DB Vol 8 Part 4 END

“What’s wrong?”

Hearing a sudden question from beside him, Won-woo slowly raised his head. Gye Yoon was holding out rest stop snacks in both hands, having arrived at some point. Today he seemed to have a thing for tornado potatoes, holding four of them.

“Are you happy, Gye Yoon-ssi?”

Although Won-woo asked, he was taken aback by his own sudden question and rubbed his forehead with his hand.

“No, what I meant to ask was if you’re tired of driving…”

“I’m happy.”

“…”

“I’ve never been as happy in my life as I am now.”

Here, Gye Yoon passed over one tornado potato. Was it because of the flashy appearance with red seasoning sprinkled on it? It felt like receiving a rose. Won-woo just stared at it for a while before grasping it and taking a bite. With a crunch, a crispy texture spread pleasantly in his mouth.

“Delicious, isn’t it?”

Won-woo nodded while chewing the tornado potato. Watching Won-woo eat, Gye Yoon took a bite himself. A clearly visible happy light spread in his eyes.

When Won-woo decided to take care of the happiness of the people around him, he thought Hwan would be the easiest target. But even this was a misjudgment. As soon as Hwan met Won-woo, she grabbed him and hurriedly headed to a corner of the garden.

There were four puppies, only a few weeks old, with their mother dog. Hwan, tightly holding Won-woo’s index finger, introduced the puppies.

“This is Lulu and Lala. Here are Roro and Riri.”

Hwan introduced the names of the identical white puppies one by one. As Won-woo nodded in understanding, Hwan shook the finger she was holding. Realizing he needed to react more enthusiastically, Won-woo quickly squatted in front of the fence. He greeted each puppy by name, even though they couldn’t hear him.

“Hello Lulu, Lala, Roro, and um, Riri.”

Unable to wait during that short interval, Hwan fidgeted and as soon as Won-woo finished his greetings, she started explaining about the puppies. They’re babies so you can’t touch them yet, if you get close the mother dog will be startled, Roro eats the most, and so on.

She had so much to say, chattering endlessly. As Won-woo listened patiently, inserting exclamations here and there, he heard something he couldn’t understand.

“The youngest is doing well.”

“The youngest?”

“The youngest doesn’t have a name. It went to ride the rainbow swoosh.”

At the word ‘rainbow’, Won-woo thought of one possibility. Could it be that one more was born but died? But he couldn’t ask the child that, so he just nodded.

“The youngest must be having fun riding the rainbow.”

“Yes. But it’s a baby so it can’t walk. So Supervisor Grandma said she’d ride with it.”

This time, Won-woo hesitated for a different reason. The “Supervisor Grandma” Hwan was talking about seemed to be referring to Supervisor Lee who died when Yang Cheon-hyo attacked the Gye family.

Perhaps the adults had explained to Hwan, who was worried about the missing puppy, that it was okay because it was with Supervisor Lee.

So while the child spoke casually, Won-woo’s heart grew heavy listening. He had grown fond of her during their brief time together, but more than that, he felt regret. She was someone who knew Aunt well. He should have heard Aunt’s story from her, but he was too cowardly to ask.

He was afraid that sorrow would overwhelm him again, so he took his time, saying he would listen later. So when he learned that she had died in Yang Cheon-hyo’s attack, he was choked with regret. Even now, he was forcibly suppressing the surging emotions when he heard a question from the child. 

“When is Supervisor Grandma coming?”

…Ah. What should he say? Just later? When you grow up? He should give an appropriate answer since the child is young, but his mouth wouldn’t open easily. The answer came from another voice.

“Supervisor Grandma can’t come anymore.”

Won-woo raised his head in surprise at the cold voice, but someone else reacted before him.

“No!!! Supervisor Grandma will come after sleeping a thousand nights!! A thousand nights!!”

Jae-hak screamed, interrupting and grabbing Gye Yoon’s arm, pulling him back. Won-woo realized anew the greatness of fatherly love as he watched the S-class Esper being dragged away without resistance. Then he stroked the head of the child who still didn’t smile much.

“That’s right. She’ll come after sleeping a thousand nights. So if you miss Supervisor Grandma… just keep talking about her.”

Won-woo forced out his sinking voice.

“For now, just remember Supervisor Grandma as much as you want.”

“Are you crazy?!”

Slap, slap. Jae-hak slapped Gye Yoon’s back with his palm while scolding him.

“How could you say that to Hwan?!”

“Ugh.”

Gye Yoon shook off his hand and got annoyed.

“She’s not coming, so I said she’s not coming. You should tell the kid the proper truth instead of giving false hope, that’s worse.”

“No, you’re worse, you’re the worst. Why did you butt in and say such a thing?!”

Slap, slap, Jae-hak again beat Gye Yoon’s back as if dusting off a blanket. Gye Yoon shook him off again and frowned.

“Because the dog introduction was unnecessarily long.”

“It’s long because there’s a lot to introduce. What, were you sulking because you weren’t introduced?”

Jae-hak burst into laughter as if he had asked and found the answer himself.

“If that’s the case, you should have said so earlier. Did you want to pet the puppies too?”

“Talk sense. Why would I want to touch those puppies?”

Despite Gye Yoon’s irritable response, Jae-hak laughed without batting an eye.

“Haha, why? Who else but you, who gets called a bastard the most, should greet those cute puppies?”

If Chief Jung had seen this, he would have been shocked, wondering if Jae-hak had a hidden spare life, but the person in question had now found composure and even patted Gye Yoon’s arm. Hundreds of curses poured from Gye Yoon’s eyes.

“Are you crazy?”

“Haha, do you want to see me spin? Here, watch.”

Jae-hak actually spun his body around once. Gye Yoon cursed while glaring at the strongest enemy of his entire life.

“Damn, you really are crazy.”

“I do feel like I’ve been a bit crazy lately.”

Jae-hak revealed his formidable side with a shy smile. But this was just the beginning.

“Yoon, do you know? You can spin from happiness and joy too. I’m so happy these days.”

Realizing that no curse or threat could break Jae-hak’s happiness, Gye Yoon’s expression soured. As he was about to recite all the curses he knew, he heard Jae-hak’s murmur.

“This is all thanks to Ji Won-woo.”

Jae-hak’s voice trembled slightly as he expressed his gratitude. Gye Yoon looked at him silently for a while, then after a long time, he blurted out.

“If you know, repay the favor.”

“Of course I want to repay… Huh? Does Won-woo have anything he wants or wants to have?!”

He showed his determination to go to the end of the world to get anything, but his enthusiasm was immediately dampened by Gye Yoon’s expressionless face.

“You don’t know either, huh?”

Gye Yoon said nothing, but his silence somehow sounded like a dissatisfied curse.

“Didn’t you spend almost a month with Won-woo cleaning up the farms? You still haven’t figured out Won-woo’s tastes?”

“His taste is me.”

“…”

“He just needs me.”

“…You’re the one who’s crazy.”

“Doesn’t spinning happen when you’re too happy?”

At Gye Yoon’s retort, Jae-hak’s eyes widened and then filled with laughter.

“I thought you must have had a hard time when I heard you went to clean up the farms and even drove trucks, but I guess it was fine?”

Gye Yoon didn’t respond, but to Jae-hak’s eyes, it looked like an affirmation. He asked while on the subject.

“But why did you drive trucks anyway? Does Won-woo like driving?”

“Not particularly. I held the wheel more often anyway.”

“Why you?”

“Because it was manageable.”

Gye Yoon answered lightly, but Jae-hak narrowed his eyes. For someone who usually only expressed dislikes, saying that much was as good as saying he liked it.

“Cargo transportation was manageable?”

“Yeah. We stop at rest areas. Did you know each rest area restaurant has its own specialty menu? The soup rice at XX is amazing. At OO rest area, they serve grilled deodeok, and the aroma is no joke.”

“I don’t know how ‘no joke’ it is, but I can tell you enjoyed it.”

“Who says I’m enjoying it?”

He firmly denied it, but in Jae-hak’s eyes, he was already a rest stop enthusiast. This side of Gye Yoon was so unfamiliar compared to the past that it was somewhat touching.

“But I didn’t know you could drive a truck.”

Gye Yoon, who had been staring at Won-woo in front, slowly turned his eyes.

“I’m good at it. I’ve driven buses for a long time too.”

You have? Jae-hak blinked in surprise.

“When did you drive a bus?”

“In games.”

“…I’m asking just in case, but you do have a license, right?”

“Do you think I would?”

“What?!!!”

At Jae-hak’s shout, Won-woo, who was with Hwan in the distance, turned his head. Gye Yoon immediately warned Jae-hak.

“Shut up. It’s a joke.”

“A joke? ‘Shut up’?”

Gye Yoon finally realized that Jae-hak had no trust in him at all. Seeing Gye Yoon’s expressionless face, Jae-hak belatedly laughed and patted his arm.

“Haha, I’m joking too. Of course you must have a license. You wouldn’t have driven a truck without one.”

“But why do you trust people so little?”

“I do trust you. If I, your family, don’t trust you, who will? But… that license is for large vehicles, right?”

“No. It’s an ultra-large 18-wheeler license.”

“Haha, your jokes have improved?”

It was an insult, but it didn’t register with Jae-hak. Gye Yoon once again painfully realized why he disliked Jae-hak. Talking to him always made Gye Yoon feel like a loser. And knowing why Jae-hak was chatting with him now made him even more irritated. It was to give time to Won-woo and his daughter, since she liked him.

“I’m taking Won-woo in 5 minutes. Get Hwan away from him before that.”

“Hey, why do you make it sound like our Hwan is clinging to him forcibly? Won-woo likes being with Hwan too, you know.”

Jae-hak retorted grumpily and then quietly looked at Won-woo. He was still patiently listening to Hwan’s story.

“Come to think of it, maybe what Won-woo needs is family.”

“Family?”

“He never wanted material compensation from the start. Since he seems to have been abused as a child, I thought maybe he needs a family. If that’s the case…”

Jae-hak trailed off, then after a pause, as if thinking, he spoke again.

“I should allow it.”

“Allow what?”

“Hwan’s dream is to be a bride. Yes, I’ll definitely allow it.”

Gye Yoon raised his eyebrows like mountains.

“What are you talking about? Hwan wants to get married? Surely not to Won-woo?”

“Of course it’s to Ji Won-woo.”

Gye Yoon’s head slowly turned again. In his eyes, all sorts of indescribable negative emotions swirled like a whirlwind. However, the mouth of a father who only wishes for his daughter’s happiness couldn’t be stopped this time either.

“There is a bit of an age difference, but won’t there be anti-aging drugs in the future? As long as they don’t age, I’ll support them to live happily togeth… Ack! Let go!”

Jae-hak screamed, but Gye Yoon’s eyes, which had grabbed his collar and lifted him into the air, were already burning with anger.

“Just die.”

“Aah! Ji Won-woo! Save me!!!!”

Click.

After confirming that Hwan was asleep, Won-woo closed the door as quietly as possible and carefully left the room. The child might have been shocked to see her uncle shaking her father today, but instead, she laughed out loud. That ended up surprising the adults instead.

When asked later, she said she thought her uncle was showing affection to her dad. Since adults often lift and coddle Hwan, she thought her uncle was doing the same to her dad. Thanks to this, the perpetrator lost the will to torment, feeling deflated, and the matter was concluded.

Come to think of it, Hwan is really a filial daughter. Won-woo was smiling inwardly as he took a step forward, but immediately stopped. Someone was waiting for him in front of the door.

“Chief Jung.”

When Won-woo greeted him, he bowed his head, looking exhausted. He always had a tired impression, but this time the dark circles under his eyes were particularly severe. Given that the Gye family’s domain had expanded, his work must have increased too, making him busy. For him to be waiting for Won-woo, it must be important business. Won-woo’s voice became serious.

“Is something wrong?”

“No. The Family Head is in conversation with the Vice Head, so I thought I’d keep you company while you wait.”

Someone who should be lying in a coffin if he had any free time was offering to be a conversation partner. Of course, Won-woo didn’t take it at face value. If Gye Min and Gye Yoon were talking, maybe they needed his help.

“Is there something I need to persuade Gye Yoon about?”

When Won-woo asked directly, Chief Jung seemed embarrassed and averted his gaze.

“We were hoping the Vice Head would provide support for the west.”

Won-woo immediately recalled what he had heard from Gye Min before.

‘A temporary administrator for both families’ lands has been decided. Smart, tenacious, doesn’t cower before those in power, excellent administrative skills. Very good. But he lacks power. He’s an ordinary person, not an Esper.’

At that time, Gye Min had added that they chose based on one person. It had been almost a month since then, but it seemed there were still problems.

“The administrator for the west is an ordinary person, right?”

“Yes. Chief Secretary Kim, I mean, Administrator Kim is exceptionally good at her job.”

Such praise from Chief Jung indicated that his skills were certainly impressive.

“She was the chief secretary to the previous family head. Nine years ago, when the Gye family was devastated by the accident of the previous head, she held things together and looked after everything until the current head was established. In fact, she too lost someone precious in that incident, so she must have been more shocked than anyone.”

Chief Jung’s voice lowered, but soon returned to normal.

“But as soon as the family barely stabilized, she collapsed. That’s when we realized how extremely she had been overworking himself. She spent the next few years just recovering. Although she’s healthy again, it couldn’t have been easy for her to come back. We’re really grateful. Since she’s made the difficult decision to help us, we want to do whatever we can for her in return.”

Chief Jung looked at Won-woo earnestly after finishing his long explanation. Won-woo found it hard to say he would accept. He didn’t like the idea of forcing someone to do something they disliked either.

“If she’s such a good person, why does Gye Yoon dislike her?”

“Well, because she’s one of the few people the Vice Head can’t win against in arguments.”

The reason was so absurd that Won-woo burst into laughter.

“Did Gye Yoon get scolded by her a lot when he was young?”

“Yes. A lot.”

Won-woo’s laughing face froze. Really? Chief Jung read his expression and nodded emphatically.

“The Vice Head used to skip school sometimes when he was young.”

Oh? Suddenly, Won-woo remembered what Gye Yoon had said in the truck. It was when Won-woo was talking about the boring daily life he’d heard about from the aunt. Gye Yoon had said he’d heard similar words from someone too.

‘Being bored with daily life is a happy worry, so stop complaining and do your work properly if you have any.’

Ah, so that person is the new temporary administrator for the west.

“She was one of the few precious people who could move the Vice Head with words, ahem, I mean with lectures, as I’ve heard.”

“How exactly should Gye Yoon help this person?”

“The best thing would be for the Vice Head to first take the position of the new integrated center director. The position of integrated center director provides more justification to control Espers than the position of Vice Head of the Gye family. But he’s not interested at all… We’d be happy if he could just make a gesture of going west as the Gye family Vice Head to help Administrator Kim.”

That doesn’t seem too difficult? As Won-woo nodded, saying he understood, Chief Jung let out a long sigh.

“Ah, thank you.”

As if the relief drained his energy, Chief Jung staggered as he turned towards the corridor.

“Oh? Are you alright?”

Won-woo quickly grabbed his arm, but he waved his hand, saying he was fine.

“I’m fine. I just haven’t been able to sleep much lately due to a lot of work.”

Chief Jung spoke and then quickly added as if making an excuse.

“It’s tough, but it’s also enjoyable. You don’t need to worry.”

Enjoying work so much that you can’t sleep? Won-woo muttered with a face that couldn’t understand.

“Happiness is difficult.”

Happiness, all of a sudden? A question mark appeared on Chief Jung’s face too, but as if remembering something, he smiled slightly.

“I don’t know why you find it difficult, but happiness is easy.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Happiness is like walking on a beach. While some people pick up seashells on the beach, others keep digging in the sand looking for gold. Those who are satisfied with mere seashells are happy every day, but those looking for gold might spend their whole life just searching for happiness. Happiness depends on how you approach it. Ah, these are my grandfather’s words.”

Chief Jung spoke in his usual businesslike tone, but to Won-woo, it sounded like a warm consolation.

“Your grandfather was wise. He knew the value of seashells.”

“No. He chased after gold his whole life.”

The emotion that had been building up ebbed away like the tide. Chief Jung quickly defended his grandfather.

“He liked probabilities.”

“Ah, was he a mathematician?”

“…Yes.”

Chief Jung turned his gaze away and moved forward. Then, after taking a few quick steps, he looked back and added.

“I pick up pebbles.”

Won-woo didn’t immediately understand the meaning, but belatedly recalled the beach metaphor. The sound of Chief Jung muttering awkwardly, as if embarrassed, could be heard as he walked ahead.

“I find that I’m happy even just picking up pebbles.”

Won-woo thought it wouldn’t be difficult to persuade Gye Yoon. Given his state of always looking only at Won-woo, he seemed like he would give up his entire fortune with just a word. But that’s why Won-woo didn’t want to use such an easy method. He felt sorry about forcing him to do something he disliked in that way.

Gye Yoon really seemed to hate that job, slamming the door as he left Gye Min’s office. As if that wasn’t enough, he even uttered a short expletive.

“Shit.”

Won-woo, who had been waiting for Gye Yoon in front of that room, received Chief Jung’s desperate gaze as he pulled Gye Yoon towards the elevator hall. As soon as they stood in front of the elevator, Gye Yoon blurted out a comment.

“I’m not going.”

Won-woo, who had been pressing the button, paused and looked up at him.

“Where?”

“You were asked by Director Jung, weren’t you? To persuade me to help Administrator Kim.”

That’s right. Won-woo answered halfheartedly, looking up at the rising elevator numbers. As he remained silent, he felt a puzzled gaze burning into his face. Won-woo got on the elevator without reacting to him.

As soon as the doors closed, Won-woo’s arm was grabbed with force and his body spun around. Face to face, Gye Yoon looked down at him with a frown. Confused by his expression, Won-woo asked,

“What’s wrong?”

“Are you angry?”

“No. Why would I be angry?”

As Won-woo looked perplexed, Gye Yoon turned his head and ran his hand through his hair. It seemed like a gesture of relief, and Won-woo found himself smiling unconsciously.

“I don’t know why you misunderstood, but I’m not. Besides, didn’t you like it more when I got angry?”

“I do. But sometimes it makes me anxious.”

Won-woo almost placed his hand on Gye Yoon’s arm to stroke it without realizing. But it seems even kind gestures meant to reassure need practice. He ended up just clenching his fist awkwardly.

“Do you want to help Administrator Kim? Then I’ll go to the west.”

Go? Not go together? Since Gye Yoon had been trying not to leave Won-woo’s side for even a moment, Won-woo tilted his head in confusion but gave the necessary answer first.

“It’s not for me to decide. Do as you wish, Gye Yoon-ssi.”

“I don’t want to.”

Confused by the sharp determination, Won-woo asked,

“Do you dislike her that much?”

“I’m not refusing to go because I dislike Administrator Kim. Though I do dislike her.”

“Then why don’t you want to go?”

Gye Yoon pressed his lips together and turned his head, seemingly unwilling to answer. Instead of pressing further, Won-woo raised his hand and gently rubbed Gye Yoon’s arm as if to soothe him. Gye Yoon seemed to hold his breath for a moment before slowly turning his head.

His eyes filled with a strong light mixed with surprise and joy. It was an excessive reaction for such a small gesture, almost too much. And suddenly, Won-woo realized that he hadn’t been very expressive of affection towards him.

“If you don’t want to go, don’t. As long as it’s not because of me.”

“…”

“Huh? Is it because of me?”

When Won-woo pulled his hand away in surprise, Gye Yoon quickly pressed Won-woo’s hand with his own. As if asking to keep touching him, he gripped the back of Won-woo’s hand firmly and met his gaze seriously.

“You’ve refused all positions with heavy responsibilities, haven’t you? I thought you wanted to travel instead. Living peacefully, even if it’s boring. But since you can’t just play around, I thought that’s why you drove the truck instead.”

Won-woo stared blankly at Gye Yoon before lowering his head as if swallowing a sigh.

“We… need to talk.”

“Shall we go to the rooftop?”

No. Won-woo shook his head and mentioned a different place. The moment he heard the answer, Gye Yoon’s eyes shone intensely. Won-woo heard the ‘ding’ of the elevator arriving, but he couldn’t turn to look due to the urgent lips covering his own.

However, there was no need to worry about people being there when the doors opened. He knew without looking. Gye Yoon would have immediately granted Won-woo’s request.

‘To the villa. Quickly.’

Although he said they needed to talk, it was quite some time before they actually had a calm conversation. Only when Won-woo pleaded with a hoarse voice, exhausted, did Gye Yoon stop his movements. But even after climaxing deep inside Won-woo, he didn’t pull out.

“Pull out a bit.”

Won-woo complained, pushing him lightly with his hand. In response, Gye Yoon, who had been kissing Won-woo’s shoulder while lying on his side, bit into the flesh with his teeth.

“Ah!”

As Won-woo flinched and shouted, he heard laughter through the lips that touched his skin. That husky and joyful vibration spread erotically inside Won-woo’s body. Gye Yoon enjoyed every little reaction that Won-woo didn’t show to others like this.

Whether it was irritation, annoyance, or surprise, he didn’t care. That’s why Won-woo couldn’t get angry this time even when Gye Yoon moved his body as he pleased. Instead, he inwardly swallowed a surprised breath.

Suddenly, Gye Yoon hugged Won-woo and turned him half a rotation, instantly switching their positions. But unable to maintain the position with Won-woo on top of him, he finally pulled out his half-inserted dick. Won-woo, who had been lying on Gye Yoon’s chest, briefly shuddered at the sensation of the hot mass slipping out from below. Unconsciously, he clenched behind once at the emptiness.

“I won’t pull out completely.”

Gye Yoon stroked Won-woo’s hair with his hand as if to reassure him. But with the tip of his dick still inside his body, Won-woo felt more uncomfortable. So when he tried to pull it out himself, Gye Yoon, sensing it with uncanny perception, grasped Won-woo’s buttocks.

“Don’t. Unless you want to be penetrated more.”

The suddenly changed tone was quiet but contained his unsubsided lust. When Won-woo stopped moving in disbelief, Gye Yoon grinned as if he had never threatened him. Giving up on escaping, Won-woo instead half-raised his upper body, placing his hands on Gye Yoon’s chest.

“How are we supposed to talk like this?”

“If we can’t, we’ll do it later. There’s no rush.”

True, there was no rush. They had finished closing down the farms after a busy month of traveling around, so there really was nothing to do. Of course, he had no intention of driving the truck around again.

While he had done it to give Gye Yoon pleasure, it seemed Gye Yoon had endured it for his sake.

“What do you want to say?”

Gye Yoon slowly rubbed his waist with his hand. Won-woo focused on Gye Yoon’s face while trying to ignore the tickling sensation.

“The reason I moved cargo with the truck was just… because I wanted to travel around the world with you, Gye Yoon. I thought you would like it.”

“I did like it.”

No, he really hoped Gye Yoon had been happy. He was about to express a stronger wish but gave up when he saw Gye Yoon’s eyes. His eyes were sparkling like a child’s as he looked up at Won-woo. The affection directed at him was so clear it felt almost tangible, making Won-woo realize that wishing for Gye Yoon’s happiness was unnecessary. At least for now.

“I don’t care where we are, I’m happy as long as you’re with me.”

Won-woo’s eyes wavered as if waves were forming in them. Staring at Won-woo like this, Gye Yoon moved his hand again to stroke his side. Won-woo flinched slightly but didn’t avoid it. Instead, he revealed a bit of the story that had been deep inside him.

“In the original world, I chose to be a truck driver as a disguise because of the aunt.”

Gye Yoon was curious about the aunt’s identity but waited for Won-woo to speak first. However, Won-woo couldn’t give exact details either. He only learned her name after coming here, but it was as unfamiliar to Won-woo as a stranger’s name.

“When I ran away from home as a child after being beaten by my father and brother, the aunt saved me. Even though I didn’t know her name or identity, I followed her without hesitation.”

Won-woo briefly added an explanation about her and then turned his eyes to empty space.

“The aunt was traveling around the country looking for someone, and that’s when she found me. Thanks to that person, I met the aunt, but I was incredibly jealous of them. The aunt said she had no family, but I thought if she was searching so desperately for someone, they must be family. And when the aunt brought that severely injured person a few years later… I was afraid of being abandoned, so I deliberately treated that person well.”

The last words came out with a bitter smile. While Won-woo kept staring into space, there was no question about who that person was. Gye Yoon, being perceptive, must have figured it out. When Won-woo lowered his gaze, he met eyes that held a strange light.

It was similar to the look Won-woo always showed when recalling the past. Eyes mixed with jealousy towards his other-world self and a desire to be loved more. But he could also see the effort to suppress it. A warning automatically sprang from Won-woo’s lips.

“Don’t curse.”

“……”

Gye Yoon closed his eyes tightly and sighed, then asked as if feeling wronged.

“Why do you dislike cursing?”

“I don’t dislike it. It’s just that I promised the aunt not to do it.”

The aunt again. Another wave of jealousy clouded Gye Yoon’s eyes. Won-woo chuckled and revealed one more thing about the aunt.

“The aunt used to drive a truck. That’s why I ended up doing it too.”

It was information shared without much thought, but Gye Yoon’s expression suddenly changed. His face tensed and his eyebrows twitched slightly. Won-woo instinctively realized that he had figured out the aunt’s identity. Gye Yoon’s lips moved as if he was about to ask something, but he closed them again. Instead, he gripped Won-woo’s thigh tightly. And after a while, when his mouth opened, an unexpected sigh escaped.

“…Ah, shit. I don’t want to meet Administrator Kim.”

Why Administrator Kim all of a sudden? To the puzzled Won-woo, Gye Yoon grumbled with irritation.

“Administrator Kim has too good a memory. She remembers everything I said and did when I was young.”

So? When Won-woo raised another question mark, another curse came from Gye Yoon.

“Shit, she’ll remember my childhood dream and mock me again.”

Flinch. Won-woo turned his eyes away to hide his expression. And he decided to keep it a secret forever that his sister had already laughed at it plenty. Fortunately, Gye Yoon didn’t seem to care about his sister’s memory, and added about Administrator Kim as if tattling.

“That’s not all. She remembers all the embarrassing things and brings them up every time we meet.”

“Were there many embarrassing things?”

“When I was a kid, yeah.”

…Well, everyone has some dark history from their childhood. It might really be unpleasant if someone recites them as if they happened just yesterday. Won-woo finally understood Gye Yoon a little. But you are not going to the west anyway? Contrary to Won-woo’s doubt, Gye Yoon announced as if he had made up his mind.

“When I meet Administrator Kim, I’ll just greet him and leave immediately. Ignore whatever he says about me, okay?”

The one who was most pleased that Gye Yoon was going to support the west himself was, of course, Chief Jung. Thanks to this, Won-woo received words of gratitude from him, but it was only uncomfortable because he hadn’t actually persuaded Gye Yoon. Although he didn’t know why Gye Yoon suddenly changed his mind, they were set to move west the very next day after finally escaping from the villa after several days.

And when they arrived at the building where the new administration office was located, Won-woo let out an incredulous laugh. The tall and fancy building was the Guide One headquarters. Won-woo, who came here alone, didn’t know Administrator Kim at all, but he thought this person must have quite some guts.

Although the Gye family was the victor, many viewed this fight as a conflict between families that had nothing to do with them. The damage was entirely borne by ordinary people.

So naturally, there was resistance against the Gye family, who had become the new rulers. But to blatantly use the Guide One building as if flaunting the spoils of war… The reason was explained by the person guiding them to the administrator’s office.

‘Due to Guide One’s bankruptcy, all of its real estate was auctioned off. This building, despite its good location, had a low rent, perhaps due to the previous owner’s history. That’s why the administration office is using it.’

The administrator was not only gutsy but also sharp-minded and skilled in practical affairs. At this point, Won-woo was looking forward to seeing who this person was that Chief Jung and the Gye family head had praised.

So even though he had to wait for over 30 minutes in a corner of the secretary’s office because the administrator was too busy, he didn’t mind. There were countless people rushing in and out of the administrator’s office carrying documents. If anything, he was worried about taking up the time of such a busy person.

“Come in.”

At the secretary’s words, Won-woo stood up. The secretary’s office where Won-woo had been waiting was spacious enough for about 10 people to work, but the administrator’s office was narrower and plainer than expected.

Even the office seemed to reveal the efficiency-oriented personality of its occupant, making Won-woo inwardly tense as he sat on the narrow sofa.

Behind the desk piled with documents, a woman in her late 50s was working with furrowed brows. Her lean and strict-looking impression made Won-woo try not to disturb her, even holding his breath. But soon she put down her pen and stood up. Won-woo quickly stood up too and bowed his head as soon as their eyes met.

“My name is Ji Won-woo.”

She nodded and came around the desk. During that short distance, it was apparent that she had difficulty walking. But that wasn’t why Won-woo hesitated.

“I received a call from the Family Head. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”

As she sat down opposite him, Won-woo just looked at her with somewhat confused eyes. Noticing Won-woo’s reaction, she met his gaze and asked,

“What’s wrong?”

“No. It’s nothing.”

Won-woo sat down with an awkward smile. But as soon as he sat, his expression hardened again.

“I guess the Vice Head didn’t come because he doesn’t want to see me?”

“…Haha, that’s not it.”

“Of course it is. He probably cursed my memory again. That’s what he gets for being such a troublemaker when he was young.”

The Administrator added in a businesslike voice, naturally criticizing Gye Yoon,

“If you’re curious about the Vice Head’s childhood, feel free to ask. I’ll tell you everything.”

Surprised by her offer, Won-woo tilted his head. She doesn’t seem like someone who would easily talk about others’ pasts? As if reading Won-woo’s doubt, she explained impassively,

“You’re the one who wrote a blood oath to take responsibility for Vice Head for life, so you deserve to know.”

What oath? Won-woo was about to ask her in shock, but swallowed his words at her muttering,

“It’s good that you don’t look stupid enough to write an oath as a joke.”

It was plenty stupid, but Won-woo just glossed over it with another awkward smile. Then he kept tilting his head as if something was still odd.

“Is there a problem?”

“No. Your voice just sounds similar to someone I know.”

Is that so? The administrator responded and then asked with an indifferent face,

“Is that acquaintance perhaps a Guide?”

Won-woo’s eyes flickered briefly.

“…Yes. How did you know?”

At this, for the first time, an expression appeared on the administrator’s face, which had been businesslike until now.

“Because the person whose voice resembles mine is a Guide. I’ve often heard that while our faces aren’t alike, our voices are. Even the Vice Head acknowledged this.”

There couldn’t be a more credible witness than Gye Yoon, who was an expert on sounds. Won-woo tried to swallow his surprise and shared his impression,

“That’s fascinating. I didn’t know voices could be so similar.”

“Well, we are sisters, so it’s possible.”

“…”

“I find it fascinating too. My sister died nine years ago, yet she has a connection with you, Won-woo.”

She didn’t ask how they knew each other. Instead, she stared straight at Won-woo. Won-woo tried hard not to show his shaken emotions, but his tightly clenched hands trembled slightly.

“Would you like some tea?”

Only when she calmly asked after a long while did Won-woo finally raise his eyes.

“You must be busy. I only came to say hello today, so I’ll be going now.”

“Even if I’m busy, I have time to drink tea and talk about my sister.”

She stated firmly, then muttered with less force,

“There haven’t been many people to share memories with all this time.”

“…”

“I see why the Vice Head said he’d be glad to see you, Won-woo.”

Seeing Won-woo’s eyes widen, the administrator smiled gently. She asked her secretary for tea, and until steaming cups were placed on the table, she inquired about a few administrative matters related to support.

Won-woo couldn’t remember how he had answered, but thanks to that, the shock had subsided a bit. When Won-woo became able to respond, the administrator raised her teacup and spoke softly,

“The Vice Head had one more request. He asked me to tell you everything about the past. I thought he meant to talk about his own past.”

Won-woo stared blankly at her as she chuckled, then opened his mouth,

“I didn’t know Gye Yoon had contacted you in advance.”

“I was a bit surprised too. But when I heard the reason, I understood why he asked me, even though he dislikes me.”

“What was the reason?”

As if wondering why he didn’t know, the administrator looked at him questioningly, then smiled again. Though their faces weren’t alike, somehow that smile seemed similar to the aunti’s.

Won-woo’s chest tightened. But as he heard the manager’s answer, that feeling soon changed to a surging emotion. He felt like he might cry embarrassingly again.

“He said it was because he wants you to be happy.”

-End-