Chapter 13: Two loves

It wasn’t a lie. What I’d told Semin that day was true. My feelings, the emotions I couldn’t control, were all for her. That’s why I thought I’d never be able to approach her again.

But I was stronger than I thought. I climbed higher, reached greater heights of power and success. And with every step up, the memories of Semin, the ones I’d tried to bury, became more vivid.

It was agonizing. At first. The promises I’d made to myself, the vows to stay away… they crumbled. But then I realized… money made the world go round. With enough money, I could erase Semin’s trauma. Forcefully, if necessary.

It was possible. I was a genius. I could do anything. I could control everything, bend Semin’s will to my desires. I would make it happen.

That’s why I contacted her.

Tap

“…You’re late.”

Love, love. My love. My Semin. This pure love, only for you.

This was necessary, for you. I’ll take responsibility for everything.

Tap, tap, tap

“S-so sorry I’m late…!”
“…Oh.”

It’s okay. Don’t worry Semin.

“…You’re 40 minutes late for the meeting.”
“I-I’m so sorry…! How can I…!”

Everything will be fine. Right, Semin?

“…It’s alright. The contract details are in the bag.”
“…Gulp.”

So…

“Really, it’s fine. Don’t be nervous. Shall we go inside and discuss the terms?”
“…”

…just go with the flow.

“…Ji-Min?”

You’ll understand.

****

“…”

I felt guilty. I thought we’d resolved everything yesterday, but… Even if I was drunk, how could I have so carelessly propositioned Hyeji? If she’d still been… fixated on me… things could have gone horribly wrong. Hyea, my loyal fox guardian, only had eyes for me… How could I have done that?

“…Haa…”

My childhood friend, the one person I could always rely on… Did I betray her so easily? What was I looking for? I’d craved a father’s love, but not anymore. Was it love I wanted now? Yes. Romantic love.

I didn’t understand what I was missing. Was it love? Why did I want to resurrect Hyea?

Slide

“Ah…”
“…What are you thinking so hard about…?”

Lost in thought, head bowed, I sat on the edge of the bed. A warm, furry body embraced me, a gentle hand caressing my back.

“…It’s…”
“…I know what you’re about to say…”

She was a true guardian, knowing my heart better than I did. It was almost frightening.

“…I told you before, didn’t I? I can see glimpses of the future…”
“…Yes…”

I braced myself, dreading what she was about to say. Hyea placed a hand on my head.

“…I have nothing to say to you.”
“…”

And then she said,

“…Your life is not mine. It’s not anyone else’s. If you wish to pursue that girl, then do so. If not… then stay with me, and we’ll live happily ever after.”

Just like she always had. For five years, no… six years. When I was lonely and depressed in the living room, when I was struggling, when I made mistakes…

Hyea…

“…As I always have…”

As she always had.

“…Of course, I prefer the latter. I adore you, and if your heart isn’t fully committed, I won’t let you go so easily~.”
“Ehehe…”

Hug

Just like always, Hyea held me close, a gentle smile on her face. I smiled back.

“…I’ve… made up my mind.”
“…”

I’d weighed the tragedies and gifts of my young life.

“…I’m in love.”
“…Hmm… Is that so?”

I held her arm, my eyes closed.

“…But the person I love… is still far away…”
“…Hmm~ Yes, still quite far…”

Hyea’s voice, initially hesitant, regained its playfulness.

“…I’ll wait.”

I said it.

“I love her so much… I want to marry her… If I can…”

I said the words, even though they sounded impossible.

“…I love her enough to… to want to have children with her…”
“…”

I didn’t realize what I’d said until the words hung in the air. I shivered, realizing their implications.

“N-no, that’s not it…! I didn’t mean it like that…!”

I struggled to pull away, to explain myself.

Slide

“Huh?”

But Hyea’s grip, surprisingly strong, held me fast.

“Wah…?”

Flop

I fell back onto the bed, Hyea hovering over me.

“…”

Her smile… It was like she held the world in her hands. And as if to prove it, her tails swished back and forth excitedly.

“…Hyea…”

She chuckled at my dazed expression, then slowly, deliberately, lowered her lips to mine.

Thump

“N-not until this afternoon…!”

I stopped her just in time, placing my hand between our lips.

“…Mm…”
“I-I have to… check on work… and… manage things… this afternoon…!”

I was, after all, the CEO of my own company. I casually slipped in a brag about my competence.

Slide

“Eek…?”

But Hyea’s hand was already on my inner thigh. I tried to close my legs, but…

Lick

“Huh?!”

…she pulled her hand away and captured my wrist with both of hers, licking the hand that had been between our lips.

“Ah… Haa… W-wait…!”
“Chuwp, chuwp… Lick, lick…“

Every part of me was a weak spot. Even my hand couldn’t protect me. Just the feeling of her licking my skin was enough to arouse me.

Wait, how could she lick my hand with such a seductive expression…?

“W-wait…! Please stop…! I… I really have to go…!”
“Hee… Slurp…”

Her tongue darted between my fingers, then trailed down my wrist, licking my arm. I instantly regretted stopping her kiss.

“Haa… Did you really think you could say something like that… and get through the day unscathed…?”
“W-wait… Just a quick trip… Is that… not allowed…?”

I realized my mistake and pleaded with her. I had work to do, reports to review, a business to run.

“I don’t know… Don’t even think about leaving this bed today.”
“Eek… Nooo…!”

Of course she wouldn’t listen. Damn it.

Creak

“Hngh… Ahh…!”

****

I managed to finish my work just in time. It took hours, reviewing reports, checking sales figures, managing the stores, but thankfully, Hyea had been… merciful, letting me go just in time.

“Good work, everyone! Tomorrow’s Christmas, so get some rest!”
“Yes, CEO!”

CEO… It felt strange being called that, especially since it wasn’t a big corporation. But everyone used the title without hesitation. Did I have leadership qualities?

“…Heehee…”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. I did work them hard, but I also rewarded them well. A fair exchange.

“… “

Hyea had been looking up food on my phone lately. Should I bring something home?

“…Hmm…”

But it was already 11 p.m. Everything was closed.

“…”

I’d pick something up tomorrow morning.

“…Dango…? What was she looking at…?”

Tap

I walked home, scrolling through my phone…

Bump

“Oof…”
“Ugh…”

…and bumped into someone.

“Hey, watch where you’re—”
“S-sorry…”

I recognized her instantly.

“…You…”
“…”

That face…

“S-Semin! It’s you! What a coincidence…!”
“…Noona.”

My… sister.

“I’m really desperate, Semin. Please… I’ll pay you back, I promise! Just… five million… No, four… Three would be enough! Even two! Please, just help me out this once…!”

No calls, no contact for five years… She didn’t even recognize me at the funeral. And now she wanted money?

“…Sorry.”
“…What…?”

I refused.

“…You know how bad the economy is… Business hasn’t been great…”

A perfectly reasonable excuse.

“I can’t afford five million… And two million is still a lot…”
“…Semin…”

Of course, my business was thriving. Sales were up from last year.

“…Sorry, again.”

Tap

I walked away. There was nothing more to say. And I didn’t want to deal with her glares. It wouldn’t be good for my mental health.

 

Ring

“I’m hooome~”

I sang, pleased with myself for getting rid of her so easily.

Slide

“Welcome home.”
“I’m back~”

Hyea greeted me with a gentle smile.

“Hee…”

Hug

I didn’t hesitate, launching myself into her embrace.

“…You smell like another person…”
“Yeah…”

She held me close. I replied, feigning exhaustion.

“…You’ve worked hard today.”
“…Hehe…”

Her words were a balm to my soul.

“…Mm…”

That voice… It melted me. A sweet, comforting whisper from the person I loved. Before I could even think of resisting, her words seeped into my mind, dissolving me, making me one with her.

“…Tomorrow’s Christmas…”
“…Indeed.”

I whispered against her chest.

“…Do you have anything planned…?”

My heart fluttered with anticipation.

“What could I possibly have planned, cooped up in this house?”
“Aww…”

I knew her options were limited. My excitement deflated. I decided we’d just spend Christmas cuddling.

“…But… I might have something…”
“…Really…?”

She rekindled my hope.

“…Wait and see.”
“…Ehehe…”

“…Hehe…”

I slept soundly that night. It had been a stressful day, but coming home to Hyea’s loving embrace… It made everything better. There was no greater happiness than this.

“… “

****

And the next morning…

“…A-a present…? Do you… desire…?”
“……….”

The sight before me was breathtaking. I couldn’t contain myself.

“…S-s*x, please…”