By Zephyria Yoon Ye-jun fastened the jumper he was wearing. He zipped up the short padded jumper to his neck and pulled on the hood. Wiggling his fingers, he gripped the plastic bag in his hand tightly. It’s freezing to death. Perhaps because it was night, the cold struck so hard his jaw clicked.
December. The winter weather was terribly cold. Come to think of it, they said it would snow today, but it hadn’t yet. Will it come later…. Yoon Ye-jun, walking with lighter steps than usual, stopped in front of the apartment building.
Beep, beep, beep, beep— He entered the password for the apartment entrance and stepped inside. The man waiting for the elevator with him looked like a well-dressed man in his mid-thirties. He bowed his head slightly, exchanging a glance. He’d become familiar with some of the residents from coming and going so often. Ki Young-han, who had lived there longer, said he didn’t know the residents’ faces, though.
Ding— The elevator arrived. Yoon Ye-jun and the man stepped inside together. The greasy smell from the bag wafted up. “Oh dear…” Yoon Ye-jun muttered to himself, gripping the opening of the bag tightly. I’m on the 6th floor, he pressed, and the man pressed 17.
“You’re working late, I see.”
Yoon Ye-jun spoke out of politeness. He usually saw the man around 7 PM, but it was nearly 9 PM now. It was unnecessary meddling.
“It’s busy with the end of the year.”
Haha, an awkward laugh was exchanged. Yoon Ye-jun turned back to the panel. When the man asked, “Are you a college student?” he replied, “Yes.” Just then, the elevator stopped. Yoon Ye-jun bowed his head slightly to the man and got out. Through the closing doors, the man also bowed his head in greeting. Yoon Ye-jun hooked the bag onto his finger and entered the password.
Am I going to become like that now? A shallow sigh escaped him. He thought it would be overwhelming with joy just to imagine it, but contrary to his expectations, it was peaceful.
Yoon Ye-jun’s childhood dream was to be an ordinary office worker. But becoming an ordinary office worker turned out to be harder than he thought. Regrets naturally followed, like wishing he had done more extracurricular activities when he was younger, or participated in more competitions.
Beep, beep— After pressing about two passwords, the door suddenly opened.
“You’re back?”
Ki Young-han was waiting for him. Yoon Ye-jun nodded and was pulled inside by Ki Young-han, who took the bag from his hand. Ki Young-han embraced Yoon Ye-jun at the entrance and kissed him. Smack, Yoon Ye-jun kissed him back several times first.
Ki Young-han’s embrace was warm. It was different from the cold outside. Yoon Ye-jun felt a sense of coziness. If he were in his own studio apartment, which he hadn’t visited in a long time, he would probably be shivering under an electric blanket, thinking the gas bill was too expensive.
“Did you have a good day?”
“Yeah.”
Yoon Ye-jun handed over the bag in his hand. Ki Young-han opened the mouth of the bag. The bag was heavy with chicken and beer. Ki Young-han walked, asking,
“What did they say?”
“Working overtime is secondary, they said I should just study.”
Yoon Ye-jun laughed weakly and unzipped his jumper. He had met a senior from school today. It was a recommendation from his professor. The senior was rumored to be a monster who passed the Level 5 civil service exam in just one year. He had been specially called for Yoon Ye-jun, who had lived his life doing ordinary part-time jobs without any special extracurricular activities or internships.
Being a civil servant isn’t bad either. He thought it was a good job, perhaps too good for him. He heard that if you were lucky, there were relaxed departments with less overtime. But the senior didn’t look like that. Dark circles were smudged under his eyes.
“Go wash up.”
Ki Young-han placed the chicken on the dining table. Yoon Ye-jun nodded. Well, he didn’t want a special kind of job. But it was also a burden. Preparing for the exam cost money. Even trying to get a job cost money. When he was in high school, he thought his life would change completely just by going to college.
His hunger returned, and after a quick shower, he found Ki Young-han had prepared braised mackerel with radish. It was simmered thoroughly with radish greens. The side dishes they had received from home and cooked themselves were also placed invitingly. Both he and Ki Young-han had improved their cooking skills a lot. It was because they wanted to feed each other only the best things.
Looking at the delicious food before him, Yoon Ye-jun exaggerated deliberately.
“I thought I was going to starve to death.”
As he spoke, he pulled out a chair and sat down. Thank you for the meal, he said, and picked up his chopsticks. He took a gulp of beer. He had been waiting for Ki Young-han to sit opposite him, but Ki Young-han spread out the chicken, poured beer, and then went into the master bedroom and came back out. He reappeared in the kitchen, holding a bankbook. What is it? Yoon Ye-jun asked with his eyes only, his mouth full of rice.
“This is the money I’ve saved.”
Yoon Ye-jun just looked at Ki Young-han without even thinking of checking the bankbook.
“Honestly, I have quite a bit of money. Compared to people my age.”
Of course. Even without specifying his age, Ki Young-han lived a life without lacking anything. He said he had never even had a part-time job. He had never missed being the top student in his department, received scholarships, and his parents had paid for all his tuition. He was someone who took care of himself. He had received a considerable amount of money when he entered Korea University. Thanks to his mother’s interest in investments, his finances were well managed, and it was natural that he had the house and car he lived in now.
“If you want to study.”
“Yeah.”
“I can help you.”
Yoon Ye-jun stretched out his hand. He looked at his neatly trimmed, well-shaped fingernails. Being a civil servant seemed okay. He had mentioned it the day before yesterday, and today he had met a senior from his department. It was natural to want to look for a higher-paying company if your school was good.
However, he didn’t have overseas internship experience like Ki Young-han, nor did he have anything special. So, it was a casual remark, but after meeting the senior recommended by the professor today, Ki Young-han seemed more concerned.
Yoon Ye-jun raised his gaze from his fingertips. He met Ki Young-han’s eyes.
“But you have to live with me. …Since I’m helping you.”
Ki Young-han hesitated for a long time before finally uttering the sentence. Yoon Ye-jun offered a soft smile. He wondered why Ki Young-han was talking so seriously. Instead of answering, Yoon Ye-jun placed a piece of mackerel, neatly separated onto a small plate, onto Ki Young-han’s rice.
“So I can live off your money?”
“Who said that? Work hard and pay me back double.”
“Ah, that’s too much.”
Only then did Ki Young-han start eating his rice. Yoon Ye-jun pouted his lips. When he offered his beer mug, Ki Young-han picked one up too. Cheers, they clinked them together and drank their beer. Ki Young-han, without even touching the mackerel he had prepared so diligently, bit into a chicken drumstick. He never ate with his hands. He wrestled with the thin chopsticks. Should I tell him, or not? Yoon Ye-jun thought as he watched Ki Young-han tear into the chicken. He’ll find out soon anyway.
“Do you know why I bought chicken?”
“Because I wanted to eat it. What other reason is there?”
No.
“Just a moment.”
Yoon Ye-jun stood up. He rummaged through the pockets of his jumper, which he had left on the living room table without tidying up. He took out his mobile phone.
“Message, message…”
He sang to himself. After finding the message, he placed the mobile phone on the dining table. Ki Young-han looked at the message with a lack of emotion. His previously calm eyes slowly widened. Blinking, blinking, he looked at Yoon Ye-jun twice.
“You passed?”
“Yeah. Starting next week.”
He got an internship at a state-run media organization. It was a place that students majoring in media-related fields aspired to work at, as much as newspaper companies. He had hastily submitted his self-introduction letter and prepared his documents, but he was lucky.
Ki Young-han struggled more than he did. Unlike him, who had prepared various things in advance, Yoon Ye-jun’s situation was sudden. Perhaps because of that, he felt less pressure, so it was okay, but Ki Young-han had complained of stomach pain.
Actually, he hadn’t done particularly well in the interview, so he hadn’t talked about it afterward. Ki Young-han probably thought he had failed. That’s why he must have been contemplating civil service so deeply. Even more than him.
“It’s a relief.”
“The exam?”
“I told the professor. That I’d take it early.”
“Ah.”
Ki Young-han stared intently at the message. He, who had overseas internship experience, seemed so amazed that he carefully read it aloud. Seeing him like that, Yoon Ye-jun felt a little embarrassed.
“Give it to me now.”
“…Here.”
He handed over the mobile phone obediently. Yoon Ye-jun focused on his meal. Ki Young-han picked up the chicken drumstick he had missed. Yoon Ye-jun tore open a packet of dipping sauce and offered it to him. Ki Young-han dipped the chicken into the sauce.
“That’s great.”
Ki Young-han said, discarding the gnawed chicken bone. He lowered his head slightly. He had drunk half a glass of beer, but he let out a deep sigh. Even if he couldn’t drink well, he wasn’t drunk yet. As Yoon Ye-jun was thinking this, Ki Young-han suddenly straightened his head.
“I’m glad I could meet you when you were a student.”
And he said something out of the blue.
“What?”
Yoon Ye-jun had no choice but to ask again.
“You can congratulate me.”
Ki Young-han had a romantic side in unexpected places. Yoon Ye-jun smiled gently.
“There will be many more.”
“…I know that. You always have to add something.”
Yoon Ye-jun smiled slightly at his grumbling voice. Ki Young-han also looked at Yoon Ye-jun, and their eyes met.
“Smile, Young-han.”
Ki Young-han, who had a blank expression, slowly curved his eyes. At his smile, which seemed like it could melt anything, Yoon Ye-jun quickly shoveled rice into his mouth. Ki Young-han, who had been smiling well, squinted one eye.
“…You’re not eating like a starving person, eat slowly?”
“You eat quickly too.”
“Why?”
“Let’s do it after we eat.”
“What?”
“Let’s do it, I’ve been too tired lately to do it.”
Ki Young-han swallowed hard. He tilted his head slightly. His voice, as he spoke, was cautious.
“I, I don’t have to eat.”
“No. Eat quickly.”
Yoon Ye-jun placed the expertly deboned mackerel flesh with radish onto Ki Young-han’s rice and offered it to him. Then he continued to scoop large mouthfuls of rice. As the saying goes, even a ghost that dies from eating looks good. It wasn’t a fitting saying for the current situation, but it was fine.
His neckline is pretty. His bare skin was a light bronze, and his fingertips, which caressed his cheek and flowing hair, were slender. His nails, always neatly trimmed, his lips, glistening and moist with saliva, and the mole under his eye were also beautiful.
Ki Young-han lowered his head. He rubbed his lips against the mole located under his left eye. Yoon Ye-jun grabbed Ki Young-han’s neck and pulled him closer. Let’s kiss, he whispered and parted his lips. His welcoming tongue plunged into Ki Young-han’s mouth. The wet sound echoed in the room. It was good that he told him to come out after showering. Yoon Ye-jun freely touched Ki Young-han’s slightly damp shoulders.
The sweet scent of shower cologne, the shampoo he used without being picky, his hair, which always had a good texture despite not being properly managed. Yoon Ye-jun buried his face in Ki Young-han’s neck. Sniff, he inhaled as if to take in the scent. Ki Young-han’s hand naturally moved downwards. Yoon Ye-jun tightly gripped his shoulder blades and spread his legs.
“You smell good…”
Ki Young-han murmured, burying his nose in Yoon Ye-jun’s hair. They used the same shampoo. It wasn’t quite living together, but it wasn’t not living together either, as they had been together for such a long time. Except for the two or three times a month they slept separately, they were always together.
Perhaps because of that. Sometimes, when he stayed at his own studio apartment away from Ki Young-han, the 4-pyeong studio felt even more awkward. He didn’t want to stay long in a place where his privacy was absolutely not guaranteed, where he could know whether the person next door was eating, watching TV, or studying.
“Yeah, come over here.”
Yoon Ye-jun pulled Ki Young-han closer. He held him in his arms and touched various parts of his back muscles. Ki Young-han slightly raised his body. Their lips met again. Slurp, slurp, they licked each other’s tongues, exchanging saliva. Yoon Ye-jun pulled Ki Young-han closer. His firm genitals rubbed against the inside of his thigh.
Yoon Ye-jun parted his lips wider to receive his tongue. He tickled the roof of his mouth, and like mating snakes, they rubbed their tongues, sucking on each other’s thin oral mucous membranes.
After the intense kiss, Ki Young-han rubbed his lips against Yoon Ye-jun’s cheek and slowly moved down. His dry lips and thin hair tickled his skin, giving him goosebumps.
His lips on Yoon Ye-jun’s neck lightly sucked his skin. As the suction from his lips grew stronger and Yoon Ye-jun’s skin began to ache, Ki Young-han, who had been persistently sucking his neck, raised his body. He rubbed the mark he had just made with his thumb.
“It’s going to leave a mark?”
“Yes.”
“It’ll probably fade in about a week.”
Yoon Ye-jun gestured to the bed as if it were fine and sat up. He scanned Ki Young-han, who was sitting opposite him. Ki Young-han’s gaze, which was just staring blankly, was quite sharp. His firm muscles, and his erect genitals, visible even from a light kiss and caress, caught his eye.
Yoon Ye-jun covered and gripped Ki Young-han’s glans with his hand. He placed his palm on the urethral opening and cupped the large bullet-like glans with his fingers. Ki Young-han let out a heavy groan. Yoon Ye-jun tightened his grip.
“You like being touched.”
“…Yes.”
“You like being sucked too, don’t you?”
Yoon Ye-jun asked a teasing question with a playful smile. Ki Young-han’s brow furrowed. Yoon Ye-jun moved his hand gently.
“Hoo, ugh…”
Ki Young-han writhed. He didn’t just push with force anymore, but sometimes these hand games made him more excited than usual. Yoon Ye-jun’s playful streak resurfaced.
“Young-han.”
When he called him, Ki Young-han looked up, his face flushed with excitement. Yoon Ye-jun pressed his lips against Ki Young-han’s lips. His tongue came out to brush his lips, but he didn’t suck. He held the shaft with his hand. It was indeed difficult with one hand. It stabilized somewhat when he held it as if supporting it.
“Let’s try that.”
Yoon Ye-jun had tried it before, but Ki Young-han hadn’t. Yoon Ye-jun knew that when Ki Young-han tormented his genitals severely during penetration, he experienced extreme orgasm. He knew that after such an intense pleasure, he would ejaculate a fluid different from semen.
Would Ki Young-han be able to? While kissing Ki Young-han’s lips, his other hand, not holding the shaft, rubbed his urethral opening. Ki Young-han squeezed his eyes shut. He grabbed Yoon Ye-jun’s forearm. He applied strong pressure as if about to burst. The tongues that had been rubbing against each other moved away.
“…What are you doing?”
Ki Young-han asked, suppressing his breath. Yoon Ye-jun lowered his body and sucked Ki Young-han’s nipple, his voice flat. While licking his erect nipple with his tongue, he stimulated the urethral opening with his palm. As he traced the glans, wet with the pre-ejaculate that dripped out, Ki Young-han gasped.
“If you do this, you know…”
Yoon Ye-jun moved his hand faster. The sound of his palm rubbing could be heard, squish, squish. Ki Young-han’s chest heaved. He tried to shift his lower body.
Yoon Ye-jun placed his own legs over Ki Young-han’s thighs, preventing him from moving. As he raised his head, Ki Young-han’s eyes were red, and veins stood out on his neck. Smack, Yoon Ye-jun, despite his rough movements, gently kissed his lips and then pulled away.
“Come, Young-han.”
“Hoo… ugh…”
Yoon Ye-jun licked his lips with his tongue. Just a little more, just a little more, he said, rubbing his palm rapidly against the urethral opening. Click, click, click… The muscles in his forearm felt stiff. Would his arms be sore tomorrow?
Ki Young-han let out a deep moan, “Haa.”
“Let me go, please… Let me go.”
Ki Young-han pleaded, grabbing his shoulder and begging. But…
“No.”
Yoon Ye-jun replied with a smile. “Fuck, really…” Ki Young-han let out a curse he hadn’t uttered in a while. With the sound of slap, slap rubbing, Ki Young-han grabbed Yoon Ye-jun’s wrist. His lower body felt like it would burst, and the force was immense. His hand trembled as if it would tear off. But Yoon Ye-jun didn’t care. It was just a matter of rubbing his palm anyway.
“Please, hic*, let me go. Really…”
“Come, Young-han, okay?”
Yoon Ye-jun moved his hands a little faster. Ki Young-han seemed to have difficulty handling the overwhelming excitement. His bulging, blue-veined genitals were red at the tip, dripping clear fluid and cloudy semen. Moreover, his eyes were unfocused. With veins standing out on his neck from arousal, the hand gripping Yoon Ye-jun’s wrist trembled. His lips were bitten red, and irregular breaths escaped as snorts.
Yoon Ye-jun had no intention of letting go of the genitals slick with semen. Ki Young-han, unable to grip his wrist tightly and having lowered his hand, clutched the sheets as if to tear them. His head tilted towards the floor, then snapped back. The taut muscles of his thighs felt like they would burst.
Even swallowing saliva seemed difficult. Yoon Ye-jun held the genitals with both hands. Then, he stimulated the tip with his thumb and gently scratched the urethral opening with his fingernail. “Young-han, Young-han,” he called, parting his lips towards him.
Ki Young-han reached out and pulled Yoon Ye-jun into a tight embrace. Yoon Ye-jun, suddenly releasing Ki Young-han’s genitals, found himself on top of him, having to freely suck the thick, wet tongue that thrust into him frantically.
“Hngh, ugh, ugh…”
However, even after releasing his genitals, Ki Young-han did not calm down. He pulled Yoon Ye-jun into a tight embrace with both arms as if to crush him, and thrust his genitals into Yoon Ye-jun’s thighs. He moved his hips rapidly, rubbing as if to tear at the skin. Yoon Ye-jun, held by Ki Young-han’s arms, pushed against his lower abdomen with his fingers.
“Mmph…!”
He couldn’t speak to ask to be let go because of the thick, clashing kiss. The hot genitals dug into his thighs, moving wildly as if to tear at his skin. Slurp, slurp, slurp… the wet sounds echoed endlessly.
“Hngh, hck…”
Ki Young-han managed to catch his breath, but he was still busy thrusting his genitals between Yoon Ye-jun’s thighs. He moved for a long time, but his movements didn’t stop. Instead, he dug more violently into the skin.
The tip of the genitals continuously rubbed against Yoon Ye-jun’s testicles and perineum. Ki Young-han trembled. With a thud, he collapsed, and at the same time, Yoon Ye-jun, catching his breath with difficulty, buried his forehead in Ki Young-han’s chest.
“Hoo, ugh…”
Ki Young-han, exhaling, sucked on Yoon Ye-jun’s ear. Yoon Ye-jun felt his buttocks becoming wet.
Ah… so.
Something different from semen or pre-ejaculate…
“Young-han, you don’t mean…”
“Ah, fuck…”
Ki Young-han trembled with shame. The arms that had held Yoon Ye-jun like a snare loosened. Yoon Ye-jun climbed onto Ki Young-han’s lower abdomen and turned his body. Drip, drip, the clear liquid still flowing down soaked his buttocks, Ki Young-han’s lower abdomen, and groin.
“Come down…”
Ki Young-han said in a dejected voice. Even amidst this, Yoon Ye-jun took Ki Young-han’s still-erect genitals in both hands.
“Ah, come on…”
Ki Young-han squeezed out his voice.
“…Don’t touch it.”
“It’s because it’s pretty.”
“You’re really… a pervert, aren’t you.”
Who’s calling whom a pervert. Yoon Ye-jun scoffed inwardly. If he’s going to call me a pervert or whatever, shouldn’t he take his hands off my buttocks? When he’s already grabbing and spreading them.
Yoon Ye-jun, holding Ki Young-han’s genitals, turned his head. Ki Young-han, who had put his index and middle fingers in his mouth and sucked them, spread Yoon Ye-jun’s buttocks and rubbed his fingers into the opening.
“I want to suck.”
“Do you like sucking that much?”
“Who said I liked it.”
The reply was serious. Yoon Ye-jun got off Ki Young-han’s body and lay down on the bed.
“Give me a pillow.”
It was within reach, but he complained unnecessarily.
Ki Young-han, muttering about whether he had no hands or feet, placed a pillow behind his head. He was so attentive, supporting his neck and the back of his head with his large hands and lifting them onto the pillow. He rubbed his lips once more.
“Put your tongue in.”
Yoon Ye-jun whispered, their lips pressed together. He immediately sucked the tongue that pushed in with a wet sound.
Their heads twisted as their saliva mingled. Yoon Ye-jun moved his forehead to meet Ki Young-han’s, pulling away. Their noses brushed lightly. Yoon Ye-jun parted his lips.
“Young-han.”
“…Yes.”
He liked the low, resonant voice. Yes, that’s right. Yoon Ye-jun recalled the fact that he had masturbated after ending a phone call with Ki Young-han while spending the summer at his grandfather’s house. He had wanted to record his voice to use as a side dish, but unfortunately, he couldn’t due to the mobile phone’s functions.
“Spit on me.”
Yoon Ye-jun said, sticking out his tongue. His eyes were half-lidded. His pink tongue looked appetizing in Ki Young-han’s sight.
“Here.”
Yoon Ye-jun pointed to his tongue. Ki Young-han, who had been gazing at it, sat up abruptly. Ki Young-han’s expression began to contort. Why, again… Yoon Ye-jun grew anxious about what words would come out of his mouth.
“What did you see, what did you do, to make such a stupid request?”
Ki Young-han snapped.
“Ah, it’s a joke…”
“What joke.”
His glaring eyes were sharp. Yoon Ye-jun always felt it at times like these. Ah, this guy, even though he sucks off men, he’s so rigid and conservative. He’s the type whose ears turn bright red whenever we talk about sex, he thought.
“…So, are you not going to do it?”
“Who said I wouldn’t. Spread your legs.”
He thinks everything he says is fine. This is too much. Yoon Ye-jun grabbed his knees and spread his legs. He pulled both legs up to his chest, spreading them in an M-shape. Ki Young-han touched his groin and lowered himself. Hhht…! As soon as his tongue touched, Yoon Ye-jun pushed his chest forward. The tongue that had been biting and sucking now touched between Yoon Ye-jun’s buttocks.
He buried his entire lips below and licked the opening. His tongue moved persistently, as if to penetrate immediately. To lick and suck more deeply, he spread the fleshy skin of his plump buttocks. Exposed to the cold air, Yoon Ye-jun curled his toes. He let go of the hands supporting the back of his thighs and grabbed Ki Young-han’s head. He couldn’t tell if he wanted to push him away or pull him closer.
“Ngh, hng, ah, Young-han, Young-han…”
Ki Young-han flattened his tongue and licked below ravenously. He buried his nose in the perineum and moved his head. When Yoon Ye-jun flinched and tried to close his legs, Ki Young-han held them firmly in place.
“Ah, your tongue, your tongue…”
It was bearable when he licked the front, but it was difficult because Ki Young-han persistently only wet the back. While he recoiled at the request to let him spit saliva during kisses, he was now letting saliva drip onto his own rear, and Ki Young-han, using it as lubricant, licked frantically, making Yoon Ye-jun move his head wildly.
“Just a little, slowly, ugh, please, please, Young-han…”
He was now doing what Ki Young-han had begged for. Even though he wasn’t moving fast, Yoon Ye-jun pushed the bedsheets with his feet and pushed Ki Young-han’s head away, as if he had lifted his legs and spread them earlier. Ki Young-han willingly retreated. Yoon Ye-jun couldn’t calm his aroused body. So he grabbed his own genitals and began to stroke them.
“Try it from behind.”
“Hng… Ah, ah…”
“Don’t just masturbate with what I did to your rear, turn around. I’ll lick you more.”
“Too…”
Too persistent. But he couldn’t say that to Ki Young-han. Yoon Ye-jun finally turned his body. He rubbed his lower body against the bedsheets. He hesitated whether to lift his buttocks or not, but there was no need. Ki Young-han grabbed his plump cheeks and spread them. Breath came close again, and soon he buried his lips.
“Ngh, hng, ah, really…”
Ki Young-han held Yoon Ye-jun’s pelvis. He was busy licking below again. Yoon Ye-jun didn’t need to masturbate. As he rubbed his erect penis against the bedsheets, Ki Young-han held and stroked it. He buried his face in the pillow Ki Young-han had so kindly held for him. He clutched the pillow tightly. Ki Young-han pulled Yoon Ye-jun closer to him. He supported his lower body with his knees and made him lift his buttocks.
Ki Young-han spread his buttocks wider and licked the opening as if to dig into it. Opaque fluid dripped from the tip of Yoon Ye-jun’s genitals, soaking the sheets.
“Hngh, hng, hngh…”
Yoon Ye-jun buried his face in the pillow and moved his head from side to side. His lower body was so wet that it twitched involuntarily. The folds tightened. Ki Young-han, who had been lightly licking with his tongue, looked up and slowly withdrew his mouth from below him.
It looked as if it had been polished to a beautiful sheen. Why were his important parts pink when he was dark-skinned? Ki Young-han rubbed his index and middle fingers on his tongue once more and put them in his mouth, sucking. Yoon Ye-jun, his face buried in the pillow, slightly turned his head to look at him. His eyes were filled with a strange anticipation.
Ki Young-han climbed onto Yoon Ye-jun’s body. He lay beside him, his chest against Yoon Ye-jun’s back. He pushed his finger into the opening he had been licking so continuously.
“Ugh…”
The opening, which should have been moist, was tightly closed. He hadn’t done it much lately. He had engaged in foreplay or petting, but it had been almost two weeks since penetration. Yoon Ye-jun, feeling the fingers rummaging inside him, brought his lips to Ki Young-han’s and bit them gently.
“Young-han, it hurts…”
He whimpered, swallowing a moan he didn’t realize he’d made. Ki Young-han curled his fingers like hooks and scraped the inner wall. The wet sound echoed in the room.
“Eung… Eung…”
Yoon Ye-jun buried his face in the pillow again. He thrust into his rear with force, like slapping his buttocks. Yoon Ye-jun bit his lips hard, feeling his eyes go unfocused. Ki Young-han kissed Yoon Ye-jun’s earlobe. His toes curled involuntarily at the movement of the fingers thrusting into his open rear.
“Stop, you can stop…”
He managed to get the words out with difficulty. Yoon Ye-jun exhaled deeply, “Hoo…” Ki Young-han turned Yoon Ye-jun’s body over to lie on his back, facing the ceiling. He really liked doing things face-to-face. Ki Young-han climbed on top of Yoon Ye-jun. Yoon Ye-jun touched the back of the man lying on top of him. Without either initiating, their lips met.
Mmm, mph, ngh…
Sounds mixed with their breathing. Ki Young-han spread Yoon Ye-jun’s legs. Yoon Ye-jun wrapped his legs around Ki Young-han’s thighs. Ki Young-han’s large, beautifully shaped genitals slowly but persistently rubbed against his groin and genitals.
“Young-han… ngh…”
Ki Young-han persistently sucked on Yoon Ye-jun’s neck. He bit it gently with his teeth. Yoon Ye-jun embraced Ki Young-han’s head.
“Put it in…”
He whispered, rubbing his lips against his hair. Ki Young-han gnawed at various parts of Yoon Ye-jun’s upper body, holding his own genitals. He lightly rubbed his penis against Yoon Ye-jun’s genitals, then pulled back and dug into the perineum and the space between his buttocks. The large glans touched the opening. Yoon Ye-jun gasped, digging his fingernails into Ki Young-han’s shoulder.
“Just, hoo, I’ll just put it in.”
“Eung, eung…”
Knowing that his whimpering would never end, Yoon Ye-jun nodded repeatedly at Ki Young-han’s words. The heavy glans parted the inner wall and penetrated. His insides automatically contracted. Ki Young-han slipped his hand under Yoon Ye-jun’s waist and pulled him closer, penetrating deeper. Hhat! A voice escaped involuntarily. Yoon Ye-jun clung to Ki Young-han like a monkey hanging from a tree, arching his back.
“Relax your body a bit.”
“Ah, wait a moment…”
It had been a long time since penetration, so even after a considerable amount of foreplay, it was difficult. Yoon Ye-jun even felt nauseous. The penis, parting the tightly closed inner wall, withdrew and then thrust in lightly.
“Hk…!”
Yoon Ye-jun involuntarily let out a weary sound. Ki Young-han exhaled, “Hoo,” catching his breath.
“Can I move?”
He whispered, rubbing his lips against Yoon Ye-jun’s cheek. Goosebumps rose all over. Yoon Ye-jun moved his hands to embrace Ki Young-han’s neck. As if that were a signal, Ki Young-han withdrew and then thrust forward again. Several times with heavy movements.
Thump, thump, thump…. Yoon Ye-jun’s nostrils flared. He arched his body forward, enduring it with difficulty. Then, feeling Ki Young-han’s genitals protruding from his stomach, a chilling sensation made him lose strength and collapse. Ki Young-han straightened his hips and moved his pelvis. Thump, thump, he vigorously thrust into him.
“Hk, hng, ugh, ugh…”
“Hoo… Does it hurt?”
“Ah, it hurts, ah, ah…!”
With his lower body held by Ki Young-han’s hands, Yoon Ye-jun moved back and forth with his strength. Looking up from below, Ki Young-han appeared even more robust. Despite his pretty face, his body was well-built. When Yoon Ye-jun reached out, Ki Young-han lifted him and sat him on his thighs. Ki Young-han embraced Yoon Ye-jun’s indented waist.
Yoon Ye-jun placed his hands on Ki Young-han’s shoulders and gently swayed his hips. Ki Young-han bit his lips. He bent his knees and rested his feet on the bedsheets. Yoon Ye-jun exerted force on the back of his thighs, lifting himself up and then collapsing. His body arched back from the sensation of his penis filling him completely.
“Ugh, ugh…”
“Haa, what’s wrong?”
“It’s too… ah, too deep…”
It felt good to look down at the aroused Ki Young-han from above, but the weight was too much, making it overwhelming. Ki Young-han’s genitals penetrated so deeply that he lost his reason, not knowing what he was saying. It felt like saliva would just drip out. Ki Young-han bit his lips. Yoon Ye-jun licked Ki Young-han’s tongue and swayed his hips at his gesture.
When he lifted his body and thrust down, he was lost in pleasure that made his eyes roll. And when Ki Young-han thrust upwards, Yoon Ye-jun’s groin trembled. He hit Ki Young-han’s shoulder, asking to be let go, but the overwhelming pleasure made his body tremble and he fell back. Then Ki Young-han would lay him down again and thrust his genitals into him as he pleased.
“Ngh, hk, wait, ah, wait…”
“It feels so… good.”
“Ah, wait, ugh, please…”
Yoon Ye-jun pushed Ki Young-han’s chest and shoulders. Ki Young-han continuously thrust his penis into Yoon Ye-jun, leaving his mark. Ki Young-han’s pale skin turned red. His eyeballs rolled back, and the area around his eyes flushed.
Ki Young-han bit his lips hard. He spat out vulgarities, calling it too tight or expressing unfamiliar emotions like crude jokes. Yoon Ye-jun clutched the sheets tightly. His genitals slapped wetly up and down. His breathing became labored.
Yoon Ye-jun twisted his body, pulling the bedsheets as if to tear them. Even as he bit his lips hard, Ki Young-han continued to thrust his genitals inside Yoon Ye-jun. Without withdrawing much, he thrust deeper several times. Yoon Ye-jun’s eyes widened. Something felt strange. His genitals had invaded a range he couldn’t handle, leaving their mark.
“Young-han, there, ah, wait a moment…”
“It was already, hoo, tight, but here it’s even, tighter. Ugh, can you feel me, penetrating? What do we do? I don’t want to pull out like this. Just, ah, fuck…”
Ki Young-han pulled Yoon Ye-jun’s thighs. “Ugh…!” Yoon Ye-jun felt like he was going to vomit. He trembled violently without expelling anything. “Eung…!” He let out a rough sound. Semen burst from his glistening genitals, slick with pre-ejaculate, and flowed down.
Semen was smeared on his genitals, lower abdomen, and light pubic hair. But before he could catch his breath, Ki Young-han buried his glans deep inside Yoon Ye-jun and began to ejaculate. Although it was just the act of expelling semen, Yoon Ye-jun sometimes felt like he was being urinated on.
It was the same now. Yoon Ye-jun raised his arms and gripped the corner of the pillow. He pulled with force. Tilting his head, he watched Ki Young-han, who was breathing heavily with excitement as he ejaculated inside him. His lower abdomen twitched.
The body, which had been hot, slowly cooled. Ki Young-han licked his lips and moved his body back to withdraw his genitals. The slowly emerging genitals touched his lower body heavily. Semen gushed out from his open rear. Ki Young-han lowered his hand and prodded the now tightly closed opening again. Yoon Ye-jun’s gaze fell on the weapon that had touched between his legs.
His genitals, having been thrust and pounded so much, were not just pink but red. Ki Young-han gently rubbed his genitals against Yoon Ye-jun’s testicles and groin. He leaned down to kiss Yoon Ye-jun again. Yoon Ye-jun, seeing Ki Young-han embrace him and tilt his head, pursed his lips. Ki Young-han, who had been holding his lips, slowly raised his eyelids.
“Why?”
“You’re going to do more, right?”
“Yes.”
“Suck me lower. It hurts too much.”
Ki Young-han looked at Yoon Ye-jun with half-closed eyes. “Touch me,” Yoon Ye-jun whispered, wrapping his arms around Ki Young-han’s neck. Yoon Ye-jun, who rarely whined, was acting spoiled towards him. Ki Young-han moved his body and buried his face directly between Yoon Ye-jun’s legs. Without a moment’s hesitation, he took the genitals, messy with bodily fluids, into his mouth.
He moved his lips, sucking and pulling his head back, then forward. When the glans felt like it was about to touch his throat, he slowly pulled his head back to catch his breath. Then, he took the shaft into his mouth again and sucked with a wet sound.
“Hnn, ah, too… yes, Young-han…”
“Do you like it?”
Ki Young-han grabbed Yoon Ye-jun’s genitals and shook them, pressing his lips to the tip. He traced his urethral opening with his pretty-colored tongue. He had become far too skilled. Yoon Ye-jun thought this as he grabbed Ki Young-han’s hair. His body felt like it would lurch forward on its own.
Ki Young-han licked the glans with his tongue a few more times. He smeared saliva all over the genitals as if licking ice cream. He brought his tongue to it and moved his head gently.
Perhaps due to the arousal building inside him, he felt an ejaculatory urge earlier than usual. Yoon Ye-jun gasped for breath. And at that moment.
“Hnn, why…?”
Ki Young-han pulled his hand away.
“……”
“Quickly, do it…”
Yoon Ye-jun grabbed his own genitals while Ki Young-han stared intently at him. As he gently stroked, Ki Young-han scowled. The liquids mixed, making a more squelching sound. It just sounded more erotic. Ki Young-han moved to Yoon Ye-jun’s side and laid him down at an angle. Their gazes turned in the same direction. Ki Young-han’s firm chest pressed against Yoon Ye-jun’s back. Thump, thump… it beat quite roughly.
“Let’s do it again.”
Ki Young-han pressed his lips to Yoon Ye-jun’s shoulder. He felt a large shaft against his buttocks. Yoon Ye-jun placed his own hand over the one gripping his pelvis. He calmed his breathing and twisted his body to make it easier for him to enter. The first time was, as always, difficult.
Yoon Ye-jun gripped the end of the pillow with both hands, burying his head in it.
Thrust… The heavy shaft penetrated him once more. Ki Young-han had nothing left to hold back. He placed his hands on Yoon Ye-jun’s lower abdomen and chest, pressing down below. The blunt glans dug inside, and the thick, large shaft moved in and out, brushing against the inner wall.
When Ki Young-han clenched his lower abdomen with his hands, Yoon Ye-jun bucked his legs. He tried to pry Ki Young-han’s hands off, overlapping his own hands with Ki Young-han’s, but it was no use.
“Hyaat, ugh, ah, eeung… Young-han, aaah…”
Slap, slap. Even though he wasn’t moving that fast, Yoon Ye-jun was in pain. He bent his thighs together, and wrapped his own over Ki Young-han’s legs. He curled his body into a ball, but Ki Young-han held his chest, forcing him to straighten his upper body. Then Ki Young-han pushed him harder.
“Ugh, ugh, ugh…!”
Yoon Ye-jun was exhausted.
It was a little embarrassing to feel pleasure just from penetration, but his actions with Ki Young-han fit so well. He didn’t need Ki Young-han to stroke his genitals anymore; an orgasm was building.
“Hhht, eeugh, ah, ah…! A little slower…!”
“Hoo, really, I like it so much, you’re hot inside…”
“Wait, ah, just a moment…”
“Why, fuck, am I… ah, don’t squeeze so tight.”
Thump, thump. They collided as they whispered. Ki Young-han pulled at Yoon Ye-jun’s nipple. Yoon Ye-jun gasped and grabbed Ki Young-han’s hand. Still, he didn’t stop, rubbing the areola with his finger.
“No, …hht, no. Don’t pull. It feels like it’s going to get bigger.”
Yoon Ye-jun, not even knowing what he was saying, pleaded as Ki Young-han thrust into him.
“Why, if it gets bigger, hooek, is that bad? You just like it right now, ah, shi-…”
“Eeung, I like it, ah, ack, I like it, Young-han…”
He liked Ki Young-han’s clumsy dirty talk. Ki Young-han gripped Yoon Ye-jun’s genitals. Yoon Ye-jun flinched like a bird flapping its wings. Being penetrated from behind while having his genitals stroked in front was agonizing. Yoon Ye-jun stuck out his tongue. His gaze became vacant. He could only be penetrated by Ki Young-han, his inner walls contracting and then being forcibly spread apart.
“Ah, I’m gonna cum… eeut, let go, let go…”
As the ejaculatory urge surged, Yoon Ye-jun grabbed Ki Young-han’s wrist. Ki Young-han scraped his urethral opening. Yoon Ye-jun felt his body stiffen. But there was no ejaculation. His hips were thrust forward sharply. Ki Young-han’s shaft, which had been inserted deeply, pulled back, leaving only the glans. Yoon Ye-jun, sprawled on the bed, trembled.
“Wait, just a moment…”
“Did you cum?”
“I… I don’t know.”
Yoon Ye-jun spoke with difficulty. Ki Young-han wrapped his arms around Yoon Ye-jun’s back and turned him. There were no signs of ejaculation from his contracted genitals. They were merely wet with the saliva left from being sucked. Ki Young-han rubbed his own against Yoon Ye-jun’s genitals. Scrape, scrape… After penetration, it was faster than thrusting.
Yoon Ye-jun felt the muscles in his calves stiffen. The pleasure pooling in his lower abdomen intensified as their genitals rubbed together. Yoon Ye-jun grabbed Ki Young-han’s shoulder. Held by him, he could only endure the act with difficulty.
“Yeong, Young-han… don’t rub it on your dick, ah, there.”
“If I put it inside, ugh, you struggle.”
“On your lips. Or, or on your chest…”
Due to his genitals signaling they had reached their limit, Yoon Ye-jun offered his chest. Ki Young-han sat up and leaned against the headboard. Yoon Ye-jun turned onto his side. Ki Young-han’s grotesquely erect genitals were very wet. Red and blue veins stood out. Yoon Ye-jun grabbed Ki Young-han’s glans and gently rubbed it against his own sharply protruding nipple. Ki Young-han’s face turned red and blue. He had much to say but only opened his lips as if unwilling to speak.
“Young-han.”
He felt just as embarrassed. Knowing that Ki Young-han hadn’t put it inside more, and had given up on penetration for his sake, Yoon Ye-jun rubbed it against his chest, wondering what he was doing. Yoon Ye-jun rubbed his own nipple with his genitals a few more times and then pressed his lips to the tip. He licked it with his tongue.
“Ugh…”
Ki Young-han swallowed hard.
“Cum for me.”
Yoon Ye-jun stuck out his tongue and licked softly.
“Cum in my mouth.”
When he said it again, Ki Young-han placed his hand on the back of Yoon Ye-jun’s head. Before he could dodge, milky semen rained down around his mouth and on his tongue.
“Ah…”
Yoon Ye-jun rolled the semen around with his saliva, tasting the faint bitterness. Ki Young-han reached out and wiped around his mouth. Then he held out his palm.
“Spit it out.”
Mmm. Yoon Ye-jun shook his head. He squeezed his eyes shut and swallowed the semen. Ki Young-han scowled slightly. Why would you eat that? And don’t force me to eat it later. He seemed to be holding back his usual sharp words today. He had playfully forced Yoon Ye-jun’s mouth shut to make him swallow a few times, and since then, Yoon Ye-jun had become more sensitive.
Instead, Ki Young-han kissed Yoon Ye-jun’s lips silently. Yoon Ye-jun wrapped his arms around Ki Young-han’s neck. He lifted himself up, gripping his waist. He settled between Ki Young-han’s thighs. He pressed his legs together and stretched them out.
Ki Young-han kissed Yoon Ye-jun’s lips without resistance. When Yoon Ye-jun closed his mouth tightly, his tongue parted the lips and dug in. Ki Young-han reached into Yoon Ye-jun’s groin and massaged his genitals and testicles together.
It seemed tonight was going to be long.
“Hooom, oom…”
Yoon Ye-jun savored the stimulation from his genitals and continued the kiss.
Yoon Ye-jun rolled over in his sleep to embrace Ki Young-han. But instead of warm skin, his hand met only the cold touch of the sheets. His eyes fluttered open on their own.
It was the pale blue dawn, still cloaked in twilight. Yoon Ye-jun, his eyes heavy with sleep, looked at the empty space beside him and sat up. He touched his throat, sore from so much sucking.
“…Young-han.”
The blanket had slid down to his waist. Yoon Ye-jun turned on the bedside lamp. Ki Young-han was standing by the window. He turned at the sound of his name. Wearing only a pair of drawers, his body’s silhouette was even more pronounced in the darkness. His lines were thin, but his build was solid.
“It’s snowing.”
Only then did Yoon Ye-jun’s gaze turn towards the window. From the master bedroom, where the balcony had been expanded, one could see outside by simply turning their head. In the dawn sky, which was more blue than pitch black, white snow was falling through the bluish darkness.
He had heard the weather forecast that it might snow for the first time today. The forecast had initially said the first snow would fall in late November, but it kept getting pushed back, and now, past early December, it was finally falling. Yoon Ye-jun sat up as well. He pulled aside the rather thick blanket and got out of bed.
He couldn’t find his underwear, so he grabbed a t-shirt that was within reach. It was one Ki Young-han wore instead of pajamas. Yoon Ye-jun walked slowly towards Ki Young-han. Ki Young-han opened his arms. Yoon Ye-jun wrapped his arms around Ki Young-han’s waist and embraced him. Holding each other, they looked out the window together.
“I saw the news that it would snow for the first time.”
“He’s not a quack, then.”
“How did you know it was snowing?”
Yoon Ye-jun asked, burying his cheek on Ki Young-han’s shoulder. Ki Young-han kissed Yoon Ye-jun’s hair. He usually had no sense of atmosphere, but as soon as they touched, he’d cling to him.
Cute. Yoon Ye-jun cupped Ki Young-han’s buttocks with his hand. He fiddled with the waistband of his drawers. Every time he touched it, Ki Young-han would flinch, which Yoon Ye-jun found cute.
“I just woke up.”
Ki Young-han placed his hand over Yoon Ye-jun’s. He pulled the hand gripping his buttocks up to his waist. Then, with a playful smile, Yoon Ye-jun lowered his hand back to his buttocks. After repeating this hand-play several times, Ki Young-han shot him a glare. But it was brief, and their lips met. It was a kiss against the backdrop of the first snow.
It’s a good thing I woke up suddenly. Yoon Ye-jun thought this as he took Ki Young-han’s lips into his own. It was fortunate that they could see the first snow together, that they had one more thing that was a first for them.
Winter no longer felt unfamiliar. The days had grown shorter, and the night arrived early. It felt as if the mornings had been delayed. Yoon Ye-jun’s routine had changed significantly in just a week. He had visited his grandfather and paid his respects, and he and Ki Young-han had spent their days idly playing.
Had they played too much…? He already didn’t want to go to his first day of work.
“I’ll take you.”
After finishing his meal, Ki Young-han suggested it. Yoon Ye-jun had prepared breakfast. Rolled omelet with seaweed, and doenjang jjigae. Simple, but it required a lot of effort. He had woken up early today. Perhaps he had been restless, anticipating his first day of work.
Yoon Ye-jun touched his throat and reached for his cup, taking a sip of lukewarm water.
“You don’t have to take me.”
“It’s far.”
“It’s only about 40 minutes by subway, what’s the big deal.”
The subway station near the apartment was closer to his company than the one near his old studio apartment. Even though both his studio and this apartment were only about a 20-minute walk away, the route to school was much more complicated. He had to transfer midway. But from here, he could get to the company with just one subway ride, no transfers needed. It was a much more convenient route, yet Ki Young-han insisted on taking him. How thoughtful. Yoon Ye-jun placed a piece of well-cooked rolled omelet onto Ki Young-han’s rice.
“Still. It’s your first day.”
“That’s why I’m going alone. I need to check how crowded the subway is.”
Yoon Ye-jun decided to leave early, as it was his first day. His work started at 9 AM, but it was only 7 AM now. Ki Young-han, sensing Yoon Ye-jun’s movements in the living room, might have eaten breakfast separately. He was an early riser, but his face was still covered in sleepiness. Oh dear, so sleepy. Yoon Ye-jun looked at Ki Young-han with loving eyes, showing no signs of fatigue despite the early hour.
“Sleep more after I leave. Your class doesn’t start until 11.”
“What will I do if I’m bored?”
Heh heh, Yoon Ye-jun chuckled foolishly. He also whined a little. At the sound of Yoon Ye-jun’s laughter, Ki Young-han immediately shot him a glare. Then he gulped down some water. How can I let him go to school alone? He was completely smitten.
After a simple breakfast, Yoon Ye-jun put on his suit. The dress code was quite casual, but he thought it best to be formal on his first day. Ki Young-han came out after a quick wash and was watching television. When Yoon Ye-jun came out, he glanced at him from the corner of his eye.
Yoon Ye-jun sat down next to Ki Young-han, who had set aside his coffee for him. It was 7:30 AM. He planned to leave around 7:45 AM. He still had 15 minutes to spare.
“I feel strange.”
“Why?”
“Uh, I don’t know myself.”
It was probably because of his internship. Ki Young-han recalled his own internship abroad. It was linked to his university, and he worked there for a short semester. He didn’t feel this nervous on his first day there. Since he planned to take another leave of absence in his fourth year, he intended to prepare for an internship at a domestic company around that time.
He didn’t feel much pressure about employment. It was just his nature. He had never been in a hurry. He had always lived life as he pleased. But this time, his heart pounded more than Yoon Ye-jun’s. It was a big deal.
“Listen well when you get there.”
“Okay.”
“Buy some drinks or something.”
“Is that okay?”
“Maybe not. Then listen well when you get there. Take notes diligently.”
“Hey, I’m twenty-six.”
“So? Does being twenty-six mean you know everything? Then employment too…”
“Ki Young-han.”
When Yoon Ye-jun’s expression hardened, Ki Young-han also closed his mouth. What are you going to do? He was more of a problem than Yoon Ye-jun. Yoon Ye-jun hugged Ki Young-han and patted his buttocks. It was fortunate that he wasn’t the type to be taken advantage of or to inconvenience others.
Yoon Ye-jun felt the hands around his waist. This might get romantic, should I just leave early? He subtly pulled away. As he stood up and moved away, Ki Young-han also stood up.
“I’m going to leave early.”
He stood on his tiptoes and kissed his lips. Ki Young-han let out a deep sigh. He fiddled with Yoon Ye-jun’s hands and smoothed his suit.
“I have something to say.”
“Yeah, what is it?”
“Anyway, I have to take a leave of absence next year, and the company is closer to our house. This place would be better for resting.”
Ki Young-han spoke ramblingly. Yoon Ye-jun tilted his head. After talking on and on, Ki Young-han cleared his throat.
“Isn’t it time to clean out the house?”
“What house?”
“…Your studio apartment.”
Yoon Ye-jun blinked. When he asked, “My house?” Ki Young-han nodded. He hadn’t gone there much recently, but he was still paying rent.
He did visit occasionally. When Ki Young-han went to his parents’ house, or when they fought and slept separately, or when Ki Young-han disturbed his homework and he wanted to do it alone. He went back home about once a week. Other times, they would drink together at a bar near school and then go to the studio apartment, lying down on the cramped bed.
Each time, Ki Young-han would freak out about bugs. When he dealt with them casually, Ki Young-han would look at him with awe. When he told him to call him ‘hyung,’ he would call him ‘hyung’ for that moment.
They had cooked ramen there, drunk beer, kissed, and showered together in the cramped bathroom, so he hadn’t thought Ki Young-han disliked it, but it seemed he did. Yoon Ye-jun tilted his head and asked,
“If I clean out the apartment, where will I live?”
At that, Ki Young-han’s lips closed as if he had eaten a mouthful of honey. He slowly pressed his index finger against Ki Young-han’s furrowing brow.
“Naturally, here, right?”
“How can I live here?”
“Why?”
“What if my parents come over?”
“My parents aren’t the type to just show up unannounced and lack basic decency.”
He hadn’t said they lacked decency. It was a wild leap.
“Since I’m not working part-time anymore, it’s actually more convenient here. It’s also easier for transportation when I come alone.”
That was true. The subway station was close, and being an apartment complex, there were quite a few bus stops. Yoon Ye-jun hesitated. Living together wasn’t just like sharing a dormitory. It would be cohabitation. He licked his dry lips with his tongue.
“Still, living together is a bit…”
Yoon Ye-jun hesitated. No matter how much time they spent together, coming and going from his own home was different from moving all his belongings in and living there permanently.
“So, you were just going to meet me for a bit and then abandon me?”
A stern reprimand erupted from Ki Young-han. Yoon Ye-jun stiffened his body. What is he talking about, again? Looking up at Ki Young-han, the face that had held shyness hardened like stone.
“It’s a waste of rent, too. And the money that goes into it.”
“That’s true.”
“Besides, you barely sleep at your place anymore. When was the last time you slept there?”
“…About two weeks ago?”
He thought it was once a week, but it seemed that wasn’t even the case.
“Then what’s the problem?”
Even though it was called giving him a choice, Ki Young-han retorted stubbornly. Yoon Ye-jun bit his lip for a moment.
“But I’m under contract until February.”
“You can just say you’re moving out.”
“The landlord will refuse. He hates being bothered the most.”
The landlord didn’t live in the building and didn’t manage it properly, so he hated being bothered. It was a small, poorly maintained, old building, but it was relatively close to school and cheap, so many students wanted to move in. However, he deliberately prevented third and fourth-year students from moving in. He said they’d probably get jobs and leave soon after. He also hated having to worry about who moved in and out after signing a contract.
In a different sense, graduate students were quite favored, and usually, first and second-year students were preferred. Yoon Ye-jun had lived there when he was a second-year student before taking a leave of absence, and because he had stayed for a full year, he was specially accepted despite being a third-year student who was usually avoided. Furthermore, he was given a room that received some sunlight, as it wasn’t completely blocked by the adjacent building.
“……”
Ki Young-han closed his mouth. Ugh, is he sulking again? Yoon Ye-jun pulled Ki Young-han closer. It was good he had prepared early. Ki Young-han, unlike him, was still in sweatpants and comfortable clothes, and he hugged Yoon Ye-jun tightly. With a force that moderately embraced his upper body, Yoon Ye-jun closed his eyes and patted Ki Young-han’s waist.
“Then move out in two months.”
“That’s fine.”
“And let’s live together.”
“…….”
“Why are you silent? Are you really going to play with me like this?”
Just moments ago, he was coaxing him with sweet words, but when there was no reaction, he grabbed Yoon Ye-jun’s shoulder and pushed him away hard. Yoon Ye-jun flinched but met Ki Young-han’s eyes. His gaze, filled with earnestness, was fixed on him. Yoon Ye-jun bit his lip.
He wanted to nod, but he also felt like teasing him a little longer. But if he did, Ki Young-han might get truly angry, and it would be awkward to leave for his first day of internship with Ki Young-han sulking.
Yoon Ye-jun buried his forehead in Ki Young-han’s chest. The hands that had been around his waist moved to his back. It was always like this. If he was going to grumble with his mouth, his body should follow suit, but even while saying Yoon Ye-jun was playing with him or being mean, Ki Young-han was always touching, hugging, and pulling him close when he was by his side.
However, Yoon Ye-jun didn’t dislike this side of Ki Young-han. In fact, he liked it. He liked it so much that he wanted to readily agree to the idea of living together.
“Young-han.”
Yoon Ye-jun leaned forward, trapped in Ki Young-han’s arms. He touched Ki Young-han’s slightly chubby cheek. He silently kissed his swollen lips. When he called his name, an even more gruff reply came back.
“What?”
Yoon Ye-jun applied pressure to his palm. He squeezed Ki Young-han’s cheek. His lips pouted even more.
“If I say yes here, you’ll probably keep pestering me? You’re moving in in two months anyway, so why not move in early? Like this.”
How did he know? Ki Young-han licked his dry lips with his tongue. It was proof of his anxiety and guilt.
“So, let me focus on my internship for now. Okay?”
“…….”
“Still, I come over and sleep here often. I only go back to my place when you’re not here. Look here. Almost everything is mine. Do you understand what that means?”
Yoon Ye-jun gently coaxed Ki Young-han. Ki Young-han, having nothing to say, lowered his head. As his head slowly bowed, Yoon Ye-jun kissed him briefly several times. Ki Young-han finally stuck out his tongue in a pout. Yoon Ye-jun wrapped his arms around Ki Young-han’s neck. The deep kiss lasted only a moment before Yoon Ye-jun checked the clock visible over Ki Young-han’s shoulder.
It was really time to go.
“Y-Young-han, wait a minute…”
He barely managed to hold his shoulder and stop him. Ki Young-han, forgetting that Yoon Ye-jun had to go to work, pressed his lips deeply onto his cheek.
“I have to go.”
He replied, guarding his shoulder in case he came at him again. He’d be exhausted when he got home. It was even more dreadful because he had to take a crowded subway line.
Ki Young-han let out a groan, holding his breath. Yoon Ye-jun slung the bag he had placed on the sofa over his shoulder. Ki Young-han’s chest swelled. Why? He didn’t know the exact reason, but it just felt strange to see Yoon Ye-jun, dressed up in a suit for his internship, going to work. Yoon Ye-jun had said he’d last until February, but it was always his job to persistently pester Yoon Ye-jun, and only him. Ki Young-han muttered to himself without realizing it.
Yoon Ye-jun, standing in front of him, widened his eyes. His round eyes softened and curved into a smile. Ki Young-han’s heart pounded.
“Hey, Ki Young-han. I heard everything.”
“…Heard what?”
“You just said I look pretty.”
“…….”
Can’t you just pretend not to hear? He had to point it out so specifically. Ki Young-han clearly knew he’d get nagged by Yoon Ye-jun if he said it out loud, so he swallowed his words again and again. The bridge of his nose twitched. Yoon Ye-jun covered his mouth with the back of his hand and laughed. Ki Young-han immediately grabbed Yoon Ye-jun’s shoulder and turned him around.
“Just go to work.”
“Ah, I have to go. I have to go.”
Yoon Ye-jun, wearing the bag Ki Young-han had bought for him to use during his grueling year, went to the front door and put on his shoes. Ki Young-han stood with his arms crossed, looking down at Yoon Ye-jun. Ah, why is he like this today? He knew it was his first day of work, but he didn’t want to let him go. Ki Young-han touched his own flushed cheek. Yoon Ye-jun met his gaze.
“Honey, have a good day.”
“…….”
“Hurry. I really have to go.”
“Honey, have a good day.”
Ki Young-han said it with an indifferent face and a steady voice. His tone wasn’t particularly high-pitched, so it was pleasant to hear. Yoon Ye-jun kissed Ki Young-han’s cheek one last time before leaving. Ki Young-han also pressed his lips to Yoon Ye-jun’s cheek.
“I’m really going. Young-han, have a good day at school.”
“…Yes.”
Yoon Ye-jun waved goodbye until the very end and stepped outside. Ki Young-han stood with one leg crossed, ruffling the back of his head. Why is he making me feel so embarrassed and ashamed? It was fine for him to casually call someone ‘honey’ or ‘darling,’ but it was embarrassing when Yoon Ye-jun made him say it. He had the stubborn nature of a contrary frog.
Ki Young-han’s eyes scanned the spot where Yoon Ye-jun had placed his bag. He slowly walked over to the window with the balcony and stood there. He could see Yoon Ye-jun just leaving the building. He seemed to be heading towards the apartment complex gate, presumably to catch the subway. Ki Young-han stared intently at the scene through the balcony window.
Then.
“…….”
Yoon Ye-jun turned around. Ki Young-han flinched, worried he had been seen. As Yoon Ye-jun looked up, he froze in place, wondering if he had been spotted. Can he see me? Will he see me? He wasn’t sure himself, as he had never seen it before.
Yoon Ye-jun waved from the first floor. Ki Young-han awkwardly raised his hand and waved slightly. There was no way he couldn’t see him. Yoon Ye-jun moved his body back and forth. He seemed to be mouthing something, but it was inaudible. Yoon Ye-jun stopped and held his mobile phone.
Simultaneously, a buzzing sound—his mobile phone rang. Ki Young-han quickly grabbed his mobile phone from the living room table. The message he sent resonated with his heart.
It was clearly winter, the weather was cold enough to freeze his hands and feet, so why did it feel so warm? Why wasn’t it cold despite being winter? Ki Young-han stared intently at his mobile phone, then took a breath. He looked at the message again.
♥
Young-han, I said I love you today too.
7:44 AM
ㅋㅋㅋ
7:44 AM
I’m really going now! See you tonight.
7:44 AM
Thump thump, Yoon Ye-jun looked out the window on the subway crossing the Han River. It was a little past six o’clock, but it was as dark as night. He closed his eyes with a tired face. The subway was so crowded he couldn’t even take a step. He should have asked Young-han to pick him up. The evening was just as packed as the morning.
He didn’t know how the day passed. It wasn’t difficult, but there was quite a bit to do. He attended lectures, made introductions, listened to his supervisor, and met a senior from the same department at his university. The company was located next to Gwanghwamun, so there were always many people around. He didn’t know how many phone calls he received. After his supervisor explained it once, everything was his responsibility.
Dressed in a suit and going through his workday, he truly felt like a working adult. Although they didn’t assign him tasks as if he were a full-time employee, they didn’t coddle him just because he was a student.
It’s much tougher than I thought…
Yoon Ye-jun sighed, calming himself. He managed to pull out his mobile phone from his pocket. It was fortunate he was standing near the door; if he had been in the aisle, he might have bumped into the person in front of him while taking out his phone.
A message from Ki Young-han had arrived. It had come ten minutes ago.
Pouty
Coming?
6:24 PM
Yes?
6:25 PM
Yeah. Yoon Ye-jun sent a brief reply. It’s super crowded on the subway. He added an emoji with tears.
Pouty
That’s why I said I’d pick you up.
6:34 PM
I
Still, it feels good to be like a company employee. Hahaha
6:36 PM
Pouty
You’re living the good life.
6:37 PM
Was that the right phrase for the context? Yoon Ye-jun tilted his head. I’ll see you at home later. He gritted his teeth slightly and looked out the window again. Before he knew it, they had crossed the Han River, and the subway was just stopping at the platform.
How many stops had passed? He craned his neck to look at the electronic display. Ah. He immediately turned towards the door. As soon as the doors opened, he escaped like a fugitive. He had finally arrived. It wasn’t a particularly arduous journey, but his body felt stiff.
I’m tired. He patted his shoulder, unable to make a sound. He slumped as if carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders.
And when he raised his head.
“It’s Ki Young-han.”
“Haven’t you seen a person before?”
Ki Young-han stood there with a sharp, flippant tone. He was wearing a khaki trench coat, a black turtleneck, and black cotton pants that weren’t too tight on his legs.
“Why are you here?”
“I’m standing here of my own free will.”
Today was his last day of school at six o’clock. He must have come straight from school. Yoon Ye-jun, unable to suppress a smile, approached Ki Young-han.
“Who told you to dress so handsomely?”
In reality, his outfit was no different from usual, but Yoon Ye-jun picked a fight for no reason. Naturally, Ki Young-han scoffed. Still, he didn’t look bad.
“Seriously. Really…”
Yoon Ye-jun laughed lightly. Ki Young-han reached out to take Yoon Ye-jun’s bag.
“It’s fine. I can carry it myself.”
“Just give it to me? Don’t complain at home that your arm hurts or you’re exhausted. Just try it.”
He could have just asked for it, but he had to pick a fight.
Yoon Ye-jun twisted his shoulder and took off the bag. Ki Young-han slung it over his own shoulder. Watching him adjust the strap beside him, Yoon Ye-jun wore a wry smile.
Ki Young-han suggested taking the escalator, but Yoon Ye-jun wanted to take the stairs as exercise. In the end, he was led by Ki Young-han’s hand onto the escalator. Fortunately, it wasn’t a station where many people got off. Yoon Ye-jun let out a deep sigh. Only after meeting Ki Young-han did he feel like his workday was truly over.
“Tell me what you did today.”
“I just made introductions, and they said interns have specific contacts. I called them all, and I just checked what the previous person hadn’t finished. Interns don’t do much.”
“What did you eat for lunch?”
“The team leader bought it for me. We ate gondre-bap and gejang, but it was a bit awkward. Let’s go together next time. It was delicious, though.”
They walked side-by-side, talking as they left the station and walked along the road. Yoon Ye-jun stayed a little closer to Ki Young-han. Ki Young-han just said, “Well, okay.”
Yoon Ye-jun suddenly looked up at the sky. Is it going to snow tomorrow? The weather was unusually mild. It hadn’t snowed for a while after the first snow, but he wished it would snow today.
“I sent you a KakaoTalk message this morning.”
“That you love me?”
“Yes.”
“Yeah, what about it?”
Although he was tired, they walked along the park path within the apartment complex, reluctant to go home. Yoon Ye-jun, confirming there was no one around, finally linked his fingers with Ki Young-han’s. Ki Young-han glanced at their linked fingers and then looked straight ahead.
They often walked along the secluded paths on the outskirts of the apartment complex. It was good for holding hands because there were no people. Whenever they came here, Yoon Ye-jun always initiated holding hands; Ki Young-han never did.
“Me too.”
Ki Young-han said, squeezing Yoon Ye-jun’s hand tightly. Yoon Ye-jun looked down at Ki Young-han’s hand, which was gripping his as if to crush it, and then he too tightened his grip on his fingers.
“I know.”
He said in a low voice, and Ki Young-han took a deep breath.
“I think it’s going to get worse tomorrow.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“So, you have to be with me every day. Don’t neglect me with excuses about being busy. Don’t ignore me when I say I’m having a hard time. Let’s talk together, hug each other when things are tough, and let me pack you a lunch box if you’re busy.”
He had a lot to say. He’s just an intern, though. Yoon Ye-jun smiled cautiously and looked up at Ki Young-han. The moon had risen by now.
It’s the full moon tonight. A large moon hung overhead. December had a festive, end-of-year atmosphere everywhere. Yoon Ye-jun linked his arm through Ki Young-han’s and put his arm around his.
“Young-han.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll tell you I love you and I adore you every single day. So, let’s not be impatient or anxious about things that haven’t happened yet.”
He released his arm and met his eyes. “Okay?” he asked again, and Ki Young-han’s lips turned down. Wrinkles like walnuts appeared on his chin. What’s making him so sad again? Yoon Ye-jun patted Ki Young-han’s cheek and then straightened his collar.
Ki Young-han ran his hand through his hair, sweeping it back. His exposed forehead looked good. It looked good whether his hair was down or up. Ki Young-han took a sharp breath and tightly gripped Yoon Ye-jun’s shoulder.
“What is it?”
“Let’s go home now.”
“Don’t you want to walk more?”
“…I’m tired, so let’s go home.”
Ki Young-han’s steps quickened. Yoon Ye-jun was swept along by Ki Young-han, caught off guard. He was momentarily dazed, then suddenly realized. Seriously. He’s so obvious.* Yoon Ye-jun, being pulled along by Ki Young-han, matched his pace. He slipped his arm between his bag and his back. This winter would definitely not be cold. It was certain.