Chapter 9: X’s Shadow

The humanoid monster that killed me — “X.”

The origin of that name was surprisingly simple.

I was the only one who had seen “X” up close and lived to tell the tale.

“The opponent had an X-shaped scar on their forehead.”

Because of that, the worst monster to ever massacre humanity came to be called “X.”

Well… the bastard didn’t really like that name.

“…What’s wrong…?”

The kid stared at me, uneasy, as I gazed blankly at his forehead.

Maybe I was lost in the ghosts of my past, letting the weight of old emotions spill out.

“It’s nothing.”

It’s probably just a similar scar, that’s all.

It’s not a common shape, sure, but the humanoid monster “X” was still a monster — not human.

And this child in front of me, no matter how I looked at him, was just a fragile boy.

Then again, when “X” first appeared, there were rumors —

That maybe “X” was once human.

After all, aside from walking out of a massive gate and wielding supernatural power, his appearance was completely human.

Of course… that theory mostly spread among his fan club, so the media never took it seriously.

Still, maybe it was because I kept thinking about “X,” but this kid…

He somehow gave off a similar vibe.

Not that the terrifying monster and this adorable boy were even remotely comparable — but something about them felt eerily alike.

“Hey… that guy from earlier, was he really your dad?”

I asked just in case.

How could a drunk like that have a kid like this? It defied biology.

“Ah… well… he is my dad, but also… not really….”

The boy spoke hesitantly.

As he explained, I realized his short life had already been far too complicated.

He didn’t know who his biological father was.

That man was someone his mother had brought home one day.

Then one day, his mom disappeared.

According to the stepfather, she’d left because of the kid.

Of course, coming from a drunk’s mouth, who knew what was true.

At least… “X” wasn’t actually his father, right?

…Right?

No way.

It was just a coincidence. It had to be.

“So you live with that drunk— I mean, stepdad?”

The boy shook his head.

He said he did live in that house, but it wasn’t really his stepdad’s.

There were other people, and the man only came home once every few days.

Sometimes a week or two would pass before he showed up.

“…I see….”

What a tangled life.

I thought I’d had it rough — born poor, lost my parents at fourteen, fought through hell.

But this kid… his path was even darker.

“Let’s eat and get some sleep. That’ll help your wounds heal faster.”

Honestly, I didn’t know what to do with him.

Sending him back to that house felt wrong, but taking responsibility felt impossible.

I barely knew him — why should I get involved?

That’s the government’s job.

A useless, corrupt, money-grubbing government… but still.

They should at least protect kids until they grow up.

“Whooaa…!”

“Ha!”

Sleeping in until the sun’s high and then looking out over the city — what a feeling.

I cracked open a soda, leaned against the rooftop railing, and stared down at the sprawl of Seoul.

I hated these hillside slums, but at moments like this, they weren’t so bad.

“Nice view.”

“Yeah! It’s nice!”

…It would’ve been nicer without that sound effect beside me.

“You can’t even see that far. What’s so nice about it?”

The kid had followed me out, holding a yogurt drink, mimicking everything I did.

His oversized T-shirt was tucked awkwardly into his pants — ridiculous and somehow endearing.

“I just… like being here with you, that’s all….”

If only he couldn’t talk.

Maybe he was just pretending to be fine, but at least he looked better than last night.

The physical scars would fade soon.

The ones inside his heart, though… those wouldn’t heal easily.

Even after dying and coming back, the wounds in my heart hadn’t healed either.

“Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

“…Um, hey, big bro….”

He fidgeted, rolling the empty yogurt bottle in his hands.

“What.”

“…Why do you eat so much? You ate twice before bed last night….”

Before I knew it, my hand reached out and pinched his cheek — the uninjured one.

Couldn’t help it.

That soft-looking skin, those round lips — it triggered an irresistible urge.

You know, like wanting to squish a cat’s paw or rub a puppy’s belly.

It’s the same thing.

And besides, that was a misunderstanding.

“Listen, brat, it’s all for your sake. You’re so skinny I decided to fatten you up!”

My deep, selfless intention — horribly twisted by this cheeky kid.

Fine.

I’d teach him a lesson with breakfast.

Sure, my appetite had grown since coming back in time… but food just tasted better now.

“Come on. I’ll show you what real eating looks like.”

Leaving the pouting kid behind, I headed inside.

I set the table — side dishes, grilled meat, steamed eggs, a bit of spicy lettuce salad.

Before I knew it, the table was full.

I hadn’t realized cooking for two took this much space.

“…Wow….”

See that? That’s what adulthood looks like, kid.

Well, physically I wasn’t exactly an adult anymore, but still.

Watching his jaw drop made me grin.

I’d cooked for myself for years — before dying at thirty-two.

Even as an Esper, I’d been too busy to eat properly most days.

“Eat up. Then… we’ll head to the police station.”

“P-police…?”

“Yeah. About your dad. It’s the best thing to do.”

“…Right….”

The boy’s smile vanished, replaced by a shadow.

I understood.

He didn’t want to go — maybe scared he’d be sent back.

But what choice did we have?

I couldn’t take him in.

Getting too involved in other people’s lives never ended well.

Not for me.

Not for them.

Everyone I’d ever gotten close to had met a bad end.

Maybe that’s why the rice tasted like sand today.

“I know it sounds weird coming from me, but… don’t go into Gates, okay?

Even if they look safe.

They don’t always disappear after 24 hours.”

“…Okay….”

“And if you have to*, only pick up blue or yellow stones.

They’re the ones worth money.”

“……”

What was I even doing — giving a 12-year-old a monster survival lecture?

For thirty minutes, I’d been ranting about everything from school to self-defense.

We sat on a bench outside the police station, my voice tired, his head down.

He just quietly licked at the melting ice cream I’d bought him.

Maybe dragging this out so he wouldn’t have to go in yet.

The ice cream was nearly soup, running down his fingers.

Damn it.

The whole situation just felt wrong.

After the Gates appeared, the world had only grown crueler.

The government was rotten to the core — all money and politics.

Would they really take care of him?

Could they?

“T-thanks… big bro… for being nice to me….”

He must’ve sensed it — that this was goodbye.

He forced a smile and thanked me.

God, even his gratitude hurt to hear.

He should’ve cried or begged.

That would’ve been easier.

“…Yeah. Let’s go.”

I threw away the soggy ice cream cup, wiped his hands and face, and led him inside.

“Hello. I’m here to request child protection.”

I explained everything — the abuse, the neglect, how he had nowhere safe to return to.

That his legal status might not even be registered properly.

“Ah, I see… okay. Just write your info here before you go.”

“Mine?”

“Yeah. It’s part of the report.”

I hesitated but filled out my name, address, and number.

When I looked back, the kid was staring at the floor, refusing to meet my eyes.

Not even a goodbye.

Cold little brat.

Still… it hurt.

I should’ve gone to a Gate today.

But I couldn’t bring myself to move.

After cleaning the house, I found his old clothes in the laundry pile.

“I should’ve washed these for him…”

That’s when I realized — the room felt empty.

The tiny rooftop apartment, barely big enough for one, felt hollow now.

Like something important had been ripped away.

No.

This was for the best.

He’d be safe now.

And I’d return to my quiet, selfish life.

That’s what I told myself.

Bzzzzt.

My phone vibrated.

An unknown number.

Spam?

I almost ignored it, but answered anyway.

“Hello?”

– “This is Yeongsan Police Station. Is this Jin Se-hyun?”

“Yes…?”

It was the station where I’d just left the boy.

And suddenly, dread flooded me.

– “You can’t just abandon your brother! Come pick him up right now!”

…What the hell?

Brother?

Since when did I have a brother…?