Senior Researcher Lee Yun
The YP Research Institute cafeteria was too crowded with prying eyes for a proper conversation. Lunchtime might seem generous, but it always flew by in an instant, so Seong Ye-han decided to postpone his talk with Lee Yun.
"Sure. I'll be waiting out front after work."
She accepted his suggestion without hesitation and left the cafeteria. Even after she was gone, the curious stares lingered on him, full of questions and intrigue. In the end, he barely ate half his rice and had to escape the place.
Afternoon research assistance involved other staff being pulled away, so he spent the time as usual, sorting monster byproducts. His coworkers kept glancing at him like they had something to say, but Seong Ye-han deliberately ignored them. Reacting would just make things exhausting.
He didn't even know why Lee Yun had approached him—what could he explain? If he hadn't vaguely told Han Dong-uk, whose curiosity was at max before lunch ended, that he knew nothing, just imagining the fallout was nightmare fuel.
What the hell is it?
They'd seen each other's faces plenty over the past year. Just a few days ago, he'd spotted her in the cafeteria. The only change since then was his physical abilities skyrocketing through Shin Ye-hwa.
But how would Lee Yun know that? It wasn't some awakener-only vibe she could sense—Han Dong-uk, the closest guy, hadn't noticed a thing. And she wasn't even an awakener.
"Ah, whatever."
Realizing more pondering was a waste of time, he shook it off. Whatever it was, he'd find out by facing it head-on. For now, focus on the task at hand.
"But hyung, you're quitting, right?"
"Yeah. That's the plan."
As he sorted monster materials, Han Dong-uk sidled up slyly.
"Something good happen?"
The guy showed no jealousy—just pure congratulations when Seong Ye-han vaguely mentioned awakening a special ability, getting evaluated, ranking up, and becoming a hunter. What a good kid.
"Then, drinks to celebrate?"
"Can't do that."
"Whoa, hyung, you're killing me here?"
The guy whined about loyalty, saying if not now, when? Seong Ye-han tuned it out.
"Nah, not too bad. I've got prior plans anyway."
"Huh? You have plans? Never in your life. We all know you're the ultimate loner."
"Even I have them sometimes, you punk."
Ultimate loner—talk about brutal facts...
"Anyway, I've got 'em, so quit nagging and get back to work."
"No way you do... Wait, no?!"
He shoved the clingy guy aside to resume work, but Han Dong-uk's face twisted like he'd seen massive shock and horror.
For some reason, Seong Ye-han could practically read the kid's mind. Just a feeling, probably.
"Hyung, no way, right? With the senior researcher...?"
"It's not like that. I've got friends, juniors—everything!"
Damn perceptive kid. Quick ones were the worst.
After that, ignoring Han Dong-uk's suspicious glares, Seong Ye-han finished his work in silence. He worried that if they saw him with Lee Yun at the front gate after work, it'd spark some huge drama.
After work.
Thankfully, no incidents. Except for the tinted luxury foreign car waiting for him.
People's eyes lingered briefly on the rare sight in this era, then moved on. Probably because such cars weren't unheard of in the YP Research Institute parking lot.
"Get in."
The dark window rolled down, revealing Lee Yun's face. No glasses today, and her shirt unbuttoned a couple notches, exposing alluring cleavage. Seeing this relaxed side after her usual flawless, intellectual office look made his heart race with sudden tension.
He calmed his pounding chest and slipped into the open door.
The car glided smoothly away. In a post-Gate world where everything was scarce, cars were a massive luxury—not just buying one, but the fuel costs alone demanded serious commitment for an average salaryman. Especially in oil-less Korea, whether gas, electric, or mana-powered, maintenance was sky-high compared to pre-Gate days.
The era of households owning two or three cars was ancient history.
Compared to sardine-can subways, this was paradise. Koreans might not smell much, but there were limits—rush hour was hell.
By contrast, Lee Yun's car smelled faintly of smooth coffee—a heaven-and-hell difference.
With reduced traffic post-Gate, even rush hour roads were pleasant. The short drive was thoroughly enjoyable.
Once my life's better, I'll get my license and buy my own ride.
"Heh!"
A chuckle from beside him. Glancing over, he saw Lee Yun smiling faintly.
"Oh, sorry. Not teasing..."
"No, just surprised you laughed out of nowhere."
"You were staring at the interior so intensely, it was kinda cute."
Cute? Not a word for a 25-year-old burly guy like him.
"Hm. You've got unique tastes."
"Hey? Don't call me weird."
"Normal weirdos don't know they're weird."
She frowned, words caught. Her icy queen vibe at work—was this her true self? More approachable than expected.
"Fine, a little weird. Whatever."
"Wha—cough!"
Trying to soothe her pout, the car screeched to a halt. Inertia flung him forward; the seatbelt choked him.
"We're here. Out."
She hopped out after her curt order.
Feistier than expected.
Her cat-like demeanor wasn't unpleasant. Unbuckling, he stepped out to see her waiting ahead. Confirming he was down, she locked the car with the key fob, stuck out her tongue playfully, and slipped inside.
Yet her stride held an elegant poise.
"Ha...!"
What was that? A siren? His scalp tingled as he followed.
The place was a room-style bar with soft yellow lighting and gentle music easing the mood.
The menu's liquors were unfamiliar, prices unimaginable to him.
"Enjoy yourself. I'm buying since I invited you."
Rich, clear liquid poured smoothly into glasses, alluring. Even liquor-ignorant Seong Ye-han salivated at the non-harsh, deep aroma teasing his nose.
Not something to "enjoy casually," though.
"Thanks, then."
Free was free. He'd hear her out, whatever it was.
"I heard you submitted your resignation."
"Hm?"
Her words blindsided him again. True, he'd quit today—but why would a senior researcher care? She wasn't HR.
"Curious why you'd suddenly leave a good job. Not easy for an E-rank awakener to find better. Something good happen? Like... awakening a super powerful special ability?"
Her confident tone made him hesitate.
What the hell is with this woman?
Did his wariness show? Before he could speak, she continued.
"No need to be so guarded. I'm just... interested."
"Interested?"
"I suck at judging character... but one thing I nail."
She swirled the clear purple wine in her glass, sipped, and smiled.
"Their potential... or ability?"
"Potential?"
"Like, big-shot vibes."
She downed the rest. Was wine meant to be chugged like that?
Her face suddenly loomed over the table. Sharp alcohol and sweet-tart grape scents filled his nose. Her eyes held a spark.
Her personal scent ensnared him, beyond the booze.
"You were decent before... but today? Off the charts. Can't let you quit without grabbing something."
"Like physiognomy? Didn't peg you for that."
"Don't believe in that. I trust my gut."
"Same difference?"
"Nope. Purely my judgment."
"Hmmm... so, you wanna team up? Something like that?"
"That sounds weirdly off. Eh, close enough."
She pulled back, heat vanishing like a serene lake. She refilled her empty glass, savoring the aroma.
Mysterious woman.
"Personally, I hate owing people."
"Ooh? Casual speech now?"
"You wanna get close. Formal again? Researcher-nim?"
"Nah. Feels like groveling."
She huffed dramatically, full-body pout. Drunk already? Nah, eyes too clear.
This could loop forever. Seong Ye-han hardened his expression.
"Cut the jokes. What's the point?"
"A kind of investment."
Her fluffy vibe vanished; she turned predatory.
"Investment and payback. I won't meddle in what you do. But when you're big later... don't forget who helped."
"You said you suck at judging character. What if I'm a psycho or some ungrateful leech?"
"Failed investment. Not all pay off."
Her straightforward reply left him speechless again.
Unaware or not, she raised a finger.
"But! Don't think I'd just sit if it flops."
"Then?"
"I'd rip you apart! Squeeze every bit! Dare take my kindness and run? Unforgivable! Torment you forever!"
Refreshing? More like sticky obsession.
"Guess I better repay, then."
"Exactly!"
Empty glasses. He snatched the bottle from her pour, filling both.
"Not how you drink this."
"Says the one chugging since earlier."
"Makes me sound like a booze hound."
"Aren't you?"
"...No."
"That pause bugs me. Whatever, your tastes as my sugar mama don't concern me."
"Heh~ Good attitude. Keep it up."
"Makes me wanna rebel."
"Behave, and I'll give a special reward."
"What reward?"
"Secret~ For the thrill."
"Fine."
"Great. No regrets. You'll thank me on your knees someday."
"Could be you thanking me."
"Hehe. Hope so. Proves my eyes are sharp. Cheers—this seals our deal?"
Clink. They downed them.
He couldn't fathom her motives. Could be a hassle or trap. But he'd handle it. If she brought favors, he'd repay. Otherwise, payback in kind.
"Ooooh~ Such a niiiice guyyy~"
Off-key howling echoed. She'd driven here—now this?
"Shhh... quiet...?"
"Nooo~ Nope~ Lalala~"
This woman had awful drunk habits. Was he fated for messy drinkers?
A worrisome night.