Crackle-

I gazed listlessly at the clothes torn by Yeoreum.

It felt empty to lose two of my favorite outfits like this.

It was odd to have preferences over mere clothes, but I couldn’t help it.

The two outfits I lost today were special ones I had been wearing since my original world.

“Cough.”

Losing one was one thing, but both at the same time was just too much.

My body, drained by despair, collapsed forward.

Splash-!

My lightweight body bobbed on the pond like a buoy.

Opening my eyes underwater, I saw a flounder sticking to the bottom.

You guys seem so peaceful.

I muttered my dissatisfaction internally, but deep down, I knew.

Clothes were consumable items that had to be discarded eventually.

Maybe my behavior was just a childish tantrum, a tantrum I could show because I had become comfortable with Yeoreum. If she had been a truly scary person, I wouldn’t have been able to complain like this.

Gurgle-

To think I’d become so relaxed around someone.

Even losing my clothes didn’t feel like a loss.

After all, they were items meant to be discarded eventually.

‘I still have a few things from my original world.’

I shouldn’t be too heartbroken.

As I gathered my thoughts and tried to stand up,

I felt someone’s hand wrapping around my waist.

“Gy–Gyeoul…”

Upon hearing Yeoreum’s voice, my body was jolted awake.

Rubbing my eyes and wiping away the water, I saw Yeoreum with an apologetic expression.

Did she enter the pond because of me?

I couldn’t help but feel more sorry.

“Sorry, I must have shocked you by tearing your clothes so suddenly.”

“No, I wasn’t that shocked.”

“Is–is that so…?”

“Yes. I was just sad to lose two outfits at once.”

I said, crawling out of the pond.

Thanks to Yeoreum lifting me up, I could easily climb out without relying on the walls.

‘How did it split perfectly in half?’

The top was divided exactly into left and right halves.

I wondered how wringing out water could do this.

Holding the two pieces of my split outfit, Yeoreum tapped my shoulder.

“I’ll buy you new clothes.”

“It’s okay. They were all old clothes anyway.”

“But I still feel bad. It’s clearly my fault this time, so don’t refuse and just accept it, okay?”

“Alright…”

Exchanging old clothes for new ones wasn’t a bad deal.

I nodded at Yeoreum while holding the torn outfit, perhaps if I patched it up well, it could be used like the original.

“By the way, Sophia.”

“Hmm…?”

“Did you see anyone stealing Gyeoul’s clothes?”

At Yeoreum’s question, Sophia, who had been quietly watching us, shrugged.

She seemed unsure as well.

“My physical abilities are lower than that of an average human. I won’t be able to help in that aspect.”

“…I see.”

Are they trying to find the person who stole my clothes?

I agreed with the sentiment, but first, I needed to mend my torn clothes.

But before even that, I had to hang the laundry.

“I have urgent business, so I’ll go ahead!”

✧✧✧✧✧

Back at the container house, I quickly hung the laundry and started patching up the clothes with thread and tape.

Around that time, Sophia entered the container house.

“Why did you rush off alone in such a hurry?”

“I’m trying to mend my clothes.”

I showed Sophia the tattered top.

Though crudely connected with thread and tape, it still somewhat functioned as clothing.

“Are you seriously planning to wear that?”

“Yes. It’s my favorite outfit.”

“No matter how much you like it…”

Sophia sighed and took the clothes I offered.

There might be glimpses of skin through the torn parts, but I didn’t really care.

“I’m sorry. A friend gave it to me as a gift.”

“…A friend? You had friends?”

“Ye–yes…?”

What does she think of people?

Even I had friends.