Chapter 005: Restless Heart
867 Words
Chapter Title (If Provided)
The setting sun cast a reddish glow across the ocean. Having finished the crab and rested a while, I decided to explore the surroundings before dark, hoping to find essential resources or perhaps a weapon for self-defense.
"I'm going for a walk to see if I can find anything useful," I told Su Ya, patting my stomach, which would hopefully hold out until morning.
Su Ya looked skeptical. Putting down the crab she was about to eat, she stared at me nervously. "I'm going too."
"Fine, just don't complain about being tired later." I stood up, shrugging and stroking my chin. A little sightseeing wouldn't hurt either.
"Hurry up, it's getting dark!" I frowned, seeing Su Ya still leisurely eating her crab.
"I'm a bit full. Can't I eat slowly? Eating too fast makes you fat," Su Ya retorted haughtily, completely ignoring the fact that she had just been stuffing her face.
"Then eat while you walk!" I said, my brow twitching.
"Walking and eating is bad for you! Are you trying to kill me?" Su Ya glared at me, muttering to herself, *Oh, he’s getting impatient. Hmph, I'll eat even slower.*
"Okay, fine. Eat slowly. I'm not going. Let's just wait here and die of thirst!" I sprawled out on the beach dramatically.
"You…" Su Ya fumed, clearly frustrated with me.
…
The sun was setting on the horizon, painting the ocean red. Su Ya and I walked along the beach, the fading light urging us onward. We had to quicken our pace.
"Why are you walking so fast?" Su Ya snapped.
After Su Ya finally finished eating, she insisted she needed water and made me go look for some. I was thirsty too after the crab, and although it was getting late, I figured a quick look around wouldn't hurt.
"This isn't a leisurely stroll, Miss!" I explained exasperatedly. "It's your fault for eating so slowly. It'll be dark by the time we get back."
"So what if it's dark?" Su Ya stopped, looking unconcerned. "If you're going to be like that, I'm not going!"
"I saw signs of animals at the edge of the forest. If you dawdle here until dark and a predator comes out, you're on your own!"
I snapped and walked off, confident she'd follow.
Sure enough, Su Ya hurried after me, but with a panicked look. "Let's just go back to the fire. I don't want to go any further."
"Then go back yourself!" I said, continuing to walk briskly. I didn't believe she was actually afraid.
Su Ya didn't go back. She stayed by my side, glaring at me and muttering under her breath. I had a feeling she was cursing me.
A sea breeze cooled my face. I glanced at Su Ya, who had been walking with me for a while now. She had a look of contentment on her face, which puzzled me. I instinctively looked down.
She had been wearing stockings earlier. A glance at her left hand confirmed she was clutching something tightly. It must be her stockings.
*Huh? When did she take them off? Why didn't I notice?*
I stroked my chin, tugging at my short stubble. Maybe when I was grilling the crab and she went to the beach?
Trying to sound casual, I asked, "Su Ya, why are you holding your stockings? Isn't it inconvenient?"
"None of your business!" Su Ya frowned, glaring at me.
"I'll trade you an answer for a meal request," I said, my expression darkening. I hadn't expected her to be this guarded. Fine, one request it was. There would be plenty of opportunities later.
The beach seemed to have plenty of crabs, so food shouldn't be a problem for now.
The real problem was the lack of fresh water…
"They were cutting off the circulation in my legs, so I took them off," Su Ya replied flatly, her expression unchanged. Internally, she was weighing her options. A free meal just for answering a question? Not bad. Better than crying, anyway.
*Eh? Just that?* I didn't believe it.
"Then prove it!" This girl was cunning.
"You…"
"If you don't prove it, the request is off!" I interrupted.
"I have marks on my legs," Su Ya retorted defensively.
"Then let me see how bad they are," I said without thinking.
Seeing Su Ya about to explode, I quickly added, "I'll check if the skin is broken. The offer stands."
"Fine. Next meal, I want to eat until I'm full. Or it doesn't count," Su Ya said, glaring.
Seeing her haggling, I chuckled. *Don't worry, little girl, I can feed you.*
"No problem," I said mysteriously. "Just don't make yourself sick."
I approached Su Ya and looked down at her, gesturing for her to hurry. "It's getting dark. Hurry up. If the skin is broken, it could get infected. We need to get back."
Su Ya glared at me, but then complied.
However, I was a man of principle. I had only offered to check for broken skin. I clenched my fists, rubbing my thumbs against my palms to control my restless hands.
Just as I saw the red marks on her legs, she said, "See?"
- Writer
