Chapter 32 (Continued)

 

She remembered something Woo-jin had said.

 

─ ‘Other than a friend coming over in the past, no one.’

 

No one had visited recently.

 

At least, it seemed to be a fact for Woo-jin.

 

Baek-seo recalled the white porridge from the day Woo-jin had the flu, not knowing who made it. Who could have prepared that and left it behind?

 

Especially in a residential area with many security robots, without Woo-jin noticing…?

 

Baek-seo operated her smartphone, deploying personal security drones she had prepared nearby to Woo-jin’s address. It was possible because she had obtained approval from the local security team.

 

“For now, I guess I’ll stay with Woo-jin….”

 

She murmured to herself.

 

It seemed best to stay by his side until she was sure of his safety.

 

Living with Woo-jin would be ideal, but that was obviously not feasible.

 

Aside from seeking his permission, she didn’t want to intrude on his privacy.

 

“So then….”

 

She might need to dip into her savings soon.

 

Eventually, Woo-jin came out of the shower, changed, and entered the living room.

 

“Baek-seo.”

 

Then.

 

“Want to watch a movie?”

 

“?”

 

An unexpected suggestion came from Woo-jin.

 

A short while later, with all the lights turned off, the two sat side by side on the sofa, covered with a blanket. Woo-jin started the movie.

 

“What movie is it?”

 

“A superhero movie. Have you seen it?”

 

“I haven’t seen this one. Let’s watch it.”

 

Though it was a sudden situation, Baek-seo realized that Woo-jin was trying to be considerate and remained quietly appreciative.

 

The TV started playing a superhero movie, a relic of the old human culture.

 

A genius inventor in an iron suit flying through the sky, a man in tights with spider-like abilities, a blue-suited man with a shield—various heroes fighting evil villains with their skills.

 

Although it was an old movie made before the mystical power of ‘magic’ appeared in the world, the city in the movie was not much different from present-day Neo Seoul.

 

According to history, humanity’s culture and technology regressed while billions perished. Thus, it made sense that the environment now was similar to the past.

 

Woo-jin was engrossed in the movie. Oddly, his eyes reflected a sense of nostalgia. Baek-seo preferred watching Woo-jin’s expressions over the movie itself.

 

“Ah.”

 

Woo-jin suddenly gasped.

 

“What is it?”

 

“I forgot something important.”

 

Woo-jin brought over a large container of snacks and drinks, and they began sharing them.

 

“……”

 

Snuggled under a warm blanket, watching the movie together, Baek-seo felt a deep sense of contentment despite maintaining a state of vigilance.

 

Baek-seo subtly rubbed her forehead.
Her hand tremors had subsided, and the unwanted thoughts had faded. This improvement was likely due to the penalty of her unique ability, Wun-sa, easing over time, but the recovery speed was surprisingly quick.

 

As the movie approached its climax, Woo-jin’s eyes started drooping, his head nodding. He hadn’t fully recovered from his fatigue and was struggling to stay awake.

 

Baek-seo pretended not to notice and kept watching the movie silently.

 

“Baek-seo.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

Sensing he was about to fall asleep, Woo-jin spoke in a subdued voice.

 

“Recently, I set up new security drones. If anyone intrudes, an alarm will go off. So… I can escape if things get bad. Don’t worry too much.”

 

He was trying to reassure Baek-seo.

 

“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

Baek-seo responded with a gentle smile.

 

When the movie ended and the credits started rolling, Baek-seo turned her head. Woo-jin was fast asleep, his head resting against the sofa.

 

“…Careless, Leader. What if someone attacks you?”

 

Baek-seo whispered playfully in a very soft voice.

 

She stood up, contemplating whether to lay him down, then carefully placed his head on her shoulder.

 

Ignoring her racing heart, she leaned her head against his.

 

Baek-seo closed her eyes slowly.

 

“You know everything….”

 

She said softly.

 

“Pretending not to know.”

 

They had already sensed each other’s feelings.

 

Considering everything they had shown each other, it wasn’t hard to guess.

 

However, Baek-seo was perceptive.

 

She had long realized Woo-jin was carrying significant burdens as the Disciplinary Committee Leader.

 

She didn’t know exactly what those burdens were, but she knew Woo-jin had no time to be distracted. She respected his dedication to his role.

 

Thus, Baek-seo had already resolved herself.

 

She would silently follow Woo-jin’s path.

 

Gradually integrating herself into his life until the day he could finally set down his burden as the leader, she would naturally reveal her feelings.

 

“…Good night.”

 

Baek-seo whispered, gently placing her hand over Woo-jin’s.

 

***

 

“Oh Baek-seo here. I’ve just moved in next door.”

 

“……?”

 

“Would you like some rice cakes for the housewarming?”

 

A new neighbor had suddenly appeared.