“Hm? Bugs?”
“You know, there are sometimes those beasts who recklessly play with their lower halves.”
“Ah.”
“There are trashy people without morals who two-time or enjoy one-night stands, but anyone in their right mind wouldn’t try to seduce someone who’s in a relationship.”
“Wow…”
This was another aspect Iberis hadn’t considered. He looked at Lucas with admiring eyes. Lucas was right. Even if Iberis didn’t realize it, there must be many people who like Lucas. Wasn’t he quite popular even at headquarters?
Apparently, he had openly claimed to be a premarital chastity advocate to ward off those who showed excessive interest.
Recalling Lucas’s attitude of drawing a clear line when they first met, Iberis anxiously bit his lip. Anyone with eyes wouldn’t leave someone as attractive and capable as Lucas alone.
“So, um, it’s like a safety measure? To tell people not to meddle with our relationship?”
“That’s right.”
Lucas’s eyes curved as if to say that was the correct answer. Then he raised his other hand to tidy Iberis’s hair, which had become disheveled from the various examinations. After briefly enjoying the sensation of the hair wrapping around his fingers, he slowly lowered his head.
“I absolutely cannot stand seeing anyone trying to seduce you, Major.”
Like a butterfly landing on a flower, Lucas gently kissed the hair caught in his fingertips, revealing his strong possessiveness. He had no intention of letting go of what he had finally obtained.
“What about you, Major?”
“…Huh?”
“How do you feel? Would it be okay if someone pursued me, saying they like me?”
“What? No!”
Iberis, who had frozen at Lucas’s light kiss on his hair, shouted in surprise at his question. The thought of witnessing someone seducing Lucas made him feel extremely unpleasant.
“I hate it, I absolutely hate it.”
“Right? I’m the same. I’m extremely jealous. And very possessive.”
“…Me too.”
Iberis seriously agreed with his words, gripping Lucas’s sleeve.
Finding this behavior adorable, like a puppy trying to stick close to its owner, Lucas chuckled softly and firmly held Iberis’s hand. Then, in a sweet voice, he asked for permission.
“Then, can I tell others that we’re dating? Apart from submitting it to the committee.”
“Yes. Do as you like.”
Iberis nodded vigorously. It would have been difficult to hide from Brenda and the unit members anyway. Living together in the same space, it was inevitable that some signs would show no matter how careful they were. In that case, it was better to just openly reveal it.
Once that happens, it would only be a matter of time before rumors spread. After all, there’s nothing more interesting and exciting than other people’s love stories.
Especially in a remote place like N-zone where entertainment is scarce, words travel even faster. Because there’s nothing to do when meeting others except gossip.
Iberis sighed as he gauged what would happen after publicly announcing his relationship with Lucas. Then he shook his head to clear his thoughts. While there were concerns, there was no need to stress about it already. For now, he was busy fully enjoying the joy of being with the person he loved.
Above all, it was something he could protect himself. Iberis squeezed the hand he was holding. Although he was more talented at destroying than protecting, he would use all his strength to protect Lucas. He had no intention of giving up the happiness that had come to him like a miracle.
“Then we can gather these and hand them over to the agent waiting outside. Lieutenant General Bismarck will handle the rest well.”
As Lucas had declared, Winfried had asked Colonel Ange, the hospital director here, to allow the two of them to conduct the examination comfortably.
Later, they heard that she had requested cooperation to allow Lucas and Iberis to receive detailed examinations alone, citing the reason that ‘Captain Luke Illum finds it difficult to face people after the attack incident’.
Although it seemed doubtful such an excuse would work, upon hearing her words, the hospital director made a fuss and even postponed previously scheduled appointments, clearing out the entire examination room.
And when they briefly stopped by to express their gratitude today, the director treated Lucas as if he might break if touched. He consoled Lucas, saying things like how difficult it must have been and how great the psychological pain must be.
Thanks to this, Lucas realized that his image to Colonel Ange was that of a ‘pitiful guide attacked by a drug-addicted Esper’.
Despite the fact that Carlos, the perpetrator, was in a state of severe injury requiring long-term treatment, while Lucas, the victim, was walking around on his own two feet without a scratch.
After finishing the greetings and leaving the director’s office, Lucas grumbled that this was all due to the prejudice that guides are weaker than Espers, but in any case, thanks to Winfried’s help, the two were able to receive the examination comfortably.
All corridors connected to the detailed examination room were guarded by intelligence agents sent by Winfried, ensuring not even a mouse could sneak in, and Colonel Ange had permitted the deletion of records, so there was nothing to worry about.
“I feel like we’re indebted to the Lieutenant General in many ways. I’d like to repay her before our vacation ends…”
“Repay?”
“Yes, I was thinking of giving her a small gift or something… Would that be okay?”
“That’s a good idea. Since we’re on the topic, shall we visit the department store later? There’s one near the hotel… Come to think of it, shouldn’t we also buy a gift for Lieutenant Cali?”
“Let’s do that. What does the Lieutenant General like?”
“Hmm, well… Ah, she does enjoy alcohol.”
“Alcohol? How about whiskey or wine then? France is famous for its wine…”
“Being German, she does prefer beer… But she’d probably be happy with anything you give her, Major. By the way, she asked if we could have a meal together yesterday.”
“A meal? With me?”
“Yes, she considers me like a son… When I reported that we became lovers, she said she wanted to treat you to a delicious meal.”
“Ah. Hearing that suddenly makes me nervous.”
“If you’re uncomfortable, we can decline…”
“No, it’s fine. She’s like a parent to you, after all.”
Iberis smiled broadly as if to say it was okay. Thinking of Winfried as his lover’s family made her seem even more intimidating than before, but it was something he’d have to face eventually.
“She’s probably busier than us, so let’s work around her schedule.”
“Yes, I’ll contact the Lieutenant General when we return to the hotel and set up an appointment.”
“Alright.”
“Well then, since the examination is over, shall we go eat? You must be hungry?”
Lucas smiled with his eyes and brought Iberis’s clothes that were neatly hung on the coat rack.
“Yes, a little.”
Iberis gently rubbed his stomach as he received the clothes. For today’s examination, both of them had to fast since the night before.
“What would you like to eat?”
“Hmm, I’m craving something spicy for some reason. Meat would be good too. We’ve been eating fruits, bread, and porridge until yesterday.”
While holed up in the hotel, they had been busy clinging to each other at every glance, so they had mainly eaten easily digestible foods that weren’t hard on the stomach.
“Spicy food and meat… How about steak and seafood stew?”
“Sounds good.”
Suddenly, Iberis found it remarkable that he could feel hunger on time and easily think of foods he wanted to eat. Just last year, he often had no appetite and would either skip meals or make do with convenience foods. It was due to severe depression and lethargy.
Perhaps this change was also Lucas’s doing. No, it was definitely thanks to him. Iberis felt newly grateful to Lucas. Ever since meeting Lucas, everything had been changing in a positive direction.
“There happens to be a famous restaurant nearby. I think this place would be good. What do you think?”
While Iberis was changing clothes, Lucas quickly searched for restaurants and held out his phone to ask for an opinion.
“Hmm, it looks delicious in the photos. The reviews are good too.”
“I’ll make a reservation here. You’ve lost 2.5kg, so eat for two.”
“Whose fault is that…”
Iberis glared at the one who had greatly contributed to his weight loss and pouted his lower lip.
“Just a moment, let me change too…”
Feeling a bit guilty, Lucas smiled awkwardly and walked towards the coat rack, taking off his shirt. Since the data to be submitted to the committee also needed his physical data, Lucas was also in examination clothes like Iberis.
Having dismissed everyone who could assist with the examination and conducting it just the two of them like before, Lucas had been busy today, alternating between being a doctor and an examinee.
“…”
Iberis unconsciously swallowed at the sight of the broad back before him. Although he had rolled around naked with Lucas countless times over the past few days, he realized he had rarely seen his back view.
Eunsu.
Iberis, focusing on his name written near the left shoulder blade, approached Lucas as if entranced.
