TGIC Ch 82

Chapter 82

To think I’d end up branded as Vasily’s lover of all things. For those who knew Vasily’s true nature—espers or Association executives alike—their favorability toward me wouldn’t just plummet to negative numbers; it would pierce straight through into the abyss.

From their perspective, I was a ticking time bomb—someone they shouldn’t even think about touching, let alone approaching. Vasily’s lover, of all things… I could only sigh, wondering just how insane I must look in their eyes.

The faces of the espers who had treated me like a comrade during the previous gate raid came to mind.

The esper community was small. They’d see this article too, realize I was a guide, and inevitably come to believe the ridiculous rumor that I was Vasily’s lover.

I had to change Vasily’s mind somehow.

Anything from threats to coaxing—I mentally ran through every possible tactic when Vasily suddenly spoke up again.

“Think about that later. For now, do the guiding.”

“I’m not in the mood to guide right now.”

“You promised after the meeting, didn’t you? You’re not going to keep your word?”

“W–wait…!”

Vasily’s large frame crashed over me like a tidal wave.

Suddenly buried under his massive body, I staggered, thrown off balance. Forced to bear his weight as he pressed against me, I stumbled backward and tripped over something, falling hard.

“Ugh!”

Thankfully, I landed on something soft—a sofa, by the feel of it. Relieved my head hadn’t cracked open, I shoved at Vasily’s shoulders.

“You’re heavy—get off me…!”

“Just let me rest like this for a bit. I feel even more tired after that meeting.”

His solid, heavy body crushed down on me, making it hard to breathe. But Vasily ignored me and draped himself fully over me, pulling me into his arms.

“Mmff…!”

My face mashed into his chest, I flailed until I managed to wrench my head free and gasp for air. As his body relaxed, as though he were already drifting to sleep, I hurried to speak.

“Are you seriously going to sleep like this? If that’s the case, at least move to the bed.”

When I mentioned the bed by the window, I felt his gaze flick toward it briefly.

“The sunlight hits too strong over there.”

“It’s cloudy today; it should be fine.”

“It could clear up suddenly.”

His curt refusal left no room for argument. So he really planned to cram himself onto this tiny sofa with me.

Barely any space separated us; one small shift and we’d tumble to the floor. With no choice, I pressed closer against him. A chill brushed my nape—at first I thought it was the air conditioner, but no; it was Vasily’s breath.

Why did I have to remember that dream now of all times?

I subtly tried to slide my lower body away, but Vasily noticed immediately and shifted, closing the gap again until his lower half pressed against mine.

“…!”

A firm weight settled against my thigh, and I froze in shock.

The realization of what it was hit me instantly. I held my breath and went rigid, terrified that any movement might stimulate the heavy pressure pressed there.

Oblivious to my desperate stillness, Vasily seemed to take my quiet as compliance and promptly fell asleep.

“…Haa.”

Realizing he was asleep, I gave up trying to escape. I let my body relax, lying there motionless.

My only worry now was if someone suddenly barged into the private office—this scene would do nothing but confirm the dating rumor.

A suggestive dream, then this rumor… It was becoming painfully clear I needed to keep my distance from Vasily. But was that even possible, living together and stuck at each other’s side every day?

“My whole body aches…”

An hour later, I finally managed to slip free from Vasily’s arms.

Even just an hour of contact had left me with a dull headache. Fetching some pills from the private office drawer, I swallowed a large soft capsule with water and sat on the opposite sofa, watching Vasily sleep.

He remained fast asleep, eyes shut, utterly still, breathing so quietly he could have been dead.

With his eyes closed, he looked like an angel.

A striking face, long legs, a well-built frame obvious even under his suit—no wonder the public’s eyes were constantly drawn to him. Vasily’s looks outshone most actors or idols with ease.

It was nearing lunchtime, but he slept so deeply it felt cruel to wake him. Leaving him behind, I quietly exited the private office.

“Guess I’ll try the cafeteria for once.”

Whenever I was with Vasily, we always ate outside. Being alone today gave me the perfect chance to use the Association cafeteria.

Finally—real Korean food.

After nothing but Western restaurants for so long, the thought of having Korean cuisine again made my mouth water. The Association cafeteria was renowned for its high quality—meals comparable to fine traditional restaurants for just a few thousand won.

Which was why it was always packed during lunchtime. Quickening my pace, I checked the time. Because it had taken so long to escape Vasily’s arms, I’d missed the peak rush hour—perfect; I could eat in peace.

As I passed through the hallway, a clamor reached my ears.

Sounded like it was coming from the lobby.

Happening to cross the second-floor corridor that overlooked the lobby, I glanced down—and froze.

The entrance teemed with reporters wielding cameras and microphones.

“Is it true that Esper Vasily is in a relationship?”

“Where is Esper Vasily right now?”

Association staff were barely holding them back from storming inside. Judging from the reporters’ faces, they wouldn’t leave without an official statement from the Association president himself.

The Esper Association allowed outsiders access only up to the first floor. At least the reporters wouldn’t reach Vasily’s private office…

Watching the chaotic lobby, I seriously debated whether to fetch Vasily. If he saw this scene, maybe he’d finally agree to have the article taken down.

But if I woke him to show him this, the story would shift from dating rumors to Vasily committing civilian massacre. No point testing an obvious outcome.

I slipped past the scene and made it to the cafeteria, finally savoring Korean food. But the memory of what I’d seen kept clouding my mind; the taste barely registered. In fact, I felt queasy and soon put my spoon down, leaving early.

Even on my way back to Vasily’s private office, the voices of reporters shouting his name echoed from the lobby below.

My daily routine always ended with the nine o’clock news.

Before my regression, I’d never been the type to watch news broadcasts. I rarely got home before midnight, and with grueling training scheduled at dawn, there’d been no time for it anyway.

But after returning to the past, I watched religiously. Staying updated on current events helped jog memories of incidents I might have overlooked before.

Tonight was no exception—I sat on the sofa well before the broadcast. But I couldn’t bring myself to turn on the TV, fidgeting with the remote for what felt like ages.

Finally, I shot to my feet.

“I can’t watch this sober.”

Heading into the kitchen, I opened the cupboard to find rows of high-proof whiskey bottles lined neatly inside.

I grabbed the one at the very front and poured myself a full glass.

Drinking this much would probably destroy my liver, but trusting my sturdy body, I downed it in one gulp. Fire seared my throat, heat blooming in my chest.

As the alcohol rushed through me, I sank back onto the couch just as the nine o’clock news intro music began. I stared blankly at the screen, resigned to my fate.

The reason for my tension was simple: right before I left work, an Association staffer had warned me that Vasily’s dating rumor would be broadcast on tonight’s news.

I’d suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed had sent my mental state spiraling.

Sure enough, as I watched with a heavy expression, the segment about Vasily and me aired.

[Today, speculation about Esper Vasily’s romantic involvement has gone viral. The Esper Association has stated that, as this concerns personal privacy, they cannot provide an official comment. Additionally—]

I clicked my tongue at their response. Claiming it’s “personal” might as well be admitting it outright.

Switching channels, I confirmed that all three major broadcasting stations were covering Vasily’s dating rumor in bold headlines.

So now the entire nation knew.

“You were already watching? I was about to tell you it started.”

Still staring bitterly at the screen, I heard the door open and Vasily step out.