The Shiniest Third Wheel in the Room

"If you love reading novels so much, why don't you try writing your own stories?" Serena asked curiously.

Ever since she started working with Riri, Serena had come to understand that the girl sometimes lived in a world of her own—a world she created herself. Perhaps that was why Riri always seemed so cheerful and positive. Seeing others happy actually made her even happier. For Riri, everyone was the main character in their own life story, while she was merely a supporting role. So she never felt envious of others' happiness—because she knew, she wasn't the lead in their story.

"If I could, I would've done it already,"

Riri replied, her tone tinged with regret.

Serena just smiled. It was true—not everyone could write.

"Have you... ever thought about writing a story based on your own love life?"

Riri asked, a little hesitant, though her curiosity was too strong to contain.

Serena paused, then looked at Riri with growing interest.

"What do you think my love story is like?" Serena returned the question.

"Definitely exciting! Especially since you have a boyfriend who's, like, premium-level handsome, super caring, and the way he looks at you..."

Riri answered enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Serena smiled at Riri's reaction. She was sure that if she and Ren were celebrities, Riri would be their number one fan. Maybe even the most loyal shipper of their couple.

"Ahem..."

A soft cough from the doorway interrupted Riri's rambling. Both of them turned to see Ren standing there.

"You're done?"

he asked as he walked over.

He crouched beside Serena, took her hand, and gently massaged it. Ren knew how tiring typing could be.

"Finally..."

Serena said with a smile.

"Tired?"

Ren asked again, his voice softer and warmer this time.

Serena shook her head. Seeing the light sheen of sweat on her forehead, Ren instinctively frowned. He wiped it off, then kissed her forehead without hesitation.

"Ren!!"

Serena protested, embarrassed that Ren kissed her in front of Riri.

"What?"

Ren replied, pretending not to understand.

Actually, he had wanted to kiss her lips, but realizing there was someone else present, he settled for her forehead.

"You..."

Serena tried to shoot him a warning look, but Ren just chuckled.

He leaned in close and whispered in her ear.

"Don't be embarrassed. I bet Riri is actually enjoying seeing us being affectionate,"

Ren said.

His deep, husky voice so close to her ear made Serena shiver. His breath sent tingles down her spine. Her face and neck turned bright red. Seeing her reaction, Ren looked very pleased with himself.

Serena glanced at Riri—and sure enough, just as Ren had said, Riri was staring at them with a wide grin, sparkling eyes, and even trying hard not to blink.

"....."

Serena was speechless.

"Ri!" she called finally.

"Huh?? Oh! What??"

Riri snapped out of her fangirl mode.

"What were you thinking just now?"

Serena asked, curious.

"Oh... just thinking, it would've been perfect if Ren kissed you passionately on the lips and continued what got interrupted earlier this afternoon because I showed up. It's totally fine! I'm happy to be the most shiniest third wheel ever !"

Riri answered innocently, still lost in her fantasy.

Ren burst out laughing.

Meanwhile, Serena froze in embarrassment. So Riri did know what they were doing before she came in. Serena's face turned crimson as she buried her face in Ren's arms.

---

Meanwhile, elsewhere...

Iril opened her eyes. She had overslept again. Even though she had promised herself the night before to wake up early and prepare something for her husband.

She sat up and looked for her slippers—but they weren't there. So she walked barefoot.

A faint smile crossed Iril's lips when she heard Frau's voice coming from the kitchen. She planned to hug him from behind, but stopped in her tracks when she heard what he was saying.

"I already told you, I'm not ready to have kids, Mom."

Frau's voice sounded tired and worn out.

As always, his parents were calling and pressuring him and Iril to have children soon.

"If you want a grandchild so badly, why not just adopt one? Faster and more practical," Frau replied coldly.

Iril froze. Slowly, she turned and went back to the bedroom without Frau noticing. She lay back down, her mind drifting to the past.

When Frau proposed to her, Iril had hesitated. Frau could sense her doubt and said:

"If you're not ready, I won't force you. I'll wait until you're truly ready to marry me."

Her heart had been torn then. Who wouldn't want to live with the one they loved? But she also had her fears. She was afraid that after they got married, Frau would want children. And to be honest, Iril was terrified of pregnancy and childbirth. Her childhood trauma still lingered—her mother had died giving birth to her.

"I don't want to have children."

The words had come out so suddenly.

Frau had paused, then asked:

"Are you hesitating to accept my proposal because you think I'll expect children from you later?"

Iril nodded slowly.

Frau smiled in relief and hugged her tightly.

"I want to marry you because I love you, not because I want children from you. If you want us to remain childless, I'm all in. It just means I'll get all your attention for myself."

"But your family...?"

"You don't need to worry about them. This is our life, not theirs."

So Iril accepted his proposal.

Until now, Frau had never brought up having kids. Iril thought everything was fine. But it wasn't. Frau's family kept pressuring him, and he never said a word about it to her.

"You're awake?"

Frau's gentle voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Iril looked at his smiling face, warm and kind, as if nothing had happened.

Suddenly, she hugged him tightly. Even though she had hugged her husband countless times, this one felt different. As if she was holding on to something that was slipping away.

"What's wrong?"

Frau asked, hugging her back.

Iril just shook her head and held on even tighter.