16
.
'dripping'
- omg···.
'bang'
— Huh···!
I woke up to the sound of the door closing. Someone was lying next to me. It was none other than K. He'd been lying face down next to me yesterday, talking, and I'd fallen asleep first, but he hadn't gone to his room and was sleeping here. The unexpected sight of K lying next to me startled me once, and J, who'd opened the door and seen the situation, had me in a daze again.
— Hey! K, wake up.
— Ugh... Am I falling asleep here?
—What are you so calm about? You should go to your room and sleep. What are you going to do if you sleep here?
— I don't know, I guess I was tired. When did you wake up?
— Just now. But I think Mr. J saw us.
— It doesn't matter. I think you'll enjoy it and make a fuss by yourself.
— Huh?
At K's words, I opened the door slightly and looked outside. My guess was right! J was banging on the wall, making a fuss, and enjoying himself. It was so hilarious how perfectly K's words hit home, I couldn't help but laugh.
— Hahaha Mr. J, don’t you like it too much?
— Surprise…! Oh, did you see it? Haha, congratulations.
— Well···, Mr. J was quite helpful.
— What? Did your brother help you?
—You don't have to know. It's my secret with Yeoju.
— Oh, really? Do you have any secrets?
— Wash up and come back and eat breakfast. I've already prepared everything for you.
—Wow~ Mr. J, what should I do with that delicious smell...
— Hahaha, hurry up and wash up and come out. The food is getting cold~
— Wait!!
— I should come and eat first!
— Hey, K! Wait!!
It finally feels like a home where people live, like I'm living a life no different from ordinary people. It's been a long time since I've felt this peaceful. I used to wonder if this was even okay, but now I think it's okay.
[ 1 year later ]
— Boss, you handled it well.
— Good work,
— You didn't kill him, did you?
— You’re here, sister-in-law!
— Oh, don't call me sister-in-law. You didn't kill me, did you?
— Yes, of course. I just finished it up to that point.
—Thank you for your hard work. I'll go.
.
— Lady, isn't it time to stop asking?
— Boss, I still can't trust you. When you turn your back, you go crazy and try to kill me.
— Honestly, those guys should be killed···,
— Quiet. What about Mr. J?
— It should be on the second floor?
— Really? Then, I'll just talk for a bit.
- no.
—What is this whining?
— Don't go. J is a man too.
— What are you talking about, all of a sudden? Are you now jealous of even Mr. J?
— You've become so pretty lately. You need to take care of yourself.
— Oh... What are you talking about? Mr. J is someone I've seen a lot. Behave well. I'll be back soon.
Ah, we've formed an organization. An organization with K as the boss. Of course, it's not an organization that harms good people, but rather an organization that punishes bad people who do bad things. This is what I proposed. I want you to become a hero, saving people in danger, not just me. It's been almost six months since we started, and I'm quite satisfied. Oh, and no matter how much you punish me, you can't kill me. That's a promise between Boss K and me.
'dripping'
— Huh? When did you come?
— Just now. Aren't you busy? I'm not bothering you, am I?
— I was busy until just now, but I'm fine now. I used to only protect Yeoju, but now I'm trying to protect many people, so it's still a bit overwhelming. Haha.
— That's a good thing, though. Oh, K hasn't killed anyone yet, right? I can't trust anything K says... haha
— Yes, haha. I’m watching you closely. Don’t worry. I do get angry sometimes, but I calm down on my own.
— That's great. I hope to see you again soon.
— What more could I ask for? K is no good to me~
— Hahaha, that’s right.
— Then, you too, Ms. Yeoju, are working hard. You must be tired from teaching the kids, so go inside and rest for a bit.
—Aren't you done with work yet? Aren't you done? Let's go together. Actually, I came to pick up K.
— Really? It's over... I'm going home from work, you know.
—Okay, I’ll try to convince you hahaha. Organize and come out slowly.
I teach children. To be exact, I give shooting lessons. Within a year, I've won several shooting competitions, which has given me some notoriety. I've even received offers to become a professional athlete, but I love it. Teaching cute kids is a perfect fit for me.
— K! I'm here.
— What the heck, really? Why do I feel so unfamiliar today?
- why?
— No, it’s just that… you look happy.
— I feel good.
— Really? If you like it, I like it too. Let's hug.
— There are so many eyes watching here. I'll go home and hug you to my heart's content.
— We hugged each other all the time, so why are you acting all of a sudden? Come here.
I fell into K's arms, and as always, they were warm and comfortable. Normally, I wouldn't hug him, but today I really wanted to. To say I felt good is a lie. I was really struggling emotionally today.
[ 2 hours ago ]
—Teacher, actually, it's a lie that my father is in America. I don't have a father.
- huh···?
— When I went to a shooting competition, all the other kids came with their dads and moms... I just didn't like being without a dad.
— Um... But can I ask the teacher why he's telling me this story now?
— I heard from my mom that both of your parents have passed away. I thought you would understand me. It's a secret between you and me.
That's right. Every time I won a shooting competition and was interviewed, I would always thank my late mom and dad. There was never a time when I didn't cry.
— Ah... So you're telling the teacher the truth?
— Yes, teacher, do you not want to see your parents?
—Why wouldn't I want to see it? Of course... I want to see it.
—Teacher, it's okay to cry.
A second-grader made me cry. I'd spent the longest time with her, and she was so smart and mature that I'd already felt she was a grown-up. But when she suddenly brought up her parents, I was overcome with emotion. Even as an adult, I still miss her so much and cry like this. Thinking about how this child, so young, endured such grief made me feel sorry for her.
— Ah... I'm sorry. The teacher is a bit tearful.
— It's okay. It's okay to cry when you're sad.
— Okay. Then let's end class here.
After class, I kept thinking about my parents all the way to K. I really missed them. They are something that comes naturally to some, but not to others. I didn't want to spread this sadness to K, so I tried to pretend I was okay, pretending to be in a good mood as I went to see him.
***
Next episode complete!!
