The ES building where Han-gyeol stays is an Esper-exclusive dormitory, housing only S-class and select A-class Espers. Among the A-class, only those with rare mental or elemental abilities qualify to stay here. It’s the best-equipped facility among all the dormitories in the A division.
The building’s exterior was as luxurious as any five-star hotel, and as I entered the dorm, I was greeted by a sleek, monochromatic interior.
The living room was furnished with only the essentials, and the kitchen, though minimally equipped, seemed to be well-maintained, suggesting that he often cooked there.
“Would you like to watch TV in the living room for a bit? I’ll have something ready soon.”
“How can I do that? Let me help.”
“The guest should relax.”
“I’m not comfortable just sitting around….”
“Then take a look around the place.”
With his insistence on refusing help, I awkwardly walked toward the living room. Han-gyeol’s dorm had high ceilings and was significantly more spacious than the temporary housing I currently occupied. This was his permanent assignment, while I was only staying in a temporary residence, which explained the difference.
A staircase led up to the second floor, with various paintings lining the walls up to the top.
‘He never seemed particularly interested in art before.’
I slowly took in the paintings, most of which depicted vivid battle scenes with creatures.
When I reached the last painting, I studied it more closely. It portrayed a beautiful, half-naked man fiercely soaring through the sky, brutally stabbing a creature’s abdomen with a sharp spear. The creature had pointed ears and horns, resembling a demon more than a monster. The scene was depicted in a way that made it look as if a god was righteously punishing evil, but I felt uneasy looking at it.
“Why hang such a painting in a dorm? Unless it’s meant to serve as a constant reminder….”
As I muttered to myself, I noticed some cursive writing beneath the painting.
Baek Ja-gang
It was Han-gyeol’s grandfather’s name.
‘Come to think of it, the Center Head did mention that he paints as a hobby.’
Han-gyeol’s family has been renowned as a distinguished Esper lineage for generations. His father, Baek Ji-sang, is currently serving as the branch manager of the A division, and his grandfather, Baek Ja-gang, is the chairman of the Center.
Both were S-class Espers in their prime, and the chairman had once been hailed as a national hero for his role in subduing an S-class gate that appeared in Area A long ago.
Though the chairman is no longer active in the field, he often gives speeches at major Center events, emphasizing the pride, responsibility, and weight of being an Awakened.
I’ve had a few conversations with Chairman Baek Ja-gang as well. For some reason, he would acknowledge me with a nod whenever our eyes met.
“Guide Gu Sa-weol, I’ve heard that you’re performing exceptionally well in your role with the Alpha team. We have high expectations for you. Please continue to fulfill your duties as a Guide.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
The conversations were never lengthy. It was mostly routine praise, with me responding with a polite bow. That was all.
As I looked at this painting, I thought that even if Han-gyeol’s mother hadn’t lost her life to a Cremon, it would have been difficult for him to accept a half-blooded Cremon like me.
Growing up in the deeply rooted Baek family, he must have been taught from a young age that creatures were the root of all evil in the world, beings to be fought against.
I was taught the same in school. However, after becoming a Cremon myself, my perspective shifted slightly. Cremons are still partly human. Like Emily and me, if they can regularly manage their bloodthirst, they can live just like ordinary people.
Yet, because of the reckless actions of some Cremons who have killed humans indiscriminately, we’ve been universally rejected as monsters. It felt more than just unfair; it was a stark reminder that we were denied basic human rights.
This kind of resentment is difficult to understand unless one experiences it firsthand. For someone like Han-gyeol, who is from a prestigious family and doesn’t need to consider the perspective of others, it’s even harder.
If I hadn’t become a Cremon, I too would have blindly regarded Cremons as creatures to be hunted. Whether they were law-abiding or barbaric, I wouldn’t have cared.
‘But what about Baek Yu-geon? Is he an anomaly?’
“What are you doing?”
My thoughts were interrupted as Han-gyeol suddenly appeared.
“Oh, nothing. Is everything ready?”
“Yeah. Come on down.”
“Okay.”
He glanced briefly at the painting I had been staring at before turning away. I, too, shook off the unsettling feeling and followed him.
As we approached the kitchen, a savory aroma filled the air. On the table were pasta with basil, salad, risotto, and wine. It was an impressive spread for something he claimed to have prepared in just a short time.
“Wine is okay, right? Or would you prefer something else to drink?”
“No, wine is fine.”
I hadn’t originally planned to drink alcohol with Han-gyeol, but I didn’t refuse. His offer of something non-alcoholic made me feel like he was treating me like a child again, so I felt a bit rebellious.
Han-gyeol chuckled lightly and used a corkscrew to open the bottle. With a soft pop, the fragrant scent of grapes filled the room.
He poured about a third of a tulip-shaped wine glass for me. As soon as I reached for the glass, he gave me an amused look.
“I thought you’d grown up well.”
His lips curved into a subtle smirk. When I deliberately drank half the glass, he let out a hearty laugh, showing his teeth.
“I didn’t realize you’d become such a drinker.”
“I can handle this much, you know?”
When I responded grumpily, Han-gyeol filled his own glass and clinked it against mine.
“And you talk as if you raised me or something.”
The clink of the glasses resonated with a clear, crisp sound. He tilted his glass slowly, taking a small sip. Despite being an Esper who moved his body with intensity in the field, his movements seemed refined and elegant.
“Well, it’s not entirely wrong. I took care of you more than your parents did when you were at the Center.”
Since both my parents worked as researchers at the A division, I spent my childhood living in the Center’s dormitories. At that time, Han-gyeol was already making a name for himself as the youngest Esper in the Alpha team, and even though I knew it might annoy him, I often begged my mom to have him take care of me.
“What, should I start calling you Dad?”
But I stopped doing that as I grew older. Looking back, it felt childish and embarrassing. His frequent references to those times made me feel self-conscious.
“I’d prefer ‘Oppa’ over ‘Dad.’ Why don’t you call me that anymore?”
“That was just because I was a kid… And it’s not like we’re that close in age.”
There was a seven-year age gap between us—too wide to be friends, yet not so large as to require formalities. Still, I said it to create some distance.
“Oh, so you think I’m an old man now?”
“Well, isn’t thirty old….”
I trailed off, half to myself, and he burst out laughing. He gestured for me to eat, so I twirled some pasta onto my fork and took a bite.
Despite what I said, Han-gyeol looked like he was still in his mid-twenties. Espers aged more slowly once they reached their physical peak in their early twenties.
‘He probably knows that all too well.’
Sometimes, his easy confidence made me a bit envious. Although things started off a bit awkward, as we ate and talked about things we hadn’t discussed in a while, the atmosphere quickly relaxed.
“This one has a lot of fruit, and this one has more cream. Which do you want?”
“Hmm… cream.”
Just as my plate was nearly empty, he brought over a parfait he had prepared beforehand. It was layered with cream and nuts, with a beautiful array of fruits decorating the top. The parfait wasn’t just visually appealing; it was so delicious it could easily be served in a high-end restaurant.
“Have you been taking cooking classes or something? Your skills are too good for someone who learned on their own.”
I asked as I poked at the apple carved into a flower shape on top of the parfait. It looked like a piece of art meticulously crafted by an artist. How does one even cut fruit like this?
“My mother is an excellent cook. I picked up a few things from her, thinking it might come in handy one day.”
Even though he occasionally cooked for me when we were younger, this was on a different level. I usually survived on instant meals since I started living alone, so this unexpectedly high-quality meal was a pleasant surprise.
‘So he’s talking about Baek Yu-geon’s biological mother. He must have been close with her.’
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Come here for a moment.”
He looked at me with satisfaction before suddenly reaching out his hand. I flinched and pulled my head back at the unexpected gesture, but he moved faster.
Without hesitation, his hand wiped something from the corner of my mouth before pulling back.
“You’re eating like a kid, getting food all over yourself. Are you still saying you’re not a child?”
“…….”
It seemed I had gotten some cream on my lips. His thumb now had a small smear of white cream on it.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I scrubbed my lips with the back of my hand.
“Now tell me, why did you suddenly decide to stop hiding?”
I changed the subject, feeling both a bit flustered and aware that dinner was nearly over. It seemed like the perfect time to ask for an explanation.
I had expected Han-gyeol to bring it up during the meal, but he hadn’t said anything until I spoke first. This was unlike the usual Han-gyeol, who was always precise and quick to address things. My curiosity grew.
“I just got tired of it. I started thinking, why were we so cautious about something as trivial as this? We’ve just known each other for a long time, that’s all.”
Contrary to my expectation of a more serious reason, he replied lightly. I couldn’t tell if that was the real reason he called me over today, so I stared at him intently for a moment.
“Weren’t you bothered by it?”
He smiled softly. Since it didn’t seem like he was talking about anything related to the Center, I relaxed my expression and replied.
“A little, yeah. But even if we stop hiding it, me coming over to your dorm still seems strange now.”
“True. You’re an adult now… It could lead to misunderstandings, especially since you’re paired with Yu-geon now. Right?”
“…Yes. If we’re going to have dinner, let’s do it outside next time.”
I should have felt relieved that nothing significant was going on, but instead, the atmosphere felt even more awkward. It was strange that he had invited me to his dorm for no apparent reason.
Judging by how he spoke, it didn’t seem like he was unaware of the implications. So why did he do this, knowing how it might look? It didn’t seem likely that he was simply tired of being cautious.
“But there’s a way for it not to look strange, even if people see us. Even with you paired with Yu-geon.”
“What do you mean?”
A way for it not to look strange? Is that even possible? Unless we were family…
“Sa-weol.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t be too shocked when you hear this.”
“Okay.”
