episode_0162

[Did you hear about that? There’s a vampire bartender working at that famous bar these days…]

[I heard that all those appearances they put on were just an act. In reality, they’re not much different from other vampires, right?]

[While the other staff members were working hard, they were off in some secluded place, lost in sinister thoughts. Uh… I didn’t see it that way, but it’s true, isn’t it?]

“Ahhhh! Nooo!!!”

Was it because the embarrassing incident from two days ago was so memorable?

Early evening after sunset.

Before the alarm could even ring at the set time, I jolted upright to escape the aftermath of a terrible nightmare.

“Ugh… Ugh… Damn it!!!”

Could it be that the nightmare I just had was a premonition?

Terrified upon waking up, I quickly checked community posts from worry and reassurance.

After confirming that Yejin was keeping her promise, I could finally breathe a sigh of relief and start the day.

“…Sigh, everything’s soaked. Completely soaked.”

As my body and mind began to calm down, I started to feel the damp pajamas and summer blanket that were soaked with sweat.

Unable to continue using the sweat-soaked blanket and pajamas, and with winter approaching soon, it was time to change them.

Grumbling to myself, I threw all the damp items into the washing machine.

“Really annoying, why did I have such a nightmare today of all days.”

The first birthday after becoming a vampire didn’t start off well, and I vented my frustration by punching a soft pillow.

As I hid my negative emotions little by little under the comforting sensation of clenching my fist, peace finally settled in my heart, allowing me to realize that the scenery inside the house was unusually different from usual.

“…It’s gone.”

The pot that always emitted a tantalizing smell while bubbling and made my mouth water was missing from the induction cooker.

I began to worry if something was seriously wrong, as the sumptuous feast that would make anyone drool was also absent from the dining table.

And most importantly.

“Where on earth did Jaehyuk go again?”

The beloved person who always greeted me warmly upon waking up was nowhere to be seen in the kitchen.

A first experience since starting our relationship.

Already feeling miserable from the nightmare, why did things have to take a turn for the worse like this?

“…Am I still not out of the nightmare? This doesn’t make sense unless it’s a dream.”

I cautiously pinched my side, only to feel a sharp pain.

Wasn’t it said that when something was too absurd to be true, laughter would come instead of anger?

I weakly chuckled, then composed myself and began reading the message from Jaehyuk.

[I think I’ll have to go to work separately today.]_3:14 PM

[I thought I could go home early]

[But things got a bit complicated…]

[Sorry]

[I’ll tell you what happened at the bar later.]_3:15 PM

Judging by the fact that he said he would tell me in person, it seemed like a serious matter.

If this had happened before, I might have been a bit suspicious, but since it was the first time, I could only think that there must have been a good reason.

Instead of pressing Jaehyuk for answers, I sent a reply expressing my concern and reassurance.

[It’s okay]

[As long as nothing bad happened.]

[Let’s meet later.]_5:27 PM

[If you need any help, just let me know.]

[I’ll fly over right away.]_5:28 PM

“…It’s not okay at all.”

After pressing the send button, I collapsed on the bed.

Lying still and staring blankly at the ceiling, tears welled up in my eyes from the uncontainable bitterness.

This is the worst.

Throughout the past, present, and future, will there be days sadder than today?

“I swear, I didn’t plan on ruining this.”

I didn’t even wish for great happiness.

It would be more accurate to say I didn’t even have expectations.

Just receiving congratulations and peacefully spending the day like any other was enough for me.

But this… is just too much.

“…Alright, time to get ready for work.”

The more I dwell on it, the more melancholic I become.

Heading towards the bathtub to wash away the discomfort, I silently prayed.

I hope this tiresome day passes by in the blink of an eye.

—–

“So… could you guys help me prepare a surprise birthday party?”

“…Well, it seems like we might need your help after all. If you’re not too busy, could you lend a hand?”

“You do realize it’s exam season, right?”

“It was exam season? That’s a variable… Well, I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll figure out a way to prepare somehow.”

“Tsk, can’t even crack a joke, huh. Whatever. I’ll quickly go through it in about an hour, just to help clear your mind. So…”

“…So?”

“Teacher? I suddenly feel like having chicken with my partner, would you be willing to buy one for us?”

“Just one chicken? I’ll send two and a large cola. Where should we meet, what did you and Hye-eun like… was it Golden Olive?”

“Oh, right. One Golden Olive and… Oh, can you do that? Right, Black Alilo.”

“I just sent two gift cards, so pack them on your way back home.”

“Oh, thank you, boss! I’ll prepare it with all my heart!”

“I’m more thankful, anyway… I’ll ask you to do me a favor as I sent in the text.”

“Got it.”

Thud.

“Phew… I guess that’s the end of the rough preparation.”

Despite being busy since early morning, there were still many things to prepare, and before I knew it, it was already six in the afternoon.

I had already told Jiwoo, but it was still too late to stop by my place.

I started walking towards the cocktail bar from where I was.

“…It feels empty, really.”

Have I become too accustomed to walking with Jiwoo?

Walking alone on my way to work after a long time, Jiwoo’s absence felt too big.

“How did I used to walk alone before?”

Not feeling the slender arms that used to be folded, I kept feeling a sense of emptiness.

The cold body that used to make my side shiver was gone, so I shouldn’t feel cold anymore, but it felt even colder.

“It’s like my body is becoming unable to live without Jiwoo.”

Well… after today, I’ll always be by Jiwoo’s side, so there’s no need to worry.

Laughing happily while imagining the scene of giving Jiwoo an engagement ring, I stopped for a moment, thinking about one worry that came to mind.

“By the way, I feel really sorry.”

I had planned to finish the surprise birthday party preparations early and arrive at my place before Jiwoo woke up.

I wanted to wish Jiwoo a happy birthday when they woke up and even cook seaweed soup with my own hands.

How happy would they be, and how grateful?

I really wanted to see the adorable vampire’s joyful expression…

“…Damn cultists, seriously.”

By a group of fanatics, their good plan ended up being nothing but a bubble.

If you deliberately avoid it, they will target someone else, so why bother holding on and dragging it out until the end?

“It’s going to be really upsetting, how should I resolve this?”

Although it was inevitable, and Jiwoo’s personality is what it is, I can understand that.

But still, it’s upsetting.

For quite some time, Jiwoo has always said these words.

Special happiness is certainly good, but Jiwoo believes that the small and trivial happiness that can be felt every day is even better.

How disappointed must he have been not to feel the small happiness he felt every day on his birthday?

This sin… even if you kneel down and beg, you will never be forgiven.

“…It’s already frustrating. What should I say to comfort him?”

Pondering deeply as I moved, I suddenly arrived at the cocktail bar.

Did Jiwoo arrive before me? I cautiously looked through the window, but fortunately, I didn’t see Jiwoo.

“Thank goodness, I have a little more time to think.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, I was about to finish my contemplation and go inside.

Suddenly, the owner, who knows when he approached, called me and expressed doubt about the fact that I came to work alone.

“Hey, what are you standing there for? Come in.”

“Ah, can you turn on the blinker and come in? You almost fell.”

“You’re such a drama queen. But what’s going on? Did you come alone? Did you fight with Jiwoo?”

“It’s a bit long to explain. But just to let you know, we didn’t fight.”

“If you didn’t fight, that’s good… Wait a minute. Are you really sure you didn’t fight? I think you’re the only one who thinks that way.”

“What’s that, uh…”

Instead of sighing in relief, the owner suddenly said something strange, so I turned my gaze to where the owner was looking.

…There, I could see a cute vampire with a face on the verge of bursting into tears, puffing up her cheeks.

How upset must she have been for someone who usually keeps her emotions in check to make such an expression.

Yes, I’m the one who deserves to die.

Tonight, I’ll let you drink an extra 100ml of blood as an apology.

Sigh.

As a gesture of apology.

I knelt down slightly towards Jiwoo.