Chapter 188

EP.188 Soft and Fluffy #2

Today was a day where I truly felt what joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness were. And the only emotion left at the end was pure joy.

Adelle returned home with a bright smile on her face and was greeted by Silvia, who was doing home training while watching TV.

“Are you back?”

“Yes! When did you get here?”

“Two hours ago. But you… your complexion looks really good today? Did something good happen?”

“Something really empowering happened! Do you have time now?”

Adelle looked like she couldn’t wait to share what had happened. Silvia chuckled at Adelle’s high energy and nodded.

“Of course.”

“Then sit down quickly! Hurry!”

As Adelle sat at the table, tapping her feet impatiently, Silvia let out a small laugh and quickly walked over to sit across from her. After taking a sip of lukewarm water, Silvia asked, “What happened that made you so happy?”

“Well, it’s like this…”

Adelle recounted every detail of her day, from eating sandwiches and snacks in Jihyuk’s lab to the mistake she made while watching a movie, and how Jihyuk considerately took her to a drive-in theater. She even shared his sincere advice.

Adelle laughed brightly as she gestured animatedly, praising Jihyuk. “I’ve never received such compliments before! Jihyuk is such a kind person!”

Silvia, who had been quietly listening, was impressed. “He’s quite something. He’s only twenty, but he thinks like an adult.”

“Right? I want to go to the lab again tomorrow, but would that be okay?”

Adelle suddenly seemed downcast. It was clear she really wanted to go to the lab but was worried about being a distraction to the device development.

It was a childish concern. Dr. Cash and Jihyuk needed to finish the device quickly to ensure Aiter’s permanent storage. But Adelle’s excitement was rare. Today must have been truly satisfying for her.

Normally, Silvia would have advised against it, but she didn’t want to crush Adelle’s mood and expectations.

“Did you ask before you left? If you could come back tomorrow?”

“No, I didn’t think of that.”

“Then why don’t you ask directly and decide based on Jihyuk’s answer?”

“That sounds better.”

“Again, the decision is yours.”

Adelle smiled and nodded several times. “I’ll do that! I’ll send Jihyuk a message right now. You can go ahead and continue your workout!”

Silvia burst out laughing at Adelle’s innocent command and resumed her home training as Adelle headed to the bathroom.

After quickly washing her hands, Adelle flopped onto her bed and fiddled with her phone. She pulled up all the saved emojis, copied the ones she liked, and opened the chat with Jihyuk.

[Jihyuk! What are you doing? (❀╹◡╹)]

[On my way back to the lab.]

The reply came immediately. It was a blunt message, but it carried Jihyuk’s usual warmth. Adelle’s heart suddenly started racing, and she placed her hand on her chest. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling—it was soft, fluffy, and… pleasant.

Adelle let out a long breath and quickly typed.

[Thank you so much for today! I’m sorry if I distracted you from working on the device.]

[Not at all. I had a lot of fun too. Let’s go watch a movie again sometime.]

[Yes! Can I come to the lab tomorrow?]

[Hmm… You can come in the evening.]

Evening? What was she supposed to do until then? Adelle pouted and sent an emoji.

[╭(๑¯д¯๑)╮]

[Don’t like that? How about lunch…?]

Lunch? That wasn’t great either.

[(๑ò︵ò๑)]

[Then how about coming in the morning…? We can do Bible study during breaks… How about that?]

After sending a few disappointed emojis, Jihyuk finally gave a satisfying answer. And Bible study? How could he be so devout? Suggesting that Adelle subtly learn the Bible from him was a great choice.

Adelle grinned and replied immediately.

[Yes! But I promise I won’t disturb you while you’re working on the device!]

[Alright. See you tomorrow then.]

[Okay! (✦‿✦) Be careful on your way back!]

After the chat ended, Adelle felt a bit disappointed but closed her eyes. Not because she was tired, but to reflect on the day’s events.

She recalled her embarrassing moments at the theater, expressing a wide range of emotions. When she remembered accidentally hitting Jihyuk’s chin and nose, she punched the air to shake off the embarrassment. When she thought about the loud music causing her to spill popcorn, she frowned. And when she remembered Jihyuk naturally apologizing to the other viewers, she felt proud of him.

Recalling his serious advice at the drive-in theater filled her with joy, and thinking about how he enjoyed the caramel popcorn she offered made her feel accomplished. Adelle could still taste the sweet caramel in her mouth and unconsciously licked her lips.

‘It’s delicious…’

After savoring the taste for a moment, Adelle fell asleep just like that.

**

[The Beast Slayer Headquarters, angered by excessive protests, has issued a statement. The Headquarters emphasized that their relationship with the World Union is purely collaborative, not hierarchical. They also expressed hope that people would understand their position of helping to protect the Earth without expecting anything in return……]

[Public reaction is intense. Most have strongly criticized Argentina, worrying that if such incidents continue, the Headquarters might withdraw its support……]

[The World Union has also made a statement. They announced that the Beast Slayers were dispatched as quickly as possible to defeat the demons that appeared in Argentina and expressed gratitude to the Headquarters for their efforts toward world peace……]

The news playing since morning was very satisfying. The saying that continued kindness is taken for granted didn’t come out of nowhere. You have to threaten with limited expressions to keep them in line, or they’ll keep pushing their luck.

Even though they’ll all die eventually, it’s still right to educate them. Listening to their whining gets annoying.

As I enjoyed the toast Dr. Cash made while watching the news, Adelle entered the lab, and I got up to leave the lounge.

Today, her fashion was… an oversized beige long-sleeve knit and light blue jeans. The color combination was nice. Pretty people just have a natural sense of style.

“Good morning, Adelle.”

“Good morning! But why are you in the lounge? You weren’t planning to skip Bible study by taking your break early, were you?”

She’s really something. I answered her question with a smile.

“I was just having breakfast. Have you eaten?”

“No! I left early so I didn’t have time.”

“Then would you like some toast? I brought a lot.”

“Thank you! Let’s eat together, Jihyuk. We can recite the Bible while eating.”

She’s full of energy today. It’s obvious she’ll interfere too much if we open the Bible. I’ll just go along with it and then sneak out.

I agreed and went to pick up Adelle’s backpack. It was heavy. What does she even carry in there?

Heading to the lounge, I placed the backpack by the sofa and ate toast with Adelle like a loving couple.

“Jihyuk, do you have milk?”

Adelle asked while eating toast with peanut butter. I got up and headed to the fridge.

“Yes. I’ll get it for you.”

“Low-fat milk, please.”

She wants psychological comfort after overeating. Typical.

“We don’t have low-fat milk… Is regular milk okay?”

“I prefer low-fat.”

“Should I go buy some from the convenience store?”

“Yes.”

I was just suggesting, but she’s making me go buy it. I let out a hollow laugh and shook my head.

As I was about to leave the lab, Adelle rushed out of the lounge, changing her shoes.

“Let’s go together.”

“You can stay and rest…”

“I’m bored.”

“Alright.”

I was about to take Adelle with me when I noticed toast crumbs on the corner of her mouth. I grabbed a tissue nearby and handed it to her.

“You have crumbs on your mouth.”

“It’s fine. I’ll eat more when we get back.”

This clumsy girl is a saint? That’s just too funny. I chuckled, rolled the tissue around my finger, and gently wiped her mouth.

Adelle didn’t resist my action at all. A complete contrast to her usual over-the-top reactions at the study café. I internally cheered and calmly threw the tissue away, opening the lab door.

Adelle, who had come up beside me, asked in a slightly shy tone, “You’ll buy milk and do Bible study, right?”

“I’ll work on the device first. I’ll take a nap when we get back.”

“Aren’t you sleepy? But okay.”

Really? You look like you’re about to fall asleep already… Let’s see if you stay awake when we get back.

**

Click!

Pressing the wireless remote, the polymer stretched strangely and rapidly narrowed the space where Aiter would be. Not stopping there, it tightly sealed the entire device.

I nodded with a satisfied smile and stretched. Today’s sense of accomplishment was great. The consumable storage compartments I made throughout the device were perfect, and the control system worked flawlessly. Now, after a bit more refinement, I’ll place Aiter inside and finish up. I’m in a good mood since it’s progressing faster than expected.

Deciding to stop for the day, I quietly opened the lounge door. I tiptoed over to Adelle, who was sleeping on the sofa, and crouched down to look at her face.

After finishing all the leftover toast and drinking 500ml of low-fat milk, she had fallen asleep, claiming she was tired. Her sleeping posture was so beautiful.

Her soft breathing, her fair skin, her glossy pink lips. I stared at Adelle’s face for a long time.

How long had it been? Adelle smacked her lips and turned toward me. One of her hands slipped out from under the blanket, and I carefully pulled it onto my palm.

I just wanted to. There was no other reason.

Adelle’s fingers were slender, and her palm was small. Her hand was petite and incredibly beautiful. Her oval nails, painted white, were as pure as her heart.

I gently rubbed each of Adelle’s glossy nails. The smooth, silky texture felt amazing.

‘Gasp…!’

Suddenly snapping out of it, I shook my head several times. Then, I locked eyes with Adelle, who was staring right at me.

When did she wake up? She must have opened her eyes while I was touching her hand.

Her emerald-green irises were mesmerizing, and my fatigue melted away just by looking at them.

“I’m sorry.”

I calmly apologized and tried to get up. But Adelle tightly held onto my index finger, preventing me from moving.

Normally, I could have easily pulled away from her weak grip. But I didn’t want to. Emeralds are fragile and can break with just a little force—that’s why.

I have no idea why I suddenly thought of that.

“Jihyuk.”

Adelle called me in a sleepy voice. I should have answered, but my mouth wouldn’t open.

Why is this happening? I swallowed hard and forced my lips to part.

“…Yes?”

“What time is it?”

“It’s… 4 PM.”

Adelle’s pupils slightly widened. She let out a shallow sigh and said, “I slept a lot.”

“Yes… you did.”

“Is it break time?”

“Probably…”

“Then let’s do Bible study.”

“Alright. Should I help you up…?”

“I’m thirsty. I want some water.”

“I’ll get it for you.”

I turned to head to the fridge. But I couldn’t move further because of the weight on my right hand.

Adelle was still holding onto my finger, and she was being dragged along, almost falling off the sofa.

I returned to her side and said, “Um… you need to let go…”

“Rough and… soft.”

The sudden words from her pretty mouth. Suppressing my confusion, I asked, “What is…?”

“Your finger.”

After saying that, Adelle let go of my finger. I instinctively stepped back, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and pressing my palm against my forehead.

What was that just now? It felt like I was enchanted… Was it because of Adelle’s appearance?

Maybe it was because the focus I had while working on the device suddenly dissipated. Or maybe I’ve been working too much lately and am just tired.

At least I confirmed Adelle’s current feelings. That’s what matters.

Quietly calming my breathing and settling my confused mind, I approached Adelle, who had sat up, and handed her the water. I then sat at the table and opened the Bible.

To be continued―――――――――――――――――――――

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