Chapter 111: Complicated Wavelengths

Gong Tae-jun was a high-tier B-rank Guide, a capable man with a broader spectrum than his rank suggested.

He was still working as a temporary Guide because he had not chosen a permanent pair, but there were already quite a few Espers who wanted him as their official paired Guide.

So for Chaewon, whose side effects were severe and whose wavelength was difficult to handle, he was someone who, if they matched, could become the most ideal backup Guide imaginable.

The only problem was what kind of intentions Gong Tae-jun had in volunteering to be Chaewon’s backup Guide.

The head of the Guide Management Team had said that Tae-jun came because there was a Guide he personally wanted to recommend, but

Ye-seon was not dull enough to miss the fact that Tae-jun had likely asked the team leader first to recommend him.

Moreover, Ye-seon already knew how Tae-jun had reacted in the past regarding Chaewon’s matters.

It was not unusual for an Esper or a Guide to appeal to someone he wanted, but showing excessive interest in someone who already had a pair could, if handled poorly, escalate into a dangerous romantic rivalry. So most men were particularly cautious about such situations.

Unless, of course, it was someone he truly wanted to take away no matter the cost.

“Ha…”

Ye-seon let out a heavy sigh and drank the coffee whose ice had completely melted.

He had already been troubled because he couldn’t find a Guide on paper who seemed compatible with Chaewon, and now Tae-jun appeared to be one of the few men who might match him, which only unsettled him further.

If they conducted the test, should he hope their wavelengths matched? Or should he hope they did not? Not knowing which outcome to wish for, Ye-seon’s worries only deepened.

****

“Seriously? Why would you go that far?”

Jeong Jin looked at Su-ha with an expression of disbelief as he asked. Su-ha had just finished explaining how Chaewon ended up having a meal with Min I-hyeon. After quietly observing Jeong Jin’s face, Su-ha let out a deep sigh and answered in a gloomy voice.

“I’m already starting to regret it myself, so don’t say anything.”

Jeong Jin’s mouth, which had been about to add another comment, slowly closed.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t understand Su-ha’s intention behind the suggestion to Chaeon. Still, did he really have to go about it so strictly by the book? It was nothing new, but sometimes Su-ha could be excessively rigid.

“Anyway, so hyung….”

Deciding to back off before he somehow ended up taking the blame, Jeong Jin spoke again in a more serious tone.

“So now you’ve completely… settled on Esper Lee Chaewon?”

“Well… whether Chaewon will truly accept me is another matter. But I want to become a Guide who suits him. Truly.”

There wasn’t even a trace of hesitation in his answer. He even said that in this relationship, it was no longer him holding the blade, but Chaewon.

Though it wasn’t his own situation, Jeong Jin suddenly felt his chest tighten. Su-ha was someone he personally liked and respected as a Guide.

Watching him push himself relentlessly for years, pouring in effort that might never return as results, had never been easy for Jeong Jin either.

And now, for the first time, Su-ha had mentioned an Esper who wasn’t Min I-hyeon.

No one could say how remarkable an Esper Lee Chaewon might grow to become compared to I-hyeon, but Jeong Jin sincerely hoped Su-ha could finally find happiness and stability in this relationship.

In the end, his emotions wavering foolishly, Jeong Jin blurted out the teasing remark he had been holding back, afraid he might get scolded.

“…You should’ve just done better from the start.”

Receiving Su-ha’s icy glare was only natural.

****

“Isn’t there anything else you’re curious about?”

I-hyeon asked with a smile so beautiful that anyone might fall in love, his gaze warm and gentle. Once again, Chaewon was reminded that I-hyeon was loved by so many not simply because he was strong. Smiling back, Chaewon replied,

“I think I’ve asked enough. It must have been bothersome, but thank you for explaining everything in such detail.”

Over their leisurely meal, Chaewon had asked I-hyeon many questions, about controlling power as an Esper, useful tips, and especially what to keep in mind when standing before the public. All of it had been immensely helpful.

What pleased Chaewon the most were the small tips about what an Esper could do to lessen the burden on his Guide during guiding sessions.

Guiding a high-rank Esper like I-hyeon was naturally taxing for any Guide. Especially after intense combat, guiding an S-rank Esper was an enormous burden.

Perhaps because of that, I-hyeon seemed to have studied extensively how to receive guiding as smoothly and stably as possible. It would certainly help Chaewon as well, given his side effects. Frankly, it felt like too much valuable information to receive over just one meal.

“Then eat a bit now.”

With a light tilt of his chin, I-hyeon spoke. When Chaewon reflexively lowered his head, he saw his plate was almost untouched. He had forgotten to eat while focusing on the conversation. Honestly, if he could, he wanted to take notes on the spot.

Embarrassed, he quietly replied, “Yes…” and finally moved his fork. Watching him, I-hyeon asked again,

“Not about Espers, personally, is there anything you want to ask me?”

“Huh?”

With food puffing his cheeks, Chaewon stared at him with wide eyes, looking almost like a small animal stuffing its cheeks.

Resisting the urge to ruffle his hair, I-hyeon clarified,

“Not about powers or guiding. Just about me.”

“…”

“Think about it while you eat. This isn’t an opportunity that comes often. Today, I’ll answer anything.”

It meant that not as an Esper, but as Min I-hyeon the man, he would accept personal questions, and even answer them.

It was an extraordinary offer. From admirers to government officials to celebrities, countless men would line up and pay for such a chance if only he allowed it.

It was almost baffling why he was being so generous to someone who was merely a rookie Esper.

As if to give him time, I-hyeon resumed eating. Chaewon chewed mechanically, deep in thought.

Ordinarily, no matter how golden the opportunity, he would have politely declined, grateful but uninterested. Asking about someone’s private life was not something he enjoyed. Listening when someone voluntarily shared was different, but prying was another matter.

Yet now he hesitated. Questions rose vividly in his mind, questions he would never have entertained before, especially not about anyone else.

Perhaps it showed on his face, or perhaps I-hyeon had known all along. With interest, he said,

“You’ve thought of something. Go ahead.”

“…”

“It’s fine. If it’s truly uncomfortable, I’ll say so.”

After a long moment of hesitation, Chaewon finally spoke in a small voice.

“Um…”

“Yes.”

“May I ask… why you haven’t formed a pair with a Guide?”

At the question, I-hyeon fell silent and looked at him. Not because it was shocking, but because it was exactly what he had expected.

It was obvious the question wasn’t about him as a man, but something else. That clarity revealed much about what kind of man Lee Chaewon was, which pleased him, though it also left a faint, peculiar bitterness on his tongue.

Noticing I-hyeon’s subtle change in expression, Chaewon quickly raised his voice.

“I’m sorry. That was rude.”

Rather startled, I-hyeon hurried to reassure him.

“It’s not. I told you to ask.”

“But…”

“Before that… may I ask why you’re curious?”

“…”

“…It’s because of Guide Jin Su-ha, isn’t it? You’re wondering why I haven’t paired with him all this time.”

For a moment, Chaewon wanted to explain that he was simply curious whether there was some special reason. But he stopped himself. In truth, he couldn’t deny that beneath it all lay exactly the curiosity I-hyeon had pointed out.

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