RG 104

As Kwon Seoyul closed his mouth, an awkward silence settled over the hospital room. Rubbing my sore throat, I let out a weary sigh and spoke. “Vicemaster, you can let go now.”

“But…”

“It’s okay.”

If he had truly meant to fight, he wouldn’t have let himself be caught so easily in the first place. Just as I expected, even after Ryu Seonghyeon deactivated his skill, Kwon Seoyul kept crying without showing any real signs of resistance. From beneath his disheveled hair, his eyes were full of resentment directed at me. With tears hanging from his long lashes, he glared and opened his mouth. “You know what really pisses me off?”

“Not interested.”

Clearly seething with frustration, he spat out the words like venom. “There are bastards who knew about your skill before I did, and it’s not just one or two. Fuck, how is that even possible?”

Out of all the brothers, the one who was particularly sensitive and emotionally swayed was Kwon Seoyul. He always wanted attention from the person he desired and was prone to intense jealousy.

When we were younger and ignorant, I used to pity him for that. That’s why I tried to fulfill his requests whenever I could.

Hyeon Dowun had long seen through Kwon Seoyul’s warped possessiveness and even warned me about it. But back then, I considered “that person” and my “brothers” as family, so I couldn’t bring myself to reject Kwon Seoyul’s demands.

That’s also why he acted so selfishly toward me. I kept indulging him even though I wasn’t ready to take responsibility for his emotional void—and this is what I got.

I won’t deny that I was an idiot. But just as I was stupid back then, I have no intention of being anyone’s pushover anymore.

“If this is enough to piss you off, you’re in for a rough time.” Tilting my head, I deliberately curled my lips into a smug smile. Kwon Seoyul blinked when he saw it. “There will be more people who know me better than you.”

“Bro.”

“Kwon Seoyul, I know all too well how obsessively you cling to the idea of ‘brotherhood.’ The only relationships you value are with that person and your brothers.”

“…”

“So stop paying attention to me. I have nothing to do with the district anymore, so there’s no reason for us to interact. Should be easy for you, right?”

Kwon Seoyul, who had been staring at me blankly, gradually twisted his expression. It wasn’t out of anger. It was a mix of emotions—confusion, sorrow, disappointment—all blending into one. Tears fell once more from his reddened eyes as he muttered, “You’re going to regret this. I know you will. Do you really think there’s anyone else who understands you the way we do?”

“There already is.”

Well, to be precise… there was.

Swallowing the rest of my words, I looked at Kwon Seoyul. No matter what, he was someone I’d grown up with since we were kids. Since he was the type who couldn’t hide his emotions, I had developed the habit of reading his face whenever we interacted. But…

‘Why is he that shocked?’

Getting upset or sulky was expected from Kwon Seoyul, given his personality.

As I frowned in discomfort, he stubbornly extended his injured arm.

“You’re really not going to use your skill? I’m hurting. I’m really in pain…”

“Quit whining and get lost.”

“…”

Even though he needed to get back to the sector immediately due to return orders, he was still clinging to the excuse of my skill, which was just absurd.

At my sharp reply, both Kwon Taehyeok and Ryu Seonghyeon, who had been watching the conversation, glanced at me in surprise. I didn’t care about Kwon Taehyeok, but Ryu Seonghyeon’s gaze was a bit uncomfortable. I really wished Kwon Seoyul would just leave already.

Sensing my blatant annoyance, Kwon Seoyul pressed his lips tightly together and clenched his blood-soaked fist. “I’ll come back.”

“Not sure. I doubt that person will give you the same order again.”

“I’ll come back no matter what.” Just before he, still sniffling and being stubborn to the end, left the hospital room, he spoke in a deeply upset voice. “Bro, you’re really too much.”

“Heh.”

I was the one who got choked, had my hair grabbed, and was pressured to use my skill—so I had no idea why he was acting like he was the one who’d been hurt.

I let out a hollow laugh in disbelief. That was when I saw a familiar kid standing in the hallway beyond the open door. The one glaring intently at Kwon Seoyul as he left the room was definitely Cha Sahyeon.

“Sahyeon.”

Conscious of the two people next to me, I called his name instead of calling him “kid”. As soon as I did, he turned toward me with slightly flushed cheeks and came running over.

Seeing him rush toward me with open arms, I also got off the bed to embrace him.

Watching us, Ryu Seonghyeon gave an awkward smile and said, “I told him to wait in the hallway for a bit since it seemed dangerous. Also… we came back in a hurry, so he hasn’t eaten yet.”

“That’s alright. You helped me, after all.”

“Actually, it was the kid who insisted on coming back. On the way to the cafeteria, he suddenly insisted we return to the hospital room.”

“Is that so?” Surprised, I looked down at the boy.

Cha Sahyeon, nestled in my arms, kept his gaze fixed on my neck. He was probably looking at the marks Kwon Seoyul had left on it.

‘Cha Sahyeon may be ranked B, but his real power is way above that. Could he have sensed Kwon Seoyul’s presence?’

Considering Ryu Seonghyeon, who’s S-class, didn’t notice anything, the distance must’ve been significant. I was once again struck by just how impressive Cha Sahyeon was.

“Ahem, Hunter Cha Seohu.” Kwon Taehyeok, who had silently remained at his spot until now, cleared his throat and carefully spoke up. “Please have your meal here with your brother. I’ll tell the hospital to send over an extra portion for him.”

“That’d be convenient for me, so thank you.”

“I’ll also send someone to bring a Support. You… need treatment for the injury on your neck.” After briefly looking me over, he added a question, “Or would you prefer to treat it yourself?”

That’s when I realized why Kwon Taehyeok had been hesitating. I smiled and shook my head, letting him know it wasn’t a big deal. “If possible, I’d appreciate the Support. I can’t use my skill on myself.”

“Ah…”

“Hmm…”

Hearing my explanation, Ryu Seonghyeon and Kwon Taehyeok both touched their lips and wore complicated expressions. Their reaction, as if they were pitying me, left me unsure whether I should feel grateful or annoyed. As I wavered, Kwon Taehyeok let out a short sigh and said, “Since you need treatment anyway, it’d be best to stay in the hospital room for today.”

That was fine with me. The hospital felt a little stifling, sure, but I still had things to discuss with the two of them and had to wait for the Support to arrive.

‘Considering what might happen when I switch to Cover, it’s best to treat the neck wound right away.’

It was such a relief that Kwon Taehyeok had offered to call the Support first. Moments like this are why it’s important to maintain a good image with the wealthy. Grinning inwardly, I quickly replied, “I’ll do that. Thank you.”

“And this is just a personal question,” Kwon Taehyeok added, his eyes drifting toward the blood-soaked bed. “Is what Kwon Seoyul said true? That another Hunter from the district… one of the so-called ‘brothers’… is coming?”

“Ah.”

Damn it. This was a topic I really didn’t want to get into—especially not with Ryu Seonghyeon around. Still, after talking so openly with Kwon Seoyul in front of the two of them, telling them not to ask questions now would just be irresponsible. So I had no choice but to reply with an indifferent tone, “Probably. I’m not sure. It all depends on whoever’s giving the orders.”

I trust Ryu Seonghyeon, of course. And Kwon Taehyeok too, considering his righteous behavior, personality, and the fact that he was assigned the role of “main character” by the system. But that’s separate from whether or not I feel like explaining things about the district.

‘It’d be nice if they could just pretend they didn’t hear it, but… yeah, not likely.’

This isn’t something people usually hear about, so it’s natural they’d be curious. Especially since C-281, the district where I was born and raised, is off-limits even to the government. That alone is enough to pique anyone’s interest.

‘But still, not in front of Ryu Seonghyeon…’

Letting out a soft groan, I scratched my forehead. Kwon Taehyeok hesitated for a long moment before finally speaking, “Hunter Cha Seohu. After you’re discharged… are you going back to your office?”

“Of course. That’s my home.”

“It could be dangerous. A Hunter sent from the district might show up, right?”

“I’ll handle that myself. It’s not something you need to worry about, Guildmaster.”

I didn’t know why he was prying so much today. My patience was starting to wear thin, so I tried to draw the line. But for some reason, he took that as some kind of cue—his expression hardened with resolve as he spoke. “Then… would you consider coming with me?”

“…What?”

“If you’re willing, Hunter Cha Seohu, I could lend you a room within the guild’s premises.”

“…Excuse me?”

I stared at Kwon Taehyeok in disbelief, my mouth hanging open as he stood there looking tense.

What the hell is this guy even saying right now?