By Zephyria 
===
As Eun-won climbed into bed after washing up, Cha Se-jin leaned in and took a deep breath of the cozy scent of soap clinging to him. Eun-won let out a small laugh and slightly shrugged his shoulders, tickled by the breath against his neck.
“Are you free this Saturday evening?”
“Saturday? Yes, I am.”
“Do Hae-jun and Kang Seo-hoo said they’d buy dinner and wanted us to come along. I just said I’d do it but didn’t actually set a date, so they’ve been throwing a fit all day… No, seriously, they’ve been making a scene all day. Chairman Kang and Chairman Do really ought to see these bastards acting like this instead of working.”
Eun-won smiled as he watched Cha Se-jin click his tongue. Feeling warm fingers slide through his hair, he secretly pressed his hand against his chest to steady his rapidly pounding heart.
“I did cause a bit of a scene back then, and I think it might be best to meet them once to get them to shut up. But if you’re uncomfortable, Darling, you don’t have to go. I can see them later, or I just don’t have to see them at all.”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Really?”
“Yes, both of them were so kind to me whenever we met. And… they’ve known the Executive Director for a long time.”
“What was so ‘kind’ about them? They just greeted you.”
“Still, they treated me well so it wasn’t awkward. I was very grateful for that.”
Hearing Eun-won’s answer, Cha Se-jin sighed and gently rubbed his clear, soft cheek. He wondered how someone could be this kind.
“You’re too nice.”
“It’s not because I’m nice…”
“It is.”
“The Executive Director was kind to my friends, too.”
“That’s because they’re your friends.”
“I feel the same way.”
“…….”
“Since they’re the Executive Director’s friends… I want to be kind to them too.”
The reason he had shown kindness to Eun-won’s friends was that he believed it would give Eun-won more reliable allies. He needed people who would help and protect Eun-won even when he wasn’t around, just as they had last time.
Of course, he hadn’t bought meals or provided hotel rooms solely for such calculating reasons, but it was a kindness born from the knowledge that the results of his generosity would ultimately benefit Eun-won.
He himself was worn and weathered, knowing exactly how to move people’s hearts and how to buy affection with money, but Eun-won was different. The feelings Eun-won was showing now were entirely sincere. It was because he was genuinely kind. Knowing that made Cha Se-jin feel strange.
Eun-won, who readily agreed to an appointment that could be uncomfortable simply because they were his friends, without asking for anything in return, was beautiful, admirable… and there was a certain feeling he couldn’t quite name. Something he truly didn’t know how to express.
“They like drinking, so we might have some alcohol. If you don’t want to drink, you don’t have to. If you do want to, only drink what I give you.”
“Yes, I will.”
“And if Kang Seo-hoo talks nonsense, ignore him. If Do Hae-jun pretends to be nice, ignore that too.”
“Pretends to be nice…?”
“Yeah. Pretending to be nice, pretending to have good manners, pretending to have a friendly, easygoing personality. That’s just how he is.”
Eun-won let out a small laugh as he watched Cha Se-jin shake his head. Watching that smile, Cha Se-jin smiled back and moved his hand from Eun-won’s cheek to interlace their fingers.
“Then I’ll tell them we’re coming?”
“Yes, I’d like that.”
“Should we go buy clothes after school tomorrow? It’s better to dress up… Ah, no. Let’s just dress moderately pretty. No, should we just go in pajamas? Ah, clothes aren’t the problem. Let’s wear masks. No, I think I’ll just say we can’t go.”
“…What?”
“The thought of them staring at your face makes me a bit annoyed.”
Unable to tell if it was a joke or serious, Eun-won only blinked. Cha Se-jin smiled, wrinkling his nose, and lifted their interlaced hands to lightly bite the tip of Eun-won’s finger.
“It’s a joke, but I mean it. Or should I say I mean it, but it’s a joke?”
Only then realizing it was a prank, Eun-won’s eyes crinkled as he gave a soft smile.
“This isn’t something to laugh at.”
Despite this, Cha Se-jin bit Eun-won’s finger once more and eventually laughed along with him.
Listening to the low sound of the laughter, Eun-won used his free hand to slightly pull up the blanket. He felt fluttery at the thought of officially meeting Cha Se-jin’s friends. Being introduced to someone’s friends meant becoming a very close part of that person’s life.
Meeting the people around Cha Se-jin was like encountering another side of his time. It was only a small part, but it felt like stepping into the long history of Cha Se-jin that he didn’t know.
That was why Eun-won hoped.
That once this time passed, he would be blended into Cha Se-jin’s side a little more naturally.
* * *
The car stopped at a private dining bar located deep within Seoha-dong. Being slightly off the main road, it wasn’t easily visible even when passing by. Much like the place where he had eaten meat with his friends last time, there was only a small metal plate on a dark wall, making it difficult for first-timers to tell if it was even open for business.
As soon as Cha Se-jin came to a complete stop, a waiting employee quickly approached and opened the door. After handing over the car for parking, Cha Se-jin entered the building with Eun-won.
“You look nervous.”
“A little…”
“They’re my friends, why are you nervous?”
“Because they’re people you’ve known for a long time.”
“Is that why you’re even more nervous?”
Eun-won thought for a moment and then gave a small nod.
“…I don’t want to make a mistake, and I want them to like me.”
Cha Se-jin paused for a moment at Eun-won’s answer. The words ‘want them to like me’ lingered in his ears. He wondered if there was any need to specifically impress Kang Seo-hoo and Do Hae-jun, but he also thought it was sweet that Eun-won wanted to be seen as a good person by the friends he had known for so long.
“You can just sit there and do nothing. You’re bound to be liked just by existing. The problem is that you’re so pretty that you’ll be liked even more than I expected.”
Speaking with a smile, Cha Se-jin followed the employee’s guidance deeper inside with Eun-won. As the door opened, a warm scent of wood hit the tip of his nose. Walking through the low, elegant music, they entered a room at the end of the hallway where Kang Seo-hoo and Do Hae-jun were already waiting.
“You’re here? Welcome, Eun-won. Thank you for coming.”
“You’ve been well, right? Give me your coat.”
Kang Seo-hoo stood up welcomingly and offered a handshake, while Do Hae-jun took Eun-won’s outer coat and handed it to the employee. After a somewhat hectic exchange of greetings with the two welcoming and friendly men, Eun-won sat side-by-side with Cha Se-jin at a circular table.
“I can’t believe this day actually came. Thank you so much for coming.”
“I’m more grateful that you invited me.”
“I’m glad you think of it that way. Actually, rather than an invitation, we practically begged Se-jin. We told him to bring Eun-won out. Because he kept saying no, asking why we’d call him, saying he hated the idea, and so on.”
Cha Se-jin looked displeased at Kang Seo-hoo and shot him a sharp glare.
“Hey, watch how you put it. You make it sound like I’ve been living in hiding with some kid.”
“Isn’t that basically it?”
“Want to die?”
“See, Eun-won? He still talks like this. He’s not a middle schooler or a high schooler anymore.”
Cha Se-jin sent a warning look to Kang Seo-hoo, who continued to shake his head. Reading the gaze that said he wouldn’t let it slide if he was embarrassed, Kang Seo-hoo nodded as if to say he understood and to trust him, calming Cha Se-jin down.
“Eun-won, I’m sorry. These guys are so childish. I have the highest mental age among us, so you can just talk to me.”
Cha Se-jin and Kang Seo-hoo looked at Do Hae-jun as if he were absurd, and this time they began to attack Do Hae-jun. Eun-won looked back and forth between the three of them and eventually let out a small laugh. There was a relaxed atmosphere that only people who had known each other for a long time could create. He liked the familiar and pleasant vibe where they openly teased each other and shot back effortlessly, yet never crossed an uncomfortable line.
At the same time, it was a bit surprising to see Cha Se-jin in such an atmosphere. He knew that he was generally a relaxed and playful type, but he rarely showed that side to anyone other than himself or his family. However, he seemed more comfortable in front of his friends. Though his words were blunt, the sharpness and sensitivity were entirely gone. He looked light and happy.
Do Hae-jun poured champagne for them one by one. Small bubbles rose incessantly atop the transparent liquid pouring into the long glasses. Cha Se-jin, who had a glass of whiskey in front of him, took the champagne glass before Eun-won drank, smelled the aroma first, and lightly moistened his lips. Then, he returned the glass to Eun-won.
“It’s a taste you’ll like. You can drink it.”
“What is this, a poison test?”
Kang Seo-hoo, witnessing the tenderness of an old friend, asked in disbelief as if he’d seen something he shouldn’t have. Cha Se-jin tilted his head nonchalantly.
“You’re the one who picked it. I have to be suspicious.”
Do Hae-jun burst into laughter and shook Kang Seo-hoo’s shoulder. “Are you trying to kill us all?” Kang Seo-hoo shook his head with a fed-up expression and lifted his glass. The glasses of the four people lightly touched and parted. A clear sound spread pleasantly through the cheerful space. Eun-won wrapped both hands around the glass and took a cautious sip. Cold, refreshing bubbles burst on the tip of his tongue. Liking the sweet scent and taste, he turned his head toward Cha Se-jin.
“It’s delicious.”
Seeing the face brimming with a smile, Cha Se-jin smiled back and stroked Eun-won’s hair.
“The champagne list here is quite good. I picked one I thought you’d like, so I’m glad it’s to your taste. And the food here is all really delicious. Please tell me if there’s anything you want to eat, Eun-won.”
“Yes, thank you for being so thoughtful.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Laughter flowed through the room again as Kang Seo-hoo replied elegantly with a hand over his heart. From that point on, the atmosphere softened, and various conversations flowed comfortably.
Do Hae-jun and Kang Seo-hoo intentionally chose light topics to ensure Eun-won didn’t feel awkward. Stories about how they hadn’t spoken for a week after fighting with Cha Se-jin, only to find they had booked seats right next to each other on a plane; stories about how they played a prank thinking someone was Cha Se-jin, only to find out it was his Hyung and getting scolded severely.
Eun-won lost track of time listening to the pieces of Cha Se-jin’s past that he hadn’t known. Every story was interesting, and the new dishes that kept coming, no matter how much he ate, were all delicious. The accompanying champagne and the endless conversation were all simply joyful.
Kang Seo-hoo was a funny storyteller, and Do Hae-jun asked questions that weren’t difficult for Eun-won to answer. Both were surprisingly skilled at teasing Cha Se-jin. Cha Se-jin, with a displeased face, gave it back to them several times over. Eun-won couldn’t stop laughing several times.
It was good.
It was truly good.
The tension he felt when he first entered and greeted them had vanished. He had wanted to make a good impression because they were Cha Se-jin’s friends and worried he might make a mistake, but the two people he met didn’t treat him like a difficult guest, nor did they treat him carelessly. They treated him with a moderate level of comfort and careful consideration.
Feeling a gaze on him, Eun-won looked at Cha Se-jin while laughing. His eyes met Cha Se-jin’s, who was watching him. He didn’t know how long he had been looking. Was it because of the alcohol? His heart fluttered. After their gazes entwined deeply for a moment, Cha Se-jin set down his glass as if it were nothing and checked Eun-won’s plate.
“Want me to order anything else?”
“No. This is enough. Everything is delicious and great.”
“You look more relaxed than before.”
“Yes… it’s fun and I like it.”
“Because of them?”
“All three of you…”
“Don’t lump me in with them. I’m different from those guys.”
Eun-won laughed again at those words. Watching that smile, Cha Se-jin felt relieved. He had looked nervous when he first walked in, but now he truly seemed comfortable. Seeing him keep wrapping his hands around the glass and smiling was so pretty, and he looked so lively that Cha Se-jin felt he had made the right choice in bringing him along.
Just then, there was a knock. Kang Seo-hoo, who was drinking, looked at Do Hae-jun.
“Hmm? Did you order something else?”
Do Hae-jun tilted his head, looking at the champagne that was still more than half full on the table and the newly opened whiskey.
“No? There’s still plenty left.”
“Is there something else coming? I wonder what it is. Come in.”
At Kang Seo-hoo’s permission, the door opened. A smiling employee gave a light bow and delivered the message.
“Your companion has arrived.”
“Companion?”
The moment Cha Se-jin asked back, the employee stepped aside and opened the door wider. Behind them, a face familiar to the three men but strange to Eun-won appeared.