"Hyung."
"...Yeah?"
As Sihyun's expression turned serious, Haru, feeling like he might have done something wrong, cautiously responded. Sihyun's mind started racing at his reaction.
Ban Haru.
What an extraordinary name. In a place like Inso drama, having 'Ban' as a surname is definitely not something ordinary. Just look at Ban Hwi-hyeol. Doesn't that name seem like it could rank first nationwide, or even globally? On the other hand, Ban Haru...
It sounded like the name of a male lead. Not just any male lead, but one with an intriguing backstory. A male lead you'd expect to see in a melodrama. Now that Sihyun thought about it, Haru mentioned earlier about being sick for a year... Sihyun's mind raced to that point and he grabbed Haru's shoulders urgently.
"Is there somewhere hurting?"
"Huh, what?"
"Do you have a chronic illness or heart condition? Are your organs not in good shape? Are you planning to donate them because you're sick and waiting for a donor?"
"......?"
Haru was taken aback by the sudden barrage of questions, but Sihyun wasn't done.
"Or are you planning to donate your organs later? Will you sacrifice yourself if someone you care about is in a life-threatening situation? Will you even give your eyes? You haven’t done that already, right? That's why you’re covering your forehead...?"
"N-no, it's not like that..."
"Really?"
"Yeah..."
Despite not knowing much, Haru, seeing how serious Sihyun looked, nervously fidgeted with his fingers. Seeing Haru's reaction, Sihyun, now feeling like he might have gone too far with the excitement over Ban Haru’s name, quickly apologized.
"Sorry. I got too excited."
"Oh, no, it's fine."
"Anyway, you don't have plans to donate organs or receive donations?"
"No..."
"Then where does it hurt?"
Ah... Haru fell silent at the continuation of the questions. He slightly parted his red lips and then closed them again, clearly indicating his reluctance to answer.
Tic-toc, Haru scratched his nails with his hand. To Sihyun, it seemed like a sign of anxiety.
"Don't want to answer?"
"......"
Haru remained silent. A firm refusal.
Tic-toc, continuously scratching his nails and biting his lips, Haru's behavior made Sihyun feel like he'd intruded into someone's personal crisis. Sihyun reached out to stop Haru's actions. Only then did the intermittent sound stop.
Silence lingered for a while. It wasn't heavy, nor was it light. It was an ambiguous silence. Sihyun, looking into Haru's unseen eyes within that ambiguous silence, sighed and slowly withdrew his hand, which had been covering Haru's.
It wasn’t just a matter of low self-esteem; it felt like he had gone through something significant...
Sihyun was curious about what kind of life Haru had lived, but he knew asking would probably lead to no answer.
He seemed innocent enough to follow if promised candy, but was it really just that, or was he heavily guarded?
Sihyun, contemplating Haru, ran his fingers through his neat hair. Despite the tousled appearance due to his fingers, Haru didn’t say a word.
"I just wanted to be cautious. Not to burden you."
"......"
"But still, as partners, if you don't tell me where it hurts, it feels odd. You don't have to say it’s necessary, but it'd be good to know how and where it hurts, so please tell me when you feel okay."
"Anytime is okay." Calmly and reassuringly, Haru, who had been silent, finally spoke.
"...Are you mad?"
"Huh?"
The questioning tone became louder. Sihyun didn't know how he appeared in Haru's eyes, but he was used to enduring. Enduring till his insides felt swollen was something Sihyun was incredibly familiar with. Besides, he wasn’t naturally prone to anger.
"I'm not mad."
"...Really?"
"Yes, really. So, lift your head. It's weird if I'm saying this when you're the older one."
In a playful attempt to lighten the subdued mood, I let out a teasing remark, hoping to elicit a laugh, but a voice chimed in, "If anyone saw this, they'd think I'm tormenting my older brother. What if people misunderstand and think I'm the one hitting my brother?"
As the atmosphere settled, there was an underlying tone of recognition in those words. Yep, you're definitely not that kind of kid... I chuckled softly without even realizing it. It felt like I should be carrying something that triggered both a sense of unease and a protective instinct.
Six months of carrying that weight, perhaps it was time to improve his stumbling speech, that habit of tilting his head down at the slightest provocation, and to teach him how to speak with confidence.
Sihyun, who had been scratching his chin, finally lifted his head, casting a glance at me. A question surfaced in his mind as he looked at Haru, and it was something that needed addressing.
"Hyung, by any chance, do you know someone named Ban Hwi-hyeol?"
"Hmm?"
"Ban Hwi-hyeol."
"......"
"It's okay not to know, hyung. Just because you worry about it doesn't mean you'll suddenly know someone you didn't know before."
"Ah... yeah...."
He could've just said he didn't know. Instead, I nodded slowly, hearing Sihyun's acknowledging reply amidst his inner turmoil, which seemed to be furiously trying to figure it out.
That was probably enough for now. I wasn't sure what was bothering him, but at least it didn't seem like a heart condition, and there were no plans for organ donation. He also mentioned no intention of donating organs, so he should be fine for the time being.
"Oh, by the way, is there anything you're curious about regarding me?"
"…Yeah."
As much as I wanted to answer within the limits of what I could disclose, he simply nodded quietly without further probing. Sihyun glanced at the silver pairing device in my hand. Suddenly, Lee Hamin's voice echoed in my mind.
"What class are you?"
"......"
Sihyun's gaze turned towards Haru. He seemed hesitant to ask before; I wondered if he felt uncomfortable asking now.
Just as a line drawn across what seemed like a smooth path in my life by the Supreme King, Haru could also be a figure of great significance like that. Sihyun, who had mulled over this fact, concluded that it might be better to ask directly rather than peering through the pairing device.
"Hyung, earlier you mentioned something about classes."
"Ah...."
"What class are you? Can you tell me?"
"Well, that's..."
Haru hesitated for a moment, then bowed his head deeply. It hadn't been even 10 minutes since we met, yet Haru bowing down felt oddly familiar. The difference was, this time, it seemed he bowed not out of discomfort but out of embarrassment.
Although I thought it might be a mistake, seeing a faint blush on the back of his neck confirmed my thoughts, and after a brief moment, in a timid voice, he revealed his class.
"…Assassin."
"What did you say?"
When I asked again because the words were faint and unclear, Haru raised his head, fidgeted, and then averted his gaze from Sihyun. He resembled a boy about to confess his feelings, feeling awkward.
"…Assassin."
"……"
Though Haru bravely disclosed his class again, he shyly covered his mouth afterward. Watching this embarrassed youth, Sihyun, with a look of sympathy, gazed at him.
Um... amidst your obvious shyness, I must say, perhaps let's not talk about that kind of class so timidly.
...
“Oh, what's up with that?”
This is so much fun! I'm really into this!
With a hearty chuckle echoing in the quiet auditorium after Sihyun left, Haewoon slapped Geonu on the shoulder, alone in the echoing silence. Geonu, who had been smiling as if about to collapse while patting his shoulder, glanced casually at the thunderously calm Hamin, then shifted his gaze meaningfully towards Seowoo, who was smiling mischievously.
"I never expected this..."
Seowoo sighed dramatically, observing Sihyun and Haru standing conspicuously by the transparent auditorium doors. Sihyun, engaged in a lively conversation while leaving me behind, appeared amusing to Seowoo. It was already the second time.
"He was smiling like that just a while ago."
Even when they lightly smiled at each other when announcing their partnership, they continued to do so after they left together. It was a different sight from the one where he seemed reserved and uncomfortable, trying to distance himself and act indifferent. Seowoo, amused by that sight, turned her gaze toward the seemingly serious Hamin.
Hamin, quietly and eerily staring at the transparent door, let out a sigh, pursed his lips, and then slipped his hand into his pocket after checking his vibrating phone. The screen on the phone that emerged from his jacket displayed an incoming call.
[Hyung (Brother)]
Hamin's eyes darkened at the name displayed on his phone. Clutching the phone tightly, his hand's veins bulged noticeably.
Buzz, buzz...
Without answering the call but looking down at his phone screen instead, Hamin felt a sense of urgency emanating from the black phone. Despite ignoring it several times, the phone persisted in its buzzing. Realizing that it would probably call back if ignored further, Hamin sighed and walked towards the entrance, leaving behind a chilly atmosphere.
Sneaking a glance at the auditorium and then at his phone, Hamin reluctantly moved his fingers slowly over the screen. As he pushed the call button and brought the phone to his ear, the atmosphere around Hamin became heavy.
"Hello."
[Hamin.]
"Why did you take so long to answer the phone?" The voice, sounding tender, made his lips tremble. It felt like the voice was squeezing his throat.
"Did the entrance ceremony go well?"
Asking about everyday things in a gentle tone, the voice that imitated a kind and caring older brother made Hamin close his eyes, swallowing a sense of dread. It was eerie and unsettling. Hamin knew better than anyone that this person wasn't someone who would call to ask about his well-being.
"Just tell me what you want."
[A new class has been released.]
"...?"
"Did you find a partner?"
I knew this would happen. Feeling a headache come on from the moment he found out about Sihyun's class, Hamin pressed his temple with his thumb and index finger.
What if I confess I didn’t get the new class and didn’t partner up?
The image of an ominous and disapproving gaze flashed in his mind. Imagining it alone made it hard to breathe, and Hamin reluctantly glanced at Haewoon inside the auditorium before speaking.
"I partnered with a Buffer."
[What about the new class?]
The inquiry returned as expected. Frustrated, Hamin loosened his tie around his constricted throat.
"We don't know what class will come out. Why, disappointed that your little brother didn’t gamble and mess things up?"
Exaggerating his voice deliberately, he immersed himself more than ever in the role of the impudent younger brother. Beyond the phone, there was a brief silence.
[Hamin.]
"...?"
A moment later, upon hearing the voice, Hamin slowly swallowed his breath, feeling his heart thump.
"If you were going to act, you shouldn't have shown your hand."
"...?"
The older brother pointing out his immaturity made Hamin's expression harden. No matter how much I struggle, I'm ultimately in my brother's palm. Realizing this fact was disgustingly revolting.
As he racked his brain to find a way out of the interrogation and reprimand, a sigh seeped through the phone, feeling like a reprimand saying, "What should I do with you?"
[If that's how you are, then I guess that's it. Buffers aren't a bad combination. Still, where’s your Dual-Class?]
If you missed the new class and didn't even get a Dual-Class, how disappointed would Father be? The calm and composed voice, with its relaxed and soothing low pitch, pressed down on Hamin like a giant hand. The countless syllables circling in his ears felt like nooses around his neck. It felt like he might suffocate any moment.
"Your father was very pleased to hear the news about becoming an S-Class."
"..."
"I'll be expecting great things from you."
With those words, the call ended. The abruptness of the call being cut off after delivering the message made Hamin nervously mess up his hair as if tempted to impulsively throw his phone.
It was suffocating. Even after loosening his tie to breathe, it was still suffocating, and even as he took deep breaths to try to inhale air, it remained relentlessly suffocating. Frustrated by the suffocating sensation, Hamin frowned, lowering his hand from his neck. His trembling hand, gripped tightly, made his wrist tremble. It felt like even if his blunt nails dug into his palm, it wouldn’t be strange.
"Hyuk, right?"
Trying to find solace through deep breathing, Seowoo, who had been checking on Hamin's condition outside the auditorium, spoke softly and cautiously. Not wanting to respond, Hamin furrowed his brow, and in that silence, Seowoo, interpreting on her own, patted his shoulder lightly.
"Feeling bad, huh."
"If you're going to pity me, just go away."
"Is it because of what Sihyun missed?"
As the words slipped out naturally, Seowoo only made her own statement without waiting for a response. At Seowoo's attitude, Hamin's expression twisted. Suddenly, something crossed his mind, and with narrowed eyes, he looked at Seowoo. Unlikely, but if it were the person right in front of me, it was entirely possible.
"Did you really anticipate it?"
"Somewhat."
"Did that guy leak information?"
"Hasn't he?"
Sihyun was the one who chose, but if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have acted this way. Ultimately, we both ended up in a dog-chasing-tail situation. Who could've guessed Sihyun would pick someone else?
I was quite confident Sihyun would choose me.
Though my words sounded regretful, laughter bubbled in my voice. I seemed intrigued by someone intriguing. Now, with Sihyun's temperament turning whimsical, Seowoo, who smiled as if in a good mood, shifted her gaze toward the school gates. Thinking of someone who might have walked away with steady steps, a sense of joy filled me.
"Is he really that special?"
Today was the first time Hamin laid eyes on Sihyun. Seowoo probably shared the same experience. Yet, despite that, there was a strange obsession with Sihyun. Looking at Seowoo with a question brewing, Hamin raised an eyebrow, and she, in response, narrowed her eyes slightly, as if to say, 'You've noticed now?'
"It's intriguing."
"Where, exactly?"
Apart from his class, Sihyun wasn't someone particularly exceptional. Sure, he was a bit handsome, but that was it. If being handsome was intriguing, then it should have been the brown-haired girl who stood beside me during the class announcement. Sharing my thoughts, Seowoo, smiling as if finding it amusing, lazily closed her eyes.
"I don't feel like saying."
"What?"
"I want to keep him to myself."
You know I'm quite possessive.
She retorted playfully, then gently laughed and rested her hand on Hamin's shoulder.
"While you sought after his class, I'm interested in him as a person."
"...."
"So, I hope from now on, you only seek after his class, Hamin."
Don’t bother taking an interest in people in general.
Seowoo gently smiled, as if to say, "That's enough," as she put some weight on her hand resting on Hamin's shoulder before retracting it and gracefully walking towards the auditorium.
"Stop it and let's go to Haewoon. If it weren't for Sihyun, you'd only have Haewoon as a partner. If we don't hurry, Haewoon might get irritated again and try to partner with Geonu."
Just a moment ago, she seemed to be threatening, and now she was worrying about their situation again. Hamin sighed at the utterly uncontrollable attitude and swallowed a sigh of resignation.
Despite knowing each other for three years, defining Yuseoowoo was difficult for Hamin. It was far easier to read the inner thoughts of Geonu, who always walked around expressionless.
"What do you think about him?"
"Who? Ah... Sihyun's partner?"
"Yeah."
Without needing to explicitly say it, Seowoo, who could deduce things on her own, slipped the phone Hamin had been holding into her pocket. Hesitatingly pondering, Seowoo shrugged her shoulders once and pushed the closed doors of the auditorium.
"Sihyun made the choice, so we just have to let it be, right? What can we do about it?"
"I thought you'd do something."
"The partner has already been decided. I'm just..."
"Just?"
As Hamin was about to finish speaking but hesitated, curious about Seowoo's blurred words, she glanced at him and lifted the corners of her mouth, speaking almost like singing.
"I just need to focus on making Sihyun look good in my eyes."
Embarrassed, Hamin covered his mouth as if to stop something he heard by accident. Seowoo, finding his reaction amusing, patted Hamin's back cheerfully and entered the auditorium.
Can't believe she's trying to catch a person. As they left the hall after their conversation, there was Haewoon, upset as usual. Hamin and Seowoo had to make a tremendous effort to placate him, thinking, 'Did he really get upset because we were talking?'