* * *
I wanted to see his face, but Taehwan stubbornly kept his face pressed against my hand, holding firm, refusing to let me see his expression.
So I gave up and focused on answering the question he asked me.
“If I’m S-class… am I like Gray Coat?”
No one knows Gray Coat’s official rank, but their reputation and prestige easily exceed that of a typical A-rank, so maybe it’s a fair comparison.
I admire Gray Coat.
But I’ve never once thought I could become someone like them—or even wanted to.
Just the attention I get as a so-called “miracle child” already feels overwhelming.
If expectations were to go even higher, I don’t know if I could take it.
But still…
“I think I can handle it.”
Because I have Taehwan.
No matter what happens, I can get through it.
I didn’t want to be the kind of person who gets scared and complains before anything even happens.
If I keep standing still, then Taehwan will stay stuck here with me—won’t be able to live his own life.
I need to become independent.
For Taehwan, who’s stayed by my side all this time, I’ll grow into someone he can be proud of.
He might not be able to see me because my hand was still covering his view, but I smiled.
I made my voice clear, filled with resolve.
“I can’t promise I’ll be happy… but I’ll try.”
“……”
“So don’t worry.”
His breath against my palm was hot—filled with so many emotions.
I gently stroked his forehead with my fingertips, trying to soothe him.
Only then did he finally loosen his grip on my wrist.
I thought I’d finally be able to see his face, but before I could lift my gaze, Taehwan was quicker—he pulled me into a tight hug.
My face was buried in his chest so I couldn’t see anything.
He pressed the back of my head firmly so I couldn’t even lift it.
“If that’s what you really want… then I’ll bear it.”
He whispered with his lips resting on my forehead. I couldn’t see his expression.
I didn’t really understand what he wanted to say, either.
But… at least my feelings got through.
That’s enough, right?
I let myself sink into the warmth of Taehwan’s embrace.
“Because I promised I’d make you happy.”
As I slowly drifted off, enveloped in his comforting scent, warmth, and touch, I heard Taehwan murmur something faintly.
“…A promise is a promise.”
The energy measurement test was finally complete.
It wasn’t possible to suddenly adjust the upper limit of what the machine could measure overnight.
So instead of a standard method, they had me wear suppression restraints and varied the count while comparing results, allowing them to get a rough estimate.
The result was astounding.
Even with two restraints on, I still came out as a B-rank!
Of course, it was just barely a B-rank, right on the edge—but still, isn’t that impressive?
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thought so.
The staff member in charge, who must’ve evaluated countless awakened individuals, couldn’t hide his surprise every time he saw my results.
Even the Bureau workers and awakened ones visiting for other reasons looked at me with a mix of awe and curiosity.
It was a little overwhelming, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit proud, too.
“What’s with all the fuss? If an S-class wears two restraints, they’ll obviously test as either C or B. There’s no way it would show up as A. Seems like exactly what you’d expect, no?”
…But the friend I most wanted to be happy for me just gave another indifferent response, completely killing the mood.
Anyway, I’d already finished the consultation about my ability and the incident at the hospital.
All that was left was a final demonstration of my power—a compatibility test to see how well I could control it.
Apparently, the real reason the schedule had been delayed wasn’t because of the measurement machine, but rather this test.
Since I was suspected to be S-class, they had to prepare for any possible dangers and select a facility capable of withstanding my power.
‘Ah—it’s him. That man.’
My first-ever public demonstration as a potential S-class—the highest officials from the government and the Hunter Management Bureau were expected to attend.
And sure enough, they did.
A whole swarm of stern-looking people arrived, accompanied by tight security.
But the person who caught my eye the most wasn’t any of them.
It was Im Jaewoo—Taehwan’s father—dressed modestly, arriving alone.
How long had it been since I last saw him?
Probably not since my father’s funeral.
Time had clearly passed—his hair had more gray in it now, and he had grown more dignified with age.
If my father had still been alive… Just the thought of it made my nose sting.
I forced my voice to sound bright and pulled on Taehwan’s hand.
“Taehwan, is it okay if I go say hello to your dad? It’s been a while.”
“Uh… well. Yeah, sure. I mean, it’s not like you can’t… I guess.”
“…Huh?”
His response was unusually hesitant.
Did that mean Mr. Im didn’t welcome me anymore—like Taehwan’s mother?
If Mr. Im felt uncomfortable seeing me, I’d understand.
I quickly waved it off.
“It’s okay. If it’s awkward, I won’t go.”
“No. Let’s go say hi. He’ll be happy to see you.”
“R–really? Okay, let’s go!”
So it was okay.
The words “He’ll be happy to see you” meant the world to me.
Taehwan wouldn’t say something like that unless he meant it.
And he was right.
When Mr. Im saw me, a smile immediately formed on his lips.
I couldn’t help smiling in return, but before I made a fool of myself, I quickly bowed my head.
“Hello, sir.”
“Jehee. It’s been a while.”
“Yes, it really has… Have you been well?”
“I’ve been doing fine.”
That gentle smile.
That calm, soothing voice.
Standing beside him felt like standing in a breeze.
He was just as I remembered—just like the Mr. Im from my childhood.
It was almost like stepping back in time.
Naturally… I found myself searching for traces of my father in his face.
If my dad had lived, would he have aged like Mr. Im?
Unlike Taehwan and me, our dads weren’t too different in height or build, so maybe…
As I stood there lost in thought, staring at him, Mr. Im gave me a faint, bittersweet smile.
“I’m sorry I didn’t visit you in the hospital.”
His voice snapped me out of my daze.
Startled, I waved my hands hurriedly.
“Oh, no—it’s fine! Thanks to the arrangements you made, I stayed in a great room and was looked after by kind, competent people.”
“I didn’t do much. I’m sure there were many others who helped you, but in the end, the one who got through it all… was you. Jehee, I’m really glad I get to see you here today.”
‘My strength.’
Everything he said made me feel so… warm.
My face softened into a smile before I even realized it.
“I… I’m glad too…”
I don’t know what I mean to him—maybe I don’t mean anything.
But to me, Mr. Im is someone meaningful.
My father’s closest friend.
The father of my dearest friend.
A person who shares pieces of my childhood.
Now that I’ve lost my father, he’s the closest thing I have left to one.
I don’t know if he’d want that place in my heart… but even if he didn’t, I’d never show it—I’d just keep it quietly to myself.
I’m just glad we’re not strangers.
I’m glad we can talk like this.
My chest felt tight with emotion, and I paused to catch my breath.
That’s when Han Jihye called out to me.
“Jung Jehee.”
“Ah, yes!”
“It’s time to head inside.”
“I’ll be right there!”
I guess everything’s ready.
There are a lot of people waiting, so I should hurry.
Still, I was reluctant.
I wanted to talk more with Mr. Im after so long, so I hesitated.
“Go on now. If Taehwan ever gives you trouble, feel free to call me. My number hasn’t changed. Do you remember it? If not, you can ask Taehwan or Miss Han.”
“What the—why would I give him trouble?”
“Oh? So you don’t give Jehee a hard time?”
“Ugh… I mean, not on purpose…”
“Ohhh…”
What a sight—Taehwan actually flinching under his dad’s gaze.
Back when we were kids, he wouldn’t even pretend to lose an argument unless I really pushed him.
He’s grown up, huh?
I laughed, and Taehwan grumbled under his breath, “It’s your fault, you know…”
“Alright, Jehee. Once your test is done, how about we all have dinner together? Would you be free?”
“Yes! I’ll see you later.”
I replied brightly and turned around.
Han Jihye was already pushing my wheelchair in place of Taehwan.
We arrived at a vast underground space in the government annex—it felt like a gymnasium.
Those who had come to watch were gathered behind a special glass wall that gave them a full view of the training ground below.
“This final compatibility test will be conducted in this special training facility. We’ve taken all safety precautions, but since your full potential remains unknown, please direct your abilities into open space if possible. If the situation appears dangerous, we will intervene and halt the test.”
As I looked around in amazement, I suddenly realized I had already reached the center of the massive training room.
* * *
