episode_0020

Even if bitten by a tiger, they say one can survive as long as they keep their wits about them.

Swallowing the saliva pooling in my mouth, I began calmly assessing the situation.

In the midst of Jaehyuk’s fierce struggle with that guy, Mother opened the door and walked in.

Judging by her absent-minded expression, it was clear that we were creating an unfavorable scene.

No, scratch that.

It was more than just unfavorable.

A man in pajamas seated next to a woman in pajamas…

One could easily guess how this scene would appear to an outsider without even hearing it.

If I were to show any signs of being flustered here, you would probably think it was a truly awkward moment.

Concealing my surprise, I slowly opened my mouth with the most natural smile I could muster.

…Of course, things didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

“M-Mother? H-How did you get in? W-We never gave you the password?”

“The front door was open, so I got worried and decided to open it once. Are you two not being careful about locking the door properly?”

“Oh, that’s… Jaehyuk was busy cleaning up the trash for a while, so maybe that’s why! Haha, right?”

“Why don’t you come down from there first before speaking? We’re not exactly presenting ourselves well at the moment, are we?”

“R-Really? Then…”

Despite feeling exhausted and tired, my body moved as intended, perhaps due to the tense atmosphere.

Descending from Jaehyuk’s body, I greeted Mother as if nothing had happened.

“You came earlier than expected. Did anything happen on your way here?”

“Nothing happened on the way here. Even if something had happened as soon as I arrived, explain what that embarrassing scene was just now and why you two are cohabitating.”

“W-Well…”

After letting out a long sigh, I began explaining the events that had transpired.

From the day I returned from the family home to my studio disappearing due to a dragon transformation, to Jaehyuk working at the store where I ended up working.

As I added that there was absolutely no untoward incident as Mother crossed her arms and snorted.

“So, how do you explain what just happened? It only seems like you stepped on a long tail.”

“…It was a series of coincidences. It was truly unavoidable for me! They were threatening to spill bead ice cream on the floor, and you’re just standing there watching?”

“Hey, hey! Your explanation is too weak! Stop saying weird things!”

Seemingly indignant, Jaehyuk was subdued by Mother’s words.

“Threatening others with their weaknesses? Don’t raise your voice, you haven’t done anything good.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am.”

“Jiwoo, you too. Do you think Jaehyuk would have been so annoyed if you hadn’t done that?”

“…I’m sorry.”

After each receiving a scolding, the studio fell silent in an instant.

Mother glanced around briefly and then spoke in a slightly softened tone.

“It’s not as bad as I thought, so I feel a bit relieved. It seems like you two are getting along fine without any trouble.”

“O-Of course we’re getting along fine! We’re just friends, after all!”

Thinking it was a chance to change the mood, I cautiously responded, but Mother shook her head and cheered Jaehyuk on.

“…I see now, Jaehyuk must be quite a handful, isn’t he?”

“No comment.”

Avoiding eye contact, Jaehyuk coughed nervously.

Just as we wondered what she would say next, Mother’s face contorted as she looked around the studio.

“By the way, what’s with the mess in this room?”

Soon enough, a thunderous lecture engulfed us.

…I cleaned diligently.

Unjust.

—–

Following Mother’s stern command to finish cleaning once again, evening approached unexpectedly.

As I stretched, feeling a surge of energy, a rumble emanated from my stomach.

Perhaps due to tirelessly bustling around the house all day, the sensation of emptiness felt more pronounced than usual.

Lost in thought about dinner options, Mother retrieved a sandwich she had personally made from her bag.

“Eat. Originally, I intended to add onions too, but you can’t handle strong-smelling vegetables, right? That’s why I only included lettuce.”

“Thank you, Mom.”

“Jaehyuk, aren’t you eating?”

“I just want to rest for a bit. Truth be told, this guy here has been on edge since he heard that Madam was coming and hasn’t slept a wink since morning, rushing around.”

“No wonder the house seemed a bit cleaner. Haha, don’t worry. I’ll speak kindly to Yeonseo.”

“…Thank you, Madam.”

Nodding slightly, Jaehyuk stifled a yawn before leaning back on the bed for a moment.

As I watched him pick at the sandwich, Mother, with a concerned look, spoke to me.

“Are you eating well? Managing school okay?”

“Yes, with the switch to pre-recorded lectures for remote classes, I have more free time, and as for food… I’m getting used to it slowly, so it’s fine.”

“If you ever face difficulties, contact me anytime; I’ll come help immediately.”

“I will, Mother.”

Thunk.

Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, the sound of snoring interrupted our conversation.

Seeing him drool while sleeping, Mother chuckled warmly as she covered him with a blanket.

“Jaehyuk has been through a lot because of you.”

“…I’ve received a lot of help. Honestly, not knowing how to repay makes me feel a bit uneasy.”

Though outwardly pretending to be nonchalant, deep down, I felt uncomfortable for not being able to reciprocate adequately for what I had received.

Offering the apartment, assisting with vampire research when time allowed, even helping with tedious assignments—wasn’t it all insufficient compared to what he had done for me?

“Just doing simple chores and hovering around like a parasite seems like all I’ve done.”

“What?”

“It’s nothing.”

I hadn’t really thought about what would be helpful to him, but no matter how much I pondered, there seemed to be almost nothing I could do to assist.

At best, lifting heavy objects? Even that was impossible during the day, making it practically nonexistent.

Like an ingrateful and parasitic species unable to repay even a small favor.

As I frowned, Mother patted my back reassuringly.

“Haha, someday you’ll have a chance to repay him.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, in life, there are moments when crises arise that are too difficult to handle alone. If you wait for such a time and help him…”

“If I help him?”

“…It’s nothing. Since there aren’t many friends as kind as him, maintain a good relationship with Jaehyuk. Understand?”

“Yes, Mother.”

Nodding, I responded, only to hear a sudden whimper.

Turning around, I saw Jaehyuk’s face contorted in discomfort, prompting me to immediately lift him onto the bed.

“Mm…”

Settling into the bed, he looked more at ease, drifting back to sleep.

Even poking his cheek yielded no response, so I covered him with a blanket, bursting into laughter.

“You must be exhausted. Sleeping like a log.”

“He did seem tired. Did you see him nodding off earlier despite being scolded?”

“He did that?”

“Anyway, whether he’s clueless and insensitive now or before, seems like there’s no difference, huh?”

“Still, at least I can grasp the atmosphere after serving in the military…”

“I don’t see much of a difference whether before or after you went.”

Merciless fact violence.

As I felt a tingling sensation in my chest and averted my gaze, my mother quietly got up from her seat.

“Leaving already? Can’t you stay a little longer?”

“Mom, aren’t you someone who doesn’t have the decency to keep quiet next to a sleeping person? And if you’re any later, Dad will get upset for not having dinner ready.”

“Well, I guess there’s nothing I can do about it then.”

Father not eating dinner is a bit scary.

With a disappointed expression, as she followed me to the front door, my mother whispered softly.

“Oh, can I ask you one more thing before you go?”

“Go ahead.”

“How long do you plan on living together? It’s not forever, right?”

“Oh, what do you mean by forever? Seriously, once this semester ends, I’ll head straight back home.”

There’s no reason for me to stay here after this semester ends.

Unless there are specific instructions given, and unless new job opportunities arise.

Continuing with school won’t bring me anything.

If nothing special happens, cohabitation will end after this semester.

To reassure me, my mother gave a faint smile and then let out a sigh of relief, taking something out of her bag and handing it to me.

It looked like vitamin candy, but it was in a slightly larger package than that.

Looking dumbfounded as I held the item in my hand without saying a word, my mother whispered softly with a determined expression.

“Make sure to use protection, okay?”

“…”

After finishing her words, my mother left my room as if fleeing.

Feeling frightened by my mother leaving, I threw the condom I had been holding directly into the trash can.

“Now even my family is trying to assassinate me.”

Mother.

Living well is like being on a high platform, but dying suffocated is like being in a low place.