193 Petty Quarrels (2/2)

Gun had no choice but to harden his heart. He assumed a stern expression, ”Yeo Ri, Oppa is telling you that you can't go. You're being selfish right now.”

”...!” Yeo Ri's breath hitched. She lowered her eyes and bit her lips, looking highly aggrieved. Her eyes became even glassier as her lips curved downwards.

Gun regretted his words as soon as he saw her face.

”N-no, Yeo Ri-ah, Oppa was wrong, don't cry...!” He tried to pat her arm, but she avoided him. He paled, a frantic feeling causing unrest in his chest. He felt as if he did something wrong, even though he was the one in the right.

”...I understand,” Yeo Ri finally said after a long silence. ”I'm just being a bother to you, aren't I, Oppa? Sorry... I'll be a good girl and wait for you at home.”

Yeo Ri flashed a teary smile at him before turning away. She had been living a smooth and unimpeded life lately that she had become such a brat. Gun was out here trying to keep her alive, and yet she still could not stop her habit of causing trouble. It was the same now as it had been back then.

Yeo Ri mentally scolded herself. 'Why can't you ever change, you useless, dirty little thing?' Her demon whispered, 'Look, you made him angry. Why are you so bothersome?'

'Someone like you should have never even existed in the first place!' It hissed, 'Ugly sl*t!'

Seeing her distraught look, Gun's heart felt as if it was bleeding. How could he ever say such harsh words to his baby sister? After all that she had gone through, he firmly believed that she deserved everything in the world. Yet—here he was, denying her of his company.

Thinking about how lonely she must have felt as she waited for his return every night, all alone at home, he caved in.

”Y-Yeo Ri-ah, wait!” He reached for her arm, stopping her from walking away from him, and unceremoniously pulled her into his arms. ”I'm sorry... Oppa is the one who's bad.” He hugged her tightly. His brows were scrunched up. He looked as if he was afraid that she might disappear the moment he loosened his grip.

”Okay, I got it—you can come, but you have to promise Oppa one thing, okay?”

”Really?” Yeo Ri rubbed her face with the back of her hands, ”What is it?”

”Promise me—don't go anywhere, just sit in one place, okay? Somewhere I can see you easily,” he softly muttered, stroking the back of her head gently.

”...Mm.”

Yeo Ri rested her head against Gun's chest, a relieved smile playing on her face. Seeing the way he was acting, it was obvious that he did not hate her. The thought easily dispelled the darkness lingering in her mind.

And so, in order to please the little princess in his arms, Gun could only helplessly bring her along to work.

Unbeknownst to them, the onlookers who had been observing them since they walked by finally released their breaths, their mouths suppressing a sigh after the heart-pounding display of affection.