Building a New Family - 4
"Huh?"
As I woke up, I hurriedly took stock of the situation. 'Yesterday... I did bring everyone along, right?' I'd hauled in all the fallen survivors and finally dashed into the orphanage. Once every last survivor was inside the safe zone, the zombies scattered into the darkness instead of milling around nearby. Then I'd dragged my exhausted body off to sleep—
'Was I sleeping here?'
I flicked on the light. The spacious room held only me, sprawled out alone. My stomach growled, so I shuffled down to the first floor. There, bright lights awaited me.
"You worked so hard, Master!"
Sua was the first to rush over, wrapping me in a tight hug.
"Uh, yeah. Thanks."
The other women watched me with warm, pleased smiles.
"Could someone fill me in? What happened?"
Director Yeowon answered with a beaming smile. "What is there to explain? You did it all..."
"Oh."
"All the kids are safe. A few have injuries, but nothing permanent. You pulled it off..."
Tears glistened in her eyes.
"Thank you. For protecting Hari and the children. And... for protecting Haena and Kangyeon."
"It was nothing."
She threw her arms wide and hugged me. I desperately hid the lecherous grin tugging at my lips, squeezing her tight and savoring the feel of her breasts.
"So, everyone's resting now?"
"You slept a long time. You must've been worn out too."
"It wasn't even that tough physically... Guess the mental strain got to me."
If I'd been alone breaking through that zombie horde, I wouldn't be this beat. With my jump strength, I'd have bounded across ruined buildings like flying and slipped into the safe zone easy. But moving all these people without losing a single one? That was no small feat. Still, we'd made it.
"Shall I fix you something to eat first?"
Yeowon smiled. 'Wow.'
I'd always thought she was beautiful, but seeing her like this—pure and radiant—hit me fresh.
"I'd be grateful, but... you haven't eaten yet, waiting for me?"
"You're the orphanage's benefactor. We couldn't eat without you."
"Ah..."
Looking closer, I noticed a shift in all the women's gazes, including Yeowon's. No wariness or threat—just boundless trust and gratitude shining in their eyes.
"I'll dig in gratefully."
"Look forward to it!"
Yeowon headed to the kitchen with some kids. 'Supplies... should be plenty for now.'
We weren't short on people to begin with, and now we'd added eleven more: the patrol team, Haena, and my group. But I'd donated supplies here just a day ago. We could eat hearty for a few days at least.
"Just wait a—" No sooner said, a swarm of kids surrounded me.
"Oppa, how are you so good at fighting?"
"Well, it just kinda—" I couldn't exactly say I'd fallen into a fantasy world, lived as a hero, come back to Earth, and gotten good at it.
But the kids gave me no time to think.
"Don't talk nonsense! Uncle's a guy—guys are strong by nature! Director said so!"
"R-Really?"
Something felt off, but another kid scolded the first to cut off the question.
"Look at this! A rock I found recently—super pretty, right?"
And one veered into totally random territory, unrelated to our mess.
"It really is. Where'd you find a gem like that?"
Oddly, it was pretty—smooth, glossy, not something you'd spot around here easy.
"Right?"
The girl grinned and scampered back to the others.
"Nah, Oppa's just nice and said it's pretty!"
"No way, it is pretty!"
Chaotic, but I could tell the kids liked me.
"You lot! Why bother the guest? Be quiet till dinner!"
Hari's sharp voice rang out. The kids encircling me scattered in an instant.
"Uh..."
She shot me a 'Did I do good?' look, leaving me at a loss.
"It's fine."
"Huh?"
"They're... not a bother."
Hari's face flushed red. She bowed hastily.
"S-Sorry! Kids, so... you can come back—"
She glanced between me and the kids, eyes faintly suspicious.
"N-No, not like that!"
I waved my hands frantically. Couldn't let misunderstandings pile up.
"K-Kids! Come back, it's okay!"
Hari yelled desperately, but the kids who'd fled stayed gone. Except the tiniest one.
"Daddy!"
"Wha... huh?"
It was almost babble. I scooped up the toddling baby in a hug.
"Daddy! Dada!"
"Yeah, yeah."
The baby's skin was so soft. In this harsh world, I worried it'd rough up in seconds if dropped. I stroked its head.
"A-Are you... okay with that?"
"Of course. How could I not with something this cute?"
The baby climbed my leg lightly, fumbling my hands and giggling. Hari watched enviously.
"C-Can I... call you that too?"
"What?"
She was underage, sure, but practically an adult. Imagining her climbing on me playfully felt... off.
"I mean... Daddy."
I shut my mouth. No idea her backstory, but I sensed things too heavy for me to touch.
"It's fine."
Hari steadied her breath, cheeks pink, and said it.
"Daddy."
Short word. But emotions swirled deep inside her. Not knowing what face to make, I plastered on the kindest, most paternal smile I could, hoping it'd comfort her a bit.
"Dinner's ready!"
Yeowon returned from the kitchen, beaming. Hari and I shared an awkward glance and pulled apart.
"...Shall we?"
"...Yeah."
Silence hung for a moment.
Sliding my tray into the cafeteria brought back school lunch memories.
"Trays are small, right? Get seconds if you need."
"Nah... this is plenty to be thankful for."
Things weren't abundant here, obviously. Food was still scarce. Kids needed more nutrition. My donations covered bare survival calories, not growth or enjoyment. But they seemed happy with it. Seated kids slurped seaweed soup and sausages with sunny smiles.
Then in came the folks who'd escaped the darkness with me: Kangyeon and her squad, Hari and her friends, even Haena. Seeing them settle in, trading dumb jokes, made me smile too.
After eating, Kangyeon called me over.
"A word? Can you spare a moment?"
"...Sure."
I nodded and followed her to a small room. Yeowon, Haena, and Hari waited inside.
"Been a while, Director. As I've said many times, it's good to see you again."
"Good to see you too. Never thought you'd lead the patrol team."
"...Met good friends, and our leader's exceptional. She's helped us a lot."
Haena hung her head like a criminal, peeking nervously. Simple greetings done, Kangyeon regarded me with a calm smile.
"First... thank you. Personally, I owe you a debt I couldn't repay in a lifetime."
"W-Wait. Already?"
Maybe I feared the word 'favor' these days.
"But I'm sorry—my body's tied to Katus. I can't offer it to you privately. Please understand."
Kangyeon looked genuinely regretful, sighing as she met my eyes.
"Oh, of course. No need to feel burdened."
I sighed inwardly in relief. Didn't want to drag someone thriving in her role into my mess.
"Now, our side's position."
"...Go ahead."
"Not upper command approved, but my judgment stands."
She explained steadily.
"First, we'll treat Kim Haena as a non-issue. More precisely, we'll say we captured her and handed her to you as a slave."
"That's—"
"Y-Yes, do that! Please let it be that way!"
Trembling Haena clasped her hands, pleading with me.
"Kim Haena."
Kangyeon's cold glare pierced her. Then, in a voice worlds softer than for Haena, she turned to me.
"This is... pretty much the only way to resolve it peacefully."
Her eyes locked on mine.