His eyes flickered lightly from side to side. He breathed in deeply, the unique scent that only the sea possessed dispersing at the tip of his nose, finally realizing he had returned to the sea.
It had been half a year.
Since that incident.
A full six months had passed.
The air touching his cheeks felt cold, slightly numbing his nose. Though spring had begun, the chill from the winter was bolstered by the sea's cold embrace.
"Are you okay?"
Kang Haewoon had reassured him earlier, but upon awakening, he seemed worried. Instead of assuring him in return, Kang Sihyun offered a faint smile, his lips curling slightly.
What wasn't okay?
He was fine.
And he needed to be fine.
For this moment, how much had he strived?
Memories of his third Awakening Mark flashed through his mind. The excruciating pain, as if his veins were bursting from overload, became sharply vivid before fading into a faint memory.
After that day, it was a cycle of vomiting blood, practicing, fainting, and practicing again. He had worked tirelessly to overcome just one trauma. It would have been unjust if he weren't okay.
As if to claim the reward for his efforts, Kang Sihyun gazed more persistently at the sea. The setting sun dipped into the sea, its blue waves reflecting a twilight hue.
It was when every person set to sail, including the Muam guild members and the captain supported by the association, had boarded the ship that a choked voice finally emerged from his throat.
"...Came to see."
Upon hearing his voice soaked in sentiment, three children looked at him simultaneously. Kang Sihyun turned his head to the right, meeting Kang Haewoon's eyes.
"It's the winter sea. Well, it's not exactly winter, but it feels similar since it's cold."
The sea breeze felt chilly against his skin, indeed giving off a semblance of winter. He squinted at Kang Haewoon, thankful they hadn't arrived any later. The boy's face flushed a color similar to his eyes.
"Are you really okay?"
"I said I'm fine."
"If you feel like you're going to collapse, just tell me."
"When have I ever done that?"
"I guess you know."
After sharing a moment of emotional reflection, he engaged in light conversation with the children from Class A, who were unusually fussy. Yoo Seowoo, who had brought over a chair, warned him not to overdo it even if he felt okay.
Kang Haewoon and Lee Hamin helped Kang Sihyun to sit down upon their insistence, despite his reluctance. Surrounded by the three boys pushing him from behind, he had no choice but to lean back into the chair.
"...It feels odd just me sitting."
"If we sit too, it'll seem like we're ignoring the guild master."
"You even worry about that?"
"What?"
Kang Sihyun expressed surprise at Yoo Seowoo's words, who had glanced at Hahyuk and Taeju watching them. It was unexpected that Yoo Seowoo considered others' feelings, prompting a chuckle from the boy who ruffled his hair.
"How could you say that, Sihyun? Watching out for you has been my daily routine."
"......"
"Didn't you know?"
His teasing question was followed by a ticklish laugh. Indeed, whenever he turned around, he would find Yoo Seowoo smiling at him, confirming it wasn't a lie.
Lost in thought, the chair creaked. Turning his head, he saw Yoo Seowoo leaning on the chair's backrest, entering his line of sight.
Noticing the chair was not sturdy but made of plastic, Kang Sihyun gently tapped Yoo Seowoo's hand, indicating for him to stand up. Yoo Seowoo, having leaned his chin on his crossed arms in a playful manner, stood up with a small laugh upon being nudged by Kang Sihyun.
"It's disappointing. I've tried so hard to cater to your preferences, Sihyun."
"When have you ever catered to my preferences?"
Lately, it seemed Kang Sihyun was the one accommodating Yoo Seowoo more. While he wouldn't have denied it in the past, the change of year made it an unacceptable claim, prompting a frustrated retort from Kang Sihyun, to which Yoo Seowoo merely laughed, finding amusement.
Encouraging the others to sit down as well, despite Yoo Seowoo's concern about drawing unwanted attention if they were the only ones seated, Kang Sihyun chuckled dismissively.
"Standing on the ship for too long will make you seasick."
"Still..."
"What does it matter if the guild master notices? It's better for those who mind to overlook it. We're not making a big mistake."
"Just sit down, hyung."
Following Yoo Seowoo's concern, Kang Haewoon joined in, patting the chair, signaling for them to sit. Even if Taeju might not say anything, Hahyuk was not petty enough to fuss over such a minor matter. Considering the services Kang Sihyun had rendered for Redem, he figured Hahyuk would naturally intervene if Taeju attempted to rebuke.
Kang Sihyun gave Hahyuk a nod as if signaling something.
Acknowledging with a nod, Hahyuk momentarily looked puzzled but soon smiled. His quick understanding suggested he caught on to what Kang Sihyun was implying.
Having an ally was reassuring.
When viewed as an opponent, there seemed no more cumbersome and daunting foe, but standing on the same side felt solidly reassuring. Kang Sihyun, satisfied, straightened up in his seat.
Suddenly, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
"Daun?"
Or Haeun? Jihye?
Considering those who could be calling and hadn't joined them, he guessed it was one of three people and pulled out his phone. Unlocking the screen, he saw a new message.
[Call me, kiddo.]
The transition from 'sprout' to 'kiddo' seemed to have firmly taken hold. Knowing the sender without even checking, Kang Sihyun stood up.
Although the children attempted to follow, he waved them off, telling them to stay put as he dialed the familiar number.
[Hey, kiddo.]
After a couple of rings, a deep voice answered. Responding indifferently to the usual inquiry about his well-being, Kang Sihyun asked for the purpose of the call, prompting Russ to click his tongue loudly.
[Is that all you have to say after such a long time, kiddo?]
"We're not exactly in the position to have mundane daily chats."
[Oh, well, what is it then?]
"A business partner?"
Kang Sihyun glanced at the sky briefly before replying. It seemed the most fitting description for their relationship. Pleased with his answer, he heard a scoff from the other end of the phone.
[Business partner, huh? You should be calling me 'teacher' at the very least.]
"Why would I call you a teacher all of a sudden?"
[Ah, would 'master' be the correct term in Korea? That's closer to it. I've taught you so much, drawing lines as partners, you cheeky kiddo.]
Russ seemed uncomfortable with the 'business partner' relationship, which suited Kang Sihyun just fine. Listening to the same man, who was nearing his thirties but hadn't changed a bit, ramble on, Kang Sihyun loosely entertained the conversation. The topic shifted after about five minutes.
"So, what's up?"
[Ah, you're going to meet Titan, right, kiddo?]
"It turned out that way."
[Are you going to be alright?]
In that brief question, Russ's concern and complaints seemed transparent. Considering the worries he'd just absorbed from the children, and now from someone across the sea, Kang Sihyun found the situation amusing and chuckled softly.
"If I'm not okay, what can I do?"
[A teacher has to help out a student in trouble, right? Should I come over and give you a hand?]
"No, why would you go that far? Where did you pick up such a phrase?"
His Korean had improved since their last conversation. Wondering if he had a professional instructor by his side, Kang Sihyun inquired, leading Russ to laugh a few times before adding a frivolous comment and revealing the purpose of his call.
[I've found everything you asked for in the States.]
"Adam and Eve?"
[Yeah. I'll send it over by email tonight, so check it out. Anything else you need?]
"Um... not for now, but that might change after I check the email."
[Let me know if you need anything else, kiddo. I've got your request on my debt list, so don't worry about the bill.]
Russ reassured him heartily, laughing. Kang Sihyun wasn't worried about that aspect of their arrangement. The conversation concluded after another three minutes.
[Don't get hurt or push yourself too hard. You've got two S-ranks with you, right? They're there for a reason, so hand it over to them if it gets tough.]
"...I'd have to trust them to do that."
[Huh?]
"Nothing. Take care."
[Call me, kiddo.]
The call, expected to be somewhat lively after a long pause, surprisingly ended within about ten minutes. Curious if an email had arrived, Kang Sihyun refreshed his inbox, but found nothing new.
Staring at the unchanged screen, he pocketed his phone. Russ wasn't the only one he had asked for information.
Noticing Lee Hamin watching him, Kang Sihyun signaled with his finger that he was heading towards the guild masters before turning to walk in their direction. It seemed the conversation with Taeju had just concluded as Hahyuk stood at a distance from him.
Approaching at a moment that seemed perfect for initiating a conversation, Hahyuk noticed Kang Sihyun and nodded slightly, inviting him closer.
"Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm perfectly fine."
"That's a relief. I didn't mention it to avoid adding pressure, but I was worried."
Hahyuk's words, accompanied by a smile, didn't quite sound sincere, but Kang Sihyun didn't dwell on it. Instead, he directly addressed the reason for his approach.
"I was wondering about the information on Adam and Eve you mentioned before. Is it possible to get that?"
"So sudden?"
"Yes."
"Hmm..."
Hahyuk's violet eyes scanned him briefly. Enduring the gaze calmly, Kang Sihyun watched as Hahyuk's lips curled slightly upwards.
"It seems you've already been in touch with Russ."
"If that's what it looks like, then yes."
"I wouldn't want Redem to appear slower than the IRS... I've prepared the documents, so I'll pass them on when we return."
When we return, that was the condition.
Another reason to make it back safely added to Kang Sihyun's list, he thanked Hahyuk and was about to turn away when he felt a weight on his shoulder. Turning, he found Taeju had approached and placed his hand there.
"What's the rush? I have many questions myself."
Why not have a chat with me too?
Despite the lightness in his voice, Taeju's gaze was piercing. Even now, he had managed to bring along sunglasses, dangling on his shirt, catching the dimming light and shimmering faintly.
It was Kang Sihyun's first time engaging in a separate conversation with Taeju. Anticipating a tiresome exchange, Kang Sihyun furrowed his brows, to which Hahyuk laughed, suggesting they include him in the conversation under the guise of being a guardian.
Watching from a distance, the Muam guild members caught Ban Dal, who was somewhat familiar with Kang Sihyun.
"Was that really Russ he was talking to just now?"
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Does he always...? Is he that bold? Why would he walk into that situation willingly?"
"There must have been a reason."
"Being in the middle of those members... Was he always like that?"
"I don't know."
As the trio alternated their queries, Ban Dal, tired of the interrogation, suggested they inquire with the Redem guild members if they were so curious. The moment Muam guild members glanced towards the children from Class A, they saw Taeju draping an arm around Kang Sihyun's neck, ruffling his hair. The sight prompted the Class A children to spring up and rush over, extracting the smallest boy from the two guild masters' midst.
Laughing among themselves, they efficiently extracted Kang Sihyun and, huddling like penguins, bombarded him with words. Silently enduring their banter, the boy with blue eyes eventually covered his ears, appearing forlorn and pitiable—a stark contrast to the ruthless demeanor he displayed in training and fracturing enemies.
As the Class A children returned to their spots, peppering Kang Sihyun with pecks of concern, the Muam guild members watched with a mix of confusion and disbelief, their expressions fraught with incredulity.
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