I Don't Want To Do a Romantic Comedy With a Villain! - Chapter 142

Episode 142

21. A Spectacular Entrance

Whether it was in eager anticipation of Min-joo’s return or not, Vehen was sitting on the stairs when he suddenly sprang up. 

And he immediately embraced Min-joo who had just put down her luggage.

“Welcome back. Was everything alright?” 

His affectionate inquiry lingered. Min-joo hugged Vehen tightly while holding her breath.

“I had a good talk with my family, wrapped things up, and came back. Have you been waiting long?”

“I don’t have much patience.”

A faint smile passed over his head. Min-joo chuckled softly in response, giving him a gentle nudge.

“Did you have dinner while waiting?”

“I did.”

His cool yet solid presence felt sweetly fragrant. Holding onto him made all the anxieties melt away like snow, and a newfound confidence emerged, feeling like she could handle anything.

“Min-joo!”

Permette suddenly burst out from the living room. He seemed to have heard their voices.

Permette, with his long legs, dashed over and his eyes reddened.

Vehen tactfully stepped back, allowing Min-joo to embrace Permette.

In Permette’s embrace, there was a peculiar scent of sunshine, rough iron, and gunpowder. His warm and spacious embrace held onto Min-joo as if he wouldn’t let her go.

“I missed you. It was agonizing not having a chance to say goodbye properly.”

“Were you upset? I’m sorry, I must have surprised you.”

Permette realized that his feelings were more painful than mere disappointment, but he didn’t bother to argue.

“Yes, I was upset. I was surprised. I thought I’d never see you again. Really, truly…”

Permette choked back tears as he rested his face on Min-joo’s shoulder.

The weight in Min-joo’s heart lifted as she looked at Permette. 

“I should’ve said goodbye. If I knew it would be this hard for you.”

“Yes. You should’ve said goodbye. At least if you had considered me a friend.”

Although he knew he couldn’t grasp this spring breeze, having felt it and then abruptly lost it, Permette wanted to possess spring.

But as he saw Min-joo smiling so peacefully in Vehen’s embrace, he realized his foolish stubbornness.

She is his spring, but her spring is not him. He understands that now.

“It’s fortunate you’re back.”

Permette lightly brushed his cheek against Min-joo’s before stepping away.

It was his final gesture. Permette had decided firmly to remain as Min-joo’s friend.

Vehen took Min-joo’s hand and, with one hand, lifted the luggage and ramen box.

“Let’s go to the living room. Someone’s waiting for you.”

Min-joo took the ramen box from Vehen’s embrace with a smile.

“Sure thing.”

Then Permette took the ramen box back from Min-joo’s embrace.

“Let’s go.”

Phew, Min-joo burst into laughter without restraint. 

As she entered the living room with her luggage, Robert and Tedric were seated there. Neriant couldn’t be here due to military duties, Min-joo understood. Tedric glanced at Min-joo with a soft smile.

“You’re finally here. Isn’t it a bit late?”

“Tedric, how have you been?”

It felt like they hadn’t seen each other in months, though it had only been about a week.

Tedric stood up and took Min-joo’s hand. It was a delicate touch as if handling something fragile.

“Thanks to you, I’ve been well. Terisha’s condition has improved a lot. I’m grateful for introducing us to a good therapist.”

This is their relationship. He’s hers, but she’s not his.

Tedric smiled, holding Min-joo’s fingers gently. He was ambitious but knew he couldn’t push any further.

‘Even if Terisha gets better, I’m still afraid.’

The constraints of family. Responsibilities and burdens to bear. Tedric loved Min-joo, but he couldn’t move forward into a romantic relationship. That was the limit of his efforts.

“And Min-joo, you look beautiful today. Your world must be truly amazing.”

His pink eyes formed curves as he smiled softly.

Min-joo realized her attire didn’t quite match the surroundings and chuckled awkwardly.

“But this coat is warm.”

“I’m not mocking you. You look pretty. I mean it.”

Tedric let go of Min-joo’s hand. The soft touch still lingered on her fingertips.

Min-joo smiled and lightly tapped Tedric’s forearm.

“Is the Princess doing okay? Is she getting better?”

“Yes, thanks to you. We’ve received a lot of help. Thank you.”

“I’m glad. That’s great. Truly fortunate.”

As the conversation prolonged, Permette awkwardly laughed and squeezed in between Min-joo and Tedric.

“Let’s sit down and talk. Min-joo, what’s with all the luggage?”

“Oh, that! My stuff! Would you all like some late-night snacks?”

Min-joo opened the box and took out some ramen. Min-seo must have put a lot of thought into it; there were various flavors.

“Let’s have ramen, I cook it well!”

“Ramen?!”

Robert, who had been sitting silently, suddenly jumped up. Her eyes sparkled; she seemed to miss Korean food quite a bit.

“Real ramen?!”

“Yes, my sister packed it for me. Do you want some?”

“Yeah, boil it quickly! Where’s the pot? Pot! Chichen!”

Robert rushed into the kitchen. Chichen, who had been waiting in the kitchen, hurriedly brought out a large pot.

Ramen could be cooked quickly. It was easy to scoop out the right amount from the big pot and transfer it to bowls.

Large men gathered around, along with Chichen, Genshtar, and Hin. It was almost like a ramen-tasting team.

“…Looks interesting.”

Vehen glanced at the ramen with a guarded expression.

Tedric smiled and set his fork, while Permette, like a connoisseur, sniffed before examining the appearance. Robert, though different from her memory, seemed to enjoy it as she stuffed her mouth full. Chichen skillfully fed Hin ramen, while Genshtar spat it out, finding it too spicy.

“What a mess.” 

Min-joo chuckled softly. It was a mess. The kitchen wasn’t spacious, and accommodating this many people was a challenge. The aroma of ramen vibrated, and everyone’s reactions added to the chaos. 

Min-joo had expected reactions like those in other novels or comics, praising the taste, but reality proved different.

“I’d like to know the current situation.” 

Min-joo said after quickly finishing her ramen and clearing her plate. Tedric, who had taken the plate away from Robert, who didn’t want to eat anymore, answered while drinking water.

“I’m fine. The conservative aristocrats said they’d follow me, and some of them have high social status and can lead the way. The key is the reformists. I heard that Marquess Trimidri was severely injured in the recent accident.”

Permette, who had finished observing and took a few bites, opened his mouth. He didn’t put down his fork, indicating he enjoyed the taste.

“There’s a lot of talk among the commoners. They’re furious about the excessive force used during the recent protests. Of course, it’s difficult to legally challenge this since the protesters also used firearms.”

Vehen, who had put down his fork after a few bites, seemingly not enjoying the taste, spoke up.

“The meeting is also questioning the use of the military by a lord without command authority. But the reformists are trying to protect Marquess Trimidri. They don’t want to lose their leader. We need to convince Prince Ceteran, or rally the nobles and push harder.”

Chichen and Hin were busy eating. They seemed to be pretending not to hear intentionally. Genshtar also seemed busy with washing dishes.

As Min-joo listened to the conversation, she poured out the soup and placed the dishes in the sink.

“Besides Marquess Trimidri, are there any influential people in the reformist camp? Should I ask Andy?”

“I believe it’s the wife of Baron Shuana.”

Permette said as he cut the noodles. Min-joo decided not to worry about eating the noodles later.

“Where can I meet her?”

Min-joo smiled with curiosity.

After that, the conversation continued with the persistent smell of ramen. It was a trivial conversation. They discussed things like the cake made at Hiltate coffee shop being delicious, what happened at the theater, and investing in developing communication methods that could be used from a distance.

As Min-joo realized she could engage in such trivial conversations with them, her heart fluttered slightly.

As it got late, Permette and Tedric went back to their respective homes, and Robert went to her room with Hin. Vehen and Min-joo were the only ones left. Chichen and Genshtar finished cleaning up and went to their rooms.

“Aren’t you going, Vehen?”

The only ones left in the living room were the two of them. The candlelight was dim. Vehen leaned his head on Min-joo’s shoulder and lazily spoke.

“Are you sending me away?”

“Are you going to bed?” 

“Can’t I?” 

“The guest room is empty.” 

Vehen held Min-joo’s hand and interlocked their fingers. His thick fingers traced over Min-joo’s hand. 

“I’m curious how you’ve been in the original world.” 

“Are you trying to pry?” 

Min-joo playfully asked. She also had many stories she wanted to share with Vehen. So, the prospect of having a conversation all night was welcome.

Vehen chuckled softly at Min-joo’s words. 

“Yes, I’m prying.” 

Vehen’s hair tickled Min-joo’s cheek. A shiver ran down her spine. His interlocked fingers rhythmically tapped on Min-joo’s hand.

Tap. 

Tap. 

Tap.

It felt like her heart was beating to the rhythm. It wasn’t a face-to-face conversation, so she was relieved. What did she wear today? Would it be okay? Could she trust him? Would he be disappointed? Various thoughts swirled around and dissipated.

“Shall I wash up?” 

Vehen lifted his head and rested his chin on Min-joo’s shoulder. His low and sweet voice echoed in her ear, giving her goosebumps down to her neck.

“Or should I just sleep next to you without holding hands?” 

Min-joo turned her head to face Vehen. Their faces were inches apart. Vehen subtly lit up his emerald eyes and smiled gently, folding them thinly. 

“Your lips, the color’s beautiful.” 

Unless he was an idiot, he would have known. From the moment she started wondering if her underwear matched her outfit, she was screwed.

Min-joo tilted her head and kissed him on the lips. With cautious lips painted with lipstick, she leaned into Vehen’s interlocked hand, which was pressing into her cheekbone.

With his other hand, he pulled Min-joo’s waist closer, and gradually, Min-joo’s body shifted onto the couch.

Their mingled breaths were rapid. Vehen’s hand gripping her waist was tingling hotly, and their shared kisses left them breathless.

“…The lipstick’s smudged.”

They gasped for air as their lips parted.

Min-joo used her fingers to wipe the smudged lipstick off Vehen’s lips. 

“…So is yours.”

Vehen’s face, flushed with heat, looked far from his usual austere appearance. His furrowed brows, eager emerald eyes, and flushed cheeks were hot.

Min-joo’s gaze fell on Vehen’s collar.

She ran her lipstick-stained fingers over Vehen’s white shirt.

“There’s lipstick on your clothes.”

Their eyes met again.

Everything that followed felt natural.