Equal division. Dividing equally in quantity or that quantity.
Fifth division. Dividing one object into five equal quantities.
As soon as I heard it, I imagined being divided into fifths and thought, “Ah, my life is over.” I quickly shook my head to dispel the thought.
After Yubin’s statement, everyone fell silent. Yubin realized something had been misunderstood and added an explanation.
“It’s not about physically dividing the older brother, but sharing the time we can spend with him.”
“A rather generous choice considering she was advocating exclusivity before?”
Like SuA said, Yubin had initially talked about monopolizing me. It was surprising and somewhat puzzling to hear her say everyone should have an equal amount of time with me.
“There’s no other way. I want to monopolize him, but I can’t ignore other people’s opinions like Yellow suggested.”
Even while explaining, Yubin’s expression showed she wasn’t satisfied with her own decision.
“Nothing is set in stone yet, and his thoughts won’t change overnight.”
If Yubin forcefully pushed for a monopoly and ignored others’ opinions, there would be no resolution.
It seemed like Yubin had carefully considered the members’ opinions and made a choice that could allow for some equal time together, gradually leading to a final decision.
“Honestly, I don’t feel confident enough to assert my opinion firmly right now.”
Yubin’s clear stance was to monopolize me. But members were not convinced and did not fully accept her opinion.
I couldn’t add anything else to the suggestion of equally dividing the dates due to the ongoing power struggle. No better alternatives came to mind than what Yubin proposed.
“I agree. Dividing dates clearly seems less burdensome for A, and meeting once a week would solidify everyone’s intentions.”
Yura was used to seeing me once a week. Although we met every weekend last month, we only spent personal time on Saturdays. Even then, it was just in the evening, so she seemed content with having one day a week exclusively.
But Yura wasn’t the only one accustomed to weekly meetings. From Hayang’s perspective, who had fewer meeting times, having an entire day exclusively seemed advantageous.
Thus, Hayang didn’t contest Yubin’s proposal. However, SuA and Eunji seemed concerned. For them, who spent more time with me weekly compared to Hayang or Yura, agreeing to meet only once a week seemed disadvantageous.
“I agree with Red’s opinion.”
Eunji, who had been silently observing, spoke up. Her agreement made things easier for me, but I felt uneasy about her subdued demeanor.
SuA appeared conflicted. As someone used to meeting several times a week, agreeing to meet only once seemed unfavorable.
“Alright, I understand.”
Feeling the members’ opinions were largely aligned, Yu-bin accepted the situation with a sigh, looking at me sharply.
“Frankly, I wish I could make you bear the fatigue because of my sins, but since I’ve seen your deteriorated state, I can’t…”
Seeing my exhausted appearance last month likely influenced Yu-bin’s suggestion.
Though relieved that everyone’s opinions converged, Yu-bin’s voice rose again.
“We’ve decided, but there’s still much to discuss!”
“Uh? Uh… Ask whatever you want.”
They had the right to ask me anything about myself. I was prepared to share everything about me except internal SpaceStro secrets.
“Can I ask first?”
Yura raised her hand beside me, and I nodded briefly.
“Is your name real?”
She started with a fundamental question, perhaps because the situation felt like everything might be false.
“Yes, ‘A’ is my name.”
Yu-bin quickly followed up.
“So, what about college? How do you know so much about programs?”
“College is a lie. I learned about the programs before coming to Earth when I worked as an engineer in SpaceStro.”
The questions came in a more organized manner compared to my expectation.
This seemed to be their style during meetings. Being part of such a discussion felt surreal.
“…But are you really 25?”
Everyone looked at Hayang. I knew she asked, but others looked at her for another reason.
She habitually called me by a certain term, which immediately made her realize her mistake, covering her mouth.
Naturally, the next focus was on me. The term used was the main reason for the attention.
Clearing my throat, I answered Hayang’s question first.
“It’s hard to explain. Time flows differently on Earth and in space.”
“Relativity?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Having learned a lot from Yu-bin, she understood immediately. Hayang nodded, showing she grasped the concept too.
This explained why members in SpaceStro had horizontal relationships despite being of the same rank. Traveling through different planets complicated many things.
For instance, after invading a planet long ago, my age increased compared to my peers upon returning to space.
During that period, my peers’ ages increased more than mine after invading another planet. Thus, living according to my appearance suited me better.
“So, converting my age to Earth years… Honestly, it’s hard to convert, so I just say I’m 25.”
Calculating my age based on Earth time exceeded two digits, making it impractical. Age differences in SpaceStro didn’t significantly impact personal relationships.
“So, you’re older than us?”
“Yeah, but it’s easiest to think of myself as 25.”
Hayang nodded, somewhat satisfied with my answer.
Looking around, I saw SuA’s eyes.
“Is it okay to be in this kind of relationship with us?”
“There might be issues if it’s revealed internally now. But if relations between Earth and SpaceStro become smooth in the future, there won’t be any problems. Many couples have formed between SpaceStro members and invaded planet residents.”
“That’s good news.”
Though I didn’t understand the immediate meaning of “good news,” the answer was clear.
“Hold on. What about Eunji?”
Hayang mentioned Eunji, Kirk’s daughter from Team 1. Given the context, it wasn’t strange for Hayang to be curious.
“Eunji is the daughter of a member who married an Earthling. She treats me like an uncle, and while it’s complex, I won’t delve deeper since it involves children.”
Hayang likely cared about her nephew, Ho Young, and Eunji dating. Since it’s temporary and adults shouldn’t interfere, I decided not to get involved.
Hayang agreed with my stance and didn’t bring it up further.
“Brother, what about the company?”
When first meeting Eunji, I described myself as working nearby. While SpaceStro was technically correct, the exact nature of the job was now clear.
“Yeah, the headquarters were nearby.”
I could disclose this now because we moved after Indigo leaked the base location.
“What about the money for the house?”
Hayang seemed increasingly concerned. I explained the relocation support from SpaceStro, and even Hayang, usually calm, looked surprised.
“So, I lived in a house bought with SpaceStro relocation funds…”
Answering each question made the members’ expressions less positive.
These answers addressed many unknowns and growing uncertainties over the past month, reinforcing my adversarial relationship.
“The more we talk, the more our worries seem to come true.”
Without me, everyone silently nodded at SuA’s comment.
Since I was responsible for the current situation, I resolved to accept it and take responsibility.
While agreeing to an equal division of days, we couldn’t immediately enjoy leisurely dates.
Grateful for the chance to spend time with each person, I needed to ask for their sincerity.
Though everyone felt little had changed in the past month, individual meetings might yield different results.
“How will we handle the fair fifth division?”
SuA asked Yu-bin, who proposed the initial idea.
“What do you want to do, Brother?”
Asking Yu-bin was important, but so was my choice. Deciding when and how to proceed rested on me, and if I failed to establish a clear direction, Yu-bin and SuA might argue again.
In the worst case, everyone might conflict.
“I’ll probably find it difficult tomorrow as I need to go to the hospital.”
“Why? Are you not fully recovered?”
Hayang asked anxiously, and other members reacted immediately to the word “hospital.”
“No, it’s just some urgent matters. I’ll look for my phone while I’m out and contact you.”
We couldn’t finalize everything here. I needed time to think and address pressing issues.
Though HunterKiller members always took precedence, there were things I had to prioritize first.
The acceptance of my promise to contact everyone made it clear that disbanding for today was best.
“Let’s end today’s meeting. Sorry, I’ve caused everyone trouble…”
Over the past month, while I thought about them often, they worried deeply about my sudden disappearance and injury. Despite my actions being unforgivable on Earth, everyone chose to support me.
Naturally, I had to bear the burden and responsibility, so I wouldn’t complain.
Yura said she couldn’t find anyone better and didn’t want to. She still loved me, and I responded honestly.
Other members likely felt similarly—not because of lack of good people, but because they still loved me.
“It’s good you’re healthy.”
SuA, typically blunt, showing concern felt complex but not unpleasant. Smiling at her, SuA avoided my gaze.
Though many issues remained, the initial meeting with everyone went smoother than expected, providing some relief.
Just as I was wrapping up,
“Excuse me…”
No one.
“Excuse me?”
No one.
“Excuse me…”
Not a single person showed signs of moving; instead, they were playing a game of who would stand first.
…The initial ease of our first meeting together was canceled.
