Chapter 52: Crossing the Line

He really eats well.

After finishing his steak to the point of being completely full, scraping up even the last bits of sauce and sipping water, Ju-an noticed the pile of empty plates stacked high in front of Mo Jun-young.

Joo Ji-chan had said that after awakening, he’d lost his appetite, but apparently Jun-young hadn’t. Still, it was nice to see someone eat so well.

Perhaps thinking Ju-an was staring because he wanted more food, Jun-young chewed and swallowed the meat in his mouth before speaking.

“I ordered more, so feel free to eat.”

“No, I’m full.”

“Your appetite is smaller than I expected.”

With that, Jun-young popped another large piece of meat into his mouth. Despite eating quickly and in large amounts, not a single drop of sauce touched his lips. After finishing two more plates, his expression suddenly hardened.

“Ju-an, listen carefully. The people at the third table from the entrance, they’re suspicious.”

Ju-an tried to turn his head, but Jun-young grabbed his hand firmly.

“Don’t look. Act like you’re not interested.”

Judging by the tone, it was best to obey. Keeping his gaze fixed on Jun-young, Ju-an lowered his voice.

“Why are they suspicious?”

“They’ve been following us since the Management Center. They’re holding back now because I’m here.”

Ju-an had heard about anarchists and foreign hunters, but facing danger this close made his heart drop. He glanced at the large, solid hand covering his own and felt reassured. As long as Jun-young was here, he’d be safe.

“Let’s go. My phone’s been ringing, it’s probably Joo Ji-chan.”

“…Wouldn’t it be better to leave after they go?”

Jun-young glanced toward them and smirked.

“I said suspicious, not dangerous. Do you think I’d lose to people like that?”

Jun-young, who could block monster attacks with his bare body, losing? Ju-an had never even considered it. He grinned and stood close beside him.

“Of course not. You’re the strongest.”

“If you keep calling me that, I’ll leave you behind.”

Ju-an flinched for a moment but wasn’t really worried. Boldly, he hooked his arm around Jun-young’s.

“I just said it because I feel safe. I meant it.”

Jun-young cleared his throat as if trying to hide his embarrassment, but the back of his neck had already turned red.

‘He’s secretly kind of cute. Doesn’t match his size at all.’

As they walked, Jun-young suddenly grabbed Ju-an’s shoulder and pulled him behind him. Rising onto his toes, Ju-an peeked over his shoulder and saw a man from the table approaching. Jun-young’s shoulders tensed.

“What is it?”

“You’re Director Mo Jun-young of the Awakened Management Center, correct?”

“…?”

“And the person behind you is the buffer, Sung Ju-an.”

Seeing no real threat, Jun-young relaxed slightly.

“Are you a reporter?”

“No, not a reporter…”

The man trailed off and leaned forward, clearly trying to see Ju-an behind Jun-young.

“Um, if it’s not too much trouble… could I take a picture with Buffer Sung Ju-an? I’m a fan.”

“…”

Jun-young stared at him, dumbfounded, then rejected him outright.

“No. He’s under special protection, so personal photos aren’t allowed. And you-”

Was there more? Ju-an, who had momentarily relaxed, grew alert again.

“You’re an Awakened and a hunter, aren’t you? I can feel your energy clearly now. Your rank seems fairly high…”

“Ah…”

The man looked flustered. He seemed ready to give up, but instead, he asked again.

“Is there a rule that says an A-rank hunter can’t be a fan? I just want one photo.”

A-rank?

A thought crossed Ju-an’s mind. He stepped out from behind Jun-young and looked at the man. Their eyes met, and the man scratched the back of his head, face slightly flushed.

What is with this guy…?

Still, if he was A-rank, it wouldn’t hurt to get him on their side.

“Let’s just take one photo. Jun-young will be right here, what’s there to worry about?”

Jun-young still looked reluctant. So Ju-an leaned in and whispered.

“It’s better for us if we persuade A-ranks not to form contracts with Constellations. So cooperate.”

Jun-young gave a short nod, though his expression remained displeased.

Ignoring that, Ju-an approached the man with a smile. The man hurriedly took out his phone.

“C-Could I link arms with you?”

Ju-an nodded. The man hooked arms with him and raised his phone high with the other hand. He probably didn’t dare ask Jun-young to take the picture.

As the man snapped several photos, Ju-an posed naturally. Once satisfied, the man lowered his arm and released him, then held out his hand.

“Thank you so much. Ju-an, you’re handsome even from a man’s perspective, and your generosity toward dungeon victims is admirable. I’m truly impressed.”

Strangely, being called handsome felt more embarrassing than hearing “I love you” from Se-yoon.

“Thank you.”

“I’m A-rank hunter Seo Jeong-woo. Please remember me.”

Ju-an smiled vaguely, still finding it odd. Jun-young approached with a frown.

“If you’re done, let’s go.”

“Wait a moment.”

There was still something important to say.

“Hunter Seo Jeong-woo, I’m sorry to ask this so suddenly…”

Seo Jeong-woo’s eyes widened as he stepped closer, looking ready to agree to anything.

“Please, go ahead.”

“…Have you made a contract with a Constellation?”

Seo Jeong-woo looked taken aback.

“Are you asking me to? If so, I can’t do that.”

“No, that’s not it. Then why? Do you have something against them?”

His expression twisted.

Ju-an realized, he probably wouldn’t contract with them anyway.

“That’s a long story. So what’s your request?”

“Lately, Constellations have been forming parties with A-rank hunters. They see me, a buffer, as a nuisance and keep interfering. I think they plan to clear dungeons first. If that happens…”

“A war will break out. I know enough.”

Ju-an nodded quickly.

“So please… don’t stand on their side. Don’t make a contract with them.”

“…Don’t worry.”

Seo Jeong-woo nodded.

Encouraged, Ju-an was about to ask him to persuade other A-ranks too, but Jun-young suddenly pulled his arm. Unable to resist, he was dragged away as Seo Jeong-woo called out behind them.

“It was a pleasure meeting you today, Buffer Sung Ju-an!”

Ju-an could only wave awkwardly.

Even after leaving the restaurant, Jun-young didn’t let go.

“Let go a bit, will you?”

“It’s late. Stop talking and follow me.”

They weren’t even using any buff, yet Jun-young walked ridiculously fast. The parking lot wasn’t far, but it was still a bit of a walk. When Ju-an started panting, Jun-young grabbed his waist and hoisted him up at his side, just like when they’d escaped from Baek Eun-hoo before.

“Hey, Jun-young, we can just walk slowly-”

Jun-young ignored him and kept moving. He looked… very angry.

At the car, he practically shoved Ju-an into the passenger seat before getting in himself.

But instead of starting the engine, he sat there silently.

The tension became unbearable.

“…Jun-young, did something upset you?”

“Ha…”

He let out a deep sigh, filling the car, then turned to look at him, his eyes cold and unreadable.

“Ju-an. I clearly told you to be cautious.”

What? He’d just said there was nothing to worry about earlier.

Before Ju-an could protest, Jun-young spoke again.

“Are you always that careless?”

Ju-an glared at him.

“What do you mean?”

“Linking arms with anyone, smiling at anyone like that.”

“That’s going too far. He’s not just anyone, he’s an A-rank hunter we need on our side…”