Chapter 80: The Lunatic Who Got a Bad Feeling

Lee Chae forced his voice steady.

“I figured as much.”

“Then this’ll be quick. At first I thought I’d try seducing you… ah, no misunderstanding, please. I’m not patriotic enough to fake feelings for a mission. You do happen to be very much my type, though.”

His tone was polite, but the twisted smirk was unreadable—mocking? pitying? Lee Chae didn’t want to sit here listening to this garbage.

He stood.

“If that’s all, I’ll assume my resignation is accepted. I’ll be going.”

He turned to leave. A low, dangerous voice stopped him cold.

“Sit. I still have things to say. You’re free to choose—but you’ll hear the consequences first.”

No matter the threat, Lee Chae wouldn’t waver. He sat again—only to learn headquarters’ exact plans.

Kang-wook didn’t waste time.

“You already know what headquarters is worried about. A D-rank’s limits. Imagine you’re in a situation you can’t handle. Which guide would sacrifice themselves for an esper who already has an exclusive? Surely you don’t want to put him in danger?”

Straight for the jugular. But Lee Chae had expected it.

“Maybe. But low compatibility makes even an S-rank useless, no?”

Kang-wook’s lips curled.

“Such confidence.”

“What exactly do you want?”

“Headquarters wants your imprint dissolved. Naturally, Cha Haejin must never know we were involved.”

The blatant arrogance infuriated him. Lee Chae took a slow breath.

“I refuse. Tell headquarters I said no—flatly.”

He stood again.

Kang-wook sighed like he regretted this.

“If you step forward before headquarters uses force, we’ll give your family a comfortable home, guaranteed civil-service special hire, and benefits equal to national merit.”

An offer that would’ve floored Lee Chae before Haejin. Now? Nothing could replace him.

“I don’t need benefits. I’m curious what ‘force’ means—so I can prepare.”

“I don’t know the details yet. It depends on your choice.”

“So if I refuse, bad things happen?”

“Probably.”

Lee Chae had never expected a peaceful outcome anyway.

He bowed.

“Thank you for your concern. I won’t wait for a replacement. Please tell headquarters I refused outright.”

He walked out.

Kang-wook’s last words followed.

“One more thing— if Cha Haejin hears headquarters made this offer… it won’t end well for anyone. I’m sorry to say it.”

Lee Chae turned back.

“Are you threatening me now?”

Kang-wook’s glare softened into a perfect professional smile.

“If that upset you, my apologies. Please understand the position of a middle manager.”

Not sorry at all.

“I wasn’t asking for an apology. I was wondering what would happen if he found out.”

Kang-wook’s eyes turned icy.

“The director wields real power. And she doesn’t go easy on her son. Want details?”

“…No. I understand.”

Lee Chae left without another word. He hadn’t accepted the offer; force hadn’t come yet. Telling Haejin would only make him explode—and with his mother involved, Haejin lashing out could ruin him while he was still a student and registered esper.

His chest ached. He swallowed the lump and hurried out.

Outside the cleanup crew building, Haejin stood waiting—sharp black suit, hair perfectly styled, glowing in the sunset. Even dressed up he didn’t look overdone; he looked unfairly hot. Lee Chae stared dumbly for a while.

Haejin spotted him, waved, and strode over. Every step screamed tall, broad-shouldered sexiness.

“Honey, good work today. You told them you’re quitting?”

“Yeah. Last time waiting like this.”

“So today really is the last?”

“Yep!”

Haejin grinned and slung an arm around his shoulders. People passed, but Lee Chae didn’t push him away. Just for today, he didn’t care who saw.

Walking to the bus stop, Haejin suddenly said,

“Sending you home feels like a waste…”

“I have to go today—give them the final pay. After that I can stay a few days.”

Haejin stopped dead. He scanned Lee Chae’s face like he was searching for something.

“You’re being weirdly obedient today. Pretty sure it’s my Chae… or did a humanoid cast a beauty spell?”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“No, seriously—you’re agreeing to everything. Suspicious.”

Lee Chae just stared at Haejin’s face. Same as always, same dumb jokes— yet everything felt new today.

Is it because of what Kang-wook said?

He wasn’t unsure about Haejin. He was unsure about himself.

He smiled.

“Lots of things are weird. Should I stop being nice?”

“NO! Definitely not!”

Haejin looked genuinely panicked. Lee Chae laughed—then Haejin suddenly pushed him against a wall.

“What happened.”

His voice was low. Lee Chae playfully covered Haejin’s eyes.

“Nothing. Just feeling weird about quitting a long-term job.”

Haejin narrowed his eyes.

“Really that’s all?”

“Yeah. So be extra nice to me.”

“Got it. I’ll be extra, extra nice tonight.”

Lee Chae looked up and laughed. Haejin tickled his sides in revenge.

Then—bus approaching in the distance. Lee Chae grabbed Haejin’s hand and ran. They barely made it on.

Sitting side by side, Lee Chae leaned his head on Haejin’s shoulder. Just this once, he let himself feel small and protected— because tomorrow the fight would really begin.