Ch.59Chapter 59. The Hearing (2)

“As a soldier, he raped and murdered a mother and daughter in succession. Sentenced to death, he moved between various labor camps before receiving a special pardon……”

“……”

“Now he’s illegally raising an orphaned girl at his home.”

“……”

I had nothing to say in response.

It was all true.

At least, that’s how it would appear from the outside.

“Then tell me, what is it about this man that you like enough to date him?”

Juliane felt her breath catch in her throat.

This wasn’t really a hearing or anything of the sort.

My answer didn’t matter.

No matter what I said, the conclusion would obviously be that I should break up with him.

‘I want to run away……’

I just wanted to get up from my seat.

But I also knew I couldn’t do that.

I knew that if I gave up now, I’d really have to break up with him.

I needed to explain that this wasn’t just a momentary mistake driven by impulse.

Whether it worked or not.

At the very least, I needed to convey that my feelings were genuine.

That way, I wouldn’t have regrets.

“What do I like about him, you ask?”

“Yes.”

“Everything. All of him.”

Rape and murder.

I couldn’t tell them it was all a false accusation.

Even though he was my father, I couldn’t bring myself to say it.

And how much Jinsoo cares for Cuss. How much he loves her.

I didn’t think words would make them understand.

Even I only realized these things after spending a long time close to him.

His character couldn’t be explained with just a few words.

“To you, Father and Mother, he probably looks like just a delinquent. On paper, looking at his records, he might appear to be an ex-convict beyond rehabilitation. But I love him anyway. I love everything about him. I’m even prepared to accept his daughter.”

“……”

Tears flowed from Juliane’s eyes.

She knew appealing with tears wouldn’t work on her father.

She knew that better than anyone.

But the wave of emotions that had already surged couldn’t be stopped.

Juliane tried her best to speak clearly despite her sniffling.

At least so she wouldn’t regret it later.

So she could think that she had done her best.

Otherwise, she would end up resenting her past self.

“Father, you always judge people by their records. You say records don’t lie. But they do lie. Papers lie too…… You can’t know unless you meet him in person. I didn’t know either. What kind of man he is. Couldn’t you at least meet him before you say anything?”

“Yes. I understand.”

“What?”

“You know, people like that. People who are the opposite of their reputation. In my experience, such people are often excessively humble.”

“Father…!”

“Yes. I’ll meet him once. He’s the man my daughter has chosen. I won’t tell you to break up without even seeing his face.”

Juliane was dumbfounded, wondering if this was really happening.

Father… is giving in?

The stubborn father who never compromises, even when facing the Senate?

She couldn’t believe that warm smile and those even warmer words.

“What do you think?”

“I’d like to tell you to marry a capable man, but… I generally agree with your father. If it makes you happy, I’ll respect your choice. Still, we should meet him at least once to judge what kind of person he is, right?”

“M-Mother too. Are you serious? You’ll meet him?”

“Yes, dear. Of course. By the way, have you had sex yet?”

“What? Huh? What did you say?”

“I asked if you’ve checked your sexual compatibility. That’s actually the most important thing! No matter how well you get along in other ways, if your sex life isn’t good, the couple will never last…”

“What are you saying!”

The mood was broken.

Juliane stood up abruptly, her cheeks turning red.

Though she burst out in anger, a faint smile appeared on her lips.

At least her parents were willing to meet Jinsoo.

“I-I’ll just go fix my makeup quickly. *sniff*”

“Hurry back. The food will be here soon.”

“Yes!”

It really felt like…

It had been a long time since she’d had a real conversation with her parents.

Juliane headed to the bathroom, smiling through her tears.

“Are you serious?”

“……”

At the table where Juliane had left.

The woman looked at her husband with a completely changed expression.

Her husband still wore a gentle smile.

“Of course. We should meet him first. Otherwise, Juliane won’t want to see us for a while again.”

“Ah……”

“And we need to meet him to make a judgment. Whether he’s someone who will understand if we talk nicely. Or if he’s someone we should throw straight into prison.”

Their daughter was clearly infatuated.

Perhaps because she’d never dated before, her judgment was beyond terrible, absolutely the worst.

She might resent them now, but tearing them apart would be the wise decision.

Later, Juliane would be grateful.

“Still, what if he actually turns out to be a decent guy when we meet him?”

“You’re joking, right?”

“Haha.”

Though unlikely, it wasn’t impossible.

Best to speak plainly for now.

***

“I want to kiss.”

“…?”

What is she suddenly talking about?

“Go to sleep.”

“Hmm.”

It was already late at night.

I roughly patted Cuss’s head and pushed her toward her room.

I wasn’t sleepy yet, so I thought I’d watch some TV before going to bed.

“Jinsoo.”

Not long after, I heard a purring voice behind me.

Cuss was already hugging my neck from behind the sofa.

I hope she’s not planning an assassination right now?

I should probably be on guard.

“What is it? Can’t sleep?”

“……”

Nod, nod.

Cuss’s pointy chin rubbed against my shoulder, signaling yes.

That tickles, you.

“Don’t stand behind me like that. Come sit next to me.”

“Okay. Mmm……”

I meant for her to come around, but…

Cuss dove right over the backrest and landed upside down on the sofa with her skirt flipped up.

I wanted to give her a knock on the head and scold her, but…

I didn’t know what to say, and it seemed too uptight, so I let it go.

As long as she doesn’t do this outside, it’s fine.

“Hmm? Mmm? Hm?”

“Silly.”

Cuss was confused with her skirt covering her head.

When I pulled her skirt down, she finally came to her senses and sat up properly.

Note… to disable Cuss, block her vision…

“I won’t change the channel.”

“Don’t need to.”

Cuss hugged my right arm and leaned against me.

I thought she was going to sit quietly, but…

She started playing with my fingers.

Folding them one by one.

Pulling them.

Eventually, she put them in her mouth and started sucking.

“What’s with you? Separation anxiety?”

“What’s that?”

“It’s a thing.”

“I just… want to kiss.”

“Hey, I can’t see.”

Cuss climbed onto my thighs, blocking my view.

Damn it. I was planning to relax with a beer after putting her to bed.

Seems like she was determined to bother me until bedtime.

“Fine, I’ll give you a kiss. Come here.”

“Mmm……”

I grabbed Cuss’s face and gave her a firm kiss on the cheek.

So intense she’d hate it.

Now maybe she’ll get off.

“Not that.”

“What?”

“I want a kiss on the lips.”

“Sigh……”

She’s being so annoying.

I tucked Cuss’s hair behind her ear and pulled her by the nape.

Then I pressed my lips against hers.

Our noses touched, making it quite uncomfortable.

“Chu……”

The kiss, or rather peck, lasted about three seconds and ended with a cute sound.

Maybe she’s satisfied now.

“Something’s different.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Ah. I think I understand now.”

Cuss showed a refreshed expression, then wrapped her arms around my neck.

Then she grabbed the back of my head with one hand.

With the other hand on my neck, she brought her face closer.

What the hell? Where did she learn this from…

“Mmph……”

Our lips collided.

No, Cuss’s lips covered my lower lip.

This time, thanks to Cuss tilting her head, our noses didn’t bump.

Did she learn this from watching me with Juliane?

“Mmm?!”

“Hmm… *slurp*”

A small tongue peeked between my lips.

I was startled for a moment but couldn’t push her away.

Cuss’s arms were wrapped tightly around my head.

I had no choice.

While Cuss awkwardly moved her tongue, I slipped my hand under her skirt and…

“Eeeek!”

I pulled her tentacle taut.

Only then did Cuss arch her back and pull her lips away.

“Hey. What are you doing?”

“Kiss. Expression of bonding.”

“Who told you to use your tongue?”

“Is that not allowed?”

“No, it’s not. That kind of kiss is only for people who love each other.”

“Love…?”

“It’s something you only do with the person you like the most.”

“I. Like Jinsoo the most.”

Communication was completely failing.

How should I get her off me?

I seriously considered punching her in the solar plexus and carrying her wheezing body back to her room.

“So kiss, only with Jinsoo.”

“Do you understand what that means?”

“I do. The highest form of bonding. An affectionate act with a lifelong companion, someone you want to build a family with.”

“That’s not wrong, but……”

“Then there’s no problem.”

“No……”

Cuss tilted her head toward me again.

I could just push her away.

I could pull her tentacle again if necessary.

But my arms were only wrapping around her slender waist, preventing her from falling.

“Mmph… mmm. Chu……”

Her tongue slipped in again.

Her modest chest kept bumping against me, testing my self-control.

This isn’t good.

“Mmph?!”

I couldn’t hold back anymore.

I couldn’t resist and slipped my tongue in.

Cuss seemed surprised and trembled, but she didn’t pull away.

Instead, she pressed closer, bending her waist more to press her chest against me.

Our tongues intertwined, making obscene sounds.

Saliva dripped from between our lips, falling inside Cuss’s clothes, between the two small mounds.

Fuck. This really isn’t good.