The Perfect

“What?” I asked, startled by the voice that broke through my thoughts. Yangsimless looked at me intently and replied.“Your eyes are clear.”I was taken aback by the sudden compliment. Oh, my eyes are clear? Does that mean they sparkle like jewels? Is that why he’s attracted to me?“I thought maybe you were an idiot and your eyes were empty and clear.”He definitely confessed just to mess with me.“Or maybe you’ve really emptied everything out.”I flinched. I looked up at his words. Yangsimless casually added,“Whether you’re an idiot or reset everything, I don’t care. I like your eyes right now.”I hated reacting emotionally to his words. But I hated even more how I was seriously meeting his gaze and focusing on the moment. His voice lowered and he asked,“Why are you scared?”“Me?”“Yes. You want to run away.”No, I don’t. I muttered, trying to keep my body from pulling back.“Are you afraid of me?”“…No.”I thought I answered quickly, but there was a hesitation. He noticed and smirked.“Why are you scared? All I said is that I like your eyes.”“Yes, exactly. That’s why there’s no reason for me to be afraid of Director Kook.”“Then I can go further.”Go further? As I thought, his hand approached. I tried to back away but met his dark eyes. Didn’t you say you weren’t scared? His gaze seemed to ask, paralyzing me as his hand moved beside my ear. My eyes hurt from following his hand without moving my head.“What are you doing…!”His fingers brushed past the edge of my face, near my ear. A shiver like static electricity spread through that spot. I forgot I said I wasn’t scared and jerked my head back.“What are you doing?”“It looked soft.”“What?”“You have no sideburns.”Excuse me? I have plenty of rugged sideburns! I wanted to refute, but no words came out. My body still tingled with goosebumps. My brain commanded me to speak, but my lips didn’t listen. He smiled slowly at me.Oh, that’s dangerous. Just then, a savior appeared. The restaurant owner clattered in, placing side dishes and rice bowls on the table. Right, I forgot we were at a soybean sprout hangover soup restaurant. Annoyed by the interruption, Yangsimless frowned at the owner.“Mister.”“Yes?”“You have no sense.”“Excuse me?”The owner and I were both shocked. What nonsense was he about to spout? Fearing he might say something weird about us, I perked up my ears, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case.“Can’t you see? You should have brought a double serving. Bring double servings of the soybean sprout hangover soup too.”The restaurant, where Section Chief Bae and I had previously eaten, was nearly empty after lunch hours. The owner, who had grinned at Section Chief Bae, now glared at us.“We don’t have double servings of soybean sprout hangover soup.”“Then make it a big portion, like a double serving.”Yangsimless acted like a nuisance. I tried to pretend I wasn’t with him, but sitting at the same table made it impossible.“A big portion like a double serving, huh? Then pay extra and have two bowls. If you can’t afford it, just eat one.”The owner seemed to say “just stuff it,” but his years of experience almost masked the “stuff.”“I have money, so bring a double serving.”“I told you, we don’t have double servings.”“Then make it a big portion, like a double serving.”“What’s with this guy? Are you here to pick a fight?”“Yeah. Seeing these tiny portions makes me want to fight.”Yangsimless pointed to the next table. The office worker eating alone looked up, startled. Yangsimless interviewed him.“Are you full?”“What? No, I haven’t finished yet…”“Of course you’re not. The pot looks regular, but it’s thick, so its capacity is much smaller than normal restaurants. They claim to offer low prices, but they use the pots to reduce portions without losing money.”The owner was visibly flustered. I was too. What? The pot is thick? No wonder it feels unsatisfying.“What are you talking about? When did I ever deceive anyone?”“I never said you deceived anyone. I said you sold small portions at a low price. Don’t believe me? Let’s measure the pot’s capacity.”“The pot is thick so customers can enjoy their meal warm for longer.”“Your rice servings are also 15 grams less than other places.”The owner visibly flinched. I was surprised, and so was the interviewed customer. What, the rice is less too?“You pretend to be a philanthropist, selling at low prices, claiming no profit. Don’t be a hypocrite. If it’s about making money, admit it. What? Feeling wronged? Then put up a banner saying your portions are small for the price. Or more accurately, compared to other places, your prices are higher by volume, but it looks cheap because of the pot trick. If you don’t like that, bring my food as I want it. I need the proper amount. Bring me a double serving or a large portion like a double serving. Or listen to me complain to customers for 365 days straight.”The owner disappeared with a flushed face. Soon, loud cursing came from the kitchen.“That damn xx, unlucky xxxx!”Not to be outdone, the person sitting across from me took a deep breath and shouted back.“Damn xxx, unlucky xxx!”The owner came out of the kitchen with a clatter but went back in after making eye contact with Yangsimless. Only then did Yangsimless turn his gaze to me and ask,“What are you doing?”I put down the rice bowl I had been holding in my palm. Even holding it directly, I couldn’t gauge its weight.“How did you know the rice bowl here weighs less?”“I could tell just by looking.”What is he, a human scale? I wondered if Yangsimless really had some kind of superpower when his dry voice interrupted my thoughts.“People who get fooled are idiots. These restaurants make money by tricking people with their stupidity. They won’t even realize they’re being fooled and will keep coming back, thinking it’s cheap and great. The world is full of pathetic people.”He insulted me right to my face. Looking to the side, I saw the interviewed man also staring at Yangsimless in shock and horror, having stopped eating.“There’s no need to say it like that. Not everyone is a pot expert. How could they notice?”“They’re idiots because they can’t.”“Hardly anyone would notice. So, you’re saying most people in the world are idiots?”“That’s right. Most humans are idiots. It takes a huge sacrifice for them to finally wake up. But it’s still not enough. People are still idiots, repeating the same mistakes under the rule of cunning leaders, living like slaves.”If he hadn’t spoken so mockingly, I wouldn’t have felt so bad. He spoke as if he knew everything, acting superior. I knew he was always like this, but I couldn’t hold back.“Even if people are idiots for not noticing the pot’s capacity, they’re still much better than Director Kook in one aspect: humanity. Director Kook, who lacks basic consideration and manners, may not be an idiot, but he’s worse than trash.”“That trash is keeping those idiots alive, maintaining some semblance of humanity. Fair, isn’t it?”Yangsimless sneered, his eyes mocking.“I save idiots’ lives, and they repay me with insults. I don’t care what they say.”“Me too?”The smile disappeared from his lips. I hadn’t meant to ask; it slipped out, and I regretted it. Do you like me too? It felt like confirming my inferiority, and I was annoyed with myself.“What answer do you want to hear? The honest one? Or the one you want?”“Of course, the honest one.”“What if you don’t like it?”“I don’t care…”“What if you do like it?”“…”I don’t know why I couldn’t answer. Yangsimless’s lips curled into a sneer again.“I won’t answer. Imagine it yourself.”I force myself to go to work, but if I could stay home, I feel like I could fill 24 hours productively. I’d try writing the fantasy novel I’ve always wanted to, read books, exercise, learn to cook, and even tend to a balcony garden like everyone else.But with nothing to do these past few days, I’ve just slept. I must have slept for about 10 hours. Since it was Saturday, I didn’t have to go to the 4K office. If it weren’t for the noise outside, I could have slept a few more hours.“Damn it, that’s my spot! I called dibs!”It was Clicker. Why do I hear his voice in my house? I got up groggily and looked around. The surroundings weren’t familiar. Right, I was in the 4K accommodation.“Hey, we can apply together. I don’t plan on pairing with you, so don’t get your hopes up.”I heard Muscly Man’s voice too. I jumped up, still half-asleep. What, are they really 4K employees? I flung open the door. Walking through the short hallway to the living room, I saw the three 4K employees sitting around, spreading out flyers.“Who wants to pair with Section Chief Bae? I just don’t want my popularity diluted if there’s another hunter at the meeting.”“What if another agency’s hunter shows up? Do you think you’ll find a match with such low confidence?”“You’re one to talk. Section Chief Bae, with your high standards, you’ll be single this year too… Oh? What are you doing there?”Clicker recognized me.“I should be asking you. What are you doing here?”And with the air conditioner blasting so coolly. Not that I’m complaining because I slept hot due to my frugality.“What do you think? We’re deciding which meetings to attend for GM Week. Since you’re up, come join us.”“Why are you doing that here?”“We always gather here.”Clicker answered innocently. Muscly Man chimed in.“That’s right. We prepare for GM Week here every year. It’s like our ritual.”A ritual for failing meetings? I wanted to ask but attacked with different words.“Impressive. Putting off work for a ritual.”“Oh, it’s fine. There’s no work these days.”Clicker exclaimed brightly.“Heartless incidents always decrease during GM Week, but there really hasn’t been any work these past few days. Maybe even the Heartless are preparing for matchmaking.”Everyone laughed along with him. It sounded like a joke, but it was also true. The occurrence of Heartless incidents genuinely decreases during GM Week. Perhaps even those who turn into Heartless want to mate before they die. This has led to the theory that stress is the cause of Heartless. Extreme competition, a bleak society, and health-threatening environments are believed to cause genetic mutations in humans.Like rats driven to destroy their own habitat. The theory is that the aggression subsides during the matchmaking festival, which brings out primal instincts, leading to fewer Heartless incidents. While not scientifically proven, people do feel less fear of Heartless during this time.“Han Jemyung, you should start preparing too. Sit down.”Drunkard called me to sit next to him. I didn’t want to sit next to someone clutching a soju bottle since morning, but I sat down anyway. He gestured for me to sit while holding a sausage bread in his other hand. Jackpot. I took a big bite of the bread he handed me. While I ate quietly, the three of them resumed examining the dozens of flyers spread out on the floor.“How about this one? The perks for hunters are great, and the selection process for general applicants is strict.”“That’s no good. It’s a fourth-tier agency. Don’t you know all the good ones get filtered out in the first week by first-tier agencies? The ones left by the last week are all the dregs.”“But there are still good people. Some stay until the end to be cautious and end up finding success in the fourth tier.”“Still, it’s much less than the first tier. We have to prioritize the first tier and go all-in.”Muscly Man strongly insisted, slapping a flyer with his hand.“Leave Baekdudaegan to me! Many hiking enthusiasts! Enjoyable nightlife from healthy lower bodies!”I almost choked on my bread. What is this lewdness?! It looked like a gathering of middle-aged hiking club members aiming for affairs. Yes, there are illegal matchmaking agencies during GM Week for those looking to cheat. This place seemed like one of them. Really? I looked at him in disbelief, but Muscly Man’s expression was firm.“Men need strong lower bodies. That’s how you enjoy nightlife. You don’t know how great it feels to jog in the park at night? Skipping rope under the bright moon is very atmospheric.”Is he an idiot? Unlike me, who was shocked, Clicker and Drunkard just shook their heads as if it was routine. Section Chief Bae looked resigned to another failed year. Muscly Man asked, “What? Why?” but no one answered. I didn’t want to tell him either. It was a big win to eliminate a competitor so early in the morning. The other two seemed to agree with me.“Yeah, that place is perfect for you, Section Chief Bae.”“Section Chief, go there. You’ll succeed this year.”Drunkard even gave a thumbs up. Muscly Man happily folded the flyer and put it in his pocket. The other two smirked, but they weren’t much better. Drunkard clutched a flyer titled “Mature Meetings Like Fine Wine.” He clearly only saw the word “wine.” Below, in small font, it said:“Expulsion if caught drinking.”“I like this one.”Clicker shyly held out a flyer.“Cute ones here – If you want to find your fairy, this is the place!”Again, in small font, it said:“Meeting of cute hamster owners.”He hadn’t seen the small print either.“Hehe, I’m kind of cute, right?”“Sure. You’re cute. It’s perfect for you.”“This meeting is made for you.”The other two, once again, pushed their colleague into a trap to eliminate a competitor. It was impressive teamwork. I found the reason they had failed GM Week three years in a row.“Han Jemyung, where are you going? We’ll help you find the right place.”“No, I’m fine.”I strongly refused. But they seemed determined to push me into a trap too, searching for a meeting agency for me.“Tell us your ideal type. We’ll find the perfect place for you.”“Right. The CEO also asked us to find out which meeting you’re applying to.”“Which CEO?”“CEO Na.”Oh, I see. Drunkard asked beside me.“Why do you look disappointed?”“Me?”“Yeah. Did you hope Director Kook was curious? Does Director Kook concern you?”No way! I wanted to retort, but fortunately, the other two stepped in.“Come on, no matter how much Director Kook holds a grudge, would he care about meetings?”“Right. He’d only care if he liked you. CEO Na is just a considerate person who cares about his employees.”Yet Drunkard still looked puzzled. To divert the conversation, I quickly offered an answer.“My ideal type is simple. Someone who likes only me…”I couldn’t finish the sentence as Yangsimless came to mind. I hadn’t seen him since the soybean sprout hangover soup place a few days ago.“Someone who likes only Han Jemyung? That’s pretty basic, isn’t it? To date, you have to like the other person.”Yes, right. I mumbled and looked up to see the three of them staring at me. They seemed to be asking, “What else?” So I had to come up with something.“I want them to be tall.”“I like tall people too. 180 cm is perfect for me. Hehe, how tall do you want them to be, Han Jemyung?”“3 meters?”The smiles vanished from their faces. Too bad, my joke didn’t land.“Let’s say 190 cm. What other conditions?”Do I have to keep going? I was about to say I didn’t want to continue when Drunkard muttered while drinking.“Isn’t Director Kook around 190 cm too?”“Tall, kind, full of humanity, mannered, and considerate of others.”Clicker noted my conditions on his phone.“So, someone opposite to Director Kook.”“……”“By the way, why did Director Kook go to the lawyer again? He’s been visiting too often lately. Isn’t the lawyer supposed to work only on that person’s matters?”Who is “that person”? I was curious, but the other two just looked at Drunkard. It seemed like Drunkard knew all about Yangsimless’s important schedules. He had gone to stop Yangsimless before. Are they close? But Drunkard just drank, not answering. Muscly Man stared at him for a moment, then changed the subject.“Even if Heartless incidents decrease before GM Week, it’s not like there are none at all. But lately, there’s been no work. Especially, no news about the mutated Heartless, as if they vanished. That aside, what’s strange is the Special Agents. They should be desperate to get information from Director Kook, but it’s too quiet. Did they get a major lead on the mutated Heartless? So they’re not looking for Director Kook for now. Meanwhile, Director Kook got called by the lawyer. Special Agent was originally created by the former president. I’ve heard there’s trouble with the current administration since the regime change earlier this year. On the other hand, the lawyer works for that person. Maybe Special Agents pulled off something big, and Director Kook got called to block it?”I realized “that person” referred to the newly elected president, a former human rights lawyer and nemesis of the former president. Instead of answering, Drunkard glanced at me. Muscly Man noticed and chuckled.“Han Jemyung knows everything by now. He was there when the mutated Heartless was captured. Though I sometimes think he might be on the Special Agent’s side.”“That’s not true.”I denied it and wanted to add that I didn’t want to be part of this conversation. But Clicker interrupted.“Special Agents might be hoarding information to use it when it’s advantageous. The de facto leader, known as Number Two, was the former president’s hidden right-hand man. He took over the precursor to the Special Agents three years ago, replacing everyone. They say he’s adept at using information to get what he wants. This time, they’re desperate for information. Rumor has it that the U.S. is also investigating the mutated Heartless. If Special Agents find out first, they’ll have a valuable card to play with the U.S. Of course, they probably won’t use it for the country. Instead, they’ll use it to gain power, even replace the president if they push for national security, which is a matter of life and death.”I left the conversation and went outside. The park was full of families enjoying the morning. Several kids were playing baseball in a field-like area. Everyone around me seemed joyful and active. Sitting on a bench, I stared blankly at them when someone nearby turned up their radio, making it audible to me.“Amid the investigation of the former president, new allegations from three years ago have surfaced. An audio file suggests the former president orchestrated an assassination attempt on the current president, who was then a human rights lawyer. The former president allegedly faked a report about Heartless being at the current president’s hideout to kill him, but he escaped narrowly, foiling the plan. There was another assassination attempt later…”Recent news mostly covered GM Week and the former president’s corruption. His term should have ended three years ago, but the election could only happen late last year due to the circumstances. With the new president, a former human rights lawyer, coming into power, many of the former president’s misdeeds were being exposed.I listened to the news without much emotion. Normally, I tried to avoid the news, but today it didn’t bother me. I believed everything had ended when I blocked out news related to events from three years ago. However, the world is intricately connected, and sometimes, in a quiet park, the past resurfaces through someone’s radio.“Special Agent took over the precursor secret department three years ago, replacing everyone.”Clicker’s words lingered in my mind, pulling the past into focus. Three years ago, I was entirely different, navigating a battlefield. My team had been called to surround a house in the mountains.“Kill on sight.” It was a direct order from the top. A very peculiar order, given that the number of Heartless was increasing globally, creating a near-disastrous situation. The nation was about to declare martial law and shift to a wartime footing. All personnel were scrambling to protect power plants.Why did our team have to be here at such a time? Orders from the top, so we set aside our doubts. Using thermal imaging, we confirmed the number of people inside the house. The team split up to neutralize each target. But one of our team members recognized someone inside through the window.The mission ultimately failed. We faced severe consequences and thought it ended there. We had no idea that boarding a plane under the guise of a mission to save humanity was retribution for our failed operation. The shaky flight. The dark night sky outside the plane window. The sounds of our comrades snoring.Some laughed, some listened to music, enjoying a brief respite. The events of three years ago vividly resurfaced like they happened yesterday. I was so deep in thought that I didn’t notice a car stopping nearby or someone getting out. However, I instinctively sensed something approaching quickly.Why Han Jemyung? Jinwook thought that if his cousin, Director Kook, liked someone, there must be a fated reason. With his extraordinary intuition, he’d naturally be drawn to a destined partner. But the reality was Han Jemyung.Amusing and, as Section Chief Bae mentioned, with a face full of character, but lacking any fated quality that Director Kook would fall for. Had they met before? Like a cheesy romance novel where they met as children and reunited as adults without realizing it.Jinwook laughed at his own ridiculous thoughts. Even I’m getting sucked into these absurd romances. As he slowly reduced speed, nearing the park, he saw Han Jemyung.With tousled hair and sagging sweatpants like someone who just woke up, Han Jemyung wore a blank expression, lost in thought, looking different from his usual timid and jokey self. Was he troubled because of Director Kook? Jinwook stopped the car and got out.He wanted to learn more about Han Jemyung because of Director Kook. He still didn’t understand why Director Kook liked Han Jemyung, feeling like a puzzle was left unsolved. Additionally, he felt a bit responsible for their situation, as it was his connection that brought Han Jemyung to 4K.He wasn’t too worried about Director Kook tormenting Han Jemyung. Being somewhat of a romantic, Director Kook wouldn’t hurt someone he liked. The real problem was Director Kook’s enemies. He had no weaknesses so far. If it became known that he liked someone, especially a low-level Special Affairs employee like Han Jemyung, his life would become considerably harder.He wanted Director Kook to give up before that happened. Han Jemyung had been lucky so far but could be in real danger if targeted by someone like L&Y CEO Ryu, who didn’t mind sacrificing others. Director Kook’s enemies were not people a normal person like Han Jemyung could handle. Besides, he was known for being timid and fearful…Then it happened. The sharp crack of an aluminum bat hitting a ball. The hard baseball flew straight past Jinwook. Before he could process the situation, his eyes followed the ball. It was headed for a stroller where a toddler slept. But it was too late by the time they realized the danger.Everyone saw the flying ball, but like Jinwook, they couldn’t move. The ball was too fast. No one could move faster than the ball. Yet, instinctively, CEO Na took a step to save the child. However, knowing it was futile, his legs stopped.Just before the ball hit the stroller, someone caught it mid-air. A dull thud sounded as a bare hand met the ball. The person who caught it slowly lowered their arm. Though the park was full of people, everyone watched silently.Everyone had one thought: Incredible. Catching a ball bare-handed! Jinwook, however, felt shock instead of admiration. How? How did Han Jemyung catch that ball? He was sitting on a bench far from the ball just moments ago. Farther than Jinwook. When did he move?Han Jemyung, holding the ball, looked around. Jinwook noticed his eyes looked entirely different. A completely different person. A chill washed over Jinwook’s body. But Han Jemyung quickly reverted to his usual, sleepy, neighborhood bum self and tossed the ball to the stunned baseball boy nearby.“Be careful.”He said, then disappeared. Only then did the shocked onlookers react. The kids playing baseball ran over, and the mother lifted her child from the stroller. Someone scolded, “That was dangerous!” People started talking excitedly about the young man who caught the ball.“Did you see that? He ran like a cheetah. That was seriously impressive.” The people’s praises didn’t reach Jinwook’s ears. He only turned away once Han Jemyung was out of sight. Jinwook walked away, making a call.“Manager Hong, gather all the information on Han Jemyung. Hack into the Special Affairs Department if you have to.”* * *I walked for a long time, leaving the safe zone. Walking was the most effective way to forget my thoughts. Familiar roads and buildings came into view, and I realized I had returned to my old neighborhood. I must have walked for over an hour.I thought about buying some water and checked my pockets, but they were empty. No wallet, no phone, not even the tracker. Realizing I had nothing, I felt both panic and hunger. My stomach growled. Hey, eat something. Have you forgotten the sausage bread already? I was about to retort when I found a crumpled bill in my pants pocket.At least I could buy a rice ball. I changed my direction. If I went through the main street and into an alley, there was a small rice ball shop. I walked slowly. If I bought food and walked back to the accommodation, the day would be over. Another day wasted, I thought, feeling oddly satisfied, when my plan was interrupted by a loud noise.“Attention— This is an emergency. Please evacuate to a safe place.”Suddenly, a loud siren blared, followed by an evacuation announcement. People were startled but began following the instructions.“This is the first unexpected crisis response drill of the year. Please act as if it’s real.”The unexpected crisis response drill was a thrice-yearly evacuation exercise. As the name suggests, it happened without warning. Last year, the siren went off at 4 a.m., annoying everyone. Compared to that, a siren on a leisurely holiday afternoon was mild.People quickly started running to evacuation points. I looked around urgently. When the evacuation siren goes off, you have to hide within five minutes. A law had passed allowing the immediate execution of anyone still on the streets five minutes after a real Heartless emergency siren. So, people took the drills seriously.There was another reason people ran. Anyone found after five minutes would be fined. The fine was hefty. Desperate not to become even poorer, I ran into an alley.The problem was that most buildings locked their doors and barred entry during the siren. People usually headed to public facilities or large buildings, and the nearest one here was the subway station. But it was a bit far.The surrounding buildings had already locked their doors and pulled down metal shutters. Some shelters had issues with troublesome evacuees, so most buildings now strictly locked their doors during drills.I ran through the alley instead of heading to the subway station. There was a local union office that few people knew about. I could wait out the drill comfortably there…“Due to construction, the union office has moved.”Damn it…“Damn it!”Someone else cursed beside me. Startled, I turned and was shocked again. Yangsimless stood there, frowning.“They should have announced the construction in the newspaper.”Why would they? To inform you? I thought, feeling absurd, but the siren blared again, making me anxious. I thought I heard the sound of military boots approaching. If they catch me, I’ll be fined! Damn it…“Damn it!”Yangsimless cursed again, as if reading my mind. He suddenly appeared and started cursing for me.“This way.”Yangsimless pointed and started running.“Where are we going?”“Do you want to pay the fine?”I followed him without another word, running at full speed. After two turns, we reached the back of a large building. Yangsimless went to a metal door and started picking the lock with a pin from his pocket.“What are you doing?”“Shh!”He warned, looking around. I also looked around and pressed myself against the wall as footsteps approached. Two soldiers with guns passed by. We were hidden in the shadows and weren’t noticed. Once the soldiers were gone, Yangsimless resumed picking the lock, and soon the door opened.“Get in quickly.”I hesitated but quickly stepped inside at the sound of footsteps nearby. It was pitch dark inside. With a clang, the door shut behind me, leaving me unable to see anything in the darkness. Soon, there was a clicking sound, and a blue light appeared. Yangsimless had turned on a safety light. Suddenly, I felt embarrassed, realizing I didn’t even have a safety light.Expecting criticism from Yangsimless, I stood there awkwardly, but he only took a few steps forward before stopping. Why? Peeking out, I saw another closed door ahead. And it had an electronic lock. What’s in this building? Hidden gold? Yangsimless couldn’t open that door either, so he turned to me.“Let’s wait here.”I suggested first, and he frowned slightly but then sat on the floor. The narrow corridor was less than 5 meters long. Yangsimless and I sat against opposite walls, about 2 meters apart.The only light came from Yangsimless’s safety light, but he soon turned it off, saying it was a waste of battery. We had about 20 minutes left until the drill ended. Outside, announcements about safety education blared through the speakers. The dark, cramped space was unnerving, but my tension eased after about 10 minutes.“Why are you here?”I flinched at the question but quickly felt embarrassed. It’s just a simple question. Why am I so sensitive? I was grateful the darkness hid my reaction.“Why are you here, Director Kook? Did you follow me?”“You don’t have a tracker. How would I know?”True, I didn’t have a tracker. Would he scold me for that?“I had business at my old apartment.”Contrary to my expectations, he didn’t mention the tracker. I felt relieved but also oddly disappointed. Still, I relaxed and asked casually,“Why at the apartment?”“The neighborhood association called.”I couldn’t relax at all.“Wh-why the neighborhood association?”“Are you cold? Your voice is shaking.”It’s summer; why would I be cold? I felt a chill down my spine.“A little, I guess.”I heard a rustling sound. What is it? I felt him move closer. His fingertips brushed against my hand, resting on the floor. I instinctively pulled my hand away. Then he spoke.“I’m usually warm.”His casual tone made it seem insignificant. I couldn’t move my hand hanging in the air.“You must prefer winter over summer.”“I like spring and fall the best.”Makes sense.“They want me to move back.”“What?”“The neighborhood association.”Oh, the neighborhood association. So it wasn’t about the battery incident.“Why do they want you back? They probably celebrated when you moved out.”“How did you know?”“…Did they really celebrate?”I couldn’t see, but it felt like he nodded.“A Heartless showed up in the apartment two nights ago and caused a commotion.”He didn’t need to explain further. They missed having a hunter, especially a skilled one. But I was curious.“If a Heartless caused a commotion in the apartment, it must have been a low-grade one. The apartment association can handle that.”“I used to catch them before they caused trouble.”True, Yangsimless was a human preventive measure. It felt strange. They considered him a nuisance, but now they wanted him back for safety. I remembered our fight at the soybean sprout hangover soup place. I stared blankly for a while. Feeling his gaze, I turned my head. My eyes adjusted to the darkness, and I thought I could see his face turned toward me.“Are you going back?”“You’re not going back, are you?”You made me move out forcefully. I could move back, but…“Then no.”A firm answer. I quietly looked at his barely visible face.“What do you like about me?”“Your body.”The answer came instantly, leaving me speechless.“I didn’t fall for your kind heart or inner beauty, did I?”“…Right.”I felt a bit indignant.“But my sense of humor isn’t bad, right?”“You’re not funny.”I prided myself on my humor, so this hurt my pride. From now on, I wouldn’t laugh at anything he said.“What do you think?”“About what?”“My body.”My resolve nearly cracked. What do I think about your body? Then I remembered his back, and my laughter vanished. I was grateful for the darkness. It hid my exposed thoughts.“I want to touch it.”“W-what?”“Mr. Han Jemyung, can I touch you?”“No!”My voice was so loud that I was startled. I cleared my throat and quickly tried to make an excuse, but he calmly asked,“Then let’s make it fair. I’ll let you touch me too.”“Are you joking? Why would I touch Director Kook’s body?”“Then do you want to touch something other than my body?”What is he talking about? His body, but not his body? Is he possessed?“Don’t think of me that way. It’s dark, and we can’t see anything. We’re both adults, and there’s nothing wrong with fulfilling our desires.”“I don’t have desires, so please take that away.”No desires… I could hear him muttering. And in that moment, his hand moved up to my left chest. I tried to pull away, but his other hand grabbed my arm tightly, stopping me from moving. I twisted my body in shock, trying to escape.“Shh.”When I stopped at his command, his hand gently pressed against my left chest. It stayed there without moving. I held my breath. The only thing I could tell was that he was so close. I could even hear his lowered voice close to me.“It’s beating fast, huh?”Well, of course, I was flustered. I couldn’t properly respond.“There’s nothing wrong with it for you, Mr. Han Jemyung. It’s a great opportunity to touch a perfect body.”It must have been the darkness. Only his voice reached me, and for a moment, I was tempted. A perfect body indeed. Writer’s curiosity kicked in too. The reason why the protagonist in my novels doesn’t date but only has a fling is because I don’t know much about romance myself. That’s also why there are no kisses in my novels. Of course, my novels, clear and transparent like Himalayan spring water at 8,000 meters above sea level, don’t suit physical love. But still, I wanted to add a little eroticism. But the other party is Yangsimless, right? As if reading my thoughts, he added,“There’s nothing wrong with doing it with a stranger, right?”“Just because you pretend to be a stranger doesn’t make you one.”“Do you want to bring what we’re doing here into reality? I don’t mind.”“Of course, I don’t like it either. I don’t even know why I should accept this suggestion. It doesn’t benefit me at all.”“I told you. It’s an opportunity to touch my perfect body.”“…It’s an honor, but I’m not really drawn to it.”“Then what do you need?”He asked in a low voice. It almost felt like he’d give me his entire fortune if I asked. But of course, I couldn’t take on his debt. I opened my mouth after a moment of hesitation.“There’s something I don’t need. A tracking device. Don’t force me anymore.”“Okay. Is that enough?”Is that enough?! No, wait… I tried to get up, but his hand, which had been resting on my chest, moved up to my shoulder and pressed down hard.“You can’t leave yet, training’s not over.”“Director Kook.”“Be honest. You’re drawn to my suggestion too, aren’t you?”A little. There was no greater curse in the world than curiosity.“Is this a suggestion from a stranger?”“Yes. A person whose name and face you don’t know. We’re just hiding in a bunker in the dark, sharing a kiss.”“So when we leave here, we forget everything?”“Yes. Only here.”His leg brushed against mine. The hand that had been on my shoulder started massaging the back of my neck. More than the word ‘kiss,’ this felt more concerning. It was the darkness. I couldn’t see anything, and the sound of our breaths was so loud, the sensation of touch was heightened. I murmured, then asked quietly,“Then, the person I meet here, you’re someone who doesn’t disrespect others, doesn’t speak rudely, and knows how to respect anyone, right?”The hand that had been massaging my neck stopped.“You know a lot about a stranger.”“I don’t think the person I’d kiss would be selfish and only care about themselves.”“…Are you going to kiss me?”His voice was even closer now. I could feel his breath on my lips. A total stranger. But he had a perfect body that made my heart race, was polite, and thoughtful. The darkness had hypnotized me.“Yeah. It’s not like we’ll meet again.”I reached out for his head first. My hand trembled slightly, but fortunately, it didn’t get noticed. His body pressed against mine. The rough breathing that came in felt like I was barely holding back. It was hot. His lips, his tongue, his breath. The heat made my head spin, and I couldn’t think of anything. It felt like this was all I knew—so this is why everyone does it, because it feels so good.I had two moments where my creativity exploded while writing “Love, Purity, Passion, the name is a burning white rose.” The first was when I met CEO Na. At that time, I was so excited by the perfect role model I had just met that every day was dynamic. Of course, my life was also dynamic due to Yangsimless.However, when the illusion of the perfect role model was shattered, I lost my motivation and dug into the underground. So, I didn’t expect any ideas to come back from real life, especially related to Yangsimless. But now, I admit it. The kiss in the dark revived the desire for my novel, which had been buried like it was covered by a coffin and buried in the ground.Of course, my pride was hurt. I had to elevate Yangsimless to the level of a main character and make him a rival for Wi Siwoo. He was the complete opposite of the protagonist I had considered perfect, so I couldn’t easily accept it. Thanks to this, even though the novel flowed smoothly from my fingers, I wasn’t happy at all. But it was fun. The writing was so entertaining that I almost cried when reading it.“The reason for falling for a bad boy is simple. You keep being hurt, and when he does something nice, it feels so special. You’re moved by that feeling and walk straight into hell. If you eat only chicken every day, it gets boring, but if you haven’t had it for months and then eat it, it feels like the most delicious food in the world. Do you know what I mean?”Wi Siwoo always took his friend’s advice to heart. No matter how handsome, he would never give his heart to a bad boy. It was his belief. And now, the typical bad boy had appeared in his life. He always spoke rudely, harassed with money, and sought revenge over trivial matters. Director Kook had ruined Siwoo’s life. So, when he suddenly confessed, Siwoo was shocked.“I like you.”He handed over a bouquet made from the rarest truffles, discovered only once in 150 years. This truffle, more expensive than gold, was something I had never seen in real life, and I was stunned. But Siwoo pushed the truffle bouquet away.“I don’t need this. I don’t like Director Kook!”“That’s a lie. I know your heart races every time you look at me.”Director Kook’s hand suddenly pressed against Wi Siwoo’s left chest. Siwoo flinched! His heart raced. Director Kook murmured in a husky voice.“What’s this baby bird fluttering under my hand?”Siwoo, believing he didn’t like him, felt embarrassed and quickly turned his head. His delicate, white neck was exposed more, and Director Kook inhaled.“Who do you think you are!”Director Kook turned his body with intense words. As soon as Siwoo felt the hand leave his chest, he finally looked away. In front of him stood a wide shoulder, blocking his way like a barrier. His broad shoulders were as vast as the Gimje Plain. Wow! Did his shoulders used to be this wide?! The baby bird in Siwoo’s chest began to flutter even more. That back… so cool!1 AM. Was it because Siwoo had rejected Director Kook’s confession? As if to take revenge, work piled up, and he stayed at the office until late. If he didn’t finish the mountain of paperwork on his desk, he wouldn’t be able to go home. No, if this keeps up, I’ll never leave this office, even after 10 years. Dew like pearls from 5,000 meters below the sea formed in his large eyes. Just as he was about to wipe away a tear, a message came from the one who had made him suffer.“Go to the data storage room immediately, find the XX-related documents, and bring them to my desk.”The data storage room… was that the one on the 12th floor underground? Siwoo held back his fear and headed for the deep underground storage room. Unfortunately, the documents were on the high shelf. Siwoo, being short, stretched on tiptoe, but couldn’t reach the documents. Ah, if I don’t get them and bring them, Director Kook will bother me again. Just then, a hand suddenly reached from behind, pulling the file off the shelf. Huh! Who is it? As Siwoo turned around, the lights went out, and the room turned dark.“Ah! The lights…”“Shh!”The person standing closely behind him made a sound. As Siwoo turned his body, his hand brushed against the person’s shoulder. My goodness, someone with such broad shoulders besides Director Kook? He faced the person, but because it was so dark, he couldn’t see their face.“Who, who are you? Who are you to help me like this?”“You think I’m kind?”Siwoo nodded.“I’m Wi Siwoo. What’s your name, my benefactor?”“…James.”James! He was a foreigner! Siwoo imagined a tall, blonde, blue-eyed foreigner. And someone with surprisingly broad shoulders. His heart raced. Then, suddenly, the person asked,“Wi Siwoo, can I kiss you?”“Huh? What do you mean…!”“Don’t you ever want to give in to your desires and do something impulsive? Don’t deny it. I can feel your heart fluttering like a baby bird.”Ah, James… Siwoo let out a small sigh and accepted his kiss. The shock of the kiss from a complete stranger, whom he knew only by name, made electric currents run through his body as he collapsed.* * *“Upon checking Han Jemyung’s personal records in the special database, there were no issues. His education and residence records are correct in the system. I searched through the school server, and he is indeed a graduate. The trading company he worked for after high school is no longer in business, but his tax and employment records are accurate. There are no issues with his personal details.”Seungjae displayed the evidence on the tablet screen. Jinwook examined it closely and asked,“Is it possible that all of this was fabricated?”“All of it? Why would anyone go to such lengths for Han Jemyung?”When Jinwook glanced up, Seungjae quickly changed his expression and replied,“It’s not impossible, but if someone meticulously altered even the smallest details, it would have to be a professional. A professional sanctioned by the state, no less. Hacking alone couldn’t achieve this; it would require internal server access.”Jinwook continued to scrutinize the screen. Seungjae had many questions. Why investigate Han Jemyung? He seemed like an ordinary person.“Didn’t you find something odd during the initial background check?”“Yes. He re-enlisted three years ago and was the sole survivor of his unit, earning a medal and a position in the Special Affairs Department. Back then, even minor injuries often resulted in medals.”“And the odd part?”“The place where he received the medal is listed as Dongil City, but there’s no such place in our country. It might be a clerical error. At the time, many areas had no power, so everything was recorded manually. It could be a miswritten similar name or a transcription error.”“Look for battle zones with similar names.”“I already did. There’s a Dongil-myeon, but there were no battles there. It’s not Donghae City or Dongducheon City either. I can’t figure out what was miswritten.”Seungjae glanced at Jinwook’s serious expression as he stared at the tablet screen. He rarely saw Jinwook look so grave outside of work.“Did Han Jemyung do something suspicious?”“No.”“Then why did you order this investigation?”“Can you check if there are other individuals listed as being in Dongil City?”“This is military internal data, so I’d need access to their servers. I can do it, but it will take some time.”Jinwook seemed satisfied and nodded. He still hadn’t answered Seungjae’s questions, only asking more.“When Manager Hong encountered the Heartless in the bunker lab, was Han Jemyung with you?”“Yes. I collapsed, but luckily the Heartless fought each other, and both Han Jemyung and I survived.”“I read the report, but it didn’t explain why you collapsed.”It was because of the Heartless… Seungjae started to answer but hesitated. He recalled a memory that surfaced later. He felt like someone had struck the back of his neck. But it wasn’t clear, so he had forgotten about it. Until Jinwook asked, he hadn’t considered it important.“Why? Was there something strange?”“Well… Initially, I thought I collapsed because of a drug the Heartless injected to torture me. But later, I felt like someone hit the back of my neck. I’m not sure, though.”“Who could have struck you then?”Well… Seungjae couldn’t answer. The logical answer was the Heartless. The Heartless he had knocked down got back up and struck him. But Han Jemyung was right behind him. Why didn’t he warn about the approaching Heartless? Was he too scared to move? Why didn’t the Heartless eliminate Han Jemyung first, who was in the way? Manager Hong, his superior, called out.“It must have been the Heartless.”“Anyone else?”“…Han Jemyung, who was behind me.”Jinwook’s eyes gleamed sharply. Seungjae quickly added,“But Han Jemyung was probably too scared to move. He wouldn’t have hit me. He had no reason to attack someone on his side.”“There might have been someone else who could save him.”Who? Seungjae asked, but Jinwook didn’t answer and gave another instruction.