The Perfect

The lawyer, who had been listening for a while, muttered, “That guy’s an idiot.”The Restoration Department manager nodded.“That’s right. But his recent writings suggest some change… Anyway, the problem is that he has the ability to plan and execute things alone without anyone knowing. If he takes action, the only person who might stop him is…”Contrary to everyone’s expectation that there was no one, the Restoration Department manager muttered, lost in thought.“Well, that person might be able to stop him.”“Who?” the lawyer asked, but the manager didn’t answer. As he remained silent, Jinwook asked about someone who had been mentioned several times in the conversation.“Is the TP department head still alive?”The Restoration Department manager only glanced at him.“If the TP department head is alive, he might be able to stop Han Jemyung. Isn’t that right?”“He’s in no condition to move properly. He’s already suffered greatly because of the TP department. No matter what, I won’t bring him into this.”Jinwook sensed something hidden in his firm response.“Does Han Jemyung know anything about the TP department head? He doesn’t think he’s dead, does he?”Again, no answer. Jinwook was incredulous.“Does he really think he’s dead? Why? Wouldn’t it be better for the few remaining department members to stay in touch? They were like family, weren’t they?”“Yes. The department head was like a father to Han Jemyung. There must be a reason for lying about his death. So don’t interfere. And there’s no need to mention the department head’s name. Han Jemyung just needs to remain unaware of the supplier’s identity. So, CEO Na, your job is to ensure no one suspects you know anything.”At his warning, Jinwook and the lawyer exchanged a knowing look. They both had the same person in mind.“You might be thinking of Han Jemyung, but there’s someone else we need to be more cautious about.”“Who?”“Director Kook.”“Ah, the VIP of the Restoration Department.”Jinwook let out an incredulous laugh at the manager’s words, but the manager’s expression was serious.“Since we’re on the topic, I must say I’m against him.”Against him? Jinwook was about to ask what he meant when something came to mind. Could it be about Han Jemyung and… But before he could confirm, the manager suddenly stood up.“I need to use the restroom.”The Restoration Department manager cut off the conversation and left. As soon as he was gone, Jinwook lowered his voice.“Can you get information on the TP department?”“I’ll try. It’s not that I don’t trust the manager, but verification is necessary. I know someone with access to all classified information. I’ll push them to send it within a few hours. Meanwhile, you get some information from the government guy.”“About the major?”“Yes. He must know something important. The fact that the government guy isn’t intervening means the major isn’t considered a threat, right?”“……”“Have you heard anything?”“About the drug. Do you think it’s still around? If Han Jemyung blew up the cave, the raw materials should be gone, and the major only escaped with a large amount of the drug.”“He must have found the plant or taken seeds to grow it.”“Do you think so?”“Don’t you?”“As the lawyer said, Director Kook doesn’t seem to consider the major a threat. Could it be because the drug isn’t considered dangerous?”The lawyer nodded in realization.“Because the drug is limited? The major can’t get the raw materials, and Director Kook knows that. That’s why he was so indifferent!”“What was I indifferent about?”“You always are unless it’s about revenge… Oh!”The lawyer turned around in shock. Director Kook was standing at the door, leaning casually.Things had gone too smoothly. CEO Ryu was pleased but also puzzled. Han Jemyung had shown unexpected interest in the matter, and when CEO Ryu slightly appealed to his patriotism, he revealed his intentions.‘We can’t let the country be shaken. I’ve come to realize how important this peaceful life is. Living in the safe house provided by 4K, I’ve also come to appreciate the value of money.’‘That’s right. Once you experience convenience, going back to the old ways becomes even more uncomfortable. But Han Jemyung won’t return to the past. I guarantee it.’Han Jemyung just smiled. CEO Ryu took it as a sign of acceptance. Money could indeed solve anything.‘How much do you need?’‘I don’t know. But the more, the better. However, I don’t want to leave any evidence right now. I’m not afraid of the mutant Heartless or the supplier. It’s Director Kook’s uncanny intuition that scares me.’CEO Ryu nodded in agreement. He genuinely understood. If there was a traitor, Director Kook would be the first to notice.‘Don’t give me anything. No promises, no contact. I’ll reach out to you.’CEO Ryu agreed with Han Jemyung’s terms. But he couldn’t just wait indefinitely without any assurance. He needed collateral.‘How can I trust you?’‘I’m trying to deceive Director Kook right now. Isn’t that enough proof of my sincerity?’It was a difficult task for anyone who had faced Director Kook’s revenge. CEO Ryu knew this well, having suffered greatly himself.‘You could be deceiving me.’“Just wait a few days. I’ll bring the information. Then you can decide.”A few days. That much he could wait. As Han Jemyung left, he realized he had seized a great opportunity. But he wasn’t entirely happy. Something felt off. At the time, he thought it was because of Director Kook and didn’t think much of it. Because of this, he didn’t notice that Han Jemyung’s voice and eyes were different from usual. To him, the only problem was Director Kook.“Why are you so startled, old man? Were you badmouthing me?”The lawyer calmly replied to Director Kook’s question.“Wh-what? When did I get startled?”Director Kook sharply looked at the lawyer, then turned his gaze to Jinwook.“Why are you here?”“To badmouth you.”“With whom?”With the lawyer… Jinwook was about to answer but stopped when he saw the table Director Kook was looking at. There were three mugs on the table, one of which belonged to the Restoration Department manager. Director Kook slowly looked around the office and then plopped down in the chair where the manager had been sitting.He couldn’t show any signs in front of him. Director Kook’s intuition was sharper than a compass, and if he found out about Han Jemyung, things could get noisy. That could lead to Han Jemyung finding out too. Silently observing Director Kook, he saw him staring at the mug in front of him before reaching out.“Height in the mid-170s, the lawyer made ginseng tea for him, so he’s probably older. It’s still warm, so he either left recently or went to the restroom.”Director Kook suddenly stood up. The lawyer grabbed his arm.“He left, he left. Stop playing detective and sit down.”“Who was it?”“Do you really want to know?”“You said you were badmouthing me together?”“Yes. Do you think the Restoration Department would praise you?”At that, Director Kook looked at Jinwook. Jinwook nodded.“That’s right. It was someone from the Restoration Department. They said you’re causing a lot of trouble. They even called me out.”“Yeah, you should bow to me. You’re incredibly lucky. Coming right after the Restoration Department manager left.”The lawyer joined in the scolding.“The Restoration Department manager, huh. I should go see him.”Their expressions briefly hardened.“What are you planning to do? You’re not exactly welcome there.”“I know how to behave. Don’t worry.”“No, you don’t.”The lawyer insisted, but Director Kook kept staring at the mug. They watched him closely. Did he sense something? But Director Kook simply looked up and reported on the task the lawyer had given him. After the brief report, the lawyer exchanged glances with Jinwook and spoke.“Are you ever going to tell us what happened in Mexico?”“What do you mean?”“The person who called you a chef. You went into a military area because of him and were investigated by the U.S. government. Later, the U.S. officially announced that person was dead, but that wasn’t true. What did you do in the desert?”“I ran like hell.”“No, who did you meet there…”“I met someone half-dead, carried him, and ran like hell.”“Didn’t you meet any other soldiers?”“I did. The half-dead guy. He was wearing a hazmat suit, and I carried him and ran like hell.”“What about the other soldiers?”“They were all dead. Only the half-dead guy was alive, so I carried him and ran like hell.”By now, the two understood what Director Kook was getting at. Jinwook sighed and asked,“What did the half-dead guy do to you?”“I saved him, and while I was away for a moment, he ran off. Damn, not even a thank you.”As expected. Director Kook cursed lowly, his anger rising again.“May you marry an ungrateful spouse and live in anger forever.”Are you telling us to marry you? The two thought the same thing and looked at Director Kook with pity.“Hey, how old are you? Why are you so obsessed with petty revenge? The world is in chaos because of a madman supplying mutant drugs, and ‘thank you’ is more important to you?”“Old man, give me ten thousand won.”“Why?”“Hurry, it’s urgent.”The lawyer handed over the money, and Director Kook pocketed it. That was it.“What are you doing? Why did you take my money?”“You gave it to me. The world is in chaos because of a madman supplying mutant drugs, and ten thousand won is more important?”“It is! My ten thousand won is more important… Damn you.”The lawyer cursed, realizing Director Kook’s point. It was faster to find the major and ask him than to get information from this guy.“There were soldiers I met at the desert entrance.”“Was one of them the supplier of the mutant drug?”“Yes.”“What happened there? What did you talk about?”“You’re shameless. Trying to hear it for free?”Damn you. The two cursed under their breath.“How much will it cost to hear it?”“Give me the information. You’re hiding something from me. The rumor about the mutant drug supplier coming to Korea—there’s someone the supplier wants who’s still alive, right? One of the Korean agents who survived the desert. Who is it?”“It’s not someone you want to meet.”Jinwook met Director Kook’s gaze calmly and proposed,“If this information is good enough, let’s trade.”Director Kook tilted his head, staring at him. Jinwook smirked and provoked,“Why? Confused? You think there might be something, but it’s not worth giving up your information?”“No. I was just wondering why you suddenly got involved in this.”“…The lawyer asked for help.”That’s right, I asked for help. The lawyer chimed in, but this time Director Kook smirked.“The lawyer here doesn’t ask for help. He uses threats and bribes.”The lawyer bristled but maintained his composure and smiled back.“You really know me well. But I know you too. The reason you’re so calm is that the supplier has a handicap. They can’t make the drug anymore. They don’t have the seeds. Right?”“No.”“What?”“They have plenty of seeds.”“How do you know that?”Director Kook shrugged.“I gave them the seeds myself.”The major’s truck, the last to depart, quickly approached the desert border. He could see the cars of his subordinates waiting at the entrance. Several trucks carrying important items had already arrived and lined up with their headlights on.* * *But the major’s truck stopped before getting close. His subordinates, who had been in the lead trucks, were all lying face down on the ground, hands clasped behind their heads. There were also a few bodies around the trucks. The major and his subordinates got out, guns drawn, and scanned the area.Could the government have sent someone? No, that was unlikely. The lieutenant hadn’t reported to the government properly yet. Then who could it be? As the major and his team pondered, a figure emerged from the darkness.The major frowned immediately upon seeing him. An Eastern man. Could he be a TP agent? But he didn’t recognize him. He wasn’t wearing a uniform either. One of the major’s subordinates aimed his gun at the man, but the major quickly ordered,“Don’t shoot!”The major stepped forward. The Eastern man was holding a black canteen. The lead trucks were filled with drugs, but the canteen was even more important. It contained seeds.“Who are you?”“An angry person.”“What?”“Why are you shooting at someone peacefully minding their own business?”For someone claiming to be peaceful, he had a rifle and an axe strapped to his back. There was also a bike nearby, presumably his. But the most noticeable thing about him was the axe. The major recalled a famous Heartless hunter known to be active in the area recently. A madman but highly skilled. His name was…“Are you Cook?”“Guk.”“Right, Cook.”“Guk.”“Cook. You must be a good chef.”The hunter’s expression turned deadly as he moved his gun. The major’s subordinates aimed at him again, but the major stopped them. The hunter’s gun was aimed at the canteen. He might be a madman, but he knew what was important.“Hey, chef. Do you know what you’re aiming at?”“It’s more important than your subordinates’ lives.”How did he know? Did he know there were seeds inside? How much did he know? The major wanted to kill him but feared he might destroy the seeds. If he ran off with them, it would be over. Those were the only seeds.“Are you after the seeds?”“Are these seeds?”The major frowned. Did he know nothing?“Why are you here?”“Peacefully looking for someone. But these bastards shot at me.”The hunter pointed at the dead subordinates with his chin and added to the major,“I return what I receive.”“Then you should return what’s not yours to its rightful owner. Hand it over. It’s ours.”“Don’t be ridiculous. This canteen is used by Iguala locals when crossing the desert. You took it from someone too.”The major checked his watch. There was no time for this argument. The ‘Clear’ operation had been initiated, and the desert would soon be scorched. If the chemical weapons left at the camp exploded, the desert would become a barren wasteland.“What do you want?”“I’m looking for someone. A Korean.”The major exchanged glances with his subordinate and pointed behind them.“The Koreans are all at the camp. I’ll let you through if you leave that.”“No. You’re not letting me through. I’m letting you go.”He pressed the gun barrel closer to the canteen. A subordinate whispered urgently that there was no time. The major knew. They had to leave quickly. The ‘Clear’ operation had already started. Considering the time to decide in the control room and for the missiles to arrive, they had at most 15 minutes left.“Do you need money?”“No. Tell me what you’re hiding. Why are you the only ones wearing raincoats and running like hell?”“…They’re hazmat suits.”The major briefly explained the bombing and added,“If you go into the desert now, it’s like walking into hell. But with this, it’s a different story.”The major showed a device that could stop the ‘Clear’ operation. It had to be pressed within 30 minutes to be effective, so pressing it now was useless. But the major lied with a smile.“If you press this, it might stop the missiles. If you’re going inside, I’ll trade it for the canteen. I’ll also tell you where to go and give you this raincoat. You just need to hand over the canteen.”The subordinates didn’t like the major’s proposal, but the major liked him. The hunter showed no fear despite the major’s words. Instead, his eyes sparkled.“Just the canteen? Easy.”“It won’t be easy for you. Are you really going inside?”“Give me the raincoat. I don’t need directions. I got a map from an old lady who spent her childhood in the desert, telling me annoying old stories.”The hunter tapped his head, indicating he had the map memorized. But it was dark now. His confidence seemed foolish to others, but there was also curiosity about whether he could really survive. The major made another proposal.“I don’t know who you’re looking for, but if you go inside, you’ll meet them in hell. You can follow me if you want.”“What if I come back alive?”The major smiled and nodded.“I’ll salute you every time I hear your name.”The hunter grinned and handed over the canteen.“Then every time you see me, say it’s an honor to meet me.”* * *The story from Director Kook was simple. Almost absurdly simple and typical of Director Kook’s quirky nature. That’s all?“And you just gave them the seeds? So you pressed the device and survived?”“No. The missiles hit elsewhere first. I was incredibly lucky. Even the ungrateful scumbag I saved.”The scumbag seemed pitiful. Jinwook paused. Could the person Director Kook saved be…?“That’s all that happened in the desert. Don’t bother me anymore.”“Why did you tell us?”“I’m interested now.”“Interested in what?”“Killing the mutant drug supplier.”“…”Director Kook looked at the two and asked expressionlessly,“Aren’t you happy? You both wanted the supplier dead, didn’t you?”* * *Due to the upcoming GM Week, a familiar scene unfolded in Jemyung’s living room. 4K employees were whisking egg whites for a face pack. Flour mixed with the pack was scattered everywhere, but those aiming for perfect skin didn’t care about such trivial matters. Only the homeowner cared.“Ugh, my arm hurts. It’s going to fall off.”Seungjae, the youngest, complained while whisking. But the other two were too busy applying the wine-mixed pack to their faces to care.“Section Chief Bae, stop drinking the wine. I need to use it for the pack… Oh? You’re back?”Seungjae noticed the returning homeowner.“Sit down quickly. We need to start intensive care from today.”Han Jemyung didn’t react. Seungjae stopped whisking, sensing something different.“What’s wrong? Did you get scolded at the Special Agent?”“No. I’m just moved by how messy the house is again.”Seungjae grinned and pointed beside him.“Egg whites tighten the pores. Sit down and apply it quickly.”Han Jemyung obediently sat down and took the whisk Seungjae subtly handed over, starting to whisk. Section Chief Bae added,“Just tightening the pores can make you look 20 years younger, so whisk hard.”“…Are you telling me to go back to being eight years old?”“Huh? You’re twenty-eight? Not thirty-eight?”Han Jemyung’s hand paused but then resumed whisking with a smile.“How old are you, Section Chief Bae?”“I’m thirty-four. But you look older…”“I’m thirty-eight, so I can speak informally to you. Clean up the floor, kid.”Section Chief Bae’s muscles tensed, but he suppressed his anger, sensing the edge in the Special Agent’s words. Anger wasn’t good for the skin.“Did you really have to write a report at the Special Agent? You’re unusually prickly today.”“With GM Week approaching, I’m getting sensitive.”That made sense. Everyone nodded. If they didn’t succeed this year, another year would pass by. The government set aside an entire month for matchmaking, so people refrained from meeting new people for the other 11 months, hoping to meet someone better during GM Week. Section Chief Bae especially empathized.“I understand. If I don’t find a match this year, I’ll have to meet my match in a nursing home.”Everyone genuinely worried about the man with a preference for partners 20 years older. The odds were higher that he’d meet someone in the afterlife.“But Han Jemyung, you’re only thirty-eight, so don’t lose hope.”Instead, he lost ten years of his life. As Jemyung’s hand paused again, Section Chief Bae addressed everyone.“Section Chief Bae is right. Don’t lose hope. This time, I’ll find a match no matter what. If not, I’ll go to reunions, veteran meetings, anything to find someone.”He raised his muscular arm and clenched his fist. If he couldn’t find a match, he seemed ready to catch a wild boar instead. Seungjae’s words suddenly reminded him of something: “Dongil City.” It was a suspicious part of the investigation on Han Jemyung. There was nothing more to dig into in the digital records, so CEO Na had told him to take a break, but Seungjae saw this as an opportunity.“Veteran reunions are nice. Han Jemyung, you should go too. Which unit were you in three years ago?”Han Jemyung seemed not to hear the question as he was busy whisking. It wasn’t until Seungjae asked again that he responded, “Huh?” and looked up.“I asked which unit you were in three years ago.”Han Jemyung mentioned a common name. It was the name in Jemyung’s personal report. Seungjae continued questioning nonchalantly.“You got into the Special Agent because of your merits, right? They say your unit was annihilated, and you were the sole survivor. It must have been a huge battle. Where was it?”Han Jemyung’s hand paused briefly but then resumed whisking as he answered quickly.“Seoul.”“Seoul? Where in Seoul?”“Where was it… It was a small power plant before Ilsan, but it exploded, leaving the area in ruins. I barely survived by hiding in a watch shop.”“A watch shop?”“Yes. Dongil Watches, I think?”Han Jemyung tilted his head. Seungjae chuckled inwardly. So that’s what “Dongil City” was. It wasn’t much. He felt his previous company might not be much either. Then Han Jemyung asked a question.“Mr. Hong, do you have a charger for the XX model phone? Mine isn’t working well.”“Of course, Seungjae has it. That guy has all kinds of electronics.”Section Chief Bae answered for him, and Seungjae nodded.“I have one. I’ll give it to you later since I’m applying the face pack now.”“That’s a relief. I didn’t want to answer Director Kook’s call and needed an excuse.”“369369. That’s my front door password. Open the bottom drawer on the right side of the living room, and you’ll find it. Go charge your phone now.”Seungjae pushed Han Jemyung. But he resisted, saying he needed to apply the face pack too, until he received two bags of jelly as a compromise and got up. Once he left, Seungjae felt somewhat cheated. Why do I have to lend my charger and give him jelly too?“Special Agent employees are never ordinary.”Seungjae frowned at Section Chief Bae’s comment. Damn, I’m losing free money. He muttered to himself, and then Section Chief Bae asked,“By the way, Seungjae, how did you know Han Jemyung survived alone from that battle three years ago?”“Well…”Seungjae blinked and hesitated. Did I make a mistake? But he quickly shook his head. No, if Han Jemyung had noticed, he would have reacted differently, but he seemed the same as usual.“I just heard it somewhere.”He answered vaguely, still eyeing the front door nervously. Should I check? But even if Han Jemyung searched his house, he wouldn’t find anything. His computer was highly secured, so no one could access it. Yes, no one could access it. Feeling reassured, Seungjae returned to his pursuit of becoming a skincare model.With a click, the light revealed Seungjae’s room, filled with computers and gadgets. Han Jemyung looked around, ignoring the computer, and went straight to the printer. He turned it on, connected his phone, and ran a simple program. The printer soon started spitting out the last printed documents.Whirring, the printer printed six pages and stopped. Jemyung picked up the papers to see what Seungjae had last printed. The first page was his personal details stored in the Special Agent. The following pages were the results of the investigation on him.It was a report, meaning it was sent to a superior, likely CEO Na. For some reason, CEO Na was suspicious of Han Jemyung’s past. How much had he found out? As Jemyung left Seungjae’s house, he called someone. After a long ring, the sharp voice of Section Chief Yoo from the Population Management Office answered.[What?]Jemyung slowly climbed the stairs and asked,“How are you?”[What? Did you call just to ask that?]“Of course not. I was wondering if you handled what I asked for.”[It’s done, so hang up…]“If the CEO of 4K comes to see you, don’t tell him anything. Understand?”The other side hesitated briefly. It was a short moment, but Jemyung didn’t miss it.[Even if Director Kook comes and threatens me with an axe, I won’t say a word.]He emphasized Director Kook on purpose. To Han Jemyung, it sounded like he might talk to anyone except Director Kook.[So stop calling me.]“Yes. I’ll trust only you, Section Chief Yoo. Don’t scold me for calling. I hardly have anyone left to trust.”[…….]“Good night.”Despite the kind words, Han Jemyung’s face was expressionless. He looked down at his phone after the call ended and muttered coldly.“Seems like there’s no one left.”* * *A dark figure moved through CEO Na’s dimly lit house. The intruder roamed confidently, pulling at a locked door. A small wire emerged from his hand, easily unlocking the door.Inside was a study. Without turning on the light, he scanned the room and opened CEO Na’s laptop. The screen prompted for a password. His fingers tapped several numbers. After a few failed attempts, the lock screen disappeared. His fingers moved quickly, searching through saved files.Finding nothing special, he checked the email inbox. The most recent email, received just minutes ago, was from the lawyer. The intruder stared at the screen and opened the email. It contained a single line.‘The Restoration Department wasn’t lying.’He opened the attached file, but it was locked. After a long pause, he entered a password. The file opened. It was marked as classified information related to the TP department. It detailed their last mission. The report ended with:[One survivor from the battle. All other department members perished. Location unknown. Information can be obtained from TP department members who did not participate in the desert battle.Former TP Department Information Management Deputy Chief: Current Population Management Office Section Chief Yoo.]The reader’s finger moved to the next line.[2. Former TP Department Overall Head: Long-term treatment at XX Rehabilitation Hospital]* * *“Hey, wait.”Jinwook caught Director Kook as he got out of the car at the villa entrance after waiting for a long time.“Why was your phone off? Where have you been?”“Running around on foot, hunting the perverted drug supplier.”“It’s mutant drug. And where did you go?”“Here and there. Would you understand if I told you?”“No. So let’s talk.”“No. I’m going to see Han Jemyung.”Director Kook brushed off Jinwook’s hand and warned,“I don’t want to see you. Don’t follow me.”“I wouldn’t follow you even if you paid me. But if you want to go, talk to me properly first, you jerk.”Jinwook grabbed Director Kook’s arm again. This time, Director Kook lightly shook off his hand.“No.”“Why are you so stubborn?”“Me? I told you about the meeting with the perverted drug supplier you wanted, and I said I’d catch and eliminate the supplier myself. You should bow to me every time you see me.”“How do you plan to catch the supplier?”“Spread rumors.”“What… Are you planning to use the fact that a TP agent is alive as bait?”“You got it. I’ll spread the rumor so widely that even a comet flying to Earth will hear it.”Jinwook was about to say no but closed his mouth. He saw it in Director Kook’s eyes. This guy was toying with him. With his sharp intuition, he must have sensed something was being hidden and was deliberately tormenting him and the lawyer. There was only one way to shut him up.“The lawyer is discussing a plan with the government. Keep quiet until we have a solution. Otherwise, I’ll lure Han Jemyung.”A slow smile spread across Director Kook’s face, but his voice was deadly.“Do it. I’ve always thought about half-killing you.”“Good. Then Han Jemyung will pity me and fully come over to my side.”Jinwook smirked. But seeing Director Kook suddenly draw a knife, he added seriously.“Just wait for a week. If you keep blabbing around, the Special Agent or L&Y might catch on, and the plan could fail. Don’t interfere and just wait. Then I won’t approach Han Jemyung for a week. I won’t make any moves, I swear.”“Don’t ever approach him, you bastard.”“Well, if Han Jemyung falls for me first, I can’t help it.”Director Kook smiled again, fiddling with the knife, looking at his opponent with eyes that seemed to say he’d love to stab him.“Are you really interested?”“One week. Just keep quiet for one week.”“This is going to be really interesting.”“What is?”“The look on your face when Han Jemyung chooses me.”This time, Jinwook’s eyes sharpened. Director Kook sheathed his knife and turned away. He had the look of a victor. Jinwook didn’t like his confidence. Should I confront him in a week too?Getting used to things is scary. Han Jemyung no longer got too annoyed when the door opened in the middle of the night. And he found himself naturally turning on five compact fluorescent lamps even before checking if the electricity was out or if a fuse had blown. And it always ended with Director Kook brazenly entering his room. Fortunately, this time he had some conscience, as he brought food in both hands. It was fried food. The ingredients were lobster and truffles.“You fried the whole lobster.”“The shell has a lot of chitosan.”“Eating it will also break my teeth and I can get calcium, which is very good for health.”“Glad you know.”Is he really trying to knock all my teeth out? Han Jemyung glared suspiciously.“Why did you fry it?”“You didn’t eat it well last time, so I changed the cooking method. They say even cockroaches taste good when fried.”“…Yes, I suddenly have a huge appetite.”“Don’t eat too much. You shouldn’t fall asleep right after being full.”“……”“Why?”Director Kook asked sarcastically, but Han Jemyung just stared at him and then spoke.“You’re really consistent, Director Kook.”It’s not a bad thing. He mumbled and added,“Even if everything else changes, somehow, I feel you won’t change.”“Who has changed?”“Well, I have, and so has everyone else. No matter how close you are, people lie and deceive according to the situation. Even if they say it was for you, change is change.”“Does that mean you’re starting to fall for me?”A shadow of regret passed over Han Jemyung’s face.“That’s a wrong interpretation.”“No, it means you haven’t realized your true feelings yet. Believe me. I’m right.”“Do you think I don’t know what I said?”“You might not if it’s your first experience.”“First experience? Do you think I haven’t even, even been in love?”Jemyung asked incredulously, but his voice was trembling. Director Kook coolly replied,“So what? I haven’t either.”“…Am I your first love?”“I’ll tell you if you turn off one light.”“No need. I am your first love.”“But you still want to hear it from my mouth.”Han Jemyung hesitated, looking at the light. Director Kook slowly reached out and turned off the light. Before Han Jemyung could protest, he spoke first.“You’re my first love.”“……”“Anything else you’re curious about?”It was clear he intended to turn off another light, but Han Jemyung didn’t get angry this time. Instead, he looked into the air as if thinking and asked,“Three years ago, where did you go to meet the person you wanted to fight?”“Mexico.”“Where in Mexico?”“Iguana or something?”“You mean Iguala.”“You know well. As if you’ve been there.”“……”Click. Another light went out. Han Jemyung looked at the three remaining lights and asked another question.“If that person is still alive, do you want to meet them again?”“No.”“Why?”“Three years have passed. Time doesn’t make everyone grow. People like me, who are born geniuses and work hard, are rare. Naturally, I’d be stronger now, so there’s no need to meet and crush their spirit.”Click. Two lights remained. The light that illuminated Han Jemyung’s stunned expression was decreasing.“What if that person is also a born genius who works hard?”Click. As the light went out, Han Jemyung reached out and shouted.“That’s not a question!”“Then is it an exclamation?”“More like talking to myself?”“Either way, I win.”Jemyung was about to ask ‘Why?’ but swallowed the words as he looked at the remaining light. He stared at the light, keeping his mouth shut. Director Kook reached for the remaining light.“What are you doing?”“Is that a question?”“……It was an exclamation. And take your hand off.”“I’ll take it off if you ask one more question.”“I have nothing to ask.”“Then I will.”“Never mind, just take your hand off the light… Huh? If Director Kook asks a question, I’ll turn one light back on.”Suit yourself. Director Kook shrugged and asked,“What did you do today?”Jemyung hesitated, as if he were about to reveal his bank password. He soon laughed hollowly and gave a short answer.“I went to the Special Management Department today.”“And that’s why you’re in a bad mood?”“…….”“Don’t deny it. Your whole body is screaming that today was terrible.”A bitter smile spread across Han Jemyung’s face.“Director Kook is really hard to deceive. No one else noticed.”“Thinking I’m hard to deceive is a misconception. It’s just that with such a preconception, you act differently than usual, which makes it more noticeable.”“So, to deceive Director Kook, I just need to act normally?”“Exactly. Just like usual.”His answer came after the last remaining light was turned off. In the darkness, he stood up. Han Jemyung neither screamed nor stepped back. He just watched the dark figure approaching him. The darkness was comforting, as it always forgave everything.Director Kook grabbed Han Jemyung’s shoulder and pushed him. As he fell back from where he was sitting, a large body covered him. With a low breath, dry lips pressed against Han Jemyung’s lips. A tongue mixed with breath entered between his lips. Their lips collided and twisted.Han Jemyung’s arm wrapped around Director Kook’s neck. Pants were taken off. Their hardened members were grasped by each other’s hands. As they kissed and caressed each other, their members rubbed against each other. For a while, the accelerated breathing filled the air. Even in the darkness, Han Jemyung did not close his eyes until it was all over.