Introduction to Guide Studies

Zero Compatibility.

A Guide in Name Only—Practically an Ordinary Person.

As an F-Guide with almost no chance of matching with an Esper, Ben had always believed he could continue living his uneventful, unremarkable life.

Until he met that man.

“Found you. My Guide.”

The sudden appearance of Haimar, a monstrous Esper who boldly declared Ben as his Guide, shattered everything Ben thought he knew.

With him came a shocking revelation about Ben’s own rank—one that turned his quiet life upside down.

Swept into an unrelenting series of events, the two are drawn together, their bodies and hearts inching ever closer…

* * *

Physical contact between two complete strangers—how was that even possible?

At least within Ben’s understanding of common sense, it wasn’t.

“Uh, I still don’t even know if I’m really your Guide…”

Zing.

The sharp blue eyes staring into his made his headache flare up again, as if it had only been momentarily subdued.

Still, it wasn’t as bad as back in the container, so Ben chose to buy time by voicing his honest uncertainty.

After all, the one most affected by this connection was the Esper.

Guides, strictly speaking, could live perfectly fine without an Esper.

Even if he outright refused, what could the other guy really say?

“Want to check?”

Wait—hold on.

Why was he coming closer?!

Before Ben could react, Haimar, with a face annoyingly sculpted to perfection, took Ben’s hand and placed it against his cheek.

Smooth, flawless skin brushed against his palm.

And before he could pull away, his fingers grazed something even warmer—Haimar’s lips.

The contrast between his cool skin and the heat of his breath sent an odd shiver down Ben’s spine.

He instinctively tried to twist his hand away, but his fingers, caught in an iron grip, instead trailed across the Esper’s ear.

That’s when he noticed them—three thick, metallic piercings: a rugged hoop and two circular studs.

Those weren’t just accessories.

They were control devices, temporary stabilizers used by high-ranking Espers when their abilities became unstable or when they required emotional regulation.

But having three at once?

Ben froze.

His stunned expression didn’t go unnoticed.

Haimar, still holding his hand, intertwined their fingers with an easy familiarity, his long fingers wrapping around Ben’s.

“If I hold you,” he murmured, voice low and dangerous, “I think we’ll both find out for sure.”