Chapter 17
Chapter 17
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: The Yandere Fairy's Gaze is Strange
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"Fuck, I come back to my hometown after so long and all I get is a bellyful of nagging."
Park Gwangho, infamous throughout the neighborhood, had returned home after a long absence.
He'd been notorious for causing trouble since childhood, and plenty of locals shook their heads just at the mention of his name.
"Grandma, long time no see? The store's vibe is just the same as ever."
The convenience store looked worn and dated as always, but the familiar air inside carried a strange nostalgia that tickled his nose.
And behind the counter sat the living witness who'd run the place for over thirty years, knowing every detail of everyone's lives in the neighborhood.
Grandma Choi.
"Tch, tch. Even a punk like you comes back to see your parents. Guess I've lived too long."
"Grandma, your mouth's as sharp as ever."
"After all the crap you pulled around here, you shouldn't have the face to show up back home. How'd you manage it?"
"Come on, you keep saying I stole money from the counter. Got any proof? Is it okay to slander an upstanding citizen like that?"
As Park Gwangho raised his voice, a few customers inside glanced at him warily before hurriedly checking out and leaving.
As if they wanted nothing to do with him.
Grandma Choi was no different.
"If you're here at the store, buy something quick."
At her sharp command, Park Gwangho glanced at the ramen display and let out a short sigh.
"But even a rural store's gotta have some Hot Chicken Stir-Fried Ramen, right?"
"That bastard's at it again."
The air in the store grew even chillier at her biting tone.
Park Gwangho flashed a cheeky grin in response.
"Looks like you don't have much time left anyway. You should spend your remaining days living nicely, at least."
"You rotten punk, if you're not buying ramen, get out quietly."
"And here I thought you'd at least ask how I've been after so long."
"Tch, tch. What good would asking about you do?"
"You're too much. I've got a big business going in Seoul, you know."
"What business?"
"I'm doing a bit of investing. Got any money, Grandma? I can double your investment in a month."
"I'd sooner stuff cash in my house dog's mouth than give it to you."
Park Gwangho's brow furrowed slightly, then his eyes lit up as something occurred to him.
"Oh, right! My dad said Soeun-i came back to town?"
"Tch, tch! Touch Soeun-i and you'll be on the road to the afterlife."
"I know she's got a foul temper. Ah! If only she wasn't so bitchy, I'd have made her my girlfriend ages ago..."
"You got the chops for that?"
Grandma Choi's needling tone started wearing down Gwangho's patience.
"This old lady keeps looking down on me? How about I knock Soeun-i down while I'm in town today?"
"The problem's not Soeun-i."
"Then what is it?"
"Han Haeseong knows. He's back in town too. You think he'd sit still if you pulled your shit?"
At the name 'Han Haeseong,' Park Gwangho's eyes widened for a split second before he cleared his throat, feigning nonchalance.
"Haeseong hyung? Ha! Back when we were kids, I only lost to him 'cause he was the older bro. Think I'd lose now with all the workouts I do?"
"You still look like you'd get beat. You've always been all talk since you were little."
"Fuck... Should I drag Haeseong hyung here covered in blood today? Then maybe you'd believe me."
"Tch, tch. Cut the bullshit and get out if you're not buying anything."
Unable to hold back anymore, Park Gwangho lightly slapped the counter with his palm.
"Hey, Grandma! Is this how you treat customers? How do you expect to stay in business?"
"That's exactly how you treat a thief like you."
"What the hell did I even do wrong? I come back after ages and you pick a fight? You should've installed CCTV in this store! Stop taking it out on innocent folks."
Screeech. Clunk.
Just then, Han Haeseong walked into the store.
His hair was a mess from last night's hangover, and he scowled deeply.
Spotting Park Gwangho, his eyebrow twitched.
"Park Gwangho...?"
Caught off guard by Haeseong's sudden appearance, Park Gwangho swallowed dryly and bowed slightly.
"H-H Haeseong hyung!? How've you been?"
"Well, damn, running into you here. Heard you're doing business in Seoul?"
"Haha... Yeah, a little business."
"What kind?"
"Eh... Anyway, did you come back to town for good?"
"Well... Came to sort my dad's belongings after he passed, but looks like I'll be sticking around longer than expected."
Park Gwangho put on his most innocent eyes and stayed humble.
"Saw your parents today and heard about your dad. Sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral."
"It's fine."
"Wanna grab a drink sometime when you're free?"
"How long you staying in town?"
"About a week."
"Do what you want."
"Haha! I'll head out then."
"Weren't you here to buy something?"
Park Gwangho glanced at Grandma Choi before continuing.
"This store doesn't have the ramen I want."
"Yeah, see you around soon."
As Park Gwangho bolted out the door, Haeseong gave Grandma Choi a faint smile.
"Hangover cure, please. Went overboard drinking in Seoul last night. Can't shake it off."
"You rotten kid, quit drinking so much!"
"Got it. I'll drink in moderation."
"...And you're gonna drink with that rotten punk?"
Haeseong stared through the glass door at Park Gwangho gradually walking away.
He chuckled softly and shrugged at Grandma Choi.
"Just guys' polite chit-chat."
Meanwhile, Park Gwangho, who'd fled the store, spat on the ground and muttered under his breath.
"Fucking prick, acting all chill when he couldn't take a punch. Heard he even got divorced. Knew it."
Drip-.
Drip-.
Drip-.
Just then, a light drizzle began to fall.
A chilly wind brushed his neck, and Park Gwangho pulled his collar tight.
Right then, a frail woman's moan came from somewhere nearby.
"Excuse me, could you help me out?"
Park Gwangho stopped in his tracks at the sound.
Looking around, he saw a woman under the streetlight, clutching her knee and sitting with difficulty.
He hesitated before approaching her.
As he got closer, he instinctively sensed it.
This woman was something special.
"What happened?"
"I just tripped, but I don't think I can walk."
Park Gwangho's eyes darted around, quickly scanning her.
She wore something like hanbok, the fabric softly reflecting light with a subtle sheen.
Her hair was neatly tied up, and her large eyes and vivid lips stood out starkly against the dim rural street.
Staring at her in a daze for a moment, Park Gwangho suddenly felt his mouth go dry.
"I'm a local. You live around here?"
"I was camping with friends, just stepped out for some air and... tripped."
"I see. Let me help you up."
"Th-thank you."
Her voice was as sweet and soft as honey, wrapping Park Gwangho in an inexplicable feeling.
He naturally reached out and helped her to her feet.
She grabbed his arm and leaned her weight on him.
"Um... what's your name?"
"I'm Sowol."
"Ah, I'm Park Gwangho. Is the campsite far from here?"
Sowol paused, then looked at him with a meaningful smile playing on her lips.
Her gaze had a strangely alluring pull, and the scent wafting from her body only confused him more.
"Not far. But... I just twisted my ankle. Mind if I rest a bit before going?"
"Rest where?"
"Over there, seems like I can avoid the rain."
Sowol pointed to a nearby narrow alley.
It was deserted, untouched by streetlight, a dark spot—but her tone and aura left Park Gwangho with no guard up.
If anything, he felt like he had to spend time with her there.
"That's an abandoned house. You okay with that?"
"Avoiding the rain comes first. Weather's getting cold too."
"Mm, alright. Rest a bit then head back."
Supporting Sowol, Park Gwangho stepped into the alley.
It was narrower and deeper than expected.
The derelict house they entered was more rundown and creepy than he'd thought, but her captivating presence drowned out all his senses.
Once inside safely, Park Gwangho quickly grabbed a nearby dry box and handed it to Sowol.
"Box isn't wet. Sit here."
"Thank you so much. Sit next to me, Gwangho."
The atmosphere felt charged, like something was about to happen.
Park Gwangho plopped down beside her.
As he turned to look at her face again, she was already leaning in slowly toward him.
Her smile deepened, her eyes deep and seductive, like abyssal depths.
"Uh...?"
"What?"
Maybe from the rain, Sowol's clothes clung tightly, her ample cleavage standing out boldly.
At her voluptuous figure, Park Gwangho's gaze drifted unconsciously.
"N-nothing."
Before he could recover, Sowol placed both hands on his shoulders and smiled faintly.
"...Gwangho, it's cold. Could you hold me for a bit?"
In the damp space, Sowol's scent filled his nose even more intensely.
That must have been when he let go of his reason.