The X Guide

In the end, the two had to exchange glances again and laughed at each other before they finally explained to Ayen what it was about.

It was safe to say his expression might have been so funny that the two espers laughed once more. Sometimes, Ayen did not know if the two were making something up or if it was truly a thing.

"That’s... strange."

Ayen had only recently indulged in sexual pleasures, but he admitted he had yet to truly scratch the surface of it. After all, he had yet to even experience penetrative sex.

And now, there was this thing.

Ayen stared at Devion, who suggested it first. Did he truly want Ayen to slap him, and would it be pleasurable?

If only Ayen knew the deeper implications of this simple slap, he might become overwhelmed from too much sexual information in a single day.

The two spared him or enjoyed the innocence for now.

While the conversation had veered off, it changed the atmosphere around them. Ayen was not thinking about depressing thoughts any longer.

The three did not have to try new things yet because of the situation. Especially as the news arrived from the government camp.

Keeran finally woke up.

Khal was left behind as Devion and Ayen went to the government camp. Only Ayen entered the room, and Devion stood outside.

Ayen met Keeran’s eyes as soon as he went inside. She was also alone, but it was obvious she had company before Ayen arrived, and she had just eaten.

Keeran’s eyes widened when she finally realized who had arrived to see her.

"Ayen?" Her surprise tone could not be mistaken. "How did you get here?" she asked but suddenly realized something. "No, someone’s looking for you here! You can’t be here."

Keeran’s face became pale when she remembered what happened.

Ayen approached the bed, and Keeran reached out to hold his hand.

"Ayen, go ask them to escort you out immediately." The sense of urgency was written on her face.

When Ayen did not say anything, she frowned. She must have realized why Ayen was here in the first place.

"Did you... come here for me?" Keeran hesitantly asked, her hand becoming cold.

Ayen nodded.

Keeran bit her lips. "Why... wait, how did you know?" She narrowed her eyes and looked at Ayen seriously.

She finally had the chance to observe Ayen. It had been only three months since they last saw each other, but Keeran noticed some changes.

Ayen was still silent, but probably his overall vibe? He appeared to have more color on his face and not as pale. His indifference remained, but there was something that Keeran knew was not there.

Right. The concern in his eyes. Ayen was expressing his emotions more clearly.

Keeran fell silent, observing Ayen, taking in all the changes in her friend.

"You suffered." Ayen did not pull his hand away and held Keeran’s hand.

Keeran was surprised and glanced at their hands. Although Keeran often becomes clingy to Ayen, most of the time, the other would immediately pull away. While the other times, Ayen could not be bothered.

"Uh." Keeran stared at their hands; she swallowed the burst of emotions inside her. She lifted her gaze again and shook her head. "None of this is your fault."

Without Ayen saying anything, Keeran had sensed the guilt. Keeran did not blame Ayen at all. Even when she was being interrogated harshly, she remained tight-lipped and only worried that something could go wrong.

Esper abilities were strange; while those with abilities affecting the mind were rare, that did not mean they did not exist. Keeran could only shut her mind most of the time and be consumed by pain rather than talk about Ayen.

She smiled, the corner of her eye moistened. Keeran could not smile that wide because of the wounds on her mouth, but she managed to convey her happy emotions.

"I can’t believe you’re here. Ayen, I’m so glad to see you again." She was used to Ayen not talking, so she immediately added, just like old times. "I actually received your letter. Throughout, I’m worried that you’ll think I ignored your letter."

"I was supposed to call you, but then it happened and..." Keeran hissed; she touched the corner of her lips. She was talking so fast, and it made her lips sting.

Ayen stared at her. The Keeran he knew. Seeing her fine, the guilt faded slightly, and he became more relieved.

"You can talk slowly," Ayen finally managed to chime in. "I’m not going anywhere."

Keeran blinked at him. Her eyes smiled.

"You look happy."

Rather than pointing out the change in Ayen’s demeanor, Keeran noticed this side more.

"Am I?" Ayen did not deny it, but neither confirmed it.

Keeran nodded. Finally felt relieved that Ayen was not here under coercion of her abductors.

"Uh-huh, you really did." Keeran smiled; the corner of her lips stung, but the smile did not look stiff. "I wonder why?" There was a teasing tone in her tone.

Ayen’s gaze became softer. Keeran noticed it, making her more curious.

Ayen did not know how to explain it to her, but she would find it out sooner. He had no intention of hiding this from her.

"I asked your opinion to be transferred to the red zone," Ayen started. Keeran nodded.

"I forgot to say. I agree. I’ll come with you to the red zone."

Ayen stared at her. "It’s good you agreed. But even if you’re not, I’ll take you from here."

Keeran chuckled at the tone. She was more than familiar with this Ayen and even missed it. While the seemingly soft Ayen was welcome, she still liked the indifferent Ayen.

She did not say anything, a signal for Ayen to continue.

"The world is in chaos, and I want you to be safe. The red zone might not be safe for normal people, but it’s not the same there."

Keeran was curious but suppressed her questions. This time, their roles were reversed. Ayen was the talker, and Keeran was the listener.

Ayen held Keeran’s hand in both of his.

"You said I look happy. Maybe, I really am." Ayen could not just describe it as simply being happy. "I’m trying to open up more and express myself. They helped me a lot."

"They?" Keeran finally could not stop herself.

Ayen did not mind.

"Yes. they. My espers."

Keeran was about to nod but paused; she looked incredulously at Ayen.

"Your espers?"