Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

‘Strangely… Everything feels so peaceful today.’

Both the weather and the blowing wind was cool, and my surroundings were quiet and peaceful. If I looked out the balcony, I'd no doubt see the guild members training as always. Maybe Hyunsung would also be training there.

‘Eh, who am I kidding? Of course he'd be there. Maybe Hyejin too.’

I thought as I sip my tea. I've been quite surprised that I finished my guild work so soon. I even asked Manager Kim Miyoung if that is all there is, and when she confirmed it for me twice, I was in disbelief. Because of that, I turned my attention to managing the continent. Fortunately, there weren't any abnormalities, and everything was peaceful.

I did feel that my hands were itching to do something. Is this what Noona was talking about when she said I was being a workaholic? Maybe. My hands were always full, and now that I have tons of spare time, it feels a bit empty.

‘Ugh.. what to do.. I'm so bored.’

I was wondering if I could play chess with Hyejin but… I'm not in the mood for it. Then I remembered my alchemy lab. I do have my alchemy kit right here, but it's been a while since I've last done an experiment there.

‘Yeah, let's go visit.’

With that in mind, I stood up and stretched my limbs before making my way out of the office. I greeted the other guild members with a polite smile as they passed by me. Soon, I reached my lab and took a look around.

‘Ah.. Everything is just as I left it.’

I began to prepare the glasses and tubes, as well as the ingredients. Since I wasn't really aiming to create a specific potion, I just threw whatever ingredients into the bowl and see if something happens.

[Congratulations! You've created a new potion!

[Please enter a name.]

[Intelligence has increased by 1 point.]

‘Oh? It seems like something happened.’

I held up the glass filled with a purple liquid. It had a nice scent when I smelled it.

I didn't know what came upon me, but with sheer curiosity as an alchemist, I decided to drink the unknown potion. It didn't taste that bad, and actually tasted like plain vanilla. It didn't seem to have any immediate status effects after I drank it. I was about to sigh when a huge puff of purple smoke enveloped the entire lab.

‘What the hell?! What's happening?! Am I getting attacked? No wait, that's impossible. Is it from the potion I drank?’

Nothing seemed to happen while the smoke was there, so I decided to just idle around and wait for the smoke to clear. Eventually, when my vision was cleared, nothing seemed to change. I looked around and none of the surroundings were damaged or moved whatsoever.

The problem was when I looked at my own body.

‘Shit..’

I've become a woman.

[You've transformed to your opposite sex!]

[Time limit: 72 hours]

‘Shit, shit, shit, shit..! Damn! Damn it Lee Kiyoung! Why the hell would you drink an unknown potion?! You stupid idiot!’

I cursed myself for making such a stupid decision.

‘It's interesting that my clothes adjusted to my body too though… No, damn it! It's not the time to be thinking about that!’

The smoke must've leaked out of the room, and if a guild member sees it, they might have reported it to either, Manager Kim Miyoung, Hyejin, or Hyunsung.

‘Ah shit.. if it's Hyunsung….’

He'll find out that Lee Kiyoung and Lee Kiyeon are one and the same. What would he think of his brother who crossed dressed as his crush all this time?

‘It'd be horrible. Absolutely horrible. Hyunsung must never find out about this.’

But I couldn't hide it forever. At most, I'd be lucky if I manage to hide it for an hour. If the purple smoke had been reported directly to Hyunsung, then that guy would drop everything and come here at the speed of light..

‘Wait… I could just make something up.’

Yeah, that's right. Lee Kiyoung had just been experimenting when something had gone wrong and turned to a woman. It was by coincidence that female Lee Kiyoung happened to look like Lee Kiyeon. If one were to look at their personality and mannerisms, Lee Kiyouna and Lee Kiyeon are two completely different people!

‘Of course, of course! Lee Kiyouna, you genius girl! Hahaha!’

I smiled to myself as I calmed down. With an explanation ready at hand, my worries faded away. I picked up the vial that contained the purple liquid and decided on a name for it.

[You've named the potion ‘Poly Juice’]

I placed down the vial and began recounting the ingredients I used to make the Poly Juice and write it down on a paper. Halfway through recounting, the door bursted open, revealing the ever so handsome regressor.

“Kiyoung! Kiyoung, are you alright?! I—”

Hyunsung stopped mid-sentence upon seeing my appearance on a second glance.

“.... Miss Kiyeon?”

I heard him mutter under his breath. I felt my eyebrow twitch for a moment before replying to him.

“Kiyeon? Who's Kiyeon, Hyunsung?”

“What.. uh.. huh? O-Oh.. it's just.. you reminded me of someone..”

“Huh? Who? Kiyeon? Someone who looks like me? Although I have a sibling, I don't recall ever having a twin sister, so who is this Kiyeon?”

I asked as if I was a wife accusing her husband of cheating with another woman. Of course, Hyunsung immediately assumed a defensive stance and began to defend himself.

“A-Ah.. it's just this girl that I met in the Rift Museum.. I was thinking of recruiting her to the guild, but she's already happy with another man.”

‘No Hyunsung. Don't look so gloomy. Bitch Kiyeon already has a man, so why not focus on Hyejin instead? Come on, can't you see that old elf taking our Hyejin away? Show some semblance of jealousy damn it.’

I still held on to the Hyunsung-Hyejin coin. Even if Noona has told me countless times to give up on it, I refused to. I won't let that old elf take her away, not over my dead body!

“Oh, is that so?” I said. “Why are you here anyway, Hyunsung?” I asked him, pretending not to notice that my gender has been swapped.

“Well.. I've received a report that a mysterious purple smoke has been leaking out of your alchemy lab. I thought something m-might have happened to you, so I quickly rushed over and.. well.. y-you've..”

“I've what?” I cocked my head to the side.

“You've uhm.. Kiyoung, had you noticed something strange happening in your body?”

“My body? What do you— oh!”

I pretended to gasp as I looked down and saw my feminine body. I widened my eyes and let a surprised and shocked expression cross my face.

“Ah… It seems one of the vials I've been experimenting on have been knocked down and caused me to transform as a woman.”

“I-It seems so…”

“Is Hyunsung uncomfortable with my current appearance?” I said in a somewhat teasing tone.

“No!! Not at all! On the contrary, Kiyoung looks very beautiful as a woman!”

“?”

“?”

Huh? Even Hyunsung looks confused by what he said.

“Is… Is Hyunsung attracted to my female form?”

“No?!”

“Hyunsung seems really unsure.. I didn't think you thought of me this way…”

“That's not it, Kiyoung! You've got it all wrong! Kiyoung is beautiful in both forms, not just in the female form!”

“...?”

Hyunsung's face immediately reddened after he said that, and averted his eyes from mine, suddenly finding the floor very interesting. Huh. I'm quite flattered at the compliment. Of course, my looks could never hold a candle to the lovely regressor, but I think I had a decent face. I don't know why he looks like that though. Is he perhaps embarrassed?

“Hahaha. I'm very flattered by that compliment, Hyunsung. I also think you're very good-looking.”

“A-Ah.. Is that so? T-Thank you.”

‘Look at this cute bastard.’

Hyunsung scratched his cheek and was acting all shy. Aww, is he feeling shy after receiving a compliment from his hyung? Well it's the truth anyway.

“Well, it seems that there's no danger after all. Hyunsung doesn't need to worry. I think this is just a potion effect that will end after some time. You should go back to training Hyunsung.”

After I assured Hyunsung and tried to dismiss him, he shook his head.

“No.. I think it's better if I stay here with you Kiyoung. Just in case something happens.” Hyunsung said with a determined and concerned expression.

“Sigh, you worry too much Hyunsung. It's perfectly harmless. Trust me.” I insisted.

“No. I'll stay beside Kiyoung. I don't have anything to do anyway.”

‘You bastard.. you're the guildmaster. What do you mean you have nothing to do?’

“If you insist..” I trailed off. “Then please, make yourself comfortable here. There's a chair over there. I'll just be experimenting anyway, so I suggest you find something to entertain yourself with, Hyunsung. You might get bored.” I suggested.

“No, it's okay. If it's with Kiyoung, I won't get bored. I might learn something if I watch you experiment.” Hyunsung spoke with a smile.

I just sighed and set aside the Poly Juice potion. I began to prepare a new set of ingredients and began my experiments.

It's been a while since a comfortable silence had settled between me and Hyunsung. I kept mixing ingredients to see if something would come out, and while nothing had been working so far, I wasn't really that displeased. It's just experiments anyway. When I looked over to Hyunsung, he looked like he was in a daze. I wasn't sure if he was staring at my work or me. Either way, when I turned my head to him, he gave a small smile.

Soon, I grew bored with experimenting and tried thinking of doing something else. While I was swishing the liquid inside the glass of a failed experiment, Hyunsung noticed that I was in a daze and spoke up.

“K-Kiyoung..?”

I turned my attention towards him. He looked a bit pale and anxious, before I realized what was happening to him.

‘Is his PTSD activating again? Man, I thought I had already cleared up that my memory loss has long since vanished.’

Ever since my resurrection, I've said to everyone that my status abnormalities, naming the supposed memory loss and my soul corruption, had been erased from my body when I came back to life. Everyone seemed to accept it, but it looks like the trauma hadn't faded away.

“What is it, Hyunsung?” I answered him. The moment I did, his pale face regained its colour as he relaxed.

“Ah, you were in a daze.. is something wrong?” He asked in a converning voice. It was appreciated, really.

“No, nothing's wrong. I just got bored with experimenting and was thinking of something to do. Do you have any suggestions, Hyunsung?”

At my question, Hyunsung's face fell into contemplation before lighting up.

“I know. How about Kiyoung and I go out and eat?” He suggests with a beaming smile. “I-It's been quite a while since we went out to eat together, right?”

I hummed. It has been a while since we last went out. I suppose the idea wouldn't be so bad.

“You're right. Let's go out and eat, Hyunsung. Though, I do have to change first, is that alright?”

“Of course! I'll go change as well!” Hyunsung stood up, his expression a tad bit too bright. If he had a tail it would've been wagging so excitedly.

“Then let's meet at the main hall.”

Hyunsung was already there before me. He was in his casual clothes, and looked quite nervous but visibly happy. He immediately noticed me when I arrived at the main hall.

“Kiyoung!”

He shouted my name with a smile, but his face dazed for a moment.

‘Is it because I've turned to a woman?’

I also received strange looks from the other guild members, but it was only momentary, as I've already announced that one of my experiments had gone wrong and I turned to a woman.

“Hello. Sorry if I took too long.” I offered a sheepish smile as I apologized, but when I looked at Hyunsung, his cheeks were tinted pink, and his ears were red. He seemed at loss for words.

‘Right, right. He must be still adapting to Kiyouna.’

I nodded my head inwardly when Hyunsung spoke up.

“Y-You look very p-pretty, Kiyoung.” He stuttered, doing that same shy demeanour from earlier again.

“Thank you Hyunsung. Shall we go then?”

“G-Guild Master! Guild Master!”

I was training with my sword when a guild member called me out. I stopped swinging my sword and gestured for the member to resume speaking.

“T-The alchemy lab! Vice Guild Master! Leaking purple smoke!” The guild member huffed in exhaustion, perhaps from running all the way here and only said the necessary words.

I immediately dropped my Durendal and left the training grounds immediately. I started to panic as my mind raced at the possible danger Kiyoung might have placed in.

‘I can't lose him! I can't lose Kiyoung again!’

He's always been there for me, yet I can't even be there for him. What kind of worthless soulmate am I? To think I even dared to have feelings for him when he already has someone else. Kiyoung is too kind to reach his hand out to me, a sinful man. Yet I can't stop my heart from beating like this. 

Soon, I saw the door to the lab, with faint purple smoke leaking through it. I hurriedly busted the door open in panic and called out to Kiyoung. But then I caught sight to a woman waving off the remaining smoke in the air, and for a moment, I was reminded of someone.

‘...Miss Kiyeon?’

It seemed I voiced that thought aloud, because Kiyoung asked me who that woman was. I explained to him that she was someone I met in the Rift Museum and that I was originally planning to recruit her but she refused and had her happy ending with another man. After that, he asked me if I was into his female form, to which I vehemently denied. I didn't want Kiyoung to think of me as that kind of guy, and told him that both his original, male form and female form are beautiful.

It felt extremely embarrassing though. I hope Kiyoung didn't realize my feelings.. and luckily he didn't. Even though he tried to dismiss me, I refused and watched him (her?) continue his experiments. Although really, I just wanted an excuse to be in his presence.

I watched Kiyoung experiment, and found myself entranced by him… er.. her? Even as a woman he looked very beautiful. I don't think Kiyoung realizes just how beautiful he is. Everything about him is perfect. His hazel-brown eyes, his lips, his slender neck, and pale skin…. I quickly shook off those sinful thoughts when Kiyoung looked at me. I feel like he could see what I think through my eyes, and I don't want Kiyoung to find out what I thought of just now, so I offered him a small smile.

I hadn't known when I harboured feelings for Kiyoung, but when I'd realised it, I never felt so happy and nervous at the same time. I started paying attention to my looks more than usual, perhaps hoping to impress Kiyoung and make him attracted to me. I don't really know much about dressing up, so I tried to look as neat as possible, even buying a perfume to smell nice. I also tried other things, but it didn't take long before I realized that it would all be in vain.

Kiyoung is engaged.

My bubble of happiness was popped by that fact. I felt heartbroken when I remembered that Kiyoung was already taken. I felt depressed for a few days, but eventually.. Instead of moping around, I decided to resign myself and be Kiyoung's protector. 

Still, it didn't stop me from indulging in his warmth every once in a while.

When Kiyoung told me that he was bored and asked if I had any suggestions, I immediately suggested that we go out and eat together. Truthfully, I just wanted to be alone with Kiyoung, and thankfully, Kiyoung liked my idea and told me he'll go and change.

As I was changing in my room, an explicable feeling of excitement rose to my chest, as well as giddiness. Isn't this… basically a date? I chose clothes that I think Kiyoung would like, applied perfume on myself, before fixing my hair in front of the mirror. Once I looked presentable enough, I smiled and made my way to the main hall.

When I saw Kiyoung, all dressed up, I felt my face heat up. She(He) looked so beautiful despite wearing a simple white dress with floral designs on it. I couldn't resist giving out a compliment, and when Kiyoung also praised my look, I felt happy.

‘I'm starting to feel like this is a bad idea.’

Many people kept giving us strange looks ever since we went out. I wasn't that bothered since I know Manager Kim Miyoung would provide an explanation over on the official Blue Guild account, though for the time being that no context has been provided, people might think that Hyunsung is blatantly revealing that he had a secret lover all along.

In fact, my suspicions were confirmed when my Hand Mirror vibrated, and when I sneaked a look on it, I saw messages from Hyejin, asking me to quickly dispel the fast accumulating rumours on Benignore Net.

— Vice Guild Master, a rumour has been spreading that the Guild Master has a secret lover. Please quickly dismiss the rumours. It might tarnish the Guild Master's image.

‘Goodness Hyejin, you worry too much.’

— Yes, yes, don't worry too much Hyejin. I've already sent a message to Manager Kim Miyoung to provide an explanation through the official account.

— Okay.

After sending a quick message to Hyejin, I turned off my Hand Mirror and stole a glance at Hyunsung. Despite Hyejin's worries, Hyunsung didn't even seem to notice the people around us.

‘Or he just doesn't care.’

I let out a small sigh. To my surprise, his face changed from happy to nervous.

“Kiyoung, is everything okay?” He asked, a small frown displayed on his handsome face.

“Yes, everything's fine. I just felt a bit bothered since people kept staring at us more than usual today.. I think it's because I turned into a woman…” I muttered with a small smile.

Contrary to my expectations, his expression turned cold as he glared at the said people I just mentioned. I expected him to comfort me instead of staring down at the customers, who all turned their heads away.

‘No Hyunsung.. that's not it..’

“H-Hyunsung, no need to glare at them so harshly. In the first place, I turned to a woman because of my own mistake.” I said, trying to pacify him.

“... Hmph. It's not your fault Kiyoung, it was an accident.” He said to me, as if trying to justify my mistake. “If Kiyoung is too bothered by the stares, shall we move to a quieter place?” he suggests.

I thought about it for a moment, and nodded. I saw on my phone that Manager Kim Miyoung had already provided an explanation regarding ‘Hyunsung's Secret Lover’ rumours. Though, even when an explanation has been provided, the gazes were beginning to become bothersome, so I readily agreed with Hyunsung.

“Let's do that. After we eat of course.”

After we ate, Hyunsung led me to many picturesque places, both in and out of Lindel while we engaged in a bunch of different topics. Most of it is mainly about griffons and Blue Guild. When we're not talking, we would stroll and enjoy the scenery. Before we returned, Hyunsung took me to Heren, back to that small house on top of a small hill.

“Here you go Kiyoung.”

Hyunsung handed me a cup of coffee.

“Thank you Hyunsung.”

I warmly accepted the cup of coffee. I took a sip, and it tasted really good. It was brewed the way I liked it. Then, Hyunsung dragged a chair and sat beside me, he himself also holding a cup of coffee. The two of us were just outside the house, watching the sunset together. It felt peaceful. I smiled a little. I could see Hyunsung smiling too.

“It tastes really good.” I said, drinking the coffee again.

“Really? I'm glad..” Hyunsung replied, staring in front. I could be mistaken because of the sunset, but his ears looked a little red.

The next few hours were spent with just him and I enjoying the sunset with our coffee. I swung my feet a little. Though I wore flat shoes, the back of my ankle started to ache when we were traveling, causing discomfort. Hyunsung had noticed it and bought me a comfortable pair of shoes. He even helped me equip the shoes, making me sit down and him putting the newly bought shoes on my feet.

‘This pair sure is costly. Not only was it an expensive brand, but it was also a legendary grade.’

Hyunsung paid for it himself. I was a bit anxious.. no, I was very anxious. That bastard had no sense of money saving, and his bank account had long been in the negatives. I mean, he's improving… he's been avoiding embezzling the guild funds ever since I said I would start investigating to who's been stealing the funds. I've also taken it upon myself to start teaching him everything about how to handle money…. So I tried to calm down a little.

‘Get it together Kiyouna, let's just be grateful.’

After the sun had disappeared below the horizon, the two of us returned back to the guild. I breathed in and out and smiled. It was a good feeling to be back in the guild after spending the day outside.

“I enjoyed everything, Hyunsung. Thank you for taking me out. It was a nice change of pace after being cooped up inside the office for a long time.” I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

Hyunsung lit up and smiled. “Your welcome Kiyoung! I'm so glad you enjoyed everything today. M-Maybe we can go out again some time…” He uttered the last one a bit more timidly.

“That doesn't sound so bad. Well then, it's been a long day for both of us. I'll go and rest now. Hyunsung should go and rest too.” I sent him a smile only reserved for him.

“Y-Yes I will. Then.. good night Kiyoung.” 

“Yes, good night.”

We both parted ways. I let out a small yawn and stretched my arms. When I entered my room, I saw Hayan. She immediately noticed me and jumped up from the edge of the bed.

“O-Oppa! W-Where have you been? Ah no.. is it Unnie now? Hehehe.” Hayan giggled as she looked up at me while hugging me. I chuckled and patted her head.

“I pent some time outside with Hyunsung, nothing much. And, just address me as usual. Then.. I'll go change first. Wait for me okay?” I told her as I kissed her forehead.

“O-Okay, I'll wait for you, Unnie!” Hayan giggled again after that. I just laughed.

After I changed into my pajamas, I closed my eyes and slept, with Hayan beside me.

Chapter Text

‘This…’

To think that even today I managed to finish guildwork before lunchtime. I was still in my female form, and because my clothes are tailored for a man, I had to get Han Sora to do some adjustments to some of my clothes. Because surprisingly, she's quite good at sewing. Maybe she just has a talent for arts.

Now I'm once again sitting in my office, wearing my newly adjusted outfit, and my hair tied up to a ponytail. I looked at the time, and there was still a quarter of an hour left before lunch, and while I thought I'll just eat my lunch here like always, I feel like there needs to be a change of pace. Since the guild isn't really busy, maybe having lunch together would be a good idea.

‘Yes, let's do that. Maybe if I told Deokgu he would tell everyone in just a few minutes. He might even set up the lunch himself if I consider how eager he'd be.’

I nodded to myself and took out my Hand Mirror and sent a quick message to Deokgu. Seconds later, I received a very happy reply.

— RESLLY?????? ILL GATHER EVRYONE RIGHT AWY N PLAN THE PICNIC

‘Look at this pig making his own plans already. What picnic? I only said we're going to have lunch together. He's way too excited. Just look at this grammar and punctuation errors.’

Nevertheless, it was a success. I am very sure that everyone will agree. A picnic might be better than just having lunch together in the guild. Since everything will be handled by Deokgu, I'll just have to get ready.

I stood up from my desk and exited my office. I headed directly to my room, which is just nearby and took a quick shower. Since my clothing options are limited, I chose a dress that fitted a picnic setting. That is, a flowy dress with sunflower designs. I styled my hair to a half-bun and nodded to myself that's reflected on the mirror.

When I left my room, I went to the main hall. The more I got closer, the more I could hear guild members moving about, especially the eager voice of that pig. When I finally arrived at the main hall, the second floor that is, I could see Deokgu carrying a large bag while telling other guild members where to put and prepare things.

‘Why… Why is there so much luggage..?’

I looked at the neatly placed luggages piled near the entrance, then back at Deokgu.

‘This pig bastard… It's just a picnic. Are you planning to relocate with this much luggage?’

I frowned a little. I could tell that the guild members looked like shit. No, they do look like shit and ready to complain. I sighed. I had to reprimand Deokgu before the guild members collapsed from exhaustion.

“Woah! Hyung-nim really turned to a woman!! Hyung-nim over here! You're already ready? Wait, do I call you noona now?”

‘I can see you, you pig bastard. And stop yelling.’

I furrowed my brows at Deokgu as I began to descend the stairs.

“Deokgu, what is all this? Why are there so much luggage when we're only going for a picnic?” I questioned, my arms crossed.

Deokgu noticed my expression and posture and started to look nervous.

“Because.. When I told Hyung-ssi, he said to prepare a lot to make the journey comfortable for you…” Deokgu avoided my gaze, as my expression crumpled further.

I decided to ask, “And where's Hyunsung?”

“Hyung-ssi? Well, uhmmm… He's uhm.. “

“Park Deokgu-ssi! Where should I put the kitchenware?”

‘Kitchen what?’

“Oh! I'll handle it! Oh man, I guess I gotta go noona, lots to do!” Just as Park Deokgu was about to walk away, I spoke up.

“No. Please put all the unnecessary things back. It's just a picnic anyway. Sorry for the inconvenience it caused all of you.” I spoke to the guild member who asked Deokgu just now.

“But.. these were direct orders from the Guild Master, Vice Guild Master…” The guild member had a troubled expression on their face. I sighed for what seems to be the umpteenth time now.

“I'll talk to him. In the meantime, please stop transporting luggages and rest.” I ordered. The guild member looked rather relieved and thanked me. After they walked off, I turned my head to Deokgu again, who was now scratching his nape with a sheepish expression.

“Kitchen ware? Seriously? You're planning to bring an entire kitchen to a picnic?”

“Hyung-ssi requested it!”

“Hyung-ssi this, Hyung-ssi that. Just tell me where Hyunsung is.”

“To be honest noona–”

“Just call me the usual.”

“To be honest hyung-nim, I don't really know where Hyung-ssi is, but I think I heard him mutter something about flowers. I think he went to a floral shop!” Deokgu guessed with so much confidence.

I inwardly facepalmed at his words. I just dismissed him and watched him walk away, sulking. In the end, I used my telescope to find Hyunsung. 

‘What the hell is he doing there??’

In an ironic twist, I found Hyunsung inside a floral shop, examining different coloured flowers that the florist presented to him, though most of it is either white, blue, yellow or purple. He looked so serious that I was reminded at the times he would outbid the other people in the auction with a serious and determined look on his face.

‘No, but seriously, why is he leisurely picking flowers while the guild members are running around? …. Wait, could it be?’

I am so glad I never gave up on that coin.

‘He's finally seeing Hyejin as a woman! Oh man, Hyunsung, this noona is so happy to see you finally man up and take the initiative. I bet Hyejin would be so happy she'd faint if I told her about it. No, no, let's make it a surprise. This is a joyous occasion! No wait, I need to talk to him about the luggage thing. Let's not be distracted Kiyouna.’

With this in mind, I nodded to myself and took out my hand mirror.

– Hyunsung, where are you?

In the telescope, I could see Hyunsung whipping up his hand mirror at the speed of light.

— You don't need to know about it Kiyoung. Are you ready? I had Deokgu prepare our trip.

– I need to know Hyunsung, and yes, I am ready. I've been meaning to talk to you about this, but don't you think that all of this preparation is too excessive? The guild members are tired.

— I wanted it to be as comfortable as possible for you. I know Kiyoung doesn't like bumpy carriages.

– We have Hayan… And warp gates. Anyways, I don't want something so excessively fancy for a mere picnic. I've also had the guild members pause to what they're doing. With your authority I'd like you to give me the permission to have the unnecessary luggage removed.

— But Kiyoung…

– Blue Guild Master ^^.

— Okay.

– Thank you Hyunsung. I'll tell them right away.

— Wait Kiyoung, can I ask what your favourite colour is?

– Hm? Well… I think blue and yellow.

— Okay, thank you Kiyoung. I'll go now, goodbye.

– Yes please return soon, see you later.

Placing down my hand mirror, I looked to the side and saw Hayan wearing a pink off-shoulder dress and Sora, who was wearing a purple shirt and black shorts.

“Unnie!”

Hayan called out before rushing for a hug, with Sora following behind.

“Unnie, look at my dress, is it pretty?” Hayan giggled as she detached herself from me and showed off her dress by doing a little spin. I nodded and patted her head.

“You look cute Hayan. And no need to call me ‘unnie’...” I gave her a compliment before muttering the last one, Hayan only smiled though. I then turned to Han Sora who was quietly watching us and greeted her, to which she politely greeted in return.

“Hayan, are you and Sora done packing your belongings?” I asked.

“Mhm! S-Since unnie said to not pack too much and only the necessary ones, we only have o-one bag! Sora packed it for me.” Hayan answered with enthusiasm, still clinging to me.

“Is that so? Thank you Sora.” 

“It's nothing, Vice Guild Master.”

After that little exchange with Hayan and Sora, I saw the Park-Ki-Ri trio with their own bags approaching us, all wearing casual clothes.

“The rumours were true! You really did turn into a woman Vice Guild Master.” Ahn Kimo light-heartedly said.

“So uncle Deokgu was right.” Kim Yeri added.

“I told you, didn't I? Yet you two didn't believe me!” Deokgu shouted while pouting.

‘No don't pout. It doesn't suit you at all.’

“Uncle Deokgu has a knack for telling a convincing story but ends up as a lie most of the time.” Yeri said with an unbothered face. 

Her statement caused the pig to droop down like a kicked grown bear, which doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's the only analogy I could think of. 

After the Park-Ki-Ri trio arrived, the others also arrived shortly after. Heeyoung and Elena arrived together, after that was Hyejin, then Alps and her pet, and then Kim Changryul and Yoo Ahyoung. All of us exchanged greetings as we all gathered in the main hall. The mountain of luggage that piled near the entrance has been drastically reduced, leaving only the essentials and some amenities for convenience.

Though we initially planned to travel via teleportation using Hayan, everyone thought that might not be as fun as traveling by carriage, where we could have conversations while admiring our surroundings. But we don't want to make the journey too long, so we're going to use the warp gates so that not only can we converse with each other, but also make the journey short and fun.

“Has everyone gathered?” Alps asked.

I looked around. It didn't even take me long to realize that my lovely regressor isn't here.

“Hyunsung isn't here yet.” I answered. I could see Hyejin subtly frowning. I activated my telescope to find where Hyunsung had gone. Before I could even look around, Hyunsung had entered through the entrance, sporting his casual clothes and… a bouquet?

‘Oh right, he visited the florist.’

I smiled and welcomed him back.

“You're here Hyunsung.”

I could see his ears become a bit red as he walked closer to us. I smiled knowingly, finally witnessing the day Hyunsung and Hyejin would be together.

“Hyung-ssi you're here! Oh, is that a bouquet? Gasp! Who's that for?! You have a lover?!” Deokgu asked out loud. I could see Hyejin frowning.

‘Just shut up you pig. Hyejin is worrying.’

I went to her side and subtly whispered, “I think those are for you Hyejin.” Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her frown fading, turning to a subtle smile. It quickly vanished though as she replied to me.

“Please stop saying such things Vice Guild Master.” She huffs, but I could see her trying to stop her smile, her eyes hiding excitement. I wanted to tease her, but decided against it.

I watched Hyunsung walk forward, my eyes gleamed with anticipation, waiting for him to turn to Hyejin… But that didn't seem to be the case.

‘Wait, why did you pass by her? No, why're you looking at me??’

Hyejin looked shocked, in disbelief, disappointment and then acceptance as she looked at me with a sad smile.

‘Why are you looking at me like that Hyejin? Why is everyone looking at me strangely?!’

Hyunsung stopped in front of me and presented the bouquet.

“Here you go Kiyoung. I think it matches you really well.” He said without an ounce of consideration to the other guild member's reactions around us. The bouquet contained flowers that corresponded to the colours I told Hyunsung earlier. Blue daisies and yellow daffodils. I'm not sure why he added white lilies but it looked nice.

If I looked to my side, I would see Hayan staring strangely at Hyunsung whilst tightening her hold on my arm and Sora beginning to feel nervous. Hyunsung didn't even spare them a glance and just focused on me. Before I could even reply, Hayan had beaten me to it.

“H-Hyunsung-oppa, can't you see w-we're busy? Y-You're holding back the t-trip just to give some f-flowers to Unnie!”

“...”

‘Damn it. Stop it you two.’

Suddenly, there was a heavy tension between those two. I think I could even cut it with a knife due to how they were staring at each other down. Sora was even looking at me with urgency, as if she was saying to do something about this. The other guild members were also looking at me nervously. I sighed. I took Hyunsung's bouquet and spoke up.

“Thank you Hyunsung… I appreciate it. But, Hayan is right. Our trip has gotten a bit delayed. Why don't we all get going, hm?” I tried to ease the tension building in the atmosphere, and it seems to work just a little.

Hyunsung looked very dispirited but still smiled when I accepted his flowers. Hayan meanwhile, looked upset when I took the bouquet, but smiled a little when I sided with her. Everyone agreed to my last statement and took their belongings and started to head out to the entrance. Before I could move with Hayan though, she took the bouquet from my hands using magic, leaving only a blue daisy behind, and placing the bouquet on a nearby vase. She smiled satisfyingly and her arm still hooked around mine, headed to the entrance, her other arm holding Sora.

I could've sworn I could see Hyunsung glaring at Hayan. As if payback, Hyunsung walked up on my empty right side, ignoring the clearly upset Hayan and tucked the blue daisy on my ear. His actions just fueled Hayan's jealousy as I inwardly pleaded to the two of them to just stop with their petty actions.

‘Ugh.. please stop fighting. If you fight, the continent would be done for.’

Just imagining the two of them duking it out sent shivers down my spine. Infuriated, Hayan pulled both me and Sora and walked ahead, not so subtly directing an insult to Hyunsung.

“L-Let's go Unnie! If we stay here any l-longer, the dog would d-dirty your dress with its filthy p-paws!”

I cringed inwardly. I looked back just in case, and I saw Hyunsung looking at Hayan with an empty gaze. I shivered. But when he saw me looking at him, his expression warmed, and he sent me a small shy smile.

‘That… That wasn't Doom Hyunsung just now, right? This feels like deja vu.. Ugh, let's just walk ahead Kiyouna.’

Thankfully, the atmosphere had brightened up as we traveled by carriage. We had three total carriages, which carried four people per carriage. We rode on carriages with no roof, so we could see everyone. While the others had brightened up and were talking to each other…

‘Fuck. This is so awkward.’

I was sitting with Hayan, Sora… And Hyunsung. When we were getting on the carriage, I was the first one to go in. I sat on the left side, and Hayan, of course, wanted to sit beside me. She was about to get on the carriage when something, or someone, sped by and got to my side first. It was Hyunsung. Hayan was so dumbfounded that she went silent for a second before erupting, with mana gathering in her hand. 

“Eeeekk!! H-How dare you!!” 

“H-Hayan—” I had panicked, but Hyunsung was nonchalant.

Fortunately, Sora had come to the rescue and managed to pipe down Hayan's anger to the minimum, resorting to sitting across from me, sobbing and all. I also comforted her, and after a while, we were all silent. Both Hyunsung and Hayan would take turns talking to me, in a way that they'd always cut each other off. In Hayan's case, she'd talk to Sora, keeping with the not subtle, indirect insults to Hyunsung. Meanwhile, Hyunsung would just keep cutting her off or stare her down.

“U-Unnie, do you know where we're going? I heard Deokgu say—”

“Kiyoung, I heard from Deokgu we're going to the Mirror Lake once again. Did you remember the time we—”

“Unnie! Do you remember w-when we fished for items t-together? We had so m-much—”

“Kiyoung, did you remember when I gave you that ring? I hope you still have it….”

“Hyunsung…”

“Eeekkkk!!! U-Ugh.. Hic! S-Sora, don't you just hate it w-when a flithy dog tries to s-steal someone away from y-you?”

“I- ah– I… Y-Y-Yeah.. r-really hate i-it..”

“.....”

Even worse, he'd provoke her further by fiddling with the blue daisy tucked on my ear. As a counterattack, Hayan would let the ring on her left ring finger shine while caressing it with a smug smile, as if reminding him of his place, and shuts him up.

‘Stop. Please stop. This is so nerve-wracking. Are we there yet? What's taking so long??’

Finally, finally, we had arrived at our destination, the Mirror Lake. I could see the others staring at us awkwardly due to the tension in our carriage.

‘Damn it. Damn it all.’

I stared at Hyunsung, who had gotten up first and exited the carriage. I was planning to exit next when I saw him unmoving, holding out a hand to me. I secretly snuck a look at Hayan, who was tearing up with rage and jealousy. I needed to straighten Hyunsung up as quickly as possible, for the sake of world peace.

I looked at him, still had his hand held out. I exited the carriage without taking his hand, much to his disappointment. Hayan soon followed after me and immediately clung to my arm, with Sora the last to get off.

“L-Let's go quickly Unnie! Come on, q-quickly!”

Hayan pulled my arm as I stumbled after her. The other guild members followed after us, all looking awkward. At the very back, I saw Hyunsung trailing behind depressingly. He caught my gaze and looked at me pitifully. He looked like a kicked puppy, but I turned my head away.

‘Ignore him. Just ignore him. This is all for the sake of world peace.’

We arrived at a rather quaint place located underneath a tree for a nice shade, with a beautiful view of the large expanse of the Mirror Lake. 

“Goodness! The view is so beautiful!”

“Indeed it is.”

“Woah! The Vice Guild Master sure did an amazing job putting Deokgu in charge! Look at this view!”

“Uncle Deokgu picked a really good spot.”

“The Mirror Lake looks so pretty, like a huge sparkling gem! Don't you agree Changryul?”

“Yes.”

“It's so p-pretty. Right, S-Sora? Unnie?”

“I agree, H-Hayan.”

“It really is.”

“Guild Master, don't you like the view?”

“.....”

‘Poor Hyejin.’

While everyone marveled at the view, I saw Hyejin trying to cheer up Hyunsung, who still looked depressed and gloomy. I feel like I really need to talk to him, because that depressive look on him really bothered me. Plus, everyone should be in a good mood, since it's been a while we had a get together.

I looked at Hayan, who's still clinging to me, and then looked at Sora. I sent her a quest to distract Hayan for me, so I could escape.

***

[Sending an Average-ranked forced quest to Han Sora.]

[Distract Hayan for me, I need to talk to Hyunsung.]

[You have not registered a reward to this quest.]

***

Sora sent me a glare, and I gestured to Hayan. I saw her sigh quietly before tapping Hayan's shoulder.

“H-Hayan, why don't we start setting up with Deokgu and the others?”

“H-Huh? Okay. U-Unnie, come with us.”

“H-How about just the two of us Hayan? The Vice Guild Master might get tired..”

“U-Uhm… Okay.. Unnie, stay here o-okay?”

‘I'm not a dog.’

“Don't worry Hayan. Just go with Sora.” I patted her head. She gave me a tight hug before going with Sora. I saw the two approaching Deokgu to start setting up the picnic. The others also joined in in setting up the picnic. I slowly slipped away and approached Hyunsung, who noticed me immediately and lit up.

“Kiyoung! Kiyoung I—”

“Hyunsung we need to talk.”

I cut him off with a serious expression. His bright expression immediately crumpled as he became nervous.

“Did.. Did I do something wrong?” He asked.

“Yes you did. Did you know what you did earlier? Back at the carriage? Back at the guild? Just what are you trying to do?” 

“I-I.. I was..”

“Might I remind you that she's my fiancée?”

“That… I know that..”

“Then why did you do that?”

“...”

“Hyunsung.”

“I-I wasn't doing anything… Hayan was the one..”

“What you did back in the guild can be excusable.. but not in the carriage. Why did you keep provoking Hayan?”

“...”

“Hyunsung.”

“...”

“Hyunsung!”

“...”

“Guild Master.”

“Flinch!”

“You really won't answer?”

“...”

“Fine, don't answer. Just stop provoking Hayan okay?”

“...Okay..”

“.. Let's go. Deokgu and the others seem to have finished setting up the picnic.”

“... Yes..”

“...”

“...”

“Hyunsung.”

“Yes?”

“Cheer up, okay? This is supposed to be a get together. I'm not angry at you. Just upset. I just don't want you and Hayan fighting like this. It really upsets me.”

“I won't do it again Kiyoung..”

‘Yes, keep that up Hyunsung.’

I nodded at our lovely regressor and walked together to the others, where they had laid a large mat for all of us to sit on, with several food and drinks spread out for us to choose from.

“Hyung-nim! Hyung-ssi! Over here!”

Deokgu waved at us. The mood seemed to have been lifted, maybe because they saw me and Hyunsung talk and make up. I nodded at Deokgu as we approached closer. There were two spaces left for me and Hyunsung. I sat in the space beside Hayan, and Hyunsung sat between me and Deokgu. Hayan didn't really appreciate Hyunsung beside me but I calmed her down and paid her attention so she wouldn't explode later. Hyunsung seemed to stay true to our agreement and kept quiet, not bothering Hayan's time with me.

With the tension from earlier fading away, the atmosphere became better and everyone was in a good mood. Even I enjoyed it.

The picnic ended on a good note.

Everyone was cheerful on the way back home. Even Hayan is in a good mood, which is a good sign. Hyunsung though.. he's still quiet, but I did catch him smiling occasionally throughout the time we had picnic, so I call this picnic a success. There had been a few bumps in the start, but it ended well.

When I got back, I received a call from Raphael. He said something about discovering a new dungeon beneath the Benignore Church, which raised some concerns in me. I asked him if he was available tomorrow so we could have lunch together over this topic, and he happily agreed. I placed down my Hand Mirror and was approached by Manager Kim Miyoung, who notified me about some documents Jihye had sent me. I nodded to Manager Kim Miyoung and bade goodbye to the other guild members.

It was afternoon by the time we arrived back in the guild, and the rest of that afternoon was spent looking over the documents Jihye noona sent me, which looks to be related to the new dungeon Raphael told me about. It's rare to be able to discover new dungeons in the continent, so I was very interested. I did remember hearing about this dungeon, which was named ‘The Mole Saint's Cozy Dungeon’, and remembered overlooking it, because I had more serious matters at hand at the time.

But now, after my revival, the continent has been enjoying peace, and everyone's relaxed. Of course, I could now focus my attention on this piece of information now that everything's calmed down. 

I stretched my limbs once I finished looking over the documents. It's night time by the time I was done. All that's left is to have lunch with Raphael tomorrow. Since Raphael would be my guest inside my office, my major concern would be Hyunsung. Considering the two's hostile relationship, and the way Hyunsung has been acting recently, I just wished Hyunsung won't cause a ruckus in the duration that Raphael would be here.

‘I hope nothing bad happens tomorrow.’

Chapter Text

Hey everyone! Author-nim here, I just wanted to ask to what's the name of Hyunsung's griffon? I reread the manhwa, and I'm too exhausted to comb through the main story and side chapters of the novel to find out the name.

Sorry for not updating, but I promise I'm almost finished with the last chapter! I just really need the name of his black griffon, or is it griffin? While your at it, you can drop the name of Kiyoung's griffon.

Once I learned of it, I'll change the content of this chapter. Thanks!

Chapter Text

Knock, knock!

“Hyung? It's me, Raphael.”

‘I know that.’

I paused reading my papers upon hearing Raphael's voice on the other side of the door. I stood up from my chair, walked around my table and opened the door for him.

“Raphael, it's nice to see you again. Come in.”

Despite stepping aside so he could come in, he looks quite stupefied. His face is red. Is he flustered? Most likely. Even more so since this is the first time he had seen me as a girl. I chuckled and waved a hand in front of him to snap him out of his daze.

“Hello? Earth to Raphael.”

“Ah! H-Hyung?” Raphael snapped and looked at me again before realizing the open door before him. “R-Right! Right! Thank you for opening the door hyung. I-I just, I think I got distracted for a moment.”

I waved at him dismissively, “It happens. Come and sit.” I guided him to an already prepared table at the terrace with warm food and drinks.

“So you really did turn to a woman, hyung… wait, should I call you noona?”

“No. Just call me as usual.”

“Ah…”

Raphael sat opposite of me, looking at me intently before I sat down. When I looked his way, he avoided my gaze, his ears red. I guess he's still a bit flustered at my new appearance. Eh, the effects are going to end today anyway, so I'll be able to return to my original form soon.

Raphael looked a bit deep in thought on how to start the conversation, but I decided to take the lead and exchange pleasantries with him first. It's been a while since we had a one-on-one dinner after all.

“So how has life been treating you lately, Raphael?” I asked while pouring him tea.

“Well… It's been the same as it has always been. I train.. and I go to dungeons with the party.” He answered, drinking the tea after he did so.

“That's pleasant to hear. How are the others?”

“They're doing fine too. Though I think Marien and Lee Ju-Hyuk have something going on between them.”

“Is that so? How could you tell? Or are you just mistaken?”

“No, no. It's just that, they've been talking a lot more than often.. and sometimes, I'd hear them exchanging pet names.”

“Ohoho. Really now? If there really is something between them, then that's good. I hope they become an item. I don't exactly think they match, but who am I to judge love? Haha.”

“M-Me too. Anyway, enough about me. How about you.. Hyung?”

“Well… As you can see, I turned to a woman.”

“Is it because of that Blue Guild Master?”

I can't help but sigh inwardly at Raphael's sudden accusatory remarks. He's still picking a fight with Hyunsung even after all that has happened.

“No.. no. It's an accident I caused, okay? Hyunsung has absolutely nothing to do with this.”

“... Is it really? You can tell me Hyung… You can tell me how perverted the Blue Guild Master really is. You don't have to hide it because you're scared of him for locking you in that windowless room.’

‘He's jumping to conclusions again. I better stop him before another accident happens and Hyunsung turns into Doom Hyunsung.’

It's a good thing that Hyunsung isn't here, or else things would get confrontational again.

“Kiyoung…?”

‘Damn it, he's here.’

I looked at Hyunsung who had opened the door half-way and was looking at us as if I was caught cheating on him.

Of course, that was ridiculous.

The poor lovely regressor looked so pale and shocked, I could see his pupils trembling. Behind him was a tray of what looked to be lunch.

‘Ah.. I forgot to tell him.’

Every other day, Hyunsung and I would eat lunch together here at the terrace. It's been a tradition we've been doing ever since my resurrection. We didn't always talk, but the comfortable silence was enough for the two of us. For him to see Raphael, a person he didn't really like, sitting on his spot and eating lunch with me, must've felt like a betrayal to him.

Sure enough, I could see him glaring harshly at Raphael.

“Kiyoung… What is he doing here?” Hyunsung asked, his voice terrifyingly calm and cold.

‘It's Doom Hyunsung… Fuck.’

“Ah, Hyunsung-ah.. it seems I've forgotten to tell you that our lunch today would be cancelled. You see, I had Raphael—”

“Hyung invited me over, and clearly, you're disturbing us.”

‘Don't cut me off damn it.’

In response to Hyunsung's glare, Raphael too, glared back, which only served to make the atmosphere heavier. I inwardly groaned at the situation and walked between them to mediate the rising tension inside the room.

“Now, now, let's both calm it down, shall we? Hyunsung, can you leave us for a moment? Right now, Raphael is my guest, and I'm discussing something important with him.”

“But Kiyoung… It's our lunch da.. time. It's our lunch time.”

“Hyunsung-ah.”

“...”

I could see Hyunsung's imaginary puppy ears drooping down. But before he left, he sent a warning glare towards Raphael, and when I looked at Raphael, he wore a pleased smirk on his face, though it was wiped off when he saw me looking at him. I let out a tired sigh as I went back to the chair and got myself seated. Raphael looked a bit sheepish and apologetic when he heard me sigh and went back to his seat.

“Was that really necessary Raphael?”

“I'm sorry Hyung.”

‘You don't look very sorry.’

“Sigh, let's just go back to the topic at hand, shall we?”

“Sure! Sure.. let's do that.”

I gripped tightly at the doorknob after Kiyoung kicked me out of his office. Anxiety and jealousy gnawed me from the inside. Why did Kiyoung invite that bastard here? Was it so important that it can't be told through the hand mirror? So important that Kiyoung didn't even tell me about it and completely dismissed our lunch date? The only time I get to spend with him every other day? He didn't even reprimand him for looking at me so smugly.

It was infuriating.

I could feel rage bubbling inside me again, wanting to rip him apart piece by piece. If it wasn't for Kiyoung's interference, he would've been a puddle of blood by now.

‘No.. Kiyoung would be upset.’

I suppressed my killing intent and let go of the knob. I reined in my rage and sighed deeply. Holding the cart of uneaten food, I walked back to the guild kitchen and left the cart there. It was meaningless to eat it without Kiyoung.

I walked towards the training grounds. And like I thought, I could see the balcony where the two of them seemed to be having a pleasant conversation. Just looking at them irks me. But then, I saw Kiyoung's eyes turn to me, maybe he felt my presence.

I raised my hand and waved at him with a small smile. I saw Kiyoung returning the gesture, and I felt my face warm up. Kiyoung soon returned to conversing with that bastard, and my smile vanished. That bastard seemed to notice my presence as well, seeing that he glared at me before turning to Kiyoung again.

I clenched and unclenched my fist. Since my lunch with Kiyoung was abruptly cancelled, I won't let that bastard have a peaceful time with Kiyoung.

I furrowed my brows a little. This was getting way too ridiculous.

While talking with Raphael, I could see Hyunsung in the corner of my eye, training on the training grounds. It looked like he was training, but I could sense his eyes trained on us, constantly glaring at Raphael. Raphael seems to notice this too as he would occasionally cast a glaring side glance at Hyunsung. I suspected he went there out of spite, possibly jealous at the idea that his position in our brotherhood is being threatened.

It was understandable. I admit I'm partially at fault for not notifying him about our lunch being cancelled. But did he have to be like this? It's a bit petty. I mean, he's down there taking out his anger on that poor training dummy to smithereens. He looks like a puppy who's being fussy that his owner isn't paying attention to him. But he's really ruining the mood.

‘I'll scold him later..’

“Are you uncomfortable right now, Raphael?”

“... Not at all. I can understand Hyung. Must be unbearable to have a creep beside you all the time.”

‘Goddamnit, give me a break.’

“Oh, please don't say that Raphael. Hyunsung isn't that kind of person.”

“Hmph… I don't understand why Hyung keeps defending him…….”

Raphael trailed off, looking like he's slowly realizing something. I feel like the misunderstanding is growing bigger.

“R-Raphael, I don't know what you're thinking.. but, whatever it is, I think you're getting it wrong..”

“.....”

“Raphael..?”

‘This is the Queen's Tomb incident all over again!’

“.... No matter how much he did.. I can't just comprehend it, Hyung. He gave you a room with no windows, failed to save you from the foreign angels, and even let your body get desecrated by that disgusting man who had a fanatical obsession with him… Hyung.. I feel like you're pitying him when he actively hurts you. What did they call it? Stockholm Syndrome.”

“...What?”

I was so shocked at his absurd statement that I was rendered speechless. His outrageous conclusions were on par with Deokgu's. I wanted to tell him that all of those weren't really Hyunsung's fault and were actually mine's, but I can't do that. And Hyunsung would never do those things.

‘Well, the windowless room is an exception.’

“Stockholm Syndrome. Where the victim pities the perpetrator…”

“No, I know that. What I'm baffled about is how you came to this absurd conclusion. Hyunsung would never do such things. It was all an accident. Well, the first one was for my safety…”

“Safety… Yet it's still your room to this day? Hyung, this isn't healthy. He's only nice to you Hyung.”

‘As it should be.’

“That's not true.. Hyunsung is just not that socially capable. He's not comfortable with talking to others you see…”

“The time you died? He was right there wasn't he? To be honest Hyung… I'm suspicious when you died. It felt off. He was there, yet he couldn't save you from Seraphim? It's suspicious. I think he took part in your death..—”

“Stop that thought Raphael.” 

‘He's close. Shit.’

I cut off Raphael and stared at him with a frown. Raphael shuts up and droops, but it doesn't have the same charm when Hyunsung does it. I have to change the subject before he dwells into those thoughts further. He's terrifyingly close to the truth, and I can't let that happen. Only Hyejin knew of this, highlighting just how much of a secret this is.

“Raphael, let's not talk about this. Hyunsung isn't capable of such thing. Let's just go back to the topic at hand, hm? We've derailed so much.”

“... Alright. I'm sorry Hyung.”

I looked at the training dummies now turned to ashes. I didn't mean to vent my anger at it. I think I'll have to ask Kiyoung for replacements, but it was unavoidable. By using my senses, I was able to eavesdrop on their conversation. That bastard wasn't even using sound proof magic, so I was able to listen. His attempts at trying to paint me in a bad light in front of Kiyoung is just infuriating.

He claims that I'm unable to protect Kiyoung, but he can't even block my attacks, let alone be able to stand by his side and shield him from the dangers in the continent. He's weak, so weak I can beat him no more than 20 seconds. I admit that I made mistakes. Terrible mistakes that had cost Kiyoung his life. I'm ashamed of it and wanted to repent with death, but even then, only I can protect him.

To think he dared to suggest that I'm actively hurting Kiyoung is maddening. Though, my face reddened when I heard Kiyoung defending me. It sent a pleasant thrill to my body when Kiyoung denied the accusations and even scolded that bastard.

‘Hmph, serves him right. How dare he try to cause a wedge between me and Kiyoung?’

– Hyunsung-ah, can you leave the training grounds? I'd like to have a private conversation with Raphael.

I shivered when Kiyoung activated our connection. He hasn't activated it in a while, and it just feels so amazing when I could feel my connection with Kiyoung. But when I heard what he actually said, a frown quickly replaced my smile. Did he notice I was glaring at that bastard?

— Why…? I didn't cause trouble Kiyoung. I was just training. I haven't disrupted your lunch..

– Hyunsung-ah, your presence is really distracting. Please?

I blushed when I heard Kiyoung plead. I can never deny him.

— Okay..

This doesn't mean I'm leaving them alone. I'm just changing locations.

I deemed my lunch with Raphael to be very productive. There were hiccups, but I got the information I wanted. The Mole Saint's Cozy Dungeon would need to be checked on later.

“I think we need to look into it quickly, Hyung. Strange beings had started coming out from there, and it might escalate sooner than we expect.”

“Indeed… Have you tried scouting inside the dungeon?”

“We're about to, but I'd like it if you can come with us, Hyung.”

“Is that alright? I wouldn't want to intrude. It's your party who discovered it after all.”

“I'm sure they won't mind Hyung. In fact, I think they'd be honoured to have you with us. We could learn a few things from you..”

I thought about it, and it wasn't so bad. I wanted to see for myself how the party had grown and maybe give a few tips and advice to help them advance their skills further. And by accepting Raphael's invitation, maybe I could even make him share the rights of ownership with Blue. Though I feel like that would be natural, since I plan on investing a lot to raid this dungeon, and given our strength, we'd sure hell make a lot of contributions.

“If Raphael insists so, then how can I deny?”

“Really?! I mean, thank you Hyung..”

‘Look at him all excited.’

Raphael pretended to cough and straightened his back to look more cool-headed.

“So when are you planning to scout?”

“Well actually, we're about to set camp somewhere north on the forest area.”

“Alright. Just send me the coordinates and I'll go there tomorrow or a few days after.”

“Okay! Then… I'll see you Hyung.”

“Yes.”

We both stood up, our stomach full and the table all cleaned.

“Let me escort you to the entrance.”

“Thanks Hyung.”

When we left my office, I felt Hyunsung's faint presence. 

‘W-What? Where is he?’

When I looked around, he wasn't there. I felt little goosebumps for some reason, but shrugged it off. I've long been used to Hayan's anemone eyes to be affected by this. Maybe this is her doing after the incident yesterday. It was a good thing Sora managed to snuff her fuse out before she exploded. Wait, was Hyunsung the one creeping around here?

‘No.. No way. Maybe? He seemed really upset and anxious earlier. I haven't seen him too.’

While making small talk with Raphael on the way down, I activated my telescope and searched for the lovely regressor. I saw him following us far behind, giving Raphael a death stare and potentially killing intent, as I could see Raphael looking around nervously.

‘I really need to give him a talk.'

After seeing Raphael out, I sighed.

“Kiyoung.”

‘Holy shit!’

I jumped and looked at Hyunsung, who suddenly popped up beside me. I know he'd been following us, but I didn't expect him to creep up on me.

“H-Hyunsung. You scared me there.”

“Ah… I'm sorry.”

“That's alright.. well, did you want to say something?”

“Yes.. but.. can we go somewhere first?”

“Eh? Well, sure.”

He must've wanted to make up for our cancelled lunch together. I guess I could make some time for him. I finished most of my agendas earlier today anyway.

After I agreed to go with him, his previous gloomy mood brightened up as he took me to where the griffons are. We picked Hyunsung's griffon, Blackburn, to ride. I stood aside and watched him eagerly preparing the seats and other safety measures as Blackburn seemed pleased to be paid attention to by his owner. I wondered if the griffon remembers me, as I haven't really gone here frequently as Hyunsung did.

But judging the way the black griffin nuzzled its head against my palm, I guess it did remember me. Hyunsung also seems pleased at the sight. I ruffled Blackburn's head, and took my time to also pay Whitefall some attention as well, and scratched its chin.

“It's fortunate that they still remember me. I thought they'd forget because I rarely come here.” I thought out loud as I affectionately pet Whitefall's head, who really enjoyed the attention.

“That's impossible. Kiyoung was the one who got them in the first place. How could they forget you?” Hyunsung quickly points that out to me. It was cute. 

“Haha. Now that you mention it, I was reminded of the time I received these griffons. I was planning to gift you Blackburn but..” Hyunsung was already lowering his head in guilt. Jeez, he still feels guilty about that? Well, it's not so bad.

“... Sorry Kiyoung.” 

“Don't be. You had your reasons. Plus, Hyejin and I get along really well now.”

‘Yeah! Feel sorry! Don't you know how I felt so betrayed back then? I mean, sure, Hyejin and I are best friends now, but back then it was different!’

Hyunsung expressed relief at my words. After our short conversation, he had the safety gears installed on Blackburn, and helped me get on. He got on Blackburn as well, sitting behind me and holding the griffon's reins. It did feel like I was caged in, and I could feel him on my back. It might be a bit weird to others, but I've been used to it. Whenever we ride only one griffon, we always ride like this. It was really weird at first, but now, it's the normal.

We flew over Lindel and to that small house where Hyunsung first told me he's a regressor.

‘We've come a long way.’

We did visit here the first day when my experiment went wrong and watched the sunset together. Though, with Hyunsung inviting me out like this, it feels like something very important is going to happen.

This feels very nerve-wracking. Suddenly, I feel extremely aware of Kiyoung's back in front of me. I felt similarly during our past rides.. but this felt more pronounced than ever before. Maybe it's because I couldn't contain these feelings inside me anymore, or I just wanted to get it off my chest.

Even when saying that… I couldn't help but feel afraid. I certainly haven't seemed to be acting pleasantly in Kiyoung's eyes. There was that incident yesterday with Hayan.. and now with that bastard. But even without those incidents, I sensed deep inside that Kiyoung would highly likely won't feel the same.

Thinking about it makes my heart feel like it's been stabbed by a thousand swords. What more if he actually said it? I don't think I could bear it. But more than anything.. If I really confessed, and he rejected me, I hope we could stay as we are. It would certainly hurt like hell, yes, but.. the sight of Kiyoung drifting away, our bond getting distant… It terrifies me more than anything.

No matter what Kiyoung says.. I'll remain respectful.

We arrived at the small town of Heren. The place had a rise in economy since the last time I came here. Many things have certainly improved a lot, and I was quite pleased. I wasn't able to get a closer look because we were riding Blackburn, but I did see people looking up at us.

Upon landing beside the small house, Hyunsung got off first and then held his hand out to me to help me get off. It was reminiscent of yesterday's events, but instead of ignoring his hand, I took it and got off. I did a little stretching, feeling that my limbs were a bit stiff during the flight, while Hyunsung made sure that Blackburn wouldn't go anywhere. Afterwards, we went inside the house as Hyunsung went ahead and prepared a small meal. I guess he couldn't get over our cancelled lunch together.

I wasn't really hungry, but if I didn't eat, Hyunsung might get all upset and become even more hateful towards Raphael. I can't let that happen, and Hyunsung makes good food anyway so I can indulge him in having a meal together. He could think of it as a way of compensation when I forgot to tell him about our cancelled lunch.

Since this was a really small house, I could easily see Hyunsung moving in the kitchen. Maybe it's because he was behind me during the flight, but he looked rather nervous, as if he was hiding something. Well, I don't need to worry, I'm sure he'll tell me. I mean, I'm his most trusted friend that's almost like a brother. Who else could he turn to but me? If there were other close friends he had that I didn't know of, I'd go mad and make sure that those pests disappear, but since the chances of that happening is impossible, I sat back at my chair in a relaxed manner and sipped my tea.

I could already smell a very delicious scent of… tteokbokki? I raised a brow and curiously tried to see what Hyunsung was exactly doing. It's been forever since I last tasted tteokbokki. A few years maybe? Even back on earth, I think I ate tteokbokki with Yulha one and a half months ago before I was transported to the continent.

I don't even know what ingredients Hyunsung managed to procure to make this. I didn't know it was possible to make that food here in the continent, but the smell is undeniably nostalgic and reminds me of home. Hyunsung seemed to have finished cooking as the smell of those spicy rice cakes became stronger.

“Hyunsung-ah, is that tteokbokki?” I asked just to confirm.

“Yes Kiyoung.. the taste might be slightly different, because the ingredients aren't like those on Earth, but it'll taste similar.” Hyunsung confirmed for me while wearing his usual small smile.

“Wow.. I can tell it'll taste really good just from the smell.” Hell, even the appearance looks like the tteokbokki on Earth.

Hyunsung sat himself down across me as he set the pot of tteokbokki down, a jug of cold tea for both of us as I began scooping some to my plate. The taste of spicy rice cakes entered my mouth, and surprisingly, the spiciness was just the right amount for it to not be too mild, nor too spicy for my taste. I marveled at the flavour. 

“This is really good Hyunsung-ah.” I complimented him after swallowing what's in my mouth.

“R-Really? I'm glad.. I was worried it might be too spicy for you.” Hyunsung said with a relieved look.

“It was just the right amount, don't worry about it.” I smiled.

Maybe because it was really good, or I just haven't tasted tteokbokki in years, but I managed to finish four plates of it. I drank the cold tea to water down the spiciness that remained inside my mouth. After eating, I felt full and satisfied. Hyunsung looked quite pleased seeing me eat a lot. It was understandable, I think. I always had a bird-like appetite, so unless the food was really good, I only ate enough to satisfy my hunger.

After Hyunsung and I ate, we chatted for hours. The sky was turning orange, and as time passed on, Hyunsung looked to be more and more nervous. Is he planning to say that ‘something’ on a sunset? I think he became fond of sunsets considering how we often had important talks at sunset. It seems right as Hyunsung invited me outside. I followed after him, we both walked outside, facing the sunset. It's very reminiscent of the time we spent when I first drank Poly Juice.

My long hair swayed behind me. It was a good thing I kept it tied up, less I want it to get tangled. I looked over to Hyunsung, who looked really, really, nervous, like a schoolboy telling his crush he liked them.

“Kiyoung.. I.. I have something really important to tell you.” He started to talk nervously.

“Yes, what is it? I'm always willing to lend an ear.” I smiled, though it only made him more nervous. I didn't know if it was the sunset or not, but his face was really red. A combination of the sunset and aftereffects of tteokbokki maybe?

“That… W-Well.. i-it's something that has been on my mind for a l-long time now…”

“...”

“F-First, I wanted to say that.. Kiyoung has been very precious to me.”

‘Aw.. would you look at that? That's our lovely Hyunsung!’

“And.. I-I really don't want the bond we built up to be ruined by what I'm about t-to say..”

‘Ha? Our bond? Ruined? What the hell is he even going to say? Is it really so surprising that it could ruin our bond? What the hell?’

“So.. t-to say.. I-I.. I really..” He looked like he was trying his best to get the words out of his system.

‘This feels ominous.. it feels really ominous!’

I started to dread what he's about to say. But what he said next, almost stopped my brain from functioning.

“I like.. no, I love you Kiyoung!” He shouted with his eyes closed, even turning his head and lowering it, as if he dreaded my reaction.

‘Did he just.. did he just say he liked me??? What?? What the fuck?!?!’

My widened eyes immediately scrunched up as I looked at Hyunsung.

‘Just what the hell do I say??!’

The silence between us threatened to suffocate me. It was extremely awkward. I didn't know Hyunsung felt this way. Wait, so the way he had been acting the past three days was out of love and jealousy? It'd explain a lot for sure. But damn it.. who knew noona was right all along? I never tolerated the idea of Hyunsung having romantical feelings for me, but I guess it was possible. I can't reject him, it would be awkward the next.. I can't haphazardly accept him either without reciprocating his feelings, that'd be too mean.

‘Goddamn it, I don't know.’

It was difficult to formulate the words to respond appropriately to him without sounding like I'll accept or reject him. Instead, I just uttered his name in a whisper-like manner.

“Hyunsung…”

“It's okay if you say no Kiyoung.” Surprisingly, he spoke up, but his head was still turned away from me. “I understand. This confession was out of the blue and must've really surprised you.”

‘It did. It really did. I think my mind malfunctioned when you said it.’

“I just.. I couldn't hold it in me anymore. I-I love you. I loved you for a while now.. I-I didn't know how it came to be.. but I-I just started feeling this way. Since then, every time you spent with Hayan, I couldn't help but envy her. I-I wished it was me.. I'm sorry Kiyoung.. It's my fault for thinking this way.” He confessed, looking very embarrassed but also teary. He must've known deep inside that I'd probably reject him.

I started thinking about it. Would being in a relationship with Hyunsung so bad? Hayan might be opposed to it.. but I think I could come up with a reason to pacify her. Other than that.. if Hyunsung became my lover, there'd certainly be a huge stir in the media. But if I disregard the media, my bond with Hyunsung would strengthen, though a part of me worries that he might be a Hayan 2.0 if I became a bit too close with men for his liking. But am I even gay? I didn't think so. Not until Hyunsung. I think I could accept Hyunsung.. it was him afterall. I also won't have to worry about him being possibly seduced by a woman such as Bitch Kiyeon.

After thinking for a while, I decided on an answer. Hyunsung looked nervous as I had been quiet for a while now, so I opened my lips.

“It's not Hyunsung's fault. And.. I.. I'll accept your confession.”

Hyunsung looked dumbfounded as if he wasn't expecting that answer. It wasn't long before his face became bright red though.

“R-Really? Really? Y-You'll accept it? You don't have to force yourself Kiyoung.” He says that yet he looked very happy.

“I will. I don't think it won't be so bad to be with you.”

“Ahh.. I'm so happy Kiyoung… I'm so, so happy.” He then hugged me and buried his face on my neck. I patted his back. “I love you. I love you so much Kiyoung.”

I hesitated to reply, but Hyunsung didn't seem to mind. He pulled back up, and I didn't know if it was a hallucination, but I think my heart thumped.

“Can.. Can I kiss you?”

He asked very shyly. I felt a bit surprised at his boldness despite the shy tone. I don't think it would be too bad to let him kiss me. I also think that this is his first kiss, so, for just this Hyunsung, I'll let him.

‘Maybe I'm too soft on him.’

“Sure.”

Then, I felt his lips on mine. He was undeniably innocent and inexperienced when it comes to this. I could tell. It was cute when he kept his lips on mine for several seconds. The backdrop of the sunset as we kissed was quite romantic.

I felt a jolt of surprise when he bit my lower lip, but I didn't push him away. I think he was trying to explore more, so when he managed to solicit a gasp from me, he slipped his tongue right in. I'll only allow this level of intensity for now. Nothing more past that.

And to my utter surprise, he was not inexperienced at all. The way his tongue dominated mine, one would think he had experience in this. I didn't want to think of Hyunsung as this playboy, as he is most certainly not, but I also didn't want to think that he searched up shady and definitely not safe for work searches for this.

I started to feel a bit breathless, and my body started feeling a bit hot when one of his hands snaked around the back of my waist, and the other on my nape. He even tilted my head. As if he noticed that I was running out of breath, he pulled away, a thin string of saliva connecting our lips together. I inhaled the air and filled my lungs, taking deep breaths. Hyunsung didn't look out of breath at all and looked quite flushed, his eyes looking straight at mine. If we're in a manhwa of sorts, he'd have heart eyes.

“I love you so much Kiyoung..” he smiled like a lovesick boy as we kissed again.

‘Yeah.. I'm too soft on him. But this wasn't so bad.’

My eyes fluttered as I kissed him back, feeling the effects of the Poly Juice fading away as my body morphed back into a man. Hyunsung didn't seem to care though.