The Villain Wants to Change Genres

Chapter 110

I hadn’t thought about it since we hadn’t slept together after reuniting. The single bed would be cramped, but I didn’t mind as long as Luwen could sleep.

However, if Luwen refused even this, there was no solution. I couldn’t force him into bed, and even if I could, he would just get up.

‘I need to make it so he can’t refuse.’

A good idea came to mind, but it wouldn’t work now, so I had to wait until night. After all, two grown men sleeping together might feel awkward. To minimize discomfort, it was important for us to be alone. For that, I needed Marco’s permission.

If everything went according to plan, I thought I could get him to sleep tonight.

* * *

When Marco returned from his rounds, I asked if I could sleep in the medical tent tonight. Lowering my voice and glancing at Luwen, I explained to the curious Marco:

“Luwen doesn’t seem to be sleeping, so I want to try to help him sleep.”

“Ah. I was worried too, he doesn’t look well. You two can use the tent.”

“Oh, that’s… too much to ask…”

I was very tempted to accept Marco’s offer. People come to the medical tent early in the morning, so we’d have to get up, but if we slept here, we could rest until we naturally woke up.

But that meant the same for Marco. I hesitated, feeling bad about unintentionally kicking him out to the medical tent for my comfort.

“What are you sorry for? The set period is already over. The extension is due to the knight order’s circumstances, so you’re more like guests than students now. Don’t worry about it. The Duke also gave Luwen permission to act freely.”

Marco, seeming to notice my concern, added with a slight sigh:

“You’ve done more than enough. We should apologize for putting you through such a frightening experience. I think we’ll change to always moving in pairs from now on.”

He even apologized repeatedly, saying the extermination team would become safer because of my incident. I was really grateful that he asked me to stay comfortably in the tent, even for his sake. I thanked him, vowing to repay Marco if I got the chance.

So Luwen and I were left alone, spending quiet time until late at night. It was about time to sleep.

“Luwen, want to rest your eyes on Marco’s bed? He said he’d sleep in the medical tent tonight. He gave permission to use the bed.”

I tried probing gently, and…

“Once I confirm you’re asleep.”

As expected. Seeing him fidget with the back of my hand while answering, it was hard to believe. If left alone, it seemed he would just hold my hand until morning.

“Then I’ll sleep first.”

“Yes. Sleep well.”

Luwen smiled. He always liked it when I said I was going to sleep. But today, I needed to trouble him a bit.

I closed my eyes to show I was trying to fall asleep. Luwen said he could tell if I was asleep by my breathing. My plan was to pretend for a while, then say I couldn’t sleep and ask him to lie down with me… but Luwen started patting my chest.

‘Ah, I’m weak to this…’

But if I resisted falling asleep, wouldn’t it be easier to move Luwen? Normally, I would have fallen asleep quickly.

Trying not to fall asleep was unfamiliar, but not too difficult. The thought that Luwen would spend another sleepless night if I fell asleep kept me alert.

After enduring for a long time, the opportunity finally came.

“Can’t you sleep?” Luwen asked softly.

I opened my eyes slightly. “Mm-hmm.”

“Is it because of me?”

It seems my prodding earlier had an effect. He pinpointed my concern correctly.

“I’m worried because I know how important sleep is.”

Luwen turned to look at Marco’s bed. The beds weren’t far apart due to space efficiency in the large unit, but when Luwen looked back at me, his face visibly darkened.

By now, he should have offered to sleep in Marco’s bed, but he said nothing. He must be gloomy because he can’t do either. Seeing him so fixated that he can’t even pretend to sleep shows how serious Luwen’s mental state is.

“If you’re that anxious, why don’t you sleep with me?”

“…You’ll be uncomfortable, young master.”

“I think that’s better than being mentally uncomfortable. At least lie down beside me.”

I moved to the inside to make space, naturally pulling my hand away. Luwen flinched for a moment and grabbed my hand again. Realizing the bed was too narrow for me to move much, he quietly withdrew his arm soon after.

“This looks like enough space, what do you think?”

Ignoring his reaction, I finished moving, creating enough space for one person to lie down. It was actually a bit tight, but I pretended it was fine.

“Well…”

Seeing him still hesitate, I turned to the other side, hiding my hand, and just turned my head towards him.

“If lying side by side is uncomfortable, I’ll sleep like this.”

“I… want to hold your hand.”

What’s with this hand obsession? I thought I’d raised him well, but I didn’t realize his childhood memories had become a trauma. I’d collapsed in front of Luwen more than once before, and it was always fine.

He’s probably especially unstable this time because he was prepared for my death. The valley had swollen to such a threatening state. Plus, knowing I can’t swim must have scared him. The things he imagined while searching for me must still be troubling him.

“Won’t we touch if you lie next to me?”

“Is that really okay? You’re allowing me to lie next to you and hold your hand?”

A positive response came. I quickly answered before Luwen could change his mind.

“Of course.”

“…Then I’ll impose until you fall asleep.”

“Mm-hmm.”

I answered confidently, knowing I’d fall asleep instantly if I could just relax mentally. Surely I’d fall asleep if he lay next to me and held my hand tightly.

Finally, Luwen got into the bed.

The problem was, I had imagined us lying straight and holding hands, but Luwen pressed closer than I expected.

I was slightly flustered, thinking turning around would make us stick too close together. Meanwhile, Luwen reached for my chest. I felt a firm touch on my back, and my hair fluttered from his breath right behind my neck.

Luwen fumbled around, trying to find my hand. It tickled every time he touched me, so I quickly took his hand.

‘This… this is different.’

It’s not like I’ve only slept with Luwen once or twice. But it was different from when we were young. Caught in a strange tension, I swallowed dryly. At this rate, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to sleep, but…

‘Endure it.’

I had to endure no matter what until Luwen fell asleep.

I squeezed my eyes shut and focused on Luwen’s breathing. I thought the tension would ease once I confirmed he was asleep. Then I could rest comfortably too.

But that seemed to be the wrong choice. Luwen’s exhaled breath pooled on my neck, then seemed to spread slowly. Once I became conscious of it, an indescribable sensation began to flow across my skin. It felt ticklish, but also somewhat different.

Whatever it was, it was extremely troublesome right now. It felt like my breathing would become irregular. And he would notice that with his uncanny perception.

I tried to breathe calmly as usual. But I kept wanting to bite my lip. It was a mistake to overlook that I had never been this close to someone before. I never dreamed a person’s breath could make it so impossible to calm down.

Luwen’s breath enveloping me seemed to spread even to our joined hands, making me hyper-aware of them too. The tips of our intertwined fingers tingled.

‘What is this? Is it always like this for everyone?’

Was it survival instinct kicking in because my vital points were exposed? Maybe if I changed position it would be better, since the neck seems to be the problem?

But lying straight didn’t help, and there was no space. Turning over… seemed even worse.

‘Should I move down?’

Thinking it might be okay if his breath hit my head instead of my neck, I squirmed a bit. Then I heard Luwen laugh.

“…?”

What? Why is he suddenly laughing?

Wondering if he had deliberately pressed closer, I turned slightly to look. To my surprise, he was still smiling with a clear face!