FTE 016

It’s there. In my bag. Dungeons are a fair mix of disaster and misfortune. Both members of the Hunter Association and civilians suffer from mild anxiety due to them. Needless to say, I carry a dagger for protection and as a talisman for peace of mind. I’m not sure how Chae Won-u knows about it.

However, that wasn’t important. As I pushed Chae Won-u away, feeling his still trembling arm, I slowly patted him with my hand. Unconsciously, I almost killed someone. He was just twenty years old, quite young. It was surprising.

Long ago, there was a survey conducted among hunters.

Q. Have you ever felt like a monster?

A. Yes (82%). No (7%). Unsure (11%).

I don’t know if Chae Won-u participated in this survey or even knew about it, but somehow, I doubt he would have answered ‘No’.

***

As soon as we entered the infirmary, the doctor exclaimed:

“Did you get into a fight first thing this morning?!”

The doctor was notorious for being blunt and not mincing words with anyone. I had no comeback to that. Chae Won-u kept glancing at me furtively while receiving his bandages, and I could feel his gaze on me.

“Who started it?” The doctor clicked his tongue, awaiting our response.

I quietly raised my hand before Chae Won-u could vehemently protest, his eyes wide open.

“I threw my phone because he snores loudly.”

“You should’ve just endured it!”

“How can one endure that? If there’s noise right next to you, would you be able to sleep?”

“Huh? Right next to you? Do you two share the same bed?”

Finally, the doctor checked his chart and let out a suspicious sigh. The ‘aha’ sound felt quite strange and unsettling.

“What are you thinking?”

“No, I finally understand now. Yes, it makes sense.”

Apparently, he assumed we had engaged in sexual relations under the guise of guidance. In this environment where many teenagers mixed freely despite lacking emotional maturity, it wasn’t uncommon for them to use guidance as an excuse for physical intimacy at the research institute. They would pretend nothing happened afterward… 

Regardless, Chae Won-u and I never went beyond holding hands! It was truly unfair.

“It’s not what you’re thinking.”

“Yes. I understand. There is no need to explain.”

It was strange that he kept trying to explain, but it would also be unfair if I just brushed it off. It might’ve been less awkward if he had genuinely fallen asleep. Not that I wanted to sleep with him for fairness’ sake…!

“What else could it be? Surely not because he talked in his sleep and tried to kill you using his power, causing you to throw a glass?”

The doctor burst out laughing as if finding his own words amusing. Chae Won-u openly showed remorse on his face, while mine turned sour. The doctor abruptly stopped laughing and asked, perplexed, “What’s wrong? Why such a face?”

“It’s just that your explanation makes absolutely no sense. Ah-ha-ha-ha!” I forced an awkward laugh. Then, I discreetly nudged Chae Won-u’s leg with my heel. In response, he started chuckling like a vending machine dispensing laughter. Fortunately, the doctor seemed uninterested in us and quickly lost attention, without any suspicion arising.

I forced a laugh awkwardly and nudged Chae Won-u’s leg with my heel. Like a vending machine spitting out items, he resumed his laughter. Fortunately, the doctor quickly lost interest in us, not suspecting anything at all. I was grateful for their lack of enthusiasm towards their job.

The doctor appeared to be suppressing yawns while tending to Chae Won-u’s forehead wound. As he wiped away the blood with a damp cotton ball, it revealed a nearly healed cut. His recovery rate was significantly faster than other hunters’. Injuries on the forehead or scalp usually bleed profusely and take longer to stop, but his, had already clotted.

“Should I apply some red ointment?”

“No need. It’s fine,” Won-u casually replied, even showing indifference by attempting to wipe away any remaining blood with his hand.

Chae Won-u responded nonchalantly, even showing indifference by trying to wipe away the remaining blood with his hand. Before he could touch his forehead, I grabbed his wrist. There was a momentary silence accompanied by a soft ‘tap’ sound.

“You might get infected…” The awkward silence prompted me to add this explanation, unnecessarily emphasizing the tension. Chae Won-u stared at me blankly before turning his head, bringing his lips close to my inner wrist and gently kissing it. The sudden moist sensation combined with a slightly rough texture sent shivers down my spine.

“Aaaack!”

“W-What?!” The doctor’s scream echoed mine. Chae Won-u chuckled as chaos ensued due to his actions.

“Why is it okay when hyung does it but not when I do?”

“W-When I do it, it’s only during guidance and with mutual consent…!”

“I need some guidance right now.”

I could almost hear a whining sound. Wrapping my hand around my wrist where his lips had touched, I felt stunned.

“Y-You have to touch me with that intention first.”

“Then should I touch you with that intention now?”

His tone sounded cheeky, as if he was suggesting we give kissing a try. I firmly shook my head.

“Nope. Hunter Chae Won-u is currently very healthy. Extremely healthy.”

Chae Won-u’s unpredictable behavior and erratic conversations were just part of his nature, so there was no need to question whether he was acting normal or not. Apparently disappointed, he pursed his lips before standing up.

“Well then, let’s go eat breakfast.”

“Breakfast?”

“Yes. We haven’t eaten yet today.”

The morning had been so hectic that I’d forgotten about mealtime until Chae Won-u’s ordinary remark brought me back to reality. Suddenly, my stomach grumbled with hunger. The doctor, still surprised but relieved, sipped his warm coffee and then announced today’s main dish:

“Today’s special is mini pork cutlets.”

“Really?” I responded solemnly. Mini pork cutlets? How delightful! As one ages, it’s common to develop a preference for vegetables and bitter flavors, or so I thought, yet here I was still craving these delights.

‘How long will you keep eating like a child? It’s not healthy.’

A voice filled with laughter echoed in my mind—a voice I could never hear again. My mother used to tease me, insisting that as I grew older, vegetables would taste better. Look at me now: still crazy about nuggets and mini pork cutlets just like before.

***

“Why so late? Baekgyeom wanted to give you money for extra tonkatsu.”

“Ah, thank you very much.” I smiled broadly and pushed forward my tray. The middle compartment became heavier. My heart naturally felt generous. A couple of pieces from the mountain of tonkatsu tilted sideways and mixed with the oden stir-fry section.

“And here’s your new partner?”

“Yes.”

While responding warmly, internally, I found it slightly puzzling. Based on the limited information Chae Won-u provided, it seemed he had been stationed here for quite some time. If that was true, why wouldn’t this server be aware of him?

Nonetheless, without showing any suspicion, I pulled Chae Won-u’s tray closer and served him generously.

“He still seems to be growing, doesn’t he? Please give him plenty.”

“Yes, then he needs to eat well. Enjoy your meal.”

Chae Won-u stared at me momentarily before replying with an awkward smile.

“Thank you.”

“…..”

“…..”

Both the server and I became awkward. It was definitely uncomfortable following his lead. It sounded… somewhat flirtatious.

“E-Enjoy your meal. If you want more, just let me know. You need to eat well and stay healthy to protect our country…”

“I’m protecting my hyung rather than the country…”

“I will enjoy it!”

I grabbed Chae Won-u before he could respond seriously again. Confused, he muttered something like ‘look, look at that rolling over there’ as I dragged him away. Was that important now?!

When we reached a corner spot, I sat down with him unexpectedly. Before signing the contract, we used to eat together with the agency staff, but afterward, our schedules diverged, leading us mostly to dine alone.

It had been a long time since I ate with a partner, especially this close to each other. We weren’t facing each other but sitting side by side. Moving now would be ridiculous. And…let’s admit it. I don’t seem to dislike Chae Won-u that much. To be more honest with myself…I definitely don’t hate him.

He was somewhat unique and our wavelengths didn’t match well, but he wasn’t malicious and liked me. It wasn’t easy to hate someone who openly expressed their fondness for you. It also seemed like an unnecessary waste of energy.

“Eat well.”

I neatly arranged Chae Won-u’s tray while muttering these thoughts aloud. With his big eyes fixed on me, he shyly whispered, “Hyung-doo.” I chuckled at his bashfulness, wondering why he felt embarrassed.

“Hunter Chae.”

“Yes?” He responded with his mouth full of tonkatsu.

“It doesn’t matter. Please enjoy your meal.”

“Okay.”

I almost asked him, ‘Do you really like me that much?’ However, there was no need for such words since it wasn’t about romance or managing relationships. Shaking my head lightly, I took another bite of tonkatsu. Its cheap taste, characteristic of frozen food, instantly brought me happiness. Happiness existed not far away but right here on this serving tray.

“Hyung, if I talk in my sleep again tonight…”

“Yes.”

“Then just shoot me with a tranquilizer gun.”

“What did you say?”

“A tranquilizer gun. Go to the fourth floor and they will give it to you.”

“Are you crazy?”

“That is the most effective way.”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”

He shook his head firmly, refusing immediately. What was this nonsense ruining my appetite first thing in the morning? I took the ketchup from the middle of the table, zigzagged it over Chae Won-u’s pork cutlet, and gave him a stern lecture.

“Hunter Chae isn’t an elephant, so there is no need to treat him like a wild beast. Just think carefully about it. From now on, I won’t drink alcohol in front of Hunter Chae either. Let’s forget today’s incident as a minor mishap.”

“No, that can’t happen!” Chae Won-u spoke firmly.