episode_0137

“It’s getting cooler now. Is it already autumn?”

“…Why don’t I feel like it’s autumn? You must be enjoying the high temperature. I still feel like I’m going to melt.”

“If it’s that hot, you don’t have to stick next to me. Just go in front of the air conditioner and enjoy the cool breeze.”

“Hehe, no matter how hot it is, being close to you is much better than being apart. It’s like… it gives me a sense of peace of mind. Just being like this makes me happy these days.”

“Yeah, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”

Time flew by quickly, and before we knew it, it was the end of August.

As the typhoon swept away the summer heat, the season was gradually transitioning into autumn.

Due to the nature of vampires having lower body temperatures compared to regular species, it was still the usual scorching heat for them.

But compared to the peak of July and early August, things had improved significantly, so there wasn’t much to complain about.

…But thinking about it this way, Korea really feels like hell.

Surrounded by water on three sides.

Exaggerating a bit, crosses every 500 meters.

With the summer season, creating an environment where you can literally melt.

And the essential blood containing the scent of garlic, almost poisonous.

Not to mention the abundance of elements that stimulate OCD and advanced phobias…

If this isn’t a hellish landscape in disguise, then what is it?

There must be a reason why Korea is called “Hell Joseon” among vampires.

“It’s amazing how you’ve adapted and survived, really.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… I was thinking, could I have survived without your help?”

“Well, wouldn’t you have survived just fine without me? The way I see you, you’re the type who could survive on a deserted island without any supplies.”

“Oh, come on, I’m no Bear Grylls. You’re overestimating me too much.”

…Isn’t that so?

Anyway.

As we continued our casual conversation, dinner was ready.

Sitting at the table, I took a spoonful of rice and checked on Jaehyuk’s condition.

“How’s your body? Feeling better?”

“Why? If I say I’m feeling better… are you going to attack me again?”

“Hmph, if someone hears that, they might think I’ve become a succubus. I’m really just worried…”

“…I still vividly remember the time you attacked me right after I said I was feeling better when I had a fever.”

“T-That was… hehehe, no comment.”

“Ugh, what should I do with this lascivious vampire.”

Jaehyuk sighed deeply, playing with his messy hair in frustration, and I stared at him with possessiveness and attachment.

What can I do? You made me like this, so you have to take responsibility for it for life.

Before we started dating, maybe I could have let you go, but now, I have no intention of letting you go. You can come in as you please, but you’re not leaving.

With possessiveness and attachment in my gaze, I slowly opened my mouth with a sudden thought.

“By the way, in a month, it’ll be Chuseok. I heard this holiday is really long, what are you going to do then?”

“My mom said she’ll come down that time. She wants to see her son’s face after a long time.”

“After a long time…? Wait, I’ve only seen her once in six months, right? Hey, how long has it been since you visited your hometown?”

“I saw her last on Lunar New Year, so it’s been about 7 months.”

“…You messed up on this one. Show your face more often, your mom must be really worried.”

“I can’t help it if the conditions aren’t right. But what about you? What are you going to do during Chuseok?”

“As for me…”

Jae-hyuk’s question left me pondering, but nothing came to mind.

Normally, I would have gone down to my hometown to help my parents with their work, as usual.

However, now that I’ve turned into a vampire with numerous weaknesses, lending a hand is impossible.

Staying for more than two days would attract unwanted attention as a bloodsucker, so I planned to stay at my hometown for no more than two days.

Returning from my hometown to my studio apartment, I had only four days left during the extended holiday period. In that short yet long period of time, I needed to find something to do…

As I tapped on the table, planning my schedule, a mischievous thought suddenly crossed my mind, and I jokingly threw it at Jae-hyuk.

“Maybe I should go get my eyes stamped for a visit to a potential mother-in-law. It’s been a while since I greeted her, after all.”

“Wait, you’re coming to our house?”

“There’s no reason why I can’t, right? We used to hang out a lot during high school. Remember?”

Jae-hyuk seemed quite puzzled by the unexpected response.

I was about to say it was just a joke and enjoy a bit more, but before I could, he hesitantly called his mother!

And without any chance to stop him, he quickly made plans for the visit!

“Uh, Mom? Um, Jae-hyuk said that Jiwu wants to come over to our house during Chuseok.”

“Um, Jae-hyuk?”

“Oh, is that okay with you? Yeah, I’ll tell him it’s fine. See you during Chuseok.”

“…”

“She said it’s okay. She really likes him, right? But why do you look like that? Is something wrong?”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing.”

A sudden exchange of greetings, like a formal meeting, left me with a headache as I glanced at Jae-hyuk.

I’ve always felt this way.

Half of my life is completely clueless in unnecessary situations.

Really.

—–

“…What should I do, seriously.”

Trying to tease but ending up with a frustrating schedule that couldn’t be resolved.

Thinking about the meeting with my future in-laws, which was only a month away, I let out a deep sigh.

“I’ve met them before… Why am I so nervous?”

Seeing the uncle and aunt, while natural, wasn’t the first time.

Even if I frequented the homes of three friends almost as often as I ate, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say that not knowing was rather strange.

With a certain level of familiarity and understanding of who they were, there was really no need to worry.

The relationship of ‘lover’ was more oppressive than I had imagined.

A compulsion to always appear in a good light.

As a result, my mental energy was depleted in less than half a day.

“…I’ve heard the saying that if the son likes it, everything is okay, but is that really possible?”

How can you view your own son, who was once a man and even loves a species changer, in a positive light?

The more I thought about it, the more depressed I became.

With no guests around and the table covered with drool-inducing food, Yejin approached me, tapping my shoulder with her tail.

“You seem quite unhappy from the start of business. Is there something on your mind, unnie?”

“It seems quite obvious, sigh… My facial expression is so serious that I can’t even control it.”

“What’s the matter…?”

In a month, I’m supposed to meet my boyfriend’s parents. So, I need to prepare, but I have no idea where to start or what to prepare.”

“Oh, I see.”

Realizing early on that she couldn’t help in this area, Yejin left with a short message of encouragement, saying, “Unnie, fighting,” and quickly retreated to her spot.

It was cruel to see them give up so easily, but a word of encouragement was much more helpful than half-hearted and meaningless help.

With that in mind, just as I was about to start thinking about how to get a good score again.

Rumble –

Suddenly, the entrance door opened, and a group of fierce-looking different species entered the store.

Each one of them was famous for their physique.

What is going on right now?

As I raised my guard to the maximum and calmly observed the situation, the leader at the front chuckled and spoke up.

“Hey, is this the place? The one the big brother mentioned?”

“Hehe, seems like it. Where else would you find a dragon and a vampire working as bartenders?”

“Ha! If that’s the case, then it’s definitely the place the big brother mentioned! We should show them what we’re made of…”

The menacing conversation among the group quickly created a tense atmosphere.

To prepare for any potential situation, I tried to evacuate the people first, but someone who appeared between the group of large beings suddenly struck the Minotaur’s head hard.

Thud –

A sharp, echoing sound of impact filled the quiet cocktail bar.

Soon after, a low and dignified voice scolded the indignant leader.

“Hey – you little cow head. Didn’t I tell you not to talk like that?”

“No, if we don’t call the big brother as the big brother, then what should we call him? And isn’t it true that we owe him a favor here?”

“If you talk like that with that menacing tone, you all look like thugs! How many times do I have to tell you! Are you all thugs? Huh?”

With a frustrated voice, the wolf-headed leader scolded the group, then sighed and approached me, seeking forgiveness.

As I saw the owner of the voice up close, I realized who it was.

I greeted the werewolf police officer who had returned after three weeks with an awkward smile.

“…Was this what you meant by coming with your team?”

“I’m sorry. I should have contacted you in advance, but these idiots are too reckless…”

“Haha, it’s okay. Since nothing happened, it’s all good. Could everyone please take a seat? It’s a bit, awkward…”

“Did you hear that? You guys, the benefactor wants you to take a seat!”

“Hey you little punk!!!”

“Ummmmmm!!!!”

On the last night of August, which seemed quite noisy.

Now, with the large beings feeling more reassuring than menacing.

I began to enjoy an endlessly delightful time.