Ch.123What I Want to Protect (4)

As I walked alone with Ju-an, we eventually arrived at the training ground where that orange-haired guy had been. Thanks to that, his orange hair suddenly started to irritate me.

It’s okay, didn’t he say he’d given up his feelings for Ju-an anyway? Besides, Ju-an and I are already completely into each other.

So I should just act natural and move on. While I was thinking this, Ju-an spoke to the orange-haired guy.

“Could I ask for your help again this time?”

“Anytime.”

As soon as their conversation ended, they both put on some kind of bracelet and began preparing to fight.

“Ju-an? What are you suddenly doing?”

“I want to get some final practical training.”

“But why with that person specifically? Aren’t there other people besides him?”

“In terms of skill alone, there’s no one in this guild better than Philax.”

“Was he really that impressive?”

“He got this far on skill alone, without any supernatural power or divine power.”

Come to think of it, they did say this person didn’t have any special abilities. That means he needs enough skill to compensate for that lack.

At that level, no one could complain even if he grumbled about talent or whatever. From that point on, it really is the realm of true talent.

With such thoughts, I started watching their match. But I could clearly see Ju-an was being pushed back.

I’d prefer if Ju-an won, but aside from that, I just want someone to win quickly. That way this would end as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the match ended quickly with the orange-haired guy’s victory. Then he began pointing something out to Ju-an.

“I understand your intention to confuse with irregular attacks, but your execution of those irregular attacks is too clumsy. If that’s your approach, you’d be better off with straightforward attacks.”

“But I can’t defeat the Demon King or a hero with monotonous attacks.”

“You have too much ambition for your skill level. You need to let go of some of that ambition.”

“But there’s no way I could land an effective hit with just straightforward attacks.”

“If that’s the case, what’s your supernatural power for?”

The orange-haired guy continued to scold Ju-an. Somehow I felt like I was being scolded too.

“Slowing down time itself is a huge variable. So just straightforward and simple attacks are enough.”

“Just with that…”

“Don’t try to catch two rabbits at once. Focus on catching just one.”

The orange-haired guy sharply cut off Ju-an’s words. His advice was definitely helpful.

His skill had already been verified, and there must be a reason why Ju-an was listening so obediently.

But it still irritated me. He’s certainly in a position where he can act like that, but why does he keep pushing Ju-an so hard?

Well, the match is over now, so it doesn’t matter? While I was thinking this, Ju-an said something truly heartbreaking.

“Okay, then please, one more time.”

“Anytime.”

As soon as their conversation ended, I left. It was clear this would continue all day. That meant Ju-an would be pushed hard all day.

Plus, seeing that orange-haired guy with Ju-an made me feel bad. So I decided to leave for a while and come back later.

Leaving them alone together made me anxious, but it should be fine. Ju-an isn’t the type to get distracted.

Still, I felt uneasy. Maybe I should have stayed and kept watching?

No, Ju-an isn’t a child and can make good judgments. Besides, we’re not even dating yet.

So I need to make us a couple as soon as possible. That way, women won’t keep flocking to Ju-an.

But apart from these thoughts, the idea of dating itself is scary. Is everyone this afraid at first?

Usually, the most reliable method in this situation is to get help from someone. So who would be trustworthy?

First, Taeyang is absolutely out of the question. My instincts are screaming that Taeyang is not an option.

Should I ask Ha-eun for advice? But it’s embarrassing to talk about this with Ha-eun…

As I continued thinking about who could help, someone came to mind who wasn’t very reliable, but was definitely trustworthy.

I’d definitely get teased a lot, so I needed to prepare myself mentally.

So with a heavy heart, I went to see someone I really didn’t want to visit.

***

“So you’ve fallen for that boy?”

“…Yes.”

“Then you should go make it official right now. Why are you here?”

Agath said with a playful smile. This is exactly why I didn’t want to come here…

But she is helpful, that’s true. Strangely, despite having no experience herself, Agath has suspiciously extensive knowledge about these things.

“The thing is… when I actually think about doing it, I get scared…”

“Just get penetrated first and think about it later.”

“No, that’s what I’m scared of…”

“Then seduce him so he pounces on you. That way, even though it’s scary, you can definitely make it official.”

“I’ve already tried that. But Ju-an has annoyingly good self-control, so it didn’t work.”

“…You actually did something like that?”

Agath’s expression turned to shock. Why did I even say something like that?

“If you’re actively seducing him, isn’t your fear just a lie?”

“Well, I did try to seduce him, but when he was about to pounce, I got scared…”

“…Do humans have mating seasons too?”

I want to die. No, I will die. I’m never talking to Agath about this stuff again.

As I desperately looked for a mouse hole to crawl into, Agath spoke up.

“Then I don’t think I can give you much advice. This is something you need to overcome yourself.”

Surprisingly, Agath gave helpful advice. Usually, she would have made at least ten sexual jokes before giving advice.

“You’re unusually calm today.”

“Somehow I just can’t get my energy up these days.”

Agath said with a somewhat unnatural smile. Leo’s absence must really be affecting her.

“Anyway, thanks for your help. I’ll be going now.”

“Take care. Oh, and make sure to record a video when you do it and show me later.”

“I will absolutely never show you, so don’t even dream about it.”

“You’re not saying you won’t do it?”

“…”

“…Shouldn’t you be getting angry here and saying you won’t do it?”

“…”

“…It really is mating season.”

I never thought I’d be treated like this by Agath. If someone asked me what the most embarrassing moment of my life was, I could definitely say it was today.

Okay, I’ll go back to my room and kick my blankets. That will surely make me feel better.

***

While I was still kicking my blankets and pillows, Ju-an finally returned.

“…Lite? Did something bad happen?”

“I just made an embarrassing slip of the tongue.”

“What did you say that was so bad?”

“Do you think I’m crazy enough to tell you that?”

No one should ever know about this. If Agath keeps this as our secret, it will be like it never happened.

But knowing Agath’s personality, that’s highly unlikely. So there’s a good chance the rumors will spread by tomorrow.

Thinking about it makes my face flush. Maybe I should go bribe her?

But that probably wouldn’t work. If I really wanted to convince her, the only way would be to record a video of us having sex and give it to her.

So I just threw myself on the bed in despair. Then I casually said to Ju-an:

“Ju-an, I like you.”

Ju-an’s face turned bright red. Though it’s obvious he’ll just keep holding back.

“I really like you so much, but I’m also scared of becoming that kind of couple with you. What should I do in this situation?”

No matter how much I think about it, I can’t figure it out. So I’m asking the person who always answers my questions, hoping he’ll tell me this time too.

“…I’m sorry, this is my first time too, so I don’t know.”

But the person who always explains things I don’t know says he doesn’t know either this time.

By the way, it seems Ju-an is also afraid because it’s his first time. Does that mean we’ll be each other’s first? Thinking about it makes me feel good.

It’s strange that just thinking about it makes me happy, yet I’m still afraid of it. What’s wrong with me?

“Ju-an? Do you really not want to pounce on me?”

“…”

“I really won’t hold you responsible afterward. Just close your eyes once and do it.”

Ju-an kept silent with a flushed face.

“Do you not like me?”

“…I really like you.”

“Then why do you keep holding back?”

“…I don’t know either.”

It seems Ju-an is in a similar situation to me. Does that mean he’s also waiting for me to make the first move?

If only I were born a man… No. If he’s a boy, he should act like one. What is he doing?

As time continued to pass meaninglessly, it finally became bedtime. So we both got into bed and lay down.

And I hugged Ju-an tightly, just like I had this morning.

“…Lite?”

“Do you dislike it?”

“No… it’s just that…”

“If you want to, you can just pounce on me.”

I could feel Ju-an’s heart beating loudly and quickly, but there was no sign he was going to do anything.

This aspect of him is really frustrating, but also somewhat appreciated. If only one of us had a bit more courage, how nice would that be?

And so, holding the comforting Ju-an, I fell into a somewhat uncomfortable sleep.