CH 5

〈5〉 A Night Where You Can’t Let Your Guard Down

They moved diligently, but Tae-ram’s party couldn’t reach a suitable village and ended up having to stay homeless. Se-ho, who found a good vacant lot, gave orders to Amil.

“Amil, we will rest here today.”

“Yes! Understood, Your Highness.”

Everyone swiftly moved around Amil and set up individual tents. Kairan’s magic was particularly helpful.

A bonfire blazed in the center of the clearing. After quickly settling down and finding some leisure time, the group gathered around the bonfire for dinner. Amil, who finished cooking, smiled and spoke to everyone.

“Enjoy your meal, everyone.”

The evening menu consisted of a hearty beef stew. It was a wonderful dish with tomatoes giving it a rich flavor, fluffy potatoes, and various crunchy vegetables. 

It was an impressive cooking feat to be able to prepare such a meal outdoors. Tae-ram, who expected something tougher, was impressed.

For dessert, there was custard pudding, which Tae-ram liked. The pudding, with its delightful texture, looked incredibly appetizing. The creamy, thick cream made with high-quality butter emitted a fragrant aroma. 

Tae-ram was moved. Did Amil prepare this because of him? Amil, who noticed Tae-ram’s gaze, approached him like a puppy and whispered.

“I brought it especially for you because you like it, Tae-ram. I made it myself!”

“…Thank you, Amil.”

Unfortunately, Tae-ram, who was tired from the long walk, couldn’t fully appreciate the taste. Amil has great skills. If only his body wasn’t so worn out, he would have eaten it all without hesitation. Observing Tae-ram, who seemed exhausted, the three of them spoke up simultaneously.

“Tired? Should I feed you?”

“Tae-ram, would you like me to cast a spell to restore your stamina?”

“Would you like to have a potion if you’re tired? I prepared the finest quality.”

“Thank you…”

In the end, Tae-ram, nibbling at dinner, quickly made his way to the tent and entered before anyone else in the group. While he appreciated everyone’s care, he was too exhausted. Even the stamina recovery spell given by Fran had no effect.

“So tired…”

Tae-ram slowly sank into the thick blanket prepared by Amil. He was worried about tomorrow, but for now, he decided to rest. The makeshift camp bed was as comfortable as a water bed, fitting for a royal item. It didn’t take long for Tae-ram to fall asleep.

It was a fateful night that stretched beyond dinner. Someone shook Tae-ram, waking him up.

“Senior, senior! Wake up.”

When Tae-ram opened his heavy eyelids, he saw Se-ho’s handsome face. It looked as if it were drawn in a painting, with an otherworldly beauty. It resembled the Northern Divine General. If it were a game, it would be a CG event, and if it were a novel, it would be an illustration.

“It’s an emergency!”

At the mention of an emergency, Tae-ram’s mind cleared as if he had been splashed with cold water. Although Se-ho’s voice still lacked intonation, Tae-ram sensed his confusion.

“What, what is it?”

“Please don’t be surprised and listen.”

“What is it? Tell me quickly.”

“Amil is… watching over your tent from a tree.”

Tae-ram almost lost his composure.

“In a tree? Are you insane? Which tree?”

“Calm down. I don’t know which tree either. But from the angle, it’s impossible to see everything…”

“Does he look calm? Is Amil an assassin?”

“That can’t be true.”

“I want to report it to the police…”

“I found out while checking the book before going to bed. Amil firmly believes that the prince will enter your tent. So…”

Se-ho swallowed hard and cautiously continued.

“I think you need to do something about it with me.”

“What? Are you talking about… that? You’re joking, right?”

“It’s a novel you wrote, Senior.”

“Right. I’ll kill that guy. Damn it.”

“I think you can just pretend.”

“That’s a relief.”

Tae-ram felt both despair and amusement at this serious yet ridiculous situation. They didn’t directly utter the words, but they understood each other. Doing that means it’s definitely about that. S-Sex…

Unconsciously turning a blind eye, but in the novel “The Delicious Man,” there were often intense scenes. Tae-ram vaguely felt that various things were happening even during their journey. Although he had forgotten if it was today, he was the original author, after all.

“We have to do it before dawn. There’s no time to waste.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Let’s do it.”

Seeing Se-ho speak without changing his expression, Tae-ram felt a surge of emotions. Since entering the book, it had been the greatest roller coaster ride.

“Hey! How can you say something like that so casually?”

“Lower your voice. Then how should I say it? Should I say it shyly?”

“No, that’s not it. What about my mental shock?”

“I’m not enjoying this, you know? I had no choice but to come because I wanted to go back!”

“You really… annoy me…”

“Now is not the time to fight.”

“What about Fran and Kairan? What if they hear something?”

“They’re both fast asleep. I checked, so don’t worry.”

“No! They could wake up.”

“I slapped Fran, but he didn’t even flinch.”

“Does that make sense? By the way, you have a lot of pent-up frustration. And in the midst of it, you chose to slap Fran.”

“I guess the lazy author chose a convenient way to deal with a subplot. It’s a relief that it’s an implausible novel.”

“I’m sorry. I’m a lazy author! I started writing it as a joke, and it was my first piece in the first place!”

“Is that important right now?”

“Then what’s important?”

The two of them, who were bickering, suddenly realized the seriousness of the situation and fell into a momentary silence. Tae-ram broke the silence first with a determined expression.

“Alright… let’s do it. Let’s finish it quickly.”

“…Understood.”

Tae-ram walked briskly and lay down on the bed.

“Okay, come here!”

“Senior… at least set the mood a little.”

“Sorry… I’m putting in all my focus… I’ll just keep my mouth shut.”

Taking a deep breath, Se-ho climbed onto the bed, which swayed, and Tae-ram’s heart followed suit, rising and falling.

“To be honest, I’m quite nervous.”

Se-ho, who said that slowly approached Tae-ram and embraced him tightly with both arms. Upon embracing him, Se-ho was secretly surprised by Tae-ram’s body, which was smaller and softer than he had imagined. When the sweet scent brushed his nose, he became even more tense.

“Senior, I don’t hate you.”

Unlike his usual self, Se-ho’s voice was incredibly gentle, and it made Tae-ram’s chest tickle. SomSe-how, he felt dazed by the sensation and warmth that transmitted from their intertwined bodies. He had expected his body to be firm and rigid, but it was soft and warm. His heart pounded as if it was about to burst.

“Your novels are light, and they’re not my taste, but I’ve never thought they were complete garbage.”

“Does that mean you think they’re somewhat garbage?”

“You said you’re keeping your mouth shut.”

“You really annoy me.”

“Don’t think too deeply. We are the main characters in a messy novel.”

Looking into Se-ho’s serious eyes, Tae-ram realized that there was no place for him to retreat. When he thought about it, Se-ho had almost died multiple times. He must really want to break free from the novel. Taking advantage of the situation, he’s being selfish.

“Can I kiss you?”

Tae-ram trembled slightly, trying to hide his shaking hands, and closed his eyes as a sign of consent.

“Then, pardon me.”

Despite his polite words, Se-ho’s kiss was still rough. He invaded Tae-ram’s mouth with stiff and unskilled movements. Compared to the severe biting from before, it was better, but it was still agonizing. His throat felt blocked, and he struggled to breathe.

After a while, the two of them separated their lips and let out a rough breath.

“Your face is pale. Did you even breathe properly?”

While Tae-ram’s face was also flushed, Se-ho’s face was much worse.

“I was just holding my breath.”

“Were you more forceful last time?”

Before Se-ho could say anything else, he awkwardly gestured and pressed his hand against Tae-ram’s chest.

“Hey. We’re not fighting right now. Be gentle.”

“Keep your mouth shut.”

Continuing with Se-ho’s gesture, Tae-ram was not intentional, but he suddenly felt like Se-ho’s movements were searching for a magnifying glass. 

Tae-ram didn’t know what he was thinking, and Se-ho continued the flow. He lightly nibbled on Tae-ram’s neck and licked up along the collarbone. Despite the lack of skill, his affectionate gestures couldn’t be called empty words. Tae-ram finally opened his mouth.

“At times like this, I shouldn’t say it, but it feels like a dog licking. It tickles.”

“For heaven’s sake, just shut up.”

Se-ho’s distant demeanor made Tae-ram feel disappointed. He couldn’t grasp how to react at all.

“Is this your first time?”

Se-ho’s movements stopped when Tae-ram blurted out.

“I know the theory. I’ve never tried it, but…”

“I may not have much experience, but I know one thing. If we continue like this, it’ll all fall apart.”

“It doesn’t matter anyway since it’s not something we’ll really do! Just go along with it…”

“Even if you’re acting, there should be something.”

Tae-ram found Se-ho’s chubby expression cute and all his previous reservations disappeared. He thought it was a waste of talent, or rather, a waste of a face.

A strange sense of superiority began to dominate Tae-ram. After falling into the novel, he followed Se-ho’s words wholeheartedly. Even though it was his novel, he couldn’t assert himself. Now, it seemed like he could take control of the situation. Although his experience was limited, he had tried it before.

“You’re cute.”

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Not at all. But rather, I think it would be better if I do it.”

Tae-ram confidently climbed on top of Se-ho. Se-ho, being pushed back by Tae-ram’s force, obediently stayed still.

“Senior… But still, wouldn’t it be better if I took the lead?”

Se-ho stuttered, which didn’t suit him.

“…Just stay still!”

Tae-ram’s hands unhesitatingly unbuttoned Se-ho’s shirt. Se-ho’s firm chest, which had been hidden, was revealed. Tae-ram cautiously placed his hand on it and gently caressed it. Se-ho’s chest swelled and contracted as if responding. The touch was amazing.

Tae-ram became delighted as he playfully touched Se-ho’s chest. Even though they were both men, the texture of the chest felt completely different. While his chest felt soft and squishy like slime, Se-ho’s chest was elastic and bouncy like a rubber ball. Above all, the peach-like adorable pink nipples were incredibly charming. 

Perfectly round! Shouldn’t this be reserved for the main character, which is him? He’s not bad himself, though… But still… Anyway, this is amazing.

Driven by an inexplicable sense of jealousy, Tae-ram exerted more force with his hands. When Se-ho let out a faint moan, Tae-ram’s eyes widened.

“I like your chest. Does it feel like rice cakes? Plump, tight, and snug.”

“Please don’t say such vulgar things with a cute face.”

“Is my face cute?”

Tae-ram touched Se-ho’s forehead. Regardless of whether he said it or not, Tae-ram felt satisfied. Even when they first met, Se-ho was always cold. Subconsciously, Se-ho had hurt Tae-ram’s self-esteem, who had always taken pride in his appearance.

“Tell me. Am I cute?”

While still playing with Se-ho’s chest, Tae-ram asked.

“…Stop touching me!”

“I don’t want to. Let me touch a little more. Hmm?”

“What?! Back off! Han Tae-ram!”

Frustrated, Se-ho forcefully turned Tae-ram over. In an instant, Tae-ram’s vision flipped, and he was disoriented.

“Now I’ll take care of it… Get ready.”

“What?! Wait, wait!”s

Then, Se-ho clasped Tae-ram’s hands together and raised them above his head. Tae-ram couldn’t move an inch, just like a pinned butterfly.

“What, what are you planning?”

“I’ll do what Amil wants.”

Se-ho, who held Tae-ram’s chin with his free hand, brought their lips together. Tae-ram’s lips were completely covered, and he felt breathless. He desperately tried to push Se-ho away, and they momentarily separated, but their lips met again without giving him a chance to catch his breath.

As time passed, their kisses deepened. Their tongues intertwined in a messy dance. Se-ho passionately and persistently delved into Tae-ram’s mouth. Even when Tae-ram gasped for breath and tried to push Se-ho away, they separated briefly before their lips connected again.

Tae-ram felt a tingling pain as if his tongue was being pulled from its roots. The only sound that filled the room was their rough breathing.

“I-I’m sorry… I was too presumptuous. Slow down a bit…”

The Tae-ram who had been mocking Se-ho just moments ago had overlooked one important point—Se-ho’s incredible learning ability as a Swordmaster. Se-ho, who could quickly learn anything involving the body, showed movements that were different from their initial encounter.

Tae-ram’s body began to respond gradually. In a dazed state, he completely surrendered himself to Se-ho’s touch. It seemed like he could understand the impulsive desire for pleasure. However, if they continued like this, it would be social suicide. Tae-ram tried to endure as much as possible, but eventually, he couldn’t hold back anymore. Half in tears, he clung to Se-ho’s neck, squeezing it tightly.

“I-I’m sorry…”

“Why? You said I could go at my own pace.”

“That was just caught up in the moment…”

“Are you scared?”

“Who’s scared?”

“Then there’s no problem, right? I’ll continue until Amil is satisfied.”

Every time Se-ho’s lips sought his, Tae-ram’s entire body trembled, and he felt a shiver down his spine.

“Does it hurt?”

Unable to speak due to the tingling sensation in his numb lips, Tae-ram only nodded his head. He felt so good that he couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if they went further.

“Just keep going.”

Feeling embarrassed to the point of wanting to die, Tae-ram looked at Se-ho with half-opened eyes. Se-ho, too, seemed embarrassed, with his ears turning red. That was somewhat comforting.

Exhausted, Tae-ram collapsed weakly on top of Se-ho.

“I should wash up…”

“It’s okay, just go to sleep.”

Tae-ram thought about taking a shower but decided to close his eyes instead.

“Thank you for your hard work, Brother Tae-ram.”

In his fading consciousness, Tae-ram saw Se-ho’s face, which was incredibly gentle.

* * *

When Tae-ram opened his eyes, he found himself dressed in different clothes. Looking around, the room was neatly organized as if last night’s events were a lie. Tae-ram cautiously tried to sit up. Aside from his slightly swollen lips, he was fine. He felt refreshed as if he had exercised and had a refreshing morning the next day.

“I must have gone crazy. I lost it.”

Thinking about what happened last night, Tae-ram felt a fever rise on his face. Unexpectedly, he had become overwhelmed by the inexperienced Se-ho and lost control. His mind was just a mess. Why did he do that? He should have just kept quiet! What should he say when they meet? How should he act? He’s going crazy.

At that moment, Se-ho’s familiar deep voice interrupted Tae-ram’s thoughts.

“Are you awake?”

Se-ho was holding warm pumpkin scones and orange juice.

“G-Good morning!”

Caught off guard, Tae-ram blurted out a foolish greeting. It should have been a simple good morning or hello, but saying “good morning” and “hello” together made him feel foolish, so he lowered his head, embarrassed.

“Amil asked me to prepare a separate breakfast for you, as he said your condition as a senior wasn’t good. Also, it would be more natural and convenient to check the book together like this.”

“Yeah, thanks. But…”

“Is there something wrong with your body? Like your lips…”

“Cut it out! Ah, anyway, yesterday you called me brother, right?”

“No, I didn’t. We’ve never had that kind of conversation.”

Se-ho spoke sharply, clearly avoiding Tae-ram’s gaze.

“Why do you make such a big deal out of it? Just keep calling me brother.”

“I don’t want to. You’re my senior.”

“If anyone hears, they’ll think my name is Senior. Besides, we’re only a year apart. Just say it comfortably.”

“What’s with this sudden change in attitude?”

Honestly, Tae-ram don’t care what Se-ho will call him, as he thought he would leave soon. But after spending time together, he realized that Se-ho wasn’t such a bad guy… Since things had turned out this way, they needed to sort out their titles. From the beginning, Tae-ram didn’t particularly like being called “senior.”

“Anyway! No more senior. If you call me senior again, I’ll touch your chest.”

Tae-ram approached Se-ho with a mischievous smile. Se-ho, startled, evaded Tae-ram’s touch and ran towards the wall.

“Look! Look at the book!”

He should stop teasing him. Tae-ram let Se-ho escape and opened the book. Once he summoned the book, he focused solely on reading.

* * *

『The Delicious Man』 Page 53

To add a little variety, I climbed up a tree and caught a glimpse of Tae-ram’s cottage. I thought it might be a crime, so I considered going to another tree, but then I realized Tae-ram hadn’t been in a good state all day. Just to be prepared for any possible situation, I decided to keep an eye on him. I swear it wasn’t out of personal interest.

Honestly, I had hoped that someone who was concerned about Tae-ram would show up. But no matter how much time passed, nothing happened. When I was starting to feel disappointed, that person arrived. The prince went into Tae-ram’s cottage! The two of them had a long conversation. It was a heartwarming sight. Although I couldn’t hear what they were saying from a distance, I could infer their conversation from their expressions and lip movements.

“Are you angry?”

“I’m jealous because you allowed him into your heart.”

“Don’t misunderstand, Prince. Fran is just a friend.”

“Tae-ram…”

“There’s no one for me except you, Prince.”

The prince suddenly pulled Tae-ram into his embrace. Tae-ram didn’t know what to do. The prince smirked and slowly began to explore Tae-ram’s body.

“It’s adorable how you squirm. You’re like a baby bird.”

“…Prince, I’m embarrassed.”

“It’s okay. Leave everything to me.”

As they reached the middle of their actions, Tae-ram started to take an active role. He even straddled the prince. The touch of his hands on his chest was not ordinary. His self-control was amazing! He was incredibly sexy. I thought I made the right choice by pursuing a combat career. Enduring the difficult trials was all for this moment.

I was so captivated by their beautiful display of affection that I lost my train of thought. I almost fell off the tree. Tae-ram must have pushed himself too hard because he fell asleep shortly after.

The prince gently kissed Tae-ram’s cheek while he slept.

* * *

“You kissed me, didn’t you?”

Tae-ram thought he would get the upper hand and tease Se-ho.

“Never happened.”

“But it’s written here.”

“Then did you say something that sounds like it’s in the book?”

“When did I say anything like that!”

“That’s right, it’s all just Amil’s distortions.”

“No. But at least he didn’t makeup something that wasn’t there. Look here. I got on top of you in the middle.

“Not.”

Tae-ram felt a bit upset because Se-ho adamantly denied everything. He had been cute yesterday, but now he wasn’t cute at all.

“While we’re on the subject, let me say something.”

“Another lecture?”

“I tried to overlook the gem issue, but it’s not working. Yesterday, you were too aggressive.”

“Why? If I hadn’t been like that, it might have failed.”

“Still, there should be a limit. Is that the modesty of a delicate flower?”

“My face?”

“Stop talking nonsense and be careful next time.”

In the end, Tae-ram felt frustrated with the indifferent Se-ho. He was foolish to expect comfort from him.

“If we talk about yesterday, you were the problem! You were not the main character at all.”

Se-ho’s expression hardened. Tae-ram felt a bit intimidated, but he decided to say everything he had in mind.

“Prince Kirik was supposed to be modest. You can’t do it properly.”

“I’m well aware of the theory.”

“Someone who claims to know the theory but can’t even properly kiss and acts ignorantly.”

“I admit I lack experience. But I think I did reasonably well in the latter part. You must have felt it too, Senior.”

“Shut up!”

As Tae-ram listened, it became embarrassing, so he covered Se-ho’s mouth with his hand.

“Go ahead and finish your meal. I’ll go wash up and come back.”

“I’ll come too. I feel uneasy because these clothes are new.”

Tae-ram thought he should shower by the riverside and cool his head.

“I want to go alone.”

“Who followed you? I’ll go my own way.”

“…Do as you please.”

Se-ho walked in silence, completely ignoring Tae-ram. Annoyed, Tae-ram increased his pace and walked briskly ahead of Se-ho. But then Se-ho also picked up his speed. Tae-ram, who was soon caught up, felt even more irritated.

Yeah, he has long legs. Damn it. So annoying.

As Tae-ram moved nervously, Se-ho tightly grabbed his arm from behind. When Tae-ram regained his senses, he found himself being held by Se-ho. What’s going on? Why?

Tae-ram’s confusion was quickly resolved. In the spot where he had intended to go, there was a stone axe the size of a child’s head. Tae-ram’s face turned pale with horror.

“The human escaped. Didn’t die. Next, I’ll kill!”

The one who attacked Tae-ram was an orc, a common sight in fantasy worlds. It had a pig-like head and green frog-like skin. Its skin was thick, and its legs were short. Its mouth had sharp fangs.

“Senior! Stay hidden behind me!”

“Uh, okay!”

Se-ho swiftly stabbed his knife into the orc’s side as it attacked Tae-ram. The orc’s eyes rolled back, and it fell dead. A nauseating smell tickled their noses. Tae-ram felt his stomach churn.

“Pull yourself together! It’s not over yet! I’ll handle everything, so hide in the bushes.”

“Ah, got it!”

Tae-ram quickly hid in the bushes.

“Brothers, he died, human, kill!”

“Wicked human, die! We, more, attack!”

The orcs started charging at them in unison. Even after Se-ho took down the orc just now, there were still more than ten left. Despite being outnumbered, Se-ho skillfully wielded his sword and effortlessly cut down the orc horde. Eerie screams echoed through the forest, and body parts scattered in all directions.

Before they knew it, only one orc remained.

“This human is strong, but that human is weak!”

The last remaining orc, from behind, threw an axe toward Tae-ram. Tae-ram stood frozen in place, unable to even think about dodging. Was it a lie?

“Damn it! Brother Tae-ram!”

Se-ho rushed towards Tae-ram. With a loud noise and a sharp sound, the orc’s axe bounced off. Without any preparation, the impact of receiving the axe head-on was significant, causing Se-ho to drop his sword.

“Failed, but human, discarded weapon!”

The orc charged at Se-ho, who had nothing but his bare hands. The next moment, a crystal-clear sword emerged from Se-ho’s hand and pierced through the orc’s neck.

“Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine. But you’re bleeding!”

Blood splattered from where the axe had struck Se-ho’s arm.

“It’s okay.”

While Tae-ram was at a loss, Se-ho calmly tore his clothes and tied them around the wound. The white cloth quickly turned red.

“It’s not okay at all! I’ll bring Fran!”

“Do you think Fran will give me the proper treatment?”

“That’s true, but…”

Se-ho’s cloth was soaked in blood to the point where it seemed like it was originally red. Tae-ram cautiously approached Se-ho.

“…I’m sorry. It’s because of my unnecessary stubbornness…”

Tae-ram’s eyes welled up with tears from feeling so sorry.

“It’s really fine.”

Se-ho untied the cloth that had been wrapped around his wound.

“What are you doing? You fool!”

“Look.”

By now, the bleeding from Se-ho’s wound had stopped. Although it seemed to be a relatively large wound, its size had diminished.

“I told you it’s okay.”

“Is a swordsman like a zombie?”

“Wouldn’t you know better, Senior?”

“I told you. The settings got messed up.”

“It’s not something to be proud of.”

Se-ho chuckled and explained in detail about his abilities.

“I can infuse mana into my sword, which makes me a Sword Expert. I can create mana blades and freely apply them, which makes me a Swordmaster. If we were to compare, I would be at the entry-level of a Grandmaster. When one reaches the pinnacle, their body undergoes reconstruction, and the mana blades acquire attributes.”

“If it’s a crystal, what attribute does it have?”

“Darkness.”

“Darkness for a main character?”

“I’ve told you before, it’s the novel Senior wrote.”

“Why am I back to being Senior again? Earlier, you called me ‘Brother’.”

Se-ho tightly shut his lips like a clam. While in the past, Tae-ram found this aspect of Se-ho frustrating, now he found it endearing.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“…Once I get used to it, I’ll call you that.”

“You have to practice to get good at it. Try saying it once, Brother Tae-ram.”

“I don’t want to.”

“It won’t wear out, just do it.”

“It will wear out.”

“Seriously, you’re so stubborn. I asked you to do it, so just do it.”

Tae-ram leaned closer to Se-ho, who quickly moved his body backward.

“Ah, fine. Step back now. Brother Tae-ram. Are you satisfied?”

There was a slight difference, but Se-ho’s face was tinged with red. Tae-ram found that sight lovely. And he was grateful to Se-ho for saving him, even getting injured in the process.

It felt too late to say thank you, so Tae-ram made a gesture of reconciliation his way.

“…Your clothes are dirty. Want to go wash together?”

“Alright.”

Before long, the two of them arrived at the riverside.

The place, shaded by trees, reminded them of an open-air bath. Tae-ram quickly discarded his clothes and immersed himself in the river. Bathing in the clear water that stretched as far as the eye could see exhilarated him. The cool water made even his head feel refreshed.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you coming in?”

Se-ho stood there, watching Tae-ram, and hesitated awkwardly.

“Senior…”

“Call me ‘Brother’.”

“…Brother, you have a good sense of humor.”

Tae-ram was dumbfounded by Se-ho’s persistent insistence on calling him ‘Brother’, but he thought it was adorable.

“What?”

“A river that anyone can enter is dirty. Think about hygiene.”

“But it’s not that dirty, see? You can even see the pebbles.”

It was not an empty claim; the river water was so clear that the bottom was visible.

“Don’t just stand there, come in.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Then why did you say you wanted to wash?”

“Because I felt uncomfortable.”

Se-ho was the type of person who always washed up and went to bed, no matter how tired he was. Tae-ram, on the other hand, couldn’t be bothered.

He often slept in, and as it turned out, Se-ho always washed with clean water that Amil had boiled. 

Tae-ram thought Se-ho was like a real prince.

“You’re really annoying.”

“Well, you, on the other hand, look cute and dirty.”

“You’re being frustrating. Wait! Did you just say I look cute?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“You’re lying. I heard it clearly, didn’t you just say I look cute?”

“I don’t know. I’m leaving.”

Se-ho averted his gaze from Tae-ram. His embarrassment was evident, and it amused Tae-ram.

“Fine! I’ll give in. I’ll wash you from head to toe! You’ve made me uncomfortable.”

With a determined effort, Tae-ram clung tightly to Se-ho. After a brief struggle, Se-ho wavered slightly. Taking advantage of that moment, Tae-ram pushed him into the river.

In the end, the two of them ended up happily splashing into the water together.

“This is the worst.”

Se-ho coughed and sputtered, as if he had swallowed water, and started coughing uncontrollably.

“Even when you’re wet, you still look handsome. You could do a commercial.”

Tae-ram burst into laughter, seeing Se-ho, who looked like a soaked rat.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Of course. You were struggling with such a pathetic expression. What a waste. If there were a camera, it would be passed down for generations.”

That’s when a whirlpool formed around Se-ho.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

Se-ho looked at the bewildered Tae-ram and smiled mischievously. Unknowingly, Tae-ram swallowed his saliva at that mischievous smile. How could he still look handsome? The world is so unfair.

“Seniors should experience it too.”

As Se-ho gestured, water surged up. The water persistently chased Tae-ram like a snake, engulfing him. 

Under the pouring waterfall, Tae-ram had no choice but to succumb helplessly.

“This is too much!”

“Yeah, who would tease someone like that?”

“Wait and see!”

Tae-ram clumsily splashed water at Se-ho, as if he had gone mad. Se-ho skillfully used his abilities to perfectly block Tae-ram’s attacks. However, he didn’t retaliate with such intensity.

In just a short 10 minutes, Tae-ram was completely drained.

“You look like a dried squid.”

“You only rely on your abilities, you pathetic bastard.”

“…I might have gone too far.”

Se-ho made an awkward expression and then lifted the exhausted Tae-ram from the riverside. As their skin touched, the sensations from yesterday vividly came to mind. Feeling embarrassed, Tae-ram buried his head in Se-ho’s chest.

“…Are you tired?”

“Yeah. I’m exhausted.”

Tae-ram replied in a barely audible voice, worried that any trembling might give him away. He was relieved that Se-ho had a calm personality, at least for this moment.

“Don’t push me away just because you don’t like me.”

“That won’t happen. It’s noisy, so let’s just go to sleep.”

Se-ho’s unexpectedly gentle voice made Tae-ram genuinely feel drowsy. Se-ho’s embrace was wide and warm, making him feel good. He even thought about staying like this forever. 

Would Se-ho still be by his side when things return to normal? It was an unfamiliar feeling of anxiety that he had never experienced before. To dispel that anxiety, Tae-ram nestled deeper into Se-ho’s embrace.