The Esper Who Loves Me

— Incident closed! Attention, the incident at 89-1 Sehyeon-dong has been concluded.The radio crackled with static through the worn-out speakers of the 12-seater Starex van. The people crammed inside for over two hours perked up at the long-awaited news. Finally, they could get out! The air inside had grown thick with carbon dioxide, making it hard to breathe.Everyone stretched, rotating their stiff necks and limbs. Groans and sighs of relief filled the air. Cha Eunseok put their overheating phone back in their bag and gathered their belongings.“I heard the monster was freaking huge. The site’s a complete mess, apparently.”“They say it was the size of a soccer field!” Kim, Eunseok’s supervisor, exclaimed, forming a rectangle with his hands to illustrate the size. His large frame swayed, jostling Eunseok beside him.Eunseok fumbled to catch their sliding glasses as Kim, oblivious, continued to press for agreement, “Right? Right?”Having followed the news updates during their confinement, Eunseok already knew his words weren’t exaggerated. The incident’s conclusion in just two hours might even be a miracle.Sensational keywords like “Sehyeon-dong monster,” “casualties,” and “Esper deployment” dominated search engine trends. While the scene was strictly off-limits to the media, speculative articles based on eyewitness accounts were unavoidable.The appearance of a large monster in the industrial district after a period of relative calm had understandably thrown the public into chaos. Terrified people poured into the streets, screaming. Rehearsed evacuation drills were forgotten in the face of the real thing. The piercing sirens only amplified the panic, transforming the city into a warzone.It was fortunate that an Esper happened to be nearby when the monster appeared. They immediately reported the situation, and combat Espers were dispatched to swiftly subdue the threat.Although the area, packed with clothing factories, was full of flammable materials, a fire was averted, minimizing casualties. However, the monster’s sheer size resulted in extensive property damage. Buildings were crumpled like paper cups, and debris was scattered everywhere, as if a tsunami had swept through.The clean-up would be a considerable headache.“What can you do? Can’t be easy every day,” Eunseok said nonchalantly. Some days are like this, some days are like that.Eunseok hummed the words like a tune, and Kim chuckled, saying they sounded like an old man despite their youth.The ten people in the van were all Espers, but of the non-combat variety. Their abilities, mostly C or D rank, were too weak for direct confrontation. Instead, they used their powers for other purposes: incinerating debris, rebuilding collapsed walls, clearing scattered signs and landscaping – essentially restoring order to the chaos left in a monster’s wake.Work that would take ordinary people months could be completed in a day with their abilities. This efficiency led to the creation of a specialized department: the Facilities Management Team, officially part of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security.Upon hearing about the monster, the team had been put on standby. Everyone remaining in the office was mobilized and packed into vans. Used to such emergencies, they’d calmly grabbed their “survival bags” – kits containing snacks, water, power banks, portable Wi-Fi routers, and other essentials for enduring long waits.“With any luck, we’ll be done before closing time,” someone said hopefully.Everyone had expected to work overtime, but the all-clear signal had come sooner than anticipated. A spark of excitement lit up the ten Espers’ eyes, and the previously listless atmosphere became energized.After all, what’s more important to an office worker than leaving on time? What good is paltry overtime pay?“Let’s bust our asses and finish by 5!” someone shouted, and the others cheered in agreement.Eunseok retied their shoelaces and put on their gloves, finally donning the dreaded safety vest – a heavy, bright fluorescent lime-green garment equipped with a radio and body camera. Why wear such a thing in broad daylight? They understood why everyone called it a “jockstrap.”Despite their grumbling, Eunseok obediently finished gearing up, adjusting their thick glasses.“Alright! Let’s get to work! Everyone make sure your radios are on!” the team leader in the passenger seat announced, and the heavy van doors slid open.A cloud of dust billowed in, followed by the sounds of the scene: helicopters, ambulance sirens, and a cacophony of human voices and shouts.While it looked like a disaster zone, the situation was under control. The monster was dead, and no civilians remained. It was time to clean up.The team emerged from the gray van, emblazoned with a Mugunghwa flower emblem and the uninspired “Emergency Support, Esper Management Center, Facilities Management Team” in plain font. They assembled in their usual formation in front of the vehicle. The team leader, holding a hastily scribbled A4 sheet, began a brief overview.“Uh… as you can see, it’s an industrial area, so the damage is extensive, and there are some fires. We’ve divided the area into sections. Teams of three or four. Check the list for your assignments. Everyone be careful, and once we’re done, let’s head back to the center for guiding.”Heads clustered around the list. After confirming their names, people grouped up with their assigned teammates. Eunseok joined the throng, searching for their name.“Cha Eunseok!”Before Eunseok could turn towards the familiar voice, their arm was pulled down. They saw Section Chief Jimin beaming at them, flanked by Junwoo, a junior colleague, also smiling brightly.These two were Eunseok’s most comfortable and familiar colleagues.“It’s the three of us again?”“Of course! This combo is a classic!”“Senior! Eunseok Senior! Let’s finish quickly and grab some drinks. I found this amazing pojangmacha (street food stall).”“You have to come! Their dried pollack and beer are to die for!”Despite their significant age difference, 35-year-old Jimin and 20-year-old Junwoo were a perfect match. With Cha Eunseok added to the mix, they formed an unbeatable trio. The team leader often grouped them together.Jimin, who controlled water, handled extinguishing remaining fires; Junwoo, who manipulated earth, repaired the damaged ground; and Eunseok, a telekinetic, cleared debris.This combination could handle any site. Their exceptional teamwork ensured swift, precise, and thorough work.While Junwoo solidified the sunken ground, Eunseok gathered the scattered debris into a pile. The site truly was a mess. The ground was pockmarked with craters, and the container buildings were crushed. Debris, including mangled machinery and shredded fabric, lay everywhere. Occasionally, a mannequin limb would emerge from the wreckage, adding a touch of macabre humor to the scene.Although they weren’t physically exerting themselves, Eunseok was constantly using their telekinesis, which was as tiring as manual labor.Sweat dripped down their chin. Pausing to wipe it away with the back of their hand, Jimin, who was standing nearby, helpfully evaporated the moisture with her ability. Having found no fires or contaminants in her assigned area, she was currently idle.“This job is seriously back-breaking. People envy us for being Espers, but what’s so great about it? It’s no different from construction work.”“The only Espers people see are the ones on TV,” Eunseok replied. Jimin, who usually looked after Eunseok like an older sister, continued her grumbling. She clearly disliked being covered in dust while wearing the unflattering vest.“The media has ruined everything. 90% of Espers are B, C, or D rank, but all you see on TV are A-ranks. Speaking of which, I heard Special Team 1 handled today’s incident.”The mention of Special Team 1, a group rarely seen even by other Espers, piqued their interest. As Jimin said, this team, composed solely of A-rank Espers, was famous, and Eunseok was well aware of them.“I heard that too! Team Leader Moon Seungwon blew the monster’s head off!” Junwoo chimed in, suddenly appearing beside them. He reeked of sweat. His face, streaked with grime, showed the strain of his work.“Section Chief, could you…?” Eunseok nudged Junwoo’s head towards Jimin, who sighed and pulled out a wet wipe. “Oh, Junwoo, this won’t come off with just water!” she exclaimed, wiping his face like a mother tending to her child.“That’s what I heard. He’s incredible. Crushed that huge thing like an ant. And you know what? That pyrokinetic Esper on Team 1 incinerated the whole thing by himself.”“Look, they’re burning it over there.”Jimin pointed her chin towards a plume of black smoke. The burning protein smell that had been lingering in the air must have been the monster’s remains.“How did Team 1 end up here?”“Apparently, the Esper who first spotted the monster contacted their team leader directly instead of the center. The factory owners got lucky. If it wasn’t for Moon Seungwon, they would have been goners. I mean, who else could take down something like that? They’re truly amazing… Oh my god!”Jimin, who had been meticulously cleaning Junwoo’s face, suddenly shrieked and recoiled in shock.Startled, Eunseok and Junwoo looked at her. Speechless, she pointed a trembling finger. Their gazes followed in unison.“Uh… M-Moon! Moon!”Eunseok observed the group with a calm demeanor, while Junwoo’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He stammered, pointing, only to receive a smack on the back from Jimin for making a fuss.Dust puffed into Junwoo’s gaping mouth. Eunseok gently closed his jaw.In the direction Jimin had indicated stood four men: three tall figures and one of shorter stature, huddled together. It was Special Team 1.The typical image of an Esper often conjures up someone tall, well-built, and handsome – a superior being with extraordinary abilities.But this is just a fantasy, a trope of movies and dramas, like the handsome chaebol heir, the 30-something company director, or the clean-shaven historical drama hero.Contrary to popular belief, most Espers look like ordinary Koreans, indistinguishable from the average person on the street. Aside from slightly enhanced physical abilities and their powers, they’re pretty much the same.So why the idolization? Partly due to media portrayals, but also because of a few exceptionally talented individuals.Like the law of conservation of mass, every organization has its share of extraordinary and eccentric members, but they are a minority. What if, however, those exceptional individuals were grouped together? That’s precisely the Special Forces, composed of the top-tier combat Espers.Divided into six teams, the Special Forces handled the most dangerous and complex incidents. Their high-profile cases attracted constant media attention, and among them, Special Team 1 was undoubtedly the most popular.With A-rank healer Kim Yohan, A-rank pyrokinetic Park Jaemin, and the country’s only S-rank telekinetic, Moon Seungwon, their individual abilities alone were enough to garner fan followings. And, as if that weren’t enough, they were all strikingly handsome.The media clamored for their appearances, and every news story cemented their image in the public consciousness. Whenever Moon Seungwon gave a briefing, 8 o’clock news ad slots sold out, and ratings soared.Eunseok was often asked, “Hey, you’re an Esper, have you ever met Moon Seungwon?” They’d never even seen him in person, let alone spoken to him. It was like asking a civil servant, “Have you met the president?” Non-combat and combat Espers rarely crossed paths.Yet here they were, those faces from the news, gathered right before their eyes. According to Junwoo, seeing Special Team 1 together with their Guide was an incredibly rare occurrence. Even from a distance, the tall figures were striking, all seemingly over 180cm with model-like physiques. Even Eunseok had to admit, they were impressive.Moon Seungwon, in particular, exuded a unique presence. His face, his calling card, projected an aura of gravity and composure, his energy dominating the surroundings.Eunseok was also a telekinetic, but a C-rank was no match for an S-rank. They had to strain every ounce of their energy to move a collapsed shed, while Moon Seungwon could obliterate a soccer field-sized monster with a flick of his finger.But were they envious? Not particularly.Eunseok’s life motto was “Go with the flow, take it easy.”They weren’t interested in other people’s affairs and loathed being involved in anything attention-grabbing or noisy. They weren’t disappointed with their C-rank assessment. In fact, they were pleased to be classified as non-combat and were quite content with their job.They preferred a stable, if modest, salary and a peaceful work environment to the hazardous duty pay that came with combat roles. Plus, their position as a civil servant came without the usual headaches of dealing with complaints or administrative tasks. Work-life balance was a priority, with overtime prohibited and on-time departures guaranteed.“Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty!” Eunseok reaffirmed their commitment to this dream job.The three of them abandoned their work, moving to a better vantage point to observe Special Team 1.The industrial area offered little cover. Most hiding places had been obliterated. The best they could find was a meter-tall evergreen bush, likely once part of the landscaping. Its once-lush foliage was now reduced to a few clinging leaves. It was a wonder it had survived the carnage.Under Jimin’s direction, they crammed themselves behind the scraggly bush. Jimin, being petite, easily hid. Eunseok tucked their long legs in close. Junwoo curled up like a pill bug, but his shoulders and feet kept poking out, earning him another smack from Jimin.Their bright vests rendered the hiding somewhat pointless anyway.Peeking over the bush, they could barely make out the faces of the Special Team, too far away to hear their conversation.Yet, Jimin and Junwoo were giddy with excitement, like fan girls encountering their idols. Jimin kept whispering, “Oh my god, this is unbelievable,” while Junwoo bounced on the balls of his feet, thrilled to have finally seen Moon Seungwon in person.Uninterested, Eunseok simply relaxed, enjoying the impromptu break. The May sun was pleasantly warm, inducing drowsiness.“That small one must be their Guide. He’s really pretty,” Jimin whispered, turning to Eunseok.Eunseok straightened up, intrigued. Pretty? They thought the Guide was male. Piqued, they lowered their glasses. Their thick, disguised lenses sharpened their vision.A particularly small figure stood among the group. Barely 170cm tall, enveloped by two of the larger men, this must be the Guide Jimin mentioned.His pale face peeked out from between the Espers who flanked him. Despite being male, his features were undeniably pretty. Small, pale, and soft, he resembled a small animal, like a rabbit or a squirrel. Not Eunseok’s type.The Guide squirmed under the affectionate onslaught of the Espers, clearly wanting to escape their embrace, but his struggles were futile. The two tall men laughed at his efforts, showering him with kisses and hugs.Could guiding be that enjoyable? Enough to warrant public displays of affection in broad daylight?For Eunseok, whose guiding experiences consisted solely of handshakes, this level of intimacy was baffling. They recalled the rough, calloused hands of Do-cheol, the Esper they’d recently guided at the center.Kissing those hands, pressing their face against his body… “Ugh, I’d rather quit being an Esper,” Eunseok thought, shuddering and pushing the image away.Even if this Guide was prettier than Do-cheol, the idea of sexual contact under the guise of guiding was still repulsive. Other Espers would probably find them strange.So, this was Special Team 1. That meant the blond one was Kim Yohan, and the other, Park Jaemin. Eunseok took the opportunity to study their appearances.The skinny one with brightly dyed hair, like an idol, must be Kim Yohan, the healer. He looked like trouble. Handsome, but with a slightly thuggish air. Eunseok couldn’t agree with Jimin’s comment about his popularity.Park Jaemin, on the other hand, was a classically handsome, muscular type. His tanned skin suited his pyrokinetic abilities.“Park Jaemin has a great body, right? His nickname is ‘College Athlete God.'”“He’s a college athlete?”“No, I think he dropped out of middle school.”Jimin’s unsolicited information continued. Even Eunseok, who considered themselves to have high standards, found both men attractive. However, their attention was quickly drawn elsewhere.Moon Seungwon stood slightly apart from the group, taking a phone call. Impeccably dressed in a suit and black coat, he looked as if he’d just stepped out of a fashion magazine, not like someone who’d just battled a giant monster an hour ago.His tall, slender frame filled out the suit perfectly. His hair was slicked back in a neat pomade style, not a single strand out of place.He was the quintessential image of an Esper. Undeniably handsome. No, perhaps “beautiful” was a more fitting word.Up close, he was more delicate and refined than he appeared in the media. His pale skin and finely drawn features were more elegant and classical than conventionally handsome. Now this was Eunseok’s type.“He’s unnecessarily pretty,” Eunseok murmured.“Who? The Guide?”“No, the team lea…”Their words were cut short as their eyes met Moon Seungwon’s. Even while on the phone, his piercing gaze locked onto Eunseok.They froze, heart pounding.“Oops.”Sensing the awkwardness, Jimin quickly urged Eunseok and Junwoo to retreat. They hadn’t done anything wrong, but eavesdropping was still frowned upon.Eunseok brushed the dirt off their pants as they walked away, their heart still racing. By the time they looked back, Special Team 1 had shrunk to the size of their fingernails.The lingering unease stayed with them as they resumed their work. They couldn’t shake the memory of that intense gaze.⊹ ࣪ ˖“Ugh, I’m dead,” Eunseok groaned, reaching for their clothes in the locker.“Can a 23-year-old’s body really be this useless?” Eunseok muttered to themself, massaging their stiff neck.Their exercise-deprived body protested even the slightest exertion at the incident site. It was almost embarrassing to call themself an Esper.The restoration work finished around 5 p.m.Back at the center, they showered, changed into the spare clothes they’d brought, and just managed to clock out on time. While most people rushed to the Guiding Center after a perfunctory splash of water, Eunseok had persuaded Junwoo to join them for a leisurely shower and sauna.The thick glasses they’d somehow stuffed into their bag were now fogged up with condensation. They rummaged for their lens cloth but gave up, settling for wiping the lenses with the hem of their t-shirt, unconcerned about scratches.Junwoo, drying his hair beside them, watched with a puzzled expression. “Senior, why don’t you get LASIK?”“My eyesight’s so bad they said I can’t have the surgery. How many times have we talked about this?”“It’s just… such a waste. Your face, I mean.”Eunseok chuckled at his lament, a familiar refrain.“Why do you care about my face?” they teased gently, putting their glasses back on. The thick lenses once again obscured their features, shrinking their eyes to the size of raisins.In truth, their eyesight was perfect. There was a specific reason, or rather, a problem, that compelled them to wear those awful glasses: if they made eye contact with someone, they could involuntarily control their mind.A mental ability, likely B-rank or higher.Cha Eunseok’s second, hidden power.It first manifested when they were 17. They woke up to find objects floating around their room and initially suspected a haunting. It turned out to be their telekinesis.Following protocol, they went to the Esper Management Center for testing, where they were classified as a C-rank telekinetic. Their parents seemed slightly disappointed, but Eunseok was indifferent, relieved they wouldn’t have to worry about making a living.Unlike higher-ranked Espers, who were immediately placed under the Center’s supervision, lower-ranked non-combat Espers could continue their high school education. So, Eunseok continued with their normal life, attending regular classes while receiving periodic training at the Center. Their ability wasn’t particularly remarkable, so their life remained largely unchanged.Then, three years later, at 20, they had a severe bout of the flu, after which a strange symptom appeared.People started acting and speaking exactly as Eunseok wanted them to. They were unintentionally influencing people, sometimes even brainwashing them. It didn’t take long to realize they were controlling minds.They devoured books, scoured online forums, even researched foreign websites, but found no record of a single Esper possessing two abilities.The 20-year-old Cha Eunseok faced a dilemma: should they report this to the Center?A unique case, unheard of. A mental ability, incredibly rare in Korea. Suggestion, brainwashing, mind control. They were a prime candidate for research.So, they decided to keep their new ability a secret. Without proper testing, they didn’t know its rank or potential, but their safety came first. They couldn’t spend their youth as a lab rat.Through trial and error, they discovered that eye contact was the trigger. They immediately acquired a pair of thick, quadruple-strength glasses, which they’d worn religiously for the past three years. These glasses, which practically blinded them, effectively concealed their ability.After turning 21, they joined the Center, working as a C-rank telekinetic in the Facilities Management Team, specializing in post-incident restoration.Life was peaceful, uneventful. Occasionally, someone like Junwoo would comment on their glasses, but they could easily brush it off. Cha Eunseok had a plan.Their three-year savings plan had recently matured. Their bank account boasted an impressive string of zeros.The bank teller showered them with congratulations, free tissues, and a tumbler. They subtly pushed Esper-specific high-interest savings accounts, but Eunseok politely declined. Instead, they used the money to commission a custom-made piercing.The tiny, pinky-nail-sized piercing was exorbitantly expensive, made from crocoite, a mineral known for its ability suppression properties. Crocoite was typically used in Esper restraint devices and was tightly controlled by the Center, making it incredibly rare.Eunseok had acquired it through the black market, paying a hefty premium, wiping out their entire savings.But it was worth every penny.Wearing it allowed them to go without their glasses. The piercing completely neutralized their mental ability. The downside was that it also blocked their telekinesis, preventing them from wearing it at work. But at work, nobody cared what they wore, whether it was glasses or a burlap sack.“Last night was fun,” Eunseok thought, touching their pierced earlobe, recalling the previous evening. They grinned, lost in pleasant memories. Junwoo, noticing their expression, gave them a curious look.“Senior, are you going for guiding?”“Hmm…”Eunseok checked their wristwatch, a mandatory accessory for Espers, displaying their internal energy levels as a number and color. It read over 60%. They’d used their powers quite a bit today and were feeling parched.An Esper in need of guiding always felt this internal dryness. But Eunseok shook their head.“Nah, I’ll skip it. You?”“I’m good. I had it this morning. I can wait. Okay, how about some beer?”“Sure.”“Let me call Section Chief.”Junwoo excitedly dialed Jimin.“Section Chief, dried pollack, beer, in?”“Of course! Come to the front gate. Drinks are on me!”⊹ ࣪ ˖Eunseok dipped a piece of dried pollack into the sweet and spicy sauce, scooping up a slice of green chili pepper. “So it’s not the pollack that’s special, but this addictive sauce,” they thought, chewing contentedly.They were at a long-established gamaek (a Korean pub serving beer and snacks), which had recently gained popularity thanks to social media. Even at 6 p.m. on a weekday, every table, including the outdoor ones, was occupied.Jimin declared that they were lucky to have arrived early, as the after-work crowd would soon make getting a table impossible. “Being a civil servant is the best!” she exclaimed.Seated around a weathered plastic table with Jimin and Junwoo, Eunseok enjoyed the draft beer, dried pollack, and fried chicken, their conversation animated. The topic, naturally, was their encounter with Special Team 1.“If I could be reborn, I’d want to be Team 1’s Guide,” Jimin declared, draining her beer. Half of the ice-cold 500ml glass disappeared in two gulps. Being a water Esper seemed to give her a high tolerance.“Why, Section Chief?”“Imagine having three gorgeous men like that fawning over you… It’s like a dream come true, even better than a drama.”Junwoo’s eyes narrowed as he pictured the scene. Moon Seungwon, Park Jaemin, Kim Yohan… His mind conjured up the images of the Special Team 1 Espers, their average height a towering 185cm, exuding testosterone.“But don’t most Espers fantasize about sleeping with their Guide?”“I have a husband, my bonded Guide! What are you talking about?”Jimin, who had married her Guide, a colleague, glared at him.“That’s funny, Section Chief. Weren’t you just saying you wanted to hook up with the Espers from Team 1 in your next life?” Junwoo retorted, not backing down.“I… uh… I don’t think I could be a Guide. Especially a Team Guide. They live with the team and have to be available for guiding at any time… Not just one person, but three? Ugh… I’ve never been with a man, so the idea of… you know… is kind of scary…”“Whoa, hold on. Park Junwoo as a Guide? I just pictured it. Don’t! Don’t ruin my fantasy!”“What! What’s wrong with me!”The 190cm Junwoo and the petite 153cm Jimin bickered, their size difference making it look like a fight between a retriever and a chihuahua. Eunseok watched the chaotic scene unfold, sipping their beer in amusement.“What about you, Eunseok Senior!”“Cha Eunseok?”“Why me?”Eunseok blinked, their thick glasses hiding their surprise as the conversation suddenly shifted to them.Junwoo, his face flushed with indignation, pointed at Eunseok. “If size is the issue! You’re not exactly small! You’re like 180cm! Can you imagine Eunseok Senior as a Guide?”“Cha Eunseok? Uh… Cha Eunseok… Cha Eunseok, huh? Hold on. I need a minute to process this.”Jimin clutched her forehead dramatically, as if grappling with a life-altering dilemma. Her eyes suddenly lit up.“Without the glasses?”“With the glasses!”“Oh… no. Please, take them off…”“It’s complicated,” Jimin groaned, clutching her head. After a moment of contemplation, she looked up and began assessing Eunseok with a critical eye.Cha Eunseok. Not bad. Tall and slender, with long limbs and graceful movements, like a dancer. They always smelled clean, even surrounded by sweaty colleagues, and their skin was better than Junwoo’s, despite the age difference. Still, they were just kids, barely 20 and 23. And such a small face, half-hidden by those dreadful glasses.Jimin’s expression grew troubled. Eunseok chuckled, aware of her thoughts. Both Junwoo and Jimin hated their glasses.“Eunseok, can I…?” Jimin gestured hesitantly at their glasses.Eunseok, accustomed to the request, closed their eyes and tilted their head forward.Small hands lifted the glasses, revealing their face. A smooth forehead, a high, straight nose, and, the highlight, their lips. Full, red, and slightly upturned at the corners, even when not smiling. How could someone look like that?Eunseok’s eyelids fluttered. Long, dark lashes brushed against their cheeks.“Eunseok, we should really consider LASIK…”“I told you, I can’t.”“Can’t even a healing Esper fix it? They can reattach limbs.”Eunseok laughed, their hands groping for their glasses. They opened their eyes only after putting them back on. To Jimin, it looked as though they hadn’t opened them at all.After a moment of thought, Jimin slammed her hand on the table. “Cha Eunseok, approved!”“What?! Why? Why does it work for Senior but not for me?”“You and Eunseok are different. You… you… my brain refuses to cooperate.”“No! I can imagine it! Section Chief, try harder!”The already noisy pojangmacha became even louder with their bickering.Eunseok watched them, amused, then leaned back, arms crossed, their gaze fixed on the dark sky above.‘Guides…’The more Espers used their abilities, the more their energy wavelengths became strained, causing pain and eventually leading to a loss of control.Guides were the only ones who could alleviate this pain. Most Espers couldn’t survive without them, becoming dependent on the energy and comfort they provided, often mistaking it for love.Eunseok didn’t want that kind of life. Was a transaction disguised as guiding true love?Before turning 20, they’d resented the forced intimacy with Guides. Their body craved the connection, even as their mind rejected it.But after their mental ability manifested, things changed. They could now control their energy wavelengths, needing only a handshake from a Guide to maintain stability. They had escaped the desperate cycle of dependence.Guiding and romance were separate. Clean and simple. Exactly how Cha Eunseok liked it.They rolled their neck, glancing at their wristwatch. Their energy levels still hovered above 60%. The insatiable thirst returned. No amount of beer could quench it. This wasn’t just physical thirst.It was time for guiding. It had been months.“I’ll go to the Guiding Center first thing tomorrow,” they thought, adjusting their watch, mentally suppressing their energy. The number on the dial dropped to 30.⊹ ࣪ ˖“Good morning,” Eunseok said brightly, their expression betraying their cheerful greeting as they entered the office.“Yeah, morning,” mumbled Section Chief Kwak from the next desk. Wednesday mornings were universally dreadful, the peak of fatigue and procrastination. The urge to go home was immediate. “Why is the week so long? Why is it only Wednesday? I’m going straight to bed when I get home,” they thought.Eunseok sat down and opened their drawer, pulling out the old, shared tablet. They were worried the battery might be dead, but it powered on.“7%. Cutting it close.”They opened the Guiding Reservation app and logged in.“Wow, everyone’s desperate from the get-go.”The app was already buzzing with activity.The app allowed both designated and random guide assignments. Popular Guides, those with high ranks and good looks, were booked solid even before work hours.Indifferent to whom they were assigned, Eunseok selected “Random Assignment.” The app quickly found an available Guide and confirmed the booking.[Facilities Management Team Esper (C) Cha Eunseok. Your appointment is scheduled for 09:00.][Guiding Center, 3rd floor, Room 309. Guide: Nam Mingyu.][Please adhere to the Guiding Guidelines. Appointments are automatically cancelled if you are more than 5 minutes late.]They plugged in the tablet and waited, receiving a series of confirmation messages from the Guiding Center.9 a.m.? Perfect timing after a cup of coffee. They stretched, their cheap office chair creaking in protest.They felt particularly unmotivated today.As a civil servant in a non-clerical role, they had little to do in the office. Killing time until their next field assignment was their primary task.They wiped their already clean desk, emptied the trash can, and went to the break room. Using their own coffee beans, they carefully brewed two cups, one for Section Chief Kwak.“Here’s your coffee.”“Oh, thanks.”“Section Chief, I’ll be going to the Guiding Center later.”“Didn’t you get guided yesterday after the incident?”“No, the timing didn’t work out.”“Must be tiring. Sure, go ahead. Nothing to do here anyway.”Bribed with coffee, Section Chief Kwak was unusually generous. Eunseok smiled, finishing their drink. Their glasses fogged up.⊹ ࣪ ˖“Esper Cha Eunseok! Long time no see.”Nam Mingyu, dressed in a white coat, greeted them with a wide smile as they knocked on Room 309.In his early 30s, with a clean-cut appearance, he was a relatively experienced B-rank Guide with a good reputation. They’d been matched with him several times through the random assignment system. Unbeknownst to Eunseok, Guides could also register preferred Espers, giving them priority even in random selections.Before Eunseok could properly respond, Nam Min-gyu pulled them into the room, their overly enthusiastic welcome causing Eunseok’s brow to furrow slightly.“Hello…”Noticing their discomfort, Nam Min-gyu quickly released their arm and turned away, his sudden shift to a more professional demeanor making Eunseok feel awkward.They sat on the sofa, and instead of taking the seat opposite them, Nam Min-gyu pulled up a small rolling chair and sat close beside them. Holding a tablet and reviewing their appointment details, he resembled a doctor in an examination room.Recently, Guides had started wearing white coats during work hours, a change from the previous uniform that differed from Espers’ only in color. The intention was to frame guiding as a medical procedure. However, guiding between adults had always leaned towards physical intimacy, supposedly for greater efficacy. A white coat wouldn’t change that.The king-size bed in the room was clearly meant for more than just hand-holding, and the nightstand was conspicuously stocked with lubricant and condoms.“What’s your current energy level?”“35.”Thanks to their mental suppression the previous night, their level had halved. This was low enough to be stabilized with just a handshake. Eunseok always managed their energy this way.“It’s strange, your levels are always so low,” Nam Min-gyu commented, tilting his head.Most Espers returning from field work required contact guiding due to high energy levels. Anything above 50 necessitated physical contact, but Cha Eunseok’s records consistently showed levels in the 20s and 30s.“Isn’t a low level a good thing?” Eunseok replied with a shrug, unbuttoning their shirt cuff to steer the conversation elsewhere. It was best to start the guiding before his suspicions grew.They neatly rolled up their sleeve and extended their hand. Nam Min-gyu immediately took it, intertwining their fingers unnecessarily. He rubbed his sweaty palm against theirs, saying suggestively, “If you’re comfortable, we could try something other than just holding hands. Not necessarily sex, but maybe a kiss or a hug. It’s quite common these days. It’s much more effective.”His thumb grazed Eunseok’s wrist. The dryness they’d felt began to subside, replaced by a wave of revulsion.“Creepy bastard,” Eunseok thought.“Thank you for the offer, but this is sufficient for me.”They were disgusted by his blatant sexual advances. Suppressing their frown, they tightened their grip on his hand, a warning not to cross any further lines.Sensing the shift in their demeanor, Nam Min-gyu backed off.“Just once, I’d love to…” he thought, licking his lips, his gaze lingering on Eunseok’s body.This young Esper had a strangely alluring quality. The thick glasses should have been a deterrent, yet the more he looked, the more he felt drawn to them. Their tall, slender frame looked particularly attractive in the white uniform shirt. Most telekinetics were muscular, but their lean physique appealed to him. Their smooth skin looked so soft, he imagined it would bruise beautifully.Their guarded, almost feral demeanor was also intriguing, so unlike the eager Espers he usually encountered.Even now, they were avoiding his gaze, their long neck and jawline exposed. He felt like a pervert for being so captivated, but it wasn’t his fault. They weren’t giving him an opening.“I’d love to lick their neck. They smell so good… Fuck, just thinking about it makes me hard,” he thought.Ignoring his lascivious gaze, Eunseok stared out the window. Dark clouds threatened rain.“Rainy days call for soup. I’ll ask Junwoo if he wants clam noodle soup for lunch. With extra dumplings,” they thought.The 30-minute guiding session ended with the familiar alarm. Their watch now read 20.“Thank you,” they said curtly, rising from the sofa without bothering to button their cuff. They left the room without a backward glance, leaving a disappointed Nam Min-gyu behind.⊹ ࣪ ˖As they left a nearby kalguksu restaurant after lunch, Eunseok’s phone buzzed with a notification. A work order. Junwoo swallowed his ice cream and checked his phone.The formal document listed four names: Eunseok, Junwoo, Section Chief Jimin, and even Section Chief Kwak. The team composition suggested a small but complex incident.“Where is it?”“A Craetor hostage situation,” Junwoo mumbled through a mouthful of ice cream.“Again? They’ve been popping up a lot lately.”“Craetor” was the term for rogue Espers – unregistered individuals who formed independent groups, using their abilities for criminal activities. They were becoming a growing social problem, difficult to track and control.“Well, catching them is someone else’s job. We just clean up the mess.”Unconcerned, Eunseok slung an arm around Junwoo’s broad shoulders. “Let’s get some coffee,” they said, strolling leisurely.“Oh my god… it’s a bloodbath.”The incident site was a 20-story office building. What was once a pristine workspace was now covered in blood.The metallic stench was nauseating, and the gore splattered across the floors and walls resembled a massacre. They’d heard there had been a hostage situation. The scene was so gruesome, they feared the hostages might all be dead.Contrary to their fears, the incident had been resolved. The Craetors, realizing they were outmatched by the Espers sent to subdue them, had shot the hostages and attempted to escape. However, they were apprehended before even leaving the building.While the hostages had suffered life-threatening injuries, a skilled healing Esper had been present, minimizing the damage.The aftermath of the struggle was evident. Bloodstains, bullet holes, shattered glass – it looked like a small-scale war had taken place. There was much to repair, and the structural integrity of the building needed assessment.As they discussed the restoration of the damaged walls and exposed rebar with Junwoo, they heard Section Chief Kwak’s alarmed voice.“Hey! Are you okay?”They turned to see him leaning over someone, a man in bloodstained clothes huddled on the floor.“What? A civilian? I thought they’d all been evacuated,” Jimin asked, pausing her work of cleaning the bloodstains with her water ability. She started towards them, but Section Chief Kwak waved her off.“Hey, are you alright? Are you hurt?”“Fuck… don’t… touch me…”The man’s condition looked serious. His lower face was covered in blood, and his clothes were torn. Hunched over, it was difficult to tell if he was injured or simply covered in someone else’s blood. But his hostile demeanor suggested he needed help.“You don’t look well. Just hang in there. I’ll call an ambulance. They’ll be here soon.”Section Chief Kwak pulled out his phone and called the center.“Yes, hello. This is Section Chief Kwak Dong-hyun from the Facilities Management Team at the Yeouido incident site. We have a remaining injured person here who needs medical attention. Yes, male, in his 20s. The extent of his injuries…”As he reached out to check the man’s condition, a searing pain shot through him. He dropped his phone in shock.“Aagh!”“…I told you… not to touch me!”A rogue Esper!The huddled figure shrieked, unleashing a wave of chaotic energy. The sharp, stabbing pain reached even Eunseok, who stood some distance away.The Esper’s eyes, both pupil and sclera, were completely black, giving him a demonic appearance. He grabbed Section Chief Kwak by the throat. Kwak choked, struggling in vain to break free.The man seemed to have lost all reason.“Aagh! Section Chief!”“Park Junwoo! Protect the Section Chief!” Eunseok yelled reflexively, turning to Junwoo. Snapping out of his daze, Junwoo quickly pulled Section Chief Jimin down, shielding her with his body. A choked gasp and a thud followed.Eunseok didn’t dare look back to see what had become of Section Chief Kwak, caught in the grip of the rampaging Esper. There was no time.“Shit, what’s happening? Why is there a rogue Esper here?”Ripping a section of concrete wall free, Eunseok erected a makeshift barrier, pushing Junwoo and Jimin behind it. Their knees trembling, they forced themself to stand.The strain of using their power left them parched, but that was the least of their worries. None of them were combat Espers, and they were completely unprepared for this situation.“Report… I need to report this.”They needed a specialized team to subdue a rogue Esper. Eunseok recalled their basic training.As they reached for their phone, Section Chief Jimin, huddled in Junwoo’s arms, began to sob. Junwoo joined in.“W-what do we do, Eunseok? S-Section Chief… he’s… he’s dead…”“A-are we going to die? I don’t want to die… I’m scared… Please… help…”Both were in a state of panic, kneeling on the floor, clinging to each other and weeping. Getting any help from them was impossible.“Get a grip, Cha Eunseok!”Slapping themself, Eunseok grabbed their phone. There was no time to lose. They were still within the rogue Esper’s range. They had to call for backup.Their fingers fumbled, barely managing to dial the emergency number. Just as they pressed the call button, the concrete barrier shattered, the impact sending them sprawling.“Aagh!”“Help! Help!”The two-meter wall crumbled. Struck by the debris, Eunseok dropped their phone.With no cover, the sharp, agonizing energy of the rogue Esper washed over them. Their skin felt like it was tearing, their internal energy in turmoil. The pain intensified with every step the blood-soaked Esper took towards them.Glancing back, they saw a figure lying motionless in the corner. Section Chief Kwak. “He’s not dead… right?” Eunseok thought, clenching their jaw.Even in this desperate situation, they hesitated.Should they use their mental ability?If they did… could they handle the consequences? They’d never used it on another Esper, and there was no guarantee it would work.“No, Cha Eunseok. Don’t get involved. We’ll be fine. I called for help! They’ll be here soon.”The rogue Esper was closing in. Fear and pain constricted their chest. Just as they resolved to stay put, their eyes met Section Chief Jimin’s, her eyeliner smeared with tears.She looked like she was accepting her fate, clutching Junwoo and sobbing. Her eyes met Eunseok’s.“…”“…”“…”“Damn it…”They were supposed to stay out of it… to remain invisible…But their hand reached for their glasses.Ripping them off, they threw them across the room. The frames snapped.The rogue Esper, swaying unsteadily, came into sharp focus. Eunseok lunged.Their attack was less than graceful. It devolved into a messy brawl. Cha Eunseok had no fighting experience, no technique, no strategy.Their only goal was to get the Esper away from Junwoo and Jimin. They tried desperately to climb onto him.“…You motherfucker…!”“This hurts like hell!”A metallic taste filled their mouth. Blood. Overwhelmed by pain and regret, tears streamed down their face.“Cha Eunseok, you idiot! You’re crazy!”Instead of overpowering the Esper, they were pinned beneath him, bearing the full brunt of his chaotic energy. Their insides felt like they were being ripped apart. Grabbing his face with trembling hands, they thought, “If I let go, we’re all dead.”Looking directly into his crazed, black eyes, they screamed, “Stop!”The Esper froze, as if time had stopped.His flailing fists, the agonizing energy, all vanished.“You son of a bitch, lie the fuck down!”As if obeying a command, the Esper slid off Eunseok, lying down on the floor, curling up like a child and closing his eyes.Soft snores filled the sudden silence.Pushing themself up with their elbows, Eunseok checked, double-checked, that he was actually asleep.They nudged him with their foot, then slapped his face.