Life is C between B and D [A Hyungwonho/2won Story] *Editing in progress*

Chapter 40: Imprint

When Wonho was still referred to as Hoseok and was first introduced to the hotel where he was about to work for as a security guard, one man, in particular, stood out from his new colleagues.

This man was the security management's chief supervisor.

His name was Nam Chuseok, 31 years old. 

Despite his relatively young age and the fact that his surname was always associated with the Korean holiday celebrating the harvest in autumn, he was a rather stoic and quiet character.

He was well respected by his peers, even the older ones didn't seem bothered to be under his ruling as all were showering him with approval and praises. Not only had he the aura of a true leader but he also had a history as a policeman and a soldier.

Nam Chuseok, during his days as an enlisted man serving his country, was dispatched all around the world, often getting involved in secret missions, sometimes in isolated places like deserts of ice or sand, other times in the middle of the ocean or in the depths of the mines. 

He had participated in countless rescue missions involving either humans' greed or the anger of Mother Nature.  Earthquakes, drug trafficking, wildfire, hostage rescue missions, tsunami, war.  

He had seen and experienced countless horrors in his life.

Even those who were not aware of his past would dare not belittling or provoking him. 

After all, his eyes were those of a warrior and a survivor.

Perhaps the reason why he chose to work as a security guard in a hotel instead of returning to his previous position as a policeman had to do with the many nightmares he would get as soon as he would fall asleep. 

That is if he could fall asleep.

Wonho/Hoseok, back then, didn't know much about the man, nor did he attempt to ask questions like most who were eager to inquire so they could quench the thirst of their curiosity regardless of them becoming indiscreet or even rude for the purpose of reaching their goal. 

He didn't dare cross the line and rather than trying to engage conversation with his superior, he remained at a safe and polite distance.

Perhaps it was because of his lack of attention that led Nam Chuseok to show favouritism for him. Although it wasn't anything flamboyant, it seemed like Chief Supervisor Nam would open up more in front of Hoseok than any other colleagues.

After all, both shared a similar expression; one of melancholia.

"When I was on a mission overseas, I once encountered a veteran of the Second World War. It was back in the days when I was still a rookie commander... when I knew very little about the realities of war. I was extremely depressed after having seen more than half of my division getting killed during an assault.  He then told me something that I would never forget..." Nam Chuseok once said to Hoseok as they were changing from their uniforms to their casual clothes after their shift was over. 

They were the only ones left in the room.

"You see, Hoseok-shi, when the old man told me these words, I found myself really stupid because what he told me, at that time, was in fact pretty simple...so simple that it made me ashamed of myself."

Although Hoseok didn't utter any sound, he was still attentively listening to the elder.

"Humans are said to present three kinds of reactions when they are confronted to fear...One is to face it, two is to freeze and three is to flee. Unfortunately, fear is not something that we can always avoid, but the best way to tackle it is to be prepared when you encounter it..."