Chapter 149

The next day, as I slowly opened my eyes, the morning sunlight was streaming through the window. Just as I tried to lift my slightly fatigued body, I was startled by something soft nestled in my arms. When I looked down, I saw delicate eyelids beneath silver hair. The sight of such a beautiful face made my heart race again. Not only that, but Seolhyang, though covered by a blanket, was completely naked. The problem was, my hand was gripping her bare chest, as if it belonged there, reddened from last night’s activities. “Hmm,” she murmured as I unconsciously moved my hand again, feeling the overwhelming softness and size. Startled, I quickly pulled my hand away. The warmth lingering on my hand suggested I had been holding it all night. Thanks to that, I remembered what I had done last night. ‘I really did it with Seolhyang.’ Despite feeling a bit pathetic for what I had done, it was still a happy memory. I recalled holding hands with Jin Seolhyang on our way to school during childhood. Those fleeting memories connected to the present, bringing forth a surge of emotions. One thing was certain: Seolhyang was in my arms now. ‘She’s beautiful.’ I quietly gazed at her face. Even as a child, I thought she was pretty, but now, at twenty-six, Seolhyang was at the peak of her beauty. As I absentmindedly admired her, Seolhyang’s eyes fluttered open with a soft “Mmm.” She looked at me sleepily for a moment, then leaned in to kiss me. Right after waking up, Seolhyang kissed me, our tongues intertwining for a while before she finally pulled away. “Hehe, good morning, Ha-chan,” she said. Waking up to someone saying that was incredibly happy. As I thought that, I gently stroked her head. “Did you sleep well?” “Yeah, but my lower body feels a bit numb.” “That’s a problem. Should I apply some ointment?” When I joked, Seolhyang laughed and looked down at me. “There’s one ointment I can think of. You’re energetic in the morning.” At her words, I coughed and turned my head away. Something was sticking out from under the blanket. Seolhyang playfully smiled and suddenly ducked under the blanket. As I widened my eyes in surprise, Seolhyang spoke from below. “Seolhyang?” “You made me a woman, so I should repay you.” I enjoyed an extravagant morning. Afterward, I showered and had breakfast with Seolhyang. The meal itself was just leftovers from the fridge, so there wasn’t much to prepare. The side dishes were as delicious as those from a high-end Korean restaurant. The cooking skills of the staff must have been extraordinary. After finishing the meal, Seolhyang nestled in my arms as we chatted about various things. We hadn’t talked much yesterday due to the situation. “Am I going to get pregnant?” As Seolhyang asked while touching her stomach, I blushed and coughed. Seeing me like that, Seolhyang smiled faintly and looked at her stomach with a hint of regret. “It’s not my fertile period, so the chances are low, but still.” “If you have a baby, won’t it cause problems with work and such?” If Seolhyang were to have my child, of course, I would be filled with happiness. But pregnancy is a serious matter. If a child were born, Seolhyang would naturally bear a significant burden. As the head of the World Returner Association, there would be many things to sort out. “What do you take me for? It’s no problem. When the time comes, I’ll hand over all my duties to the subordinates.” “If you give birth, I’ll raise the child.” “Hehe, Daddy is so reliable.” “Daddy, huh?” Hearing the word “Daddy,” I briefly thought of my father. My eccentric father. I can’t see him now, but sometimes I miss him. Although it felt a bit impulsive to do it with Seolhyang, the thought of possibly having a child brought up strange emotions. Maybe my father came to mind because I might become a dad. Even though a child hasn’t been born yet. But if it’s Seolhyang’s child, wouldn’t it be beautiful? I hope it doesn’t take after me; that’s a worry. “If only my fertile period were better.” “Do you really want my child that much?” “Of course. When I was talking with those two…” At that moment, Seolhyang stopped talking. She averted her eyes as if avoiding the topic, so I tilted my head. “With those two? You mean Ayu and Si-ho? Did the three of you talk about something?” “Ah, no. We didn’t talk about anything.” I pulled Seolhyang, who was trying to slip away, back into my arms. Then, I brought my face close to hers. “Tell me the truth.” “Hmm, it’s too close.” “We just kissed, what’s the big deal?” As I said that, Seolhyang, perhaps reminded of the kiss, leaned in to kiss me again. But I wasn’t going to let her off that easily, so I pulled my head back. Seolhyang pouted her lips. “You’re not going to tell me?” “Tsk, we just talked about how the first wife would be the one to have the child.” Seolhyang finally confessed, as if she couldn’t win. Hearing that, I was shocked at first, but upon reflection, it made sense. Marriage is based on mutual consent, but in our country, it’s customary to marry when a child is born. Still, it felt a bit absurd. “Don’t fight over having a child. I’ll get angry.” Competing to have a child like that was something I couldn’t tolerate. Of course, I also want a child and have plenty of desire, but such competition wouldn’t be good for the child. “Sorry, are you mad?” “A little.” When I said that, Seolhyang fidgeted and then hugged me tightly. “I’m sorry. Don’t be mad. I just need to be by Ha-chan’s side. I won’t fight over such a position. Okay?” She rested her chin on my chest and spoke in a coquettish voice. Seeing her like that, my anger started to melt away. Am I an easy man, Kang Ha-chan? “But I really want Ha-chan’s baby. You saw how happy I was yesterday, right? You know how much I love Ha-chan.” That’s true. Seolhyang’s face looked so happy yesterday. I probably felt the same way. “I’m not mad anymore.” “Really?” “Yeah, how could I stay mad at you?” As I stroked Seolhyang’s head, she smiled happily and looked up at me brightly. “Then can we kiss now?” Damn, I can’t win. Now I understand why husbands are so tightly wrapped around their wives’ fingers. Chapter 16 – Regular Meeting It was already early December. Another ordinary day was passing at the company. After that day, Ayu had a thorough talk with Dohwa and decided to live together for the time being. Though they seemed a bit awkward, they were adapting well as a family, which was a relief. Dohwa started working at the World Returner Association. She didn’t like wasting time, and more importantly, the association was the best place to help her adapt to Earth. “If this keeps up, Domi Oppa won’t be able to visit us,” Ayu complained after living with Dohwa. So, I had no choice but to invite them to our house soon. “Really? Can I come right away?” Ayu’s voice was so excited when I invited her. I guess I’ll have to clean the house soon. ‘This weekend, right?’ As I checked the date on my phone, I sensed someone approaching and looked up. There stood Si-ho and Ji-eun, both hiding something behind their backs. I tilted my head. “What’s up with you two?” “Manager.” “Ha-chan Oppa!” They both called me at the same time, startling me. Then, they quickly showed me a piece of paper. It was an admission letter from the university. “Ah, so you’ve both decided.” The university, being managed by the school, had offered both of them admission to the Hunter University. Si-ho was already an S-class Hunter, and Ji-eun had recently risen to A-class thanks to Gold Piece. Hunter rank is the most important. That’s why the Hunter department offers admission to 19-year-olds regardless of academic performance. “Which university did you both decide on?” “S University!” Ji-eun exclaimed excitedly, and I was surprised. I didn’t expect it to be our school. “Hehe, I wanted to see the school Oppa attended.” “Si-ho too.” Actually, Si-ho wasn’t interested in university but was persuaded by Ji-eun. She probably changed her mind as soon as she found out I attended S University. Having known Si-ho for a long time, that much was clear. “What about the scholarship?” “They’re covering everything.” “Well, you’re the company’s top aces, so it’s only natural.” An A-class Hunter and an S-class Hunter. Ji-eun, with Gold Piece, would naturally become an S-class Hunter, so the school would want them to attend, even if it meant paying. ‘Going to university means they’re becoming adults, right?’ I couldn’t help but smile wryly at the thought of these two, who were never easy even as minors, becoming adults. “So, we want to go shopping for clothes for university.” Ji-eun clung to my arm as she said that. Simultaneously, Si-ho leaned her head against my side. “I want to go with Ha-chan Oppa.” Ji-eun smiled brightly, and Si-ho grabbed my sleeve. “Si-ho, I want to wear clothes that Manager says are pretty.” Is this really okay for my company life? I had no choice but to nod under their coquettish assault. I also wanted to buy them each an outfit since they were going to university. “Wow, Ha-chan, is this how you do company life?” Even Yoo Woo-jung, who arrived late, looked at me with disbelief. Clearly, my company life was a bit out of control. After work, I took Si-ho and Ji-eun shopping. We went to a department store to get everything done at once. The problem was, I underestimated the stamina of two high school girls. They spent almost the entire day trying on every piece of clothing in the store. At first, I complimented them cutely, but at some point, I realized this wasn’t an easy task. ‘Yoo Woo-jung, that woman.’ She definitely knew this would happen and said, “I’ll pass. Have fun with the two high school girls.” As I took a break and went to the restroom, I received a text. [Ha-chan Oppa, I’m finally returning this weekend!] The sender was none other than Ggotbi. Ggotbi was returning too. [Good job. Let’s meet as soon as you arrive.] [Really?] [Yeah, by the way, we were talking about a regular meeting. Want to join us all together?] [All together?] Ggotbi’s text paused for a moment, so I tilted my head. [Yes, all together. Ah, I found a nice hotel. Should we have the regular meeting there?] [Let’s do that. Send me the location.] [Okay, see you when I return.] After finishing the text, I put my phone away. Then, I suddenly remembered something. “…Ah.” I had planned to meet Ayu at home this weekend. I carefully took out my phone again. Then, I cautiously typed a message. [Um, Ayu…] And Ayu got upset.