The Child Saw Too Much

After that person claimed to be an angel and left the scene, Fyrel woke up, taking a deep, relieved breath. He lay there, exhausted.

I don't know… that angel was so ugly. But why do all living things in this world always leave behind mysteries? At least give me a reason for what I should do. Who the hell is the villain—the goddess or the angel?

Now, he wasn't sure how to get out of here.

Should I go back to sleep?

Creak… The door behind Fyrel suddenly swung wide open. He then got up from where he was and walked toward the door, stepping out. The creature was still standing there, waiting for him.

It tapped its staff twice, and the door closed again. The creature walked ahead as usual, and Fyrel simply followed.

When they reached the original place where Fyrel had first awakened, he just stood there. Fyrel then sat in his spot, waiting for whatever strange ritual the creature was about to perform.

The creature raised its staff with both hands, aligning it with its body. With a forceful swing, it struck Fyrel's face. He didn't have time to dodge—he shut his eyes.

Then, he woke up abruptly, sitting up as if from a nightmare. His heart was pounding fast… beside him, Hwa was still asleep. He rubbed his face with his hands and got up from his spot, heading to the bathroom.

When he reached the bathroom, there was only a stone basin and a faucet. He dipped his hands into the water and splashed his face, washing it with his palms. Then, he rinsed his feet using the dipper provided there.

After finishing, he left the bathroom and walked back to his room, drying his feet on the cloth laid out in front of the bathroom door.

He then went upstairs—the bedroom door had been left open because he forgot to close it. As he reached the doorway, his wife was already awake, sitting on the bedding.

Where did you go, husband? I woke up and you weren't beside me… Her voice sounded uneasy.

I went to the bathroom to wash my face… Sorry if I woke you. He then sat beside her against the wall, leaning back.

Do you need anything, husband? I can make you a drink… Hwa asked in a sleepy voice.

He just shook his head. No, you should go back to sleep. I'll join you

Hwa knew something was wrong with her husband. His face looked terrified and sorrowful—nothing like when they had met earlier that day. This was the face of someone utterly exhausted by everything.

With her knees on the floor and her body upright, she quickly pulled him into a tight embrace.

You can cry if you want… It's just the two of us here. I'll share your sorrow with you.

Fyrel, his head resting against Hwa's chest while staring downward, felt tears slowly escape his eyes, dampening the fabric of her clothes.

I'm scared… I'm not as strong as I thought I was. I kept telling myself everything would be fine, but now… I miss my old, normal life. I wish all of this was just a dream. Even though I have a wife now… I'm still a bad man, aren't I? Someone who just wants to run away from his problems...

Hwa loosened her embrace and gently lifted Fyrel's bowed head with both hands.

No… She shook her head softly, wiping away his tears. At least you still have the strength to run from your problems. I… don't even have that choice. I have to keep facing the struggles forced upon me. So don't be afraid to run one day… if that's what's truly best for you. The moment I accepted you as my husband, I already gave up everything—my body, my soul, my love. You're the only one who matters to me now.

Their eyes and lips were so close to each other. Hwa hadn't even noticed the shrinking distance, too absorbed in Fyrel's emotions.

Should we kiss now? Your lips look sexy…Fyrel teased, half-joking, trying to snap her out of her thoughts.

Hwa froze, momentarily confused. It took her brain a second to process everything—then she realized just how close they really were. Instinctively, she tried to push Fyrel away, but it was like something held her back.

Because Fyrel's hands were firmly gripping her waist.

Where are you going? His voice was low, playful. I thought you said you sacrificed everything to me—even your body…?

W-What should I do…? His hands are so strong… Why did I even say that?! Hwa panicked internally, her heart racing.

Fyrel noticed her flustered, stiff posture and slowly released her, instead guiding her down onto the bedding. Now, he hovered above her.

Too embarrassed to meet his gaze, Hwa turned her face away. A-Ahh… Is this it?! But I'm not ready yet…! She peeked sideways at her husband looming over her—but he caught her nervous glance.

Mmm... he just kissed her on the forehead and Then, he rolled back to his side of the bed with a quiet chuckle.

Hahaha … You're not ready for that, Hwa. Let's sleep. Tomorrow's a new day for me—and you need rest too, right?

Hwa lay frozen in place, utterly annoyed by Fyrel's teasing. This damn man...

What did you say? He pretended not to hear her clearly.

Nothing!

Hwa then turned to face the wall, clearly sulking.

Fyrel chuckled - he'd heard every word perfectly. He wrapped his arms around Hwa from behind, his large frame enveloping her smaller body completely.

Though embarrassed, Hwa melted into the embrace - it was exactly the loving reassurance she needed. She clung to Fyrel's arm resting across her, and that night they fell asleep together...

Unbeknownst to them, someone stood watching from the doorway they'd forgotten to close after Fyrel's bathroom trip earlier. Their daughter stood there observing the happy couple before her.

" I need to pee... "