GMC 147

With four handsome men including the bodyguards, people’s attention was naturally drawn to them. Since it was only a matter of time before someone recognized Choi Hwan, they needed to move quickly. Yeom Cheon-ho pushed the cart and began loading the necessary items.

“Pork belly, skirt meat, rib meat, striploin, chuck flap tail—all the things Yeon-rok-ssi likes…”

Since there were quite a few mouths to feed, the cart was filled generously with meat. Yeon-rok’s appetite was already piqued, and he swallowed hard.

“And green onions, mushrooms, lettuce, perilla leaves, iceberg lettuce, carrots… for Mr. Hwan.”

He also packed plenty of vegetables for Choi Hwan, who had to manage his weight as an actor. Deeply moved, Choi Hwan trembled as he expressed his gratitude. Although his expression was hidden by his mask and hat, he seemed genuinely thankful.

“Thank you so ve~ry much, Cheon-ho Hyung.”

“It’s nothing.”

Responding warmly, Yeom Cheon-ho began adding ingredients for Moon Gyeon-woo.

“Shrimp, scallops, squid, dried young pollack—things Mr. Moon Gyeon-woo likes…”

“Gyeon-woo Hyung, you like seafood! I love seafood too. Let’s grill them and eat together!”

Yeon-rok suggested excitedly. Moon Gyeon-woo, who looked as though his stomach was still churning from motion sickness, looked at the seafood being placed in the cart and smiled sorrowfully, like a white flower.

“Sure, Yeon-rok-ah. Let’s eat together…”

“What do you like, Cheon-ho Hyung?”

Curious about Yeom Cheon-ho’s tastes, Yeon-rok asked in an inquisitive voice. Behind him, Choi Hwan clenched his fists with a frustrated expression. Yeom Cheon-ho, who was packing instant rice, kimchi, and garlic, replied with a gentle smile.

“My tastes are similar to yours, Yeon-rok-ssi, so I tend to eat almost anything without being picky.”

While Yeon-rok excitedly ran off to grab some watermelon and peaches, Moon Gyeon-woo glared at Yeom Cheon-ho with a terrifying intensity. Choi Hwan also silently pointed a finger at him, but quickly lowered it when Yeon-rok turned his head. Because the silent protest was so covert, Yeon-rok failed to notice the conflict.

Throughout the shopping trip, Yeon-rok remained in high spirits. He was practically radiating, “I’m so, so happy to be on a trip with such a harmonious family,” to the point that anyone with eyes could see it. This was the reason why Moon Gyeon-woo and Choi Hwan, who harbored guilt for their past sins, were exercising such patience.

Thus, unaware of the silent, murderous glares, threats, and negotiations exchanging between [unauthorized Read on Read BL Novelscopy]the three, Yeon-rok arrived at the destination. The mountain resort, reached by winding through quiet roads, unauthorized copywas so serene that not a single guest was visible aside from the staff. To Yeon-rok, who wondered why business was so slow during the peak season, Yeom Cheon-ho explained:

“Out of consideration for Mr. Choi Hwan, I paid extra to rent the entire place. After all, we aren’t just one or two people.”

“Wow, really? You rented the whole place?”

Yeon-rok was purely impressed by Yeom Cheon-ho’s wealth. As Yeom Cheon-ho said, the group was indeed large. Between the four of them, the bodyguards, and the secretaries, they numbered in the double digits. Since the resort could only be booked by holders of an expensive membership, the others also looked quite flushed with excitement. Yeom Cheon-ho was truly a generous and wonderful boss.

Guided by a resort employee, they headed to their rooms. The suite, with its multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, was magnificent, but there was a facility that caught the eye first.

“A swimming pool!”

Upon seeing the vast outdoor pool, Yeon-rok dashed toward it before even unpacking. While he was taking photos here and there, behind the glass window, Choi Hwan and Moon Gyeon-woo were quietly yet fiercely arguing with Yeom Cheon-ho using hand gestures. It was about the unfair situation that had been persisting since before their departure.

When Yeon-rok finished taking photos and turned around, Yeom Cheon-ho was in the middle of organizing the groceries. Choi Hwan hurriedly pretended to upload a photo of himself to social media, and Moon Gyeon-woo was quietly opening his suitcase to organize his clothes. Noticing nothing, Yeon-rok asked with a bright face.

“Can we play in the pool after dinner?”

“Of course. You may play as much as you like.”

It was a novel and pleasant experience to have a building and such a large pool all to themselves. They called the bodyguards and secretaries, who were unpacking, to announce the barbecue party. Yeom Cheon-ho began preparing and grilling the ingredients with a practiced and skillful manner. Intrigued, Yeon-rok asked.

“You’re really good at grilling meat.”

“I once worked at a steakhouse.”

Yeon-rok was surprised by the comment from Yeom Cheon-ho, who he thought had grown up solely as a pampered young master of a wealthy family.

“That was back when I lived in the States. …Alright, it’s grilled perfectly.”

Yeom Cheon-ho moved a few pieces of meat to the edge to let them cool to a comfortable temperature. Then, he picked the largest piece, dipped it in ssamjang, carefully wrapped it in a leaf, and brought it to Yeon-rok’s mouth. Yeon-rok quickly snapped it up and gave a happy, goofy grin. Yeom Cheon-ho smiled back and picked up another piece.

“Now, Mr. Choi Hwan.”

Choi Hwan, who had been watching the harmonious atmosphere between Yeom Cheon-ho and Yeon-rok with a sullen face, widened his eyes. He pointed to himself with a finger, as if unable to believe it.

“Hurry up. The meat will get cold.”

Yeom Cheon-ho urged him in a very affectionate voice, holding the meat with tongs. Choi Hwan opened his mouth as if he had a lot to say, then closed it. Just as he was about to swear, he locked eyes with Yeon-rok, whose cheeks were puffed out from chewing the meat and whose eyes were sparkling. Closing his eyes tight, Choi Hwan forced a smile and made an excuse.

“I can’t because of my diet…”

“It’s protein, so it’s fine. I didn’t use any sauce, so don’t worry and eat.”

Muttering a “fuck” under his breath so Yeon-rok wouldn’t hear, Choi Hwan reluctantly accepted the meat. He felt as if he were getting goosebumps or breaking out in hives. While he was performing a chewing motion—whether he was chewing the meat or grinding his teeth—Moon Gyeon-woo appeared, holding an inflated tube.

“Yeon-rok-ah, play with this later.”

“Thank you, Gyeon-woo Hyung.”

Choi Hwan quickly swallowed the meat. Then, he shouted at Moon Gyeon-woo, who was creating a friendly atmosphere with Yeon-rok.

“Moon Gyeon-woo… Hyung! Come here, quickly!”

At Choi Hwan’s call, Moon Gyeon-woo reluctantly approached, only to be greeted Read [Read on Read BL Novels]on Read BL Novelsby a piece of meat carefully grilled by Yeom Cheon-ho. While swearing with his eyes, he accepted the loathsome “treat” offered by Yeom Cheon-ho. Then, he quickly fled to a distant parasol bed. While Yeon-rok was being fed another wrap by Yeom Cheon-ho, he hurriedly spat the meat out.

After eating a filling dinner, Yeon-rok dove straight into the pool. Naturally, even in a state of memory loss, his sociability hadn’t vanished, so he quickly became friendly with the bodyguards and secretaries.

While Yeom Cheon-ho, who had to work despite being on vacation, and Moon Gyeon-woo, who had absolutely no intention of playing in the water, sat primly and watched, Yeon-rok splashed around in the pool with Choi Hwan and several others like an incredibly excited puppy. Thanks to the behind-the-scenes efforts of the three men, for the first time in his life, he was simply and endlessly happy, without a single worry.

---

The next day, Yeon-rok was the first of the four to wake up. Choi Hwan had drunk alcohol like water the previous night and was the first to crash. Moon Gyeon-woo had also drunk quite a bit, but perhaps because of his high tolerance, he was unfazed. However, after watching the others play boisterously, he returned to the bedroom like a ghost, looking as if his energy had been completely drained.

The third to fall was Yeon-rok. He had drunk a moderate amount, but because he had played in the water too enthusiastically, his stamina was completely depleted. His last memory was barely washing up while half-asleep and collapsing onto the bed.

Yeon-rok stepped outside, scratching his cheek. The sound of cicadas was loud from early morning. Because it was humid and hot, he sat on the edge of the pool, splashing his feet in the cool water. A mid-to-low toned voice was heard from behind.

“Yeon-rok-ssi, good morning.”

“Good morning!”

Yeon-rok greeted Yeom Cheon-ho warmly. His hair, which was always neatly swept back, was unlike its usual self, with some bangs falling over his forehead. However, even in the heat of summer, his casual clothes consisted of long pants. Yeom Cheon-ho looked down at Yeon-rok splashing in the water, took off his shoes, rolled up his pant legs, and joined him.

“Thank you for bringing me on this trip.”

“I’m the one who should thank you for hanging out with us. If we have the leeway, let’s keep going together next year, and the year after that.”

Hearing the welcome proposal, Yeon-rok’s splashing became more vigorous. As if matching Yeon-rok’s energy, Yeom Cheon-ho also began to slowly shake his feet. The ripples created by the two mingled, and the sunlight shimmered beautifully. Yeon-rok glanced at Yeom Cheon-ho. Despite being the person who went to bed the latest and drank the most yesterday, there wasn’t a hint of fatigue on his face as he admired the sparkling scales of water in the pool.