By Zephyria “Su-nam, look at this.”
Ju-wan, returning from an outing, proudly showed something to Jaguar, who had come to greet him at the entrance. His voice was more excited than usual. Jaguar tilted its head, eyes glowing yellow, and gave a thick lick to what Ju-wan held out. Then, smacking its lips, it turned around and walked straight into the living room. It was only natural. There was no way a four-legged beast would show interest in a driver’s license.
Nevertheless, Ju-wan followed Jaguar with excited steps. He then hugged the animal’s neck as it sat on the sofa and chattered.
“This is my driver’s license. Now I can drive too.”
Holding onto the still indifferent Jaguar, he talked excitedly about how he would take it for walks himself from now on, and how the two of them would go for drives. Jaguar simply opened its mouth wide and yawned.
He had started attending an academy three months ago. Since he had decided to take charge of caring for Jaguar, driving ability was essential. He couldn’t keep calling Jeon Mi-nam, who was busy with office work, forever. To exercise Jaguar more often and buy necessary supplies for the animal whenever needed, he had to have mobility. Above all, he wanted to properly do his part as an adult.
Of course, getting a license didn’t solve all the problems. Still, if he practiced steadily, he would become more proficient than he was now, and one day he would be able to go out freely without anyone’s help.
Moreover, it was the first sense of achievement he had tasted since leaving the hospital. His heart kept fluttering, and he couldn’t even sit still on the sofa. He wanted to tell Kwon Su-hyeok the news quickly.
He took his phone out of his pocket. He hadn’t told Kwon Su-hyeok that he was taking the test, that he had passed, or that he was going to pick up his license today. He didn’t want to make him worry about such trivial matters. He simply wanted to share the happy news once everything had proceeded smoothly and a good result had come out.
But when he actually tried to call, he hesitated. He worried if he was interrupting during a busy time. Ju-wan stared at Kwon Su-hyeok’s contact information but couldn’t bring himself to press the call button. Eventually, he placed the phone on the table.
With a troubled face, he just stared at the innocent phone. Jaguar also glared at the phone, following Ju-wan’s lead.
After some time, a sudden vibration rang out, startling both Ju-wan and Jaguar. He quickly snatched the phone and checked the caller. Ju-wan’s slightly flustered face melted away. It was a call from Kwon Su-hyeok. He touched the call button immediately.
“Su-hyeok?”
You answered quickly. Were you waiting?
“Yes. Actually, I was debating whether to call you first.”
I told you to contact me whenever you want, regardless of the time.
“Still, I didn’t want to be a distraction.”
How could you be a distraction?
Even the words spoken as a small sigh of reprimand were full of affection, making him feel ticklish. Ju-wan’s smile deepened.
“Did you eat?”
Yeah. You?
“I’m about to.”
What have you been doing until now? Didn’t Baek Do-un come?
The tone and manner changed the moment Baek Do-un was mentioned. Though he couldn’t know for sure, a wrinkle had likely formed between Su-hyeok’s brows by now. Based only on what he had heard from Baek Do-un, he was Kwon Su-hyeok’s benefactor. But in reality, the two were like cats and dogs. They didn’t seem to have ill will toward each other, but perhaps they were just polar opposites.
Ju-wan shook his head vigorously so that Kwon Su-hyeok wouldn’t misunderstand. He did this even though it wasn’t a video call.
“No. He said he’d come today too, but I asked him to come in the afternoon if it was okay, because I had somewhere to go for a bit.”
You went out? Alone? Where?
“Well… they said my driver’s license would be ready today. I went there to pick it up myself.”
It wasn’t a huge deal, but he felt his tongue curling. Heat rose to his ears for no reason.
Biting his lip and holding his breath, he listened to Kwon Su-hyeok. He couldn’t guess if he would congratulate him happily, feel hurt that he wasn’t told in advance, or get angry that he had gone out alone so recklessly. His heart pounded loudly.
However, Kwon Su-hyeok remained silent for a long time. Thinking the call had been disconnected, he pulled the phone away from his ear and looked at the screen. The call was still connected.
“Hello? Su-hyeok?”
I’ll send a car now, so come out.
“What?”
Make sure to bring your license. I’ll be waiting.
Kwon Su-hyeok gave a unilateral notification and hung up. Ju-wan stared blankly at the now-silent phone and scratched the back of his neck. It was a reaction that completely missed his expectations. He couldn’t gauge at all what Su-hyeok was feeling right now.
It was about 30 minutes later when Jeon Mi-nam came to pick up Ju-wan.
* * *
“So, he just got you this on the spot?”
“…Yes.”
Baek Do-un and Ju-wan were standing side by side in the parking lot. A Lamborghini, with the plastic still on it, occupied the space. Baek Do-un nodded while stroking the smooth body of the car.
“Well, it’ll be perfect for a beginner. No one will even try to drive next to it.”
“Honestly, I don’t need a car like this. I lack driving experience, so it’s just burdensome… I can’t drive Su-nam around in a compact car, but still, this is too…”
“Do you think Kwon Su-hyeok bought this so Su-nam could ride in a nice car? He bought expensive protective gear because he’s afraid you’ll get hurt. Who knew that bastard was such a romantic?”
Baek Do-un clicked his tongue openly. While examining the car more thoroughly, he muttered something cryptic: “Or is he trying to monitor him?” When Ju-wan looked puzzled, he joked with a mischievous smile.
“In case Ju-wan tries to run away. It might be different with another car, but with this, wouldn’t he be able to put out an alert and catch him quickly?”
“Ah…”
“What do you mean ‘ah’? You actually believe that?”
He shook his head as if Ju-wan were hopeless. Then, he suddenly reached out his hand to Ju-wan.
“Yes?”
“Let me see the license.”
Ju-wan shyly took out the license and handed it over. Baek Do-un, looking at the license with satisfaction, patted Ju-wan’s back vigorously.
“Well done, Ju-wan. It’s pretty and admirable that you’re trying to do something. Now that you have a license and a car, you’ll have to practice hard, right?”
“Yes. So Mi-nam said he’d give me a lesson for an hour or two a day starting next week…”
“Hey, why wait until next week?”
Baek Do-un grabbed Ju-wan’s hand. Then, he led him abruptly toward the driver’s seat, sounding confident.
“The best driver is right here. Once a teacher, always a teacher, so leave the driving practice to me too. I’ll teach you properly.”
Ju-wan trusted Baek Do-un, but he couldn’t shake the anxiety budding inside him. Baek Do-un always boasted about his 15-year accident-free record. However, anyone who had ridden in his car even once would be certain. It was simply a matter of sheer luck. Or perhaps it was possible because he hardly ever held the steering wheel.
Baek Do-un pushed the ambiguously smiling Ju-wan into the driver’s seat, shouting that there was nothing to worry about and to just trust him. The more he did, the more the anxiety in Ju-wan’s heart grew.
* * *
“I’m planning to take Su-nam for a drive today. Would that be okay?”
He asked for permission from Kwon Su-hyeok, who was pulling out a dining chair to sit. Kwon Su-hyeok looked at Ju-wan without a word. Since receiving the car, Ju-wan had been receiving driving lessons from Baek Do-un in his spare time. He had practically been dragged out by Baek Do-un’s unilateral kindness.
Whenever he returned home, Su-hyeok would stop by Ju-wan’s car to check the black box footage recorded during the day. It was to find out which roads Ju-wan had taken, how he had driven, and what conversations they had shared. There were more than a few moments where his heart sank while watching. Although Ju-wan chattered that he had enjoyed every day, he couldn’t help but worry. He wasn’t a child; was he being too overprotective?
Ju-wan, who was bringing toast, suddenly reached out toward Kwon Su-hyeok. He straightened Su-hyeok’s slightly crooked tie before placing the plate of toast in front of him. Sitting opposite him, he poured a glass of milk as well.
“Is Baek Do-un coming along too?”
“No. The teacher said he couldn’t come today because he has work.”
“Then do you want to go with me?”
Ju-wan’s eyes widened at the unexpected proposal. His face flushed slightly, as if he were imagining a scene of them driving together. However, the anticipation didn’t last long.
“I’d love to, but didn’t you say you were busy? You mentioned you have a lot on your mind lately.”
It was as Ju-wan said. Recently, there were many tasks to handle ahead of the first contract with a new client. On top of that, he was preparing for an audit, so he had no weekends. That was the reason he hadn’t been able to personally oversee Ju-wan’s driving lessons.
“A drive is just for a little while. We could even use the lunch break.”
Ju-wan, who had been listening in silence, gave a small laugh and shook his head.
“Let’s just do it later. When the busy period is over and you have some free time, then. If you’re really worried, Su-hyeok, I won’t go out today.”
Ju-wan concluded the conversation and began eating his toast. He didn’t seem disappointed, nor did he seem upset. Yet, Su-hyeok couldn’t help but feel concerned.
Come to think of it, the driver’s license wouldn’t have been issued for nothing. Although Ju-wan had showcased precarious driving skills throughout the lessons, he had never received a ticket. Moreover, his handling was becoming smoother, and he seemed to have gained enough composure to hold casual conversations with Baek Do-un while driving. And above all, Su-hyeok didn’t want to refuse something Ju-wan had asked permission for. Not that it was something he even needed permission for in the first place.
“No. Do whatever you want.”
“Really?”
“I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”
He expressed his trust in his own way. A bright smile bloomed on Ju-wan’s face. Throughout the meal, Ju-wan listed the things he wanted to do while driving with Kwon Su-hyeok. He wanted to drive slowly along deserted roads on a midsummer night with the top open, or leave tire tracks on a shallow, untouched snowy road when the first snow fell. He also talked about spontaneously leaving to see the ocean or go forest bathing. He even suggested that he could drive Kwon Su-hyeok to and from work. Kwon Su-hyeok simply smiled warmly while listening to the rarely excited Ju-wan.
“Be careful, and don’t go too fast. I know you won’t, but don’t get greedy trying to overtake or beat the light. Don’t just look ahead; keep an eye on your sides and practice defensive driving, and even if it’s a hassle, make sure to use your turn signals…”
Kwon Su-hyeok launched into a long lecture just as they were about to leave the house. These were things he had already urged him to do several times. Yet, as if he still couldn’t put his mind at ease, he poured out the same advice once more. He probably wouldn’t have been this restless even if he were letting a three-year-old child outside for the first time. Seeing him so unusually noisy, Jaguar flicked his two round ears.
“I got it.”
Ju-wan smiled, his eyebrows drooping as if he found Su-hyeok hopeless. Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been about to say more, finally shut his mouth. He then reached out and gently caressed Ju-wan’s cheek. Ju-wan closed his eyes and obediently accepted his touch. Soon, Kwon Su-hyeok’s lips lightly landed on Ju-wan’s before pulling away. Jaguar watched the scene intently, merely licking the bridge of his own nose.
“I’ll be back.”
“Yes. Have a safe trip.”
Kwon Su-hyeok reluctantly let go of Ju-wan’s hand. Ju-wan waved his hand flutteringly at him as he turned away. Soon, the front door opened and closed again. Even after that, both Ju-wan and Jaguar stayed quietly in place until Kwon Su-hyeok’s presence faded.
Jaguar, glancing up at Ju-wan, turned his body leisurely. Ju-wan suddenly hugged the creature from behind as it tried to head toward the living room.
“Su-nam, let’s go for a drive! I’ve practiced hard, so I’ll be able to do it well. What do you think? It’ll be fun, right?”
Startled, Jaguar tilted his head. He seemed puzzled by Ju-wan’s voice, which was twice as high as usual.
“Just wait a moment. I’ll get ready quickly.”
Ju-wan hurriedly cleared the table and finished the dishes in one swift motion. After tidying the bedding, he started the washing machine and cleaned the cluttered living room without hesitation. He hung the finished laundry and meticulously ran the vacuum cleaner.
As if someone were chasing him, he finished the housework and entered the dressing room. A moment later, Ju-wan emerged wearing a coat, crouched in front of Jaguar, and grabbed the creature’s front paw. He was out of breath from finishing so many tasks in such a short time.
“Haa, haa. Now let’s go.”
Jaguar tilted his head again with a bewildered look.
“Okay, seatbelt on, engine started, brake released…”
He prepared for departure step by step. Jaguar sat in the passenger seat with his two paws tucked together, blankly watching the busy Ju-wan. Taking a low breath, Ju-wan slowly lifted his foot off the brake. The massive Lamborghini began to move forward slowly and silently. His hands gripping the steering wheel were tense, but as he gained some speed, the tension gradually eased.
Ju-wan flowed out of the residential area and onto the main road. Fortunately, since the morning commute had long passed, the road was relatively empty. He drove safely, strictly adhering to the speed limit and signals, and diligently turning his turn signals on and off. Perhaps the ride was quite comfortable, as Jaguar sat leisurely, watching the scenery pass by the window.
To get some fresh air, he left the city center and headed toward the suburbs. The road became much simpler, and a pastoral landscape that was easy on the eyes unfolded on both sides. Perhaps wanting to truly feel the breeze, Jaguar, who had been sitting quietly, began to nudge the window with his snout.
“Do you want some air? Should I open it?”
As if understanding the words, Jaguar turned toward Ju-wan and flicked his round ears. Taking the opportunity, Ju-wan opened not only the window but also the roof. A cool breeze blew in from all directions. Jaguar, who seemed somewhat surprised at first, slowly rested his head on the window frame. His soft golden fur fluttered brilliantly. They say animals often love riding in cars because they mistakenly believe they are running at that speed themselves; looking at the back of Jaguar’s head as he was absorbed in the view outside, Ju-wan couldn’t help but smile.
He seemed to quite like the feeling of racing across a wide plain freely and effortlessly. Ju-wan also felt as if something in his chest was being cleared. The air rushing deep into his lungs felt stinging yet refreshing. The sense of openness, as if touching the sky, made his mind feel clear. The moderate sunlight seemed to gently caress every part of his body.
It was perfect freedom, unconstrained by anything.
* * *
“So, you drove around until the fuel was almost gone?”
Ju-wan nodded and handed water to Baek Do-un. Baek Do-un said, “Thank you,” and moistened his throat, tilting his head repeatedly.
“I’ve never driven for that long myself. That’s impressive, Ju-wan.”
“Since I could go anywhere, I got excited without realizing it… Su-nam liked it too.”
“Really? Our Su-nam was excited too?”
Baek Do-un spoke to Jaguar as if he were a young child. He even squished the creature’s cheeks. Jaguar pulled his head away in annoyance, and when that didn’t work, he escaped to Ju-wan’s side entirely.
Watching this with a grin, Baek Do-un suddenly held something out to Ju-wan. It was a tablet.
“What is this?”
“I brought it for you, Ju-wan.”
“For me?”
“Yeah. I bought it thinking I’d use it eventually, but I’ve never used it once. I developed a new hobby. It seemed a waste to just leave it.”
“But wouldn’t there be a time when you need it if you keep it? Or you could sell it used…”
“I think you’d find it more useful than I would. You can take notes right on here, draw pictures, and even take photos or videos and edit them. It’s so much fun. You can easily carry it whether you go to a cafe or anywhere else. Come on, don’t just look at it, take a proper look.”
Ju-wan held the tablet in his hand, feeling bewildered. It was heavier than it looked. The screen was as clear as a TV. There was a huge difference in the devices, content, and internet environment used now compared to before he was trapped in the hospital. There were still so many things he had to learn, master, and adapt to.
Baek Do-un sat close to Ju-wan and showed him the useful apps one by one. He opened the internet browser and organized a customized interface, pulling out only the categories Ju-wan might be interested in. Ju-wan watched all of this with curious eyes.
“Now, try it yourself.”
Urged by Baek Do-un, Ju-wan lightly swiped through the pages. After passing a news screen filled with various articles, an animal-related category took over the screen. All sorts of animal-related content were compiled there—from sales pages for feed and toys to animal-related articles and trending posts.
Baek Do-un, who was looking at the tablet with him, suddenly let out a gasp. He then touched a photo that had been passed over casually. Soon, a familiar face filled the screen. Baek Do-un’s eyes widened.
“Ju-wan, this is…”
“Huh?”
Surprised, Ju-wan also stared intently at the screen. In the post, a photo of a jaguar in a supercar was prominently displayed. The quality was a bit low, as if it had been captured hastily from a passing car, but there was no mistake—it was Ju-wan’s car and Jaguar.
The author of the post mentioned it was a photo taken by chance yesterday and was wondering if the animal in the photo was a cat or a leopard. In the comments, opinions were divided between cat and leopard. Meanwhile, some people were talking about something else entirely, asking if a Mansour had come to Korea. This was because in Middle Eastern countries, it is not uncommon for people to keep leopards, jaguars, or cheetahs as pets to flaunt their wealth.
Was that author the only one who had spotted Ju-wan and Jaguar? Even the easygoing Baek Do-un let out a sigh. If the administrative authorities saw the photo or received a complaint and questioned Jaguar’s residence, it would be a headache in many ways.
Ju-wan turned the tablet toward Jaguar to show him the photo. He also stroked the creature’s fur. He thought Baek Do-un might say something like, “You opened the window for nothing,” or “You should be careful so such photos aren’t taken in the future.”
However, what came out of Ju-wan’s mouth was completely unexpected.
“Our Su-nam is quite photogenic.”
Seeing the satisfied smile on his face, it didn’t seem like he was joking or being sarcastic at all. He was as innocent as someone who hadn’t quite grown up.
“…Right. Well, I’m sure Kwon Su-hyeok will handle everything.”
Despite the worry, Baek Do-un thought, what does it matter? The world was full of people worn down by a dry and miserable reality; what was it if one person like Ju-wan lived without a care?
While he was letting his guard down, Jaguar gave the tablet screen a thick lick. Baek Do-un’s scream of horror and Ju-wan’s voice trying to stop him erupted simultaneously. Another noisy day was passing by, as usual.