Chapter 42 : Playing with Fire

A pleasant scent of air freshener lingered in the hospital room where a humidifier was running. 

When Iris stepped closer, Laika, who was lying in bed, blinked weakly. 

Her act of pretending to be shocked was flawless. 

Forcing a smile, she held up a fruit basket. 

‘Didn’t get hurt or even faint. If something like that knocks you out, you’re no villain. That’s award-worthy acting, honestly.’ 

As Iris pulled a chair and sat by the bed, Laika kept up his weak appearance and opened his mouth. 

“You’re here. You ungrateful brat.” 

“Heh… So you read the article.” 

Iris narrowed her eyes at his lively mouth, which contrasted with his supposedly exhausted body. 

If he read the article, he could have done something about it. 

But when she rechecked the internet on the way over, her trivial gossip had already been buried under more shocking news. 

Still, as someone directly involved, couldn’t he at least contact them and request its removal? 

Unaware of her inner thoughts, Laika scratched his chin and replied. 

“Yeah. As you can see, I need rest, but other than that I’m fine… Last night was just too much. My head’s still fuzzy.” 

“I see… Here’s a fruit basket. You said you like melons and mangoes.” 

“Ohh… Thanks. I was worried you’d come empty-handed.” 

With a shameless smile, Laika motioned to the side table. 

Iris reluctantly placed the basket on it, only for him to shake his head. 

“No, open the drawer. There’s a fruit knife. You’re supposed to peel them.” 

“Peel them…?” 

“Yeah. Ever heard of complete bed rest? The patient shouldn’t move. Didn’t you come to nurse me?” 

“Yes, yes… I suppose so.” 

Engraving the word “patience” into her heart, Iris began peeling the fruit. 

She placed slices of mango and melon on a disposable plate taken from the drawer, and Laika, picking them up with a fork, grumbled. 

“Your fruit-cutting skills are really…” 

Yet he finished the plate quickly. 

When he gestured again, Iris began peeling more. 

Watching her clumsy hands, Laika spoke up. 

“No words for me?” 

“Pardon?” 

Words for what? 

Iris shot him a cold look before quickly softening her expression. 

She momentarily forgot her goal to acquire his skill and let her true feelings slip. 

Words—he probably wanted to be thanked. 

Laika eyed her suspiciously when her expression turned briefly blank, but relaxed once she smiled again. 

“Hm? Nothing to say?” 

“Ah… thank you. For saving me.” 

“That’s it?” 

Still seated on the bed, Laika tilted his head. 

He was originally the one supposed to be saved, so why was she thanking him? 

Iris found it irritating but decided to play along. 

“…Thank you. I almost died, and thanks to you, I survived. I’ll never forget this debt.” 

“Good. Then you should repay me.” 

Laika set the plate down and ran a finger over his lips. 

The sly gleam in his narrow blue eyes told Iris exactly what he meant. 

Her eyes briefly lingered on his firm chest, visible through the loose hospital gown, before she sat up straight again. 

She wasn’t going to fall for his teasing so easily—her pride wouldn’t allow it. 

Looking away, she mumbled. 

“That moment… It was just a spur-of-the-moment thing, wasn’t it?” 

“Was it…? Then what about now? Isn’t this the perfect mood? My face isn’t enough of a mood?” 

“Heh… well…” 

Iris hesitated, grumbling inside. 

Handsome men always used their looks. 

How could someone say something like that in a hospital, without a hint of shame? 

His delinquent-like first impression hadn’t gone anywhere. 

Laika was definitely a player. 

‘The mood, huh… Honestly, shouldn’t there be some atmosphere? We’re not lovers, and what—slicing fruit in a hospital and then suddenly kissing? That doesn’t make any sense.’ 

Still grumbling inwardly, she pouted. 

But physical contact with Laika was what she wanted. 

Not just for the skill—but because she didn’t hate it. 

No, she liked it too much. 

Maybe she should just pretend to give in. 

As Iris wavered, a knock came at the door. 

Laika frowned in annoyance. 

“Oh?” 

“Laika, um, I should probably get going now…” 

Peeking through the slightly opened door, the manager shifted his eyes awkwardly. 

Laika waved him off, clearly bothered. 

“You’re still here? Just go.” 

“Okayyy…” 

But just as the manager was closing the door, Laika stopped him. 

“Wait. We’re not filming right now. Just keep going, and don’t come back to this hospital unless I call. Iris will be taking care of me now. Right?” 

“Ohh, really? That’s even better! Then I’ll leave you two to it. Bye, Laika, and Iris!” 

“Wait, I—” 

Before Iris could say more, the manager closed the door and left. 

His footsteps running down the hallway sounded almost joyful. 

Of course—he just got time off. 

‘He doesn’t even bother keeping up appearances around his manager. Doesn’t look like he used any skills either… Well, no point overusing mental abilities anyway.’ 

Iris looked at the firmly shut door and forced a smile. 

So she would be nursing Laika now. 

To get the skill, deeper contact was necessary. 

She had hoped to get closer—but things were escalating quickly, and it was starting to feel like a burden. 

‘He’s seriously planning to devour me… Should I be happy, or scared?’ 

The silent room, the firmly shut door. 

Iris awkwardly stood up, trying to escape the tension. 

She picked up the disposable plate and fruit peels from the table. 

“You’re not eating anymore, right? Umm, where’s the trash can…” 

“Let’s finish the conversation. If we kissed now, wouldn’t it taste super sweet? Like mangoes or melons.” 

Laika suddenly grabbed her wrist, winking with a sly smile. 

He puckered his red lips, and Iris felt her heart drop. 

This wasn’t just any fox—he was a nine-tailed one here to steal hearts. 

The way his eyes slanted and his lips were so red—maybe he was a gumiho reincarnated. 

Yes, she had denied her feelings long enough. 

Laika was among the most handsome actors out there. 

For someone like Iris who didn’t often meet men like him, every move he made was dangerously tempting. 

Just looking at his face was enough to make her lips twitch into a smile. 

Being with him was good. 

She wanted it. 

The problem came after falling for that temptation. 

‘I like it. But what do I do after? What if he finds out I’m a hero…?’ 

The fastest way to gain a skill was through the deepest contact—sex. 

But what then? 

She and Laika were on opposite sides—villain and hero. 

If they got involved like this, it wouldn’t end well… 

Then Laika’s low voice snapped her back to reality. 

“You don’t want to? You can’t possibly not want to.” 

“It’s not really the right atmosphere…” 

“Maybe not, but doesn’t my face create the atmosphere?” 

Laika cupped his face with both hands and grinned. 

He usually acted like a jerk, but at times like this, he smiled with those soft eyes. 

The man in front of her was a villain—one of the key players in the fall of Kyodam City. 

Getting involved with him could destroy her too. 

But… 

‘I don’t care anymore. He’s too handsome. This is all the chastity belt’s fault. I’m innocent. We’re in a hospital, so just… just a kiss. Only a kiss.’ 

Resolving herself, Iris set down the things she was holding and leaned toward Laika. 

He gently cupped her cheeks, his lips curled into a seductive smile. 

His warm, ticklish breath reached her first—then soft, moist lips met hers. 

“Mmh…” 

“Haa…” 

Laika tilted his head, the sharp bridge of his nose brushing against her petite one. 

He pulled her closer with his large hand on her back, deepening the kiss. 

With their lips still pressed together, his thick tongue gently teased the seam of her lips.