Dungeon & Commander (32)
Nearly three years had passed since he'd learned the truth.
He knew full well that the kid was remarkably skilled in real combat and possessed an iron will. But even guessing why the Crazy Buffer had taken an interest in him was beyond him.
Yoo Min-jeong and Yeom Sang-taek looked just as baffled.
"The reason doesn't matter. What matters is that we have to pass the second test. No matter what. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Dismissed."
At Go Cheolmin's command, Choi Muhyun fell into step beside Kim Jun as they headed down the stairs.
"You got some big secret about your birth or something?"
Choi Muhyun whispered.
Kim Jun shot him an incredulous look, shrugged, and burst out laughing.
Choi Muhyun couldn't help but laugh along.
As if.
"Whatever the reason, passing is what counts, right?"
Choi Muhyun glanced at Kim Jun and asked.
"You got it."
Kim Jun flashed a grin and nodded.
In that instant, something miraculous happened to Choi Muhyun.
The rage and anxiety that had gnawed at his mind—making even training feel unbearable—seemed to melt away. He finally understood: to steady his heart, he had to grasp what truly mattered in this moment.
Late as it was, any thought of heading home vanished. Choi Muhyun made for the locker room to change into his training gear.
Kim Jun, Yeom Sang-taek, and Yoo Min-jeong trailed after him.
Choi Muhyun extended his hand to Kim Jun, who was in the lead.
Down low.
Slap. Kim Jun smacked his palm and headed to his locker.
Next up: Yeom Sang-taek. A single tear glistened at the corner of the guy's eye. Choi Muhyun pretended not to notice.
Last was Yoo Min-jeong.
She just stood there, not slapping his palm.
Come to think of it, he'd never down-lowed with Yoo Min-jeong before. Not wanting to poke at her pride, Choi Muhyun started to pull his hand back.
But then Yoo Min-jeong stuck hers out.
"I'm the team leader."
Choi Muhyun laughed and gave her palm a solid smack.
It must've stung—her face twisted up—but her eyes burned deep and clear.
"We're jumping into sim training right now. Screw up, and you're dead meat!"
Yoo Min-jeong bellowed.
"Yes, ma'am!"
Choi Muhyun and Yeom Sang-taek barked back.
"Okay."
Kim Jun chimed in a beat late.
This time, the words didn't grate on her at all. Yoo Min-jeong cracked up, her laughter echoing loud.