“You’re not siding with the Center, you’re siding with Ji Gwanyeong, ugh.”

“Call me more.”

Honestly, he had nothing left to say.

As the Esper said, he didn’t have more money or influence. He couldn’t think of any way to win over Ji Gwanyeong, that Esper.

The strong eldest son, who had never cried in front of his siblings, the well-mannered guide who always showed respect, was nowhere to be found.

There was only a man, desperate to win a piece of the one he loved, so desperate that he was going crazy. In the end, Choi Taehun couldn’t find the right words and, with a choked face, looked at his lover, confessing the most foolish thing he could think of.

“I’ll really… ugh, not get a single drop of water… on your hands.”

Finally, Ji Gwanyeong couldn’t hold back his laughter.

He quickly bit his lip to try and hide it, but he was about to be caught. But the guide, sobbing, didn’t notice, too busy trying to hold back his increasingly rapid breaths.

“Please, just a little, really just a little, love me, Gwanyeong, ssi.”

The sight of him finishing the sentence, gasping for breath, was so typical of Choi Taehun. Ji Gwanyeong clicked his tongue inwardly, seeing his guide, whose eyes were red and who was breathing so quickly that he was starting to cough, and quickly rubbed his back, where his name was tattooed.

Of course, his words were still a step back.

“Choi Taehun, I don’t care about guides. What do I care about that?”

“Yes, yes, I know. I’ll really, really do well. I’ll do really well.”

The way he nodded quickly was adorable.

He was trying so hard not to cry, but tears kept welling up, and even the way he wiped them away with his hand was heartbreaking. Ji Gwanyeong, worried that his already red, swollen eyes would sting, intertwined his fingers with Choi Taehun’s and continued leisurely.

“Just keep acting silly like you did at the filming set last time. I’ll create a really interesting situation.”

Choi Taehun had definitely succeeded in everything he had promised, and very quickly. But as a monster, there was nothing else he could do. It was a bit much to do something even worse, caught between his past self, who had used cunning tactics like brainwashing, and Choi Taehun, who was now crying and begging for love.

Ji Gwanyeong smiled, his eyes narrowing, as he watched Choi Taehun, whose face clearly didn’t understand his words, but was nodding in agreement.

“Huh? Yes, yes, I understand, I won’t…”

The kiss that followed, swallowing the rest of his sentence, was exceptionally sweet.

His tongue slid naturally into the slightly parted mouth, tickling his even teeth and the soft area under his tongue.

It was like a childish kiss.

But it changed, suddenly burning and sticky, because of the guide, who had belatedly opened his eyes wide. Ji Gwanyeong welcomed Choi Taehun’s invasion, who had pushed him down and was now kissing him passionately.

He enjoyed the warmth clinging to him, as if even a few seconds without his breath were a loss. The Esper slowly slid his hand into the guide’s waist, moving up his straight spine.

The guide, slightly parting his lips, let out a small hiccup. The Esper, greedily gripping the warmth that had willingly fallen into his arms, whispered in his heated ear.

“…Choi Taehun. Stop crying.”

He could see him shaking his head slightly up and down.

What should I do with this man now? Ji Gwanyeong thought, watching Choi Taehun’s reaction, his hips twitching and his breath quickening with every movement of his hand.

It wouldn’t be bad to tease him a little more, fill his inflexible mind with only his thoughts. Or maybe, like his past self, he could just love him, cherish him, spoil him, and melt this still slightly stiff body with a single word. If he poured his affection into him like that, he wouldn’t be gasping for breath like this anymore.

Guide Choi Taehun had definitely crossed over from “past Ji Gwanyeong” to “present Ji Gwanyeong.” A satisfied smile graced the monster’s lips.

***

The researchers, all of them, were in a state of extreme tension, their eyes focused on every small movement or word from the pair. To be more precise, they were worried about offending one of the men in the pair.

However, the esper, who was the center of everyone’s concern, was surprisingly calm.

“…Wow. It really shows a negative value.”

Choi Taehun muttered in a somewhat surprised voice as he looked at the center’s matching paper. The one who appeared most uneasy was Oh Jinwoo. However, the actual subject of the concern, the pair, remained quite indifferent.

On this day, exactly one week before D-7, Ji Gwanyeong and Choi Taehun appeared together at the center. Some of the researchers, who had not expected this, dropped the tablet PCs they were holding, buried under all the data.

The problematic pair, as if anticipating such a reaction, calmly requested a review of the pair’s matching rate. One of the researchers who had attached the matching rate testing device to Ji Gwanyeong’s arms and hands thought that they would never forget the tension they felt at that moment.

It seemed as though Ji Gwanyeong would twist his neck and throw it away, saying, “Why would I wear this kind of thing?”

But surprisingly, the esper, who had the third impossible-to-measure result, didn’t react sharply. Instead, he simply scanned Choi Taehun, who was staring at the test result monitor with a tense gaze.

The matching rate between esper Ji Gwanyeong and guide Choi Taehun was the same as it had been with Oh Jinwoo: ‘-999999.’ It was the lowest number the device could produce.

“You said it was over 100 before, right?”

“Yes, but now… it’s beyond the ‘initiative’ stage.”

Choi Taehun’s words came out in a very casual tone, and the man at the center of everyone’s worries raised an eyebrow slightly at this. The researchers were unsettled by this small change. A few even began mentally mapping out impossible ways to subdue him, just in case.

The esper in front of them was the man they had erased all of his memories from over the past eight months. As soon as he regained his senses, he was the same person who, without hesitation, pinned Lee Hansol to the wall and tortured him.

However, Choi Taehun appeared calm as ever.

“They say they’ll return it once this month-long experiment ends.”

“How can you trust that?”

“…That’s true, but there was no way to refuse.”

The guide’s life had been on the line when agreeing to this experiment. Even now, thinking back to that moment, Choi Taehun’s heart sank, and he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.

Ji Gwanyeong looked at his guide for a moment, then spoke in a neutral voice.

“If it were me, I would have killed that guy, Lee Hansol.”

At the esper’s words, Oh Jinwoo’s expression became quite strange. It reminded him of the bizarre words Lee Hansol had spoken, saying that “Father” was trying to kill him. As a result, now, Lee Hansol couldn’t step outside the center, constantly under the surveillance of a mental research staff member.

If something were to happen to Lee Hansol, who currently held the matching rate with Ji Gwanyeong, it would result in an unimaginable, horrifying situation.

On the other hand, Choi Taehun responded with a slight grimace and a smile at Ji Gwanyeong’s words, which accurately predicted his actions.

“I stopped it.”

“Because of that esper?”
Ji Gwanyeong’s gaze briefly flicked towards Oh Jinwoo in a somewhat indifferent manner.

Thanks to that, Oh Jinwoo, who had been lost in thought, and Oh Yeon, who had been carefully listening to the conversation, along with a few other researchers, all had slightly uncomfortable expressions. Choi Taehun, who was perhaps taken aback by the rude gesture, raised an eyebrow, slightly uneasy.

“That’s not the only reason.”
Of course, one of the reasons was that Oh Jinwoo, who had lost his only matching guide, was on the verge of going mad. However, it was also because of Oh Yeon, who had desperately cared for him like an older brother, and because Ji Gwanyeong, the esper, didn’t want to be turned into a monster.

The guide, unsure of what to say to ease the discomfort of both the esper and everyone else, fidgeted with his fingers and rolled his eyes. He hoped it would lessen the burden on both Oh Jinwoo, who always bowed his head as if he were the worst sinner in the world when he looked at Ji Gwanyeong and him, and Oh Yeon, who had taken on the posture of someone reporting to a superior.

‘Teacher,’ that man, even without Lee Hansol, would have somehow made this experiment happen, Taehun now knew well. Ji Gwanyeong leisurely observed his lover’s reaction. For the past few days, he had spent all day with his guide, not in a guest house or hotel, but in his mansion.

At first, he had planned to comfort Taehun and take him back to the guest house. It had been so long since he had considered the option of letting anyone stay in his mansion.

However, after Choi Taehun’s tear-filled confession, he had collapsed in complete exhaustion and couldn’t even stand properly. He had cried so much that his usually tidy eyes were swollen.

It seemed like he had been suffering alone for so long, and just touching him or speaking a word would make tears roll down his cheeks again. There was no way to pull away.

Eventually, after comforting him and holding him, the day passed.

Once the dam had broken, everything that followed became easier. In the morning, Taehun woke up with a slightly messy face, stared at Ji Gwanyeong beside him for a moment, then suddenly buried his face in his chest and hugged him tightly. Ji Gwanyeong didn’t know where to place his hands at first.

It felt completely different from the two days they had spent together in the hotel. As they got up to shower together and exchanged occasional kisses, Taehun, still somewhat in disbelief, pulled Ji Gwanyeong’s neck tighter, almost desperately.

The warm water vapor, the slight heaviness of the mist, the hot sensation of their skin touching, and the sharp feeling when their tongues intertwined.

Having not touched his matching guide in so long, Ji Gwanyeong’s senses were heightened, and every contact with Choi Taehun made him more sensitive.

Being close to someone who revealed his affection so openly was truly strange. It felt like Ji Gwanyeong wasn’t just following his esper instincts but was being swept up by the person he had become.

It was more unusual than he had expected, but it wasn’t bad. In fact, it felt quite good. Over the past few days spent with Taehun in his mansion, Ji Gwanyeong had filled in the gaps in his memories one by one.

Taehun, with his pleasing low voice, spoke of the time he had spent with Ji Gwanyeong in the past. It was also then that he had heard details about Oh Jinwoo and Lee Hansol.

Taehun, unable to continue speaking comfortably, bit his lip, and the neatness of his teeth could be seen slightly. With a somewhat languid expression, Ji Gwanyeong, who had been leaning back in the chair, gently ran his hand through Taehun’s messy hair, revealing his round and beautiful forehead.

Taehun, startled by the sudden physical contact, wore a dazed expression, and the researchers who were watching also widened their eyes.

“It’s better to just let it out.”
“……”
“Why?”

This man, whether he lost his memory or not, was truly consistent.

It wasn’t just his personality. His preferences were the same. Taehun, forgetting the embarrassment of everyone’s gaze, thought this to himself. The researchers in the center couldn’t help but swallow dry saliva as they observed the sweet atmosphere between the two of them.

…Could it really be?

The one who took the lead in answering everyone’s unspoken questions was Center Director Kwon Dahee.

With a slightly tense voice, she spoke with a serious expression, staying true to her role.

“…Ji Gwanyeong, Choi Taehun.”
“Yes, Director.”

Though she had addressed both of them, only one of them responded. The other, who had not answered, didn’t even glance in her direction. However, the director did not get distracted by the cold response and continued.

“So, are the two of you… once again, ‘a pair’?”

Choi Taehun blinked his clear eyes, and his mouth, which had been about to open, immediately closed. The central laboratory fell into a silence so thick that the sound of a rolling pen was the only thing missing. The director’s gaze, which had posed the question that broke the silence, subtly shifted to the man sitting next to Taehun.

The guide, Choi Taehun, must make Esper Ji Gwanyeong his own Esper, despite being in a non-pair state. The deadline is one month.

This is the experimental goal that remains like a nightmare in everyone’s minds. And the only person who can answer this goal is one person. Choi Taehun subtly turned his head to look at Ji Gwanyeong, as if checking for any reaction.

When their eyes met, the Esper’s gaze, which had been fixed on his guide for quite some time, slightly softened. Every time Taehun saw that expression on Ji Gwanyeong’s face, he felt a lump rise in his throat.

The Esper’s well-shaped lips parted softly. “Yes, that’s right.”

The affirmation that came out in a clear professional voice made someone sigh quietly. In fact, this was an outcome no one expected.

To be more precise, Ji Gwanyeong’s cold and indifferent response to his matching guide, Lee Hansol, had made others worry that Ji Gwanyeong would also treat Taehun in the same way.

But now, incredibly, this fierce Esper was not only brought back to the center but had also given such a gentle response. Some of the researchers were still in disbelief.

The guide, feeling his eyes redden, forced himself to stay composed. Taehun knew very well. If his Esper hadn’t kept a secret “cheat” from him, he probably wouldn’t have gotten this response.

The positive response that came from Ji Gwanyeong’s mouth just now was only possible because he hadn’t given up on Taehun until the very end.

Under the table, the Esper’s fingertips lightly brushed against his hand. Taehun responded by gripping the playful hand firmly. Ji Gwanyeong, feeling the faint tremor in his guide’s hand, clicked his tongue and continued speaking.

“However, it would be better not to inform them until the promised day. After all, we haven’t found ‘that method’ yet, have we?”

“…Understood.”

The atmosphere, which had briefly loosened, suddenly grew heavy again.

Ji Gwanyeong was right. The center still hadn’t figured out how the teacher would wield the guide. With that being the case, even if guides were gathered now, it was unclear what would be used against them later.

Oh Yeon sighed deeply. He had been mulling over the director’s words every day.

The teacher is far superior. Actually, the word “superior” doesn’t even begin to describe him. “Absolute” would be a more accurate word. Whenever Oh Yeon thought he had gotten closer to the teacher, another wall appeared in front of him. It was like facing an unbeatable giant, and that sense of helplessness grew with each passing day.

When Taehun saw the gloomy faces of the researchers, he too felt his chest tighten. He forced a bright smile and stood up.

“Uh, would anyone like a drink? I’m going to grab something from the vending machine.”

Trying to lift the mood, the guide spoke, and a few researchers smiled faintly, mentioning some drinks they wanted.

“Let’s go together.”

“It’s fine. The vending machine is just around the corner. I’ll be back soon.”

Not only was the vending machine nearby, but Taehun also needed a moment alone to breathe and clear his head. His heart was pounding wildly, mixed with the vague fear that the “teacher” induced.

Ji Gwanyeong, who could hear Taehun’s anxious heartbeat, eventually gave a small nod. He had faintly noticed that Taehun tended to process things alone rather than talking to others when something was troubling him.

Three coffees. One cola. Two lemonades.

Taehun put a few bills into the vending machine and counted out the drinks for himself and the center people. But despite this, he still felt uncomfortable, as if standing on a thorny cushion.

“Teacher.”

With only one Esper in front of them, these hundreds of people are thinking of despair. The researchers, who had always maintained a neat appearance as the top elites, are no longer to be seen.

Even the center director, Kwon Dahee, has completely changed in less than a month. With a face free of makeup, wearing a wrinkled t-shirt and tying her hair back in a hasty ponytail, she looked slightly pale.

Of course, the other Espers were no different.

Some of them, who had apparently started living in the lab, had thin blankets and folding beds scattered around the room. They were all working fiercely, either for their guide or for the colleague sitting next to them.

…What is the method?

How can someone give such an order to a guide without any hesitation? Taehun asked himself as he pressed the button on the vending machine, hearing the sound of cans dropping with a clunk.

But the answer to what so many Espers couldn’t figure out wasn’t likely to come so easily. Taehun sighed deeply and gathered the drinks that had come out of the machine.

The cold cans touched his bare skin, sending a chilling sensation through him.

In fact, that cold feeling might have been a warning of the unpleasant person he was about to meet.

“….”

“….”

I was right to leave Ji Gwanyeong behind.

Taehun thought to himself as he watched Lee Hansol frown immediately upon seeing him.

“Ji Gwanyeong, I have something to say when Taehun isn’t here.”

Sitting with his arms crossed, Ji Gwanyeong only shifted his gaze slightly, without responding. It was Center Director Kwon Dahee. The people in the center had something they couldn’t say when the pair was together earlier.

The darkened expression on Oh Jinwoo’s face suggested he had an idea of what the center director wanted to say. She took a deep breath, then spoke with strong emphasis.

“The teacher’s movements are unusual.”

“….Details.”

For the first time today, the Espers, excluding Taehun, showed a quick reaction. Center Director Kwon continued, sitting at the table with a slightly haggard face.

“It seems the teacher gave some instructions to Guide Lee Hansol. And it’s definitely heading in a very bad direction. I heard he came to visit Oh Jinwoo and said, ‘My father is really trying to kill me.’”

“….”