Junior Park I-rae
A spotlessly bright and clean cafe. It was fine as a first meeting spot, but not so great for a real conversation. Seong Ye-han was the hottest topic in the country right now, hotter than anyone else, and Park I-rae had no desire to let strangers who didn't even know her face interrupt their long-awaited time together.
They grabbed simple takeout coffees—ones she'd ordered ahead—and strolled down the street. The latte was perfectly tailored to his tastes, with just the right syrup. The warm coffee aroma and its sweet-bitter flavor lifted Seong Ye-han's mood. Glancing sideways, he saw his junior walking right up against him. Close enough that if they weren't holding hands, anyone watching would assume they were dating—no room for argument.
"Why?"
Park I-rae had caught him staring. Seong Ye-han smirked.
"Nothing."
"?"
His junior looked quite different after all this time. Back when they'd first met at the Hunter Academy, she'd had this cynical air, like a still, dark lake shrouded in quiet gloom. Training her stamina with him had built muscle on her frame, and as she climbed higher as an awakener, she'd started shining brighter... but traces of that old chill still lingered in Park I-rae.
Her strikingly pale skin had been her standout feature back then. Now? Her thick coat hid her figure, but her steady stride radiated solid, upright strength. That snow-white skin had tanned to a light brown, thick with the scent of sun, bursting with healthy allure. Even in midwinter, she brimmed with midsummer vitality. It was a glimpse into just how hard she'd pushed herself these past months.
So, had his junior really hit A-rank? Or had she just reached out after hearing he'd become S-rank? Seong Ye-han called out to the junior walking ahead.
"You've at least made A-rank, right?"
"Of course, Senior. I had a goal in mind..."
She stopped abruptly, her voice trembling just a bit. But it passed in a flash. She started walking again without hesitation.
"If it weren't for you, my name would've made the papers—at least one line. Thanks to you, zilch."
"Should I apologize, then?"
He tossed back her playful jab with one of his own.
"Nah. Just... later..."
"Later?"
"Answer my questions honestly later."
"That sounded intense. What're you gonna ask?"
"Nothing big."
"Really?"
"Maybe something big."
"You little..."
"Heehee~"
Seong Ye-han shook his head at her cryptic giggle. She clearly wasn't spilling more right now, so he shut his mouth too. She'd tell him eventually as they talked.
After the cafe, she'd suggested somewhere better for chatting. She seemed to have a spot in mind already, leading the way confidently, so he just followed with a nod.
About ten minutes later, they arrived at a dimly lit, mellow bar. Clean interior, tables on one side and a room-like nook on the other. Not as upscale as the place he'd gone with Lee Yun last time, but pricey enough to make non-hunters blanch at the receipt.
Even as a fresh S-rank, his senses weren't far off from his E-rank days, so the vibe made his chest flutter uneasily. The patrons lounged with relaxed poise under the lights, savoring clear, pretty bottles of liquor and steaming snacks.
"Here. I reserved ahead."
"Yes, ma'am. Name?"
"Park I-rae."
"Ah! Right this way."
Even as he felt a twinge of awkwardness, she handled the staff like a pro and led him in. Their reserved room: walls of light wood exuding a faint aroma, plush sofa, solid wooden table welcoming them. The warm indoor heating enveloped them, and Park I-rae shrugged off her thick coat, revealing the feminine allure she'd kept hidden.
A form-fitting beige turtleneck knit clung to her body. The opposite of her outer coat, it teasingly hinted at the black bra beneath, stirring something in Seong Ye-han. Below, tight black hot pants and coffee-colored stockings wrapped her healthy legs flawlessly—covered yet somehow fully exposed, a delicious contradiction.
Her modestly perky breasts, slim waist, and well-developed lower body formed curves that were a sight to behold.
"Pretty."
"Senior?"
"You're pretty."
The compliment slipped out unbidden, against his will. No lie, no empty flattery. Different from Shin Ye-hwa's bagel-like plump curves or Na Yu-ri's slim-topped, voluptuous-bottomed contrast. More like a Greek statue, he thought.
"Good to hear."
She smiled prettily at his words. Breathing a heated sigh, she sat. Seong Ye-han aimed for the seat across, but she grabbed him, pulling him to sit beside her.
"Like this?"
"It's been forever with you, Senior... Sitting across feels too distant."
Leaning her body against his shoulder felt strangely unfamiliar. Hadn't even had a drink yet—was she already tipsy? The warmth and softness through her thin clothes tickled him briefly.
Smoothly—
"Your orders are here."
The server arrived in a black apron and uniform-like attire, bringing unfamiliar liquor and simple snacks. Even with company, she stayed glued to his side, almost flaunting it—enough to embarrass him.
Just sitting close, bodies touching... Nothing stimulating for a guy who raw-dogged Shin Ye-hwa and Na Yu-ri whenever he wanted. But coming from Park I-rae, his grateful junior since academy days, it felt oddly thrilling.
"Senior... I have something to ask."
As the server left, she dove right in before he could even sip. Seong Ye-han blinked in surprise. Just moments ago, outside, she'd seemed like she'd wait for the mood to ripen.
Straight to the point. Classic Park I-rae, in a way.
"Sure. Shoot."
Curious what she'd say, he replied a touch impatiently. Finally, she spoke.
"Senior... You have a girlfriend now, right?"
"Huh?"
"You do..."
Such a random question, yet it stung his heart. She poured liquor into both glasses without pause, ignoring his stunned daze. The clear, soft brown liquid filled them, and she downed hers in one go.
"Be honest, Senior. You have a girlfriend, right?"
Her eyes gleamed darkly under the bar lights. Seong Ye-han sensed certainty lurking there.
"Girlfriend, huh..."
He thought of Shin Ye-hwa. Closest to "girlfriend" by far. Na Yu-ri was... more than fuckbuddies, but she'd reject the label; if anything, sex slave vibes. But pressed, his answer felt fuzzy.
Was it the messy start? They clearly had feelings. Yet Shin Ye-hwa suggesting Na Yu-ri first made him tilt his head. Still, her behavior otherwise screamed "yes."
"Guess... yeah?"
"What kinda answer is that? Yes or no."
He frowned at her furrowed brow, grabbed his glass, and slammed it back. Ice-cold liquid slid down with bitter aroma, igniting fiery heat in his gut.
"Kah—"
The stuff with Lee Yun had been sweet. This was pure flame.
"Honestly, I'm not even sure..."
"Really?"
At his vague reply, she pressed even closer. Park I-rae knew the world was full of loose relationships—lovers, marriages not always so binding, casual hookups common, especially among hunters facing constant injury and death. Fleeting lust overtook norms.
She knew well. She'd gotten offers herself, turned them all down flat—no rolling in the hay with anyone but Senior. But she didn't judge those who did. Just how some people were.
That's what she'd thought. And now, she was becoming one of them.
The difference? She wanted more than casual fun. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, right? She wouldn't hesitate on hers.
"Then we're good."
"Huh?"
Her face inches away now. Seong Ye-han startled.
Her pretty, almost cute face had morphed into something fatally feminine.
"Senior... It's okay if I devour you, right?"
"Uh?"
"I get a chance too, don't I?"
Her female scent hit him hard. Was that one drink that potent? He tried shaking his foggy head, but her next move shattered it.
She pounced.
Churp—
"Hng."
"Mmph!"
Their lips met at last... Her tongue lunged like a desert wanderer finding ice water, scorching hot.
"Senior... haa... Senior...!"
She climbed atop him, wrapping her whole body around. Seong Ye-han felt like an insect caught in a carnivorous plant—helpless.
"Mmph! Mmmph!"
"Haang! Umm!"
Smack—kiss—slurp—
The bar's hazy music faded as lewd sounds of tongues tangling and sucking filled the room.