SMS | Chapter 3.3

A wave of thirst washed over Mino as if his throat was burning, an impression that came to him even before he opened his eyes. Struggling to lift his heavy eyelids, he groaned and reached out to grasp the sheets.

“Ah, I’m thirsty…”

“Here, water.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Thank you—Ah!”

Lee Dohoon was handing him a cup of water. Mino almost dropped it. When he opened his eyes, the sight was shocking. Dohoon’s wet, black hair seemed almost within reach, fresh from a shower, and his sculpted features were even closer. Mino’s heart felt like it was about to burst.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Sunlight streamed through the fluttering chiffon curtains, shattering around them like white, broken glass.

“You’re really surprised.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Me, me, me, how did I, uh, get here…?”

“You threw yourself at me. Don’t you remember?”

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

Me? How could I! Did I beg to be hit?

Confusion filled Mino’s eyes as he clutched the blanket.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Me? I, I did? How?”

His raw thoughts came out more polished. Even if Dohoon saw him as naive, Mino had his corporate savvy to fall back on…

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Just kidding. You passed out drunk, and since I didn’t know your address, I brought you here.”

That made more sense. Mino knew his drunken antics were just babbling nonsense, not launching himself at attractive men. He’d seen friends whose drinking habits included pecks and kisses, but he’d never been interested in that himself.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But why imply otherwise? He peeked under the blanket; his clothes were intact, only his coat and socks had been removed. No wonder his body felt stiff.

“This is my going-out outfit. Should I wash the sheets?”

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

“I should have undressed you for bed. You kept curling up into a ball, so I couldn’t manage it.”

“I’ll wash them before I leave.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“If I told you to wash them, would you?”

Damn.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Dohoon’s comments were loaded with innuendo and irritation. Though Mino had spoken without thinking, his frustrated state made Dohoon’s words sound incredibly suggestive.

Corporate acumen or not, Mino stiffened, and Dohoon chuckled.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s fine, get up. We need to eat.”

It seemed he hadn’t made any inappropriate remarks. Aside from his penchant for jokes, Dohoon was the same as always. Mino slid out of bed and followed him.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Unlike Mino’s modest attic studio, Dohoon’s house was spacious, enough to make one wonder how many square meters it was.

“Why don’t you shower while I prepare breakfast? You might feel grimy.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Ah, but I don’t have a change of clothes. What’s your address here?”

“It’s a five-minute walk from the hospital. You live near there, right? It’s close.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“If you don’t mind, I’ll go home to shower. Sorry for the scruffy look.”

Mino pressed his messy hair down with his hands and sat at the table. Dohoon started frying eggs in the kitchen, moving briskly around.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

When Dohoon took out a dog bowl, Mino fell into a ridiculous daydream.

‘Eat well.’

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He imagined Dohoon placing the dog bowl under the table and himself, hypnotized, kneeling down to stick his head into the bowl. However, the fantasy shattered with the arrival of three dogs.

“Sowol, Yeono, Seo, wait.”

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

The well-trained dogs awaited Dohoon’s command, adorable beyond reason, but Mino felt deep embarrassment.

“Eat.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Dohoon’s earlier imaginary command echoed for real as the dogs started eating at his signal.

“Ah, it’s time to feed the dogs. Just wait a moment, Mino.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes…”

Waiting triggered a vague sense of déjà vu. Dohoon hesitated as if to ask something but then turned back to the kitchen.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Meanwhile, Mino looked around the house. The living room was expansive with a long hallway and slightly open doors. It was surprising that he had three dogs, but it seemed manageable.

Cat towers, poles, and toys caught his eye, making him wonder if Dohoon also had cats.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

There must be a small kitten he had picked up somewhere in this house, though these items didn’t seem intended for it. They were probably for adult cats he had kept before.

But no cats were in sight. They probably hid when visitors came. Soon, Mino’s gaze drifted outside to the garden visible through a large window.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Was it a country house? It looked challenging to maintain.

The atmosphere was different from his obsessive-compulsive clinic, more relaxed. This large house was perfectly managed, animals and all, unlike his cluttered attic room.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Uh…”

He noticed something odd—a small staircase leading downstairs. Only about six steps. Unlike other doors slightly ajar for the animals, this door was firmly shut, giving off a strange feeling of being out of place.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“There’s a basement?”

“Yes, it’s storage.”

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

Dohoon replied casually as he came over with a tray.

A storage room? What do people usually keep there? His curiosity was not subsiding.

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

“What’s in the storage? Seasonal stuff you don’t use?”

“Something like that. It’s where I keep things I only use occasionally.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“The house is really spacious.”

“I have animals in temporary care, so living in an apartment or villa is tough. They need space. Sowol is well-behaved, but Yeono and Seo often bark. It’d be a headache if we got complaints about noise.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Temporary care, then. Mino just nodded. He didn’t know much about it. He shoveled in the eggs, bacon, and toasted bread laid before him while Dohoon, having made coffee, asked gently, “Do you like the food? You’re eating well.”

“I eat well, generally.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“That’s apparent. Want to see the cats after this?”

“Yes, yes.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Mino nodded so vigorously it almost made a buzzing sound. Even as they ate, he had to keep himself from staring at the dog bowls at his feet.

Was he crazy? These deviant thoughts made his heart race. But then he gave up. He was a deviant, after all.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

After they finished eating, Dohoon led him to a small room. He didn’t need to ask to know what it was. Among many rooms, this one was meant solely for the kitten he had brought. It was a wise decision, given the big cats already living in the house might harm it.

“Wow…”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Wouldn’t it be happier living here? As he stepped into the room, Mino lost his confidence. His plan to set up a cat-friendly space in one corner of his attic room and by the window seemed pitiful now.

“Meow.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

A black cat with white socks peeked out from a plush hideaway shaped like a meringue cookie. Its eyes, which had been closed as if dead when he found it on the street, met his.

The gray eyes tinged with blue stared at him quietly, stirring an indescribable emotion in him. It looked unbelievably healthier than just a few days ago.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s grown a bit already?”

“They grow fast around this time. People, too.”

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

“Ah, it’s really cute… um, what’s the gender?”

“We can be sure after about eight weeks, but it seems to be male.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

A male, then. Mino crouched down to meet the kitten’s gaze and smiled warmly. Even if this house offered a much better environment for the cat, he couldn’t just leave it here any longer.

Wishing for more would be too much of a burden on Dohoon and the existing animals.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Plus, confronting its adorable face stirred an inexplicable affection. This small life that he had saved was looking back at him.

“What should I name it…”

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

“You think about it, Mino.”

“It’s black with white socks, so… Komsa… is a bit off, um, Heukbaek, Monami? Badukdol? The harmony of yin and yang…?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“What sort of stream of consciousness is that?”

“I’m not good at this… You’ve seen many at the hospital, haven’t you? Can you suggest something?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Nothing appropriate came to mind. Mino, almost cat-like, brooded over the kitten. The thought of his rear end protruding in front of Dohoon didn’t cross his mind.

“Something common?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes. I usually order only the best-sellers at restaurants, and they’re safe bets. I eat well, after all.”

“Some of the more recent names I’ve heard are Kkamang, Kkami, Puma, Leo.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Simple and cute names were listed. None particularly resonated, leaving him a bit disappointed until curiosity struck.

“But why Leo?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“They said because of the Oreo cookies, black and white.”

“That’s cute, but if it’s black and white, it really should be Badukdol. Or Chessboard… wait, what about Chess? It’s cute, right? In Korean, Chaesu.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Mino perked up, feeling suddenly inspired by his own suggestion. It was common because the best ones are common, but being too common was also a bit disappointing. ‘Chaesu, Chaesu,’ he repeated, trying it out, while Dohoon made a subtle face.

“Chaesu… sounds healthy.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Isn’t strained juice called ‘chaesu’? That thought crossed his mind. Mino, unfazed, continued to mutter to the kitten, now named Chaesu.

“Chaesu, your brother will come to get you in a month. My place is small, and my salary is modest, but I can at least afford to feed you.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He spoke as if proposing, with a grave tone, while Dohoon chuckled softly. The roundness of his jeans-clad behind kept catching his eye, stirring an inexplicable impulse and sense of déjà vu.

He must be really hungry. Naturally, he imagined what lay beneath those jeans.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“May I kiss you?”

He asked for permission, but who he was asking wasn’t clear for a moment.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Be careful,”

“Ouch!”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Mino ended up with a new wound, somewhat ignominiously inflicted by Chaesu rejecting his advance. For such a young kitten, its claws were surprisingly sharp.

The cut was just a thin trail of blood on his nape, shallow enough not to scar but not an ideal location either.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“It’s hard to blame you for getting hurt.”

“Sorry.”

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

“It’s not your fault, Mino.”

As Dohoon treated his neck, Mino felt a tingling sensation below, caused by the sensitive area being touched. Thinking of checking the wound in the mirror made him eager to go home.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I should be going now. Thanks for treating it.”

“No, let’s go together. I need to head out too.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

But unexpectedly, Dohoon decided to come along.

The suggestively swinging―only in Mino’s eyes―leash nearly made him faint.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Dohoon could never imagine the lewd thoughts running through Mino’s mind. He simply needed to walk the three dogs. Mino ended up holding Sowol’s leash, as Yeono and Seo, being small dogs, were actually trickier for a beginner to handle.

“I feel so bad you’re helping with the walk.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You let me stay over when I was drunk…”

It was his first time walking a dog. Sowol behaved well, matching Mino’s pace.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Wait if he wants to sniff around.”

“Got it. More to look out for than I thought.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Hold on tighter, just to be safe. Sowol is good, but just in case.”

Mino nodded, eager to be of help. As they neared his house, yesterday’s events came back to him.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Ah, you spent quite a bit of money yesterday.”

“I asked you out on a date. It’s customary for the person who asks to pay. Don’t act like you’ve never been on a date.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“That, then I’ll ask you out. On a date.”

Uh, how did it come to this? He couldn’t believe his own words. No response came.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Staring down at Sowol by his feet, Mino realized they had reached his neighborhood alley. Should he say he was just talking nonsense because he was still drunk? While he pondered, Dohoon got close.

“When?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Uh, Friday evening…?”

“I’ll wait.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

His handsome face seemed about to pop out at him.

“If you keep getting in my face,”

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

“I thought you liked faces, so I was just showing off my charms. Is that wrong?”

“I’m a man.”

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

“You don’t have to tell me. You’re past eight weeks, Mino.”

Dohoon joked playfully. Mino, lacking yesterday’s memories, was now sure. Something was definitely off.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“I’ll wait for Friday. Call me in advance, come to the clinic, and let’s check that knee.”

“Ah, a promise…”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He inadvertently hooked his pinky.

In the alley, only the weeds and peeing dogs bore witness, yet he felt overwhelmingly embarrassed.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Even though he was like an unattainable fruit to him, unable to ever truly satisfy him, he resented the situations that kept unfolding this way.