Churu for the Angry Guide

47

The test with Seojun proceeded smoothly. Though Siwoo didn’t remember much as he was half-distracted, the guiding absorption rate was good.

While diligently stabilizing Seojun’s wavelength, Siwoo was internally contemplating the low matching rate with Geonho. It was such a shocking figure.

With that, all the tests were completed.

According to the blood test results, the matching rate with the leader was 91%, matching the expected figure. Jihan was at 74%, and Seojun was also above average at 67%.

Geonho was the only one with a low matching rate with Siwoo. With the first digit dropping to ‘3’, radiant guiding was impossible. It was a figure that required increasing contact for guiding to occur.

However, Siwoo didn’t perform contact guiding, and Geonho couldn’t accept a guide at all.

The secretary pressed his temples as he scanned the confirmed matching rate table. While the low figure with Geonho was a big challenge, he was relieved that the matching rates with other guild members were high.

“Good job. Your skills are better than expected.”

He put down the test results and faced Siwoo with a kind smile. Siwoo had just finished signing the contract with a pen. After finishing the tests, when the secretary brought up the contract, Siwoo said he’d sign it right away. No need to waste time.

“For now, rest well over the weekend. I’ll inform you of your work schedule next Monday.”

“Okay.”

The initial contract period was 2 years. After that, it would automatically extend for a year unless there was an intention to terminate. Of course, the contract could be terminated by mutual agreement in between. It was specified that the contract would automatically end if guiding became impossible.

Siwoo silently reviewed his first formal employment contract again. Even to Siwoo, who didn’t know much, the conditions were openly favorable to him. They said he wouldn’t have to worry about making a living anymore. The youngest, Seojun, wasn’t exaggerating. As he said, the Baekya Guild seemed to have a lot of money.

However, he wasn’t jumping for joy. While he felt relieved to become an official dedicated guide, that was all.

Despite it being a situation he had long hoped for, his heart only sank.

“You must be very tired?”

Siwoo hesitated at the secretary’s question but nodded.

Seeing Siwoo’s pale complexion, the secretary quickly wrapped up the conversation. He was about to suggest leaving but waited a moment as Siwoo seemed to have something to say.

“Um…”

“Yes, go ahead.”

The secretary didn’t rush Siwoo, who was fumbling for words. They were sitting face to face in the room used as a waiting room before the guiding test. They had sent Jihan out, thinking a serious conversation wouldn’t be possible with him around. He was probably standing outside with his ear to the door.

“About Kang Geonho’s guiding… is it really okay not to do it?”

Siwoo asked after long deliberation. This time, the secretary hesitated to answer.

It was a difficult question to answer easily. He rubbed his face with a heavy heart.

“For now, you don’t need to worry about Esper Geonho. He’s always been strongly resistant to guiding.”

“But he can’t keep not receiving it, right?”

That was true. It was impossible for an Esper to live without receiving guiding.

The secretary wanted to ask if Siwoo could try contact guiding, but he held back as the ink on the contract had barely dried. He couldn’t burden him already. If he brought it up and Siwoo ran away, it would be a disaster. That situation had to be avoided at all costs.

“Don’t worry too much. If it really doesn’t work out, we can have Esper Geonho receive guiding from a different guide separately.”

“A different guide?”

“Yes, there is someone in the center with a high matching rate with Esper Geonho.”

If Geonho’s condition worsened, they planned to seek help from another guide as a last resort. Siwoo just nodded silently as he listened to the secretary’s explanation telling him not to worry.

Meanwhile, as the secretary had predicted, Jihan had his ear pressed against the door. Seojun stood beside him, exchanging nods with people passing by in the corridor.

“Can you hear anything?”

“Not at all.”

Jihan shook his head and clicked his tongue. The soundproofing was so good. No matter how much he strained his ears, he couldn’t hear anything from inside. Even this space prepared for waiting, not even the examination room, was unnecessarily well-made.

“He’ll really sign the contract, right?”

Seojun leaned against the wall like Jihan and continued his questions. Jihan shrugged, saying he probably would.

“Why? Would you prefer if he didn’t join?”

It was just a casual remark, but Seojun delayed his answer. Jihan took his ear off the door and faced Seojun directly. Only then did Seojun speak.

“I’m happy with whatever makes you guys happy.”

At the gentle youngest’s answer, Jihan smiled brightly and stared at him. Seojun smiled back and tilted his head slightly.

“Do you like Guide Han Siwoo?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“You used to dislike guides like that.”

Jihan also tilted his head slightly.

“What kind of guide is that?”

Seojun closed his mouth for a moment and rolled his sparkling eyes. He seemed to be searching for the right expression.

“Guides who are only in it for the money. Those who are only after compensation.”

As soon as Seojun finished speaking, the door opened. Because of that, their conversation ended abruptly.

“Esper Jihan, isn’t it almost time for your patrol?”

The secretary, who came out first, narrowed his eyes at Jihan standing close to the door.

“I just want to see the guide’s face before I go.”

Jihan greeted Siwoo, who was following the secretary out, with a bright expression. Siwoo had an envelope containing the contract tucked under his arm. Jihan’s lips twitched at the sight of Siwoo holding the envelope with both hands as if it contained gold.

“Official work will start next week.”

The secretary said, looking alternately at Seojun and Jihan. Jihan nodded with a bright smile. Now that the contract was signed, he had really become a dedicated guide.

“You must be very tired. Aren’t you hungry?”

Jihan approached Siwoo, who looked exhausted, and examined him. Even though he hadn’t been guiding for long, his already thin face looked even more gaunt.

“Go do your work.”

“I have to go now anyway. Let’s eat together next time.”

Who said anything about eating together? Siwoo glared at Jihan up and down and turned his head away sharply. Jihan calmly continued to attempt conversation.

“What are you going to do today? Will you respond if I text you?”

“I lost my phone.”

“Oh, really?”

Siwoo went to the secretary’s side to avoid the annoying Jihan. He just wanted to go back to his accommodation, shower, and lie down.

“Can I go now?”

“Eat before you go. Go with Seojun.”

Jihan pushed Seojun’s back, telling him to take Siwoo. He and the secretary had to return to work now. Seojun was the only one with time to spare.

“Buy our guide something delicious and escort him safely. Understood?”

Seojun smiled with his eyes to show he understood. Siwoo walked ahead with a sullen expression. However, he was quickly caught up to by the Esper’s long legs.

* * *

Jihan left after earnestly asking Seojun to make sure to eat with Siwoo. He emphasized that Siwoo must replenish his nutrients after expending energy through guiding.

Siwoo wanted to rest quickly, but he remained silent since he had to eat anyway. The food would probably go down well as long as the talkative Yoo Jihan wasn’t around. Come to think of it, he was a bit hungry.

“We don’t have to eat, right?”

Seojun asked bluntly as they arrived at the underground parking lot. He was walking a step ahead, not looking at Siwoo. He had been staring straight ahead ever since they were left alone. As if he disliked being with Siwoo.

“I’m not in the mood for food either, so I’ll just take you straight to your accommodation.”

Siwoo glared at the strangely brusque Seojun and told him to do as he pleased. He could get food from a convenience store. Or just sleep.

Suddenly, Siwoo touched his stomach and frowned. He was too hungry to sleep without eating. The hunger he hadn’t recognized became more noticeable because of Yoo Jihan.

That guy unnecessarily brought up food and made him hungry. Even though he wasn’t going to buy it himself.

“Get in.”

Seojun, walking ahead, headed for the driver’s seat of a large black sedan. It was a car that suited his large build very well.

Siwoo hesitantly approached the luxury sedan. Feeling too awkward to sit next to Seojun, he sat in the back seat. Seojun, whose eyes met Siwoo’s in the rearview mirror, gave a mocking laugh. It was clearly a sneer.

“…”

Siwoo, with a deeply furrowed brow, glared at Seojun. After being left alone with him, Seojun had wiped off his smiling expression and now was openly sneering.

“Hey.”

Seojun answered with a nod. Was he planning to reveal his true self now?

“If you have something to say, say it. Don’t annoy me with your sneering.”

Seojun started the car and slowly pressed the accelerator while turning the steering wheel. Then he muttered in a voice barely audible:

“It’s my choice to sneer.”