Chapter 4-1: Distorted Memories
And for a moment, she also wanted to slap him, hold on to him, correct him, and even cry.
The air here was heavy, and saturated with the smell of death.
That calm and pure view, which she had become accustomed to in the first meeting, had been overtaken by redness. Those unscrupulous flames had distorted the scene.
After thinking carefully, it turned out that it was just a silly game for a stupid project, like all the other failed experiments.
And the whole time, she never doubted his sincerity.
'He really perfected the role!'
Those manipulations, the pretense of affection, the good treatment, had really been the beginning of his way to controlling her.
×××××
When her shaded eyelashes danced twice, and her aqua blues revealed the salty dew that had invaded her cheeks and wet the pillow.
She frowned with a childish expression, then raised her palm and wiped the trace with her delicate fingertips harshly.
After that, she looked at the ornate ceiling with a blank stare for a moment, then raised her right arm to the corner of the view and contemplated.
Without a goal... absentmindedly, before she was surprised.
Somehow, she smiled until the tips of her ears were red from analyzing that transparent tattoo in the shape of angel wings.
Back in this world, she had to repay the debt, slowly.
The only problem left here was Dennis.
He was really hard to deal with. The feeling of admiration was new and unfamiliar.
She had never even thought about it. She wondered a lot about what it was. So, she thought of buying books and browsing some websites to improve her ignorance.
Looking at the closed curtains, and the semi-dark room, it seemed that the sun was about to set, and the two people who were outside had returned.
With sleepy eyes, she tilted her head at the corner, and yawned. She looked at the clock hanging on the wall, then raised an eyebrow.
It was 6:00 PM.
'Has she slept all this time?!'
Step by step, she opened the door and then left her room for the bathroom.
Once she adjusted herself and saw what she was wearing of pajamas, her stomach made a grumbling noise about hunger and she headed to the kitchen.
Only then, she was met by the sight of Nam Shin and Leon eating some quick snacks from outside while chatting in the living room, in perfect harmony.
“Nam Shin!” she called in a sweet voice without realizing it, then she moved towards him with quick steps, giving him a big brotherly hug.
"I missed you" she said childishly, making him giggle at her condition and patting.
"Me too" he smiled, teasing her nose with the tip of his finger, making her look at him and frown.
“You took too long” she blamed.
“But I came back” he explained in surrender, and she nodded after thinking. “That’s right”
"That's true"
Leon, who spread his lips together, observing the situation, couldn't believe it when she broke off the hug so he could pull her towards him to sit.
“I'm sad, I've been neglected!” With a frowning expression, he looked at her dramatically, reprimanding.
“Then I’ll give you a hug too” she said, giggling, as he opened his arms wide in welcome with a spoiled look.
“Yeah. I’m very satisfied with this now” he whispered sweetly, sniffing, teasing someone.
Nam Shin, who returned the eye contact with raised eyebrows, his coffee-like eyes shone brightly and he sighed.
'This person, it was really hard to keep up with him'
After some time, she straightened up under their gaze towards the kitchen.
"You hungry?" Leon asked her in succession.
"Um..." She nodded. "I'll make a meal"
"I can do it" He rolled up his sleeves, stubbornly expressing.
"I'm not a child" Her lips curled into a frown.
"Yes. You're a naughty kitten" Nam Shin smiled playfully, pinching her cheek mischievously.
"What do you want?" Leon, who stepped forward further, glancing between the shelves and the fridge, looked at her expectantly.
“I'll call the service” she sighed in disbelief, stepping back.
'This person, he would never allow her to defile the kitchen'
She looked like a real child in his eyes.
“Okay” Although he didn’t comment much, compared to the distant past, this was the best outcome he could come up with.
Normally, no one would dare to approach or pat her on the head, and talk smoothly without fear or even worrying about his neck.
Now, he seemed lucky.
×××××
//8:15 PM//
After dinner, Nam Shin made an excuse that he was tired. Traveling for more than 6 hours was already exhausting, aside from work.
Leon, who had finally decided to settle down in his room, pulled out the laptop with him once he was sure she was asleep and left.
×××××
Chapter 5: Changing the Routine
Outside, the atmosphere was loud and lively, with family and friends in contrast to where she lived.
When she woke up, her faint breathing was clear and regular.
It was also almost time for the appointment.
The dress she chose was knee-length and puffy in an aristocratic and fashionable way.
She pulled on a pair of medium heels that covered half of the thigh, with net threads and a small bag of soft fur, then put on a pointed collar as usual, with a loose hairstyle.
When she rearranged her clothes and the dress, she took a pale pink lipstick and lined her eyes with some shadows.
The atmosphere around her was sparkling and mysterious.
The only difference was that she had tucked herself into a loose, long-sleeved coat and a furry hat.
After that, she left the room with heavy, quiet steps and passed through the door.
She had to finish the matter and move soon.
"Where to?"
As soon as she grabbed the lock, a voice came from behind her.
She shivered.
That hoarse voice and cold tone, made it really hard for her to turn or evade.
"To wander?" She explained simply, looking towards him.
Leon, who was in the kitchen wet his throat, did not expect a wave of rebellion.
“At this time?” He grabbed her by the arm, frowning, then closed his eyes for a second to calm himself, and added. “I’ll accompany you”
“No need” She shook her head in a cold, warning tone, avoiding him.
“It’s already late” He frowned.
“I’m not a child. So, I’m warning you” She argued, pursing her lips in a slightly curt, purposeful tone.