The reason Hyunwoo has confirmed Seojun's time off was for no one but him.
The science behind phenomenons are less understood than abilities themselves, let alone the users who possess them. But one consistent finding in all of history is the fatigue followed by overusing one's ability. Even after decades, researchers are still unclear as to why exactly overuse takes a toll on a person's body but they have found it to be a lot like exercising; if you start a high intensity workout after not being active for a long time, or not used to the extremes, there's a big chance you'll be sore the next morning and have muscle pain. The same logic can be applied to abilities. Users who first gain their powers suffer small hints of pain throughout their body, and very rarely are the pains visible such as being in the form of a bruise. But when it comes to overexerting their powers, the risk of developing visible injuries are a lot higher and in some circumstances, users may even suffer damage to their mentality. However, through continuous and repeated practise, these side effects can lessen.
Outer control is known to break usual restrictions and used as a practise to strengthen ability users but that also means a greater demand. For Seojun who hadn't regularly used psychometry due to lack of need for it in his everyday life, just having triggered outer control the day before would've shocked his body to the point beyond imagination, so adding some physical exercise on top of that the same night meant he was practically knocked out the next day.
The front door to the apartment unlocked as Seojun finally woke up. He screamed in pain as an aching in his back overtook his entire body, "ah! Fuck..."
"You alright there?" Hyunwoo asked, leaning against the open bedroom door as he stared as him.
He looked up with an annoyed face, "what do you think?"
Hyunwoo chuckled, "stay here for the day. We'll stop by headquarters tomorrow morning and get you some medicine before I drop you home. Haneul said you have a few days off."
"No it's fine I can go home."
"Stay here."
With a quick back and forth, Seojun eventually gave in and agreed after realising he probably couldn't even make it to the front door.
"Help me up please..."
Like they agreed, Seojun spent the next few hours at Hyunwoo's apartment. First being spoon fed porridge, despite protesting it wasn't necessary, then clung onto like a mother koala. Once the sun started to set, he tried to convince Hyunwoo he was fine to go home but was proven evidently wrong when he stood up and immediately fell back onto the couch. Although he laughed when it happened, Hyunwoo was really worried he would hurt himself. He settled Seojun back onto the couch and placed a pillow behind his back for support then left to run a bath for him. Shortly after, he came out and helped Seojun into the bathroom, leaving him to wash himself in peace after jokingly asking if he wanted help.
"Seriously?"
"What?"
Lying between the mattress and duvet warmed to match their body temperature, he shuffled under Hyunwoo's grasp and groaned, complaining it was too hot and tried to convince him to let go which ended unsuccessfully. Eventually he quietened down and fell asleep, giving in to the tiredness of doing nothing all day.
The next morning, they stopped by the headquarters and picked up the medicine Hyunwoo had mentioned yesterday. He handed the small bag to Seojun along with a bottle of water and entered his address into the navigation system, all his actions a bit unwilling but also helpless. Once they got to their destination, one emotion overtook all; shock.
"...THIS is your house!?" Hyunwoo wheezed, rather than being grumpy he was now completely in awe as he pulled up.
"Yeah."
"What, why, what, huh?" He stammered.
"What?"
"You're rich? Like rich, rich?"
"We're alright."
"You call this alright?"
The circular driveway behind the gate led around a small garden of a mansion that followed a modern chateau style stretched across 8000 square feet of land. The front door was tall enough to cover almost two out of the three floors with the steps leading up to the entrance, covered by a round balcony and supported by corinthian pillars. Coming down the steps was a teenage girl, her long hair swaying with each step she took and eyes exactly like her brother, busy talking on the phone.
"No it's okay, the driver's taking me today, I'll meet you by the gate—?" Kang Jia's hand dropped by her side before she could even press the end call button, a surprised expression took over her face in an instant as a car she's never seen before pulled up to their house. Her mouth dropped a little as her brother exited the vehicle on one side and an unfamiliar man the other. "Holy shit…"
"It's fine, you can go."
"I'll just walk you to the door, in case you fall along the way or something."
"And who's fault would that be?"
"Partially! It's only partially my fault!"
"Whatever, just get back in the car."
"…Fine, I'll get going. Make sure you take it every 4 hours and call me if you're feeling unwell again."
From her point of view, they seemed to be joking around with each other before waving goodbye. Seeing him smile, a thought crossed her mind as to how foreign the sight was, but nonetheless, she felt happy for him.
Seeing Seojun get closer, she asked a question. "Oppa why didn't you come home yesterday?"
"I was a little busy so I had to stay out," he replied nonchalantly.
"Since when did you become such a smooth liar?" She grumbled skeptically.
"It's the truth."
"Sure~ Anyway, who was that?"
"A coworker."
"Do you know if he has a girlfriend?" She asked abruptly.
Seojun shot her a disapproving look, "you're too young. Focus on your studies."
"Hey, not for me! I'm asking for my friend!" She quickly interrupted before glancing at the car that was now exiting the driveway as another pulled up. "He's exactly her type, I bet she'd faint if she saw him."
"Tell your friend she should focus on her studies too."
"What's with you.."
"Hurry up and get going or you'll be late."
The younger sister muttered a few negative words under her breath before dragging her feet to the gate and leaving. Seojun gave a slight wave as the car drove off, once it was fully out of sight, he checked around to make sure there weren't any others around; or more specially, his parents'. He'd probably experienced enough hell the past few days without the need of another fight or lecture, and luckily, it looked like he was going to be home alone for a few hours.