Chapter 47: A Subtle Danger

Since Raxy held onto me all day, I had no choice but to sleep beside her.

“Urgh!”

Even as I stretched and arched my back, she clung to me—one hand gripping my ears and the other my tail. With her eyes closed, she was obviously still asleep.

‘Maybe it really is an illness?’

If she couldn’t touch something soft, her body would start trembling. It sounded like a terrible condition.

It might be a good idea to buy her a plush toy with a similar texture later.

‘I’d better try to sneak out quietly.’

I attempted to carefully pull my tail free, but her grip was too firm for me to move it. Regretfully, I had no choice but to wake her up.

“Raxy, hey, Raxy.”

I gently poked her cheek, and slowly, Raxy opened her eyes.

“You’re up, Harang…?”

“Yeah, but Raxy, I need to get ready for work. Could you let go of my tail?”

“Hmm, I don’t think I can…”

Her voice was weak, almost as if she were resigned to her fate.

“Oh… I see.”

What now? I needed to get ready for work, but my tail was still trapped. As I stared helplessly at it, Raxy suddenly pulled me closer.

“In that case, I’ll take care of it for you.”

“Take care of what?”

“I’ll wash you and help you get dressed.”

“Oh, no, that’s okay…”

Even if I had gotten somewhat used to this, and despite our closeness, I couldn’t bring myself to bathe together with her. After all, I still had a male consciousness, and she was female.

“Aww… well, then, would it be okay if I at least comb your hair?”

“Comb my hair?”

“Yeah.”

“You’ll even comb my ears?”

If that was the case, I’d happily agree. Feeling a twinge of anticipation, I swallowed hard.

“Yep, I’ll comb your ears, too.”

“Oh! Great!”

Overjoyed, I wrapped my arms around her tightly.

“Hehe.”

At that point, she finally let go of my tail. It seemed like her need for softness had been satisfied.

“Hehe.”

Raxy’s combing was amazing. Her gentle and caring touch somehow transferred through the comb, and it felt as if my ears were melting. Like the feeling of sweet chocolate.

“Hah, hah…”

The blissful feeling lingered in my head even as we got into the car to head to the tower, filling me with happiness that made me smile foolishly.

“What’s up with you?”

In the passenger seat, Jinhyang turned to look at me.

‘It’s because of the combing.’

I wanted to tell her, but remembering how she once took my comb from me, I kept quiet. She’d probably take this pleasure from me again if I mentioned it.

‘What should I do…’

I pulled out a small comb I’d hidden in my pocket, something I’d brought to use alone. But I wanted her to experience the joy of combing, too.

“Boss, look forward for a moment.”

“Why?”

“I’ll do something nice for you.”

She shot me a suspicious glance, so I quickly reached out and gently turned her head to face forward. Then, I raised the comb and brushed through her long hair, letting it flow down smoothly.

Swipe, swipe—

Her silky, long hair glided smoothly through the comb without any snags.

“Are you combing my hair?”

She asked, still not turning back. At least that meant my actions weren’t bothering her.

“Yes, I’m giving it my best effort.”

With that, I continued, carefully combing her hair from front to back, ensuring I didn’t miss a spot.

‘It’s about time.’

The blissful feeling was reaching its peak.

Yet, despite all the combing, Jinhyang kept her posture straight, showing no reaction.

“Boss, don’t you feel like… something’s welling up inside?”

“What would that be?”

“You know, like you want to roll over and relax.”

“Even if it kills me, that’s not happening.”

Well, that made sense. Jinhyang wouldn’t show any signs of letting herself go.

Maybe I needed a different approach.

“Boss, does your tail feel like wagging on its own?”

I looked down at her waist, hoping for a reaction.

“I don’t even have a tail.”

“Oh, right.”

Normal people didn’t have tails. Or beast ears like I did, for that matter.

Maybe she couldn’t relate to the feeling. The happiness I felt was centered in my ears, though brushing my hair felt nice too.

Sigh.

I let out a deep sigh and stopped combing. A wave of disappointment settled over me.

As I sat there, looking out the window, Yoon Bora spoke up from the driver’s seat.

“Harang?”

“Yes?”

“Could you comb my hair too?”

“Sure, I can.”

I wasn’t sure I could pass along the happiness I felt, but if she wanted it, I’d do it for her.

With a soft swish, swish, I combed through Yoon Bora’s light-brown hair.

Each time the comb moved, her body gave a little shiver, which made me curious.

“Yoon Bora, what’s wrong?”

“It just… feels nice.”

“Feels nice?”

“Yeah. It feels so good, I could die from happiness.”

Even without ears?

I glanced at Jinhyang in the passenger seat and then back at Yoon Bora.

‘Maybe it’s different for everyone?’

I couldn’t be sure, but if Yoon Bora was happy, that was all that mattered. Jinhyang seemed to be the exception here.

‘Good, I’m glad.’

It was nice to know others could enjoy it too.

“Yoon Bora, are you sure this is okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re driving. This feels so nice it might distract you. I mean, it could make you feel like jelly.”

“Hehe, don’t worry, I’m fine.”

Yoon Bora tapped her head against the car seat, as if urging me to keep going.

‘Is she really fine?’

As I gently continued combing her hair, she started humming a little tune.

‘Seems like it’s okay.’

She kept a steady grip on the wheel, so I decided it was safe to continue.

Swish, swish.

As I kept combing Yoon Bora’s hair, I began to feel like her guardian. It was an odd sense of authority, something I hadn’t felt in a while.

“Hehe.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle, feeling satisfied.

“Hehe.”

Yoon Bora laughed along with me.

Swish, swish.

After combing for a while, Jinhyang’s voice cut in.

“Alright, enough playtime. It’s time to work.”

I looked around and realized we were in the tower’s parking lot.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Yes, big sis.”