide's frown.
Wanting to get it over with, Joo-hyun decided to call In-ho and mention the tough mission. A perceptive person like In-ho would know it meant he was injured. He might sigh, but it wouldn't be in front of him, so it was okay.
With that thought, he made the call. This time, the line rang longer than usual.
In-ho answered just as Joo-hyun was about to hang up, his voice urgent. He sounded both surprised and troubled.
"I've got something urgent. Can you wait a moment? It'll only take a minute."
"Should I call back later?"
"No, don't hang up! Just a moment...!"
Not finishing his sentence, In-ho's distant voice was heard shouting something. Joo-hyun, feeling awkward, traced a crack in the grey wall with his finger, waiting.
In-ho returned after what felt like three minutes.
"Sorry for the wait. I had to handle something."
"It's fine. Did it go well?"
"Well, about that..."
A muffled sound, as if he was rubbing his face, came through the receiver. It seemed something troublesome had happened. Being a celebrity wasn't easy, but whatever had happened must have been quite bothersome for In-ho to react this way.
"Sorry to tell you this over the phone, but I just found out myself."
It sounded as if this bothersome issue was related to Joo-hyun. Though unlikely, it felt that way.
Tracing the crack, he saw his finger was black with dust. Joo-hyun frowned.
"Your staff will explain in detail later, but I'll tell you now."
"Yes."
"Joo-hyun, you're going to be on TV with me."
"...What?"
"Have you heard of 'Wednesday Film'?"
"Huh?"
"It's a reality show. Our contract states that my guiding sessions with you must be included."
His red eyes scanned around in vain. No one was there to tell him it was just a dream.
Joo-hyun thought it was unbelievable that a runaway esper would appear on a broadcast, but there wasn't a trace of playfulness in Cha In-ho's voice.
"I tried to stop them, but no one listened. I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to get you involved in such a mess."
"I didn't say I would do it."
Of course, they both knew that Joo-hyun had no real say in the matter. Thus, Cha In-ho didn't respond, and Joo-hyun didn't press further. The details of how the call ended faded from his mind.
When Joo-hyun entered the break room with a dazed expression, Seung-cheol, who was waiting, couldn't hide his worried look as he pulled Joo-hyun to the sofa.
"What's wrong? Is In-ho cutting off the match?"
Seung-cheol, who had started calling Cha In-ho "In-ho ssi" after receiving Seo Bora's autograph, shook Joo-hyun's shoulders.
"Hyung... do you know 'Wednesday Film'?"
"Isn't that the TV show that airs every Wednesday? Se-hwa watches it often. Why?"
Joo-hyun didn't know how to break the news less shockingly. After deliberating, he finally buried his face in his hands and spoke as he had heard.
"It looks like I'm going to appear on it."
"What?"
"Cha In-ho is appearing on it, and apparently, the scene of him guiding me needs to be shown."
"Haha, your jokes have improved. That was quite funny."
The smile on Seung-cheol's face, which he had worn while crossing his arms and shaking his head, slowly disappeared in the ensuing silence. Seeing Joo-hyun still with his head bowed, he realised it wasn't a joke. Seung-cheol gasped.
"Seriously?"
"I wish it were a joke too."
"They approved that?"
The Association must have agreed to broadcast a runaway esper, which was incredibly dangerous. Who would enjoy watching such a thing on TV?
But both Joo-hyun and Seung-cheol knew the truth. As much as runaway espers were hidden away for being too dangerous, their appearance on screen would become a source of sensational entertainment.
"...It's fine. I'll just go and get a bit of flak."
Lacking comforting words, Seung-cheol squeezed Joo-hyun's shoulder firmly before letting go. The gesture, although small, provided significant comfort, and Joo-hyun decided to accept it as just another wretched mission.
In a way, he was relieved that it was him going out instead of another colleague from Block C. Seung-cheol, Se-hwa, Chae-kyung, Bom-i—all of them probably had people they knew before they became runaway espers and wouldn't want to be seen as dangerous individuals.
On the other hand, those who knew Joo-hyun well from 11 years ago were either dead or completely indifferent to him now. So if a runaway esper had to appear, Joo-hyun was the most suitable candidate.
Despite resolving himself, he couldn't help but feel nervous on the day of the shoot.
'Wednesday Film' was a programme that followed the daily lives of its participants. This time, the participant was Cha In-ho, and the scene of him guiding a runaway esper was to feature Joo-hyun.
Of course, the filming wouldn't take place in Block C. Although the official reason was security, Joo-hyun suspected it was because they didn't want to reveal Block C's poor and dirty environment. Hence, Joo-hyun arrived at a three-storey building located in a remote area of the city.
"The guiding will take place here."
Joo-hyun overheard a staff member telling another employee outside the window. Though Joo-hyun was the one being filmed, all instructions went to the other employee for safety reasons. When he shook the handcuffs on his wrists, the clinking sound echoed inside the car.
"Make even one slip, and you'll see what happens."
Just before entering the room designated as the guiding room, the stuff who had removed his handcuffs glared at him and whispered lowly.
It was the same thing he'd heard countless times over the past few days. He could recite it by heart if needed. The killing missions, the environment of Block C, the harsh working conditions, the inhumane treatment—Joo-hyun couldn't speak of any of it.
Realising that his everyday life was problematic enough to warrant such precautions shocked Joo-hyun internally, but he showed no outward sign of it.
For safety, apart from Block C personnel, there was no one else in the building. The spacious, cosy room had cameras installed in various places. While Joo-hyun fiddled with the ornaments on the table, the door opened, and Cha In-ho walked in.
"You were here first."
Joo-hyun shrugged in response and scrutinised Cha In-ho carefully.
He seemed even more meticulously groomed than usual, truly resembling a celebrity. Although he was already a celebrity, his usual slightly dishevelled appearance made him seem more approachable.
"Usually, things aren't decided so suddenly, but after the last incident, the agency must want to show that I'm fine."
Cha In-ho, looking dazzling, sat across from him. Unlike in Block C, the sturdy, plush chair didn't creak at all.
The staff had told Joo-hyun not to act too familiar with Cha In-ho. They said it wouldn't be good for Cha In-ho's image, although Joo-hyun didn't understand why, he agreed.
After staring at Joo-hyun for a moment, Cha In-ho smiled slightly and called him over.
"Come here. I'll attach the mic."
There wasn't a staff member brave enough to mic up a runaway esper. Joo-hyun obediently stood up and approached his matching guide.
A soft, comforting scent emanated from Cha In-ho, reminiscent of a forest after a rain.
"Don't be too nervous. I'm here."
"..."
"If anything happens, I'll handle it. Just relax."
It was laughable, given that this situation arose because of Cha In-ho, but a part of Joo-hyun did feel a bit more at ease. He licked his dry lips and sat down on the chair.
Clap! Cha In-ho clapped his hands. Joo-hyun didn't know what it meant, but seeing the drawn smile on his face, he realised it was time. He clenched his fists and then relaxed them. The filming had begun.
* * *
"Ah, that's refreshing."
Eun-a emerged from the bathroom, her hair still damp, and headed straight for the fridge. She grabbed a can of beer without hesitation and took a long gulp, feeling the cool liquid scratch her throat as she exclaimed in satisfaction.
"This is the best way to end the day."
Grabbing a dried snack, she settled on the sofa, propping her feet on the table and leaning back. If she were at home, her parents would have clucked their tongues at her posture, but she had been living on her own for two years now. There was no one to nag her.
With the can already half-empty, Eun-a stopped channel surfing when her finger paused over the remote.
'Wednesday Film' was a variety show airing every Wednesday at 9 PM, popular for showcasing the daily lives of stars.
Participants spent the day doing their routine activities, and throughout the day, they would take Polaroid pictures. At the end, they would choose the best moment from their day. Today's guest was none other than Cha In-ho.
Eun-a's phone buzzed. She didn't need to check the caller ID to know who it was.
"Hey, hey, are you watching 'Wednesday Film'?"
"Yeah. You told me to watch it. But why are the commercials so long?"
"I don't know. Maybe they're making it longer because In-ho is on?"
Eun-a's friend was such a huge fan of Cha In-ho that she could say such things nonchalantly. Chewing on her snack, Eun-a heard her friend's excited voice through the phone.
"He's finally coming on today."
"Who?"
"The runaway esper! They teased it last week. I'm going to remember that bastard's face."
Her friend's voice, filled with an alarming intensity, sniffed through the phone.
'Wednesday Film' already had high ratings, but today, it was sure to be even higher. The reason? A runaway esper was going to appear.
As far as Eun-a knew, this was the first time a runaway esper, known for being terrifying and dangerous, would appear on a broadcast rather than the news.
"You know I hate runaway espers, right?"
"Of course I know. When the article came out about Cha In-ho matching with a runaway esper, you drank and cried all night."
"I was so worried he'd die… Oh, it's starting! I'll call you after it's over. Let's chat then!"
Cha In-ho, thankfully alive and well, appeared on the screen. Even though she wasn't a fan, Eun-a couldn't deny how stunningly handsome he was as she gulped down another piece of her snack.
He woke up in what looked like a very expensive apartment and began his day. Despite just waking up, his face was almost unnervingly beautiful. Not feminine, but too glamorous to be a typical handsome man, his face glittered in the morning sunlight.
As expected of a top actor, Cha In-ho was incredibly busy, running around all day.
"Do you like cats?" The scene switched from Cha In-ho taking a Polaroid photo of a stray cat to the studio, where the host was asking the question. Other guests also leaned in, watching him intently.
Cha In-ho, accustomed to being the centre of attention, nodded.
"Of course. They don't easily get close, but when they do, it makes me feel like I'm floating with happiness."
"In-ho ssi, you really get it. That's the charm of cats, isn't it?"
Eun-a, who had fallen in love with cats after visiting a cat café, nodded in agreement.
"But where are you headed now?"
"I'm going for a guiding session."
Cha In-ho's smile made the studio erupt with reactions, but he focused solely on the camera.
Eun-a put down her empty can and sat up straight. Finally, she thought, this is it.
The ominous music echoed in the background as the scene shifted, revealing Cha In-ho sitting in a room. In front of him was...
"Oh...?"
Jet-black hair that slightly covered his eyes, long eyelashes casting shadows on his cheeks, tightly pressed lips, broad shoulders, and fingers fidgeting nervously. A melancholic, handsome man with a cute red scarf.
Eun-a instinctively covered her mouth. The red eyes, which had been described as demonic, sparkled like jewels, and the awkward way he quickly averted his gaze was strangely endearing.
Seven years ago, she had abandoned her obsession with the oppas she was crazy about. But now, her heart was racing once more.
"Joo-hyun, are you nervous?" In-ho's voice, laced with a hint of laughter, made Joo-hyun's eyes twitch. Even his name was beautiful. Eun-a, leaning forward, focused intently on the screen.
"No, I'm not nervous."
"Just act as you usually do."
"I'm telling you, I'm not nervous."
Joo-hyun's voice was slightly deep but flowed smoothly, hitting all of Eun-a's preferences. Anyone could see he was nervous, yet his stubborn denial was charming in its own way.
The screen captured his slightly reddened cheeks. His shyly lowered eyelashes gave him an oddly youthful look.
"This is a bit different from what you expected, isn't it?"
"Yes, I thought he'd have a scarier presence." At the host's remarks, In-ho smiled meaningfully.
"Your hand is cold," he said softly, naturally taking the esper's hand.
Everyone knew that espers and guides had to make contact for guiding. It was often shown in the media. Still, to an outsider, it felt somewhat peculiar.
After observing Joo-hyun for a moment, In-ho narrowed his eyes and continued.
"Joo-hyun, you want to smoke a cigarette right now, don't you?"
Joo-hyun's eyes widened in surprise. His iridescent eyes reflected even more light, sparkling like stars.
The runaway esper, seemingly worried about saying such things on air, hesitated before shaking his head slowly. He looked like a child trying to gauge an adult's reaction, making Eun-a clench her fists and pummel the innocent cushion beside her.
"You can't fool my eyes. I know you too well," In-ho said with a tilt of his chin, smiling in a way that seemed slightly boastful to Eun-a.
"You know smoking is bad for you, right?"
"Yes, yes."
"How about cutting down a bit?"
"Yes, yes."
"Why not quit entirely this time?"
"...Yes."
Joo-hyun, who had been nodding obediently like a scolded child, suddenly raised his head. The glare he gave In-ho seemed almost audible.
"Hey. Don't tease me just because I seem a bit nervous."
"Oh, I was hoping to get you to promise that subtly. Guess it didn't work."
After glaring at In-ho for a moment longer, the esper rubbed his slightly flushed cheek and sighed, lowering his head.
"Good grief, he's asking not to be teased!" Eun-a stomped her feet, watching Joo-hyun fumble awkwardly in front of the camera. "They seem closer than I thought."
Most people thought it was risky to pair a runaway esper with anyone for the sake of publicity. Eun-a had thought so too, but what she saw on the screen was anything but a business relationship. In-ho wore the most relaxed and joyful smile she had ever seen on Wednesday Film.
Of course, Eun-a could only see the edited footage, but it was clear that In-ho had no reservations about holding hands with the runaway esper.
It was Joo-hyun who hesitated, seemingly gauging the situation. Despite his tall stature and broad shoulders, there was something about him that evoked a protective instinct.
"But is this really okay to show on TV? It's not fun... just scary."
"What's scary?" In-ho's voice was soothing as he held the esper's scarred, short-nailed, long fingers.
Even though contact guiding was a well-known fact, it felt strange to those unfamiliar with that world. The sight of Joo-hyun's eyes softening slightly reassured her.
"I'm a runaway esper... and the eyes are red."
"I like your eyes, Joo-hyun."
The softness in In-ho's voice was startling. Eun-a wondered if such words were appropriate for public broadcast. Although it had been seven years, the remnants of her past obsession with shipping oppas seemed to flare up.
Shaking her head, Eun-a refocused on the screen.
Joo-hyun seemed surprised by the unexpected compliment. His eyes, a mix of black and red, shifted shades depending on the light. It was too beautiful to simply call it scary.
Perhaps no one had ever said such things to him before. Joo-hyun bit his lip, unsure of how to respond, before tilting his head slightly and smiling. The corners of his mouth lifted, softening his sharp features.
"This is insane…" Eun-a whispered and covered her mouth with her fingertips. She couldn't believe how a man who perfectly matched her taste had appeared out of nowhere.
"No one else in the world would say that," said Joo-hyun.
In the living room, Eun-a's voice echoed softly as she muttered to herself.
"...Yes."
Joo-hyun, who had been nodding obediently like a scolded child, suddenly raised his head. The glare he gave In-ho seemed almost audible.
"Hey. Don't tease me just because I seem a bit nervous."
"Oh, I was hoping to get you to promise that subtly. Guess it didn't work."
After glaring at In-ho for a moment longer, the esper rubbed his slightly flushed cheek and sighed, lowering his head.
"Good grief, he's asking not to be teased!" Eun-a stomped her feet, watching Joo-hyun fumble awkwardly in front of the camera. "They seem closer than I thought."
Most people thought it was risky to pair a runaway esper with anyone for the sake of publicity. Eun-a had thought so too, but what she saw on the screen was anything but a business relationship. In-ho wore the most relaxed and joyful smile she had ever seen on Wednesday Film.
Of course, Eun-a could only see the edited footage, but it was clear that In-ho had no reservations about holding hands with the runaway esper.
It was Joo-hyun who hesitated, seemingly gauging the situation. Despite his tall stature and broad shoulders, there was something about him that evoked a protective instinct.
"But is this really okay to show on TV? It's not fun... just scary."
"What's scary?" In-ho's voice was soothing as he held the esper's scarred, short-nailed, long fingers.
Even though contact guiding was a well-known fact, it felt strange to those unfamiliar with that world. The sight of Joo-hyun's eyes softening slightly reassured her.
"I'm a runaway esper... and the eyes are red."
"I like your eyes, Joo-hyun."
The softness in In-ho's voice was startling. Eun-a wondered if such words were appropriate for public broadcast. Although it had been seven years, the remnants of her past obsession with shipping oppas seemed to flare up.
Shaking her head, Eun-a refocused on the screen.
Joo-hyun seemed surprised by the unexpected compliment. His eyes, a mix of black and red, shifted shades depending on the light. It was too beautiful to simply call it scary.
Perhaps no one had ever said such things to him before. Joo-hyun bit his lip, unsure of how to respond, before tilting his head slightly and smiling. The corners of his mouth lifted, softening his sharp features.
"This is insane…" Eun-a whispered and covered her mouth with her fingertips. She couldn't believe how a man who perfectly matched her taste had appeared out of nowhere.
"No one else in the world would say that," said Joo-hyun.
In the living room, Eun-a's voice echoed softly as she muttered to herself.
Whether he thought it was a joke or not, the runaway esper let out a light laugh, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
As soon as Joo-hyun smiled, the atmosphere changed instantly. The sharp-eyed esper transformed, his curved eyes and upturned lips giving off a sweet aura.
Even if it wasn't something usually said about a grown man, that's how Eun-a felt.
"So, what should I do?"
"I told you, just act as you usually do."
In reality shows like Wednesday Film, participants usually didn't acknowledge the cameras. Even friends who were supposedly invited on a whim ignored the cameras scattered around.
However, the two, being a runaway esper and his guide, couldn't hide the fact that they were being filmed.
This was reassuring rather than annoying, as it indicated that proper safety measures were in place. While the show aimed to depict unfiltered daily life, the footage of the highly talked-about runaway esper seemed to be broadcast without much editing.
As the esper fidgeted with In-ho's grasped fingers, he mumbled with a slightly troubled expression.
"I didn't bring my book."
"That book you got a few days ago? What's the title again?"
"Pride and Prejudice. Have you already forgotten?"
In response to Joo-hyun's slightly snippy remark, In-ho smiled meaningfully.
Meanwhile, Eun-a struggled to process the overwhelming charm attack. Thinking of those scarred hands turning the pages of a classic romance novel made her clench her fists involuntarily.
"Pride and Prejudice is great. I got excited just watching the movie adaptation."
"Do you like romance novels?" The host asked.
"He likes all books, really. Even if he uses leaves as bookmarks."
In the studio, In-ho laughed joyfully, reminiscent of the way he smiled at stray cats during the day. It seemed clear that he found Joo-hyun, the runaway esper, incredibly endearing.
After seeing the way In-ho acted towards him for several months, it was hard to believe that Joo-hyun was truly dangerous.
Talking about Pride and Prejudice, the two men appeared both odd and visually pleasing. They used formal speech, but their conversation flowed naturally and comfortably, suggesting a close relationship.
"Will you come watch the movie when it premieres? I think it's good, even though it's my own work."
"Are you kidding?"
Eun-a giggled to herself, recognising a bit of film promotion. She flinched at the sharp retort.
"How could a runaway esper go to a cinema?"
That remark made Eun-a recall their inherent danger. It was natural that someone who could explode at any moment couldn't go to crowded places. Whether it was a cinema, a swimming pool, a library, or even a local market, such places were off-limits.
ealising his tone might have been harsh, Joo-hyun looked down, his long lashes casting shadows on his cheeks.
"I've never been interested in such things... but thanks for the offer."
"Don't lie. You said you enjoyed the movie on TV a few days ago."
"When did I say that?"
"You told me on the phone four days ago."
"No, I didn't."
The genuine surprise in his raised voice made everyone laugh.
After that, the conversation shifted to light and pleasant topics, alternating between the two men and the studio host's reactions.
As the guiding session neared its end, In-ho suddenly produced a Polaroid camera, as if remembering something. Joo-hyun, having relaxed significantly, couldn't hide his curiosity, although he tried to appear indifferent. To Eun-a, he looked like a puppy perking up its ears.
In-ho, seemingly sharing the same thought, took a photo of Joo-hyun. The runaway esper's eyes widened at the sight of the appearing picture.