FVN Chapter 154
Chapter 154
Thud.
Midsummer collapsed onto the sofa. Her chest rose and fell steadily, showing she was still breathing.
“Uh... are you okay?”
I climbed down from the sofa, worried, and moved closer to check on her. She had both hands covering her face, making it impossible to see her expression. Not wanting to invade her personal space, I gently tapped her arm with a finger.
“Are you feeling all right?”
“Ugh... uuugh...!”
“Does something hurt?”
“Ugh...! I can’t take it anymore!”
Suddenly, Hanyeoreum reached out. I could’ve dodged easily with my beastfolk reflexes, but I stayed still. I trusted her completely.
A moment later, I felt myself being pulled forward. She hugged me tightly, as if holding a precious doll.
“...”
With my face buried in her arms, I couldn’t see her expression, but I could tell from the swaying and the rhythmic tapping of her feet that she was overwhelmed with joy.
Why was she acting like this? I wanted to ask, but her embrace muffled my words.
I tapped her cheek lightly, signaling her to let go.
“Oh, sorry. Was I suffocating you?”
“No, I was fine.”
“Good.”
She patted my back softly, but she didn’t loosen her hold.
The hug was a bit embarrassing, but I didn’t dislike it. After spending so much time alone, I was starved for human affection.
I probably had less resistance to warmth than even a newborn. Just a kind smile was enough to make my tail wag, so rejecting a hug seemed impossible.
Though it felt odd, I decided to just enjoy the moment. Affection wasn’t something to shy away from, even if her hug was a bit excessive.
“Did I surprise you by grabbing you like that?”
“No, it was just... awkward.”
“Awkward?”
“Yes. I’m not used to being touched by others.”
Hearing that, her hand stopped patting my back, pulling away hesitantly. She looked flustered, realizing she might have made me uncomfortable.
“Sorry... I just like you so much, Gyeoul. Was it too much?”
“No, it wasn’t bad. I know you didn’t mean any harm.”
“Oh...”
Relieved, she hugged me even tighter.
This time, it was a bit too much. Breathing became a challenge, and though I wanted to protest, my tail betrayed me by wagging happily.
“Uh...” @@@@
I decided to stay still. Fighting it would only tire me out. Instead, I changed the subject.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure. What is it?”
“Why did you collapse just now?”
“Oh, that?”
She laughed softly, the warm air brushing against my ear and making me shiver.
“It’s a secret.”
“Huh?”
Was it something she couldn’t share? I decided not to press further, as the children suddenly ran toward us, their playful cries filling the room.
“That’s cheating! You hugged Gyeoul without Levinas! I want a hug too!”
“How can she be this precious?”
Midsummer gently stroked my cheek and hair.
Purring softly, I wagged my tail even in sleep.
“Even in her sleep, she likes being petted...”
The thought brought a bittersweet smile to Midsummer’s face.
Most of the hands that had reached out to me in the past had been harsh, delivering blows instead of kindness. Knowing this, her heart ached.
Even so, I had forgiven everyone. Not after finding happiness, but during the harshest moments of my life.
“She’s just so loveable...”
Her respect for me grew, not just as a child, but as a person.
“Let’s make sure she’s only happy from now on,” she murmured to herself, smiling softly.
The clock read 10 p.m.—bedtime for children, but not adults. She considered heading out to train for a couple of hours, but she couldn’t bring herself to move.
I was too adorable, sleeping peacefully on her lap.
“Maybe... just ten more minutes...”
Those ten minutes turned into hours. Midsummer stayed up all night, unable to disturb me.
---
The next morning, I woke up and went to the living room, only to find Midsummer looking utterly exhausted.
“Are you okay...?”
“Huh...? Oh, yeah... I’m... totally fine. Enlightened, even...”
What on earth was she talking about?
Scratching my cheek, I sat beside her.
“Did you not sleep?”
“Nope... stayed up all night.”
“Why don’t you go rest? Isn’t today your day off?”
“Yeah... I think I’ll do that...”
She trudged off to her room, and I watched her go, concerned.
From the massage chair, Sophia chuckled.
“She’s a child true to her desires.”
“Desires?”
“Yes, but they’re positive desires. That’s how she’s become so strong.”
“I... don’t get it.”
My tail curled into a question mark.
“Why are you up so early, Sophia?”
“There’s something important today. A broadcasting crew is coming to film.”
“Broadcasting? Wow...”
The Yeomyeong Guild truly was incredible. Curious, I peeked out the window toward the guild entrance.
“Would you like to watch with me?” Sophia asked.
“Can I?”
“Of course. You’re no nuisance.”
With her reassurance, I nodded.
“All right. Let’s go!”
Today, I’d get a glimpse of how broadcasting worked in this world.