Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sung Hyunje was 38-years-old, the leader of the highest-ranking guild in Korea, and the strongest Hunter in the world. He was all of these things, yet he attended a meeting after witnessing a video of a person with a vest and protective helmet showcasing a high-class mount/familiar that would change how dungeons were cleared.

He wasn’t the only S-class guild leader to attend the meeting by any means, but the fact of the matter was that Sung Hyunje didn’t come solely because of the idea of having an S-class monster at his beck and call.

The video started off with standard training, the tamer covered in protective gear. If the information that Kang Soyoung showed him was true, then the new monster tamer was an F-class, meaning that his body was physically weak. It was a problem that would arise later, he assumed, as many monsters worth taming and training only encountered higher-ranked Hunters.

After the monster — Peace was their name, a potential S-class Fire Manticore — showed off some small skills, they began to grow bored. The tamer lay down, exhausted from ‘playing’ with Peace. It was natural for an F-stat to not be able to keep up. Sung Hyunje thought that the video would end there.

And then the camera switched to a few cages. They were the weak but strong kind, meaning that they would hold back C-class monsters and below, but would be easily broken by anything above it. Inside the cages were a few small monsters, a subtype of Moles that had large claws. The Moles noticed that the F-stat was weak, or perhaps they noticed that Peace was prowling around the room looking for trouble.

The tamer stood up once the cages began to shake. He then carefully observed Peace and the Tooth Moles, noticing that they were becoming hostile. Peace’s fur was ruffled along their spine as the Moles tried to claw and break down the cages they were placed in. The Moles were weak things, but the point stood that Peace reacted to them only once the tamer was weakened. It was a sign that the tamer and the beast had a relationship that could mean something.

The tamer looked past the cameras to what viewers could only assume were the people controlling the video, then nodded. He walked over to the cages slowly. Peace followed in a small trot, their small body bouncing along the ground in excitement.

The Moles piled out as soon as the tamer opened the cages. They weren’t fast by any means. The tamer stood back, letting the weak monsters flock to him. Then, without even being called upon, Peace pounced. The Moles quickly died, merely flecks under their paws. Sung Hyunje watched on in silence, as it showed that Peace truly was tamed to protect a human, of all things.

But that wasn’t the main reason why he attended the meeting. He could have sent other people to it in their stead. Han Yoohyun did it often by sending his A-rank shield, Kim Sunghan, to attend meetings and even birthday parties. Sung Hyunje understood part of it, but most of him found only resentment towards Han Yoohyun’s horrid tactics and politics. He used to be cuter in his actions, like attacking people on a whim.

The video ended with the tamer taking off his protective helmet. He then set out his hands. Peace instantly jumped up and happily snuggled into the tamer’s chest. They fell to the floor, and pink cheeks looked up to the sky as the tamer’s hand rubbed Peace’s ears. It showed that the monster was the perfect thing to have, to attain at any cost in some form or another.

Sung Hyunje no longer cared about the taming ability or monsters. He knew the face under the helmet. He still remembered them, even 3 years later. He had no idea that Han Yoohyun’s brother was someone that Sung Hyunje had been reminiscing about for years. How was that possible?

Han Yoojin had been within his reach for over 2 years now, and he had missed it completely. The name "Han Yoojin" was common. He had never thought to look through photographs of them before, especially of Han Yoohyun's older brother.

Sung Hyunje decided to attend the meeting in-person. It was an official meeting that Suk Simyung invited each of the top guilds to. The meeting invitation included the training video.

Sung Hyunje already had spies circling Han Yoohyun’s organization. One group was assigned to monitor A-ranks in the guild. A report mentioned Kim Sunghan, Haeyun’s shield, not long ago. He dismissed the event of a person telling Kim Sunghan ‘I love you’ while drunk, but now he felt electrified. Especially when he checked that it was Han Yoojin who was seen with Kim Sunghan. Did Han Yoojin move on before Sung Hyunje did?

He pulled up in his vehicle only to find other guild leaders parking in the Haeyun Guild lot as well in their lavish cars, while some Association members traveled as a pack. It would be a nuisance to speak with Han Yoojin when so many prying ears were around. Higher-class Hunters had better hearing as part of their new stats.

It was annoying and grueling in a way that Sung Hyunje had been accustomed to, ever since he felt his days become boring. But Han Yoojin was from before the dungeons, gates, powers, and monsters. It was a small thing, one that Sung Hyunje didn’t regret at all. It was only a fling and yet those few weeks stuck with Sung Hyunje for the past couple of years. It was idiotic, a part of his brain whispered. Han Yoojin was ordinary back then. It didn’t make sense as to why Sung Hyunje’s mind lingered on the other. There was a connection there that hadn’t existed in anyone else before, but of course, Sung Hyunje couldn’t act on impulse.

Han Yoojin entered with Peace in his arm and Han Yoohyun just behind his shoulder. The door was only cracked, but the room lit up immediately upon seeing the tamed monster with their own eyes and not through a screen. When Peace noticed the room was filled with Hunters, they growled.

Han Yoojin told off the little monster, “Peace, you have to be well-behaved. You can’t growl and such.”

And the beastie, the future S-class mount that would make the Haeyun Guild a lot of money, made a small kikiang noise before settling down. Peace sat happily in Han Yoojin’s one arm, as he had pushed open the door with the other. Han Yoohyun glared from behind his brother’s back.

“Ah… hello.” Han Yoojin smiled as his eyes darted across the room. “It’s an honor to meet you like this. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them.”

Even still, Han Yoojin could die easily. It was a thought that Sung Hyunje couldn’t get rid of.

The Skill Appraiser that Moon Hyuna brought in took Han Yoojin’s hand and declared nearly no physical skills, aside from low-ranked ones that wouldn’t help against serious threats. Even with Han Yoojin’s gear provided by Haeyun, Han Yoojin would be easily killed. But that was the point of making Han Yoojin’s skill as a beast tamer known, wasn’t it? Multiple guilds would band together and protect the life of a person who would make defeating dungeons smoother.

The Skill Appraiser did the first few skills easily, but as he lingered by Han Yoojin’s side, Peace began to make a noise. Gereureu. It sounded soft and pleasant, but the Skill Appraiser stepped back. Perhaps it was due to Peace barring their sharp teeth. Once the appraiser was a few steps away, Peace immediately ceased making a noise. Their eyes practically glared at the unfamiliar man near Han Yoojin.

Moon Hyuna clapped her hands together, thoroughly pleased. “I suppose we don’t need him to keep appraising your skills, do we, hyung-nim? The kitty seems protective of its master, after all.”

She reached forward excitedly as the only person standing aside from guards in the back and sides of the room. The other guild leaders and association members, including Sung Hyunje, were all seated. Moon Hyuna possibly had the most money to spend out of them, though. She had sponsors that the other guilds didn’t have, though it came with the cost of having to keep up appearances that the rest of them didn’t need to worry about as much.

The Hanshin guild leader commented from his seat with interested eyes, “Did it notice the skill being used on its tamer? It’s sharp…”

Peace did notice the skill, agreed Sung Hyunje. The monster was protective of Han Yoojin, yet when the Moon Hyuna stepped closer to Han Yoohyun, Peace did nothing. Strange but not unexpected, especially in the early stages of taming. However, when Moon Hyuna reached out to pet Peace, it was Han Yoojin who moved aside first.

Han Yoojin and Moon Hyuna blinked at one another. Moon Hyuna’s eyes narrowed, but she seemed mostly amused that an F-stat didn’t seem daunted by her. Han Yoojin, on the other hand, was scowling.

Han Yoojin complained, “You’re not going to throw Peace, are you?”

The room quieted, all of them blinking at the strangely specific question.

Then, a single sigh rang out. It was Han Yoohyun. “Hyung,” he said, stepping forward, “I promised not to do it again already.”

Han Yoojin turned to his younger brother with fire in his eyes. Peace lovingly clung to the tamer’s chest. Even Moon Hyuna backed away to give the brothers space. It was amusing on all accounts, since Han Yoohyun was showing emotions that he didn’t tend to in front of groups.

A finger was pointed at Han Yoohyun. It caused the Haeyun guild leader to flinch, as if thoroughly lectured by it already. Han Yoojin said, “Peace is going to be your partner one day, Yoohyun-ah. You can’t just throw them around. I don’t care that Chirpie was in danger, you were supposed to be responsible and respectable—”

“Peace wasn’t damaged at all!” argued Han Yoohyun. His cheeks were flushed in embarrassment as he argued with Han Yoojin. It was a sight that many people in the room had never seen before.

Han Yoojin pulled Peace in his arms and presented the cute-looking monster to Han Yoohyun. The monster and Han Yoohyun stared at one another before Peace flicked their head away. Han Yoojin made an a-ha noise.

“Peace doesn’t trust you anymore,” concluded Han Yoojin. He tucked Peace back into his chest. The monster ate it up, their tail wagging. “You have to start helping me with training.”

“I already buy the food—”

“You already tried arguing that,” reminded Han Yoojin. He stepped toward Han Yoohyun before threatening, “Do I need to make you two hug again?”

At the words, Peace froze in place and their tail no longer wagged. Their eyes, which were previously sparkling, dulled instantly. Han Yoohyun had a similar look, though he was full of more disbelief.

“Hyung, it’s not…” Han Yoohyun was at a loss for words. “We’re fine.” He met Peace’s gaze, and repeated, “We’re fine, aren’t we Peace? Aren’t we?”

Peace, as if understanding the situation, quickly batted their eyes. Han Yoojin looked back and forth between Peace and Han Yoohyun. Peace looked absolutely innocent, and Han Yoohyun pleaded with his eyes not to be forced to hug and reconcile with Peace.

After a long, skeptical hum, Han Yoojin turned away from his brother. With Peace in his hand, he took a seat at the end of the table. It was the seat that Moon Hyuna set out specifically to intimidate Han Yoojin in. The plan was now slightly off to a different start. Han Yoojin didn’t appear to be afraid to be stuck with them in a room— a room full of powerful Hunters.

Moon Hyuna then gestured to the Skill Appraiser once more. From a distance, the appraiser used his skill. It caused Peace to rile up again instantly, kyang! The appraiser stopped their skill as a set of pointed canines were aimed at him. Han Yoojin was turned away at first, looking over at Han Yoohyun, so it was clear that it was Peace who was reacting to the skill and not the tamer.

Moon Hyuna commented, “It’s protective.” Her eyes sparkled, and she crept forward. Peace didn’t grow,l but they also didn’t settle down into Han Yoojin’s arms.

Han Yoojin flickered his eyes up to her. He hadn’t analyzed the room quite yet. He was too busy focusing on Peace. Sung Hyunje wondered if Han Yoojin even realized that members of the Association were present. Han Yoohyun certainly did, though. The young guild leader walked so that he was behind Han Yoojin’s seat. It was on purpose, and everyone but Han Yoojin seemed to know it.

Moon Hyuna muttered again, “Protective, sheesh.” That time, it wasn’t about Peace.

Sung Hyunje hummed in agreement. Han Yoohyun would be a problem. Initially, Han Yoohyun acted estranged from Han Yoojin, but now they were closer than ever. Was it because of Han Yoojin’s recent Awakening? No, the media only began to portray the brothers as being estranged after that group reached out.

“It’s a Horned Flame Lion, an S-rank dungeon boss,” noted Moon Hyuna. “I never would have thought the juvenile version could be so… cuddly.” Her eyes drifted upward, focusing on Han Yoohyun. “I heard you were buying many juvenile monsters before anyone was sent the video. Any reason for that?”

“My hyung’s skill is not taming beasts, but rather raising them,” replied Han Yoohyun, giving the information to them all. “Juvenile monsters will be needed in order for hyung’s skill to work the best.”

Moon Hyuna hummed out, then said, “I feel a bit betrayed. You’re being excessively greedy, don’t you think?”

Han Yoohyun replied through gritted teeth, “I’d be willing to trade monsters if a highest-rank cold-type was given in exchange.”

Ah. Park Yerim, the newest S-rank Hunter in Korea, had ice powers. Sung Hyunje supposed that they could find one eventually, but juvenile monsters, in general, were rare, and more so were high-class baby monsters. It could take years to come across one.

Choi Sukwon, the leader of the MKC Guild, said in a dissatisfied tone, “If you bought all of the baby monsters already, how is it fair?”

Han Yoohyun didn’t reply for a moment. Seated in the chair, Han Yoojin nervously patted Peace. The small but mighty monster had calmed down and was now basking in Han Yoojin's attention. Part of Sung Hyunje wanted to pry open Han Yoojin’s head and ask why he wasn’t receiving the same attention.

Choi Sukwon continued, “You bought seven high ranks and one highest ranked. It seems like you swept them all up before we could make our own moves.”

Sung Hyunje didn’t miss the wide-eyed look Han Yoojin showed as he whispered, “Eight of them?”

Han Yoohyun merely said, “They aren’t even in the country yet, and you’re mentioning them. The offer to trade with the highest-ranked cold-type juvenile monster will remain open. Contact me at any time.”

Moon Hyuna said, “It seems like Haeyun’s young master is getting quite a lot of future profit because of his hyung-nim.” She was still standing, in fact, she walked closer to the chair. Han Yoohyun scowled, but Han Yoojin merely looked up, his eyes owlish. “What if I take Han Yoojin-ssi to be part of my guild? I’m afraid I would like the original item and not just its later editions.”

A certain Hunter’s Aura flared up. Sung Hyunje felt a smile tug across his face. The Association members next to him quivered in place as the rest of the high-class Hunters remained forcibly passive at the show of anger. Peace, however, did not react to it, and neither did Han Yoojin. It was very curious indeed.

Han Yoohyun glared at Moon Hyuna, only for Han Yoojin to announce, “I’m not for sale.”

Moon Hyun showed an exaggerated frown. “Is that so?” Her eyes met Han Yoohyun once again, and then she asked, “Even to your brother?” Her eyes dropped down again to meet Han Yoojin’s.

Han Yoojin chuckled softly in awkwardness. “There is an exception to the sale for him. But only…”

“But?”

“I promised that if he became the best in the country, then I would join his guild as a Hunter.”

Moon Hyuna laughed in a low tone. She straightened up, no longer meeting Han Yoojin’s gaze. She lingered on Han Yoohyun, who seemed pleased by his brother's statements. It was laughable, seeing as the Sesung Guild was attending the meeting.

Sung Hyunje asked in the silence, “Does that mean that I can buy you right away?”

Han Yoojin finally turned his way. Sung Hyunje would be lying if he said that he didn’t try hard to look good. He purposely selected his suit with certain intentions— it was the same color scheme as when they first met. He even styled his platinum blond hair multiple times to remember how it used to look, only to fall back into what was comfortable in the present.

Sung Hyunje watched as Han Yoojin’s face contorted. His eyebrows furrowed repeatedly and his eyes squinted. Sung Hyunje kept up a business-perfect smile. It pissed many people off before. It was his favorite thing to show, more so to a room that couldn’t do a thing to him.

“I…” Han Yoojin forcibly turned away. Sung Hyunje was disappointed, but he supposed that having a confrontation wouldn’t be good to have in the middle of an important meeting.

Han Yoojin responded on impulse, “Being the country’s best is a discount for my dongsaeng. For every other guild, they’d have to be the strongest in the world.”

Moon Hyuna said, almost joyously, “You’re full of confidence. Like dongsaeng, like hyung. I should have known. But still, he’s acting his age, and the hyung is a lot milder.”

Han Yoojin’s face morphed again, eliciting more confusion. “Yoohyun-ie is milder than me.”

Sung Hyunje’s lips quirked into a smile as the room laughed softly, or not so softly in Moon Hyuna’s case. She wiped a tear from her eye and patted Han Yoojin on his shoulder. By the chair, Han Yoohyun glared daggers at them all. Sweet, innocent Han Yoojin sat there blinking in confusion as they slowly settled down their amusement.

“You’re so cute, hyung-nim!” commented Moon Hyuna. The others agreed, and yes, that included Sung Hyunje. Han Yoojin was utterly oblivious to how Han Yoohyun had acted in recent years.

“Breaker Guild Leader,” said an impatient Han Yoohyun, gritting his teeth in order to not yell. “Shouldn’t you refocus on the questions you came here to ask?”

“I suppose we could, but young master… Does hyung-nim not know how his dongsaeng acted before?”

Han Yoohyun tapped his brother’s shoulder and said simply, “I haven’t done anything that wouldn’t sit well with my conscience.”

Han Yoojin blinked at them like a deer lost in headlights. As Han Yoohyun’s Aura spiked through the room, sending a wave of warm air, everyone stayed still. Han Yoohyun had one of the most dangerous skills in the room. Sung Hyunje would be fine in the end, but it would cause a massive scandal that they wouldn’t be able to put out. Not to mention Han Yoojin sat right there as if not noticing that his younger brother was threatening them with death.

The mood dampened but some questions did get answered.

Haeyun wouldn’t have total control over Han Yoojin and his ability to raise monsters into mounts or familiars. Han Yoojin was clear that overseas Hunters would eventually reach out, but for now, he was prioritizing Korean hunters as long as they managed to build a facility. The facility would be a separate entity from all guilds and Han Yoojin would get to decide if other non-affiliate groups could also stay inside of it.

The contract signed practically guaranteed Han Yoojin’s safety. In exchange for the five main guilds of Korea creating the facility together, securing its resources, and keeping not only the building intact but Han Yoojin as well, Han Yoojin would take up to 1 juvenile monster per 2 months per guild for the next few years. Once the building was completed, Han Yoojin would then own the building and get to choose how it operated— it was something that made Han Yoojin’s eyes sparkle.

Supposedly, Han Yoojin wanted to retire one day. He said so bluntly to them. He would only raise monsters for a limited time. Han Yoojin was only 25-years-old and already relishing the idea of retirement. That one word made Sung Hyunje realize that Han Yoohyun was keeping secrets.

Sung Hyunje wondered if they would ever get to that point— retirement. The dungeons would kill most of the world, surely, especially an F-stat. It was a thought that made Sung Hyunje grit his teeth. They didn’t have long, did they? Eventually, everything would break apart.

The Association members left first after the contract was finalized. The guilds watched them go. After that, the other guild leaders left as well. Moon Hyuna sent Han Yoojin a small wink, likely hoping to breed some goodwill. Sung Hyunje was already thinking of sending Kang Soyoung to be one of the bodyguards of Han Yoojin. Developing a deep base of friendship would make Han Yoojin more likely to raise their juvenile monsters the best.

Han Yoojin stood up, then told off the monster. “Peace, you can’t chew on the chair.”

The red cat-like creature looked up with sad eyes. Mew… ?

Han Yoojin sighed, then picked up Peace into his arms. The monster mellowed out and wagged their tail when Han Yoohyun glared

As Han Yoojin scratched Peace’s ears and Han Yoohyun was busy glaring at the others leaving, Sung Hyunje saw his chance. Han Yoohyun would be too focused on herding the others out and the others would be leaving the Haeyun Guild premises.

Sung Hyunje stepped in front of where Han Yoojin was about to turn. Han Yoojin was busy with Peace, so he didn’t realize there was someone else there until he ran into Sung Hyunje’s chest. The F-stat made a small noise and Peace did too.

When Han Yoojin looked up, his eyes were wide. So, so very wide and beautiful. Sung Hyunje still remembered them. The only thing different about Han Yoojin’s eyes was the war-torn look in them. They were less innocent than they were originally, though even when they first met, they still looked distant. Sung Hyunje knew Han Yoohyun’s story— all rivaling guilds dug up dirt about one another. The Han Parents died, leaving Han Yoohyun’s older brother to care for him until Han Yoohyun decided to start his own guild as the youngest S-class in Korea.

“Han Yoojin-gun,” he greeted, eyes glistening when Han Yoojin’s mouth gaped in something akin to awe. “I’ll keep the exception condition in mind.”

Han Yoojin closed his mouth as his eyes twitched. Sung Hyunje just smiled down at the F-ranker. It appeared that Han Yoojin finally realized who he was and yet Han Yoojin wasn’t commenting on it yet. Sung Hyunje didn’t mind. If Han Yoojin didn’t acknowledge it, then he would play along until he wanted to see Han Yoohyun become truly angry and desperate.

“Hyunje-ssi,” was what eventually tumbled out of Han Yoojin’s mouth. He seemed so lost. “I— I wasn’t sure of it at first but you…” Han Yoojin trailed off as his cheeks became a brilliant pink color. Peace noticed the change and sent a small growl at Sung Hyunje, who stood there innocently.

“It’s great to see Yoojin-gun after all of this time.” Sung Hyunje’s smile widened when he saw Han Yoojin’s eyes stare at his face, as if recounting their time together.

“That… That…. This doesn’t make any sense,” declared Han Yoojin. Peace mewed in agreement. “You look different from…” His eyes scanned Sung Hyunje. “You look different, Hyunje-ssi. Less tired than you were.”

Sung Hyunje felt part of himself crumble. His resolve was cracking. “Is that all you remember?” he asked instead to change the conversation away from how both of them weren’t in the best headspace when they met.

Han Yoojin numbly shook his head. “No…” His nape started to turn red and his ears began to turn pink. Stuttering, he met Sung Hyunje’s gaze and said, “You should get going, Hyunje-ssi. Yoohyun-ie doesn’t know that I— He doesn't know. But we should... talk. Soon.”

“I’ll see you again soon, then,” he promised before sauntering off. He tapped Han Yoojin’s shoulder as he passed by, smirking when he saw Han Yoohyun send a death glare.

Sung Hyunje exited the meeting room and caught up to the other guild leaders as they went to their cars. Moon Hyuna caught his gaze. She was a sharp woman, better than most others in determining when something was amiss with him. But there was also something else there.

They met up in the street before entering their vehicles.

Moon Hyuna said bluntly, “Which one of us is going to tell hyung-nim what Han Yoohyun is really like?”

“Why should we reveal the secret?” asked Sung Hyunje. “Don’t you find their interactions amusing? Han Yoojin-gun has no idea what kind of fear the young master strikes into others. I say to leave it that way. It’s a great manipulative tool in the future.”

Moon Hyuna didn’t seem satisfied with that answer. She grunted, then turned away. Sung Hyunje stood there for a few lingering moments before entering his own vehicle.

It wasn’t long after that when Han Yoojin made a television appearance. It was probably Haeyun Guild’s head of human resources, Suk Simyung, who decided to do it. Han Yoojin would be better protected if his face and name were well-known. Park Yerim was there, running around with bright eyes and excitable energy.

Moon Hyuna also popped up out of nowhere. She used one of her skills to block off others from listening in. Sung Hyunje predicted that she would be the one to confront Han Yoojin about his precious dongsaeng. It would end up nowhere, though. Sung Hyunje remembered how Han Yoojin was; his dongsaeng mattered more than Han Yoojin's own happiness. The television was interesting before she blocked the noise, though. She declared Han Yoojin as her breeding partner, the one who would raise her babies. It instantly got a lot of views and soon everyone was using the term.

The news flooded with Han Yoojin’s appearance as ‘Monster Dad.’ Not to mention that Peace was becoming incredibly popular. Sung Hyunje bit back any bitterness he had. Han Yoojin hadn’t reached out to him, though he knew that it was strange. Han Yoojin was surrounded by people that doted on him. One more being added to that list…

Things were going smoothly. The facility was beginning to be made from dungeon materials. The goal was to create a place where an A-class Hunter could attack the building for 30 minutes before breaking it down. Within that half hour, various guild members would be able to protect the building and its residents.

Yes, things were going very smoothly— too smoothly in the Hunter world.

When the news broke that Han Yoojin had disappeared, well… Sung Hyunje didn’t bother to pretend that he was unaffected. He would make it known.

He called Han Yoohyun instantly.

“Young master, how is the situation?” Sung Hyunje didn’t say anything about how he was already on his way to the Haeyun Guild. His driver diligently remained quiet too.

“Why did you call? And why is it funny to you?”

Ah. His tone was too forcefully light and uncaring. “Do you not find it funny? Choi Sukwon lost control of the MKC Guild so much so that his members took Han Yoojin away. Any other guild master wouldn’t allow such a thing.”

“Are you saying that you didn’t anticipate this?”

“I didn’t anticipate something happening so soon,” admitted Sung Hyunje. He heard Han Yoohyun tsk over the line. “But your hyung is quite the catch. I was planning to send Kang Soyoung over to guard him. I suppose I should have offered to guard him sooner rather than later.”

Han Yoohyun sighed and scratched his head. “Are you almost here?”

“Am I that predictable?”

“You were way too interested in hyung to just leave him to rot in a cell somewhere. You want him back, and not just for a familiar.”

Sung Hyunje hummed, not willing to speak quite yet. When he heard Han Yoohyun speak off the phone, he quickly said, “I’ll be there soon. How can I help?”

It was silent for a moment, then Han Yoohyun stated, “We already tried interrogation. We’re working on something else now.”

“My, my, you keep me on the edge of my seat. I’ll see you in a few minutes, young master.”

Han Yoohyun hung up. Sung Hyunje clicked off his phone. He looked toward his driver, who sped up. In times like these, Sung Hyunje wondered if he should follow Kang Soyoung and get a bike. They didn’t even have to wear helmets due to being more reinforced than other humans. And only Song Taewon ever seemed annoyed by their unsafe antics.

When he entered Haeyun Guild, Kim Jiyeong was already waiting for him. She was an A-rank Hunter who was seen with Park Yerim when she was training in lower-ranked dungeons. Sung Hyunje nodded to Kim Jiyeong before being taken to the darker pits of the guild.

Park Yerim and Han Yoohyun stood in a hallway. Their Auras were spiked, fire and ice grumbling. Sung Hyunje gladly added lightning to the mix, eliciting the other two S-classes to turn their attention to him. Kim Jiyeong quietly left them to be alone. Smart girl.

“Why are we wasting time by fighting?” asked Sung Hyunje, purposely keeping his tone airy and not cold.

Han Yoohyun replied, “We’re not fighting.”

Park Yerim added in support, “I used a skill. We’re discussing things about ahjussi.”

“Do tell me what occurred,” said Sung Hyunje, smiling.

Park Yerim folded her arms as Han Yoohyun glared. The glare wasn’t much, though, especially compared to how it used to be. It seemed that Sung Hyunje was finally being trusted— not with everything, but with the knowledge that none of them wanted Han Yoojin dead. They could work together to fulfill a goal.

“My skill [Pale Corpse] allows me to see a dead person’s memories,” revealed Park Yerim. She seemed tense, likely because that meant that there was a corpse in the room behind them. She added quickly, “You’re not allowed to tell ahjussi, Hyunje-ahjussi.”

“My lips are sealed.”

Park Yerim nodded shakily, then continued, “Ahjussi was subdued in the training room with [Watchman’s Fruit.] It’s… he didn’t have an effect from it. The perpetrators had to restrain him physically, even though Peace reacted to the powder and fell unconscious.”

Han Yoohyun reminded, “Hyung doesn’t have a poison buff on any items he had on.”

“So hyung-nim has a [Poison Resistance] skill. What rank?” asked Sung Hyunje expectantly. When Han Yoohyun only bit his lip, it was clear that none of them knew. “Well then, go on. What else is wrong?”

“Nothing else is wrong,” replied Park Yerim. Aside from the corpse behind the door, Han Yoojin's disappearance, and Sung Hyunje's state of mind. “I just… there was nothing more useful there. Other than the kidnappers mentioning a port.”

Sung Hyunje blinked, then said, “I already sent people to the ports. It’s the obvious choice. They wouldn’t try to sell him in Korea.”

Han Yoohyun’s eyes flashed. “I thought hyung would be safe as long as he was here in the country. If he gets taken—”

“We’ll go to the ports ourselves,” suggested Sung Hyunje. He must have seemed too enthusiastic because Han Yoohyun’s hot-red Aura hit him.

Park Yerim threw a finger at him as well. “I don’t trust an ahjussi that looks like you. I won’t fall for your good looks. When I mentioned you to ahjussi, he got a little upset and agitated. His face was red in anger! I don’t want you with us on the rescue mission.”

Sung Hyunje stilled. He knew it wasn’t anger that Han Yoojin felt. He had to keep quiet about that, though. So, instead of fighting, he agreed to it. Han Yoohyun seemed surprised by the act, but it would do no good to fight it. He sent the members of Haeyun the information that he received from those stationed at the ports.

The news broke a few hours later that Han Yoojin was safely retrieved, as was Peace. The little horned flame lion, the Fire Manticore cub, was revered in the media. Peace was more popular on social media. Perhaps it was due to Park Yerim posting a photo of Han Yoojin holding a sleepy Peace in his arms and leaving Han Yoojin’s face out of it.

The next few days would likely be spent well-guarded within the Haeyun Guild. Sung Hyunje tapped his fingers against the desk. He would send Kang Soyoung to guard Han Yoojin next, bypassing the other guilds. He wanted to visit Han Yoojin’s private room, but Han Yoohyun denied all others access until all guild leaders made more preparations to keep Han Yoojin safe.

For the meantime, the MKC Guild was suspended from having guard duty, so other guilds would have to fill in. Talk about adding another high-ranked beast on top of Peace to follow Han Yoojin around was also suggested, with the MKC Guild paying for it of course, since they're the ones with the slip-up. The Haeyun Guild also added more security checks to the process of guarding Han Yoojin and the Haeyun Guild in general. Visitors had to bypass not only security guards but also scanners. And, each guild leader had to send the personnel information of the guard(s) that would be sent to protect Han Yoojin so that there would be no mix-ups.

When he got a call from Kang Soyoung when she was guarding Han Yoojin and Peace, Sung Hyunje picked it up immediately. When she asked if they could use the rooftop garden at Sesung Guild, he quickly prepared for their venture. He restricted access to the rooftop and wondered which suit would be best. What kind of flowers would Yoojin-gun like?

Chapter Text

When he woke up breathlessly, he held his chest until he remembered that he was safe and alive. After a few suspended moments, he then heard a soft mew. It was Peace’s soft and concerned meow. Han Yoojin reached out and patted Peace’s ears as his own racing heart calmed down. After a few seconds, Han Yoojin then lifted himself and Peace off of his bed and went into the bathroom. Peace didn’t complain when he started the showerhead before sitting in the bath.

Han Yoojin scrubbed Peace’s paws and fur using a special soap that Kim Sunghan bought. He then used a comb to get out any small knots in Peace’s fur. The Horned Flame Lion looked a bit pathetic when they were doused in water, but Han Yoojin wanted to get the idea of being in the cage out of Peace’s mind. The warm water and soap washed away any lingering dirt that they were placed in. But that had long been washed away.

Although Peace was asleep during the kidnapping incident, Peace didn’t seem okay. Han Yoojin felt horrible. He just knew that those guys in the elevator were suspicious. They didn’t even comment on how cute Peace was, not to mention that they were shady. And he knew it because he used [Promising Sprout] to check their Awakening status. He really screwed up.

He stood up from the bath and dried off his hair before wrapping himself in a towel. He then started to drain the bathtub, leaving Peace to sit there with a troubled expression. The warm water was nice while it lasted. It got rid of the sweat and memories of being elsewhere. He could still feel blood running down his scales— no. That wasn’t him. He wasn’t the one who died.

As Han Yoojin searched for a blow dryer, he sighed heavily. He screwed up in more ways than one. This was the third bath that he had given Peace. It wasn’t helping at all. And now Han Yoojin wasn’t sure which of them needed it more. When they first returned, Han Yoojin fell asleep and bathed Peace when he woke up. He would have done it sooner, but he was worried about revealing his C-stat buff due to Inky’s death. He couldn’t control his strength and didn’t want to harm Peace in any way.

Han Yoojin found the blow dryer, only to turn around to see Peace’s fur fluffed up. “Right,” he mumbled. He forgot that Peace liked drying off by themselves. They were a Fire Manticore, and therefore, could easily become dry. Han Yoojin placed the blow dryer back under the sink and then picked up Peace in his hands. The monster mewed quietly.

He went back into his room and got dressed. Peace curled up on the bed while Chirpie woke up. Chirpie looked around, seemingly baffled that they took a bath again. Chripie didn’t like baths, Han Yoojin had learned. Not that he blamed the little bird. Peace grumbled as they curled up together, only for Chirpie to change positions and sit atop Peace’s head. The manticore rolled their eyes before waiting for Han Yoojin to lie back down.

Han Yoojin checked the time on his phone. It was only 4 A.M., and he was ready to wake up for the day. He sent a small kiss to Chirpie and Peace. The two monsters sighed before following him. Han Yoojin cursed himself for not sleeping. Just because he didn’t sleep didn’t mean that Peace and Chirpie didn’t need the rest.

He went out to see that Yoo Myungwoo had made some side dishes and stored them in the fridge. Han Yoojin was wondering if he could beg Yoo Myungwoo to never leave him. He thought about asking them to move in together forever, but now that the facility was under construction, it would happen naturally. Yoo Myungwoo would be based in the facility along with Suk Hayan and her crew. Monsters, scientists, and blacksmiths would converge into one.

Yesterday was his debut as a blacksmith. It was glorious. Han Yoojin blushed as he recounted his memories. Yoo Myungwoo stated that Han Yoojin was his greatest supporter. Han Yoojin was confused about it until Yoo Myungwoo then came up to him afterwards and stated that he said that so that Hunters understood that if they were rude to Han Yoojin or something or other, then Yoo Myungwoo would not make them any gear.

As Han Yoojin munched on some food, he heard a long chirp. He lifted his eyes to his head to see that Chirpie had made themselves at home. He smiled fondly before settling down in the living room. Chirpie moved to his shoulder as Peace climbed onto his lap. Han Yoojin patted both of them before taking a blanket and turning on the television.

As the news played, Han Yoojin found himself drifting off to sleep. He didn’t realize what was happening until the scene of Inky fighting for their life drifted into his mind. He gasped awake before remembering that he was okay. It was a side effect of one of his skills.

[Final Gratitude] gave him Inky’s skills, and Han Yoohyun already noted that he smelled like a reptile. [Final Gratitude] gave him 7 days of strength but it also made the memories of their death repeat in his head. His old skill before the regression [Final Repayment] was similar and he hated it then even more, especially because everyone he used the keywords on died eventually due to being low-ranked Hunters.

He then heard two noises.

Geurgeureur.

Chee—p.

Han Yoojin reached out both of his hands. He rubbed Peace’s back to calm them down, then patted Chirpie’s head with his finger. As their concerned looks grew, Han Yoojin sighed. They were too nice and kind to him. He tugged Peace tighter and let Chirpie settle down in his hair. He stayed like that for a long time.

Eventually, the sunrise barred down through the windows. Han Yoojin served up meals. Peace ate a ground C-rank magic crystal with monster meat while Chirpie ate an entire stone whole. Han Yoojin smiled at their antics, glad to see them happy. Chirpie still had some weird personality problems and Peace had been lethargic ever since they returned to the Haeyun Guild.

“Should we go to the training room? Do you want to play, Peace?”

Chirp, chirp!

Han Yoojin smiled up at Chirpie, who was nested on his head. He looked back down to see Peace’s ear drooping. He picked up Peace carefully and walked out of the dorm.

“Some exercise will do us some good. Endorphins and all that. We need to… We should do something fun. If we could go outside, that would be nice, but we can’t unless it’s a dungeon.” Han Yoojin hummed in thought as he went to the elevator at the end of the hall. “I could ask Yoohyun-ie if there are any low-ranked dungeons that we can enter.”

Peace didn’t respond. Han Yoojin only grew more concerned.

He was hoping that since Peace was asleep for the kidnapping that they wouldn’t be affected by it, but that wasn’t the case. It looked like the kidnapping event affected them both more than Han Yoojin expected. He was hoping that [Final Gratitude] wouldn’t have the same effects that [Final Repayment] did. In that case, he couldn’t use keywords on random people. He’d go crazy again from sleep deprivation and drink nonstop to get rid of the lingering death in his mind.

When he exited the elevator, he was greeted by a woman with bright eyes and blond hair pulled into a ponytail. He smiled at her, already knowing who she was. Kang Soyoung, an A-class Hunter from the Sesung Guild, and the person who had a minor scandal with Han Yoohyun in the future concerning romantic relationship rumors. If she wasn’t going to be his future sister-in-law, then Han Yoojin was hoping that she would be Han Yoohyun’s friend. Over the past couple of days, it became obvious that Han Yoohyun didn’t have a social life like Han Yoojin wished for his dongsaeng.

She greeted him with an enthusiastic and genuine smile. “Hello, Han Yoojin-nim! I am Kang Soyoung, the Sesung Guild’s guard for the day.”

“Ah… Han Yoojin. Please take care of me today.”

“I can take you to the training room if you wish.”

Han Yoojin nodded, thankful that she was up to watching him get flung around. He then gestured to Peace, whose head was on his shoulder. “Peace, meet Kang Soyoung-ssi.” Peace flickered their golden eyes to the A-class Hunter curiously.

Kang Soyoung chuckled softly, cooing as she dangled her fingers in front of Peace. “They’re much cuter than on television!” Peace’s eyes lit up slightly at the attention they received.

Peep!

Han Yoojin looked up at his head to see Chirpie strutting around. Kang Soyoung’s blue eyes widened and she asked, “Who is this little guy?”

“Oh, uh, Soyoung-ssi, this is Chirpie. I’m not sure what Chirpie does but they’ve decided to stick around.”

Kang Soyoung cooed at both Peace and Chirpie as they walked across the hallways and lobbies. They took a small set of stairs before greeting a set of guards that were stationed outside of the training room. Kang Soyoung offered to stay outside but he invited her in.

“I’m really thankful that you’re both okay,” she said as he fetched a rope made from dungeon material. “You’re really my only hope, you know.”

Han Yoojin wiggled the rope in front of Peace’s face, eliciting no reaction. He turned to Kang Soyung, then asked, “Thank you for worrying.”

“I’m being sincere, Yoojin-nim. Ah, well.” Kang Soyoung scratched her pink cheeks. She leaned in. “I actually have an SS-rank skill.”

“Does it concern monsters, then?” He looked up, hearing Chirpie make a noise of agreement.

“It does.” Kang Soyoung then whispered, “It is [Dragon Rider] and I desperately want to be able to use it one day.”

“That…” He was shocked, nearly numb, for a moment. An SS-rank skill that was perfect for having a high-class familiar. “Do you have a certain dragon in mind? Is Hyunje-ssi helping you acquire one?”

With an eager but slightly confused expression, Kang Soyoung relayed, “There have been many hardships but Sesung has a dungeon where dragon eggs are sometimes left at. The trouble has been capturing a juvenile, but I won’t give up. This skill… I will do anything in order to use it!”

Han Yoojin was slightly wary of her enthusiasm, especially when she began to describe the dragon she wanted. Large spikes and wings and dark scales. A thorn-winged, dark dragon sounded like a lot to handle. But Kang Soyoung seemed so excited about having her own dragon hatchling that Han Yoojin didn’t say anything.

He continued to try to make Peace play. The Fire Manticore didn’t seem to have any energy. He even took out more mana crystals to no avail. Instead, Chirpie tried to gobble them up. After telling off Chirpie, it became apparent that Peace wouldn’t play.

Mrrow, yawned Peace, flopped onto the floor onto their stomach.

“Come on, kiddo.” Han Yoojin jiggled a toy in front of Peace, but the monster did nothing but crawl forward a step or two before flopping down again. When Han Yoojin picked Peace up to move him to a cat tower, Peace then wouldn’t let go.

“Oh, uh…” Kang Soyoung seemed just as confused as Han Yoojin.

Han Yoojin patted Peace as their claws sank into his shirt. Chirpie made a few noises from Kang Soyoung’s palm, which she held out in front of Peace. The two monsters stared at one another. Chirpie was seemingly trying to cheer Peace up through chirps while Peace just nuzzled more and more into Han Yoojin’s shirt.

“The shock from the kidnapping is affecting Peace,” admitted Han Yoojin.

Kang Soyoung’s expression fell. “Oh?” She sounded concerned. See, that’s how Yoohyun-ie needed to sound like. Not that Han Yoojin had told his brother that Peace was acting odd. Han Yoohyun had been busy with guild matters. Even Kim Sunghan had been less frequent around the building.

Han Yoojin tried to tug Peace off of him, but the cute thing wasn’t letting go. He gave up with a sigh, settling down onto the ground to pet Peace. The monster made a small keureureur in response.

“I think some fresh air would be nice, maybe a walk outside in the sun. It’s too bad that Peace is considered a monster instead of a pet. I think Peace would like to bathe in the sun directly instead of behind a window…”

Han Yoojin was startled when Kang Soyoung took out her phone with a secret smile. She told him, “I know the perfect spot for that! Give me just a second to get permission.” She made a short phone call in the corner of the room before returning with a bouncy smile.

“I have a great idea, and I hope you accept it!” she announced.

“Eh…?”

“Yes! Our guild building has a lovely rooftop garden. It is very large and well-decorated!”

“A rooftop garden?” Hah. Sung Hyunje seemed like the type of person who was extravagant in everything. Part of him didn’t want to go. “Will Hyunje-ssi be there?”

Oblivious to his turmoil, Kang Soyoung announced confidently, “Yes, the guild leader will be there! I’m sure your doting brother will allow you to step outside since the guild leader is the strongest person in Korea!”

Han Yoojin wondered faintly if he could curl up into a ball and die. He sucked in a long breath and willed himself to stand up. He was doing this for Peace. He heard Chirpie cheep in excitement. Dang. He couldn’t back out now, could he?

“I’ll call my dongsaeng for permission…” Han Yoojin set Peace down. The little monster groaned at the loss, but then Chirpie landed on their head, so at least they had company. Kang Soyoung kept guard of them as Han Yoojin stepped off to the side.

Within a few rings, Han Yoohyun picked up. For a guild leader who was usually busy, he was always prompt when answering the phone.

“Hyung, is everything alright?”

“Well, yes.” Han Yoojin felt nervous for no explainable reason. “I was wondering if I could leave the building.”

“The building? Not without a guard. I’ll send Kim Sunghan down—”

“I already have Soyoung-ssi with me. She wants to try going to the Sesung Guild’s rooftop garden.”

“Sesung Guild?” There was a long pause before Han Yoohyun continued, “If hyung is okay with it, then I don’t see any reason not to allow it either. The garden is quite nice. I was getting worried about you, actually. You’ve been cooped up in your room too much. Park Yerim even commented that I should let you visit a dungeon with her but she’s in C-ranks now so it would be too dangerous.”

“Oh? You’re fine with the Sesung Guild? I thought that you had a rivalry…”

“It’ll be much safer than anywhere else.”

Han Yoojin blinked at his phone in befuddlement. What happened to the rivalry? What happened to them hating each other’s guts? He slid his phone away and turned to the other side of the room. Kang Soyoung looked away. He already knew that she listened in. All Hunters had better senses in all aspects, more so for those C-class and above.

They exited the Haeyun Guild building. Peace and Chirpie awed at the few people in the lobby and on the sidewalk as they entered a vehicle.

Kang Soyoung happily escorted him into the Sesung Guild building. They bypassed many people who gawked and stared at them. When Han Yoojin saw some of their cheeks turn pink from looking at Peace, he realized that they loved Peace and didn’t want to sell the monster. He eased as they took an elevator up. They’d be safe here.

“We’ve arrived!” Kang Soyoung stepped out of the elevator and checked the surroundings first. After humming, she then gestured for the others to follow her. Peace seemed hesitant, so Han Yoojin kept hold of the manticore in his arms as Chirpie released a set of chirps in excitement.

“Whoa…” He couldn’t hide his surprise. The rooftop was dazzling in lush greens and vibrant plant life. It was like a whole new world but it sat atop a building in Seoul. “I wouldn’t have imagined the Sesung Guild to have this on top of their headquarters.”

The rooftop garden was large and wide. There were occasional sculptures, tall trees, dense plants, a fountain, and a tall wrapping around the roof to hide the fact that they were in the middle of a city. It was peaceful. Han Yoojin felt his shoulders loosen as he walked slowly across a small beginning path as Kang Soyoung trailed just behind his shoulder.

It was a few moments later that he realized that no other people were around. “Why is no one here?”

Kang Soyoung replied, “For privacy, we’ve restricted access to the rooftop for today. That way, Peace and Chirpie can explore to their heart's content without worrying about coming across someone who would hurt them. There are some doing surveillance but they’re B-rank and above. No harm will come to any of you.”

… Peace was more likely to harm someone else, but Han Yoojin decided to not mention that.

Peace was now an S-class even in their juvenile form. It showed how careful Peace was when Han Yoojin held the lion. Any other S-ranked monster would hurt him by accident but Peace had grown up carefully and knew not to harm Han Yoojin in any way. Peace was a great kid with amazing control.

Han Yoojin noticed a patch of hydrangeas. He bent down to force Peace to look at them. After a moment, Peace leaned forward to sniff the flowers. “Look, there’s a patch of flowers here.” He then slowly set Peace on the ground, only for Peace to claw his clothes further.

Han Yoojin stood back up. He turned to Kang Soyoung to see that she was genuinely concerned for Peace. It was touching. Why weren’t more people like her? They continued to walk down the path. Han Yoojin repeatedly told Peace that they were safe.

It was a butterfly that caught Peace’s attention. The monster leaped gently out from his arms onto the ground to follow a yellow butterfly. Golden eyes sparkled until the butterfly disappeared into the leaves of a tree.

“You’re safe, kiddo.” Han Yoojin then jerked his thumb to Kang Soyoung. “And this nice noona is close by to keep you guarded. Go play, Peace.”

Peace tilted their head. Kkingg.

Han Yoojin grinned when Peace stepped closer to him. “I’m here, so it’s all good—”

Kang Soyoung crouched down beside him and patted Han Yoojin’s shoulder. She told Peace, “He’s right, Peace. I’ll protect you from anything! So you should just go out and have some fun.”

Geureug?

Han Yoojin and Kang Soyoung both nodded along to appease the monster. Han Yoojin confirmed, “This kind noona will protect us, so don’t worry and go play. We’ll be okay.”

After a few seconds, Peace turned around. Their gold eyes latched onto the green scenery. It would be the first time to see so much. Peace was originally from a volcanic-like dungeon, so these types of plants didn’t appear. Kang Soyoung and Han Yoojin waited with bated breath, still crouched down together.

When Peace went up to a patch of flowers and sniffed them, they both grinned. Han Yoojin couldn’t hide his excitement and relief, and was glad that Kang Soyoung shared his feelings. Then, they watched Peace softly dig their paw into the dirt curiously.

“Do you like it?” Han Yoojin was so excited. It was working!

Kkiang!

The next few moments were slightly horrifying and adorable at the same time. Peace’s small paws continued down the grass and dirt until they came across the flowers. The trail through the garden was nice. Peace sniffed everything they came across and Chirpie let out small chirps in excitement. Han Yoojin picked up a branch and carried Chirpie on it as they walked. Chirpie’s little feet and body barely stayed afloat as they walked.

They continued on for a little while until they came across a patch of purple-colored hydrangeas. It was only a split moment later when lavender petals were in the sky. Peace swooshed through them with hearts in their eyes. The cracking of branches and plants filled Han Yoojin’s ears as Peace made noises of content.

“Is this…?”

Kang Soyoung assured, “We often redo the garden. Don’t worry about it, Yoojin-nim. Everything is alright.”

They followed the scattered remains of once beautiful and perfect-looking flowerbeds. The trees were relatively unharmed but landscaping would have to be redone. Petals floated in the air as Peace bounded from one place to another. As he watched, all Han Yoojin felt was relief.

Chirp!

He looked at Chirpie who was balancing on the twig in his hand. “What is it?”

Cheep, cheep, cheep.

That’s not very helpful, Chirpie.

Han Yoojin continued walking. He bent down when Peace approached with a small hydrangea in their mouth. Han Yoojin took the gift, thankful that it wasn’t a dead bird. Peace then sat next to him and looked at Chirpie. As Han Yoojin held the delicate flower in his hand, he received a window with a warning.

He frowned at it, then realized what was happening. [Prey’s Instinct: an S-class is approaching!] Weren’t guild leaders supposed to be important and always busy?

He didn’t turn around. He refused to acknowledge that an important figure was near. Instead, Han Yoojin scratched Peace’s ears and set the twig with Chirpie on it on the ground. Chirpie then jumped up to his hands, climbed to his shoulder, then landed on his head. Peace dug their paw into the dirt before narrowing their eyes.

Kang Soyoung, from behind him, greeted, “Guild leader, you managed to drop by after all.”

Sung Hyunje, that bastard, continued to walk closer and say, “We have an esteemed guest visiting today. How could I not stop by and greet the man who will raise my babies?”

Han Yoojin stood up with an annoyed expression. He was greeted with Sung Hyunje’s platinum hair, gold eyes, and unblemished skin. He wore light attire instead of an entire suit, which was a bit bizarre because Han Yoojin looked up photos of the guild leader and saw that he wore a full suit and carried long coats with him at all times. It made Han Yoojin’s eye twitch. Sung Hyunje was dressed more like how they met— sleeves rolled up, no tie in sight, and hair styled to look casual.

Sung Hyunje bypassed Kang Soyoung. He had a flower arrangement in hand. Han Yoojin noted that Yoo Myungwoo’s bouquet was much better, though that wasn’t Sung Hyunje’s fault. Yoo Myungwoo was simply the best. Han Yoojin wouldn’t know what to do if Yoo Myungwoo decided that their friendship wasn’t important any longer. He’d go insane, probably. Yoo Myungwoo was the closest person he was with outside of family, plus they were both lower-classes even if they had great skills.

“It’s a relief that you look unharmed. I was worried,” said Sung Hyunje.

Han Yoojin hated that it seemed so genuine. He would have preferred for Sung Hyunje to dismiss him or come off as more of a scam. He could deal with mean, rude, and obnoxious people. It was when they were truly genuine when it was hard to be upset with a person.

“Thank you very much for being concerned about me.” There. It was a concise statement, so now please leave.

At his feet, Peace made a growling noise. Han Yoojin bent down and patted Peace in an attempt to calm the on-edge monster down. Peace seemed confused, so they continued to make a small noise in discontent.

Kang Soyoung bent down and assured, “Don’t worry, Peace. This is my guild leader. He isn’t dangerous— uh, scary. Um, so… He’s very nice— no, not that either…” She didn’t seem to know what to say about Sung Hyunje, as he was a very intimidating person. It was good to know that she couldn’t lie. “Anyways!” Her eyes dazzled down to Peace. “He’s a good person, I’m sure!”

Han Yoojin also bent down. “It’s okay, Peace. We’re on the same side for now. You can go play if you want.” Chirpie, ever so helpful, gave a long cheep of encouragement.

Before Peace or Chirpie could move, Sung Hyunje added, “I plan for us to stay that way.”

Han Yoojin blinked numbly, practically frozen in place. He looked up, catching the golden eyes that made Sung Hyunje so ethereal. Perhaps Han Yoohyun acting weird earlier was because of more than one reason. Were Sesung and Haeyun finally going to stop being rivals? Were they drawing a truce?

Without prompting, Sung Hyunje continued, “Would you be willing to sit with me for a bit so we may talk?”

That bastard.

He knew exactly what he was doing. He showed up to the rooftop with intentions. Did they want to bypass the rule of one monster per 2 months? Was he going to try to buy him out like Moon Hyuna did? They weren’t going to discuss their past relationship, right? Han Yoojin smiled bitterly as he stood up and accepted the hydrangea bouquet. Sung Hyunje’s smug curve of his lips was irritating.

They ended up at a table that was perfectly positioned to be partially under the shade but still had enough sun to illuminate the different desserts and, of course, give a halo-like effect to Sung Hyunje. Disgruntled, Han Yoojin picked up a strawberry-topped cupcake. As he licked the white frosting from his finger, he glared at Sung Hyunje, who merely smiled in response. Prick.

Kang Soyoung left with a little wave. “Have a nice time, you two!” Was this a setup?

Peace didn’t seem saddened to see her go. Han Yoojin supposed that Peace was feeling better and not so afraid. Han Yoojin wanted to ask Kang Soyoung to stay with them as a sort of barrier between him and Sung Hyunje, but he also agreed to talk with the guild leader. It would be weird to go back now. Not that he had a choice.

As Sung Hyunje poured them tea, Han Yoojin reached for another treat— a savory croissant compared to the other layers of dessert. When was this all prepared? It wasn’t that long of a drive to the Sesung Guild building. Did Sung Hyunje always expect him to come over today, or was he that quick at preparing events? It made sense, he supposed. Han Yoojin could recall some of their dates. Even back then, things seemed magical in the moment.

He took a bite from the sandwich. When he looked down at Peace, the monster was docile as they sat on the ground. They didn’t look uncomfortable nor comfortable. Chirpie, meanwhile, had made themselves at home on the table and sat on a triangular sandwich display like it was a small couch.

The sound of glass hitting one another startled him from looking at the kids. Han Yoojin turned to see Sung Hyunje sliding over a cup of tea. He accepted it silently, dreading what the conversation would be.

8 years ago was a lifetime ago for Han Yoojin, but it had only been 3 for Sung Hyunje. It was strange, wasn’t it? Han Yoojin looked at the guild leader before him and wondered how he didn’t connect the dots from the Hyunje-ssi he knew to the Sesung Guild Leader he knew from headlines in the paper.

Sung Hyunje didn’t touch his own cup of tea. Han Yoojin followed suit, dismissing his sandwich and drink to look into Sung Hyunje’s hard-to-identify eyes. Just what was going on through that man’s head? Han Yoojin wanted to cut it open to read his thoughts. Sung Hyunje was so hard to get a read on. Even before the dungeons he was someone hard to understand.

“I truly am glad to see you healthy, Yoojin-gun. Although—” Sung Hyunje paused with a concerned look across his face, “—you don’t seem to be completely rested. You look exhausted. I’m unsure if discussing things while you’re in this state is the right thing to do.”

“I’m in a perfect state of mind to listen to you babble.”

“I’m touched that Yoojin-gun likes the sound of my voice. Is it angelic? Will it send you to sleep if I keep talking?”

Han Yoojin restrained himself from tossing the table. It would be a waste of food, disrupt Peace’s restful day, send Chirpie flying through the air, and damage a potentially strong relationship with Haeyun.

“We can discuss whatever you desire, Hyunje-ssi. You don’t need to put up a charade with me. I already know what type of person you are.”

Sung Hyunje’s teacup clinked as he lifted it from the plate. He took a sip but he seemed to smile the entire time. It was annoying— irritating in a way that only Sung Hyunje could invoke. Han Yoojin didn’t miss this feeling. But, well, he had to admit that Sung Hyunje aged well. Were there potions that helped with that?

As Sung Hyunje set his teacup back down, he said, “I also know what type of person our Yoojin-gun is.” It didn’t sound threatening, but Han Yoojin wasn’t sure how else to take that statement.

To settle his nerves, Han Yoojin picked up the croissant that he had laid down earlier. He ate through the levels of bread, meat, and cheese with a hint of disdain. Not toward the food, but rather toward Sung Hyunje, who continued to sit there with a slightly amused yet concerned expression.

“You’re aggravating me,” he mumbled to the ground as he patted Peace on the head. Peace rubbed against his hand so Han Yoojin continued to pet the manticore.

“Always so blunt. I fondly remember your words. It’s nice to see that entering the Awakened world so quickly hasn’t deprived you of your charming wit. It’d be a dark, stormy day when you no longer stood your ground against me.”

Sung Hyunje’s eyes sparkled. Han Yoojin considered throwing a knife from his Inventory at the S-class and seeing if he could get a good number on the target board or not. An eye had to be a bullseye, surely. Even managing to make Sung Hyunje bleed a drop of blood would count as a win.

“Your eyes,” said Sung Hyunje, warmth leaking into his tone, “are those of a killer’s. You’ve gotten quite interesting since we’ve parted, not that you weren’t before. However, I must admit that I like this Yoojin gun more. He has a certain aura around him that’s quite enticing.”

“Is this what you wanted to discuss? My aura?”

Sung Hyunje hummed, almost like he was disappointed. “If you want to talk business, I don’t mind talking about business. I’ll express my thoughts if you wish, though you won’t like what I have to say.”

“It’s about me raising an army of monsters, isn’t it?”

Gold eyes sparkled, almost glowing. “Perhaps you do know me well, Yoojin-gun.”

“I like to think that we’re strangers.”

“I do not believe that the term strangers is correct for us. Even your dongsaeng knows that there is something more between us. Our history will eventually come to light. We should get our stories straight, should we not?”

“Why would it come to light? We weren’t together for long, and it’s not like there were pictures of it. No paparazzi would have followed you back then, and no one was interested in me either. And I don’t see why we need to get our story straight, seeing as it was a mutual breakup.”

“You mean the world coming to an end for a few weeks and not contacting one another after that was fine— that it was mutual?”

“I didn’t search for you and you didn’t search for me,” he said flippantly.

It was true, too. Han Yoojin focused more on his brother. With Han Yoohyun’s high-class Awakening, the government being in a state of distress, monsters running rampant before guilds were formed, and people breaking things due to being unused to their powers and strength, Han Yoojin didn’t even remember to call after Hyunje-ssi until it was far too late. Of course, he tried to do so on that first day, but then his phone broke, and any worry about the man he knew briefly disappeared.

If he eventually searched for people with the name ‘Hyunje’ in obituary records late nights after work shifts, then it didn’t matter. He didn’t care enough at first. He didn’t deserve to be reunited with the man he pretended to care about. If he genuinely cared, then he would have tried more at the beginning. None of it worked out in the end, anyway. Yoohyun-ie left, and Han Yoojin was alone once more, like he was always meant to be.

Han Yoojin was disrupted from his thoughts with a bright cheep! He dazedly realized that Chirpie was standing on his sandwich to be higher and closer to his face. Han Yoojin smiled despite the emotions he felt a second ago, and rubbed Chirpie’s head. The bird-like monster cheeped and chirped a few more times before settling back down.

When he looked up, Sung Hyunje’s expression seemed forced. “Of course.” It was short and not sweet at all. It seemed to be said with an upset tone, which confused Han Yoojin. Sung Hyunje was a guild leader, therefore he had more resources than Han Yoojin could comprehend.

Sung Hyunje’s smile was different after that. His tone changed as well. It startled Han Yoojin at first, but then he realized that he had said the wrong thing. As Sung Hyunje suggested that Han Yoojin could act arrogant and demand things of Hunters just because he could, Han Yoojin came to terms with the fact that Sung Hyunje did try to search for him.

It was alarming.

Han Yoojin’s gut contorted and rolled, sending waves of nausea through his body. He thought that he would be a side note in Sung Hyunje’s life that wouldn’t be mentioned in depth or thought of with nostalgia— he knew, even back then, that Sung Hyunje was someone important.

Sung Hyunje had been raised with proper politeness and manners that Han Yoojin was unaccustomed to. He wore clothes that cost more than Han Yoojin’s rent and took him out to restaurants that he was never comfortable with. He felt like he was being stared at because he didn’t fit in. But he stuck through it because Hyunje-ssi would smile at him like he was the world, the stars, and the entire universe itself.

“Yoojin-gun?” It was that tone again. It wasn’t dark or hard like it was a moment ago, but rather the tone lathered in concern. Genuine concern.

He couldn't believe that he was going to admit this. He steeled himself, running his fingers along his pants for strength. When he looked up, Sung Hyunje’s guarded expression was gone. In its place was sheer concern and empathy. Bastard.

“I…” Han Yoojin licked his lips, all of a sudden feeling like his mouth was dry like a desert. “I did try.”

Sung Hyunje’s eyes widened inexplicably. Instantly, he seemed to understand what Han Yoojin was saying. His voice was soft, as if pleased and touched by the honesty. “Is that so?”

“It’s for the best that I didn’t figure out where you went, Hyunje-ssi. It… you Awakened as an S-class. My dongsaeng would have been your rival either way, and I would have chosen his side no matter what.”

“Ah.” Sung Hyunje’s eyes softened in a way that made Han Yoojin’s heart skip a beat. “I would never expect anything less from you. Your dongsaeng was the most important person in your life. Still is, just as you are for him.”

“For someone that even Yoohyun-ie can’t win a fight against,” murmured Han Yoojin, feeling relaxed for the first time since sitting down at the table, “you are very understanding.”

“I’m only kind to Yoojin-gun.”

For some reason, Han Yoojin felt a smile grace his lips. He couldn’t control it. “You shouldn’t admit things like that to people you don’t know well. As you said, I could do whatever I want and ask for unattainable things.”

“You wouldn’t do that.” Sung Hyunje said it like it was obvious, as if it was a fact. He then used his Inventory to take out a strange-looking item. “Most high-rank carnivorous monsters like dragon bones.”

He whooshed the bone in the air, instantly causing Peace to stand up. Peace’s ears twitched, and their mouth watered. Sung Hyunje gently threw it down a second later. Peace caught it mid-air with hearts in their eyes.

Han Yoojin couldn’t help but let out a laugh as Peace happily gnawed on the treat, running around in circles with the bone in their mouth. It was like Peace had never been lethargic or dismissive of the garden. It was… Han Yoojin didn’t regret coming out today. It was nicer than he could have imagined it being.

As Han Yoojin watched Peace with a grin, he then heard Sung Hyunje say, “If I knew you obtained a new monster, I would have brought them a treat as well.”

Han Yoojin poked his finger at Chirpie haphazardly. Cheep!

“The only thing that Chirpie likes is high-rank mana crystals, but that’s only sometimes.” He narrowed his eyes at the fluff ball. “I found them in a dungeon with Yoohyun-ie and Yerim-ie. They appeared after Yoohyun-ie defeated a fire bird-type monster. I’m honestly concerned about them, at times. Like, sometimes Chirpie is the smartest thing I’ve ever seen, but other times—”

Sung Hyunje, during Han Yoojin’s worryful rant, pulled out a mana crystal from his Inventory. He sat the small mana crystal on the table. Chirpie, as if realizing what occurred, walked off of their sandwich couch and began to salivate over the crystal. Sung Hyunje reached out his hand to grind the crystal to make it easier to consume, but Han Yoojin pushed the hand back. They then watched as Chirpie ate the crystal whole after trying hard enough.

Sung Hyunje raised a perplexed eyebrow. Han Yoojin shook his head in response. He had no idea why Chirpie was the way they were. It was one of the world’s mysteries. The day settled after that. Han Yoojin felt himself relax as he played with Peace in the grass. Chirpie called for their attention whenever they found a new flower petal color.

He must have dozed off eventually. When he came to awareness, Han Yoojin was being lifted by Sung Hyunje. He shook awake immediately and pushed the S-class away from him. As Han Yoojin took in the sight, he realized that he had been carried down from the rooftop garden all the way to the street where a car was awaiting them.

“Hyunje-ssi.”

Sung Hyunje smiled brilliantly in faux innocence. “Yes, Yoojin-gun?” In one of his hands was the flower arrangement he initially brought out.

“I will make you cower under my power one day.”

Sung Hyunje’s eyes widened, sparkling with excitement. “Is that a promise?” Why did he have to seem so happy?

Han Yoojin took the flower bouquet in his hand. Chirpie dropped down to the arrangement and Peace stood by his feet.

Sung Hyunje was the bane of his existence. Han Yoojin felt more irritated in the man’s presence than he had ever been before. As he entered the vehicle, he realized that he didn’t feel scared while he was in the garden. That was a nice change of pace. Perhaps Inky’s memories wouldn’t terrify him as much tonight.

He turned to the window to see Sung Hyunje still there, waiting for them to leave safely first. Kang Soyoung sent a thumbs-up to Sung Hyunje but he still remained. Peace sat in Han Yoojin’s lap in contentment while Chirpie cheeped at the window as if saying goodbye to the man who gave them a mana crystal. Traitor.

When they returned to the Haeyun Guild, he prepared some items. He planned to raid some dungeons in the next following days while he had Inky’s skills. He could level up, maybe obtain new skills, and surely get more gear so that he didn’t have to rely on everyone else all of the time. He really wanted a physical skill, though, so that he could attack another person instead of supporting them with words of encouragement.

After a couple of dungeon raids, Han Yoojin fell asleep in his room. Peace was being watched over by Park Yerim, citing that she wanted to bond with her fellow sibling. Chirpie tried to join in, but Han Yoojin saw Chirpie watching television before he went to bed, so Chirpie likely didn’t make it to sibling bonding time— it was probably a dungeon raid or exhausting training time anyway.

He woke up due to [Prey’s Intuition] alerting him that an S-class was near. He then blinked at a message above his head. [While against the Dio Valshesis Twins, all skill effects are increased 2 times.] Doubled? Like, with his skill [Rauchitas’ Bane] that worked against dragons and the like?

He activated the borrowed skill [Thorn Trap] instantly, only to hear a person yell out, “What the hell!?” Han Yoojin blinked as he watched a person collapse beside his bed. It was only a silhouette — they were using a skill to hide their presence — but it was definitely a human S-class Hunter.

As the figure that had collapsed tried to stand up, they were awed, “Wow.” They crept closer. It was a woman’s voice. “How thrilling. Darling, what was that? My curse resistance is S-rank, but I had to put on a de-cursing item to finally be pulled free.”

Chapter Text

He received a call from the Haeyun Guild on a random afternoon. Sung Hyunje answered the phone and bit back a sigh. It wasn’t even Han Yoojin or Han Yoohyun who was calling him personally; rather, it was an office worker. At least, that’s what he thought at first.

“Sesung guild leader?”

“Young master.” Sung Hyunje was surprised. Han Yoohyun was supposed to have his personal number. Why call through the regulated guild phone lines?

Han Yoohyun sighed with an annoyed tone. It sounded like he was psyching himself up for something. “Look, I need a favor.”

“I always like having you in my debt. What should I ask for? A secluded night with your hyung-nim with no guards or other annoying presences?”

“Don’t joke about that. I couldn’t force the two of you to spend time in a room. Hyung does what he wants, even when I ask him to do otherwise.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it is so.”

Sung Hyunje tapped his foot on the ground. It was interesting to be called in this way and for Han Yoohyun to be responding like that. It most certainly concerned Han Yoojin, as Han Yoohyun only became ruthless or odd-acting when it concerned something with his hyung.

“What sort of favor should I grant you?”

Han Yoohyun tsked. “I need access to a low-grade A-rank dungeon.”

“You, personally, or your guild?”

“It’s going to be a trip. I’ve already invited Moon Hyuna along. Park Yerim and Kim Sunghan will be there too, as will hyung.”

Time seemed to pause for a moment before continuing. “Why is hyung-nim going into a dungeon? I was under the assumption that he had no attack skills. F-ranks die easily in low-class dungeons, and even easier in high-class dungeons.”

“Why do you think there’s going to be 3 S-classes?”

That was a good point, but “That still doesn’t explain why Han Yoojin is entering the dungeon.”

“I really don’t want to tell you. Hyung likes privacy concerning his skills.”

“So it is a secret.” Sung Hyunje felt thrilled all of a sudden. “You know that we’re already close. I’m sure he won’t mind you telling me a few things. It’s not like I’m a threat. I need him to live and raise a few monsters for me, don’t I?”

Han Yoohyun replied tiredly, “One of hyung’s skills tipped him off about a possible power-up, and now he won’t let the idea go. He used his skill on Kim Sunghan. It has a long cool-down time but I think it’s worth it. He’s willing to do anything to push forward, so… You know how hyung is. He’s—”

“Stubborn?” Sung Hyunje grinned to himself. “Just what is this skill able to do?”

“Kim Sunghan has the chance to grow into an S-class, and hyung knows which scenarios will need to be done in order to do so. The requirement is tricky, therefore, we’re all going to help Kim Sunghan fulfill it. Since hyung is coming into the dungeon, I reached out to the Breaker Guild. Moon Hyuna decided to come with us to form a closer bond with hyung. Now I need your help as well.”

“One of the requirements for your shield is going into an A-rank dungeon.” Sung Hyunje supposed he could spare some of his time. “Do you have one in mind? You wouldn’t be telling me this unless you already picked out which dungeon would be the best.”

“Black Golem City.”

“That… It’s a good choice, young master. What day would you like to raid it?”

Han Yoohyun seemed agitated as he asked, “Why are you being so docile? Do you not—”

“What Han Yoojin wants, he gets. At least, from me, he does.”

It was silent for a moment. “What the hell is going on between the two of you? I swear, you seem to annoy him more than anyone else can, and yet he still smiles after your interactions. I know that he likes answering spam calls, but this is too far even for him.”

“Why would I spoil my fun? I’ll fax the paperwork to your guild. Do be kind and hurry up. It would be wonderful to see the after effects of one of our Han Yoojin’s mysterious skills.”

A strangled groan left Han Yoohyun’s throat. “Just what does hyung see in you?”

Sung Hyunje ended the call with a huff. He was amused by this situation. It hadn’t been long since he last saw Han Yoojin, but this made him excited. When was the last time he was able to let loose against a fellow S-class? That had to be the reason why Moon Hyuna agreed to join— aside from creating tighter bonds with Han Yoojin, that is.

The area of ‘Black Golem City’ was closed off and private due to it being a long-standing dungeon. It was a low-grade A-rank dungeon and, therefore, good at producing materials for profit and training Hunters. It was one of the Sesung Guild’s most treasured dungeons and Kang Soyoung frequently visited it as the leader. It would take about a week to clear the dungeon without any S-classes.

Sung Hyunje pulled up to the building to see Moon Hyuna’s red sports car already parked. It had a small dent in it from where she kicked the door closed. Sung Hyunje left his vehicle with more ease. He didn’t mind this car, but he heard that Song Taewon was interested in an F-rank who spent quite a bit of time with high-ranked Hunters, so he would have to say goodbye to his treasure soon.

He walked over to Han Yoojin first, ignoring the sight of Moon Hyuna and Park Yerim, who were in a chokehold, each other. Park Yerim laughed the whole time, while Moon Hyuna even looked vaguely human when she interacted with the girl. It was quite strange but it was good to see budding relationships. They would all have to work together soon. The dungeons were growing in rank and becoming harder to defeat over time.

Han Yoojin had Peace at his feet with no Chirpie in sight. It appeared that only an S-rank mount would be allowed into a dangerous dungeon. Chirpie was quite amusing, to be honest, but Sung Hyunje was more interested in Peace and Han Yoojin. Mostly in Han Yoojin, who looked like he was waiting expectantly. It was amusing and interesting, as Han Yoojin had noticed his presence before anyone else did.

“What the heck are you doing?” asked Han Yoojin. He looked disgruntled with his eyebrow twitching uncontrollably, his arms folded, and his expression a tad angry. It was adorable— an upset kitten, really.

Sung Hyunje presented Han Yoojin with a new flower bouquet. “I’m not late, am I?”

As Han Yoojin snatched the bouquet away with suspicious eyes, he snapped, “I didn’t even expect you to come. Would you like to fill me in as to why you’re here, Sesung Guild Leader-nim?”

“I would never miss an opportunity to spend time with my Yoojin-gun.”

Han Yoojin tossed a navy-colored flower to Peace, who happily caught it before starting to tear it apart. Flower petals went flying as Han Yoojin and Sung Hyunje stared at one another. Han Yoojin may look upset but Sung Hyunje was very pleased. Han Yoojin only looked upset because he was embarrassed at the attention— it was cute, in Sung Hyunje’s opinion.

“I’m going to make you regret meeting me,” swore Han Yoojin, his ears red and cheeks flushed.

“I could never regret meeting you.” Sung Hyunje took out a small red box. “I also have something else for you along with the bouquet, Yoojin-gun.” As Han Yoojin took the box and opened it, he explained, “It’s a small token of appreciation for being able to see you again. The studs are enchanted with a mana-boosting buff and a B-rank shield skill effect.”

“A skill effect…”

Han Yoojin’s eyes widened at the information. Skill effect items were rare and quite pricey, many of them only coming from dungeons themselves. Now that Yoo Myungwoo, a limitless blacksmith was around, it would become less rare eventually.

Sung Hyunje added, “I noticed that you weren’t wearing your studs anymore. I assume that they got lost after the incident.” The kidnapping incident. Han Yoohyun mentioned physical restraint being used, so they likely raided all items as well to keep Han Yoojin easier to handle. “I figured I’d give you some new ones to replace the old.”

“I’m not sure that I can accept this.”

Sung Hyunje smiled, feeling warmth in his heart at Han Yoojin’s nervousness. He looked stunned. As if Sung Hyunje wouldn’t notice something about his Yoojin-gun. It was obvious to Sung Hyunje that Han Yoojin was struggling more than he wanted to let on due to the kidnapping event. He fell asleep on the ground in the rooftop garden, after all. Only someone exhausted would do that.

“I assure you that you can accept this gift.” Sung Hyunje smiled down at Han Yoojin. He couldn’t not smile when Han Yoojin looked so stunned and adorable. “This is the beginning of a long and bountiful rekindling of our relationship, don’t you think?”

Han Yoojin held the bouquet in one hand and the earring box in the other. His gaze was unsteady but it focused in on Sung Hyunje’s eyes. Han Yoojin was still flushed from the attention, and Sung Hyunje lapped it up happily. He could barely remember Han Yoojin looking so debauched before.

Sung Hyunje asked with an innocent look as he leaned in, “Am I doing something to your heart?”

“You’re doing something alright,” he muttered lowly. More flowers from the bouquet fell to the floor due to Han Yoojin’s excessive grip on them. “Have you heard of heart palpitations from stress?”

Sung Hyunje picked a lavender petal from his Yoojin-gun’s hair and then commented, “I’ll take it. I’ve always wanted to get your heart beating sporadically.”

“Heart conditions are serious issues, Hyunje-ssi!”

Han Yoojin held out the flowers like a weapon. He then smacked Sung Hyunje on the arm, sending more petals flying. Peace made cooing noises as they jumped in the air to play with the broken flowers. It was surely an odd scene but Sung Hyunje couldn’t help but grin as Han Yoojin continued to whack his arm until the bouquet was ruined and he looked more frazzled than how he started.

“What the…” Han Yoohyun teetered close to them, his face completely lost. Kim Sunghan stood by the Haeyun guild leader with a similar look of worried contemplation. “Hyung? What are you doing?”

Han Yoojin looked up, startled, as if he had forgotten that there were others in the area. With a huff, he threw the battered bouquet at Sung Hyunje, who caught it with a smile that reached his eyes. Han Yoojin then picked Peace up into his arms and stalked off, ignoring Sung Hyunje, Han Yoohyun, and Kim Sunghan. He stood by Park Yerim, who seemed confused at the sudden attention but gladly accepted it. Moon Hyuna shot the others a look that was perplexed before cooing at Peace.

Han Yoohyun jerked his hand toward Sung Hyunje. The younger accused, “What is going on between you and hyung?”

Sung Hyunje smiled blithely. “Whatever do you mean, young master? I was simply showing that I treasure the person who will raise my babies.” He ignored the sudden heatwave in the air to walk closer to the gate. He cocked his head towards the others. “Are we entering soon?”

Han Yoohyun had a certain quality about him. He trudged forward and announced, “We’re going in first to clear the scene. Kim Sunghan and hyung are following us 10 minutes later.”

Moon Hyuna chirped, “Can I take Peace with me?” Her eyes begged Han Yoojin for a reply. He turned away, which made Moon Hyuna walk towards the gate with a pitiful but expectant look. “Alright, boys, who is going in first?”

Sung Hyunje and Han Yoohyun glared at one another, which prompted Moon Hyuna to push them aside to walk into the gate. After Moon Hyuna did so, Park Yerim shuffled forward with unconcealed excitement. Han Yoohyun wavered at her look before nodding. Park Yerim jumped into the gate with a restrained squeal. That still left Sung Hyunje and Han Yoohyun.

Kim Sunghan looked between the two S-classes in sheer worry. His hand was raised but he just stood there, watching their Aura’s spark. Han Yoojin, however, simply clicked his tongue before pointing at them. On cue, Peace grew into their adolescent size and pushed Han Yoohyun and Sung Hyunje into the dungeon.

Sung Hyunje caught himself easily and watched the way that Han Yoohyun struggled to remain upright. Han Yoohyun continued to glare before he noticed that Moon Hyuna and Park Yerim were having all of the fun. He stalked off with a dark aura of flames. Sung Hyunje stood by the gate, citing that he was protecting the area from harm when he was asked. None of the other Hunters believed him but they were preoccupied.

A few minutes later, Kim Sunghan entered the dungeon with Han Yoojin and the adolescent-sized Peace next to him. Sung Hyunje put his hand up in a wave but was dismissed due to Moon Hyuna shouting, “Hyung-nim, hyung-nim!”

Han Yoojin took in the sight of the dungeon. Sung Hyunje could admit that it looked strange. The old-style city had been destroyed numerous times before but with S-classes using their skills, it was even worse. Tracks that were once somewhat usable were now blown to smithereens. Monsters were strewn about with no chance of remaining alive.

Kim Sunghan also looked quite surprised. He muttered to Han Yoojin, “Golems are slow and relatively not very strong, but they are incredibly sturdy. Normally, a group would focus on each Golem and destroy it together.”

“Normally,” echoed Han Yoojin as fire and ice clashed. Park Yerim was enjoying herself with a wide smile and throwing cocky quips toward Han Yoohyun, who continued to melt her ice by accident.

Moon Hyuna gave up attacking once she cleared her area. She walked over to their group. Sung Hyunje nodded once to her and she did the same. Her eyes then focused on Peace, who she clearly wanted to hug if not ride. Sung Hyunje heard that she bought a saddle fit for monsters at the Hunter’s Mall. The Sesung Guild had a few spies there, as every large guild did.

“Hyung-nim,” said Moon Hyuna, fists clenched in front of her for extra effect, “let me ride Peace.”

Han Yoojin looked up at her, then gave a tired sigh. “I cannot grant you permission.”

“But hyung-nim!” Moon Hyuna gestured to Sung Hyunje. “I wasn’t even going to use Peace to fight this guy. I just want to ride around on Peace to see what it’s like.”

Han Yoojin nodded his head, accepting her reason. He explained, “I don’t have ownership of Peace. The Haeyun Guild is the one that has rights to what Peace does, as they’re the ones who found them as a cub, supplied the food, and produced all of the equipment. If you are asking for permission, you must get it from my dongsaeng.”

Moon Hyuna clicked her tongue. “Like that bastard would allow it.” She stood with an annoyed expression as they watched over Park Yerim and Han Yoohyun. After a few moments, she asked, “Can you sweet-talk your dongsaeng for me?”

Han Yoojin didn’t grace that with a response.

Moon Hyuna sighed, dejected. “It’s going to take forever for Blue to grow up. I don’t want to wait that long to experience what having a familiar is like. You promised me a ride on Blue, remember? Don’t take it back, hyung-nim!”

Han Yoojin waved her down. “I won’t, I won’t.”

Moon Hyuna nodded to herself, pleased with the response. She then turned her gaze to Sung Hyunje. It was much colder than it was when she was interacting with Han Yoojin. He smiled back at her, which made Moon Hyuna curse under her breath, bastard.

Sung Hyunje asked, “Hmm? Did you say something?”

Moon Hyuna replied just as innocently, “What? I don’t think so, no.”

Suddenly, Park Yerim was flying above them. She grinned widely but she asked, “Unnie, I can really take all of the mana crystals I want, right?”

Moon Hyuna brightened up. She responded with a snap in the air, “That’s right! You can take all that you want.”

Park Yerim shot a thankful smile down at Moon Hyuna before going off to collect them. Sung Hyunje bet that it had something to do with her S-rank equipment from Yoo Myungwoo. The blacksmith gave the spear to her due to the Haeyun Guild supporting him as he expanded his skills, but the spear was still expected to be paid back. Park Yerim may be an S-class Hunter, but she was currently in debt due to not having previous funds like the rest of the S-classes in Korea, who had gone on dungeon raids for a longer amount of time.

They moved through the dungeon at a slow pace. Han Yoohyun and Moon Hyuna continued to go in and out of the group to take down monsters. Park Yerim popped up to talk to her ahjussi frequently, purposely saving Golems so that she could destroy them in front of Han Yoojin to show how much she had grown.

Sung Hyunje and Kim Sunghan took either side of Han Yoojin, who rode Peace. Kim Sunghan was alert like a good and stout bodyguard. He was ready to activate one of his skills to shield Han Yoojin if the need arose while Sung Hyunje continued to walk and stare at the back of Han Yoojin’s head.

The Fire Manticore seemed not to mind the dungeon, but they also didn’t seem entertained. The only time the beasts’ golden eyes sparkled was when Han Yoojin patted Peace on the head and promised to give them a great dinner that night and sanctioned to ‘play’ with Han Yoohyun, which Sung Hyunje could only assume was a time when Han Yoohyun and Peace fought one another instead of bonding by hugging like Han Yoojin wished they would.

As they continued to walk, Kim Sunghan murmured, “For the first time, I actually feel bad for the monsters. It would normally take at least a week for an A-rank team to defeat this dungeon but…”

“Yeah…” Han Yoojin looked out to the chaotic scene where no Golems stood upright.

Each S-class present was a damage dealer, when normally a Hunter group consisted of a healer or two, many supporters, defensive personnel, and attackers that were on the frontlines. With S-classes, they mainly only had attack skills that dealt high damage that offered no expense to those weaker than it.

Han Yoojin then turned to Sung Hyunje, who merely smiled. He asked, “Why are you sticking around? Don’t you want to let off some steam or something?”

Sung Hyunje was late to respond, as he noticed that Han Yoojin was wearing the red stud earrings he was gifted. Han Yoojin’s face morphed into a teetering balance of disgust and concern. The disgust then disappeared and turned into something that looked like worry. That wouldn’t do. Sung Hyunje didn’t want to worry his Yoojin-gun.

Sung Hyunje promptly said, “I'd rather stay here. I’m saving my energy.”

“Saving your energy?” echoed Han Yoojin as Kim Sunghan sighed. Han Yoojin picked up on Kim Sunghan’s reaction quickly and demanded, “What does that mean?”

When Sung Hyunje didn’t answer, Kim Sunghan explained, “In most cases, so many S-ranks in a single dungeon wouldn’t be allowed. S-classes tend to not get along.”

Han Yoojin’s expression faltered as the realization came over him. He then turned away from the A-class shield and pointed at Sung Hyunje. “You plan to fight one another!?” His tone was high-pitched and incredibly judgmental.

“I would never think to pass up this opportunity.” He showed his business smile. Han Yoojin deflated ,but his eyes narrowed in suspicion. “It will be fine, Yoojin-gun. None of us will die.”

“That does not ease my ailments at all, Hyunje-ssi.”

“Perhaps a potion will do the trick? Do you prefer orange flavor or—”

“I do not want a potion. Deactivate your Inventory right this instant.”

“If Yoojin-gun wishes so…” Sung Hyunje swiftly ended his Inventory, deactivating it with an exaggerated look of hurt. He would gladly give Han Yoojin whatever he wished for. Even if it wasn’t in his reach, he’d find a way.

“... You’ve turned into such a petty man in your old age. Is that healthy for an ahjussi like you?”

“I thought Yoojin-gun liked my pettiness? Has that changed in recent years?”

Han Yoojin’s ears began to turn red. He jerked his head forward and looked straight ahead. He ignored Sung Hyunje’s wicked grin and Kim Sunghan’s growing look of horrified concern and confusion. Sung Hyunje waved at the man, who turned away. Kim Sunghan was a stickler for the rules, huh.

Eventually, Sung Hyunje had to leave to help with the dungeon raid. Han Yoojin decided to separate them into different parts around the failing structure that resembled a castle. Each S-ranker took up a different direction. It was the best way to stay out of one another’s way, though it meant that they couldn’t yell at one another.

By the end of the night, Sung Hyunje saw Moon Hyuna and Han Yoohyun pacing around the room where they set up camp. They were antsy, as the A-rank dungeon wasn’t much to look at, really. The monsters, the Golems, didn’t put up much of a fight. They mostly stood there and let themselves be attacked. There was no excitement of fighting for your life or being up against an opponent who was just as strong or stronger than you. It was boring, and for the first time in a while, Sung Hyunje related to his fellow Hunters.

Kim Sunghan and Park Yerim were quite pleased, though. Kim Sunghan stirred a pot of soup on a crackling fire while Park Yerim talked animatedly to Han Yoojin about how she was leveling up and learning new ways to use her skills.

“It’s all done,” said Kim Sunghan. He passed a bowl to Han Yoojin, who exchanged a sleeve of crackers. Park Yerim took out spoons from a bag and handed them to the others. As Kim Sunghan reached to serve more bowls, he was stopped.

Once the meal was dished up, Han Yoohyun didn’t eat it. Neither did Moon Hyuna. Or Sung Hyunje. Park Yerim, Kim Sunghan, and Han Yoojin looked at them in disbelief as they took out their own rations instead of the soup that Kim Sunghan had prepared. Park Yerim patted Kim Sunghan’s shoulder and swore to him, Those assholes don’t know what they’re missing out.

After eating their main meal, Han Yoojin then went through one of his bags. Peace had turned back into their juvenile form and curled up by his side. Han Yoojin didn’t even mind the weight of the monster. Sung Hyunje wondered if the F-stat knew that he was surrounded by the most dangerous group in the world.

Han Yoojin revealed a small plastic container of cookies. Park Yerim let out a gasp of excitement as she bundled over to sit next to Han Yoojin. Peace pawed at Park Yerim’s leg, making the S-class Hunter scoot away a few centimeters so that Peace could sprawl out more.

“Ahjussi, is that what I think it is?” Her blue eyes sparkled with hope.

Han Yoojin handed her one of the cookies. “It is.”

Park Yerim held the cookie in her hand, shaking the whole time. When Han Yoojin lifted up another cookie, they then cheered their cookies together as if they were wine glasses. After that, they both took a bite of the sweet treat.

Han Yoohyun glared at the container in Han Yoojin’s lap while Kim Sunghan inched closer. When Han Yoojin noticed Kim Sunghan’s pleading look, he handed the man a cookie as well. Kim Sunghan thanked Han Yoojin, and then graciously ate the cookie slowly as a way to savor each and every crumb.

“What the fuck is going on?” demanded Moon Hyuna. She stopped her pacing to boggle at the scene.

Sung Hyunje lifted his head to look at Han Yoohyun. “I would also like to know.” Who made the desserts that Han Yoojin is fawning over? Did Sung Hyunje need to get a new baker?

Han Yoohyun told them, “One of hyung’s friends initially came into the guild as a housekeeper. Hyung wanted the guy to stay at the guild but there was no reason for it since he was an F-stat, so hyung found a loophole. Hyung didn’t pay Yoo Myungwoo and didn’t plan on him doing any upkeep in their shared dorm, but I guess Myungwoo stepped up to the plate…?”

He shook his head in slight confusion, clearly hearing it second-hand instead of witnessing the events. Han Yoohyun continued, “Park Yerim said that Myungwoo cooks and bakes the best food she’s ever tasted, and hyung agrees. It’s a bit strange, really, 'cause I heard Myungwoo say that he doesn’t even like cooking.”

“Is this the same Yoo Myungwoo that can create high-class gear?” checked Moon Hyuna.

Han Yoohyun hummed in confirmation. His eyes continued to stare at his brother.

Moon Hyuna asked, “You could have signed on Yoo Myungwoo to be exclusive, but you didn’t. Why not? If I had known that a blacksmith like that was residing in my guild, I would have done anything to get them to be mine and mine only. The future gear that he’ll create…”

Sung Hyunje admitted, “I’m quite interested too, young master.” How did Yoo Myungwoo create better desserts? Did he have a skill for it? Did Sung Hyunje need to find someone with dessert skills? Was that even a thing?

With a disgruntled noise, Han Yoohyun turned away from the scene of his brother, his brother’s ward, and his brother’s bodyguard munching on the cookies with awed and pleased expressions. Peace even looked interested in it after a while, so Han Yoojin broke off a piece to give to the flame lion.

Han Yoohyun explained, “Yoo Myungwoo had a tough time unlocking his forge. It… Hyung probably helped him through it, like he’s helping Kim Sunghan now.”

“Hyung-nim has a skill like that?” Moon Hyuna trailed her gaze over to the laughing group. She seemed curious about Han Yoojin, which was understandable but annoying.

“Hyung told me to get on Myungwoo’s good side. I had dismissed him as a stray that hyung took pity on. But now… I wish I had gotten to know Myungwoo more. At the present time, he’s always gone in his forge and only spares time to talk to hyung.”

“Shit.” Moon Hyuna spared a moment to look empathetic. It quickly dissipated when she said, “I would've listened to hyung-nim. He hasn’t steered you wrong yet, has he?”

Han Yoohyun was silent for a few moments before he gritted out, “Well, he did invite you along to this. And he has a history with Sesung in some way.”

“You are such a bastard!” Moon Hyuna used her Inventory to take out a spear. The tip landed in front of Han Yoohyun’s nose. He didn’t flinch. “Fight me, one-on-one.”

Sung Hyunje stepped back. He would happily watch the two of them pummel each other. He would like to spar as well, but it would end much too soon. The entertainment from watching Moon Hyuna and Han Yoohyun fight would have to do for now. Sung Hyunje clapped when Han Yoohyun started to become surrounded in black flames.

Someone then ruined their fun.

Han Yoojin stepped forward loudly with a powerful aura of annoyance. Kim Sunghan tried to hold the F-stat back but something about Han Yoojin’s reply made the A-class Hunter let him go. Han Yoojin broke up the fight by walking in between Moon Hyuna and Han Yoohyun. Knowing that he could die by them using even a fraction of their powers on him, they deactivated their skills instantly.

Han Yoojin gave them disappointing looks. Even Sung Hyunje felt thoroughly ruffled, as if he had been told off for doing something wrong. Which he didn’t. He was on the sidelines, causing no chaos. He wanted to mention something about deserving a pat on the head, like Peace gets when they’re being a good kid, but couldn’t form any words at what happened next.

“If you all continue to fight, I’m going to tell Myungwoo-ssi that I got hurt and I couldn’t sleep and you all were too loud while fighting each other and I was so terrified and anxious the entire trip that I couldn’t hold it together so I ended up falling down a cliff even with my amazing supervision I had to use multiple healing potions to even stand again. I’m not sure if I could ever recover from it, you know, because being surrounded by 3 S-classes is really daunting and I think that maybe low-rank gear should be mass-produced instead. ”

He said it with a straight face but every word was chosen to remind them that Han Yoojin had the most influence over whether or not they could receive high-quality gear in the future. Han Yoojin was truly something. It wasn’t enough to make Sung Hyunje cower, but he liked this side of his Yoojin-gun. Although he wondered how close he was to Yoo Myungwoo.

Park Yerim gasped after the small speech. She shouted, slightly disturbed, “I only have one good item, ahjussi!”

Han Yoojin replied sternly, “No. Fighting.”

Han Yoohyun flinched from the tone while Moon Hyuna pursed her lips. Meanwhile, Sung Hyunje grinned. He hadn’t heard that tone often but it was always so fascinating.

“I’m afraid you’ve caused me to experience heart palpitations, Yoojin-gun,” said Sung Hyunje, holding his chest.

Han Yoojin stated in a monotone, “You should get that checked out, Hyunje-ssi. I would recommend leaving the dungeon to be looked over by a professional.”

“Ahjussi,” whispered Park Yerim with wide, wide eyes, “I don’t think that’s what he means—”

“He doesn’t know what he’s saying, Yerim-yang. Don’t listen to his words. He’s gone senile. It’s for the best that you are respectful but wary of each sentence that leaves his mouth.” Han Yoojin ushered Park Yerim away as she looked back at them in confusion.

Kim Sunghan quickly bowed his head before turning down to their sleeping bags. Peace immediately popped up to sit on Han Yoojin’s lap. As they began to settle down, Park Yerim then took Han Yoojin’s right side while Kim Sunghan took the left. Peace rumbled softly in contentment as they were petted.

Moon Hyuna quipped, “I get that you need to warm up to hyung-nim, but aren’t you laying it on a bit thick?”

Sung Hyunje cocked his head to look at her. “Not at all. Everything I tell him is the truth.”

“But you— that means that you flirted with him.”

“Well, yes.”

“And he insulted you back.”

Sung Hyunje smiled. Moon Hyuna blinked at him uncomprehendingly. The realization took over her features before she gaped at him. Sung Hyunje kept on his plastered smile. Most of it wasn’t forced or fake. He bypassed Moon Hyuna and purposely bumped into Han Yoohyun, who was using every single bit of his patience to not burn them all to a crisp, not that he would succeed.

Han Yoohyun merely mumbled, “I’ll find out your history.”

Sung Hyunje tilted his head and said, “It’s not like I’m hiding it.” It only made Han Yoohyun’s gaze colder. It was ironic, seeing as Han Yoohyun mainly used fire as his element.

Chapter Text

The next day was quite something. If Sung Hyunje hadn’t witnessed it himself, he would have been in disbelief that such a thing could have occurred. Dungeons were truly acting strange. It made concern brew in his gut, but it also solidified that he was correct in his assumption: dungeons were growing stronger and becoming less predictable. Meaning, that dungeons were becoming more dangerous.

Sung Hyunje sat up, eating breakfast before starting on the dungeon. Kim Sunghan was packing up his sleeping bag quietly, Park Yerim was poking a stick into the fire with a glare, Han Yoohyun was sharpening a sword with his head thinking about everything but the sword in his hand, and Han Yoojin was slowly waking up.

Sung Hyunje noticed that Han Yoohyun had been pent up since last night, and even still, after a fight, he looked slightly murderous. It was understandable to a certain extent, but Sung Hyunje had too much fun to stop now. Han Yoojin seemed to have drawn a line in the sand about what and what he did not want to do. He hadn’t initiated anything firm, meaning Sung Hyunje had to follow his lead. At least he got to see Han Yoohyun lost in his thoughts.

Han Yoojin woke up with a grumble. He looked around before remembering he was in a dungeon. He then checked on his surroundings, but not for danger. Sung Hyunje saw Han Yoojin’s eyes trace over the people Park Yerim, Kim Sunghan, Han Yoohyun, himself, and Moon Hyuna. Only once Han Yoojin had done a body count, did he start getting up.

Han Yoojin woke up with a certain air about him. It was probably because he caught sight of Moon Hyuna. She hadn’t changed out of her tracksuit, which was missing one of the arms. Her hair was singed as well, but that was mostly from taking down the Golems while not being coordinated to a different sector of the dungeon where Han Yoohyun was.

“Moon Hyuna-ssi,” he said in a falsely light tone.

Moon Hyuna flinched from where she stood across the camp. She stared down at Han Yoojin, brushing Peace’s fur with his hand. Peace mewed in content. Maybe the manticore liked it more when Chirpie wasn’t around to make endless background noise.

Han Yoojin continued, “You should be more careful around the monsters, Moon Hyuna-ssi. It’s dangerous to fight them alone.”

She laughed. “Ah, they’re not the ones that gave me the burns, hyung-nim. They’re all too weak for that—” Moon Hyuna cut herself off, noticing that she was digging her own grave. “You shouldn’t worry about me so much.”

Han Yoojin simply repeated, “You should be careful around the monsters, Moon Hyuna-ssi.”

Moon Hyuna froze, then nodded. “Okay, hyung-nim.”

A small smile covered her face and directed it at the F-stat. She then up one of her burns with her hand before walking away. She took out a potion and chucked it to the side. Han Yoojin eyed the discarded bottle for a moment before sighing. Ah, right, there was some Association movement to turn in the potion bottles, wasn’t there? A recycling thing of sorts.

Han Yoojin then turned his gaze to Han Yoohyun and Sung Hyunje. They both acted oblivious and found something better to do. Sung Hyunje waved up his hand, grinning when he received a ticked-off look from the love of his life.

He then heard Han Yoojin tell Kim Sunghan and Park Yerim, “Don’t ever become like them.”

The replies were weary nods of their heads. Kim Sunghan took the words to heart, even if he was about to be an S-class himself. Natural-born S-classes were more powerful, Sung Hyunje was sure. Plus, a shield master wouldn't be as offensive as someone with his or Han Yoohyun’s skills.

Park Yerim wearily replied, “Okay, ahjussi.”

She seemed tired and resigned. Maybe it was because she didn’t sleep well— S-ranks had better senses, meaning she had heard Moon Hyuna and Han Yoohyun fighting for hours on end while Han Yoojin slept peacefully. Kim Sunghan also appeared restless, but he had snoozed hard overnight.

Han Yoojin beamed at her, though, and she grinned back at him. They were real grins, too, promises never to be broken.

As they began to eat breakfast around the fire pit, Sung Hyunje told himself not to stare. He was infringing on domestic actions taking place in a dungeon. But he…

He couldn’t look away as Kim Sunghan laughed as Han Yoojin told both the A-class and Park Yerim that he loved them. Park Yerim’s laughter was bright as she said it back with sparkling eyes. Kim Sunghan mentioned his grandfather, which made Han Yoojin pat Kim Sunghan on the head and say I have a lovely grandson, don’t I?

It was perhaps the strangest thing to happen that Sung Hyunje had ever witnessed. In the corner of his eye, he saw Han Yoohyun grumbling under his breath. However, after breakfast, Han Yoojin made sure to visit his dongsaeng. Han Yoohyun brightened up after that. They even exchanged a hug.

The day started up abnormally, but Sung Hyunje supposed that it was to be expected. Where Han Yoojin was concerned, nothing was dull. The morning air was quite fresh and pleasing, though. Sung Hyunje would have to be suffice with that.

They had to split up and take on different parts of the dungeon once more. Some of the undead armies changed locations, so they had to hunt them down before they snuck up on the group later. Sung Hyunje thought that it was a nice warm-up. A dungeon boss had yet to come but that was nothing new. They would appear after more monsters were defeated.

Once they all came back as a group, Sung Hyunje heard Moon Hyuna haggling Han Yoojin. It was a normal event now. She was the friendliest towards Han Yoojin in the dungeon out of the S-ranks. Han Yoohyun was acting quite nonchalant in his personality today— it was dangerous to be around a caged animal that pretended to be free in front of their dear hyung.

Moon Hyuna was practically hanging onto Han Yoojin. She was generally carefree with her strength, so to see her touching his shoulder made something in Sung Hyunje irk. Park Yerim and Kim Sunghan were better with their strength. He couldn’t trust his fellow S-classes to be completely in control. Sometimes, Sung Hyunje felt out of place. They had so much power within their bodies. At times, it was like they weren’t human.

And yet Han Yoojin…

Moon Hyuna asked, “What if you, say, tell Yoo Myungwoo that he could make a nice and mighty spear next? Just give him the idea of it. That’s all. A secret little nudge.”

Park Yerim gasped. “Unnie, I’m more urgent! I need better equipment more than you do. You have tons of gear due to your guild. All that Haeyun has is specialized for fire.”

“Oh?” Moon Hyuna narrowed her eyes at the youngest guild leader in their group. “Haeyun’s guild leader is stingy, huh.”

Han Yoohyun groaned, then reminded, “Most ice-type Hunters don’t come to Haeyun. Park Yerim is one of the only people in the guild who does not have fire-adjacent skills.”

Park Yerim crossed her arms and said, “Yeah, well, you should do better, Yoohyun-oppa.”

Han Yoohyun’s face morphed into disgust. Park Yerim upheld an innocent smile until she paled and nodded along to Han Yoohyun’s look. They both hated it, it seemed, but Han Yoojin had turned away from the scene and was smiling to himself. It appeared that Han Yoojin didn’t know how much of Park Yerim and Han Yoohyun’s bickering was concealed threats.

Moon Hyuna drifted off to talk with Park Yerim. They exchanged a few blows of their spears. Park Yerim was learning fast. If Moon Hyuna kept training her, Park Yerim would be a great asset. Han Yoohyun watched on with desolate eyes. He looked vaguely annoyed, likely because they had to wait around for the dungeon boss. It would be quicker for everyone if the boss appeared soon so that they could leave the dungeon.

But that meant no more Yoojin-gun time. Sung Hyunje disliked sharing Han Yoojin’s time split across a group, but it was better than not seeing him at all. He found his feet moving forward. Han Yoohyun, Park Yerim, and Moon Hyuna were off in their own space of training as Kim Sunghan looked out across the dungeon.

Sung Hyunje walked next to Han Yoojin. The F-stat was brushing a knot in Peace’s fur. Peace was in their larger size with a saddle on. Han Yoojin was previously riding Peace, but that stopped when they all chose to take a small break. Peace seemed happy with the attention, soaking it up with a rumble of keureureur.

Sung Hyunje came up from the side and asked, “Yoojin-gun, have you been having a good time? Turning an A-class into an S-class is no easy feat.”

Han Yoojin noncommittally hummed. Without looking up, he replied, “You should stop now, Hyunje-ssi. I’m not telling you about my skills.”

“You’re so harsh. I only wish to know more about my precious Yoojin-gun. Might I suggest taking you out for dinner soon? I heard about this lovely place that offers tripe.”

Han Yoojin looked up with hesitation. His eyes were suspicious of the man in front of him still, but he seemed curious. Or maybe it was the feeling of surprise that was written across Han Yoojin’s face.

“You remembered.”

“I remember everything about you, especially the way you react when trying new things out.”

“Why do you have to phrase it like that?”

“In what way?”

“You know what I mean,” grumbled Han Yoojin. He leaned against Peace and rubbed the beast’s ears. Peace liked the attention but it was like they knew it was only a way to not interact with Sung Hyunje— that they were being used as an excuse, of all things.

“Yoojin-gun is only this cruel when we interact together.”

“I don’t get it…” Han Yoojin’s eyes looked at him with a perplexed emotion invading his gaze. He seemed baffled by the S-class standing in front of him. “Why do you keep talking to me, Hyunje-ssi? I’ve already agreed to raise Kang Soyoung-ssi’s dragon. You don’t need to keep buttering me up—”

“Is that what you think I’ve been doing?” Sung Hyunje couldn’t hide his surprise and anger at such a thing. He thought it was a mutual conversation.

Han Yoojin’s eyebrow twitched in confusion, and his nose wrinkled. “Wait.” He held up his hand, his voice becoming panicky. “You’ve been… I thought that you— I just, I mean, I thought— Hyunje-ssi, I didn’t think that you would like me anymore.”

“What gave you that impression?”

“You an S-class, I’m an F-stat.” He said it like it was obvious. “I might have some… some strange skills, but I’m still an F-ranker. I thought that you would only be interested in people who could hold their own in a fight.”

Huh. Sung Hyunje did not expect this. “Yoojin-gun is enough for me.”

Han Yoojin bit his lip and turned away. Sung Hyunje wanted to lean forward to get a glimpse of Han Yoojin’s hidden expression. He held himself still, though, and was rewarded. Han Yoojin turned back to face him. There was still a perplexed and confused expression across his face, but he also smiled with slightly tinted cheeks.

“You say the oddest things, Hyunje-ssi. Someone might get the wrong idea about our relationship.”

“Have you considered that I want to change the status of our relationship? We’ve both lived in the past too much.”

“The past…” A shadow fell over Han Yoojin’s face for a moment. He bitterly smiled, then said, “I’m going to change the future, Hyunje-ssi. And I wonder…” He trailed off for a moment before looking Sung Hyunje in the eyes. “I wonder if you’ll be there with me.”

His lips quirked up. “I’ve gotten bored in the past couple of years but I found that I’m never agonizing about dreaded days when you appear in them.”

“You…”

Before Sung Hyunje could continue on with their conversation, Han Yoojin’s eyes widened in alarm. He looked off to his side at an invisible screen. His face quickly smoothed out as he climbed onto Peace in a rush. A sheet of fear and panic was clear on Han Yoojin’s face. It was startling compared to how he was a moment before.

He shouted at them, “You need to run, now!”

Park Yerim gave a confused look, Han Yoohyun furrowed his brow with a question on the tip of his tongue, and Moon Hyuna shrugged. As Han Yoojin opened his mouth to yell again, the ground beneath their feet shook.

Sung Hyunje watched as Peace took off in a sprint. They were fast, even with Han Yoojin on them, along with all of the bags of equipment. He followed along at a slower pace, taking in the sight of what was causing them to have an earthquake-like event. Park Yerim used a skill to fly in the air while Han Yoohyun, Kim Sunghan, and Moon Hyuna dashed away.

As Sung Hyunje looked on, he saw something moving under the ground. It caused the earth to split apart. Rumbles filled the air, along with crashes. He noted that Peace and Han Yoojin made it to safety before turning to face what had appeared in the dungeon.

It looked to be a moving mountain. Cracks in the ground caused them to falter on their steps, and whooshes of quick air sliced into their hair.

Park Yerim yelled, “What is that!?”

The ground thundered underneath them. The mountain breathed in and rocks seemed to tumble from its sides.

Moon Hyuna promptly agreed, saying, “It’s crazy! What even is it? I’ve never seen a monster that large.”

It was a giant toad-looking monster. Its flesh was covered with boulders like a protective measure. It was the largest monster that Sung Hyunje had ever seen. Many monsters were larger in total, but never as one form. For something like this to pop up in a low-grade A-rank dungeon…

He found his gaze drifting to Han Yoojin, who had known that something was amiss. Yoojin-gun’s skills were getting more and more mysterious as time went on.

“You knew about it,” he mumbled.

Everyone else was freaking out over the monster. Even Han Yoojin was looking on warily, but he also seemed focused. Sung Hyunje wasn’t sure what emotion he felt, but it was thrilling. How could Han Yoojin think he wasn’t enough when it was obvious that he was much more than what was seen on the surface?

Han Yoojin announced to them as his eyes read over an invisible screen, “It’s a giant SS-rank monster. Its entire body is covered in impenetrable rocks. It won’t have its poison, yet it’ll still be hard to fight against. Without even meaning to, it’ll create mass destruction due to its size.”

“Hyung!” Han Yoohyun was by Peace and their rider. “You should think about leaving. Do you still have the gatestone I gave you?”

“I’m not leaving. We can’t allow this thing to exit the dungeon.”

“You can’t be here. If you stay, you’ll be blown to bits from the power backlash—”

Han Yoojin lifted his wrist to reveal a plain-looking golden band. Han Yoohyun promptly closed his mouth. Park Yerim fluttered over and Kim Sunghan worriedly looked between the group. Sung Hyunje met Moon Hyuna’s gaze to see that she was also confused by the turn of events.

Han Yoojin said, “Its skin is incredibly strong. Ordinary skills won’t be able to break it. The back of its neck will be the weak spot. The Barbar won’t notice us on its backside, so you’ll attack it one after another at precisely the right time to take it down so that it won’t escape the dungeon and destroy the neighborhood.”

His eyes flickered back and forth between multiple screens, people, and the monster. Sung Hyunje saw that the other S-classes were also baffled, but they trusted Han Yoojin’s words. An F-stat with the ability to find the best way to fight a monster was truly cruel, wasn’t it, system? If Han Yoojin had more physical or attack skills, he could be one of the greatest threats among them.

Was it on purpose?

Sung Hyunje found himself wondering about so many things over the next few moments. He had to stop, though, because it wasn’t Han Yoojin’s fault. He wore his heart on his sleeve— at least, he used to. He remembered the nights when Han Yoojin would rant about his dongsaeng, co-workers, and the occasional stray— the feeling of being baffled by the loyalty one person had to people who couldn’t give that same loyalty in return still simmered in Sung Hyunje’s stomach.

He recalled feeling hopeless as he was unable to make Han Yoojin understand that he had grown up too quickly in an attempt to give someone else a childhood. Han Yoohyun’s parents’ deaths were common news in the Hunter circle, but now he could look back on it differently. Sung Hyunje remembered Han Yoojin mentioning once that his parents loved one another more than anything else while having a desperate look in his eyes that was full of understanding. It drew Sung Hyunje in, reminding him that Han Yoojin became a parental figure long before his parents were dead.

Eventually, he was drawn from his thoughts completely when Han Yoojin said, “Yerim-yang, you’re up first.”

“What?” Park Yerim gaped as she pointed at herself. “Me?”

“The plan is simple: we’re going to make its skin weaker by causing a clash of drastic temperature changes. Yerim-ie will freeze the Barbar’s neck, Yoohyun-ie will heat the Barbar, Moon Hyuna-ssi will stab the Barbar, and Hyunje-ssi will toast the Barbar where Hyuna-ssi stabbed it.”

“Do you really think that’ll work?” asked Moon Hyuna. She seemed willing to try it either way, but she seemed skeptical of the plan.

Han Yoojin said after a split moment, “You’ll get to ride Peace, Moon Hyuna-ssi.”

Her eyes lit up with excitement. “I’m all in!” Moon Hyuna bent down and said in an exaggerated cutesy voice, “Peace, come to mama.”

Han Yoojin tilted his head before activating his Inventory. He took out multiple mana potions. “I’m going to use one of my skills. It’s going to be my first time using it, so I’m not aware of all of the effects, but it should be helpful.” He then pointed at Kim Sunghan. “You have to start the attack in order to level up. Does anyone have a long-range weapon?”

Park Yerim shook her head, Han Yoohyun admitted plainly that he attacked up close and personal only, and Sung Hyunje remained passively silent. Moon Hyuna offered up a high-class bow. Kim Sunghan took it with a gracious nod of his head, which made Moon Hyuna smile.

Across from them, the giant toad stepped forward, ignoring its surroundings. Most monsters didn’t interfere with people until they were attacked first. It was like they didn’t care about the Hunters that approached them until pain drew them to defend themselves. Although, sometimes that wasn’t the case. Especially concerning dungeon breaks.

A large rumble sounded from the step. The ground shook once more and a large part of the dungeon crumbled due to the single step. The giant toad monster didn’t even activate a skill. It was simply a large and powerful being.

Moon Hyuna awed in wariness, “It could destroy cities without meaning to.”

Han Yoohyun agreed with a stiff nod. “Hyung’s right. We can’t let it escape this dungeon.

Sung Hyunje asked, “Yoojin-gun, what does your skill do?”

Han Yoojin rolled his eyes. “I’m going to activate only one skill for now.” His eyes then lit up into an eerie yellow-gold glow. He turned to his dongsaeng and ward. “I’m going to activate it on you two first.”

“Alright,” agreed Park Yerim and Han Yoohyun gave a nod. A moment later, a circle of light popped underneath both of their feet.

Park Yerim and Han Yoohyun’s eyes then began to glow as well. As they looked around, feeling no different, Han Yoojin drank a mana recovery potion. He didn’t seem happy with the taste. Sung Hyunje knew that other countries provided potions in other flavors. Citrus may not be the right fit for Han Yoojin’s tastebuds. Perhaps sending potions from outer countries to the Haeyun Guild or supplying them in the facility would be a nice surprise for Yoojin-gun.

He then warned, “I’m going to connect you together now.” Han Yoojin’s hand was raised, and he looked focused and tired all at once. His gaze then became slightly unfocused.

Nothing happened until Park Yerim said plainly, “This is freaky.” She pulled up her arm, waving it in the air.

Han Yoohyun agreed, awkwardly standing in his spot. “I can feel what you do…”

“It’s like I can—”

Park Yerim grinned then took out her spear. She flung it at Han Yoohyun, only for him to raise his sword. The tips of their weapons pointed together. Moon Hyuna and Kim Sunghan were awed by it as Han Yoohyun and Park Yerim exchanged grins. It was only Han Yoojin who looked away, his face paling. Sung Hyunje wondered what the side effects of such a skill would do to an F-stat.

“Me next!” said Moon Hyuna. She raised her hand, practically buzzing in excitement.

Han Yoojin lifted his hand. A moment later, Moon Hyuna’s eyes glowed as well. She turned to Park Yerim and Han Yoohyun, who were looking at her as well. Han Yoojin swallowed down another potion before landing his eyes at Sung Hyunje. As the other three S-classes played around with the ability of the skill, Han Yoojin looked ill.

“You seemed miffed,” noted Sung Hyunje.

“You need to accept the skill.”

Sung Hyunje promised, “I’ll accept it, Yoojin-gun.”

Han Yoojin’s hand lifted and Sung Hyunje felt the skill wash over him. And then he tapped it. Just a little. The effect was immediate. Han Yoojin fell over as blood dribbled from the side of his mouth. Sung Hyunje widened his eyes in surprise and quickly caught Han Yoojin before he fell over.

When Han Yoojin looked up, he bit out, “You said you’d accept it, Hyunje-ssi.”

“... I didn’t realize how weak you were, Yoojin-gun.” He slid off his red coat and placed it over Han Yoojin’s shoulder. “Here. Wear this. I worry about you.”

Han Yoojin wiped his mouth in disgruntlement before he looked down to the SS-rank gear that was placed on him. He then muttered, I want to steal it and stash it in my Inventory. Sung Hyunje wondered if making Yoojin-gun’s his was truly that easy. Bribes? Did he need to bribe him?

Han Yoojin puffed up in anger as Han Yoohyun worried over him. Han Yoohyun then glared at Sung Hyunje as Han Yoojin drank another mana potion. Even now, Han Yoojin wasn’t afraid. He tried his skill out again, and this time Sung Hyunje accepted it with no fuss. Han Yoojin looked thankful for a moment, then squashed it down once he remembered that it was Sung Hyunje who didn’t accept it in the first place.

As the plan began, Sung Hyunje commented, “You look good in red, Yoojin-gun.”

Kim Sunghan shot off from the bow. The arrow attack did nothing to the Barbar’s skin, but that was expected. Park Yerim then moved forward. Her symphony of ice skills was focused in one place.

Han Yoojin had his eyes closed, but he turned to Sung Hyunje. His head tilted so that it was almost leaning against Sung Hyunje’s head. The S-class moved so that Han Yoojin rested on him.

“Shut up,” was all Han Yoojin said, his cheek squished. He looked and sounded nauseous even with his eyes closed. “I need to not… not talk to you.”

“Are you feeling well?”

Park Yerim backed off, making room for Han Yoohyun to use his skills next. Fierce flames enveloped the monster’s neck, defrosting the ice and causing a small reaction from the monster.

“I’m acting as a filter for the rest of you. It’s… It is a lot.”

Sung Hyunje silently watched the scene as he tugged Han Yoojin closer. Han Yoojin didn’t even comment about it, so Sung Hyunje knew that it was serious. It concerned him but the idea of working as a team was enticing. With dungeons getting harder to defeat, working together easier would be the best way to go forward.

He watched as Han Yoohyun left the Barbar to allow Moon Hyuna and Peace to launch the attack. Moon Hyuna had fire-resistant gear on but it wasn’t enough against SS-rank flames. Her arms began to burn, but she accepted the pain in order to create a large gash in the giant toad’s neck instead.

As Sung Hyunje got into place, he heard Han Yoojin say, “I’m activating the bracelet. I’ll receive no damage for the next 10 minutes, so don’t hold back.”

Han Yoojin’s arm tugged tighter on Sung Hyunje before a new skill washed over him.

Sung Hyunje didn’t have time to wonder what the new skill was— he could feel the effects of it. Double the power was what Han Yoojin caused with his added skill. Sung Hyunje activated his [Seekers Chains]. They flew like arrows down into the spot that the others had created as a weakness. Lightning bolts poured down, causing the chains to be the perfect lightning rods.

As the electric currents ran through the giant toad, Sung Hyunje continued to feed it through. The monster had reacted a bit after Moon Hyuna and Peace, but now it seemed to know that it was truly under attack. But the Barbar noticed it too late. With a loud scream, the Barbar twisted its body before it keeled over.

Sung Hyunje stopped using his skill once the struggle was over. He didn’t want it to end, partially. He floated down to the ground slowly. He was in awe. He turned to tell Han Yoojin that he bowed down to his skills, his power, but was stopped when he saw Han Yoojin’s eyes flutter. It was like he couldn’t keep his eyes open.

“Yoojin-gun…?”

Han Yoojin’s head tilted side-to-side. He managed to say, “Don’t you dare… don’t you dare fight while I rest my eyes for a minute.”

Then he slumped over. Han Yoojin’s body was entirely limp and loose, allowing his irritated look to disappear. His skin was pale and almost sickly to the touch. Sung Hyunje kept hold of Han him tighter, not realizing that Han Yoojin was supporting himself so much.

He didn’t want to let go. Sung Hyunje landed on the ground and was proud of defeating an SS-rank monster, but that didn’t compare to the future possibilities. If a person could double his attack power—

Kim Sunghan appeared. He ran quickly with the stats of an S-rank instead of an A-rank. Sung Hyunje supposed that was another checkmark for Han Yoojin’s powerful skills. Making S-classes, raising mounts, doubling attack power, and making it possible to operate as a team…

“Sesung Guild Leader, is Yoojin-ssi alright?” demanded Kim Sunghan. He had a clear expression of worry.

“Naturally, he is fine,” said Sung Hyunje.

Han Yoojin was limp in his arms but he was not harmed. If he had to guess, Han Yoojin used too many skills. The bracelet around his wrist was also cracked, revealing that the 10 minutes of zero damage had ended. But Sung Hyunje could still feel the double power buff coursing through his veins. The team skill ended when Han Yoojin passed out, but the other skill didn’t. If Han Yoojin’s skills were item effects, it would have been a lot easier for Sung Hyunje.

He noticed that the others had gathered around. Park Yerim and Han Yoohyun looked embarrassed. They had high-fived earlier in excitement, so now they were pretending that such a thing didn’t happen. Because they were ignoring one another, it also led them to not notice the problem close by.

But Peace’s eyes glowed, sensing that something was wrong. They stood with a hidden snarl. Moon Hyuna also had her spear out with a ticked-off look about her.

Sung Hyunje lifted his chin and murmured, “Looks like I’ll have to obey my Yoojin-gun.”

He sighed as he gave Han Yoojin to Kim Sunghan, who quickly stepped back from the S-class. Han Yoohyun’s deadliness spiked and a part of the man that Sung Hyunje was more accustomed to came to light. A sword aimed at his head was stopped by chains. When Sung Hyunje looked up, he saw the gleam in Han Yoohyun’s eyes.

“You shouldn’t look like that, young master. I don’t want any harm to come to Yoojin-gun or those he cares for. He wouldn’t forgive me, you see.”

Han Yoohyun spiked his flames, not uttering a word.

Sung Hyunje commented, “You chose to ambush me as soon as your brother was safe. I don’t even have my gear on.”

Han Yoohyun wrestled back his hand. A ball of dark flames lit up. Sung Hyunje smiled as he swirled the chains around to block off Han Yoohyun’s attack.

But before they could clash, a wall of ice appeared. Han Yoohyun and Sung Hyunje both stepped back in opposite directions before the ice could spread to them.

Park Yerim floated in the sky with her S-class spear aimed at them. She announced, “Enough already! Ahjussi’s safety matters more than your squabbles, does it not?”

As Park Yerim floated down with a huff, Moon Hyuna added as she pointed at them, “Calm down, Sung Hyunje. The kid’s nearly half your age. And you, young master, take hyung-nim to safety yourself instead of making your subordinate do it.”

Kim Sunghan murmured, “I don’t mind this.” Han Yoojin was laid over his shoulder like a sack.

Han Yoohyun looked to the sky for strength, then put his weapon away in his Inventory. In exchange, he pulled out a jacket that he slid on. Sung Hyunje wondered if it had a special type of resistance.

Han Yoohyun stated, “Stay away from my hyung.”

Sung Hyunje replied, “I’m not sure if I can do that. We’ve become so close. We’re rekindling what was lost, I believe.”

Han Yoohyun’s glare seemed worse than it did earlier. Without his Hunter’s Aura backing him, the threat of death loomed. Sung Hyunje merely smiled as he slid on some gloves. He would need to be business-acceptable. He was also wondering what gift to give Yoojin-gun once he woke up. Flowers?

Most of the resources from the dungeon were picked up by Park Yerim, so there was no need to get a group’s guild members in here to scour for any potential money. Instead, he’d have to go back to his guild’s headquarters and check in with the unhatched dragon progress that Kang Soyoung has pestered him about.

As he watched Moon Hyuna, Kim Sunghan, and Han Yoohyun discuss something concerning Han Yoojin, Sung Hyunje heard a few loud steps coming his way.

Park Yerim was presented in front of him. She looked angry, annoyed, and pissed off. It was strange to see it. She was normally kind-looking, though that could be the effect that Han Yoojin had on her. Han Yoohyun was the same— lying about his true personality, which concerned Hunter's business.

“You’re such an asshole!” said Park Yerim, her finger pointed at him. Maybe the feeling of no fear ran in the family. “One minute, you’re flirting with ahjussi, and the next, you’re threatening all of our lives. I don’t get it! You should stay away from ahjussi from now on. I don’t like how you look at him.”

Sung Hyunje took his eyes off of Han Yoojin’s form, and glanced to Park Yerim. She gritted her teeth in anger. She was the perfect little bodyguard for Han Yoojin. He needed someone to be loyal to him just as much as he was loyal to her. It was nice to finally see the loyalty being returned. He saw it first in Yoo Myungwoo, and now in Park Yerim. They were willing to lay down threats in the name of Han Yoojin.

Perhaps…

“If your ahjussi has a problem with the way I look at him, he can tell me so on our date.”

Park Yerim’s anger dwindled in a single moment. Her face slacked in surprise. She gulped out, “Your date…?”

“Mm-hmm,” confirmed Sung Hyunje. He then put his glover finger to his chin and asked, “Do you think he’ll prefer hydrangeas again, or will roses do?”

“I… I don’t…” Park Yerim’s life flashed in her eyes. “You and ahjussi…” Her head tilted, then she announced, “That makes so much more fucking sense now. Holy fuck. No wonder ahjussi’s brother is always so angry at you while also trusting that you’ll protect ahjussi.”

Sung Hyunje smiled, tight-lipped. He admitted, “The young master doesn’t know.”

Park Yerim flinched. “He doesn’t…? Surely, he knows. I thought it was one-sided, but it’s obvious that there is something. Han Yoohyun isn’t that oblivious, is he?”

She turned to see that Kim Sunghan and Han Yoohyun were discussing something away from Moon Hyuna, who was now watching over Han Yoojin. Kim Sunghan was reporting something about the gate while Han Yoohyun nodded.

Park Yerim then blurted, “It’s just denial, isn’t it?”

Sung Hyunje shrugged. “Who knows?”

“Well, I’m not going to tell him. I don’t have a death wish.”

Sung Hyunje concurred, “I’m also not going to tell him.” Yet.

“I…” She looked at him, her gaze full of judgment. “I don’t get what ahjussi sees in you but… be good to him. If you’re not, I’ll find a way to kill you. Ahjussi would probably look down at it but I would have Han Yoohyun’s support. And ahjussi would give in to me eventually, ‘cause I’m his kid, and he likes his kids the most.”

Sung Hyunje couldn’t refute that.

They exited the dungeon, and Han Yoojin was taken to the Haeyun Guild to recover. Sung Hyunje waved as the Haeyun group left. The paperwork would be horrid to fill out. He exchanged a glance with Moon Hyuna before she sped off in his sports car. He sighed and wondered if this was what he wanted from life.

It wasn’t long after that news that Peace and Han Yoohyun entered a dungeon alone came to light. Sung Hyunje watched the news report in slight glee. With Han Yoohyun, there was no one able to block him from visiting Han Yoojin. He started to walk to the rooftop garden to pick some of the freshest flowers when he was stopped by Kang Soyoung.

“Guild leader!” She seemed excited as she informed him, “The attack on the dungeon was successful! I got a baby dragon from the nest!”

“I’ll inform Han Yoojin when I visit him,” said Sung Hyunje, appeased.

Kang Soyoung hopped up and down in place. Her eyes shone with a vigor that Sung Hyunje hadn’t been met with in a while. She seemed so happy at the idea of using her skill [Dragon Rider] for the first time. It was still a ways off, but she was getting closer.

When Sung Hyunje visited the Haeyun Guild, he was met with a tired Kim Sunghan and Suk Simyung. They didn’t even try to stop him. Smart. At least someone around Haeyun had a brain that wasn’t solely focused on a single entity.

Before he entered the private room where Han Yoojin resided, he heard Han Yoojin mutter, “Han Yoohyun, that son of a bitch.”

Park Yerim replied, “If my guild leader is a son of a bitch, doesn’t that mean that ahjussi is also, since you’re his hyung. Or are you, uh, the aforementioned…”

Sung Hyunje peeked his head into the room. Park Yerim fanned herself, then waved her hand in front of Han Yoojin. It seemed he was upset that Han Yoohyun and Peace entered a high-class dungeon alone and unsupervised.

Park Yerim assured, “I’ve said it several times already, but there won’t be much trouble or any at all. I watched him take two gatestones, ahjussi, so if they really can’t keep up with it, they’ll come back out.”

It was silent for a few moments, before Han Yoojin gritted out, “Han Yoohyun, he’s a crazy bastard.”

“Ahjussi!” Park Yerim positioned her hands to go up and down. “Deep breaths, ahjussi. Do it with me. In, and out—”

Han Yoojin hacked out a cough, then met Park Yerim’s gaze. He murmured, “Just go to school, kid. You can’t keep dropping from class. Getting an education is important— don’t be like Yoohyun-ie.” His gaze was shadowed. “I’m gonna kill him,” declared Han Yoojin. “Why would he enter an S-rank dungeon alone?”

Park Yerim held her hands behind her back. “Ahjussi…”

Sung Hyunje flung the door open. The noise caused both Park Yerim and Han Yoojin to jump in place. Park Yerim recovered the quickest, activating her Inventory to take out her spear. With the weapon pointed at him, he simply raised a hand. Only one of them, as his gift was in the other.

“Sesung guild leader-nim,” greeted Han Yoojin tiredly.

“Yoojin-gun, I heard about the young master.”

He strode in like he didn’t overhear anything. Sung Hyunje noted that Park Yerim had put away her weapon, and now looked like she wanted to run. Park Yerim’s eyes went back and forth between Sung Hyunje and Han Yoojin.

Sung Hyunje deposited a shopping bag onto Han Yoojin’s lap. He explained, “I've always found that sweet things are good when you’re stressed.”

Park Yerim looked at them one final moment, then said, “I was not here, do you understand? I know nothing about you two.” As she skipped away in a rush, Sung Hyunje looked at the door. It closed with a small thump.

Sung Hyunje turned back to Han Yoojin. He seemed confused. “Why did she leave?”

Sung Hyunje offered up his thoughts. “She may not want to listen to us discuss where we will have our next date.”

Han Yoojin leveled a look at him. “Hyunje-ssi.”

“I was thinking of not going out, but rather having one of my private chefs cook for us. You seemed to like the rooftop garden last time. If you want, Peace and Chirpie could be there as well.”

Han Yoojin tilted his head, and a darkness was over his face for a moment. His fingers clutched the sheet of his bed, then his grip loosened.

With resolve and fondness in his eyes, he said, “That sounds nice.”

Sung Hyunje’s heart skipped a beat. He half-thought that Han Yoojin would turn him down. He reached into the bag of sweets he got and offered one to Han Yoojin. The F-ranker shook his head. Sung Hyunje shrugged and undid one of the treats for himself. As he sank into the chair, he saw Han Yoojin’s slightly surprised look.

“I’m here to keep you company,” explained Sung Hyunje.

“You don’t have to do that. Guild leaders are busy people.”

“I find that I can make plenty of time for Yoojin-gun.”

“Hyunje-ssi should attend to his duties since so many people are relying on him."

When Han Yoohyun and Peace returned from the dungeon, he was greeted by Han Yoojin. His brother checked and festered over them. Han Yoohyun smiled as Han Yoojin yelled at reporters to allow Kim Sunghan to drive them back to the guild. Peace instantly turned into their juvenile form and leaped in Han Yoojin’s arms.

It’s a couple of hours later when things hit the fan.

Han Yoojin was asleep on the couch. Chirpie lay in his hair, tweeting small cheeps in a sleepy pattern. Peace snuggled against Han Yoojin’s thigh, resting after a long battle in the dungeon. Han Yoohyun himself was tired, but he was basking in the peaceful daze. Kim Sunghan ran off early with a guilty look, but Han Yoohyun didn’t mind it.

It was then that Han Yoohyun’s phone buzzed with a message. He unlocked his phone to be presented with a series of pictures.

The first picture was of Han Yoojin with a bruised throat with a comment that said it was Song Taewon. The second picture was of an unfamiliar blond, Noah Rugir, being detained and a link to a report that discussed how the S-class had injured multiple Hunters, Han Yoojin included. The third picture was of Sung Hyunje kissing Han Yoojin’s cheek while seated at a table layered with an abundance of food and wine. That last picture had a winky face attached.

Han Yoohyun released his Aura without meaning to. Han Yoojin blinked into awareness a few moments later due to Chirpie and Peace waking up with unamused expressions.

“Hyung,” said Han Yoohyun, his phone screen turned to Han Yoojin, “what is this?”

Han Yoojin blinked the sleepiness from his eyes, quickly becoming alert. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“Then please, tell me what it is, hyung.”

“W— well, you see, Hyunje-ssi was an ex of mine, and we recently, uh, decided to try it out again.”

The phone was crushed instantly in Han Yoohyun’s grip. “Since when did you have exes?” He was aghast, having heard none of this before. He had people checking out his brother to make sure he was safe. They never mentioned any relationships.

“Oh, uh, I knew Hyunje-ssi before the whole… dungeon thing.”

“...”

“Hah… You look really upset, Yoohyun-ah. Why don’t I make us some tea, yeah?” Han Yoojin stood up and clapped his hands together. “Tea is calming, right? I’ll also check if Myungwoo-ssi has any treats left, and maybe I’ll call Yerim-ie up to tell her about it, too… Will Sunghan-ssi want to know? It’s not that important. It’s…”

Han Yoojin shook his head. He pointed his finger at his dongsaeng and said, “This is normal, Yoohyun-ah. I shouldn’t have to explain myself to you. I am a grown man!”

Han Yoohyun thoroughly disagreed.