I'll Trade It for a Jewel!
Peaceful weekday evening. On my way home after work, I decided to stop by Nago's shop to share the cookies I'd picked up from the bakery near the office.
The sun was setting at the end of the street, and I could see Nago sitting at the outdoor table. Someone in a hoodie was sitting beside her. Huh? A hoodie in this heat?
As I got closer, Nago spotted me and waved. The hooded figure next to her looked up and gave a small bow. I returned the greeting and pulled the cookie bag from my backpack as I approached.
Nago beamed and accepted the bag. "Whoa~ Is this for me? Thanks!"
"Yeah... I heard these cookies were good, so I thought we'd share. By the way, who's this...?"
I glanced at the hooded person. They bowed once more. Nago popped a cookie into her mouth and spoke around it.
"Mm... It's fine to show your face to this oppa. He's the guy I told you about."
At her words, the hooded figure hesitated, then slowly pulled back their hood.
Pink fur, a cat-like face, large rabbit-like ears on top of their head, and big eyes that sparkled like crimson jewels. A round, gleaming red gem was embedded in their forehead.
A C-Carbuncle?! The yokai said to guard jewels and metals. Carbuncles were extremely rare, and rumors claimed the gem on their forehead brought wealth and good fortune.
The Carbuncle, seeing my startled expression, quickly pulled the hood back on. Nago, still chewing, handed them a cookie and explained.
"This is my friend... They travel the country doing metal quality inspections and gem appraisals. They drop by my place once a year for a week or two. This time they came a little early, but I haven't finished cleaning yet, so there's nowhere for them to stay..."
Nago gave the Carbuncle an apologetic look. The Carbuncle smiled faintly and shook their head as if to say it was fine.
"Couldn't they just stay at a nearby hotel?"
"Ah... They used to, a long time ago. But because they're a Carbuncle..."
Something clicked in my mind.
"Ah... 'Carbuncle Stalkers'..."
"Yep, that's it."
Carbuncle Stalkers. A crime that had been rampant when I was very young. Because of the rumor that touching the forehead gem brought wealth and luck, many people tried to get close, and some even became stalkers. Carbuncles had suffered greatly back then.
"It's mostly died down now, but during the height of the stalking craze, this friend got targeted in this neighborhood. They must've developed a trauma, because ever since then, they always stay at my place when they visit."
I see... Wait, more importantly— I was just a kid when that was happening. Does that mean they were already an adult back then?! You really can't tell a yokai's age just by looking.
Nago looked back and forth between the Carbuncle and me, then suddenly lit up.
"Ah!! Then oppa can let them stay over! They said they'd only be here two weeks, so just one week!! I'll finish cleaning the whole house starting today, no matter what!"
The ridiculous suggestion flew out of Nago's mouth. Letting a woman I'd just met stay at my place...
"No, but she'd probably feel uncomfortable. You're asking her to stay a whole week with a guy she doesn't even know."
"It's fine if it's you, so it'll be okay~"
Nago acted cute and started rubbing her face against my chest. I glanced at the woman beside us. She spoke in a slightly trembling voice, bowing her head.
"Um...! I've heard a lot about you from Nago..."
Her shaky voice was quite delicate. After a brief pause, she continued.
"I'm really sorry, but if it's not too much trouble, could I ask for just a few days?!"
The sight of her bowing so deeply looked a little pitiful. I couldn't bring myself to refuse.
"...Alright. I understand."
"Yay!! It worked!! Bo-yeon!!"
"Yes!!"
On the way home, something felt different today. Maybe because I wasn't alone.
"So... Your name is Bo-yeon, right?"
"Yes. Please take care of me."
Bo-yeon seemed much more relaxed now; the tremor in her voice had mostly disappeared. Still, she kept her hood up, clearly wary of her surroundings.
"What did Nago tell you about me?"
"She just said you were a good person... Ah, and that your hobby is visiting yokai brothels..."
"Ah..."
An awkward silence fell. She really told her that...
"Is that all your luggage?"
"Yes..."
"If you need anything while you're here, just let me know. If you're scared to go outside, I'll buy it for you."
"Thank you..."
We finally arrived at my place. I turned on the air conditioner first for Bo-yeon. When she took off her hood, her pink fur was soaked with sweat.
"You must've been hot, wearing a hood in this weather... You should shower first. I'll get you a towel. The shampoo and body wash are fine for both humans and beastkin, so you can use them as is."
I rummaged through a drawer, pulled out a clean towel, and handed it to her. She accepted it with a small bow and went into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water filled the air.
"Phew... I hope things aren't too awkward for the next week..."
My worry was pointless—she adapted remarkably well. From the very next day, she helped Nago with cleaning during the day and came back before sunset to rest or do housework. I told her she didn't need to, but she insisted on doing it herself.
Before I knew it, it was the seventh day. Nago's place was mostly clean now, so today was Bo-yeon's last night here. We'd only just started getting comfortable with each other, and the week had flown by.
Well... Tomorrow's Saturday, and it's her last day, so maybe we could go out for dinner? But things didn't go as planned. Work piled up, and I ended up staying late until sunset.
What if she's waiting...? I already texted her, but still... Anxious, I hurried home. It had been a while since I'd rushed back for someone waiting for me. Even when I rented that Merry doll, Min-hee, it hadn't felt like this...
I walked quickly, but by the time I arrived, darkness had already settled over the streets. When I turned the doorknob and opened the door, a pitch-black room greeted me.
Huh...? Bo-yeon... isn't here?
I fumbled down the hallway, turned on the lights, and searched the apartment, but there was no sign of her. I tried calling her phone, but no one answered.
Bo-yeon had trauma from being stalked in the past and rarely went out at night in this neighborhood. But... where could she have gone?
In a panic, I contacted Nago and explained the situation.
"Eh? She doesn't usually go out at night... Got it. I'm off work now too, so I'll help look!"
After hanging up, I rushed outside without even changing clothes. I ran through the dark streets searching for her. I checked the nearby park, playground, and bars, but there was no trace of her. After checking every apartment complex in the area, a sudden thought hit me. I looked at my phone.
Earlier that afternoon, I'd texted her about going out for a meal to celebrate her last day. Then, when overtime came up, I'd apologized and said I'd be late. Her reply had been:
"Ah, I see. Then I'll cook something myself today."
Bo-yeon had offered to make dinner. In the past seven days, she'd bought food plenty of times, but she'd never cooked. She was probably out buying ingredients to make something for me.
I ran to the nearby supermarket that stayed open late. I searched the entire store but couldn't find her.
Ah... No luck... Disappointed, I stepped outside. Just then, I heard male voices coming from the alley beside the store.
"Whoa!! Noona, you're really a Carbuncle?!"
"I've never seen a Carbuncle before! This is so cool! Can I touch your gem just once?"
Carbuncle?! Was that Bo-yeon? I hurried toward the alley. Three high school boys in uniforms had surrounded her.
Found her... I approached with a stern expression, furrowing my brows slightly. I tapped one of the boys on the shoulder.
"Hey, kids? The lady looks uncomfortable."
The boys turned around, saw my face, and backed away with startled expressions. They quickly bowed their heads.
"S-Sorry..."
The students fled deeper into the alley. Finally, it was just Bo-yeon and me. She wasn't wearing her hood for once, and she was holding two bags of groceries.
Her legs suddenly gave out, and she sank to the ground. I rushed over to check on her.
"Are you okay? Can you stand?"
She nodded weakly. I helped her up. She wobbled as she rose.
"Ah... They just kept asking so many questions so fast... I got flustered for a moment..."
Bo-yeon smiled faintly as she spoke in a trembling voice, then leaned against my shoulder. I could feel her body shaking slightly.
"Thank you... for coming to find me..."
"Don't mention it... Let's go home."
I texted Nago that I'd found Bo-yeon, then supported her as we walked back.
Once we reached the apartment, Bo-yeon sank down in the entryway again. Still clutching the grocery bags, she slowly stood and headed to the kitchen.
"Just... wait a moment. I'll cook for you."
Watching her lean against the wall for support, barely able to walk, made me uneasy.
"I'll help."
"But..."
"It's your last day. Let's do it together. Is it curry?"
We cooked curry together in the kitchen. It had been a long time since I'd cooked with someone. The curry turned out to be a huge success. Of course, all I'd done was mess up the ingredients, but Bo-yeon's cooking skills were incredible.
"You're really good at cooking. I didn't know."
"Ah... I'm sorry. I should've cooked for you sooner..."
"No, it's fine. I couldn't ask a guest to cook. Ah, I'll do the dishes."
After dinner, we each showered. I headed to the living room sofa while Bo-yeon went to the bedroom. When she'd first arrived, she'd insisted on taking the sofa, but I'd made up an excuse about watching TV and sleeping there, and put her in the bed. Since then, I'd kept claiming the sofa.
Now that it was starting to feel familiar... it was a little bittersweet. I pulled the blanket up over myself.
Just then, the door opened, and Bo-yeon's face peeked through the gap. Her voice was still trembling.
"Um... Sorry, but could we sleep together tonight? My heart's still racing..."
"What? But still..."
When I asked in surprise, she bowed her head again.
"P-Please..."
"Ah... Well..."
I couldn't refuse her quiet plea. I gave her a gentle smile to reassure her.
"Alright..."
I carried the blanket into the bedroom and started laying it on the floor. Bo-yeon grabbed my arm.
"Here... Sleep up here with me..."
"Mm... Okay..."
I stopped questioning her requests. I simply lay down quietly beside her. Our arms touched, and I felt her soft fur. The gentle texture soon wrapped around my entire arm.
Are you still scared...? I gently held the arm she'd wrapped around me. Then she slowly sat up and climbed on top of me.
"Wait... Bo-yeon, what are you—"
Bo-yeon pressed a finger to my lips. Then she began slowly unbuttoning my pajamas. A fluffy sensation pressed against my bare chest.
"You couldn't go to the yokai brothel this weekend because of me... And I'm grateful you helped me earlier, so I want to repay you... Don't worry. I used to work at a yokai brothel with Nago before."
*Kiss.* She pressed her face against my chest and began sucking and licking my nipple. Her slightly rough tongue teased it. Her left hand pulled down my pajama pants while her right hand removed her own clothes.
The pink pajamas covering her body disappeared, revealing pink fur. She sat up and looked down at me. I could see her slender body and face completely—her crimson, jewel-like eyes, her large twitching ears, the beautiful red gem on her forehead, and her long, luxurious tail.
I placed my hand on her side. Soft, fluffy fur filled my palm.
"Hic!!"
She flinched. I slowly stroked upward and cupped her breast. Through the soft fur, I felt her nipple, and beneath it, the soft, yielding texture of her breast.
She closed her eyes and savored the sensation.
"Ah... Haa..."
A hot breath escaped her lips. She grabbed my shaft with her hand and lifted her hips to position herself.
*Schlick...* That sound always excited me. But today, the sensation was slightly different. Besides the tight grip of her inner walls, there was also a gentle tickling along the outside.
"Haa... Aang!!"
She moaned softly as she rocked her hips. Her waist and hips moved back and forth, making my shaft sway with her. The movement grew faster. Soon she was bouncing up and down.
"Ahh!! It's been so long... Hng!!"
"Haa... Are you okay?"
"Yes... Hng!! It feels good!!"
*Slap slap slap.* Her soaked insides and the wet fur between her legs slapped against my skin. I sat up and embraced her, then took her perky breast into my mouth and rolled my tongue over it. I licked through the soft fur until I found her nipple and teased it.
She wrapped her arms tightly around my head and rocked her hips harder.
"Haa!! Nng..."
Still holding my head, Bo-yeon looked down at me. Her crimson jewel-like eyes sparkled as she slowly leaned in. Her moist lips met mine.
"Hng... Chuu..."
We tilted our heads, exploring each other's lips. Her rough tongue tangled with mine. Her hot breath filled my throat.
"Huu... Uup!!!"
Suddenly she gagged, and something shot from her throat into my mouth. Her tongue rolled the object and pushed it deeper. A smooth, round thing nearly slid down my throat. I wanted to pull away to see what it was, but she wouldn't let me.
Bo-yeon held me tightly and continued kissing me. Her warm, soft fur enveloped my entire body, like wearing a fur coat against bare skin. Her hips picked up speed. Her wildly dancing waist pushed me toward climax, and our tongues played with the round object between them.
"Ah... Bo-yeon, I'm..."
"Ahh!! Cum inside me!!"
The moment she spoke, I couldn't hold back any longer. I released deep inside her. Thick spurts of semen filled her, and she sat upright to receive it all.
"Aah... Haa... Haa..."
She held me close, breathing hot air against the top of my head as her body trembled. After a moment, her arms loosened. She slumped against my shoulder, panting.
I lifted her gently and laid her on the bed. White semen leaked from between her legs, sticking to the surrounding fur. I grabbed some tissues and wiped her clean. Only then could I spit out the object in my mouth and examine it.
It was a red, sparkling round bead.
"Bo-yeon, this is..."
Bo-yeon lifted her head and smiled.
"That's it. The gem that brings wealth and happiness. The same as the one on my forehead."
"What? Are you sure it's okay to give this to me?"
"I produce one or two a year. Sometimes as many as three. When you find someone special later, make it into a ring or necklace and give it as a gift."
"Ah... Someone special... Thank you..."
"Hehe... I'm going to wash up."
Bo-yeon got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. After she finished, I showered too and fell asleep beside her. Her warm, cozy body welcomed me. Thanks to her, I had a very pleasant night's sleep.
The next afternoon, Bo-yeon packed her things and headed to Nago's place. I helped carry her luggage and finish the last of the cleaning before returning home. Lying in bed, I rolled the gem Bo-yeon had given me between my fingers.
"Someone special..."
Just then, my phone rang. It was Nago.
"Hello, Nago?"
"Oppa?! Did Bo-yeon give you a gem?"
Urgency filled Nago's voice.
"Yeah... I got a red gem."
"What?! That's really valuable!"
I was startled. She'd said it was common.
"She said she produces up to three a year..."
"That's true, but... A Carbuncle only produces one when they consider someone truly special in their heart. Whether it's love or gratitude for saving them... If there's no one special, they could try their whole life and never produce one! And the price of one is roughly..."
Nago whispered the amount over the phone.
"What?!"
Shocked by the ridiculous price, I dropped the gem. I scrambled to pick it up from the floor, found a suitably luxurious small box in a drawer, placed the gem inside, and tucked it deep into my desk drawer. I let out a long sigh.
Still... Does that mean Bo-yeon thinks of me as someone special...?