71 – Beyond Control (2)
“Illya?”
Certainly, the interior that had been shining in pink until just now. Only.
The one looking at me with an open umbrella on the railing.
In the silent building where not a single sound could be heard, only the echo of my footsteps reverberated.
“What’s this, did they prepare a surprise party or something?”
I took a flashlight from my pocket, pressed the button, and illuminated the dim surroundings.
“…Surprise.”
“Have you arrived?”
“Not even turning on the lights, what’s the meaning of this?”
“The mall is currently closed. Excessive use of light could attract attention.”
Yet they were casually enjoying the cherry blossoms. Quite fond of this place, it seemed.
“Would you like to walk together?”
“Did you invite me for a date after a long time?”
“I judged that our time spent together has been scarce recently.”
Without a word, they moved to the right, tightly holding my left hand.
…If only it could stay this gentle.
Imprisoned in chips, handcuffs, and inside a car –
I wondered why they always chose such extreme methods when reaching conclusions.
“I’m curious why Taehyuk still cares about me.”
Followed by a question, aware of the deeds committed, carrying a hint of guilt.
“I don’t know.”
“If there’s no reason, I’ll understand.
Even if it’s just a simple whim.”
“Do you really think so?”
He met Illya’s eyes, who spoke assuming the worst.
Then, approaching gently, he clasped his fist.
“Was it that you didn’t like my actions?”
“I wish you hadn’t known about that.”
Of course, it was partly because of this damn wrist.
How many weeks of suffering had passed since the encounter with the reinforced human?
“I’ll try to reflect as much as possible.”
“I told you not to. Isn’t it a problem of reflection?”
“…”
It’s unsettling that there’s no response.
In a faint beam of light that came in, a smile hung on the lips.
Is that really from something bitter or just pure enjoyment?
…He said not to make a weird face just the day before yesterday.
“I haven’t heard the answer to my question yet.
Why are you understanding my forced actions?”
“Because you’re pretty.”
“…Is it because of my appearance?”
The voice, sounding somewhat disappointed, made my lungs crumple.
A misplaced swallow followed a futile attempt to clear my throat, and a cough burst out almost immediately.
Accompanied by laughter.
“Taehyuk, my question is not for a simple reason. I request a sincere answer.”
“The answer is already known, cough, even when it exists.”
It was a bit regrettable that I couldn’t soothe the cheek with my right hand.
It might have been okay to let go of this suffocating feeling, now that there was no pain.
Instead, I extended my lips slightly, reaching for that artificially created thing.
“At first, it was a comrade. Then a friend. And after that?”
“It was a comrade, Taehyuk.”
“Remembered every conversation we shared.”
“…Did you rely on me? On the battlefield? And even now? Despite everything I’ve done?”
Why did he suddenly seem so astonished and ask me that again?
And why did I have to verbalize it, especially now?
Even after committing such deeds, I hoped he could understand the meaning of being there continuously.
“Thank you.”
“…Likewise. Of course, not thankful for that chip. Keep that in mind.”
Once again, there was no reply.
Only, I had to close my eyes to the sensation on my cheeks and the immediate touch of approaching lips.
“Like lovers, isn’t it? Right?
If people were around, we could have become an annoying couple oblivious to our surroundings, engaged in affectionate antics.”
“I don’t think it’s necessary to draw attention,
but if you wish, I’ll do it.”
“Just tried saying it.”
As we stepped onto the escalator in motion, I boarded it, reaching the empty railing at last.
Accompanied by a cheerful smile.
Perhaps it felt different today because the time for just the two of us was scarce.
However, to me, it was just another ordinary day.
A continuation of what I had been doing for ten years.
Of course, losing the home was unexpected.
“Taehyuk, there’s something I want to tell you.”
With an empty holographic garden beside her, Ilia brushed her hair over her ear.
However, simultaneously, she knew inwardly what it meant.
That’s why she took the initiative from this end.
“The No-Mads’ business was something you did -” “Thinking of quitting the mercenary business -“
It became completely mixed up.
I found out through the jumble of words.
“…You’re right. That’s true.”
Eyes that only gaze at me without giving an answer.
An offer that couldn’t be put into words.
Gently pushing the silent lips closed with my hand, I turned my gaze to the empty branches.
“You showed me, right in front of me, kicking both legs in the air, pulling the trigger until the magazine was empty.
I didn’t expect you to do the same thing on the field.”
“If that’s evidence, then I -“
“It’s not just once.
There are more than a few photos of you committing the same pattern.
…It’s data secured by the Tech Boys, and I know it has been passed on to the corporations.”
Finally, while brushing the head of the nodding guy, I leaned against the railing.
From Noble mtl dot com
Why did they bring me here in front of these unforgiving lights?
Wasn’t it to recall some beautiful memories?
“If you’re talking about mercenary work, no.
I need more money.”
“…If I were to tell you there’s a way for me to make a profit other than mercenary work.
Would you quit then?”
Still inside the dark shop.
Outside, the rain is falling.
Therefore, it was natural for my body to tremble in the wind that blew in.
However, why.
Why does that statement never sound graceful?
“Is there any other way for us besides the mercenary business?”
“…Through various means, I have successfully located funds that are difficult to claim ownership of online.”
“What? No, wait. That’s not acceptable.”
“While these funds were acquired illegally, it is judged to be challenging to prove their illegality.
Some of them also exist in cryptocurrency, making it sufficiently obtainable.”
“Then it will undoubtedly be linked to something. Illya, that’s more dangerous than the mercenary business!”
To think that the method I painstakingly found is like this.
No matter how life can end with a single bullet, moving on the internet could be just as perilous.
“All eyes are on ownerless money.
If you take it, those who were already eyeing it will follow!
If I earn it, I can claim it as mine,
but stolen money doesn’t get protection. Understand?”
“I understand well enough.
However, it is judged to be much less challenging to protect you from the hail of bullets and irrational judgments than protecting you from the stolen money.”
Before I could even catch my breath, a hand reached out and grabbed me.
The grip on my shoulders was somewhat painful.
“Ilya.”
“Master Taehyuk.”
There was no sign of compromise in sight.
…Clearly, it was sweet just a moment ago.
I couldn’t bear the atmosphere that had become so hostile, it made everything pale in comparison.
“If we came for a date, let’s just have a date, Ilia.
We can go to a hotel and fool around, or we can do it in the car.
Just… let’s release our emotions like this. Okay?”
“Taehyuk, the act of ‘enjoying’ pleasure, happiness, and countless stimulations with you is undoubtedly something I desire as well.
However,
If I cannot survive, the meaning of those acts will disappear for me.
Although I appreciate your attention as a ‘human’ countless times,
I am still incapable of getting pregnant through acts with you.
And even if I possessed that ability, your survival is a crucial condition for my existence.”
If it weren’t for money.
If it wasn’t to secure funds for safety.
And above all, if I hadn’t just laid everything bare, deceived by familiarity.
I could have just let go of being a mercenary or anything else.
…For me, as someone who seeks a comfortable life, earning money through ‘legitimate means’ was important.
Especially knowing that I could do it if I just pushed a little further.
Because the reputation and wealth I had gained over ten years were too much to waste.
“I know. Just know that I know.
Why am I rolling like this? Why am I struggling to the point of putting bullets into my own body?
I told you, didn’t I? It’s to live with you in the future.
I’ve always dreamed of reviving you and living together in a safe, upscale zone.
But to reach there, I have to cut off the tail, Ilia.
This is just another round of fighting, you know that too.
It’s time to get tired of it now.”
“Isn’t NoMads’ retaliation the same?”
Once again, a clear sound echoed on the chessboard.
As the queen moved her piece,
I had to find another place to escape once again.
Even though I knew I couldn’t escape forever.
“I will guarantee your safety.
Taehyuk, I have enough capability.”
So, I spoke as well.
A dull and dark sound.
“… I told you. Ilia.
The corporation is already moving.
From faulty artificial intelligence to today’s events.
If ‘ownerless money’ moves in that situation…
What do you think will happen?”
It was something that I could overcome with a bit more hardship.
If only I endured a bit more, I was sure I could reveal everything.
Whether it was because of Ilyia, or if Ilyia encountered ‘something’ in that facility.
Even if I didn’t know if Ilyia alone was the cause of all this –
Certainly, at this moment, I could cut it off and disappear.
“So, just trust me a little more.
Surely, if I endure for another year, maybe just this year more – I’ll definitely be prepared…”
“In the end, will you not give up, Lord Taehyuk?”
In the end, the lights remained off.
And, still, the inside of the dark store.
Those words echoed emptily.
“…I can’t give up on you.”
Static settled in.
This space, which should have been bustling, was now filled with silence.
…I didn’t expect the emergence of red lights.
“I too, agree.”
There was something in the darkness.
Something resembling Ilyia’s eye color right now.