Conquest Complete, So Why Is the Affection Dropping? - Chapter 43
From the moment he suddenly approached, I thought he was moving faster than expected, but I didn’t know he would make such a leap.
No confession or proposal yet, and he’s already asking me to become family. Even for a culture known for its “ppalli ppalli” (hurry hurry), isn’t this skipping too many steps?
“You have many sworn brothers. Do you want to become sworn siblings with me too?”
I feigned ignorance and asked.
“That wouldn’t be bad either.”
No, you shouldn’t agree to that. Isn’t this the timing where you’re supposed to say you want to be lovers or spouses instead of sworn siblings?
When I looked up at him in confusion, the smile on Kaint’s lips deepened slightly.
“As long as I can stay by your side for life.”
“……”
“Shin Joo, would you be satisfied with such a relationship?”
I underestimated him for being a romance novice. They say the most ignorant people are the bravest, and those who know only one thing are the most fearsome.
Who knew I’d learn this way that when a man who’s awkward with women becomes fixated, he doesn’t know how to control his speed and just charges forward at full throttle?
I pondered for a moment. Should I dodge or collide with this man charging towards me?
“No, I’m not satisfied.”
Dodging would defeat the purpose of pursuing him, but colliding might leave me with twelve weeks of injuries. I want to be in a romance, not get into a traffic accident.
So I had to find a new approach.
“Family members shouldn’t do this.”
I unwound my arms and traced Kaint’s shoulder line with my fingertips.
Because he was so tall, my arm ached from stretching up so high, but it was worth the pain to feel this man’s angular shoulders and the muscles beneath his well-pressed uniform.
When I touched the high collar that snugly wrapped his neck, I could feel his prominent Adam’s apple move. Though he responded to my touch, he didn’t lower his waist.
Was it because he didn’t know, or was he refusing?
I grabbed Kaint’s collar and pulled. He blinked once and obediently let himself be drawn in. I never thought I’d be grabbing the collar of such a large man, but if it meant seeing his face this close, it was worth trying.
“You asked if I liked you, didn’t you?”
Kaint blinked slowly. His golden eyes were sharp and distinct like an eagle’s. His eyelashes, casting deep shadows around his eyes, were even longer than I’d expected.
I thought he had a manly and dignified face, but up close it looked surprisingly delicate and beautiful. The fact that he looked different from far away versus up close – was this another charm point?
“So I’m going to find out now.”
My grip on his collar tightened. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed Kaint.
His lips were smooth and warm. The faint sweet scent became stronger. I sucked on his lower lip and nibbled it slightly, then ran my tongue along his even teeth.
How can a man smell this good?
As I gently sucked on his lips and opened my eyes, I saw golden eyes staring intently at me.
Oh dear, seems he didn’t know to close his eyes. Come to think of it, he had just been still with his lips pressed against mine throughout the kiss.
Since he wasn’t refusing, he probably didn’t dislike it.
“Kaint. You’re supposed to close your eyes when kissing.”
“Is that so.”
Kaint obediently closed his eyes as I instructed. Those elegantly long eyelashes. His sharp eyes made him look fierce when open, but with them closed, his face looked much less intimidating.
‘It feels like I’m taking advantage of an innocent young man.’
Which means it feels absolutely fantastic.
This is why it’s so fun to pursue a romance novice!
“Try following what I do.”
I whispered softly and pressed our lips together again, and his previously passive lips moved slightly. Rather than licking or sucking, it was more of a gentle nibbling movement, but I could tell he was earnestly trying to respond to what I was doing.
‘He smells good.’
A fresh floral scent. A sweet fruity fragrance. A cool masculine scent mixed with the soft smell characteristic of children.
Perhaps because it was an underwater garden containing the sea, the moisture-laden air seemed to warm the surrounding temperature.
“Huu……”
As our lips parted, Kaint opened his eyes too. His eyes had grown slightly redder. My face, reflected in his golden eyes, was even redder.
“It certainly worked.”
“What?”
“The verification method you mentioned, Shin Joo.”
“Ah.”
Right, I said I would kiss him to find out if I liked him. I hadn’t said anything yet, but Kaint seemed to have read the answer from my expression.
Why is he so perceptive despite being a romance novice?
“Yes. Given how good it felt, I guess I like you.”
“Then it wouldn’t be improper for me to do the same to you.”
His hand, which had been suspended in the air, came to wrap around my waist. The already close distance narrowed further as our bodies pressed together.
As our chests touched, I could feel our hearts pounding strongly through our clothes. The clearest signal of all. There was no need to specifically check for signs of attraction.
“You’re quick, Kaint.”
“Did I act too hastily?”
“I mean you learn fast.”
Even though until just now he didn’t even know how to respond to a kiss. I suppose this is what they call having good sense.
“How did it feel kissing me?”
“I want to do it again.”
Warm breath touched my lips. As I closed my eyes slowly, our lips met as if drawn together. This time, Kaint opened his mouth slightly wider and sucked in my lips. The breath catching at my nose was like slowly flowing music.
From somewhere, there was a sound like waves crashing, then it faded away hazily with the tide.
***
The blue waves that had been enveloping us overhead had somehow turned golden. Each time the now darker seaweed swayed, it created shimmering waves of scarlet and pink light.
However, I didn’t have the luxury of purely admiring this beautiful scenery.
‘My lips are all swollen.’
From keeping my head tilted up for so long, my neck was sore and my lips were tingling. They say late learners are the most fearsome, but I never expected we’d just keep kissing until sunset.
Maybe I should have pushed him away earlier.
But it felt so good that I couldn’t find the right time to stop. While it did feel a bit long, I was dumbfounded to realize the sun was already setting when I finally came to my senses.
“Shin Joo, are you tired?”
“No.”
“You seem to be having trouble walking.”
No wonder my legs felt numb. I thought it was just dizziness from the excitement of kissing. My legs were stiff from standing in the same position the whole time.
As I was trying to loosen my leg muscles by tapping my toes, he gently pulled at my shoulder.
“Shall I carry you to your room?”
“No need. What if someone sees?”
“What if they do?”
His gloved hand firmly gripped my shoulder.
“We’ll be family soon anyway.”
“……”
I was a bit taken aback.
True, I liked Kaint, and yes, I intended to pursue him, but I hadn’t planned on being such easy prey.
‘Isn’t he way too confident that I’m going to marry him?’
Dating is one thing, but marriage? Well… I’m not really into imagining a future with a man who has 10 children.
“Admiral. We still don’t know much about each other, do we?”
“Having much to learn about each other will make spending time together worthwhile.”
Seems he’s already made up his mind after just one date and kiss. Is this what they mean when they say you shouldn’t mess with a romance novice or they’ll have you wrapped around their finger?
“I said I liked you, but I never said I’d become family.”
Kaint stopped abruptly.
“Are they not the same thing?”
“The weight is different. People’s hearts can change.”
“I thought you weren’t the type to act impulsively on momentary emotions.”
I appreciate the high regard, but aren’t there 4 characters to pursue? Cars have 4 wheels and national anthems have 4 verses, so shouldn’t I try to seduce all 4 of them?
Besides, I’m the type who collects all endings, including the bad ones, once I start a game.
Of course, I’d rather avoid bad endings since who knows what might happen while I’m possessing this body.
“This isn’t necessarily just about me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your feelings could change too, Kaint.”
When I called up the status window, a gleaming turquoise window appeared next to his face.
[Kaint]’s current affection level: 91
