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I called it bad luck.
G.N.A.S called it.
[Coincidence, Host.]
Coincidence?
Two assassins break into my room. They fail.
The assassins conveniently die before they can reveal who hired them. Isn't that a little suspicious?
The black sedan hit a bump and I stared out the window. The city blurred as we passed.
[Yes, Host.]
'That somehow makes me feel worse.'
[Host is becoming paranoid.]
'I nearly got murdered Yesterday.'
[Fair point.]
I rubbed my temples. Beside me, Grandfather suddenly squeezed my knee.
I hadn't realized I was shaking.
"We'll find out who did it, Hanseong" He reassured me softly, but that only made my heart thump faster.
'How? The assassins are freaking dead'
[There there host]
'That's not helping'
I looked down at my uniform. White with pale pink accents.
My name was embroidered neatly over my chest.
Beneath it was my old classification.
A-Class Guide.
Once upon a time, that title would've made me one of the most valuable guides in Korea.
Guides were already rare. A-Class Guides were practically celebrities.
S-Class?
I didn't even know what S-Class meant yet. Nobody did.
Because I was the first. And I nearly got killed because of it yesterday.
[Congratulations, Host.]
'I hate you.'
The black sedan slowed to a stop.
I looked up. A massive silver tower stretched into the clouds.
The symbol of the Korean Guides Association gleamed across the front.
One of grandfather's aides popped the door open.
'Here we go'
We stepped into the building.
Same marble floors. Same towering glass walls. Same polished elevator doors.
The last time I was here, I was wearing oversized silk pajamas, clinging to Taehyun's arm, barefoot and mortified.
[It was funny. ]
My eye twitched 'Funny?'
Several guides in sharp suits and customized uniforms like mine moved through the lobby.
A woman approached us and bowed politely. Grandfather nodded, and I followed suit.
"Right this way, Mr. Jung."
The elevator ride was silent. When the doors opened on the upper floors, we stepped into a completely different world.
My stomach churned. Something told me my life was about to get a lot more complicated.
[I agree]
'Shut up.'
A long conference table made of dark polished wood was placed in the middle of the room. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting gentle light across the room., the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city.
It felt more like a high-end lounge than a government building.
[Quite impressive]
'Don't'
Grandfather took a seat at the head of the table. One of his aides leaned in immediately, whispering something into his ear.
Grandfather's expression remained calm, but his eyes darkened slightly.
"Hanseong-ahh" before I could react, someone launched himself at me.
His arms wrapped around my shoulders. I nearly lost my balance.
A familiar head of bright blue hair came into view.
"Si-un?" I blinked
He hugged me tighter.
Familiar traumatic memories suddenly came flashing through my mind.
Baek Si-un.
Personal guide A-Class to Esper Kai the third S-Class Esper in South Korea. And the original Hanseong's longtime bully. Sharp-tongued, overly competitive, and always looking for ways to make my life miserable.
I slapped his hands away and adjusted my collar "Si-un..."
[Looks like host is aura farming. ]
'Shut up!'
Si-un looked quite surprised but quickly hid it under his usual 'polite and nice' smile. He bowed politely toward Grandfather.
The he turned his attention back to me and clasped his hands together, looking all cute and innocent in his customized guide uniform.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"I heard Director Yuri called you in for a special meeting, "he said sweetly. "And since I'm assigned to Esper Kai, who was also summoned… well, here I am."
He smiled brightly.
'What the hell? He's not even supposed to be in this meeting.'
[Don't ask me. How would I know?]
Si-un tilted his head, studying me.
"You seem a little different, stalker."
My eye twitched at the familiar stupid nickname. Stalker.
[Well, original Hanseong was a stalker to Lee—]
[Sorry bad timing]
I was about the respond but the doors opened again. Kim Yuri walked in calmly, her heels clicking against the polished floor.
"President Jung." She bowed respectfully toward Grandfather.
Then her gaze landed on me. "Thank you for coming, Guide Jung Hanseong-ssi. The President will arrive shortly."
Si-un stood there, looking confused. "Director Kim, what do you mean by the President?"
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