Context: After successfully defeating Chatterbox and having his pre-regression memories revealed to the world, Yoojin disappeared. Sung Hyunje also went missing (kidnapped by Cresent Moon gang to prepare for his “wedding”).

.

Han Yoojin had gone missing. It was said that he was somewhere on Earth, but his whereabouts were unknown.

Han Yoojin was not an ordinary F-rank Hunter. Even setting aside his abilities as a Hunter, he had plenty of social experience and excellent interpersonal skills. Song Taewon believed that no matter where in the world Han Yoojin might end up in, he was the kind of person who could at least take care of himself. This assessment was very different from when Song Taewon had first met him.

However, at the same time, Han Yoojin was still stat F. He wasn’t the kind of person who would be easily crushed by high-rank Hunters, but his rank definitely meant he stood on the disadvantaged side. Even if you trusted him, it was impossible not to worry.

“Yes, I see. As expected.”

And to make matters worse, this was right after information about the time regression had been revealed. High-rank Hunters whose memories hadn’t been completely erased had begun making moves to search for Han Yoojin.

So, they needed to track down Han Yoojin’s location as quickly as possible.

“Hunter Han Yoohyun.”

Song Taewon couldn’t take his eyes off the Korean Hunters other than Han Yoojin either. Han Yoohyun showed no reaction at all, as if he hadn’t heard Song Taewon’s voice.

Before he could leave the hotel, Song Taewon spoke again.

“On behalf of Han Yoojin-ssi… I want to say this.”

Song Taewon’s voice hesitated for a moment before continuing quickly.

“Han Yoojin-ssi would not want Hunter Han Yoohyun to act recklessly and on his own.”

“Hyung would say it’s fine no matter what I do, as long as I come back safely.”

With the Transcendents temporarily withdrawn, there was currently no one in this world who could threaten Han Yoohyun. So whatever he chose to do didn’t really matter.

Even so, his response did not sound arrogant or overly confident. Han Yoohyun was simply stating what he believed to be an obvious fact.

“That may well be true. However, Han Yoojin-ssi would likely try to personally clean up after whatever you do, Hunter Han Yoohyun. And since this is the United States rather than Korea, the situation would inevitably become more complicated. There is a strong possibility that he could end up tied down here for a long time.”

He had exaggerated slightly, but it was not a lie. Han Yoojin would never leave Han Yoohyun’s mess unattended. And the American Hunter community would hardly pass up a good opportunity to keep Han Yoojin tied down.

“But Hunter Han Yoohyun will likely have to return to Korea. You have duties as a Guild Master, and the United States will probably demand that you leave the country. That would make it easier for them to approach Han Yoojin-ssi.”

“Don’t you have a duty to protect the Hunters of your own country?”

Han Yoohyun turned his body toward Song Taewon. It seemed he had finally decided to listen properly.

Inside, Song Taewon swallowed a sigh.

“You wouldn’t allow hyung to remain in the United States. The Korean government and the Hunter Association feel the same.”

“Of course, we will do our utmost to protect Hunter Han Yoojin. However, there are limits. Hunter Han Yoohyun. If you intend to live within society rather than apart from it, please follow the proper procedures.”

Contrary to what Song Taewon had said, with the abilities of Han Yoojin and Han Yoohyun, it wouldn’t actually be difficult for them to smooth over most incidents. It was society that needed them, not the other way around. Especially Han Yoohyun.

However, Song Taewon had a duty to stop Han Yoohyun’s unilateral actions somehow. If he let the other go like this, a clash with the high-ranking Hunters targeting Han Yoojin would inevitably occur. And that clash would happen right in the middle of Manhattan.

Han Yoohyun didn’t deliberately harm civilians. Rather, he simply had no interest in them at all. In that sense, among S-class Hunters he could even be considered relatively moderate.

However, if it involved his hyung, that was a different matter. When it came to Han Yoojin, there was no such thing as a reasonable limit. Letting him loose like this would make him even more dangerous.

“You’re well aware that Han Yoojin-ssi wishes to adjust to society and blend into it appropriately, if only for the sake of his children.”

Han Yoohyun’s gaze briefly fell upon the back of his own hand. The skin was clean and unblemished.

“I trust hyung.”

Not your words.

There were flaws in Song Taewon’s persuasion, and it wasn’t enough to stop Han Yoohyun. But the part that was lacking could be filled by Han Yoohyun’s trust in and respect for Han Yoojin.

Hyung had even escaped safely from that Chatterbox’s grasp. So there was no way he would fall victim to mere humans in this world.

Han Yoohyun desperately wanted to find his hyung and stay by his side as soon as possible, even if it was only for a moment longer. But he decided to endure a little more. Just as Song Taewon had said, his hyung wanted to live in this world’s society together with him.

“I won’t wait long.”

“Yes. I’ll obtain permission and cooperation for the search operation as quickly as possible.”

Saying he would wait, Han Yoohyun called over Peace, who had been standing near the hotel entrance. Though Peace showed dissatisfaction and confusion, it followed the command and went up to the room with Han Yoohyun.

“…Ha...”

Song Taewon finally let out a short sigh he had been holding back.

For now, the biggest hurdle had been overcome. Moon Hyuna was cooperative, and since Park Yerim, who tended to stay within the bounds of common sense, had left together with her, that was another worry off his shoulders. Noah and Liette belonged to the European Hunter Federation, and since that side had agreed to handle them, they were outside Song Taewon’s authority. Evelyn and Kang Soyoung had decided to return home first.

Regarding the last remaining person.

‘Hunter Sung Hyunje…’

As Song Taewon contacted the American Hunter Association, the face of the one other person who had disappeared came to mind.

It was a daunting thought.

* * *

Song Taewon, Director of the Korean Awakened Management Office, moved busily around the United States.

His top priority was obtaining permission for Hunters Han Yoohyun and Park Yerim to conduct a search operation for Han Yoojin. Even convincing them (the Management office of the States) of the clear reason, that Dodam Breeding Farm maintained close relations with Haeyeon and that Han Yoojin was family, required a mountain of paperwork.

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, the terrorist activities of the Prophet faction had begun, allowing Han Yoohyun to quickly receive combat authorization within the city under the pretext of dealing with them.

However, there was still no news of Han Yoojin or Sung Hyunje.

“Apparently it’s nothing but false reports again today!”

Park Yerim, who had taken over communications with Haeyeon while Han Yoohyun pursued the terrorists, grumbled. Then, she looked at Song Taewon with concern.

“Public servant ahjusshi, you stayed up all night again, didn’t you?”

“I’m fine.”

“What do you mean fine! Even if you’re S-class, they said you still need to sleep a little. People at the Awakened Management Office said that even S-class Hunters feel fatigue if they overwork—and that Director Song is the living proof of it!”

“I’m still fine.”

“You’re not fine. What if you find ahjusshi later but you’re in bad condition? Hyuna-unni said there’s definitely going to be a huge fight.”

Given how heated the situation was, she said it would be hard for things to end quietly with everyone simply going home. Park Yerim crossed her arms and looked straight at Song Taewon.

“More importantly, public servant ahjusshi is my team member!”

“…Excuse me?”

“Yes, the Yesong Team. This is an order from the team leader. You must sleep tonight!”

(Context, highlight to read the white text: Song Taewon and Yerim participated in the Chatterbox game as a team. Yoojin competed on his own.)

Was Park Yerim the team leader? More importantly, had there even been a team leader? Song Taewon thought blankly. Perhaps he wanted to forget as quickly as possible, because the events from the party already felt hazy, like something from over ten years ago.

In any case, it was true that once Han Yoojin’s location was found, a clash between Hunters would be unavoidable. Above all, the movements of the terrorist organization were far from ordinary.

Because of that, Song Taewon decided he would at least get a little sleep.

* * *

“Since we came all the way to the United States, it’d be a shame not to do some sightseeing in Paris~.”

Han Yoojin was standing atop the head of a swaying gondola (a type of boat similar to the ones used in the canals of Venice). Beside him, Sung Hyunje slowly fanned himself. Both of them were dressed in Rococo-era clothing, as if they were about to attend a grand masquerade ball.

Song Taewon felt relieved. So they were sightseeing together. The fact that the two of them were together made him uneasy, but at least they were safe. They didn’t seem to have caused any particular trouble either.

“But it’s a pity it’s only the two of us.”

“We were about to blow up the Eiffel Tower, yet there are so few spectators.”

The Eiffel Tower… Song Taewon’s heart began to pound. Of course, it wasn’t from anticipation.

The Eiffel Tower appeared in front of the two of them. Han Yoojin laughed brightly, giggling with delight. Sung Hyunje lifted an opera glass and looked toward the tower.

“The bombs are stacked quite beautifully.”

“My skills have improved a lot in the meantime~.”

Han Yoojin raised a classic-looking bomb switch high into the air. Reflexively, Song Taewon reached out his hand.

But his body wouldn’t move, as if it were tightly bound in chains.

‘Han Yoojin-ssi!’

Even his voice wouldn’t come out. Sung Hyunje poured wine into a glass. Han Yoojin’s finger descended toward the red switch.

Click.

And then—boom!

Song Taewon’s eyes flew open.

“……”

The dim ceiling of the hotel room came into view. The blanket he had unconsciously gripped tightly had been torn in a long rip.

‘…A dream.’

Song Taewon calmed his pounding heart. He normally didn’t dream much, but with both Han Yoojin and Sung Hyunje missing, the situation must have been stressing him more than he realized.

‘…Han Yoojin-ssi would never do something like that.’

He had caused plenty of trouble before, but he wasn’t the kind of person who would harm others for no reason, just as a prank.

A dream was only a dream.

Song Taewon picked up his phone to check the time and tried to go back to sleep.

But sleep didn’t come easily.

* * *

On the fifth day since Han Yoojin and Sung Hyunje went missing, the whereabouts of the two were finally revealed, along with news of Sung Hyunje’s marriage.

The circumstances were unclear, but Song Taewon immediately began negotiations to head to Africa. Fortunately, both the United States and the Hunter Association in Egypt, where he was heading, were fairly cooperative.

“It’s a shame you’re leaving already.”

An employee of the New York Hunter Association, who had come to see Song Taewon off at the airport, spoke with sincere regret. Song Taewon gave a polite bow of his head.

“Thank you for your cooperation during this time.”

“No, we’re the ones who should be thankful. Whenever Director Song visits, things stay peaceful.”

The association employee continued with a sigh.

“In the United States, not only in public office but even within the association, it’s rare to have even A-rank Hunters, let alone S-rank ones. S-ranks only sign short-term contracts at best. Meanwhile, most Hunters in the association are mid-rank or lower. But New York, especially Manhattan, has a high population density, so the dungeon occurrence rate is high, which means there are many high-rank Hunters as well… and they’re quite forceful.”

The more important Hunters became, the greater their influence tended to be. As a result, the ones who suffered the most were the relevant departments and association staff.

“If we just had even one S-rank Hunter staying with us, things would be much easier.”

Song Taewon calmly brushed aside the gaze that carried not just admiration but outright desire. It was something he encountered in almost every country. Thanks to that, there had even been times when working overseas felt easier than working in Korea.

“Even with a direct flight, Egypt is quite far, so please get some rest on the way.”

Leaving behind the lingering farewell asking him to visit again anytime, Song Taewon boarded the plane.

Han Yoohyun and Park Yerim would likely have slipped aboard quietly as well, but boarding the private jet alone still felt extremely awkward.

Song Taewon sat in the spacious seat and checked his phone. After once again reviewing the photo of a cat presumed to be Han Yoojin and the information on Samir and Isabella, he leaned back deeply against the seat.

‘Han Yoojin-ssi seems to be safe for now, but…’

The photo uploaded by Isabella did not appear to have been taken under coercion. Rather, it was more likely that Han Yoojin himself had requested it be taken so that his location could be revealed.

In other words, the relationship between the two S-class Hunters and Han Yoojin was likely friendly, or at the very least a contractual alliance.

‘Both S-class Hunters had decent evaluations as well.’

Even if their relationship soured, they weren’t the kind of people who would harm Han Yoojin, or so he had been told. The information couldn’t be trusted unconditionally, but for now, it seemed safe enough to feel reassured about Han Yoojin’s side.

But as for Sung Hyunje…

A deep crease formed between Song Taewon’s brows.

‘Marriage…?’

If, like Huanglin had joked, Sung Hyunje’s marriage partner was Han Yoojin, it would almost make sense. But otherwise, there was absolutely no one he could imagine.

‘He’s not the type to marry someone he doesn’t find worthy just for the sake of a goal…’

Sung Hyunje occasionally did incomprehensible and absurd things, but he rarely behaved in a way that diminished his own value. At least, that was the kind of person Song Taewon believed him to be.

The plane began rolling down the runway, and amid the vibrations Song Taewon searched through his memories. But still, marriage—

“Public servant ajhusshi!”

Bang— the door connecting to the bedroom area flew open as Park Yerim walked in.

“You know, regarding Sesung ahjusshi’s marriage partner— if it isn’t our ahjusshi, then who else could it be? Honestly, the only people Sesung ahjusshi shows interest in are our ahjusshi and public servant ahjusshi. Soyoung-unni said public servant ahjusshi might know.”

Saying that Soyoung-unni had also been extremely shocked, Park Yerim hopped over to the seat beside Song Taewon.

“I don’t know either.”

“Then maybe it’s just a rumor! What if Sesung-ahjusshi also turned into a cat and is traveling around with our ahjusshi?”

For a moment, Song Taewon thought he would rather that be the case. If Sung Hyunje were a cat, the worst trouble he might cause would probably be bullying neighborhood dogs.

“For now… if it were Hunter Sung Hyunje, he would have personally announced his marriage.”

“That’s true.”

“So if the marriage news is real, it’s likely there’s another reason or objective behind it. Or… it could even be a forced marriage.”

“Sesung ahjusshi in a forced marriage?”

Park Yerim first looked startled, then let out a long sigh.

“Well, Sesung ahjusshi does look kind of sickly sometimes. Like with our ahjusshi, someone might’ve just picked him up somewhere strange and decided to marry him just because of his face.” (She’s calling out Yoojin for being a face-con..)

“…I don’t think a marriage like that should happen.”

Not just for Sung Hyunje’s sake, but for the other person’s as well.

Park Yerim nodded in agreement.

“They said it’ll take ten hours to get to Egypt, so public servant ahjusshi should sleep too. Han Yoohyun is in the innermost bedroom. I’ll use the bedroom farthest from there.”

After Park Yerim left her seat, Song Taewon found a blanket and covered himself. Simply reclining the chair was enough.

Song Taewon closed his eyes, trying to calm the chaotic thoughts racing through his mind.

* * *

“Director Song, it really suits you!”

Han Yoojin, dressed in formal wedding attire, said with a bright smile. Song Taewon stared at him blankly.

Everything around them was brilliantly white. Flower petals fluttered down from somewhere.

“Oh dear, your expression is far too stiff. Try smiling naturally.”

“You’re probably just nervous. That would make sense.”

Sung Hyunje was also wearing a white, ornate ceremonial outfit like Han Yoojin. Song Taewon slowly blinked his eyes. The blurred scenery around him gradually came into clearer focus.

A place filled with flowers… a wedding hall…?

“Marriage……”

Before he could even finish thinking surely not those two, Han Yoojin suddenly grabbed one of Song Taewon’s arms.

“Yes, it’s Director Song’s wedding!”

“…Excuse me?!”

“Isn’t Song Taewon-ssi the main character of today?”

His other arm was seized by Sung Hyunje. Startled, Song Taewon tried to pull himself free from where he stood. But he couldn’t escape - not from Sung Hyunje, and not even from the grip of F-rank Han Yoojin.

“Wait a moment—who exactly am I marrying—!”

“Congratulations on public servant ahjusshi’s marriage!”

“Maa-eh!” (Songyi!!)

From the sky, Park Yerim and a black baby lamb descended with angel wings attached. Park Yerim scattered flower petals everywhere.

Before he knew it, the guest seats were filled with employees from the Awakened Management Office. Han Yoohyun, Moon Hyuna, Kang Soyoung, and even Peace were visible. Kang Soyoung suddenly sprang to her feet and pulled a party popper, which exploded loudly. Amid the applause of the guests, Han Yoojin and Sung Hyunje began dragging Song Taewon forward.

“Stop this, I—!”

.

Hah—!

With a sharp gasp for breath, Song Taewon’s eyes flew open.

The sound of the airplane engine rang in his ears like applause. Taking a deep breath, Song Taewon looked around his seat. Fortunately, it seemed he hadn’t destroyed the airplane while half-asleep.

‘…What was that?’

A chill ran down the back of his neck. Song Taewon slowly brushed back his disheveled hair.

Perhaps the stress and fatigue had piled up more than he thought.

Still—

‘It was just a dream.’

He was relieved it had only been a dream. The mere thought of himself dressed in pure white wedding attire sent a shiver down his spine.

Song Taewon checked the time and looked out the window.

He felt like he should rest a bit more, but he didn’t want to sleep. If he closed his eyes, it felt like Han Yoojin and Sung Hyunje would grab him again and drag him back into that wedding hall. Their delighted expressions were still vivid in his mind.

‘It’s better when they’re somewhere I can see…’

Both Han Yoojin and Sung Hyunje. It was better that way. He almost found himself missing the chaos back in Korea. At the very least, if one of them was nearby— but with both of them far away, he couldn’t help feeling unsettled.

Still, Han Yoojin would be joining them soon.

Though he had a premonition the process wouldn’t be easy, Song Taewon tried to relax his body and get some rest.

“Hyung, hyung, Yoojin-hyung! I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?”

Park Hayul, who appeared as a flower, swayed as if it were dancing while speaking. Even in this situation, where the Gardener’s garden was raging right in front of us and we had been fighting nonstop without even properly feeling the passage of time, that flower-head was still ridiculously cheerful.

“Just say anything.”

I replied while bundling several bombs together. My voice was thick with exhaustion. Thanks to Sung Hyunje and Director Song’s consideration, I was able to sleep a little, but of course it wasn’t real rest. At best I’d managed to doze for a short while.

—Bad news! My territory has shrunk to only part of East Asia now~ Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, and half of China!

“That’s practically all of East Asia.”

Well, half of China was still much bigger than the other countries combined.

“What’s the good news?”

—Since there’s less area left to cover, my power has become more concentrated and stronger! That means it’s easier to hold out! And since the Earth is round, not every place can be night at the same time, right?

“That’s true.”

If it’s daytime where we are, it’s nighttime on the other side of the planet.

—But the remaining area doesn’t have much time difference, so I can turn it all into night! When it’s night, the dream world gets stronger, so I can block the garden by myself. That means your group can rest~ Not for long though, about one night.

So the dream world had mostly been wiped out, but because of that it was easier to hold the line and even created some breathing room. Not bad. Though it did feel a bit like a final burst before dying.

I turned my head toward Sung Hyunje and Director Song. Both of them were S-class, so compared to me they looked fine, but there was no way they weren’t accumulating fatigue. Sung Hyunje was clearly conserving mana compared to before, and Director Song, who had to move his body constantly, was noticeably slower.

 It’s about time we take a break. 

We had no idea how much longer we would need to endure. I looked back at the swaying Hayul flower.

“Can you split the rest time up?”

—Nope. Creating the night itself costs the most power~ If I do that, it has to be all in one night.

So we’d rest properly and then run again afterward.

I waved at Sung Hyunje and Director Song.

“You both heard that, right? Let’s take a short break!”

Both men nodded at the same time. Then Park Hayul began shaking its leaves and performing something like a dance.

—The sun sets~ The moon rises~

Did it really have to dance?

The already cloud-filled sky darkened even more. The clouds slowly parted and stars appeared faintly between them, but the moonlight was nowhere to be seen. Streetlights around us flicked on one after another.

Thud!  

A gigantic mass of plants slammed into an invisible barrier and bounced back. Park Hayul proudly stretched out its leaves.

—See? Now you can relax and rest~ I’ll set an alarm before sunrise.

“Thanks. I’m going to sleep first. You two come over quickly!”

Even S-class people needed sleep. Sung Hyunje withdrew his chains, and Director Song lowered his weapon. When I saw a burnt leaf stuck in Sung Hyunje’s hair, I couldn’t help but laugh.

We looked like a complete mess. Would there be time for a shower at least? Washing up did help with fatigue recovery.

“If the three of us are going to sleep together, we’ll need a very big bed.”

Guildmaster Sung of the Sesung Guild suddenly spouted nonsense. Looks like lack of sleep was affecting his brain too.

“Usually… it’d be smaller, but one queen and two kings should do.” (bed sizes…)

“So my partner was a queen.”

…What the hell was he even saying? I just wanted to sleep comfortably.

“If you’re jealous, Sung-ssi, you can use a queen too. It’d suit you way better than me.”

Queen or king—it’d look perfect on him either way. Maybe I should ask Hayul to find him fancy dress pajamas too. And a crown.

“Going to a hotel is a bit much. Hayul, about the bed—”

“One big enough for the three of us.”

Sung Hyunje suddenly cut me off.

I glared at him. Why did he keep saying weird things? His golden eyes widened in an innocent expression.

“Forget it. Three kings.”

“…That’s cruel. (Sleeping together with you two) is on my bucket list.”

“Your bucket what?”

“A list of things you want to do before you die.”

He said that with a silent smile.

Damn it.

“…You just mean sleeping together, right?”

After hearing that, I couldn’t heartlessly tell him to get lost. It wasn’t difficult anyway, and Director Song looked slightly tempted too. So I asked Park Hayul to bring a very large bed.

—Okay!

Poof.  A gigantic bed large enough for five or six people appeared right in the middle of the road. It looked clean and soft. Just seeing it made sleepiness crash over me.

“I’d like to at least wash my face before sleeping.”

Climbing into that white bed looking like this felt wrong. Even if I wasn’t the one who had to clean it later.

“Bathing together with Han Yoojin-gun and Director Song Taewon-nim would be my second—”

“In this situation you’re talking about leisurely baths? We can have a quick shower at most.”

And definitely with proper partitions. Standing between those two would make me look like a kid. Even if nobody else was watching, I’d hate it.

“Director Song, what do you think?”

“…I don’t mind either way.”

Wait, when had he moved that far away? Director Song had quietly stepped several paces back and was watching the writhing garden. We don’t need to fight them right now.

“Then let’s just take quick showers. I feel gross too. Hayul, is there somewhere nearby to wash?”

—There’s a bathhouse right behind you, Hyung! Plenty of water too!

“Thanks. Watch over this place for us. Contact us immediately if something happens.”

—I’m going to wash too, though?

The Park Hayul flower tapped its petals with its leaves.

—I need to hydrate or I’ll dry out. Look how rough my petals are.

“…Alright.”

Park Hayul, you really abandoned your identity as a human pretty easily. You’re basically a full flower now.

Anyway, we headed toward the bathhouse.

“What else is on that bucket list of yours? We don’t have much time, so just tell us everything.”

I didn’t think Sung Hyunje was going to die, but when someone’s life was hanging by a thread, you were supposed to grant their wishes.

His golden eyes shifted between me and Director Song.

“Many of them are difficult to do right now.”

“Like what?”

“First, killing Han Yoojin.”

“Rejected. Killing Director Song isn’t allowed either.”

I only had one life, and Director Song did too.

Director Song, who had been walking slightly further away from us, quietly moved closer to my side, as if he wanted to keep space between me and Sung Hyunje. Like Sung Hyunje would strangle me in this situation.

…Actually, choking me just short of death might be possible.

“Pick something legal and wholesome.”

“There are only adults here.”

“Only all-ages content allowed. Bloodshed is limited to blood donation.”

“That’s too restrictive.”

Sung Hyunje pouted. He grumbled that 90% of his bucket list would have to be deleted.

What kind of bucket list loses  90% of its entries when you add legal and all-ages restrictions? And most of them probably involved me and Director Song too. What exactly had this guy wanted to do?

By then, we had reached the bathhouse. An old-looking building and sign came into view.

“Sung Hyunje-ssi, have you ever been to a bathhouse like this?”

“I’ve destroyed one.”

—Hyung, hyung! I also prepared banana milk! And hot bars and roasted eggs!

“Oh, good job.”

It had been a long time since I’d visited a classic public bath like this. After my regression, the Haeyeon Guild bathhouse was completely modern, and before my regression, I avoided crowded places where people could see my bare face.

“Director Song, you probably used public baths often—no, actually it must’ve been a while.”

It seemed to suit him somehow, but he was still S-class.

“Yes, that’s true. After awakening, I usually wash up in the association’s official quarters or at home.”

“He washed at the Sesung Guild a few times too.”

Sung Hyunje said. Did he invite Director Song over and dump flour on him or something?

Anyway, we entered the bathhouse. At the empty counter, we picked up locker keys and bath supplies. Entering the men’s bath area, I saw a wide wooden platform.

—There’s clean underwear, clothes, and sauna outfits too!

The Park Hayul flower walked over and piled a stack of clothes onto the platform.

—I brought them from the nursery, the Sesung Guild, and the civil servant’s house! Here are towels too!

“Thanks. Sung Hyunje-ssi, what are you doing? Hurry up and go in. Put the key on your wrist. See that ladle in front of the glass door? Take one with you. Here’s a bath towel. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask Director Song.”

“Is Han Yoojin not coming in with us?”

“I’ll wash on my own, so please go ahead.”

I just don’t want to walk in with you two.

After sending Sung Hyunje and Director Song in first, I checked out the small shop tucked in the corner. Seeing the banana milk made me think of the kids.

…They’re doing well, right?

Kids, Dad will bring Uncle back and come home soon. I’ll bring Sung Hyunje along too. Yerim, I’m sorry. I’ll apologize properly when I get home. Peace, take good care of the others with Yerim.

After a refreshing wash and filling our stomachs, we returned to the bed. Since he claimed to have a bucket list, Sung Hyunje had already taken the middle spot on the bed.

Then he said,

“Arm pillows are included.” (in his bucketlist)

Ah, yes, of course.

“Stretch your arms out.”

“Both of you should do it for me.”

Director Song and I stared at him at the same time. I suddenly had the urge to wrap him up in the blanket and throw him at the Gardener.

“Though Han Yoojin’s arm probably won’t even reach my head.”

Without a word, I threw one of the five pillows straight at his face.

Yeah, my arms are thin. But how many people in Korea even have thicker arms than Director Song? I’ve got muscles too—above average, thank you very much. Sung Hyunje easily dodged it, which annoyed me enough that I grabbed another one.

“If this one doesn’t hit, you’re not getting an arm pillow.”

Thump.

The pillow I threw smacked Sung Hyunje on the head.

Don’t pretend to be pitiful, old man.

—Hurry up and lie down~ I’ll turn off the lights~

The three of us lay down side by side while looking at the writhing garden in the distance. Compared to Director Song’s thick arm beside mine, Sung Hyunje’s hair only barely brushed my arm.

Well, technically it counts as touching.

The streetlights turned off, and the sky filled with countless stars grew even darker. The starlight shone brighter too. It was a strange outdoor sleep in a situation where we couldn’t guarantee even a few more days of life, but it wasn’t bad.

Park Hayul added the sound of crickets as background noise.

Hey, it’s winter right now. Not that I’m asking for snow, though.

The temperature was perfect for sleeping.

“After tonight, we don’t know when we’ll get to rest again.”

Or… there was also a chance we might rest forever.

“So if there’s anything else you want to do, say it now.”

“What about you, Han Yoojin?”

Me? Well…

“I just want to go home with my little brother and eat something delicious together with everyone.”

If possible, I’d bring all my brothers along.

Then I’d have no regrets… well, not exactly. If things ended well like that, I’d want to live as long as possible.

“Director Song, don’t you have anything? I mean… you never know.”

If Sung Hyunje’s life was in danger, Director Song’s was probably similar.

“…I hope everyone remains safe.”

“That’s obvious. I mean something you definitely want to do. You seem like the type to have at least one.”

“I’m not sure.”

“How about venting your anger at Sung Hyunje? Swearing at him, complaining, or punching him?”

“I’ve already experienced the latter two.”

So he hadn’t sworn at him, huh. Director Song really was saint-like.

“Then make finding something you want to do the thing you accomplish before you die. Not actual work, not something for others, and not something that harms yourself.”

“Director Song Taewon-nim will live a very long life then.”

No way it was that extreme. Director Song had changed quite a lot already.

I yawned softly. My eyelids were starting to grow heavy.

“Sung Hyunje… your bucket list…”

“I had planned to… ..together with Han Yoojin-gun…”

His voice sounded faint. It broke off in places and became hard to hear. Soon it faded away completely.

“…What was he saying?”

Morning—well, actually still the middle of the night. When I opened my eyes, the scent of flowers filled my nose.

Had the garden invaded this far?

I quickly sat up, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Azaleas, forsythias, magnolias, cherry blossoms, flowers of all kinds were blooming everywhere, and Park Hayul’s flower was dancing among them.

—It’s Guildmaster Sung’s bucket list~

…A crazy flower dancing in a flower field?

That’s certainly unique taste.

Sung Hyunje, who had apparently woken up earlier, was wearing an apron and preparing breakfast. Director Song explained the bizarre situation instead.

“He said he wanted to greet spring with you, Han Yoojin-ssi. He said the two of you had already spent summer, autumn, and winter together.”

“Ah…”

When I first met Sung Hyunje after regressing, it had been early summer. Whether we’d survive to see spring together wasn’t certain. So he apparently decided to hold a flower-viewing session now instead.

Sometimes he could be weirdly sentimental.

I got out of bed and changed out of my pajamas. Sung Hyunje was skillfully making omelets.

“You’re not suggesting celebrating my birthday early.”

“A birthday is a birthday. Sit down with Song Taewon-ssi.”

“Yes, yes.”

Director Song and I sat at the table side by side. Under the night sky, flower petals drifted gently in the breeze.

“Hayul, how much time is left?”

—About two hours.

Eat, rest a little, and that would be it. This sweet break would likely be the last.

Sung Hyunje personally brought the appetizing breakfast to the table.

“Celery–carrot juice for Han Yoojin.”

“Why exactly? In a moment like this you give me vegetable juice? Don’t you have soda? Or fruit? Just not oranges.”

“Strawberry–banana juice for Director Song Taewon.”

“Thank you.”

…Did he switch the menu? Director Song seemed like the one who’d prefer celery–carrot juice.

Noticing my gaze, Director Song pushed his juice toward me.

“Please drink it.”

“No, it’s fine. Vegetables are good. Healthy and all.”

The strong grassy smell hit me. Still drinkable, though.

There was a cheese omelet, grilled asparagus and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, bacon, soft bread with butter and jam.

Meanwhile, Sung Hyunje was carefully cutting the crust off the bread.

Bread crusts were supposed to be healthier, weren’t they? He’s forcing vegetable juice on me while being picky himself?

“Why don’t you add ‘stop being picky and eat bread crusts’ to the last line of your bucket list?”

“You want me to force down unpleasant food right before dying? Han Yoojin, you’re colder than I expected.”

“…Yes, yes. Enjoy being picky and eating delicious food to your heart’s content.”

He never lost an argument, seriously.

We leisurely ate breakfast while looking at the beautifully blooming spring flowers. With the little time remaining, we checked our weapons and items. As we prepared for battle, the sky slowly began to brighten.

The three of us looked up at the clearing sky at the same time.

“Let the last line of the bucket list be returning home safely.”

“Funny enough, that’s the same as mine. Though once I get home, I plan to live a very long time.”

“If I had to choose one, mine would be the same.”

—Me too! I want to go to Hyung’s house too!

“Your home is here.”

—Waaah!

The sky that had briefly brightened was swallowed once again by thick dark clouds.

We picked up our weapons.

The barrier blocking the garden disappeared, and the forest surged forward.

CRACK—!

Lightning struck, announcing the start of battle.

No matter how long this fight continued, we would endure and endure again—

and we would return home.

All of us together.