SMFC | Chapter 16

For an awakened, a voice loud enough to be heard without concentrating didn’t seem like it would carry any particularly significant information.

Lee Soo frowned, wondering what Yoo Haeon wanted him to hear. How long had he been listening to their conversation? Barely a few seconds. The voices, which quickly moved on to another topic, were cruelly indifferent.

“Oh, right. I’ve been curious about something. Yoo Haeon, is he still walking around with his head held high these days?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Do you think someone can change that easily? After nearly sending a hunter to their grave recently, he’s still strutting around like he owns the place. I heard he acted as he pleased in the dungeon, completely ignoring the other hunters.”

“It’s all because of Ryu Leesoo, isn’t it? But honestly, I don’t really like Ryu Leesoo. He keeps holding onto the souls of the dead, using them for his power, yet acts like it’s no big deal.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

A man, a woman, another man, and then laughter that didn’t belong to any of them. Listening to a few brief exchanges, Lee Soo quickly lost interest in the conversation that was shifting topics and blinked slowly before turning his gaze to Yoo Haeon.

Even though he’d heard that the new topic was about him. Instead of being upset or outraged at the gossip, Lee Soo found his reaction slightly amusing. It was just that kind of mild, detached sentiment. Yoo Haeon, on the other hand, thought it was rather unpleasant that Lee Soo had to hear such things.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He’s not someone who can be put down with words like that. It didn’t sit well with him.

“Why do you even bother listening to this kind of talk?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Grumbling, Lee Soo’s response was laced with barely concealed affection. They weren’t all that different from anyone else, but somehow their words felt distinct. Yoo Haeon muttered quietly, his voice rumbling in his throat as if something was pressing against it.

“…When they talk like this, as if they want me to hear, I can’t help but listen. Unfortunately, my hearing is just too good.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

With a cigarette tucked between his lips, Yoo Haeon’s eyes curved slightly as he let out a casual laugh. Watching his expression, Lee Soo reached out and snatched the cigarette away.

“Well, that’s true. But you shouldn’t smoke. It’s bad for your health.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I’m a healer. I can handle that much on my own.”

The self-assured tone in Yoo Haeon’s voice made Lee Soo scoff. He firmly denied the claim, worried that Yoo Haeon might misunderstand it as a comment on his skills. Lee Soo quickly added that it wasn’t about his ability being insufficient but about the absurdity of taking care of one’s health only after it had already deteriorated.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Still looking slightly bewildered, Yoo Haeon accepted the portable ashtray Lee Soo handed him. Lee Soo placed the cigarette inside and tucked the ashtray into the pocket of Haeon’s cardigan. Feeling a small sense of pride at Yoo Haeon’s quiet compliance, Lee Soo hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking.

“Um, do you like coffee?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I don’t dislike it.”

“Then, want to go to the cafeteria? I’m not on call today. If you don’t mind, Healer Yoo, let’s chat for a bit.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Lee Soo’s face and tone were calm, matching his nonchalant invitation. Yet, for some reason, Yoo Haeon felt that Lee Soo seemed oddly earnest. And indeed, Lee Soo was nervously fidgeting with his hidden toes inside his shoes, worrying about being rejected.

Fortunately, the response came quickly. Yoo Haeon nodded, and Lee Soo’s eyes widened as a radiant smile spread across his face. His restless toes, which had been wriggling moments before, instantly stilled upon receiving the answer.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The smile blooming on Lee Soo’s face was endearing. The gentle curve of his eyes, adorned with a dangling smile, felt like something unforgettable—even after ten years. Yoo Haeon sighed lightly, his laughter tinged with resignation.

Lee Soo cautiously held onto Yoo Haeon’s sleeve as if not wanting to let go. Every ten steps or so, Lee Soo would bring up some trivial topic: sometimes about Young, sometimes about places he wanted to visit, and sometimes about the people who followed him.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

It was all Lee Soo’s stories, but none of them were about Lee Soo himself.

That realization felt oddly stifling. Yoo Haeon pressed his lips together in silence before quietly asking.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Don’t you have a favorite flower or anything? Talk about yourself for once. Why is it always about the things around you?”

Lee Soo fell silent, startled by the remark. Then, with a small smile, he replied, “I didn’t realize. If Healer Yoo wants, I’ll tell you something about myself, just this once.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Though his tone made it sound like he was doing a favor, it was clear that Lee Soo was delighted by Yoo Haeon’s curiosity about him. Yoo Haeon noticed this but chose not to comment, gently shaking his trapped sleeve.

“…Your grip is heavy.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Ah, should I let go? Sorry… Better than holding your hand, though—”

“Then just hold my hand. It’s fine as long as you warn me first.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Yoo Haeon muttered, as if talking to himself, with a puzzled expression.

Lee Soo cherished every word that came out of Yoo Haeon’s mouth, no matter how trivial. He knew that tonight, when he lay in bed, he’d replay even the shortest answers and faintest scoffs. Today’s words, though, would likely be sweet enough to savor for days. Lee Soo chuckled softly, reaching out to carefully hold Yoo Haeon’s hand.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Lee Soo’s laughter, though sharp and slightly damp, struck Yoo Haeon with an inexplicable melancholy. He thought it resembled the wistful depth of a Monet painting, though he couldn’t pinpoint why.

Lee Soo’s cheeks, usually pale, were now flushed with joy. His expression was bright, yet he was careful not to glance at Yoo Haeon too often, as if afraid it might make him uncomfortable.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The warmth transmitted through their joined hands was cool rather than hot, reminding Yoo Haeon of the peculiar nature of Lee Soo’s existence. He stared at their hands—one pale and lifeless, the other a healthy white with faintly flushed knuckles.

Even when there was no response, Lee Soo didn’t seem to mind. He continued sharing bits of his life with a calm voice. After a while, he noticed Yoo Haeon staring intently at something. Following his gaze, Lee Soo realized it was their clasped hands. He chuckled softly, tightening his grip just slightly.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Startled, Yoo Haeon looked up. “Oh… Right, I was talking about perfumes, wasn’t I? Sorry, please go on.”

The fact that Haeon had been listening despite his distraction surprised Lee Soo, who laughed warmly. “Are my hands cold?” he asked softly. After blinking in surprise, Yoo Haeon nodded.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“They’ll be nice and cool in the summer. I’ll keep you cool during summer, Healer Yoo, but in winter, you’ll have to warm my hands.”

Half-jokingly, Lee Soo hummed his words like a song. Yoo Haeon chuckled faintly, agreeing with ease. Was he in an unusually good mood today? Lee Soo found the healer’s words so precious that he thought he’d remember them even after death. Smiling, he walked alongside Yoo Haeon, holding his hand.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

When they reached the cafeteria, all eyes turned to them momentarily before scattering away. Yoo Haeon ignored the stares out of habit, while Lee Soo tried hard not to care. For some reason, he found Yoo Haeon’s composure in the face of attention remarkable.

Focused on picking out drinks for Yoo Haeon, Lee Soo perked up at the sound of a familiar voice nearby. “What’s wrong?” Yoo Haeon asked, glancing up from the dessert display. Lee Soo turned his gaze toward him.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“I thought I heard someone I know,” Lee Soo replied, scanning the area. Finding nothing, he tilted his head, muttering, “Maybe I was mistaken.” Yoo Haeon smiled faintly, but his attention shifted when he noticed four people approaching them.

“Someone’s coming,” he said.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Lee Soo’s eyes widened, and he turned to see the approaching group. The moment he recognized them, his face lit up with a bright smile. Yoo Haeon felt an odd, faintly unpleasant sensation stir in his stomach. Something queasy, almost boiling, though he couldn’t name the feeling.

While Yoo Haeon frowned slightly in confusion, Lee Soo raised a hand and waved at the group, his expression radiant.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Leesoo-nim~!”