Chapter 75

When did Somtul disappear?

No matter how hard I think, the memory doesn’t come back.

I absentmindedly fidget with my fingers, then decide to go look for Somtul…

“Big sister will come back, so just snack here.”

Han Arin gets up and pats our heads. When I try to say I’ll go too, she shakes her head, snaps her fingers, and casts a spell while saying…

“Magic’s faster, so just relax. Got it?”

With that, Han Arin vanishes.

I wonder if it’s okay to use magic in the sauna complex, but since no one around seems to care, it must be fine.

Still feeling guilty for sending her alone, I perk up my tail when Yuna speaks up.

“Don’t worry! Somtul is brave and won’t cry, right?”

At this, I nod, and Seorin smiles warmly while patting Yuna’s head.

“Is it because you’re the older sister? You’re so mature! Hae-un is lucky to have so many big sisters, huh?”

Yuna, hearing Seorin’s praise, swells with confidence and starts patting my head just like Seorin did hers.

Aww… I blink as these two exchange affection. Then I notice mana fluctuation and see Han Arin returning with Somtul.

She came back quicker than expected! I wag my tail, but Somtul starts yelling angrily…

“Peewww!”

An angry cry asking why they left him behind.

After apologizing and feeding him a bite of red bean ice, he calms down…

“Peew.”

Though still upset, he accepts the apology.

I start petting his head, and Somtul shakes his fur before jumping into my arms, puffing his cheeks.

‘Does he want more?’

Deciding to feed him more, Chae-a watches us and suddenly bursts out laughing…

“The baby is feeding the baby… Hehe!”

Somtul growls at this…

“Peewww! Pee!”

(I’m not a baby!)

He can’t see my sympathetic glance since he lacks eyes on his forehead. Trying to stay mature, I consider Seorin’s suggestion…

“Shall we do sand spa next?”

Excited by the idea, I eagerly nod…

*

The sand spa has soft, slightly warm sand that feels amazing when you lie down. Though too hot for my current form, I enjoy letting the sand gently touch my feet with Chae-a and Yuna.

“It’s like warm salt…”

“Too hot…”

Most excited is Chae-a, who wiggles her toes in the sand and giggles…

“Look! It tickles! Haeni, try it!”

Following her lead, I wiggle my toes, enjoying the sensation as sand trickles between them. As I laugh and wag my tail, Yuna asks seriously…

“How about we build a sandcastle?”

“Sandcastle?”

“Yeah! A huge one!”

Though the sand seems too soft, I nod to encourage their creativity…

“Okay?”

“Yeah!”

Knowing it won’t work but wanting them to experience it themselves, we try to pile the sand. But there’s a problem…

“It’s too hot. My hands feel like sunburn already!”

The sand is indeed scorching! We poke it cautiously instead. Seeing this, Seorin chuckles…

“What are you guys doing?”

“Building a sandcastle…”

Seorin tries to contain her smile before clearing her throat and delivering a reality check…

“Oh really? But this sand isn’t good for building castles, is it?”

As I prepare to explain it’s Yuna’s wish, not mine…

“…”

I notice Yuna’s face falling and decide to take one for the team, nodding silently.

“But Big Sister will help, let’s try anyway?”

Without hesitation, Seorin starts digging, creating a tunnel instead of a castle. Despite its simplicity, Yuna beams happily, wagging her tail.

“Seorin Big Sister is amazing!”

“Yeah? I’m glad you like it.”

“Super cool! Let’s visit the castle!”

Encouraged by Yuna’s praise, Seorin continues digging enthusiastically. Though the tunnel collapses quickly, Yuna remains delighted, swaying her tail.

“Anyway, aren’t you hot?”

“A bit, but I want to finish the castle first.”

“Hmm… We should probably go soon.”

Yuna shakes her head stubbornly. Watching this display of determination, I’m surprised when Chae-a suddenly exclaims…

“I can’t take it anymore! Let’s go, okay?”

She picks me up to leave…

“No! Haeni has to stay in the castle!”

Chae-a offers a surprising solution…

“Why don’t I take one side and Yuna takes the other?”

Startled by this pure-hearted yet shocking proposal, I flail as Yuna happily agrees…

“Okay!”

Not sure what she agreed to, I’m split in half like a door, but my upper body enjoys the cool air outside, making me feel pleasant like lying on an electric blanket in winter.

Seeing this, Han Arin giggles…

“Kids, that’s not allowed. Come on, Hae-un, get up.”

She lifts me out, explaining…

“We shouldn’t take all the cool air from inside, right?”

Confused, Chae-a tilts her head…

“But I like the cool air… Isn’t it nice to use when it’s hot? Why can’t we?”

“This is a place to get warm. Just like some people like cool things, others like warmth.”

Understanding, Chae-a nods and says…

“Then I’ll close it tightly, okay?”

“Good job, Chae-a is such a good girl.”

When Han Arin tries to lift her, Chae-a giggles and runs away.

Watching this, Han Arin laughs and picks me up instead…

“Since we’re done with sand spa, shall we eat again?”

“Again?”

Though worried about eating too much, it’s hard to resist tasty food. Yuna, clearly very hot, holds Seorin’s hand and wags her tail excitedly…

“Red bean shaved ice… Let’s have that!”

Drenched in sweat, I fan her vigorously. Then Han Arin shares exciting news…

“There’s a secret in this shop… They sell special ice cream!”

Hearing “secret,” “special,” and “ice cream,” Chae-a and Yuna light up instantly.

As I smile thinking this is great, Han Arin drops a bombshell…

“They sell mint chocolate pineapple durian mango plum ice cream… Hey, where’s Hae-un going?”

Though neither particularly fond nor against mint chocolate, the strange combination makes me try to escape…

But my short legs aren’t fast enough, and Han Arin catches me!

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