Intersecting Desires
The next morning, Hayeon opened her eyes to a stiff yet strangely pleasant muscle ache. Soft sunlight filtered through the window, painting the dust motes in the room a warm gold. The memories of last night's boisterous celebration with the Corinth Team, her companions' cheerful laughter, and above all, the thrilling sensation of having earned her Silver Plate with her own strength still lingered vividly, making her heart flutter.
Hayeon picked up the silver adventurer plate resting on the bedside table. Feeling its heavy weight in her palm, she knew this was a true achievement—no longer a result obtained under someone else's protection, but one forged through her own sweat, effort, and the trust of her companions.
'I'm... really getting stronger. At this rate, reaching the Gold Plate might not just be a dream.' A proud smile spread across her lips.
Getting out of bed, Hayeon began to meticulously maintain the sword and shield that had protected her during her dungeon exploration. As she wiped down the blade with a soft cloth dabbed in conditioning oil, the face of her beloved lover naturally drifted into her mind.
'Are you watching, Ksenia Eonni? Look at how much I've grown. By the time you wake up, I'll be someone truly worthy of standing right by your side. I won't be a burden anymore; I'll be a lover who can watch your back...'
Just as her heart swelled with this tender vow to Ksenia, an entirely different name suddenly forced its way into her thoughts.
'Gold Sun Oppa...'
The moment his name crossed her mind, her heart skipped a heavy beat. His harsh, practical training was a far cry from Ksenia's textbook teachings. His unpredictable movements, and that sly, teasing voice that always called her "little rabbit." If not for the sharp instincts honed under his touch, would she have been able to perform so brilliantly during her mission with the Corinth Team?
'I have to show him... this achievement. I want to show him directly how his training paid off, how strong I've become because of him... I want to be praised. I want to be acknowledged...'
Before she knew it, what welled up in her chest was no longer a yearning for Ksenia, but an intense craving for Gold Sun's validation. While Ksenia's praise was the tender encouragement of a lover, Gold Sun's acknowledgment felt like something on an entirely different level—a supreme predator confirming the growth of his prey.
It was a primal, feminine urge that reason could not suppress. A secret desire she could never voice to anyone—the wish to become his woman—reared its head.
As soon as she finished maintaining her gear, Hayeon left her room to look for him. She headed down to the first floor, secretly hoping that Gold Sun might have spent the night in Serena's room. At the bottom of the stairs, Serena welcomed her with a soft smile. There was a hint of knowing playfulness in her eyes, as if she could see right through her.
"Oh my, Hayeon. You're up early. You must have had a wonderful dream last night; your face is absolutely glowing."
"Ah... yes. Just..." Hayeon scratched her cheek bashfully, her eyes scanning the room. "By any chance... do you know where Gold Sun Oppa is?"
"Ah, our dear Gold Sun? He left early this morning, saying he had some business at the guild. He'll probably be back around lunchtime. Would you mind helping me out until then? We're a bit short-handed this morning."
Hayeon felt a pang of disappointment at his absence, but she nodded without letting it show. She figured it would be better to pass the time by helping Serena. Rolling up her sleeves, she set to work. She wiped down the dining tables, peeled potatoes in the kitchen, sorted the laundry, and handled various other chores.
"My, Hayeon, you're quite deft with your hands," Serena remarked, watching with admiration as Hayeon expertly peeled a potato.
"I... used to do this a bit in the past." Hayeon recalled her days as Lee Hangyeol, living alone in a cramped studio apartment and preparing his own meals. To the current Hayeon, the life of Lee Hangyeol was nothing more than a distant, fading memory.
Even as she worked, Hayeon's mind was entirely elsewhere. Every time she heard the inn's front door creak open, her heart leaped into her throat, wondering if it was him. And every single time, Serena would only watch her with a knowing, mischievous smile.
'Why... why do I care so much? Ksenia Eonni is my only lover... But... Oppa is different. He's... strong, dangerous, and that makes me want to know him more... to possess him.'
The more she tried to rein in her chaotic thoughts, the clearer her longing for him became. If her love for Ksenia was a pure flower blooming under the warm sun, her desire for Gold Sun was a poisonous, seductive blossom unfurling under the moonlight. Even in the middle of her chores, her mind was utterly consumed by a single face.
'When is Oppa coming back...'
As lunchtime approached, the inn door finally swung open, and the long-awaited Gold Sun stepped inside. Framed by the bright sunlight behind him, his silhouette was as imposing and brimming with confidence as ever. Every eye in the tavern briefly turned toward him before returning to their meals.
"Well, well. Look at our little rabbit. You barely just got back from the dungeon, and here you are already helping out around the inn? How adorable." Spotting Hayeon, Gold Sun walked over with his signature sly grin. The moment his gaze locked onto her, Hayeon's heart began to hammer against her ribs.
Serena immediately chimed in with a playful tease. "Gold Sun, do you have any idea how hard our dear Hayeon worked to help me today? You'd better reward her properly tonight."
At Serena's words, Gold Sun looked down at Hayeon and smiled. "Is that so? Then what does our Hayeon like the most? Should this Oppa take special care of you tonight?"
Hayeon's face flushed bright red. Speechless, she could only nod in response. Serena left them with a highly suggestive smile, giving them some space.
Gold Sun stepped closer, asking in a teasing tone, "You seem to be in high spirits. Did something good happen?"
Hayeon reached into her collar, pulled out her silver plate, and carefully showed it to him. "Gold Sun Oppa... I finally promoted to a Silver Plate. I worked really hard, just like you taught me." Rising from her seat without even realizing it, she spoke in a slightly trembling voice.
"Really? As expected of my beloved Hayeon. I knew you were special... In that case, what kind of reward should we go with today? Let me think."
Gold Sun lightly grasped Hayeon's wrist and led her up to her room. Sitting her down on the bed, he swept his playful gaze over her body. "Yes, your teamwork and execution with your Corinth friends were absolutely perfect. I'm so proud of you, my Hayeon."
Gold Sun's low, rumbling praise made Hayeon's heart feel as though it were melting. As she nodded in sheer bliss, Gold Sun stroked his chin with an amused expression, deliberately drawing out the suspense.
"Hmm... What kind of reward would suit our adorable Hayeon? Doing the same thing every time is boring. How about we start with something a bit different today? For example... a little roleplay."
"Roleplay...?" Hayeon was taken aback by the unfamiliar suggestion, but seeing the mischief and intrigue dancing in his eyes, she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity.
"That's right. Today, you are going to 'report' your achievements to me. Not just with words, but with your body and mind. Show me everything—how much you've grown, and what kind of woman worthy of a Silver Plate you've become. What do you think? Sounds fun, doesn't it?"
Gold Sun gently patted her head, like a master praising a well-behaved pet. Hayeon's mind was in turmoil. She was torn between her love for Ksenia and the bizarre, magnetic pull she felt toward this man. Yet, his proposal was far too alluring to refuse.
'I love Ksenia Eonni. But... just for today, I want to be Oppa's woman...'
Hayeon swallowed hard and gave a slow, hesitant nod. Gold Sun's smile widened.
"Good. Then... Silver Plate Adventurer Lee Hayeon. Begin your performance report. Any way you like."
With his permission granted, Hayeon hesitated for a brief second. But making up her mind, she slowly sank to her knees at Gold Sun's feet. Looking up at him with eyes swirling with submission and raw desire, she drew a satisfied groan from his throat.
"Oho... quite bold right from the start. I like it. I like it a lot. Then I suppose I must give you a fitting reward. In a very special way... one that matches the growth you've shown me."
He gently stroked her hair as she knelt before him. His touch was no longer just petting a pet; it carried a delicate tenderness, as if he were handling a precious treasure.
"Tell me what you want from me... with your own lips, Hayeon. Tonight is a night just for you, where I'll grant your every desire."
His voice seeped into Hayeon's ears like a sweet poison. Her hands slowly reached toward his waist. Though her fingertips trembled slightly as they brushed against his belt buckle, she did not stop. Carefully undoing it, she began to pull down his trousers. And so, a new chapter of their dangerous, sweet relationship began.