The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

22 | The Predator's Game

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕

I wake up slowly, feeling the comforting warmth of strong arms wrapped around me. The morning sun streams through the blinds, casting soft shadows across the room. The touch of our bare skin is perfect, reminding me of the intimacy we shared last night. 

I smile at the sight of Haerin sleeping peacefully, still holding me tightly even in her sleep. I kiss the tip of her nose before resting my head on her chest, savoring the gentle rise and fall of her breath.

Last night was another beautiful memory added to our growing collection. It's surreal to think how close we've become, now sleeping in the same bed every night. We technically have separate bedrooms, but I always find myself in Haerin's room, wrapped in her embrace by morning.

Because of my condition, the thought of getting pregnant does scare me. The risk is high. I could die from just carrying a baby. But the dream of building a little family with Haerin is just too beautiful. I want a long, beautiful life with her and our future children. And she wants it too.

Haerin stirs awake, her eyes fluttering open as she smiles sheepishly at me.

"Good morning, sunshine," she whispers, leaning in to kiss my lips softly.

I stroke her cheek gently, loving the softness of her skin. "Morning, my love."

Haerin pulls me closer, her fingers playing with my hair. Her eyes are filled with love as she gazes at me. "You look so beautiful, even just waking up."

"You're kidding. I'm a total mess with my hair like this," I joke, making us both giggle. 

We gaze at each other, feeling too overwhelmed with love. This sight of Haerin, shining with happiness, is what I adore most in this world.

Happy Haerin is my favorite thing now.

"I still can't believe how much you smile now. Before, it never happened, but now... I see you smile every day, almost every moment."

Haerin leans in, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. "I promised you I'd smile more, remember? For you, darling, I'll smile even when it hurts."

Her words make my eyes tear up. The lengths she goes to show her love, to change, and do things that were once so out of character for her, touch me deeply. No one has ever loved me like this before.

"You're so sweet," I mutter, tracing lazy patterns on her toned arms.

"Like bubble gum?" she jokes, and I giggle.

Just as she's about to get up, I suddenly hover over her, attacking her face with playful kisses. Her giggles fill the room, sounding like music to my ears. I keep kissing her—her nose, her lips, her cheeks, her forehead. I just love her so much!

"Ouch, ouch! Unnie, be careful!" she exclaims, wincing.

I gasp, realizing I pinned her down a little too forcefully. I quickly pull back, concern flooding my face. But she just smiles, looking at me like I'm her whole universe.

"Sorry," I say, laughing as I ease off, wrapping my arms around her in a tight hug.

She wraps me in her strong arms in return, letting me rest my head on her shoulder. We stay like that for a while, simply enjoying the closeness and the comfort of each other's presence.

The world outside can wait. For now, it's just us, wrapped in the warmth of our love.

"Can you not go to work today?" I ask.