Warmth

one shot.

Everyone knew Kim Rok Soo as an unapproachable person. His emotionless eyes and stoic expression easily intimidated those around him. Coupled with his high position and extraordinary achievements, he commanded both awe and admiration. Some harbored feelings of envy and hatred, while others feared him. And, of course, there were always those who secretly had a crush on him.

Since the tragedy that claimed his previous team, Kim Rok Soo had risen to become the leader of Team 1, singlehandedly restoring its shattered reputation. Under his tireless leadership, the team transformed into the best in the field, boasting an impeccable record of zero fatalities and only minor injuries that required a few days of rest. Because of this, no one dared to approach him.

Well, almost no one.

“Team Leader!”

Kim Rok Soo glanced toward the source of the cheerful voice, his expression quickly turning helpless. A familiar figure was running toward him, completely oblivious to the curious stares of their colleagues.

This shameless punk. How did I end up in this situation again? And why does he keep clinging to me like this?

The approaching figure was Lucius August Heyveir-Zhacier, a representative from a foreign country. Occasionally, nations exchanged information about monsters they had yet to encounter as part of ongoing international cooperation. From the moment their eyes first met, Lucius had been relentless. He showed an immediate interest in Kim Rok Soo, clinging to his side at every opportunity. He even went so far as to offer himself as Kim Rok Soo’s personal assistant, ignoring the desperate pleas of his countrymen to return to Russia.

The irony wasn’t lost on him. While Kim Rok Soo was South Korea’s most valuable asset, Lucius was considered a national treasure in Russia as well. And yet, here he was, throwing himself into Kim Rok Soo’s orbit like a determined star.

“Team Leader, how are you today? Did you miss me?” Lucius beamed as he reached Kim Rok Soo, wrapping his arms around his torso. “Have you had lunch yet? If not, we should eat together! I wouldn’t mind eating again just for you.”

His endless stream of questions came with that same bright smile, arms still wrapped around Kim Rok Soo as if he belonged there. The crowning moment came when Lucius leaned up and planted a quick kiss on Kim Rok Soo’s cheek.

The onlookers nearly fainted.

Kim Rok Soo could only sigh in defeat, barely reacting to the display. Lucius stood there, looking as dazzling as ever with his white hair, heterochromatic purple-silver eyes, and that sweet, seemingly permanent smile. Kim Rok Soo often wondered if Lucius’ jaw ever hurt from smiling so much. It was the brightest smile he’d ever seen, and it was directed at him without fail every time they met.

Lucius was shorter than Kim Rok Soo by a bit, his slender frame giving him a delicate, almost feminine appearance. His simple outfit—a loose, short-sleeve polo tucked into white trousers, topped with a cream knitted vest—made him appear effortlessly elegant. He wore white shoes, small accessories, and a piercing in his left ear. His hairstyle, with bangs that covered half of his forehead and eyebrows, almost brushed his eyes.

But for all his soft looks, Lucius was far from weak. His specialty was swordsmanship, and his ability to control blood was nothing short of monstrous. He could heal a person or manipulate their body with frightening precision, even making them explode from within using their own blood.

Looking at the shamelessly attached figure, Kim Rok Soo sighed again. He wondered how someone so bright and charming could possess such terrifying power—and why, of all people, Lucius had decided to cling to him.