Chapter 122 Epilogue : The Warmth That Remained

“Young Espers are truly amazing.”

At Ji Seung-hyun’s words, a Hazard Esper agreed.

“Indeed.

Who would have thought the nephew we searched for so desperately was in Legion?

And that D-rank guide’s guiding…”

“In truth, he’s the most amazing.

That’s why our nephew thought of him as a caregiver.”

Ji Seung-hyun’s heart fluttered at finally being able to draw the sword he had sharpened for so long.

He vowed never to forgive headquarters—not only for killing his race but for taking his nephew and using him in all sorts of experiments.

After arriving at the hospital, Lee Chae had no time to catch his breath due to examinations.

In front of the hospital room, Legion Espers—still in unchanged clothes—stood guard against possible pressure from headquarters.

When he had opened his eyes, it felt like death, but after kissing Hae-jin, his condition was surprisingly good.

Fortunately, the test results were positive—rest a few days and he’d be fine.

As Lee Chae slowly sat up, Jae-hyung rushed over.

“You can’t get up yet.”

“I’m okay, so turn on the TV.

Need to watch the news.”

“Everything resolved well—must watch?”

Lee Chae smiled and nodded, Yong-yong said mate’s affairs all know must and turned on TV.

On the news, reporter explained situation against ruined Frame building background.

-This was Frame guild headquarters location.

As you see, Quiklops created gate—original form lost.

Fortunately, Quiklops completely eliminated by Legion and Hazard alliance team.

More surprising—this battle no single casualty.

Espers possible remaining explosions prepare evacuating people busy—later separate interview arrange…

Huh?

Cha Hae-jin Esper?

Screen showed messy-faced Hae-jin snatching reporter’s mic.

-Planned announce slowly but can’t wait even moment.

-If interview, we happy.

-Not interview.

Must say words—can give moment?

-As much!

Reporter stepped aside, large screen filled with Hae-jin’s face.

Hae-jin’s expression—unlike just finished battle Esper—excited looked.

-I safely survived even midst Quiklops battle…

Lee Chae couldn’t bear hear next—covered blanket.

Then Yong-yong “Ooh la la, ooh la la!” teased snatched blanket from Lee Chae.

-My exclusive guide and lover Jung Lee Chae guide’s guiding thanks.

So now this broadcast watching citizens everyone—for my guide hospital treating—pray please.

“Ah, what that.”

Lee Chae red hot face hands rubbed.

Humanity threatening monster defeated hero interview such words—funny, himself embarrassed extreme.

“Wow…

Envy.

Me too there stayed all Yong-yong thanks said would.”

“Jae-hyung strange words no say.

Me such embarrassing.”

“Yong-yong love you.

My heart know?”

“Yeah, know.”

Lee Chae warmly two watched again screen gaze turned.

-Yes, Cha Hae-jin Esper’s passionate love confession, well heard.

As see, Cha Hae-jin Esper just battle finished situation interview possible healthy state.

Cha Hae-jin Esper without issue battle—Jung Lee Chae guide thanks, everyone with me too Jung Lee Chae guide safe discharge pray must.

After reporter now this moment headquarters situation what report said connected headquarters reporter.

Screen headquarters side changed.

Headquarters directors reporters avoid run didn’t know fact excuse but conveying reporters tone all critical.

Channels flipped all similar tone reporting—Lee Chae relieved TV off could.

But one thing… extinct dragons appeared people just watch not seem worried.

Lee Chae Yong-yong hand grabbed.

“Our Yong-yong, annoying things many become…

Handle hard what do?”

At words Jae-hyung sharp retorted.

“Our Yong-yong not—my Seung-yong.”

“Huh?”

“Yong-yong uncle from now human like live name that no—Ji Seung-yong changed.

Name whatever our baby best pretty but.”

Lee Chae big smile nodded.

Ji Seung-yong, Yong-yong very matching name.

“But dambo, hey!

Dragon, that our between secret decided.”

“Huh?”

“Legion Hazard anyway me dragon know right?

And Kang-wook guide bit surprised but now Legion secret keep said.”

“True?”

“Yeah, leader said.

We no matter safe say, people anxious possible so our between secret good said!”

“Right.

Right words!”

That way become, now truly mind hanging thing one no completely handled situation.

War completely ended no one victim person no now reality dream like felt unbelievable.

This possible, despair situation even until end not give up Cha Hae-jin thanks.

“My Esper, true amazing.”

“Now bit rest.

Hyung busy things handle come said.”

“Yeah, thank you.

Jae-hyung ssi.”

Slightly open window gap warm wind entered Lee Chae surroundings long stayed left.

Complicated things ended immediately hospital feet turned Hae-jin bathroom several times self appearance confirmed.

Headquarters one round overturned after, heavily frowned face mirror reflected.

“This face meet no.”

Hae-jin hair tidied mouth corners high pulled.

Loved one seeing self face more beautiful wanted.

Bathroom out his hospital room go way, first confession time like heart complicated.

Now, two block possible thing nothing yet, perhaps meantime Lee Chae where gone not, hurt no said hurt mind hurt not, anxious.

Quiklops not fear self mere hamster one tremble situation funny.

Hae-jin trembling hand hospital room handle grabbed turned.

Lee Chae someone entered even not know even breathing sleeping.

Bed sat sleeping him watched.

Quietly watching various thoughts all came.

Rampage time suddenly appear guiding give yet pride not bend first meeting from, world lost like despair moment pass again meet, Quiklops defeated after, self save cry guiding memory until…

Life death crossing all moments Jung Lee Chae there.

Hae-jin unknowingly his forehead hand brought.

Hot not cold not exactly moderate temperature felt.

Then Lee Chae eyes slowly opened.

“Late sorry.

Wash come…”

Lee Chae eyes beautifully curved, fine skin red dyed.

Lee Chae body rose his shoulder head leaned.

Pouring sleep hazy consciousness midst even Lee Chae continue thought.

Eyes open moment him see if swallowed words must again transmit.

Thump thump beating chest hand pressed, him eyes met.

Black pupils slightly shake same time Lee Chae mouth opened.

“Love you, hyung.”

Hae-jin arms wide spread confessing Lee Chae hugged.

“Want say words this only.”

“Me too.”

Lee Chae his embrace more deep burrowed.

More not hug must person like hug yet strength give break fear tight hug can’t Hae-jin lovable.

To Lee Chae love, eat live easy people play or, purpose achieve mutual burden give must Esper guide incomplete union or, eternity not moment illusion.

But, Hae-jin toward emotion until now thought love definition completely change enough.

This chest hurt degree good thing, play or illusion impossible.

How person heart this much change?

Lee Chae Hae-jin because changed self thought absurd short laughter flowed.

“Hyung, true funny know?”

Hae-jin nothing like completely different answer gave.

“This hugged like while exactly how left?”

Again that words.

But Lee Chae still lingering childish Hae-jin blame instead his lips mouth kissed answer instead.

Trusted person love you words one leave left time shock how big know because.

Sudden remembered farewell moment Lee Chae greatly breath exhaled him more tight held.

Absolutely two times again not want let go.

No, absolutely let go couldn’t.

Lee Chae Hae-jin wrist grabbed self collarbone brought said.

“First impatient give, like express hard work.

From now me first impatient rush.

Like every day mark give.

So come here.

Kiss let.”

Hae-jin lips puckered Lee Chae quietly watched only.

Lee Chae first rush, rare thing—so now long enjoy wanted.

“Here hospital okay?

That way someone enter what?”

“Night so okay.”

“Kiss not end possible?”

“Single room so okay perhaps?”

Hae-jin more endure can’t like Lee Chae mouth lips overlapped.

Anytime do mood good kiss long continued.

<End>

“Young Espers these days are truly incredible.”

An Esper from Hassad agreed with Ji Seung-hyun’s remark. “You’re right. Who would have thought the nephew we searched for so long would be in Legion? And that D-rank Guide’s guiding…”

“Honestly, he is the most remarkable of them all. That’s likely why our nephew chose him as his guardian.”

Ji Seung-hyun felt a surge of emotion, realizing he could finally unsheathe the sword he had been sharpening for years. He vowed never to forgive the Bureau, which had not only slaughtered his kin but had also used his nephew for countless experiments.

After arriving at the hospital, Lee Chae didn’t have a moment to catch his breath due to the barrage of tests. Espers from Legion, still in their battle-worn clothes, stood guard in front of his room, prepared for any external pressure from the Bureau.

He had felt like he was dying when he first woke up, but after that kiss with Hae-jin, his condition was surprisingly good. Fortunately, the test results were positive; the doctors said he just needed a few days of solid rest.

As Lee Chae slowly sat up, Jae-hyung rushed over. “You shouldn’t be getting up yet.”

“I’m fine. Please turn on the TV. I need to see the news.”

“Everything is being resolved well. Do you really have to watch it?”

When Lee Chae smiled and nodded, Yong-yong, who was nearby, turned on the TV, insisting that one should know everything their partner is up to. On the screen, a reporter stood against the backdrop of the ruined Frame building.

—This is the site where Frame Guild’s headquarters once stood. As you can see, it has been completely transformed by the gate created by the Cyclops. Fortunately, the joint team from Legion and Hassad has completely annihilated the monster. Even more surprising is the fact that there was not a single casualty in this battle. The Espers seem busy evacuating people in case of residual explosions, so we will arrange separate interviews later… Wait? Esper Cha Hae-jin?

On the screen, Hae-jin—his face a mess of soot and scrapes—grabbed the reporter’s microphone.

—I planned to announce this slowly, but I can’t wait another second. —We’d love to have an interview! —This isn’t an interview. There’s something I must say. Can you give me a moment? —Of course!

As the reporter stepped back, Hae-jin’s face filled the screen. He looked excited, unlike an Esper who had just finished a grueling battle.

—The reason I was able to survive the battle with the Cyclops safely was…

Lee Chae couldn’t bear to hear the next words and pulled the blanket over his head. Yong-yong teased him, chanting “Ooh, someone’s blushing!” while yanking the blanket back.

—…it was all thanks to the guiding of my exclusive Guide and lover, Jung Lee Chae. So, to the citizens watching this broadcast, please pray for my Guide who is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

“Ugh, what is he doing?” Lee Chae rubbed his burning face with his hands. It was so embarrassing that the hero who had just saved humanity from a world-threatening monster would use his interview for a public confession.

“Wow… I’m jealous. I should have stayed and told everyone it was all thanks to Yong-yong.” “Jae-hyung, don’t say weird things. That’s embarrassing.” “I love you, Yong-yong. You know how I feel, right?” “Yeah, I know.”

Lee Chae watched the two fondly before turning back to the screen.

—Well, we have certainly heard Esper Cha Hae-jin’s passionate confession. As you can see, he is healthy enough to give an interview immediately after combat. Since he credits Guide Jung Lee Chae for his well-being, I, along with all of you, wish for the Guide’s swift recovery.

The broadcast then shifted to the Bureau, where reporters were cornering directors who were making excuses, claiming they “didn’t know.” Every channel was reporting with a critical tone. Seeing that the public sentiment had completely turned against the Bureau, Lee Chae felt relieved and turned off the TV.

However, he was worried about one thing: the sudden appearance of the “extinct” dragons. He took Yong-yong’s hand. “Our Yong-yong, there’s going to be a lot of annoying attention… will you be okay?”

Jae-hyung answered sharply, “He’s not ‘Our Yong-yong,’ he’s my Seung-yong.”

“Pardon?”

“Yong-yong’s uncle said that if he’s going to live like a human from now on, he needs a proper name. So he changed it to Ji Seung-yong. Though my darling is the prettiest no matter what his name is.”

Lee Chae smiled widely and nodded. Ji Seung-yong—it was a name that suited him perfectly.

“But Dambo, listen! We decided to keep the ‘Dragon’ thing a secret among us.”

“Eh?”

“Legion and Hassad already know I’m a dragon, right? And Guide Lee Kang-wook was surprised, but he’s Legion now, so he promised to keep the secret.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, the Leader said so. Even if we are safe, people might get anxious, so it’s better to keep it between us!”

If that were the case, everything was truly settled. The reality of the war ending without a single loss felt like a dream. It was all thanks to Cha Hae-jin, who never gave up, even in the most desperate moments.

“My Esper… he really is amazing.” “Now, get some rest. Hyung said he’d come after handling the urgent matters.” “Yes, thank you, Jae-hyung.”

A warm breeze drifted through the cracked window, lingering around Lee Chae before passing through.

After finishing the complicated cleanup, Hae-jin headed straight to the hospital. He checked his reflection in the bathroom mirror several times. Having just finished tearing the Bureau apart, his face in the mirror looked strained and fierce.

“I can’t meet him with this face.”

Hae-jin fixed his hair and practiced pulling the corners of his mouth into a smile. He wanted to look beautiful for the person he loved. As he walked toward the hospital room, his heart felt as fluttery as it did during his first confession. There was nothing left to block them, yet he felt an irrational anxiety—fear that Lee Chae might have vanished, or that he was hurt and upset.

It was funny to him that he, who didn’t fear the Cyclops, was trembling because of one little “hamster.”

With a shaking hand, he turned the doorknob. Lee Chae was sleeping, breathing evenly, unaware that someone had entered. Hae-jin sat on the edge of the bed and watched him sleep. Countless thoughts crossed his mind.

From their first meeting when Lee Chae appeared during his rampage to guide him without bruising his pride, to the despair of losing him, the joy of reuniting, and the memory of Lee Chae crying while guiding him to save his life after the Cyclops battle…

Jung Lee Chae had been there in every moment between life and death.

Hae-jin unconsciously placed his hand on Lee Chae’s forehead. He felt a perfect temperature—neither too hot nor too cold. Just then, Lee Chae’s eyes slowly opened.

“Sorry I’m late. I had to wash up…”

Lee Chae’s eyes crinkled warmly, and his fair skin flushed red. He sat up and leaned his head on Hae-jin’s shoulder. Even in his groggy, sleepy state, Lee Chae had been thinking: When I wake up and see him, I must tell him the words I swallowed back then.

Pressing a hand over his thumping heart, he met Hae-jin’s eyes. As those black pupils wavered slightly, Lee Chae spoke.

“I love you, Hyung.”

Hae-jin opened his arms wide and pulled the confessing Lee Chae into a deep embrace.

“That was the only thing I wanted to say,” Lee Chae whispered.

“Me too.”

Lee Chae burrowed deeper into his chest. He found it adorable how Hae-jin held him like someone he couldn’t let go of, yet hesitated to squeeze too hard for fear of breaking him.

To Lee Chae, love used to be a game for those with easy lives, or an imperfect union between an Esper and a Guide who were forced to burden each other, or a momentary illusion rather than an eternity.

But his feelings for Hae-jin were enough to completely redefine his definition of love. Something this good, something that made his heart ache this much, couldn’t be a game or an illusion. How can a person’s heart change this much? Lee Chae let out a short laugh at his own transformed perspective.

“Hyung, do you know how funny you are?”

Hae-jin gave a completely different answer as if the question didn’t matter. “Since you like being hugged this much, how on earth did you ever leave me?”

There he went again. But instead of blaming the childish Hae-jin for bringing up the past, Lee Chae answered by kissing his lips. He knew how big the shock was when someone you trust leaves with only the words “I love you” as a farewell.

At the sudden memory of their separation, Lee Chae took a deep breath and held him even tighter. He never wanted to let go again. No, he couldn’t let go.

Lee Chae took Hae-jin’s wrist, placed it against his own collarbone, and said, “Thank you for being the one to be anxious and express your feelings first. From now on, I’ll be the one to chase you. I’ll show you I like you every single day. So come here. Kiss me.”

Hae-jin just stared at Lee Chae, who was pouting his lips. Since Lee Chae being the aggressor was a rare sight, he wanted to savor the moment.

“We’re in a hospital, is it okay? What if someone comes in?” “It’s night, so it’s fine.” “This might not end with just a kiss.” “It’s a private room, so wouldn’t it be okay?”

As if he couldn’t take it anymore, Hae-jin pressed his lips against Lee Chae’s. The kiss, which always felt wonderful no matter how many times they did it, lasted for a long time.

<THE END>