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“Hyung, hyung, Yoojin-hyung! I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?”

Park Hayul, who appeared as a flower, swayed as if it were dancing while speaking. Even in this situation, where the Gardener’s garden was raging right in front of us and we had been fighting nonstop without even properly feeling the passage of time, that flower-head was still ridiculously cheerful.

“Just say anything.”

I replied while bundling several bombs together. My voice was thick with exhaustion. Thanks to Sung Hyunje and Director Song’s consideration, I was able to sleep a little, but of course it wasn’t real rest. At best I’d managed to doze for a short while.

—Bad news! My territory has shrunk to only part of East Asia now~ Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, and half of China!

“That’s practically all of East Asia.”

Well, half of China was still much bigger than the other countries combined.

“What’s the good news?”

—Since there’s less area left to cover, my power has become more concentrated and stronger! That means it’s easier to hold out! And since the Earth is round, not every place can be night at the same time, right?

“That’s true.”

If it’s daytime where we are, it’s nighttime on the other side of the planet.

—But the remaining area doesn’t have much time difference, so I can turn it all into night! When it’s night, the dream world gets stronger, so I can block the garden by myself. That means your group can rest~ Not for long though, about one night.

So the dream world had mostly been wiped out, but because of that it was easier to hold the line and even created some breathing room. Not bad. Though it did feel a bit like a final burst before dying.

I turned my head toward Sung Hyunje and Director Song. Both of them were S-class, so compared to me they looked fine, but there was no way they weren’t accumulating fatigue. Sung Hyunje was clearly conserving mana compared to before, and Director Song, who had to move his body constantly, was noticeably slower.

 It’s about time we take a break. 

We had no idea how much longer we would need to endure. I looked back at the swaying Hayul flower.

“Can you split the rest time up?”

—Nope. Creating the night itself costs the most power~ If I do that, it has to be all in one night.

So we’d rest properly and then run again afterward.

I waved at Sung Hyunje and Director Song.

“You both heard that, right? Let’s take a short break!”

Both men nodded at the same time. Then Park Hayul began shaking its leaves and performing something like a dance.

—The sun sets~ The moon rises~

Did it really have to dance?

The already cloud-filled sky darkened even more. The clouds slowly parted and stars appeared faintly between them, but the moonlight was nowhere to be seen. Streetlights around us flicked on one after another.

Thud!  

A gigantic mass of plants slammed into an invisible barrier and bounced back. Park Hayul proudly stretched out its leaves.

—See? Now you can relax and rest~ I’ll set an alarm before sunrise.

“Thanks. I’m going to sleep first. You two come over quickly!”

Even S-class people needed sleep. Sung Hyunje withdrew his chains, and Director Song lowered his weapon. When I saw a burnt leaf stuck in Sung Hyunje’s hair, I couldn’t help but laugh.

We looked like a complete mess. Would there be time for a shower at least? Washing up did help with fatigue recovery.

“If the three of us are going to sleep together, we’ll need a very big bed.”

Guildmaster Sung of the Sesung Guild suddenly spouted nonsense. Looks like lack of sleep was affecting his brain too.

“Usually… it’d be smaller, but one queen and two kings should do.” (bed sizes…)

“So my partner was a queen.”

…What the hell was he even saying? I just wanted to sleep comfortably.

“If you’re jealous, Sung-ssi, you can use a queen too. It’d suit you way better than me.”

Queen or king—it’d look perfect on him either way. Maybe I should ask Hayul to find him fancy dress pajamas too. And a crown.

“Going to a hotel is a bit much. Hayul, about the bed—”

“One big enough for the three of us.”

Sung Hyunje suddenly cut me off.

I glared at him. Why did he keep saying weird things? His golden eyes widened in an innocent expression.

“Forget it. Three kings.”

“…That’s cruel. (Sleeping together with you two) is on my bucket list.”

“Your bucket what?”

“A list of things you want to do before you die.”

He said that with a silent smile.

Damn it.

“…You just mean sleeping together, right?”

After hearing that, I couldn’t heartlessly tell him to get lost. It wasn’t difficult anyway, and Director Song looked slightly tempted too. So I asked Park Hayul to bring a very large bed.

—Okay!

Poof.  A gigantic bed large enough for five or six people appeared right in the middle of the road. It looked clean and soft. Just seeing it made sleepiness crash over me.

“I’d like to at least wash my face before sleeping.”

Climbing into that white bed looking like this felt wrong. Even if I wasn’t the one who had to clean it later.

“Bathing together with Han Yoojin-gun and Director Song Taewon-nim would be my second—”

“In this situation you’re talking about leisurely baths? We can have a quick shower at most.”

And definitely with proper partitions. Standing between those two would make me look like a kid. Even if nobody else was watching, I’d hate it.

“Director Song, what do you think?”

“…I don’t mind either way.”

Wait, when had he moved that far away? Director Song had quietly stepped several paces back and was watching the writhing garden. We don’t need to fight them right now.

“Then let’s just take quick showers. I feel gross too. Hayul, is there somewhere nearby to wash?”

—There’s a bathhouse right behind you, Hyung! Plenty of water too!

“Thanks. Watch over this place for us. Contact us immediately if something happens.”

—I’m going to wash too, though?

The Park Hayul flower tapped its petals with its leaves.

—I need to hydrate or I’ll dry out. Look how rough my petals are.

“…Alright.”

Park Hayul, you really abandoned your identity as a human pretty easily. You’re basically a full flower now.

Anyway, we headed toward the bathhouse.

“What else is on that bucket list of yours? We don’t have much time, so just tell us everything.”

I didn’t think Sung Hyunje was going to die, but when someone’s life was hanging by a thread, you were supposed to grant their wishes.

His golden eyes shifted between me and Director Song.

“Many of them are difficult to do right now.”

“Like what?”

“First, killing Han Yoojin.”

“Rejected. Killing Director Song isn’t allowed either.”

I only had one life, and Director Song did too.

Director Song, who had been walking slightly further away from us, quietly moved closer to my side, as if he wanted to keep space between me and Sung Hyunje. Like Sung Hyunje would strangle me in this situation.

…Actually, choking me just short of death might be possible.

“Pick something legal and wholesome.”

“There are only adults here.”

“Only all-ages content allowed. Bloodshed is limited to blood donation.”

“That’s too restrictive.”

Sung Hyunje pouted. He grumbled that 90% of his bucket list would have to be deleted.

What kind of bucket list loses  90% of its entries when you add legal and all-ages restrictions? And most of them probably involved me and Director Song too. What exactly had this guy wanted to do?

By then, we had reached the bathhouse. An old-looking building and sign came into view.

“Sung Hyunje-ssi, have you ever been to a bathhouse like this?”

“I’ve destroyed one.”

—Hyung, hyung! I also prepared banana milk! And hot bars and roasted eggs!

“Oh, good job.”

It had been a long time since I’d visited a classic public bath like this. After my regression, the Haeyeon Guild bathhouse was completely modern, and before my regression, I avoided crowded places where people could see my bare face.

“Director Song, you probably used public baths often—no, actually it must’ve been a while.”

It seemed to suit him somehow, but he was still S-class.

“Yes, that’s true. After awakening, I usually wash up in the association’s official quarters or at home.”

“He washed at the Sesung Guild a few times too.”

Sung Hyunje said. Did he invite Director Song over and dump flour on him or something?

Anyway, we entered the bathhouse. At the empty counter, we picked up locker keys and bath supplies. Entering the men’s bath area, I saw a wide wooden platform.

—There’s clean underwear, clothes, and sauna outfits too!

The Park Hayul flower walked over and piled a stack of clothes onto the platform.

—I brought them from the nursery, the Sesung Guild, and the civil servant’s house! Here are towels too!

“Thanks. Sung Hyunje-ssi, what are you doing? Hurry up and go in. Put the key on your wrist. See that ladle in front of the glass door? Take one with you. Here’s a bath towel. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask Director Song.”

“Is Han Yoojin not coming in with us?”

“I’ll wash on my own, so please go ahead.”

I just don’t want to walk in with you two.

After sending Sung Hyunje and Director Song in first, I checked out the small shop tucked in the corner. Seeing the banana milk made me think of the kids.

…They’re doing well, right?

Kids, Dad will bring Uncle back and come home soon. I’ll bring Sung Hyunje along too. Yerim, I’m sorry. I’ll apologize properly when I get home. Peace, take good care of the others with Yerim.

After a refreshing wash and filling our stomachs, we returned to the bed. Since he claimed to have a bucket list, Sung Hyunje had already taken the middle spot on the bed.

Then he said,

“Arm pillows are included.” (in his bucketlist)

Ah, yes, of course.

“Stretch your arms out.”

“Both of you should do it for me.”

Director Song and I stared at him at the same time. I suddenly had the urge to wrap him up in the blanket and throw him at the Gardener.

“Though Han Yoojin’s arm probably won’t even reach my head.”

Without a word, I threw one of the five pillows straight at his face.

Yeah, my arms are thin. But how many people in Korea even have thicker arms than Director Song? I’ve got muscles too—above average, thank you very much. Sung Hyunje easily dodged it, which annoyed me enough that I grabbed another one.

“If this one doesn’t hit, you’re not getting an arm pillow.”

Thump.

The pillow I threw smacked Sung Hyunje on the head.

Don’t pretend to be pitiful, old man.

—Hurry up and lie down~ I’ll turn off the lights~

The three of us lay down side by side while looking at the writhing garden in the distance. Compared to Director Song’s thick arm beside mine, Sung Hyunje’s hair only barely brushed my arm.

Well, technically it counts as touching.

The streetlights turned off, and the sky filled with countless stars grew even darker. The starlight shone brighter too. It was a strange outdoor sleep in a situation where we couldn’t guarantee even a few more days of life, but it wasn’t bad.

Park Hayul added the sound of crickets as background noise.

Hey, it’s winter right now. Not that I’m asking for snow, though.

The temperature was perfect for sleeping.

“After tonight, we don’t know when we’ll get to rest again.”

Or… there was also a chance we might rest forever.

“So if there’s anything else you want to do, say it now.”

“What about you, Han Yoojin?”

Me? Well…

“I just want to go home with my little brother and eat something delicious together with everyone.”

If possible, I’d bring all my brothers along.

Then I’d have no regrets… well, not exactly. If things ended well like that, I’d want to live as long as possible.

“Director Song, don’t you have anything? I mean… you never know.”

If Sung Hyunje’s life was in danger, Director Song’s was probably similar.

“…I hope everyone remains safe.”

“That’s obvious. I mean something you definitely want to do. You seem like the type to have at least one.”

“I’m not sure.”

“How about venting your anger at Sung Hyunje? Swearing at him, complaining, or punching him?”

“I’ve already experienced the latter two.”

So he hadn’t sworn at him, huh. Director Song really was saint-like.

“Then make finding something you want to do the thing you accomplish before you die. Not actual work, not something for others, and not something that harms yourself.”

“Director Song Taewon-nim will live a very long life then.”

No way it was that extreme. Director Song had changed quite a lot already.

I yawned softly. My eyelids were starting to grow heavy.

“Sung Hyunje… your bucket list…”

“I had planned to… ..together with Han Yoojin-gun…”

His voice sounded faint. It broke off in places and became hard to hear. Soon it faded away completely.

“…What was he saying?”

Morning—well, actually still the middle of the night. When I opened my eyes, the scent of flowers filled my nose.

Had the garden invaded this far?

I quickly sat up, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Azaleas, forsythias, magnolias, cherry blossoms, flowers of all kinds were blooming everywhere, and Park Hayul’s flower was dancing among them.

—It’s Guildmaster Sung’s bucket list~

…A crazy flower dancing in a flower field?

That’s certainly unique taste.

Sung Hyunje, who had apparently woken up earlier, was wearing an apron and preparing breakfast. Director Song explained the bizarre situation instead.

“He said he wanted to greet spring with you, Han Yoojin-ssi. He said the two of you had already spent summer, autumn, and winter together.”

“Ah…”

When I first met Sung Hyunje after regressing, it had been early summer. Whether we’d survive to see spring together wasn’t certain. So he apparently decided to hold a flower-viewing session now instead.

Sometimes he could be weirdly sentimental.

I got out of bed and changed out of my pajamas. Sung Hyunje was skillfully making omelets.

“You’re not suggesting celebrating my birthday early.”

“A birthday is a birthday. Sit down with Song Taewon-ssi.”

“Yes, yes.”

Director Song and I sat at the table side by side. Under the night sky, flower petals drifted gently in the breeze.

“Hayul, how much time is left?”

—About two hours.

Eat, rest a little, and that would be it. This sweet break would likely be the last.

Sung Hyunje personally brought the appetizing breakfast to the table.

“Celery–carrot juice for Han Yoojin.”

“Why exactly? In a moment like this you give me vegetable juice? Don’t you have soda? Or fruit? Just not oranges.”

“Strawberry–banana juice for Director Song Taewon.”

“Thank you.”

…Did he switch the menu? Director Song seemed like the one who’d prefer celery–carrot juice.

Noticing my gaze, Director Song pushed his juice toward me.

“Please drink it.”

“No, it’s fine. Vegetables are good. Healthy and all.”

The strong grassy smell hit me. Still drinkable, though.

There was a cheese omelet, grilled asparagus and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, bacon, soft bread with butter and jam.

Meanwhile, Sung Hyunje was carefully cutting the crust off the bread.

Bread crusts were supposed to be healthier, weren’t they? He’s forcing vegetable juice on me while being picky himself?

“Why don’t you add ‘stop being picky and eat bread crusts’ to the last line of your bucket list?”

“You want me to force down unpleasant food right before dying? Han Yoojin, you’re colder than I expected.”

“…Yes, yes. Enjoy being picky and eating delicious food to your heart’s content.”

He never lost an argument, seriously.

We leisurely ate breakfast while looking at the beautifully blooming spring flowers. With the little time remaining, we checked our weapons and items. As we prepared for battle, the sky slowly began to brighten.

The three of us looked up at the clearing sky at the same time.

“Let the last line of the bucket list be returning home safely.”

“Funny enough, that’s the same as mine. Though once I get home, I plan to live a very long time.”

“If I had to choose one, mine would be the same.”

—Me too! I want to go to Hyung’s house too!

“Your home is here.”

—Waaah!

The sky that had briefly brightened was swallowed once again by thick dark clouds.

We picked up our weapons.

The barrier blocking the garden disappeared, and the forest surged forward.

CRACK—!

Lightning struck, announcing the start of battle.

No matter how long this fight continued, we would endure and endure again—

and we would return home.

All of us together.