59 – Proof of Relationship (2)
“Surprisingly… came straight home.”
A shabby apartment complex.
A hallway filled with yellow dust from fine dust, clinging to the dingy building.
Although the exterior might be lacking, the inside is a comfortable home.
“I always prioritize Taehyuk-nim’s safety. I hope Taehyuk-nim takes care of himself as much as he cares about me.”
Looking at the shattered wrist, my heart stung.
The moment I forced myself not to step outside, filled with yellow dust, brushed past my mind.
Just like I did, does Ilia also pay the same attention to me?
As a human, not a machine.
As someone in love.
Not just the dry ‘inevitability’ according to probability,
Am I making that choice to hope for my own life?
After getting out of the driver’s seat, Ilia, who unbuckled her seatbelt, pulled me out as if dragging me.
Stepping on the ground, with the departing car behind –
She entered the worn-out elevator.
“So, what do you plan to do if those two come looking for you?”
“I will handle it for sure.”
I didn’t bother with the question of what I would handle for sure.
I didn’t try to change the already decided answer.
Ilia had no intention of quietly letting go of the situation where I broke my own wrist, and bullets lodged in my bulletproof vest –
Especially since the current actions were only natural, considering I had imbued meaning into the necklace.
It was a role I couldn’t just leave the phone records filled with calls untouched.
Above all, giving room, my wrist eventually broke.
“We can no longer tolerate Taehyuk being harmed for Tanaka Haru’s work reasons.
Also, if there’s a possibility that Godayeon might cause harm like Tanaka Haru…”
The gun taken from me sparkled in Ilia’s embrace.
It felt uneasy, something unsettling.
“Could it be that what you’re so determined about… is not about discussing such matters?”
“Taehyuk, Mr. Tanaka Haru is a dangerous individual who resorts to violence.”
With those words, suspicion turned into certainty.
As if Haru had shot the gun in his hand,
Illya was now contemplating that the crosshair could be aimed at her head.
“Isn’t it too extreme? Rather, I could withdraw as a deterrent, as I mentioned before – “
“Mr. Taehyuk seems unaware of the severity of his own injury.
The act of resorting to violence implies the possibility of using means beyond that for achieving the goal.”
He didn’t step back.
Instead, Illya handed me the gun again, wearing a smile.
“Just as I am here to protect Mr. Taehyuk, you must protect yourself.
Of course, I will prioritize my own safety as well.
It’s essential for our relationship to be maintained.”
How should I face that mild yet ominously meaningful smile?
Should I stop her now, or is it really necessary?
Facing Haru, whose grip on my wrist was tightening to the point of pain, I hesitated without aiming the gun.
“It’s self-defense, Mr. Taehyuk.
Is there anything strange about that?”
“But still, shooting someone who used to be an acquaintance… I don’t understand.”
“Is it acceptable to fracture the wrist of someone who was once an acquaintance?”
A throbbing wrist, a constricting heart,
And a revolver extending closer to me.
The gun that now bears the name “Companion” has become a pair, carrying significance as it speaks to me.
Follow the words of a comrade, even if they are the words of a lover.
If the noisy Chihuahua bares its fangs once more, pull the trigger without hesitation at that moment.
That eerie summons made me shudder.
“There’s nothing strange.
Just aiming the gun at those who intend harm and pulling the trigger.
Haven’t you done that before?”
“…Don’t pressure me, Illya.
It’s already a difficult situation.”
It was fine to wield a weapon against strangers or those trying to kill me.
But pulling it on someone I’ve known, someone I may hate and push away?
Even now, even if I ask – what are you hesitating about…
It’s not normal for my hand to start trembling.
“…I apologize. Taehyuk-nim currently needs rest.
I was originally going to recommend refusing contact as usual – but I judged it was right to settle matters first.”
“Yeah, I might need a break first.
…Damn, how did things end up like this?”
Opening the locked door and stepping inside to take off my shoes –
Very naturally, Ilia stood in front of me, removed her helmet, and pressed her lips against mine.
“Taehyuk-nim is kind.
He allowed many things for me, giving me proof as he doubted and reevaluated our relationship.”
Once Ilia got a smile, she didn’t hide it in front of me.
But it was only directed towards me.
She was that kind of woman, cold and indifferent, pulling the trigger mercilessly for others, but talking calmly about it, all for me.
“During the ten years without me, Taehyuk-nim may have subtly revealed it.
Also, after the conversation with Goda-yeon, I analyzed Taehyuk-nim’s facial scan –
It was confirmed to be the appearance generally preferred by women.”
“…After ten years of silence.
You suddenly come out like this after I appear?
That doesn’t make sense…”
With hands covered in blood,
there was no apparent reason for a man who liked machines to stick to me.
Just like my colleagues used to mock me as eccentric, I was undoubtedly distant from such things.
“I think Taehyuk-nim either didn’t notice or intentionally tried to exclude it,
as in the case of Tanaka Haru.”
“Or, have you been waiting for me?”
The one who embraces me with a gentle smile.
As Illya presses her waist firmly with her hand, making our bodies touch –
“I am truly grateful for teaching me the emotion called love.
Without that, I would have surely accepted all the expenses and time you spent for me as just abnormal figures.
I believe that’s what dedication is without a doubt.”
With my eyes open, she starts exploring my lips once again.
As if to see how my face changes –
Her lips flutter, making her jaw loose,
Slowly capturing the strength in the eye area that is gradually relaxing.
“For you, Taehyuk-nim has sacrificed many things.
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Therefore, I am ready to do more than that.”
“…More than that. Does that mean shooting a day?”
And further, maybe?
Will she eliminate everything that seems to have made me suffer?
“If Taehyuk-nim is hurt again or if there is an attempt to do so – yes.
I will take necessary measures, but…
It seems that Taehyuk-nim currently has a strong aversion to such actions.
Therefore, please consider that such behavior is within the realm of possibility.”
For the first time, the thought of it being frightening crossed my mind.
I did not feel this scared even when I made enemies in the past with my bare fists, or when I reported without a scratch after drenching my body in blood.
Back then, it was just machinery.
“I love you, Taehyuk. And I believe that love is sacrificing anything, enduring any pain or discomfort for the sake of the one you care about. This is the conclusion drawn from analyzing all the actions you’ve done for me. I hope you remember.”
She took my numb hand, led me to the bed, kissed my forehead, turned off the room’s lights, and closed the curtains.
Then, she headed to the kitchen – starting to handle something busily.
Countless ingredients and tools bought on request –
What was created by gathering them all.
“…This is.”
“Cocoa. Although time was not sufficient, and I couldn’t personally combine ingredients due to their prices. I prepared it to alleviate stress with chocolate, cream, and frothed milk foam. On top, I sprinkled powder that can create an artificial cinnamon scent and – burned a dessert called marshmallow.”
The drink, looking like it was topped with fluffy cotton, was in a mug.
…It was splendid.
It seemed unfitting for someone like me who had lived a busy life.
“Yes… for you?”
“I prepared it for Taehyuk’s peace of mind, but
“I don’t have enough portions. If you could just drink it as it is, I would appreciate it.”
“No, this… just by looking, it seems quite fancy.”
“Thank you. I’ll… enjoy it.”
The guy who had just mentioned murder a moment ago had crafted a lovely cocoa.
Like gently wiping the lips with a warm, damp napkin, the foam enveloped it,
and in between, there flowed a sweet taste that chilled the tongue.
After a dizzying sensation in the head, the corners of the mouth lifted involuntarily.
“How is it?”
“…You should try it too.”
“I prepared it for Taehyuk. I’m fine, please.”
I didn’t expect the guy who used to hand out combat rations to change this much.
I couldn’t be the only one to enjoy this soothing hot drink that eased tension.
“No, you too. We haven’t tried eating something together recently.”
“Taehyuk ate a lot, though.”
“…Right. I need to eat food -“
“No, I’ll take care of Taehyuk.”
It was a joke. To me. And it was of a suggestive nature.
Was that how the guy used to be…?
After finishing the sentence, Iliya immediately lifted the cup to his lips, filled it with liquid,
“Nutritionally unbalanced, but…”
“If this is the sensation that power brings, I believe it could be quite helpful for stress relief.”
He slightly parted his lips and widened his eyes.
As if trying to show surprise.
“Please, everyone, drink up. And then… it would be good to rest deeply. It’s an essential measure for recovery.”
Lifting the cup that had been passed again, he stared blankly at Illya.
It was changing. And fast, unmistakably.
It hadn’t been even a year since we met, and now, I had to sincerely doubt if the only difference between humans and him was the hollows under his eyes –
“…Ugh?”
The hand holding the cup momentarily lost strength.
But as if expecting that, Illya, who had immediately pressed against me, took the cup instead.
“Please consume the remaining cocoa. And enjoy a deep sleep. Taehyuk-nim needs stability and recovery.”
I poured the lukewarm remaining liquid into my mouth.
The sudden arrival of a strange aura was – something oddly awkward.
There was a gritty powder left on my tongue.