Hero's Return and the Chief of Staff's Daughter
Should I? Yeah, let's do it. Seo Joo-hwan deserved all the praise for taking down that vicious criminal, but as he'd proudly declared, he was a sergeant in the Republic of Korea Army. What did that mean? It meant that the moment he underwent police questioning, a direct report would shoot straight up the chain of command. And so, from the morning, Seo Joo-hwan found himself on a high-speed bus heading back to Uljin.
'I could just refuse, but...' Returning to base wasn't mandatory. He hadn't done anything wrong; this was a commendation for a good deed during leave. They couldn't force him back—they'd be more likely to extend his vacation. In fact, compelling the return of a hero whose exploits had made the news could backfire on the military side. So why was he going back? Seo Joo-hwan checked the KakaoTalk message Jeong So-ra had left him again.
According to her, the army was planning a massive PR campaign with a title like this:
"Army Sergeant on Leave Saves Citizens from Vicious Serial Killer!"
Spreading such heartwarming stories didn't require his return. He could receive the police commendation outside, and the military could craft press releases without him. But the army wanted a perfect photo op at the Army Headquarters level: a high-ranking general and a brave private's two-shot. What a picture that would be. With the military's generally poor image, they were seizing the chance to push a friendly, approachable narrative.
But as mentioned, they couldn't force a meritorious soldier back. In this bind, who'd stepped up? His direct superior, Jeong So-ra.
"Phew. If it's to help Noona, I'll go." His vacation had only days left anyway—no big loss. If he could milk some favors from this, it was a pretty sweet deal. Sure, a single day of leave was priceless to soldiers—some would pay top dollar for it. But that was for average grunts. Seo Joo-hwan was different. He was a regressor from ten years in the future. He hadn't been locked away for months or years like others. And discharge was just five days away.
'After discharge, it'll be hard to see her, right?' She worked at Uljin Base, and her family was in Daegu. Post-discharge meetups would be tough. That was why Seo Joo-hwan was heading back without a fuss.
Arriving at Uljin Express Terminal, Seo Joo-hwan stretched.
"Yawn. Wonder if they'll cover transport?" Even if he'd planned to return, it was money out of pocket, but after forfeiting end-of-service leave, they'd better reimburse it.
"Nah. With the 'Brave Citizen Award' or whatever, maybe there's prize money?" He hadn't acted for rewards, but hey, if they offered, why not? That was when his phone buzzed.
Bzzz. The screen showed his little sister's name.
"Yeah? What's up?"
— Hey, you're heading back to base right now?
"I'm near base. Why?"
— Why? You didn't even tell me!
"Huh? Didn't I say?"
— Hey!
"Aish. My ears are burning." Seo Joo-hwan grimaced and held the phone away. The family knew about last night's incident from his police statement. But he'd forgotten to mention the sudden return—only telling his parents that morning. Hence, Seo Joo-hee's delayed call.
After yelling, she sighed and spoke softly.
— Thanks for yesterday. I got home safe because of you.
"I said that already. What’s with the sudden gratitude?"
— Just... feels like your vacation got cut short because of me. Leave's huge for soldiers.
Strange for her to say something so sweet. Her uncharacteristic attitude made him chuckle.
"Puhaha! It wasn't because of you, so don't get all cringey."
— G-good, then.
She sounded awkward, trying unfamiliar sibling sweetness. Back to her sassy self with a curt reply. Seo Joo-hwan found her rare reaction amusing.
"Heh. Hey, little sis."
— ...What.
"Grateful, huh? Oppa suddenly looks so cool and respectable? Of course. I took down a monster criminal."
— ...Almost respected you if you'd shut up. You're such a buzzkill.
"Hey now. Don't sass the oppa who forfeited leave for you!"
— You just said it wasn't for me!
"Anyway."
— You psycho?
"Huh? So you're not grateful?"
— ...Aish. What do you want? A wish granted or something?
"Bingo. That's the spirit."
— What? You were fishing for that?
"No take-backs? You'll grant a wish?" He'd baited the hook; she'd bitten hard.
— F-fine. What're you gonna make me do?
Her panicked tone was hilarious. He paused for effect.
"Clean my room from now on."
— ...Huh?
Stunned voice at the unexpected demand. He cackled.
"What else could I use you for? You suck at everything, so wishes are tough. Dummy, clean oppas room from now on."
— Hey! Who's a dummy!
"Oh, and no more 'hey' or 'you.' Every weird nickname earns a spank."
— You pervert!
"Yup. One spank banked." He hung up. Imagining her fuming enriched his return trip.
Soon, a call from Han Su-ah. He was gentler, of course.
"Yeah. Study hard. See you after discharge."
— Okay. Hwan oppa, thanks. Text me on discharge day? I'll pick you up!
"No need. You're just skipping school, right?"
— Hehe. Busted?
Like with his sister, he felt closer to her than in his past life. Grateful for this second chance, Seo Joo-hwan reflected anew.
In the command center, the 1st Battalion officers were gathered. Seo Joo-hwan nodded to Jeong So-ra amid them, then saluted.
"Steel! Sergeant Seo Joo-hwan! Reporting for return!"
The battalion commander shot up and hugged him.
"Sergeant Seo Joo-hwan!"
"S-Sergeant Seo Joo-hwan?"
"I'm proud to have a soldier like you in my battalion!"
Out of nowhere, back-slaps and raw emotion. The commander boomed a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! Captain Jeong So-ra trained her subordinate well! I always knew!"
What nonsense? Seo Joo-hwan nearly snorted. The commander and So-ra weren't buddies—more like wary colleagues. From what he knew, the 1st Battalion commander was a fake-woke boomer. Preaching progressive barracks and gender equality, but classic old-school at heart. He subtly distrusted female officers like So-ra, nitpicking her straight talk.
"Thank you, sir."
Unlike Seo Joo-hwan's thoughts, So-ra smiled smoothly, accepting the praise. The smile of a weary adult in society.
Weary adult smile my ass. Seo Joo-hwan learned So-ra's true colors at the Army Headquarters commendation ceremony.
"Battalion—attention!"
Snap! Perfect unison. The sharpest drill he'd seen. No wonder—the one barking was a colonel. Saluting him? Higher-ranking generals. Even the Chief of Staff was there. No slacking possible.
'Crowded.' Soldiers aside, cameras and reporters swarmed.
'Total showmanship.' As So-ra said, full PR mode to polish the military's image.
After formalities and officer chit-chat, it was his turn.
'Mess up here, and I'm screwed!' Unlikely discipline for the star, but he wanted perfection. Channeling danjeon power, he saluted sharply.
"Steeeel! Ser-geaaant! Seo! Joo! Hwaaan!"
Crisp 45-degree salute, booming voice! The Chief's face lit with satisfaction. Handshake next—he gripped and recited:
"Sergeant! Seo! Joo! Hwan! With a steel heart, I'll serve diligently!"
"Heard about your heroics. Fearless courage for citizens. Impressive."
"Thank you! Just doing my duty as a soldier!"
"Men like you keep our nation safe."
"Thank you!"
Flawless. Time to exit. But then, the Chief whispered unexpectedly:
"You're under my daughter, right? Thinking of officer training after discharge? We need talents like you."
Thunderbolt. Krraaack! Brain reeling.
'Daughter? Under? Officer?' Daughter meant So-ra. He barely held it together. Never heard this pre-regression.
Master, that's not important right now.
'Ah!' Lucy was right. Not her identity—the officer offer.
No career soldier ambitions. He replied hastily:
"Thank you, sir!"
"Oh, so you'll apply?"
"Sorry! Grateful, but I have my own path!"
"..."
Awkward silence. Sensing trouble, he continued:
"But! I won't forget what the army taught me! Even as a civilian chasing dreams, I'll preserve strength through reserves and serve the nation!"
Long sentence, flawless delivery—loud, crisp, breathless. The Chief beamed.
Post-ceremony, Seo Joo-hwan was untouchable at base. Even supply officers—sergeants' nemeses—left him alone. While others sweated through duties, he lounged sweetly. Some grumbled at first, but understanding his hero status, no one complained.
Only Jeong So-ra tsked, sitting beside him in the barracks.
"Total freeloader, huh? Lounging during duty hours."
"Heh. What's wrong with that? It's fine."
"Bad example for the others."
"Tell 'em: jealous? Catch a killer and forfeit leave."
"Fair... Making you work now would be thug behavior."
No real scolding—she settled in. He glanced up teasingly.
"Who knew Noona was the Chief's daughter."
"Ugh. Forget it. Why'd Dad blab to you..."
She grumbled distastefully. Curious, he asked:
"Why hide it? Makes life easier."
"Easier? More awkward. Unwanted pity's the worst."
Her type couldn't stand coddling—especially as a woman or the Chief's kid. She'd quit first. Lightening the mood playfully:
"Your dad asked if I'd consider officer. Eyeing a son-in-law?"
"Oh? Bold much?"
"Why not? I took down a killer."
She smirked at his teasing.
"Want me to fetch NCO application forms?"
"Dad said officer."
"Keep sassing. Who's 'Dad'? Push it, and I'll make you an officer. Korea Military Academy, obviously?"
"...Sorry."
"Good. Forgiven."
"Your mercy is overwhelming."
"Pfft. Ahahaha."
"Puhaha."
Laughing together. She stretched her arm skyward, lying beside him. Sunlight filtered warmly through curtains, un-winter-like. After a moment:
"Joo-hwan."
"Yeah?"
"Discharge tomorrow?"
"Yup."
"Come visit after?"
"If I do, you'll play?"
"Depends."
"Then I will."
"Nah. Don't."
"...What?"
"Don't come. For real."
"Why? Hate me coming?"
"Yeah."
"...Kinda hurt."
"Ahaha. I'll visit instead."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah. Play with me?"
"Full course service, obviously."
"Looking forward."
"Me too. When?"
"......"
"Sora Noona?"
Eyes closed mid-chat, he turned at the silence. Her gaze met his—staring intently. As he flustered to speak, her lips moved first.
"Joo-hwan."
"Y-yeah?"
"...One last time. Wanna?"
"W-what?"
"Let's."
"...Yeah."
In January's midwinter, a spring-tinged breeze slipped through the window cracks.