Suddenly, I Became a Slime

The steel serpent that had dropped us off disappeared back into the ground, as if to say nothing had happened.

I worried that it might be discovered because of the hole, but whatever it had done, the silhouette of the steel serpent vanished, and the earth rose to fill the gap.

Hwangbo Yul, finding it fascinating, tapped her foot against the ground that now appeared completely normal.

While it was nice that her curiosity saved me the trouble of investigating, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. What if the ground suddenly caved in under her?

But that worry proved unfounded. The ground beneath her was no different from the surrounding area. Even after she stepped on it firmly, there was no change.

How is that possible? My question was brushed aside by a simple response: "Anomaly."

Well, it didn’t matter. As long as the hole was filled and there was no need to worry, that was enough for me.

After all, I’m not a scientist or someone who studies singularities. What good would knowing the mechanism do for me?

At best, I might think, “If I could dig the ground, I could fill the hole with jellies!” And that’s about it.

As I mentioned earlier, I needed to fit myself into the suitcase that Hwangbo Yul had brought.

This meant I wasn’t supposed to witness the steel serpent filling the ground or Hwangbo Yul examining it with a curious expression.

Initially, my expectations were correct.

Once I entered the slightly chilly suitcase, the clicks of locks followed, and darkness enveloped me.

How long would this darkness last? Honestly, it’s not like I’m scared of the dark—not after all the time I’ve spent in places like sewers.

But... this kind of darkness made me feel like I was back in those days.

The days when my body had changed and I couldn’t see anything. The days when no one came looking for me, and no sound reached me.

Even for me, it was hard not to feel a little down. Shouldn’t I at least get some credit for not banging on the suitcase in fear?

Grumbling to myself, I wriggled my jelly body in the confined space. Then...

Rattle...

A faint sound reached my ears, and soon, the sunlight that had illuminated my vision earlier began to seep through.

Blinking my jelly body, I followed the light to find a transparent window in the middle of the suitcase. Light streamed through it.

I reached out to touch it, feeling the cool glass, which chilled my jelly.

As I stared blankly, a hand—presumably Hwangbo Yul’s—appeared and wiped the glass.

Squeak, squeak.

With the sound, my view grew clearer.

Then, Hwangbo Yul’s pretty face suddenly appeared, startling me.

Despite having no heart, I felt as though it had skipped a beat. After staring at me through the glass for a moment, she murmured,

“I really can’t see inside.”

I realized then that the glass was one-way, visible only from inside.

Amazing.

This workplace’s welfare is top-notch.

I didn’t say anything about it, yet somehow they prepared this. How thoughtful.

On the way to our destination, we would likely pass through a city. I looked forward to seeing ordinary landscapes again after so long.

They say you don’t realize the value of something until it’s gone.

I used to tire of the concrete jungle and wander in search of untouched landscapes. Now, I was desperate to see the concrete jungle again.

...Life is unpredictable.

Though I guess I’m not technically “life” anymore.

Anyway,

After watching the filled ground, we set off for our destination.

Though saying “we set off” might not be entirely accurate. Only Hwangbo Yul was walking, while I was being carried in the suitcase.

...And it felt strange.

Previously, the darkness made me unaware of my surroundings, so I simply swayed with the motion. But now... it was different.

Being able to see outside was a huge advantage, but... it made me feel like I was riding in a stroller or sitting in the front seat of a shopping cart.

I never thought I’d experience such a feeling at this age.

While my appearance might suit the situation, my mental age is quite mature, thank you very much.

Still, it was comfortable.

Staring outside, the rattling noise accompanied the ever-changing scenery.

Watching the shifting landscapes erased thoughts of strollers or carts.

How long had I been gazing at the changing natural scenery? Just as I began to think Hwangbo Yul might need a break...

The concrete jungle I longed for appeared before my eyes.

Though modest compared to larger cities, it looked like a forest to me after being surrounded by pristine nature.

And unlike before, when I paid no attention to people passing by, I now noticed their varied expressions.

Before, I thought people’s faces were just full of exhaustion. But now, I saw different emotions on each face.

As we approached a larger city, the variety became even more pronounced.

Faces I’d once overlooked now intrigued me.

Lost in observing the people, I didn’t realize we’d arrived at a building until Hwangbo Yul stepped inside.

We arrived at a building presumably for lodging. She calmly checked in, entered the room, and began unpacking her bag.

She meticulously checked corners and curtains, then opened the suitcase to release me.

As the suitcase lid swung open, light from the room illuminated my view. I realized the difference between Hwangbo Yul and that guy, Cheonsu.

That guy never let me out in the swamp.

Perhaps Hwangbo Yul found it bothersome to leave me confined.

Feeling momentarily sympathetic for her slip in the bath, I now found her plight amusing. A nosebleed would have been a nice touch.

Still...

Being out of the suitcase felt awkward. If it had been Kim Cheonsu, I might’ve comfortably observed my surroundings.

He wouldn’t have paid much attention to me, so we’d have been mutually indifferent.

But...

Hwangbo Yul seemed overly interested in me.

Sitting in the suitcase, barely moving, I noticed her staring at me as if puzzled by my reluctance to come out.

Normally, having a beautiful woman gaze at me would feel like a green light, but I was fully aware of my current form.

So what was that gaze?

It didn’t seem like surveillance—too inefficient. Considering her actions, simply locking me in the suitcase would’ve been easier for her.

...Maybe Kim Cheonsu also refrained from releasing me for the same reason.

Forget the nosebleed comment.

Still, Hwangbo Yul’s decision to let me out puzzled me.

But she remained silent, making me feel both frustrated and slightly uneasy.

Though unlikely to harm me, her sharp features made her intimidating.

Remaining in the suitcase made my jelly ache, so I reluctantly wriggled out, stretching my body.

While I had no bones or joints to loosen, I felt awkward and fidgeted anyway. All the while, Hwangbo Yul’s gaze remained fixed on me.

...Please say something.

I never thought I’d miss Yang Hana.

Just as I considered playing with my jelly to pass the time, Hwangbo Yul finally spoke.

“Hungry?”

...Eating anything right now would upset even a jelly’s stomach.

But I couldn’t refuse. Surely, in the concrete jungle, she’d order delivery food.

Kim Cheonsu’s cooking was good, but I missed the addictive taste of MSG.

Unable to resist, I nodded eagerly. Hwangbo Yul chuckled softly before rummaging through her bag.

She’s looking for her phone, right? Please tell me I’m right.

Gazing at her with hopeful jelly eyes, I watched as she pulled out...

Wait.

An infamous calorie-packed snack known as a "Calorie Mate."

Rustling the packaging, she unwrapped the snack and handed it to me whole, as if to say, “This is all yours.”

“What’s wrong?”

...Give me back my expectations.

But lacking the courage to complain, I reluctantly absorbed the Calorie Mate into my body.

...It still tastes bad.

Meanwhile, Hwangbo Yul calmly nibbled on a piece of her own, occasionally glancing at me.

The slowly melting Calorie Mate felt harder to digest than usual.