episode_0098

“Senior, what is that… ”

“It hurts… too… I was sick… ”

Instead of answering the question, he only let out a voice filled with pity.

And then he slowly raises his head and looks at me.

The exhaled breath tickled the tip of my nose, and a thumping pulsation was transmitted through the parts that touched each other.

It was my first time seeing her at such close range.

But now all I could feel was the sadness and pain in the empty eyes.

“I don’t know… I just don’t know what to do… ”

While I didn’t know what to do. Yeon Gyeon-ha’s embarrassing behavior continued.

She took her right hand off my chest and brought it to the collar of her shirt.

With his white, slender fingers, he quickly undid the top button.

Then, the shape of the collar that was tightly wrapped around his neck began to flow down in a helpless manner.

“… Senior, first of all… ”

“So… Please… ”

He continued to act as if he couldn’t hear my words of pity.

“Me… hug me… Let me forget this pain… please… ”

In an instant, the second button flutters, and the white skin gradually expands to the point where the blood vessels are visible.

Soon, the third button was undone, and the curves of her female body began to be fully revealed.

And when Yeon-sik’s fingers move towards the fourth button.

I finally came to my senses and was able to grab her wrist.

“… Senior.”

Even though his actions were suddenly stopped, he did not show any pity or resistance.

He just looked up at me with an expression as if he was desperately pleading for something.

The words that Yeon Yeon-ha said asking for a hug.

That means… Of course it doesn’t mean that you just want a hug.

Even if you have no experience in that area, you can still know this much.

To begin with, she was already in my arms.

“… ”

It was only later that I was able to guess her feelings to some extent.

It was giving up.

I have given up everything I feel pity for now.

I want to be free from all the pain and despair that suddenly comes and weighs me down one day.

Just like me that day two years ago.

Like me, who tried to follow my mother and friends by slitting my throat with a piece of glass…

“… ”

The pity in my arms was still looking up at me in silence.

Once you see her, you will never be able to escape her beautiful appearance, and before you know it, the air around her is filled with the unique particle scent she emits.

The scent of daffodils is so sweet that it clouds a person’s mind and judgment.

Since she even wants it herself, I think there is no one in the world who could refuse her request.

Of course it is… This may be the case when you do not understand the intention of those words.

***

I’m still dreaming of two years ago.

Gunshots that were as loud as thunder, acrid smoke, the fishy smell of blood, traces of death covering the village, furry monsters, and the tombstones of my mother and friends in the flower bed in front of the house.

Everything I loved disappeared like a sandcastle overnight, and maybe I too could have become a part of them.

The reason I was able to continue my life was only thanks to the warmth of the leader and older sisters.

They gave me a reason to continue living.

Thanks to their guidance, I was finally able to gain some strength to protect myself and those around me.

This is exactly what I, when I was weak, longed for so much.

They satisfied my thirst and allowed me to continue my thin and unmotivated life, which ultimately led me to where I am today.

So there is only one thing for me to do now. Just as the leader and older sisters helped me, I also have to help her.

It was as if they had guided me by suggesting a new goal in life.

but… So then what on earth should I do?

“Please… me… hug me… ”

Yeon Myeong-ha opened her lips again and begged.

Of course, I can’t give in to what Yeon Yeon-ha wants right now. Because it’s just a means of escape, not what she really wants.

Even if I were to grant her plea, it would end up being the same as if I slit her throat with a piece of glass.

How on earth can I help this poor girl at all?

What on earth is Yeon Yeon-ha really hoping for right now?

“… ”

It didn’t take long, and I had to make a decision anyway.

I closed and opened the eyes behind the mask once, then took a small breath and adjusted my breathing.

And he spoke in a firm voice.

“I don’t like it.”

Then Yeon Myeong-ha began to tremble.

The light disappeared even more from the already dark eyes, and large tears fell from the corners of the eyes and fell to the floor.

“Uh, why… ”

She lowered her head to the floor again.

And he muttered in a small, timid voice as if he had committed a sin.

“Why on earth… also… I… Because it is the result of improper occlusion… ?”

It seems like he cares a lot, but I have no interest in that.

I had even completely forgotten that fact, and finally remembered it again with the words just now.

I shook my head.

“How you were born is none of my business.”

“Well, then why… ”

Now I had no choice but to hit it.

“You are now… Because it has no charm.”

***

“Charm… doesn’t exist… ?”

As if this was a completely unexpected answer, Yeon Myeong-ha looked at me again and let out a slightly embarrassed voice.

“That’s… Talking about my appearance… ”

“No. You are the most beautiful person I have ever seen.”

I shook my head.

“I’m not talking about looks, I’m talking about the other side.”

“The other side… ”

Yeon Myeong-ha asked quietly as if she was talking to herself. Does this mean that you are paying attention to what I say?

If so, should I consider myself fortunate?

“I still sometimes think of the first time I saw my senior after entering the cradle.”

I continued talking.

“The senior at the time was truly the epitome of arrogance. To be honest, I really hated it. To the point where I feel like punching him every time I see him.”

“ugh… ”

“But what it looks like now… It looks so pathetic that I think the senior at the time was better.”

“Dae, what on earth are you talking about… ”

“At that time, you were proud instead of arrogant. My whole body was always full of grace and dignity.”

“… ”

I felt pity and didn’t ask a question this time.

Although he just kept his mouth shut and stared at me, I could clearly see something building up behind his eyes.

Her critical point is getting closer.

“Do you know what you are like now? You were the one who said that you weren’t capable of rolling on your own. however… ”

“Well, then what should I do… !”

As if she couldn’t bear it any longer, Yeon Myeong-ha suddenly screamed and cut me off.

“My father lost his mind and conspired with the demons… The person I thought was my mother is a complete stranger… !”

She screamed like a madman.

“Our family’s manor was brutally trampled upon by the intruders and left in ruins… ! All the loyal servants were scattered! All of our businesses and foundations will be confiscated and torn to pieces!”

He was very angry, as if he was angry, but I listened to his complaints in silence.

This was definitely a good sign.

“You don’t know that’s all… ? The cradle will force you to go through the expulsion process! Those bitches who were laughing at me and being jealous will throw stones because they think this is the time… ! In the end, you will be put to death on the scaffold! Even if you’re lucky, you’ll rot in a prison without seeing the light of day for the rest of your life… !”

“… ”

“But… What should I do? In this situation… How on earth could I… ”

Finally, Yeon Myeong-ha, who had let out all her anger, showed an expression full of despair.

But behind it all, there was definitely a bit of relief mixed in as well.

that… It meant that it was time for me to add something.

“Shouldn’t we get it back?”

“Uh… ?”

Yeon Myeong-ha, who was sobbing, asked a question. He opens his eyes slightly wide and makes eye contact with me again.

“You are the last remaining bloodline of the enemy. Then shouldn’t you get back what is rightfully yours?”

“It’s impossible. How on earth can I do it on my own? ”

“You are not alone.”

“Uh… ?”

“I… We will help you.”

That moment.

Finally I could see.

In Companion Ha’s eyes, filled with weak moonlight, a spark momentarily sparkles again.

“I will be with my senior. No matter what difficulties come, I will not leave your side. If anyone tries to harm you, I will crush them even at the cost of my life.”

Yeon Myeong-ha shook her head with an expression of not understanding.

“Why, why on earth are you doing this… What is your reason for doing that? ”

“Because I signed a contract. I will protect you no matter what happens.”

“You, you’re such an idiot… ? What kind of contract is that? ”

“And of course, it’s not just that.”

I took a step forward little by little.

I could feel that the persuasion was coming to an end.

What mattered now was the excuse.

I once heard that people are suspicious animals. Blind faith and favor toward someone can easily turn into poison.

This was the principle of survival instinct that occurs in the realm of unconsciousness, not consciousness.

So I have to make up an excuse for her.

Something that at first glance seems like a back-and-forth transaction, something that you can comfortably submit to the offer.

Just like the manager did to me.

That will be the final piece that lifts her to perfection.

“Didn’t I tell you? There was a time when you were a more attractive person than anyone else.”

“Uh, uh… ?”

Now, I took a step back to become a pitiful person. When her heel clicked, she reflexively looked back.

Because the door was closed, there was no longer anywhere to run.

Min-ha Yeon turned her head again and made eye contact with me.

I raised my arm and touched the side of her head until it made a thud.

And then he got close and assumed as intimidating a stance as possible.

It was a typical and basic technique to create the desired atmosphere before the interrogation.

“Now, wait… ”

Yeon Myeong-ha let out a plea mixed with fresh air. The more panicked I was, the more it was time to rush. I had to keep my argument firmly engraved in his mind without any time to think rationally.

“Did you ask for a hug? I will hug you. But I will embrace you when you regain your more attractive self than anyone else and when you bloom most beautifully.”

Yang Yeon-ha lowered her head as if she could not bear the intimidation. I snatched her thin chin with my fingers and made eye contact again.

“I won’t refuse even if you don’t like it. Even if you cry, struggle, and resist, I will forcefully break you down. This is not a suggestion or recommendation. This has already been decided.”

“Hipp… ”

She didn’t dare to look at him out of fear and her eyes rolled around.

“So, this is a command. Get yourself back. A former senior. You were more beautiful than anyone else.”

Now that I’ve finished saying everything, I release my fingers from holding her chin.

Yan Yanha lowered her head as if she couldn’t bear it any longer. I stayed still like that for a while.

And a long time passed. When she looked up again.

I could see clearly.

The vitality that had returned to her once empty eyes, shining brightly like a red jewel.

Yeon Myeong-ha turned her eyes straight on me and slowly parted her lips.

Although it was just a little bit, something that she had lost for a while was definitely back in that voice.

“Obviously… You said it with your own mouth.”

“I have no intention of saying anything.”

After hearing the answer, she nodded slightly.

“… I’ll be fine. And I’ll get it back. my rights. My beauty you spoke of. No matter what happens, I will definitely get it back.”

Then he looked slightly disheveled. He looks up at me with his eyes raised like a child who wants something.

“Instead… Can you do me a favor… ? It’s a very small request… ”

“What is it?”

Only after hesitating for quite a long time in sympathy did he kiss his lips again.

“Still, sometimes… Please allow me to show my weakness only to you.”

I had no way of knowing what kind of weakness she was talking about, but whatever it was, there was no reason why I couldn’t listen to it now.

I nodded.

“You do that.”

“… Yes.”

Only then did Yeon Myeong-ha respond in a voice full of satisfaction.

Then, she picked up her gown from the floor, put it on, opened the door without saying a word, and headed down the dark hallway.

It was only when her shadow, fluttering in the water lamp, disappeared into the next room that I was able to sit down on the chair, taking a deep breath.

Because I was a little immersed, I also suffered quite a bit of emotional exhaustion.

Still, I could definitely feel the sense of relief and accomplishment that rose to my chest.

Because I couldn’t calm down easily, I ended up sleeping through the night.