Chapter 47: Until the Blue Sky Comes (7)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 47: Until the Blue Sky Comes (7)
I don’t know much about Earth’s travel culture. Considering the vastness of the universe, one can only imagine the unfathomable diversity of cultures out there.
However, just because someone has traveled to various corners of the cosmos doesn't mean they'll understand everything about a planet's culture just by settling there for a long time.
It’s been twenty years since I arrived on Earth. Of all its countries, Korea is the only one I’ve lived in, and I’ve been here for over a decade—yet I still don’t fully understand Korean culture.
I think this is perfectly normal. Surely, even the people born and raised in this country don’t perfectly understand their own ever-changing culture and tendencies.
There are many kinds of people, many nations, and the universe is vast.
The reason I’m bringing this up is simple: I’m currently planning a trip. Since there’s a high probability of rain, most of the activities will involve playing with things indoors, but the planning itself is important. And the person helping me with this is…
“I don’t really know much about kids, so I’m not quite getting the vibe.”
It was Yura.
Since it was the weekend, I had come in for my part-time job. When I mentioned I was going on a trip while we were working, she persistently asked when, where, and with whom I was going.
I couldn't exactly tell her I was going with Blue from Team Hunter Killer, so I told her my niece wanted to go, so I was accompanying her, her friends, and their guardian. Yura nodded at that.
To be honest, talking to Yura today felt a bit uncomfortable.
It was because of the duel two days ago, where Green hadn't shown up. Even Yubin, who usually chatted about her "administrative assistant" job, hadn't mentioned a word about Hunter Killer the day before the duel.
I suspected the members of Hunter Killer had found out about Green’s situation that day. It wasn't that Yura or Yubin had done anything wrong, but since I already knew about her circumstances, I couldn't bring myself to play dumb and ask how things were going on the Hunter Killer side.
Usually, they were the ones to bring up Hunter Killer first, rather than me. But perhaps because they knew about Green’s situation, they were being careful? I found myself subconsciously noticing the fact that they weren't mentioning Hunter Killer at all.
“How about something like board games?”
“Board games?”
I’d never played a board game. As someone whose number of friends could be counted on one hand, there was no way I had experience with games designed for a group.
“Yeah. Something easy that kids can do. Like card games.”
“That doesn't sound bad.”
It wasn't that I was completely ignorant of them. If it was a simple card game, I knew the types and the rules. The problem was just that I had no experience playing them.
My shift was over, but instead of heading home, I sat at a cafe table discussing the trip. I could feel the gazes of the evening-shift part-timers drifting our way.
“Must be nice. I want to go on a trip too.”
I’m quick on the uptake, so I knew what that meant. This was a clear signal for me to take her on a trip as well.
“If you want to go on a trip, you’d have to adjust your schedule first.”
Except for Mondays, when she had to attend mandatory meetings, Yura worked her part-time job every single day. It wasn't like I had many people to go on trips with, but among them, Yura was the hardest one to coordinate a schedule with.
You might think, Can’t she just adjust her part-time hours? but it wasn't as easy as it sounded.
For Yura, who had to work hard for a month just to maintain her lifestyle with some semblance of comfort, a trip—which could be a major expense—carried too much risk.
She might be able to find the time, but the financial aspect was the problem.
Some might say that people who want to travel will find a way regardless. But in the end, that’s something only people with a bit of leeway can say. For Yura, who was barely managing to take care of herself, it was a matter that required a lot of mental preparation.
“Let’s go later when we get the chance. Later.”
I couldn't bring myself to say we shouldn't go at all, so I pushed it off to an indefinite "later."
“Okay.”
Understanding her own situation all too well, Yura nodded in response.
Actually, if we were to go on a trip, I wouldn't mind spending more money. If necessary, I could pay for the whole thing. I received a steady salary and had lived on Earth for twenty years without any excessive spending.
Unused money was piling up in my bank account day by day, and the money I’d saved back when I was in space could be converted into Earth currency just by applying to Spacetro Headquarters.
In short, I had plenty of funds, but there was no way Yura would allow that.
She was a woman of strong will, the type who felt satisfied only when she handled the things she had to shoulder and take responsibility for with her own hands.
“Instead, let’s go get a drink together after I get back from the trip.”
“Really?!”
Her expression, which had been nonchalant about the postponed trip, brightened instantly. I knew she’d be happy if I suggested drinks, but I hadn't expected such a dramatic reaction.
“Yeah. We haven't had a drink in a while.”
I hadn't had a drink with Yura since that night when we first drank together and... well, did the deed. Since then, I’d been preoccupied with data research, and with Green’s situation overlapping in the middle, I hadn't had the mental leeway to look elsewhere.
To be honest, even now, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m under some kind of pressure.
Still, moping about it alone wouldn't solve anything, so I decided to try and lighten my heart.
I’d already received information about the destination from Kirk. He said he’d booked a pension in Gangneung, Gangwon-do. It was a shame that we wouldn't be able to play even if we went to the beach if it rained, but from what I heard, it seemed Eunji was the one who decided on the location.
Apparently, she had gone to Gangneung on a family trip before and had fond memories of it.
“Yes! It’s a promise, okay? We’re drinking!”
From Yura’s perspective, she probably wanted to hang out with me more, but she must have seen how busy I looked. She could have asked what was going on, but she likely refrained, fearing that even explaining what I was so busy with would be exhausting for me.
I could have explained it, but it wasn't possible. There was no way I could tell her that I, a Spacetro, was researching data on Superhumans and meeting with Green to talk.
Thanks to Yura’s consideration, I’d been able to avoid several crisis situations.
Yubin thought I was busy with programming-related work, so there was no need for further explanation there.
“Alright. Calm down for now.”
“Right. I should calm down.”
She said she was calming down, but her eyes—already clear—sparkled with even more life, as if she was already excited at the thought of drinking and talking with me.
“But still, a trip during monsoon season, even if it is kindergarten vacation... Your niece must really like her 'Honey.'”
I flinched at the way Yura referred to me. It was an expression that practically labeled us as a couple, but arguing about it would only lead to a long conversation. Besides, our actions were already close to those of a couple, and even without saying it directly, I think everyone at the cafe knew.
“I suppose so. We’ve always gotten along well.”
I decided to just accept the way Yura addressed me as it was. It was easier on my mind that way.
Last week and this week as well—as soon as I arrived at work, Yura would kiss me. Knowing I couldn't avoid it anyway, I responded to her kisses. She even kissed me whenever there was a gap during work, and I’m certain at least one of our coworkers saw us.
Given the situation, if I were to tell Yura, “I’d prefer if you didn't call me 'Honey' because it makes us look like a couple,” one of three things would definitely happen: Yura would burst into tears, Yura would get depressed, or I’d be beaten to death by Yura.
Or perhaps a depressed Yura would burst into tears while beating me to death.
“Do you know what she likes?”
“I don’t know specifically, but she’s active, so she likes using her body.”
“But you can’t play outside if it rains.”
“True. I’ll have to pray it doesn't rain.”
“They say it’ll rain until next weekend.”
Because of the rain, it seemed it would be difficult to create an environment where Eunji could move around enough.
“I’ll have to think about it some more. I have time tomorrow, too.”
“Are you leaving?”
“I should.”
She looked like she wanted to sit and talk more, and I felt bad about saying I was going home, but I had a lot to do. I couldn't afford to waste any more time here.
After tidying up my seat, I said goodbye to the people working and left the cafe.
“Get home safe, then.”
Yura’s voice was tinged with disappointment, as if her lingering regret hadn't quite vanished.
Does she really like being with me that much?
I had to go, but seeing Yura with her shoulders slumped like that made me uneasy.
“Yura.”
I called out to her as she was turning away. She paused just as she was about to head toward her house and looked at me. I pulled her into an embrace and pressed my lips against hers.
It was the first time I had initiated a kiss since that night.
“Mmm!”
She trembled slightly, her breath hitching for a moment as her lips were sealed. I pulled away and looked down at her quietly.
“See you tomorrow.”
I had work tomorrow too, so we would see each other then.
This was the most I could say to Yura, who was sad about today’s parting.
“Yeah.”
She nodded shyly, then looked up at me, wrapped her arms around my waist, and kissed me again.
In a secluded alleyway, under the glow of a streetlight, we shared a brief kiss, promising tomorrow’s meeting and our future drinking session.
On the way home, for once, I didn't receive a call or message from anyone.
My head had been cluttered with so many things to worry about lately, but a moment had finally come where I didn't have to think about anything.
Yubin said she was going to her administrative assistant job after her shift at the convenience store today.
It was likely because of Hunter Killer—specifically, something related to Green.
She might be young, but she was the leader of the team, after all.
I hadn't heard from Green today either. Perhaps now that Hunter Killer knew about her situation, they were proceeding with things I wasn't aware of.
I wasn't sure if it was okay for me to play dumb and go on a trip in this situation. Of course, it wasn't a trip I was taking because I wanted to play or enjoy myself.
It was a trip I was going on because a young child had asked me, an adult, and the primary goal of this trip was to make sure the kids had a good time.
The problem was, that didn't change the fact that I was going on a trip. From Blue’s perspective, it would be a single break from her grueling daily life. She knew about Green’s situation now, but knowing that Green’s situation was difficult didn't make Blue’s own situation any less exhausting.
Judging by Blue’s personality from our two meetings, she would definitely be worried about Green.
“Life is a real piece of work.”
I’d never really debated whether my life was going well or not. As someone who lived by the principle of going with the flow, I simply felt and accepted situations as they came, whether they were good or bad.
But seeing the dire circumstances of the Hunter Killer members—who had been our enemies and whom I’d assumed were in a better position since they beat us every time—made me realize that the world wasn't as peaceful as I’d thought.
It wasn't that I didn't know. It’s only natural that if there are people like me in the world, there are also people in difficult situations. But this feeling, hitting me anew, sent a shock through my mind, which until now had simply thought, Yeah, I guess there are people like that.
The ideology of Spacetro is fair play. Even though we are invaders, we play by the rules set by the opponent, fight fairly, and seize victory to get what we want.
But our situations were not equal. Not for Red, Pink, Green, or Blue.
They were living in situations so difficult they were beyond words, and even though we were in a hostile relationship, I wanted to lighten their burdens even just a little.
If anyone wondered why I’d have such thoughts about an enemy, I’d want to answer, “Because I’m human.” Though our origins and births are different, I am human. And they are human too.
As humans fighting humans, we ought to be equals.
Surely, my power is meager and I can’t be a great source of strength for them.
Still, if I can provide even a small turning point, I will roll up my sleeves and help.
Having settled my thoughts, my mind felt much lighter.
Just as I arrived in front of my house, I felt a vibration in my pocket and pulled out my smartphone.
A text had arrived, and the sender was none other than Blue.
[I’m so sorry. I don’t think I can go on the trip. You must have put so much thought and care into it, I’m truly sorry.]
Was it because I’d just made up my mind? I didn't feel suffocated, nor did my head become cluttered.
What I needed to do now came clearly to mind, and I dialed her number.
It didn't take long for her to pick up.
“Can we meet for a moment?”