When Gu Jei first heard about this rule, he simply said, "Nonsense."
He believed Yeo Hanseo was using this opportunity to reveal his ulterior motives. Seeing Gu Jei's displeasure, Yeo Hanseo shook his head, looking genuinely wronged.
"It's a proven method. The relationship between an Esper and a Guide significantly impacts the effectiveness of Guiding. The closer the bond, the higher the Guiding efficiency. There's even research suggesting a slight increase in compatibility rates..."
Hearing this, Gu Jei suddenly remembered a similar story from long ago: the more positive the emotions between an Esper and a Guide, the higher the Guiding efficiency. Guides often referred to this as "building rapport" with their Espers.
Gu Jei had forgotten about this method because it never worked for him. The technique fundamentally relied on a certain level of compatibility between an Esper and their Guide. Even a relationship where one would willingly sacrifice their life for the other would be useless if their compatibility rate was below 10%.
But now, Gu Jei had a Guide with a 98% compatibility rate.
"They say that physical closeness fosters emotional intimacy. If we grow closer, your subconscious will become more receptive to my guiding. I'm confident that even minimal contact, like holding hands, will be enough to reduce your instability to below 50%."
Therefore, Gu Jei replied:
"...Understood. But only until it drops to 50%. If you act in a way that violates the contract before then..."
"The contract will be terminated. I know."
Snapping out of his reverie, Gu Jei glanced down at the neatly arranged breakfast on the table. Preparing a meal for himself couldn't be considered a breach of contract.
Yet this lingering discomfort likely stemmed from Seong Semin's words that morning. Of course, Yeo Hanseo hadn't engaged in bizarre acts like wearing only an apron or uttering repulsive, seductive remarks that made Gu Jei want to vomit just remembering them.
Still, wasn't this all... far too much like a married couple?
Gu Jei finally blurted out, "We should eat out from now on."
"Why? It doesn't suit your taste...?"
It's because you're acting like my wife, and it's making me uncomfortable. Yesterday's Gu Jei would have said that. But now he knew such a remark wouldn't help build rapport. Yeo Hanseo was already trying to lower his energy level through minimal physical contact, like holding hands. It was only right that Gu Jei make an effort too.
"Yes, it's tasteless."
In truth, Gu Jei hadn't properly tasted food in ages, so it wasn't exactly a lie. But even this answer seemed wrong, as Yeo Hanseo's expression soured slightly.
Of course, Gu Jei didn't know Yeo Hanseo was inwardly cursing him as a ‘picky little brat’.
"If you're finished eating, let's talk for a bit."
As soon as they finished their meal, Gu Jei immediately asked Yeo Hanseo to fulfill their agreement to "talk for 30 minutes every day." This was due to his aversion to wasting time and his inability to tolerate unfinished work piling up.
"Ah, okay," Yeo Hanseo replied, looking slightly bewildered by Gu Jei's proactive approach but obediently followed his instructions.
Seated on the sofa, they faced each other.
After a long silence, Yeo Hanseo sighed and spoke first.
"Hyung, what kind of food do you like?"
"Nothing in particular."
"Then what kind of food do you dislike?"
"Nothing in particular either."
"......"
"......"
Gu Jei could sense that the conversation wasn't flowing smoothly. It wasn't intentional. He realized he'd never truly engaged in personal conversations like this with anyone before. To be honest, part of him still felt this was a pointless waste of time.
Fortunately, Yeo Hanseo didn't give up and shifted the topic.
"So, what do you do on your days off?"
"Days off..."
It was a simple question, yet Gu Jei found it incredibly difficult to answer. After a long pause, he finally replied, "I train with my teammates."
Yeo Hanseo's expression turned odd, as if this wasn't the answer he'd expected.
"That's not really resting, is it? Isn't there anything else? Like meeting friends or going on a trip?"
"...I've never done anything like that."
"Well, I guess that's understandable, considering how busy you are. You even went into the gate on your wedding day."
Gu Jei glanced at Yeo Hanseo, wondering if he was bringing this up because he felt hurt. But Yeo Hanseo's face remained calm, as if nothing was wrong. Still, Gu Jei suspected he was merely maintaining a facade, and that he was actually feeling hurt inside.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Don't you have any questions for me, hyung?"
Gu Jei didn't have any particular questions, but he knew he needed to say something to keep the conversation going for the next thirty minutes. He forced himself to speak.
"What do you do on your days off, Yeo Hanseo?"
"I watch dramas and YouTube on my phone."
"I see," Gu Jei replied listlessly, his tone making it clear he wasn't particularly interested. Yeo Hanseo, as if expecting this reaction, showed no signs of disappointment or hurt.
"Is there anything else you'd like to know?"
Of course not. Gu Jei had merely repeated Yeo Hanseo's earlier question word for word.
Gu Jei fundamentally lacked interest in others, and he was especially reluctant to show any curiosity toward Yeo Hanseo. Past experience had taught him that people who were attracted to him tended to misinterpret even the smallest gestures as signs of reciprocation.
Even simple gestures like picking up dropped items or holding doors open were enough to make people misunderstand. If he showed genuine interest by asking questions and engaging with Yeo Hanseo, he was certain Yeo Hanseo would fall into delusion.
Just as Gu Jei was about to say he had nothing more to say, something suddenly occurred to him. Without hesitation, he asked, "Yeo Hanseo, why do you like me?"
"W-why would you ask something like that...?" Yeo Hanseo's voice trembled for the first time. Gu Jei couldn't tell if he was embarrassed or flustered. After a moment, Yeo Hanseo mumbled shyly, "I told you before... it was love at first sight."
"Just based on my looks?"
"Huh? No, not just that. At first, maybe. But then I realized how wonderful you are on the inside, and that's what really drew me in."
Isn't that just another way of saying you fell for someone based on their looks?
Gu Jei couldn't understand how anyone could like someone based solely on their appearance. Yet, regardless of his comprehension, it seemed many people developed feelings of love for such trivial reasons.
He had countless experiences with people approaching him based solely on his looks. In truth, apart from being a compatible guide, Yeo Hanseo wasn't a special case to Gu Jei. That's why he readily believed Yeo Hanseo's claim of liking him without much skepticism.
But still, shouldn't there be something more profound to truly say you "like" someone?
If Pyo Myeongho was here, he'd probably say, "Our Jei is too innocent, always working so hard," Gu Jei thought, relieved that Yeo Hanseo's feelings were only this deep. If his feelings were any stronger, it would have been overwhelming.
"Um... I'm also working on what I mentioned before," Yeo Hanseo added quietly, as if lost in thought. "Sorting out my feelings."
"It's almost done now, so you don't have to feel burdened," he continued.
Unaware that Yeo Hanseo was thinking, ‘Since the misunderstanding about my purpose is cleared up, I don't need to pretend to like him anymore.’
Gu Jei assumed Yeo Hanseo was saying this out of consideration for him, even though it went against his true feelings. With that thought, Yeo Hanseo's usually large, round eyes suddenly seemed moist, as if he was holding back tears.
Gu Jei moved his lips as if to speak, but settled for a simple "Is that so?" It seemed pointless to press someone who was still processing their emotions.
"Almost thirty minutes have passed. Shall we each give a compliment now?"
"......"
Gu Jei remained lost in thought for an extended moment. Unable to bear the silence any longer, Yeo Hanseo spoke first.
"Ahem, I'll go first. Thank you for having breakfast with me this morning. I was so glad you ate even a little, even though it wasn't to your taste. And I've always admired how tirelessly you work to save people."
"I was merely doing what needed to be done."
"Just accept the compliment. If you deny it, it'll just make things awkward."
"...Thank you."
Now it was Gu Jei's turn. Compliments, things to compliment. Gu Jei stared at Yeo Hanseo, lost in thought for a long moment. Just as Yeo Hanseo was starting to think, Is there really nothing to compliment me on? and growing increasingly annoyed, Gu Jei finally spoke.
"Yeo Hanseo-ssi..."
"Yes?"
"You talk a lot."
"......"
"......"
"Is that all?"
"Yes."
In the long silence that followed, Gu Jei quietly pondered.
This complimenting thing seems to be doing more harm than good for building rapport.
As expected, that day's guiding session ended without any progress.
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