For a moment, Boheng felt something change in Hesta's gaze as she looked at him. He could not say what it was, but he vaguely sensed the distance between them growing. He did not continue speaking, only remained silent in confusion as he looked into Hesta's eyes.
Hesta looked away. "What is the name of the organization you belong to?"
"The Pious Youth Front."
"Are you NDM-1?"
The instant the words left her mouth, Hesta saw Boheng's facial muscles twitch slightly. Although he immediately adjusted his expression and movements, the panic of having his secret seen through still won out.
Boheng blinked repeatedly. He did not know where Hesta had gotten the information—perhaps she had known all along, and was only stating the fact now to test his reaction, to see whether an old friend would be honest with her; but perhaps Hesta knew nothing at all and was merely making a probing guess...
But now, Boheng knew his reaction had already given her the answer. There was no point in concealing it anymore. Yet he suddenly found it absurd—even if Hesta had not asked, he would have found an opportunity to introduce himself. What was there to hide?
It could only be said that in such a rapid-fire conversation, Hesta's sudden question had been like a spear thrust without warning, making him instinctively wary.
"Yes," Boheng said softly. "It's me."
"Does that name mean anything?" Hesta asked.
"...It's the name of an enzyme." Boheng answered awkwardly. Hesta's reaction surprised him again—he had thought she would ask questions about the Pious Youth Front, but her attention had unexpectedly shifted to the origin of his name. "This enzyme can render nearly all antibiotics ineffective, turning ordinary strains into superbugs... It was a codename I picked a long time ago. I thought