Chapter 21

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[Yo, I’ve got a legit question.

– When I browse posts related to Hae-un, there are always people showing up who seem to like her WAY too much.

Sure, she’s pretty, cute, kind, loving, smart, and her smile is adorable, but I can’t understand why they obsess over her so much. Can someone explain the reason?]

—

???: I don’t get why people love Hae-un THIS much (uploaded 30 clips of Hae-un, plus around 50 praising posts).

ㄹㅇ이네: Haha, you claim you don’t get it, but you probably like her more than anyone else here!

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ: Soon enough, if Hae-un asks for a guarantor, you’ll be the first to sign up.

—

Even though the Hunter profession has become more structured and stable compared to the past, it’s still fundamentally a job where one risks their life. This naturally created an underlying tense atmosphere among hunters.

Typically, hunters were known for being sensitive and sharp-witted individuals. However, since Hae-un started living at the association, that rigid atmosphere began to soften significantly.

For instance, the hunter community forums were once filled with heated arguments regardless of the topic. But after Hae-un arrived, those kinds of posts gradually decreased. Without realizing it, Hae-un was subtly taking care of the hunters’ mental health.

Many hunters noticed this trend, and one particularly curious hunter decided to voice their thoughts openly.

—

[Speaking of Hae-un…

– Haven’t people become way gentler since she joined the association? Back in the day, fights would break out over anything, but now everyone just frowns and moves on.]

—

Hae-un Therapy, no doubt. Listening to her calms me down.

Maybe it’s because we all worked together during that terrorist incident investigation? You know how comradeship grows after fighting side by side. That’s what it feels like.

None of that matters; Hae-un is just plain adorable, and that’s why everyone loves her. Guaranteed fact. Oh, gotta go see her again!

—

The unexpected result of expressing doubts turned out to be cooperation. A belief that, despite being competitors, hunters could trust each other as allies in times of crisis.

Though naturally tied together by the association, many had forgotten this due to years of solitary living. Thanks to Hae-un, they rediscovered this truth.

—

[Hae-un’s fashion show is live NOW—go check it out! She’s wearing a shark onesie.

– THIS is why we love being hunters. I’m donating right now!]

A: Uh… haven’t you donated yet? I already gave 500k.

B: ‘1000k’

C: Haha, at this rate, Hae-un will end up being the richest person ever!

—

Thus, without even realizing it, feelings of camaraderie replaced the competitive hostility that once dominated the association. The hunters grew softer, gentler, and more supportive toward each other.

* * * * *

I glared at the clumsy-tailed idiot swaying around before letting out a heavy sigh.

It was incredibly, extremely, fantastically joyful to have built such a sturdy lair with everyone’s help—but I couldn’t shake the guilt of causing trouble for so many people.

“They’re all good people and didn’t show it outwardly…”

It wasn’t normal for others to use their own money to help build my lair. So, I closed my eyes tightly, determined not to let this favor go unreturned.

“What should I do to repay them?”

Though I lacked the ability to fully return the favor, I resolved to do whatever I could. After some thought, I came up with three ideas:

1. Cook delicious food for them.

2. Run errands for them.

3. Give massages.

Of course, there was also “healing,” but since healing was something I’d naturally provide anyway, I didn’t count it as part of repayment.

While jotting these plans down on a scrap of paper, Chae-a, standing nearby, seemed inspired to write something herself. She gestured with her hands while smiling brightly, and when I handed her my pen, she bowed deeply with a cheerful grin.

“Looks like she’s learning from me.”

Thinking I needed to be extra careful about setting examples for her, I watched as she drew wobbly circles and lines, giggling happily. Then, pointing proudly at her artwork, she declared:

“This is Haeuni!”

“Me?”

“Yup! Hae-un is super cute like this!”

Grateful for her effort, I smiled warmly—but then she suddenly said:

“Let’s play together!”

At first, I thought she’d imagined a friend to play with, but…

Goooollllll!!!

Shockingly, the drawings escaped the paper, leaping into reality and bouncing around us. Stunned, I could only watch as the figures danced joyfully in front of me.

“Wowwwww!”

Mesmerized by the surreal beauty of the scene, I marveled aloud. As I stared in awe, Chae-a spoke seriously to her creations:

“From now on, you must protect Haeuni! Got it?”

With a glittering sound, the drawings gathered near me, refusing to budge despite my polite gestures indicating I was fine.

“Hehe~”

Satisfied, Chae-a snuggled into my arms, rubbing her face against mine. While petting her head affectionately, I wondered aloud:

“Chae-a, can your drawings lift things?”

Pointing at a massive desk far too heavy for her to move, I tested her abilities. Instead of answering directly, she turned to her creations and asked them to try lifting it.

“They won’t be able to…”

Given their squishy appearance, I assumed the task was impossible. Yet, to my astonishment, the drawings effortlessly hoisted the desk, grunting playfully as they did so.

“Wowwww! They’re amazing!”

Thrilled, Chae-a clapped her hands and began dancing alongside her creations. Watching her joy, I couldn’t help but clap along.

*

After an energetic dance session, we collapsed together, staring at the ceiling.

Though the hospital room’s ceiling was plain white, lying here together made it feel fun. The drawings fanned us gently, creating a refreshing breeze.

“Wind~!”

Excited by the cool air, Chae-a laughed gleefully before suddenly falling asleep. Thinking about how children need lots of rest, I reached for a blanket—but the drawings had already dragged one over, leaving me amazed.

“Amazing…”

Petting their heads, I realized how intelligent they were, likely because Chae-a created them. They wriggled happily under my touch, mimicking Chae-a’s playful nature.

Asleep in their company, I dreamed peacefully, planning our next adventure.

*

When I woke up, it was morning.

Gently wiping drool off Chae-a’s face, I tried to sit up—but the drawings were cuddled all over me, making movement impossible.

“Should I wake them?”

Initially considering waking them since it was morning, I remembered how they’d fetched blankets and pillows for me last night and decided against it.

“They worked hard, so let them sleep longer.”

Resolving to stay still, I lay there quietly until someone entered the room with a cheerful voice.

“Hae-un!”

It was Seorin. Smiling broadly at seeing her, I greeted her back—but she paused mid-greeting upon noticing the “scribbles” sprawled across my stomach.

“Huh? What’s this?”

What should I tell her? After pondering briefly, I pointed at Chae-a and explained:

“Chae-a drew these yesterday and brought them to life.”

“Ah! I see…”

Though clearly confused, Seorin exaggeratedly nodded, pretending to understand. Seeing this, I gently woke the drawings, announcing:

“It’s morning.”

Slowly stirring awake, the drawings caused Seorin to scream in shock.

“AHHH! Monsters!”

Technically, her reaction wasn’t unwarranted—the drawings were black and squiggly, easily mistaken for something sinister. Still, her scream wasn’t ideal given Chae-a’s presence.

Unfortunately, Chae-a had witnessed everything.

—

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