Chapter 82

As pages turned.

Fluttering and scattering like fragments of a scene.

Shards of memories seep into me as they disperse.

With my head in my hands, I open my eyes in a daze.

What I see is a peaceful house.

An empty, quiet house.

In the chair, there sits only me, dripping with cold sweat, looking utterly defeated.

“So… ”

Attempting to continue but cutting myself off before I can.

Thus.

The story of someone who came to this world before me, hesitating at a crossroads of choice and ultimately unable to decide.

Piecing together scattered memories, it becomes clear.

Clenching my teeth naturally as I piece together the puzzle.

I am different.

I will be different.

It must be so.

“Choice…”

A mutter escapes my weak nose, echoing through the empty house.

It’s difficult.

How could one make a choice when nothing is certain yet?

I begin to vaguely understand why that person struggled to cut ties and wandered aimlessly.

True ending.

That person seemed to have been striving for the true ending too, but their failure made them seem even more desperate.

Would seeing the true ending let me have both?

Fact is…

When I first came to this world, all I wanted was to go home.

But after experiencing the overwhelming workload on the first day and collapsing from exhaustion, my resolve hardened further: I must return home.

While building connections,

And growing through effort,

When I managed to run the farm well on my own,

The sense of accomplishment and happiness were indescribable.

There’s Evangelin visiting every day,

The cute chatter of Suri,

Helpful spirits for farming,

And Anne, who always smiles foxily whenever I see her.

Slowly, the meaning of “home” began to shift—

From the place I must return to,

To this place here.

Deep down, I thought if I got too close, it would be hard to leave.

But now that the situation has come, the desire to return grows fainter, dissipating like clouds.

My 10:0 mindset became 5:5 halfway through,

Now surpassing that balance to become 2:8, 1:9,

Tethering me to this world.

Though two decades on Earth might not compare to a hundred days here,

Just as with friendships,

Some grow over time,

And others flourish rapidly in a short period.

Time matters in relationships,

But ultimately, what truly matters is when hearts resonate.

Where the heart goes.

What draws you.

If I decide this, what changes will come?

“No.”

Still, it’s something I don’t know yet.

Because seeing the ending might allow me to catch both rabbits.

It’s unlikely, but not impossible.

Even though I haven’t found a solution, identifying the problem holds significance.

Facing the problem means it can eventually be resolved.

My muddled mind feels clearer.

“Minho?”

The door opens, and a familiar voice calls out.

“Anne?”

“I came for lunch!”

“Isn’t this work time?”

“Even workers need to eat lunch!”

“That’s true.”

Like spring flowers,

Seeing Anne approach cheerfully tilts my heart further.

Since the first day, the warm memories seeping in have now painted this blank sheet with spring blossoms.

Perfect timing, Evangelin also comes in,

Holding Jack’s hand, covered in dirt.

If my heart fully leans towards 10,

Could I enjoy such scenes happily?

It’s quite tempting.

“Minho?”

Anne looks at Minho’s bright face today while he seems lost in thought, calling his name.

“Hmm.”

A soft, low voice flows out.

“I saw you spacing out.”

“Ah.”

Lately, Minho seems to have a lot on his mind.

Occasionally frowning,

Sometimes coming back slightly injured.

Though working hard is good, he should take better care of himself.

“It’s nothing.”

Trying to pry but hesitating,

Anne hesitates too at his hesitant expression.

For a moment,

She talks casually about daily life while eating lunch brought by Evangelin.

Thinking how wonderful it would be if every day were like this, Anne picks up a piece of meat with her fork and pops it into her mouth.

Warm, tender texture,

Umami bursting in her mouth, stimulating her taste buds.

Being able to eat such cooking every day must be a happy thing.

In that regard, Anne envies Evangelin for capturing Minho’s heart.

Of course,

Her own heart is also captured,

So she imagines that when they eventually live together, they’ll be able to share Evangelin’s cooking.

Optimistically drawing a happy future,

A capable and handsome man,

Isn’t he the best groom available in a village rather than a city?

Thinking this, Anne beams alone.

Having the same friend Evangelin liking the same person,

At first, it caused a bit of jealousy and regret for not being exclusive,

But over time, she gradually accepts it.

After all, talented people attract others regardless of gender.

Though there’s regret, there’s no intention of inappropriate behavior.

Is this feeling real?

Or just a fleeting spark?

Doubting this, Anne circles around Minho,

Skips meeting him for a few days,

Intentionally seeks him out in other places.

The conclusion reached this way is simple.

“Hmm?”

Her white fingers subtly intertwine,

Gripping tightly,

Enjoying the gentle, intimate sensation of his touch.

Minho’s expression shows curiosity,

Yet he doesn’t refuse.

This makes Anne happy.

Even when she links arms, he smiles and accepts her actions completely.

Actions closer to lovers than friends.

He sometimes initiates contact too,

Not just skinship,

Like staying by her side during lightning storms.

Anne still remembers those days,

When her burning ears nearly gave away her racing heart,

And his considerate attention made her unknowingly lean toward him,

Falling for someone she couldn’t escape.

“Hehe.”

Laughter keeps bubbling up despite trying to suppress it,

Joy breaking through her inner thoughts,

Forming crescent-shaped eyes and an upward curling smile.

Anne doesn’t hide her emotions.

And once she finds her footing and gains confidence,

She’ll speak first.

Confidently.

Anticipating that day, she rests her chin on her interlocked hands, applying more pressure,

Smiling while watching Evangelin’s wide eyes.

“Jealous?”

She swallows that thought.

Evangelin feels a bit envious watching Anne’s actions,

Actions she herself can’t easily do.

Seeing Minho not refusing makes her feel a bit restless.

Does he like such actions?

She wants to try but,

Her heart tells her clearly,

Yet her body won’t cooperate.

“I’m going back to work!”

Anne leaves,

Jack follows running to the spirit.

Left are only Minho and Evangelin.

“I’ll clean up and be right back.”

“Okay.”

Clattering sounds as dishes are tidied,

Glancing back, Evangelin flinches seeing Minho’s gaze.

Briefly,

Finishing tidying up the table,

Normally Minho would rush outside to work,

Today, however, he sits idly inside, lost in thought.

Is he hurt somewhere?

Or just wants to rest?

“Is something wrong?”

Unlike Anne,

She can’t link arms,

But covering his hand on the table is within her reach.

Pretending nonchalantly,

She places her hand atop his without hesitation.

The warmth transmitted calms her rapid breathing,

Her heartbeat slowly intensifies.

“Hmm… Nothing serious. Rather…”

“Yes?”

“Evangelin.”

Calling her name fully,

Evangelin momentarily loses her breath, missing the chance to respond.

Perhaps due to the sweet voice,

The heat from their touching hands feels vivid.

“Yes.”

“We can probably start speaking casually now, don’t you think? We’ve grown quite close.”

Slow blinking,

Her transparent, clear gaze meets his.

“Okay.”

To get closer,

To deepen their bond,

And to enjoy this specialness,

Evangelin quietly agrees with Minho’s words.

Even without the added explanation,

If Minho had simply suggested casual speech,

Evangelin would have readily agreed.

Minho is such an existence to her.

“Doesn’t work tire you?”

“It’s fine. I enjoy doing it.”

Still unfamiliar with casual speech,

Both respectful and informal words mix and tumble out of Evangelin’s mouth.

Minho seems unconcerned,

Continuing without pointing it out.

“If…”

A fairly long pause follows his words.

Evangelin patiently waits, holding her breath for the continuation.

“If I disappear for a long time.”

“Hmm?”

“If. It shouldn’t happen, but if by any chance…”

“I’ll follow.”

That response came out instantly from Evangelin.

Worried he might feel burdened,

Such concerns followed afterward,

But her heart was sincere.

No matter where,

She’s resolute in following.

Minho listens then sits silently for a moment,

Then raises his head after briefly lowering it.

“What if I stay here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly that. If I continue living in this house. Will you stay here?”

Evangelin’s breath momentarily stops.

How should this be interpreted?

Is he talking purely about culinary duties?

Or does it carry another meaning?

Unable to discern its implication, Evangelin’s mind whirls.

Still,

Her intent is clear.

Expressing her desire to follow and be together.

“Yes. Continue. Together.”

“Continue?”

He nods.

Evangelin feels this answer exposes her feelings too openly, making her slightly embarrassed.

Yet,

She has no intention of shying away from the embarrassment.

“Thank you.”

To Minho’s response, Evangelin shakes her head slightly.

What she wanted to hear wasn’t gratitude.

Minho’s reply regarding staying together.

“That… Answer.”

Will he continue together?

Or…

Tiny squeaks escape as she forces out the words,

Worried they might not be heard.

Fortunately, that worry lasts only a moment.

Minho ponders a little,

Then decisively answers with a firm expression.

“We should definitely stay together.”

Hearing those few words,

Afraid to face him, Evangelin’s eyes are already closed,

Though her ears are open, she lacks the courage to meet his face.

Only then does Evangelin’s smile fully bloom,

Simple and elegant as ever.

“Yes. Together…”

Repeating Minho’s words like a vow,

Evangelin moves a little closer to Minho.

They’ve grown more intimate, it seems.

Their joined hands feel hot,

Due to Evangelin’s inability to hide her rapidly heating heart.

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