Kiss the Scumbag-Chapter 52

Yujin looked down at the tray in his hands, then back at the butler, who immediately stepped forward to take it from him.

"How is Angela?"

At the butler’s question, Yujin answered honestly.

"She’s fine. She’s asleep now."

"That’s good to hear."

The butler’s face remained as expressionless as ever, but for some reason, Yujin felt as if he had caught a glimpse of the man’s emotions. It felt like genuine relief—and that gave Yujin a bit of courage.

"Excuse me."

Just as the butler bowed slightly and turned to leave, Yujin called out to stop him. When the butler turned back, Yujin carefully opened his mouth.

"Why didn’t you tell me Angela was missing? Shouldn’t I have been woken up right away?"

He didn’t mean to accuse, but if something like this ever happened again, he wanted it handled differently. The butler hesitated for a second before replying.

"I thought she’d be found quickly. But time passed while we searched, and by the time we realized it had been too long, it seemed best to focus on finding her first."

It wasn’t a wrong call. Even if they had woken him up, all Yujin would’ve done was panic and run around searching just like everyone else.

But still, Yujin was Angela’s guardian. To be left out entirely in such an important situation—without even knowing what was happening—was unacceptable.

"Next time, if anything happens to Angie, please tell me first. I’m asking you."

He added the request politely, and the butler simply responded, "Understood," without any visible change in expression. Yujin didn’t sense any resentment or irritation; it was just the butler doing his job, as always.

"Is there anything else?"

The butler asked as if checking whether there were further instructions to follow. Yujin hesitated, then shook his head.

"That’s all. Thank you for all your hard work today. Please pass along my thanks to everyone else as well."

"No need to thank us. It was our failure in supervision. I’ll make sure everyone is more vigilant in the future."

The butler’s composed response put Yujin at ease. He gave one more word of thanks and was just about to turn away when—

"A different room has been prepared for you tonight. Mr. Campbell instructed that you rest there."

The butler’s unexpected words made Yujin pause.

"Winston did?"

"Yes."

He turned around and asked again, just to be sure, but the answer remained the same. Yujin hesitated, then asked,

"Can I ask why?"

His question was cautious, and the butler answered in his usual flat tone.

"Mr. Campbell gave the order."

No one could really defy that. But still, it didn’t feel like the right time to just say “Okay” and walk away.

"I have something to say to Winston."

"Tell him tomorrow. Mr. Campbell is resting now."

The butler’s tone was firm. Somehow, it felt like he was channeling someone else’s will.

"Was that Winston’s order too?"

Yujin asked, and the butler simply stared at his face without answering. That was answer enough.

"If there’s nothing else you need, then I’ll take my leave..."

"Wait."

The butler clearly wanted to wrap things up, but Yujin pressed on.

"There’s one more thing I’m curious about... What was the doctor doing in Winston’s room at this hour?"

This time, the butler didn’t respond right away. After a short pause, as if weighing his words, he finally spoke slowly.

"When the weather turns like this, Mr. Campbell’s condition worsens."

"What?"

Yujin looked at him in surprise, caught off guard. The butler continued, not trying to hide anything.

"He’s improved a lot, but he’s not in a condition to be riding in the rain. Especially today—he overdid it. That’s why the doctor had to check on him."

Yujin stood there, stunned, as the words sank in. A strange clarity crept up on him.

"Is that why? Is that why Winston doesn’t want to see me?"

The butler waited a beat before answering.

"Because he needs rest." ƒгeewebnovёl.com

There was no room for argument in that. Winston was unwell—enough for the doctor to be involved—and clearly just wanted to rest. Not disturbing him was the best option. But even so, Yujin couldn’t bring himself to move.

"How bad is it exactly... Is he really sick?"

Extreme alphas didn’t get intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Ordinary painkillers wouldn’t work on them either. In response to his question, the butler said,

"That’s why the doctor checked on him. There are medications suited to his physiology."

"...Right."

There was nothing more to say. The best thing Yujin could do now was to follow orders and stay away.

"Understood. Then... where should I sleep tonight?"

"This way."

The butler guided him without hesitation. The room was on the same floor, but located quite far from the others.

"Please rest. If you need anything—"

"It’s fine. I know. Thank you."

Yujin cut him off quickly.

"You should rest too, Cain. You really did a lot today."

"Thank you. Then..."

The butler bowed and turned to leave. Yujin closed the door loudly on purpose, then stood still, listening. Cain’s measured footsteps faded into the distance, then disappeared. Yujin let out a deep sigh and headed for the bathroom. The rain was still falling, but it had softened. It no longer pelted the roof with the same intensity as before.

After washing ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) up, he changed into the sleepwear laid out on the bed and lay down—but sleep wouldn’t come.

He couldn’t stop thinking about Winston.

How bad is he, really...

Despite being in that condition, Winston had gone out to find Angela. Feeling more gratitude and concern than anger or resentment was only natural. Yujin squeezed his eyes shut and turned to the other side, trying to fall asleep. He counted numbers in his head, changed positions—nothing worked.

"This isn’t going to work."

He muttered to himself and sat up abruptly. There was no way he’d be able to sleep like this. The doctor had prescribed medicine, so Winston should be asleep by now. Just a quick glance—just to check—should be okay.

With that decision, Yujin left the bed and opened the door.

For a moment, he was struck by the uneasy thought that someone might be standing outside like last time. But the hallway was empty.

Yujin took a deep breath and stepped out. The rain had grown louder again, beating against the windows. After stopping by Angela’s room and confirming that she was sleeping peacefully, he headed to Winston’s door.

Hoo...

He exhaled shakily from nerves, then reached for the door handle.

Winston should be asleep. It’s okay. Yujin calmed himself and tightened his grip, turning the handle gently.

Creaaak.

Just as the door gave a sharp squeak, a crash of thunder exploded outside. The deafening boom that followed made Yujin flinch and freeze on the spot. The thunder echoed and faded into the distance, leaving him standing still, holding his breath.

Only once he was sure it was safe did Yujin resume walking. Step by careful step, he crossed the room. The rain outside continued to pound down, and for once, Yujin was thankful for the noise as it masked his movements.

Finally, he reached the bedside. A shaky breath escaped his lips, and he quickly covered his mouth. At that exact moment, lightning flashed, illuminating the dark room for a brief instant.

Winston lay flat on the bed, eyes closed.

Yujin stared at him wide-eyed. His usually neat hair was messy across his forehead, and his lips—always tightly shut—were relaxed. It was strangely disarming.

Just like back when they used to meet in the annex, alone as children.

But now, Winston looked utterly exhausted. His face was ghostly pale. Anyone would fall ill after wandering through rain like that. And if the doctor was truly worried, then—

A surge of pure gratitude and pity overwhelmed Yujin. Before he knew it, his hand was reaching out to brush Winston’s cheek.

Then, suddenly realizing what he was doing, he froze mid-motion—only for a low, indifferent voice to rise from below.

"You’ll need both hands if you’re going to strangle me."