CHAPTER 66: TOUCH

Today was Gara’s first time returning to the herb field since the night of the abduction. The fresh air, the colorful herbs growing in each villager’s designated plot, and the chirping birds made it hard to believe that something so infuriating had ever happened here.

Beside him stood a tall, handsome man with pointed ears, drawing immediate attention from the villagers.

Before they could swarm Fian with endless questions, Wina raised her voice firmly. "Gara, Fian, grab your hoes and start turning the soil."

No one wanted to interfere with others’ work. Thus, reluctantly, the villagers returned to their own fields, casting disappointed glances over their shoulders.

Before planting could begin, the used soil had to be turned over and that was exactly what the three of them were doing.

While they were focused on the earth below, a familiar face approached.

"I’ll help too," said a voice.

Wina looked up to see Madha, his eyes carrying the kind of determination that didn’t allow for rejection. After the night he helped save Gara, Wina had finally come to a realization: her son’s only friend clearly held deeper feelings for him.

Madha was a good boy, someone who would protect Gara no matter what. So Wina didn’t mind his presence.

Before she could say anything, Madha had already emerged from the toolshed with a hoe in hand and joined them, working a row not far from Gara.

Gara greeted him with a small smile. Sometimes, he found comfort in work that didn’t require much thinking. Hoeing the soil was one of those tasks. It let him quiet his thoughts.

It meant he wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone.

And Madha didn’t seem to mind the quietness. He worked with eager focus, never once complaining.

Thanks to Madha’s help—with his above-average strength as a Liner—they finished turning the soil in just an hour and a half.

As the four of them descended the mountain, the remaining villagers whispered in awe behind them.

"Liners really are different. Madha’s speed was incredible. Even Gara, who looks so thin, worked faster than us, albeit we’ve been doing this for years."

"True. And that Fian boy... he worked so fast too. Poor thing."

"Yeah. Still so young, and already a victim of human trafficking."

"Wina and Gara are good people. I’m sure they’ll treat him kindly."

...

On the way home, Madha walked beside Gara, asking how he was doing while showing him fruits that were said to be good for pregnant people.

He talked with excitement, but his mood dipped slightly at the presence of Fian, who was walking right behind Gara, barely an arm’s length away.

"Thanks, Madha," Gara said with a smile. "Once we get home, I’ll check your wound again."

He glanced at Madha’s handsome face. The cut had already dried.

Gara had given him a slightly higher dosage of herb medicine to ensure no scar would be left on that handsome face.

Once they reached the house, Gara examined Madha’s arm. The wound was almost healed; it only needed to be cleaned and treated with a lighter herb paste.

Madha, meanwhile, couldn’t stop looking at Gara’s delicate face and the pale, smooth arm before him. Around that wrist was the bracelet he had given Gara.

Without thinking, he reached out and brushed his fingertip over the soft skin.

A spark jolted through Gara’s body. Madha’s fingertip grazed softly, slowly, then tracing the pale wrist before his large hand closed fully around it.

Will what happened yesterday... happen again? Gara wondered.

The air between them seemed to grow warmer. That simple touch—both gentle and rough—fogged Gara’s thoughts like mist.

And Madha... he wanted more than just a touch.

Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss onto that fair arm.

Gara froze completely. A storm of butterflies burst in his stomach.

Then Madha lifted his head.

Slowly, that handsome face inched closer... and closer... toward Gara’s.

Thud!

Both of them instinctively pulled apart. Gara felt a strong sense of déjà vu. He had no idea how many times this had already happened.

The source of the noise was Fian, who had slammed a glass of water onto the table so hard that the water splashed out onto the surface.

"Fian—"

Before Gara could scold him, Fian silently pulled a cloth from his side and began wiping the mess as if he’d anticipated it.

Gara stared at him, bewildered. Meanwhile, Madha’s eyes narrowed—he was sure that elf had done it on purpose.

To shake off the awkwardness from nearly doing... things that really should be reserved for the night—especially since it was still broad daylight—Gara resumed treating Madha’s wound.

While doing so, he stole a glance at the heart icon hovering over Madha’s head and opened his status panel.

* * *

[MADHA - PROFILE STATUS]

Bloodline: Giant (Goddess Freya’s Gift)

Talent: Flesh Shield

Age: 16

Affinity: 97% (+10%)

Trait: Selfless

[SYSTEM EVALUATION]

Bloodline: High

Talent: High

Affinity: Excellent

Trait: Excellent

[FREYA’S EVALUATION]

He is the protector, and he certainly acts like one. An excellent trait ensures he will never betray and is easily manipulated. Highly recommended as a supporter and could be considered for baby-making.

Gifted with a Bloodline by Goddess Freya (Affinity +10%)

* * *

Gara nearly choked on his own spit after reading Freya’s evaluation.

"Easily manipulated?" "Supporter?" And what’s with ’could be considered for baby-making’?!

That... felt way too personal.

And why was Goddess Freya describing Madha like he was some kind of pushover?

This man was basically the embodiment of masculinity!

While Gara was still lost in his thoughts, the death glare from Madha clashed with Fian’s unreadable, empty stare.

Even after Gara finished tending the wound, the two were still staring each other down.

"Madha," Gara finally said.

Madha quickly looked away, turning to Gara with the expression of a child who’d been caught doing something wrong.

That look made Gara feel a little guilty, but it also made him want to ruffle Madha’s hair out of pure frustration and fondness.

And so, he did. His hand gently messed up Madha’s hair.

...