A Snake’s Life Ch 38

Chapter 38

 

Zerpell opened his arms and sat facing me closely. He leaned his face on my shoulder. His body trembled slightly as if holding back tears, and I embraced him. Although it looked like I was the one leaning into him, it felt as if he had nestled himself entirely in my arms. In a voice mixed with tears, Zerpell whispered.

“Is it true…?”

“Of course.”

“No matter what I do…?”

“Yeah, I’ll stay by your side.”

“Forever…?”

“Yes.”

“Even if it’s a lie, I won’t be able to run away…”

“I won’t run. If anything, don’t abandon me, master.”

“How could I ever…”

He needed reassurance. He held onto me like I was a lifeline, unable to let go. I simply hugged his head and gently stroked his hair, telling him it was okay. Just like he always did for me. The droplets falling from his hair looked like his tears. Zerpell gripped my clothes tightly as if begging me not to leave. I whispered in his ear that I wouldn’t go anywhere.

At first, I clung to Zerpell because of his status, but over time, I grew attached and came to understand he had many circumstances. At first, I thought it had nothing to do with me, but I couldn’t help but watch him with a pitying gaze. He was also the first person in this world to show me affection. How could I not like someone who liked me?

Feeling each other’s warmth, I patted his back. As if trying to lull a child to sleep. I could feel him lifting his face from my shoulder.

“Are you okay now?”

I asked in a worried tone. Zerpell’s eyes were red and swollen, and he was forcing a smile with a face that looked like he might cry. But his expression seemed relieved. He gently pushed me away. I complied with his movement. Thinking he was okay now, I tried to get up. But that attempt failed when Zerpell grabbed my arm.

I looked at him, wondering if he had something to say, but he didn’t seem ready to open his mouth.

“……”

Just as I was about to speak, Zerpell finally did, in a low voice.

“Shuiren.”

“Huh?”

“…It’s strange. Your words always echo inside me. I guess it’s because you’re special.”

I was surprised to hear my name suddenly and answered. When he finished speaking, he smiled gently. It was the smile I always saw on his face. His red, tearful eyes looked at me lovingly. I looked back and smiled brightly at his returning smile. His voice was lighter, as if his heart had eased.

“Did I ever tell you? I care about you very much.”

“…Even if you didn’t say it, I know.”

“I never believed in gods… but looking at you, it feels like you’re a gift they gave me. Thank you for staying by my side.”

He said while tucking my hair behind my ear. This guy. So cheesy. I replied in a slightly brusque tone. Zerpell chuckled briefly. His ridiculous behavior made me smile faintly too. Small laughs echoed in the bathroom. Because we had been sitting for so long, the water had already gone cold. I complained that my soaked body was cold. Since the master’s condition had improved, I just wanted to lie down on the bed now.

“Let’s get out. It’s cold.”

“Shuiren, if you don’t want to, you can refuse.”

“What?”

A low voice, as if scratching the floor, suddenly sounded. What is he talking about? I stared at him. Zerpell met my gaze. His hand, as if pleading, reached to touch the ends of my hair, then moved upward. My eyes followed his hand. Zerpell cupped my cheek, and his face moved so close our noses almost touched. Our breaths were audibly mingling.

“W-Wait a minute…”

Just as I thought it was too close, his lips met mine. In his pupils, I saw myself staring wide-eyed in shock. His gaze carried a strange heat. Our lips met for only a brief moment and then parted.

“Shit…”

I cursed low without realizing. My mind couldn’t keep up with the situation. Zerpell covered his mouth and laughed, perhaps amused by my dumbfounded expression.

What?? What just happened??

“Oops, were you surprised? You were just so adorable I couldn’t resist.”

He was scanning me from head to toe. My head spun. What the hell is he saying? My mind went blank from the rapid turn of events. Wait? Kiss? A kiss??? Just as I fully grasped what had happened and was about to scream—

He once again pulled me closer by the waist as if to reaffirm his intentions. His force drew my hands to his shoulders. His face leaned in again. It wasn’t a deep kiss with tongues, just a gentle brush of lips as we exchanged breath. Our eyes met… Crazy… My senses snapped awake. I hit his chest in shock and furiously rubbed my lips with my arm. My body, previously trembling from the cold, flushed hot. Even without a mirror, I knew my face was beet red.

“You… what are you doing!”

I shouted with a voice full of surprise and disbelief. I was panting without realizing it. Zerpell was chuckling. His lips, which he licked as if disappointed, were clearly visible. Wasn’t he all gloomy just now?? I couldn’t understand his sudden change or his actions.

“Did you hate it?”

“N-No, I was just surprised…”

“Then I’m glad.”

I stammered. Wait? Did I just say something wrong? Zerpell’s satisfied laughter confirmed his delight. My overloaded brain felt like it was exploding. I stared at him blankly. It wasn’t like I hated it or felt repulsed. I was just shocked. Realizing that, I opened my mouth in disbelief. I hadn’t felt any rejection at all. Why?? It’s my own heart, and I still didn’t get it. Was I just getting used to him?

“I’m really glad.”

Zerpell said as he buried his face in my neck. His voice, as light as breath, scattered into the air. I couldn’t control my trembling lips.

“Why did you kiss me…?”

“Hmm… Were you really that startled?”

He replied casually. So shameless. His nonchalant answer made me angry.

“Of course! A kiss… That’s something you do with someone you’re dating!”

“Dating, huh… What if I want to be that person?”

“What?”

Zerpell fell silent, as if giving me time to think. You want to date me? With me…? You want to be in that kind of relationship? Why??

“You… want to date me?”

“I’m not forcing you. I just… wanted to convey my feelings. If you didn’t like it, I’m sorry.”

His voice wasn’t too low or high, just calmly expressing his feelings. But those words felt sweeter than anything. And my heart seemed to have already sensed it—beating slowly but heavily. As if it had been waiting for this moment. I licked my lips from the tension. After a few false starts, I finally spoke.

“Hey… you know I’m a guy, right?”

“Is that something that matters?”

Zerpell tilted his head and replied. His unwavering gaze was full of sincerity. Until just now, I hadn’t thought much when looking at him, but now his face burned itself into my mind. His handsome features softened as he looked at me. His red-rimmed eyes curved gently. Drops of water fell from his hair down his neck. His wet body was clearly well-built. And to top it off, I was sitting on his lap. The muscles I felt under my hands and the heat rising from my face made me flustered. I felt too embarrassed to show him my blushing face and bowed my head.

“Hmm?”

As I silently lowered my head, he did the same.

Get it together! Don’t get swayed by his looks!

In my 28 years of life, I had never dated a man and had always been straight. I had gay friends, but I respected their preferences and never felt discomfort. But I never imagined it would happen to me. After all, I only ever felt my heart race for women! I had even dated women before, but never a man.

And with a man, how would that even… What am I thinking! Stop! I shook my head vigorously to rid myself of the intrusive thoughts. This racing heart must be because I was surprised. Yeah, that’s it.

I tried to calm down, ignoring the pounding in my ears. Then I heard Zerpell click his tongue. When I looked up, he was glaring at me. For some reason, that made my chest sting.

“Does your leg hurt? I should’ve treated your wound first…”

“Huh?”

His gaze was fixed not on me, but on my leg. Ian had tied a handkerchief for emergency treatment, but it had gotten wet and was stained with blood. What… So that’s what this was about. I sighed in relief. When Zerpell touched the handkerchief, my leg flinched. It stung a little… The water probably made it worse. Would it leave a scar? Seeing it up close, it was bleeding more than I thought.

“I’m okay. There’s a lot of blood, but it’s not too painful—just stings a bit.”

Upon hearing that, Zerpell picked me up. It was a classic princess carry. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck for balance. It wasn’t that serious of an injury; I could’ve walked on my own.

“Master, I can walk on my own…”

“Shh. Just stay still. Let’s treat it quickly.”

He firmly cut me off and strode toward the room while carrying me. So you like me, a guy? Really?? One moment he’s confessing with seduction, the next he’s dead serious about my wound. I couldn’t keep up. Even as he carried me, my mind kept replaying his confession.

It was a confession, right? It definitely was, right??

I looked at Zerpell with a dazed expression. But he didn’t seem to care about my response—his entire focus was on my injury. The serious mood left no room for me to respond to his confession.