Embers
Embers
"...What are you two doing?"
Cold sweat poured down my spine like rain.
A chill ran through me.
It felt like a dagger had stabbed into my chest, my heart plummeting with a thud.
A thousand thoughts raced through my mind.
"W-well, this is, you see..."
Just as I was about to spout some excuse, Kim Ha-yoon reacted in a way I didn't expect.
"This is ridiculous. You came that much and still have the energy to put your hands on another woman?"
She approached me with a grin, looking oddly cheerful, as if she'd just thought up a mischievous prank.
"You know if unnie finds out about this, it won't just end, right? She's surprisingly narrow-minded."
"I know. I do, but... you're really just going to let this slide?"
Kim Ha-yoon nodded.
She looked into my eyes and gave a bewitching smile.
"Honestly, I like it. It means I'm getting a new junior, right?"
I wasn't so sure about that part yet. Honestly, I was also considering just hitting it and quitting it. But I gave it an affirmative answer for now.
"Well... you're not wrong."
"Then it's fine. From now on, this person can be unnie's errand girl."
So, it turned out Ha-yoon had decided to willingly accept another woman joining us for her own convenience.
In a way, it was practical... but why did it leave me feeling so uneasy? Well, it was nothing but good from my perspective.
"Um... you're not angry?"
Just then, Jeong Ji-min, who had been quietly reading the atmosphere, cautiously opened her mouth. The completely different current in the air seemed to have flustered her a bit.
"You heard me. I said I don't care. You're going to be the youngest now, so I have no reason to be unhappy."
"I'm... the youngest?"
"Yes. Do you hate it? Then you can get out, minus that."
She was smiling, but it wasn't a real smile. Only the corners of her mouth were raised; her eyes, not forming a cheerful arc, were fixed in a hard stare. It was a firm statement refusing to allow any objection.
"...I'll do it. The youngest."
"A wise choice."
After saying that, Kim Ha-yoon turned her gaze back to me.
"Change your position a bit for a second."
"Position? Why?"
"There's something I want to do."
I couldn't grasp the reason, but I decided to do as she wished. Immediately after, I lifted Jeong Ji-min slightly as she instructed and laid her straight out on the long sofa.
"Like this?"
"Yep, yep. Good."
Kim Ha-yoon then went to Jeong Ji-min's head and wrapped her legs around her neck. The position was very similar to what Ha Hui-ryeong had done to her before.
"W-wait a minute. Wh-what is this all of a sudden?"
Kim Ha-yoon didn't answer the thoroughly flustered Jeong Ji-min's question. She just watched me with a deeply suggestive gaze, like she was beckoning for something.
"Hey, you wouldn't..."
"I wanted to try this too. Why? Can't I?"
So you're the type to bottle things up, huh? You couldn't repay the person directly, so you're trying to release your pent-up feelings this way. No matter how I look at it, you're not really in a position to call Hui-ryeong narrow-minded, are you...?
"Hmm... is there any reason we can't?"
"Then it's settled."
Looking satisfied, Kim Ha-yoon let out a sly laugh and suddenly grabbed Jeong Ji-min's chest tightly.
"Kyaaak...!"
The rough grip, like kneading dough, drew an immediate reaction. Jeong Ji-min let out a sharp moan and began to squirm.
"It hurts...! It hurts!"
However, this was like shooting herself in the foot. The more she squirmed, the more it created a natural back-and-forth motion between my cock and her pussy. Oh, the tightening got more intense on its own, and the stimulation on my cock surged.
"You should enjoy even the pain. What did unnie say again? Pain and pleasure are only a paper's width apart? Try to feel it properly yourself."
"Th-that's...! Guuh!"
Ha-yoon went a step further and squeezed the legs wrapped around Jeong Ji-min's neck tightly. As her breath was choked off, Jeong Ji-min let out a pained face and weakly slapped at her legs. Well... since they lacked any real strength, it had absolutely no effect.
"Wow..."
I let out an exclamation and snapped my hips. I was a bit taken aback, but looking at this situation alone, it wasn't half bad. Just her turning a blind eye was already a blessing.
"Gonna go fast?"
I notified Jeong Ji-min. Naturally, she didn't even have the strength to answer. She just moaned, her slick vaginal walls clamping down tight.
Squelch, squelch, squelch, squelch!
I grabbed her ankles and increased the tempo. The force was so intense that the glossy love juices occasionally splattered onto her face, and her groin and brown labia were becoming reddened.
"Good? It's good, right? It has to be. Whatever else you can say about this guy, this one thing is absolutely killer."
Even amidst all that, Kim Ha-yoon didn't hide her sadistic nature. She was busy tormenting her—smacking her chest with a sharp crack, mercilessly pulling at her nipples.
"Hiik! St-stop...! Please, stop it...!!"
"Stop what? If you're about to cum, just cum already. Now, hurry up!"
Soon, I felt the signs of climax. The once-squirming vaginal walls tensed up, gripping my cock so I couldn't budge and urging it on.
Splurt, spluuurt.
Having no reason to hold back, I expelled all the welling sensation of ejaculation. The hapless womb couldn't handle all the semen packed into it and let it trickle out in streams.
"Haauuuung...!"
Jeong Ji-min's eyes rolled back, her tongue lolled out, and she let out a sweet breath. She trembled all over, continuously climaxing.
Ha-yoon stared down at her with a steady gaze, then soon murmured a peculiar sentiment.
"...I see, so this is exactly how unnie felt."
Hearing that voice laced with ecstasy, I put on a bitter expression. Uh... maybe her inclinations are veering off in a slightly bizarre direction?
"You're still good for more, right?"
Smack.
Just as I was subtly pulling my cock out, Ha-yoon suddenly kissed my cheek and asked that. How many times had this been now? I couldn't remember exactly, but I roughly felt like I'd shot my load to the limit today...
"You obviously can. Don't exaggerate, hurry up and get it up."
Maybe she sensed my hesitation. Ha-yoon sensually stroked my nipples and sent me a suggestive look.
'This girl's really peculiar, I'm telling you.'
I swallowed back the wry chuckle that was about to slip out. I'd felt it before, but this girl became particularly proactive when there was one more person involved compared to when it was just the two of us. And cunningly so, she'd seize control of the atmosphere with these sudden bold moves. She did it at the cafe before, and she did it again today.
When the other person reached their peak and showed a disheveled state, she wouldn't miss that opening, climbing on and stacking her body like a sandwich, then swaying her plump, springy buttocks. As if suggesting we just go for it naturally like this.
"You're probably at your limit too, can you handle it?"
"Yes. It's a little swollen, but one more time is no problem."
All bluff. But if you want it that badly, I'll just fucking wreck you.
I pulled my cock out and then thrust it forcefully into the new flower petals.
"Haah!"
*
9 AM. We went outside to search for supplies like yesterday.
"What's this? Why is she tagging along?"
As we were walking to where the vending machine was, Ha Hui-ryeong glared at Jeong Ji-min, who had naturally inserted herself into our group. Her furrowed face looked like she was asking, 'Why are you here?'
Startled.
Faced with that fierce look, Jeong Ji-min felt so burdened that she turned her head away and hemmed and hawed. Was it because Ha-yoon had asserted her dominance? After last night's sexual encounter, she had become extremely passive. She was cautious about every single action, and her once-chattering mouth was firmly shut—frustrating to watch.
Kim Ha-yoon seemed very satisfied with this attitude, but Ha Hui-ryeong, who couldn't know the circumstances, just let out a deep sigh. Soon, her eyes turned toward me.
"What's with her? Why's she just naturally tagging along?"
"Hm. That's how it turned out."
"No, what do you mean 'that's how it turned out'? Can't you just say it straight?"
Ugh. Ha Hui-ryeong made a threatening motion with her fist, telling me to talk fast. I scratched my head and gave an answer that sounded roughly plausible.
"She messaged me yesterday. Asked me if I could let her join in."
"And you just agreed to that?"
"Well, yeah?"
Ha Hui-ryeong narrowed her eyes. It seemed she really didn't like my answer.
"It's damn suspicious... you didn't like her that much before."
"She was practically begging to join, what was I supposed to do? Had to let her in. It's not like it was anything difficult."
I shrugged my shoulders lightly, and Hui-ryeong snorted as if it was absurd.
"Hmph, stop talking shit and tell me the truth. That's not all, is it?"
"Sadly, I can't be more honest than this."
"You're going to keep coming at me like that to the end?"
Ha Hui-ryeong shot a sidelong glance at Kim Ha-yoon, who had been quietly keeping silent.
"Hey, do you know something?"
"I wonder. I don't know either."
"Really?"
"What do I gain by lying?"
"Hmm..."
When even Kim Ha-yoon feigned complete ignorance, Ha Hui-ryeong, still suspicious, folded her arms and let out a low hum. But fortunately, she didn't question me any further than that.
"Ha, well, forget it. You guys do whatever."
It was suspicious that both of them were playing dumb... Still, even with her sharp intuition, she probably never imagined that I'd be in cahoots with Ha-yoon. Or maybe she just didn't really care either way.
"More importantly, what are we doing today? Just wander around and go back?"
"Might as well. Any good spots are already taken, and there's no point going out far, so let's just grab some bread from the vending machine."
There's no need to go on a distant expedition when a gold mine is close by. I've already pulled in some points with sex, so we can just grab some bread and a few birth control pills and head back, I guess.
"Bread? The vending machine has bread too?"
Just then, Jeong Ji-min hesitantly butted into the conversation. She had a genuinely puzzled look on her face.
"Didn't you see it too? Me pulling weird things out of the vending machine."
"Now that you mention it... a piece of paper did come out. While we're at it, is that related to your guys' superpowers?"
It was deeply related.
But I had no reason to explain in detail, so I decided to gloss over it.
"To some extent. Which is why I'm telling you now—it'd be best to drop any idea of telling anyone else. You'll end up in a world of hurt."
When I pointed a finger at Ha Hui-ryeong, she must have understood because she let out an "Ah..." of a sigh.
"What. Why are you pinning it on me? You're gonna gang up on someone together but then pull this 'just leaving me out' crap?"
"You're the enforcer. Your fists are always the first to fly, so from her perspective, she's right to be most wary of you, isn't she?"
"...."
Ha Hui-ryeong pouted her lips and sharply turned her head away at my words.
It was a declaration that she wouldn't be conversing for a while.
I snickered as I followed behind her.
After that, we easily reached the spot with the vending machine, and while we drew items, I had Jeong Ji-min and Kim Ha-yoon stand watch.
{User 'Dark Merchant' recognized. Vending machine products now accessible}
'First, the contraceptives and the bread, and ssuup... should I draw another skill?'
But man, the human heart really is as fickle as a reed.
I'd been so determined to save up, but faced with this super-special product, effectively a superpower generator, my resolve wavered.
※Skill Bestowal Scroll (Random, 0.2%) - 100 coins.
Honestly, it wasn't a steal.
First off, the base option was random, plus it had the uncertainty of no guarantee it would even stick, and on top of that a painfully steep price... it was packed with things that were all risk and no reward.
Even so, the return value alone was something you could call surefire.
'Alright, I've made up my mind.'
Let's just go for it, clean and simple.
Coins could be covered somehow once I banged Ha-yoon anyway.
※Morning-After Pill (No Side Effects, 48h) - 1 coin.
Bread x5 (Random) - 1 coin.
※Skill Bestowal Scroll (Random, 0.2%) - 100 coins.
Without hesitation, I tapped the three buttons in rapid succession.
[Payment complete. 110 coins consumed.]
Coins Held: 168>58]
Thunk.
Immediately, items cascaded out of the vending machine one after another.
10 loaves of bread, 8 contraceptive pills, and a single piece of parchment... I reached into the dispenser and carefully tucked each one into my arms.
"What. You said you were buying bread. Why'd you buy that too?"
"Why do you think I bought it? I bought it to give to you."
"Huh... me?"
Ha Hui-ryeong wore a dumbfounded look, as if she had never expected it.
But that was only for a moment.
When I firmly pressed the parchment into her hands, which were fumbling like a broken robot, a faint, cheap smile crept onto her lips.
"What's gotten into you, really...."
"You've got the bat, sure, but shouldn't you have a trump card or something up your sleeve?"
Yes, there was a valid reason.
It was because while I had the Dark Merchant and Lucky One, and Ha-yoon had the special ability called Seoribal, Ha Hui-ryeong alone had nothing.
Even if the Lightning Bat was a tremendous weapon, in the end, it was just an object.
Since there was no knowing how things would turn out later, there was no harm in reinforcing her while we had the leisure.
There had been no phrasing limiting the target, so it was probably applicable to her too.
It would be good if it worked, and even if it failed, I'd learn it was restricted to normal people, so I figured it wasn't a bad experiment.
"What if something weird comes out?"
"Believe. Believe in the me that you believe in."
"Kekeuk, what kind of novel bullshit is that? What are you, a lucky charm or something?"
Come to think of it, I'd never explained the details about 'Lucky One' to her.
Just as I was mulling over whether I should tell her about the probability correction, her answer came faster.
"Well, fine. Let's give it a shot. Thinking back, for some reason, my luck's always been better whenever I was with you. So I probably won't lose out."
"...Was it?"
"At least, that's how it felt to me."
She must have been in a really good mood, since she even threw in a nice thing to hear.
Feeling awkward for no reason, I scratched my head.
"Then let's use it quick. I want to see what comes out."
"Okay."
And then, considering the possibility that Lucky One might not be applied, I held the parchment with her and rubbed it against her wrist.
Then the old parchment seeped into her skin.
[Usage of Skill Bestowal Scroll confirmed.]
[Activating trait 'Lucky One'. Enhancement probability is adjusted. 0.2%▷20%]
1, 2... Ding!
[Enhancement success! The constellation roulette spins to bestow a skill.]
[Activating trait 'Lucky One'. Adjustment is applied.]
Right after notifications popped up before my eyes one after another, a small exclamation escaped her lips.
"Oh."
"Why? Did you get something decent?"
"A chunk of text just flashed in front of me and disappeared. What did it say. Astrape? Anyway, it seems like it's electricity-related."
Looks like the influence of the Lightning Bat ran deep.
Perhaps that's why her ability blossomed in that direction.
"Are you getting a feel for how to use it?"
"Yeah. I don't know why, but I feel like I know how to handle it, as if it's been there from the start."
Crackle.
In an instant, blue sparks flew from Ha Hui-ryeong's grasp.
At the same time, her form vanished momentarily, leaving only flickering sparks, then reappeared.
"Doesn't this look like something out of a comic? That whatever-whatever fruit? Exactly that, right?"
Ha Hui-ryeong looked completely elated.
Like a child with a new toy, she played with the crackling electric arcs on her fingers.
"Uh... it does seem that way, or maybe not...."
My face, watching her, showed my bewildered feelings plain as day.
No, seriously, isn't this leagues different from the whole yin-yang union thing? Is it really okay for this to happen...?
"It's a combat-specialized ability. It suits you."
"What's that supposed to mean? You're just calling me violent in a roundabout way, right?"
"No, no. It couldn't be. Your persecution complex is really something."
Kim Ha-yoon, who had chimed in like she was fanning the flames, wore an expressionless face as always, but her slightly widened pupils betrayed that she, too, was considerably surprised.
She already had superhuman physical abilities, and now she'd obtained a useful ability. From now on, Hui-ryeong would likely be able to handle just about any punks on her own.
"But didn't you say this thing was pretty expensive? Didn't you overdo it?"
"I did overdo it. But it's fine. Because whenever I blast a load inside Ha-yoon, coins get supplied."
"What. It was that kind of deal? No wonder you were always blowing your load only in her. So that's the backstory?"
Ha Hui-ryeong shook her head vigorously with a disgusted expression.
Kim Ha-yoon looked genuinely appalled by my statement.
"No, what is that? This is the first I'm hearing of it?"
"Well, that's because this is the first time I've said it. So while we're at it, I'm asking, don't you get some kind of separate notification?"
"...I didn't get anything like that."
Too bad.
So I'm the only one reaping the benefits? No wait, is that actually a good thing?
"Wow... that was a superpower just now, right? You bestowed that on her? With that paper-like thing?"
Jeong Ji-min, who had been on lookout, stared at me with her eyes sparkling.
It was a tremendously burdening gaze.
As if quite blatantly asking if there was anything falling her way...
"For now, I did do it, but... I have no intention of giving it to you, so don't get your hopes up, alright?"
"Hmph. That's so mean."
"Mean my ass. A leftover should act like a leftover and keep proper watch. You said you'd do anything, right? Then you should at least properly do what you're tasked with. Isn't that right?"
"...Yes. I'm sorry."
When Ha Hui-ryeong, unable to watch any longer, snapped at her in a prickly tone, she shrank back immediately.
As expected, her knack for establishing the pecking order was thorough.
"Alright. Then let's eat the bread first. You two handle the pills on your own."
At those words from me, Ha Hui-ryeong and Kim Ha-yoon each pocketed four contraceptive pills and began picking out their preferred breads.
"What are you doing? You're not picking?"
"Uh... can I pick too?"
"Something of this level is fine, so take a reasonable amount. Hui-ryeong or Ha-yoon, if you run short, just ask for more."
"I usually skip breakfast, so not really. One's enough."
"Me too. I don't, have much of an appetite."
Listen to them, bellyaching about being full.
I clicked my tongue internally and shoved an egg tart into my mouth, chewing it.
Jeong Ji-min, gauging the mood, discreetly gathered up all the remaining bread and packed it into her own bag.
...That woman is surprisingly shameless, I tell you.
"Hey, there's nothing to do, so want to head back and then come out again at lunch? It's cold out here."
It was a suggestion from Hui-ryeong, who had been munching on a red bean bun.
I nodded at that.
"Yeah, I guess. It's spring by the calendar, but the weather hasn't quite warmed up yet."
"So we're going with that?"
Since we'd used it, the option of returning briefly so Ha-yoon could cover the cost with her lower half didn't look bad either.
Or maybe we could just rest at home today.
"Shall we go."
And so we set our course back towards Hansarang Apartment.
Just in case, I'd drawn a few more loaves of bread, so there wouldn't be any problem.
— No, it's not even been a day or two, if you guys keep hogging that spot, what the hell are we supposed to do? If you have any conscience, how about you give way a little?
— Look here. If you've got a problem, then come earlier yourselves. You're always dragging your feet, so isn't that on you?
On the way back.
We heard the sounds of someone arguing from a nearby shopping district.
It was quite a commotion, but as usual, no zombies were drawn to it.
Because of that, we momentarily stopped walking and watched them.
— It's suspicious, that's why I'm saying it! The zombies only avoid you guys and just rush at us, so how are we supposed to come quick? No matter how I think about it, it's weird. You guys pulled some trick, didn't you?
— Don't slander people with groundless accusations and just follow the damn rules. The rule is, whoever gets there first claims the area... Ack! H-he hit me!?
— Fuck the rules! Rules are for when you've got the leisure to keep them, do you think there's any reason to keep following what the Building Representative arbitrarily decided when you can't even eat properly!? Enough already, enough is enough, I said! Huh!?
— Shit, you kids saw that!? These bastards hit first! Waste 'em!!
The increasingly uneasy conversation inevitably escalated into a bloody brawl, leaving us passersby in a rather awkward situation.
"Uh... those people are fighting?"
"Seems like it...?"
Ssuup, I figured this would blow up someday, but isn't it way too soon?