That Face Is the Problem - Chapter 40.2
Absent-mindedly, Jae-gyeong compared their hand sizes. For some reason, it made him feel good. Even though he knew this was not the right time for such thoughts, he could not stop them.
As they walked holding hands, no monsters appeared in any of the surrounding mirrors. The mirrors simply reflected the two of them walking together as they were.
Da-sol and Jae-gyeong holding hands. Walking forward and back through the narrow maze. They appeared to the right, left, above, below, in front, and behind.
Seeing them from every direction felt almost like an illusion. Or like a scene from a movie filmed by someone, showing the two main characters from multiple angles with the message: ‘These two are the main characters. They are holding hands. They will eventually be together.’
Da-sol held Jae-gyeong’s hand without thinking, advancing, turning corners, veering into side paths, and constantly checking the mirrors. It was only natural, since they did not know when a monster might appear.
But the more they walked, the more he noticed Jae-gyeong’s face turning red in the mirror. And that shy expression! From a lifetime of experience, Da-sol instinctively understood what that expression meant.
‘Damn… This guy’s fallen for me… Ah, damnnn…’
Suddenly, he felt an itchy, crawling sensation on the hand he was holding. Any humanlike affection he had for Jae-gyeong hit rock bottom, and he felt like he wanted to yank the hand away and fling it forward. Should he pretend it was a monster and half-kill him? The thought even crossed his mind.
It was instinctive and reflexive disgust. As Da-sol debated letting go, he suddenly saw Jae-gyeong wink at him. Without a second thought, Da-sol swung the shield he was holding forward. Crash, the mirror in front of them shattered.
“Ugh, you scared me…!”
Behind him, he heard Jae-gyeong making a strange sound.
“A monster appeared. Stay alert.”
Da-sol pushed aside his disgust and spoke. Any scolding or yelling at Jae-gyeong would have to wait until after leaving the dungeon.
“Yes…!”
Jae-gyeong let go of Da-sol’s hand and stretched his right arm to his side.
“From now on, I’ll take the lead…”
Da-sol moved closer to avoid Jae-gyeong’s arm and adjusted his position to keep their bodies from touching. Strangely, his disgust diminished a little in that moment.
Jae-gyeong strode forward, picked up the shield Da-sol had thrown, cleared all the glass fragments, and handed it back to him.
“Hold it properly…”
It was a simple request, yet strangely, hearing it reduced Da-sol’s irritation even more.
“Looks like a monster might appear soon…”
Even while speaking casually, Jae-gyeong’s gaze swept over Da-sol, checking that he was following safely and unharmed, without any impure thoughts.
“….”
That was strange. Da-sol thought. Earlier, his hand had felt like insects crawling over it, and it had been disgustingly uncomfortable. Now, with an empty hand, he felt a bit empty. Even in this tense situation, Jae-gyeong’s slightly trembling words and puppy-like eyes were amusing.
“Jae-gyeong.”
“Yes…?”
“Haven’t you been told to speak properly? At the guild?”
“Ah… a few times… But I can’t seem to correct it… I’m just worried I’ll make mistakes… Sorry…”
“No, I didn’t tell you to apologize.”
Da-sol followed quietly for a moment, then asked sharply.
“But which assholes criticized your tone? JK-level guys, damn predictable.”
“Uh… didn’t you just do that, Da-sol? I do speak a bit frustratingly sometimes…”
“No, I was just asking. When did I ever say you were frustrated?”
Da-sol asked irritably. Jae-gyeong quickly shook his head, looking gentle and kind, which made Da-sol feel slightly guilty for being annoyed.
“Anyway, if anyone criticizes your tone from now on, tell me.”
“Why…?”
“What do you mean why? I’m going to punch them. Got it?”
“Uh… thank… you…?”
For Jae-gyeong, it was a completely unexpected conversation. But inside, Da-sol felt a surge of irritation. What was this guy, really an idiot? He had originally planned to take action as soon as they left the dungeon, but now it seemed he might get beaten elsewhere too, making Da-sol’s resolve a bit softer.
And people are not fundamentally evil… Huh, fine, I can like him a little. I already guessed some of this anyway. As long as he doesn’t confess.
Da-sol compromised with himself alone. This emotional shift happened in less than three minutes.
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