Chapter 188
Everything fits so perfectly, but "Yawn..." The sunlight filtering through the bedroom window beside the bed gently rouses me from sleep. Waking up to the morning sun feels the best for my condition, so even though there's a huge curtain on the window, I never bother drawing it. We're on the top floor at the very end of the complex anyway, with an amazing view.
Still wrapped snugly in the blankets, I shake off the lingering drowsiness first. Then I start hearing Baek Sion's soft, steady breathing—he's still fast asleep. I turn my head just a little, and there he is, lying perfectly straight. It's always so fascinating; unlike me, who rolls around like crazy in my sleep, Baek Sion barely moves once he's out. If you couldn't see his chest rising and falling, you'd really start to worry.
"Hey."
Of course, he's breathing fine right now, and he usually wakes up a bit later than me anyway, so no response is totally normal. I'm in peak condition right now—over 100%, pushing 150% even. ...Thanks to yesterday, I absorbed a ton of energy, but Baek Sion must be extra tired compared to usual.
His face looks so peaceful without that usual teasing glint. "Baek Sion, it's past 9."
Still no reply, so I roll over and plaster myself right against him. ...This is the only time I can stare at his face without interruption. When he's awake, eye contact makes my heart race too much.
It's probably why I, who used to hate mornings, now snap awake the second I open my eyes. "Haa..." But seriously, Baek Sion, why are your lashes longer than mine...?
His face shape and jawline scream "guy," obviously, but if you zoom in on just his eyes or lips... I don't think I can compete. ...Come to think of it, he crushes me at cooking, and listening to him play piano shows a delicate side that's on another level... Having zero wins over my husband in femininity? Major blow to the ego.
Feeling a bit indignant, I pinch his cheek lightly, but no reaction. He must be really wiped. Fair enough—yesterday was intense enough that even I would've been bedridden without my succubus powers. But if he won't wake up to this, maybe nothing will. Might as well practice a few things while I'm at it.
"Ahem." I clear my throat, staring at his face, steeling myself. For a future that's bound to come someday.
"Si..." ...Takes some serious mental fortitude to even get that out. It's way harder than "honey" or "darling" between us. But every now and then, I wonder what it'd feel like to call him that without the usual edge.
I force my composure back and move my lips as naturally as possible. "...Sion-ah."
A massive wave of embarrassment hits me square in the brain—I'm about to pass out. My hands are literally curling up in cringe; I can feel the blanket-kick reflex kicking in. Better seal this away for a while. Way tougher than any multi-layered spell I've ever cast.
Good thing Baek Sion's exhausted... If he'd heard that, no blanket-kicking would've saved me.
"...Sion-ah."
The moment I heard Yoo Seol-ah's slightly trembling voice, my fake-sleep act nearly got busted. It wasn't just a chuckle—it sent chills racing through my whole body.
After waking to her touching my cheek, I'd deliberately dulled my reactions and kept pretending to sleep. Watching her little morning shows is always hilarious. But "Sion-ah"? That was tough to hold out against.
We're lovers and super close friends, so the cringe factor's inevitable, but her low morning voice calling my name like that? Heart-pounding on top. Without my assassin training, I'd have cracked for sure.
Luckily, her blanket-thrashing gave me cover to "wake up" from the noise. "Mm..."
"Y-you're up?"
"Yeah. What time is it?"
"...Around 9:20."
Today's breakfast is ttukbaegi bulgogi. Gotta grab the meat first, so time to get moving. I'll save that "Sion-ah" moment as my ace in the hole for later.
"Hungry?"
"A bit? Need to go buy ingredients?"
"We've got most of the seasonings; just need meat and dangmyeon noodles. I can go alone."
The mart in the complex has everything, so I got out of bed while saying it, but Yoo Seol-ah shook her head right away.
"Let's go together."
It's morning, and she loves lounging in bed, so I'd suggested going solo. But as expected. Despite her sharp tongue, she looks out for people a lot. Even for a quick trip to the mart right outside, no hesitation—she's right there with me.
I'd noticed this back in Astasia, and honestly, she probably didn't even think twice; she just wants more time together. Obvious without being perceptive.
A smile tugs at my lips—I nod without letting it show. She pouts her lips out. "...Why're you smiling?"
"Nothing. Gonna wash up?"
"Nah, just change into some clothes quick."
Even if it's close by, the complex is huge—not your corner store vibe. More like a mini department store, so PJs won't cut it. Plus, I don't want anyone else seeing Yoo Seol-ah in hers.
Personal take: Dolphin shorts and a loose tee are one of her best combos. Super casual and sexy in a way that never gets old. The shorts look cute overall, but damn if they don't scream seductive. No way I'm letting anyone else see.
"Baek Sion, how about jeans?"
"You? You look good in anything."
I answered assuming she meant her own outfit, but she froze like a glitch. But seriously, she pulls off everything. Even wide-leg pants or suspenders—which I don't love—look stunning on her.
She suddenly covers her face with both hands, so I worry something's wrong, but she speaks without uncovering. "...No, I meant you in jeans..."
"Oh."
I grab my two go-to pairs from the dressing room without a word. She's fanning her flushed face and averts her eyes, but mischief strikes—I walk right into her line of sight.
She flinches, bites her lip, whips her head away. Thinks I'll give up? I climb onto the bed, following her gaze until she gives up dodging and meets my eyes.
"Ugh, seriously, cut it out!"
"Sorry. Which one's better?"
Both jeans, but one has an elastic waistband, subtle differences in color and length. She brought it up first, so letting her pick is fine.
"This one. The elastic one's comfier, right?"
...She never forgets even offhand comments. Makes you realize love builds from the tiniest things—every time with her.
"Cool, this it is. Top?"
"Any white tee?"
White tee and jeans. Basic casual, but I trust she's got a plan. I change quick and step out.
"......"
She scans me head to toe, mouth slightly agape, then sticks right to my side and slips her hand into my pants.
"...Aren't you hungry? Don't tell me you're thinking..."
"You're insane! ...I'm just tucking in your shirt...!"
She yells at full volume, huffs, straightens my tee neatly, then slams the dressing room door. "...Wait a sec."
No big plans today, so no rush, but surprisingly, the door opens in under three minutes. And seeing her outfit, I get why she picked white tee and jeans for me.
"......"
"W-what? Is something weird?"
A navy pleated skirt hitting just above the knee, matching mine almost exactly. Top's a slightly oversized white tee. Couples these days match vibes over exact tees anyway.
"Wanted the pleated skirt, huh."
"Y-you're extra tempting today..."
I didn't bring up couple looks first. She walks right into the trap, realizes it's dumb, shuts up, and starts punching my abs—Yoo Seol-ah style.
...Just like when she plays with Shabu. Cutest thing ever, even cuter than a cat.