PASSION Chapter 3 Part 7

Chapter 3 Part 7

The library on basement level 5 was always quiet. Perhaps because of that, sometimes people could be seen sleeping in corners between bookshelves with books covering their faces.

Since someone was already sprawled out occupying his usual corner spot between the bookshelves where he always sat to read, Tae-ui went to crouch in the space across from it. Though there was a spacious 6-person table available, if he sat there to read books someone he knew would inevitably come in and bother him. So he ended up hiding to read like this, but thinking that he could just sleep right away if he got sleepy this way, it seemed better.

Tae-ui opened the book he had found browsing the shelves. And silently traced his gaze across the pages.

But peaceful quiet reading didn't last long. The branch member who had come all the way to this corner looking for a book turned out to be a familiar face.

"Oh."

At the short voice, Tae-ui only briefly glanced up. It was Yuan Ho. Ching was visible behind him.

Yuan Ho stepped forward and grabbed the edge of the book Tae-ui was holding, tilting it slightly.

"What are you reading. ...The Art of War? This guy reads weird books sometimes when you catch him. That stuff won't help at all in actual combat, man."

"Do you know another book that records the Thirty-Six Stratagems this cleanly?"

Tae-ui answered gruffly while shaking the book. When he started to explain how classics become classics, Yuan Ho waved his hands as if disgusted and stepped back.

"Yeah yeah, read hard. The strategy theory instructor will be so pleased."

Tae-ui briefly recalled his uncle who taught strategy theory but soon internally snorted, as if. His uncle wasn't the type to favor model students. If anything, he tended to show interest in slightly strange ones. That person himself wasn't quite normal either.

"But why the Thirty-Six Stratagems suddenly? Planning to run away somewhere?"

"Hmm──you know that training footage from yesterday? After seeing that, I felt the only way to preserve my life would be that. If a person isn't confident in winning fights, they should at least be good at running away to extend their measly life even one more day."

Though Tae-ui's casual words seemed like a joke, Yuan Ho and Ching laughed as if amused.

"That only works on some opponents, not everyone. ...Mm. Though you do seem like someone who would survive even if thrown into the deep jungle."

When Ching muttered while nodding his head, Yuan Ho also nodded in agreement.

Tae-ui wondered how his image had fallen so much in just a few days, but not feeling particularly inclined to deny it, he just shrugged his shoulders. He also thought that perhaps this was the kind of sense his uncle had mentioned.

In a very brief moment, he could make judgments. What would be the best course of action, what would be most efficient within his abilities, what to give up and what to gain - looking at the opponent and himself, he could quickly judge.

But when meeting a monstrous madman, giving up pride to gain actual benefit is still best. That is, just run away as soon as you meet.

"But still... it doesn't say which way of running away is the best way to run."

Tae-ui muttered while flipping through the pages. Again taking it as a joke, the two laughed.

Seeing their carefreely laughing faces made him want to lightly beat them to death with this book, and while alternately looking between the book in his hand and their faces, Tae-ui was prevented from achieving that aim by his pager vibrating in his pocket right then.

While closing the book, Tae-ui took out his pager and tilted his head slightly at the unfamiliar number. Though it was an internal branch line, the number was unfamiliar. He had roughly memorized the numbers of instructors who had called him so far.

"What's 07?"

When Tae-ui suddenly spoke while staring seriously at the pager he had pulled out, Ching responded with "Hm?" and stuck his head out to look at the pager. Though there was no reason to hide it, Tae-ui still pulled back while withdrawing the pager, and Ching grumbled what's the big deal while answering:

"07, let's see, if it's ground floor 7 then that would be, must be the office."

"The office? Why would they call someone from there..."

While muttering with raised eyebrows, Tae-ui suddenly closed his mouth. Then he blinked while staring intently at Ching. Ching seemed uncomfortable with that gaze and slightly backed away.

"Why are you staring like that?"

"...No..., please put this book back in its place."

Tae-ui suddenly stood up and dumped the book on Ching before rushing out between the bookshelves. Though he heard voices calling "Hey, what?" from behind, he ignored them and ran out of the library.

This stupid memory. Right, if there was no contact yesterday then of course it would be today! Even forgetting going to sleep disappointed last night, Jung Tae-ui.

The time waiting for the elevator stopped at floor 1 to come down felt too precious, so he sprinted up the stairs. He didn't even feel out of breath while running from basement level 5 to the ground floor.

Reaching the ground floor in one go, Tae-ui walked to the office while pounding his pounding chest. Regular hours were already over so as usual only the duty officer would remain in the office.

After taking a deep breath in front of the door—completely unaware that his uncle would later hold his sides laughing at that image preserved in the security footage—he knocked. Hearing movement inside, he opened the door.

Only Shin Lu remained in the office. He smiled brightly upon seeing Tae-ui.

"Brother Tae-ui, you came."

"Yes. ...Are you alone?"

"Yes, I have duty today. ...Were you busy?"

"No, I had free time and was reading in the library. Some annoying interruptions came but then I got your call so I ran right over. Though if you have duty you won't be able to leave."

"Yes. Officer Kippen was supposed to be on duty but suddenly got food poisoning so we switched. So I thought going for a walk would be difficult today. I'm sorry, Brother."

Shin Lu whispered while bowing his head apologetically. Though Tae-ui said "No, it's fine, is Kippen very sick?" while continuing the conversation, internally he was disappointed. I see. It was a cancellation notice.

Though he tried not to show it, Tae-ui's face must have been too obvious. Shin Lu watched Tae-ui's reaction and hesitated before speaking with an awkward smile:

"But since I don't really have much work and just need to watch the office... Would you like to sit and have some tea? Deputy Director Gentil brought some good tea when he came back recently. If you're not busy, please stay a while, Brother."

"Oh, really? I'm not busy. ...Yes, what kind of tea?"

"Keemun. Do you like it?"

"I've never tried it. Is it green tea?"

"No it's black tea... but it's fragrant. I'll serve it right away so please try some."

Shin Lu efficiently went into the side room. The sounds of water and clinking dishes could be heard from inside.

Tae-ui hesitated while peeking through the open door to the side room, then seeing the security camera inevitably installed in the corner of the office, he quietly sat down.

Right, there's no need to specifically go for a walk. Though it would have been nice to walk along the coast looking at the sky and sea, being together with Shin Lu is what's important. If we can be alone together, what does it matter if we're indoors? If we can quietly drink tea and chat.

Before long, Shin Lu emerged from the side room carrying a tray. The tea cups on the tray looked somewhat precarious so Tae-ui quickly stood up to take the tray. His smiling face as he said "Thank you" was also lovely.

Perhaps as his uncle said, his preferences really hadn't changed. The second person in his life to make his heart pound was again such a lovely and beautiful young man.

"Have you adjusted here now? It must be quite difficult?"

Shin Lu asked as he sat across from Tae-ui. Tae-ui, who had adjusted almost too well, briefly wondered what he meant before realizing he was talking about how it had only been a few days since coming here, and soon went "Ah" and nodded.

It would be a lie to say it wasn't difficult. Actually, once you got past the regular hours from 8 AM to 5 PM, you were free to do whatever you wanted with the remaining time. Whether drinking alcohol, smoking, or staying holed up in bed, no one would bother you. So the time structure itself was much more relaxed than being in the military.

However, the schedule during regular hours was quite grueling. It felt like having to compress what used to take twice as long into less than half the time. Not only were there various processes to master, but having to compete with colleagues who were all top talents in their fields outside made it no easy task.

Carlo who was always slouching with poor posture, Tou who always went around grinning with his simple thought process, Alta who was quick-tempered and always smelled slightly of alcohol - these were considered top talents... Going further, even that madman seen in yesterday's footage was considered a top talent...

Tae-ui briefly thought before clearing his mind and quietly letting out a sigh. How is this world trying to turn out?

"Are you very tired? Should I get you some dried fruit preserved in honey?"

Suddenly Tae-ui became aware of Shin Lu's existence as he leaned forward with concern. He flinched.

The young man's face had suddenly come right up close. The white down on his earlobes sparkled softly. His cheeks were also round like a young boy's.

His heart skipped for a moment. As he leaned forward, the air moved and soap scent brushed Tae-ui's nose. Then suddenly his chest felt hot. It wasn't just his chest that was hot.

"Um── I'm not that tired, but if you're offering I'd like to try some."