Chapter 87: The Guide Who Broke His Own Heart to Save the Man He Loved

Kim Jung-mi leaned forward, closing the distance.

“I looked into the student—quite impressive. Top grades, highest guiding count at the cleanup crew… handsome, over 90 % compatibility with Esper Cha Hae-jin.”

Praise or sarcasm—impossible to tell. Lee Chae waited silently.

“But Student Jung.”

She leaned closer. S-rank guide energy hit like a wall—breath caught just like when Hae-jin approached.

Lee Chae forced out,

“…Yes.”

“I’m not low enough to hold your brother hostage for blackmail. And after meeting you… that wouldn’t work anyway.”

Half true, half false. Lee Chae wasn’t unworried—he’d glimpsed his mother through the cracked door earlier; she wasn’t crying. Situation probably not critical. But showing weakness was bad. Better she think him heartless.

If not the brother—what then? She was too unpredictable.

Kim Jung-mi stared, then continued.

“Still, I’ll ask. Dissolve the imprint— we’ll cover your brother’s hospital bills, family living expenses, guarantee your civil-service career. Interested?”

“No.”

“Good. Expected that. Different question then. Do you truly love my Hae-jin?”

Absurd. Lee Chae’s eyes widened.

He couldn’t read her intent. After a pause, he answered firmly—voice shaking but clear.

“I don’t know how you see me, but if I wanted what an S-rank has, I would’ve imprinted the first day we met. I’m sincere about Esper Cha Hae-jin.”

Her gaze intensified—like she’d wanted that answer. She wanted them apart—yet reacted positively to love?

“We’ll get along then. Straight to the point. There’s something you don’t know, Student Jung. The biggest difference between D-rank and S-rank guides isn’t minor healing or compatibility.”

“…?”

Another incomprehensible statement. Healing and compatibility were everything— what else?

She watched his confusion seriously.

“If not that—what?”

“The most critical ability only S-rank healing guides have is regeneration. You know espers can lose powers from life-threatening injuries. Only regeneration restores them.”

Regeneration?

Body went weak. First time hearing this. So no matter how high compatibility— in mortal danger, his ability was useless to Hae-jin.

Head spun, stomach churned.

Stay calm.

He repeated don’t fall for it— could be a lie to separate them.

She added,

“Power must regenerate before proper healing begins. No matter the compatibility— only S-ranks can save a dying esper.”

“I’ve never heard this. If true—why hide it? Why didn’t I ever learn it?”

“To protect S-rank regeneration guides. If known, physically weaker guides could be illegally kidnapped and forced to regenerate lower-rank espers.”

He shook his head in disbelief. She pulled out a tablet, activated security, logged into headquarters classified files— and showed him the documents herself.

He watched every step. No choice—he had to believe.

“Still think I’m lying?”

Delayed answer.

“…Give me time to think.”

Mind chaos. Haejin always fought on the front line. Lee Chae loved him more than anyone, high compatibility— he’d vowed never to lose him over rank inferiority.

But headquarters opposed them not for rank— but because he couldn’t save Hae-jin’s life.

If Hae-jin lost everything and no guide would help because he had an exclusive— what then? Disabled, powerless— would mere survival mean anything?

Lee Chae would never forgive himself for being a burden instead of help.

Life had been going too well. He’d known rank would bite him— a D-rank dreaming of an S-rank was greedy. But this? Cruel timing—happiness shattered without warning.

He clutched his chest, head bowed. She seemed to ask if he was okay— but ears rang; nothing registered.

He gripped the table till knuckles white— or he’d collapse. He’d held strong in the power play— only to crumble at one sentence.

“…I’m fine.”

He stood slowly. Blurred vision caught her face—Hae-jin’s features. He swallowed rising emotion, spoke calmly.

“I don’t know how you feel about Esper Cha… but if I vanish without a word, he’ll turn the world upside down to find me. He’s soft-hearted—can’t abandon easily.”

She nodded bitterly.

“I know. Sometimes you must play villain for the one you love. It’ll hurt, but you understand— this is for humanity.”

He shook his head.

“Not worried he’ll hate me. Worried he’ll suffer when I’m gone.”

She murmured,

“Time heals that. Not immediately, but…”

“I hope so. I’d love to explain everything, comfort him, leave slowly— but the second I speak, he’ll never let go.”

“Same thought. That’s why I spoke to your mother first—convinced her. New identities ready. Best to leave quickly.”

Leave today.

Tears he’d held back burst. He knew he shouldn’t— but couldn’t stop.

“What if he finds me before the mark’s removed?”

Voice cracking, almost hoping— she answered calmly.

“He’s in combat—can’t come mid-battle. You know him—can’t stand people getting hurt.”

So this is really the end…

Everything felt sharp yet dreamlike. Wake up tomorrow and today erased—please.

Futile wish. He swallowed endless sobs.

Kim Jung-mi stood.

“Think it over. But remember— the longer you stay, the more people die out there.”

Final blow. She left the lounge.

Lee Chae stayed seated— tears falling silently, world crumbling.

He’d always planned to fight headquarters together with Hae-jin. But this weapon— he had no defense.

To save the man he loved more than life, the only choice was to disappear.

Forever.