"Let's wash up first."There had been too many shocking things, but before anything else, he wanted to wash off the bodily fluids soaking his skin and empty himself out. Then change the sheets and sleep for a while—that would be best."Yes. I'll wash you."Siwoo, now sober, answered in a surprisingly steady tone. Raon looked at him with a moment of suspicion, but he no longer had the strength to move on his own."You're really just washing me.""Yes."Siwoo nodded solemnly and lifted Raon up in his arms. Raon rested his arm over Siwoo's solid shoulder, blinking as his eyelids kept drooping."If you're sleepy, just sleep now.""Mm… then, I’ll leave it to you."Raon didn't refuse and closed his eyes. Soon his whole body relaxed, and he drifted off.***When Raon opened his eyes again, it was still dark all around.Sitting still, he blinked and looked around. Slowly, his eyes adjusted to the darkness. And this place—he knew it. This was the meeting room he used to go in and out of constantly as the Exclusive Guide of Alpha-1 Team.It had been a while, but… why was he here? He had definitely just been…"Mm."Trying to recall something, Raon felt a sharp stab of pain split his head. He hunched forward, suppressing a groan, pressing his fingers hard against his temple.Click."…!"Just then, the door opened and someone walked in. Raon lifted his head—and his eyes widened."Siwoo!"Overcome with relief, Raon stood up at once. He hurried toward Siwoo, whose expression seemed oddly cold."Siwoo, why are we—"Raon reached out to him gently. But his hand froze mid-air, fingers twitching before touching him.[Warning!]"…Warning?"A bright red window floated before his eyes. Familiar—and horrifying.His nape went cold.[‘Villainous Sub-Character’ Han Raon must never approach ‘Sub-Protagonist’ Yoon Siwoo carelessly!٩(๑`^´๑)۶][Actions out of character will result in penalties.]"…"More red windows popped up in rapid succession. Raon stared, speechless.Then indignation rose in him. Why should he be jerked around by this thing again? Even if he acted out the script of the villain Han Raon, the outcome was death anyway. Following its role only led to that same end.But—there had been that one option. If he lived as the villain again just once more and died, he could return to the world he originally came from."…"Raon lowered his gaze to Siwoo. Just like before the regression—cold, distrustful, hostile.He would rather die than return to that time."Get lost!"For the first time, Raon rejected the system’s order on his own will. His rough swing of the arm made the red interface flicker like a broken screen.Raon reached out again and grabbed Siwoo’s wrist."Siwoo, listen to me—!"He didn’t know what the penalty was, but it couldn’t be worse than dying. Raon opened his mouth recklessly."My feelings for you aren’t—"He tried to speak—but no sound came out.Raon froze, pressing a hand to his throat. Nothing. Not a whisper."…!"His vision lurched. It was like being struck in the head with a blunt weapon. His body staggered.No… Siwoo…Siwoo’s face blurred, watching him with wary disbelief. Raon’s lips moved—soundless. So this was the penalty.So he would be silenced like this—kept from ever approaching him again.Raon shut his eyes tight. He didn’t want to think anymore.Tears slipped from his closed eyes.***"Hyung!""—!"Raon jolted awake.This time, Siwoo was leaning over him looking worried. Raon exhaled shakily and blinked."Did you have a nightmare? You’re sweating."A warm hand brushed his forehead gently. Raon steadied his breathing."A nightmare. Yeah… it was just a nightmare."His gaze darted around. No system windows anywhere. It had been a dream. The system was still inactive, just as before. It had to be."It’s okay. It’s over. You’re safe.""Yeah."Siwoo pulled him into his arms, patting his back. Raon rested his ear against Siwoo’s chest. The steady heartbeat gradually soothed him.Yes. The system hadn’t returned yet. He didn’t have to push Siwoo away. For now—he was still free.If I’m going to end up back there anyway…Raon wrapped his arms around Siwoo’s waist.If in the end the system would take everything again—then shouldn’t he take what he could now, while he still could? It was selfish, but he didn’t want to push Siwoo away just because he was afraid.He spoke impulsively:"Let’s live together.""…What?"Siwoo froze. He looked stunned—and didn’t answer right away.Did… he dislike the idea?Raon hadn’t considered the possibility. He assumed Siwoo would accept without hesitation.But Siwoo had once refused guiding when everyone said it was obvious. Maybe he would refuse living together, too.As anxiety tightened his chest, Siwoo finally answered—in a small voice:"Can we really live together?""…Hm?""I thought… you didn’t want to.""Oh."In truth, Guides paired with S-rank Espers were expected to live together, to maintain stable guiding.But since Raon was simultaneously guiding Alpha Team, the Director hadn’t enforced it. And Raon hadn’t brought it up. So Siwoo must have assumed Raon didn’t want it.Raon bit his lip and smiled faintly."Of course I want to. Things were just hectic because of the Gate.""Really?""Yeah."He lied without hesitation, running a hand through Siwoo’s hair. Siwoo, like when drunk, nuzzled into his shoulder."Okay. Let’s live together.""Mm.""I’ll take good care of you."Raon laughed softly. "I’m looking forward to it."Strangely, being held by Siwoo washed away the anxiety clinging to him. His trembling stopped. His breathing settled.Yes. For now—it was okay.He held Siwoo tighter.***When they finally woke up, two whole days had passed. They had spent one full day doing that—and the next day simply sleeping."Eat something.""Yeah…"Morning sunlight poured into the room, but Raon still felt dazed. He lifted the blinds and let the light in before getting up."You made all this?""Just used what we had."At the table, Siwoo had laid out food. Last time, it was sandwiches; this time, it was a full meal: soybean paste stew, white rice, rolled omelet, and several side dishes.Raon’s stomach growled loudly. He swallowed.Western brunch was fine—but Raon had always ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) preferred Korean-style meals. He eyed Siwoo with sincere approval and quickly sat down."This is really good."Raon tasted the stew and blinked in pleasant surprise. Not too salty, clean and savory, exactly his preference.How could he cook so perfectly?Raon watched Siwoo pick up his utensils only after Raon began eating, his expression warm.He’ll definitely be the one who handles the cooking.When they moved in together, the Center would assign a home—cleaning and laundry service included, like Center housing. It was national support for high-grade Espers and Guides.But cooking—Siwoo would likely refuse help there. And Raon wouldn’t stop him. He liked Siwoo’s cooking too much.Then what am I supposed to do…?He couldn’t just sit there and be fed every day. He needed to contribute something.But he was terrible at housework. And his cooking was worse. If he helped, he’d just get in the way.Then… night work?The thought hit him—and he choked on his food, coughing violently.

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