“Hey, are you alright?”
I had been sitting there blankly and only just realized Yang Ha-na had sat next to me, her figure coming into my view.
Her cautious voice matched her careful demeanor.
Her eyes were filled with worry, indirectly telling me just how disheveled I must look right now.
Indeed, that was the case.
Hearing that Sosik hadn’t returned yet made my appetite completely disappear.
To be honest, I was a bit startled myself.
I couldn’t understand why the guy who always just slept or watched TV would have such a strong impact on me. Was it that saying there’s no pain without asking is truly meant for situations like this?
The thought that the one I expected to return safely first had vanished made me even more uneasy.
Since hearing the news of Sosik’s disappearance, I had been ruminating over the last time I saw him.
I distinctly remember seeing him right before he left for Japan after ramming the octopus head into the train. I even confirmed that he was still moving—so he definitely didn’t turn into Flat Jelly Noodles back then.
Then, was it possible that before the Han Seori Foundation managed to retrieve Sosik, he had been captured by nefarious individuals?
…I don’t know.
I didn’t think the hostile types would be able to overpower him. Sosik may be lazy, but he’s no fool or powerless. This time around, I’d assured myself of that fact—though begrudgingly, I might add.
So then, why hasn’t he returned home yet if he’s neither run away nor captured by enemies?
Surely, he hasn’t… run away, has he?
No, that’s impossible. He’s the kind of guy who’d rather endure my nagging than leave home. And let’s be honest—I haven’t really pushed him too hard. Sure, I sometimes change the TV channels to my liking, but that’s not torment; it’s exercising my proper right.
Then, why hasn’t he come back yet?
Considering neither running away nor falling into the hands of enemies, maybe he’s still trapped underwater somehow?
…It’s possible.
Only just now after coming back in a daze did this possibility strike me. During this time, Yang Ha-na seemed to feel sorry for me as she hugged me tight and whispered in my ear.
“He’ll be fine, for sure.”
She was trying to console me.
It felt strange to be consoled by a younger woman, but since nothing about it appeared out of the ordinary on the surface, I decided to let it pass… besides, the warmth of her embrace was rather comforting.
Remember how much I had missed warmth while living in the cave? Enough to make me yearn for Kim Cheon-soo who used to be inside me.
Whatever.
To inform Han Seori about this newly realized possibility, I headed to the control room together with Electric Scent (Gihu). Yang Ha-na, who hastily chased after us, and Daesik, whose body trembled uneasily, came along too.
Jung-sik must have also sensed something unusual, judging by his recent low spirit, though we’ve known each other for less than a few years, yet our bond feels quite deep…
…Me too, actually.
Upon arriving at the control room, we saw Han Seori and her team in apparent distress.
It was tough to ask them to help search for Sosik in such a situation, but since they had already asked us to share anything that comes to mind, I didn’t feel too guilty.
…And why should I be blamed anyway?
It’s because of the outsiders gathering outside, isn’t it?
Upon closer thought, why exactly are so many people gathered here? I vaguely recall hearing that some people arrived suddenly but don’t remember why. Now, though, my main concern was news about Sosik.
“Ah, what brings you here so suddenly… Oh, did something come to mind?”
The sharp Han Seori instantly seemed to understand the reason I’d brought Gihu with me to the control room.
Judging from the brief confused expression followed by a troubled look, it was clear she got it. While it felt regrettable to add more work when she’s already busy, Sosik matters more to me than those outsiders right now.
“I shall speak─”
Gihu relayed the fresh idea I’d just come up with to Han Seori, who then said in a voice that seemed both relieved and regretful at the same time.
“They already checked underwater from their side and found nothing… It seems something else must have happened.”
W, what?
Hearing this shocking piece of news made me instinctively tense my Jelly.
…I only just now realized what they had already investigated. How embarrassing that I confidently walked in here proposing the same thing…
If I had a face, it would probably be burning right now.
I’m so embarrassed I want to hide.
Still, at least the mystery has been unraveled somewhat… cheers…
While I was shaking Jelly out of embarrassment, Han Seori, observing quietly, spoke with a low tone.
“…It seems you’ve also noticed something amiss. We can’t let it continue like this.”
“Um…?”
Han Seori then declared with a solemn face.
“I suppose I’ll have to go there myself and take a look. Although I don’t have much authority to interfere, if something’s being hidden, it will inevitably show signs. As they say, criminals tend to return to the scene of the crime…”
“When you say you personally, Doctor Han…?”
Hearing her, Hwang Bo-yul, who was nearby working, expressed unease. Kim Cheon-soo seemed to agree with the sentiment as he shook his head and replied.
“…If what you’re considering has happened, they would probably be more focused on hiding it. Perhaps someone like myself, who can relax their guard, would be better suited for the task.”
“Didn’t you just take a long rest, Doctor Cheon-soo…?”
“Is this supposed to be a rest?”
“…Um…”
…What are you two doing?
Their absurd little skit was amusing, but I personally agreed with Han Seori’s statement.
Criminals do tend to return to the scene of the crime. While the situation might not fit this saying exactly, I do agree that someone needs to go down there and take a look.
It’s just that I shouldn’t be part of it for now.
Perhaps I’m too far removed to feel it, but who knows? There’s always a chance that I’ll suddenly connect through Jelly Suckers and be able to pinpoint his location.
Through Gihu, I conveyed my intent to join personally, and Han Seori’s expression brightened.
“Of course, it’s better if I go, isn’t it, Lime?”
“Hey, stop dragging Lime into this. Let’s stay grounded—don’t you agree, the lab still needs you, Doctor?”
“Bu, but…”
With pleading eyes, Han Seori looked to Kim Cheon-soo, whose star-like gaze betrayed his struggle. After gnawing on his lips to regain composure, Kim Cheon-soo gently recited the facts.
“…I understand you’re tired. Honestly, I felt close to death when I returned too. However… we all have our roles to play, don’t we? Among us, Doctor Han is clearly best suited for overseeing and supervising from above, not running around on the scene.”
“Ah… All your words ring true, leaving me speechless. Though Cheon-soo, you’ve changed a lot since you returned from underwater… hmm, perhaps the real Cheon-soo is still underwater─ Hah, it was a joke?”
Han Seori, after making a dry cough and surreptitiously checking Kim Cheon-soo’s expression, seemed to be contemplating seriously and called out to Lee Yoo-jin. She then inquired after her health.
“How are you feeling in your body?”
“As you can see, I’m doing just fine.”
From her side, Lee Yoo-jin, who had been busy working on something, spun her arms around energetically as a response. From not seeing her in a while, she did look better nourished and well-rested. Could it be that the middle-school sophomore group had deprived her of proper sustenance? If Sosik’s disappearance is their fault…
Well, I wouldn’t forgive them.
“Is that so?”
“…Unlikely.”
“Lee Yoo-jin.”
“Hi, what?!”
“…Are you ready?”
Han Seori, with an expression heavy with unease, massaged her forehead as she looked at the seemingly naive Yang Ha-na. Meanwhile, Kim Cheon-soo, who had been volunteering to go himself, groaned aloud, “Krak!” clearly still hindered by his injury.
“You can barely move with that condition. How would you even get there when you only just barely managed to get back?”
“…Grrr.”
Then what exactly am I doing right now? His expression implied, but Han Seori ignored his gaze—seemingly acknowledging that such an attitude is why she’s given the title ‘Doctor.’
No matter how you look at it, the situation points to one conclusion.
First, we need to visit the place where Sosik hasn’t returned. Although they already looked underwater once, I can’t fully trust that result. So, sending out a team seems to be the plan.
Then it’s a matter of who goes.
Of course, I’m going.
Without me, finding Sosik underwater would be a monumental challenge.
Separate from any claims of my competence, it was something I personally wanted too. After all, I’ve been feeling guilty for involving him in the octopus chase back then. This is the perfect chance to make amends, wouldn’t you say?
And the ones to go with me will be…
Surprisingly, Lee Yoo-jin and Yang Ha-na.
As both Kim Cheon-soo and Han Seori were eager to go with me but ultimately ruled themselves out, only the two of them remained through elimination. Hwang Bo-yul is obviously far too busy to be spared.
…This combination…
Is it really okay?
Personally, I trust them, but from Han Seori’s standpoint, Lee Yoo-jin, who’s barely “reformed,” and Yang Ha-na, an innocent newcomer who started working here overnight?
The selection…
Is this truly the best choice we can make? Should we reconsider? But our house lacks available people…
And we can’t rely on anyone from outside.
Not long afterward, we did indeed depart with the exact team I had imagined. Even as we boarded Gihu’s Steel Snake Pod, I still couldn’t quite believe it fully.
…Is this team really alright?
“Wow, w, we’re really going out there, outside! It’s been such a long time.”
“…Huh… Huh… Huh.”
Is this really the best option?
With a mixture of anxiety, we left home in search of the missing Sosik, hoping our departure itself wasn’t akin to a runaway act.
