What Happened at the Guild House
“Oh my god, look at all that sweat. Seojun, are you okay?”
“...I'm fine.”
Yoo Chae-eun, riding beside him, asked with genuine concern.
To be honest, he was far from okay. His heart wasn't just pounding—it was thumping wildly. His lower body surged with an uncontrollable force. He bowed his head, clutching the robe he wore tightly.
Stay still. Calm down. It's mine...
“Huh?!”
Yoo Chae-eun's slender fingers brushed his neck. He flinched instinctively, and her face showed even more surprise.
“...Oh. I thought maybe you had a cold or something.”
His body was far more sensitive than he'd realized. It was all because of that aphrodisiac the orc chieftain had forced on him—a heat-inducing drug. The effects hadn't hit right away but crept up after time passed. Truly insidious.
His body burned, making rational thought nearly impossible. Amid it all, he couldn't help thinking how pale and soft her fingers looked. Everywhere she touched felt feverish. Before the thought of just a little more could take hold, he shook his head.
“...Haha.”
A ridiculous chuckle escaped him. Yoo Chae-eun asked the driver to hurry. He was grateful. What did his face even look like right now? Just imagining it was mortifying.
“We're almost there. Hang in just a bit longer, Seojun.”
It was a blessing to be riding with someone as considerate as Yoo Chae-eun, whose empathy ran as deep as the Pacific. As she said, a massive building came into view through the car window.
“...Huh?”
He stared, entranced by the stunning sight. As a Grade 2 safe zone, it was impeccably maintained. It was enough to momentarily forget the aching throb in his lower body that had gone from itchy to outright painful.
It resembled a European castle, but modern touches were seamlessly blended in here and there.
“Cool, right? My brother loves fantasy games so much. It took a while to build because of that, but I'm sure you'll love it too, Seojun.”
“...It's amazing.”
She smiled at his reaction, mentioning how much care they'd put into the interior design. Seeing that only made his body heat up more. Am I really that shameless? No, it couldn't be his own will.
He cracked the window, letting the breeze cool him slightly. Soon, they pulled up to the small castle-like structure. He straightened his robe to cover himself properly before stepping out carefully.
“Whoa?! What's up, little bro Seojun? You sick or something?!”
“Looks like it. I'll take him.”
Ma Pildu, who had been in another car, got out with Kim Na-yoon and asked. Yoo Chae-eun moved to support him as she replied.
“No, I'm okay. Chae-eun, you just guide me. I can walk on my own.”
In his current state, any contact with her was dangerous. He gently pushed her arm away, and hurt flashed across her face.
I appreciate the thought. Really. His chest tightened uncomfortably.
“...Then I'll guide you.”
“No way. Soo-jung, leave Seojun to me. You've been trapped for ages too—go rest.”
Lee Soo-jung rolled up her sleeves and strode toward him, but Yoo Chae-eun fired back rapid-fire. After a brief silence, Yoo Jae-hyun chimed in that it was a good idea, settling the matter.
They passed a fountain in the vast garden-like courtyard and reached the grand doors. Inside, luxurious, pristine interiors greeted them. An elevator stood out prominently.
He hunched his shoulders and clenched his fists tight. He didn't want anyone noticing his condition or worrying him.
Ding!
After the elevator, they moved down the hall. He barely kept his breathing and sanity in check, waiting as Yoo Chae-eun unlocked the door.
It was an ultra-luxurious house with a private living room, bedroom, bathroom, and study. The furniture details showed subtle, thoughtful care everywhere.
“...Each private space is about 50 pyeong. Seojun?”
“Nngh.”
He couldn't even muster a thank-you and rushed into the bedroom, collapsing onto the bed. He draped an arm over his forehead without properly covering himself with the blanket.
“...Purifying Light.”
A faint blue glow emanated, said to remove all status ailments. It worked on curses, poisons, diseases, addictions—but just in case. Unfortunately, nothing happened.
Was sexual desire too basic a human urge for it? Unbelievable. Then he'd have to endure with superhuman willpower... or handle it himself. Worst case, he needed Yoo Chae-eun out of his space first.
Damn.
Knock. Knock knock!
“Seojun, you okay?! You look really bad. Shower later—just take off that robe for now at least...”
Yoo Chae-eun, who'd been in the living room moments ago, entered the bedroom with a worried voice. He cracked his eyes open, and a silhouette flickered.
“...Huh?!”
An awkward silence hung in the air. Anxious, he lifted his head to see Yoo Chae-eun fidgeting. He hurriedly pulled the blanket over himself.
“S-sorry. Rest up.”
He couldn't even make an excuse. Her face flushed as she backed out. The door slammed shut, and her perfume wafted over on the breeze.
This was driving him insane.
⁕⁕⁕
Yoo Chae-eun hurried down the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Only one image lingered in her mind like a snapshot.
“...So that's it.”
It wasn't the real thing—just the indirect outline under the robe. With a brother like hers, it wasn't a huge shock. The groaning Lee Seojun was kinda cute and worrying, but she couldn't acknowledge it. She knew it wasn't a situation he'd chosen.
If I were okay with it... She shook off the stray thought and reached the first-floor lobby, where the members were still gathered, not having gone in yet. They were all worried about him.
“...Um, from what I saw, it's best to let Seojun rest for now.”
She informed them carefully, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. Ma Pildu looked like he was dying of curiosity midway, but everyone seemed to accept it.
“Yeah, first raid's gotta be tiring. Let's eat first then? Chow down quick, shower, and crash.”
Yoo Jae-hyun holstered his energy and headed to the dining hall. The group followed to the restaurant area.
The guild house cafeteria resembled a buffet—you took what you wanted. Organic veggies, nutrient-focused meals.
“...I'll grab food for Seojun ahead of time.”
As Yoo Chae-eun grabbed an extra plate, Lee Soo-jung's hand froze mid-scoop. She hesitated too.
They packed moderately and asked staff to package it. Everyone loaded plates high with their favorites and sat.
“Hahat!! Kiddo, you worked hard—eat up big time!!”
“You too, honestly. He'll eat what he wants.”
Kim Na-yoon poked Ma Pildu's side, seeing Lee Soo-jung's sour expression. Watching, Yoo Chae-eun felt an odd unease.
“Anyway, shouldn't we start recruiting newbies soon?”
Yoo Jae-hyun gulped his drink and said. His eyes sparkled eagerly—likely bothered by the reduced guild numbers since their peak.
“Good idea! Good!! Hope we get some solid juniors, haha!!”
If so, it might save Ma Pildu's hair from overwork stress. Kim Na-yoon looked upbeat too.
“True~. Now that the boss is back. We've been spinning like tops.”
The mood heated into lively debate. This talent we need. That type too. Let's welcome anyone—everyone agreed.
“Do what you want. No biggie.”
Lee Se-ah scraped her plate with a fork, munching strawberry shortcake, and added her two cents. Then Lee Soo-jung stood, saying she was heading to the bathroom.
Scrape.
“Oh, Soo-jung, I was gonna go too—together?”
Lee Soo-jung nodded. As long-time comrades, they headed to the bathroom like besties.
⁕⁕⁕
Water gushed from the sink. Lee Soo-jung washed her hands under it with a complicated expression. The coolness soothed her tangled feelings.
In the mirror, a woman in a red robe with faded crimson hair stared back. Her small frame made her look even more delicate.
Is Seojun okay? Not that she particularly cared, but he'd looked really rough. He'd saved her, after all—seeing him like that sucked. She'd planned to check on him with some food...
He even gave me his chocolate bar. If he was starving, he needed something, anything.
She sighed inwardly as Yoo Chae-eun emerged from a stall and stood beside her. She washed her hands, then fiddled with her bobbed hair.
A brief, awkward silence. Yoo Chae-eun spoke first.
“Soo-jung, where'd you go with Seojun after the raid dungeon?”
“...Why do you wanna know?”
She could just say bathroom, but didn't want to. No clue why, even to herself.
“Just asking. What's the big deal?”
Yoo Chae-eun's brow arched slightly. Nothing wrong with it, but why ask?
“...Just the bathroom.”
“Oh, yeah? Why not say so? Just curious. You two seem closer than I thought.”
A smile tugged at Yoo Chae-eun's lips. She looked pleased, like she enjoyed the team bonding.
Then can I ask too?
“...You took him to his room.”
“Huh? Oh. Yeah.”
Seeing her blush made Lee Soo-jung's chest tighten. Irrational irritation bubbled up. Just a little.
“Chae-eun, you like him?”
None of her business. But she hoped not.
“Yeah, I think so.”
Yoo Chae-eun smiled shyly, as if picturing someone. Probably that guy. Lee Soo-jung watched her fix her makeup.
“Hey, Soo-jung. If you're okay with it, wanna help me out?”
“......”
“Or maybe you too?”
“No. He saved me and all, but not that much yet.”
She shook her head, avoiding eye contact, and caught Yoo Chae-eun's odd look. Her heart thudded like she'd been caught.
That's not it.
“Oh? Good. No overlap then. I'll wait outside. Take your time.”
Yoo Chae-eun tucked powder into her black pouch. As she turned to leave, panic surged—like she'd regret letting her go.
“Wait!!”
Yoo Chae-eun froze mid-step. Lee Soo-jung had no idea what would come out next. What if things got awkward after?
“Sorry. That's not happening. It's not that I dislike him or anything, it's just...”
Yoo Chae-eun turned slowly, letting out a soft chuckle. Like she'd expected it.
“Yeah, figured. Wanna grab some tteokbokki?”
“...Yeah. Sorry.”
“Why apologize? Of course you'd like Seojun—no way you couldn't. Anyway, there's someone I wanna tell you about.”
Lee Soo-jung tilted her head, and Yoo Chae-eun grinned slyly, pulling out her phone. The search bar showed info on Jeong Ye-na.