That Face Is the Problem - vanish into fiction

He just needed to stay calm and clear-headed, saying, “Hello, Lawyer Seo Da-in.” If he felt like he might cry, he could simply step aside. But in moments like that, his mind went blank and his heart pounded so hard that he could not make proper decisions.

Looking back now, he realized that he could have simply mentioned yesterday’s incident to Da-sol, offering to pay for the laundry if necessary. If giving cash felt too burdensome, he could have offered to take him out to a meal later. If that was too much for him, a sincere verbal apology would have been enough.

‘Why did I insist on giving money…’

Of course, the power blog he had read yesterday influenced him greatly, but any normal person would have ignored it. This was clearly a foolish act. Foolish acts only happen in situations involving someone you like. ‘So, does that mean I like Da-sol…?’ Jae-gyeong shook his head at the strange conclusion.

The real answer was already clear. He did not like Da-sol. He just had not forgotten Da-in, so he treated Da-sol the same way he treated Da-in. That was why he kept making foolish mistakes.

Jae-gyeong still liked Da-in. No matter how much he tried to deny it, it was an uncontrollable feeling.

“Ugh…”

He must not cry. Jae-gyeong suppressed the rising tears. His nose tingled and his forehead felt hot, and something seemed to catch in his throat, but he looked up at the ceiling and opened his eyes wide. On the second day of official work, which was effectively his first, he could not afford to show the shame of crying sober.

Then, a sweet voice suddenly sounded beside him.

“Is there something on the ceiling?”

“Ugh! Y-you scared me…”

Jae-gyeong straightened up and clutched his chest. Standing there was the smirking Guild Master, Hyeon Hee-ro. Next to Hee-ro stood Jin Jeong-eon.

“If I startled you, I apologize on his behalf, Hunter Jeong Jae-gyeong. I am sorry.”

Jin Jeong-eon apologized in a serious, composed tone. Jae-gyeong shook his head, signaling it was not necessary, but inwardly envied Jin Jeong-eon’s natural and straightforward apology skills. He could have just done the same. Another wave of regret swept over him.

“Ahaha, Jae-gyeong, for a tank, you really are a coward at heart.”

Hee-ro laughed. Jae-gyeong awkwardly forced a laugh. It was true. He had heard that comment more than once.

Among the guild members, the tank was the person who led the way into the dungeon. Usually, hunters with strong physical power and flashy attack skills took the tank position. That meant tanks were typically tall, well-built, and strong. The tank was the one who cleared the path for the team.

“Hee-ro, that is a stereotype about tanks. Tanks can be cowardly too.”

Jin Jeong-eon, representative of the Hunter Association, quickly corrected Hee-ro.

“Ah, sorry, Jeong-eon. I didn’t think much of it. You’re right. Of course, tanks can be crybabies too.”

Hee-ro said playfully to Jeong-eon. Jae-gyeong could not tell if she was speaking kindly on his behalf or mocking him.

“Please refrain from saying such things in the future.”

“Got it. But Jeong-eon, you look really sexy when you’re angry… should I kiss you?”

“Hee-ro!”

“Hing…”

Jae-gyeong frowned without realizing it. He had never succeeded in love, nor had he ever dated anyone. Was it like this for everyone when they became a couple?

Before dating Jeong-eon, Hyeon Hee-ro was a star hunter who made everyone’s hearts flutter, regardless of gender or awakening status. Jeong-eon was the number one hunter in the country, untouchable and intimidating. But honestly, now… they only looked like a pair of lovebugs.

“It’s just a joke, a joke. I teased him because Jae-gyeong apparently cried so much after we left yesterday.”

Hee-ro said, glancing at Jeong-eon’s lips with a slightly regretful expression. Jeong-eon rolled his eyes as if not amused at all, but Jae-gyeong froze at what he heard.

“H-how did you know I cried…?”

“Hm? Ri-na posted a video in the chatroom. Ah, right. Jae-gyeong, you’re not in it yet. I’ll invite you.”

Soon, Jae-gyeong received a notification on his phone. He had been invited to the training guild 1 team chatroom. Hee-ro smiled and kindly uploaded the video from yesterday again.

“This is it.”

Jae-gyeong froze as he saw the still image on the screen. It showed him with drooping eyes and tears streaming down his face.

This was a nightmare.

Jae-gyeong’s hands trembled.