Chapter 54: Until the Blue Sky Comes (14)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 54: Until the Blue Sky Comes (14)
Thanks to Luche, I was able to find out quite a bit about the support funds available at headquarters.
There was more than enough to help Blue secure a house. Now, as long as she accepted it, everything would proceed without a hitch.
I knew she would refuse if I brought it up right away, but I planned to do my best to persuade her. If that failed, I’d just have to leave the final decision to her.
After organizing what I wanted to say to her in my head, I pulled out my smartphone and called her. Despite the suddenness of the request, Blue readily agreed to meet, and we gathered at a cafe in Seoul.
Arriving first, I ordered a coffee for myself. Not knowing what she liked, I ordered a basic Americano for her and waited.
In the meantime, a text arrived from Green, and we began to chat.
[Are you busy right now?]
Since we messaged each other often, I’d started to pick up on the vibe of the person through their text. I first noticed this when texting Yubin, and after exchanging messages with various people, I’d become a bit more adept at sensing the emotions behind the words.
[I’m out for a bit on business. Are you at home?]
[I’m heading home after a meeting.]
Ever since I found out she was a superhuman, Green had stopped hiding things from me. She told me exactly what she was doing, where she was, and when. She always gave me detailed updates, allowing me to keep track of her status at all times.
While I couldn't make a definitive judgment on her actual state, I could feel that Green’s emotional well-being was improving by the day.
[Are you going to the park again?]
[No. I’m just going straight home today.]
Green still spent time at the park, but the frequency had decreased significantly compared to before. It was likely because her father was no longer at the house. I was genuinely happy that, for her, home was no longer a place of terror but a place where she could truly rest.
As I was texting, I saw Blue enter the cafe. I sent a quick message to Green saying I’d contact her later and stood up to greet Blue.
“You’re here? I bought you a coffee, but I wasn't sure what you liked, so I just got an Americano.”
“Thank you. I’m not picky, so anything is fine.”
She was on her way back from a Team Hunter Killer meeting. She gave me her usual smile, but something about it felt slightly different.
“Did something good happen?”
Her smile was as gentle and bright as ever, but she seemed even more cheerful than usual.
“Is it that obvious?”
“A little.”
With a shy laugh, she mentioned that her mood had improved after talking with her teammates. She didn't disclose the subject of their conversation, but it was likely related to Team Hunter Killer’s internal affairs.
For Blue, who had been unable to attend meetings because she had to look after the children, even these trivial conversations with her teammates must have been incredibly precious. Both Green and Blue—seeing these two women, who had been in such difficult circumstances, improve day by day brought a smile to my face.
“?”
When I suddenly smiled, Blue stared at me, wondering what was going on. I simply told her it was nothing.
“Hayoung, you know that last house we saw yesterday?”
“Yes. The one you said you might be able to buy…?”
Blue hadn't quite grasped the intent behind my final comment after seeing that top-floor apartment, so she focused intently on what I was about to say next.
“I work in software development, and I’m actually looking for a workspace right now.”
The topic had suddenly shifted away from the house, but she remained quiet and listened, sensing this was a stepping stone to the main point.
“To be honest, I don't strictly need a workspace. I could do without one.”
In truth, I had no intention of getting a workspace. I didn't work so much that I needed a separate office, and I could easily handle the Deep Space Technology programs on my laptop at home.
“But when I told the company I was going to set up a workspace, they said they’d provide a support fund. If possible, I’d like to put that fund toward your new home.”
Blue, who had been listening quietly, looked startled. She stammered, unsure of what to say first.
“I know it’s a lot to take in, but I’ve been thinking about your situation from several angles. Even if the support fund is used, the house can still be in your name. You’d just have to return the refundable portion to me later if you ever move out.”
Even if I claimed it was a company fund and not my own money, she would undoubtedly feel burdened if I offered it with no strings attached. When offering unconditional kindness, there must be a logical reason the other person can accept for them to actually take it.
Unconditional kindness that a person cannot rationalize feels like either a burden or a scam. Even between close friends, it can make the offer feel untrustworthy.
“Still, that’s money you’re supposed to receive, Mr. A. For me to use that to get a house…”
It was the exact response I expected. Anyone, not just Blue, would refuse in this situation. However, I had no intention of letting her decline.
“In exchange, I’m going to set a few conditions.”
“?”
At the mention of conditions, a look of confusion crossed Blue’s face as her gaze fixed on me. We continued the conversation while looking directly into each other's eyes.
The conditions I set weren't anything grand.
First, Blue would return a portion of the support fund if she ever moved out of that house. Having something eventually return to me would make it easier for her to accept the help.
Second, she had to allow me to visit the house occasionally while she lived there.
I didn't say this with any ill intent. I explained to her that since I was providing the support fund, I wanted to periodically check that she was maintaining an environment where she could be socially independent.
Of course, I didn't plan on interfering with every little thing during my visits. And visiting without notice would be rude.
To be honest, it was just a pretext to gather information through her, but I couldn't say that openly, so I just wrapped it in a plausible excuse.
And finally…
“Don't feel sorry toward me.”
“Pardon?”
This, too, was likely difficult for Blue to understand.
But I knew instinctively. Living in a house bought with a support fund that should have been mine, Blue would surely feel guilty and indebted to me every single moment.
That wasn't what I wanted. I simply wanted Blue, who was just starting to stand on her own two feet, to live her life without any burden, aided by the small bit of support I could provide.
After hearing everything, Blue took a sip of her coffee and fell into thought. She clearly needed time to process it. Saying anything more would only interfere with her thoughts, so I waited in silence for her to speak.
“May I ask one thing?”
“Anything.”
Blue looked at me with eyes that were hard to read, then slowly spoke.
“Could you tell me why you’re going to such lengths to help me?”
Hearing her question, I also fell into thought. Why was I helping Blue this much?
Strictly speaking, I was a member of Spacetro, an organization hostile to her. Why was I using Spacetro’s support funds to help her?
The answer wasn't difficult. There was no reason.
I simply wanted to help a person who was struggling, using whatever power I had. I don't believe the depth of a relationship matters when it comes to helping someone in trouble.
For instance, consider someone helping an elderly person carry a heavy load up a hill. That person and the elder are likely strangers, and there is no obligation to help. No one would point fingers or curse them if they didn't.
When people see someone in trouble and realize they can provide even a little help, they simply act.
Of course, the current situation couldn't be called a "little" help. It involved getting a house and providing a support fund for it.
I was doing it simply because I thought it was possible and that I could do it.
There was no other reason.
But if I said that, would Blue be able to accept it?
Was there something I could say that would make it easier for her to accept without refusing?
“Because I don't like seeing you suffer, Hayoung.”
That is what help is. Seeing someone else suffer makes me suffer too. Kindness comes from the desire to stop seeing that pain and the hope that the person can become even a little more comfortable and happy. Acting on that kindness is what we call help.
After hearing that single sentence delivered with a serious gaze, Hayoung just sat there looking at me. She didn't say a word.
A brief silence hung between us. The only sounds were the classical music playing in the cafe and the low murmur of other customers; between Hayoung and me, there was nothing but silence.
Eventually, she smiled and nodded.
“Thank you. Then… may I ask one favor?”
“Yes.”
“I’m looking for a house. Could you help me with that?”
“Of course. I’ll help as much as I can.”
Rather than me handling everything and presenting it to her, it was better for both of us if she asked for help and I provided it. Instead of me initiating and placing a burden on her, she would initiate and carry the weight herself.
It might sound like I was just shifting the burden onto Hayoung, but there was no better answer for both of us. Even if there was, I didn't know it.
After finishing our conversation, Hayoung went home, and I returned to headquarters to quickly check the procedures for receiving the support fund.
Perhaps because of my long service as a soldier, my career was well-recognized, and there were many support items available. I became so absorbed in looking up the information that the day vanished in an instant.
I hadn't done any physical labor, nor had I forced myself to do something I hated, but by the time I finished, I felt exhausted. Wanting to get home and rest as soon as possible, I took the elevator down and ran into Angelica, the 2nd Team Leader, in the lobby.
“Lady Angelica. Hello.”
“Oh, A. Are you heading home now?”
“Yes. I was looking some things up and getting them organized.”
“Was it that thing from before?”
Knowing that I had been looking into information on Superhumans, Angelica seemed to think I had been busy collecting data on them again today.
“No. I was checking to see if there were any support funds available for starting a project.”
“I see. You always work so hard, A, so I’m sure you’ll get plenty of support.”
Listening to Angelica’s voice—which was similar to Hayoung’s gentle and calm tone but felt even warmer and more comforting—made me feel naturally relaxed. I suddenly thought that the most comfortable time during my life as a soldier was probably when I was under Angelica’s command.
“Have you found out anything more about the Superhumans?”
“I’m looking into it, but I haven't had much luck.”
“There are some things I can look into. I’ll check for you. It might not be much help, though.”
“Not at all. I’d be very grateful for any help.”
Unlike a regular soldier like me, the Team Leaders are busy with a lot of work. If Angelica was offering to help, I couldn't be more thankful.
I pride myself on my experience, but there are those at the Spacetro Seoul Headquarters with even more. Like Angelica here, or the 1st Team Leader, or the Director.
“Right. Keep up the good work, A.”
With that, I left Angelica and started my commute. The subway was crowded, and I had to endure the fatigue of being unable to move during the ride home.
Dragging my exhausted body to my front door, I punched in the code and entered. Yubin, who had finished her shift at the convenience store, was lying on the bed asleep.
“?”
Just as I approached her to see if she was deeply asleep, Yubin opened her eyes and pulled me into a tight hug.
“?! You weren't sleeping?”
“I heard you coming in and pretended to be asleep.”
I hugged her back, feeling the day's fatigue melt away slightly.
Our eyes met, and we shared a light kiss. Just looking at each other brought smiles to our faces, as it always did.
“You’re really tired, aren't you?”
“Yeah. Did you come straight here after work?”
“Mhm. I haven't been back long either.”
I reached out and grabbed the remote from the nightstand to turn on the air conditioner and lower the room temperature. I tried to get up to wash my sweat-soaked body, but Yubin held me tight and wouldn't let go.
“I’m all sweaty, though.”
“I’ve worked hard today, so I need some time to recharge with you.”
Hearing that, there was no way I could get up. I gave Yubin time to feel my presence as she hugged me, and I hugged her back, feeling her too. In this hot and humid weather, the feeling of our bodies touching might have been unpleasant due to the sweat, but for us, healing the day's exhaustion by feeling each other was the priority.
“We should eat, right?”
“Let’s wash up first.”
Usually, the first thing Yubin and I do when she comes to my place after work is eat together. But today, between the fatigue and the sweat from the humid, rainy weather, washing up came first.
“Shall we wash together?”
Just as I was about to break the hug and get up to head to the shower, I looked at Yubin after hearing her suggestion. Seeing the suggestive look in her eyes, I nodded silently.