Chapter 62

It was a day of unusually heavy rain.

When Anne woke up in the morning, the window outside was dim and shadowy. The sound of rain pattering steadily against the roof filled her ears.

A slight fear crept into her heart—what if there was thunder or lightning? Shaking her head to rid herself of the rising trauma, Anne tried to focus on the present.

The unfamiliar yet soft texture beneath her fingers wasn’t her usual bed. Pulling the blanket closer around her, she breathed deeply, savoring the scent she loved so much—a refreshing aroma of forest mingled with faintly sweet fruity notes.

Without meaning to, a bashful smile tugged at her lips. Pretending to still be asleep, she burrowed deeper under the covers, peeking out just enough to observe her surroundings.

Her head began to throb slightly, reminding her of last night’s overindulgence. Fragmented memories surfaced—had she acted too playful?

The house was quiet except for the rhythmic tapping of raindrops.

Slowly, Anne sat up despite the heaviness in her limbs. She swayed slightly, steadying herself against the wall as dizziness washed over her. A glass of water rested nearby, which she drank greedily, feeling its coolness soothe her parched throat.

“Hyaah…”

At that moment, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks as the embarrassing memory returned: collapsing drunk at Minho’s place.

“Why did I do that?! Ugh!”

Anne scolded herself, slapping her forehead lightly while slumping onto the table like a deflated balloon. Where had Minho gone? Was he already out working? And where were Suri and those adorable marshmallow-like children from yesterday?

Minho was diligent—too diligent. Every day he seemed busier than ever, leaving little time for them to spend together. It made her feel wistful sometimes.

“It’s raining heavily today.”

She worried about him catching a cold while laboring outside in such weather. Such concern came naturally when you cared deeply for someone.

Just then, the door creaked open, letting in more sounds of rainfall. Turning her head sharply like a startled squirrel, Anne saw a red-clad woman standing there—not who she expected, but she hid her disappointment well.

“Evangelin?”

“Anne?”

“Good morning…”

“Are you feeling better from your hangover?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Evangelin moved gracefully to prepare breakfast, assisted by her younger brother Jack. Their chemistry was charming to watch; even Anne couldn’t help but smile warmly at the sight.

“Anne,” Evangelin called softly.

“Yes?”

“Could you do me a favor?”

“What kind of favor?”

“Go outside and call Minho in for breakfast.”

“Sure.”

Despite the rain, Anne stepped out without an umbrella. If anyone asked, she’d blame it on being caught off guard anyway. Though appearing disheveled wasn’t ideal, having an excuse felt better. Not that she lacked confidence in her appearance—in fact, she believed no one could resist her charm. Well, except maybe Minho, which frustrated her somewhat.

Pitter-patter. The rain fell fiercely now, wind whipping droplets across her face. Each bead of water stung gently, invigorating her senses.

“Minho!”

Silver glimmers worked tirelessly in the fields, his silhouette distinct even through the rain. Perched on his shoulder was Suri, making him look all the more unique. His muscular frame glistened under the downpour, sending Anne’s cheeks ablaze.

“Anne?”

“The food’s ready! Come inside!”

Hearing this, Minho paused his work and stood up, brushing dirt from his clothes. Even from afar, the earthy scent of soil reached her nose.

Blinking away rainwater streaming down her hair, Anne watched as Minho approached step by deliberate step. Her heartbeat quickened with every passing second.

“You’re soaked. Why didn’t you use an umbrella?”

“Hehe…”

“Let’s go inside.”

His sheepish grin masked the nervous flutter in his chest. Of course, he didn’t want to reveal how flustered he truly was.

How had things come to this? Without time to reflect, they’d ended up here somehow.

Their first meeting flashed in her mind—back then, he’d been just another handsome guy covered in dust. Smiling faintly, Anne followed him back indoors.

“Welcome home?”

“Have some breakfast. I prepared something warm for everyone.”

“Thank you.”

If only his kindness could belong solely to her…

Anne ate quietly, enjoying the meal Evangelin had prepared. Comfort food indeed—it tasted wonderful, highlighting Evangelin’s talent in cooking.

“I’ve eaten enough. I’ll head back to work.”

“Yes.”

“Come back safely!”

Unable to resist adding one last comment, Anne waved cheerfully as Minho smiled and nodded goodbye.

With Minho gone, a peaceful silence settled over the house. Only the clinking of dishes as Evangelin tidied up broke the calm.

“I’m going to take a shower.”

“Okay.”

Turning on the hot water, steam rose in gentle wisps. As the warmth enveloped her rain-drenched body, Anne felt herself melting into relaxation.

After drying off, she slipped into a set of clothes Minho had kindly provided. Though slightly oversized, they carried his distinctive forest scent, causing another involuntary smile to bloom on her face.

Dressed in these borrowed garments, Anne reclined lazily onto the couch. The rain outside made her sentimental, prompting introspection.

So diligent, wealthy, reserved yet considerate, handsome, physically fit, owning a pet spirit, possessing a home, skilled in farming…

Comparing herself to Minho left Anne feeling rather inadequate. She possessed vague talents and hobbies, living life moderately without much distinction. Perhaps that was why she found herself drawn to his brilliance, irresistibly pulled toward his light.

‘Would I even be worthy of him…?’

Following such brilliance might burn her someday. This faint worry lingered in her thoughts.

Yet whenever she faced Minho, all such concerns vanished instantly. It was absurd, really—if this were an illness, it must surely be severe.

Sinking further into the bed, Anne took deep breaths, trying to capture any lingering warmth. Ignoring Evangelin’s curious gaze, she indulged in her own world.

‘In this lifetime, I want to become your pillow.’

Every night, nestled close beside him. Falling asleep together.

Gently cradling him during slumber. Filling his thoughts with only her presence.

Whenever he tossed and turned, she wished to sway alongside him, becoming his dream-world companion.

‘Maybe I should tell him I want to be his pillow in this lifetime.’

What would his reaction be? Would he act embarrassed? Pretend not to notice?

Imagining his response sent her orderly thoughts spiraling into chaos. Her calm heart raced wildly despite attempts to steady her breathing. Flushed skin betrayed her inner turmoil.

Lost in private fantasies, Anne buried her face deeper into the pillow. How had everything turned out this way?

“Evangelin…”

“Yes?”

“Can you teach me how to cook?”

Not wanting to fall behind. Wanting to contribute somehow. Wanting to showcase her efforts admirably.

Driven by mixed emotions, Anne blurted out the request, earning a nod of approval from Evangelin.

—

Later that evening, after finishing greenhouse maintenance and creating pathways for spirits, Minho realized their sprinklers needed upgrading. A trip to the mine awaited him soon.

As silver spirits rolled around playfully, dusk arrived. Gathering them into his arms with shining grapes, Minho headed home, soaked to the bone. Stepping inside, cool air conditioning greeted him.

Two women welcomed him warmly—one familiar, one unexpected.

After bathing, Minho enjoyed dinner prepared by Evangelin before seeing her off into the night. Now it was time to send Anne home too—or so he thought.

*rumble*

“Aaaah!”

A distant roll of thunder shook the house, startling Anne. Clutching the blankets tightly, she trembled uncontrollably, burying herself deep within the folds.

“Anne?”

Approaching cautiously, Minho grasped her icy hands, infusing warmth into them. “You’re safe. Everything’s fine.”

“Mm… mm…”

“Looks like you’ll have to stay again tonight.”

Teasing lightly, Minho observed Anne’s bashful smile as she snuggled closer, resting her soft hair against his chest.

“So, did you try to kick me out earlier?”

“Of course not.”

“Thank you…”

Anne’s hand crept upward, tracing patterns along his back. Whether asking for comfort or something else entirely remained unclear. Left alone, she behaved like a playful hamster, fidgeting endlessly.

“Hey…”

“Yes?”

“For one day, I want to be your pillow.”

“What does that mean?”

Her earnest eyes locked onto his face, searching for some hidden meaning. Confused, Minho tilted his head quizzically.

Was this some secret slang in this world? Honestly, he had no idea.

“Hehe, never mind. Just forget it.”

Her coy laughter softened his bewilderment. Leaning closer, Anne whispered tenderly against his chest.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Mm-hmm, nothing.”

Though unlike her usual self recently, their proximity had grown closer. Frequent physical contact perhaps played a role.

*boom!*

“Aaaaah!”

Another loud clap of thunder caused Anne to scream, diving further under the covers. Curling up like a mole, she shivered violently. Gazing at her tear-filled blue eyes, Minho offered a solution.

“Shall I cover your ears like last time?”

“That’s inconvenient…”

“Not really. It’s simple enough.”

“No, I can handle it. But…”

Swallowing nervously, Anne hesitated before continuing softly.

“…Stay next to me.”

Such a subtle request.

“Alright.”

Compared to staying awake all night covering her ears, this seemed preferable.

Closing her eyes tightly, Anne recalled their previous encounter. Light had bothered her then too, though the memory felt hazy now.

“Together.”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s lie down together.”

Even with her eyes shut, Anne positioned herself first, nestling into the pillow and pulling the blanket snugly around her. Amused, Minho followed suit, settling halfway onto the bed.

“Shouldn’t I be the pillow?”

Sliding an arm beneath her trembling form, he teased lightly. Feeling his touch, Anne peeked open one eye, alternating between staring at his arm and his face. Eventually, she nestled her head gently against his bicep. Slowly, inch by inch, she edged closer until pressed snugly against him.

“You’ll make my arm sore.”

“I’m light, it’s fine.”

*boom!*

Another deafening roar echoed through the skies. Anne jolted visibly, clutching tighter to Minho like a frightened fox seeking refuge. Thunder continued rumbling intermittently throughout the night.

Quietly, Minho cupped her delicate ears, reveling in the velvety smoothness of her skin beneath his fingertips.

“Thank you… so much…”

“You can repay me later.”

“Now? I could repay you right now…”

Lifting her head shyly despite keeping her eyes closed, Anne hinted at something mysterious.

“Enough. Go to sleep.”

“Alright… I’ll repay you later…”

Whatever mischief she’d planned remained unknown, but curiosity lingered briefly before fading.

On the 31st day of summer, amidst relentless rain and thunder, the night passed peacefully.

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