* * *

“Ah, if any calls come in, just jot down a note somewhere.”

“Got it. Don’t worry, and have a safe trip.”

Since he had once been dragged here before and had kept watch, it wasn’t a difficult task.

Despite his hurry, the man thanked Doyoung multiple times before finally disappearing.

Even during that short time, the man’s personal phone kept ringing, suggesting he really had something urgent.

‘It’d be nice if someone had teleportation powers.’

Of course, employing such high-level talent as mere transportation would be out of the question.

“But still, it’s these kinds of everyday moments that matter.”

Truly, after nearly losing his life, Doyoung cherished this simple life.

A life where he could laze around, sleep in without anyone complaining, and wander out wrapped in whatever clothes to enjoy a hearty bowl of sundae soup, with the friendly market folks treating him like their grandson or son.

Even if every day felt similar, to Doyoung, who had lived breathlessly ever since he was possessed, it was a deeply satisfying situation.

He smiled and placed his hand on the mouse.

The ancient computer, which seemed on the verge of dying, couldn’t do much.

He considered checking out Hunters.com again.

Yet, even from doing just that, his right arm trembled.

The man had hit him earlier, and of course, it was his right shoulder that took the blow.

“Sigh….”

Doyoung sighed and clicked the mouse.

[Your order has been confirmed. The package will be shipped in 2-4 days!]

He happened upon some good news, and his previously dull eyes lit up as if a light had switched on.

Just as he was carefully browsing posts to ensure he hadn’t missed any tools—

Creak.

The old door suddenly swung open, letting in a gust of cold air. Dust, layered thickly in the shop, swirled like a fog.

“Brr, it’s freezing.”

Doyoung shivered and glanced forward, spotting a shadowy figure standing at the entrance.

“……”

Despite the backlight obscuring the person, he recognized them instantly.

Where else would he encounter that physique and aura?

Step, step.

The figure, who had been still, began to approach slowly.

Doyoung thought that the person almost seemed to glow from behind.

“Finally found you.”

The man came close and looked down at Doyoung, who was seated at the desk.

“Ah, Beom Sinje? Long time no see.”

Doyoung raised a hand to greet him casually.

Beom Sinje’s gaze immediately grew icy, filled with something close to contempt.

‘Well, that’s understandable.’

Considering how things had ended the last time they parted, it was a miracle his head wasn’t rolling on the ground the moment they reunited.

“Do you think this is the time for greetings?”

The man’s voice was low, as if suppressing his anger.

“Of course! Proper greetings are essential even if you just woke up after a one-night stand. That’s a must in our land of etiquette.”

Though he tried to lighten the mood, his attempt failed.

Beom Sinje’s piercing stare grew even more intense, and Doyoung laughed awkwardly.

“So, what brings you here?”

“You really have time to ask that?”

What else was there to ask?

Well, maybe a couple of things: how he had found him and why he had come.

But the sense that voicing those questions would only make the atmosphere icier held him back.

‘Tch. I poured my heart and soul into setting him on his path, after all.’

Though he had expected it, seeing Beom Sinje’s gaze and expression hurt a bit.

‘This is why I tried not to run into him again.’

Some people are best left never to meet again, especially when what was once good turned sour in an instant.

Yet, considering he had managed to track him down—

‘Is he here to kill me?’

The thought alone made Doyoung tense.

Maybe it had been naive to think he was safe after escaping death.

“I haven’t heard a reason yet.”

Beom Sinje spoke in a voice sharp enough to cut.

“So, you need to stay by my side.”

“Huh?”

What did he just hear?

Doyoung tilted his head.

So he wasn’t here to kill him?

“Get up and follow me.”

Apparently not.

Beom Sinje turned and walked out.

Watching his back retreat, Doyoung sighed deeply.

‘I wanted to live a peaceful life as a retired villain.’

The one disrupting his tranquility had to be his favorite.

But what choice did he have?

The man was standing there, blocking the way like some king of the underworld.

Doyoung reluctantly rose from his chair.

[A new main story for Na Doyoung has begun!

You’ve cleared the tutorial splendidly!

Na Doyoung has chosen manual mode. Create your own thrilling story! ~(≧▽≦)~

Quality – Unlimited.

Time Limit – None.]

The cursed system message popped up again.

‘Hey! Answer me.’

Doyoung glared at the empty air.

‘Hey, don’t you have anything to say to me? Hey, system!’

He muttered provocatively, but there was no response.

“Don’t even think of running. It won’t work.”

Instead of the system, another voice answered.

“No, I would never.”

Doyoung straightened up to show his sincerity.

Beom Sinje’s stern gaze briefly flicked over him before looking away.

‘Sigh….’

Doyoung rested his head on the desk. From that position, he glanced sideways at Beom Sinje, who sat on an old, worn-out sofa.

Beom Sinje had shown up unexpectedly just an hour ago, trying to drag him out.

Doyoung had desperately explained why he couldn’t leave, meeting Beom Sinje’s murderous glare as he spoke.

‘I promised the shop owner I’d watch the place until he returned! I even took his money, so I can’t back out!’

At the mention of money, Beom Sinje’s eyebrows twitched upward, and Doyoung had held his breath.

Fortunately, he allowed it.

Thus, the two endured an uncomfortable hour together in the same space.

Growl.

“Oh.”

Seriously, could his stomach be any more punctual?

“Haha… Uh, if you haven’t eaten lunch yet, should I order jjajangmyeon?”

Doyoung awkwardly asked, catching Beom Sinje’s intense gaze.

When he saw Beom Sinje nod silently, he picked up his phone.

“Yes, this is the boiler shop. Please deliver Set 3 here. Haha… Right, the boss is treating us big today, so please send lots, and pack extra pickled radish.”

It was just a call to a Chinese restaurant, but Doyoung couldn’t hang up quickly.

The restaurant owner, curious as always, asked about the large order and exchanged pleasantries.

“Thank you. Sure, I’ll wait patiently even if I’m a bit hungry.”

Doyoung’s face lit up with a gentle smile, and Beom Sinje kept watching him.

Seemingly oblivious, Doyoung finally ended the call after a few more exchanges.

“They said it’ll take a while since it’s lunchtime. Let’s wait. I’ll see if there’s any snack around.”

Actually, I was hungrier, but Doyoung subtly rummaged through the desk drawers, using the excuse of a “tribute offering.”

The CEO, dedicated to fitness, didn’t care much for snacks, but his son, who often held down the fort for him, was a different story.

“Ah, found it.”

Doyoung lit up as he finally found a few energy bars and bags of snacks in the fourth drawer.

He opened an energy bar and bit into it, holding the bag of snacks open as he stood up.

Beom Sinje’s gaze landed on his beaming face.

“Here, eat up.”

He offered the opened snack bag, but Beom Sinje just stared back at him quietly.

“Not a fan of chocolate snacks?” Doyoung asked, holding the half-bitten energy bar in his other hand.

“No.”

Beom Sinje shook his head.

He didn’t have a preference since he’d rarely eaten snacks in general.

He kept his answer short, feeling there was no need to elaborate.

“I see. Well, don’t eat too much since you’re not really in the mood. But it’ll help stave off the hunger a bit.”

With that, Doyoung carelessly set the snack in front of him and turned away.

* * *