As time went by, Joo-hyun's regret for appearing on Wednesday Film only grew. He hadn't realised how popular the programme was, but now, whenever he turned on the TV, his own bewildered face seemed to be everywhere. It was infuriating enough by itself, but the reactions from those around him made things even worse.
His colleagues in Block C had teased him a few times and then stopped, but the stares from the other staff had become relentless. They would occasionally make comments about the show, suggesting that it had been heavily edited and sanitised. They would also throw jabs, saying things like, "You're still just a runaway esper." He had been tempted to curse them out but held back, not wanting to risk any punishment.
Even Doo-shik, the centre manager, had summoned him. It was clear he was pleased with the attention Joo-hyun was getting. He had even patted Joo-hyun on the shoulder, a gesture that confirmed his delight.
On the other hand, the deputy centre head, Tae-seok, had firmly warned Joo-hyun to keep his mouth shut about certain topics. He had hinted that Joo-hyun might appear on more shows, which made Joo-hyun shiver with apprehension.
The only fortunate thing was that Joo-hyun's circle of acquaintances was very limited. The only people he was close to were other runaway espers, and the staff in Block C were too busy to engage in much conversation.
However, there was one person who managed to dodge all this—the root cause of it all, Cha In-ho.
"Do you know how popular you are these days, Joo-hyun? Everyone keeps telling me how cute and cool you are," Cha In-ho said proudly, wearing a smug expression, almost like a child showing off a prized toy.
Joo-hyun had no idea if what he said was true. Trapped in an enclosed space, he had no way of knowing how others reacted to his appearance on Wednesday Film.
So, Joo-hyun suspected that Cha In-ho was just spouting empty flattery. No matter how he looked at it, his appearance on the show hadn't exactly been endearing.
Watching his gloomy self mumbling on the screen made Joo-hyun want to smack himself. Being with Cha In-ho only made his already unattractive face seem worse.
Joo-hyun glared at Cha In-ho for a moment before abruptly turning his gaze away. Smoke drifted out from his cracked lips.
"Don't people tell you it's hard to guide such a miserable guy?" he asked.
"They don't say that. They do say you're handsome, though."
"Do they say that to you?"
How could anyone say Joo-hyun was handsome in front of Cha In-ho, whose looks were undeniably striking? Joo-hyun couldn't understand. Shaking his head, he took another drag of his cigarette, then realised Cha In-ho hadn't responded. He turned to look at him.
Cha In-ho was wearing a peculiar expression, one that Joo-hyun couldn't quite read. It seemed like he was trying to determine if Joo-hyun was being sincere.
"Anyway, people are just momentarily fascinated by a runaway esper. It will pass soon enough," Joo-hyun said.
That was both his prediction and his hope. Cha In-ho chuckled softly, but Joo-hyun didn't dwell on it. He ground his cigarette butt into his arm, enjoying the sight of Cha In-ho's brows furrowing. The runaway esper laughed with a malicious glint in his eye.
* * *
"I'm sorry, but could you please repeat that?"
Normally, Doo-shik would have snapped at such a request, but he just nodded, smiling warmly.
"You're going to appear on Gate Date."
It was a decision made without any regard for Joo-hyun's wishes. Doo-shik, seated in his large, plush chair, rubbed his bald head and beamed.
"Who knew people would like a runaway esper this much?"
Joo-hyun felt the same way. Once they'd seen a dangerous and scary runaway esper, wasn't that enough? He had no idea why they would want him back. He clenched his fists and asked hesitantly.
"What kind of programme is it?"
"Well... let me think..."
At Doo-shik's signal, Tae-seok stepped forward.
"It's a show that films espers on their missions to highlight how hard they work and to show the public the sacrifices they make for peace."
Joo-hyun barely managed to refrain from grabbing his head in frustration. The thought of having to use his abilities while keeping an eye on cameras and civilians was exhausting.
"It's a joint project by KSC Broadcasting and the Esper-Guide Association. You should be honoured to be selected," Tae-seok added with a tone that brooked no argument.
"Is it okay to broadcast people getting killed?" Joo-hyun asked sarcastically.
Tae-seok's eyes narrowed. If Doo-shik hadn't been there, he probably would have kicked him.
"...We'll assign you suitable missions."
He didn't want to do such showy missions, but he couldn't bring himself to say it. He was tired of being pushed around but saw no way out. He just nodded.
"They really make you do anything," Se-hwa had said when Joo-hyun told her about being on Gate Date.
"It'll probably die down after a few times."
"I'm worried if it doesn't."
As Se-hwa's swift punch burst the sandbag, spilling its contents onto the floor, she stood before another bag, wiping sweat from her forehead. Joo-hyun lay sprawled on the training room floor, staring up at the exposed pipes on the ceiling.
"What if it doesn't?"
What would happen if he continued to be dragged into the media spotlight? He could only imagine people eventually growing tired of him.
"They'll see only what they want to see and make their own judgements. If you or anyone else runs out of control, you'll take all the blame."
"...."
"That's what I'm worried about."
Bang. The sound of Se-hwa punching the sandbag echoed at regular intervals. Joo-hyun, too exhausted to move a finger, slowly sat up.
"If that happens, I'll live a long time."
If the saying that being criticised extends your life was true. When Joo-hyun grinned, signalling not to worry, Se-hwa sighed and threw another punch.
"What's the point of living long?" she muttered.
He agreed but didn't say it aloud.
* * *
Gate Date was a documentary series co-produced by KSC Broadcasting and the Esper-Guide Association, totalling ten episodes, each featuring a different esper.
Joo-hyun was slated for the final episode, the tenth. Originally planned for nine episodes, it seemed they had squeezed Joo-hyun in at the last minute.
"Don't worry too much. You can always ask them to edit out any parts you don't like," Cha In-ho said soothingly, but Joo-hyun's expression didn't relax. It wasn't about the editing; it was the very idea of having civilians lingering around him all day that bothered him.
Despite being kept isolated and carrying a bomb around his neck for safety reasons, the higher-ups in the Association didn't seem to mind sending runaway espers close to people.
Joo-hyun was acutely aware of how dangerous he was. Runaways were unpredictable, a kind of natural disaster. He knew all too well the horrific ways people could die if they got caught up in his outbreaks. This situation made him incredibly anxious.
Yet, no one else seemed to take the danger seriously, not even Cha In-ho, who casually stroked the back of Joo-hyun's hand.
"It's okay. You won't go berserk, Joo-hyun."
"How do you know that?"
"Of course I know. I'm your matching guide."
It was pointless to argue when he couldn't even gauge the emotions on Cha In-ho's face. Joo-hyun bit his lip and lowered his head.
The dreaded day arrived swiftly, and Joo-hyun was pulled out of Block C.
After days of dealing with bothersome scripts and preparations, he climbed into the car already feeling drained. Seeing that it wasn't a secured vehicle, he had tried to close the door, but an irritable staff member forced him to reopen it.
Sitting in a cleaner, smoother ride than usual, Joo-hyun looked out the window, feeling as if he were being taken to the gallows. On missions, he usually sped down desolate roads, but today, the streets grew busier with buildings and people.
Joo-hyun's fingers trembled as he touched the choker hidden beneath his scarf. Recently serviced, the bomb was likely in perfect working order. Taking solace in that, the runaway esper took a shallow breath.
"You know what will happen if you say anything you shouldn't, right?"
He nodded to the usual stern warning before stepping out as the lock clicked open. The rear doors lacked control locks, probably a deliberate detail. He laughed mirthlessly as he planted his feet on the ground.
The preliminary meeting was set in a small café in front of the broadcasting station building downtown. He wasn't allowed to enter the station, and due to security, Block C was off-limits, so the café was the meeting place.
Joo-hyun had asked if they could do it over the phone, but the producer had refused. He had even requested to meet Joo-hyun alone, without staff or security.
Internally cursing the producer's apparent disregard for safety, Joo-hyun entered the café he had been told about.