[ Chapter 54 ]
Thanks to Luche, we were able to gather quite a bit of information about the subsidies at headquarters.
There were plenty of points where Blue could help with finding a house, and if Blue accepts it, things can progress smoothly.
Even if I bring it up right away, she might refuse, but I’ll do my best to persuade her. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll have to leave it up to her judgment.
After organizing what I wanted to say to Blue in my head, I took out my smartphone and called her. Despite the sudden call, Blue readily agreed to come out, and we met at a cafe in Seoul.
I arrived first and ordered a coffee. Not knowing what Blue would like, I ordered a basic Americano and waited for her.
Meanwhile, I also exchanged messages with Green.
[Are you busy now?]
Since we often texted, I realized that one could sense the other’s mood through words. The first time I noticed this was when texting with Yubin, and through various exchanges, I became more sensitive to emotions conveyed through text.
[I’m out because of some work. Are you at home?]
[I’m on my way back from a meeting.]
Since Green revealed that she is a hyper-human, she no longer hid anything from me. She always detailed her activities, which allowed me to understand her state at any given moment.
While I cannot clearly judge how things really are, I felt that Green’s emotional state has been improving day by day.
[Are you going to the park again?]
[No, I just want to go home today.]
Green still spends time at the park, but the frequency has decreased significantly. It seems the absence of her father at home is a major factor. The fact that home is no longer a fearful space but a place to rest makes me genuinely happy.
As I continued texting, I saw Blue enter the cafe. After leaving a message for Green to contact later, I greeted Blue who had entered the cafe.
“I’m here. I got you some coffee, but I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I got an Americano.”
“Thank you. I don’t mind whatever you got.”
Returning from a HunterKiller meeting, she gave me her usual smile, but there was something slightly different about it.
“Did something good happen?”
Her smile was as warm and bright as ever, but she seemed unusually cheerful.
“Do I seem happy?”
“A little.”
She smiled shyly while talking about feeling better after chatting with team members. Although she didn’t mention the topic, it was likely about internal HunterKiller matters.
For Blue, who couldn’t attend meetings and had to take care of children until now, even small conversations with team members are precious. Both Green and Blue, who have been in difficult situations, show signs of improvement every day, which naturally brings a smile to my face.
“?”
Seeing me smile suddenly, Blue looked at me curiously, and I assured her it was nothing.
“Hayang. Remember the apartment we viewed yesterday?”
“Yes, the one you said might be affordable.”
Unaware of the intention behind my last comment, Blue focused on what I might say next.
“I work on programs, and I’m looking for a workspace.”
Although this topic seemed unrelated to the house, I considered it a step towards the main point and listened quietly.
“In fact, I don’t really need a workspace, so it’s not essential.”
Initially, I hadn’t planned to get a workspace. Since I don’t need one to handle programs related to cosmic technology with a laptop, it’s unnecessary.
“But when the company offered to provide a workspace, they mentioned a subsidy. I’d like to use part of that subsidy to help you buy a house.”
Hearing this, Blue was surprised but unsure how to respond.
“It might be burdensome, but I’ve considered your situation. Even if the subsidy is used, the house will be under your name, and you can return the refund when you move out later.”
Even though it’s not my money, offering 100% support would undoubtedly make her feel burdened. Unconditional kindness must be understandable to the recipient.
Unconditional kindness without understanding can be burdensome or fraudulent. Therefore, even close friends may not trust such an offer.
“Still, it’s your money, and using it for a house…”
This was expected. Anyone in this situation would likely refuse. However, I didn’t intend to let her refuse.
“However, I have a few conditions.”
“?”
Surprised by the mention of conditions, Blue looked at me. We stared at each other as we continued our conversation.
My conditions weren’t significant.
First, Blue should return part of the subsidy if she leaves the house later. This ensures that Blue won’t feel too much burden.
Second, I want permission to visit occasionally while she lives there.
This isn’t out of bad intentions. I explained to Blue that, given the subsidy, I want to check if she’s developing a socially independent environment periodically.
Of course, I don’t plan to interfere excessively. Visiting without notice wouldn’t be proper etiquette either.
Frankly, this is just a pretext to gather information, but I can’t say it outright, so I’m framing it appropriately.
Lastly,
“Don’t feel guilty about it.”
“What?”
This might be hard for Blue to understand.
But instinctively, I knew. Living in a house with that subsidy, Blue would surely feel indebted and guilty all the time.
What I want isn’t that. I hope Blue, who’s starting to live independently with my small support, can live without any burden.
After hearing everything, Blue took a sip of coffee and thought for a moment. She needed time to process her thoughts. Asking for more details would only disrupt her thinking, so I waited silently for her to speak.
“Can I ask one thing?”
“Of course.”
Looking at me with unreadable eyes, Blue slowly spoke.
“Why are you helping me this much?”
Hearing this, I too pondered. Why am I helping Blue this much?
In reality, I’m part of Spacystro, which has an antagonistic relationship with Blue. Yet, why am I helping her with Spacystro’s subsidy?
The answer was simple. There’s no reason.
I just want to help someone struggling in any way I can. Helping those in difficulty doesn’t depend on the depth of connection.
Imagine someone helping an elderly person carry heavy luggage. They probably have no prior connection, and there’s no reason to help. Not helping wouldn’t result in criticism or ridicule.
When faced with someone in need, people tend to act if they can offer even a little help.
Of course, this situation isn’t just a small act of kindness. It involves buying a house and adding a subsidy.
I do it because I think it’s possible and because I believe in it.
There’s no other reason.
But will Blue understand this?
Is there a way to make her accept it more easily without rejecting it?
“I don’t like seeing you suffer.”
Helping means feeling pain when others suffer. Seeing them suffer is unbearable, and wanting them to be comfortable and happy is empathy. Acting on empathy is helping.
Listening to this serious statement, Hayang sat quietly and looked at me, saying nothing.
A brief silence filled the cafe. Only the sound of classical music and murmurs of people could be heard, and there was no sound between Hayang and me.
Finally, smiling, she nodded.
“Thank you. Then, may I ask one favor?”
“Yes.”
“I’m trying to buy a house. Can you help me a bit?”
“Yes, I’ll help as much as I can.”
It’s less awkward for both of us if she asks for help rather than me offering it. Instead of starting something that burdens her, she starts and bears the burden herself.
While it might seem like I’m passing the burden to her, this is the best answer for both of us. Even if there were another way, I wouldn’t know it.
After finishing my conversation with Hayang, she went back home, and I returned to headquarters to quickly confirm ways to receive the subsidy.
Thanks to my long military service, I qualified for many benefits, and immersing myself in gathering information made the day pass quickly.
Though I didn’t physically exert myself or do tasks I disliked, I felt tired after finishing work. Eager to rest, I took the elevator down and met Team Leader Angelique in the lobby.
“Angelique. Hello.”
“Oh, A. Leaving already?”
“Yes, I was doing some research and organizing.”
“About that thing?”
Knowing I was gathering information on hyper-humans, Angelique assumed I had been busy with that all day.
“No, I checked if there’s a subsidy for the project.”
“Ah, yes. You always work hard, so you’ll get more support.”
Listening to Angelique’s gentle voice, similar yet more comforting than Hayang’s, I felt relaxed. I wondered if my most comfortable days during military service were when I was under Angelique’s command.
“Have you looked into the hyper-human data?”
“I’ve gathered some, but it’s not very fruitful.”
“I might be able to help. Let me check. It might not be useful, but I’ll try.”
“No, I’d be grateful for your help.”
Team Leaders like Angelique have more responsibilities and busier schedules than ordinary soldiers like me. How grateful would I be if she helped me?
While I pride myself on my experience, there are others in Spacystro Seoul Headquarters with more experience, such as Angelique, Team Leader, or the Director.
“Yeah, A, keep working hard.”
With that, I parted ways with Angelique and headed home. The subway was crowded, and I felt exhausted from standing the whole ride.
Dragging my tired body home, I entered the door after entering the password. Yubin, who had finished work at the convenience store, was sleeping on the bed.
“?”
As I approached to check if she was deeply asleep, Yubin opened her eyes and hugged me tightly.
“?! You’re awake?”
“I pretended to sleep when I heard you come in.”
Hugging her back, I felt a bit of the day’s fatigue ease.
Our eyes met, and we shared a light kiss. Smiling at each other, we naturally smiled.
“You must be tired.”
“Yeah, I came straight home.”
“Yeah, I just got back too.”
I reached for the remote on the bedside table to turn on the air conditioner and lower the room temperature, preparing to wash off the sweat. But Yubin, holding me tightly, wouldn’t let go.
“I’m sweaty.”
“After a day like today, I need time to recharge.”
Such words make it impossible to get up. Holding me, Yubin gave me time to feel her, and I held her back, feeling her too. In the hot and humid weather, sharing body heat could be uncomfortable, but we preferred to relieve today’s fatigue by feeling each other.
“Should we eat?”
“Let’s shower first.”
When Yubin comes over after work, the first thing we do is eat together. But today, due to fatigue and the humid weather, washing off the sweat was the priority.
“Shall we shower together?”
Thinking it was time to shower, I released the hug and stood up, only to hear Yubin’s suggestive question and nod silently.
