Everything changed within a week. Yunho didn't have the time to travel to Gwangju to see his family and explain the situation to them, so he was forced to keep it at hasty telephone calls. Since he didn't know yet what his powers were and he didn't want to worry his mother, he simply explained he started a new job and was moving within Seoul.

Processes that usually took a long time, like changing his place of residency and ending the contract with his landlady, passed in a flash. As soon as he showed the document handed to him by the NEA, people made space with rushed whispers. It was a daunting experience. As if Yunho was no longer one of them. As if his status already relieved him of his humanity.

And then, a week later, his preparations were finished. An unknown number texted the new phone the centre sent him and told him to meet a driver downstairs. Yunho rushed into his new life and wasn't left with the opportunity to stop and ponder.

Despite his anxiety, he napped on the drive to the centre in Gangnam. He barely caught a wink of sleep during that week, haunted by nightmares about the rift and doubts about the future. When he woke once the car circled slowly around some narrow corners, he had so many questions, but he didn't dare voice them to the silent driver in his red uniform.

The building of Seoul's governmental centre was massive, like a school or a hospital. Modern technology and an extensive terrain sported well-groomed gardens and modernised the old structure in a western style. It reminded Yunho more of a castle than a public institution, especially when the driver stopped at a security gate and a double-winged cast-iron gate swung open for them to enter.

Inside was a marble fountain depicting a winged woman with a sword and an ancient scale, which they circled to a stop in front of an entrance supported by polished pillars. When Yunho met the driver's gaze through the mirror, he hastened to scramble out of the car.

He only packed his necessities in his big luggage, not bothering with furniture or dishes, since he should have everything right here.

Yunho couldn't get used to the thought. It felt wrong to be here, in front of this building where the elite of the country resided. He had seen countless espers on television, donning their luxury brand fashion and showing off expensive cars and flats. Be it the world of heroes or the world of the rich, Yunho didn't belong here.

He made his way inside, leaving the gardens to look at later. Quick to duck away as if the first person who spotted him would see through his masquerade and kick him back out.

Yunho wished he asked the driver about the etiquette here. No one explained to him where to go.

But he was in luck since the red carpets winding through the lofty lobby that reminded him of hotels in movies passed right by a receptionist. The woman donned a strict hairdo and a scarlet uniform, but her smile was kind when she spotted his awkwardly lingering figure. Instantly, he dragged his luggage over the stubborn carpet that caught on its broken wheel, bee-lining right for her.

"Hello," Yunho greeted her with a hesitant bow as he pulled up the information on his phone, stating he received an invitation from the NEA.

"I recently awakened and was told to come here for my training. My name is Jeong Yunho."

"Jeong Yunho," she hummed, tapping her keys. Then, a moment later, her face lit up. "That is correct; we expected you. Welcome to Auresce."

Yunho's shoulders drooped with relief. The worst was over.

She handed him a key from her desk together with his new ID as a member of Auresce and pointed towards the back of the lobby.

"You will find a lift over there that will take you to the second floor. Cross over into the glass block and then take another lift up to the dorms. I will inform your superiors you arrived so they can instruct you. If you lose your way, feel free to ask anyone wearing red."

Overwhelmed, Yunho just nodded. He would figure it out somehow.

"Your uniform awaits you in your room. I will notify your guide to meet you and show you the rest. You are at home now, Mister Jeong."

"T-Thank you," he stuttered, blushing at the sudden warmth. In Seoul, trying his luck to find a good job, he never felt this welcome. His parents would be so proud of him.

Yunho went on his adventure of exploration. He didn't dare steer off the path explained to him, but he peered around the sitting area and the decorations in the lobby. Art statues mingled with displays of articles and magazines of the centre's espers to commemorate their successes. Countless medals and other trophies loomed under the shining light.

The lift ducked between two potted plants behind a golden statue of a rift splitting through the air, reminding its audience what they were here for. A golden plate below read the motto of Auresce.

'Non timebo mala.' - 'I will fear no evil.'

Humbled by his grandiose surroundings, Yunho made it into the carpeted lift. He stared at his haunted features in the mirror while quiet music accompanied its dull whirr. Only the best technology and design would be allowed here. Only the best people.

Burdened by the pressure on his shoulders, Yunho peered around once he made it to his corridor. He wasn't ready yet to face another esper. Would never be on par with those heroes ready to sacrifice themselves for humanity. Hopefully, guides could provide confidence as well.

Gigantic glass windows allowed a view of the gardens. Yunho spotted a pool and outdoor training grounds. Areas to rest and an annex that sported a library behind more glass. A few people buzzed around, some clad in white, others in green or red.

Yunho nervously snuck past and bowed his head at everyone he passed, anxious to stand out. With his luggage and frantic eyes, he didn't fit in, but he prayed any newcomer looked this stiff.

He made it to the other lift and checked his key. 713.

On his way up to the seventh floor, he read through the NEA statement yet once more, but it offered no more information than the day prior or the one before. Perhaps he could pretend this was like a boarding school? He had no reason to die if his abilities were so useless.

After some more meandering through the corridors, ultimately found his room and excused himself when he made his way inside, expecting to share with a bunch of recruits.

But the room was empty. One bed and a cosy amount of space were all his. He had his own bathroom and desk, a wardrobe built into the wall. The floor was clean and the room bright, more luxurious than his prior home.

Baffled, Yunho shrugged off his jacket and shoved his luggage into a corner. He padded inside and found a small fridge under his desk and a white uniform on top of it.

The identification of an esper.

With a gulp, he traced his fingertips over the fabric. He didn't dare adorn himself with it before he knew more about himself and what his purpose would be. An incredible burden came with its prestige.

A knock on the door was right on time before he could wander outside and get lost or accidentally pick a fight by looking lost. Yunho ran a hand through his hair, hoping he didn't look too haggard. When he opened his door, his heart hammered in his chest anew, since he had no idea what to expect.

A girl beamed back at him. She wore green sports clothing and her hair dangled in a ponytail behind her. She only reached to Yunho's chest, but her eyes were bright. In Yunho's prior life, she would have been cute. The popular girl from a school sports club, perhaps, who everyone had a crush on.

"Yunho, right?" She asked, close enough in age to speak comfortably. He nodded shyly.

"Glad you found it. I'm Bora, your guide. Nice to meet you."

Yunho bowed politely, and she snickered at his wooden manners.

"How old are you?"

"I'm born in 1999," Yunho muttered, humbled since she was so confident and easy-going while he fumbled with his hands in his door.

"Oh, you sweet child. I'll take care of you," she grinned, and Yunho scratched his head. His awkward nod got him another grin.

"Want me to show you around? You will want to know where the cafeteria is before the sun sets, I promise. Or do you need guiding first? You look queasy from your trip." Sharp eyes calculated his every nervous tick, and Yunho only suffered more. Now he also had a person who kept an eye on him at all times.

"I honestly have no idea about any of this. Or how guiding works," he admitted humbly, though he bet she knew. If not through her instructions, then through his discomfort.

Bora giggled at him and usually, Yunho was easily infected by laughter and liked to have fun together. But his nerves were strung since that incident.

"Here, give me your hand," Bora ordered him and held out her palm. Hesitantly, Yunho complied. If she was his guide now, they would work together every day and be on the same level. His first friend, he supposed.

With nervous eyes, Yunho watched her smaller fingers slip over his. Her touch was warm, gentle. Nothing significant until it was.

A tingling feeling jumped from her skin over into his. Spread like the tickle of the sun to wash over him with warmth. A cooling drink on a scorching day, it eased his tension and unwound cramped muscles. Though he didn't sleep more, he felt rested, and his eyes widened with surprise at the immediate effect.

Bora pulled back and beamed up at him when Yunho turned his hand, stunned. No change was visible, but he definitely felt better.

"Wow," he muttered as she coyly tucked her hair behind her ear.

"It's nothing much. For higher ranking espers and guides, it's much more intense, but I will tell you more about it in due time."

When Yunho nodded mutely, she sent him a wink.

"And this is also your confirmation you are an esper, since I can see your qualms on the tip of your nose. It doesn't work on regular people."

Though Yunho had to chuckle at her cheekiness, his heart also sank.

So it was true.

"I know nothing about my powers," he confessed, but other than the commander, Bora seemed to understand. They all started somewhere, confused and disoriented. Her nod was reassuring.

"You can learn. Let's get some food and I will catch you up, alright? You will have a medical exam tomorrow where you learn about yourself, and then your training will start separately from our meetings. We will see each other a lot, though."

Yunho slipped into his shoes and locked his room. Bora's ponytail swung behind her when she hopped ahead full of energy.

She made it easier to forget where Yunho was. This fear and pressure. With a smile, he followed.

"You will be on missions with me, right?"

"Absolutely," Bora grinned as she hopped down the stairs, much too energetic to take a lame lift. Glad for the movement, Yunho jogged along. His training had already started.

She stopped on a platform so he could catch up.

"Oh, and when we get there, don't worry too much about everyone else. You are the new guy, but they will warm up. There are some nice people in here," she told him, and Yunho was worried anew.

"Anyone to watch out for?"

Bora's grin was cheeky.

"Most espers are glorified assholes. It's your turn to show me not everyone has to be like that, otherwise I will kick your ass. Remember, your sanity relies on me," she chirped, before she skipped ahead once more.

With a surprised stutter, Yunho hurried along.

He liked her, and he appreciated the warning. He didn't plan to become some arrogant douche who got a few too many praises for some powers which were dealt out at random.

They made their way downstairs while Bora revealed to him her room was down two stories from his and that Yunho was always welcome to visit her if he needed help. By the time they made it down to the ground floor, they exchanged numbers and Yunho melted into more frequent smiles.

He found his first friend.