The Only Guardian -1-
Rohan's call to Juyeon was concise.
A polite request, asking if she could come to the Security Bureau—he was on his way there now.
The moment she hung up, Juyeon set aside the book she'd been reading and sprang into action.
Thud!
She touched down in the Elysium Security Bureau parking lot, dressed in a sharp suit despite it being Orion Academy's day off.
A burning impatience gnawed at her gut as she swept back her red hair and strode forward.
"Excuse me!"
The instant her foot crossed the threshold of the Security Bureau headquarters, she marched straight inside.
The officers on duty knew exactly who she was—and why she was here—so they parted like the sea without a word.
Click-clack. Click-clack. Click-clack.
No need to ask where Rohan was. She could sense his presence; all she had to do was follow it.
Suppressing the urge to barrel straight through, Juyeon quickened her pace.
It only took a few steps.
There, amid the cluster of officers, sat Rohan—bandages wrapped tightly around him here and there.
"Instructor! Over here!"
"...!"
His voice rang out bright and cheerful, but the sight of him told a different story.
Memories from the past overlapped with the image, unbidden.
Juyeon squeezed her eyes shut, shaking off the stray thoughts, and forced her heavy feet onward.
Before piecing together what mess Rohan had gotten into, she zeroed in on his condition—heading straight for the woman sorting medical supplies.
"I'm Juyeon, instructor at Orion Academy. How is Cadet Rohan's condition? Is he hurt badly...?"
"Lacerations and abrasions scattered across his body. Some scars might linger, but nothing that'll leave permanent damage."
The Security Bureau's medical officer gave a thorough rundown.
Only after that firm reassurance—that he was okay—did Juyeon finally approach Rohan.
His upright posture eased her mind a fraction. At least it didn't look like he'd done anything criminal.
"Rohan. What exactly is this...?"
"Instructor. I'm so sorry to drag you out on a weekend when you should be resting."
"That's not the issue. Anywhere hurting?"
"Looks worse than it is. I'm fine."
"Huuu..."
Juyeon sank into an empty chair with a heavy sigh.
The officers around them knew her reputation all too well; tension crackled in the air as they fell silent.
The rookie officer, quick on the uptake, slipped away to fetch drinks.
"Could you explain what our cadet got tangled up in?"
"Instructor, let me—"
"Quiet. I'll hear your side later."
Her sharp gaze silenced Rohan, shifting to the nearest officer.
A burly beastkin man, built like Gilbert, grabbed the file on the desk and cleared his throat.
"General Juyeon. I'll handle the explanation."
"Just 'Instructor' for now... but please, go ahead."
"The organization Cadet Rohan wiped out goes by the Yellow Cicada Syndicate. Human trafficking, organ trade—that was their racket."
"Wiped out...? Rohan took down a human trafficking syndicate...?"
Juyeon blinked, the story shattering her wildest guesses.
The officer nodded mechanically and pressed on.
"Affirmative. Cross-checked intel with foreign partners—matches the wanted list. Officers are sweeping the area now; no remnants expected."
"..."
"He rescued fifteen people in total by dismantling them. All en route to hospitals for treatment."
"..."
Juyeon absorbed the facts coolly, her mind racing.
The officer set a drink in front of her—the one the rookie had brought—and offered praise.
"You've got one hell of a cadet there."
"On the flip side, that's only because I had an instructor like you."
"Hahaha! Kid's got all the luck. Wish I'd hit the academy at a time like this."
Rohan jumped in with a quip, drawing a booming laugh from the officer.
But Juyeon was stone-faced, her lips a thin, icy line.
Her piercing eyes locked onto Rohan.
He met them with an awkward grin, trying to play it off.
This guy...
She'd get the full story from him later.
Just then, the officer remembered a detail.
"Bounty payout pending foreign approval—Security Bureau will handle transfer. Separate committee review for the Academy City security commendation."
"...Thanks for the details. Mind if I talk to the cadet alone?"
The officers glanced at Rohan.
He nodded it was fine, and they scrambled to grab hats and gear, prepping to clear out.
"Of course. Anything you need, just say the word."
"Appreciate the courtesy."
The officer handed over his file with a respectful bow before heading out.
"Cadet Rohan's testimony log. Party consent allows guardian disclosure, so feel free."
"Thank you."
Once the motley crew of officers filed out.
Juyeon pored over the file meticulously. Rohan waited in silence.
The tension hung thick until she reached the final page.
Her eyes lingered on the last period before she spoke.
"A car speeding like an idiot down the alley flicks a cigarette butt out the window slit—and you think you hear a scream for help, so you give chase?"
"Yes. Spot on. Still not sure if it was in my head or real."
Juyeon bit her lower lip hard at his reply.
Praise should've come easy. Saving lives was commendable; real-world experience like this was prime fuel for growth.
So why was her gut twisting toward scolding—why didn't you call me first?
"Instructor."
"What is it?"
"I'm sorry."
Her head snapped up from the log, stern mask cracking.
Flames danced in her eyes, fixing on him.
"I knew it was over my head. But it felt like something I had to do."
"..."
"Thought about calling you once I was sure, but waiting might've cost lives."
Not some emotional rush—calculated.
She would've ordered him to stand down, no question.
Ah.
Juyeon caught herself. He wasn't begging forgiveness; he'd shut down in that heavy mood, no self-praise.
"...I see. Good work. You did something outstanding."
"Thank you."
"Calling afterward? Smart call. Instructor needs to know."
"Sorry for dumping this on your weekend. My bad."
"No need to repeat yourself. I'm fine, really."
"Yes, ma'am!"
His crisp reply softened her features into a gentle smile.
No family on his records—she, his instructor, was his sole guardian.
"Guarding Academy City like this? You'd ace the Security Bureau exam post-graduation."
She swallowed the sharp words circling her tongue and playfully tugged his cheek.
Pinch to warn be careful—or stroke with praise? Both tugged at her.
"Been keeping that option on the table for a while."
Cheeks sagging in her grip, he kept talking.
"Security officer as a candidate... weighing a lot of paths, huh."
"Got a rough direction locked in."
"Tell me when it's solid."
"You got it. No question."
Injured and all, his comebacks were flawless.
Juyeon yanked harder.
"Uggghhh...!"
"Tanks through practicals without a whimper, but whines like a baby here."
Caught red-handed—his groan cut off.
Her smile deepened as she kept the scolding feather-light.
"Today's heroics? Hundred times praiseworthy. But more caution from now on. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am! I'll train twice as hard!"
It felt just like old times with a pesky little brother.
Juyeon tamped down the swirling emotions and gave earnest advice.
"...Bad injuries? No take-backs, even with regrets. Hits you hardest—then crushes everyone around you."
"Sorry. I'll remember."
He clocked her odd vibe and clammed up briefly.
But not for long.
"Instructor."
"Out with it."
"But if it happens again right in front of me? Same play."
"..."
Juyeon clamped her lips. That sinking pull into cherished memories.
No other cadet stirred this. Only Rohan kept dredging them up.
"Sorry ahead of time."
His preemptive apology drew a wry chuckle from her.
"Never pegged you for... such a problem child."
He flashed an abashed grin to smooth it over.
She watched a beat, then rose and approached the officers.
Short chat later, she returned.
"Rohan. Walk okay?"
"Good as new!"
He popped up, spun a quick circle.
Reassurance for her—and truth be told, he was fine.
"Good. Follow."
"Dorm time?"
"No. My place."
"...Pardon?"
He blinked like he'd misheard.
Juyeon, a rare glint of mischief in her eye, clarified.
"Remnant sweeps and scene work aren't done. Hate my place? Cool—wait it out here at the Bureau."
Hours of sitting, implied.
"..."
Rohan's debate didn't last.
He trailed after his self-appointed guardian, close on her heels.