13. Gift

“The weather is great, let’s go get some fresh air!”

From early morning, Baek Do-un’s voice rang loudly throughout the house. Having let himself in through the front door, he held a large box in his hands. Inside were various food ingredients; it seemed he had done some shopping at a nearby mart.

Walking confidently into the house where no one greeted him, Baek Do-un headed straight for the kitchen and set the box down. Because he had tossed everything into the cart indiscriminately while shopping, his arms felt stiff from carrying it.

As soon as he caught his breath, he lowered the zipper of his jumper, which had been zipped up to his chin. Through the gap of the open zipper, a fluffy ball of fur was visible. As Baek Do-un leaned his upper body toward the table, the fluff-ball plopped down onto it. With every breath, the small body swayed gently. When Baek Do-un softly stroked its fuzzy forehead with his finger, two ears popped up from the slowly wriggling ball of fur. The creature was none other than a rabbit.

The little thing, twitching its tiny nose adorably, began to hop around the table as soon as it confirmed there were no threatening presences. Meanwhile, Baek Do-un sorted through the groceries for items that needed refrigeration and headed to the fridge. By the time he returned to the table, the rabbit had fearlessly run toward the edge. Seeing that it would inevitably plunge to the floor if left alone, he nimbly reached out and caught it.

“Why do you keep diving? Do you think you’re a cat?”

He gave it an affectionate scolding, repeatedly stroking the startled rabbit. When he placed it back on the table, he surrounded it with tissues, bottled water, cups, and canned goods to act as a fence. The curious rabbit began its own exploration, hopping around once more.

He spent a long time idling with the rabbit, but the bedroom remained silent. Since he had made his presence known so openly, there was no way they didn’t know he was there—unless they were asleep to the point of being unconscious. Of course, that didn’t apply to the vigilant Kwon Su-hyeok and Jaguar.

After waiting a bit longer, Baek Do-un suddenly called Kwon Su-hyeok. The ringtone echoed clearly from inside the bedroom, but the firmly closed door showed no sign of opening. After a long series of rings, a voice recording suddenly announced that the customer was unable to take the call. It was clear that Kwon Su-hyeok had manually rejected the call.

Baek Do-un was not one to back down easily. He stood up immediately and strode toward the bedroom. Then, he knocked on the closed door.

“Is Su-nam awake? Should I open the door?”

Just as Baek Do-un was about to grab the doorknob, the door opened from the inside. A dark silhouette appeared through the opening gap. It was Kwon Su-hyeok. He already had a cold impression even when still, but perhaps because his deep sleep had been interrupted, his expression was enough to make the Grim Reaper weep.

“Baek Do-un, what do you think you’re doing?”

“What do you mean, what am I doing? I told you. I said let’s go get some fresh air.”

“Why all of a sudden….”

“Staying cooped up in the house in weather like this is a waste of life. It’s also something you shouldn’t do to your cute lover. Wouldn’t he get bored of being stuck with only you all day?”

Baek Do-un flung open the door, which had been open only a suffocatingly small crack. Jaguar, who had been lying beside Ju-wan, lifted his head.

“Su-nam, good morning.”

He walked into the room, passing by the openly displeased Kwon Su-hyeok. Jaguar, perhaps annoyed by the intruder’s appearance, wrinkled his nose and let out a small growl. Baek Do-un didn’t care and simply squished the beast’s cheeks as usual. At this point, it was hard to tell if Jaguar’s patience was extraordinary or if Baek Do-un’s audacity was.

At the noisy commotion, Ju-wan, who had been wriggling under the covers for a while, peeked his head out. He struggled to assess the situation with eyes that wouldn’t even open properly. His hazy eyes looked as if they would close again at any moment. He shook his head, unable to distinguish whether the scene before him was a dream or reality. Only after Jaguar gave his cheek a thick lick did he rub his eyes and fully wake up.

“…Teacher?”

“Did you sleep well, Ju-wan?”

Baek Do-un grinned and went to the window, pulling back the thick curtains in one motion. The May sunlight filtered through the window and poured over the blankets. It was a light so bright it made the eyes sting, but it felt warm and pleasant.

“The weather is wonderful.”

“Right?”

Baek Do-un promptly pulled Ju-wan out of bed.

“I saw the weather forecast yesterday, and it said it’ll be perfect spring weather all day today. They said the air quality will be good, too. I’ve been feeling gloomy because it’s been raining constantly lately, so this is great. It’s been a while since you let Su-nam exercise, hasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“That’s why he can’t relieve his stress and ends up tearing up innocent workbooks. Since the weather is so nice for once, let’s pack some kimbap and go on a picnic while letting Su-nam get some exercise. I’ve prepared all the ingredients.”

Ignoring Kwon Su-hyeok’s stinging glare, Baek Do-un led Ju-wan to the bathroom. Because his voice was more excited than usual, Ju-wan simply nodded silently.

“Now, go wash your face and come out quickly.”

“…Uh, okay.”

After pushing Ju-wan into the bathroom and personally closing the door, Baek Do-un walked back to the kitchen. He was even humming, as if something were incredibly joyful. His light steps made it seem as if he might fly away at any moment.

Both Kwon Su-hyeok and Jaguar watched Baek Do-un with skewed gazes. It was a look of disapproval, as if they had coordinated it.

“What are you doing? You two get ready, too.”

“What’s the reason for this sudden whim?”

“You weirdo. What reason do you need to go on a picnic? You just go when you feel like it.”

“If you want to go that badly, go by yourself. Why are you disturbing us while we’re resting?”

“Sigh, just how much coaching do I have to give you? It might not matter if a beast like you rolls around in bed for the rest of your life, but Ju-wan is in his prime. He needs to feel the seasons changing properly, see many beautiful things, and eat plenty of delicious food. Think of all the years he’s lost.”

He clicked his tongue while scanning Kwon Su-hyeok from head to toe. Then, he slipped into the kitchen so that the other couldn’t argue further.

Food ingredients were scattered all over the table. Looking at the quantity and variety, one might wonder if he intended to go camping for a few days rather than a simple picnic.

While roughly organizing the things he bought, Baek Do-un took out a cucumber and munched on it. Despite talking about making kimbap, he didn’t seem to have any intention of preparing it himself. He merely told Jaguar that Su-nam needed to eat, but he didn’t actually provide any food for the animal.

After some time, the area outside the door became suddenly noisy, and the front door opened and closed loudly. The person who rushed inside was none other than Jeon Mi-nam. His face was drenched in sweat, as if he had run there in a hurry. Unlike usual, he wasn’t wearing a suit, and his hair was unstyled.

Kwon Su-hyeok’s brow furrowed at the unexpected appearance. Jeon Mi-nam approached him and bowed first. His breathing was quite heavy.

“…Haa. President. What is the matter?”

“What is the matter with you? You’re dripping with sweat.”

“Pardon? I heard there was an urgent matter….”

“Who?”

“Me.”

Baek Do-un interrupted, walking out from the kitchen. Seeing the bewildered Jeon Mi-nam, he nonchalantly said, “I’m here.” Jeon Mi-nam looked back and forth between Kwon Su-hyeok and Baek Do-un with a confused expression. For some reason, Kwon Su-hyeok looked irritated, while Baek Do-un beamed as if the other weren’t even there.

“Teacher, the urgent matter is….”

“That’s right, it’s urgent. Because if we miss today, we don’t know when this kind of weather will come again.”

“What?”

“Mi-nam, do you know how to roll kimbap? I didn’t know what ingredients to put in, so I just bought everything.”

As expected, he had no intention of rolling them himself.

Around then, the bathroom door opened. Jaguar quickly walked toward it. Ju-wan, who had finished showering in the meantime, approached the three gathered people under the beast’s escort. Sensing a subtle atmosphere, he looked at each person before giving a light bow to Jeon Mi-nam. Jeon Mi-nam also bowed politely in return.

“Ju-wan, what kind of kimbap do you like?”

“I eat everything well.”

“Really? Then do you prefer spinach or cucumber?”

“Either is fine.”

“Between crab sticks or fish cakes?”

“That too….”

“Do you like the eggs thick? Or wide?”

“Umm….”

Baek Do-un stared at Jeon Mi-nam as if telling him to listen carefully, then led Ju-wan back into the kitchen. He then showed him the items he had bought one by one and explained today’s plan.

Aside from when he was very young, he had never gone on an outing with a homemade lunchbox. Perhaps because it was so long ago that the memories had faded and been beautified, he only remembered it as something joyful.

“…That sounds fun.”

He murmured to himself with a faint smile. However, it was clearly audible to all three. Baek Do-un looked back at Kwon Su-hyeok triumphantly with a winner’s smile. At that, Jeon Mi-nam also watched him as if awaiting instructions.

Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been glaring at Baek Do-un with dissatisfaction until then, shook his head. A shallow sigh escaped him as he turned away.

“Get ready.”

If it was something Ju-wan wanted, he simply couldn’t refuse. Kwon Su-hyeok himself wondered just how soft he could become.

As soon as the back seat door was opened, Jaguar leaped out as if he had been waiting. The moment the moist, soft soil touched his paws, he charged forward without hesitation. He roamed all over the field with large strides. Every time he stepped, it felt as if the entire ground thundered.

The brush, which had lost its original color and withered at the threshold of winter, had donned green clothes in anticipation of summer. White, red, and yellow wildflowers were blooming everywhere. Butterflies and bees flew busily around them. Every time the wind blew, a sweet scent wafted, making the arrival of spring feel real.

Jaguar, dashing here and there with his golden fur fluttering, would occasionally stop dead in his tracks and look back. It seemed he was checking to see if Kwon Su-hyeok or Ju-wan were watching him. Once he realized their gazes were still on him, he kicked off the ground more bravely and swiftly. Even from a distance, his muscles could be seen working dynamically.

Ju-wan’s eyes crinkled as he watched Jaguar enjoying himself like a child.

“I think it was a good idea to come. He likes it so much.”

Then, holding Kwon Su-hyeok’s hand, he added one more thing.

“It’s so nice here.”

Kwon Su-hyeok looked at his hand, which had been held unexpectedly, and then shifted his gaze to Ju-wan. Ju-wan looked back at him, his lips curving into a smile.

He reached out and caressed Ju-wan’s cheek, where the spring sunlight shimmered. Ju-wan rubbed his face against that hand. He didn’t know how fortunate he was to be able to enjoy this full spring and the warm, soft breeze together. It was something he couldn’t have imagined the moment they first met. Even when he was trapped in the hospital dreaming of the outside world, he didn’t know he could be this happy. These days, it truly felt as if nothing more could be asked for.

“Now, shall we sit around here?”

Baek Do-un pointed to a relatively flat area. Then, Jeon Mi-nam took it upon himself to set up a wide camping sunshade there. Underneath, he laid out a mat for Jaguar and prepared camping chairs, a table, and a grill.

Meanwhile, Baek Do-un chose a tree that cast a decent amount of shade and hung two hammocks. He tied the knots firmly, just as he had seen on the internet. However, because the hammock collapsed as soon as he sat in it, he had to borrow Jeon Mi-nam’s help once again.

Jeon Mi-nam brought out a four-tier lunchbox he had prepared at home. Inside, the kimbap, sandwiches, fruit, and fried tofu rice balls that Baek Do-un had ordered were neatly packed. They were shaped crudely, to the point where one couldn’t even politely call them pretty, but the taste would be good, so it didn’t matter.

While Jeon Mi-nam prepared the soup and grilled skewers to accompany the meal, Baek Do-un ate kimbap with his hands. He popped one into the mouth of Ju-wan, who had come to his side to set out the cutlery. The kimbap was so thick that it filled his mouth. Because of that, his jaw ached while chewing, but the taste was a masterpiece, just as expected.

“Wow, this is amazing! Mi-nam, do you really have no intention of marrying me? I’m not just saying this.”

“…….”

“It’s really delicious. I think it’s the best kimbap I’ve ever had.”

“You flatter m—”

Jeon Mi-nam’s response was cut short. This was because Baek Do-un, saying “Eat while you talk,” abruptly brought a piece of kimbap to his lips. Jeon Mi-nam reluctantly accepted the kimbap, which was practically being crushed against his lips.

With a satisfied expression, Baek Do-un took out the fried tofu rice balls and handed one to Ju-wan.

“Ju-wan, try this too.”

“Let’s all eat together later, Teacher.”

“Things like this taste better when you pick them up one by one. Come on, be my accomplice.”

Baek Do-un made it impossible to refuse, saying, “You’ve already touched it.” Having no choice, Ju-wan took it and brought it to his mouth, but then he suddenly looked back at Kwon Su-hyeok. It was because he felt a blatant gaze fixed on his cheek.

Sure enough, Kwon Su-hyeok was staring intently at Ju-wan—more accurately, at his mouth as he chewed the food. Of course, this wasn’t an act limited only to today. Long ago, even before the two had faced each other, he used to watch Ju-wan eat with such interest. Like a predator waiting for its prey to fatten up, with a quiet and persistent gaze.

Ju-wan held out his portion of the fried tofu rice ball to Kwon Su-hyeok. Kwon Su-hyeok’s gaze shifted from Ju-wan to the rice ball being offered. But that was all. He didn’t take it immediately.

“Ah, wait a second.”

Suddenly remembering something, Ju-wan reached for the table. Thinking that Kwon Su-hyeok was hesitating due to hygiene issues, he intended to get him chopsticks or plastic gloves.

However, Ju-wan’s hand soon froze. It was right after Kwon Su-hyeok wrapped his own hand around Ju-wan’s hand holding the rice ball. Kwon Su-hyeok pulled Ju-wan’s hand a bit closer to himself and took a half-bite of the rice ball. He also licked the sweet and sour seasoning off Ju-wan’s fingers with his tongue. In the middle of this, he looked up and gazed intently at Ju-wan, who was staring at him blankly. In the scattering sunlight, his silhouette sparkled.

For some reason, Ju-wan trembled slightly, overcome with emotion. It felt as if a tingling sensation was spreading from the hand held by Kwon Su-hyeok, up his arm, and through his entire body. The sense of achievement that comes from finally taming a rough and sensitive beast, the ecstasy stemming from the fact that this beautiful beast belonged to him. His heart swelled uncontrollably with a similar emotion.

Ju-wan absentmindedly stroked the nape of his neck and without hesitation put the remaining rice ball in his mouth and chewed. Jeon Mi-nam and Baek Do-un, who had witnessed the display of affection from start to finish, had different reactions. Baek Do-un kept giggling, while Jeon Mi-nam looked away and cleared his throat as if he had seen something embarrassing.

“Ju-wan, try some fruit too. They said strawberries are at the end of their season, but these are fully ripe and very sweet.”

“Thank you.”

The strawberry he was about to take from Baek Do-un accidentally slipped and fell to the ground. As his gaze followed the rolling strawberry, he discovered something. He stared intently at the familiar shape for a long while.

“Oh, it’s shepherd’s purse.”

He felt he now knew why a fragrant scent, other than the smell of flowers, had been drifting on the breeze. Because no human hands had touched the area, it was practically a field of shepherd’s purse.

As a child, whenever spring arrived, he used to follow the Gangneung Grandmother around as she went to dig up wild greens. Naturally, he developed a keen eye for distinguishing between edible greens and weeds. When he was little, he used to get scolded for plucking any random grass and putting it in the basket in an attempt to help the Gangneung Grandmother, only to be told he was creating more work.

Ju-wan felt a deep sense of nostalgia as he lightly touched the shepherd’s purse with his fingers. Just then, Baek Do-un approached and crouched down beside him.

“Is this shepherd’s purse?”

“Yes. It’s stork’s-bill.”

“Stork’s-bill? Is it different from regular shepherd’s purse?”

“They say it’s called that because the head is small like a stork’s, but the root is long. Some say the name comes from its noble posture, like a stork. With regular shepherd’s purse, the root becomes too tough to eat once it thickens a bit. But they said this one stays tender and delicious even when the root grows thick.”

“Oh, that’s great. Should we dig some up?”

Baek Do-un plucked a weed ostentatiously, saying, “Like this, right?” Ju-wan picked up a twig and dug up a real stork’s-bill. He then showed it to Baek Do-un and explained.

“It has protective coloration, so you can’t see it unless you lower your body and look closely. That’s why people say it teaches humility.”

“Ju-wan, looking at you, you’re practically an old soul. Though I like that about you.”

Baek Do-un teased him with a fond smile. He felt he could guess why Ju-wan hadn’t become twisted while enduring a past that had been nothing but bleak. How much must he have seen, heard, and learned from the elders who had lived long lives before him? Surrounded by nature that always provided enlightenment, and raised in the arms of people who cared for him with nothing but love, he seemed to have stood firm against the harsh storms of life.

Baek Do-un glanced at the stork’s-bill Ju-wan had dug up and gently unearthed similar greens.

“I assume these are used to make things like soybean paste soup and seasoned salads?”

“Yes. We also make pancakes with them.”

“You must miss it—the taste of home.”

“Actually, I don’t remember it well. I didn’t eat them when I was little because they were bitter.”

Ju-wan murmured as he shook the dirt off the roots of the shepherd’s purse. His tone was quite wistful and bittersweet.

Just as he was wondering how to comfort him, the ground shook as if by illusion. Ju-wan looked up first. Soon, Jaguar, running from afar, entered his field of vision.

“Oh, Su-nam is coming.”

“You’re right. But what’s that in his mouth?”

Baek Do-un narrowed his eyes. Ju-wan stretched out his arms toward Jaguar, who was racing toward him with golden fur flying. However, the beast did not jump into Ju-wan’s arms but slowed to a stop in front of him. In his maw, just as Baek Do-un had noted, was something pitch black. It was a weasel.

Jaguar brought his front paws together and puffed out his chest proudly. With his chin held high, waiting for a reaction, he looked truly triumphant.

The weasel Jaguar had brought played dead for a moment, then took the chance while the group wasn’t looking to bolt away. He caught Jaguar, who was about to chase after it. He knew that hunting insects or birds was the beast’s own way of expressing affection, but it would be difficult to raise a weasel after already having a rabbit.

“I’ll count this as a meal. Thanks, Su-nam.”

He whispered while gently stroking the head of the disappointed Jaguar. He also rubbed his cheek vigorously against the beast’s cheek. Jaguar suddenly turned his head and pressed his snout against Ju-wan’s mouth. The prickly whiskers were ticklish.

“Ah, right. Want to see this? It’s called stork’s-bill. Maybe because people don’t come here, there are so many of them. My grandfather used to love them.”

Ju-wan picked up one of the greens he and Baek Do-un had worked hard to dig up and held it out to Jaguar. Jaguar sniffed it without suspicion, then recoiled in surprise at the unique scent. Soon, his nostrils flared repeatedly, and he let out a violent cough. Everyone burst into laughter at Jaguar’s comical reaction.

After eating the lunch Jeon Mi-nam had prepared, they took a walk and ran across the wide field with Jaguar. He tried to play hide-and-seek with the beast fearlessly, only to be pounced upon and knocked over several times. His clothes quickly became a mess, but he felt nothing but refreshed and joyful.

In the afternoon, he rested in a hammock, feeling the gentle breeze. He stayed there until he watched the sunset before packing up.

“Did Su-nam have fun playing?”

Baek Do-un grabbed Jaguar’s cheeks as he got into the car and shook them playfully. For some reason, Jaguar didn’t growl and simply pulled his head away. He seemed to be in a good mood after running around to his heart’s content for the first time in a while.

Kwon Su-hyeok, about to head to the driver’s seat, stopped and looked back at Jeon Mi-nam and Baek Do-un.

“That’s enough now, both of you go back immediately.”

“I’m staying for dinner.”

“Who said you could—”

“Didn’t you see us digging up greens earlier? I have to taste them before they wither.”

“Then take them to your house and taste them all you want.”

“What are you talking about? There’s clearly a portion for Ju-wan, too.”

Kwon Su-hyeok turned his head to look at Ju-wan in the passenger seat. Ju-wan, who had entered the car first, was looking at the back seat and playing with Jaguar. Baek Do-un unilaterally said, “See you later,” and dragged Jeon Mi-nam toward his own car.

“Mi-nam, do you know how to cook shepherd’s purse? I looked up a few recipes on the internet earlier.”

He chattered loudly enough for Kwon Su-hyeok to hear as he got into the car. Then he started the engine and left.

Kwon Su-hyeok got into the car with a reluctant expression. Ju-wan, who had been continuously stroking Jaguar, noticed his mood.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.”

He lightly ruffled Ju-wan’s hair and started the car. He drove himself on the way back, just as he had on the way there. It was because he didn’t want anyone’s interference today.

Ju-wan, who had been sitting blankly, suddenly said, “Thank you.” Kwon Su-hyeok looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“Thank you for what, all of a sudden?”

“You didn’t really want to, but you came all the way here for me.”

Kwon Su-hyeok gave a short laugh and turned his gaze back to the front.

“As long as it’s something good for you, I don’t mind anything.”

At the nonchalant yet tender reply, Ju-wan glanced at Kwon Su-hyeok’s right hand. His hand was resting on the center console out of habit. Unless he was turning or shifting gears, it was always in that position. Just as he was wondering if it was okay to hold his hand, Kwon Su-hyeok, still staring ahead, reached out and took Ju-wan’s left hand. Then, he began to speak.

“Don’t you miss it?”

“Miss what?”

“Since your old memories are so vivid, don’t you want to go back to that time?”

“Even if I wanted to, I can’t. My grandfather passed away, and I have no news of the Gangneung Grandmother or Mr. Choi. I heard the house I used to live in passed to someone else… It can’t be helped, so I have to accept it. I’ll just live diligently while thinking about those times occasionally, like I do now. I was happy then in my own way, and I’m happy now in mine.”

Ju-wan smiled brightly as if to say not to worry. He also gently stroked Kwon Su-hyeok’s hand with his thumb to soothe him. Then, Jaguar, sitting in the back seat, slowly extended a front paw toward the console. The paw landed right on top of their overlapped hands.

They both burst into laughter without knowing who started first. Only Jaguar tilted his head, not understanding the situation. He had been laughing more often lately. He didn’t doubt for a moment that it would continue to be so in the future.

As soon as they returned home, he trimmed the shepherd’s purse with Baek Do-un. Even though he washed them thoroughly under running water as the internet suggested, the roots didn’t become completely clean. At that, Baek Do-un narrowed his eyes and began to doubt the internet recipe.

“Shouldn’t we scrub these with a toothbrush? No matter what I do, they aren’t getting clean.”

“In my memory, I think we just washed them in water like this.”

“No, there’s still dirt on them.”

“…Uh, should I try rubbing them gently with a knife? It says here to blanch them in water.”

“Hmm, I wonder if the dirt will still be crunchy even after that.”

They held a serious discussion over the simple task of preparing greens. It was likely because both of them were clumsy. Just as Jeon Mi-nam was about to step in, Kwon Su-hyeok signaled him with his eyes and called him into the bedroom.

“What is it, President?”

“There’s something I need you to look into separately.”

“Please tell me.”

Once, Ju-wan had asked Kwon Su-hyeok for permission to visit the place where he had lived with his grandfather. At the time, Kwon Su-hyeok couldn’t accompany him due to work. From Jeon Mi-nam, he had received a report containing only factual information: where the place was, who he met there, and what conversations took place.

Even so, he could clearly imagine what emotions Ju-wan had felt and what expressions he had worn. Just as when he checked the safe his grandfather left behind, or today, when he accidentally discovered something imbued with old memories, he must have been moved, longing, and perhaps a bit sad. Ju-wan said he was fine and would accept it, but it continued to weigh on his mind.

As Ju-wan said, returning to the past is impossible. Even so, perhaps remembering those days could make it hurt less.

“Find out how the people who looked after Park Ju-wan in the past are doing. And also, who the current owner of the hanok where Park Ju-wan lived is.”

Jeon Mi-nam raised an eyebrow in surprise. However, his face soon softened as he gave a polite bow and said, “Yes.”

* * *

Just as he was heading into the bathroom to wash up, the door lock opened. Thinking Baek Do-un had left something behind, he looked toward the entrance for a moment. Contrary to his expectation, the person who opened the door and entered was Jeon Mi-nam. Ju-wan’s eyes widened slightly. This was because the man, who had visited every morning, had been out of sight for a while. When he asked Kwon Su-hyeok, he was told there was a separate assignment. Had that task finally ended?

“You’re here?”

“Hello. I’ve come to see the President for a moment.”

“Ah, please go in.”

“Yes, then.”

With a polite bow, Jeon Mi-nam walked toward the living room. Ju-wan watched him and then entered the bathroom.

When he came out after showering, only Jaguar remained alone in the living room. While stroking the beast’s back as it approached him, he tracked the presence of Kwon Su-hyeok and Jeon Mi-nam. The two were talking in the room. Seeing as they had chosen the bedroom instead of the living room for their conversation, it seemed like a private matter was being discussed.

“…So, they have no intention of returning to the country?”

“Yes. It seems they are not in a situation where they can move recklessly.”

“Any intention of selling it?”

“They intend to spend their final years in retirement there, so they’ve managed it consistently until now. Since they don’t know how the situation will turn out, they seem to be taking a more passive stance.”

“Did you tell them we’d pay whatever price they want?”

“Of course. However, since they aren’t lacking in funds, it doesn’t seem to be a very attractive offer. It was difficult to persuade them on my level.”

The voices of the two leaked through the gap in the door, but he couldn’t tell exactly what topic they were discussing. He only had a vague feeling that something wasn’t going according to Kwon Su-hyeok’s wishes.

Ju-wan stopped paying attention to their conversation and sat in front of the sofa table. Even though there was a desk in the study, he habitually insisted on sitting there. It was because he wanted to be with Kwon Su-hyeok or Jaguar even a little bit more.

Since Kwon Su-hyeok had started going back to the office recently, the time they spent together had decreased significantly. Although his return time had become much earlier than before, a disappointment was still a disappointment.

He opened his workbook and began the homework Baek Do-un had assigned. Jaguar simply watched him with a grumpy face, letting out a long yawn.

Before long, Kwon Su-hyeok and Jeon Mi-nam came out of the room. However, Jeon Mi-nam was holding a suitcase. Whether he had received prior instructions, he immediately went around the house and neatly packed Kwon Su-hyeok’s belongings. Was he going on a sudden business trip?

“Why?”

“Go stay at Baek Do-un’s for a while.”

Kwon Su-hyeok notified him unilaterally without any explanation. An anxious feeling rose within him. This was because whenever Kwon Su-hyeok tried to separate himself from Ju-wan, something bad happened. Was he stepping into something dangerous again? In truth, if that weren’t the case, Kwon Su-hyeok wasn’t the type to owe a favor to Baek Do-un.

He stared at Kwon Su-hyeok with worried eyes.

“What’s going on?”

“I think I have to go to the US for about a week or ten days.”

“So suddenly?”

“Yeah. That’s how it turned out.”

“Is it for work?”

“Yes.”

“Is it something dangerous…”

“Rest assured, there’s absolutely no way that’s the case.”

Kwon Su-hyeok cut Ju-wan off and asserted firmly. Ju-wan shut his mouth tight and turned his head back toward the workbook. Rather than understanding and accepting the situation, it seemed he was dissatisfied with something but chose not to say it. Since this was the first time Ju-wan had acted this way, Kwon Su-hyeok was also quite flustered. For a moment, his gaze and Jaguar’s met in mid-air.

Ju-wan’s eyes, as he slowly read through the problems, kept circling the same spot. The pen in his hand didn’t move for a long time.

No matter how many times he tried again, the letters wouldn’t enter his eyes. Finally, Ju-wan slammed the workbook shut and let out a low sigh. Then, looking clearly at Kwon Su-hyeok again, he spoke the words he had swallowed, wondering if it was unnecessary interference.

“Can’t you rest a little longer? There’s no need to overdo it already.”

“This matter has to be done now, or it can’t be done at all.”

“You said it’s the US, not somewhere close. Can’t you send someone else instead?”

“I tried something similar, but it didn’t work well. I think I have to go and resolve it myself.”

“Is it that important?”

“Yes. I really want it to be successful.”

“……”

Ju-wan fell silent again, lost in thought. He had no way or justification to stop him further. Soon, Ju-wan organized the open workbook and notes. Then he stood up to go to his room.

“Come here.”

Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been watching him quietly, grabbed Ju-wan’s arm and pulled him close. He tilted Ju-wan’s chin up to look properly at his face. Since Ju-wan tended not to show his emotions, he was usually close to expressionless, but his current expression was similar yet somehow different.

Kwon Su-hyeok, staring intently at Ju-wan, gave a short laugh. Ju-wan’s eyebrows lowered into a straight line, as if he were displeased.

“Why are you laughing?”

“It’s my first time seeing you pout.”

“I wasn’t pouting.”

“Then what is this expression?”

“…I’m just a bit frustrated, and I don’t know why I’m like this either.”

Ju-wan honestly confessed his feelings. Kwon Su-hyeok chuckled again and suddenly pressed Ju-wan’s cheek. His lips, pressed by the cheek fat, naturally poked out. Tilting his head, Kwon Su-hyeok kissed his lips, which had protruded like a beak. He whispered as if making a promise, “I’ll come back safely.”

Only then did Ju-wan soften, casting his eyes down and fidgeting with Kwon Su-hyeok’s shirt button.

“You really have to be careful.”

“I told you not to worry.”

“…I’ll come pick you up when you return.”

Holding Ju-wan, who mumbled reluctantly, tightly in his arms, he said, “Okay.” Ju-wan also wrapped his two arms around Kwon Su-hyeok’s back. He only hoped that the time they spent apart wouldn’t be long.

* * *

Time flowed slowly. When he opened his eyes in the morning, he habitually felt around the spot beside him, and he had to toss and turn for a long time before falling asleep, but he managed to endure. Perhaps it was easier because he was staying with Baek Do-un. This was because there was no end to the chores all day long.

Unless Ju-wan woke him, Baek Do-un never woke up first. The laundry didn’t just pile up in the basket; it overflowed, and the rabbit moved incessantly, leaving round droppings all over the place. Jaguar also tended to wander around Baek Do-un’s house and frequently break innocent flowerpots or cups.

Whether his jovial personality was completed by alcohol, Baek Do-un always had at least one beer before going to sleep. Thanks to that, Ju-wan’s daily routine began with cleaning up beer cans, empty bottles, and leftover snacks scattered around the sofa. Looking at that, it wasn’t that Ju-wan had been entrusted to Baek Do-un, but rather that Baek Do-un had been entrusted to Ju-wan.

He wasn’t dissatisfied with that part at all. Rather, it was interesting and novel to handle the tasks that Jeon Mi-nam had always done for him. It was a bit grandiose, but he felt as if he had finally become a real adult. He felt a strange sense of achievement in managing his own daily life with his own strength, even if it was slow.

So, excluding his study time, he spent most of his time doing housework. He cleaned the house, which became messy the moment he turned his back, ran the washing machine, hung up the laundry, and prepared meals for Baek Do-un, who was tired of delivery food. All he knew how to make were various types of fried rice and ramen, but Baek Do-un ate whatever was put in front of him happily and without complaint. Occasionally, they looked up recipes together and tried making unfamiliar dishes. Unfortunately, they failed more often than they succeeded.

Video calls with Kwon Su-hyeok were also an indispensable part of his routine. Since Ju-wan didn’t have a phone yet, he borrowed Baek Do-un’s phone every time they talked. The calls usually came in around the time Baek Do-un was still asleep.

At first, he was just happy to be able to see Kwon Su-hyeok like that, but gradually, he began to regret that he couldn’t touch him. They say human greed knows no bounds, and Ju-wan was exactly like that. He found himself aimlessly fiddling with the edge of the phone.

“What time is it there?”

It’s evening. Around 6 o’clock.

“You should probably eat dinner soon.”

I should. What about you?

“I’m going to wake up Teacher and have brunch. Today it’s egg fried rice.”

You’re eating way too much fried rice.

“I’m trying to make this and that. Though I haven’t really succeeded…”

He mumbled in an unsure voice before changing the subject.

“How is work? Did it go well?”

I’m still persuading them.

“The client must be a difficult person.”

They have to be. They have their own circumstances.

“I hope it gets resolved well. Have you been sleeping well lately?”

I don’t know. It’s not easy without you.

Kwon Su-hyeok’s voice became slightly languid. The look in Ju-wan’s eyes as he watched him grew wistful.

“I miss you, even though I’m looking at you.”

When he honestly confessed his longing, Kwon Su-hyeok let out a short laugh. It was a wonderful smile, no matter how many times he saw it.

Me too.

Just then, Jaguar suddenly poked his head over Ju-wan’s shoulder. Keeping his eyes fixed on the phone, Ju-wan gently stroked the creature’s neck.

“Su-nam, you say hello too.”

Jaguar tilted his head while looking at Kwon Su-hyeok through the phone. Then, unexpectedly, he stuck out his tongue and gave the screen a thick lick. In an instant, Baek Do-un’s phone was smeared with Jaguar’s saliva.

“Ah, no! This is Teacher’s phone…!”

Ju-wan hurriedly pulled his hand away, but the situation was already out of control. Unaware of Ju-wan’s panic, Jaguar innocently licked his cheek.

If I’d known this would happen, I would have set up your phone before coming back. I’ll instruct the office right now…

“No, it’s okay. I don’t have anyone to call right now anyway.”

You only need to be in touch with me.

It wasn’t a particularly flirtatious expression, but it made him beam. However, the heartwarming atmosphere didn’t last long. Suddenly, a hand reached from behind and snatched the phone away.

Startled, he turned around to find Baek Do-un, who had woken up at some point, glaring at Kwon Su-hyeok on the screen with a dissatisfied expression.

“Now, who is this? The voice is the Kwon Su-hyeok I know, but the way he talks isn’t, so I thought I misheard.”

Put Park Ju-wan back on.

“Look at this, look at this. The serious face. If you’re going to be this lovey-dovey every day, just come back as soon as possible. Stop rubbing salt in the wounds of someone who’s just staying still.”

Baek Do-un, who was protesting and teasing Kwon Su-hyeok—who turned cold the moment he saw him—belatedly noticed something wrong with the phone.

“What the… why is this so damp? What’s this moisture? Huh? Is it spit? Kwon Su-nam! You did this, didn’t you?”

Baek Do-un shoved his phone right in front of Jaguar’s nose and demanded an answer. In response, Jaguar gave the screen another thick lick. A scream erupted from Baek Do-un.

Startled by the sound, the “rabbit” scurried away toward the bedroom. In the process, he left behind a small dropping. Jaguar, who didn’t listen to a word of Baek Do-un’s nagging, immediately chased after him. In the chaos, Baek Do-un was knocked over by the creature and landed hard on his backside. The saliva-covered phone flew through the air and landed in a flowerpot. Truly, not a single day passed quietly.

“Stay still, Su-nam.”

A few days later, he bathed Jaguar by himself. This was because Baek Do-un had left the house to attend to some hospital business. He had considered waiting until Kwon Su-hyeok and Jeon Mi-nam returned, but their return had been delayed by a few more days, and he couldn’t hold out any longer.

It was his first time washing Jaguar without anyone’s help. As if he knew that, the creature behaved quite obediently. Except for one thing: drying the fur.

The mistake was not bringing a large bath towel from home. He tried to wipe the moisture from the fur with regular towels, but three or four weren’t nearly enough. Left with no choice, he was about to leave Jaguar in the bathroom to get more towels. The moment he cautiously opened the door, Jaguar squeezed through the gap between Ju-wan and the door and bolted out.

“Ah, Su-nam! No! Stop right there!”

He hurriedly chased after Jaguar, but it was futile. The creature shook his entire body thoroughly in the middle of the living room, scattering water droplets in every direction. Before he could do anything, not only the floor but also the TV and the fabric sofa became soaked.

“…Sigh, come here.”

Ju-wan brought extra towels and pulled Jaguar toward him. To prevent him from escaping again, he held him firmly between his legs. Then, he used the towels to dry the rest of the creature’s body. When wiping his face, he leaned down completely as if bowing, carefully wiping the corners of his eyes, nose, mouth, and every single strand of whisker. Then, he used a hairdryer to dry the fur until it was fluffy. Jaguar innocently wagged his tail and quietly entrusted his body to Ju-wan.

Once the drying was finished, he was about to clean up the messy living room. He felt a faint presence outside the door, and soon the door lock opened. It seemed Baek Do-un had returned. Entering while talking to someone on the phone, he took one look at the living room and Ju-wan’s state and easily guessed what had happened.

“Su-nam, you caused trouble again, didn’t you?”

“I’m sorry, Teacher.”

“Su-nam did it, so why are you apologizing, Ju-wan? Su-nam is washed; did you shower too, Ju-wan?”

“Yes.”

“The timing is perfect.”

“…Timing?”

“Let’s go pick up Kwon Su-hyeok.”

“What?”

“I got a call on the way back; Su-hyeok is coming in today.”

“…Ah.”

At the welcome news, Ju-wan stared blankly at Baek Do-un. Then, he began to finish cleaning the living room. He didn’t show any particular sign of joy. There was no sense of urgency in the way he wiped away the water splattered everywhere. He returned to the bathroom and finished tidying up there as well.

Baek Do-un knew full well that Ju-wan had been tossing and turning in bed all night. He also knew that the reason Ju-wan hadn’t been able to sleep for days was because of Kwon Su-hyeok’s absence. So, he thought Ju-wan would undoubtedly be happy upon hearing the news of Kwon Su-hyeok’s return. However, Ju-wan remained as calm as ever.

Having finished all his chores, Ju-wan walked steadily into the bedroom. Baek Do-un and Jaguar quietly followed behind him to peek at what he was doing.

Ju-wan was crouching in front of his bag. He rummaged through his clothes for a while, appearing to be searching for something. Eventually, as if he couldn’t find what he wanted, he let out a deep sigh.

“What is it, Ju-wan? Did you lose something?”

Baek Do-un approached, pretending not to know. Ju-wan mumbled while digging through the clothes he had already searched.

“I don’t know what to wear.”

Baek Do-un’s eyes slowly closed and opened repeatedly. After watching the frantically busy Ju-wan in a daze, he suddenly pulled him into a hug. Then, he rubbed his cheek vigorously against the top of Ju-wan’s head.

“Oh, Ju-wan. You’re too cute. Seriously, too cute. It’s a waste to give you to Kwon Su-hyeok.”

“…Teacher, why are you suddenly like this?”

“Kwon Su-hyeok must have saved the country in his past life. I’m absolutely not telling him. I’m really not telling that bastard about this.”

Baek Do-un didn’t answer the confused Ju-wan’s question and just repeated his monologue. To a casual listener, it sounded like he was venting frustration, but in another sense, it sounded like a lament.

“This won’t do. Let’s go buy clothes right now.”

“No, there’s no need to go that far…”

“I’ll decline your refusal. I know exactly how you feel, Ju-wan.”

Baek Do-un stubbornly dragged Ju-wan along.

He was meeting Kwon Su-hyeok for the first time in a full two weeks. His heart pounded uncontrollably. He had a feeling that something good was going to happen. No, it was closer to a certainty.

“But is it okay for Su-nam to come along too?”

Even as he put Jaguar in the backseat as Baek Do-un instructed, he wasn’t sure. Jaguar was already like family to Ju-wan, and he wanted to take him everywhere, but he had never considered bringing the creature to the airport. Even if he left him in the parked car, it was a place with so many people and periodic police patrols that there was no guarantee he wouldn’t stand out.

He worried that his selfish desire might frighten Jaguar or cause great confusion among people. Baek Do-un didn’t clearly resolve Ju-wan’s worries and doubts, merely smiling. He pushed him toward the car, saying it wouldn’t happen, so just get in. Half-coerced, Ju-wan sat in the passenger seat.

“We’re going far, so put on your seatbelt.”

“I’m counting on you.”

“Don’t worry. You know my driving skills. Now, let’s go!”

Baek Do-un seemed exceptionally excited. Ju-wan wondered if he had also been secretly waiting for the return of Kwon Su-hyeok and Jeon Mi-nam. The problem was that the car body jolted along with his mood. Even on the main road, he drove precariously and crookedly, as if he were about to cross the lanes. If the person in the passenger seat had been Jeon Mi-nam instead of Ju-wan, he would have subtly gripped the safety bar. The ride was a world apart from when Jeon Mi-nam drove, and Jaguar looked around nervously, feeling the tension.

“It’s okay, Su-nam. Take a nap.”

Ju-wan reached back and gently patted Jaguar. In reality, the passenger in the front seat should have been the one feeling the driver’s lack of skill most acutely, but his expression remained peaceful throughout. It was the same even when other cars, feeling threatened, honked their horns fiercely. He even had the leisure to cast his gaze at the scenery passing by the window.

He had waited every day for Kwon Su-hyeok to return, but he hadn’t expected to reunite so abruptly. Although the schedule had been delayed more than expected, seeing him return now made him wonder if things had worked out well. If Baek Do-un hadn’t left the house, he would have been able to ask and hear the results directly from Kwon Su-hyeok as usual. Even though they would meet soon anyway, he felt a lingering regret over missing that one phone call.

He stealthily looked down at his clothes. He had worn what Baek Do-un picked out, but since he usually wore comfortable hoodies, the shirt felt very awkward. The hair, which he had been dragged to a salon to get set, felt unfamiliar in both scent and touch.

“Hey, there you go again. I told you you’re pretty. Everyone at the salon praised you, saying you’re handsome and look like an actor.”

“I’m just not used to these things, so it’s a bit uncomfortable.”

“Being pretty and cool always requires patience. Anyway, I’m really curious about Kwon Su-hyeok’s reaction. I’m definitely going to get something out of this.”

Baek Do-un seemed more expectant than Ju-wan himself. Around then, Ju-wan glanced at the clock on the center fascia. About an hour had passed since they departed. He found it strange because it hadn’t taken that long when he went to the airport with Jeon Mi-nam before.

The two were still on the road. It wasn’t that Baek Do-un was driving particularly slowly. In fact, he was more reckless than Jeon Mi-nam, who strictly followed the speed limit and signals.

That wasn’t the only strange thing. He hadn’t noticed while driving on the highway for a long time, but the scenery beyond the sharply lowered guardrails was quite different from the city center. The trees passing by quickly weren’t artificially planted street trees, but natural trees of various species.

As soon as they exited the highway, the road narrowed to a single lane. Just in case, he checked the signposts and saw place names that seemed to have nothing to do with Incheon.

“…Teacher. This isn’t the way to the airport, is it?”

“Is it not?”

“Yes. I think we’ve come the opposite way… are we lost?”

“I wonder?”

Baek Do-un continued to drive with an oddly relaxed demeanor. He made no move to turn the car around. Unlike the worried Ju-wan, he wore a mysterious smile on his face. Ju-wan couldn’t understand why.

Baek Do-un’s car headed further toward the outskirts. The commercial facilities visible through the window dwindled one by one, and the houses became sparse. Then, wide fields unfolded. Low mountain ranges surrounded the area like a green folding screen. Below them, he could see people diligently working in the fields.

A rural bus from a nearby village passed slowly in the opposite lane. The passengers sitting by the windows were all elderly. As the bus turned onto a road, an old bus stop appeared. The name of the stop written there was quite familiar.

It was a place Ju-wan knew well. His heart began to pound anew.

“This place is…”

Ju-wan’s mouth fell open unconsciously. His gaze fixed on the zelkova tree standing alone on the hill. No matter how many times he looked, this was undoubtedly his hometown village, where his Grandfather’s grave and the hanok were located.

Baek Do-un’s car slowly passed the supermarket at the entrance of the village and headed toward his Grandfather’s hanok. Baek Do-un kept wondering if this was the place, sounding uncertain. Ju-wan quickly turned to him.

“Teacher, why did you suddenly come here?”

“I wanted to see the place where you said you lived.”

“What? But…”

“Ah, it must be that one. Right?”

Baek Do-un quickly recognized the hanok. Part of it was because that was the only house in the village that could be called a ‘hanok,’ but it was also because it looked exactly like the house he had vaguely imagined whenever he heard Ju-wan’s stories.

Ju-wan looked confused. It was understandable, as he had been excited about meeting Kwon Su-hyeok the whole time. His expression was full of questions: whether it was true that Kwon Su-hyeok was returning, and why they had come here so abruptly.

Those questions were quickly answered when he saw the car parked in the open space in front of the hanok. The model, color, and even the license plate matched the car Kwon Su-hyeok usually drove.

“Alright, we’ve arrived. Shall we get out?”

Having parked diagonally next to Kwon Su-hyeok’s car, Baek Do-un grinned and opened the door to get out. He walked around the car and opened the back door as well. As soon as his seatbelt was undone, Jaguar leaped out of the car. Then, he stretched his limbs to loosen his stiff body.

Ju-wan also got out of the car, dazed. He had no idea what was happening. He couldn’t even guess.

“Su-nam, let’s put on a leash just in case.”

Baek Do-un put a leash on Jaguar. Since it was an unfamiliar place for the creature, it was to prepare for any unexpected accidents. If he happened to encounter the villagers, it would become a commotion.

Ju-wan reached out and stroked the stone wall, which was as tall as he was. He could clearly feel the rough texture of the stones. Along with it, old memories came back to life vividly. In his childhood, he used to play hide-and-seek and leapfrog here. When he leaned his face against the stone wall, the scent of deep sunlight wafted over him. He tilted his head closer to the wall. Without fail, it was that scent from his memories. The one that made his heart infinitely peaceful.

Around then, he heard the sound of the main gate opening. As the heavy door was pushed open, the old hinges let out a heavy scream. Turning his head toward the sound, he saw Baek Do-un already leading Jaguar inside the gate. Then, he beckoned to the staring Ju-wan to come quickly.

“Ju-wan, come quickly.”

Even seeing it with his own eyes, he couldn’t believe it. When he had come here before with Jeon Mi-nam, the door had definitely been locked. He had heard that the owner had changed long ago. Had they been granted permission to enter by that owner? If not, it was a great discourtesy.

“Teacher, wait a moment.”

He tried to stop him belatedly, but Baek Do-un had already slipped inside the gate. Jaguar also looked at Ju-wan for a moment before trotting after him.

He had heard from his hometown friend, Seon-yong, that a caretaker came periodically to check on the house and clean it. Had that person come now? If that was why the door was open, could he take a look inside just one more time? His heart began to beat loudly and violently. In spirit, he had already entered the gate, but for some reason, his two legs remained glued to the ground, unable to move.

“Ju-wan, what are you doing there instead of coming in?”

When Ju-wan didn’t move, Baek Do-un poked his head out of the gate. Only then did Ju-wan hesitantly walk toward the gate. Various emotions and thoughts intersected. He felt that if the interior of the hanok remained exactly as it was in his childhood memories, it would feel one way, and if it had been completely changed, it would feel strange in another way.

Inside the wide-open main gate, a well-trodden dirt path was visible. Flowers bloomed neatly along the stone wall, just as they had in his memories. It was a flowerbed that his grandfather had poured his heart into, watering almost every single day and checking on it constantly.

Ju-wan stepped cautiously inside the gate. The sensation of the dirt floor felt firm yet soft against the soles of his feet. Because he wanted to capture every single detail with his eyes, his pace became slower than usual. His gaze lingered on every small flower, every strange rock forming the wall, and every single roof tile.

As if by magic, everything was exactly as it had been. Surprisingly, nothing had changed. The platform for jars crowded with pots of all sizes, the antique furniture placed on one side of the wooden veranda, and even the kitchen door that had been crooked since Ju-wan was a child remained the same. It felt as if he had traveled back twenty years in time to stand in that very spot once again.

Ju-wan looked around the wondrous sight with wide eyes, like someone who had discovered a treasure trove. When he stood facing the wide wooden veranda, he could no longer move his feet. He felt that if he moved rashly, the scene before him might vanish without a trace.

Musty memories were revived, painted in vivid colors. With the veranda between them, his grandfather lived in the main room, and a young Ju-wan lived in the room across from it. Whenever he had a nightmare while sleeping alone, he would clutch his pillow and run across the darkened veranda to sneak into his grandfather’s room. Then, his grandfather would smile, lift the edge of the blanket to let him in, and tell him old stories until his frightened grandson fell asleep. It felt as if his grandfather might open the door to the main room and step out at any moment.

“Why don’t you try going inside?”

“…But.”

“It’ll be okay.”

Baek Do-un pushed Ju-wan’s back as he hesitated, his gaze fixed on the main room. Since the house had passed into someone else’s hands, this wasn’t an opportunity that would come easily. If he let this moment pass, he might regret it for the rest of his life. Yet, strangely, his heart felt heavy. He didn’t know why.

“What are you hesitating for?”

Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded from behind. Ju-wan’s shoulders flinched instinctively. Jaguar, who had been by his side, went first to greet the owner of the voice. As Ju-wan turned his head, he saw Kwon Su-hyeok entering.

“Su-hyeok.”

Turning around, Ju-wan walked toward Kwon Su-hyeok. Soon, his walk turned into a run. Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been leaning down to pet Jaguar, opened his arms and pulled him into a tight embrace. Ju-wan wrapped his arms around his neck. Their ears brushed and pressed softly against each other. The missed scent of him flooded Ju-wan’s nostrils.

Kwon Su-hyeok pressed his lips against Ju-wan’s warm neck. Once, twice. After kissing him repeatedly, he whispered softly.

“Go on, go inside.”

“But….”

“There’s nothing to worry about. Because from now on, it’s yours again.”

At the unexpected response, Ju-wan lifted his head and looked at Kwon Su-hyeok blankly. Kwon Su-hyeok nodded as if everything Ju-wan had heard was true.

“I had to go and meet them in person. Regardless of other things, I really wanted to give you this as a gift.”

Then, was the reason for Kwon Su-hyeok’s untimely business trip all because of this house? To personally persuade the owner.

It felt as if something was about to overflow from within him. It suddenly became difficult to stand on his own two feet. He didn’t know what to say or how to react. It was too big and overwhelming to be called a simple gift, leaving him feeling utterly lost. He was so happy, yet for some reason, tears felt more likely to burst than a smile. Was it really okay? To be loved this much.

Ju-wan, who had been staring at Kwon Su-hyeok in silence for a while, felt his eyes grow moist. Kwon Su-hyeok was quite flustered by the unexpected reaction. Jeon Mi-nam and Baek Do-un, watching from behind, simply looked on, unable to step forward.

Ju-wan, who had been biting his lip to hold back the tears, reached out to Kwon Su-hyeok. It was clearly visible that his fingertips were trembling. Soon, his hand overlapped with Kwon Su-hyeok’s.

“Will you go inside with me?”

Ju-wan asked with a forced smile. For some reason, those words didn’t sound like a simple request to go into the room together.

Kwon Su-hyeok readily agreed, gripping Ju-wan’s hand tightly. Only then did Ju-wan’s trembling stop. The two of them took off their shoes side by side and stepped up onto the wooden veranda. Then, they entered the room across the hall that the young Ju-wan used to use.

Watching them with satisfaction, Baek Do-un casually asked Jeon Mi-nam, who was now petting Jaguar.

“How did you persuade the owner? I heard they said they wouldn’t sell it no matter how much you paid.”

“I found out that they also spent their childhood in this neighborhood. They bought this house as soon as they had the money specifically to spend their final years where they grew up. Since they are currently suffering from a serious illness and don’t have much time left, I emphasized that point. Realistically, returning to their home country in their current condition would be impossible.”

“I’m asking what you actually said. There’s no way a person with few days left to live would suddenly sell their house to some dark-skinned men whose names and identities they don’t even know. You didn’t threaten them by bringing up their remaining family, did you?”

“The President is not such a boor.”

“I don’t think there’s much difference. He just looks polished on the outside; how is he any different from a gangster?”

“…Strictly speaking, it’s a trading business.”

“Stop arguing. Anyway, tell me quickly. How did it happen? I’m curious.”

“I honestly told them about Park Ju-wan’s situation. That there is someone who wants this house as desperately as the current owner—no, even more so. Fortunately, they were a reasonable person. When I showed them a photo of Park Ju-wan and his grandfather, they readily agreed.”

Baek Do-un nodded as if he understood. Wouldn’t anyone want to help Ju-wan after hearing his story? Ju-wan was someone who would treat the house—which the owner had carefully tended to for their own final years—more preciously than anyone else. Moreover, if it was Kwon Su-hyeok, he would have paid a generous price so that the owner lacked for nothing.

Regardless, he was glad it ended successfully. As Ju-wan was reclaiming his life these days, this house was the only thing that had been weighing on his mind. Because every time he visited his grandfather’s grave, whether he wanted to or not, this house would catch his eye, and it was obvious he would be heartbroken every time.

“Ah, the air is great. It’s so cool, I bet I’d sleep well here.”

Stretching, Baek Do-un looked back at the unresponsive Jeon Mi-nam. He was staring toward the veranda, waiting for Kwon Su-hyeok, from whom there had been no word for a long time. He looked as if he would keep standing there like a totem pole if left alone. Baek Do-un clicked his tongue loudly.

“It’s hopeless. Kwon Su-hyeok isn’t coming back out. So, Mi-nam, you should go rest somewhere too.”

“I am fine.”

“Is that a reflex? Everything is ‘fine’ with you. There’s a guest room here; do you want to go take a look together?”

“I’ll pass.”

“Ah, unless you’re planning to stand guard here all night, just follow me quietly. This is technically an interference.”

Complaining about his lack of tact, Baek Do-un grabbed Jeon Mi-nam’s arm and abruptly led him toward the guest room. Jeon Mi-nam, unable to shake off the hand, was dragged along. Jaguar, who had been exploring the unfamiliar hanok, followed the two of them slowly.

Walking under the elegantly rising eaves within the not-too-high walls, it felt as if he had come to a completely different world. His pace naturally slowed, and his mind grew calm. The clear air, which didn’t feel overwhelming even when inhaled deeply, felt as if it were purifying his body, mind, and soul. All of this was a luxury he wouldn’t have experienced if it weren’t for Ju-wan.

“This room was this small. When I was little, it felt so wide that it was scary.”

Ju-wan scanned his childhood room with a fresh perspective. The low desk by the window was still there. He remembered how he used to squirm in his seat, forced to sit there as a child. He wondered why he had hated studying so much and only wanted to play.

When he opened the closet next to it, books and notebooks with white-worn corners were tucked inside. There was also a deflated soccer ball, proving the passage of time.

“I heard the owners changed several times… but no one threw these away.”

“I know. It’s as if they were waiting for the real owner.”

Kwon Su-hyeok hugged Ju-wan tightly from behind. He pressed his lips against Ju-wan’s white nape. Ju-wan gently stroked the arm wrapped around his shoulder.

Then, he slowly turned toward Kwon Su-hyeok. Kwon Su-hyeok held Ju-wan’s face with both hands and gave him a quick kiss. Ju-wan, receiving the kiss silently, overlapped his hands over Su-hyeok’s and rubbed his cheek against them repeatedly.

“Thank you. I didn’t know I’d receive such a precious gift. I don’t know how to repay you….”

Kwon Su-hyeok pulled Ju-wan closer again. This time, their lips locked more deeply. He tenderly sucked on the tip of Ju-wan’s tongue and upper lip before slowly letting go.

“This is enough.”

“I didn’t know you were working so hard for this… I was just childishly wanting to see you.”

As he confessed honestly, a sigh-like breath escaped Kwon Su-hyeok. Then, he suddenly stepped closer to Ju-wan. When Ju-wan reflexively stepped back, Su-hyeok closed the distance again and gave him a quick kiss. Ju-wan flinched and retreated, but Kwon Su-hyeok kept approaching, their lips meeting and parting in a series of quick pecks.

Eventually, Ju-wan’s back hit the hard wall. With nowhere left to retreat, Kwon Su-hyeok suddenly lifted Ju-wan up. Ju-wan clung tightly to his face.

Kwon Su-hyeok rubbed his cheek against Ju-wan’s repeatedly and kissed his neck over and over as he opened the closet door. Then, he pulled out a blanket haphazardly. Thick blankets and pillows spilled onto the floor. He laid Ju-wan down on them with infinite care. Their eyes met at a distance so close that they could feel each other’s breath.

“…….”

“…….”

After scanning each other’s faces thoroughly, they kissed without anyone initiating first. Ju-wan slid his hand through Kwon Su-hyeok’s hair to stroke his scalp and pulled his broad back tight against him. Kwon Su-hyeok also gripped Ju-wan’s thigh firmly in his hand, tilting his head to lock their lips without a gap. Their tongues met and rubbed desperately between their lips. They sucked on each other urgently and passionately, as much as the size of their longing.

Only when Ju-wan’s breathing became labored did they slowly pull their heads away. Ju-wan looked up at Kwon Su-hyeok, his shoulders heaving. His eyes were drenched in a pure desire. Kwon Su-hyeok gave a small laugh as if he couldn’t help it, then pulled Ju-wan’s hand and placed his shirt button in it. As Ju-wan began to undo the buttons tactfully, Su-hyeok lowered his head and showered kisses on his forehead, eyes, cheeks, and lips. Meanwhile, his hand gently lifted Ju-wan’s shirt to fiddle with his bare waist.

When only the last button remained, Kwon Su-hyeok abruptly sat up. Then, looking down at Ju-wan from a height, he flung his shirt open to both sides. The buttons bounced onto the floor, fully revealing his thick upper body.

Looking up at the sight blankly, Ju-wan’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. Kwon Su-hyeok tossed the shirt aside and lowered his head to kiss Ju-wan’s neck. Ju-wan tilted his head back and let out a low moan. Kwon Su-hyeok obsessively pressed his lips only to the neck exposed outside the shirt, then took the first button into his mouth. He undid the button using only his tongue.

As one button came undone, a part of Ju-wan’s white neck was revealed. Kwon Su-hyeok inevitably pressed his lips to that spot. Then, he sucked the skin hard enough to make a popping sound. Ju-wan’s body trembled.

“…Ngh.”

After kissing the spot he had sucked painfully, he moved down to the next button. A clear kiss mark was engraved where he had lingered for a long time.

Kwon Su-hyeok undid the second and third buttons with the same care as the first. Whether because of the long wait or some unknown anxiety, Ju-wan’s body writhed incessantly. Engraving every such reaction into his eyes, Su-hyeok bit the loose edge of the shirt and pushed it back. He then pressed the tip of his tongue against the exposed pale pink flesh and took the entire chest into his mouth.

“Ah… ngh… ah…!”

Ju-wan shook his head slowly. Heat rose in spots from his neck to his face. Kwon Su-hyeok held onto the trying-to-escape Ju-wan more firmly and repeatedly massaged the soft flesh with his tongue. He crushed it as if to bury the tip completely, then sucked it until it became pointed again. The nipples, suffering inside the humid mouth, began to harden.

When Kwon Su-hyeok intentionally pulled his mouth away with a popping sound, Ju-wan’s cheeks flushed deep red. Ju-wan groaned softly and tried to stop Kwon Su-hyeok, who was gently rubbing the other nipple with the tip of his sharp nose.

“Ngh, Su-hyeok, don’t do that….”

“Someone packaged this so carefully; it’s only polite to unwrap it slowly.”

Kwon Su-hyeok murmured, looking clearly at Ju-wan. The slightly husky voice gave Ju-wan goosebumps. For some reason, those words sounded like a declaration of war.

“Ha-ah… ngh, yes, ah…!”

Sure enough, Kwon Su-hyeok began to dig haphazardly into the nipple he had been teasing with his nose, burying it deep. The ticklish and tingling sensation triggered in the sensitive area made Ju-wan’s waist tremble violently. Kwon Su-hyeok gripped that waist tightly, obsessively chasing him wherever he tried to flee. As he sucked the crushed flesh with force, Ju-wan’s waist twitched and twisted.

“Ngh, stop… it’s, strange, ngh, ah…!”

Soon, both nipples were swollen and drenched. The surrounding skin also became mottled, leaving clear bite marks. Tears welled in Ju-wan’s eyes, which were clouded with pleasure.

“Haa… haa… ngh.”

Ju-wan, who was looking at Kwon Su-hyeok with a completely undone and slightly resentful gaze, winced again. This was because Kwon Su-hyeok, with only the last button left, suddenly pushed his tongue deep into Ju-wan’s navel. He dug in stubbornly as if to count the knots in the deepest part, scratching and probing. Every time the deep part of his navel was touched, it vibrated all the way inside. Soon, his groin became unbearably tight, and his knees naturally pressed together.

“Ngh, wait, wai… ngh, ah…!”

After moaning frantically to the point where his ears felt muffled, Ju-wan grabbed Kwon Su-hyeok’s hair. He felt that if he didn’t, his body would become strange. Only then did an unprecedented excitement boil in Kwon Su-hyeok’s eyes as he looked up at Ju-wan. It was the first time they had been apart since becoming lovers. And it had been for two whole weeks. Due to the abstinence that had lasted longer than expected, the fuse of his reason felt as if it were about to blow.

Ju-wan’s situation was no different. It was just that his body, which had accumulated so much tension, reacted more sensitively than usual, leaving him not knowing what to do.

Kwon Su-hyeok took Ju-wan’s hand, which had been looking at him helplessly, and kissed it. Pressing his lips in spots from the fingertips to the back of the hand, wrist, and arm, he finally captured the lips that were trembling with difficulty. Simultaneously, he skillfully undid the buckle of Ju-wan’s pants and lowered the zipper.

While lightly sucking on Ju-wan’s sweet tongue and lips, he pushed aside the underwear and pulled out the heated member. Ju-wan’s body flinched just from the gentle touch.

“Shh.”

Soothing him softly, Su-hyeok buried his face deep into the bright red neck. He inhaled, savoring the scent that had grown even deeper. His mind became more hazy. After repeatedly pressing his lips to Ju-wan’s hot neck, he opened his mouth and bit the tender skin. At the same time, he gently stroked the member below.

“Hng, hgh… ah, ngh, ah… I, I too….”

Ju-wan, who had been trembling and moaning repeatedly, reached out toward Kwon Su-hyeok’s center. While sucking Ju-wan’s neck hard enough to be painful, Kwon Su-hyeok guided his hand to his own member. Gripping the hardened flesh, Ju-wan gently caressed the thick member with clumsy movements. That alone made Kwon Su-hyeok’s back arch significantly. The sound of his breathing in Ju-wan’s ear also became quite rough.

He licked long and slow behind Ju-wan’s ear. Then, while nibbling on the earlobe that felt feverish, he whispered huskily.

“Haa… do it harder.”

“Ngh, eu… hat, aah…!”

Even though Ju-wan was trying his best to stimulate him, it seemed it wasn’t enough. Kwon Su-hyeok eventually pressed his lower body tight against Ju-wan and rubbed his hips deeply on his own. As a result, their members rubbed against each other more strongly. Ju-wan closed his eyes tightly.

“Ah, ngh, ah… ah, ha-ah! Ngh?”

He suffered through a messy climax and suddenly gasped for air. It was because the center of his being had suddenly become light. Along with it, Kwon Su-hyeok’s penis, which had felt as if it would burst in his hand, slid right out. This happened because Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been pressing firmly against him and thrusting without hesitation, abruptly lifted his upper body. Kwon Su-hyeok grabbed Ju-wan’s pants and underwear together and ripped them off in one motion. As the air hit his lower half, Ju-wan’s body trembled.

In the next moment, Kwon Su-hyeok supported Ju-wan’s legs with his own hands just as they were about to fall to the floor. Because of this, Ju-wan’s thighs and abdomen pressed together, leaving his body half-folded. With the position suddenly flipped, Kwon Su-hyeok was hidden from view by Ju-wan’s own legs. However, it felt as though his breathing had grown even rougher, though it might have been an illusion.

“…Mr. Su-hyeok?”

Ju-wan looked down with anxious eyes. Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been staring quietly at Ju-wan’s backside, stuck out his tongue and slowly licked his lower lip. A chilly premonition flashed through Ju-wan’s mind.

“Wa-wait…!”

He tried to push himself up to stop him, but because Kwon Su-hyeok pulled his legs, his body was flipped back down again. Then, Su-hyeok’s face buried itself into his exposed buttocks. Ju-wan clenched his teeth at the sensation of a sharp nose digging into the crease of his buttocks. Following that, a lukewarm, soft tongue dropped onto his hole, wetting the tender skin around it. He trembled at the feeling of the deep, secluded spot becoming damp.

“Hng, ngh… ah, ngh….”

Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been meticulously nibbling at the hole, applied pressure with the tip of his tongue to push inside. The entrance, which had resisted firmly at first, gradually, bit by bit, softened and allowed his intrusion. He sucked on the thin skin with a wet, smacking sound before teasing the hole with the tip of his tongue again. It wasn’t enough. He wanted to swallow him more completely.

Kwon Su-hyeok licked a long path from the hole, past the perineum and scrotum, up to the penis, and then took the bright red glans into his mouth. While sweetly sucking on the already wet urethra, he pushed a finger into the softened hole. Ju-wan’s body stiffened at the sudden sensation of a foreign object. As if to soothe him, Su-hyeok moved his head slowly, prepping the inside of the hole with a thick yet fast rhythm.

Trembling, Ju-wan reached out. His pitifully shaking fingertips brushed against Kwon Su-hyeok’s hair. When he lifted his head, he saw Ju-wan’s face, looking as if he were about to cry.

“Hng, ugh… please, please… ngh, do it quickly.”

Kwon Su-hyeok let out a faint laugh with a tired expression. No, it seemed he had been pushed to his limit and had no mental strength left. A lazy voice responded, “Yeah.”

“I was at my limit a long time ago.”

Once again, knees pressed against his chest. Simultaneously, a heavy piece of flesh dropped onto the hole. As if remembering the touch of the skin it had missed, the penis twitched fiercely. Ju-wan suppressed his breath and waited for the hardship to come.

After rubbing his penis against the buttock crease a few times, Kwon Su-hyeok thrust into the hole without warning. The inner walls expanded instantly, greedily swallowing the massive penis. Even though he had tried to open himself up as much as possible, the penis quickly fit tightly, choking his breath. Ju-wan gasped and struggled helplessly at the feeling of his abdomen being filled to the brim.

“Ah… ah….”

Kwon Su-hyeok clenched his jaw. The sound of grinding teeth leaked through his lips. As if the half-inserted penis wasn’t enough, he kept jerking his body.

Kwon Su-hyeok took a breath and gripped Ju-wan’s buttocks firmly with both hands, pulling them apart. Then, he slammed the ambiguously perched penis all the way in. The tightly gripped penis scraped against the inner walls as it was pushed in at once. Kwon Su-hyeok’s firm thighs and Ju-wan’s buttocks slammed together with a thud.

“…Ugh.”

“Haa… ngh….”

Ju-wan’s stimulated inner walls writhed slowly, tightly entwining Kwon Su-hyeok’s penis. Feeling that sweet constriction, Kwon Su-hyeok paused for a moment to catch his breath. He was simply enjoying the sweet agony with a furrowed brow, but it sounded as if he were growling. Indeed, he could not control the surging lust boiling in his blood.

Kwon Su-hyeok pulled Ju-wan’s arms and made him wrap them around his neck. Then, grabbing his waist, he began to thrust and press his lower body hard against him. The more he stirred and churned inside, the more the inner walls, which had been stiff with tension, collapsed and softened. The dense yet pleasant warmth made the hairs behind his ears stand on end. But that alone didn’t fill the void inside. It only increased his appetite.

Kwon Su-hyeok’s penis, which had been moving calmly, gradually picked up speed. The insertions grew deeper, repeatedly pulling out until only the glans remained and then slamming back in to the root. Every part of the inner walls being poked was tingling. It wouldn’t have been strange if a hole were punched through somewhere in his aching stomach.

“Haa, ha….”

“Ah-ngh… ngh… nng, ngh… ha-ah!”

Ju-wan, who had been barely letting out moans while being impaled by Kwon Su-hyeok, suddenly stiffened his entire body. Tiny goosebumps broke out across his skin. It would have been fine if Su-hyeok hadn’t noticed, but the man, who had been relentlessly probing his insides, paused and watched Ju-wan. His face was distorted in a mess. His hazy eyes shook anxiously.

Keeping his gaze fixed on Ju-wan’s face, Kwon Su-hyeok slammed into him with a steady, rhythmic pace. Ju-wan, who had been moaning softly while biting his lip, jumped again when a certain spot was pierced. Keeping his eyes on Ju-wan’s bewildered face, Kwon Su-hyeok ground the glans against that specific area in a slow, circular motion. At that, Ju-wan collapsed completely.

“Hng, ngh, ah… ah-ngh, ugh, nng.”

He firmly held onto Ju-wan, who was struggling to escape the intense pleasure that bordered on pain. Then, he placed a pillow under Ju-wan’s waist to lift his lower body. After that, while pressing down on his thighs, he violently slammed the penis, which had been momentarily still. A moan that was almost a scream erupted from Ju-wan.

“Ha-ah! Ngh, ah, ah-ngh, ugh, nng, ah-ngh!”

Pressing down on his limbs that were instinctively flailing, he probed and crushed that same spot over and over. Impaled helplessly by Kwon Su-hyeok, Ju-wan looked at the persistent and merciless man with sorrowful eyes, his eyebrows drooping. Even that gaze was so cute and lovely that Su-hyeok pressed his lips against Ju-wan’s wet eyes and flushed cheeks several times. He kissed him tenderly and carefully, as if he would never hurt him again, as if he were sorry. However, his lower body remained a tyrant. The mucous membrane, repeatedly pounded by the rock-hard glans, was tingling.

“Nng, ngh, ah-ngh… hng, ugh, slow, hng….”

“Haa, ha… just a little more.”

While soothing Ju-wan with a gentle voice, he continued to probe inside without pause. Every time he pulled out the penis that had been driven deep, it felt as if the circuits in Ju-wan’s brain were being ripped out in bundles. His vision swam from the terribly intense pleasure. A rough breath that didn’t feel like his own erupted from deep in his throat.

He licked and bit Ju-wan’s neck greedily, gluttonously devouring the softened flesh. The mucous membrane, helplessly rubbed by the roughly pushing piece of flesh, clung to the surface of the penis, as if suctioning the skin like a lamprey. Every time he reluctantly pulled away from that pleasure, the hole holding the glans twitched and tightened, as if begging him to come back in. All of this was a subjective perception close to self-rationalization, but he was that intoxicated and out of his mind.

He accelerated the movement of his hips even more. Soon, his spine was slick with sweat. With the heat intensifying, it felt as if a faint steam was rising from his back.

“Ha-ah, ngh, nng, ah, ah-ngh!”

“Haa… ngh…!”

Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been probing the hole so violently that the scrotum was being crushed, began to rub his lower body firmly against him after inserting. Consequently, his penis swirled inside Ju-wan’s body, further crushing the softened mucous membrane. The inner walls, sensitized by repeated insertions, were scraped by the thick veins and tendons on the surface of the penis. Even the swollen entrance triggered a stinging pain as it was hit and rubbed by the scrotum. Ju-wan’s toes curled at the overwhelming pleasure.

“Hng, ugh, nng, Su-hyeok….”

His lips clattered incessantly, letting out ragged breaths and crushed moans. Kwon Su-hyeok grabbed Ju-wan’s hand, which was desperately seeking him, and pulled him close so their chests touched. Then, pressing his lips to his cheeks, ears, chin, and neck without exception, he made his final spurt.

A sudden, urgent need to urinate surged. The dull heat felt as if it were piercing his penis like a sharply honed awl. The sound of grinding teeth emerged from Kwon Su-hyeok’s jaw again, and his lower lip was bitten hard by his upper teeth. Ju-wan, swallowing something that could have been a sob or a breath, simply hugged him tightly.

Soon, Kwon Su-hyeok’s penis exploded hotly in the deepest part of Ju-wan.

“…Kughhh!”

“Ngh… ngh, aaah!”

Ju-wan convulsed and ejaculated at the same time. Kwon Su-hyeok’s abdominal muscles, covered in Ju-wan’s semen, twitched as if they were alive. As if that wasn’t enough, Kwon Su-hyeok thrust his penis up a couple more times while remaining inside Ju-wan’s belly. His penis, still trembling with spasms, spurted out the remaining semen as if marking his territory.

Ju-wan’s limbs, trembling from the deep afterglow, suddenly lost all strength. Kwon Su-hyeok, who had stiffened like a stone for a moment, collapsed completely on top of him. As Kwon Su-hyeok relaxed, his full weight pressed down on Ju-wan. Despite groaning softly, Ju-wan continued to hold Kwon Su-hyeok tightly.

Kwon Su-hyeok let out a small laugh and turned over to lie beside Ju-wan. With every breath in and out, their chests stuck together stickily and then pulled apart. Ju-wan simply swayed along with Kwon Su-hyeok resting on him.

“Was it hard?”

Kwon Su-hyeok’s languid voice drifted from beside his head. Ju-wan just panted and shook his head. Kwon Su-hyeok kissed his sweat-dampened forehead and hair without hesitation.

After a long while, Ju-wan calmed down and began to fidget, touching Kwon Su-hyeok’s scar. Then, he leaned in and kissed the scar, even sticking out his tongue to lick it. Watching this blankly, Kwon Su-hyeok suddenly pulled Ju-wan in and kissed him. It was a fierce kiss, where the tongue pushed in before he even had a chance to taste the lips. Even his brow was furrowed bitterly.

Ju-wan also let his eyebrows droop and received the kiss while continuously stroking Kwon Su-hyeok’s scar. That affectionate and ticklish touch made his heart swell for no reason.

During the kiss, he became mindful of something rubbing against his thigh. He pulled his lips away for a moment and glanced back. In Ju-wan’s field of vision, he saw Kwon Su-hyeok’s penis, already erect and standing stiff. The thing was shaking its massive body from side to side, subtly rubbing against the inside of Ju-wan’s thigh.

“Oh, already….”

“Yeah. It’s still not enough. I need to eat a bit more.”

Kwon Su-hyeok whispered sweetly and gripped Ju-wan’s thighs firmly with both hands. His long fingers pulled the buttocks to open the hole. The semen that had filled the inside trickled down, licking the perineum. Ju-wan let out a groan and shrunk his head. Just as the semen was about to drip to the floor, Kwon Su-hyeok’s penis swept it back up and pushed it into the hole. Then, he blocked the entrance firmly with the glans.

Kwon Su-hyeok’s ‘a bit’ would be different from Ju-wan’s ‘a bit.’ It would be different from a normal ‘a bit.’ Knowing this full well, Ju-wan willingly threw himself to the man.

He was becoming completely dyed in the security, body heat, and scent unique to Kwon Su-hyeok, who supported his homeless body firmly and warmly. He felt it wouldn’t matter if he were eaten away bit by bit, and eventually swallowed whole.

“Mmm….”

He fluttered his eyelids open. A bluish light was leaking in from beyond the paper doors. It was a sign that dawn was breaking.

Despite the change in sleeping quarters, he had slept deeply without any dreams. No, he didn’t know if he truly hadn’t dreamed at all. Throughout his sleep, he felt as if warm sunlight were stroking his back. He wasn’t sure if it was an illusion created by the psychological feeling of returning to his hometown home, or if he had actually had such a dream.

He slowly lifted his head and scanned the surroundings. No matter how many times he looked, the sight in his vision did not scatter. It was not an illusion.

As he dropped his head back down, Kwon Su-hyeok’s arm was beneath his head. Had he been giving him an arm pillow all night? His other arm was also wrapped firmly around Ju-wan’s waist. He slid his head out slightly, resting only his neck on Kwon Su-hyeok’s arm, and looked at his peacefully sleeping face. Perhaps he was tired from the long business trip, as his tightly closed eyes showed no sign of opening. The steady sound of his breathing was sweet to the ear. Seeing his completely relaxed and comfortable face, Ju-wan couldn’t help but smile.

He raised his hand and gently touched Kwon Su-hyeok’s chin. His heart sank when he saw the scars on the shoulder and below the collarbone. Even though they were all healed and couldn’t possibly hurt now, he counted the traces of the wounds with infinite caution. Then, he burrowed into Kwon Su-hyeok’s embrace and hugged his back tightly with both arms. He also rubbed his forehead against the man’s broad chest.

Suddenly, Kwon Su-hyeok’s breathing faltered. Then, his body swayed slowly. A large hand came to wrap around Ju-wan’s ear and cheek.

“…What. Did you have another nightmare?”

Feeling the gaze from above, Ju-wan lifted his head. He locked eyes with Kwon Su-hyeok, who had woken up. He examined Ju-wan’s complexion with a thoughtful look. Ju-wan shook his head and hugged him tightly again.

“No. It’s because I’m too happy. I’m so happy that I’m scared it might all be a dream.”

Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been holding him quietly, pressed his lips lightly to Ju-wan’s forehead and then pulled away. Then, he murmured in a voice slightly husky from sleep.

“I thought about letting you know in advance. But I didn’t say anything because I was afraid I’d only disappoint you if things didn’t work out.”

“I know. Until yesterday, I had no idea and was worried, but now I know everything.”

Kwon Su-hyeok kissed Ju-wan’s forehead again. Then, with his lips still pressed there, he whispered unexpected news.

“I looked into the current status of the people who took care of you when you were young. They all want to meet you.”

Ju-wan lifted his head, bewildered.

“…Who? You don’t mean Gangneung Grandmother and Mr. Choi?”

Kwon Su-hyeok nodded instead of answering. Ju-wan, frozen with a surprised expression, asked questions haphazardly.

“Are they both healthy? Where have they been? Have they been doing well all this time?”

“It’s strange.”

“What? What is?”

“They said they asked those same things as soon as they heard news of you.”

Suddenly, his heart swelled uncontrollably. He felt the hairs in his ears stand on end all at once. He felt so overwhelmed that he thought he might cry.

Ju-wan gently stroked Kwon Su-hyeok’s skin and mumbled in a voice that seemed about to fade.

“I want to meet them soon.”

“Yeah. Let’s do that.”

Whispering tenderly, they pulled each other into another embrace. The heartbeat was transmitted through their touching skin. Their hearts, which had been beating at different speeds, gradually synchronized their rhythm.

Ju-wan, who had been immersed in the pleasant harmony, suddenly lifted his head.

“Mr. Su-hyeok.”

“Yeah?”

“After breakfast, do you want to go see Grandfather?”

Kwon Su-hyeok looked surprised for a moment, then slowly let his lips curve into a smile.

“…Okay.”