GTLTGIDES chapter 67

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“…”

“Not just going out tomorrow, but there’s so much more. I’m just starting my school life, I still have to go to college, and there are so many things I haven’t said to you yet. So….”

Eunsoo, as a grown adult, going off to college.

Yeah. I want to see that, too. I’d love to be there with you.

I want to see you fall in love, overcome the challenges the world throws at you, and get married someday.

I want to see it all, but…

I looked down at Eunsoo’s hand, gripping mine tightly.

Eunsoo had already lost his parents, and if he lost me too, she’d lose another guardian at such a young age.

Letting me go would leave a huge wound.

‘I can’t die in front of Eunsoo.’

When my body gets too weak, I’ll have to leave at the right time.

I’ll take care of my body and disappear without a trace, perhaps leaving it as a missing person case.

Once Eunsoo is an adult, the peaceful period will end, and the gates will open more frequently.

Accepting death and disposing of a body will be much easier then.

‘Why did I even move in here?’

My thinking was too short-sighted.

I should’ve left Eunsoo here alone.

It would’ve been enough just to visit and check up on him now and then.

Imagining him all alone in this big house after I die… it feels so lonely.

But I quickly shook off that thought. The move was already done. It couldn’t be helped.

In the original story, Eunsoo lived in a house like this, anyway.

And besides… even without me, three others would be there to look after him.

Rex would shout at Eunsoo’s every little action, Elliott would mock her, and Cha Junseong would step in to mediate with a hand on his forehead.

The house would be loud and chaotic.

On nice days, they’d have barbecues in the garden together, and on rainy days, they’d lie side by side in the attic, sharing stories.

It would be a warm, cozy home where they’d sit around the table, enjoying a peaceful dinner.

In that house, I, Yang Heewoon, would no longer be necessary.

… I shouldn’t be necessary.

“I love you so much, Eunsoo.”

There was nothing else I could promise. His anymore.

The only thing I could say now was this: I love you, and even after I’m gone, that won’t change. So, cherish yourself as I have loved you.

I kissed the child’s smooth forehead.

“…I love you, too.”

Eunsoo responded to my words.

But as if that wasn’t enough, he quickly spoke again.

“I love you so much… but, Uncle…”

His voice trembled with such deep sorrow.

I felt the sadness welling up in me, too.

He didn’t know how much I loved him, which is why he could say something like that.

But I decided not to bring up the childish debate of who loved who more.

Eunsoo’s body was trembling slightly, perhaps because some bad memory had resurfaced.

“I’m here, Eunsoo.”

I comforted her, patting his back, and before we knew it, we both fell asleep.

---

Early in the morning, Eunsoo and I got into the car.

We were heading to the amusement park he’d been so eager to visit.

“Wow. Eunsoo, look at that huge castle over there. It’s amazing. They’ve really built it well… It looks like it’s been pulled straight out of an animation. According to the pamphlet, there’s not only rides but also a safari and beautifully arranged gardens. There’s so much to see. Ah, I can’t wait!”

“Well… yeah, I guess.”

Oddly enough, once we arrived, I was more excited than Eunsoo.

I mean, at my age, why am I getting so worked up over a visit to an amusement park… but I couldn’t help it. I’ve never been to a place like this before.

The fairytale-style buildings, the perfectly laid paths, the brightly colored flowers in full bloom, even the little decorations, streetlights, and benches – everything was meticulously arranged.

It felt like a giant set designed to capture children’s fantasies.

Even the weather was perfect, with blue skies and fluffy clouds.

You could snap a photo anywhere, and it would look like a postcard.

I had thought there was no point since I couldn’t go on the rides, but just taking in the sights was satisfying enough.

‘Now I see why the entrance fee is so high…’

The cost of building and maintaining something like this must be enormous.

I stared in awe at the giant castle and clock tower, the park’s landmarks, and suddenly hugged Eunsoo tight.

Honestly, Eunsoo is my lucky charm.

If he hadn’t suggested coming here, I wouldn’t have even thought of visiting a place like this.

It’s all thanks to him.

“This is going to be fun. Let’s make a lot of memories today, Eunsoo.”

“It’s all great, but… Uncle…”

“Hmm?”

“Ugh… I really don’t understand this situation. Care to explain?”

Unlike me, who was full of excitement, Eunsoo was glaring at me with those pretty blue eyes, filled with frustration.

He was furious. I couldn’t meet his gaze directly and looked away.

I knew exactly why he was angry. After all, it was entirely my doing.

“Wow. It’s been ages since I’ve been to an amusement park. I think the last time was back in elementary school.”

“Ah, judging by your tastes, you’re still a kid at heart, huh? Who else would suggest coming here?”

“Lucky the weather’s nice.”

Yeah. He must be upset that I brought these three Espers along with us, and now they’re chiming in with their comments as if they’d been waiting for the chance.

Eunsoo’s blue eyes burned with even more fury as the three uninvited guests casually added their remarks.

I forced a smile, remembering the old saying that you can’t be angry at a smiling face.

“It’s more fun with more people.”

Of course, that was just an excuse.

My real reason was different.

Since Eunsoo lost his abilities, he had almost no connection with the Espers.

I figured that since we were going on a date anyway, it’d be a good chance to strengthen those bonds.

Thinking ahead to the time after I’m gone, I figured it’d be better if they got used to seeing each other more often.

‘Honestly, I didn’t even expect them to show up.’

Rex, who had confessed, then let things drag on awkwardly.

Cha Junseong, who might feel uncomfortable after Cha Younghwan’s attack. Even Elliott wasn’t the type to come to a place like this.

But I thought, ‘Why not?’ and invited them just in case, not really expecting them to come.

So, when they actually did, I was thrilled. I couldn’t help but grin.

While I was having the time of my life, Eunsoo’s expression remained dark.

His eyes, filled with betrayal, looked straight at me.

“Ah, seriously. Uncle…”

“Mm?”

“I should’ve known when you suddenly postponed our plans…”

“Sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier. It was only confirmed this morning that they could come.”

Although all three Espers seemed eager to join today’s outing, their busy schedules made it uncertain.

Plus, knowing Eunsoo wouldn’t be thrilled, I waited until everything was set before saying anything, but that ended up being too late.

Sigh.

At my words, Eunsoo let out another long sigh and then grabbed my cheeks with both hands.

He squished my face for a while, just like I usually do to him, and when his mood finally seemed to improve, his expression softened.

“Okay. I’ll let it slide. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters…”

“Thanks.”

“You should be really thankful.”

“Of course, I’m super grateful. You’re the best, Eunsoo.”

“Ahem. As long as you know.”

His lips pouted slightly, but that was a big concession on his part.

If this followed the original storyline, even seeing just one of their faces would have been enough for him to storm back home in a huff.

Despite his grumpy lips, his cheeks flushed a little at my compliments, making him look even cuter.

‘I’m lucky Eunsoo took it so well.’

I felt bad since Eunsoo had probably been expecting a date with just the two of us, but this was necessary.

I also hoped that through this outing, Eunsoo would get closer to the three Espers.

After all, there’s always a chance that one night, I’ll fall asleep and not wake up again.

Of course, I’d do everything I could to avoid dying while still by his side, but life is unpredictable.

Just like that night when we moved in, something could happen again at any time.

If I were suddenly gone, Eunsoo would need someone to contact.

Sure, Eunsoo had the support of Polwel and the administration would take care of him as an S-class guide, but having a personal connection with an adult would still be helpful.

Eunsoo is still young, and having someone close to lean on during tough times would be important.

“By the way, doesn’t this seem weird? Why is it so empty?”

I straightened up and looked around. It was still early, but the park had already opened.

Yet, not a single person was in sight.

The parking lot was empty, and there wasn’t anyone at the ticket booth or entrance.

‘Is it normal for theme parks to be this empty at this time of year?’

No, that couldn’t be right.

Even though it was a weekday, this was supposed to be the peak season, packed with students and families making the most of the final days before summer break ended.

So why was it so deserted today?

As I puzzled over it, Elliot approached me, speaking casually.

“Well, of course. We rented out the whole park for the day.”

“…Wait, you rented it out?”

“Yep. We rented the whole thing.”

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