Jo Gyu-Min smiled brightly. “Congratulations on your discharge, Mister Jin-Ho.”

Kang Jin-Ho cocked an eyebrow and stared back. “You were waiting for me?”

“Of course. I certainly cannot afford to miss a day like today, after all!”

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled helplessly at that reply. Since he couldn't see Jo Gyu-Min by the usual spot in front of the guardhouse, he figured the loyal secretary hadn't come today, but that turned out to be a false assumption. Jo Gyu-Min had parked his car at the foot of the mountain road leading out of the Charlie artillery base and was waiting patiently for his passenger's arrival.

Kang Jin-Ho looked around the vicinity. “Why were you waiting for me here, Mister Gyu-Min?”

“The feelings you get during your discharge are worth savoring, I believe. I still haven't forgotten the emotions I felt while walking out of the base one last time and heading to the nearest bus stop, you see. To let you fully appreciate your feelings, I've deliberately waited for you a little further away than usual, Mister Jin-Ho.”

Kang Jin-Ho wasn't sure whether to file this under Jo Gyu-Min being considerate or being too mindful of unnecessary things.

Jo Gyu-Min gestured toward his car. “Please, get in.”

“Alright.”

Kang Jin-Ho and Ju Yeong-Gi climbed into Jo Gyu-Min's vehicle. Not too long afterward, the car sped past the Civilian Control Line.

Jo Gyu-Min glanced at his passengers through the mirror. “Once more, congratulations on successfully ending your enlistment, gentlemen.”

“Thank you,” Kang Jin-Ho nodded slightly.

“It feels weird, doesn't it? Like an odd mixture...