episode_0134

A lively late afternoon filled with energy.

Feeling the fatigue that had cleanly drained from my body and mind, I slowly got up from the bed.

“Haeggeut…!”

Was it because I indulged too recklessly yesterday?

As I tried to get up, the lingering aftermath of last night’s intense passion subtly rose from my lower abdomen.

I immediately leaned against the headboard of the bed and began to soothe the searing pain with cool hands.

“…Where’s my adorable husband? Hmm, still sleeping. Well, he did push himself too hard in the early hours.”

Turning my head to the side while rubbing my lower abdomen, I caught sight of Jaehyuk, who was sleeping like the dead.

Did I go too far? Looks like he might have a hard time going to work today.

Recalling last night’s events, a strong sense of guilt washed over me.

I lightly kissed Jaehyuk’s forehead and then headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast… no, dinner.

“Making a meal is quite rare. Now, what should I make for the menu…”

Humming a tune, I opened the refrigerator and found it stocked with ingredients.

After a brief contemplation on what to make, I carefully picked up a cleaned chicken and some vegetables.

“There’s nothing like meat to recover a tired body and mind.”

Since I took away a lot of protein, it’s only fair to give it back, right?

And today is Malbok, the third of the three dog days, a day for recuperating the body.

Despite the hassle, I decided to make spicy braised chicken. Following the guidance of Master Baek, I began to prepare the ingredients.

“Master Baek is truly reliable.”

Putting the prepared vegetables and various spices into the water and adding the chicken to the boiling water, the preparation was roughly complete.

As the meat slowly cooked, I took the opportunity to quickly wash up.

Until Jaehyuk woke up, I tackled the household chores that had piled up one by one.

Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble –

“Ugh…”

Jaehyuk, who had finished his work diligently, woke up again as I started to prepare the meal.

Perhaps catching a whiff of the delicious smell that had spread throughout the studio apartment, he immediately turned his gaze to the kitchen upon opening his eyes.

“Up already? Your body… well, it’s not okay. Since the meal is almost ready, just wait a little longer!”

“…Can I go wash up? I feel like splashing cold water on my face might help clear my mind.”

“Uh, yeah! Of course! It’ll take about 15 minutes, so feel free to take your time!”

Awkwardly smiling and granting permission, Jaehyuk slowly walked naked into the bathroom.

Like a male lion who had been tamed by a female lioness seen on an old community site.

Feeling the guilt creeping in again, I firmly resolved to seek forgiveness.

When dinner began, I immediately bowed my head to the table and handed Jaehyuk an apple.

“I-I’m really sorry…! I, I, I got carried away yesterday, and I, I didn’t mean to…”

“Um… Do you not think it’s conscienceless to say ‘it wasn’t intentional’? I think it’s a bit too much to say ‘it wasn’t intentional’ after five times…”

“Haeggeut… But, you’re also at fault for saying that! How am I supposed to endure hearing such words from you?”

“Tit for tat… Wow, the future rapist is here.”

“R-Rapist!? You enjoyed it too!”

Of course, I admit my mistakes!

Not only did I attack a patient in need of care, but I also made him vomit five times!

I don’t really have much to say…! But it’s not all my fault!

He made me feel uncomfortable first!

Whispering sweetly in my ear while pulling me close from behind, but not giving me a goodnight kiss on the forehead! If only he hadn’t whispered those sweet words and kissed my forehead!

Honestly, how could this not have happened!? I really was holding back!

It’s so unfair.

But no matter what, it’s clear to anyone that it was my fault.

Stopping myself from complaining due to guilt, I glanced around cautiously as Jaehyuk chuckled and then picked up his spoon.

“Let’s eat.”

“Yeah…”

Ending the brief conflict with a silent forgiveness, we raised our glasses in a harmonious atmosphere.

Seemingly very hungry, he ate his meal in silence, just like when he had bibimbap yesterday.

I was in a similar state, so I focused only on eating without engaging in any small talk.

As the chilly silence began to settle in, Jaehyuk cleared his throat and spoke first.

“Hmm, this spicy chicken stew is really delicious. I could start selling it right away, don’t you think?”

“Hehe, really? I’m glad you like it. Eat a lot and recover quickly. That way…”

“Are you trying to finish it quickly? Oh, it’s getting scary around here.”

“W-what are you thinking, you pervert! I-I didn’t mean it like that!”

“You, tell me honestly. You didn’t have those thoughts at all, did you?”

“Shut up! Who do you think I am, a succubus?!”

Trying to avoid admitting embarrassment, he burst into laughter at how ridiculous it all was.

But after teasing me for a while, he suddenly touched his forehead with his hand and complained of dizziness.

…I had been thinking about it, but his condition really didn’t look good.

Looking at Jaehyuk with a worried expression, I suggested that he take a few days off to rest.

“If you’re feeling tired, just tell the boss you need a few days off. I might not be able to rest too much, but I’m sure he’ll let you.”

“…I think I should. I was planning on going to work while monitoring my condition, but, phew, today seems like it’s going to be tough.”

“Is there anything you want to eat? I’ll bring it on my way home if possible.”

“It’s okay, it’s too much trouble. I’m really fine, so just come straight to my place after work. I prefer being with you a little longer than eating something delicious.”

Smiling brightly, Jaehyuk once again warmed my cold heart.

I quickly stuffed the remaining food into my mouth and ran away to my room, unable to bear the situation any longer.

If I kept staring at him like that, I might not be able to resist and attack him like yesterday.

“…There’s nothing wrong with that.”

I hope he recovers quickly and gets back to normal.

Suppressing the boiling lust and blood-sucking urge.

I started reading the mini Bible to regain my composure.

The effect was…

“S-Sucubusssssss!!!”

It was a perfect score.

—–

“Oh? Unnie! You’re here! Huh? Wait, where’s Hyuk Oppa? Where did that workaholic go?”

“He’s got a severe cold. He said he needs to rest for another two to three days.”

“Wow, it must be really bad… Should we contact him to see if he’s okay?”

“He’s probably sleeping by now. Let’s not disturb him by calling for no reason, let’s just get ready for business.”

Thanks to having a personal maintenance time for a day, the cocktail bar was full of high spirits compared to two days ago.

As a result, we finished preparing for business earlier than usual, and I was playing with Nero, the mascot of the bar, with a toy fishing rod to pass the time.

“…Nero, you’ve grown so much. You definitely didn’t look like this when I first saw you.”

“Hmph… But isn’t he cute? I think chubby cats are cuter than skinny ones.”

“That’s because Yejin, you haven’t seen me when I was skinny. I was overflowing with elegance back then!”

When Yejin showed Nero an old photo taken six months ago, our dragon couldn’t help but be shocked.

Yejin, who had been lost in thought for a moment, soon made a determined expression and started petting Nero fiercely.

“I think I’ll just go for a slim cat starting today. No, I didn’t know a plate could look this good. Nero? You’re on a treat confiscation for three months. Got it?”

“Meow!?”

“Forget about the tantrum, think about it with your conscience. Aren’t you sorry to the boss who bought you a cat wheel?”

“Meowww!!!”

“No, I won’t change my mind, I won’t give in, go back.”

The two fiercely opposed each other over the treat issue.

However, it was inevitable that a mere employee could not defeat the store mascot.

“One treat per day.”

“Meow.”

“Fine… Two treats per day.”

“Meoww!”

“I can’t take it, three treats per day!”

“Grroowl…”

In the end, Nero was able to get his daily treat back under a peaceful agreement.

…If the result was going to be the same, why did I even bother with this petty fight with that guy?

Looking at Yejin with an incredulous look, he smiled slyly at me.

Then, suddenly stiffening his face, he whispered in a serious tone into my ear.

“Sis, have you seen any suspicious people around here recently?”

“…Suspicious people? Not really? Why do you ask?”

“Well, I met someone while walking today, and the feeling was so uncomfortable. Kind of, like a dangerous person…”

If the dragon’s intuition felt that it was dangerous, what kind of being could it be?

Curious, I asked for a description, and Yejin gave a puzzled answer, shaking her head.

“I didn’t see his face properly. Just that he was wearing a gray hoodie and jeans, that’s all I know.”

“That’s strange, isn’t it? If he only showed his back, I could understand, but is it possible not to see his face properly? Wasn’t the dragon race supposed to have excellent eyesight?”

“…Oh, now that you mention it, you’re right? Why did I think I couldn’t see his face properly?”

Raising doubts, Yejin fell into confusion.

I calmed her down and sent her back to her place, then changed the store sign to Open.

…What on earth is happening around the store?

Actually, nothing strange is happening, but it’s unsettling to have incidents occurring nearby.

Reflecting on the recent events, I welcomed the customer entering the store with a smile.

“Welcome, it’s Midnight as always!”