When she smiled, she looked like a perfect pure beauty. Sungjin tried to keep his distance with her, so he picked up the blanket and covered her up.

  “Wait, what happened to your body?”


  “I drank transformation juice.”


  “Transformation juice……?”


  “Yes, the trees told me. If I make a juice with a mix of herbs and trees, I can be an adult for a moment.”


  “Why did you want to be an adult?” Sungjin didn’t know what to do in this situation. He knew she was, in fact, Rachel, but the girl standing in front of him was so mature and seductive.

  “Because an adult can hug Sungjin Oppa and become his lover as well!”


  She moved in closer to Sungjin, hoping he would respond to her advances; there was only a thin blanket between them.

  And what is……this scent……

  He didn’t know if it was the scent of transformation juice or the scent of her skin. She smelled like a beautiful flower under the moonlight; it was an alluring smell that aroused him. With all her efforts, he considered having her.

  But Sungjin pushed her away before he became a savage beast.

  She is just a child.

  Her loveliness was not something to take advantage of; it was something he had to protect. He murmured as he held Rachel’s shoulder:

  “So that’s why you wanted to become an adult.”


  “Yes.”


  “But Rachel, just having an adult body doesn’t mean you’re an adult. Your mind has to be grown as well. Enjoying and experiencing childhood is the only way to become an adult.”


  “Is it……necessary to grow up slowly?”


  “The process of becoming an adult is the most precious and joyful thing……”


  “But……what if I can’t become an adult? What if the bad guys come and get me before I get a chance?”


  That was your concern, I know.

  Sungjin wiped Rachel’s tears and hugged her.

  “It’s okay, Rachel. I promise I’ll protect you, and you’ll live a long life. Trust me.”


  “Do you really think so……?”


  “Yes. You will learn things, one by one, including what love is and how to love.” With his repeated promises, Rachel felt less anxious.

  “Really?”


  “Yes, so don’t rush things, okay?”


  “Yes, I will grow in time at my own pace.”


  Soon, the effects of the transformation juice wore off, and she became a little girl again. She became less alluring but still lovely.

  “You are a good girl.” Sungjin hugged her tightly.

  I promise you will become an adult. I’ll see to it that this happens.

  “Thank you, Sungjin Oppa,” Rachel smiled at the secret they now shared.

  ******