Time flew by in the blink of an eye, and two weeks had passed. During that time, Hyungoh had worked with Hunter to further develop Cenaline’s security programs.
Hunter frequently had meetings with Cenaline. Hyungoh was anxious each time, wondering if she might call for him too, but fortunately, she hadn’t summoned him since the first day.
Hyungoh couldn’t shake the feeling that he was living more leisurely compared to others. After all, Theo, who was a high-ranking official, showed his face once every three days before promptly leaving for somewhere else. Even Hunter, Hyungoh’s hacking partner, seemed to have been given additional tasks by Enya, as he spent a lot of time in the workroom.
“Hey, Yeong-oi! If you have time, could you help me out?”
A man who spotted Hyungoh inserting coins into a vending machine called out to him. It was Richard, the man who had previously tried to stop Andre.
Who’s Yeong-oi? Hyungoh nodded with an awkward smile. Like this, whenever Hyungoh was alone, Cenaline’s hackers would somehow find him like ghosts and ask for his help with their work.
Hyungoh didn’t like them. They were, as Theo had said, hothouse flowers. Whenever they had the chance, they would brag about their lovers or gossip about people around them, chatting about luxury brands or the latest celebrity news.
Hyungoh couldn’t help but disapprove of their carefree attitude, exchanging trivial conversations without knowing what was about to happen. However, he didn’t show it. As he quietly did his work and occasionally gave insincere responses, they seemed to like him and began to call on him more frequently.
“By the way, where did Mr. Gargamel go? We’re supposed to have a general meeting today, so he shouldn’t miss it.”
“I’ll go find him.”
“Yeong-owoo, you don’t need to cover for him just because you’re from the same country. He’s not a child; he should know that he’ll be in trouble if he misses the meeting.”
Uncle, you’ve really made yourself unpopular. Hyungoh carefully got up from his seat. To think there would come a day when I’d feel more comfortable by Uncle’s side. As he noticed signs that gossip about Hunter was about to start, Hyungoh was desperate to leave.
“Hahaha, when a fellow citizen causes trouble abroad, it makes me feel bad too.”
“Oh my. Yeong-oi, you’re too kind for your own good.”
That damn Yeong-oi again. Hyungoh irritably unbuttoned the top button of his shirt as he slipped out of the room. Theo pronounces it correctly, so why can’t these people? Surely they’re not doing it on purpose to mock me.
Hyungoh headed to the second workroom assigned to him and Hunter, conference room number 4 on the 17th floor. It was better equipped than their first workroom, but it was less practical because many programs weren’t installed on the unfamiliar devices.
However, Hunter liked it better because it was cleaner. Since he often seemed to do his personal work there apart from their joint tasks, Hyungoh was certain he would find Hunter there this time as well.
“Uncle?”
Hyungoh knocked on the door. Thinking it was closed, he was surprised when it gently swung open. Through the gap, darkness loomed, making Hyungoh think Hunter wasn’t there and turn to leave. But looking more carefully, he noticed a faint light seeping from inside.
Entering the room, Hyungoh stared at a single monitor glowing brightly in solitude. What’s this? Why is only that one on? Did Uncle forget to turn it off?
That’s not like him to forget. Hyungoh tiptoed toward the monitor. He was curious about what Hunter had been doing. Perhaps handling some secret directive from Enya Cenaline. Holding his breath, Hyungoh leaned in closer.
What the monitor displayed was none other than thirteen CCTV screens. The screens looked familiar to Hyungoh, so he examined them more closely. A familiar entrance, rooms, study, and…
“I was just looking for you.”
Startled by Hunter’s sudden voice, Hyungoh stumbled backward, tripped over a computer cable, and fell. Sprawled on the floor with a loud thud, Hyungoh squinted at the ceiling light and let out a pained groan.
“How did you appear without making any sound…”
“Or maybe you just didn’t hear me?”
Hunter extended his hand to Hyungoh. After a moment’s hesitation, Hyungoh muttered, “I can do it myself,” and awkwardly stood up on his own. Hunter shrugged and turned his eyes to the monitor.
“I wonder if you remember where this is.”
Hunter quickly selected one of the CCTV screens and maximized it. It was a camera showing a simple room with only a bed, desk, and wardrobe. Hyungoh found it very familiar. Could it be? Blinking hard to revive his past memories, Hyungoh soon clapped his hands.
“That’s my room!”
“That ‘was’ your room.”
Hunter nodded and corrected him. So these are the CCTVs from Uncle’s house where I used to live. Hyungoh stared intently at the structure of the room, which hadn’t changed much, as if finding it fascinating.
“I had to work hard to restore the cameras’ functionality.”
“But why bother restoring the old house CCTVs?”
“To check if everything is still there. Since it’s been abandoned for so long, homeless people might have moved in and claimed ownership, or troubled teens might be using it as a playground.”
Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to be the case, so that’s one less headache. Hunter turned off the monitor and continued. Oh, I should have told you this first.
“You and I are going on a business trip.”
“A business trip? Where to?”
Hunter grinned and stroked the monitor.
“We’re going back to that house where we lived together, to Caysenderson City.”
* * *
“Just how long are we supposed to keep waiting?”
Mate, sitting on the sofa with his legs spread wide, shouted in frustration. Herick, who was silently organizing documents at the desk beside the sofa, answered mechanically.
“Until Michael gives permission.”
“It’s been two weeks since we stopped weapon exports. Do you know how much our existing clients are making a fuss? They’re too afraid to blame the entire Gostin Family, so they’re just bitching at me!”
Saying I’m handling things terribly, that I’m being lazy. Mate irritably pushed the table with his foot. I understand they’re at a life-or-death crossroads due to constant civil war, but they really speak too carelessly.
“He said it’s not time yet, so wait a bit longer.”
“What if Cenaline makes the first move and attacks while we’re waiting?”
“Sure, spend your time worrying about that scenario on your own. Stop wasting my time.”
“Oh, come on.”
Aren’t you all trusting Michael’s judgment too much? When Mate protested, not understanding, Herick chuckled.
“You’re really something, Mate. Everyone else is busy praising Michael, but you don’t, which makes you rather refreshing.”
“Don’t compare me to those pathetic fanatics. Everyone knows Michael is pretty, but who doesn’t know he has a terrible personality? The fact that they wag their tails and say they feel good even after being beaten by him is proof they’re not in their right minds.”
Herick, showing little reaction to Mate’s words, shrugged, glanced at his watch, and slowly got up from his seat. Where are you going? Mate asked, tilting his head back against the sofa.
“To wake the sleeping beauty.”
“Ah.”
Bring him quickly. No matter which part of my body gets broken, I need to press him today. Mate firmly made up his mind.
Michael will be the same whether you press him or not. Herick strode down the hallway and stopped in front of a door that emanated an ominous aura. It was Michael’s room.
“Michael, it’s me. Can I open the door?”
Please be awake. Dealing with Michael who’s just woken up would be exhausting. Herick sighed at the lack of response.
“Come in.”
A calm voice was heard softly. Herick felt an initial sense of relief. Thankfully, he didn’t have a bad dream today. Thankfully.
When he opened the door and entered, Michael was sitting languidly, directly facing the warm morning sunlight shining through the window.
“The time has come.”
Michael, drenched in sweat, whispered. Herick, who was wiping Michael’s forehead with a handkerchief, widened his eyes.
“I must go.”
“…Where?”
Herick asked, holding his breath. The corners of Michael’s mouth slowly lifted.
Finally.
As Herick’s gaze became increasingly filled with excitement, Michael gently curved the corners of his eyes.
“To Caysenderson City.”
