TG Ch 7(2) Part 1

“…..”

The thought of Jeong Taeyul made Sijin sit up abruptly.

He was surprised by his own reaction, but the anxiety gnawing at him spurred him into action. He grabbed his tablet, seeking a distraction.

He turned it on, and the first thing he saw was a recommendation from the Center.

‘A week of rest?’

They were recommending a whole week of rest? How could they do this when they were so short-staffed? 

‘Being alone in this hospital is making me more anxious…’

He didn’t want to be stuck in this unfamiliar place, especially when he wasn’t even injured. 

He was better off being busy. Sijin glanced around the room, his gaze lingering on the sterile, colorless decor. He hated hospitals, their atmosphere stifling and oppressive.

‘I might as well ask Jeong Taeyul to discharge me while I’m at it…’

He made a decision. He had an excuse to contact him now. He hesitated, then, summoning his courage, pressed the call button. 

The phone rang, each tone amplifying his anxiety. But Jeong Taeyul didn’t answer. It was to be expected, considering his usual dismissive attitude. Sijin sighed, about to end the call, when…

[…Dr. Baek?]

Jeong Taeyul’s voice came through the speaker. He quickly brought the tablet closer to his ear.

He could hear the commotion of a bustling city in the background. Now that he had Jeong Taeyul on the line, Sijin couldn’t figure out what to say.

[What’s wrong?]

Jeong Taeyul, sensing his hesitation, asked, his voice firm.

[Report your situation. I’ll be there…] 

“N-No, it’s nothing… I just… woke up.”

[…….]

An awkward silence followed. Sijin, mortified, covered his face with his hands. 

[…Yes, I see.]

Jeong Taeyul’s reply was subdued, a hint of disappointment in his voice. And… surprise?

It was unusual, now that he thought about it. While he often contacted Ham Geonwu, this was his first time calling Jeong Taeyul. The realization made him feel embarrassed.

He quickly changed the subject, “Where are you?”

[It’s classified.]

It was probably an actual classified mission. Was he in the middle of something dangerous? Feeling guilty, Sijin decided to get to the point. 

“If I ask about your condition… will you lock me up again?”

[Yes.] 

His curt reply was as sharp as ever. But Sijin, hearing his familiar tone, felt a sense of relief. 

As Sijin chuckled, fidgeting with his ring, Jeong Taeyul asked casually.

[You called just to tell me you woke up?]

Sijin had heard that same soft tone in his dream. He almost admitted it, drawn in by the warmth in his voice.

He hesitated, then, remembering his purpose, said, clutching the blanket, “Well… that too, but… I want to be discharged.”

[You know you can’t.]

“But… I’m not injured. It’s weird… being stuck here. Can’t I just go back to the Center?”

Sijin asked cautiously. He felt a little embarrassed, asking like a child. But the hospital was making him anxious.

There was no immediate reply.

“Jeong Taeyul?”

He called out to him again, and finally, he heard a response.

[Yes.]

His voice was softer now, a hint of amusement in it. 

[But you can’t.]

“Why do you insist on…”

He was going to ask why he insisted on keeping him hospitalized, but then he remembered Jeong Taeyul was probably on a mission.

He couldn’t argue about something so trivial when Jeong Taeyul could be in danger. Sijin decided to be honest.

“Actually, I… don’t like hospitals.”

[…….]

“This place feels unfamiliar… It’s making me anxious. I’d rather be at my dorm. Please?”

Silence followed his plea. The background noise from Jeong Taeyul’s end grew louder, as if he had moved the phone away from his ear.

Sijin fidgeted with his ring, anxiety growing. He regretted being so honest. Jeong Taeyul wasn’t the type to be swayed by emotional appeals. 

[Okay.] 

But to his surprise, Jeong Taeyul agreed. Sijin’s eyes widened.

[Get dressed. It’s an order.]

As soon as Jeong Taeyul finished speaking, the Ability User Team members stationed outside entered the room. Sijin recognized them; they were Ability Users he had treated before. He was stunned as they handed him his clothes and began the discharge process.

Jeong Taeyul, surprisingly, had granted his request. Sijin’s anxiety lessened slightly. 

***

Back at the Center, Sijin spent the day resting.

Thankfully, he was free to roam around the Center as long as he informed the Alpha Team. He spent his time studying at the café, taking short walks near his dorm. He was still a little wary of being outside after dark, but he forced himself to go out, even if it was just for a few minutes. Being alone indoors amplified his anxiety.

He found himself checking the calendar often. There was a date he always remembered, even without reminders.

‘My parents’ death anniversary is next month…’

His anxiety always worsened around this time of year. The approaching summer, a reminder of the scorching heat of that fateful day, brought nightmares and insomnia. Even the simple act of holding a document filled him with a sense of dread, as if the edges might cut him.

But he had learned to cope. He had accepted that he couldn’t change the past, that he had to live with the scars of that day. And that acceptance had led him to find ways to manage his anxiety.

He surrounded himself with people, went for walks, reminded himself of his accomplishments. And when it became unbearable, he sought professional help.

Thankfully, he wasn’t alone this year.

He had the Alpha Team, his protectors, always nearby. They used to be a distant presence, but after the monster attack, they were always within sight.

Late in the afternoon, he headed downstairs, intending to go for a walk.

‘I should let the Alpha Team know.’

He could go for walks or even short outings as long as he got permission from one of the Alpha Team members.

He looked around, searching for a familiar face, then spotted Ham Geonwu coming down the stairs. He was staring intently at his tablet, probably on his way to handle something work-related. Ham Geonwu wasn’t fond of tablets; he only used them for work.

‘Should I bother him when he’s busy? He must be even more swamped with Jeong Taeyul still away…’

Sijin hesitated, then approached him. Getting permission would ease his anxiety and make their job easier. 

“That, Geonwu…” 

“What?”

Ham Geonwu, looking up from his tablet, frowned. Then, seeing Sijin, his frown melted into a smile. He must have been dealing with something important. Sijin smiled apologetically, “Sorry. Are you busy?”

“Why?” 

“I was…”

Sijin hesitated. Telling a busy Ability User that he wanted to go for a walk felt presumptuous, especially when they were going out of their way to protect him.

He tried rephrasing it.

“Can I… go for a walk?”

“What?”

“I’ve been cooped up inside all day. I wanted to get some fresh air. If you’re busy, I’ll just stay in my room.”

“…..”

Ham Geonwu didn’t answer. A smile was spreading across his face, as if he was enjoying a private joke. Sijin felt increasingly embarrassed. Asking permission to go for a walk… He felt like a dog asking to be taken out.

Ham Geonwu tilted his head slightly, his lips twitching. He was obviously trying to suppress a smile.

“You want to go for a walk?” 

He asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously. Sijin wanted to take it back, but it was too late.

“I just… thought it would be easier if I let you know.”

“Let’s go for a walk.”

“You don’t have to come with me.”

“No, let’s go for a walk. I’ll just walk with you.” 

Ham Geonwu said, putting away his tablet. Sijin tried to refuse again, feeling bad about taking him away from his work, but he was no match for the Killer Whale’s stubbornness.

In the end, they walked side by side along the small garden in front of the dorm, Ham Geonwu trailing behind him. He’d glance at Sijin occasionally, offering him a reassuring smile.

At first, it was awkward, but Sijin gradually relaxed, enjoying the fresh air and the company. He even ventured towards the lake, his heart pounding as he passed the site of the monster attack, but he managed to stay calm. It was easier with Ham Geonwu by his side.

After a leisurely stroll around the lake, they headed back to the dorm. The area was bustling with employees leaving work.

“Geonwu.” 

“Hm? We can walk a little longer if you want.”

“No, I’m good.”

Sijin smiled.

“Thank you for coming with me. I know you’re busy.”

Ham Geonwu, unable to contain himself, slung an arm around Sijin’s shoulder. Sijin was surprised by the touch, but he didn’t pull away. 

As they walked, Ham Geonwu said, his voice low, “Ah, I wish that bastard Jeong Tae wasn’t coming back today.”

“Is he coming back today?”

“Probably at night. But he’s far away, so I’m not sure if he’ll make it.”

Ham Geonwu said, checking his watch. He often complained about Jeong Taeyul always showing up right on time. Sijin, after mentally reprimanding him for his language, made a mental note of the information.

Jeong Taeyul’s return reminded him of something important.

***