Education Officer?
"Lee Jian?"
"Yuha! It's been forever."
Lee Jian, Yuha's friend from high school. They hadn't been in touch since growing up, so running into her like this felt great.
"You live around here?"
"Yeah."
Yeonghyeon stood awkwardly by, watching. Lee Jian had a straightforward vibe that gave off good energy, despite her casual air.
"Who's this with you?"
"Oh, a friend I've known since elementary school."
"Hello."
"Hi. I'm Lee Jian, Yuha's friend from high school."
"Im Yeonghyeon."
The two exchanged slight smiles and greetings.
"I thought you hated exercise, but you're taking care of yourself now?"
"Nah. I got dragged here."
"Dragged by the gentleman next to you?"
"Well, not exactly dragged, but I brought her to help Yuha out."
"I see. How long have you been at it?"
Yeonghyeon explained all the exercises they'd done from the start. Listening, Lee Jian made a suggestion.
"That's fine and all, but I think the key is getting hooked on exercise first."
"Makes sense."
"So, Yuha. Let's try yoga this time."
"Yoga?"
"Yeah! It'll be fun. I can help you get started— what do you think?"
Lee Jian glanced straight at Yeonghyeon.
"I've never done yoga, but since I'm here, variety sounds good."
"Then let's get right to it!"
"What? I wanna quit and rest."
The gym had a small yoga area too. Since she practiced yoga herself, Lee Jian led Yuha right in.
"I'm not flexible, so go easy on me."
"Of course."
Yeonghyeon watched from the side. He'd tried various workouts, but yoga was new territory. Yuha's friend seemed flexible enough, warming up lightly before approaching her.
"Let's start with stretching. Sit like this."
"W-wait! I told you I'm not flexible!"
She protested desperately, but Lee Jian grabbed her legs and split them open. Yuha screamed in pain.
"Stop! I can't do this!"
"You can. You got this."
She might've been flexible back in the day, but now, with all the eating and lounging, this was expected. Yuha shot Yeonghyeon a look, as if saying gym was better, but he just smirked.
"Don't laugh!"
The usually cool girl crumbling over yoga had him smiling. After the session with Lee Jian, Yuha collapsed.
"I... I'm dying..."
"No one's dying from that."
Lee Jian left the exhausted Yuha and approached Yeonghyeon.
"Yeonghyeon, got any plans with Yuha after this?"
"Nothing special."
"Mind if I take her then? We haven't caught up in ages."
"Do whatever's convenient."
He had no right to approve or deny friends catching up. Besides, she didn't seem like someone Yuha would dislike.
Yeonghyeon went over to Yuha.
"I paid for a month's membership here."
"What? Why?"
"Why? So you can get healthy."
"A month's not cheap. I'll send you the money."
"No need. Just come regularly instead of sending cash."
It wasn't pocket change, but investing in her health felt worthwhile. Lee Jian helped Yuha up.
"Alright, workout's done for today. Let's shower and freshen up. Forgot shampoo and stuff, right? I can lend you some."
"Thanks."
"I'll head out then. Have a good time with your friend."
After showering, the two moved to a cafe near the gym. Sipping warm coffee, Lee Jian spoke up.
"What've you been up to lately?"
"Just chilling. You?"
"Swamped with my series."
Yuha knew. Unlike her, Lee Jian had succeeded as a webtoon artist and was even serializing now.
"Serializing's busy enough, but skipping self-care isn't cutting it anymore. Age catches up, and stamina drops."
She'd noticed from first sight— this Yuha was far from the bright girl she knew. Darkened by the world. But now that they'd met, she wanted to talk it out.
"Still drawing?"
"Nah. Put the pen down a while ago."
"Your skills were solid back in high school, I remember."
Whatever her level now, she'd definitely drawn up to age 19. So her talent should've only improved since then. Lee Jian had an idea but hesitated.
'Pushing this might be a gamble...'
From what she saw, Yuha's passion and confidence in art had faded. She wanted to reach out and guide her positively.
"Hey, wanna be my assistant if you're up for it?"
"Sorry, but... I'd just drag you down right now."
"It's fine. It'll take time, but you'll catch on quick."
She said it casually, but her heart raced. Worried about hurting her, but Yuha gave a bitter smile.
"No. I'm grateful for the offer, but I've quit drawing."
She avoided eye contact, not even looking at Lee Jian's face.
"...Got it. I was too pushy."
Lee Jian dropped it, switching topics.
"Anyway, that guy from the gym had style. Boyfriend?"
"No. Just a friend from way back."
"Hmm~ I see."
As the two chatted, Yeonghyeon— fresh from parting at the gym— headed to a dungeon.
'Hope she's having a good time with her friend.'
Yuha had looked happy meeting Lee Jian.
'What? Someone tailing me?'
Lost in thoughts of Yuha, he sensed someone following nimbly. At first, he dismissed it, but persistence turned suspicion to certainty. Yeonghyeon bolted. His pursuers panicked.
"H-he's suddenly running!"
"Chase him!"
They hurried to report his position, but Yeonghyeon appeared before them. Stunned by his speed, one fell back.
"Who are you, and why're you tailing me?"
Suit-clad awakeners. Yeonghyeon figured Hunter Association.
"Association sent you? To watch me?"
This wasn't a street encounter— stalking pissed him off. The woman behind mustered courage, bowing.
"Sorry if we upset you! No bad intentions— the vice president wants to meet you."
Seeing his stern face, her legs shook. Then someone rushed in to smooth things over.
"Apologies!"
Only he could mediate. The secretaries stepped back at the vice president's arrival. Yeonghyeon disliked Kim Seonwoo usually, and this stirred annoyance.
"I had something important to say, so I did it this way. Sorry if it bothered you."
"What now? Isn't it time to drop the hunter return pitch?"
One rejection should've been enough, but the Association wouldn't quit. Talent like his was irreplaceable. But this time differed. Kim Seonwoo had shifted tactics after talking with Yuha.
"Not about returning as a hunter this time."
"Then what?"
"Spare a moment? Might not appeal, but if you refuse again, we promise no more hassle."
A bold move from the vice president. His unusual demeanor made Yeonghyeon suspicious.
'What game is he playing?'
He'd hunted for money before, but not now. No sum or honor would sway him. Wary, but the gambit earned a listen.
"Fine. I'll hear it."
"Thank you. Car's nearby— let's talk there."
Kim Seonwoo guided him to a parked limousine, creating private space.
"Drink?"
"No. Get to the point."
"Look at this first?"
He handed pre-printed sheets. S-rank hunter records.
"This is—"
"Scores for low-tier S-rank magic hunters."
One year ago, six months ago, now. Little overall growth.
"They're grinding in their roles, but that's the vibe lately."
"Why show me?"
"Not hunter return— we're offering hunter education officer."
Yeonghyeon reacted with mild surprise. Same old pitch, then suddenly this.
"Education officer? No such position."
"Temporary for now."
Kim Seonwoo explained the need.
"Hunter talent's dwindling daily, many hit growth walls. Coaches exist, but you know the issues."
"Heard bits."
Hunter coaches weren't official. They charged big for growth-hungry hunters, but often scammed or half-assed.
"So, not return as hunter— teach them?"
"Yes. Magic awakener limits scope, but yes."
Awakeners split mainly physical, magic, ability. Even strong, Yeonghyeon specialized in magic.
"......"
Unexpected twist shook him. He'd reject anything else, but not this.
"Not just guidance— we expect second awakenings too."
"Second awakening's greedy, no?"
"Priority's growth via education. Second awakening's bonus."
Shelving that, Yeonghyeon asked key.
"Separate from offer— no certs, won't that cause issues?"
"Temporary hire, no problem."
Kim Seonwoo eliminated variables. Accept, and path smoothed.
"Temporary, but fair pay."
"I see."
"Can't consider positively?"
"......"
Yeonghyeon pondered seriously. But not deciding here.
"Need time?"
"Yes. But not too long."
Monday today— answer by Friday. Yeonghyeon said that worked.
"We'll await."
Kim Seonwoo gave a business card. Yeonghyeon pocketed it, went home.
'What to do.'
Hunter education officer intrigued him somewhat. But unrelated worries tugged.