– Soobin Hyung said that the families of the Revenger victims have been asking him to pass on some messages to Seo Chaeyoon. Especially the foreign hunters, they've been contacting him nonstop. No, actually, the entire Seokyoung guild is in a state of emergency right now. They're on the verge of disconnecting the phone lines. It's not just the families; journalists and even regular civilians are bombarding them with calls.
Yoon Seo felt a sense of pity. Things would only get more chaotic from now on, especially once news of the Great Dungeon got out…
– By the way, when are you coming back to work?
"I'm planning to start next Wednesday."
– Oh, so you'll be there for the dungeon briefing too? Are they still pushing for you to go into the dungeon?"
"I volunteered to go."
Perfect Team 1/2
Next Wednesday at 13:00
Briefing Attendance Required
This was also the message Yoon Seo received.
That afternoon, the World Hunter Alliance was scheduled to officially announce the occurrence of the Great Dungeon, but Perfect would get the information a few hours earlier.
Yoon Seo had also decided to attend, mainly to keep an eye on Yoo Juncheol, who might pressure the Perfect team members into participating in the dungeon raid. Yoon Seo still didn't trust Seokyoung.
– Are you sure you're okay? Wouldn't it be better to deal with your healing resistance first?
"They said Seokyoung is trying to make a potion for it."
– I really hope they manage to make it. Watching you fight would make me so anxious, but at the same time, I really want to see it. My feelings are complicated.
"…Then, I'll see you on Wednesday."
– Wait! Wait, hyung.
Soo Jaehee urgently stopped Yoon Seo, who was about to hang up.
– If you're free, how about meeting up tomorrow? With Soobin hyung too.
"Let's just meet on Wednesday."
– Hyuung…
Yoon Seo's cold refusal made Soo Jaehee sound like he was about to cry.
– I'm so sad. Right after clearing an S-rank Yellow Dungeon, I have to immediately go deal with an S-rank overflow. Because of that, I haven't even been able to visit you in the hospital. I really wonder what's the point of living like this. I heard Jihan hyung was with you the whole time? Sigh, I'm not jealous or anything since you and Jihan hyung have such a special bond.
"'Special bond'? What do you mean?"
– Well… you and Jihan hyung, you know, you two even do that together. But don't worry, I haven't told anyone. Not Soobin hyung or Hong hyung. This is just between us. I'm good at keeping promises.
'Do that together'? What on earth is he talking about? As Yoon Seo went over his memories, it occurred to him that Soo Jaehee might have overheard about him sparring with Kwon Jihan.
"Oh, if you mean that, it's been called off."
– What?
"We both agreed not to do it."
– Oh… I see…
For some reason, Soo Jaehee seemed extremely flustered.
– You two seemed to be getting along so well… What happened to lead to such a disaster… Ah, never mind. It's your story, so you don't have to tell me…
A disaster? Yoon Seo didn't feel good about it. Why would anyone say that things between Kwon Jihan and him were completely broken? Just because they canceled a duel didn't mean their relationship could be described with such a drastic word.
– I'll keep the fact that things between you and Hyung Jihan have turned for the worse to myself. No one will ever know how irreversibly shattered things have become.
Yoon Seo's eyebrow twitched.
"It's not that bad."
– Sure, sure. Even though you've completely cut ties, I'll pretend it's not true.
"It's really not bad. We're even having dinner together tomorrow."
– What? Just the two of you…?
"Yes."
– I see. The adult world is truly unfathomable… A relationship shattered beyond repair, yet you two still have to have dinner together….
This brat really knows how to push it.
Yoon Seo, feeling slightly offended, replied without realizing it.
"Why don't you join us tomorrow, Hunter Soo Jaehee?"
– Me? Suddenly?
Come. Let's have a meal together.
– Are you asking me because the relationship between you two has completely fallen apart, and you need me there to break the awkwardness?
No. Nothing is broken, there's no awkwardness, and we're perfectly fine, which is why I'm inviting you to come and see it for yourself.
"I just want to see you. I also need to pass on the messages from the Revenger survivors."
Now that he thought about it, he also had a knit sweater to give to Soo Jaehee. Although, given how he felt right now, he wanted to rip it to shreds.
– I get what you mean. You're entrusting me with the heavy responsibility of easing the tense atmosphere between the two of you whose relationship is totally in shambles. I'll try my best to bring things back to life. Can I also invite Soobin hyung? I won't call Hong hyung. Oh, by the way, have you heard from him? He's been walking around looking pale lately, saying he needs to apologize. I've never given him your number.
"He hasn't contacted me. Just invite both of them tomorrow."
– Whoa, can I really invite Hong hyung?
"Yes."
– Yes! I'll do my best to create the perfect vibe between you two who are supposed to have a terrible relationship!
With that, Soo Jaehee cheerfully hung up the phone. He quickly created a group chat with Kwon Jihan and Park Soobin, chattering away about meeting up tomorrow.
Yoon Seo cracked an egg yolk into the butter mixed with sugar. Though his grip on the spatula was tight, he stirred it as gently as possible.
He would show them tomorrow. Just how perfectly fine things were between Kwon Jihan and himself. Words like "broken" or "chaos" would be buried forever.
Both Yoon Seo and Soo Jaehee were gravely mistaken.
***
[Soo Jaehee] Hyungs, Hong hyung and I have already arrived. There are already some people lining up, so we joined them. Take your time coming :D:D:D
[Park Soobin] You're early. I'll be there in about 10 minutes ^^
[Soo Jaehee] Hong hyung rushed us, saying we shouldn't be late—
[Soo Jaehee] Can I add Hong hyung to the group chat?
[Park Soobin] Does he want to join? You'll have to get permission from Yoon Seo.
The agreed meeting time was 6 a.m., and it was already 5:30 a.m. when the message arrived saying they had already arrived.
Yoon Seo pulled down the blanket covering his neck and replied.
[Yoon Seo] It's fine to invite him. And don't line up yet. Let's all stand in line together once everyone gets there.
[Soo Jaehee] Huh? Why?
[Yoon Seo] If three of us show up late, it'll annoy the people behind us.
[Soo Jaehee] Oh, wow, I didn't think about that.
[Park Soobin] Yoon Seo, you're very considerate.
[Kwon Jihan] Haha, it's because our hyung loves lining up.
Yoon Seo frowned.
[Soo Jaehee] Loves lining up?
[Kwon Jihan] Yeah, he loves waiting in line at popular restaurants.
[Soo Jaehee] Hahaha, what's that about? Who likes that? You're joking, right?
[Kwon Jihan] It's true. It's one of Yoon Seo hyung's hobbies.
[Kwon Jihan] Yoon Seo hyung doesn't go for the food; he goes for the queue.
[Soo Jaehee] Ah… I heard hyung has a lot of hobbies, but…
[Kwon Jihan] Do you know why he said not to line up early? Saying it'll annoy the people behind us is just an excuse. What really bothers him is having his own wait time shortened.
[Soo Jaehee] …Really?
[Park Soobin] I support Yoon Seo. There are many hobbies in this world; they deserve respect.
[Soo Jaehee] ;; Me too, Yoon Seo hyung. I mean… everyone has their own tastes! Haha, fighting!
Should I just cancel this meeting?
He seriously considered it but went ahead and prepared to leave.
He packed the chocolate crack cookies finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, grabbed Riceball, and got into the car. After entering the address of the restaurant into the navigation system, he reclined his seat. He intended to sleep for at least 10 minutes.
"Sticky Rice, I'm going to take a nap."
"I'll dim the lights. Has Riceball not woken up yet?"
"I think they'll in a few days."
"I'm looking forward to it. Sleep well."
"Mm."
***
Yoon Seo arrived right on time. The four of them were already gathered, attracting everyone's attention.
"Don't you think those guys are definitely hunters?"
"Of course. Even with disguise items, they're tall, muscular, and good-looking."
"Should I pretend to make a mistake and knock off that guy's hat?"
"Are you kidding? Do you think a hunter would fall for your surprise attack?"
"I'm pretty nimble, you know. Seriously."
People in line whispered as they glanced at the four handsome men standing near the restaurant. One wearing a hat, two with glasses, and one with a mask — each of them having something covering their faces was like announcing, "I'm a disguised hunter."
"Hey, could one of them be Seo Chaeyoon?"
"Don't be ridiculous. And keep it down, will you? They might hear us."
"You think they can hear us even at this volume?"
"Of course, they can."
Yoon Seo walked past the chatting civilians and headed towards his group.
The group was in conversation, primarily led by Soo Jaehee and Hong Euiyoon, with Park Soobin reacting kindly and Kwon Jihan listening with a disinterested expression.
Yoon Seo's gaze lingered on Kwon Jihan for a while. He was really wearing the ivory-colored knit that Yoon Seo had given him. In the middle of summer, no less. There were no stains of sujeonggwa on it; it was impeccably clean.
The moment Kwon Jihan felt his gaze, he immediately turned his head to look at Yoon Seo. His indifferent expression changed in an instant. His gray eyes softened, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly.
Yoon Seo resisted the urge to let his own lips curl up and approached them.
"Oh, Yoon Seo."
Park Soobin smiled warmly. Although Kwon Jihan had noticed Yoon Seo first, it was Park Soobin who greeted him first. Soon after, Soo Jaehee approached, all excited.
"Hyung, hyung, hyung! Long time no see! I really missed you. How are you feeling? Is your body better?"
"Yes, I've completely recovered."
"That's a relief. I was really worried."
The five of them, having finished their greetings, immediately joined the line at the famous restaurant. There were already about fifty people in front of them. Civilians who had come for a tasty meal continued to glance at the disguised hunters (who they were sure were hunters). They were desperate to overhear even a snippet of their conversation. However, despite the proximity, none of the five's voices reached the civilians. This was thanks to an item Park Soobin had brought along, designed to prevent non-awakened, magic-less people from hearing their conversation. Because of this, the group was able to converse freely.
"Hyung, Hong hyung has something to say."
Soo Jaehee said, nudging Hong Euiyoon, who was hesitating beside him.