This is a Foul

It had already been a week since the Rank S dungeon in Australia was cleared. By now, the public’s feverish interest in Kim Se-hyun should have rightfully cooled down.

Click-click-click-click-click!

“…….”

Whether he was aware of the ever-growing spotlight or not, Kim Se-hyun was busy as usual, relentlessly pressing the shutter button by my side and hell-bent on emptying the office pantry every day.

“Ha-neul Hyung, what kind of clothes are you wearing to work tomorrow?”

“I’m not sure.”

I wasn’t the type to decide my outfit in advance, so it was difficult to answer. I added that I’d probably only know once I got home, and he nodded.

“You know that brown cardigan you wore last time? Wear that tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

It wouldn’t be hard since it was already washed, but I didn’t understand why he was picking out that specific piece of clothing.

“Anyway, just wear it tomorrow, okay?”

Usually, Kim Se-hyun would provide all sorts of long-winded explanations, but today he just repeated the request. Just then, I felt my phone vibrate and turned my gaze.

“Who is it?”

“…I don’t know.”

There shouldn’t be anyone calling me at this hour. I assumed it was a telemarketing call for a loan or insurance. Thinking lightly of it, I checked the screen—and jumped out of my seat at the unexpected name and number.

“Hmm?”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ll be right back after taking this call!”

“Hyung, I’m coming too.”

I didn’t know why he wanted to tag along for a phone call. The phone continued to buzz, demanding attention. I shook my head.

“I’m sorry. It’s a call from someone I haven’t heard from in a long time.”

Judging by the caller, it wasn’t a conversation that would be problematic if overheard. It would likely just be a standard greeting. Still, taking a personal call in front of others felt embarrassing.

“…….”

Perhaps he didn’t expect to be rejected; Kim Se-hyun’s eyes grew round. But only for a moment. I was taken aback by the dissatisfaction written all over his face, but I turned away at the Team Leader’s word.

“Go ahead.”

“Yes, sir!”

Kim Se-hyun’s expression weighed on my mind, but the call—which could cut off at any second—was the priority. Once permitted, I hurried out of the office toward the elevator and answered.

— Hard to get a hold of you, huh?

The familiar voice heard as soon as I pressed ‘accept’ was a welcome sound. I let out a soft laugh, switched the phone to my other hand, and replied.

“I’m at work. Anyway, why are you calling from this number?”

He had vowed not to use a phone during his military service, so calling like this was practically a foul. Well, I was happy to hear from him, though.

— I got reward leave.

I assumed he had just smuggled a phone into the barracks; I didn’t expect him to be out on leave. I asked hurriedly.

“When?”

— I came out the day before yesterday.

“I thought you just snuck your phone in.”

— I’m planning to do that once I hit Corporal.

“Haha.”

That’s so Gi-seok.

When I reached the rooftop garden, it was unusually empty. I took a seat on a bench near the entrance.

— I heard you joined the Hunter Department.

“Something like that.”

— …Hearing you on the phone, I guess you’re still alive.

“Everyone treats me well here.”

When I was first assigned to the Hunter Department, I thought my life was over. After all, the public image of the department was akin to hell itself. Known for having the highest mortality rate in the line of duty, it was a natural assumption.

Of course, it was still a dangerous department. However, since I wasn’t a hunter and only performed administrative support, I was quite far from any real danger.

I chattered about how good the people were and how much I liked my life here. I laughed along with the laughter coming through the receiver.

— I’m glad you met good people.

“Yeah.”

— Everyone in the Hunter Department must be a hunter. Is it okay for you to be there?

“Don’t look down on office workers.”

I didn’t know civilians could be part of the Hunter Department until I was assigned here myself. Gi-seok burst into laughter at my remark.

— Anyway, your ‘Big Brother’ is out on leave. Nothing for me?

“Come to my place. Let’s have a drink.”

Drinking at a bar was fine, but I preferred pouring drinks comfortably at home. He liked that too.

— Sounds good. Passcode is the same?

“Are you planning to go there first?”

— My parents were happy the first day I got home, but now they’re giving me looks to go out. It’s a sorrowful life.

“Aha.”

— Depending on how things go, I might stay at your place for a bit longer.

“Make yourself at home.”

I wouldn’t let just anyone stay, but for Gi-seok, it was no problem at all. I agreed without hesitation. He said he’d buy the soju and told me to buy snacks and meat on my way home; I nodded even though he couldn’t see me.

“Got it. See you later.”

— Buy pork belly or five-layered pork!

“Sure.”

It was a wonder he never got tired of eating those specific cuts. After finishing the short but pleasant call, I returned to the office.

“That must have been a nice call. Your face brightened up.”

“Ah, yes. A friend in the military called.”

“In that case, you definitely have to take it.”

“Haha.”

The team members agreed that calls from the military were a must-answer. I laughed, but then locked eyes with Kim Se-hyun, who looked visibly displeased.

“Se-hyun?”

“…Is it an important person?”

“Well, he’s an old friend.”

Gi-seok and I went way back. I had other friends I messaged occasionally, but none I connected with as well as him. I nodded with a grin.

“Hyung.”

Kim Se-hyun, who had been keeping his mouth shut, called me in a somewhat irritable voice. I answered immediately.

“Yes.”

“Make me a cup of coffee.”

“I will.”

Making coffee was nothing. In fact, since I had nothing else to do, I was glad to be helpful. I made the coffee, handed it to him, and then asked the rest of the team.

“Does anyone else want coffee?”

“Here.”

“Me!”

“I’ll have one too.”

“Me too.”

“I’ll have Job’s Tears tea, please.”

Everyone raised their hands. I prepared the drinks, handed them out, and finally returned to my seat with three cups of coffee.

“Here, have this too.”

“…Is this for me?”

Kim Se-hyun, who had been staring at the coffee cups in silence, pointed at the two paper cups and asked. He couldn’t hide his surprised expression. I nodded and added:

“Yes. You drink your coffee really fast, Se-hyun.”

“…I’ll enjoy it, Ha-neul Hyung.”

He had seemed in a bad mood when he asked for the coffee, but now that trace was completely gone. Between the slightly upturned corners of his mouth and his squinting eyes, anyone could tell he was happy. I felt relieved that his mood had improved, but that relief was short-lived. The clicking sound started before I could even sit down, filling me with embarrassment.

“Is it because the person who made the coffee is cute? Even the coffee is cute.”

“…….”

I envied his confidence to say such cringeworthy things so nonchalantly. I was embarrassed by his courage to personify objects.

My ears felt hot, but I didn’t want to acknowledge it. Trying my best to ignore it, I focused on my work until the end of the day, attempting not to be swayed by Kim Se-hyun’s constant chattering.

“Deputy Team Leader.”

“Yes, Ha-neul.”

“I’ll get off here today.”

“Alright.”

I said goodbye to the Deputy Team Leader as he pulled over and stepped out of the car.

“…….”

It was near my house, but it felt like a while since I’d walked home. Once the Deputy Team Leader’s car disappeared from view, I pulled out my phone.

“…Let’s see.”

Since I was buying meat to eat with Gi-seok, I figured I’d buy some household supplies that had run out as well. After finishing my digital shopping list, I headed straight to the mart.

After buying a mountain of groceries and necessities, my wallet couldn’t be lighter. But my heart felt heavy in a good way. The weight of the bags in my hands was significant as I walked, but it didn’t feel burdensome.

“Hmm, hmm.”

Meeting an old friend was great, but the thought of someone waiting for me at home was even better. My pace quickened. Soon, I turned into the alleyway where my house came into view.

Looking toward the house, I saw someone leaning against the wall. A small smile crept onto my face.

It was dusk, so I couldn’t clearly distinguish the figure, but I knew who it was without being told. Gripping the bags tighter, I walked forward. Hearing the rustle of the bags, the figure leaning against the wall straightened up.

“Yeon Ha-neul!”

I knew it was him. The voice I’d heard on the phone earlier rang out clearly. I paused as he stepped under the streetlight, then spoke.

“You really look like Shin-chan.”

I wondered if anyone could look more like Shin-chan. Now I knew why he told me not to come to his enlistment day. As I snickered, he took the heavy bags from my hands and grumbled. I finally laughed out loud.

“Seriously! I told you not to say that!”

“If you look like Shin-chan, what else should I call you?”

“…Fine, fine. What did I expect?”

Gi-seok shook his head and let out a deep sigh. I said in a voice full of laughter:

“Let’s just eat meat. Maybe your head will turn round then.”

“Wow, Yeon Ha-neul. Look at that mouth of yours running wild.”

“Haha.”

He was the only person I could exchange such jokes with. I was laughing so hard I was hiccuping, but when he cleared his throat and met my eyes, I tilted my head.

“I should. Anyway….”

“What is it?”

I didn’t know why he was looking at me so intently. I waited in silence to see what he’d say, but then he—holding the bags in both hands—stretched his arms out wide into a ‘T’ shape. I fell silent.

“What are you doing?”

I didn’t know how to describe this feeling. It was fluttering, yet also a bit aching. Many emotions flashed by. Because of that specific action.

“…….”

I didn’t expect him to mimic the gesture my parents always made when I came home. Amidst the joy and happiness, an unexpected lump formed in my throat. I swallowed hard to suppress the emotion and approached him while he grumbled in an embarrassed voice.

“Hey, this is pretty heavy. Let’s do this quick and go in.”

“…Yeah.”

Giving someone such an emotional moment like this was a foul.

As I hugged Gi-seok, he looked like he was about to wrap his arms around my back, but instead, he let them dangle and rested his chin on my shoulder. I let out a chuckle at the sight.

Or rather, I tried to laugh.

Roll-roll-clatter—

“Hmm?”

I heard something rolling nearby. Maintaining my position with my hands on his waist, I pulled back slightly to scan the surroundings—and locked eyes with an unexpected figure.

“…Se-hyun?”

The person I locked eyes with was none other than Kim Se-hyun.