The clear chime startled Joo-hyun, who flinched and struggled to hide his nervousness as he took cautious steps into the shop.
Today, he wasn't wearing his usual mission outfit but a plain white hoodie. Wearing something that identified him as a runaway esper in a crowded place could cause an uproar. Most of his casual clothes were old and worn out, so the hoodie was his only decent option.
Joo-hyun, hiding his scarf and pulling his hat down low, approached the counter hesitantly.
It was his first time in a café, and the fragrant coffee scent filled the air. Chae-kyung had taught him how to order in advance, but standing in front of the staff, his mind went blank.
"Excuse me, sir? Can I help you with your order?"
The staff's voice wasn't particularly kind, possibly due to the time Joo-hyun had taken to decide.
Feeling both embarrassed and apologetic, Joo-hyun lifted his head. The staff's eyes widened in surprise upon meeting his gaze, and Joo-hyun quickly looked down, remembering his red eyes.
Despite all he'd heard, nothing came to mind clearly. So he decided to use the trick Chae-kyung had taught him.
"I'll have whatever's most popular these days."
"Pardon? Oh, right! The Peach Peach Twinkle Cherry Frappe is really popular. Is that okay?"
"Pea… yes, that will do."
"Alright, I'll help you with the payment."
Joo-hyun handed over his card, curious about the drink he couldn't even remember the name of. It had been eleven years since he last bought something outside of Block C's convenience store.
The presence of the staff and the customers sitting in the café made Joo-hyun's nerves tingle. If he were to lose control, he considered where he might run. Lost in these thoughts, he was brought back by the voice calling him.
"Aren't you the one from Wednesday Film?"
Joo-hyun stiffened. If they screamed that a runaway esper was here, what would he do? His mind went blank.
For reasons unknown, the staff looked at him with bright, expectant eyes. Joo-hyun bit his lower lip. Would they believe him if he denied it? Thinking a lie might make things worse, he hesitated before slowly nodding and closing his eyes, not wanting to see a fearful reaction.
"Wow, I knew it! I've watched that episode so many times. At first, I wasn't sure, but then I recognised your eyes!"
The staff's voice was high and cheerful, filled with excitement. Joo-hyun couldn't understand why anyone would be happy to see a runaway esper, but he was relieved they weren't screaming.
"…Could you please keep it a secret? I think it would scare a lot of people."
Joo-hyun, knowing not everyone would be as kind as this staff member, nervously fidgeted with his fingers. The staff, likely not wanting any commotion, readily agreed.
"Just hold onto this. When it vibrates, come over here."
Joo-hyun took the round pager with a slight smile. It had been a long time since he'd had a normal conversation, and he was grateful it had gone well. He also appreciated the staff's kindness.
Yet, the staff's expression suddenly hardened. Perhaps they had just realised how dangerous a runaway esper could be.
"Should I wait outside? If it makes you uncomfortable..."
"No! It's fine. Stay inside."
Not wanting to insist on going outside, Joo-hyun timidly walked to a corner seat.
There were about ten minutes left until the meeting time. Joo-hyun looked out the window, watching people hurry by, feeling like he was dreaming.
A few months ago, Cha In-ho had accidentally pressed a button, causing Joo-hyun to be dragged away like a dog and tightly bound. Now, he sat freely in a café.
Suddenly afraid, Joo-hyun lightly shook his leg. Without Tae-seok's reassurance that he'd be monitoring Joo-hyun's waves, he wouldn't have come here.
It's okay. If I lose control, my head will be blown off in ten seconds. I won't kill anyone. No one will get caught up in it. Joo-hyun muttered to himself, trying to calm down, when the pager vibrated, prompting him to stand.
The Peach Peach Twinkle Cherry Frappe was a light pink drink with a cherry on top. It was too sweet for Joo-hyun, but he forced himself to drink it, not wanting to waste it.
The PD arrived when the frappe was half-finished.
"Hello. Sorry I'm a bit late. The traffic was terrible."
"Oh, I see."
"The traffic here is usually bad, but it was particularly awful today."
Of course, Joo-hyun neither knew nor cared about the traffic. Despite his awkward response, the PD smiled kindly, excusing himself to order.
As he nervously rubbed his tingling hands, Joo-hyun hoped the PD would take his time returning.
Ignoring his wish, the PD returned in a minute, handing over a business card with a bright smile. The card read 'Koo Beom-jin'. With a familiar look in his eyes, Beom-jin extended his hand to Joo-hyun.
"Looking forward to working with you."
Joo-hyun's heart raced, and his neck felt cold. He wanted to get up and leave immediately but restrained himself.
Can I touch a normal person? I'm a runaway esper.
Not responding to the handshake, Joo-hyun's silence might have seemed rude, but Beom-jin shrugged it off easily. The conversation progressed slowly, with Joo-hyun unable to focus. He was too tense, aware of everyone in the café. Noticing this, Beom-jin paused and suggested,
"Would you prefer to move to my car?"
Being in a spacious room with many people versus a small space with just one person. Feeling sorry for Beom-jin, but knowing fewer people meant fewer casualties, Joo-hyun stood up silently.
Whether Beom-jin was truly oblivious to the danger or had some hidden confidence, he showed no fear of Joo-hyun.
If you cross your legs, you won't be able to run away quickly. Watching Beom-jin's legs, Joo-hyun tuned into the conversation.
"Do you know the purpose of our programme?"
"To show the tasks espers handle and improve public perception, right?"
"Exactly."
Sipping his Americano, Beom-jin leaned forward, his smile disappearing as he spoke seriously.
"But is there really a need to improve the perception of runaway espers?"
Under the hoodie, Joo-hyun's red eyes flashed. Beom-jin wiggled a finger nonchalantly.
"From the Association's perspective, there's no need at all. Keeping the perception of runaway espers as dangerous acts as a leash on regular espers."
Even though Joo-hyun knew he was being used as a cautionary tale, hearing it directly was unsettling. His eyes narrowed.
"Did you know that when editing Wednesday Film, In-ho constantly interfered, insisting you be shown as harmless as possible?"
Joo-hyun had no idea. He paused, and Beom-jin adjusted his glasses as if expecting this reaction.
"Showing runaway espers on media was a huge challenge for both the Association and us. For us, viewer interest was guaranteed, so we pushed for it. But why the Association agreed, I still don't understand."
Lightly tapping his scarred fingers on the cold plastic cup, Joo-hyun realised there was more complexity than he had expected.
"Regardless of the initial reasons, the Association now cooperates fully due to the publicity benefits. Initially, they were very reluctant."
"…Is that so."
"Yes. And I was one of the few who opposed it."
Their eyes met in midair. Joo-hyun, feeling a familiar sensation, lowered his gaze again.
"But somehow, In-ho paved the way, and now I'm working to broaden that path."
"Why?"
"Why indeed."
Cold droplets fell onto his trousers. As Joo-hyun stared at the nearly melted drink, a cherry floating on top, he pressed his fingernail into his skin.
"A foolish brother's atonement, perhaps?"
The quiet whisper struck Joo-hyun's ears directly. Finally, he understood the source of the familiarity he'd been feeling.
"I watched the show. I was ready to curse out the Wednesday PD, but I saw you, Joo-hyun, terrified, anxious. Afraid that people would be scared of you. Despite being a runaway esper, you weren't scary at all..."
Beom-jin, now without his glasses, rubbed his eyes with his palm. Apparently, being expressive was a family trait.
"How was my brother, Beom-gyu? Was he afraid too?"
With eyes resembling his brother's, Beom-jin asked desperately. Joo-hyun didn't know how to respond. His heart ached, memor