DP Episode 136

Episode 136

The expressions of those on the screen subtly dimmed with a mixture of vague hope and concern.

“Resonance.” It sounded good. A very romantic statement. But trusting that alone to leap into a gate—such madness was not easy to comprehend, no matter how one looked at it.

They gazed at the mild eyes of the South Korean guide, who looked so young and innocent. To the foreigners, Yeon-woo appeared to be the very image of a fluffy, soft adolescent.

Judging by his appearance alone, he looked like someone who would burst into tears from a mere pinch on the cheek. It was hard to believe that such a young guide had accomplished something so monumental.

―[I heard you were designated as a guide just last summer. So you’ve known your No-Name for less than half a year, right?]

“Lieutenant, um… no,” Yeon-woo adjusted his words.

“I met him long before I became a guide… uh… a very long time ago.”

As Hee-min translated and elaborated on Yeon-woo’s words, he explained that Yeon-woo had connections with his No-Name since childhood and had always regarded him as a savior. The foreigners’ expressions shifted into subtle understanding.

―[So you’ve been steadily building rapport since childhood.]

The conclusion they came to didn’t sit well with Yeon-woo. Sure, it was true that he admired and relied on Seo-joon from a young age. But framing his feelings for Seo-joon in such a way seemed to diminish their significance.

“Even without that.”

Yeon-woo abandoned his clumsy English and spoke up.

“Anyone can do what I did. This is something anyone can do. No matter what a No-Name looks like.”

The screen fell into a heavy silence.

“…As long as you have the will to protect.”

People called what he had done a miracle, scrambling to find scientific explanations for how it had been possible. But Yeon-woo could only say one thing about the reckless result he had achieved.

He did it because he had to, because he wanted to protect.

Because he wanted to stay by that person’s side, and there was no option not to do it.

It wasn’t some lucky, one-off miracle. Nor was it because he was particularly extraordinary.

Yeon-woo believed in the power of love. Not just himself—he believed anyone could do what he did.

Yeon-woo continued to receive a flood of questions, with Hee-min translating his words. Sometimes, the other guides, Cheong-oh or Min-geon, provided explanations that were more helpful than Hee-min’s.

―[Today’s discussion was very helpful.]

―[We’re all praying for your joon to return soon.]

An hour later, the No-Names and their guides from other countries, still wearing uncertain expressions, bid their farewells and ended the video call.

―[You did well today, Yeon-woo. If your case is to help more people, opportunities like this will come up often.]

Hee-min, the last to remain on the call, smiled warmly at Yeon-woo through the screen.

“Yes, thank you.”

―[Seo-joon’s return will complete this miracle. It’s something everyone is hoping for, not just you.]

“Yes.”

Concern flickered in Hee-min’s eyes as he looked at Yeon-woo.

―[I’ll see you soon when I return to Korea. Take care until then, Yeon-woo.]

Yeon-woo nodded at Hee-min’s light words, which seemed to conceal so much unsaid.

“Yes. Goodbye.”

The video call app closed. After shutting the laptop, Yeon-woo stood and walked over to Seo-joon, who was sitting on the bed, still staring at the Christmas tree. Yeon-woo opened his arms to embrace him and nestled into Seo-joon’s arms.

“If I’m going to travel abroad with you, I’ll have to study English harder.”

Yeon-woo took Seo-joon’s limp hand and used it to stroke his own head.

“I did well, right? I practiced a lot with you.”

“…”

“Since I did well, give me a kiss. Tell me I’m amazing, and stroke my head.”

At the word “kiss,” Seo-joon lowered his head. Like a trained animal, his lips met Yeon-woo’s lips unerringly. A soft “chup” sound accompanied the kiss as Yeon-woo purposefully made a noise, grinning brightly.

Seo-joon’s gray eyes, which had been fixed on Yeon-woo’s smiling face, slowly returned to the Christmas tree. Familiar with the indifference of his unresponsive lover, Yeon-woo stood and busied himself tidying the hospital room.

On the TV, which he had turned on to break the silence, two male voices could be heard.

― It’s the morning of Day 71 since the gate disappeared, everyone. Today, we’ll be talking with an economics expert about Australia’s precedent of disaster resolution…

The announcer and the economics professor began their discussion.

“Yeon-woo, your medicine delivery’s here.”

Song-hee playfully peeked through the hospital room door. Accepting a small paper cup, Yeon-woo thanked her.

“Seo-joon, it’s time for your medicine.”

Yeon-woo handed Seo-joon the cup and watched him drink it. Suddenly, Jeong-woo darted in beside Song-hee.

“Hyung!”

“Oh, Jeong-woo, you’re done with your treatment already?”

“Yep!”

Yeon-woo turned to catch Jeong-woo, who jumped into his arms.

“Look at this! I got it all fixed.”

Jeong-woo opened his mouth wide, showing off teeth that had been cleaned up after his cavity troubles. Inspecting his mouth carefully, Yeon-woo smiled and stroked his cheek.

“You’ve grown up, Jeong-woo. You didn’t cry in the dentist’s chair.”

“Yeon-woo, aren’t you going to eat? Director Kang isn’t here, so I’m bored.”

“Oh, I ate earlier with Seo-joon.”

“Aw, then I’ll just order something delicious with Jeong-woo.”

Song-hee laughed, taking Jeong-woo from Yeon-woo. After seeing them off, Yeon-woo re-entered the room, only to freeze in shock.

Seo-joon was supposed to be taking his medicine!

Yeon-woo dashed back into the room. Seo-joon had a habit of chewing on things if left alone, like the time he almost swallowed a toothbrush head.

“Seo-joon! No! Spit it—”

He stopped mid-yell.

Blue eyes filled with faint shock. Yeon-woo’s face turned pale as he stared at Seo-joon’s hand resting limply on the bedsheet.

Seo-joon hadn’t eaten the paper cup.

He had only bitten the edge and crumpled it slightly.

✽✽✽

―Lieutenant didn’t eat the paper cup!

Hee-min, still stationed at the NASA research base, received a call from Yeon-woo, who had just finished the video conference. Startled by the abrupt exclamation, Hee-min blinked and asked.

“What do you mean, Yeon-woo?”

―Lieutenant didn’t eat the cup…

“…I see.”

Even after the “Lieutenant kissed me!” incident, Yeon-woo often blurted out seemingly random statements about Seo-joon. Things like, “Lieutenant wiped my tears,” or, “I think Lieutenant likes me.”

“Well… uh, yes, it’s good he didn’t eat it.”

As always, Hee-min responded positively, encouraging Yeon-woo, who never gave up hope.

―That’s not it… This is really important, Director!

From the other end of the line came a frustrated sigh.

―It’s a habit he’s had for a long time. Chewing on cups—it’s a habit, not an attempt to eat them.

Did Seo-joon have such a habit? Typing on his laptop while holding his phone between his shoulder and ear, Hee-min listened absentmindedly. Then his hands froze.

A thunderous realization hit him moments later.

―It’s not just a shell, Director. The Lieutenant isn’t just a doll I made. He’s really here… Our Lieutenant is still here…

Yeon-woo’s trembling voice, choked with tears, spilled out in a jumble. Hearing it, Hee-min felt a rush of relief that made his entire body tremble.

Inside the new body that Yeon-woo had crafted, Seo-joon remained. The very essence of the Seo-joon they knew.

‘That’s enough.’

That alone was enough.

It meant Seo-joon hadn’t completely left them.

Now, they just had to wait for the day he would fully return.

“…”

Tears dripped onto the back of his hand as he typed. In the shared research lab, surrounded by others, Hee-min couldn’t openly cry. Instead, he silently rejoiced.

「Dr. Kang? Is something wrong?」

Hearing his sniffles, a fellow researcher nearby asked with concern. Hastily wiping his tears, Hee-min shook his head.

「No, it’s nothing.」

Click, click.

The quiet sound of typing filled the air as an unfinished sentence appeared on his laptop screen.

Complete retrieval of a No-Name confirmed│

Someday soon, he would present this sentence with absolute certainty to everyone.