Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Civil Servant Hunter’s S-class Resignation Log – Chapter 56
Hah!
Se-ras eyes snapped open. Her damp eyes hurriedly scanned her surroundings.
A dark room, a plush luxury bed, curtains covering the windows.
This wasnt her room. It wasnt the house still bearing traces of her parents, where she could never bring herself to live, nor the officetel shed stayed in ever since becoming an adult and striking out on her own.
A hotel. Rightthe suite shed been sharing lately with Seong Ja-rim.
That realization brought an overwhelming sense of relief.
Calm down.
But her body was still trembling violently. The image of flowers tossed carelessly onto her parents graves flashed before her eyes, and she squeezed them shut once more.
Her mind refused to settle. Traumatic events from her past replayed endlessly in her head of their own accord.
Those kids will grow up to be just like their parents.
Hurry up and awaken as an S-rank so you can sacrifice yourself for us.
When are you going to awaken? When are you going to awaken? When are you going to awaken? When are you going to awaken? When are you going to awaken? When are you going to awaken? Isnt it about time?
Tak, tak, takthe hallucinations buzzed in her ears like a broken cassette tape.
Se-ra clamped her hands over her ears and curled into a ball. Chills wracked her body even though it wasnt winter. She yanked the blankets around her desperately, but no warmth came.
Itll be okay. Itll be fine soon. This is just another nightmare thatll pass...
Ah...
In the midst of repeating that to herself, a soft sensation suddenly brushed her cheek and hair. Her eyes flew open at the warm breeze that felt just like a gentle hand.
What filled her vision wasnt a hand, but a system message.
Just those simple words carried a tender, soothing warmth.
The warm breeze still lingered near her hair, caressing her comfortingly. Just like Song Han-nas promise to protect her no matter what.
Tears suddenly pricked at her eyesnot from the nightmare, but from pure relief.
Se-ra bit her lip hard and hugged her shoulders. Somehow, her hands had grown warm.
Even after the trembling had clearly subsided, the system messages kept coming.
They continued until Se-ras ragged breathing evened out completely.
Until her precious contractor shook off her torment and fell into a deep sleep.
The faint starlight kept watch by her side.
* * *
Clink. Something small and hard bumped against her bare foot. Se-ra frowned.
Whats this? Did I leave some marbles on the bed? No, I dont even have any marbles in the house.
But thats weird. It feels like Ive had this exact thought before...
The moment that realization hit, her eyes snapped open. Her vision filled not with her sparse studio apartment, but with the opulent, extravagant mansion shed seen once before. And somehow, there were even more jewels scattered around than last time.
Never thought the day would come when Id literally kick jewels across the floor.
Every inch of the floor was blanketed in gemseverywhere except right where she stood. Even the slightest twitch of her toes sent beautifully cut stones rolling over her feet.
My god. Ive never even seen a scene like this in a movie.
Her lingering daze vanished in an instant. How did it know I was having a nightmare and set all this up?
She was wiggling her toes, trying to pile even more jewels onto the tops of her feet, when a voice laced with static cut in from behind.
Oh rightblinded by the bling, shed forgotten the homeowner was here.
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
Se-ra steadied her heart to behold beauty more dazzling than any jewel, then slowly turned around.
Well, well, we meet again. Hope youve been well? Youre as stunning as everIm truly delighted.
The beauty she hadnt seen in days was still breathtaking. Just looking at him made life feel worthwhile, and Se-ra grinned ear to ear. Good thing Im alive.
In a place like this, who wouldnt give in to temptation?
Thousands of jewels underfoot, a gorgeous man right in front of her.
How could anyone resist such a perfect combo, one that would tempt even the most ascetic monk? Certainly not her, with her fragile heart.
So, howd I end up back here? Once is coincidence, twice is fate. Are we destined or what?
Se-ra grinned shamelessly, and bewilderment washed over the mans face.
Hold on. Was that a sneak attack flirt? Her heart pounded at the perfection of it.
Youre doing that on purpose, arent you? My hearts gonna give out.
She asked seriously if hed been watching Korean dramas, and he burst out laughing.
Ahh. Her soul felt cleansed.
You talk like you know me inside and out. The casual speech from the start, treating me like an old friend...
For a split second, he looked flustered as he nibbled his lip. His full, perfectly shaped lips squished under his fingers, and Se-ra swallowed hard without thinking. Wow, deadly.
Its not like Im dying for it or anything...
...Huh?
Their eyes met. His sparkling green eyes narrowed into lovely slits, and his lips curved into a pleasant arc.
...
Se-ra buried her face in her hands. Not just her burning cheeks, but her mouth that wanted to split into a goofy grinshe had to hide it all.
Theyre going all out to seduce me.
Her head spun. Her nose felt just as hot as her face, and she kept wiping under it to check for nosebleeds.
Just talk casually. I might pass out like this.
He let out a clear laugh at her utterly sincere plea. Even with the static mixed in, his voice sounded so refreshingly brightit was amazing.
The face effect, maybe?
you the uncomfortable one?>
I cant casual-talk someone with a face like yours.
He laughed again, clearly amused.
You enjoy chatting with me that much? You seem like youre here alone, but I made you laughso I feel pretty proud.
you the one in a good mood?>
Me?
Caught off guard, Se-ra touched her mouth.
Yeah. For a little while, shed truly forgotten.
The day of her parents funeral, when her life had been upended at age ten.
A moment so horrific shed never once erased it from her mind.
Youre right. Weird. Ive never forgotten before.
The clinking jewels around her feet, the man treating her even kinder than their first meeting.
All of it had yanked her right out of the swamp of depression.
You prepared all these jewels?
Unlike before, his tone now drew a subtle line. Se-ra wrinkled her nose.
I like it when youre sweet. If youre gonna be sweet, why not go all the way? You said youd grant anything the dream owner wants. Be sweet to me.
He murmured awkwardly but slowly approached her.
His strides kicked aside priceless gems without a care, as if they were worthless.
But when he reached her, his movements turned careful. As if she mattered more than all the scattered jewels.
Why? Just because Im the dream owner?
...Wait, hold on. Thats thrilling and all, but whys your hand on my shoulder again?
The hazy mood didnt last. Se-ras eyes widened at the neat fingers now resting on her shoulder.
Their first meeting flashed back instantly. That was exactly how shed wokenshoved away unceremoniously by this firm grip!
She grabbed his wrist in a panic, but it was too late. He wore a regretful expression.
Again! Again with that! Your actions are what make me sad!
No chance. Se-ra tightened her grip on his hand. Even as his wrist twisted painfully, he didnt flinchinstead, he yanked his captured arm toward himself, pulling her along. The moment she braced for a shove, their bodies met softly.
No body heat since it was a dream, yet the smooth touch of his jaw against her ear burned hot.
What...?
That was the end of the conversation. As her strength ebbed from the soothing whisper, he pushed her back.
His receding face vanished with a plop, swallowed whole by the sea of jewels. Her body sank slowly into the depths.