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Join the Server“You mean you want to say it’s because you covet the Creator of Sacrifice’s coin?”
“…Isn’t it?”
Baek Eun-hoo brushed his finger lightly across Seong Ju-an’s eyelid with a smile that was hard to read.
“Well, I can’t say that isn’t part of it… but who says I’m only driven by greed?”
“…”
“It could be pure attraction. Or maybe a sense of justice.”
Even he seemed embarrassed by his own words, letting out a dry laugh as he stepped back.
“If that’s hard to understand, then think of it this way. The kind of greed I have has changed a little.”
Yeah, that was much easier to understand than all that nonsense about purity and justice. Ju-an still didn’t know exactly what Eun-hoo wanted, but as long as it wasn’t world domination, he supposed it was fine.
“Still, don’t let your guard down. I could change my mind at any moment, so treat me well.”
“Sure, sure. I’ll keep buffing you, so don’t betray me.”
Maybe the uniform was uncomfortable. His neck suddenly felt tight, and when Ju-an loosened his tie slightly, Baek Eun-hoo immediately stepped closer and caught his wrist.
“Don’t loosen it. We’re going somewhere right now.”
“Huh? Where?”
“There’s someone we need to meet. I invested a lot into today’s appointment, so you’d better do well.”
Just as expected, Baek Eun-hoo had apparently been plotting something on his own again. A bad feeling crossed Ju-an’s mind, and he asked right away,
“This is related to the last incident, isn’t it?”
Eun-hoo nodded.
“They went too far. They clearly don’t understand who they picked a fight with.”
Considering even Baek Eun-hoo had ended up trapped in an ice cave, it made sense he’d be furious. And once someone like him decided on revenge, those Constellations were practically dead already.
‘When he was an enemy, he was terrifying. But having him on our side feels unbelievably reassuring.’
“Let’s go.”
When Ju-an followed Baek Eun-hoo out into the lobby, the guild members gathered around immediately fell silent and stared at them. There was an unmistakable charisma and composure in the way the S-rank hunter strode straight through the center of the room.
“The Guildmaster’s always been like that, but that buffer…”
“He wasn’t like this the first time I saw him.”
“He definitely got stronger. …And doesn’t he seem kind of sexier now?”
The guild members tossed comments back and forth, unable to take their eyes off the two until they disappeared outside.
A car was already waiting for them in front of the building. Sitting beside Baek Eun-hoo in the back seat, Seong Ju-an pulled out his phone at the sound of notifications.
Messages had arrived from every party member. Feeling like he was dealing with overdue work, he started replying one by one.
Mo Jun-young — Did you receive the uniform properly? Does the size fit?
Seong Ju-an — I got it. The size fits perfectly.
Mo Jun-young — That’s good. Be careful around Baek Eun-hoo.
After replying with thanks to Mo Jun-young, he checked Joo Ji-chan’s messages next.
Joo Ji-chan — Write down whatever you want to eat.
Seong Ju-an — Everything you make tastes good, though.
Joo Ji-chan — …Are you stupid? Why are you answering something completely different? I’m not making food for myself, so just pick a menu.
Seong Ju-an — Jjamppong, pork cutlet, sushi, and that strawberry cake from before.
Joo Ji-chan — k
After checking the last message, Ju-an took a deep breath.
He already felt exhausted before even opening Gong Se-yoon’s chat. There was a bright red number 20 next to his name.
‘What did he even send this much for?’
Gong Se-yoon — I wrapped myself up in the blanket hyung used, but I’m still cold.
Gong Se-yoon — Hyung, let’s go watch another movie together next time.
Gong Se-yoon — Don’t have too much fun with Baek Eun-hoo. I miss you.
It seemed like Se-yoon’s depression was acting up again.
‘Still… he’s gotten a lot better than before. He’s not talking about wanting to die anymore. He’s talking about future plans.’
Seong Ju-an — Se-yoon, make sure you eat and go for a walk.
Gong Se-yoon — Eat? A walk…
Seong Ju-an — You’re not going to?
Gong Se-yoon — I will. I’m doing it now!
A little later, Se-yoon sent a picture of a steaming rice cooker. Ju-an told him to send another picture after he finished eating, then slipped his phone back into his pocket.
When he absentmindedly turned his head, he found Baek Eun-hoo staring directly at him. His cold blue eyes were enough to make chills run down Ju-an’s spine.
“You’re basically his babysitter.”
Apparently Eun-hoo had been reading everything from the side since Ju-an hadn’t bothered hiding his screen.
‘What a creepy bastard.’
“Why are you peeking at other people’s messages?”
“You kept grinning like an idiot next to me, so I got curious. But do you always text this often?”
Thinking about it, today really was unusual. Not just Gong Se-yoon, even Joo Ji-chan and Mo Jun-young had messaged him. Maybe everyone was nervous because of Baek Eun-hoo.
“It’s because everyone’s worried since you keep acting suspicious. We normally don’t text this much.”
“That’s harsh. We’re party members who’ve fought through life and death together.”
“Well, maybe you should’ve behaved better usually.”
While they exchanged meaningless jabs, the car arrived in front of a lavish building.
Following behind Baek Eun-hoo after getting out of the car, Seong Ju-an entered the building.
The interior radiated luxury at a glance. Ornate decorations were set up everywhere as though a party were being held. The first and second floors were connected by a grand spiral staircase, making the ceiling feel impossibly high.
Beneath stained-glass windows stood a bar lined with expensive liquor and bartenders dressed in elegant suits. Even the guests seated at distant tables looked as if they had stepped straight out of a movie.
Seeing Ju-an distractedly looking around, Baek Eun-hoo wrapped an arm around his shoulders and murmured against his ear,
“Stop gawking and walk properly.”
Only then did Ju-an realize how many eyes were fixed on him. He straightened himself and kept walking.
“By the way, who exactly are we here to meet?”
“Someone useful to us.”
Baek Eun-hoo answered vaguely and quickened his pace.
Warm golden lights wrapped around the burgundy suit covering Eun-hoo’s broad back, and not just Ju-an but everyone else in the room found themselves watching him.
The lighting and Baek Eun-hoo suited each other so perfectly it felt almost unreal. Ju-an stared blankly until Eun-hoo asked what was taking him so long.
After passing through the lobby and walking down a long hallway, they arrived at a large door. Baek Eun-hoo looked Ju-an over from head to toe one last time, tightening his tie again and brushing at his shoulders for no reason.
“This should do.”
Without giving any further explanation, he grabbed the handle. Judging only from the atmosphere, Ju-an could tell the person inside wasn’t ordinary.
As soon as the door opened, a woman in a flowing white dress jumped to her feet. The moment Baek Eun-hoo approached, she naturally embraced him.
“It’s been a while, Eun-hoo.”
“Have you been well, Director?”
The woman laughed brightly.
“The Director hasn’t been well, but Eun Soo-jung has.”
Baek Eun-hoo responded to the joke with his usual sly grin. Since Ju-an had assumed they’d be meeting a man, he awkwardly lowered his head in surprise. The woman turned toward him.
“Ah, so you’re Buffer Seong Ju-an.”
“…Yes. And you are?”
“Oh, I’m Eun Soo-jung, Director of the Security Bureau.”
Security Bureau?
‘Wait… where have I heard that before?’
Digging through his memory, Ju-an suddenly remembered Mo Jun-young mentioning he would report things to higher-ups back at the center. His eyes widened immediately, and he bowed politely.
“Hello. I’m Buffer Seong Ju-an.”
At Ju-an’s stiff greeting, Soo-jung smiled slightly and extended a hand adorned with flashy bracelets. Ju-an quickly wiped his palms against his pants before shaking her hand.
“You’re even more handsome in person than on screen.”
“Th-thank you…”
While Ju-an awkwardly waved his hand around, Baek Eun-hoo guided Eun Soo-jung to her seat and pulled out her chair for her. Together in their burgundy suit and white silk dress, they looked like celebrities attending some gala.
After Soo-jung sat down, Baek Eun-hoo circled the table and approached Ju-an. Since he had no idea what he was supposed to do, he just stood there blankly until Eun-hoo smirked and said something ridiculous.
“What? Want me to pull your chair out too?”
“No thanks.”
Grinding his teeth, Ju-an pulled out his own chair and sat down.
Watching them with an odd expression, Eun Soo-jung finally spoke.
“So, what’s the matter? If you even brought Buffer Seong Ju-an with you, this can’t be an ordinary favor.”
“What’s the rush? We can at least have a drink first.”
The moment he finished speaking, a server wearing a bowtie entered and began setting the table. Plates with extravagant presentations were lined across the white tablecloth, and champagne glasses were placed before each of them.
When Eun Soo-jung lifted her glass with a nod toward the server, Baek Eun-hoo and Seong Ju-an followed suit. The three glasses clinked together softly.
The sweet champagne was refreshingly cool and pleasantly fruity, enough to stimulate the appetite.
After elegantly setting her glass down, Eun Soo-jung turned toward Ju-an.
“You know, I kept asking Eun-hoo to let me meet you.”
Ju-an smiled awkwardly.
“Ah, really? I’m glad to meet you too.”
“He hid you away so carefully and never let anyone see you. Since he finally agreed to bring you today, I made sure to dress up. So? What do you think?”
“…Y-you’re beautiful.”
At Ju-an’s answer, Baek Eun-hoo scoffed.
“Seong Ju-an, don’t be fooled. That woman’s a hidden S-rank.”
“Wh-what?”
There were other S-ranks besides the party members?
The shock made Ju-an’s eyes go wide.
The excitement doesn't stop here! If you enjoyed this, you’ll adore Jinho's Story. Start reading now!
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