Chapter 15
Heero and Jeongeun moved to a restaurant inside the department store. After coming out of the restroom, Heero wore the same smile as always, but Jeongeun couldn’t shake the feeling that he looked more anxious than before.
And his suspicion soon became a reality.
“Now that you said you’d help, I’ll be honest. I’ve been trying to woo Dasol for five months... but he shows no signs of giving in at all.”
They were seated in a private room of a Chinese restaurant. Perhaps it was because the room was soundproof or because Heero had opened up a bit to Jeongeun, but his choice of words was unrestrained.
“Usually, people who look gentle and cute have strong wills and personalities. I like to target those kinds of people. But Dasol... he’s really difficult.”
Jeongeun was slightly shocked. He cautiously asked, “Isn’t it wrong to target someone?”
“Hmm? Dating is a strategy, Jeongeun. You find out what the other person likes, what attracts them, and you break down their walls one by one.”
“But people aren’t dungeons.”
At Jeongeun’s straightforward and naive remark, Heero blinked twice and then burst into laughter.
“That’s right. People aren’t dungeons.”
Heero chimed in, seemingly delighted. Jeongeun felt his cheeks heat up. It felt as if Heero was teasing him, even though the great angel Heero would never do such a thing.
“Hmm... But you might be right, Jeongeun. Maybe my approach is wrong.”
Heero added that since Dasol had a strong wariness and hatred towards people, especially men, it would be better to use a more sincere and direct approach.
No, you should really abandon thoughts of using any approach, Heero.
Jeongeun hesitated, contemplating whether to say that. He felt that Heero probably knew more about relationships and dating than he did.
When he said he would help with his unrequited love, he meant something simple, like giving them space to be alone or naturally praising Heero to Dasol... just small, one-dimensional help. He hadn’t realized he would have to seriously consider the fundamental approach to their relationship together.
But he couldn’t confess now, “Actually, I’ve never dated anyone, and my only friends are online friends.” If he did, Heero’s expectant eyes would soon fill with sadness and disappointment.
“How did you approach Dasol?”
Heero asked, his green eyes sparkling like the source of life.
“I... just acted normally.”
“Normally? How so?”
Jeongeun thought carefully.
When he first met Dasol, he greeted him normally, and when he was caught using his abilities and coughing up blood, he thanked him normally for offering to heal him... When they had to make unavoidable contact in the dungeon, he apologized normally.
Oh... that’s really too normal. All I did was greet him...
“Oh. Is that it?”
Jeongeun muttered softly.
“What is it?”
“It’s... I greeted him every time.”
“Excuse me? Greeting?”
Heero tilted his head cutely like a rabbit. After calming his racing heart, Jeongeun shared the conclusion he had drawn.
“Yes. I said thank you when I was grateful, and I said sorry when I was sorry. That’s all the conversation I’ve had with Dasol.”
As Heero’s elegant eyebrows knitted together, a shadow of concern formed on his forehead. Jeongeun seized the moment to imprint the rare sight of ‘Heero with a frown’ in his memory.
“In the end, Dasol easily likes people who are courteous and maintain boundaries. That makes sense. The bodyguards who were replaced up until now were bastards who had no respect for Dasol at all... and I also tend to get close by teasing or joking around.”
Huh? Did I just hear a foul word from Heero? Was that a slip of the tongue? Am I imagining things?
As Jeongeun doubted his own ears, a knock sounded at the door.
“Excuse me.”
It seemed the meal had arrived. The door opened, and a server entered with the food. On the largest plate was Peking duck, cut into bite-sized pieces.
As the server continued to fill the table with delicious dishes, Heero smiled gently. His demeanor was so relaxed and elegant that he didn’t seem like someone who had just been seriously analyzing a strategy to woo Dasol.
‘Heero... is cute.’
Sitting there, pretending to be a wonderful adult, he looked so adorable.
Did other Heero-ins know this side of Heero? Probably not. Then... wouldn’t that be a serious global loss? Should I take responsibility and let everyone know about this side of him?
Jeongeun bit his tongue lightly, contemplating between ‘Heero’s private life’ vs. ‘the happiness and joy of the world.’ Of course, the contemplation didn’t last long. Obviously, Heero’s private life was far more important than the right to know of 8 billion people.
Jeongeun quietly admired the cute Heero, praying that the server would leave as slowly as possible. However, just as the server placed the last dish on the table, someone passing by outside the open door suddenly stopped.
“Jeongeun...?”
Though the voice whispered softly, Jeongeun heard it clearly. He turned to look at the person calling him standing in the hallway. As soon as he recognized who it was, he stood up involuntarily.
“Ah...”
The woman passing through the hallway, Semi, chuckled. She looked at Jeongeun several times, as if she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“Enjoy your meal.”
The server, startled by the guest at the door, quickly retreated. It was because she recognized Semi, the 5th-ranked Hunter in the country and the leader of the Gibaek guild.
Semi strode into the room. Heero, who was pulling chopsticks from the wrapper, smiled brightly.
“Hello, Semi.”
He didn’t seem surprised. He must have sensed Semi’s magic long before. While he might not have known exactly who it was, an S-rank Hunter could keenly perceive the amount of magic from others.
“What’s going on here?”
Semi asked with a sardonic smile, glancing between Heero and Jeongeun.
“What should I ask first? How you’re alive, Jeongeun? Or why you’re with Hyun Heero? Or maybe... why I found out about this in this restaurant?”
“Ms. Semi, people these days call someone like you a ‘question mark killer.’ [1]”
Heero said nonchalantly. However, Semi didn’t even look at Heero. She directed her question at Jeongeun.
“I saw you die with my own eyes. How are you alive?”
So you didn’t have someone dig you out of your grave; you crawled out yourself, Semi muttered under her breath.
“I don’t know either. I just woke up in a coffin. I think... I overused my abilities again and fell into a coma, but I don’t know why you buried me...”
Jeongeun stammered. Strangely, he had always stuttered in front of Semi since he was a child. Sometimes, he found Semi scarier than his parents. Even though she didn’t force him to do anything like his parents did. However, since all the Gibaek guild members feared Semi, Jeongeun had always thought she must be a difficult person.
“Then you should have at least come to find me after waking up. What were you doing for a year until now—”
“Wait a minute, Jeongeun. Have you often fallen into a coma after using your abilities?”
But it seemed Heero wasn’t scared of Semi at all. Of course, Heero’s rank and abilities were stronger, but that was the same for the previous Jeongeun.
Jeongeun looked at Heero in surprise as he interrupted Semi. Semi shot Heero an annoyed glare.
“Hey, Hyun Heero. Aren’t you being rude? Can’t you see I’m talking to Jeongeun?”
“Ms. Semi, are you calling this a conversation? I thought you two were just playing a role-play of a runaway slave and his master.”
Heero said with a bright smile. However, that smile felt somewhat sinister.
“And if we’re talking about rudeness, isn’t it more rude for Ms. Semi to barge in while we’re eating? This is my first meal.”
Jeongeun suddenly came to his senses at that remark. This is my first meal? Heero had been starving until now...?
“Guild Master, please eat first. I’ll go out and talk with noona- [2]”
“Huh? What do you mean, Jeongeun? I can’t eat alone. Please stay with me.”
That was the second shock. Heero can’t eat alone...!
Jeongeun subtly shifted his gaze to Semi. Realizing the meaning behind his gaze, Semi chuckled.
“Jeongeun, is that really you? Can’t you figure out your priorities right now?”
“Right now, eating the Peking duck before it gets cold is my top priority, Jeongeun. I’m hungry.”
“...!”
I’m hungry.
I’m hungry...
I’m so hungry...
Heero’s weak and pitiful voice shook Jeongeun’s heart. He sat back down in his seat.
“Hey, Jeongeun!”
Semi shouted, but Jeongeun only flinched for a moment and didn’t stand back up. He looked up at Semi and said.
“Noona, let’s talk after the meal. I’m not going anywhere now.”
Neither Jeongeun nor Heero realized it, but only Semi noticed that at that moment, Jeongeun had changed in some way. It was also the first time Jeongeun had looked her in the eye and clearly conveyed his intentions.
Notes:
[1] 물음표 살인마 (Question Mark Killer) - a slang term in Korean internet culture. It refers to a person who asks too many questions without trying to think for themselves.
[2] 누나 (Noona) - "older sister" or a term used by males for an older female (not necessarily blood-related)
