Night Together

Fyrel was still lost in thought, his mind preoccupied with the house she was talking about. It took him 3 minutes, in his half-conscious state, to fully regain awareness.

Is it your house?

Hwa nodded.

Fyrel tried to get up, even though his legs were still weak, but he felt he shouldn't stay in a woman's house for too long.

Hwa watched him worriedly as he struggled to stand. It was as if her husband was concerned about something.

Where are you going? Your body is still weak... just sit here. Hwa gently pressed Fyrel's body back down, slowly.

I feel uncomfortable staying at your place... I don't want to be a burden. Can you help me up?

Hwa was startled by his response. She then adjusted her sitting posture, kneeling with her legs folded under her, buttocks resting on her heels, back straight, and hands on her thighs.

She held Fyrel's hands in both of hers.

It's okay, husband… you're already married to me. I accept you no matter who you are… please don't leave me. As she spoke, she bowed slightly beside Fyrel.

He looked at his wife's overly kind attitude, and a thought flickered in his heart—he couldn't bring himself to leave her. Gently, he placed his hands on her shoulders and slowly lifted her up. Their eyes met.

I'm sorry… I was just shocked earlier. And thank you for accepting me as your husband. Even though I have nothing right now, can you let me stay with you until I succeed and make both of you happy?

Fyrel lowered his head slightly as a sign of respect toward her. She nodded in response.

Ohhh… hooo…A voice from behind the door sounded like a small child's. It turned out Haru had been peeking at the two of them from there. Both of them turned to look at Haru at the same time and immediately distanced themselves from each other.

Hwa felt embarrassed and quickly stood up.

I'll make the tea! Hwa then hurried out and rushed to the kitchen. Haru, meanwhile, hobbled into the living room.

Heeee… Father, what were you trying to do with mom? she teased in a playful tone.

Hahaha, it's nothing. He smiled sweetly, trying to change the subject at the same time.

Haru, who was standing there, swayed her body slightly, her fingers fidgeting with each other—a habit Fyrel recognized, one that children often have when they want something.

He knew exactly what she wanted and opened his arms wide, as if inviting her into a hug. Nodding, he called out to her,

Come here to Father, my daughter...

Haru immediately flew into Fyrel's arms, hugging him tightly. He wrapped his hands around her, swaying her gently from side to side. Haru looked absolutely delighted.

By the sliding door, Hwa stood holding a small tray with two cups of tea, silently watching the scene. The golden hues of the sunset streamed through the window, bearing witness to Fyrel's new journey… and his newfound family.

--

As the day grew long for Fyrel, the sky darkened into a deep blue, dotted with twinkling stars. Exhausted, Haru had fallen asleep on her father's lap, her mouth slightly open in deep slumber.

The warm golden glow of a folded paper lantern illuminated the living room, casting a serene beauty over the night. Fyrel sat lost in thought, questioning his purpose in this world.

Every world assigns its own duties to its inhabitants, but everything begins with life itself. The divine gods chooses its representatives to guide their creations toward their destined paths... yet here I am, still unsure why I exist in this world.

The power granted by the goddess only deepened his confusion. Who am I meant to protect? And why am I forbidden from killing anyone? Was it because I expelled the spirit attached to Hwa's body that caused me to faint? Was that the side effect?

I need answers...

Tap. Tap.

Hwa suddenly approached from behind, lightly knocking on his arm to signal that she wanted to take Haru to bed.

Gently, he lifted the soundly sleeping girl and handed her to her mother. Hwa cradled Haru in her arms and carried her upstairs, leaving Fyrel alone downstairs.

A world without the internet, without clear purpose—it tested his mental fortitude, stripped of the distractions and entertainment he once relied on. I'm fortunate to have been given a family, people to talk to... but the loneliness of night still aches.

Hwa carried her sleeping daughter upstairs and into the left-side room. Pushing the door open with one hand, she stepped inside where Haru's futon had already been laid out. She carefully settled the girl onto it, tucking the blanket around her small frame. Before leaving, she switched off the light and quietly made her way to her own room.

There, a single futon—just wide enough for two—awaited. She opened the wardrobe and changed into a pale blue nightgown, then placed her daytime clothes in the laundry basket for tomorrow. Pausing before the mirror, she cupped her cheeks with both hands and exhaled deeply.

This is it.

Steeling herself, she left the room and returned to the living room—only to find Fyrel still seated on the veranda, lost in thought. Her pulse quickened. This was the first time she'd appeared before a man in her nightwear.

Husband… She hesitated, then softened her voice. It's late. Let's go to bed together.

Fyrel nodded and stood, stretching his stiff limbs. When he turned to face her, his breath caught. The lantern light traced the delicate lines of Hwa's silhouette through the thin fabric. His cheeks burned; he froze mid-motion.

Noticing his reaction, Hwa closed the distance and took his hand without a word. As they climbed the stairs side by side, Fyrel's voice came out hushed:

You're… beautiful in that, Hwa.

The words tumbled out before he could stop them. Hwa didn't turn around, but her grip on his fingers tightened slightly.

The moment they entered the bedroom, Fyrel's stomach knotted. One futon. His throat went dry.

I—I should sleep downstairs. You take this one. Don't force yourself..

Hwa shook her head and tugged him toward the bedding. Before he could protest, they were both lying down, shoulders brushing. The space was just enough for two, forcing them closer. Fyrel still a virgin dont how to handle. His body stiffened like a board.

Hwa faced the wall, her back to him.

Fyrel usually slept on his right side. Now, trapped between habit and the warmth of her body, he stared at the ceiling, wide awake. He waited, counting Hwa's breaths, hoping she'd fall asleep so he could turn without awkwardness.

Then—movement.

Hwa rolled toward him, her left hand settling on his arm.

I'm sorry, A proper wife shouldn't turn her back on her husband. Let me… look at you as I sleep.

Her fingers trembled against his sleeve.

That night stretched endlessly for Fyrel—every second etched into his bones. The first night he'd ever shared a bed with a woman.