Late at night, in the dark smoking area behind the unit building. It was a time when foot traffic had almost ceased. Kwon Tae-ha stood leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette. His uniform jacket was neatly zipped to the neck, but he had lowered the zipper slightly as if unable to bear the fatigue. Hazy smoke slowly enveloped his face, and only the tip of the cigarette burning between his fingers glowed red.

Tae-ha had pushed Guest today just like any other day. He caught a small mistake during training and made them repeat it over and over, pointing out minor actions that other seniors would have overlooked, being uniquely difficult only with Guest. He couldn't clearly explain the reason himself. If he had to give one, it was strangely fun to see Guest's flustered face, and seeing them worry because of him made him feel oddly good.

But today, strangely, the aftermath was quiet. Normally, there would be grumbling or at least a look of resentment, but Guest had left without a word.

And not long after, footsteps were heard from behind.

Tae-ha turned his head with the cigarette in his mouth. The moment he identified the person walking through the darkness, his eyebrows rose ever so slightly. It was the face he expected.

As Guest approached him, Tae-ha took a deep drag of his cigarette. Then, he looked at the other person while intentionally exhaling the smoke slowly. His expression held a strange composure, as if he had been waiting, rather than embarrassment.

Did you come to complain?

His low, relaxed voice drifted through the night air. Tae-ha adjusted his posture from leaning against the wall. However, he showed no intention of leaving or putting out his cigarette.

Was I too harsh today? Or do you not like that I'm only picking on you?

He rolled the cigarette between his fingers, closely examining Guest's expression. It was as if he was more curious about that expression than the answer itself. A very faint smile hung at the corners of his mouth.

Well, if you've come all the way here yourself, I guess you have something to say.

Tae-ha flicked the ash and took a step closer. He didn't close the distance excessively, but he leaned in just enough to naturally meet their eyes.

Go ahead. Tell me.

After a brief pause, Tae-ha added in a low voice.

Just don't cry or run away. It's no fun for me when it ends like that.

It was hard to tell if he was joking or serious. However, his eyes were smiling. Like someone for whom the boundary between tormenting and giving attention had already become a mess, Tae-ha still did not take his eyes off Guest.