The Night Of The Untraced

The place where the woman led them was an elevator heading to the top floor. Throughout the ride, she remained silent, and even when Seungjoo made eye contact with her, she merely blinked without any noticeable reaction. Her expressionless face, almost robotic in its demeanor, gave him an inexplicable sense of déjà vu.He couldn’t sense any spiritual energy because his spiritual sight was closed. He wondered if she was the person who had broken the seal on the specter, but without a way to confirm it, his thoughts remained mere suspicions. Her appearance was very similar, but then again, Yunhee, who had visited the grave, didn’t look much different either.“This way, please.”Ding. The elevator doors opened, and they followed the woman down a corridor. Since she mentioned that the Association President was waiting, they were likely heading to him. As they walked, the woman suddenly stopped in the middle of the corridor.“Team Leader Lee Yunhee, I’ll escort you only up to this point.”“…Why?”The one who asked this was Seungjoo. While Yunhee remained silent, Seungjoo furrowed his brow and asked again.“Did he ask for me to come alone?”That seemed a bit strange. Although he had planned on meeting alone, it was highly suspicious that she would come to greet them only to take him away by himself. It felt as though there was some hidden agenda.“No, he didn’t say that specifically, but I was instructed to escort only the Seo family’s young master…”“He didn’t say not to come together, right?”This time, it was Yunhee who spoke. He calmly watched them before continuing.“Didn’t they just tell you to bring the Seo family’s young master without any further instructions?”“Yes, that’s correct.”“Then we can go together.”“…”“They didn’t say not to bring the team leader.”Though Yunhee’s request was almost unreasonable, the woman didn’t respond immediately. It wasn’t that she was flustered or confused, but rather that she seemed to be carefully considering Yunhee’s words. Yunhee tilted her head slightly and met her gaze.“Look, suppose you’re on your way to capture a specter and you encounter a malicious spirit. Would it be okay to exterminate that spirit, or not?”“It would be okay.”This time, the answer came without hesitation. Yunhee nodded as if to say, “See?” and then asked another question.“Then, if you’re escorting the Seo family’s young master, would it be okay to bring me along, or not?”“It would…”The woman, who was about to respond instinctively, clamped her mouth shut. Though she didn’t finish her sentence, Yunhee seemed satisfied and tilted her head lightly as if indicating that was enough.“Lead the way.”‘Wow, that’s some twisted logic.’Seungjoo thought to himself as he glanced at Yunhee. It was ridiculous how she could spout such absurd reasoning, and even more surprising was how the woman, unable to argue, began walking again. Despite her icy expression, she seemed oddly pliable in certain situations.‘…She’s just like Gwangsik.’He kept feeling déjà vu because she resembled Gwangsik. The expressionless face, the monotone speech, and the occasional odd behavior—it was all too familiar. To put it nicely, she had a poker face; to put it bluntly, she lacked a certain human touch.There was a reason for this, though. Since controlling spiritual power is largely a matter of mental strength, exorcists are taught from a young age how to manage their emotions. As a result, their emotional swings were generally minimal, and even if they did fall into a slump, they recovered quickly. While the neighbors weren’t as extreme, this might have been the norm among other exorcists.“We’ve arrived.”Lost in thought, they had reached a set of ornate wooden doors. The design was so distinct from the other rooms that it was clear to anyone that someone important was inside. The woman lightly knocked on the door and spoke in a monotonous voice.“Sir, I’m coming in.”Seungjoo found himself thinking that there was no way the person inside could hear such a quiet voice. Then he realized that he was probably the only one here with normal hearing. Everyone in the room likely had spiritual abilities, so they could hear and sense much more than he could.‘I need to stay sharp.’He reminded himself again and clutched the talisman in his pocket. It was a half-habitual gesture, and as expected, he couldn’t sense any spiritual energy. Still, it put him at ease, so he focused on calming his nerves as he watched the wooden doors slowly open.Creak. The sound of the door opening was quite intimidating. He guessed that, like the door at the entrance, he wouldn’t be able to open this one on his own.Before he could finish that thought, a new voice interrupted.“Well, come on in.”The man who approached was dressed in a well-tailored suit with a traditional Korean robe draped over it. The robe, made of silk with a golden phoenix embroidered on it, was a clear sign that this man was the Association President, according to what Seungjoo knew. Although similar robes were provided to senior exorcists, he’d heard that hardly anyone actually wore them.“This is our first time meeting, isn’t it? I’m the Association President.”“…Hello, sorry for coming so late.”When the Association President extended both hands for a handshake, Seungjoo reluctantly took them, his discomfort evident on his face. The man was clearly middle-aged, so Seungjoo didn’t forget to bow as he greeted him. The Association President laughed heartily and bowed even lower in return.“Oh, don’t worry, you’re welcome any time. I should have been the one to visit you first…”This was one of the reasons Seungjoo personally disliked coming to the Association. Even though he was just a twenty-year-old student, everyone treated him with such overwhelming respect that it made him uncomfortable. Seeing people, one after another, bowing and lowering themselves made him feel uneasy.“How are your parents doing?”“Well, they’re… fine.”More than fine, actually. They were probably sound asleep without a clue of what was going on. It would be a couple of hours before they might not be doing so well, but for now, they were fine.“Oh dear, look at me, I should have at least offered you some tea. Please, come this way.”The Association President guided Seungjoo inside, completely ignoring Yunhee and the woman. The woman bowed slightly before leaving the room, and Yunhee remained standing by the door.As Seungjoo sat down on the sofa, someone suddenly appeared from behind and offered a teacup.“…!”Startled, Seungjoo moved away, and when he turned his head, he saw a man dressed in black placing the teacup on the table and giving him a nod. The fact that the man had been in the room without Seungjoo noticing and was now offering tea was unsettling.“Our staff can be a bit lacking in presence sometimes, can’t they?”The Association President, seated diagonally on the sofa, spoke with a sympathetic tone, as if he understood Seungjoo’s reaction. He also reminded the man who served the tea to be more cautious next time.“No… it’s alright. Thank you.”Seungjoo, trying to calm his racing heart, glanced at Yunhee. After being startled, he wanted to confirm the familiar face. Yunhee was still standing by the door, communicating only with his eyes. Truly cautious.“…”If someone were normal, they’d be startled too. Though he felt a surge of frustration, he couldn’t refute it. After all, it wasn’t like he had spoken directly to anyone, making it awkward to justify his feelings.“Please, make yourself comfortable.”Though the Association President said so, Seungjoo merely nodded and didn’t touch the teacup. Considering that his spiritual sight had been affected by just cigarette smoke, he couldn’t predict what might happen if he ingested something. The Association President observed Seungjoo’s actions with a kindly smile.“So, what brings you to the Association…?”“…Hmm.”Rather than immediately addressing the purpose of his visit, Seungjoo took a moment to observe the Association President. He had a seemingly benign appearance, but the feeling he gave off was not very pleasant. There wasn’t a specific reason he could pinpoint, just an instinctive discomfort and fear.“I came to ask you something.”“Of course, feel free to ask anything.”The Association President responded promptly to Seungjoo’s hesitant statement. There seemed to be a brief flicker of curiosity in his gaze. Seungjoo tried to keep his voice steady as he began to speak.“I want to discuss…”He intended to ask for the cancellation of Kim Muheun’s disciplinary action, planning to argue that Muheun didn’t deserve it. He believed he could negotiate and achieve what he wanted if necessary.However, Seungjoo closed his mouth before he could continue. The moment he was about to mention Muheun’s name, he recalled something.‘Do you think the Association will ask you to purify many specters and start with that?’‘…’‘You won’t agree to that, right?’Negotiations can be quite amusing; the person who brings up a topic often gains the upper hand. Seungjoo had intended to reveal his abilities to the Association to preemptively address potential weaknesses.If he had asked for help in capturing a criminal and requested protection in return, the Association would likely demand specter purification in exchange. Muheun’s opposition to Seungjoo’s proposal might have been significantly influenced by this.“Yes, what exactly are you asking?”He paused, contemplating who would be more disadvantaged. Was it himself, who had arrived in the middle of the night, or the Association President, who seemed to be waiting for him? If the conversation didn’t go well here, who would ultimately lose out?“…I believe you also have something to say to me.”The Association President’s expression changed at Seungjoo’s slow revelation. He slightly wrinkled his eyes and waited for Seungjoo to continue. The smile on his face grew wider, but the underlying feeling was clearly one of embarrassment, prompting Seungjoo to speak with increased confidence.“Let’s hear that first.”It was different from agreeing to a request in exchange for canceling the disciplinary action versus canceling it in return for a favor. Even if it seemed like a matter of splitting hairs, having some leverage would be better.“…”The Association President remained silent for a while. In the stillness of the room, Seungjoo blinked slowly, trying not to show his nervousness.After what felt like a long wait, the Association President murmured in a tone devoid of humor.“As expected, you’re quite perceptive.”The face was still smiling, but the voice wasn’t. The sudden, threatening atmosphere made Seungjoo tightly clench his hands, which were resting on his thighs. the president of the association slightly leaned forward and placed his clasped hands on the table.“Shall I start the conversation?”His tone suggested indifference or perhaps a willingness to humor the situation if Seungjoo wanted to. As Seungjoo quietly looked at him, the president wasted no time getting straight to the point.“As you may already know, there has been an appearance of the demonic spirits whose seals have recently been broken.”The president calmly continued without averting his gaze.“Just like the serpent you encountered previously.”“……”You already know, don’t you? Well, it would be more surprising if you didn’t. After all, it was Kim Muheun who killed that serpent and ended up being disciplined for it.“We’ve been assigning people to handle the situation, but we’re severely understaffed. Honestly, we could use any help we can get, even a cat’s paw.”The attitude was polite, but the tone was not. There was something shameless in the way his voice oozed with casual insincerity, and his eyes sparkled as if he had found that very cat.“However, I heard that you can purify these demonic spirits, Seungjoo.”It wasn’t much different from what Seungjoo had anticipated. The association knew that Seungjoo could purify the demonic spirits. Whether it was because they were monitoring him or for some other reason didn’t matter. The fact wasn’t surprising, nor was the conclusion that followed.“Our association would like to request your assistance in purifying these demonic spirits.”It was just as he expected. In fact, it was surprising how straightforwardly the president presented the request.“We’ll make sure you’re well-compensated. We’ll also assign you spirit hunters to ensure your safety.”Even as he mentioned compensation, it seemed the president knew Seungjoo didn’t need it. Seungjoo wasn’t particularly greedy for money, and the funds would likely come from his own family anyway. It was probably a token gesture of formality.“That concludes my business here.”the president straightened his posture again, leaning back comfortably against the sofa, waiting patiently for Seungjoo’s response. Seungjoo frowned slightly and cautiously opened his mouth.“Catching the culprit is……”“Oh no, that’s the association’s job.”He asked because they were focusing only on the demonic spirits, not the culprit. But the president quickly waved his hand, laughing lightly.“We wouldn’t ask you to go that far.”It sounded more like a warning to not get involved. As if implying that there’s nothing you can do anyway.“……”So they don’t know I can read the memories of demonic spirits. Seungjoo suddenly realized and closed his mouth tightly. If they knew, they wouldn’t just ask him to purify them. The association wasn’t stupid; they would want to catch the culprit as well.“Would you like some time to think about it?”“……No.”Seungjoo shook his head and composed his expression. There were countless things he wanted to say, but he decided not to reveal any information the president didn’t already know. Even if he knew, if he hadn’t mentioned it, it was better to keep it buried.Except for the few risks I have to bear.“The truth is, purifying demonic spirits takes a heavy toll on my body. After one purification, I can’t move for a while… I’m exhausted for days, and even daily activities become difficult.”He deliberately exaggerated a bit. It was true that it took a toll on his body, but only briefly, and he’d never been exhausted for days. However, if he didn’t say this, he wouldn’t know how many demonic spirits they would ask him to purify.“I won’t be able to purify as many as you’d like, and I’m not sure I can handle the stronger ones.”“I see.”Was it just his imagination, or did the president’s face momentarily show disappointment? Whether it was because he couldn’t purify as many as they wanted, or because he might not be able to purify the stronger ones, Seungjoo wasn’t sure.“And even if I agree, my parents might not allow it.”This time, the president also wore a serious expression. He was well aware of how overprotective the Seung family was. He must have also known how Seungjoo’s siblings had met their ends.“If you agree, I will explain everything to your parents. Once again, I assure you that you won’t be in any danger.”the president spoke in a serious tone, as if to say that Seungjoo’s safety was of utmost importance. That’s something Kim Muheun often says, Seungjoo thought to himself as he gently opened his mouth.“Then I have one condition.”* * *The sound of two pairs of footsteps echoed through the hallway. Yunhee walked ahead, and Seungjoo followed a step behind.As they silently walked, Yunhee suddenly muttered in a small voice, as if possessed by a ghost.“……Kim Muheun raised you well.”With that, Yunhee glanced back at Seungjoo. Although Yunhee was tall, she was just slightly shorter than Seungjoo. Probably around the same height as Muyeon or Muryong.“So brazen.”“Well……”It wasn’t an insult, but it didn’t sound like much of a compliment either, so Seungjoo just made an awkward expression. However, he felt the need to correct one part that was wrong.“I was raised by my parents.”‘If possible, I’d like the spirit hunter you mentioned to be Kim Muheun.’That was the one condition Seungjoo had set. He wanted the spirit hunter who would be assigned to ensure his safety to be Kim Muheun. He reasoned that his parents would feel reassured, and he himself would be uncomfortable with anyone else.‘…Kim Muheun, you say?’‘Yes, I want it to be Kim Muheun.’Everyone in the association knew that the Muheun and Seungjoo families were close, so Seungjoo thought no further explanation would be necessary. However, the president seemed hesitant.‘Kim Muheun might be a bit…’As expected, it seemed a bit problematic to choose someone who had been disciplined. While Seungjoo was pondering this, the president, still smiling, tried to persuade him otherwise.‘How about another exorcist? We have many skilled spirit hunters in our association. Team Leader Lee, for example, is excellent. Just pick anyone, and I’ll make sure they’re assigned to you.’‘No, I don’t want anyone else.’Instead of asking why, Seungjoo just shook his head firmly. He insisted that he couldn’t do it without Kim Muheun, or else he’d feel uneasy. He even went so far as to say that if it couldn’t be Muheun, he’d prefer Muyeon or Muryong, even though he knew they weren’t spirit hunters. It was a desperate gamble, but he pushed hard.There was no other choice. If the conversation dragged on, Seungjoo would probably end up being the one persuaded. No matter how impressive his family was, Seo Seungjoo was still just a twenty-year-old who couldn’t win against the middle-aged man in front of him.‘Haha… I’ve heard you two are quite close…’The president couldn’t hide his discomfort as Seungjoo, almost like someone with separation anxiety, made his request. He even seemed a bit annoyed, but in the end, he couldn’t break off the negotiation.Just as Seungjoo decided to push a little further, the president finally relented.‘…Alright. We’ll assign Kim Muheun to you.’Watching the president sigh quietly, Seungjoo subtly added a few more conditions. The deadline would be before the end of summer vacation, and the purification of the demonic spirits would be limited to what wouldn’t strain his body. He was prepared to give up if these weren’t accepted, but surprisingly, the president agreed to them as well.Everything went surprisingly smoothly, but there were still many things Seungjoo didn’t understand. If they were truly short-handed, assigning Kim Muheun to him would be a loss for the association. So why were they so eager to meet all his conditions?In any case, Seungjoo managed to temporarily cancel Muheun’s reassignment to the provinces without directly mentioning his disciplinary status. He didn’t know what would happen afterward, but he was told that as long as Muheun was accompanying him, she wouldn’t be given any other tasks. Since the number of demonic spirits Seungjoo could purify was limited, Muheun probably wouldn’t be overworked for the time being.‘However, if Kim Muheun opposes this arrangement, you’ll be responsible for persuading him.’This part worried Seungjoo a bit, but it was something he had to deal with after making the decision. This time, he thought, Muheun might really get angry. Even with that thought, Seungjoo nodded.‘Then let’s finalize the contract…’‘Oh, I’d like to finalize the contract with Hyung as well.’When Seungjoo said this, the president gave him a weary look. Even so, he managed to keep his smile and nodded, agreeing to the request.Only then did Seungjoo finally ask the question that had been on his mind.‘Where is Hyung now?’“Room 214…”In front of Room 214 of the large dormitory hidden behind the association’s main building, Seungjoo swallowed nervously. With a bag slung over his shoulder, full of clothes and belongings, he looked visibly tense, which was rare for him.“…He left immediately, huh?”Yunhee, who had escorted him to the room, disappeared without looking back. Yunhee didn’t want to face Muheun, and Seungjoo couldn’t blame her. After all, it was obvious how Muheun would look at him for bringing Seungjoo to the association.‘He’s probably resting in the dormitory right now.’Contrary to Seungjoo’s expectations, Muheun hadn’t left for the provinces yet. He was supposed to have left by now, but his departure had been delayed due to his poor health. They said he had fully recovered as of yesterday, so if Seungjoo had been even a day late, he would have missed him.‘…He wasn’t feeling well?’Worried that Muheun might have been injured, Seungjoo suddenly recalled the date as he thought back. The date he had been aware of since visiting the grave had already passed.‘Rest on the full moon.’So that’s why he hadn’t gone yet. On the full moon, his spiritual energy becomes uncontrollable, so it wasn’t a lie to say he wasn’t feeling well. It was surprising that the association had been considerate of that, but Muheun must have found a way to make them accommodate him.“Hoo…”Taking a small breath, Seungjoo looked directly at the door. The thought that Kim Muheun was inside made the tension finally catch up to him. Although he had managed to handle the meeting with the president, the real challenge was Kim Muheun himself.Well, once you draw your sword, you have to use it. With that thought, Seungjoo knocked on the door.How would Muheun react if he found out? That thought constantly plagued Seungjoo’s mind as he made his way to the association. It was more of an uneasy guess than a full-fledged worry—this time, Muheun might genuinely get angry.Seungjoo had never seen Muheun get truly angry. He might scold, but he never outright criticized, and while he might harden his expression, he never raised his voice. It wasn’t because Muheun had an inherently gentle nature like Kim Muryeong; it was because he was mature enough to control such emotions.Moreover, when it came to Seungjoo, Muheun was infinitely generous. There was a reason Seungjoo once thought to himself that even if he hit Muheun while drunk, he wouldn’t get angry. No matter how rudely Seungjoo spoke, he could never truly anger Muheun. In a way, the most frustrating part was his inability to provoke him.But even someone as calm as Muheun had a line that should never be crossed—the safety of the few people he wanted to protect. And among those, the safety of Seungjoo, whom he cherished the most, was paramount. Hadn’t every serious expression he ever showed been because Seungjoo was hurt?Yet, Seungjoo had just broken out of the protective barrier that Muheun had carefully set up. Before questioning whether Muheun’s methods were right or wrong, Seungjoo knew he would be reprimanded for acting on his own. Seungjoo didn’t regret his actions, but he was equally sure that Muheun wouldn’t regret his methods either.This time, Muheun would definitely get angry. Maybe he wouldn’t yell, but he would likely suppress his emotions and harden his expression. And Seungjoo was ready to endure that.Though he felt like a child about to be scolded, curiosity about what Muheun’s anger would look like also arose. As Seungjoo firmed his resolve, he thought it didn’t matter, but now that he was about to face him, he felt a little uneasy. Despite having so much to say, he couldn’t even figure out what to say first.“…But I can’t talk to him until I see his face.”Frowning, Seungjoo stared at the door. He had been standing in front of it for five minutes. There was no response from the other side, even after knocking. He tried knocking a bit louder, but there was still no sign of anyone inside.“Is he not in?”He was supposed to be here. A person who wasn’t feeling well and had just been disciplined had no reason to go out at this hour. There was no indication from the association leader that he had any assignments, so that wasn’t likely either.Maybe he was asleep. But for someone with such light sleep, he should have woken up by now. If he wasn’t opening the door, it could only mean he was deliberately ignoring it.“…”Seungjoo hesitated for a moment, raising his hand and glancing around the hallway. The rooms were spaced out, but continuous knocking might wake up others. He couldn’t just shout, “Hyung, it’s me!” without knowing for sure if Muheun was inside.Reluctantly, Seungjoo fumbled in his pocket for his phone. He should have just called from the start, but nervousness had made him hesitate. It was similar to the time he had visited Muheun’s place alone.“Why am I so nervous over something like this…”Maybe it was because they didn’t call each other often. He always felt hesitant when dialing Muheun’s number. Talking on the phone without seeing his face felt oddly unfamiliar. Even though he knew Muheun wouldn’t ignore his call, he worried that he’d feel disappointed if he didn’t pick up.He punched in the familiar eleven digits and pressed the call button. As the name “Kim Muheun Hyung” appeared on the screen, it felt oddly foreign. It hadn’t been that long, but it felt strange not having seen him for just a few days.The phone rang. Holding it to his ear, Seungjoo stared at the number plate on the door. Room 214… same as hyung’s birthday. He was musing over this when the ringing abruptly stopped.― …Hello.Ah, déjà vu. Seungjoo thought as he swallowed dryly. The voice on the other end, huskier and more subdued than usual, reminded him of the time he called Muheun from outside his office. Whether it was due to drowsiness or simple exhaustion, it sounded far less engaged than usual.“You don’t check who’s calling before answering, do you, hyung?”― …Muheun remained silent at the unexpected comment. The quiet that filled the line wasn’t just Seungjoo’s imagination. After a long pause, Muheun responded in a gentler tone than before.― Why aren’t you sleeping, Seungjoo?So you really don’t check before answering. As soon as he realized it was me, his voice changed.― You should be asleep. It’s late.Normally, Seungjoo would already be asleep by now, and Muheun knew that. It might not have been late for an exorcist, but for an ordinary person, especially Seungjoo, it was late—closer to early morning than night.― Is something wrong?“…”Now it was Seungjoo’s turn to be at a loss for words. Despite being the one under discipline, Muheun was calmly asking about his well-being. Just one door away, Muheun was the one who should be dealing with a lot.“I heard you were disciplined, hyung.”Too nervous to face him in person, Seungjoo asked through the phone, staring intently at the number plate as if it were Muheun’s face.“The housekeeper told me. You’re supposed to be away in the countryside for a while, and no one knows when you’ll be back.”Though he’d heard the news a few days ago, Seungjoo still felt aggrieved. If it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t have come all the way here. He was not only upset but also a bit resentful that Muheun would just leave without a word.“She also told me you mentioned me to the adults. The housekeeper said I should stay home for now.”― …“…Hyung.”― Yes, Seungjoo.Muheun’s gentle response was as if he was acknowledging that he was listening, allowing Seungjoo to keep speaking even though he was just spilling out whatever came to mind. That in itself made Seungjoo’s throat tighten, and in a quiet voice, he asked,“You knew everything, didn’t you?”It was a question that encompassed many doubts. Whether Muheun knew he’d be disciplined, or at least that they wouldn’t be able to see each other for a while. Whether he’d planned everything in advance for Seungjoo’s safety, knowing his parents would tell him to stay home. Whether he’d known everything from the moment they started hunting the demon or even before heading to the grave.Yes, did you really know everything but still choose not to say a word?― I didn’t know everything, Seungjoo.The casual reply carried an obvious implication. He didn’t know everything, but he had anticipated some of it. Annoyingly, he might have even guessed that Seungjoo would ask such a question.― Is that why you called?“…”― I thought you called because you missed me…There was a hint of a smile in the drawn-out words. It wasn’t that he found it amusing; it was more of an attempt to lighten the mood with a joke.― Staying up late will stunt your growth.“…How much taller do you want me to get?”Seungjoo responded instinctively, exhaling a sigh. Even at a time like this, he was being treated like a kid. Seungjoo had already grown plenty, being tall even during his high school years.Well, if Muheun was trying to ease the tension, he succeeded. Once Seungjoo had that absurd thought, his previously sealed lips finally seemed ready to open. Of course, the reason Seungjoo was nervous wasn’t exactly what Muheun thought.“I’m at the association.”Why had it been so difficult to say that? He had steeled himself and come all the way here, only to lose his courage at the door. Then again, come to think of it, Seungjoo had always been nervous before meeting Muheun.“You’re in room 214, right?”― …“I’m right outside…”Before he could even finish speaking, the door suddenly swung open. Seungjoo, startled and almost colliding with it, stepped back in surprise. He heard a similar noise on the other end of the line, and through the half-open door, a familiar face appeared.“…”“…”Muheun looked slightly disheveled, as if he had rushed out. His usually well-kept hair was more tousled than usual, and his gaze towards Seungjoo had an oddly dazed quality. As their eyes met, Seungjoo’s mind went blank, and he stammered out a pointless excuse.“…I knocked.”“…”“But you didn’t seem to hear, so…”There was no need to explain that he called because of that. Still holding the phone to his ear, Muheun slowly reached out with his other hand. His fingertips brushed against Seungjoo’s cheek, moving with a deliberate slowness.“…”The feather-light touch made Seungjoo’s eyelids flutter involuntarily. From his cheek to his jaw, and then to his lips. After a brief pause, the touch moved up to his left eyelid. Though Seungjoo couldn’t understand the intent behind this touch, the atmosphere made it impossible to pull away.After tentatively brushing Seungjoo’s face, Muheun suddenly cupped his entire face with his hand. His thumb rested near Seungjoo’s cheekbone, while his middle and ring fingers touched his earlobe. The touch became more intense as his hand traced the contours of Seungjoo’s face.“…You.”But the unexpectedly delicate touch was followed by an equally unexpected reaction. Muheun’s expression hardened, as if he had been doused with cold water. His lips moved slowly, and when he spoke, his voice was colder than Seungjoo had ever heard.“What are you doing here?”His voice was as cold as a blade, and naturally, Seungjoo couldn’t manage any response. The atmosphere around Muheun was so intense that speaking seemed impossible. Muheun slowly withdrew his hand, muttering softly in disbelief.“How on earth…”“…Can I come in first?”It’s a bit awkward to talk out here. With that thought, Seungjoo suggested, and Muheun suddenly looked around. Then he grabbed Seungjoo’s wrist and pulled him inside. The grip wasn’t strong, but Seungjoo followed him into the dorm without resistance.‘He didn’t even turn on the light…’The dormitory was so dark that all Seungjoo could make out were vague silhouettes. Even those were visible only briefly before Muheun closed the door, plunging the room into complete darkness.“…”With a bang, Muheun shut the door and then affixed something to it with a rustling sound. It looked like a talisman, and even Seungjoo, who couldn’t sense anything anymore, realized it was part of a barrier.Is that why he didn’t hear the knock? Just as that thought crossed Seungjoo’s mind, Muheun asked again.“How did you get here?”“…Ah.”Muheun’s voice was much calmer than before. Seungjoo couldn’t see his face in the dark, but it was clear that Muheun had managed to suppress some of his negative emotions. Though, it still seemed odd that he was asking while they were standing in the entryway.“Team Leader Lee Yunhee brought me.”Should I ask him to turn on the light? Seungjoo thought but answered obediently anyway. Muheun’s voice became even more subdued as he asked.“…Lee Yunhee?”“It wasn’t a kidnapping or anything. I asked him to bring me.”Seungjoo quickly added, worried that Yunhee might get into trouble. He recalled how Yunhee had been so reluctant to face Muheun. Seungjoo glanced around before looking up in Muheun’s direction.“I told my parents. I left them a note, but…”He tried to sound confident, but his head kept dropping. Even though he had faced the head of the association without shrinking, Muheun, whose face he couldn’t even see, scared him more. Scared, huh? It was a word that didn’t seem to fit with Kim Muheun, yet…“They’ll see it when they wake up.”Seungjoo, now uncertain, carefully watched Muheun’s reaction. With his ordinary eyesight, Seungjoo couldn’t tell what expression Muheun was making.“More importantly, could you turn on the light…”“You shouldn’t have come to the association so recklessly.”Muheun interrupted, his voice low in warning. Though he didn’t sound angry, the atmosphere around him was still unsettling. Seungjoo squinted, and Muheun let out a quiet sigh.“Do you know how many people here are targeting you?”By “targeting,” he probably didn’t mean in a dangerous way. People trying to curry favor with the Seos’ young master would be included in that group.“Just go home…”“I talked to the Association President.”This time, it was Seungjoo who interrupted. He swallowed nervously, trying to calm his racing heart. He figured that maybe now, in this pitch darkness, was the best time to speak honestly.“They asked me to purify the malevolent spirits, so I agreed. They said they’d assign a trustworthy exorcist, so I asked for you. I didn’t mention that I can see memories during the purification…”He recited his prepared story as if reading from a book. He feared that if he paused, he might instinctively start making excuses. He needed to explain what had happened today as calmly and concisely as possible.“So you’ll be with me for a while.”“…”Even after saying all that, Muheun didn’t respond. Seungjoo stared in the direction of Muheun’s face, trying to suppress the tension rising in his throat. He kept his expression neutral, knowing that Muheun could see his face.“I don’t know about any disciplinary action, but at least I don’t have to go out of town.”Maybe his eyes had adjusted to the darkness because Seungjoo could now vaguely make out Muheun’s face. It was stiff and, unlike usual, looked cold. He could also see his lips slowly move.“What… did you just say?”The voice was quiet, almost like a breath. Seungjoo calmly repeated the truth.“I negotiated with the Association President.”Once he said it, it didn’t seem like a big deal, but apparently, Muheun didn’t feel the same. After a long silence, Muheun let out a bitter laugh and asked,“You’re joking, right?”There was no need to answer that. Muheun probably already knew it wasn’t a joke. That’s why he sighed deeply, running his hand through his hair.“…Ha.”Seungjoo thought to himself that it was a good thing they hadn’t turned on the light. If they had, he wouldn’t have been able to face Muheun so calmly. If he had seen the change in Muheun’s expression so clearly, he wouldn’t have been able to stay composed.“Seungjoo.”Muheun called Seungjoo’s name in his usual affectionate tone. But even in that seemingly gentle call, there were many emotions that hadn’t been fully suppressed. The same went for the low, serious question that followed.“Did you ever think about how I’d feel, having to push you into danger?”He didn’t ask why Seungjoo had done it. He probably already knew the reason. That’s why he couldn’t scold him, and that’s why his voice sounded so hollow.Seungjoo understood how Muheun felt, but he also had something to say.“Then what about you?”“…”“Have you ever thought about how I feel when I have to push you into danger?”Seungjoo wasn’t just repeating Muheun’s words. All this time, always, Seungjoo had been thinking the same thing. Watching him take on all the risks alone had suffocated him countless times.“You’re not safe either, just because you’re you.”“This is different.”“To me, it’s the same.”It was a mix of guilt, resentment, and perhaps a bit of betrayal. The situation had escalated to the point where Seungjoo was frustrated enough to direct his anger at Muheun.“Why do you always decide things on your own without saying anything? You do it all the time, but I can’t?”Seungjoo knew he might come across as shameless, but he said it anyway. It irked him how Muheun was acting as if the world was ending just because Seungjoo had visited the association once.“I’m not walking into danger right now. I just made a negotiation, that’s all.”“Seungjoo.”“I’m sorry for not listening to you, but…”“Seo Seungjoo!”Seungjoo flinched, his eyes widening. Muheun had suddenly raised his voice. Stunned, Seungjoo asked in disbelief,“…Did you just yell at me?”“…”Muheun immediately closed his mouth, realizing his mistake. Seeing that expression on his face, Seungjoo suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of sorrow. Even as Muheun tried to explain himself, Seungjoo blurted out without thinking.“Then what was I supposed to do?”He was aware that he had done something to get scolded. He had acted against orders, which could lead to more difficult situations. He knew that if Muheun had another plan, his choice might have interfered with it.“You were disciplined because of me, and you expect me to just stay home and wait until everything is resolved?”But if that was the case, Muheun should have told him. He should have explained what the situation was, how he planned to fix it, or at least how long Seungjoo had to wait.“…Did you think I wouldn’t worry about you?”Especially if all of this was supposed to be for his sake.“When you’re tired, when you’re too sleepy to drive, do you think I just feel a little sorry and that’s it?”Seungjoo glared directly at Muheun, his vision growing blurry. It took all his strength to hold back the rising anger. The composure he had been struggling to maintain was crumbling, and it felt like something was about to explode from deep inside.“How immature do you think I am?!”Like a wave crashing over him, the surge of sorrow tore through Seungjoo’s emotions in an instant. Normally, Seungjoo wasn’t one to raise his voice, but at that moment, he couldn’t hold back the frustration welling up inside him.“I hate it too! I hate the idea of someone dying, I hate worrying about whether I might die, and I hate that other people have to suffer because of it!”When Seungjoo’s older brother and sister died, he was just a child. But because of that, he was even more sensitive, and he vividly felt the sorrow of his family. His parents cried day and night, and the neighbors couldn’t even bring themselves to cry. Those images were still etched deeply in his memory.“Do you think you won’t end up like Uncle?”A year later, his healthy uncle passed away from overwork. The shock must have been even greater for the grieving neighbors, but even as a child, Seungjoo realized one thing.“Do you think I’m not scared of that?”Anyone can die at any time. Death is so fleeting, and even a clueless child could sense that. The moment the seemingly eternal landscape shattered, Seungjoo was overwhelmed by an unbearable sense of crisis.“I’m afraid someone will get hurt, that you’ll be so focused on me that you won’t take care of yourself, that you’ll suffer in silence! Do you think I don’t know that I’m scared too?!”Yes, Seungjoo was afraid of death as well. Just because others were making a fuss didn’t mean he wasn’t terrified. He kept his fear hidden because if he showed it, he felt like it would swallow him whole, so he pretended to be indifferent.“Why do you always…!”Before he could finish his sentence, tears started to fall. The chapters have been revised, edited, and compressed, and the complete main story has been released for free, as I’m concerned it might be taken down or worse. I didn’t want to disappoint the readers, so I apologize for any inconvenience, and I hope you enjoy reading the complete story! The side stories will be coming soon, so don't worry~