Chapter 17: Regained Happiness
In the heart of New Seoul, South Korea, any building rising on exorbitantly priced land was undoubtedly the Cheonsu Guild headquarters. Its exterior and interior, meticulously crafted by renowned architects and international designers, exuded the luxury of a world-famous tourist attraction.
Kang Ga-young strode forward, her face alight with excitement. She headed not toward the hunter offices, but the administrative floor where ordinary staff worked. Employees who recognized her began to bow in greeting, only for her to swiftly press a finger to her lips. Quick on the uptake, they lowered their heads and returned to their tasks.
There he was—a man with a round head. Kang Ga-young marched straight toward the fresh-faced new hire, who had joined not long ago.
"Seojun, is the job too tough for you?"
"Ah, no. Not at all. I'm incredibly grateful, actually. For the high salary, and even covering my mother's hospital bills..."
The rabbit-like man's face flushed pink. He nodded vigorously. Anyone else hearing this might shoot a puzzled look and mutter, 'Rabbit? Him?' But whatever. As long as she saw him that way, it was fine. To keep him by her side, she'd naturally pulled him into Cheonsu Guild. An exception she couldn't quite explain to herself.
"Still, gathering hospital bills by working as a D-rank porter in dungeons? You're a devoted son, but it's way too dangerous."
She swept her light brown hair to the side, exposing her pale neck and delicate collarbone. The man's eyes darted about. With any other guy, she'd have gouged his eyes out. But with her little rabbit? It was just adorably cute.
"...It is dangerous. But she's my only family."
Only family? His mother, his only family, clearly meant the world to him. Kang Ga-young kept her smile steady as she pondered. Normal people cherished their families, sure. Especially after seeing so many lose loved ones to monsters, descending into madness or ruin. If she became his family, would he look only at her? Of course he'd love and adore her. But she wanted to be first. Kang Ga-young always got what she wanted, and she had no intention of sharing limited affection. A dangerous thought crept in unbidden. Even now, his fondness for her was sky-high. It had been too easy. Born noble, gifted with exceptional talent—what had ever eluded her?
"Ahem. Well, yeah. Your mother's been discharged, right?"
"Yes, she has. Thanks to you. Honestly, without Vice President Kang Ga-young, I couldn't have afforded it. Who knew even seeing a healer once would cost that much..."
"Hehe, Seojun, that stings a little. Even if it's a company, can't you just call me by name?"
Lee Seojun's ears turned red, his breathing uneven. Seated and staring at his monitor, his eyes turned toward her in perfect obedience. Why was this so intoxicating?
"...Ga-young."
"Good boy. Oh, Seojun—and if you're free tonight, want to grab dinner?"
"Tonight? Ah, I've got a lot of work, but I'll hurry. I do owe you a meal anyway..."
"Really? Then I'll look forward to it. Shall I make a reservation?"
Lee Seojun nodded, a flicker of unease on his face. Was he picturing some fancy restaurant? She patted his shoulder encouragingly, and he flinched slightly. As if she'd ever let him pay.
Time flew by after that. The daytime sky darkened into evening, like footage sped up. Kang Ga-young approached his desk with a smile. Her heels clicked merrily down the corridor.
Upon arrival, she found Lee Seojun sweating bullets, buried in paperwork as he typed furiously.
"Seojun, still not done? Goodness, what's with all this on your desk?"
"...Ah, sorry. Did I keep you waiting? I even called and texted, just in case."
Of course. She'd ignored them on purpose. He looked so forlorn, it made her chest and stomach twinge. A man like this, wearing that expression? It was maddening.
"I hear workplace bullying's rampant these days. Is someone messing with you? Tell me."
"...No. Everyone's been great."
He said it was fine, but his face was the picture of gloom. Such a cute liar. As if she didn't know—it was her doing. Still a bit short? Maybe the 'parachute hire' rumors weren't enough. Time to ramp it up. They said presence in tough times built the strongest bonds. He was holding up better than expected, but with her covering his mother's bills and his job, he couldn't bring himself to complain about bullying. How pitiful, how lovable. How pitiable, how beautiful. Every time she saw him suffer, it hurt her too. But this was necessary. To claim him completely, she had no choice. She'd make it up to him later. Make him blissfully happy. He'd understand, right? Seojun was kind like that.
She resolved to intensify the pressure, then scooped up a stack of documents.
"I'll help."
"Ah, you don't have to..."
"You sure it's not necessary?"
"...Thank you. I guess I'm still lacking."
Tap-tap-tap. The keyboard clacked in her ears. Kang Ga-young dispatched the work at twice his speed, flashing a bright smile.
"Wow, you're... so fast."
Seeing Lee Seojun stare in awe filled her with satisfaction and elation. Recognition from this man. Why was approval from a low-rank, porter-class guy so fulfilling? Kang Ga-young bestowed her most confident smile.
"It's late, but dinner now?"
He perked up like a rabbit. Then beamed innocently.
"Mmm."
Kang Ga-young woke in bed, a satisfied expression on her face. The dream felt so real, her lips curved uncontrollably.
"Ahh... If only it were real..."
The thought slipped out aloud. Was she dreaming this because she wanted it? The vividness made her lick her lips unconsciously. If only he hadn't awakened. It could have been just like the dream. Regrettable, but unavoidable. She'd drag the awakened Lee Seojun into Cheonsu Guild no matter what. She grabbed her phone, glancing indifferently at the missed calls before dialing.
It connected almost immediately.
"So? How'd it go? Be as polite and courteous as possible—bring him."
"...Guild Master, it's too late."
Her pleasant morning plummeted. Unease churned in her chest.
"Lee Seojun-ssi went to Pania Guild..."
Click.
"Arrrgh!!"
She hurled her phone at the wall. The high-rank hunter's strength shattered it to pieces, punching a hole in the plaster.
"Pania? Why the hell would he go to that dump?!"
It made no sense. That rundown, hole-in-the-wall guild? Her fist clenched, nails drawing blood. She steadied her breathing, reining in her emotions.
"...It's fine. Just restart the plan. From the beginning."
"Hahat! Don't cry on this happy day, huhuh. Hngh."
Ma Pildu's soju glass trembled precariously. Despite his words, thick teardrops welled in his eyes.
"You're one to talk, old man—don't cry yourself. You idiot, hngh. Do you know how much we, hngh, worried about you?!"
Lee Soo-jung's makeup, rare for her, was ruined by tears. But such trifles didn't matter.
"You really went through hell. You're even better than we hoped. And thank you, Chae-eun, for leading Pania Guild so well."
"Oppa..."
Yoo Jae-hyun and Yoo Chae-eun mirrored each other's smiles. Lee Se-ah, expressionless but shedding steady tears, spoke up.
"Thanks so much, Seojun."
"No need. I'm a Pania member now too. It's only natural. Glad I could help."
Their grateful, shining eyes moved him. Saving someone precious to them filled him with pride.
"...Right. You're one of us now. Hng. I'm touched too, sis? But isn't just saying thanks not enough?"
Kim Na-yoon eyed him with a sly smile, glancing around. She poked his arm, her expression oddly suggestive. Lee Soo-jung burst out.
"No!! I acknowledge it, but that's not right! Sis, you go for Pildu oppa. Mmph. Mmph."
Kim Na-yoon clamped a hand over her mouth. Unable to hold back, Lee Se-ah asked him directly. She'd been suppressing her curiosity.
"What's that?"
She pointed to his hat—an oversized, clunky thing clashing with his outfit. Everyone stared. Only the Yoo siblings looked ambiguous.
Seojun sighed and slowly removed it. A golden ring—a halo—hovered above his head.
"Cool, but... for real?"
"An angel? No way?"
"Puhaha! Figures I'd think angel! Our lil' Seojun bro~."
Hard to control yet. He couldn't even make excuses, feeling embarrassed. Yoo Jae-hyun smirked slyly but flushed. Probably recalling calling him 'angel'.
Creak.
"Customers, may I take your order?"
The door opened, a staff member entering. They snapped to attention. Watching Yoo Chae-eun excitedly order pricey delicacies brought a smile.
"Another bottle here!! Hahaha!!"
"Ah, sis—stop Pildu, please."
"...Let him be tonight."
Ma Pildu savored his beer mix. No one stopped him. Everyone was happily buzzed. Today was exceptionally special—worthy of becoming an anniversary.
The meat was delicious, sides superb.
"See? Seojun bro's our treasure!!"
Ma Pildu bellowed, but no one disagreed. They just nodded or gazed at him, mouthing 'thanks'.
"Sure, lots of members left, but who cares? Gaining Lee Seojun as a comrade is way more valuable."
"Hear hear!!"
Ma Pildu hummed gleefully; Kim Na-yoon smacked his arm. Catching Yoo Jae-hyun's eye, Yoo Chae-eun smiled.
"So, something to announce. With oppa back, I want to shed these ill-fitting clothes. Positions should rotate too. Oppa, you'll take guild master again."
"You sure?"
"Time to work, right, oppa?"
Yoo Jae-hyun asked earnestly; she replied playfully, adding:
"Also wanted to give Lee Seojun-ssi a title, but he's like you all—hates the hassle. So, salary raise and priority on dungeon byproducts, as he wants."
Lee Soo-jung eyed him oddly. Misunderstanding? He wasn't gear-focused anyway.
"Sure, but I won't monopolize. Not that interested, really."
"...Wasn't staring for that. Just if that's enough. Hmph."
Ah, that. Good. He laughed off similar reactions.
"Truly grateful. All this luck is thanks to Seojun-ssi."
"Thanks again. If you're okay... wanna be brothers?"
Thanks were endless. How could he refuse?
"...Sure, Jae-hyun hyung?"
Yoo Jae-hyun's lips curved; his tied long hair swayed. He smirked down at his sister, who glared back fiercely.
Why?
"Eek. Yeah? What's up, Seojun?"
"If it's alright, can I hear who attacked you in that dungeon?"
The question everyone wondered but never voiced. Seojun broke the taboo. Amid the shifted mood, Yoo Jae-hyun slowly spoke.