"That's all for today, good work everyone."
"Good work!"
"Ugh…"
"Ah…"
Following the energetic greetings were sounds that hardly seemed human. The first came from Jinhyuk, and the second from Inhyuk.
Among the four Muam guild members, it seemed the Cha brothers were particularly low on stamina, as Bandal and Yeonju were merely catching their breaths, while the two who moaned ended up sprawled on the floor like melted jelly. The pitiable sight bore no trace of their initial vigor, eliciting a sympathetic gaze from Sihyun.
As he contemplated whether to splash them with water, Yeonju approached to inquire about the next day's schedule.
"Will we be doing the same tomorrow?"
"We'll split it between morning and afternoon, so it won't be like today. Tomorrow will be less strenuous. We need to manage our condition too."
"Then, what time should we come here…?"
"Uh…"
While they were deep in conversation, Jinhyuk, who had been lying down, suddenly raised his hand. His expression betrayed a hint of anxiety.
"If it's going to be less strenuous than today, how many hours will we be training…?"
He trailed off, prompting Sihyun to ponder briefly before responding.
"Four hours in the morning, five in the afternoon. And about two hours at night for individual training, not team battles."
"…"
"Jinhyuk?"
Finding it odd that there was no response after he asked, Sihyun called his name, making the man flinch and shift his gaze towards Yeonju, with a somewhat pleading look.
"Team leader? Now that I think about it, isn't it a bit strange that Sihyun, being the youngest, is leading the training?"
"Now that you mention it, he is quite young."
"Is that a problem?"
"No issue at all. It's just surprising and a bit embarrassing. We've been a burden to someone younger."
He extended his hand again in apology. It seemed the hours of training together had changed him somewhat. Appreciating his more polite apology, Sihyun thought, 'People really do need to be pushed,' as he shook his hand.
"What's past is past. Looking forward to working together."
"Us too. Anything else you'd like to say, Jinhyuk?"
"No, that's all."
Jinhyuk, who had previously shown some minor complaints, now clammed up, seemingly subdued by his respect for Yeonju.
Well, she was the team leader.
Considering their alphabetical order, Team A must be quite skilled. Being the leader of such a team within Muam certainly warranted respect. It appeared Jinhyuk was also a member of Team A.
It would have been nice if they showed just as much respect towards him.
With a sigh of regret, Sihyun saw off the departing Muam guild members. Jinhyuk and Inhyuk were each being led away by Bandal and Yeonju, a silent scene. It wasn't until the door closed and the lock clicked that Seowoo and Hamin slumped down.
"Almost died trying to look cool."
Hamin threw his sword aside, sitting down and massaging his legs. Sihyun glanced between him and Seowoo, then chuckled lightly.
"You guys too?"
"You too?"
"Yeah."
Sihyun joined them, sitting down as a throbbing pain emanated from his feet. Seowoo came over, took off Sihyun's shoes, and started massaging from his ankles. The boy's brows furrowed slightly as he felt around the area near the shinbone.
"It seems a bit swollen."
"I twisted it a bit earlier."
"You should have said something."
"It's embarrassing."
Pretending to be fine in front of the Muam guild members, acting as if this level of training was routine, he couldn't just back out admitting he was hurt. They had looked down on them, so he didn't want to give them any reason to justify their views or criticize him internally.
They must have felt the same, hence why they followed through the grueling training without complaints, a testament to their pride.
Meanwhile, Haru, who genuinely seemed to have stamina left, rushed to get an ice pack as soon as he mentioned his ankle twist. The ice pack was placed over the swollen ankle.
"…Ouch."
"Is it too cold?"
Sihyun flinched from the cold, prompting Haru to look at him worriedly. Sihyun nodded to show he was okay, then shifted slightly to find a more comfortable position.
"Thanks, Hyung."
"Are you okay?"
"It's nothing serious. A bit of healing and it'll be fine."
If not for the drained mana, he could use a healing skill to recover in a few minutes. Haru seemed embarrassed for not considering that, blushing at the explanation.
"Right, there's healing…"
"It's not like I can use
it right away anyway."
He quickly added, seeing the concerned look. Assuring Haru it felt much better with the ice, he thanked him again, making Haru smile faintly. It was then that Seowoo suddenly picked him up.
"Hey, you…!"
Surprised by the sudden lift, Sihyun's eyes widened.
"It's awkward to stay in the training room waiting for mana to recover, especially this late."
"I can walk on my own."
"Patients should keep quiet."
It was rare to be shushed like a patient. Glaring, Sihyun saw the boy avoiding his gaze, asking Hamin to tidy up and Haru to turn off the lights and open the door. Hamin grumbled about not being a servant but silently went about cleaning the room, occasionally glancing at his own feet, clearly concerned.
This was making a fuss over nothing.
It wasn't as if his foot was severed or a ligament torn. It was just a slight sprain and a bit of swelling, yet it was treated as if it were some sort of honor.
"Don't be awkward, just wrap your arms around my neck."
"Would you do it?"
"Yeah."
"…"
"I think I would."
"Okay, yeah…"
"Would you carry me if I got hurt?"
The teasing remark was followed by a soft whisper. It was my fault, my mistake. It wasn't something to say to someone infatuated with him. Frowning, Sihyun grabbed the boy's hair.
"…Hmm, wasn't expecting you to grab there."
"Then put me down."
He retorted sharply, and the boy laughed lowly. Not intending to put him down, Sihyun sighed, and Hamin approached with a dissatisfied expression, extending his arm.
"Why?"
"Looking all weak, can you even carry him properly?"
"I have enough strength for this."
Hamin and Seowoo began bickering. Seowoo's response prompted Hamin to raise an eyebrow, and after the platinum-haired boy smiled, a predictable scene ensued. They weren't fighting over anything but who would carry him, leaving Sihyun bemused. Seeing Haru's indecisive look, Sihyun reached out to him.
"Huh?"
"Hyung seems the best option."
"…Ah."
"If it's too hard, we can wait a bit longer to heal and then go."
"No, I'll carry you."
The boy then firmly grasped him, literally lifting Sihyun out of Seowoo's arms and into his own. It was meant to stop the fight, not actually to be carried, surprising Sihyun. He had worried Haru might be too frail to carry him properly, but a near-S-Class had its reasons.
Where did such strength come from in his slender frame?
Had he gained more muscle recently?
Glancing at Haru's stomach, he wondered if the white shirt would reveal anything if it were wet, but the black tee hid everything. Considering if such thoughts were too perverse, Haru adjusted Sihyun's position, asking if he was comfortable.
"Too comfortable. It feels addictively comfy."
"Should I carry you like this normally?"
"No, that's okay."
"Ah…"
Haru sighed as if disappointed. Sihyun found his eagerness endearing and patted Haru's head several times while being carried, reaching for his bangs before hesitating. Haru looked down, their gazes meeting. For the first time, Sihyun couldn't read what was behind those red eyes.
"…You didn't like your bangs touched."
"Yeah, still…"
Haru answered cautiously, offering an awkward smile. Sihyun watched him silently, then nodded and checked behind Haru's back. Hamin and Seowoo looked on as if they had lost a treasure, their faces empty.
Why did they even fight?
Knowing they harbored feelings yet showed concern because he was hurt, Sihyun had been willing to be carried quietly, but they had squandered their chance. He tsked in pity and said nothing more.
***
The training must have been effective. After a week of syncing with Muam, they showed marked improvement in the field, no longer a ragtag team but finally resembling a top domestic guild.
The spectacle of individuals who shone alone now shining together moved Sihyun several times during the battle. His vocal cords ached from coaching them, but it was worth it.
After about two weeks, the change in their reputation within Muam was palpable. They were no longer dismissed as part of that damned Redem Guild leader's whim but recognized as capable Redem Guild members. As respect became familiar, Jaei's team returned from a large-scale rift, allowing them to reunite with last year's second-year Class A members.
Despite over half a year apart, the reunion with Jaei was warm, as he hugged Sihyun and ruffled his hair. His carefree nature remained unchanged
.
Enjoying this new life and continuing to sync with Muam Guild during off times, a knock on the door drew everyone's attention. Leaning against the now-open door, Hahyuk entered their view.
It had been a while.
Since officially starting to assist, there had been no contact with Taekju or Hahyuk. Without a reason to visit or them coming to find him, their paths hadn't crossed.
Observing Hahyuk's healthy complexion, the man straightened up and spoke.
"Practicing well?"
"So-so."
"Good. Shall we start preparing then?"
"Preparing?"
Confused by the sudden mention of preparation, Sihyun blinked, and Hahyuk quietly observed him. The Muam guild members, fearing reprimand, furrowed their brows and slowly approached. Hahyuk's light laughter, half-mixed with air, sounded almost like a hollow laugh.
"Forgot, did you?"
"Huh?"
"Tomorrow."
Tomorrow?
The cryptic statement made Sihyun review his schedule. He counted the days he had been too busy to remember.
"Ah…"
A small exclamation escaped his lips.
It had been a month since training began.
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