Chapter 115: The Reason for Action (2)
115. The Reason for Action (2)
Hajin paused for a moment, wondering what this was about. Then Eun-chan hastily added more.
"No, it's nothing serious... It's just, well, what if we don't debut together? Then we won't be able to hang out like this anymore. I mean, we could still keep in touch and visit each other's places... I was just thinking, wouldn't it be nice if we could stay close like brothers even after..."
Only after reading the slight tension in Eun-chan's expression did Hajin understand what he was really asking.
Like Tae-hyun, Hajin had clear boundaries between those inside his circle and those outside. His natural sociability just made it less obvious.
But Eun-chan, being close to Tae-hyun, must have picked up on this after spending time with Hajin.
Since when did you become so perceptive...?
Just moments ago, Hajin had been feeling down about missing his relationship with twenty-eight-year-old Hawon. But now his mood lifted. Though he'd lost many connections along the way, he was reminded of how precious these new bonds had become.
Hajin grinned and playfully nudged Eun-chan.
"So you were planning to change your apartment passcode and stop inviting me over if I don't debut?"
"...Hyung, why wouldn't you debut? The response to your 'To You' stage was amazing."
"Then what about you?"
"I... don't have as much impact as the other hyungs."
"What kind of nonsense is that, Chan? Your visuals alone are impactful."
You think I hid you until the third round for no reason? Your face alone has ripple effects comparable to my back or Lee Doha's abs.
Eun-chan laughed incredulously at Hajin's deadpan remark. Hajin chuckled too, sighing as he spoke.
"Let's just aim to debut together. Even imagining it is nice."
"Okay. Then if we debut together, introduce me to your younger brother."
"Hawon? Why?"
"You met my brother. I want to talk to your brother about you too."
"Hey, my conversations with Eunseok hyung are completely wholesome. I don't talk behind your back."
"I never said you did? Then I'll just have wholesome conversations with Hawon hyung too."
Since when did you start calling him 'Hawon hyung'...?
Hajin blinked in bewilderment at Eun-chan but then nodded—there was no real reason not to introduce them.
"Sure, whatever. We can grab food sometime."
"Really? Seriously? Can I tell Haru about this?"
"Why are you making such a big deal... Fine. Do whatever you want, Chan."
...The hopeful look in Eun-chan's eyes made it impossible to refuse.
Better not mention that Hawon might hate the idea.
Introverted Hawon found even leaving the house bothersome, let alone meeting strangers outside. His agreement to appear on camera last time had been nothing short of a miracle.
Come to think of it, that footage hasn't aired yet, has it?
Hajin had assumed it would be shown early on. When was it scheduled?
As Hajin mentally reviewed the remaining broadcast episodes, Eun-chan suddenly hopped off the bed.
"Hyung, the guys are playing games in the lounge. Wanna join?"
"Which guys?"
"Haru, Jaeyoung, Yuki, and Parang."
Hajin perked up at "games" but slumped back onto the bed upon hearing the names.
"Have fun with the chicks. I'm resting."
"We're not chicks!"
"Level up first before challenging me. You always lose anyway."
"...That's true."
These high schoolers who'd spent their entire lives training in dance and vocals stood no chance against Hajin in games. Normally, he humored their attempts to beat him because it was cute, but today he was tired...
Eun-chan and Haru should bond more with their peers.
The recent sports day seemed to have helped—lately, Eun-chan and Haru were mingling more with other trainees. If Hajin joined, the conversation would inevitably revolve around him again.
When it came to relationships, Hajin had seen it all—and then some. Instinctively, he knew stepping back now was best for everyone.
"Hyung, really not coming? What if I call Tae-hyun hyung?"
"Seo Tae-hyun is busy stretching, rolling on his foam roller in his room while monitoring stages, and—oh, I'll throw in Lee Doha's hoodie too."
"Why are you hanging Doha hyung's hoodie?"
"Dunno. It was in my room? Must've mixed up the laundry."
Since their sizes were similar, their clothes sometimes got swapped. Hajin pointed with his chin at the oversized hoodie hanging on his chair.
"Anyway, fine. But next time, you have to play with us. I'll level up and come back."
"Sure. Let's play when you can handle Mafia without your pupils shaking."
"Ugh, seriously."
Eun-chan huffed in embarrassment and left. Chuckling at his reaction, Hajin got up to monitor Episode 4.
Just as he stepped off Eun-chan's bed, before his foot fully touched the ground—
"...?"
Zap! A crackling sound filled the air as something obscured Hajin's vision. Instinctively alert, he relaxed upon recognizing it and crossed his arms with a smirk.
[LOADING...]
[LOADING...]
[System recovery complete.]
[System Alert: The Fixed Regressor's timeline is operating normally.]
[System Alert: The Fixed Regressor's system error has been resolved.]
[System Alert: Would you like to view the Fixed Regressor's system history? (Access condition: Enter the Unconscious Space.)]
It was Sipsam—welcome as ever.
"Took you long enough, bastard."
Fortunately, Hajin had no schedule for the rest of the day.
To avoid raising suspicion if Eun-chan returned, Hajin prepared thoroughly before lying solemnly on his bed. He even texted Eun-chan: Going to sleep early. Don't wake me.
...The side effects when I wake up are kind of scary.
How had he endured the cracked leg last time? Just imagining the pain was terrifying.
With a reluctant expression, Hajin muttered the predetermined keyword:
"I hate mint chocolate."
Even though he'd devoured mint choco ice cream just yesterday.
And even though he'd fought viciously with Seo Tae-hyun, who swore he'd rather die than coexist with mint choco lovers.
Eun-chan had sighed, wondering why they were fighting over this, and just ordered two tubs of ice cream to settle it.
Guess the saying's true: If money can't solve it, you're not using enough.
Who knew he'd say that cursed phrase twice in one lifetime?
With that thought, Hajin drifted into sleep.
When he opened his eyes again, he was in the now-familiar Unconscious Space.
As he stepped forward, a small firework pop! exploded at his feet.
"Ah! You scared me!"
Before he could recover, something unfurled from above where the screen had descended last time. A massive banner covered in tiny text appeared.
<System Error Recovery Notice>
Hello, this is Time Administrator 13.
We sincerely apologize for the recent Fixed Regressor system error that disrupted your system usage and daily life.
This error was discovered when Administrator 13, impressed by the Fixed Regressor's exceptional performance during the sports day, took time to review system diagnostics and information about the Looper...
It was a lengthy apology.
In short: My bad, here's compensation, just hear me out before you yell at me.
I wasn't even planning to complain this time...
But if they were offering rewards, why refuse? Might as well milk it.
Should I mess with them a little?
Hajin sank into the sofa, wearing a disappointed expression as he dramatically rubbed his face.
"Sigh... Sipsam."
[System Alert: ......?]
"Are you..."
Hajin channeled a melodramatic male lead, his voice trembling with regret.
"...okay?"
[System Alert: (...Monitoring the Fixed Regressor's unexpected reaction)]
[System Alert: ( ⚆ _ ⚆ )]
"I thought the system was broken... I worried something happened to you... Were we really going to end with that pathetic dodgeball match? How could I—!"
His acting was Oscar-worthy. Maybe he should've been an actor instead.
"But you show up with apologies and rewards... Sigh, is that all we are? You'd strip my privileges without hesitation if I failed, never to see or hear from me again? Even if something happens to you or me, it's just another error and compensation?"
Wait. I'm actually getting mad now.
He'd only meant to tease, but the more he spoke, the more invested he became.
Weren't we supposed to be bound by fate? Am I just some freelance Looper hunter to you?
Now fully committed, Hajin launched into his grievances.
"I was going to greet you warmly, say we both had it rough, share our struggles... But fine. If you want to be formal, let's talk rewards. If I'm not satisfied, I'll file a proper complaint."
Somehow genuinely offended, Hajin grumbled, arms crossed.
"...?"
Sipsam remained silent, as if unsure how to respond.
Was the joke too much?
"...Hey, Sipsam. Say something. Your silence is creepy."
No reply.
Hajin scratched his chin awkwardly and called again.
"Hey. Answer me. I'm serious."
The nightmare of the Looper resurfaced, tension creeping in. In the deafening silence, a blue window finally appeared.
[System Alert: Inputting...]
[System Alert: Inputting...]
The "typing" indicator flickered repeatedly until—
A brick materialized before Hajin.
"Wh-what?"
Wait, not a brick...
[System Alert: If you want to go there, I have a lot to say too Kang Hajin are you really okay humans shouldn't be this stubborn if you crack your leg falling down stairs go to the hospital just because you'll regress doesn't mean you should lie on the emergency stairs for three hours what kind of lunatic does that if something happens to you while catching this Looper how do you think we Time Administrators would feel have you ever considered our feelings no you haven't selfish bastard I was already shocked enough discovering the Looper's traces during the sports day I still break into cold sweat remembering that day and now you're losing your grip how am I supposed to focus on work luckily we found clues about the Looper this time and resolved it but if you pull a knife and threaten people again just you wait I was so sorry I brought every possible reward and now you're sulking if I hadn't brought anything would you have let me off huh you little—]
...It was Sipsam's anguished rant.
"......"
I'm sorryyyyy.
Hajin bit his lip. He uncrossed his legs and arms.
For some reason, he felt he should sit properly.