T.W. : Homophobic language

I simultaneously felt deeply upset and flustered by the sudden rude question.

Not only did I have a hard time catching Seo Dawon in a lie just a few moments ago, but I supposed one could say I was having such a hard time because of this guy. But, to see all my struggles and to just only ask, Youre homo?

Furthermore, Woo Ragis apathetic tone triggered my long-held trauma.

My first love back in high school had often looked at me like he was staring at a homo. He was disgusted yet, at the same time, cultivated a sense of superiority from my affection for him.

He had once made eye contact with me while chatting with a large group of people. With sneering words that could only be meant for me, he laughed and said, Isnt it obvious when homos are nearby? My crush was the social leader in that group, so the others surrounding him had agreed enthusiastically, saying how disgusting or creepy it was and cursing gay people.

Since then, I couldnt bring myself to look at him when I felt that he was staring at me from behind Woo Ragis words dragged that frustrating memory to the surface.

Frustrated, I tried to grab at the black butterfly that flapped its wings near my chest.

However, my fingers only grasped at my collar. Because I had never tried to touch these moving illusions in the [Vengeful Ghost Memory], I had not known they werent tangible; I felt embarrassed.

Woo Ragi, despicably, pointed out my futile attempt.

What were you doing?

You were being offensive so I tried to bat you away.

Offensive? Ah, the butterfly?

Unexpectedly, Woo Ragi made the butterfly fly high into the sky without particularly responding to my catty answer. However, after sending the butterfly out of sight, he continued to speak without hiding the amusement in his voice.

It seems like Dawon-ie is treating you well? Saying its offensive and all.

Are you miffed at the word homo? What else would you call a homo?

Anyone could clearly see his words were meant to mock me; I clenched my fists and raised my headAt the same time, the space suddenly filled with bright lights. It was like turning on stage lights for show time.

After squinting instinctively, I opened my eyes again; a shadow moved within the bright light. That shadow swaggered as it approached me.

Your expression tells me you have a lot of complaints.

He said as he looked at my frowning expression that was caused by the light. Of course, even if it hadnt been for the light, my expression would have still been rigid since I thought he was a jerk.

Instead of being flustered, I endured the glaring lights in my eyes and stared up at him. Finally, I could properly see Woo Ragis mug 1 staring back at me.

I had distantly seen Woo Ragis appearance once in another persons [Vengeful Ghost Memory]. Surrounded by dozens of sparkling blades from his [Echo Blades], he was so utterly beautiful in his discipline; rather than mere martial arts, I felt like I was watching a performance art.

However, now that Woo Ragi was right in front of meI could acknowledge his refreshing and beautiful countenance.

That was to say, his handsomeness was comparable to Seo Dawon, but His image wasnt quite nearly the upright, moral mien that I expected of martial arts practitioners; rather, he looked quite decadent, as if hed partake in drugs. Slight droop on the corners of his eyes; a faint sneer of cynicism that so suited him. Red lips and pale white skin

I was almost lost in admiration for a man that called me homo. I hurriedly tore my gaze away from the Woo Ragi.

Werent you looking at me like a total perv just now?

What are you spouting! Ive never done that.

Well, Im used to thatHomos seem to like my face.

However, Woo Ragi seemed to have pinpointed my momentary first impression of his looks from my expression.

He did not hide his ridicule or contempt as he grabbed my right hand painlessly. Then, pulling my hands towards him, he placed his lips on my wrist.

Startled, I tried to shake him off, but my skin burned where Woo Ragis lips touchedthe inside of the wristas if it were on fire.

At first, I thought the unfamiliar feeling was brought about the shock of his touch, but, when he removed his lips, I fully felt the burning pain. Woo Ragi had maliciously inflicted harm.

Let go!

Didnt you want to form a contract with me?

Woo Ragi suddenly mentioned the contract while I, bracing myself for the oncoming pain, tried to forcibly extract my wrist from his grasp; he smiled as if he knew everything.

Hands shaking, I glared at him. What do you want from me?

I want Seo Dawons contract with one more special clause added in.

And soon, a familiar red parchment paper unfurled between us.

I silently looked at the parchment; when Woo Ragi lightly swiped his finger, the parchment scrolled down, line by line. Then, at the very end, an empty [additional provision] section was revealed.

Dont lay your hands on my body without my permission.

Theres no way Id do that

Theres no way? Then, thats great. This is just to formalize it into writing.

With that said, Woo Ragi showed me the newly engraved clause.

That meant hed use the penalty to stop me if I ever touched himI was struck speechless both by the homophobic condition and the mentioned bodily harm.

Didnt that mean hed torture me for a touch? It was a clear threat, no matter how I looked at it; a promise for pain, just like when he had placed his lips at my wrist.

Are you crazy? I might accidentally brush against you.

We can distinguish between intentional and mistaken touches.

Whats the criteria?

My mood. 2

Then, youre saying that if youre in a bad mood, youll hurt me just like earlier?

If you dont like it, dont force yourself to sign the contract.

What utter nonsense.

Agreeing to Woo Ragis arbitrary contract would just be one more hoop to jump through, but, if I just went along with this, I felt that my heart would burst from how upset I was.

So, after taking a deep breath, I added a condition of my ownmy own fuck you. 3 Fine. If I touch you without your permission and you feel violated, then Ill endure your harm, just like you want. However

However?

If, just in case, you touch me, then what will you do?

Would that ever happen?

I didnt think Id ever do that to you, either?

Haha Then, you do the same. I dont care.

His added words were really so detestable, that I really want to attack back.

However, there was a big problem here. In my case, it would be useless for me to try and inflict any sort of harm onto him, unlike Woo Ragi who had enough skill and power to torture me.

Because of our level gap, damage potential would vary significantly; even if I stabbed him with a knife, I wouldnt be able to mess a strand of his hair.

I dont know if the bastard had agreed to the condition while knowing that, but if I also said Ill beat you up, this additional clause was far too unfavorable for me.

However, I shouldnt be the only one to suffer unilaterally. While thinking about what could truly hurt Woo Ragi, my eyes glanced at my hand that he was still holding. What could I do to get this arrogant Vengeful Ghost to taste a bite of his own medicine

Then, I placed some force in my fingers, as if I was returning his tight grasp. While holding hands, I fiddled with him.

Then, as expected, Woo Ragis leisurely smile hardened.

What are you doing?

He raised the hand that I had been fondling and waved it in front of my face. Of course, I was ashamed to be doing this, butwhen I saw Woo Ragis expression as he gobbled up the bait, I felt validated rather than ashamed.

So, I replied with a grin, If, by chance, you touch meI think Ill pet you, hug you, and fondle your hands like this.

What?

Honestly, would it even hurt if I hit you? The terms of the contract are disadvantageous.

He stared at me, caught off guard; I tightened my fingers as much as I could, trying to look unbothered. As soon as I used some strength, Woo Ragi shook his hands off, goosebumps traveling up his arm as if he had touched a bug.

Ive known ever since he commented homo, homo, but he seemed to be the macho type that believes homos would suddenly attack him. Of course, I couldnt stand it if a guy was so clingy towards me as well, but

Are you crazy?

If you dont like that, then withdraw your clause.

With all youve done just now, you expect me to trust you?

My mood lightened watching Woo Ragi jumping up and down, temper risen. I ignored what he said and murmured, making sure he heard everything, Your hands are so soft.

Then, Woo Ragi stared at me with such immature eyes.

Just a little while ago, you made such a fuss about liking Seo Dawon

When have I ever said that I like you?

Then why are you groping at me so insidiously?

What does liking someone have anything to do with teasing a guy whos crying homo, homo and making much ado about nothing? Since I was already teasing him, I answered without much push back. At my answer, Woo Ragis expression changed a little. He looked like he had composed himselfhis expression becoming calm. He opened his mouth.

Fine. Then lets sign the contract under that condition.

Seriously?

Watch. You brush past me? Youre dying that day.

With that said, he adopted a chilling smile; at this point, I couldnt ask him to just forget both of our clausesI had provoked him far too much.

I cried on the inside, lamenting that I probably shouldnt have done that, butEventually, I had no choice but to nod and pretend to be relaxed.

[Ending playback of the deceased, Woo Ragis, memory]

TL: HahaWoo Ragi Smh

You guys were so excited to meet him, so I upvoted everyones comments while going O.O

Honestly though, Im excited to see him because Woo Ragi marks the advent of something thats been long time coming: a Choi Lee-kyung who gives no fucks.

I might upload a bonus chapter later today or tomorrow~

Footnotes