episode_0009

9

Perhaps because something finally happened after such a long time, the unnecessarily loud police sirens seemed oddly excited as they surrounded the convenience store.

They should’ve quieted down by now since they’ve arrived, but no—they were still blaring loudly for no reason.

Even just passing by, the noise was enough to draw anyone’s attention, so what kind of commotion would it cause if they kept this up the whole day like lunatics?

Thanks to that, spectators popped up here and there, peering into the convenience store.

From the residential staircases.

Right next to the store.

Even someone bundled up in a long puffer coat like a penguin, cautiously poking their head out.

Either their eyesight was bad or they were deliberately keeping their phone at a distance as they took pictures of the inside.

I wondered why there was no foot traffic at this hour—turns out this really is an elderly neighborhood.

Literally just grandmas and grandpas around.

“So, you’re saying they barged in like this?” “Yeah.” “Then you healed them?” “Yeah.” “But does it really work that fast? From what I’ve heard, no matter how powerful a healer is, recovery wasn’t supposed to be that instant…”

The officer tilted his head, shooting me a doubtful look.

They’d checked the CCTV and even took witness statements diligently, but it seemed they still couldn’t wrap their heads around it.

…Actually, no. It kinda felt like he was fishing for a chance to get treated himself.

After a brief pause, I decided—

“Done?” “Huh…?”

I approached the officer and quietly showed him the wound closing up.

Sure, I was the one who inflicted it on myself, but without evidence, he could at least mistake it for natural regeneration. There wasn’t any need for further proof since the person who got “healed” was right there.

“Hey, Officer. Just curious…” “Yeah? What is it?” “About this incident—could I be punished for assault?” “…Uh… Self-defense, right? In this case.” “Right?” “Y-Yeah. You’ll probably be fine.”

Why does his reply sound like a canned response?

I mean, I do think it counts as self-defense since Hayoon almost got killed, but…

With that level of unprofessionalism, who’d even trust the police anymore?

I heard it used to be a job for pretty sharp people. Must’ve gotten watered down a lot since heroes showed up.

“But why isn’t this student saying anything? You said you healed them?” “They’ll be fine. Just question them later. Seems they don’t wanna talk right now.”

It was already past the time heroes usually arrive, but the store was still just full of officers.

Guess they’re saving energy since the case was already resolved.

For beings revered as protectors of the people, they’re awfully efficient.

At the very least, they should be as diligent as villains… What a pathetic thought—though it didn’t last long.

Finishing up with the officer’s questions, I walked over to Lee Hayoon, who was just standing awkwardly in front of the convenience store fridge with nowhere to go.

“Noona.” “…Yeah. Woojin.”

I was worried she might be in shock, but her voice sounded steady.

Just the usual carefree, countryside-puppy-like curl of her lips was gone, and the gum she’d been chewing had disappeared.

Eh, hardly matters.

She almost died to a robber, and the cops caused such a ruckus that the whole neighborhood’s spectating—if she were still chewing gum and grinning like an idiot, that’d be weirder.

What does matter is that I saved Hayoon from a villain.

“Isn’t it almost shift change?” “Already? …Huh. Five minutes left.” “You’ll need time to hand over, but your replacement’s not here yet.” “They always show up right on time. If I weren’t an esper, I’d have punched them by now.” “Then should I heal them after you take a nice, clean swing?” “Pfft… What kinda offer is that? Nah.”

She chuckled lightly before her expression hardened again.

She was in the mood to joke around with me, but she also seemed fully aware of just what kind of situation she’d been in.

If I hadn’t been there—

She wouldn’t be smiling right now.

“…….”

In other words, Hayoon now owed me.

That was enough.

For an unexpected haul, this was a pretty decent outcome.

Then—

“Uh, excuse me…” “Oh, you’re here. Five minutes early today?”

A guy who looked like the nightshift worker crossed the automatic doors and greeted us.

A thoroughly unremarkable man.

“Yeah. I kinda ran here when I heard the police sirens… What happened?” “Robbery.” “R-Robbery?! Are you hurt?!” “Perfectly fine. As you can see.” “Y-You’re really calm about this… Are you an esper?” “Dunno. Maybe it just hasn’t sunk in yet. Heh.”

The guy kept shooting glances between us while Hayoon responded colder than expected.

Watching their exchange for a bit, I lightly tapped Hayoon’s small shoulder.

…The man’s gaze lingered on my fingers for a second.

“Noona, go change. If the cops have more questions, they’ll call you.” “Ah, yeah. Gimme a sec… Just gotta take this vest off anyway.”

Fumbling with her uniform, Hayoon headed into the back room labeled Staff Only.

Staring blankly at her retreating back, I turned my gaze to my phone—when a particularly discomforting stare crept toward me.

“…….” “…….”

Was he wondering what my relationship with Hayoon was?

“…Uh, hey.” “Yeah?” “Are you and the afternoon shift worker like… involved?”

He doesn’t even know her name.

And he’s asking?

“Junior. Just a school junior.” “Oh, so you’re also…” “Yeah. Miren Academy.” “Aha…”

I briefly considered saying I was her boyfriend just to mess with him but decided against it.

Watching his face freeze up would’ve been fun, but stacking lies recklessly could trip me up later.

Besides, isn’t it more fun to let hope linger?

Like secretly conditioning a hero—idolized by their adoring fans—into my tastes, then watching them gasp for breath like animals in heat.

Or getting closer to Hayoon behind this guy’s back, weaving something stickier between us.

When you think about it, they’re not so different.

“Sorry. With everything that happened, I couldn’t restock the empty items…” “I-It’s fine! You had a robbery. I’ll handle it.” “Cash register’s balanced, but there was this person who came in earlier for a parcel pickup…” “Y-Yeah, got it.”

Just then, Hayoon emerged from the back, and the guy scrambled after her like a startled rabbit.

Silently watching, I exchanged a quick farewell with the officers and stepped out of the store.

…She’ll probably have to clean the blood off the floor too.

It’s not much, but still—gonna be a rough shift.

“…Let’s go! Woojin.” “Here. Noona.”

Thump.

Hayoon patted my back as we left the store—then snatched a honey candy from my hand before popping it into her mouth.

Her soft lips accidentally brushed against my palm in the process, but…

She didn’t seem to care, so neither did I.

“Which way to your place?” “Toward the Academy, but I’ll adjust for you.” “Me? Why?” “…After what happened. Figured you’d feel better with me around.” “Pfft. Look at you, scrawnier than me, acting like some escort.” “You always get hurt when you push yourself.”

I swallowed a candy myself while saying that.

Hayoon, rummaging through her pockets, suddenly fixed me with an intense stare.

When I glanced back, she pouted, then looked away.

“…You’ve been keeping track of me getting hurt?” “How could I not? It’s costing me a fortune.” “A ‘fortune,’ huh? What’s that supposed to mean?” “Anyway. You get it.”

Step.

I followed Hayoon’s swaying ponytail as she walked ahead.

The alley was the exact opposite direction from where I’d come.

“Honestly, you could make bank with your healing ability if you wanted.” “Yeah, I could.”

After all, treating just a few people casually had paid for this studio apartment.

For making money, nothing beat this ability.

“Meanwhile, every time I use mine, it’s like setting cash on fire…” “What kind of ability even causes that?” “Limit Break. Or something along those lines. Wish I could just get super strong like others or Jiyoon with no drawbacks.” “…Yeah. Abilities like that are powerful, but their side effects make them a pain.”

I asked even though I already knew.

If using her ability breaks her body, then the strain must be too much even for an esper’s physique. There was a villain like that once.

So I figured if Hayoon and I ever crossed paths again, I’d heal her wounds and build rapport over time, but…

Never expected to cash in a favor this way.

“On top of already being broke… Hospital bills, utilities, gas, electricity…” “So that’s why you’re working part-time.” “Yep. Jiyoon helps too. She works at a café. Been doing it since high school.” “Ah.”

For a second, I wondered what their parents were doing—but kept it to myself.

“Apparently, she’s so pretty she’s super popular. The manager at her place says so.” “Honestly? Makes sense.” “…You into that type too? The cold cat-lady vibe? Not my thing, but.” “To be honest, if they’re pretty, guys aren’t picky. Way simpler than you’d think.” “…Huh. ‘If they’re pretty, it’s all good.’” “What?” “Nothing. Just thought you were blunt. I’m the same—good looks are enough.” “…….” “Though nice personalities are a bonus.”

Step. Step.

As we left the alley, the distant sirens faded, replaced by the hum of cars cruising down the main road.

Further ahead was probably the college district packed with bars.

Left led to a park.

Right was… unfamiliar.

Just then, Hayoon sharply turned right.

I followed quietly behind.

“…Oh. Hold up.”

She stopped abruptly outside another convenience store.

Following the cheerful jingle of the door, I stepped inside after her.

“Guinness… Paulaner… What else…” “You’re getting alcohol?” “What better day to drink than after this?” “…Can’t argue with that.”

Clatter. Clatter.

Cans slid down the sloped fridge aisle.

Either her hands were full or she just didn’t want to carry them, but Hayoon shoved a few beer cans toward me.

…Or maybe they were just too cold for her.

After picking out about eight cans, she breezily headed to the counter without another word.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The moment the last item scanned, a bag stuffed with eight cans was shoved into my hands.

Heavier than it looked.

…Anyway.

Why’s the person who called me frail making me carry all this?

“Noona, you take them. You’re stronger than me anyway.” “No thanks~”

Her ponytail swung playfully as she walked ahead.

Try and grab me, it seemed to say.

…Honestly? If I got the chance, I would wrap her hair around my hand and yank it like a leash.

With a sigh, I trudged silently behind Hayoon.

Turning sharply into yet another alley, she navigated the dimly lit path effortlessly, as if intimately familiar.

The cramped street was flanked by outdated villas and rundown houses—not the safest area.

Even the trash bags were piled haphazardly on the curb.

Something small and black wriggled among the garbage—probably a stray cat or two.

Not eager to make eye contact and get adopted on the spot, I kept my gaze fixed on Hayoon’s back as we walked.

Step. Step.

Deep into the alley, we finally arrived.

“That’s my place up there. Wonder if Jiyoon’s still gaming—oh, lights are on.”

Hayoon pointed at the second floor of a villa and strode ahead without taking the bag from me.

Step. Step.

Beep. Beep.

She entered the passcode and walked inside—still without reclaiming the beers.

The bag weighed heavy in my hands the entire time.

Even as she disappeared into the apartment without a word.

Even then.

The bag never left my grip.