Chapter 77
Chapter 77
Ch. 77 .｡.:✧ SIDE STORY: This Happened Too ✧:.｡.
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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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May 5th. Children’s Day.
This precious day, established to cherish children’s personalities and promote their happiness, was also important to an adult like me.
Because it was a day off.
A “red day” on the calendar.
Red days were precious to salaried workers like me.
It meant an extra day off from the usual two-day weekend.
Yes, red days were truly important for office workers.
Tap-tap—
“Ugh…”
But… why was I at the office?
Two hours into my holiday overtime, I already had a splitting headache.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
Lee Mina, who was working on her tablet next to me, asked.
Neat bob, form-fitting suit.
Her fresh scent, carried on the early summer air, broke through my thoughts.
If I were alone, I would have grumbled and cursed, but her presence made me hesitant to even suggest taking a break.
“No, just a bit overwhelmed.”
Since I had no memory of the work, she had offered to go over it with me on this holiday.
Even after transferring dimensions, I still needed to make a living, so I had accepted.
That’s why Mina and I were stuck here on a day off.
“I’ve never seen you make that face before, In-ho-ssi.”
She chuckled, seemingly amused by my pained expression as I scratched my head.
With nothing else to do besides guide me, she was killing time on her tablet.
She looked like the type to enjoy fancy wine bars and cafes, but she claimed to be a homebody.
She said she spent her days off watching YouTube.
Just now, she had been engrossed in a channel featuring puppies.
“Should we take a break outside?”
“Yes, let’s.”
We grabbed our coffees and stepped out.
The streets, usually bustling with office workers, were deserted.
The emptiness reinforced the fact that it was a holiday.
“Muscle memory, I guess. You’re adapting to the work pretty quickly, In-ho.”
She took a sip of her Americano as we walked up a gentle slope. I followed suit.
The lukewarm, half-melted ice in my Americano made it taste bland.
We strolled leisurely. There was no need to rush back, since it was a holiday anyway.
A cool breeze swept through the city, a welcome relief from the stuffy office.
“The scenery looks different today. Even though it’s the same street I always walk on.”
She looked at me, perhaps feeling the weight of the silence.
“Right? It’s never this empty.”
Except for the occasional car, the sidewalks were deserted.
“Exactly. I usually just see people… but today, I can actually see the trees and hear the birds chirping.”
“Though the smog is still the same,” I added, and she laughed in agreement.
“It’s obvious, but the same space feels completely different depending on the situation.”
“I suppose so.”
We made small talk as we circled the office building.
The restaurants that were usually open were closed, and the alleyways that were usually jammed with traffic were clear.
We walked side by side, taking in the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery.
Me with my coffee in my left hand, her with hers in her right.
The essential tools of office workers.
Our hands brushed occasionally, and each time, she flinched slightly.
“Mina.”
I said her name softly.
“Yes?”
She turned to look at me, and I forced a smile, my face stiff with nervousness.
“Would you like to hold hands?”
It was a bit sudden, but I felt emboldened.
We had grown closer since our movie date.
We hadn’t talked much, but I felt comfortable around her.
I was sure she felt it too.
“…”
She didn’t answer, but she subtly leaned closer.
I carefully reached for her hand, as if handling a fragile piece of porcelain.
My right hand found her left.
Our palms met, and our fingers intertwined.
“In-ho, should we walk around one more time?”
Her hand, gripping mine tightly, was warm.
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“You seem bored.”
“I have nothing to do, so I am,” I replied.
I was sprawled out on the pavilion, enjoying the afternoon sun.
“If you just eat and lie around, you’ll become a cow.”
Master said, appearing out of nowhere.
“That doesn’t sound so bad…”
Thwack!
She kicked my ass before I could finish my thought.
It felt like being caned by the school disciplinarian back in high school.
Maybe even worse.
“Is it okay to kick your beloved disciple like that?”
I grumbled, rubbing my sore spot.
Master scoffed.
“You’re the first person I’ve ever heard call themselves ‘beloved.’ Well, you *are* beloved, I suppose.”
She chuckled and offered me her hand.
“Get up. Let’s go for a walk.”
We left the pavilion and strolled through the Black Heaven Cult grounds.
A few cult members tried to follow and offer their assistance, but Master waved them away.
“Where do you think you’re going? If you’re planning on drinking, I want to join…Oof!”
Fist Demon, who had somehow managed to sneak up on us, was sent flying by a casual flick of Master’s wrist.
“How dare that monkey interrupt my leisure time?”
Master snapped, dusting off her hand.
“Where are we going, anyway?” I asked.
“We’re leaving the cult grounds. Let’s go to that place from before.”
She was probably referring to the spot we had passed on our way up the mountain.
“Ah, that place was beautiful. But it probably won’t be as pretty now, since it’s daytime.”
I remembered the sunset view, but Master shook her head.
“You haven’t even seen it yet, you fool. Follow me.”
“Yes, Master~”
As we reached the entrance to the cult grounds, someone approached from behind.
“Are you leaving, Cult Leader?”
It was Poison Demon and he bowed respectfully.
“Yes, just for a short while.”
“Then I’ll postpone the scheduled meeting.”
“No need. We’ll be back soon.”
“Understood. Enjoy your time.”
He escorted us to the gate and opened it for us.
“We’ll be back.”
I said as we passed him.
He smiled and bowed deeply.
We walked down the mountain path for about half an hour.
We arrived at the spot I had seen on our way up.
Master, who had walked ahead, turned to me with a triumphant look.
“See? It’s just as beautiful now.”
“Oh…”
She was right.
The sunset view had been stunning, but the vibrant scenery, a mix of flowers and lush greenery, had its own charm.
“It’s beautiful. It would be nice to have a drink while enjoying this view.”
“You have good taste. They say the best accompaniment to a drink is a beautiful view.”
She moved closer with her eyes fixed on mine.
“Master?”
“In-ho.”
Her voice, as she said my name, was filled with a strange longing.
“Y-yes?”
“Let’s do it here today.”
She tugged on my arm with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Here? Do what?”
Oh my god, this woman was crazy.
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