Beyond The Control

Chapter 47

What’s this? Why is he reacting like this?

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Caught off guard, I unintentionally let my true feelings show.

“No, it’s just not the reaction I was expecting…”

“Did you think I’d mock you for your good fortune?”

I did have a similar thought. Even if I didn’t laugh outright, I expected him to at least ask if I was serious or say something about my bad luck.

“Wow, you really thought that, didn’t you?”

“No, it’s not like that… I mean, it is an absurd situation…”

“Even if it’s absurd, it’s not something to laugh about. I didn’t expect you to think of me that way, senior.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

I broke into a cold sweat as the situation became more tangled with each word. Fortunately, Song Ji-hyeok soon relaxed his expression and chuckled.

“I’m joking. Anyway, when did the dungeon appear?”

“Today.”

“Which guild is responsible?”

I hesitated at his follow-up question. I felt unnecessarily cautious even though I hadn’t done anything wrong.

“You don’t know?”

He took out his phone as if he was about to look it up. Thinking it was only a matter of time before he found out, I reluctantly spoke up.

“…Moonlight Guild.”

“…”

As expected, Song Ji-hyeok furrowed his brow. I could guess that he immediately thought of his brother.

“It’ll take ages to clean up. They only have a washed-up S-class Esper and small fry.”

I inwardly swallowed hard at his merciless ridicule.

Moonlight Guild was also one of the top 5 guilds in Korea, and the S-class Esper he mentioned was the Guild Master. Although he had retired a few years ago, like our Guild Master, his influence as an existing S-class Esper was still significant. The Awakened under him were also famous for their abilities. So, speaking so disrespectfully about them in public would be asking for trouble.

On the other hand, I could understand Song Ji-hyeok’s reaction. Moonlight Guild had Song Tae-hyeok, who was his mortal enemy, so he would never view them favorably. Moreover, Song Ji-hyeok could get away with criticizing major guilds to some extent. After all, he was currently the most promising and sought-after S-class Esper.

In other words, he had the ability and skills to back it up. …Of course, it would still seem quite arrogant.

As I was lost in these thoughts, Song Ji-hyeok’s voice came again.

“I guess you won’t be able to go home for a while.”

“Yeah…”

Although I was living in a monthly rental, I had been there for over three years, so I felt even more unsettled because I was so used to it. The building was a bit old, but the rent wasn’t too burdensome, and it was perfect for me living alone.

“Do you have somewhere to go?”

“I’m planning to stay in the guild’s lounge for now.”

Even though the guild’s welfare is good, there are no separate company houses or dedicated accommodations. I heard there was briefly talk about it in the early days, but since the Awakened are so busy and many are high-income earners, the idea was scrapped due to the prevailing opinion that it was unnecessary.

Maybe as a substitute, the quality of the lounge is overwhelmingly good, and there are a few private rooms like studio apartments in the basement. Fortunately, they’re often empty, so with the support department’s permission, I decided to stay in one of the lounges for the time being.

There’s a bed, of course, and everything you’d expect like a refrigerator and TV, but there are also things missing. I’d need clothes and underwear to change into right away, so after work today, I’d have to go to a nearby mart…

“Then just come to my place.”

“…Huh?”

“I said, come to my place. It’s better than a musty basement, right?”

Of course it’s better. I’ve only been to Song Ji-hyeok’s house once, but there’s no need to say how nice it was. Even thinking about it now, I’ve never seen a house so spacious with such great lighting.

But while it’s nice that the house is good, I never expected Song Ji-hyeok to invite me to his place. I asked him back with a dumbfounded expression.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not just saying that?”

“Yes. Have you been deceived a lot?”

Song Ji-hyeok chuckled and added a few words.

“What I hate most is people gossiping about unnecessary things. Whether temporary or not, you’re my pair, and if rumors spread that you’re holed up in a basement because you have nowhere to go, what would that do to my reputation?”

“…”

“If you don’t want to, forget it.”

His last words snapped me back to reality.

“Why wouldn’t I want to? I’m totally grateful.”

I can’t see my own expression right now, but I can guarantee it’s overflowing with gratitude and emotion. It’s not just because of the invitation to his house. Song Ji-hyeok might have said it without much thought, but hearing the words “my pair” from his mouth filled me with emotion.

“Really, thank you, Ji-hyeok. I’ll be careful not to cause any trouble.”

I held back from saying I’d do all the cleaning and dishes, worried it might sound too eager. Instead of words, I’ll show it through actions.

Maybe it was because my temporary living situation was resolved in a better direction? My steps back to the office felt much lighter. As I was taking the stairs two at a time, I ran into someone as soon as I turned the corner on the 6th floor. It was Jeon Hyeon-wook, an Esper from Team 6.

“Hello.”

“Oh, hello.”

Today, too, he had a slightly scruffy hairstyle and was wearing full battle gear. It looked like he was either heading out to the field or had just returned.

“Are you going to the field?”

“No, I, I just got back.”

“You must be tired. Have you received guiding?”

“I’m on my way to get it now.”

Jeon Hyeon-wook kept fidgeting with his clasped hands. It didn’t seem like he was trying to look cute, but rather doing it unconsciously. With his slightly hunched shoulders and all, even after just a few words, it was clear he had quite a shy and bashful personality. His body was big enough to take down a wild bear, which was quite the contrast.

“I see. Get your guiding and rest well.”

I smiled and was about to move on when I heard an urgent voice, as if trying to stop me.

“Guide L-Lee Su-hyeon!”

“Yes?”

“D-do you have time this evening?”

“This evening?”

“Yes. I wanted to treat you to a meal as thanks for the guiding last time, but something always came up. If you’re free today, would you like to have dinner together?”

Just looking at his tense appearance, I could tell he had mustered up a lot of courage to ask. But unfortunately, I already had plans for today.

“I’m sorry, but what should we do? I have another appointment today… How about tomorrow evening?”

“I, I think I’ll be in the field again tomorrow…”

“Ah…”

Without realizing it, a sympathetic sigh escaped me. Come to think of it, he’s from Team 6.

Remembering Kim Kwang-in, the team leader consumed by ambition and enthusiasm, I suddenly felt grateful that he hadn’t chosen me. If I had joined that team, I would have been squeezed dry as a dual, with his biting remarks as an added bonus.

Thinking about that made me feel sorry for Jeon Hyeon-wook, but also impressed by him.

“Then contact me when you get back. Let’s try to find a time that works.”

“Is, is that okay?”

“Yes. Feel free to contact me anytime.”

Leaving him with a “Take care,” I turned around. When I opened the office door and entered, the few team members present were busy equipping their weapons. The bustling atmosphere immediately made the situation clear. I spoke to one of them, Gitae.

“Are you heading out?”

“Yeah. A B-rank dungeon appeared near Gwanbong Mountain.”

Even as he answered, Gitae’s hands moved quickly and busily like a machine. It was the moment he transformed from a lazy guy spinning in his chair with his feet on the desk to a praised A-class Esper.

“I’ll be back.”

“Be careful out there.”

As one group rushed out, suddenly only three Guides were left in the office. Even Baek Sun-jong, the team leader’s pair Guide, was absent.

Sitting at my desk, I grabbed the computer mouse. I didn’t want to waste even 30 minutes before going for skill training.

Even though I knew it was pointless, I searched for dungeons near my home and opened the guild program window. Two more dungeon conquest reports had been uploaded.

After reading intently for a while, I soon sighed and drifted into other thoughts.

‘When was the last time I went out to the field… About a month and a half ago?’

If I had to choose between “satisfied” and “unsatisfied” regarding working as a Guide, I would definitely circle satisfied. Of course, there’s Song Ji-hyeok, and occasionally when I see an Esper’s condition improve after receiving my guiding, I feel proud and happy. After all, I know better than anyone how important guiding is for Espers.