By Zephyria 
The research institute was established. Opening faster than expected, the institute drew significant attention from the media and the public, gathering doctors and researchers from Germany as well as the top domestic authorities on traits.
“I would like to thank everyone who has joined us today.”
The first person to take the microphone and offer greetings was the hospital director, Jeong-min’s sister-in-law. Next was the investor, the Chairman of Shinsung Group, and following him was the successor of Cal Front, Kim Ju-hwan, who had made a profound contribution to the establishment of the institute. As expected, the attention focused on him was beyond imagination.
The young successor was one of the few Extreme Alphas in the country, possessed handsome looks, and every action he took overflowed with confidence and elegance.
Nevertheless, the decisiveness felt in every moment and the commanding presence in every word officially signaled to the people at this event that he was the leader of a new future.
“The reason for establishing this research institute is that there is still much we do not know about trait individuals. In particular, research on the East has been insufficient. In fact, the difference between Eastern and Western trait individuals was only recently revealed, meaning that until now, Eastern trait individuals had to take drugs made for Westerners. Consequently, the cure rate is much lower than in the West. I felt that research for Eastern trait individuals was desperate for the sake of the future. That is why we are here today.”
Kim Ju-hwan was right. Until now, they had taken trait-related drugs tailored for Westerners, and setting aside the cure rate, the side effects were far more common for Easterners. If Cal Front hadn’t researched and disclosed that difference, they probably would have continued to blame individuals without knowing the cause.
“I’m looking forward to the future.”
“Indeed.”
The doctors standing next to Jeong-min clapped, glimpsing hope. As someone working in the medical field, Jeong-min also earnestly hoped for great achievements in their research. In particular, he hoped there would be a way to cure Yu Shin-woo’s illness.
“Sunbae.”
After the event ended, Jeong-min shook his head while looking at Kim Ju-hwan, who was surrounded by the press, and tried to quickly leave the venue when he heard Kim Ju-hwan’s voice from behind. Since Jeong-min also wanted to talk to Kim Ju-hwan, he couldn’t just ignore him and forced himself to greet him.
“Ah, it’s been a while.”
When Jeong-min greeted him first, Kim Ju-hwan paused for a moment.
“This is unexpected.”
“What is?”
“That Sunbae would greet me first.”
“What are you talking about? You called me.”
Knowing what Kim Ju-hwan was referring to, Jeong-min deliberately pretended otherwise, clicking his tongue and looking away.
“Sure, sure, let’s go with that.”
Kim Ju-hwan said with a laugh. He seemed to be in a good mood for some reason; was it a mistake? No, right. He would be in a good mood after achieving such a result.
“Congratulations on the opening of the research institute.”
“Thank you.”
“I heard the Cal Front Seoul branch is also moving nearby?”
“Yes. We are preparing it now.”
He had only recently found out that the building being constructed next to the hospital was owned by Cal Front. It seemed they were preparing more seriously and thoroughly than he had thought.
“Wow, Sunbae is really strange today.”
Kim Ju-hwan looked at Jeong-min with a truly puzzled expression.
“What?”
As Kim Ju-hwan took a step closer, Jeong-min stepped back one pace, as always.
“See. That’s strange.”
“So what exactly is strange?”
“Usually, when I take one step forward, Sunbae takes three steps back, but now you only take one. Moreover, someone who usually doesn’t even make eye contact is staring intently today. Well, thanks to that, I get to see Sunbae’s face up close, which is great…. But I doubt it’s for free. Hmm… do you have something to tell me?”
Quick bastard.
“Yeah, I do. Can you spare some time?”
“Hmm. At this point, I’m actually scared. For Sunbae to suggest a meal first.”
“So what?”
Jeong-min replied with full irritation. Did he think he actually wanted to sit across from him and eat? It was just that Kim Ju-hwan was the only person he could ask right now. In truth, it might have been a matter he could discuss with a researcher through his sister-in-law, the hospital director, or other connections… but to be precise, his sister-in-law wasn’t a medical professional, so there was a high probability she only knew the surface. And if he went through other connections, there was no guarantee it wouldn’t reach Kim Ju-hwan’s ears.
Above all, he was afraid that someone would find out Yu Shin-woo was in that state. He wanted to obtain information as discreetly as possible, and he concluded that Kim Ju-hwan best fit those conditions.
“Understood. The timing is awkward now, so how about three hours from now? It’ll be exactly dinner time, so that should work.”
“Fine.”
“I’ll text you the location, so I’ll see you there.”
“Okay. I have things to wrap up anyway. See you later.”
After setting the appointment, Jeong-min returned to the ward. He treated the waiting patients, attended a meeting, and then stood up from his seat. Fortunately, there were no emergency patients, so he could take off his white coat with a slightly lighter heart.
“Hmm?”
While trying to check the text from Kim Ju-hwan regarding the location, he saw a message from Yu Shin-woo.
[I started exercising today, and it’s tough.]
Yu Shin-woo had said that physical strength was important for performing drug clinical trials and various tasks. He mentioned that he had exercised often abroad, but after coming to Korea, his mind had been unsettled, and he had wandered aimlessly for a while. At Jeong-min’s suggestion, he had started exercising again. However, since he couldn’t go to a gym, he had brought gym equipment into one of the rooms of the house where he was staying.
[Hyung can do it!]
[Jeong-min, do you want to exercise together?]
Jeong-min was momentarily speechless. What should he say?
[Huh? At Hyung’s house?]
Could he have actually invited him to his home?
[I’m sorry, but because of my condition, I can’t go to the gym…. Is it just my greed? I thought it would be nice to have someone to exercise with.]
Jeong-min’s grip on his phone tightened.
[I’d love to! Of course I would!!]
[Then how about today?]
As soon as he sent the reply to Shin-woo, a message from Kim Ju-hwan arrived. Ha, this guy is truly unhelpful in life.
[Ah… I have a dinner appointment. ㅠㅠ How about tomorrow?]
[You’re busy. A date?]
[No… just an appointment I don’t want to go to.]
[ㅠㅠ Right, be careful on your way, and let’s exercise together tomorrow.]
[Yep!]
Looking at the conversation, nothing had changed since they were young. Even to himself, the tone of the messages he sent to Shin-woo was incredibly cringeworthy. Wasn’t the tone too childish? He was worried, but he still didn’t want to be formal with Shin-woo. He felt that was the way it should be.
✽✽✽
The appointment location was a Korean restaurant located about 40 minutes away from the hospital, situated alongside the observatory on the top floor of a department store. There was no main hall; it consisted only of private spaces. Jeong-min felt relieved seeing that. He had been worried it might be an open hall like last time, but in a place like this, he felt he could talk more comfortably.
“Welcome, Sunbae.”
As soon as the door opened, Kim Ju-hwan greeted him as if he had been waiting. Jeong-min took off his shoes, went up, and sat cross-legged. While drinking the tea provided by the server, Jeong-min suddenly looked up at Kim Ju-hwan’s gaze. Sure enough, he was looking at him.
“What?”
“I just thought the doctor’s gown suited you better than I expected. Shall we have a meal while you’re wearing the gown next time?”
“What are you talking about? You’ve seen it before.”
“True. But I only just noticed, which means I’ve missed out on that wonderful sight several times, haven’t I? I guess I’m getting older. My gaze is only concentrating on one place.”
He had no idea what the man was talking about. Jeong-min suppressed the urge to leave immediately and waited for the food. Fortunately, the appetizers were served before the silence grew too long.
“Please eat.”
“Okay.”
As he picked up a piece of shimmering salmon with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth, it melted away. It tasted quite good, but unfortunately, Jeong-min was only timing how to start the conversation.
“So, what do I need to tell you?”
Kim Ju-hwan asked while pouring ginseng liquor into a glass.
“What?”
“Isn’t there something you’re curious about? For example… Yu Shin-woo Sunbae’s condition.”
Jeong-min’s chopsticks stopped. At that sight, Ju-hwan chuckled, drank the ginseng liquor in one go, and carefully set down the white glass.
“I thought he asked me to keep it a secret, but I see he told you, Sunbae.”
“…Hyung asked you to keep it a secret?”
“Yes. Of course. Who would want to tell anyone that they are a drug addict with an incurable disease and are pouring their family’s fortune into it? The great Yu Shin-woo.”
“Your tone is really obnoxious. Don’t talk about Shin-woo hyung like that.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve never had good feelings toward that Sunbae, then or now.”
Kim Ju-hwan poured ginseng liquor into his glass again.
҈