Chapter 42

“What should we go eat…?”

I pondered this while driving.

With how tired my body was, it was hard to think clearly.

It seemed the kids were in the same boat; all the magical girls in the car looked utterly exhausted.

Though there were no serious wounds, there was nothing to be done about the fatigue.

Crack.

I opened an energy drink I’d bought beforehand. The carbonated beverage gave off a refreshing fruity aroma as it hissed open.

But I knew what was inside wouldn’t be so pleasant.

“I need to drink this if I’m going to drive.”

The fizzy carbonation slid down my throat and the caffeine woke up my brain. This should be enough to get me safely to our nearby accommodations.

“Uncle, you’re very tired, aren’t you?”

It was Noah’s voice.

“Yeah, you look more tired, kid.”

“Hehe… I’m fine.”

Noah, sitting in the passenger seat, managed a weak smile. If even Noah, who was in the best condition, looked like this…

We needed to get to the lodging quickly. To rest or eat something.

I continued driving carefully, doing my best not to let anyone get hurt.

However, accidents don’t only happen because of your own carelessness. Unexpected things always happen on the road.

The trouble started as we were about to cross an intersection.

Just as we were crossing, a motorcycle came speeding out from the side, ignoring the signal.

“Damn it.”

I cursed under my breath while calmly stepping on the brakes.

Of course, just because I stayed calm didn’t mean the car would too. It seemed quite startled, bouncing around significantly.

I used my arm to steady Noah’s collarbone so they wouldn’t lurch forward. Luckily, no one was hurt and the jerk sped off.

“You’re not hurt, are you?”

“Yes…”

Everyone else was fine too. Though I was relieved, I couldn’t help but feel irritated.

“Huh, that damn-”

I caught myself before saying something harsh.

There are kids here. There’s even a newly minted middle schooler. If I had been in Kraken form, I would have gone after him and roughed him up a bit.

I tried to let go of Noah’s arm, but they wouldn’t release mine. I looked at Noah.

They seem pretty shaken up.

Or maybe something exciting just happened.

‘Hmm.’

Now that I think about it, this could be considered a romantic situation, couldn’t it? Like when someone saves you in a dangerous situation…

‘Girls’ hearts are complicated.’

Just helping them made their heart race.

I pulled over to the side of the road and waited for Noah to let go of my arm.

Someone behind me teased.

“Uncle.”

“Hmm?”

“You totally looked like a bad guy just now.”

“Why?”

“Saying curses while sticking up for your girl-”

“She’s not my girl. You keep talking like that and you’ll get in trouble.”

“Hehe.”

Lee Tae-hwa laughed and hid behind their seat.

Noah remained spaced out for quite some time, and it wasn’t until ten minutes later that we were able to depart again.

+++++

After unpacking in our respective rooms, we regrouped outside.

Our destination was a pork belly restaurant.

As we entered, the smell of cooking pork hit us, making everyone’s mouths water.

There was no way we weren’t hungry after all that we’d been through.

Once seated, we stared blankly at the grill.

“Here’s your pork belly.”

Taking the plate, I decided to take charge of the grilling. I was tired from fighting too, but I couldn’t let that show.

Sizzle.

The pork belly hit the grill.

As the meat sizzled and cooked, everyone’s eyes grew brighter with anticipation.

Anyone looking would think we hadn’t eaten in days.

“Hey, kids.”

“…”

“I’m just saying this out of concern, but you need to wait until it’s fully cooked before eating, got it?”

“…Yes.”

While everyone remained silent, only Noah responded.

Hmph, I’ll have to give Noah something special.

I cut up the fully cooked meat with tongs and distributed a piece to everyone.

“Eat up.”

“What about you, Uncle?”

“I’ll grab some while I’m cooking, don’t worry.”

And so, the meal began.

“It’s delicious…”

Seo Jin-a and Yoo Yul’s exclamations followed Lee Tae-hwa’s.

Seeing everyone enjoy the pork belly filled me with satisfaction.

“How is Noah eating it?”

The only one not reacting was Noah.

Looking over, I saw them wrapping a lettuce leaf.

On top of the lettuce, green onions, ssamjang (wrap sauce), garlic, and pork. Then another piece of pork.

What a thrifty, no, bountiful wrap they’ve made.

Noah held the wrap in their small hands.

“Here, Uncle.”

They offered it to me.

“Huh? Eat it yourself. I see you put a lot of effort into making it.”

“I made it especially for you, Uncle. Please eat it.”

“Noah…”

How do they manage to speak so politely?

Unable to resist, I took the wrap and ate it. The flavors burst in my mouth.

I made my own wrap next.

Green onions, kimchi, garlic, and ssamjang. Sneakily adding three pieces of meat.

“Noah, ah.”

Noah blushed and opened their mouth wide. Their small mouth caused their cheeks to puff out as the wrap went in.

“Don’t choke.”

“I know, I know.”

As I watched Noah smiling, I felt two different gazes – a cold one and a warm one.

The source of the cold gaze was Lee Tae-hwa.

“…Showing affection is good, but please share the meat.”

The source of the warm gaze was Seo Jin-a.

“I’m jealous…I wish I had a boyfriend soon…”

Yoo Yul just kept eating their share, seemingly wondering what all the fuss was about.

Embarrassed for no reason, I grabbed the passing manager.

“Manager, can we have two bottles of cola and two bottles of soda?”

I took the cola and soda from the manager and handed them out to the kids.

Feeling somewhat empty, I mixed the cola and soda together and drank it.

This action drew a question from Noah.

“Uncle, why are you drinking it like that?”

“I want to mix it. I can’t exactly mix soju and beer in front of you guys.”

“You were fine with it last time.”

“That was then.”

“Alright, I won’t mind.”

Noah also asked Lee Tae-hwa and Yoo Yul if they were okay with it.

“Fine~”

“I don’t care…I’ve seen my dad do it often…”

These kids…

I definitely craved alcohol. Something refreshing to cut through all this grease.

But drinking alone isn’t fun, I need an accomplice.

“Would you like a drink, Jin-a?”

“Me too?”

“We’re both adults, one drink shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

After hearing my words, Seo Jin-a thought about it and nodded.

“Then I’ll have just a little-”

“…Actually, upon further thought, drinking in front of middle schoolers isn’t appropriate.”

This sudden change of heart came from Noah.

Yoo Yul looked puzzled at first, but seeing Noah’s serious expression, they looked away.

I looked into Noah’s eyes.

Having known them for a long time, I could read their expressions fairly well.

That expression…

“Probably jealousy and worry.”

Based on my guess, Noah must be jealous seeing Seo Jin-a and me enjoying drinks together. Being a minor who can’t drink yet.

Are they worried that drinking might bring Seo Jin-a and me closer?

Really…they worry too much.

It seems Seo Jin-a noticed Noah’s expression too. Even if she didn’t understand everything, she probably thought it wouldn’t be right to drink.

“Hmm…Noah does have a point. If it was just high schoolers, it might be different, but with Yoo Yul here, it would be strange.”

Seeing her reject the drink like that…

In the end, I gave up on alcohol and decided to enjoy the soft drinks thoroughly instead.

Money? Don’t worry, the Association will cover it.

No matter how messed up things get, we need to make sure the kids who risk their lives eat well.

“Noah, eat more.”

“Yes, thank yo-”

“No, finish it all.”

I offered Noah a wrap twice the previous size.

“That’s too big…It won’t fit…!”

Despite their protests, I forced them to eat the wrap.

“It’s too big…”

“While eating so well, what’s the problem?”

“…Tae-hwa Oppa, what are those people doing?”

“Mind your own business and eat. That’s none of your concern.”

“Hmph…I envy Noah…”

The meal continued.

Not just pork belly, we grilled other cuts and enjoyed a feast with doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and naengmyeon (cold noodles).

Noah, who had eaten their fill, patted their stomach.

“Noah, did you eat enough?”

“Yes, I ate plenty.”

Their stomach was noticeably protruding.

Watching this, Lee Tae-hwa reached out to pat Noah’s stomach while looking at me.

A mischievous smile spread across their face.

“Congratulations.”

“Why?”

“Twins.”

BAM! A sound rang out.

It was the sound of Noah hitting Lee Tae-hwa’s head.

“You really need to stop that! Does that not hurt!?”

“But it’s fun.”

“Grr…Seriously!”

Lee Tae-hwa’s giggling and Noah’s trembling showed this was their unique way of playing. Amazingly, these two who were recently at odds with each other.

‘They must be real friends now.’

After leaving the restaurant, we stopped by an ice cream specialty shop for dessert before returning to the lodging.

As expected, during their prime eating years.

The kids finished off their palate cleansers in double king size portions.

“Auntie can’t keep up anymore…”

Throwing my body onto the bed to console my slightly melancholic feelings.

“Ow, I’m dying…”

My whole body ached.

Whenever I transform into Kraken, I always end up in this state.

Lying limp, not wanting to move at all.

How nice it would be to fall asleep like this.

However, I still can’t sleep. I haven’t showered yet, nor changed clothes.

Moreover, I have unfinished business, so I can’t just sit idly.

Tap, tap.

There was a knocking sound on the window.

“Come in, it’s open.”

The owner of the knocking sound opened the window.

“Sorry to disturb.”

Q entered.

“Let’s have a proper conversation now, Mr. Kraken.”

To interrogate me.

“…Sigh.”

It seems this long day isn’t over yet.

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