Chapter 165
I only wear it when it's just us two. I wouldn't swear my senses were razor-sharp, but at the very least, I could tell I was moments away from getting pounced. Just watching Yoo Seol-ah creep toward me ever so slowly was proof enough.
Truth be told, it had only been a day without sex by the calendar—barely 48 hours by the clock—so what was the big deal? But considering who she was... well, the girl who demanded three rounds even on off days was skipping a full day. How could I not feel a shiver?
Right as her soft hand was about to touch me, I decided to throw up a first line of defense.
"...Aren't we family now?"
"...Not yet? We haven't even had the wedding here."
My primary shield shattered instantly. The same woman who went around calling me her husband instead of boyfriend was suddenly switching it up because Earth hadn't seen a ceremony? She clearly remembered everything from the day before last and yesterday—no backing down for her.
But then, perfectly timed, the intercom buzzed at the first-floor entrance.
"Huh, looks like something's here."
"......"
I moved to open the door without making it seem like I was fleeing. Showing weakness like that would only excite her more—basic common sense.
The screen showed a delivery guy. A package? The interior stuff had all arrived already, and I hadn't ordered anything. I buzzed him in anyway, curiosity piqued, when Yoo Seol-ah spoke up.
"...Perfect timing."
"......"
This time, I was the one at a loss for words. What made a delivery "perfect" for her?
The mystery solved itself a few minutes later when she brought in the box. Inside: a bottle of some liquid, a mysterious tube-like object, and a small unopened envelope.
"Baek Sion, you tired?"
I wondered why she was suddenly giving me an out after cornering me, but I nodded anyway.
"...Kinda feeling it a bit."
Not a lie. Even just filming had taken forever, and we'd burned through energy with those heated debates—not to mention actually working on stuff.
She nodded understandingly, her sharp gaze from earlier replaced by a bright smile.
"Want me to give you a massage?"
"A massage?"
Glancing back at the box after her words, I started piecing it together. That bottle was probably aromatherapy oil or something, and the "tube" was likely an inflatable mat.
One hitch: when the hell had she ordered this?
"...When'd you get all this?"
"Yesterday. Rocket delivery—came fast."
"......"
...Our country's delivery system is insane. Yesterday, when she was still riding high from everything. And in this flow, "massage" didn't exactly scream innocent.
She met my eyes briefly, reading my mind, and snorted softly.
"...Hey, it's a legit massage, okay? You in or not?"
Truth was, I had only one real choice here. Whatever she had in mind, she'd gone out of her way to prepare it. Turning her down would be rude.
...And even if she switched gears, it wouldn't be bad for me. Yoo Seol-ah might nag on the daily, but her core was too pure for anything truly naughty in her right mind. Plus, I had zero desire to avoid sex with her. It felt amazing physically and emotionally fulfilling. Lately, I'd just been having too much fun teasing her dynamic reactions.
"I'm in."
"Cool. Stay put."
She found the valve on the deflated air mat and inflated it in seconds—ten times faster than any pump I'd seen.
"...Bigger than I thought."
"Gotta be. Big enough to lie on comfortably."
Nearly the size of a single bed—no rolling off even if I flailed. She grabbed it and headed to the bedroom. I figured the spacious bathroom there would fit it, but nope—she tossed it right onto the bed.
"...Won't that soak the bed?"
If it was oil-based, it'd leak everywhere no matter how big the mat.
"It's fine. I'll barrier it."
If she said so, it'd be okay. Probably a mana shield or something. And honestly, even if the bed got wet, no biggie.
"Got it. It gets soaked plenty anyway—"
"Waaah! What the hell...!"
She clamped my mouth shut with a weird yelp. After our usual bed romps, we either crashed exhausted or changed the sheets—her ultra-fast wash-dry system made it livable. Without it, clean sleep would be a dream.
Her face flushed crimson as she glared, but she took a deep breath to calm down.
Regaining composure, she pointed at the mat, ready to start.
"...Okay, strip."
"......"
Our eyes locked for a beat. I pretended to cover up, and her voice pitched up again.
"...How's oil work over clothes...?!"
"Fine, fine."
Hard not to tease when she reacted like that. She sighed, then headed to the dressing room.
"...Wait there."
Door shut behind her. I had to strip for the massage, but did she? Suspicion of a "weird" massage crept in, but I stripped down to my underwear anyway.
Rustling sounds from inside, then the door cracked open—her face peeked out.
"...What're you doing?"
Looked like she was peeking. Realizing it, she slowly swung the door wide.
Then I got why she'd gone in there. Under a faintly blushing face, a black bikini hugged her body. Less fabric than that croptop swimsuit from before.
"...Don't just stare—say something...?"
I'd learned early in our relationship to voice appreciation in moments like this, but damn, it was hard not to gawk. Beyond pretty—straight-up stunning. Her killer figure got even more emphasized by the string-tied bottoms and X-strap top.
After soaking it in, I spoke slowly.
"Pretty."
Baek Sion's short compliment. Not sure if it was aimed at the swimsuit, me, or the combo—but it made my mood soar anyway. Between us, sweet words like "pretty" or "I love you" were rare as hell.
"...Yeah?"
"Yeah. But you can't wear it often."
His words sent a little flutter through me. Given his subtle shyness, it was roundabout, but it basically meant "not in front of others."
I'd half-expected it, but confirmed anyway.
"...You don't want me wearing it outside?"
I'd bought this fave for myself—too revealing for public. Never planned to anyway.
He hesitated, then nodded lightly. My cheeks heated as my lips twitched upward uncontrollably. I turned away to hide the smile.
"...Got it. Only when it's just us."
His possessiveness was rarer than compliments—maybe that's why it hit so hard. Made me want to give him the best massage ever.
Reason I'd prepped this bikini massage? He'd seemed subtly drained lately. Not physical stamina, but mental fatigue. Whether he was hiding it or oblivious, I'd seen it all: matching my packed schedule, plus club extras and studies without slacking.
As a freshman who binged on lazy days, it was impressive to me. Skipping sex yesterday? Partly to tease back, sure—but subconsciously managing his condition too, I bet.
I'd gotten worked up from his teasing, but I didn't want to prioritize my pleasure. Not our vibe. Healing his fatigue mattered more.
So yeah, he might've misunderstood, but this was a straight-up therapeutic massage. Bikini for his eye candy—smart choice, judging by his reaction.
I pointed at the air mat and grabbed the aromatherapy oil beside it.
"Lie down on your stomach first."
Lavender oil. Great for skin diluted, and pricey—but his favorite bath scent, so no hesitation.
He turned slowly at my words. I felt his gaze roaming my body the whole time.
Even knowing he'd been teasing me these past two days, I'd worried my appeal was fading a tad. Glad it wasn't.
...And honestly, once the fatigue was gone, I wasn't entirely against a different kind of massage. But first, nail this one.