Waiting For Your Reincarnation

“Don’t play around.” “You think what I’m doing is a prank? I’m not that kind of fool.” 

Ryu Won’s face stiffened slightly. He got up from his seat before I could think of an answer, then took the bracelet out of its case and put it on my right wrist.

 

The bracelet fit like a glove, as if it had been remade around my wrist. Ryu Won ran his index finger over the bracelet.

 “I’ve realized something lately: waiting and procrastinating isn’t the only way.” 

I didn’t understand what he was saying. What could Ryu Won be waiting for when he hadn’t seen me for so long?

 

He acted as if he knew everything about men, as he had since the first time we met in the forest.

 

Even their faces, their names, even their dreams.

 

 He acted as if I needed to remember something more.

 “What do you know about my dream?” “I don’t know.” “You’ll only know if you tell me.” 

I raised my hand to unlock the bracelet. 

 

Ryu Won grabbed both my hands with one hand. 

 

My hands were pinned, and I couldn’t move. 

 “Don’t take the bracelet off.” “Hey!” “Ms. Yeon-young, each of us has a certain amount of work to do.” “What?” “It’s just that your dreams aren’t mine.” 

In other words, Ryu Won couldn’t tell me anything about my dreams. I felt like he was falling deeper into a maze.

 

He checked the bracelet several times to make sure it fit well on my wrist. He also tapped the surface several times to check its performance.

 

A tiny holographic screen appeared on the bracelet and then disappeared. I forgot my irritation and watched in amazement.

 

Satisfied, Ryu Won let go of my hand. I fumbled with the bracelet and looked at it.

 

At best, it looked like a pair of golden handcuffs.

 “I’ll answer your question later.” “You really meant it?” “I assure you, you are the only woman I ever confessed to after my death.” 

Ryu Won extended his index finger and brought it to my forehead, then traced the line of my face, cupping my cheek with a respectful, gentle touch.

 

He looked as steadfast as a flower in the snow. I bit my lip hard.

 “You want to know my share, right?” 

Ryu Won touched my lips hesitantly. My lower lip stuck out of my mouth and he touched it ticklishly underneath.

 

His fingers tingle wherever they touch. I stared at Ryu Won, unable to do anything but stare.

 “My part is just to wait.” “Maybe I was Mr. Ryu Won’s lover in a previous life?” “You want to know?” 

Finally, the hand near my lips moved away. I let out the breath I had been secretly holding in. LRyu Won laughed so hard that I couldn’t see the pupils in his eyes.

 “I’m afraid it’s a secret.” “Why?” “It’s no fun if I give it away. It keeps you wondering about me, thinking about me.” “That’s terrible.” “Make you love me. Ms. Yeon-young will surely fall in love with me.” 

Ryu Won was sure. Confessing his love like an order. It was a very arrogant attitude, but it didn’t feel that way. His words were soft on the outside, but always hard on the inside.

 

I didn’t react to his words. I needed more time to think about it. Ryu Won also didn’t want to interfere with my reaction right now.

 

He pointed at his own wrist and continued his explanation.

 “And don’t take your bracelet off. It’s your temple ID. You only need this bracelet for authentication, communication. Teleportation. You’ll need it for everything, so get familiar with it.” “Got it.” “And this.” 

He handed me a black uniform surrounded by a transparent membrane. I touched the membrane and it vanished as if it had never existed.

 

The material was flexible, contrary to what I expected from the angularity of the garment. I could walk through the forest without feeling uncomfortable.

 

Ryu Won said he had delivered everything I needed and stepped aside so I could change.

 

I put on the stretch pants first, followed by a washi shirt. The color of the tie I was given was yellow.

 

I put on my uniform coat, which looked like a one-piece with a belt around my waist to hold things. The gold sash along the shoulder line made the uniform look more elegant.

 

I threw everything I was wearing into the trash can.

 

It took me only a moment to change.

 “Come on, let’s go…, let’s see.” 

I grabbed the doorknob and opened the door, debating whether or not to leave for the umpteenth time. 

 

Ryu Won leaned his upper body against the wall, waiting.

 

***

 

When I left the room, he let out a small laugh. 

 

It was strange that the image was sharp when he had his mouth closed, but as soon as he smiled, it became warm. 

 

It made me feel different every time I saw him.

 “You’re a coup. You’ll only wear your uniform from now on. Let’s go report.” 

After leaving the stabilization room, they went straight to the chairman’s office to report for duty.

 

Sitting in a plush black leather chair, Chairman Saeri gave me a meaningful look. She rubbed her chin several times with her fingers, then opened her mouth.

 “Black.” “What?” “I’ve never liked the black of the Center’s uniform, but for the first time, I like it. Maybe it’s meant for us after all?” “Thank you.” “Yes, your powers have manifested and you have succeeded in your first mission.” 

Saeri was pleased with her insight. Ryu Won took the capsule from the inside pocket of his suit and handed it to Saeri. 

 

She shook the capsule, looked inside and made a steaming sound.

 “Hmph, he’s in bad shape right now. I don’t think we should send him into the forest right away. Let’s give him some tranquilizers and keep an eye on him for a while.” 

Saeri placed the capsule in the plastic container she had prepared. My first task was complete.

 

It had been a simple task, but knowing what I was capable of gave me a strange sense of satisfaction. It gave me a sense of belonging to the Sanghan Center.

 “Good job on your first mission, youngest. Your reward for this mission is a bracelet, so be careful not to lose it, and if you do, report it immediately.” “Okay.” 

My slightly flushed cheeks made Saeri smile, and then she clapped her hands together and let out a sigh. She seemed to have something to say.

 “Did you tell her about the dorm?” “No.” 

Ryu Won answered with a nonchalant two, as if it was no one else’s business. Apparently, the library had told him that I might have to use the on-call room until I was assigned a dormitory.

 

Other than that, I hadn’t heard anything else, and I had a sinking feeling that Ryu Won’s suggestion that they move in together would be true.

 

Saeri brushed her bangs with her hand and made a puzzled face.

 “Originally, Yeon-young was supposed to be assigned to the middle dormitory. Even though it’s a dormitory, the special teams all have their own houses, so I thought it would be okay if you were the only one using it, but we can’t give it to you…” “What?” “That’s because that bastard Jung Jaeho blew up the whole place while he was experimenting with traps.” 

All I could say was that Jung Jaeho was Jung Jaeho. Unethical experiments don’t get in his way.

 

I gave Saeri a desperate look like a cat in boots, but it didn’t reach her. Ryu Won, on the other hand, had the face of a hungry predator.

 “I’m sorry, I don’t have a place to stay right now? Don’t you have a temporary shelter for something like that?”

I asked.

“You know, If I had known we would have a new phantom in our chapter, I would have secured some extra rooms.”

Saeri said innocently.

 “But what about me?”

Ryu Won asked again.

 “You’ll be fine somewhere else for a month.” 

Saeri shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal. It’s not like she has to live in a house, she just needs to find a place to stay.

 

For me, who needed my own space, it was a death sentence.

 “It’s weird. Aside from the explosion, it feels like someone tampered with it on purpose.” “What?” “Well, I guess we’ll find out when we investigate.” 

Just like that.

 

Saeri snapped her fingers, drawing my attention to her. 

 

I was frowning. A sly smile tugged at the corners of Saeri’s mouth.

 “What are you so worried about? I’m the chairman of the board, and you think I haven’t made any plans?” “I thought you didn’t have a plan? You said Jung Jaeho burned everything down.” “That’s all you have? What do you think the special team will say?” 

Special teams are different.

 

This premise brought me some small comfort. 

 

A small vibration rumbled beneath my feet, and dirt formed in the shape of cards on Saeri’s desk.

 

There were three cards in total.

 “Here. Whoever takes one of these will go to your house and stay for a month.” “Choose one.” “What’s this?” “Do I know my choice in advance?” “Of course. Jung Jaeho, Ryu Won, and Shin Shin-ae. Fair, right?” 

Saeri was still smiling, and I couldn’t help but spit at her smiling face, just praying that this moment of choice would pass without incident.

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