3 ~ Some Chemistry Going On

Minseok leaned closer to me to whisper, "Don't worry, I know you're not gay. I can smell it on you."

"Please shut up! And stop looking at me with those creepy eyes of yours! It's freaking me out! Stop staring at me!"

"Well, well. Are you getting angry now?" He teased.

"Get away from me!"

I tried to shove him, but he grabbed me, keeping me still.

The room was too small for both of us, and I struggled against his hold. But for some reason his touch made my skin tingle, and I couldn't bring myself to push him away.

"Stop touching me!"

"Why are you getting so upset? We haven't done anything yet, right? Maybe you should calm down and listen to what I have to say..."

He pulled my body closer, trapping me between his arms, and he looked at me with those gorgeous, blue eyes... and his lips curled up into a devilish smirk.

"I'm telling you I am NOT interested in doing anything with you!"

"Not interested? That's a shame. I thought we had some chemistry going on here."

He was enjoying this.

"I don't want a Guide, okay?!"

"But you need one, right? You want someone who understands you and who will never judge you. Someone who won't back off no matter how much you struggle. Someone who knows exactly what you need."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. You think I need a Guide because I'm defective or something." I retorted.

"No, I don't. I wouldn't say that about you—not ever. I think you're perfect just the way you are. I admire your strength for going all those years without a Guide. I respect that you choose to live freely, free from the shackles of society's expectations. I see a lot of potential in you, Seojin, which is why I believe you deserve a Guide. I want to show you just how wonderful it can be when two people form a true bond."

"You've got it all wrong, you idiot! I didn't go through all that shit to be bound by anyone! I hate Guides, and I hate the whole system of being forced to bond with one! I don't need a fucking Guide!"

"Aww, but I think you'd be great with one," he said with a soft smile. "I mean, look at the way you fight! You could take over the world if only you had a little guidance. If you ever let yourself try—"

"If I ever let myself try? How do you know? What makes you so sure I'll fail?! In fact, I'm not sure I would even want to try!" I shouted, full of rage.

"Because I know you're strong enough. You're strong enough to make the world bow before you."

"Where did you hear such nonsense?" I scoffed.

"Last I checked, you were still trying to convince me to sleep with you, and now you're calling me strong? Don't tell me you're delusional, too!"

"I'm not delusional. Do you think I would force myself onto a man?" His voice was soft, filled with concern. "And you think I'm desperate for sex? You forget there are other ways to guide an Esper besides sex."

At this point, he was just standing in front of me. The door behind us was closed, preventing anyone else from hearing our conversation. And while my mind raced with thoughts of what the hell he meant by that, I realized something else.

My chest was tingling, like it had been moments ago. That same sensation that had taken over my body during the match with Minseok was creeping up on me again.

My heart skipped a beat.

His lips quirked upwards, giving him a devilish edge. A fire ignited in my stomach, almost making me weak to the knees.

He reached out slowly, gently, drawing closer to me... until finally, he touched my face.

I couldn't move. My body felt heavy. My mind went blank. All I could do was stare at him.

I was powerless.

"It's okay," he whispered. "Just relax. Let me guide you; ease the pain away..."

"No," I choked out. "Don't touch me. Get away. Stop trying to seduce me with your words."

"I'm not trying to seduce you; I'm trying to help you."

"Then stop touching me!"

"You know, I haven't had a chance to really talk to you, have I?" he asked, sounding amused. "I feel like we can get along pretty well. So why don't you let me show you what I mean by you reaching your full potential?"

"Why won't you just leave me alone?!" I screamed.

"I'm not going to force you. If you want me to go, I will. But I would appreciate it if you tried to understand where I'm coming from."

"I'm not interested in understanding you! Just leave me alone!"

He let out a small sigh, but then nodded as though he'd given up. He turned around and opened the door behind him, walking outside without another word.

The second he disappeared through the door, I slumped against the wall and slid down to the floor, feeling like everything inside me had gone numb.

It took me several minutes to process what happened. It was probably because I'd never experienced something like this before. Anger, ecstasy, shame, embarrassment, humiliation... All those emotions were swirling around inside me, and I didn't know which to focus on.

But eventually, I got myself back together and stood up.

I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my cool much longer. What would happen if people saw me? Would I embarrass both myself and the organization? I didn't want to think about it.

I wiped my face and looked around the office. I knew for a fact that Dr. Yoon wasn't here right now, so I didn't have to worry about her seeing me like this.

I made my way over to the desk, sitting in the same chair where Minseok sat. I rested my head on the desktop and closed my eyes.

After several long moments, I heard footsteps approach the room, but when I looked up, I didn't see anyone. The door remained shut. I let out a defeated sigh.

And yet, despite how stupidly angry I was, I still wanted him to come back. I didn't want to admit it, but I did. A part of me desperately hoped he'd return and try to talk some sense into me.

"You're hopeless, aren't you?" I mumbled to no one in particular.