Chapter 87

After eating the jjajangmyeon, we tidied up the stuff we had brought along.

Truthfully, most of what we had were dolls and snacks, so there wasn’t really much to organize. However, since Chae-a and Yuna insisted on arranging the dolls in their preferred spots, it took longer than expected despite not having much.

“Wow, this is perfect…!”

“It’s beautiful.”

Even though it took time, both of them seemed satisfied, so I nodded proudly. That’s when Seorin gently patted my head and spoke.

“Hae-un, you must be happy that your big sisters made such a nice home for you, huh?”

At those words, my lips unconsciously pouted. I’d endured a lot until now, but at this point, I was getting slightly annoyed…! So, to express my dissatisfaction, I stuck out my lips and narrowed my eyes. But…

“Huh? Are you making duck noises? Ah, you’re so cute. Can I take a picture?”

Seorin didn’t catch my mood at all and just pulled out her phone. Sighing in defeat, I shook my head and glanced to the side.

“Alright then? Kamangi sleeps here, and Somtul sleeps here! Got it?”

“!”

“Peep!”

“Gotcha!”

On one side, Chae-a was apparently having some kind of conversation with Kamangi and Somtul while doing little dances. Meanwhile, Yuna…

“Haeuni knows how to avoid the rain already. Haeuni is also very clever.”

“Really? Hae-un is amazing?”

“Yes. Haeuni will become the sun when she grows up.”

It looked like she was having a deep conversation with Han Arin. Not wanting to intrude on their talk, I ignored it and focused elsewhere. Then Seorin started rubbing my cheeks with her palms and said:

“Finally, we can live together. Oh man, I’m so happy…”

Until now, for the sake of my mental health, I had to stay in the hospital room where the counselor was, but thanks to the Association’s judgment that I’ve improved, I could finally live with Seorin again after being apart for so long.

Thinking about Seorin expressing affection made me wag my tail happily. Then, Seorin hugged me like a beloved stuffed animal, giggling strangely before speaking softly.

“We’ll watch movies together, eat yummy food, and I’ll read bedtime stories every night, alright?”

The mention of bedtime stories made me shake my head in embarrassment, trying to decline, but…

“Bedtime stories… I want to hear them too! Chae-a wants to sleep after listening to stories!”

Before I knew it, Chae-a grabbed my hands and started shaking them enthusiastically, pleading with wide eyes. Seeing this, Seorin smiled as if trying to suppress laughter and reassured her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll read to Chae-a too.”

“Yay!”

Chae-a, thrilled, started dancing around happily before pulling out a bottle cap from her pocket and placing it in Seorin’s hand.

“Admission fee!”

“Huh? Oh…! T-Thank you!”

Judging by the fact that Chae-a handed over her treasured bottle cap, she must have been really looking forward to hearing the stories. Watching Seorin flustered, I chuckled softly and turned away, slipping outside.

‘I should prepare something too.’

Deciding to prepare something Seorin would like, I looked around and remembered something good among the things I had brought.

‘Although I originally planned to use it as emergency food…’

There’s no helping it if I can’t give it right away, so I thought as I carefully rummaged through the dolls.

‘The most delicious-looking chocolate.’

Carefully holding the chocolate I had saved for a special occasion, I approached Seorin and held it out.

“Here, eat it!”

Surprised, Seorin tried waving her hands in refusal, but I pretended not to notice and shoved the chocolate into her arms, nodding contentedly.

‘I hope she likes it.’

Wishing she’d enjoy it, I watched as Seorin chuckled and began petting me.

“Are you copying what Chae-a does?”

“…?”

“Well, younger siblings tend to imitate their older ones. Geez, our Hae-un is just too cute. I can’t help it—I’ll have to keep you forever.”

Misunderstandings kept piling up. I frantically shook my head to say it wasn’t like that, but Seorin didn’t seem to care, continuing to rub my head against hers.

“…”

Though I felt wronged, I couldn’t bring myself to move because it felt nice to be hugged by Seorin. Just then, Yuna came running and started doing some strange dance. I stared blankly, wondering what it was, when Yuna stopped and looked at me expectantly.

“?!”

Not understanding no matter how hard I thought, I simply stared at Yuna. She tilted her head curiously before addressing both Seorin and me.

“Haeuni isn’t following.”

Apparently, she had heard Seorin’s earlier comment. Confused, I shook my head to indicate that wasn’t the case, but Yuna continued dancing weirdly, waiting for me to follow.

‘…I don’t get it.’

Since ignoring her might make her keep doing it all day, I reluctantly decided to copy her, awkwardly flapping my hands. As I did, Seorin burst out laughing from the front.

“Hey, let me record this?”

Her uncontrollable laughter echoed around us. Embarrassed, I perked up my tail and fidgeted nervously when suddenly, Chae-a dashed over, giggling and started mimicking Yuna’s strange dance.

Thus began an indescribable group dance. Though calling it a “dance” might be a stretch—it was more like everyone wiggling their limbs around—Seorin and Han Arin found it adorable enough to film it while smiling warmly.

Letting go of my embarrassment amidst such a heartwarming scene, I joined in the laughter.

* * * * *

Han Arin gazed at the sleeping children, gently patting their blankets, then turned to Seorin, who was stroking Hae-un’s hair, and asked,

“Is hunter life manageable?”

At this question, Seorin paused her hand, gave an awkward smile, then replied hesitantly,

“Yes… Everyone helps a lot, and they assist me with various things, so I’m doing well.”

To someone aware of her recent exploits, this answer was somewhat amusing. Not only did she refuse to join any hunting parties, but she possessed abilities so extraordinary that she was considered one of the few S-class hunters-in-the-making.

‘Rather than saying others are helping…’

She was clearly thriving on her own, yet she modestly attributed her success to others.

Amused by this, Han Arin smiled faintly and gestured to step outside. Continuing the conversation here might wake the children, plus she intended to discuss something they shouldn’t overhear. Quietly stepping outside, she began,

“I wanted to talk about Hae-un.”

At the mention of Hae-un, Seorin’s expression shifted immediately.

“The Association believes Hae-un’s condition has significantly improved.”

Upon hearing “improved,” Seorin’s face relaxed, clearly relieved that the news was positive.

“Do you remember how Hae-un used to act self-destructively, or behave as if she were about to leave soon, showing excessive attachment to her tail?”

Actions that might seem merely cute or mature to outsiders carried deeper implications given Hae-un’s background.

‘After all, it’s odd for a child to act mature.’

Mature behavior often means conforming to what adults like, implying the child is reading the room. For a three-year-old to appear mature signaled an unhealthy environment. Recently, however, since meeting Chae-a and Yuna, these behaviors had diminished, leading the Association to conclude she was improving.

“Yes, I’ve heard she’s gotten much better recently.”

Seorin nodded in agreement, recognizing these changes. Encouraged by this response, Han Arin continued,

“So, I have a favor to ask. When you have time, could you take the kids to visit the dragons?”

“The dragons…?”

“Yes. It seems like it would be best if you went.”

“Huh? Okay…”

Though unclear why specifically her, Seorin didn’t seem opposed as long as Hae-un could come along.

Just then…

“Chae-a needs to pee…”

Chae-a appeared at the door, startling everyone with her sudden appearance. Before anyone could react, she ran over, clung to Han Arin’s leg, and started whining.

“Chae-a wants to sleep more… But I’m scared… Don’t leave me alone…”

Clearly sleepy, she mumbled something while dozing off. Quickly picking her up, Han Arin headed toward the bathroom while Seorin watched and said,

“Then I’ll go tomorrow.”

“Alright, I’ll let Perseus know. Go ahead and take them.”

Nodding, Seorin agreed, and Han Arin silently prayed everything would go well.

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