Sangho took a slow step back, eyes glinting behind his glasses as if he'd already won something. He didn't need proof. The silence was enough. The way Jaemin tensed, the way his words cut short, Sangho treated it like confirmation.
"Thought so."
He let out a small sigh, tilting his head as if in admiration.
"But I've always wondered… don't people like you usually carry forged licenses? Wouldn't it be easier to just flash a fake than to stand there looking suspicious in front of civilians?"
"I already told you, you've got the wrong guy," Jaemin said coldly.
Sangho ignored him and turned back to the group.
"Sure, sure, whatever you say… you can go. I won't stop you. But be careful out there. These days, you never know what might happen, right?"
Jaemin didn't reply. He simply turned away, walking back toward the corridor he had come from. He didn't say goodbye to anyone, not even to little Haneul, who kept his eyes fixed on him until he disappeared into the darkness.
He left the people in the hands of those hunters. Even if something inside him screamed not to trust Sangho, the truth was… it wasn't his problem. Not anymore.
***
Three days later, 2:50 PM.
[News: Black Lotus Heroes Save the Day Once Again]
[Reporter]: "We're live with Team Dahlia of the renowned Black Lotus guild, who just three days ago closed the Rank B Rift that opened in Seoul's Western District in one of the fastest raids on record, lasting around four hours. First of all, congratulations on this achievement. Could you tell us how the operation went?"
[Ryu Sangho – Leader of Team Dahlia]: "Thank you. It was a joint effort. When we reached the final floor, we found civilians who had been pulled in during the Rift's formation. Our top priority, as always, was securing their safety before proceeding to the final boss."
[Reporter]: "There are reports that the number of monsters in this Rift was abnormally high. Is that true?"
[Ryu Sangho]: "Yes. The records showed an accelerated spawn rate, which is unusual for Rank B Rifts. Fortunately, we managed to neutralize all threats and stabilize the environment so the civilians could be evacuated safely."
[Reporter]: "Impressive. And the civilians… were they in good condition when you found them?"
[Dahlia Member – Archer]: "They were scared, of course. Some had minor injuries, but we were able to protect them. One of us even stayed behind until we were sure they were out of danger."
[Reporter]: "You're being described as heroes, not only by the civilians but also by other hunters who witnessed the rescue. How do you feel about that?"
[Ryu Sangho]: "We don't seek titles or recognition. We're just doing our job. It's our responsibility as high-rank hunters to prevent the chaos of Rifts from reaching more innocent people."
[Reporter]: "And regarding the rumors that have been circulating… some civilians mentioned a strange man among them, an unidentified hunter. Can you confirm this?"
[Ryu Sangho] (adjusting his glasses): "Rumors are common in stressful situations. What I can say is that the entire operation was carried out by Team Dahlia. Anything else is just speculation."
[Reporter]: "Understood. Finally, what message would you like to leave the public after this incident?"
[Ryu Sangho]: "To trust us. Black Lotus will continue protecting this country, no matter the circumstances."
[Reporter]: "There you have it, straight from the ones responsible for closing the Western District Rift. Team Dahlia of the Black Lotus guild reinforces their position as one of Korea's strongest forces of protection. Thank you for the interview."
[End of Transmission]
"Back to work, everyone! How much longer are you planning to procrastinate?"
The sharp voice echoed through the bakery as a short figure with thick glasses walked up to the television. Kim Hayeon, twenty-four years old, precocious entrepreneur and owner of the place, stood with her hands on her hips, radiating the authority of someone twice her age.
Despite her young age, she had already built a loyal clientele. The constant scent of fresh dough and newly brewed coffee was practically her trademark. And although her stature wasn't exactly imposing, her thick glasses and sharp gaze were enough to silence any employee daring to complain.
The assistants behind the counter exchanged glances, muttering under their breath, but quickly went back to kneading dough and arranging bread as if their lives depended on it.
Kim Hayeon sighed, adjusting the frame of her glasses. Her eyes still flicked toward the dark TV screen, where the report on Guild Dahlia had ended just seconds earlier.
"So… are you going to tell me where you were?"
She turned her head toward the man standing in the middle of the shop. He was sweeping the floor with a worn broom, even though the bakery was already spotless, just something to keep his hands busy.
Few customers had come in today, likely because of the Rift that had opened nearby a few days ago. It was normal; people were still afraid.
He sighed, pausing in his work to look at Hayeon.
"The vanilla cakes are gone. I'll head to the back and bake more."
"Hold it right there, Jaemin."
Han Jaemin stopped mid-step. He raised an eyebrow slightly, waiting for her to continue.
Hayeon crossed her arms, her expression skeptical, though the curve tugging at the corner of her lips showed more teasing than genuine accusation.
"You really think I didn't notice? Vanishing for four hours, huh? Funny how that's the exact same time the Rift lasted… Then you come back all scratched up, and now you've got the nerve to pretend nothing happened?"
Jaemin looked away, as if the floor demanded more attention than the conversation.
"I had some things to take care of."
"'Some things to take care of?'" Hayeon arched a brow. "Jaemin-ajusshi, I hope you never have to lie to save yourself."
Her playful tone almost pulled a sigh out of him.
'Ajusshi, huh? Just because I'm a bit older? This brat… I'm barely twenty-nine.'
"Hayeon, shouldn't you be at university or something?"
She leaned her elbows on the counter, eyes drifting lazily toward the bakery's entrance.
"Not today. A Rank D Rift opened near campus, so classes were canceled."
"How convenient."
"Yeah, that's life when you live next to the Restricted Zone*."
Jaemin let out a short laugh, sweeping the floor again.
"Well, let's close up. I don't think anyone else is coming today."
Hayeon slapped her hands against the counter, officially declaring the end of the workday.
"One of these days you'll go bankrupt like this. How do you think your mother would react if she knew you closed two hours early?"
"If you don't tell her, she'll never know." Hayeon shot back with a mischievous smile. "Besides, she's the one who gave me the shop. Technically, I'm the owner. I close whenever I want."
"Alright, alright, boss."
Hayeon huffed, grabbing the coat hanging on her chair and waving at the two employees still kneading dough.
"Lock everything properly. I'll go check the accounting papers."
She disappeared through the back door, the other two following her with lazy waves.
Jaemin stayed behind, alone in the shop. The silence of the bakery felt far too strange without Hayeon's chatter filling the air. He flipped the store sign to Closed and leaned the broom in the corner, letting out a long sigh. He moved behind the main counter and closed his eyes for a moment.
There were so many things on his mind that he hadn't even had the time to process everything that had happened over the past few days.
That's when he heard it.
Dling.
The sound of the bell above the door echoed through the empty shop.
Jaemin frowned. The Closed sign was already flipped, and yet, someone had entered.
He turned, ready to send away any late customer.
But the voice died in his throat.
It was Park Chae-won.
She closed the door gently behind her, as if not wanting to disturb, and stood there, slightly hunched, hands clasped in front of her. Her eyes searched for his, timid and hesitant, yet carrying a certain relief.
"I'm glad… I found you here."
Jaemin blinked once, surprised, his reply coming out sharper than intended.
"…How did you find me?"
Chae-won hesitated. Her gaze wandered to the empty tables, then to the floor, as if gathering courage before meeting his eyes again.
"Can I… sit down?"
He took a second before answering, then nodded.
"Sure."
He guided her to one of the tables near the display case, pulling out a chair for her. Then he walked to the counter, poured a fresh cup of coffee, and set it in front of her.
"Thank you…" she murmured, wrapping both hands around the cup as if its warmth could shield her.
Jaemin crossed his arms, waiting.
"It was Haneul," she finally confessed. "He said he'd seen you heading to work… when he passed by on his way to school. So… I came here."
Her eyes lifted, steadier now.
"By the way… he said to tell you hi."
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Jaemin averted his eyes, but it was clear the boy's mention had struck him, no matter how hard he tried to hide it.
He was the one who broke the silence first.
"Everyone's alright?"
Chae-won nodded, tightening her hold on the cup.
"Yes… everyone. Even those who chose to stay behind were rescued later." She drew a long breath, her gentle gaze falling on him. "All thanks to you."
He looked away again, leaning back in his chair.
"Then what are you doing here?"
"To thank you." The words came quickly, almost rehearsed. "I couldn't do it that day… and I've regretted it ever since. You saved my life, Jaemin-ssi. You saved all of us."
Jaemin didn't answer right away. His eyes fixed on some far-off point in the bakery, as if her words couldn't find space inside him.
Chae-won bit her lip, then forced a small smile.
"They're holding a party to honor Black Lotus. But I think you should be there too, you're the one who really saved us."
His eyes returned to her slowly.
"…A party, huh?"
She nodded.
"I know it might not be your kind of thing, but… you deserve to be recognized, even if they won't say it out loud."
Jaemin leaned back, arms crossed.
"No, I'm not going."
The answer dropped heavily. The only sounds left were the distant ticking of the bakery's clock and the faint clink of her cup.
She tried to hold her smile for a few seconds, but it failed. Her eyes welled up, and before she realized it, thick tears rolled down her cheeks.
Jaemin's eyes widened, the coldness on his face shattering into sheer panic.
"What… what's wrong?" He leaned over the table, yanking a handful of napkins from the dispenser and pressing them into her hands. "Hey, don't cry here, take these…"
Chae-won covered part of her face, sniffling softly, but her broken voice slipped out between sobs:
"I feel awful… for letting Mr. Seonghwan and the others treat you like that. You saved us, and still you were left alone, listening to all that. I should've done something, I should've stood up for you… but I just stayed quiet."
She dabbed her eyes with the napkins, unable to look at him properly.
"I just wanted… to make it right somehow."
Jaemin let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. He never knew how to handle tears, especially when they were for him.
"Hey… don't be like that." His voice was low, meant to sound firm, but it came out gentler than he intended. "I'm used to it, Chae-won. People talking crap… it's nothing new."
He slid another napkin her way, awkwardly, forcing a brief smile.
But the words had the opposite effect. Chae-won covered her face with both hands and cried harder, her chest rising and falling with short sobs.
Jaemin closed his eyes for a moment.
'Great… brilliant, Han Jaemin. You just made it worse.'
He said nothing more, only sat there in silence, letting her cry it out.
Minutes crawled by until the sobs began to fade. Still sniffling, Chae-won pulled her hands away from her face.
"Are you done?" Jaemin asked cautiously, leaning in a little.
She drew in a deep breath and nodded, her reddened, swollen eyes fixed on him.
"Yes… and now I'm even more sure."
Jaemin frowned.
"Sure about what?"
She wiped the last of her tears with her fist and looked at him, resolute:
"That I'm taking you to that party, no matter what."