18 Years Old, Heading to the Meet-and-Greet [07]
After leaving the aquarium, we followed the staff’s guidance and stepped back into the elevator.
She stared straight ahead without a word. I didn't bother asking for our destination, either. If it was a place we were heading to together, I would follow her anywhere.
I don't know when these feelings began to take root. It just happened before I knew it. I figured, what could I do about it now? I might as well just live like this; there was no other choice.
As the doors opened, darkness flooded my vision.
I took a cautious step forward. The grass crunched softly under my feet, and the scent of damp earth rose from the soaked ground.
What? Wasn't this inside a ship?
As I looked up, a cool breeze brushed against my cheeks through the leaves. Was it wind? My sleeves and the hem of my dress fluttered in unison.
No matter where I looked, everything was a deep, dark blue. Where was I standing? A sudden wave of confusion washed over me, and I curled my body inward.
As my eyes adjusted, the outlines finally began to take shape.
Tall trees filled my field of vision.
Between them, tiny lights flickered.
They were fireflies.
Yellow lights, lime-green lights. The lights, swaying as if they were alive and breathing, dreamily dyed the entire forest.
It felt like a scene from a fairy tale. It was far more realistic and vivid than any movie CGI.
“…What is this? Is this a real forest?”
I muttered, unable to believe it.
Seorin approached without a word and tugged at my hand.
“Be careful. There are roots.”
I watched my feet as I took one step at a time.
The hem of my dress caught slightly on a blade of grass.
A firefly drifted past my eyes.
If I reach out, could I touch it?
With that thought, I slowly spread my fingers.
But I couldn't reach it. The light just hovered over my hand for a moment before vanishing.
We walked, following the lights.
Sticking close enough that our shoulders brushed.
The forest was silent.
Only the gentle sound of a stream flowed from somewhere nearby. We matched our footsteps, forgetting even to speak. I liked this quiet, calm atmosphere.
Just walking together was enough.
Following the sound, a small stream soon unfolded before us. Beside the water, a flat rock was covered in moss.
Let’s rest here for a bit.
There’s no need to rush, right?
We’ve already greeted the elders properly.
Let’s just enjoy this scenery leisurely for a while.
But the soles of my feet hurt.
Perhaps it was because I had been walking for so long.
My ankles were throbbing, too.
Is there a place to rest?
Found it. Let’s go there.
Before sitting on the rock, I gently smoothed down my dress. I pulled up my stockings once to make sure the lace wouldn't snag.
I never expected to be walking through a forest in this outfit. There had been one uncomfortable thing after another since earlier. If I had known, I would have asked and changed.
Grumbling, I sat down on the moss-covered flat rock. Seorin sat right next to me, and her shoulder naturally leaned toward mine.
“It’s amazing. How did you make this…”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Yeah. The trees and the grass are so well-maintained.”
“Yuna, stay still for a second.”
She lightly pressed her lips to the back of my hand. As if it were nothing, as if it were perfectly natural…
I stared at that hand for a moment.
It was clear she had no intention of letting go.
Can't be helped. Should I just leave it like this?
Our clasped hands were warm. We weren't holding on tightly, but it didn't feel like I would lose her.
Our fingers wiggled and intertwined, tickling each other's knuckles. It was ticklish.
I pressed my lips together, afraid I might laugh. Because if I laughed at something like this, it felt like I was losing.
What time is it now?
The watch on my wrist…
Huh? Is this right?
I hadn't even realized time was passing. It was strange. It wasn't supposed to go this far. I had been so distracted by just holding hands.
It’s a waste to stay here forever.
My energy was fully restored, and…
Let’s start getting up.
As I walked a few steps toward the stream, the sound of water grew closer. I took off my heels and crouched by the water's edge. I dipped my toes in slightly.
“Ack?! It’s freezing.”
I was startled by the cold.
I hurriedly pulled my feet out.
“Be careful not to catch a cold.”
“It’s not fun if I’m too careful.”
“You’re a mischievous princess.”
Seorin laughed low and pressed her lips to my cheek.
It was warm. My toes, which had been dipped in the cold water, felt even colder for no reason.
“What was that for, all of a sudden?”
“Because I wanted to. Do you hate it?”
I had no comeback for that.
I just kicked the water hard with my foot.
With a splash, her black dress clung tightly to her body.
“…Yuna.”
“Sorry, sorry.”
I forced myself to suppress the corners of my mouth from rising.
Seorin let out a low sigh.
At the same time, she slowly tucked the hair that had fallen behind my ears. Her fingertips brushed my earlobe, and her lips touched that spot.
“Seorin.”
“Why.”
“There’s no one here, but I’m still embarrassed, you know?”
“Is that so? But it’s not a problem, is it?”
I hung my head, dumbfounded.
I couldn't back down like this.
I, too, gave her hand a short kiss.
Seorin’s pupils froze for a second.
That was enough.
She looked down at me, frozen for a moment.
That gaze was a bit dangerous.
Did I poke the bear for no reason…
I regretted it slightly, but it was already too late.
As she said, there was no one here.
Then, I might as well go through with it.
I lifted my heels slightly.
Holding onto her shoulders, I leaned in.
I can enjoy this a little more, right?
♡♥♡
I leaned my back against a tree and caught my breath.
One strap of my dress had slipped down, so I pulled it back up with my hand. I smoothed out the wrinkled lace as best as I could.
She’s merciless as always.
There were clear red marks on the inside of my thighs.
The same went for my collarbone.
When I pressed them with my fingertips, they throbbed.
It hurt, but, well. It wasn't bad.
Maybe it was because I had experienced it so much that I was used to it.
Having my body bitten was nothing now. Why was that? It felt like the stimulation was getting stronger as time went on. I might need to exercise some restraint in the future.
Just then, I heard a rustling sound somewhere in the grass. I pricked up my ears. It was a cautious footstep. What was it? It couldn't be a dangerous animal, right?
Something was approaching in the darkness.
It was big and white. Other than that, I couldn't see anything. A firefly drifted toward it.
As the light touched it, the silhouette hidden in the darkness was revealed. It was a snow-white horse.
Its mane was dyed a soft violet. In the center of its forehead, a long, slender horn shone like moonlight.
No way, for real?
My body stiffened at the sight, which was not unfamiliar.
“…A unicorn?”
The words slipped out, but I couldn't believe it.
Something that only existed in my imagination was right in front of my eyes. Was a unicorn actually a real animal?
“It was born after a life-creation experiment a while ago. It’s the only one in the world.”
Seorin continued calmly.
A living creature born from technology perfected after decades of research. They say it follows strangers well since it was born not long ago.
The unicorn approached hesitantly.
Then, it stopped right in front of me.
Black eyes stared at me intently.
They were large, moist eyes.
A soft breath flowed from its nostrils.
It let out a small, low whinny.
It carefully approached me and nudged me with its nose. *Sniff, sniff.* It buried its nose in my chest and rubbed its face against my cheek. It was cold and soft.
A warm breath brushed against my ear.
The tip of its violet mane gently touched my shoulder.
This child is special.
I could tell at a glance.
For starters, even the smell was different.
A sweet scent like cotton candy wafted from its body. I had only smelled it once, but I felt like I was going to get addicted.
Can I touch it?
Its personality was gentle, so it shouldn't be a problem, right?
Not wanting to startle it, I slowly reached out my hand first. The unicorn hesitated for a moment, then brought its nose to my hand. Did that mean it was okay?
I gently stroked its mane with my fingers. The fine hair flowed softly through my fingertips. The mane, filled with light, shone faintly under the fireflies.
The unicorn closed its eyes quietly.
That small gesture was just so cute…
I crouched down to meet its eyes.
“What’s your name?”
There was no way it would answer, but I just wanted to ask. The unicorn quietly rubbed its nose against my palm.
Seorin was watching the scene from behind.
I felt her gaze, but I didn't look back.
I wanted to cherish this moment for as long as possible.
“I’m here, too.”
It was a low, quiet voice.
Seorin approached stealthily. She quickly squeezed into the gap, blocking us like a wall.
She was pretending to be nonchalant, but…
That made it even more obvious.
My hand, which had been stroking the unicorn, stopped.
And I moved my head to the side.
Our eyes met.
What is this? Are you even jealous of this?
Just how strong is your possessiveness?
“Are you, by any chance, jealous?”
“No. Of an animal…”
It wasn't a very sincere excuse.
I found the sight amusing and laughed.
Her body was already leaning toward me. The intention was obvious, but I decided to just pretend I didn't know. Jealousy like this is kind of cute, isn't it?
The unicorn tilted its head and looked at her.
Seorin looked down at the unicorn, too.
The two of them locked eyes for a moment.
The one who approached first was the unicorn.
It nudged her with its nose and, just like it did with me, burrowed into her arms. She scrambled to push the unicorn away, but it was already too late.
Seeing her wave her hands awkwardly was kind of funny.
She was still weak against small animals, just like before.
Watching that, I felt a sense of triumph. It felt like I was getting back at her for everything I had endured. Go for it. You can do it.
In the end, perhaps she had resigned herself to everything…
She accepted all of the unicorn’s actions calmly.
And so, time flowed on and on.
“It’s gentler than I thought.”
“Indeed. It seems to like you, too.”
She didn't respond to my words.
She just quietly touched the unicorn’s back.
“Hey.”
“Yeah?”
“We received an offer for a wedding commercial on terrestrial television.”
Seorin paused for a moment.
After hesitating, she added quietly.
“If you do it, Yuna, I’ll do it too.”
I paused at those words.
Seorin wasn't the type who liked things like this. Standing in front of a camera, appearing in official settings. She hated being the center of attention.
Because I knew that, I felt troubled for no reason. Was she pushing herself because of me?
“…Are you okay? Are you not doing this against your will?”
“It’s no problem.”
It was short, but certain.
It was a gaze that needed no further questioning.
A wedding commercial. I chewed over the words.
With Han Seorin. The two of us in front of a camera.
There was no reason to hesitate.
“Yeah, I’d love to. Let’s do it together.”
Was my answer too fast?
Seorin laughed softly.
“Then, let’s start right now.”
“…Right now?”
“Yeah. Right now.”
Seorin stood up slowly.
Without hesitation, she grabbed my wrist and pulled me along. My feet moved on their own.
“Wait, wait a second. There’s such a thing as mental preparation, you know.”
“You can prepare while we go.”
She put more strength into her pulling hand.
I tried to hold my ground to keep my balance, but it was useless.
I looked back. The unicorn was staring blankly at me as I moved away. Its large, moist eyes looked slightly disappointed.
I’m sorry. I’ll come back later.
I conveyed it only in my heart.
Hey, Seorin?
Isn't this too fast?
There’s no need to rush, is there?
We could take it slow and have some leisure time right now…
Huh? The ground is slippery…
It was the moment I was about to fall.
She quickly supported my waist.
“Be careful.”
“…Your arms are as thin as mine, yet you’re so strong.”
“You’re just too light, Yuna.”
“Don’t tell me, are you going to carry me like this the whole way?”
There was no reply.
She was just walking forward.
Held in her arms, I quietly looked at her face. I’m so glad I married such a wonderful person. To think I could spend the rest of my life like this…
I pressed my face close and brought my lips to her cheek.
Once isn't enough, so I’ll give her a few more.
Chu.
Chu-chu.
Chu.
It must be hard to carry me while running, so it’s a gift to give her strength.