1.3

“It’s been such a long time since I’ve rubbed your back, Yebom.”

She let out a soft laugh. It seemed like Hyunho enjoyed touching her more than she enjoyed being touched.

“There was a time when I used to rub your back and hug you all the time.”

“Haha, you remember that?”

“Of course. I was a little disappointed when you stopped asking for it at some point.”

“Hahaha.”

It was a long time ago, probably when they were in middle school.

Yebom, Hyunho, and Juhan had grown up together in the same neighborhood, forming a close bond from a young age. Having attended the same kindergarten and schools, they were childhood friends—a relationship akin to best friends.

Both Hyunho and Juhan had personalities that hadn’t changed much over the years. Hyunho, in particular, had always been mature and calm, even as a child.

When Yebom’s parents passed away in a car accident while attending a wedding during their middle school years, her world turned dark. She was in a state of shock, and throughout the difficult time, Hyunho remained steadfastly by her side.

‘It’ll be okay. Things will get better, Yebom.’

As an only child who had grown up showered with her parents’ love, Yebom had always been a bit spoiled and immature. When the grief became unbearable, she would ask Hyunho to hold her or rub her back, just like now. Whenever she asked, Hyunho would always comply tenderly, as if he had been waiting for her request. The warmth of his touch and his comforting presence had been an indescribable source of solace during those times.

“Why did you stop asking for it at some point?”

It seemed like Hyunho had genuinely been a little hurt. Perhaps he had found the physical affection and hugs comforting as well, and he missed them when they became less frequent and eventually disappeared.

“Well, as we grew older…”

She trailed off with a vague laugh.

“Hm? You’re still so small and delicate, Yebom.”

“Haha.”

His hand was so large that it covered her entire back, spreading warmth with just a few strokes.

Even so, she had grown back then, too—especially her chest.

Being a late bloomer, her growth had started later than others, but once it began, her chest had developed significantly. She had felt awkward about the changes in her body, and during the hugs she used to share with Hyunho, she became self-conscious about her larger chest pressing against his. As a result, even though she still desperately needed comfort, she stopped asking him to hold her or rub her back.

It had been a childish concern during her adolescence, and while it didn’t bother her as much now, she still remembered it.

“Hold me.”

When she opened her arms after such a long time, Hyunho’s face lit up as he pulled her into a tight embrace. His strong arms wrapped around her shoulders and back, pulling her close. Nestled in his broad, warm chest, she felt a sense of relief and comfort. The heat of his body enveloped her completely.

“You fit perfectly in my arms, Yebom.”

“Mm. It’s because you’re so big.”

“Haha. And you’re so tiny.”

Of course, the growth wasn’t something that had only happened to her. Hyunho, who had always been one of the tallest among their peers since childhood, had grown even more at some point. He became a towering figure, with broad shoulders and a large frame that made him the man he was today.

“Everyone’s asleep, so it’s quiet.”

Juhan and Chapssal were also fast asleep, leaving the night in peaceful silence.

“Yeah, you should go to sleep too, Yebom.”

She responded with a yawn.

Still holding her in his arms, Hyunho continued to gently stroke and pat her back. It felt a little embarrassing, like she was a child throwing a tantrum, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

After being held for a while, she thought about how Hyunho had work tomorrow, how he had been studying for surgery earlier, and how she shouldn’t disturb him any longer. Slowly, she pulled away.

“I think I can sleep now. I’ll go to bed.”

Hyunho nodded calmly.

“Alright. If you can’t sleep, come to me anytime.”

“You should get some rest too.”

She lightly patted his shoulder before returning to her room.

As she lay down, she could still feel the warmth of his body lingering on her skin, and she drifted off to sleep.

However, today was truly one of those maddening nights where sleep just wouldn’t come.

She lay still in one position, forcing her eyes shut, only to toss and turn repeatedly after a while. It was as though she hovered in a state between being half-asleep and fully awake.

In that hazy mental state, she found herself tormented by her inability to fall asleep. Suddenly, the thought of pleasuring herself crossed her mind.

When was the last time I had done it…?

Her last memory of it was back at her own house. The biggest downside of cohabitation was the difficulty of indulging in such personal activities. While it was possible to do it secretly, it still felt awkward, so she had decided to restrain herself while living here.

But the prolonged abstinence left her feeling empty below, and more than anything, the inability to sleep was shaking her resolve. After all, reaching climax often guaranteed a good night’s sleep.

Her hazy consciousness drifted toward the d*ldo resting in the drawer of the bedside table.

‘You can buy most things when you need them, so just pack the essentials.’

That had been Juhan’s advice on the day they decided to move into their shared apartment after encountering the stalker outside her studio. As she packed her belongings upstairs, she had fallen into a dilemma: should she bring the d*ldo or not?

A d*ldo was, in a sense, an essential item. Buying a new one while living together seemed awkward, and owning one already felt a bit strange. Yet, she wanted to bring it along, just in case. Even if she didn’t use it, having it with her brought a sense of security.

In the end, she had quickly sneaked the d*ldo into her bag, avoiding the eyes of the two men.

Now, the d*ldo that had come with her to this house was lying nearby.

“…….”

Without much thought, as though entranced, she reached for the bedside table.

She opened the drawer and pulled out the pouch. The first thing her searching hand encountered was her sleep mask. She had a habit of wearing it to bed since she liked to leave a dim light on while sleeping. Automatically, she hooked the straps over her ears and put on the mask.

Then, she rummaged further into the pouch and pulled out the d*ldo inside.

Ah….

She held the familiar shape of the d*ldo in her hand for a moment before setting it down beside her. Naturally, as if following some unspoken rule, her hands began to move to warm up her body.

She pushed the blanket aside and rolled her nightgown up to her chest. Gripping the elastic band of her underwear with both hands, she lifted her legs and slid it off completely. Now almost n*ked, her skin pressed directly against the sheets.

Her left hand rested on her chest, kneading the soft flesh a few times before rubbing her n*pple. Meanwhile, her right hand slid between her thighs, pressing her fingertips against her cl*toris and beginning to circle it.

Every movement was instinctive. A sharp pleasure spread through her body, making her eyes clench tightly shut beneath the mask. Her body writhed as both hands moved rhythmically, massaging the sensitive spots that were gathering sensation.

“Mm….”

Half-asleep, she pleasured herself. Having done this countless times before, her hands moved on their own, instinctively knowing what to do. Even in her drowsy state, the pleasure was vivid and electric.

It feels so good….

The n*pples and cl*toris that her fingers touched hardened. She applied more pressure with her hands, squeezing and rubbing the sensitive spots. Repeating these motions, she occasionally varied her rhythm, alternating between both br*asts with her left hand, kneading them firmly until they filled her palms. She released them only to rub her n*pples in a straight line with her knuckles.

Her right hand moved broadly, brushing over her stomach, the smooth mound, and her thighs, before returning to circle her cl*toris. In the darkness, she instinctively chased pleasure.

“Ah… ah… ahng….”

She enjoyed the playful touch that came just before falling asleep.

At the boundary between reality and illusion, she touched herself, becoming wet. Her fluids trickled down her passage and spread outward. Using her middle finger, she collected the slippery liquid and pressed it against her cl*toris.

Her calves tensed, and her feet bent horizontally. She opened and closed her straightened legs, swirling her cl*toris in circles as she did so.

Part of her wanted to drift into sleep while maintaining this pressure, while another part longed to fill the ticklish emptiness below with penetration. As she built up pleasure through repetition and variation, she debated….

In the end, she decided to use the d*ldo she had already taken out.

Removing her hand from her cl*toris, she felt around the sheet for the d*ldo. Grasping the handle, she brought the tip to her entrance. She rubbed the fake gl*ns along the vertical slit, smearing it with her fluids and pressing it against her sensitive spots. Each time the gl*ns brushed over her cl*toris, her body shuddered.

“Hahk! Ahhn….”

She stroked it up and down as if painting, then positioned the gl*ns at the entrance to her opening. Gently parting the folds, she pushed it inside, letting out an involuntary moan.

Was it because it had been so long? The d*ldo, which had always felt just the right size, now seemed larger.

The thick object stretched her walls tightly as it entered. Her passage molded itself perfectly around the d*ldo, filling her completely. The rare sensation of penetration sent a thrilling, almost comforting jolt through her.

“Ahng… this feels good….”

Her hesitation seemed laughable now—this feeling was irreplaceable.

Adjusting her grip, she began moving the d*ldo back and forth, thrusting into her passage. She gradually pushed deeper, clearing the way as she went. The shaft scraped her inner walls, and the tip pressed firmly against sensitive spots, igniting intense pleasure. In her dreamlike state, her mind went blank.

“Mmng… ah… hahng…!”