Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: The Night We Fell Asleep
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In the quiet room, my eyelids fluttered open.
Just before I'd closed my eyes, the dark room had been softly illuminated by sunset light filtering in.
Now, the room was gradually brightening as the darkness lifted, and I felt an unusually fluffy pillow and bed unlike my usual ones.
And... the moment I opened my eyes, even through my blurry, unfocused vision, my boyfriend stood out crystal clear.
Unlike me, with his broad, firm chest, he was sleeping soundly, happily embracing me in his arms. Staring at him, it hit me.
— Ah, I'm screwed.
It was just like setting an alarm before bed, sleeping through it, and waking up way later than usual.
I'd thought I'd only closed my eyes for a moment, but feeling suspiciously refreshed as I opened them... wasn't a delusion.
— Just die, Han Seo-ah.
What do I do?
After doing everything to Jun-woo last night like I planned, did I just conk out and sleep like a baby by myself?
In the silent room, with Jun-woo's steady breathing as background noise...
I squirmed alone in his arms, screaming internally, 'Kwaaang...'
This is the worst, the absolute worst.
What if Jun-woo is disappointed?
I'd feel the same if I were him—totally dumbfounded.
"As long as it's not a misunderstanding." (Actually said)
After saying stuff like that all day long.
I'd come out of the shower all excited and fluttery, only to find my girlfriend blissfully asleep.
I'm sorry, Jun-woo...
Even I think this is the worst, for real.
I was really looking forward to it too...
I prepared so hard...
I'd been imagining our first time, embarrassed but excited, and now I felt like an idiot.
Like the ocean waves I'd watched yesterday, a wave of guilt toward Jun-woo and frustration at this situation crashed over me, making my eyes well up.
"Hiiing..."
— Don't cry.
What right do you have to cry, Han Seo-ah?
Still, if I didn't hold back, tears would spill out before I knew it.
Careful not to wake him, I hugged him tighter, burying my face in his broad chest to soothe my upset feelings. But even though I was careful, he must have felt the movement.
"Hmmm..."
A soft exhale, and I felt Jun-woo slightly rousing above my head.
"Seo-ah, you're awake?"
His voice was that deep, husky baritone, even better than usual after waking up.
The kind of sexy that could make you feel naughty just listening. I wanted to lift my head and say 'Yeah!' right away, but...
Guilty as charged, I couldn't face him. So I just pretended to sleep, face still buried in his chest.
Then, as if he knew everything, he gently patted my waist.
"Seo-ah, I know you're awake."
His teasing smile contrasted with the tender touch, making me flinch.
...He knew?
How...?
Even my fake sleeping got busted, and too embarrassed to look, I just grumbled and burrowed deeper into his arms, silently protesting for him to stop teasing.
At that, I heard Jun-woo burst out laughing, "Puhat."
"Embarrassed?"
As if that earlier teasing question was all a bluff.
His soft voice tickled my ear, understanding everything, as his big hand moved from patting my waist to stroking my hair.
"...Do it."
"Huh?"
"Both... please."
How did he understand my incoherent mumble without context?
My boyfriend gently caressed my head and waist at the same time, leisurely and tenderly.
"Busy since morning."
His voice carried a chuckle, like he couldn't help it.
Even after last night, he didn't seem upset at all. From the moment he opened his eyes, he'd been smiling and talking to me, which only made me feel guiltier.
"Sorry..."
"Huh?"
If he'd gotten mad or shown disappointment, I could've apologized right away. But he didn't even give me the chance.
Just looking at him or listening, his love for me overflowed.
As I apologized, he asked why like he genuinely didn't know.
I felt my eyes moisten again, the ones I'd barely calmed.
"Last night... sorry, Jun-woo."
I'm such an idiot.
I messed up, and here I am apologizing while getting teary, knowing full well it'd leave Jun-woo flustered.
When I thought how pathetic I was for not controlling my emotions,
"Seo-ah."
"Sniff, y-yeah..."
"My girlfriend."
"Hiiing, y-yes...?"
"Look at me."
I didn't want to show him my crying face, but his voice was so gentle, like he'd embrace even this foolish me. Mesmerized, I lifted my head.
Jun-woo's eyes held no resentment—just pure affection, like I was the cutest thing.
"Why are you crying? You didn't do anything wrong."
Soon, his big, warm hand cupped my cheek, his thumb gently wiping under my eyes as he spoke.
"Seo-ah, did you think the purpose of our trip was... that at night?"
"N-nooo..."
"Right? That's what I think too."
"But..."
To my mumbling, he replied like it was really okay.
"Or... Seo-ah, is being like this with me not enough for you right now?"
"N-nooo...! No, absolutely not...!"
Jun-woo pouted like he was sulking, and I flailed in his arms, desperately denying it. As if he knew all along,
"Me too. This moment is more than enough."
"We confessed our hearts fully yesterday for exactly this."
"Sure, it sucks we didn't... you know, last night, but that's just regret—nothing more."
"We're already connected as one..."
"And we can do it anytime we want. We're together for life."
Isn't that right? His eyes full of conviction sought agreement.
In your love that mocks my thought of 'Can I love you more than this?'...
How do I tell you that today, I'm falling even deeper in love than yesterday?
"...Jun-woo."
"Yeah?"
My nose was all stuffy from crying, but this overflowing feeling would burst if I didn't tell you now.
"I love you... so much."
"I know, dummy."
"I'm not a dummy..."
I whined cutely, face buried in his chest again, and he wrapped me in both arms.
"Let's sleep a bit more... then hit the beach again or grab something delicious. Sound good?"
"Y-yeah... sounds good..."
Just moments ago, guilt kept me from lifting my head.
Now, coming to my senses, the fluffy comfy bed, cool sea breeze wafting in, warm sunlight filling the room, and lying embraced by my beloved Jun-woo...
The emotions from before felt like a lie. Could I be happier than this?
"Jun-woo..."
"Yeah?"
I grabbed his hand patting my waist to help me relax, sliding it down to the curve of my chest.
"...!"
"You can touch here... anytime."
Got it? I added, looking up. His face flushed red, staring like he couldn't believe this, frozen.
"It's all yours..."
His hand, which had been rhythmically patting, froze. I pressed to make it move, and now it was more like smacks than pats.
"Hng..."
"...Hurts?"
"No, feels good..."
Thinking his hand was touching my precious spot sent tingles through me.
"Can I use mine too?"
".........Which one?"
His delayed reply, like he was focused on the sensation, made me smile.
I got his feelings perfectly.
"This..."
I pointed to his arm, lifting my head slightly. He made an 'Ah!' face.
"Heehee..."
He offered his arm like 'come here,' so I giggled and rested my head on it right away.
The lodging pillow was soft, but nothing compared to this.
No, no pillow could match the comfort and security it gave. Feeling his touch, sleep soon crept in.
"Ow."
"...Sorry."
Of course, midway his 'tiger' clawed my stomach a bit, but that was my fault for poking a sleeping tiger's nose, so no blaming him.
"Mm...?"
Unable to bear the bright morning sunlight filling the room, I opened my eyes. Seo-ah, who'd been in my arms before sleep, was gone.
"Seo-ah...?"
Half-asleep, I called, turning my head to look for her.
"Jun-woo, looking for me?"
She'd apparently gone to wash up; her hotel gown slipped down a bit, long hair tied up, standing at the shower entrance looking at me...
Black?
Watermelon?
"Seo-ah."
"Yeah?"
"On second thought, maybe our trip's purpose really is that..."
Bang—
I teared up as the shower door slammed shut before I could finish.