Lee Kanghyun, who had immediately stuffed the Magic Stone into his pocket, walked toward the exit without looking back.
“We should go together, Kanghyun.”
Kang Yujun strode over and draped his arm around Lee Kanghyun’s shoulder.
“You’re heavy. Get off.”
“Don’t wanna? My legs are giving out right now, so I need support.”
“Don’t lie. You were perfectly fine just a moment ago.”
“I’m mentally hurt too. From having to deal with you.”
Kang Yujun deliberately put his weight on Lee Kanghyun, pressing down on him. Lee Kanghyun pushed him away in disgust, but he stuck to him like gum.
“Ah, you stink! Get away!”
“I don’t stink.”
“You do. You smell like blood. You smell like snakes.”
“Isn’t that smell coming from your clothes?”
It was when the shadows of the two bickering figures stretched long against the cave wall.
Whiiiirrr—
The sound of a drone came from outside the gate. And through a megaphone, someone’s voice rang out loudly.
—Current time, 18:30! A-rank Gate clear has been confirmed! Hunter Kang Yujun, great work!
The cheers of reporters and onlookers waiting at the cave entrance rushed in like a wave. Beyond the exit, flashes began to spark like lightning.
Lee Kanghyun’s footsteps stopped dead.
Ah.
He had forgotten. The fact that hell was waiting outside.
Moreover, these bastards knew he had entered with Kang Yujun, yet they were only thanking Kang Yujun. It was clearly full of malice.
“I’m not going out.”
Lee Kanghyun turned around and tried to flee back into the darkness. But Kang Yujun caught him by the scruff of his neck.
“Where do you think you’re going? You have to buy me food.”
“No way! How am I supposed to go out there? Look at the cameras. Look at the people.”
“It’s okay. I’ll cover for you.”
Kang Yujun smiled and pulled Lee Kanghyun toward him.
“But there’s a condition.”
At that smile, a chill ran down Lee Kanghyun’s spine. Whenever that bastard smiled like that, something incredibly annoying always happened.
“What is it?”
“From now on, once a week, you have to go through gates with me. You can’t go alone. You have to go with me.”
“Are you crazy? Absolutely not!”
“Then should I just go alone? The reporters probably won’t leave until you come out, so enjoy the interviews.”
When Kang Yujun was about to let go of his hand, Lee Kanghyun grabbed his arm in horror.
“Ah, fine. I got it. I’ll do it, okay?”
“Good. Contract sealed.”
With a satisfied face, Kang Yujun wrapped his arm around Lee Kanghyun’s shoulder. Then he walked out, waving his hand ostentatiously toward the countless camera lenses.
Lee Kanghyun buried his face in Kang Yujun’s shoulder and tried his best to erase his presence.
If he had known the next day’s newspaper front page headline would turn out like this, he absolutely wouldn’t have done it.
[Kang Yujun-Lee Kanghyun, Gate Clear with Hot Embrace. Showing Off Bromance… “We’re Fantasy Partners”]
[The Class of S-rank! Kang Yujun, the Image of a ‘True Leader’ Who Takes Care of Colleagues Despite Exhaustion]
[Lee Kanghyun Nestled in Kang Yujun’s Arms, the Hot Friendship of S-rank Hunters]
[‘National Trash’s’ Unexpected Good Looks? Visual Shock That Elevated Even Mismatched Socks to Fashion]
[“Move, I’m Clocking Out” Lee Kanghyun, Chic Commute Comment Becomes Hot Topic]
Articles poured out, and the comment section was literally a warzone. Lee Kanghyun’s return, the center of all kinds of controversy, was a matter of national interest.
Lee Kanghyun’s peaceful reclusive life was forcibly terminated just like that.
It wasn’t that Lee Kanghyun hadn’t cleared gates at all during the past five years, but he had cleared them secretly and privately without the public knowing. It was almost five years since the public had officially seen Hunter Lee Kanghyun.
[Lee Kanghyun, Attitude Controversy in Return Match… Dragging Slippers, “I’m Clocking Out”]
Comments:
- Tsk tsk… What kind of outfit is that for someone who’s supposed to be a hunter protecting the nation? A tracksuit with mismatched socks. His mental state is screwed. People like that need to be sent to the military for mental reformation first.
- This is what he does while receiving support funds from taxpayer money. Try being even half like Kang Yujun.
- Does being S-rank mean everything? Does it make sense that he went dark for 5 years during a national crisis? What is the Minister of Defense doing? Draft him immediately and deploy him to the front lines. Letting talent like that rot is dereliction of duty too.
- My son is an aspiring hunter and I’m scared he’ll learn from watching that. Heroes need good character first, not just skills. Mr. Lee Kanghyun, reflect on yourself.
It wasn’t just articles. Internet communities were in chaos too.
[Anyone who saw Yujun-nim at yesterday’s Ansan Gate~?]
I went to watch with my child~^^ Our Yujun-nim is much taller and cooler in person. But that Hunter Lee Kanghyun who came out with him, oh my… his outfit… My kid asked “Why is that hyung wearing mismatched socks?” and I had nothing to say. Still, seeing Yujun-nim take care of him till the end and come out, I thought, as expected, he has good character. Mr. Lee Kanghyun should at least buy Yujun-nim a hearty meal~
Comments:
- Right~ Yujun-nim is so upright I’d want him as my son-in-law. The person next to him is a bit… looked like a delinquent.
- I am worried kids will watch and learn. Phew.. I was nervous he’d curse again this time too.
[Lee Kanghyun Free-riding, Holy Shit]
(Photo: Fresh-looking Lee Kanghyun and slightly tired-looking Kang Yujun exiting the gate)
When entering: Lee Kanghyun whining because he doesn’t want to. Kang Yujun drags him in.
When exiting: Kang Yujun sweating + looks tired. Meanwhile Lee Kanghyun? Hairstyle exactly the same as when entering. Not a drop of sweat.
Kang Yujun cleared the A-rank Gate alone, Lee Kanghyun just took a stroll in the back and came out. Not an S-rank Hunter but an S-rank porter lololol Is Kang Yujun that bastard a saint or a sucker? Why does he put up with that?
Comments:
- Does it make sense his clothes are that clean? It’s an A-rank Gate?
- Kang Yujun is fucking pitiful. Getting stuck with a leech like that.
- Wow but Lee Kanghyun really lives life easy. Did he get S-rank on face privilege?
- But honestly even if Lee Kanghyun did nothing, just standing there with that face gives a party buff. Eye purification buff.
└ Yujun hyung isn’t even gay, what does Lee Kanghyun being handsome have to do with anything, fuck
[Lee Kanghyun, Why Doesn’t He Really Go to the Military?]
It’s been talked about for a while, what’s up lol Watching him do gates today, he seems physically healthy and fine, so why doesn’t he go?
Comments:
- ‘Chronic Laziness Syndrome’ (S-rank disease)
- They probably won’t accept him because he’d desert even after enlisting
- Honestly if that bastard goes to the military he’d be priority #1 problem soldier. He’s so trash-tier the sergeant would clutch his neck and collapse. Not sending him strengthens national defense.
- Didn’t Kang Yujun vouch for him to get exemption? “I’ll live with him and make him into a proper person” lol
└ Kang Yujun is originally a perfectionist who likes taking care of people. When he sees trash-tier people like Lee Kanghyun, he gets the urge to fix them up and use them.
[Honestly Both Kang Yujun and Lee Kanghyun’s Looks Are Insane]
I was watching the news and abandoned my main bias. They looked like squids compared to them, fuck
First, Lee Kanghyun. Yesterday he came out in that beggar-like tracksuit with mismatched socks, right? His hair was a bird’s nest. But his face privilege buried the beggar look completely.
Honestly seeing his face, I understood why his personality is broken. If he had that face AND good personality, fuck.. the plausibility would be shattered
And Kang Yujun has always had a super elite image, right? Flawless, doesn’t smile much in interviews. Sharp-eyed cold handsome guy
But did you see him standing next to Lee Kanghyun yesterday?
(Photo: Kang Yujun coming out with his arm around Lee Kanghyun’s shoulder, waving at reporters)
Wow… I never knew Kang Yujun’s expression could be that gentle lol Lee Kanghyun looks so sharp and sensitive, beyond delinquent to straight-up yakuza itself, so Kang Yujun next to him looks relatively super docile.
Kang Yujun usually looked pretty cold, but standing next to a kid who’s truly fierce-looking, he just looks like a big retriever who listens well to his owner.
Don’t know about personality but face is S-rank acknowledged.
Comments:
- Kang Yujun’s impression is on the strong side too but standing next to Lee Kanghyun he really looks gentle
- His sharp eyes just make him look serious, Lee Kanghyun is fucking pretty-handsome look at his high school graduation photo, he’s a beautiful boy
- Looks aren’t a crime… Standing together they do give an eye-opening feeling
- Lee Kanghyun in a tracksuit in a randomly taken article photo having that vibe doesn’t make sense. If he dressed up hard and came out, the country would flip
- What yakuza is Kanghyun? He’s a gentle baby kittenㅡㅡ
└ Sweetie go to the eye doctor.. that’s a diseaseㅜㅜ
At the same time, Lee Kanghyun, the center of attention, was fast asleep, oblivious to the world.
He dreamed of a certain day when he was twenty and had visited the Hunter Association. Walking down the corridor, Lee Kanghyun encountered a man coming from the opposite direction. Tall with a sculptured appearance. It was Kang Yujun, who appeared endlessly on the news. Lee Kanghyun glanced at him and turned his gaze away.
So that’s that S-rank. He looks neat.
And he tried to just pass by. There was no need to tire himself out by acknowledging him. But Kang Yujun blocked his path.
‘Excuse me, you’re Hunter Lee Kanghyun, right?’
‘…Why?’
What’s this annoying thing? When Lee Kanghyun asked bluntly, Kang Yujun’s eyes sparkled.
‘I’m a fan. I really wanted to meet you.’
It was the kindest and most polite smile in the world. Lee Kanghyun had thought he was a polite and decent person.
Up to here, it was the same as their first meeting.
However, things started to flow strangely.
‘Then as a fan service, let’s go to a gate together.’
‘…Pardon?’
‘Let’s go. Right now.’
In an instant, a whip made of blue water appeared in Kang Yujun’s hand. Instead of the good-natured smile he had shown just moments before, he wore a demonic grin.
‘Come on. You have to work, Kanghyun. Where’s the time to rest?’
‘What are you talking about? Let go of this! I thought you were my fan!’
‘That’s why I’m doing this. Hurry up and show me you beating up monsters. Hm? Quickly.’
Before he knew it, the background had changed to a gloomy gate. Kang Yujun approached Lee Kanghyun, clutching disgusting snake monsters in both hands.
‘You promised. That you’d only do hunter work with me forever.’
‘I didn’t! I never did that!’
‘No. You will. Forever….’
Kang Yujun smiled while shoving a snake head at him. Aaaaah! It was the very moment Lee Kanghyun screamed and stumbled backward.
Bzzzz. Bzzzz—!
At the vibrating sound hitting his ears, Lee Kanghyun’s eyes flew open.
“Huk, huk….”
Cold sweat dripped down. He gasped for breath while looking around. There were no snakes, no crazy Kang Yujun. It was the familiar scenery of his own room.
It was a nightmare too vivid and horrifying to be just a dream.
The phone vibrated endlessly, spitting out notifications. It was obviously Kang Yujun. He was the only person who would contact him.
Lee Kanghyun only extended his hand out from under the blanket and picked up his phone. He didn’t even check the screen. He just pressed and held the power button.
The screen turned off and the vibration stopped. As the noisy sound disappeared and silence returned, Lee Kanghyun gradually regained stability.
He rubbed his face against the pillow. Rolling around in his own bed, the lingering feeling of the nightmare disappeared, and only pleasant drowsiness wrapped around his entire body.
Lee Kanghyun let out a satisfied sigh and buried his face in the pillow. My blanket. My home. I missed you so much… He almost teared up.
It was obvious Kang Yujun would throw a fit later when he found out he turned off his phone, but right now he needed rest. Especially after having such a nightmare. Thinking of Kang Yujun’s sly smile and persistent obsession made goosebumps rise all over his body.
That day, after the gate clear was finished, Kang Yujun put Lee Kanghyun in his car, saying they should hurry and go eat Korean beef.
However, the place he took him to wasn’t a meat restaurant but his own house.
He remembered Kang Yujun grilling meat, saying, ‘It’s noisy eating outside. I’ll grill it for you.’
The meat was delicious. He admits that.
But throughout the meal, he almost got indigestion from Kang Yujun constantly talking without rest, saying things like ‘Is it good?’, ‘Want more?’, ‘What do you want to eat next?’
Lee Kanghyun pulled the blanket over his head.
He still couldn’t believe he had to clear gates with Kang Yujun once a week. He squeezed his eyes shut and chose to escape reality into dreamland.
Please let it be a dream. When I open my eyes, I hope I’ve returned to my peaceful unemployed life.
Lee Kanghyun, who had fallen asleep, opened his eyes at 2 PM when the sun was high in the sky.
He felt refreshed. It was natural since he’d slept like he’d passed out for over half a day.
“Mmm….”
Lee Kanghyun wriggled under the blanket. Instinctive hunger washed over him. Should he turn on his phone and order delivery, or eat the cup ramen stuck in the cupboard?
No. It was all too bothersome. He should just laze around. It was when Lee Kanghyun was rolling around, finishing his happy dilemma.
Ding-dong, the doorbell rang.
His expression went blank. He tried to plug his ears and block out the sound, but piercing through his eardrums came that detestable bastard’s voice.
—Kanghyun. Open the door.
Lee Kanghyun didn’t even breathe loudly. He stiffened like a corpse under the blanket.
Let’s pretend I’m not here. I’m not here. I’m dust.
But the uninvited guest outside the door was persistent.
—If you don’t open it, I’m coming in?
That was nonsense. How could he know the password and come in? He snorted.
However, that snort turned into shock in exactly 3 seconds.
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
Beep-beep-beep-beep!
With a cheerful unlock notification sound, the door lock came undone pathetically.
What…?
Lee Kanghyun’s pupils shook like an earthquake under the blanket.
How does that crazy bastard know my door lock password?
Click.
Without even a chance to respond, the front door swung wide open. Kang Yujun strode in like he was entering his own bedroom. In both hands were shopping bags filled to the brim.
“Wow….”
Kang Yujun let out a hollow laugh as soon as he entered, as if dumbfounded.
“You’re really something. I hoped not, but how is your house password ‘0000’? Isn’t that like telling thieves ‘Welcome, please rob me’?”
Lee Kanghyun felt wronged. What’s wrong with 0000? It’s so easy and nice to enter. He pulled the blanket up to the top of his head and mumbled.
“Get out. This is trespassing.”
“If the password is 0000, it’s not trespassing but a community shelter. Anyone can drop by and rest.”
“I said get out!”
Lee Kanghyun screamed almost like a wail.
