Chapter 61

The PD, who didn't know the situation, approached Tae-un and asked,

"Chief Han, can you just pull up a screen that's okay to film?"

"The report format looks like this."

The report was a Hangul file made into a rigid table to match the characteristics of a government agency. Tae-un explained the columns for the date of occurrence, grade, location, rift destruction process, and special notes. Soram rested his chin and added.

"For small rifts, there's not much to write, but if you don't fill it out enough, it gets rejected. So sometimes it's just a bunch of nonsense."

"Wahaha, so hunters are like that too. People's lives are all the same."

The PD burst into laughter. He thought the content would be boring, but the PD captured it with a brighter face than expected. No, rather, the fact that hunters were doing similar work to them seemed fascinating.

"If you're done filming the screen, we'll focus on work for a bit."

"Yes. I'll stand here and film you two working."

The filming crew, including the PD, moved to one side of the office, and the two tapped on their laptops again.

Having two keyboard typing sounds in the office was a very awkward thing. Normally, the only one making keyboard sounds would be Tae-un, and next to him would be a lump covered with a blanket. A cocoon that would get up staggeringly like escaping when a dispatch signal rang, someone came to visit, or it was lunchtime.

A company messenger flew to the office worker who was doing his best to sit upright.

Jin Soram: [I'm sleeeepy]

Jin Soram: [I'm bored, actually I have nothing to do]

Tae-un's lips tightened.

Han Tae-un: [Scammer.]

He sent a short reply.

At that moment, a call signal came from Tae-un's wrist. Ding-ding-ding― Everyone's attention was focused on the wristband sending the signal. Soram typed rapidly.

Jin Soram: [Ah why youuu ㅠㅠㅠㅠ]

Jin Soram: [I'd rather go out too]

Tae-un saw the new message notification pop up on the laptop, but as the camera approached, he tilted the screen down about 45 degrees. Then he got up from his seat, pulled his jacket straight, and buttoned it up.

The camera stood right next to him. When Tae-un blinked with a "what's going on?" look, fingers tapped his thigh from below. Soram mouthed at him, explain, explain.

"A rift has occurred above an alley in Hyehwa-dong, and a dispatch request has come in. It's quite close, so I think it'll be fine to fly there."

Tae-un bowed to the camera as if he had finished reporting, though he didn't know why. Then he opened the window and went out. The staff, who were deciding who would stay here and who would follow Tae-un, opened their mouths blankly, saying "Uh..." as they watched his back flying away in the distance outside the window.

Soram burst into laughter for the first time today.

When the afternoon came, Ayoung would finish school and join the team. As the time passed 4 p.m., both Soram and Tae-un glanced at the door once.

Ayoung would open the door and appear with a greeting, "I'm here!" at the earliest 4:10 p.m. and at the latest around 4:30 p.m. Usually, she would be in a typical student appearance with her hair tied up and wearing glasses. These days, she even came wearing only gym shorts and a short-sleeved t-shirt, saying it was hot.

Around 4:15 p.m., a knock was heard at the door of Team 7's office. Soram muttered, "The only one who would come is Ayoung..." and the person who opened the door and entered was indeed Ayoung. Today's Ayoung had contacts instead of glasses, and her bangs, which she used to push back, were neatly down. She had come from school wearing her uniform, which hadn't been seen since March, neatly with a tie.

"Hello."

Ayoung came in with short steps, put down her backpack, and sat down.

"Chief, Chief Han. I've arrived at work."

There was also a bit of makeup on her face as she looked at the two. Her face was whiter than usual, and there were shadows on her eyes. The two in the office just shook their gazes without saying anything.

This time, it was Team 7's group chat that quietly rang.

Jin Soram: [Lee Ayoung scammer]

Han Tae-un: [Scammer...]

2A0: [Be quiet]

Ayoung opened her laptop like the other two. She was concerned about being filmed preparing for the exam during work hours. There was also the influence of Kim Jae-hyuk talking about benefits not long ago. Since she didn't know how people would react, she decided to only do hunter work today.

Around 5 p.m., Tae-un received his second call of the day.

"Since it's come to this, please dispatch through the window again to match the team's characteristics. That would be more interesting for the production."

Thus, Tae-un once again went out the window and headed to the rift occurrence site.

On the way back, he grabbed his shoulder and moved his neck left and right. He didn't do anything special, but he felt twice as tired. If it were now, he felt like he could lie down on the desk like Soram when the camera crew withdrew.

Just as he arrived above the headquarters building, his cell phone rang. The caller was Soram.

"This is Han Tae-un."

―Come straight down from there. And turn right.

Tae-un moved as instructed without hanging up. Soon, he found Soram in a secluded area behind the building. Soram waved one hand and then crushed out his cigarette in the trash can. He was alone without any cameras around.

"Why are you here?"

"While I was out on dispatch, the filming crew followed Ga-eul and Ayoung. We're free for a bit."

The director didn't miss the opportunity to film several star hunters. Tae-un also welcomed the break standing up rather than sitting stiffly. His eyes caught an unfamiliar paper bag in Soram's hand.

"What's that?"

"Ah, it's the sequel to a book I enjoyed reading. I saw it at a stall on the way. I bought it right away."

"What was the previous one?"

"<Falling in Love Isn't a Sin, But You Need to Get a Grip>."

It was a familiar title. When he first saw the title, it seemed like some kind of bizarre food, but now he felt a tingling sensation as if something had touched his fingertips incorrectly.

Fortunately, it was a day when he could disguise closing his eyes for a moment as fatigue.

"Don't feel too burdened by the filming. It's everyday life for us, but people outside the headquarters will find it fascinating. When behind-the-scenes of idol dorm life comes out, they find it amazing even if they're just cooking and cleaning normally."

Soram poked Tae-un's waist with his fingertips.

"So relax a bit. The more awkward you feel, the stiffer you'll come out several times more."

"I did it if possible. I'm glad you and Ayoung are with me."

Tae-un said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

"...But if I come out like a wooden statue, I'll achieve the goal."

"What goal?"

"The goal of appearing on broadcasts. It's so we don't look like great heroes, right? People won't have reverence for someone who's at a loss in front of the camera."

"Aha."

Tae-un had already prepared himself to come out somewhat ridiculous. A stiff nerd is always a good target for teasing anywhere.

"Right. You achieved that."

Soram let out a slightly longer laugh.

The last blooming flower was in full bloom and pollen was flying. A piece of fluff fluttered near Soram's shoulder. Tae-un's hand, trying to blow it away, lightly touched the collar.

"Ah. Thanks."

The small fluff flew away. And Soram naturally ignored Tae-un's contact. At that moment, the monologue of a man who had no courage to narrow the relationship but had a lot of greed came to mind.

[I waited all day for the loose thread or dust that would stick to that neckline. Because it's a chance to reach out my hand.]

...Ah.

Tae-un looked down at his palm.

"Right. Tae-un. Still, I'm thinking of producing one cool scene at the end, listen. The three of us will dispatch together..."

Soram spoke, and the short thought ended. The suggestion wasn't something Tae-un would oppose, so he agreed, saying he understood. There was no wind blowing towards Soram while listening to the explanation.

The filming continued even when the three had dinner together at a restaurant. During that time, a few employees from other departments who were caught on camera introduced themselves and passed by.

After finishing the meal, it was Soram's pager that rang.

"We'll film this scene as the last one."

The director said. The sun had already set. Soram tapped Tae-un and Ayoung's backs.

"Then let's film the ending nicely now. Is there anyone among the camera directors who doesn't have a fear of heights?"

Thus, the two selected flew in the sky with Soram's ability and filmed. The faces of those sitting on a giant paper airplane folded with a battery were flushed with unconcealed emotion.

The camera they held captured the three dispatching together and the dazzling Seoul night view only the flight team could see from the air.

Soon, Soram, who stood in front of the rift, drew the sword from his waist.

Shing―

He sliced through the long rift on the tree. With a few pieces of leaves falling, he also landed on the ground after removing the rift. The PD, who was holding the camera directly, approached Soram.

"Chief, it was truly an honor to be able to film the dispatch scene. Now that I've seen it with my own eyes, I feel several times more relieved... and I believe this country will be safe thanks to you."

Soram didn't answer right away. Hmm... After choosing his words for a moment, he opened his mouth with a certain smile a little later.

"I will do my best to protect this place as much as I can."

After finishing the short answer, Soram returned to Ayoung and Tae-un, who were watching him.

"Ooh, oppa is going to come out a bit cool."

"Then that's a relief. Tae-un, did it look okay to you?"

The question was directed at Tae-un, who was now used to standing next to him. He looked at Soram and answered quietly.

“It seems just like that.”

"What?"