---
"Enough of this."
Grandfather said, his voice cutting through the room like a command.
He turned toward me, expression softening slightly.
"Hanseong. We're leaving. Up."
My legs moved on automatically.
"Sir..." Yuri began carefully.
Grandfather didn't even spare her a glance. His authority was so absolute her words died instantly in her throat.
I had barely taken two steps when a shadow blocked my path.
Lee Taehyun stood between me and my grandfather, tall and imposing.
The temperature in the vault dropped several degrees.
"No."
Taehyun's answer was cold and direct.
"Move, Taehyun," Grandfather said, voice low with warning.
Taehyun didn't move.
"He's not leaving with you."
'Says who?!'
[Says your boyfriend.]
'He's not my boyfriend!'
[Yet.]
'What?!'
"Umm… Taehyun-ssi," I tried weakly.
Nothing.
The two men remained locked in a silent, deadly death stare.
I swallowed hard and reached out, tapping Taehyun's shoulder.
He went completely still. His mismatched eyes slowly shifted to me.
I pointed weakly toward the exit.
"I would actually like to leave…"
[Remarkable. Host has learned to verbally express his desires.]
'Oh, go to hell.'
Something unreadable flickered across Taehyun's face before vanishing. After a long, pause, he finally stepped aside.
Grandfather's expression softened as he looked at me.
"Come here, Hanseong. Let's get you out of those ridiculous pajamas."
I practically ran into his arms.
[Understandable. Host has been through a lot.]
Yuri closed her eyes and let out a long, relieved sigh.
Good.
No one had died tonight.
Grandfather wrapped an arm around my shoulder. He didn't say another word.
He steered me toward the exit.
He didn't look back. Neither did I.
The titanium doors slammed shut behind us. Grandfather's aides swarmed, forming a protective perimeter.
"The helicopter is ready sir"
"Good"
We rode the elevator in silence. I stared at my reflection through the polished steel surface.
'I look horrible'
[I agree.]
'Of course you do.'
The elevator chimed open and cold air hit my face.
A black military-grade helicopter sat on the landing pad, rotors already spinning.
Grandfather guided me toward it, one hand firm on my back.
"Get in, Hanseong."
I climbed inside, ducking under the blades.
Grandfather settled beside me as the helicopter lifted off.
Seoul spread out beneath us, a galaxy of lights.
"Are you hurt?" He asked as soon as we were in the air.
I shook my head then his gaze landed on the faint bruise on my neck. His expression darkened by ten shades.
"Did that psychopath lay his hands on you?"
'Good lord'
[Oh yes he did sir.]
The helicopter felt small all of a sudden.
"...It was a misunderstanding" I said weakly.
Grandfather's expression did not change.
"He was mentally unstable" I tried
[Why is host defending Esper Taehyun?]
'Right! Why am I?!'
[I wish I was in love~]
'And I wish you'd SHUT UP!'
"Hanseong"
I flinched.
"You're getting reassigned to another Esper"
"N-no"
[What?]
'What is wrong with me?!'
Grandfather exhaled sharply.
"It wasn't a question."
"I don't want to get reassigned..."
Grandfather raised his eyebrows, his light brown eyes boring into mine.
"Why?"
I pressed my lips together.
I thought of the other S-class espers in the original story.
Kai. Cold, indifferent, would probably freeze me solid for talking back.
Tae-sun. Literally a necromancer. His idea of 'bonding' probably involved corpses.
Hae-rin. Definitely hates my guts.
And Moonho...
No. Not him. Never him.
At least Taehyun was familiar. Predictable. He strangled me, yes, but he also brought me breakfast.
[Good choice host.]
"I just prefer Taehyun grandpa."
"That doesn't change my decision."
[DING!]
[Quest Initiated! Maintain your status as Esper Lee Taehyun's sole guide for 30 days, despite external interference (government, grandfather, other espers.)]
[Reward: Legendary grade skill:???]
[Penalty: Deletion.]
[Good luck S-Class guide. You'll need it.]
'Well, fuck me.'
---