Let's Not Write A Novel Recklessly - Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5 – A NIGHT WHERE YOU CAN’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN

They moved diligently, but Tae-ram’s party couldn’t reach a suitable village and ended up having to camp out. Se-ho, who discovered a good spot, gave orders to Amil.

“Amil. We will rest here today.” 

“Yes! Understood, Prince.”

Led by Amil, everyone moved quickly to set up their barracks. Kairan’s magic was especially helpful.

A bonfire roared in the center of the clearing. Quickly settling in for the night, the group enjoyed their time alone before gathering around the fire for dinner. When Amil had finished cooking, he turned to them and smiled.

“Enjoy, everyone.”

Dinner was a stew with large chunks of beef. Tomatoes for flavor, crisp potatoes, and a variety of vegetables for crunch. Tae-ram wondered if it was possible to cook something like this outdoors. Expecting something more like hard jerky, he was impressed.

For dessert, there was a custard pudding, which was a favorite of him. The pudding looked very appetizing with just the right amount of fluffiness. The fluffy cream made with good quality butter gave off a savory aroma. Tae-ram was impressed. 

Amil, who noticed Tae-ram’s gaze, approached and whispered like a puppy.

“I brought it because I knew you’d like it. I made it myself!”

“…Thank you, Amil.”

Tired from the long walk, Tae-ram couldn’t fully appreciate the taste. Amil’s cooking skills were truly exceptional. If he were in better condition, he would have devoured it all. However, he felt grateful for the care shown by his companions. As the three of them closely observed Tae-ram, they offered their help.

“Are you tired? Do you want me to feed you?”

“No, Tae-ram. Do you want me to cast a spell to restore your strength?”

“If you’re tired, why don’t you drink a potion, I’ve prepared the finest.” 

“Thank you….”

In the end, Tae-ram entered the barracks the fastest among the group while eating dinner. He was grateful that everyone had taken care of him, but he was tired. Even the health restoration spell from Fran was useless.

“I’m sleepy….”

Tae-ram snuggled into the thick quilt Amil had prepared for him. He was worried about tomorrow, but for now, he decided to rest. The makeshift bed for camping was as comfortable as a royal waterbed. It wasn’t long before he was fast asleep.

The evening turned into a wild night. In the middle of the night, someone shook him awake.

“Senior, senior, wake up.”

At the familiar voice, Tae-ram lifted his heavy eyelids. He opened his eyes to see Se-ho’s handsome face. It’s like a real painting, a cute little daydream, or maybe a Northern Lights ball. If it’s a game, it’s an event CG, if it’s a novel, it’s an illustration angle.

“It’s an emergency!”

Tae-ram, who was lost in thought at the word “emergency,” woke up as if he had been hit with cold water. His voice still sounded flat, but he could sense the confusion in Se-ho’s voice.

“What, what is it?” 

“I mean, Amil is….”

Se-ho paused uncomfortably as if this was a difficult thing to say. Tae-ram felt his anxiety amplify, his heart shrink.

“Amil is what?”

“Don’t be alarmed, just listen.” 

“What is it? Tell me quickly.”

“Amil is up in the trees, watching your barracks.”

Tae-ram barely held back from screaming.

“Up a tree? He must be crazy. Which tree?”

“Calm down. I don’t know which tree it is, but the angle doesn’t allow him to see everything….”

“Is he serious? Is Amil an assassin, not a servant?”

“That can’t be right.”

“I want to call the police….”

“I found out while checking the book before I went to bed. Amil is a firm believer that the prince is going to enter your barracks, so….”

Swallowing hard, Se-ho opened his mouth cautiously. 

“I think you should do it with me.”

“Do? You don’t mean… That’s a joke, right?” 

“It’s a scene from the novel you wrote, Senior.” 

“Oh, right. I’m going to kill him. Damn it.” 

“I guess we’ll just have to pretend.” 

“That’s good.”

Tae-ram despaired at this situation which was both serious and ridiculous. Neither of them spoke the words directly, but he could tell. That would be it. Sex…

Although he was unconsciously turning a blind eye to it, the novel “The Delicious Man” often had steamy scenes. There was something like that during the trip. Tae-ram, the author, had forgotten whether it was today.

“We have to do it before daylight, there’s no time to lose.” 

“Let’s do it.”

“Let’s do it.”

Seeing Se-ho speak without changing his expression made Tae-ram’s stomach churn. It was the most agitated he’d been since he’d been inside a book.

“Dude, you can’t say something like that so casually!”

“Keep your voice down, then how do I say it, do I have to be shy?” 

“No. Not that, but what about my mental trauma!”

“What do you think I’m groping around for fun, I’m here because I can’t wait to get back!”

“You’re so annoying….”

“Now is not the time to fight.”

“What about Fran or Kairan? What if they overhear?”

“Don’t worry, they’re both fast asleep, I checked on them.” 

“No! They might wake up.”

“I gave Fran a good spanking and he didn’t move.”

“Does that even make sense? By the way, you have a lot of accumulated frustration. You chose Francine to hit while she was asleep.”

“I don’t know where you live, but I’m guessing you’ve chosen a very deep sleep as the appropriate way to deal with him. Fortunately, it’s an improbable novel.”

“I’m sorry. I’m a sketchy writer! I started writing it as a joke, and it was the first thing I ever wrote!”

“Does that matter now?” 

“Then what does!”

The two of them fell silent for a moment, realizing the gravity of the situation. Tae-ram was the first to break the silence and spoke up with a defeated expression.

“Alright, let’s do it… Let’s get this over with.” 

“…Okay.”

Tae-ram walked over and plopped down on the bed. 

“Okay. Come on!”

“Senior… at least set the mood a bit.”

“Sorry… I was just trying to get myself together…. I’ll just keep my mouth shut.”

Letting out a small sigh, Se-ho climbed onto the bed, Tae-ram’s heart rising and falling along with it.

“I’m actually pretty nervous.”

With that, Se-ho slowly walked over to Tae-ram and wrapped his arms around him. Holding him in his arms, he was inwardly surprised to find his body smaller and fluffier than he had expected. The sweet scent of his body hit the tip of his nose and he started to get more nervous.

“…I don’t hate you.”

Se-ho’s unusually gentle voice made Tae-ram’s chest tingle. The feel of their bodies on top of each other and their body heat dazed him. He expected his body to be hard, but it was soft and warm. His heart was thumping like it was going to burst.

“Your novels are light and not my cup of tea, but I’ve never thought they were complete crap.”

“You mean you think they’re a bit of crap?” 

“I thought you said you’d keep your mouth shut.”

“You’re so annoying.”

“Don’t overthink it. We’re the main character and Prince Kirik now.”

At the seriousness in Se-ho’s eyes, Tae-ram realized there was nowhere to back down. If he thought about it, Se-ho had nearly died many times. He must really want to get out of the novel, and it would be selfish of him to pull his ass out of it.

“Can I kiss you?”

Tae-ram closed his eyes in permission, trying to hide the slight tremor in his hands.

“If you’ll excuse me, then.”

Despite his polite words, Se-ho’s kiss was still rough. He invaded Tae-ram’s mouth with stiff, clumsy movements. It was better than the last time when he’d bitten his lip so badly, but he couldn’t help but feel the pain. He felt his throat close and his breath becomes scarce.

After a while, they pulled their lips away from each other and spat out a ragged breath. 

“You’re blue in the face. Are you breathing properly?”

Tae-ram’s face was flushed as well, but Se-ho’s was worse.

“I was just holding my breath.” 

“Last time, you were more enthusiastic?”

Pressing his lips together, Se-ho made an awkward hand gesture to Tae-ram’s chest before he could say anything more.

“Dude, we’re not fighting. Be gentle.” 

“Shut up.”

Se-ho’s next gesture made Tae-ram feel like a sunken-eyed old man reaching for his reading glasses, even though he didn’t mean to.

Unaware of what Tae-ram was thinking, Se-ho went with the flow. He nibbled weakly at the nape of Tae-ram’s neck, licking his way along the line of his collarbone. It was a caress he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

“I know I shouldn’t say this, but it’s like a dog licking me. It just tickles.”

“Please shut up.”

Tae-ram felt sorry for Se-ho as he continued to stare at him. He wasn’t sure how to react.

“Is this your first time?” 

Se-ho stopped his movements at Tae-ram’s remark. 

“I know the theory. I haven’t tried it before, but…” 

“I may not have much experience, but I know one thing. If we keep doing this, it will end in disaster.” 

“Anyway, it’s not like it’s for real. If we just pretend…” 

“Even if we try to act, there should be something there.”

Tae-ram thought that the fat Se-ho’s expression was cute, and all the previous emotions dissipated. What a waste of talent, a waste of face, he thought.

A strange sense of superiority began to dominate Tae-ram. After falling into the novel, Tae-ram was completely at Se-ho’s mercy. Even though it was his novel, he couldn’t get his chi up at all. He felt like he could take control of the situation now. He might not be very experienced, but he’d done it before.

“You’re cute.” 

“Are you teasing me?”

“Not at all. You’d rather have me do it, wouldn’t you?”

Tae-ram confidently climbed on top of Se-ho. Se-ho obediently stayed still, seemingly pushed by Tae-ram’s assertiveness.

“Senior… still, wouldn’t it be better if I’m on top?”

Se-ho squirmed uncomfortably. 

“…Hold still!”

Tae-ram’s hands roughly unbuttoned Se-ho’s shirt. Se-ho’s firm chest was revealed. Tae-ram carefully placed his hand over them and gently caressed them. Se-ho’s chest sank as he exhaled and rose again as he inhaled. The sensation was incredibly pleasant.

Tae-ram found it pleasurable to fondle Se-ho’s chest, even though they were the same man, their breasts felt so different. If his chest was a squishy slime, Se-ho’s was a firm bounce. Above all, the peach-like cute and adorable pink nipples were so charming.

Perfect pink nipples! Shouldn’t this belong to him, the main character? His is not dark either, but… But… Anyway, this is amazing.

Tae-ram’s hand tightened with jealousy he didn’t understand. Se-ho let out a weak moan, and the sound made Tae-ram’s eyes roll back in his head.

“I love your chests. They feel like rice cakes. They’re so firm and tight.” 

“Don’t say that shit with your cute face.”

“My face is cute?”

Se-ho wiped his brow. Whether he liked it or not, Tae-ram was pleased. Ever since they’d met, Se-ho had always been chilly. Even when they’d first met, Se-ho had always been chilly. It bruised Tae-ram’s pride, who secretly took pride in his appearance.

“Tell me. Do you think I’m cute?”

Tae-ram asked, still fiddling with Se-ho’s chest. 

“…That, stop touching me!”

“No, really, just a little more. Huh?” 

“Hey, get off me, Han Tae-ram!”

For some reason, Tae-ram felt a strange feeling at Se-ho’s words. It was so refreshing to hear a man who only spoke respectfully suddenly speak back. There was a reason why people were so fascinated by reversals, and he should use it in his next novel.

“Maybe we can move on a little bit now?” 

“Nonsense… Stop the bullshit!”

“…Did you just swear?”

“No, you were just being ridiculous, what kind of a senior are you!” 

“Huh? Hey, wait!”

Enraged, Se-ho forcibly flipped Tae-ram’s body over. Tae-ram, whose vision was reversed in an instant, was dazed.

“I’ll take care of it now, so… Brace yourself.” 

“Hey! Wait a minute!”

Se-ho then grabbed both of Tae-ram’s hands and held them above his head with one hand. Tae-ram was as immobile as a butterfly specimen.

“What, what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to do what Amil wants.”

With his other hand, Se-ho grabbed Tae-ram’s chin and pressed their lips together. 

With their lips completely covered, Tae-ram’s breath caught in his throat. He pushed away desperately, and they broke apart for a moment, but before he could catch his breath, their lips were on top of each other again.

As time passed, their kiss deepened. Their tongues intertwined dizzily. Se-ho drove in roughly and relentlessly, burying himself deep inside Tae-ram’s mouth. Their lips met for a moment, then parted again, even as the choking Tae-ram pushed Se-ho away.

He felt a sharp pain like his tongue was being ripped out by the roots. Only ragged breathing filled the barracks.

“I-I’m sorry… I was too hasty. Let’s slow down a bit…”

Tae-ram, who had laughed at Se-ho earlier, had overlooked one thing. The Swordmaster was a prodigious learner. Se-ho, who could learn just about anything with his body, made a move that was far different from the first.

Little by little, Tae-ram’s body began to respond. Dazed, he surrendered himself completely to Se-ho’s touch. He could understand his frustration, but also his attraction to pleasure. He endured as much as he could, but eventually, it became unbearable and he half-cried, clinging to Se-ho’s neck in a tight embrace.

“S-sorry…” 

“Why? You said I could take the lead.”

“That’s because I got swept up in the atmosphere….”

“Are you scared?”

“Who’s scared!”

“Then it’s no problem, is it? We’ll continue until Amil is satisfied.”

Each time Se-ho’s lips found his, Tae-ram flinched, goosebumps rising all over his body.

“Does it hurt?”

His lips twitched, but he couldn’t speak through the tingling sensation, only shook his head. It felt good enough to make him wonder what it would be like to go further.

“Just keep going.”

Tae-ram, dying of embarrassment, looked at Se-ho with half-open eyes. Se-ho was also blushing up to his ears with embarrassment, which was comforting.

The emaciated Tae-ram collapsed helplessly on top of Se-ho. 

“I need to wash up….”

“It’s okay, just sleep.”

Tae-ram closed his eyes, wishing he could take a shower. 

“You’ve had a hard day, big brother Tae-ram.”

Se-ho’s face, seen through his fading consciousness, was very sweet.

* * *

When Tae-ram opened his eyes, he was dressed. Looking around, the barracks were as clean and organized as if last night’s events had been a lie. Tae-ram gingerly pushed himself to his feet. He felt fine, except for the swelling in his mouth. In fact, he felt refreshed, like the day after a good workout.

“I’m crazy. Crazy.”

Thinking about yesterday, Tae-ram’s face flushed with heat. He felt a strange sense of superiority over the unexpectedly clumsy Se-ho, and he went into a rage. His head was spinning. Why did he do that? He should have shut up! What will he say when he sees him? What face should he put on? He’s going to die.

A familiar bass cut through Tae-ram’s swelling thoughts. 

“Are you awake?”

Se-ho held up a warm pumpkin scone and orange juice. 

“G-good morning!”

Flustered, Tae-ram blurted out a stupid greeting. Good morning should be just good morning, and hello should be just hello. Saying ‘good morning’ made him feel like such a fool that he lowered his head in embarrassment.

“I asked Amil to prepare breakfast for you separately since you’re not feeling well, and I thought it would be more natural. And we could check the book together.”

“Sure. Thanks. By the way….”

“Is it your body or your lips or….”

“Shut up! Oh, by the way, did you call me big brother yesterday?” 

“No, I didn’t.”

Se-ho spoke like a knife, but he was avoiding Tae-ram’s gaze.

“What’s the big deal? You can call me brother from now on.” 

“I don’t want to. Senior is senior.”

“If anyone hears it, they’ll think my name is Senior. We’re a year apart anyway, so make it easy on yourself.”

“What’s this sudden change of heart?”

Honestly, Tae-ram didn’t care what Se-ho called him because he thought they’d be back soon enough. After all, he wasn’t that bad of an asshole… Since it’s come to this, they should sort out the title. Tae-ram didn’t like being called senior in the first place.

“Anyway, no more senior. If you call me senior from now on, I’ll touch your boobs again.”

Tae-ram smirked and approached Se-ho. Se-ho freaked out and jerked away from Tae-ram’s hand.

“Book! Look at the book!”

He had to stop teasing him. Letting go of the fleeing Se-ho, Tae-ram summoned the book. After opening the book, he concentrated on reading.

* * *

?The Delicious Man? Page 53

I climbed up a tree nearby, and I could see a glimpse of Tae-ram’s barracks. I thought it was a crime, and I thought about going to another tree, but then I remembered that Tae-ram hadn’t looked well all day, so I decided to keep an eye on him, just in case. I swear I was being selfless.

To be honest, I was expecting someone who cared about him to come by, but no matter how much time passed, nothing happened. Just when I thought it was too late, he came. The prince walked into Tae-ram’s barracks!

The two of them chatted for a while, which was very sweet of them. I couldn’t hear what they were saying because they were so far away, but I deduced their conversation from their mood and the shape of their mouths.

“Are you angry?”

“I’m jealous that you gave him your heart.”

“Don’t get me wrong, Prince. Fran is just a friend.”

“Tae-ram….”

“I only have you, Prince.”

The prince suddenly pulled Tae-ram into a hug. Tae-ram didn’t know what to do. Seeing his slender form, the prince smiled and slowly began to explore his body.

“It’s cute how you flutter. You’re like a baby bird.” 

“…Prince, I’m embarrassed.”

“It’s okay. Leave it all to me.”

About halfway through the act, Tae-ram started to get aggressive – he even got on top of the prince. His hands were cupping his chest, and he was getting aroused! It was so sexy. I thought again that I was glad I’d become a battle servant, after all, I’d endured so many hard trials to be able to face this moment.

I was so enthralled by this wonderful display of lovemaking that I nearly fell out of the tree. Tae-ram had had enough and soon fell asleep.

The prince kissed his cheek as he slept.

* * *

“Did you kiss me?”

“No, I didn’t.” 

Tae-ram thought he’d found a way to annoy Se-ho.

“Even though it’s written here?”

“Then did you say any of those strange things that are in the book?” 

“When did I say those things!”

“That’s right, it’s all just Amil’s distortions.”

“No. But at least he didn’t makeup something that wasn’t there. Look here. It’s well documented that I climbed on top of you in the middle.”

“Absolutely not.”

Tae-ram felt a little bad for Se-ho for denying it so firmly. He was cute yesterday, but now he wasn’t cute at all.

“Speaking of which, let me nag you.” 

“Nagging again?”

“I was going to let it slide because the jewel is the same, but I can’t. You were too aggressive yesterday.”

“Why? If I weren’t, we might have failed.” 

“Still, there’s a limit. What happened to your innocent, tender flower act?”

“Face?”

“Cut the crap, and be more careful next time.”

Tae-ram finally vented his frustration at the insensitive Se-ho. He was a fool to expect comfort from him.

“If we’re talking about yesterday, then you were more of the problem! You were nothing like the main character at all.”

Se-ho’s face hardened. Tae-ram was stunned for a moment but decided to say what he had to say.

“Prince Kirik was supposed to be perfect. You’re just bad at it.” 

“I knew enough about the theory.”

“For a guy who knows the theory, he can’t even give a good fondle, let alone a good one.”

“I was definitely inexperienced, but I think I did okay in the second half, and you felt it enough.”

“Shut up!”

Feeling embarrassed hearing those words, Tae-ram covered Se-ho’s mouth.

“Finish your meal. I’m going to go wash up.” 

“I’m going too. I feel uneasy wearing new clothes only.”

Tae-ram thought he should shower by the river to cool his head. 

“I want to be alone.”

“…Who says you’re coming with me? I’m going on my own.” 

“…As you wish.”

Se-ho walked on, completely ignoring Tae-ram. Cringing, Tae-ram picked up his pace, dashing past Se-ho, and Se-ho picked up his pace as well.

He has long legs. Damn. That sucks.

As he nervously paced, Se-ho grabbed him from behind. The next thing Tae-ram knew, he was being held by Se-ho. What? Why?

Tae-ram’s questions were quickly answered. A stone axe the size of a child’s head was embedded in the spot where he was supposed to go. Tae-ram’s face turned pale as a sheet of paper as horror washed over him.

“It escaped, not dead, next time, definitely kill!”

The attacker was an orc, a common sight in fantasy worlds. Frog-like green skin and a pig’s head. It had thick skin and short legs. It had sharp fangs in its mouth.

“Senior, hide behind me!” 

“Ugh!”

Se-ho stabbed his sword into the side of the orc attacking Tae-ram. The orc flipped over and died instantly. A musty odor stung his nose. Tae-ram’s stomach churned.

“Stay with me, this isn’t over yet, I’m going to stop it all, or at least hide in the bushes.”

“Oh, okay!”

Tae-ram quickly hid in the bushes.

“Brother, dead, humans, kill!”

“Mad, human, die! There, are, more, of, us! Attack!”

The orcs began to charge in unison. There were more than ten of them, not counting the one Se-ho had just slain. Despite being outnumbered, he effortlessly slashed through the horde with his sword. Unearthly screams echoed through the forest, and chunks of flesh flew everywhere.

Soon, only the last one remained.

“This one is strong, but that one is weak!”

The last orc threw his axe at Tae-ram, who happened to be behind him. Tae-ram stood frozen in place, unable to dodge. He was lying, right?

“Damn it, Brother Tae-ram!”

Se-ho ran toward Tae-ram. With a deafening crack, the orc’s axe bounced back. The impact of the unprepared axe was so great that Se-ho lost his grip on his sword.

“Failure, yes, but human, abandon weapon!”

The orc lunged at Se-ho’s bare hands. The next moment, an amethyst sword appeared in Se-ho’s hand, piercing the orc’s throat.

“Are you unhurt?”

“I’m fine, but you’re bleeding!”

Blood dripped down Se-ho’s arm from where the axe had slashed it. 

“It’s okay.”

Unlike Tae-ram, who was fidgeting, Se-ho remained calm as he tore off his clothes and tied them around the wound. The white fabric quickly turned red.

“What’s wrong with you, I’ll get Fran!”

“Do you think Fran will give me the proper treatment?” 

“I’m not sure about that, but….”

Se-ho’s cloth was so stained with blood that he wondered if it had ever been red in the first place. Tae-ram cautiously approached Se-ho.

“…I’m sorry, I was being stubborn for nothing….” 

Tae-ram felt so sorry that tears welled up in her eyes.

“It’s okay.”

Se-ho unwrapped the cloth from the wound. 

“What are you doing, you idiot!”

“Look.”

The bleeding from Se-ho’s wound seemed to have stopped. It had been a fairly large wound, but the area had shrunk.

“I told you it was fine.” 

“Swordmasters are like zombies, aren’t they?” 

“Shouldn’t you know better?” 

“I told you, I blew the setup.” 

“I’m not bragging.”

Se-ho smirked and went into detail about his abilities.

“Being able to infuse sword energy into a sword is called Sword Expert. Being able to create mana blades from swords, and being able to apply them at will, is Swordmaster. I’d say it’s the beginning of Grandmaster. When you reach that level, your body is reorganized, and your mana blades have properties.”

“If it’s an amethyst, what’s it called?” 

“Darkness.”

“Darkness for a main character?”

“I say this every time, but it’s a novel written by you, senior.” 

“Why are you back to calling me ‘senior’? Earlier, you called me ‘brother.'”

Se-ho clamped his mouth shut like a clam. Tae-ram used to find this about Se-ho frustrating, but now he just found it cute.

“You’re not going to tell me?”

“…I’ll call you that when I get used to it.” 

“You get better with practice. Try it. Brother Tae-ram.” 

“I don’t want to.”

“It’s not frayed, but do it.” 

“It is frayed.”

“Cheesy. Do it.”

Tae-ram pushed his face closer to Se-ho, who quickly moved backward.

“Oh, okay, pull away, Brother Tae-ram. Are you satisfied now?”

Although there was a slight difference, Se-ho’s face was flushed. Tae-ram found that appearance endearing, and he was grateful to Se-ho for saving him even at the risk of getting hurt.

It was too late to thank him, so he made a reconciliatory gesture of his own.

“…Your clothes are dirty. Do you want to go wash with me?” 

“Okay.”

Soon enough, the two arrived at the river.

Shaded by trees, it was reminiscent of an open-air bathhouse. Tae-ram quickly stripped off his clothes and waded into the river. Bathing in a river with an open view in all directions excited him. The cool water seemed to cool his head.

“What are you doing, aren’t you coming in?”

Se-ho just stood there, staring at Tae-ram in disbelief. 

“You’re….”

“I said older brother.”

“…You’re so squeamish.”

Tae-ram felt ridiculous at Se-ho’s insistence on his seniority but thought it was only natural.

“What?”

“A river that anyone can go in is dirty, think about hygiene.” 

“It’s not that dirty, look. You can even see the pebbles.”

He wasn’t kidding, the water was so clear you could see the jade at the bottom.

“Get in, not out.” 

“I don’t want to.”

“Then why did you say you were going to wash?” 

“Because I felt a bit uneasy.”

Se-ho was the type of person who always washed up and went to bed, no matter how tired he was. Tae-ram, on the other hand, often slept in because it was too much trouble, and Se-ho always washed with clean water that Amil had boiled. Tae-ram thought Se-ho was like a real prince.

“You’re really annoying.”

“That’s what makes you so cute and dirty.”

“You’re pissing me off. No! Wait! Did you just call me cute?” 

“No, I didn’t.”

“You’re lying. I heard you. You just said I was cute.”

“I don’t know, I’m going.”

Se-ho avoided Tae-ram’s gaze. It was funny to see him so embarrassed.

“Okay, I’ll serve you. I’ll wash every inch of you, and I owe you for changing my clothes yesterday.”

Tae-ram pulled himself out of the river and clung to Se-ho with his bare body. Se-ho’s body stiffened as Tae-ram touched him.

“What are you doing, get off me!” 

“I don’t want to.”

Se-ho brushed him off, back and forth, hoping to force him off.

“Am I dust? Stop feeling so grossed out.”

Cringing, Tae-ram clung to Se-ho more desperately. After a long struggle, Se-ho wobbled slightly. Tae-ram seized the opportunity and pushed him into the river.

Eventually, the two of them fell into the water together. 

“This is the worst.”

Seho coughed and sputtered as if he swallowed water.

“You’re handsome even when you’re wet. You could do a commercial.”

Tae-ram laughed out loud at the sight of Se-ho looking like a drowned mouse.

“Is that funny?”

“Of course, because you’re floundering around looking like a complete idiot. What a waste. If I had a camera, this would be a great family heirloom.”

That was it. A whirlwind of water formed around Se-ho.

“Hey! What are you doing!”

Se-ho looked at the panicked Tae-ram and smirked. Tae-ram swallowed hard at the roguish grin. How could he be so handsome? The world is so unfair.

“You should try it, too.”

With a wave of his hand, the water rose. Like a snake, the water chased Tae-ram relentlessly and engulfed him. The water cascaded over him like a waterfall, leaving him helpless.

“This is too much!”

“Who says you have to tease people like that?” 

“You’ll see!”

Tae-ram struggled and playfully splashed water back at Se-ho. Se-ho used his abilities to block the attack perfectly, but he didn’t hit him as hard as he had earlier.

In less than 10 minutes, Tae-ram was completely drained.

“You look like a dried-up squid.” 

“Just using your abilities and being a real brat.” 

“…I might have been a bit excessive.”

Se-ho made an embarrassed face and picked up Tae-ram, who was slumped by the river. Tae-ram felt the sensations of yesterday come flooding back as his skin touched Se-ho’s. Embarrassed, he buried his head in his chest.

“…Are you tired?”

“Yeah. Tired.”

Tae-ram replied in a hushed voice, afraid the tremor would show through. For once, he was glad that Se-ho was being a good sport.

“You can’t just collapse on me, saying you don’t like me.” 

“I wouldn’t do that. It’s too noisy; I’d rather sleep.”

Despite the tone of his voice, Tae-ram was lulled to sleep by Se-ho’s gentleness. Se-ho’s arms were wide and cozy, and it felt good, and he wanted to stay like this forever.

If things went back to normal, would Se-ho still be by his side? It was an unfamiliar sense of anxiety. To dispel his unease, Tae-ram snuggled deeper into Se-ho’s embrace.