Chapter 19. Something Thicker
The sun had tilted until it nearly touched the horizon. Clouds floating in the sky glowed ripe red, drifting aimlessly. As the sun vanished, the city—dyed crimson—turned black once more. Silence settled over the once-bustling streets. The air grew chilly. Eizel, who had lingered on the terrace watching the sunset, finally stepped back inside. She lit a candle, illuminating the dim room and creating a cozy atmosphere. Changing into her pajamas, she sat at the vanity and brushed her hair. Glossy strands slipped smoothly through the comb.
Haah—. The fairy let out a long sigh and set the comb down on the vanity. The master thought of her disciple. Today, he had been impeccably polite—as if he had completely forgotten that kiss. Or had he truly forgotten? Perhaps it was just one of countless kisses for him. Maybe she was the only one harboring expectations, the only one feeling that thrill. The foolish master's heart swayed like a reed at a single brush of her disciple's lips.
...No, this never should have happened. Not only turning a blind eye to her disciple's indiscretion but even encouraging it. Her heart grew heavy. The more she told herself she couldn't afford to feel affection for him, the deeper the gloom sank. Blocking his bright future would be the worst betrayal a master could commit. If he wanted to pretend it never happened, she should honor that. She desperately hoped he would soar even higher. Sincerely.
...But her mind understood, even as her heart refused. Once it tasted affection, her heart kept weeping for more—like a child craving milk. Her disciple had already etched something far too profound into his master. She knew she'd never forget that kiss, not even on her deathbed. Ji-hyuk was her disciple, like a son, like a lover. Their time together had been short, yet he occupied an impossibly vast space in her heart. Why? Because it was her first time, she supposed. She had flung her heart open too defenselessly, letting him fill the void completely.
Kind, diligent, clever, talented. No matter how twisted her own nature, she could never hate such a disciple. That was why—as her final disciple—she had resolved to give him everything... truly all of her. And in doing so, she had surrendered her heart too.
...Then she shouldn't have kissed him at all....
The fairy rose slowly from her seat and flopped face-first onto the bed, burying her face in the blankets. She hadn't known that liking someone could gnaw at you like this. It was sweet agony, an emotion beyond comprehension.
Ji-hyuk, oh Ji-hyuk.... The master cried out for her disciple in her mind.
Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door. Eizel jolted upright, staring at it. At this secluded hour, only one person would come here. Forgetting her turmoil in an instant, she leaped up, straightened her clothes in the vanity mirror, cleared her throat, and composed her face.
“Who is it?”
“It's me, Master.”
She walked slowly to the door and pulled it open. There stood her disciple, smiling brightly.
Ah—. All her earlier pain evaporated as joy flooded her chest.
“What's the matter?”
“I was worried your bed might be uncomfortable. Thought I'd give my night greetings too.”
“The bed? It's fine. Comfortable and nice. Thanks for checking.”
“Really?”
The disciple peeked slightly past her shoulder into the room. Hoping, Eizel opened the door wider and stepped back a little.
...But he didn't enter. Ji-hyuk smiled politely.
“Glad to hear it. ...Have a peaceful night, Master.”
“...Y-yeah. You too... sleep well....”
He gave a light bow and turned away. She couldn't close the door until she heard his own open and shut. Was he really leaving? Just like that? Without anything? Her heart trembled. Her face twisted in something like grievance—eyelids fluttering, lower lip quivering.
Was Ji-hyuk truly pretending it never happened? Like some fleeting one-night whim?
...After setting my heart ablaze like this?
A raging inferno already roared in her chest—one that wouldn't die until everything burned.
The master closed the door slowly. Then bumped her forehead lightly against it. Her mind went blank. It really wasn't happening, then. That moment must have been mere pity for his tearful master—an impulsive act of compassion. All her own delusion.
Eizel felt an unbearable ache. She bit her lower lip hard.
- Next time I return, I'll prepare something thicker.
He had said that, clearly. No—I told him to forget. To erase it all. To act like it never was.
...Did he actually forget because of me? Ji-hyuk's so kind... he might have. He obeys his master.... Because he's kind. Such a good disciple.
The master regretted her words from back then with every fiber of her being. They must be why he was pretending—for her dignity's sake.
Eizel grew frantic. If that was true, she wanted to tell him no need. It really could be. Ji-hyuk was kind like that. A disciple who always heeded his master.
In the end, she flung the door open again. Took a deep breath. Stepped into the pitch-black hallway. She walked to his room—right next door—slowly, agonizingly slowly. Her body shook uncontrollably. Tension gripped her limbs worse than any battlefield she'd known. She breathed deeply over and over. Clenched her fist lightly, raised her arm to knock—
The door burst open without warning.
Heop—! Her composed expression shattered. She yanked her arm down, pressing it to her side.
The disciple smiled faintly. “What's wrong? ...Something bothering you?”
“Uh? Uh... th-that... uh....” Her words trailed awkwardly.
Unable to bear it, Ji-hyuk cut in. “If it's important, want to come in?”
“...Y-yeah....”
She entered his room slowly. The door clicked shut behind her. Her fingers and toes fidgeted unconsciously. Gone was the valiant fairy instructor who had forged heroes at the Hero Academy and ruled an era. Just a shy fairy female remained.
“What brings you? ...Something important?”
He still didn't get it. She resented that a little. She had to ask—his true heart. If he truly wanted distance, she'd give it willingly. She had no desire to hinder his path. Sure, it'd hurt—but later.
“Ji-hyuk.”
“Yes, Master.”
“That, y'know...”
“Yes.”
“...Before.”
Eizel glanced sideways, gauging him. He still listened silently.
...Still clueless? Unease stirred.
“Y'know... that thing.”
“That?”
“The kiss. To me. ......Kiss.”
The word made her face burn. Eugh—. Her head dipped, toes scraping the floor. Her life poured into survival's battles had left her utterly innocent about sex. Males? Unfamiliar territory. Even kisses—her first. That's why that initial intensity still haunted her.
“Yes.”
“What did it... mean... when you did it?”
Eizel peered up, eyes wide. His smile deepened at his lips' corners.
“...What do you think it meant?”
“I'm asking 'cause I don't know.”
“Because I like you.”
Her head snapped up. Eyes ballooned. Her shock was adorably pretty.
“Sorry. I know it's wrong.”
“No apologies needed. ...Liking someone is natural.”
Eizel couldn't hide her joy—kept smiling, body twisting with uncontainable emotion. She'd never voiced her true feelings before; now her body danced with delight.
“But you said forget it. Pretend it never happened.”
“Ah, that...”
The master fidgeted. He had taken her words literally, acting the good disciple. She cursed herself for the misunderstanding. Idiot. It was all my fault. Doubting such a kind boy for nothing....
“Sorry. ...Truth is... I've been thinking about it nonstop.”
The master confessed, mustering courage.
“I know it's wrong. But it keeps replaying, strangely.”
He listened quietly. She spilled her heart bit by bit.
“We... shouldn't.... Right...?”
Silence from him. Anxiety spiked.
“I burdened you too much. Sorry. Master's sorry. Should've thought of your side. Sorry. ...Anyway, clear the misunderstanding? What I said wasn't real. Just know that. 'Kay?”
He nodded quietly.
“Good. I'll head out. ...Don't dwell. No pressure. Master's mistake. Sleep easy, no worries. Got it?”
She studied his face intently.
“...Going? Don't feel hurt, my disciple. ...Sleep deep.”
She turned slowly, hand on the knob. Then—
“Master.”
Eizel turned. “Yeah?”
“Didn't come for a kiss?”
...Ah....
“Said you couldn't forget. Just leaving?”
The fairy froze like ice.
“I... want to.”
Her mouth gaped slowly.
“And you, Master?”
She had to speak. Say something. Throat clogged—no sound.
Ah, ah—. Forced it out. “M-me too... I want....”
He yanked her arm. She tumbled into his arms, fragile as a leaf. His face lunged. She held firm. Lips met. Shivers wracked her. How long awaited—how often imagined. A kiss. Sweet, with her beloved disciple.
Passion ignited. His arms circled her waist; hers his neck. Wet, slick tongues tangled. She welcomed his—clumsy but desperate to taste. Sweet. Nothing sweeter ever. Ecstatic bliss. She clung fiercely, drool trailing her chin unnoticed.
His hand caressed her waist, slid lower. Fingers claimed her pert, soft ass—kneading gently, reverently.
Ah—. Sense flickered back. Her untouched rear, now molded by his hands.
...Fine for my disciple....
Eyes fluttered shut. Okay to give him her ass. Anything. If he desired. This kiss sealed it. Master now his—body, heart, all.
Lips parted slowly. She suckled his lower one lingeringly—pop. Eyes opened, misty-wet. She gazed at him adoringly.
“Master.”
“Yes.”
“Want... something thicker?”
The fairy smiled shyly, nodding faintly.
“Whatever my disciple craves, I'll do it all. Master will give everything. Anything you want...”