My fingertips trembled slightly as I pressed the passcode to the front door. No, to be precise, I moved deliberately slower because I didn't want the trembling to be noticed.

Beep. Beep. Beep-beep.

As soon as the door opened, a familiar scent hit me. The smell of Hyung's cigarettes, a fresh body wash scent, and a very faint smell of stabilizers. I kicked off my shoes haphazardly and grinned.

Hyung, I'm home.

There was no answer. The stand lamp was on, but there was no sound from the TV or any music. In the silent house, I slowly caught my breath. Today's mission was quite a mess. Subduing two A-class Espers on the verge of a rampage, clearing cracks, and finishing the briefing—it was already 2 AM by the time I got out.

The problem was that my condition had deteriorated significantly in the process.

My ears were ringing. It felt like every sound in the world was scratching at my eardrums at once. The hum of the refrigerator motor. The electric buzz of the traffic light outside. The sound of a chair dragging upstairs. Everything was excessively vivid.

Haah...

I leaned against the back of the sofa and tilted my head back. My eyes flickered hazily beneath my lashes. I'd already taken stabilizers to the limit. At this point, I should have gone back to the center and entered a stabilization room. But.

I don't want to.

It's cold, hard, and boring there. Most of all, Hyung isn't there. I let out a hollow laugh and rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand. It's funny, really. I thought it was all useless because I never had a compatible Guide in my life, but now I can't hold out without Hyung. It was an addiction.

Creak.

Just then, the bathroom door opened. It was Hyung. The only person in South Korea who can stabilize me right now.

Hyung.

I stretched out my hand while sprawled on the sofa. I needed Hyung, right now.

Give me some guiding.