HLSEBT - 92

Chapter 92: Each One’s Circumstances - Part 1

She looked like a capable lobbyist who could sell anything for an exorbitant price.

It seemed she could even pass off a random pebble from the street as a rare mineral and sell it. Furthermore, if she simply stood there holding a found rock and staring at it, people around her might pester her incessantly.

“If you have something good, sell it to me too.”

“Where did you buy that suit?”

Cheon Geonyoung’s question carried the subtle nuance of someone coveting her attire.

“This? I bought several suits at the department store after the Gate opened. It was a good decision to stock up.”

“Did you choose them alone?”

She paused briefly before flicking some dust off her jacket’s sleeve and answering.

“No. I don’t have such refined taste.”

She seemed aware of how she appeared. Cheon Geonyoung was curious about who had helped her pick the outfit but decided against asking. Too many faces of people eager to buy her new clothes kept popping into his mind.

Come to think of it, there were quite a few.

“You look great in it.”

“That’s why everyone’s clamoring to dress me.”

“Is it uncomfortable, so you don’t wear it?”

“Field gear isn’t exactly comfortable either.”

“Then why?”

“It’s a waste. A single drop of blood, and it’s straight to the trash.”

Yoon Taeha had already undone three buttons at her neck. Her prominent collarbone peeked out every time she moved.

“I’m not frugal by nature, but I can’t just wear something like this once and throw it away.”

She awkwardly wrapped her hand around her neck for a moment before lowering it again. Today, as always, a ring adorned her right index finger.

But there was nothing around her neck. Come to think of it, he had never seen Yoon Taeha wearing a necklace. With her long, elegant neck, it would suit her well.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear a necklace. Do you dislike them?”

“Not at all.”

Yoon Taeha set down her tablet and stared directly at his neck, as though she knew he’d been glancing at it. Feeling self-conscious, Cheon Geonyoung lightly tapped the tip of her swaying hair with his finger.

Her laughter in response to his playful gesture was far more relaxed than he’d imagined. His attempt to change the mood had failed, and he suddenly felt much thirstier than before.

“Your tie is pretty.”

Yoon Taeha said it as casually as one might comment on a flower in a garden.

Today’s tie was his favorite shade of blue—the same one he’d worn to his ARC interview. She didn’t seem to recognize it; her gaze was indifferent as it passed over him.

“If you can do things like this, you’d naturally avoid wearing necklaces.”

Her cryptic remark followed.

He sent her a questioning glance, expecting an explanation. Instead, she lightly waved her ringed finger like a conductor’s baton. The tightly knotted tie unraveled effortlessly, slipping off his neck without resistance.

“See how easily it comes undone?”

Unconsciously, Cheon Geonyoung took a deep breath. She reached out and grasped one end of the loosened tie.

The tie slid slowly off his neck.

The sensation of it brushing against his shirt was vivid, as though someone were deliberately running their hand down his chest. His well-toned body tensed involuntarily.

Just before the tie completely slipped away, her teasing fingers let go without hesitation. “Nice fabric,” she remarked, as if critiquing its material. Cheon Geonyoung shot her a sharp glare.

Yoon Taeha straightened herself. He adjusted the other side of the tie to restore balance.

“The reverse is possible too, though I can’t make fancy knots.”

He let out a short, hollow laugh.

Finally, the tension melted from his rigid frame. Like the aftermath of an electric current, every sensation felt heightened.

“That’s why I don’t pay much attention to people wearing ties, necklaces, or scarves.”

She gazed pensively at students running around without properly tying their ties.

“Not everyone who uses telekinesis knows how to do this, so don’t worry. I’m the only one who noticed.”

“Did you think about this during your interview?”

“I had to calculate how to react if attacked.”

At that moment, a student sprinting through the lobby collided with another carrying a mountain of books. The books tumbled everywhere. “My books!” But no sooner had they hit the ground than they magically returned to their owner’s arms as if time had reversed. “...Books?” The bewildered student watched, wide-eyed, as Yoon Taeha flashed a mischievous grin.

Without missing a beat, she turned to him and asked:

“Should I apologize? Don’t you have a hidden ace up your sleeve too?”

Her tone implied she already knew the answer. Since he didn’t deny it, Cheon Geonyoung shrugged lightly, signaling it wasn’t necessary. She wore an expression that said she expected as much.

“By the way… I agreed to something during the last interview.”

In the meantime, he had retied his tie neatly.

“So you’re saying you passed the interview because you wore a proper tie. Quite a humble reason.”

“One of the reasons, at least.”

As class time approached, Yoon Taeha stood up and lightly tapped the thick knot of his tie with her finger. He exaggeratedly staggered backward. Though she knew it was playful, she still grabbed his arm instinctively. Through the smooth fabric, she could feel the warmth of her palm.

“Those who’ve fought me know this trick. That’s why they don’t wear anything around their necks.”

“Because word got around?”

“Because my reputation precedes me.”

Her whispery voice carried a honeyed sweetness. Could it be that her infamy leaned toward the seductive side?

“One of two possibilities: Either someone willing to risk death to approach me, or someone from a faction that hasn’t faced me in a life-or-death battle.”

Her eyes curved beautifully.

“Which one are you? You can choose multiple answers.”

He didn’t respond, and she didn’t press him either. Her gaze remained deep and tranquil as she looked down at him.

During his time at school, Cheon Geonyoung’s hair had grown slightly longer. She brushed his now-slightly-too-long bangs aside with a teasing touch.

He didn’t want to close his eyes and miss whatever expression crossed her face.

“Why does your hair feel so soft?”

“We use the same shampoo.”

She made it sound like catching clouds.

“My hair doesn’t turn out like that. Maybe it’s because yours is short.”

After checking her watch, Yoon Taeha left abruptly, even taking the empty cup he’d finished drinking from, leaving him truly alone.

All that remained were water droplets on the desk, resembling traces of a cold beverage, and his tousled hair in the windless room.

As Cheon Geonyoung stared at the empty seat beside him, he pushed his increasingly unruly bangs back.

But the more he tried to fix them, the messier they became.

•

The principal made full use of Yoon Taeha.

Requests came not only for Esper classes but also Guide lectures. Summoned to the auditorium, Yoon Taeha scanned the interior upon arrival. Having arrived early, students were scattered sparsely across the seats.

The teacher preparing the lecture on stage greeted her warmly upon spotting her. Striding over, he bowed respectfully.

“My name is Han Eun-seok. Thank you so much for coming.”

A few students recognized her and quickly began fiddling with their phones.

“You must be busy with your own classes, yet you still accepted our request. Everyone’s deeply moved.”

“It’s fine. The content overlaps anyway.”

“My special lecture isn’t particularly popular, but today it looks like it’ll be packed.”

Yoon Taeha felt a pang of guilt as she spoke.

“As I mentioned in the email, I haven’t maintained a smooth relationship with Guides, so I’m not sure how helpful I’ll be.”

“Don’t worry. No one will think that way.”

“Really?”

Han Eun-seok showed her materials for today’s dungeon discussion. After reviewing them, she sat at the edge of the front row for an easy exit when introduced.

Students gradually filled the seats. Han Eun-seok, suddenly feeling nervous, excused himself to buy water.

In the meantime, someone plopped down next to her. Recognizing the person, Yoon Taeha smiled warmly.

“Are you lecturing now?”

“They say you ranked first in the evaluation battle?”

Woo Joo-han pouted playfully.

“Everything will be redone anyway. What does being first matter?”

“Speak casually.”

“But you’re a teacher right now.”

“Not officially.”

His gaze lingered momentarily on her black jacket and sky-blue shirt.

“You look like someone here to devour the school whole.”

“Who comes to school with such intentions?”

Ignoring her comment, he turned around, quickly scanning the students’ faces before turning back.

“The auditorium will be packed today.”

Soon, Han Eun-seok returned with water. He signaled Woo Joo-han to return to his seat. Stubbornly staying put, Woo Joo-han said:

“The transfer student from Class G was apparently a dispatched agent. Turns out she’s allied with the transfer student from Class T.”

“Allied.” The word resonated pleasantly. Unconsciously, Yoon Taeha smiled faintly.

“Everyone’s curious. Absolutely buzzing.”

“Tell them it’s nothing special. Just a cranky Esper.”

“Seriously? Who would believe that?”

Class time was approaching. After receiving a second stern glance from Han Eun-seok, Woo Joo-han scowled but didn’t seem intent on resisting further.

“I’ve decided on the company I want a recommendation letter for.”

“Where? High salary or good benefits?”

“Where else? Your company.”

She had expected as much. Yoon Taeha nodded.

“A safe choice.”

He hesitated briefly, as if debating whether to say what he was thinking. She extended her palm, signaling he should speak freely. Urged forward, he blurted:

“If we meet there, promise you’ll tell me your name.”

Woo Joo-han’s voice trembled, as though making a dangerously bold statement. Biting his lip as if regretting the words, he disappeared into the rows behind him.