TG Ch 2 Part 7

Outside, the sound of glass being cleared continued unabated.

Sijin quickly checked if the testing equipment had been damaged before approaching Ham Geonwu. 

Ham Geonwu sat dejectedly on the floor, watching him as if awaiting scolding from an adult who knew exactly what mischief he’d gotten up to—using telekinesis and nearly causing serious harm.

Sijin silently removed the broken patch from Ham Geonwu’s body. The man cautiously asked:

“…Are you not mad?”

Sijin took a deep breath and looked at him with his usual calm demeanor, as if nothing had happened.

“I don’t get angry during examinations.”

“…..”

“But other examiners were quite surprised. They weren’t pretending to be nice. They genuinely wanted to work well with Esper Ham Geonwu today. Tell them that it was a mistake and that it won’t happen again. So, promise me you’ll apologize to the other examiners when you go out, okay?”

“…Okay.”

Fortunately, Ham Geonwu understood. In fact, he was the easiest type to deal with as long as you explained things to him properly. Is this what it feels like to raise a killer whale that understands human language? Sijin thought as he looked at the now-compliant esper.

Sijin led Ham Geonwu to the examination podium. Once he stepped onto it, he asked:

“You’ve only used your ability once today, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll start the examination then. We need as much data as possible since we don’t have any records on you yet. Is that okay?”

Normally, one shouldn’t use their ability for twelve hours before an examination, but there was no choice today. In any case, this wouldn’t be considered using his ability extensively. Sijin began preparing for the examination methodically.

“I’m dangerous,” muttered Ham Geonwu.

Sijin looked at him with mixed emotions. Acknowledging oneself as dangerous caused immense pain for Ability Users, often leading down the path of self-loathing.

Sijin stood right in front of him with a smile and reassured him confidently, “You’re not dangerous at all. Do you trust me?”

Ham Geonwu studied Sijin for a moment before nodding slowly. However, his lingering unease led him to gaze down again. Soon, under Sijin’s guidance, various pads and intricate patches were placed on Ham Geonwu’s body. Despite his gentle touch, Ham Geonwu tightly gripped a silver bar, seemingly determined not to use his abilities. Witnessing his somber mood, Sijin felt sympathy for him.

Seeing Ham Geonwu unusually subdued today, she decided to engage him in conversation.

“Esper Ham Geonwu.”

“…Yes.”

“People often focus on PTSD, but there’s also the next stage called PTG.”

Ham Geonwu quietly listened to Sijin’s explanation. As he placed the patch on his back, Sijin continued.

“PTG stands for post-traumatic growth.”

_{[TL/N: In psychology, post-traumatic growth (PTG) is positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging, highly stressful life circumstances.]}

“…..”

“You’re here today because you kept your promise, right? You also wanted to apologize for your mistake earlier.”

“What if I don’t apologize?”

“You should do it—for your own sake.”

Ham Geonwu looked puzzled by his words, but Sijin pressed on regardless.

“I believe you’ve already begun experiencing post-traumatic growth, Esper Ham Geonwu.” Sijin explained calmly, as if reflecting on his own past. After his accident, he had felt utterly alone, but having someone like him now was comforting.

“You’ve made significant progress compared to just a week ago. So, I hope you can gradually move forward to the next stage.”

“…..”

“I think I rushed you today. Still, another examiner can prepare you next time. Just consider it part of the process and try to endure it, okay?”

“…..” 

Ham Geonwu shook his head, indicating he didn’t want that either.

Sijin stood before him, looking directly into his eyes as if trying to persuade him. In response, Ham Geonwu glared back at him with a scowl on his face. Eventually, Sijin suggested an alternative plan.

“How about just saying hello to the examiners?”

“But I have Doctor now, so why bother?”

“Well…”

As Sijin attempted to soothe him, he froze when he felt Ham Geonwu press his forehead against his shoulder.

“You can do it for me, right?”

“I’m not sure—”

“You promised me you’d manage my condition properly.”

“…Of course, I will.”

“Is it because Yoo Seunghwa is more important than me?”

Sijin squeezed his trembling eyes shut. He could feel Ham Geonwu’s deep breaths every time he spoke, and his torso pressed against him felt hot. Sijin’s heart raced, making it difficult to utter what he knew should be said. The logical response that this wasn’t a competition lingered on his tongue.

Hesitating, he gently stroked Ham Geonwu’s well-toned back. In response, Ham Geonwu leaned further into his touch. Feeling his desperate need, Sijin chose to speak from the heart instead of relying on logic.

“…Yes, you’re important. It’s precisely because Esper Ham Geonwu matters so much to me.”

Sijin felt guilty as he looked at Ham Geonwu leaning on him. He knew today’s incident was entirely his mistake. After sensing Ham Geonwu’s growing fondness for him, he had believed he could gradually help him recover. However, he proved to be more guarded than Sijin anticipated, likely due to not receiving treatment earlier. 

Unlike teenagers who recovered quickly, trauma couldn’t be erased instantly with just one kind gesture. Sijin decided not to rush things, knowing it would require long-term observation.

‘Let’s take it slow.’

Sijin composed himself and gently placed his hands on Ham Geonwu’s shoulders before easing away from him. Underneath his black hair, he saw his somber expression.

“From now on, I’ll make sure to be there right from the start. In return, please greet the other examiners.”

“…Okay.”

“And don’t forget to apologize today.”

“I understand.”

Sijin responded with a warm smile at his answer, which elicited a small grin from Ham Geonwu as well. It was a sign that he had relaxed somewhat. Relieved, Sijin continued their conversation casually.

“You’re sticking to your alcohol-free diet, right?”

“I feel like I’m dying without it…”

“It’s almost over. Just hang in there a little longer.”

“And don’t forget our drinking date once this is all done!”

Sijin chuckled and nodded before preparing for the examination. Fortunately, everything outside the room seemed to be wrapping up as well.

“Okay, let’s begin the examination. You know the rules, correct?”

Ham Geonwu nodded. Suddenly, he flashed a mischievous grin at Sijin and gestured toward the pad on one side of the room. With a slight sense of resignation, Sijin picked up the pad and said:

“Yes, I’ll read you a story too.”

Sijin briefly glanced at the screen, then held the pad firmly, now accustomed to multitasking during examinations. However, every rule has its exceptions.

“The title is ‘A Thrilling Affair with Teacher’… Didn’t I tell you no affairs?”

“Pfft…” Ham Geonwu chuckled softly.

“Don’t laugh. I’m serious, I’m not reading this.” 

Seeing his firm stance, Ham Geonwu hastily shook his head. Sijin noticed this and started improvising their conversation.

“Why? Are there other options? Really? Wait, let me check. Let’s see…”

Sijin briefly checked the progress of the medical examination before picking up the pad again. The titles were quite concerning.

“‘This isn’t right, Teacher’, ‘Teacher’s Secret Private Life’…  ‘That Teacher’s Juicy Secrets’…  Geonwu-ya, do you have some kind of grudge against teachers??” Sijin looked at him gravely as he put down the pad.

However, Ham Geonwu was struggling to suppress his laughter. Seeing this, Si-jin realized that this little killer whale brat was getting a kick out of teasing him, rather than actually being interested in the erotica novel.

On that day, Sijin did read from one of the books but only selected extremely innocent passages. Despite this, Ham Geonwu listened attentively and respectfully to his voice. There was also a subtle change in the way he looked at him.

***