Chapter 106: Earth
"Try some."
I could only treat Chris to a meal the next day after the sun rose. She'd tumbled into bed with me in a sweaty heap the moment we arrived on Earth, skipping dinner entirely. I'd done the same, just feeding Anzelli and Baby Angel their evening meal before fasting until now. Thanks to that, our breakfast table was lavish despite it being morning.
Chomp. Nom nom.
Chris's eyes widened as she tasted the seasoned braised short ribs, staring at me. Her expression alone screamed how delicious it was. Galbi-jjim really was universally loved, East or West. I'd deliberately chosen something with broad appeal, no strong love-hate divide.
"Does it suit your taste?"
Gulp!
"I-it's delicious!"
"Good to hear. Eat slowly."
"No, really—it's amazing! If I had to describe it... uh... like..."
Chris hurriedly swallowed her galbi-jjim to answer me, blurting it out. It must've hit her sweet spot perfectly. Her eyes sparkled as she fumbled for the right metaphor.
"Save the praise and eat first. You're starving, right?"
"...Yeah."
I reined her in. She had to be as ravenous as I was. Chit-chat in front of good food was torture.
Besides the star galbi-jjim, the plates overflowed. Scrambled eggs and Japanese tamagoyaki as backups in case rice or Asian flavors didn't appeal. Plus a variety of side dishes.
'The sides... Anzelli swapped them all for mild ones, so they should be fine.'
Spicy food was banned in our house for the foreseeable future. Chris looked like the epitome of a Westerner—no way she'd handle heat well. Though "spicy" here meant Korean standards.
"Just to check—can you handle spicy?"
"Hm... average, I guess? As long as it's not too hot."
"...Got it."
That meant she couldn't handle it at all. Anzelli had said the exact same thing at first. "I don't mind spicy." Trusting that had left her teary-eyed from spicy pork stir-fry. The Korean vs. foreigner spice threshold was worlds apart.
Rattle!
Screech...
"Huh?"
I couldn't help but startle. Halfway through the meal, the door between the kitchen and living room slid open. Light footsteps approached the kitchen. It was Anzelli.
Glance.
I shot Chris a subtle side-eye as Anzelli entered. Chris didn't notice a thing—not even the door. She shot me a puzzled look.
"Eating...?"
...Nod.
Anzelli sidled up to me, speaking softly. Unable to reply verbally, she nodded faintly.
Why was she here? Even invisible, if Chris sensed something off, it'd be a disaster. I eyed Anzelli questioningly.
"I-it's fine. To Chris Bennett, I'm not just invisible—my actions and their effects register all fuzzy too."
"..."
Seeing my expression, Anzelli spread her palms reassuringly—no worries. I relaxed a bit. No explosions on day one, thanks.
I tilted my head at her, puzzled. Talk after breakfast. Why come now, with Chris here? Nothing seemed that urgent.
"Um... that..."
Hesitate.
Anzelli edged closer to me at the table, then leaned in and pecked my cheek.
Mwah.
"Huh?"
"Huh? Chanyoung? What's up?"
"N-nothing. Keep eating, Chris."
Her unexpected move threw me, words slipping out. I glanced at Anzelli without turning—her cheeks were beet red. Even invisible, initiating skinship in front of someone was bold.
As I reeled in confusion, Anzelli stammered an explanation.
"Th-this is...! Bennett does skinship with you so casually in front of me, and I... I'd feel cheated if I didn't...! So...!"
"...Pfft... yeah. Heh heh..."
"Eek...! D-don't laugh...! I was desperate, okay..."
"Pffft..."
"Eep!"
Pat pat pat! Screech, thud!
I couldn't hold it in, bursting into laughter. Anzelli huffed and fled—more embarrassed than angry, really. I knew I shouldn't laugh at her brave stunt, but it was too adorable. A cheek peck with that elaborate excuse? Lips might've been different, but...
"Ch-Chanyoung? Something funny?"
"Hm... just can't believe you're living here with me alone. Still feels unreal."
"...Yeah, totally surreal."
Chris nodded deeply at my excuse. Her unwavering trust sometimes sparked a twinge of guilt over deceiving her. Barely, though.
Breakfast wrapped up. After a bit more time with Chris, I'd check on Anzelli. Going now, I couldn't promise not to pounce.
*
Meeting Go Dayeon was Saturday. But I couldn't just veg out till then. I needed productive tasks to breathe easy.
So, I brought Chris back to the Terraforming world to wrap things up. Naturally, applying for desk duty at Central Command.
My solo kill of rebel leader Gerard ensured approval. Plus another fat bonus.
"...You're set for life here. No need to work ever again."
"Gonna loaf forever?"
"Nah. Not working and just playing are different."
I denied her question. Training Cheon-gwon-il-gak in my free time wasn't lounging, right?
"And I'll work. If the terms are right."
Obviously, my goal in Terraforming wasn't money. It was meeting ability users to unlock shop skills.
Best way to roam? Desk job... but
'Who'd flaunt their ability to a jobless bum all day?'
Few would reveal life-saving powers casually, especially to rich fighters immune to bribes. With users rare—one refusal in ten was a loss. Luckily, my rep helped: relic finder, rebel slayer. People still recognized me. As long as I didn't quit society entirely, they'd listen. Some wouldn't show anyway... maximize odds.
"Terms meaning... that Central Command job you requested?"
"Yeah. Otherwise, I'd hesitate."
"Probably get it. Nobody wants that desk gig."
"Really? Fingers crossed."
My request was simple: periodic Shelter patrols. Specifically, the 'Combat Lodge Regular Inspection Department'—exactly what I wanted.
They covered Districts 1-12 routinely.
'Assignment here means meeting fighters everywhere!'
And "inspection" made asking about abilities natural.
If approved, perfect fit. Not wishful—Chris was right; odds were high. Fighters took desks for easy money/honor. This? Endless travel. Nobody wanted it.
"Why pick such a grind?"
"Fun sightseeing leisurely. Like travel."
"...Doesn't sound leisurely, and the Shelter's not infinite."
"Quit and chill then. I'm loaded."
"I made bank as instructor too. Whatever you pick, I'll follow suit."
Chris craved more time glued to me, despite cohabiting on Earth. Same job was feasible, even if not always together.
With District 11 combatant-to-desk transfer locked in, I bid farewells. Close to most, it took ages.
"Whoa, leaving? Makes sense—no need for rough stuff. That bonus lasts forever."
"Bummer. Feels like we just got tight..."
"...You gone, maybe I score a girlfriend? You raised District 11 girls' standards."
"Haha, not fully parting. Might drop by for work... no promises."
"Cool."
"Or visit casually. My treat."
"Kid's richer than you by miles."
"...Really?"
Minutes of hellos inside/out—many mistook it for marriage retirement. Got congrats galore. Cleared it up eventually.
"You look pleased, Chris."
"Wh-what?! No!"
Wave wave!
Chris denied it frantically, but her face glowed. She hadn't corrected the marriage rumors much. She secretly loved it. Cohabiting was half-married anyway. Separate rooms? Maybe not.
"Gonna say bye to Lee Kangin."
"Need me?"
"Quick bro talk."
"Mmk. Waiting."
I kissed her forehead lightly, heading to Lee Kangin. Off-duty, so inside.
Look around.
"There."
Spotted easily—he was strikingly handsome.
Step step step.
"Heard. Heading out?"
Lee Kangin approached first. No long explanation needed.
"Yeah. This blocks the future you saw, right? No other threats?"
"Should."
"No other futures?"
"Nothing odd in repeats. And... dunno why, but abilities feel glitchy lately..."
"...Huh? It'll pass."
"Mm... maybe? Hard to tell."
His acting was solid—no regressor vibes.
'Thanks to you, got All-Rounder. Two traits—appreciate it.'
My skills would grow twice as fast.
"Catch ya."
"Good luck. Congrats on marriage—for real. Wedding invite essential!"
"..."
I cleared his last misunderstanding, returning to Chris.