The S-Classes That I Raised [EN]: Chapter 299

297. Can’t Reach (1)

A new phone was in my hand. I didn’t have any particularly important data, and I re-downloaded all the phone numbers, photos, and videos I took in Japan. I really need to back things up more often, especially since I’m in a position where my phone could disappear at any moment.

[As you’ve probably heard, I’m at the airport right now. Are you alright? I heard you were safe, but I’m still worried.]

I sent a text to Chief Song Tae-won first. He said he couldn’t even leave work because it was still a national emergency. It wasn’t long before I got a reply.

[I’m fine.]

I didn’t really believe it. Looking at the traces of the fight, it seemed unlikely that he wasn’t injured. Did he even get proper treatment? But no matter what I say, he’ll just keep repeating that he’s fine. In the end, I swallowed all the extra words and just sent, “Please take care of yourself.” I want to fill a whole room in Chief Song’s house with stamina potions when they’re made… But that might backfire and make him work even more overtime.

This time, I tapped ‘Business Partner’ in my phone book.

[Why did you first]

[Perhaps I]

[If you have complaints]

I wrote and deleted several texts. There are so many things I want to ask, but really, right now…

[Are you okay? I know you’re not easily hurt, but still.]

It wasn’t just about his physical condition. I waited for a reply for a moment, then sent another text.

[Thank you for the gift.]

I was strangely angry that he took care of me in the middle of all that, but I thanked him first. If we were face to face, I probably would have grabbed him by the collar, but I was able to stay calm thanks to writing it out. …Actually, it’s not like I have any right to be angry. But I don’t really know why I’m so upset.

‘…No reply.’

Maybe he hasn’t gotten his new phone yet. Well, if he’s in a bad mood, who would dare approach him to give him a new phone? Thinking that, I fiddled with my phone, and then clothes were handed to me. It’s a suit. They said something about showing the anxious citizens watching on TV a trustworthy image, but it’s stifling. Wouldn’t casual clothes be more reassuring?

Still, I did as I was told and went into the makeshift dressing room set up on one side to change.

“Peace, not now. You’ll get fur on it.”

– Kkeuung.

“Okay, good boy. Just wait a little. We’ll be home soon.”

“Hyung [older brother or a term of endearment for a close male friend],”

While I was soothing Peace, who wanted to be held, Yoohyun approached after finishing his conversation with Kim Hayeon.

“Should I tie it for you?”

“Huh?”

“Your tie.”

He took the tie that was hanging on my arm along with the jacket.

“It’s my first time tying it for someone else, so I might be clumsy.”

“You don’t know how to tie a tie… Well, it’s been three years.”

I used to tie his school uniform tie for him. I taught him, but he said he wasn’t good at it. But he must have learned since then. Yoohyun smiled at my words.

“I remember exactly how Hyung taught me.”

“What? Yoohyun, you… Well, it would be weirder if you hadn’t learned.”

It’s not difficult. But he was really young back then, and he’s still young now, so I’d believe him again if he said he couldn’t do it. Unlike his words, my younger brother skillfully tied my tie.

“I’ve been tying it the way I learned from Hyung.”

“…That’s what Father taught you.”

Around that time, we were really distant, but he did teach me. Honestly, it’s not like I wasn’t a little resentful. I couldn’t help but want him to pay attention to us. There was basic care, and I tried to be satisfied with that, but still.

But now that I know more, I just felt like both of them couldn’t help it.

“Don’t resent them too much. They must have had no choice.”

“I don’t. Not at all.”

“Weren’t you 싫어하는 [disliking] it?”

“That was when I was young. Now, when I think about it, I’m grateful. Because Hyung is my Hyung. That alone is enough for me.”

My heart welled up at his smiling words. He’s my younger brother, but he’s really kind…….

“Wow, how can he be like that? If he were my brother, I would have thrown him away, thinking, ‘Is this bastard trying to strangle me?’ Ugh, I get goosebumps just imagining it.”

“Living with him is really a pain, you know. I can’t even digest my food every time he’s like that~”

…Yerim, you’re the one who eats the most at our house. It’s rewarding to take care of you, though.

“It’s been a while, let me tie yours too. Go change.”

Yoohyun nodded and headed to the dressing room with the clothes he was given. Then he quickly came out and handed me the tie. It used to be a little lower. It’s been eight years since I’ve done this, so my hand movements were a bit clumsy.

“All done. Yerim, should I tie yours too?”

“…Me?”

Yerim, who had been staring at me, glanced at Yoohyun for a moment. Then she answered.

“Yes!”

“Come to think of it, you had a tie with your school uniform, right?”

“It’s automatic, so I don’t know how to tie it. And I don’t have one for my summer uniform.”

A rubber band? We could choose that too when I was in school, but I went with a regular tie because I thought it would stretch out. Yerim, who had finished her makeup and hair, changed her clothes and came out. I tied a bright-colored tie that suited Yerim well. I got the hang of it in the meantime, so I didn’t fumble this time.

“How about Hyunah ssi [term of respect] too?”

“I welcome it. Come here, Hyungnim [another term for older brother or respected male figure].”

Moon Hyunah laughed, waving her tie at the playful words. I was about to stand close to her when the incident on the plane suddenly came to mind. I just wrapped it up as siblings, but I was still conscious of it. In the end, I couldn’t even make eye contact with Hyunah ssi and quickly tied her tie and turned away. It’s so embarrassing to be shy all by myself.

“Noah ssi too!”

“Yes?”

“Hurry. Myungwoo, don’t tie your tie, just wait.”

“I thought I’d take a break since I went on vacation.”

“No way. Or at least tie a tie.”

If I’m embarrassed, everyone else has to show their necks. I tied a tie for Noah, and since Myungwoo said he didn’t have a suit, I tied his tie into a pretty ribbon shape with the clothes he was wearing. And lastly, there isn’t one. If Seong Hyunjae were here, he would have jumped in long ago. Around the time I offered to tie Yerim’s. …Or maybe he would have just watched with a sulky look on his face again.

“Han Sojangnim [Team Leader],”

Then Kim Hayeon, the head of the legal team, approached me. She suddenly held something out to me.

“It’s for a life-size Peace doll.”

“Yes? Oh, it’s a tie.”

“I was just inspecting it before coming here. We decided to make some accessories that can be worn on the doll. The mini silk hat is especially cute.”

Oh… that would be cute. I received the tie from Team Leader Kim. It was a simple black color with a single gold embroidered Peace paw print.

“Let’s get Peace a tie too~”

– Kkiang!

I tied the tie loosely around Peace’s neck so it wouldn’t be too tight. Cute.

“It’s a set including a white collar, but I didn’t bring it.”

That would be even cuter.

– Ppiyak.

Ppiyak landed on Peace’s head and raised its wings. Does it want one too? Sorry, but I don’t have one for you, Ppiyak. Should I order one to be made? It would be impossible for Bellare unless I didn’t tie it tightly around its neck due to its body shape.

“Peace, come here. Who cares if you get fur on it? You’re wearing a tie, so you have to go out with me!”

– Gyareureung.

When I reached out my arm, Peace snuggled into my arms, purring. So cute, what makes it so cute? They have pet hanboks [traditional Korean clothing], should I get one for Peace too? Would it be uncomfortable? Or something to wear on its head, what was it called? That at least.

“Is everyone ready?”

A person who seemed to be from the broadcasting station or the association shouted loudly. Because of the mass monster appearance, there was a nationwide curfew and restrictions on going out, so he was fussing about how practically the entire nation was watching. Yerim was going to say something about her feelings about winning the Korea-Japan match first, and Yoohyun and Moon Hyunah were going to announce something about the Japanese monsters.

If we say that we helped Japan, where much stronger monsters appeared than in Korea, to overcome the crisis, everyone will be able to feel quite relieved. It was a good method: to show that these amazing S-Class Hunters have returned safely, so there’s nothing to worry about.

“Hunter Park Yerim, this way. Yes, please come out first. We’ll check the script in advance since it’s live.”

“Do I have to memorize it? Can’t I just say I had a good trip and I won?”

“We’ll just add a little more to that. It won’t be long.”

Yerim nodded, grumbling. People also stuck to Yoohyun and Hyunah ssi. Watching them, I unconsciously swallowed hard. I don’t need to get involved. I can just watch from behind.

…I didn’t care even when I stepped up directly on Japanese broadcasts.

“…Ugh.”

– Kkeueuung?

“No, I’m okay.”

I felt like my legs were aching. Fear resistance was definitely on, but I felt a slight chill. Was it because I had fully accepted that the memories I had pushed deep down, saying that it was something that didn’t happen, were real? It felt like those experiences were being re-engraved on my body.

The jellyfish said that the fear resistance was probably given to me on purpose to handle me easily, but it would have been hard to endure without it. Even if it’s not good to rely on it too much. I need it now.

“Han Sojangnim, please come this way too.”

“Ah, yes.”

I bit down hard as I took a step. Around the time right before regression, I didn’t really have any pain unless the weather was bad, but why does it feel more painful now? I repeated several times that I was fine now, that there wasn’t a single scar, and then I felt better.

“Hyung, what’s wrong?”

Yoohyun noticed and approached.

“I have a cramp in my leg. It was numb for a moment, but it’s gone now.”

“Hyungnim, are you lacking calcium? Should I give you a massage?”

“I’m okay! It’s just lack of exercise.”

“Calcium?”

“Give him vitamin D too, Doryeonnim [Young Master]!”

I stopped Yoohyun from trying to examine my leg. I told him to put Peace down right away, but he refused, saying that I was fine now. He said he felt more comfortable holding Peace.

As we went out to the prepared seats, camera flashes went off continuously. The reporters were also few in number compared to the buzz, as they couldn’t go outside unless they were hunters themselves or accompanied by intermediate-level hunters or higher. My head throbbed slightly at the sight of the glittering light. I slowly stroked Peace in my arms.

“Hello! We returned safely!”

Yerim shouted, smiling brightly. Cheers and the Korean flag waved from behind the reporters. Yerim waved her arms widely, as if she was happy to be welcomed, even though she said it was annoying. The sight seemed to shine several times brighter than the camera flashes.

Following Yerim, Yoohyun and Moon Hyunah also finished their interviews. Then, the Hunter Association prepared a press conference to announce more details. They seemed to want us to attend as well, but we refused with the excuse that we were tired, and only Moon Hyunah remained as a representative. Because Hyunah ssi needs a lot of positive media exposure.

‘…Still no reply.’

Quite some time has passed, but there’s still no contact from Seong Hyunjae. Did he not see it, or is he ignoring me on purpose? Is he staging a protest, telling me not to contact him until I tell him everything honestly? I’m not planning on dragging it out either.

“Yoohyun, I’m thinking of going into a low-level dungeon tomorrow.”

I said as I got into the car that was waiting. Yoohyun sat next to me and made an unpleasant expression.

“Tomorrow? Get some rest, Hyung.”

“I have something to ask the new recruit. If we go to an F-class, we’ll be out quickly.”

“Who knows what will happen again.”

“It’ll be fine for a while. I’m sure.”

Chain Ring said that they’ve been especially careful to block Korea even more. Yoohyun nodded as if he couldn’t help it.

“Okay. I’ll go with you. I want to test the sword too.”

“The sword you brought from Japan? I heard it’s not very good?”

Yerim in the passenger seat turned around and said. It’s S-class, so even if there’s an accident, only the car will be broken, but still.

“Yerim, you have to sit properly while driving.”

“Hyung bought it for me.”

“What? What is it, Guild Leader-nim! Show me, I want to go too!”

“Hunter Park Yerim has to attend the event. The schedule is packed.”

“I think the Guild Leader-nim should accompany us too!”

“We announced that he needs rest after hunting multiple SS-Class monsters, but I guess you didn’t hear.”

“I caught an S-Class too!”

Yerim grumbled but sat down quietly.

“Ajusshi [term for older man, can be affectionate] should film a commercial with me too.”

“Hyung needs to rest.”

“There are a lot of sponsors who said they’d sponsor us, is there anything you need? If it’s food, should I give it to the school?”

I could clearly feel the excitement and joy in Yerim’s voice. The public reaction can’t be bad, but there are always strange people who pop up, so Haeyeon needs to manage it well. If there are people talking nonsense, deal with them firmly, and if it’s too much, throw them into the dungeon… but that wouldn’t work. I wish I could.

Yoohyun and Yerim got off at the Haeyeon Guild. Telling me to go home quickly and not do anything. As soon as Myungwoo arrived at the breeding center building, he was dragged away by the blacksmiths who were waiting. And Noah.

“Then go in, Yoojin ssi [term of respect].”

He dropped me off in front of my house and said goodbye. I think he bought the miniaturization skill.

“Are you leaving already? Uh, would you like some tea?”

“No. You must be tired, get some rest.”

He refused and stood there, watching me go in. I stared at him for a moment before crossing the mini-portal. I want to ask about the skill he bought with points, but it’s too obvious that I’m reluctant to bring it up.

“It feels like it’s been a really long time since I’ve been back.”

As soon as I entered the house, the tension was released. It feels like it’s been a long time for me. Peace also jumped out of my arms and walked lightly, as if he was happy to be back home. Ppiyak and Bellare followed behind him. I buried myself in the sofa and turned on the TV. The Hunter Association’s press conference was in full swing.

Yeah, home is the best. Tomorrow I’ll go to the dungeon and tell the new recruit that I’m going to reveal the regression… I looked at my phone. There were messages from Yoohyun and Yerim asking if I went straight home without stopping anywhere else. That’s all there is. I replied briefly and put the phone down.