By Zephyria “Pfft.”
Tae-jun, unable to swallow the tea he was drinking, spat it out. Yumin, startled, handed him a tissue, but Tae-jun’s expression turned serious, his eyes filled with contempt. After wiping his wet mouth clean, Tae-jun asked Yumin again, as if dumbfounded.
“Why would you ask something like that?”
“Because our class topic is
“Hah… You’re curious about everything. You answer first.”
Tae-jun was quite displeased. Most of what Yumin said was nonsense, but whenever they tried to move towards normal assignment work, such absurd traps would spring out.
From their first meeting, Tae-jun had sensed Yumin’s interest in him. His fidgety gestures trying to look good, his strangely flushed cheeks, and his moist gaze were proof. Tae-jun was generally attractive to both women and men, so that in itself wasn’t particularly surprising. However, a guy harboring ulterior motives asking him if he liked sex was a different matter entirely.
He needed to make his expression serious, chill the atmosphere, and put Yumin in his place. Because he didn’t know how an unusual person like Yumin might cross the line, Tae-jun wanted to prevent Yumin from getting any closer.
“I can have sex even without marriage. No! I want to. How about you?”
Yumin said confidently. He even looked solemn, as if making a declaration for a presidential candidacy. He then met Tae-jun’s gaze intently.
Is he asking me to go at it right here, right now? No, surely he wouldn’t say such a thing in public.
Tae-jun found it difficult to gauge Yumin’s intentions. This was because Yumin possessed a way of thinking fundamentally different from the types of people he had encountered so far.
“As I said earlier, I dislike marriage. That’s all.”
“So, sex is possible then?”
“Um, you keep saying sex, sex, is it that important?”
“Ah…! Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. Actually, I wanted to ask what you think about having children without being married. The movie earlier was about that too.”
Yumin quickly made an excuse. The movie had featured a scene where the woman secretly had a child without the male protagonist knowing, and her life was put in danger.
“To be honest, I have no thoughts about having children, so I’ve never imagined it.”
“What? So, Tae-jun, you don’t plan on having children either?!”
“Yeah, I don’t plan on having them.”
“B-but these days, many people have children without getting married! It’s not a disgrace!”
“What does disgrace or not have to do with it? I’m not interested in having children.”
Yumin felt like he was going to collapse, hit by a consecutive combo of choosing not to marry and choosing not to have children.
Beom Tae-jun! Why aren’t you passing on your excellent genes! Why!
Yumin wanted to shout and ask. But what more could he say to someone who disliked marriage and had no interest in children?
By then, Yumin’s ice cream had completely melted.
“Eat your ice cream.”
“Uh, okay…”
Yumin listlessly scooped up his ice cream. It was his favorite vanilla flavor, but now he couldn’t taste anything.
“So, Yumin, you said you want to get married and have children. When would you like that to happen?”
“Right away.”
“Huh?”
“If possible, even this year. I want to have children as soon as possible.”
“Really? You want to do it quickly compared to current marriage trends. Hmm, I should emphasize this part in the report. The recent marriage rate is declining, and the age of marriage itself is rapidly increasing.”
“Uh, uh… right.”
“Hmm… I can see the outline of the report. Go Yumin has very different views on marriage and family planning compared to me. I can write it like this.”
Tae-jun’s composed way of summarizing the situation left Yumin dumbfounded.
Ice cream dripped from his mouth, soaking his front.
“Go Yumin. You have ice cream on your clothes.”
“Oh, dear.”
He had spilled so much ice cream that Yumin’s black shirt became messy. He quickly tried to wipe it with a tissue, but because it was silk, the stain spread even more unsightly.
What should I do?
Yumin was troubled. He had worn his best shirt to impress Tae-jun, but it had ended up looking terrible.
“It’s a bit awkward to walk around like this…”
He felt gloomy. It felt like a huge wall had formed between him and Tae-jun, and getting his clothes dirty only doubled his distress.
However, he didn’t want to return to the dorm with this feeling. He also wanted to spend more time with Tae-jun. Even though Tae-jun had shocked him just now, the fact that he was an attractive person hadn’t changed.
A Black-footed wildcat doesn’t back down.
A sense of defiance bloomed in Yumin’s heart. It could be seen as stubbornness, but Yumin’s unique tenacious spirit only fueled his desire for Tae-jun.
“Tae-jun, I’m going to buy some clothes to change into. Can you come shopping with me?”
“Ah, that would be good. There are many select shops around here.”
“I needed to buy some spring clothes anyway, so it’s perfect.”
He made a new plan in his mind.
Absolutely avoid neutering.
Make Tae-jun feel, ‘My values have changed. I want Yumin’s baby.’
In other words, become the most attractive male in existence!
A small argument broke out at the cashier. Tae-jun insisted on paying for the meal, but Yumin let out a sound of protest and handed his card to the staff.
“Go Yumin, I’ll buy you the clothes.”
“Huh?”
“Since you treated me to an expensive meal, I should buy you clothes.”
“No, they’re my clothes, why would you buy them?”
Yumin said this with a wide smile. He then looked around at the select shops lining both sides of the street. Tae-jun looked down at Yumin, excited about new clothes, and smirked.
He’s excited over one piece of clothing. Does he think I’m showing interest by offering to buy him clothes?
Still, since he had decided to buy them, it would be nice if Yumin wore pretty clothes. There was no reason to buy cheap ones.
“Let’s go over there.”
Tae-jun pointed to a select shop rumored to be the most expensive on Garosu-gil. It was a daunting suggestion for Yumin, who had expected to get a hoodie from a regular fast-fashion brand.
“There are many affordable brands on the main street. Let’s go there.”
“No, the clothes there are good.”
Tae-jun was resolute. Having been treated to an expensive meal, he felt indebted to Yumin for a moment. He wanted to quickly repay that debt and shed the discomfort.
“Alright. Then I’ll just buy one thing.”
Yumin followed Tae-jun into the shop. The staff welcomed the two handsome men.
“Welcome. Who are the clothes for?”
“Me. I’m looking for a top.”
“I see. Please follow me this way.”
Guided by the staff, Yumin went to the largest window and looked at the outfit coordinated on a mannequin.
“These are our new spring arrivals.”
However, the mannequin was wearing a bright yellow knit. Moreover, all the displayed clothes were pink, light purple, and mint green. By Yumin’s standards, these were embarrassing clothes for a Black-footed wildcat to wear.
“Do you perhaps have anything in darker colors? I’d prefer something completely black with no patterns.”
“Customer, it’s the spring season, so you can assume all black colors are gone. This spring’s trend is pastels, so many bright tones like these are being released. I think this mint color would suit your complexion very well.”
The staff member took out a moderately thin and long mint green knit from the rack. It was a fresh, vibrant green tone that harmonized with Yumin’s fair skin.
The size was also generous, with the sleeves slightly covering Yumin’s hands and the neckline slightly open, giving a cool impression. However, Yumin, who had never worn a mint green knit in his life, found his reflection in the mirror awkward, even uncomfortable.
“It suits you very well. You look truly radiant.”
“No. I can’t wear something like this. It’s too bright.”
“What are you talking about? Please ask your companion if it looks good on you.”
At the staff member’s suggestion, Yumin hesitantly turned around. Tae-jun parted his lips slightly. His eyes traveled from the top of Yumin’s head, down his fair face, to his sharp jawline, his exposed neck, and down to his collarbone. His neck was long, and his upper body was slender, making his collarbones clearly visible.
“It’s fine.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Much better than before.”
Tae-jun’s compliment made Yumin hesitate. As a wildcat beastman, bright colors like this didn’t suit him. Among them, only black was a cool and attractive color.
But Tae-jun said it looks good. What else can I do?
“I’ll take this one!”
“An excellent choice. It suits you so well.”
Yumin went into the fitting room, changed, and came out. The staff applauded. Yumin looked unfamiliar in his reflection but was overwhelmed by the positive reactions.
“Thank you, Tae-jun.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’ll wear it well.”
Just then, the staff member spoke to Yumin.
“One moment, customer. We have a free gift for you.”
“There’s a free gift too?”
“If you buy a knit, we’re giving away a pair of socks.”
“Oh, socks are nice.”
“They’re from the same brand. Here they are.”
The staff member pulled out a pair of socks from under the counter. The socks had a yellow base with blue polka dots. By Yumin’s standards, they had a shocking visual, like something a middle schooler would wear.
“They would look lovely with your current outfit. Would you like to change into them?”
“Ah… the socks are fine-.”
Yumin tried to refuse the socks. However, Tae-jun seemed to have other ideas.
“Hmm… they’re nice? Try them on.”
Yumin’s hair stood on end. He felt a revulsion towards the colorful socks, which he hadn’t encountered in so long.
He had only worn garish socks, other than black ones, once in middle school during a phase of extreme rebellion. Even then, he hadn’t attempted such bold colors as yellow or blue; it was just white socks with two stripes.
Yet, for the conservative Yumin family, it had been a disaster. His parents had put their hands on their foreheads, asking what he was thinking, and his uncle had worried if he was having problems. They gave him generous pocket money, telling him to buy black socks because they were embarrassing to adults.
Even with just white socks, there had been such an uproar. Yellow socks with blue polka dots… he couldn’t handle it.
As if sensing Yumin’s hesitation, Tae-jun urged him on.
“These would suit you much better than black socks.”
Tae-jun didn’t have any particular intention behind his words. They were free gifts, and he thought they would go well with the bright top, so he said it without much thought.
However, for Yumin, Tae-jun’s every word was absolute. Yumin steeled his confused heart.
Yes, peacocks decorate themselves elaborately for mating. They spread their colorful wings and dance with their feathers.
Then I will too. To make a mate with excellent genes mine. For that, even these terrible socks? Endure! Bear it!
Yumin squeezed his eyes shut and prayed to his ancestors.
Ancestors who endured the harsh environment of the African continent and carried on the lineage, please forgive me just this once. This is all an effort to continue the lineage of the wildcat species.
From Tae-jun’s perspective, it was all very strange. What was so difficult about changing socks that he kept hesitating and closing his eyes so tightly?
Perhaps he has a complex about his feet. Maybe there are scars or moles he doesn’t want others to see. If so, I should tell him he doesn’t have to change. Thinking this, Tae-jun observed Yumin’s reaction again.
“Alright. If you want me to, Tae-jun, I will wear these socks!”
Yumin’s eyes widened, and he shouted so loudly that it echoed through the store.
“Um, Go Yumin, I didn’t say I wanted you to wear them…”
“This is all for you, Tae-jun!”
Tae-jun couldn’t understand what Yumin was saying. What did changing socks have to do with him?
Whether Tae-jun was lost in his questions or not, Yumin extended his hand to the staff member.
“Give me the socks!”
“Ah, here you are, customer.”
“I’ll change into them right away.”
“Ah… then please sit here and do it.”
The staff member brought over a plush stool. Yumin took off his shoes. His hands trembled slightly as he untied his shoelaces, but he summoned his courage.
Now is the time to temporarily set aside my identity. Isn’t it the mark of a man to accept unavoidable situations as they are?
Meanwhile, Tae-jun watched Yumin take off his shoes. Yumin carefully removed his shoes, then very slowly took off his black socks. And in the very next moment, his gaze was captured by Yumin’s feet.
…Why are a guy’s feet so fair?
Tae-jun was surprised. Of course, he hadn’t had many opportunities to see other people’s feet, especially men’s, in his life, but he had never seen feet like Yumin’s. His feet were astonishingly clean and smooth.
His heels were soft and free of calluses, his instep had a pinkish hue, and his slender, neat toes were stretched out.
The tips of his toes were particularly pink, and the soles of his feet looked incredibly soft.
Seeing the pink feet, something flashed through Tae-jun’s mind. It was the plump paw pads of cats. Yumin’s pink feet were very similar to the jelly-like pads of cat paws. They were the charming point of cats that Tae-jun absolutely adored.
For a moment, Tae-jun felt an urge to touch Yumin’s feet. He wanted to touch the moist soles and tickle his toes. It was a brief but intense impulse.
He shivered, creeped out by his own thoughts.
What am I thinking? Wanting to touch a guy’s feet, I’m not a pervert.
Tae-jun shuddered slightly. But he still couldn’t tear his eyes away from Yumin’s feet.
His ankles, slightly revealed as he pulled up his pants, were also very pretty. His bones were slender, yet the muscles along his Achilles tendon were slightly developed and firm.
Meanwhile, Yumin was so captivated by the socks’ gaudiness that he didn’t notice Tae-jun staring at his feet.
Yumin sighed inwardly. He had taken away the black feet from the Black-footed wildcat, essentially abandoning his pride.
Beom Tae-jun. I will temporarily set aside the name Black Foot and become a Plain wildcat. And I will cover my feet with humiliating Colorful prints. All to win the sweet fruit that is Beom Tae-jun.
Yumin quickly put on the socks and then his shoes.
“Am I… am I weird?”
Yumin lacked confidence. Since they weren’t black socks that highlighted his natural charm, he felt ashamed and awkward about his appearance.
“No, you look much better. They suit you.”
Tae-jun’s compliment made Yumin’s ear tips immediately turn red, and he smiled.
“Really?”
“Yeah. They look better than black socks.”
Yumin changed his mind.
Yes, fine. If Tae-jun likes them, I can wear yellow polka-dot socks, or even pink socks!
Of course, Tae-jun had never wanted Yumin to wear pink socks. He hadn’t even asked him to wear these yellow socks.
“Shall we go then?”
“Yeah!”
Tae-jun opened his wallet and took out his card. Yumin recognized the card.
Wait, isn’t that the Americano Espresso card? I heard it has no limit and is only issued to ultra-VIPs. A college student has a card like that?
Yumin felt a thrill. Could I have found a man with looks, height, character, and wealth? I’ve caught a phoenix!*
He shivered again and ran his hand down his arm. The ancestral spirits must have favored him and bestowed this man upon him.
For the record, Tae-jun had not been caught by Yumin. At least, not yet. There was no hint of a subtle connection, let alone the possibility of having children.
Well, the life of a beastman is unpredictable, so the future development is unknown.