A brand new phone was in my hand. There wasn’t any important data, so I just re-downloaded my contact list, along with the photos and videos taken in Japan. Backup really is important. Especially for soone like who never knows when their phone might go flying.
[You may have heard, but I’m at the airport now. Are you okay? I heard you’re safe, but I’m still worried.]
First, I sent a ssage to Chief Song Taewon. It was still a national ergency, and I’d heard he hadn’t been able to go ho from work. Not long after, I got a reply.
[I’m fine.]
Didn’t sound very convincing. Judging from the signs of battle, it didn’t seem likely he’d co out unscathed—had he even received proper treatnt? But whatever I said, he’d probably just keep repeating that he was fine. In the end, I swallowed all the extra words and just sent: Please take care of yourself.
If stamina potions ever got made, I’d want to fill a whole room in Chief Song’s house with them. ...Might backfire and make him work overti even harder though.
This ti, I tapped ‘Partner Guy’ from my contact list.
[Why did you first—]
[Maybe I should—]
[If you’re upset—]
I typed and erased ssages several tis. There really was a lot I wanted to ask, but still, for now...
[Are you okay? I know you’re not soone who’d get hurt easily, but still.]
It wasn’t just his physical condition I was asking about. I waited briefly for a reply, then sent another ssage.
[Thanks for the gift.]
I was strangely angry that he’d thought to take care of in the middle of everything, but I thanked him first anyway. If we were face to face, I might’ve grabbed him by the collar, but since it was in writing, I could stay calm. ...Though honestly, I didn’t have much reason to be angry. But for so reason, I still felt pissed, and I didn’t know why.
‘...No reply.’
Maybe he hadn’t gotten a new phone yet. Then again, in that kind of mood, who would dare try handing one over? Even so, I kept fiddling with my phone. That’s when soone handed clothes. A suit. They said, Please present a trustworthy image to the anxious citizens watching on TV, or sothing like that, but it just felt suffocating. Wouldn’t comfortable casual clothes be more reassuring?
Still, I did as told and went into the temporary fitting booth set up on the side to change.
“Peace, not now. Your fur will get on it.”
-Kkueung.
“Yeah, good boy. Just hold on a bit. We’ll be ho soon.”
“Hyung.”
As I soothed Peace, who wanted to cuddle, Yuhyun ca over after finishing his conversation with Kim Hayun.
“Want to tie it for you?”
“Huh?”
“Your necktie.”
He took the tie that had been draped over one of my arms with the jacket.
“It’s my first ti tying soone else’s, so I might be clumsy.”
“You don’t know how to tie a tie... well, I guess it’s been three years.”
I used to tie his school tie. I’d taught him, but he’d said he wasn’t good at it. But since then, he must’ve learned more than enough. At my words, Yuhyun smiled.
“I rember exactly how you taught .”
“What? Yuhyun, you... yeah, it’d be weirder if you hadn’t learned.”
It’s not that hard. Still, he was really young back then—and still is now—so even if he said he couldn’t, I probably would’ve believed him again. Despite what he said, my little brother deftly tied my tie.
“I kept tying it just like you showed .”
“...Dad was the one who taught .”
Back then, we were just about as distant as strangers, but he’d taught . Honestly, I didn’t completely hate him. I guess I did wish he’d pay more attention to us. He gave us basic care, and I tried to be satisfied with that, but still...
Now that I know more, I just feel like... it wasn’t fair to either of them.
“Don’t resent them too much. They probably couldn’t help it.”
“I don’t. Not at all.”
“I thought you didn’t like them?”
“I was just a kid then. Now, thinking about it... I’m grateful. Because you’re my hyung. That alone is enough for .”
His smiling words made my chest tighten. He’s my little brother, but he’s really kind...
“Ugh, seriously. If he were my brother, I’d be thinking, This bastard’s trying to strangle , and toss him. Gross, I got chills just imagining it.”
“I’m really dying living with him, you know. Every ti he does that, I can’t even digest properly~”
...Yerim, don’t you eat the best in our house? Still, it is rewarding to take care of her.
“It’s been a while, so let tie one too. Go change.”
Yuhyun nodded and picked up the clothes prepared for him before heading into the fitting booth. He ca out quickly and handed his tie. It used to sit lower on his neck. It’s been eight years since I last tied one for him, so my fingers were a little clumsy.
“All done. Yerim, should I tie yours too?”
“...Huh?”
Yerim, who’d been staring at us, glanced at Yuhyun for a mont, then answered.
“Yes!”
“Co to think of it, school uniforms had ties, right?”
“They were automatic, so I don’t know how to tie them. Sumr uniforms didn’t have them either.”
You an the elastic kind? We could choose those back in my day too, but I went with regular ties since I figured they’d get stretched out. Yerim, now with her makeup and hair done, ca out after changing. I tied a brightly colored tie that suited her well. My hands had already gotten used to it again, so I didn’t fumble this ti.
“How about you, Hyuna?”
“I’d love to. Co on, hyung-nim.”
At Moon Hyunah’s playful comnt, she waved her tie and smiled. As we stood close, the incident on the plane suddenly ca to mind. I had brushed it off as sothing sibling-like, but now I was strangely conscious of it. In the end, I couldn’t even et Hyunah’s eyes, quickly tied her tie, and turned away. Being the only one embarrassed just made it even more awkward.
“Noah too!”
“Huh?”
“Hurry up. Myungwoo, don’t tie yours yet either.”
“I only went along as a kind of vacation, so I was planning to skip it.”
“Nope. Then at least wear a tie.”
If I’m going down, everyone’s going down with . I tied Noah’s tie and, since Myungwoo said he wasn’t even dressed in formalwear, I tied the clothes he was wearing into a neat ribbon instead. And lastly—well, there was no “last.” If Seong Hyunjae were here, he would’ve jumped in ages ago. Probably when {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} I offered to tie Yerim’s tie. ...Or maybe he’d just sulk in the background and watch again.
“Director Han.”
Just then, Legal Team Leader Kim Hayun approached . She suddenly held sothing out.
“It’s for a life-sized Peace doll.”
“Huh? Oh, it’s a tie.”
“I happened to be inspecting it right before coming here. We’re planning to make a few accessories that can be worn by the dolls. The mini silk hat is especially cute.”
Uh... that sounds adorable. I took the tie from Team Leader Kim. A simple black tie with a single gold embroidery of Peace’s paw print.
“Peace, let’s wear a tie too~”
-Kkiang!
I tied it loosely around Peace’s neck so it wouldn’t be too tight. So cute.
“There’s a full set that includes a white collar too, though I didn’t bring it.”
Even cuter.
-Ppyak.
Chirp fluttered down and landed on Peace’s head, lifting his wings. Was he saying he wanted one too? Sorry, Chirp, but there’s none for you. Should I put in an order? Belare’s build would make it impossible unless it was tightly tied around the neck.
“Co on, Peace. Who cares if your fur gets on it? You’re wearing a tie, so you have to co out with us!”
-Gyareureung.
As I stretched out my arms, Peace purred and jumped into them right away. So cute—how is he this cute? I think I saw hanbok for pets—should I get one tailored for Peace too? Would it be uncomfortable? Or maybe sothing for his head, like... what was it called again? Even just that.
“Is everyone ready?”
Soone shouted loudly—whether they were from the broadcasting station or the Association, I couldn’t tell. Because of the mass monster appearances, the entire country had been advised to stay indoors, and curfews were in effect, so it was basically a national broadcast. Yerim would go first to give a short statent about winning against Japan, followed by Yuhyun and Moon Hyunah presenting information on the Japanese monsters.
Japan had faced far stronger monsters than Korea, and we had helped them overco the crisis. If frad that way, it would give people so peace of mind. It was a good approach. With such outstanding S-Class Hunters returning safely, there was nothing to worry about—that kind of ssaging.
“Hunter Park Yerim, this way through this passage. Yes, you go first. Since it’s live, we’ll do a quick script check.”
“Do I have to morize it? Can’t I just say, ‘I’m back safe, and I won!’?”
“We’ll add just a little more to that. It won’t be long.”
Yerim grumbled but nodded. Staff sward around Yuhyun and Hyunah too. Watching all of it, I unknowingly swallowed hard. I didn’t need to be part of it. I could just quietly observe from the back.
...But I went on Japanese broadcasts just fine.
“...Ugh.”
-Kkuung?
“No, I’m fine.”
I had a strange sensation, as if my leg was starting to hurt. Even though my Fear Resistance was clearly active, I felt a faint chill. Maybe it was because I was finally accepting that the mories I had shoved deep down as if they never happened were, in fact, real. It felt like the experiences were being carved into my body again.
The jellyfish had probably given Fear Resistance on purpose to control more easily, but without it, I wouldn’t have been able to endure. It’s not ideal to rely on it too much, but... I need it for now.
“Director Han, please co this way too.”
“Ah, yes.”
As I stepped forward, I clenched my teeth. Near the ti right before the regression, when my mind was foggy, I didn’t really feel any pain—but why does it feel worse now? I repeated to myself several tis that I was fine now, that I didn’t have a single scar, and eventually I did feel better.
“Hyung, what’s wrong?”
Yuhyun had already noticed and ca up to .
“I got a cramp. It was numb for a second, but it’s fine now.”
“Hyung, maybe you’re low on calcium? Want to massage it?”
“I’m fine! It’s just lack of exercise, that’s all.”
“Calcium?”
“Make sure to get vitamin D too, young master!”
I stopped Yuhyun from checking my leg. He and Peace both insisted I put the monster down, but I said I was fine and refused. Holding Peace was what made feel calm right now.
As I stepped into the prepared spot, cara flashes went off in rapid succession. Since even journalists couldn’t go outside unless they were Hunters or accompanied by at least mid-tier Hunters, there weren’t that many of them despite the buzz. The sparkling lights made my head throb slightly. I gently petted the Peace in my arms.
“Hello! We’re back safe and sound!”
Yerim shouted brightly with a big smile. Cheers erupted, and the Taegeukgi waved behind the reporters. She said it was annoying, but being welcod seed to make her happy, as she waved her arms energetically. That sparkle outshone the cara flashes by far.
Following Yerim, Yuhyun and Moon Hyunah also finished their interviews. Then, the Hunter Association arranged a press conference to give a more detailed briefing. They clearly wanted us to attend as well, but I declined, using fatigue as an excuse, and left only Moon Hyunah behind to represent us. Hyunah needed as much positive dia exposure as she could get right now.
‘...Still no reply.’
Quite a bit of ti had passed, but there was still no word from Seong Hyunjae. Did he just not see it, or was he deliberately ignoring ? Was he staging a protest not to contact him until I was honest with him? I didn’t intend to drag things out either, though.
“Yuhyun, I’m thinking of going into a low-level dungeon tomorrow.”
I said as we climbed into the waiting car. Yuhyun sat beside , looking displeased.
“Tomorrow? You should rest, hyung.”
“I’ve got sothing to ask a rookie. If it’s just an F-rank dungeon, we’ll be out in no ti.”
“You never know what could happen.”
“It’ll be fine for a while. I’m sure of it.”
The Changelings were apparently being blocked more thoroughly in Korea, after all. Yuhyun nodded, reluctantly accepting it.
“Alright. I’ll co with you. I want to test out my sword, too.”
“The one you brought from Japan? I heard that one’s not that great.”
Yerim turned in her seat to say from the front passenger seat. She was S-class, so even if there was a crash, it’d only be the car that got wrecked—but still.
“Yerim, sit properly while we’re driving.”
“Hyung bought it for .”
“What? What kind is it, Guild Leader-nim! Show , I want to go too!”
“Hunter Park Yerim, you’re scheduled to attend an event. The schedule is already backed up.”
“I think the Guild Leader should accompany , too!”
“We announced that he needs rest after hunting multiple SS-class monsters, but I guess no one listened.”
“I hunted an S-class too!”
Grumbling, Yerim still obediently sat up straight.
“Mister should shoot a comrcial too.”
“Hyung needs to rest.”
“Apparently, there are tons of sponsorship offers. Is there anything you need? If it’s food, should I hand so out at school?”
Yerim’s voice clearly bubbled with excitent. Public response couldn’t possibly be bad, but weird people always pop up regardless, so Haeyeon would have to manage things carefully. If anyone said sothing crazy, they needed to respond strongly—and if soone crossed the line, just toss them into a dungeon... not that I actually could, but still. That’s how I felt.
Yuhyun and Yerim got off at the Haeyeon Guild. They told firmly not to do anything and to get ho and rest. As soon as we arrived at the Breeding Facility building, Myungwoo was basically dragged off by the forge folks who had been waiting for him. And Noah—
“Well then, take care, Mr. Yujin.”
He had driven all the way ho and now offered his goodbye. I was pretty sure he’d bought the Miniaturization skill.
“Are you leaving already? Uh, would you like to co in for so tea?”
“No, you must be tired. Get so rest.”
He declined and then stood there as if to make sure I went inside safely. I glanced at him briefly, then stepped through the mini portal. I wanted to ask him about the skill I assud he’d bought with points, but it was painfully obvious I was avoiding bringing it up.
“It really feels like it’s been a long ti.”
As soon as I stepped into the house, the tension drained from my body. It definitely felt like a long ti to . Peace, seeming happy to be back ho, jumped lightly from my arms and trotted off. Chirp and Belare followed behind. I sank into the couch and turned on the TV. The Hunter Association’s press conference was in full swing.
Ho really is the best. Tomorrow, I’d head to the dungeon and tell Rookie about the regression... I checked my phone. There were ssages from Yuhyun and Yerim asking if I ca straight ho without stopping anywhere else. That was it. I sent back a short reply and put my phone down.
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