Chapter 14

Jeongeun had always thought of himself as someone with a keen sense of self-objectivity.

He was objectively good-looking. His features, always hidden behind a mouthpiece, were neat and without any sharp angles. When he smiled, his mouth opened wide, creating a refreshing impression. Although he had never smiled in front of others, his judgment when looking in the mirror alone was that way.

However, he had suffered a serious injury that had shattered his magic vessel and spent a year relying on natural healing without proper treatment. During that year, he hadn’t overexerted himself, but he had to forgo quality meals and sufficient sleep. In other words, he had been living an unhealthy lifestyle while his body was still recovering.

As a result, Jeongeun currently stood at 183 cm tall and weighed 56 kg. The muscles he had were all gone, and he looked completely emaciated and shabby. That 56 kg was likely just the weight of his bones, organs, and water, with almost no fat at all.

His face was no different. His eyes were sunken, and the flesh on his cheeks had diminished, making his cheekbones stand out. The dark circles under his eyes had deepened, giving him a sharper and more haggard appearance.

His skin had become rough, and small wounds took longer to heal, leaving faint scar-like marks all over his body.

In other words, no matter how positively one looked at him, he resembled a mere subordinate of Heero, not someone who could be seen as a date for the beautiful Heero, who was like the embodiment of beauty.

But why on earth was this employee treating him like this?

Then, suddenly, the most likely possibility flashed through Jeongeun's mind.

“I currently have no assets.”

Jeongeun said calmly.

“Excuse me...?”

The employee looked bewildered, but Jeongeun was not deceived. He carefully explained.

“I do not have the financial means to purchase S-rank items. Therefore, it is pointless for you to sell to me. I apologize.”

At that, the employee was taken aback and waved her hands in denial.

“Oh no! That’s not what I meant! I genuinely think you two look great together...”

“I admire your various sales strategies. When I earn a lot of money in the future, I will definitely come to buy from you, Ms. Bang Soyoung.”

“No... Yes, thank you.”

The employee unconsciously adjusted her name tag and bowed. Jeongeun lowered his head in return.

“I will also enjoy the refreshments.”

“Yes... Please relax.”

The employee left with a still bewildered expression.

Jeongeun took a bite of the cookie with a sense of pride.

So it was part of her sales strategy. Of course. There’s no way she would genuinely think I’m Heero’s date.

Previously, Semi had said, “You’re too awkward with people, so I’ll handle all the communication for you.” Jeongeun had simply agreed without much thought. After all, with a mouthpiece on, he couldn’t talk to anyone anyway, so it didn’t matter if he left everything to Semi.

But look at how naturally and politely I handled that sales pitch. If Semi had seen me just now, she would have thought I did pretty well.

Feeling a bit uplifted, Jeongeun raised his teacup. The still-hot tea, steaming gently, was incredibly fragrant.

The sleek and shiny interior, the luxurious aroma, the kind and soft smiles, and the compliments pouring in without any cost made Jeongeun’s heart feel light as a feather while sitting in the corner of the store, enjoying delicious tea and cookies.

Just a few days ago, he had been curling up like a shrimp on a makeshift bed in a dirty, cramped container. Whenever Gwiho or Minseong came, he had to move aside immediately. There were quite a few nights he had to sleep outside, so it wasn’t entirely wrong for Minseong to call him a “homeless person.”

However, after meeting Heero, Jeongeun’s life had become incomparably richer. He had his own bed now, and the team accommodation was spacious and comfortable. Moreover, he had even come to the Awakener’s department store!

Heero was truly like a four-leaf clover... Being with him brought continuous good fortune. Just his existence could uplift others and bring happiness. How could a person be like this?

Suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, Jeongeun felt a strong urge to post praises for Heero on social media. However, just before he could take out his phone, Heero returned.

“Sorry for the wait.”

“It’s fine.”

“It wouldn’t be right to just buy a combat item. I also got something for the other team members, one for the combat and one for the healing classes.”

As he spoke, Heero shook four small shopping bags.

How thoughtful of him...

Jeongeun took a moment to breathe. How had the Sooryun guild members endured until now? He must have been itching to spread the word about Heero’s virtues to the whole world.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Jeongeun replied bluntly.

As they exited the store, the employees bowed in unison behind them.

“Thank you. Please visit us again.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Jeongeun also bowed politely at a 90-degree angle. He hurriedly turned to catch up with Heero, but he found Heero standing still in front of the store.

Was he waiting for me? Just as Jeongeun was about to clutch his heart again, having been moved several times today, he spotted a familiar face in the distance.

That face, shining beautifully like a polished pebble, was none other than Dasol. And next to him stood a beautiful woman who was about the same height as Dasol. She wasn’t just standing there; she was linking arms with Dasol and pressing her body against him.

Only then did Jeongeun realize that Heero wasn’t waiting for him but had been shocked to see Dasol on a date with another woman.

At that moment, the beautiful woman poked Dasol’s cheek. He looked annoyed but didn’t push her hand away.

Seeing that scene, Jeongeun instinctively stepped in front of Heero without thinking any longer.

“Um... J-Jeong, I mean, Yibak, what’s wrong?”

Heero smiled calmly and looked at Jeongeun. But now Jeongeun felt he understood a bit. This was a fake smile.

“Excuse me, Guild Master.”

Jeongeun briefly sought permission and grabbed Heero’s arm. He began to pull him in the opposite direction with force.

“Yibak? What’s wrong? Where are we going?”

Jeongeun didn’t answer. He had nothing to say. His body instinctively moved as soon as he saw Heero. He didn’t like that he was just standing there watching Dasol.

He took Heero to the restroom, which had a sign indicating it was for men, and pushed him into an empty stall without hesitation.

“Um... Yibak, I mean, Jeongeun? Why are you locking me in? This is getting a bit absurd.”

And... I’m sorry, but I know I’m stronger than you, Heero added quietly.

However, Jeongeun stood firm, gripping the doorknob.

“I thought you might not feel good about this. I’m sorry.”

He explained his actions late. Inside, Heero’s soft laughter echoed lightly.

“Are you reacting this way because of Dasol?”

“...”

“It’s okay. I’m not dating Dasol.”

“Still...”

“Haha, you really are a kind person, Jeongeun.”

Heero’s voice, mixed with laughter, was soft and warm, as if he were completely unaffected by the situation.

“Liking someone...”

Jeongeun hesitated before speaking.

“No one would feel good about being cheated on by someone they like.”

“Hmm...”

Heero awkwardly chuckled and fell silent for a moment. A stillness enveloped the men’s restroom, and eventually, Heero spoke.

“What you said yesterday is right. I do like Dasol.”

In that instant, it felt as if someone had tightly gripped Jeongeun’s heart and then released it. He bit his tongue to push through the pain.

“But it’s not as serious as you think. It’s just my preference; I thought it would be nice to meet him, that’s all.”

Heero smiled bitterly.

“Everyone in South Korea knows about my romantic escapades. I usually date people lightly. It’s more comfortable and enjoyable that way.”

Jeongeun understood well. He felt that Heero’s feelings were not heavy or serious.

“So there’s no need to be considerate like this—”

“But...!”

Still.

“No matter what kind of affection it is... it shouldn’t be treated as if it’s nothing.”

Jeongeun understood better than anyone how precious and valuable someone’s kindness, affection, and interest could be.

“Not all love starts in a grand way, right? Just wanting to strike up a conversation or thinking about someone can brighten your day... it can give you the strength to endure a day and even life.”

He realized that this was perhaps the longest he had spoken in a single breath in the past year, or maybe even his entire life. But it was sincere. Jeongeun truly believed that. Because...

“Is that so? I think you might be right, Jeongeun.”

His feelings for Heero were like that.

“Haha... that’s true. Honestly, I do feel a bit off.”

The restroom door that Jeongeun was holding shook slightly. It seemed Heero leaned his head against the door. His small, pitiful voice flowed out right in front of Jeongeun.

“Jeongeun. Is what you said yesterday still valid?”

The offer to help with his unrequited love.

Jeongeun slowly closed his eyes. There was only one answer he could give.

“Of course.”

Notes:

• I made some changes in Chapter 13, so feel free to check it out.
• I'll be using "Guild Master" and "Guild Leader" interchangeably.