By Zephyria Jang Jin-woo lingered near the guest-only elevators. He had barely managed to catch up with Ju-wan’s group’s taxi, but in hiding among the tourists to avoid being spotted by Jeon Mi-nam, Ju-wan had disappeared in the meantime. In a hotel with as many as 1,500 rooms, finding Ju-wan would not be easy.
If Ju-wan wasn’t confined, wouldn’t he come down for a meal at least once? Of course, even then, he would have to shake off the other companions, but that was something to think about later. Jang Jin-woo paced back and forth between the elevators and the passages near the dining area, pondering ways to find Ju-wan. No matter how much he racked his brain, no clever solution came to mind.
On one hand, he was surprised anew by his own obsession. It was true that a strange curiosity had been triggered from the first time he saw Ju-wan. He felt a bottomless lust for him, and until now, no one had driven him to such passion.
But Jang Jin-woo felt estranged from himself for stepping into a minefield for a mere thing like that. He had never enjoyed adventures with uncertain outcomes, nor had he stepped into things that were obviously dangerous.
When he first realized that Kim Je-guk had sold Ju-wan, he was utterly bewildered. At first, he thought he was confused because his secret hobby had been exposed. Then, he gradually realized that the unpleasant feeling was similar to the feeling of having his possession suddenly snatched away.
He had no intention of ending his relationship with Ju-wan. He wondered how embracing the unresponsive Ju-wan differed from masturbating, but since his own body responded faithfully only to him, he had no intention of letting him go easily, even if it meant keeping him hidden in the shadows and taking him in secret for the rest of his life.
When he was with Ju-wan, he felt as if he had become a great being. In fact, there was a time when Jang Jin-woo himself was Ju-wan’s world, his god, and his one and only savior. Even as he gradually withered and dried up, Ju-wan occasionally showed longing toward him. He liked that desperate look in his eyes.
Looking back, Ju-wan was the only one to whom he had revealed his true self, which he had thoroughly hidden even from his parents. In front of him, he felt free, as if released from all constraints and burdens. Because of that, he did not want his gaze, which had been blindly fixed on him, to deviate elsewhere. Just as he was the only one who knew Jang Jin-woo’s true nature, perhaps he hoped he would be the only one who knew Ju-wan’s value.
Jang Jin-woo soon moved to the elevator near another entrance. It was purely to avoid the eyes of people. That elevator was likely for VIPs, as there were almost no users and the surroundings were quiet. He intended to move to another floor first and then devise a way to approach Ju-wan quietly.
He looked up to check the elevator’s current location. It was stopped on the 27th floor. He pressed the call button and waited for a moment. Fortunately, the elevator descended straight to the lobby without stopping in between.
The doors opened with a low mechanical hum. Jang Jin-woo, who had been about to step inside, nearly collided head-on with someone exiting. After narrowly avoiding the crash, he apologized out of habit.
“Ah, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
He had spoken Korean unconsciously, and the other person responded in Korean as well. The man even gave a slight smile to the bewildered Jang Jin-woo. Stepping lightly around the frozen Jang Jin-woo, the man said, “Excuse me,” as he passed by.
Jang Jin-woo watched the man walk away with keen interest. In the meantime, the elevator doors slid shut and the car ascended again. Unable to even think about stopping the elevator, he couldn’t take his eyes off the man’s retreating figure as he disappeared around the corner.
There was no mistake. He was one of the people who had been accompanying Ju-wan since the plaza. No matter how many times he looked, it was definitely that man—the one who exuded an atmosphere entirely different from the imposing, hulking man.
The elevator the man had descended in had stopped once on the 27th floor, and there were no other passengers besides him. This meant there was a high probability that the room where Ju-wan was staying was on the 27th floor.
A triumphant smile spread across Jang Jin-woo’s lips.
* * *
Inside the unusually spacious elevator, Ju-wan stared blankly at the numbers dropping rapidly toward ‘L’. Since the elevator had arrived immediately, it seemed he would be able to catch up to Baek Do-un quickly.
However, as one second, then two passed, a strange feeling washed over him. It was similar to a sense of dissonance. His heart began to beat irregularly.
It wasn’t difficult to identify the cause. Right now, Ju-wan was completely alone. Without the protection of Jeon Mi-nam or Baek Do-un, and having escaped even the surveillance of Kwon Su-hyeok and Jaguar. No, in this moment, he stood alone in a place where no one in the world’s gaze could reach him.
Perfect freedom to go wherever he desired. Something he thought would be absolutely impossible had been granted, if only for a fleeting moment.
Yet, strangely, he felt no greed. His interior was so calm it felt hollow, despite how desperately he had dreamed of this. Rather, the sudden freedom felt awkward and burdensome, leaving him unsure of what to do. Perhaps it was because there was nowhere he particularly wanted to go, nor anywhere to return to. Jaguar, Kwon Su-hyeok, Jeon Mi-nam, and Baek Do-un. Aside from them, there was no one left in this world who would welcome him.
I shouldn’t rely or depend on them recklessly. I’m an adult now, so I have to manage my own life. First, after fulfilling my duties to Kwon Su-hyeok, I must… Of course, it was still a distant and vague goal.
Sighing softly, he fidgeted with Baek Do-un’s wallet. Just then, the elevator suddenly came to a halt. The unexpected braking caused a slight wave of dizziness. He looked up to check the floor. As expected, the elevator had stopped on the 7th floor, not the lobby. It seemed someone from the outside had pressed the call button.
Ju-wan stepped to one side to make room for the incoming passenger. Immediately after, the elevator doors slid open.
“Ha, haa…”
He had been staring intently at Baek Do-un’s wallet, but he snapped his eyes up at the sound of heavy breathing. While the suddenness of the situation was surprising, he was more shocked by the familiar scent that wafted toward him. An involuntary gasp escaped his lips.
“…Ah.”
The person gripping the elevator doors with both hands, breathing raggedly, was none other than Kwon Su-hyeok. His broad shoulders and chest heaved violently as he exhaled sharp, labored breaths. His piercing gaze was fixed entirely on the startled Ju-wan.
Ju-wan was filled with questions: why was Kwon Su-hyeok here now, and how had he managed to catch the elevator Ju-wan was in? If it was a coincidence, it was so exquisite that a small smile formed on his lips. He was clearly glad to see Kwon Su-hyeok, even in this manner. Since his entire reason for coming to Macau was to meet him, it was a natural reaction.
Suddenly, Kwon Su-hyeok’s eyes, which had been glaring at Ju-wan, widened with an unexpected light. Even the expression that had been twisted in pain from the ache in his lungs faltered.
Seeing a hand suddenly lunging toward him, Ju-wan reflexively stepped back. It was useless; Kwon Su-hyeok quickly seized his arm. He was pulled out helplessly by an overwhelming force. His vision spun, and he instinctively squeezed his eyes shut. When he slowly opened them, his back was against the hallway wall, and Kwon Su-hyeok’s face had pushed in right before his nose.
“…….”
“…….”
Their gazes collided in the air. The atmosphere had shifted from before, making his breath hitch. They were at a much closer distance, and something that seemed ready to explode flickered throughout Kwon Su-hyeok’s pitch-black pupils. Ju-wan had no capacity to guess what emotion that was, because Kwon Su-hyeok immediately closed the narrow gap between them.
Pressing against Ju-wan’s somewhat dry lips, Kwon Su-hyeok’s lips descended with a force that felt almost stinging. A faint scent of alcohol and fruit seeped through the parted lips. Simultaneously, a slightly bitter taste touched the tip of his tongue. He thought that drinking alcohol must always taste like that.
Kwon Su-hyeok tightly bit Ju-wan’s upper lip a few times before letting go, and then pressed his knee firmly between Ju-wan’s legs. Ju-wan flinched, letting out a small moan. Because of this, his tightly closed lips parted slightly. Not missing the opening, Kwon Su-hyeok tilted his head and pushed his tongue deep into Ju-wan’s mouth.
Ju-wan’s body trembled slightly at the invasion of the moist, hot flesh. His two hands, wandering without a place to go, grabbed the arms of Kwon Su-hyeok that were cupping his cheeks. Though strength surged into his fingertips due to the sudden kiss, he didn’t roughly push Kwon Su-hyeok away.
Kwon Su-hyeok gripped Ju-wan’s chin with enough force to be painful and violently colonized the lukewarm mucous membrane of his mouth. The tongue, diving in with momentum, pushed Ju-wan’s retreating tongue all the way to the corner. As he ran out of breath, a shallow moan leaked from Ju-wan. Their labored breaths burst forth in succession, tickling each other’s faces.
His mouth felt numb as the tongue moved dynamically, crushing the slippery membranes. His jaw began to ache because his mouth was forced open so wide.
“…Ngh.”
Kwon Su-hyeok did not back down, wedging himself in deeper and deeper. In the process, Ju-wan’s eyes squeezed shut, and he had to vividly feel the movement of the tongue ravaging his mouth. The scent of the pressed-up Kwon Su-hyeok wafted so strongly it felt like it would paralyze his nose, making him acutely conscious of who he was doing this with.
He was so shocked by Kwon Su-hyeok’s impulsive action that his heart pounded violently, as if it were about to be ripped out. The thumping was so intense it almost made him nauseous. Yet, for some reason, his heart felt calm. It could have been because of the welcoming scent, the fully touching body heat, or a reaction to both.
After a long while, Kwon Su-hyeok’s lips parted with a wet sound. Saliva, which had pooled and thickened into a sweet syrup, stretched in a thin thread.
“…Ha, hngh.”
“Haa, haa…”
Exhaling the breath he had been holding, Ju-wan slowly opened his eyes and gazed at Kwon Su-hyeok. Perhaps because it had been overwhelming, a faint moisture clung to his clear pupils.
Kwon Su-hyeok stared intently at Ju-wan, gently stroking his cheek with his thumb. The touch was so cautious and ticklish that it felt as if the fine hairs on his skin were standing up. Those pitch-black pupils looked clearer than ever. Perhaps that was why Ju-wan’s own reflection seemed exceptionally vivid within them. It was so fascinating that he couldn’t bring himself to look away.
Soon, Kwon Su-hyeok supported Ju-wan’s waist and pulled him closer. Then, he slightly lifted Ju-wan’s chin. With long fingers, he tickled the plump lower lip before gently pulling it down. Then, his eyes, which had held only Ju-wan, slowly closed.
Unlike before, Kwon Su-hyeok approached Ju-wan slowly and pressed his lips softly against the philtrum. A cautious breath gathered ticklishly between their lips. Consequently, Ju-wan’s eyes also drifted shut. By the time Kwon Su-hyeok sweetly bit his upper lip and let go, then took his lower lip into his mouth and released it, Ju-wan unconsciously moved his lips.
As if that were a signal, Kwon Su-hyeok pressed Ju-wan’s cheek with his thumb to open his mouth. He firmly sucked on Ju-wan’s tongue, which hadn’t managed to escape. The red tip of the tongue peeked out past the lips and tried to flee. Not missing that moment, Kwon Su-hyeok opened his mouth wide like a hungry dog and swallowed Ju-wan’s lips. As he adhered to the soft membrane, the supple tongue was pushed in following after.
With wet sounds, he licked and sucked, pressing his tongue and lips against Ju-wan’s. As if by magic, the inside of his mouth turned sweet, and his ears and nape grew hot. The strength in the hands holding Kwon Su-hyeok gradually faded. Some saliva flowed down his chin, but he had no capacity to care about such things. His knees kept wanting to buckle. In truth, Ju-wan was essentially leaning on Kwon Su-hyeok’s thigh, which had entered between his legs.
“…Haa.”
Kwon Su-hyeok reluctantly pulled his lips away. His quiet gaze remained fixed on Ju-wan. Ju-wan’s shoulders heaved as he let out the breath he had been holding. His breathing had been so erratic that his lungs felt tingly.
Kwon Su-hyeok stroked the chin of the panting Ju-wan, examining him meticulously as if observing a specimen. When Ju-wan opened his eyes again to meet his gaze, Kwon Su-hyeok repeatedly pressed his lips against his chin and cheeks without hesitation. He even gave a deep lick to the lips that had become glossy with saliva.
Ju-wan raised his hand to block Kwon Su-hyeok’s lips as they tried to lock together once more. Now that the storm-like situation had passed, a wave of bewilderment washed over him. It wasn’t that it was unpleasant or disgusting, but he couldn’t understand why this had suddenly happened.
Startled by Ju-wan’s hand suddenly blocking him, Kwon Su-hyeok looked directly into Ju-wan’s eyes through the gaps between his fingers. Then, he softly pressed his lips against Ju-wan’s white palm. Immediately after the soft pressure, he extended his tongue to lick deeply along the palm lines, moving up to nibble on one finger. He could vividly feel the sharp canine, but there was almost no pain. He only felt a nervous tension, fearing he might actually be eaten.
Kwon Su-hyeok glared at Ju-wan through the gaps in his fingers. That look was like a predator who had discovered a rabbit that had hidden only its body in the brush while leaving its ears exposed.
The atmosphere was not one that would easily calm down. The grip on Ju-wan remained firm, and the once-cold pupils were still heated. The unstable breathing suggested that Kwon Su-hyeok’s excitement had not yet subsided. He looked somewhat distressed, perhaps because of his deeply furrowed brow. Even so, Kwon Su-hyeok did not pull his gaze away from Ju-wan.
Then, he closed his eyes tightly and let out a long sigh. He personally tidied Ju-wan’s clothes, who was frozen in confusion. When he withdrew the knee he had pushed between Ju-wan’s legs, Ju-wan began to slump weakly. Kwon Su-hyeok grabbed Ju-wan’s arm as if supporting him.
“Follow me.”
He immediately caught the elevator, pushed Ju-wan inside, and followed after him. A Western couple was already inside. The couple smiled faintly and offered a brief greeting to the two. However, Kwon Su-hyeok was too busy staring at the monitor, and Ju-wan was too busy staring intently at Kwon Su-hyeok to respond. The couple simply looked at each other and tilted their heads at the subtle tension.
Before long, the elevator reached the 27th floor. Kwon Su-hyeok grabbed Ju-wan’s wrist and led him to the room. His stride through the hallway was so large that Ju-wan had to practically run to keep up.
“President.”
Kwon Su-hyeok’s subordinates, who had been lingering in front of the room, quickly rushed over and bowed. Among them was the man Ju-wan had encountered last. For some reason, his face was full of worry.
One man quickly opened the room door. Kwon Su-hyeok silently pushed Ju-wan inside. As he turned to leave, Ju-wan hurriedly pulled out Baek Do-un’s wallet to show him.
“I have to give this to Mr. Baek…”
Kwon Su-hyeok snatched the wallet away and simply tossed it aside. As Ju-wan’s gaze followed the fallen wallet, Kwon Su-hyeok grabbed his chin and forced him to look at him. He didn’t seem to care about the subordinates watching. Of course, Ju-wan also didn’t suddenly find himself caring about the gaze of others.
What on earth was happening? It felt as if Kwon Su-hyeok had become a completely different person while he wasn’t looking. His appearance hadn’t changed, but the way he looked at Ju-wan was so unfamiliar it was jarring.
“Wait here quietly until I return.”
Was it his imagination that even the voice and tone of the request had become tender?
He didn’t know for sure, but it seemed some problem had arisen. It might have been related to him, or it might not. Either way, there was likely nothing he could do to help. Still, remembering that Jeon Mi-nam had left in a hurry, he felt a surge of worry.
Ju-wan silently nodded to Kwon Su-hyeok, who was anxiously waiting for his answer. He was uneasy not knowing the situation, but he felt he could trust him. He wondered how much he actually knew of the man to feel such a reckless sense of trust.
* * *
Jang Jin-woo first boarded the elevator. He pressed 27, but perhaps because he hadn’t scanned a room key, the floor button didn’t activate. He checked to see if there was a sky bar available to non-guests. If necessary, he might have to find a room near the 27th floor. Meanwhile, the elevator closed with its characteristic mechanical sound.
Or, it should have. Just as the doors were about to overlap completely, the toe of someone’s shoe suddenly poked through. Recognizing the obstacle, the doors opened again. Jang Jin-woo, who had been preoccupied with checking the hotel’s amenities, looked toward the door without suspicion.
“……!”
Immediately, Jang Jin-woo’s eyes widened. The breath that was about to escape was sucked back in. Instinctively, he felt he had to pretend to be calm, but he couldn’t hide his shocked expression. And for good reason: the person standing at the door was none other than Jeon Mi-nam.
Jeon Mi-nam let go of the door and stepped into the elevator. To ensure Jang Jin-woo couldn’t do anything reckless, he instantly covered his mouth. Soon, Jang Jin-woo felt something thin pressing firmly against his side. It felt like a knife.
He had no idea how this had happened. Had Jeon Mi-nam been counter-surveilling him ever since they met at the restaurant? If not, it seemed impossible for Jeon Mi-nam to appear at such an exquisite moment. He had felt relieved thinking he had passed safely, only to encounter him again like this.
He had to make up some excuse. Jeon Mi-nam likely hadn’t figured out his identity yet. He would be even less likely to know what his relationship with Ju-wan was. However, the hand covering his mouth did not let go. Even when he tapped the arm, asking to be released for a moment, it was the same.
He had a bad feeling. He needed to call for help from anyone. But Jeon Mi-nam’s build was large enough to easily shield Jang Jin-woo from view.
“A coincidence that repeats twice is not a coincidence, is it, Mr. Jang Jin-woo?”
After a long while, Jeon Mi-nam spoke. Contrary to his expectations, he knew Jang Jin-woo’s name perfectly. A chill ran down his spine, and goosebumps broke out on his neck and arms.
Outside the elevator, the occasional voices of people could still be heard. The problem was that no one was interested in what was happening inside the elevator. Because of the general hubbub, the sound of Jang Jin-woo struggling was completely drowned out.
It was dangerous. If he were taken away like this, he would never return in one piece. This wasn’t a vague fear, but a conviction sensed by instinct.
Jang Jin-woo shook his head and looked desperately at the elevator doors that were about to close. If the power cut out and the elevator broke down now, or if one of those many tourists suddenly stepped inside, suggesting they go up together…
He clung to a sliver of hope while pondering a way to survive. However, the elevator crushed even that thread of expectation and closed tightly.
* * *
How much time had passed? Because he had lost consciousness for a while, he had no perception of the flow of time. When he came to, his arms and ankles were tightly bound to a chair, and a hood had been pulled over his face. The gag in his mouth prevented him from closing it completely or opening it further. It had been tightened so hard that his jaw felt stiff and throbbing.
Where on earth was this, and what would happen to him now? He wondered if it was a room in the hotel, but there was no sense of warmth or comfort. Although there was no wind, the air felt cool and dry, as if he were very close to the outside. A faint scent of earth and mold wafted through. Faced with a helplessness he had never experienced before, it was difficult to think rationally.
“…Hmph.”
I took a deep breath. However, the mask covering my face clung to my nose, making me feel as if I were suffocating even more. My hands and feet were tied so tightly that blood couldn’t circulate, leaving them completely numb. I wondered if I could even take a single proper step if the ropes binding my entire body were released right now.
For a while, only Jang Jin-woo’s ragged breathing echoed disorientingly. I busily turned my head from side to side, but I couldn’t find a single light, let alone see anything through the mask. It seemed I was trapped somewhere. I couldn’t sense the presence of anyone else around me. While I thought that was a relief, I soon became terrified that I might never be found.
Just what was the relationship between Jeon Mi-nam and Ju-wan that led Jang Jin-woo to be brought here? Judging by Jeon Mi-nam’s appearance, he looked like a bodyguard or perhaps a gangster.
Could he be one of Woo Hyeong-seok’s people? What if Woo Hyeong-seok had finally found and taken Ju-wan? It was a plausible theory. If that were the case, it explained everything: why he had unexpectedly run into Ju-wan in Macau, why Ju-wan seemed to be protected rather than monitored by people like Jeon Mi-nam, and why he had been staying at a luxury hotel.
And if that were truly the case, I had to escape this place by any means necessary. It was obvious that waiting patiently would not end well. I desperately twisted my limbs. Uselessly, my bound body didn’t budge. Instead, I only grew more exhausted, my strength draining away.
The fact that I knew nothing, and that nothing could be guaranteed, provided a sense of infinite terror beyond mere hopelessness. No matter how hard I tried to shake it off, the worst imaginations filled my mind. Yet, at the same time, I felt a groundless optimism that I, Jang Jin-woo, would not meet my end in a place like this.
Then, I suddenly heard the sound of a door opening. It sounded like a heavy iron door swinging wide. Subsequently, the sound of several pairs of dress shoes grew closer from a distance. The sound stopped right in front of Jang Jin-woo. A chill ran down his spine. It was frightening and uncomfortable to know that while his vision was blocked, the other party was staring at his helpless self.
No matter what the opponent did, Jang Jin-woo could only endure it. The absolute difference in their positions made him feel as if he might wet himself. His nerves were on edge at every breath and every movement of someone other than himself. He hadn’t realized until now that being powerless could be so terrifying.
“Take it off.”
Only after a long time did someone’s command fall. It wasn’t the voice of Jeon Mi-nam or Woo Hyeong-seok. It felt colder and more heartless.
The mask was ripped away. Jang Jin-woo quickly rolled his eyes to assess his situation. At a glance, the place seemed to have nothing to do with a hotel. A warehouse? Or an abandoned factory? Either way, he had a bad feeling.
Soon, a man grabbed Jang Jin-woo’s hair and yanked it hard. As his head was jerked back, he came face-to-face with the mysterious man standing before him, Kwon Su-hyeok. Jeon Mi-nam had stepped back behind him.
Engulfed in Kwon Su-hyeok’s shadow, he stared at him blankly. A dangerous aura emanated strongly from him. His eyes, which showed no trace of emotion, didn’t seem human at all. From that gaze alone, he felt certain that this man would not treat him with any humanity. His body began to tremble involuntarily.
When Kwon Su-hyeok suddenly reached out, he flinched without realizing it. Unbothered, Kwon Su-hyeok pulled the gag out of Jang Jin-woo’s mouth.
“Did he want it?”
“What…?”
The moment he opened his mouth, Kwon Su-hyeok’s fist slammed into his face. For a second, it felt as if his nose had caught fire. Blood surged up. Jang Jin-woo groaned and tried to lower his head, but since his hair was still being held, he couldn’t move an inch. The blood bursting from his nose soaked his lips and dripped down his chin. His shirt and pants were soon drenched.
Whether his nasal bone had collapsed, breathing became more difficult. As a large amount of blood flowed down his throat, a rattling sound occurred every time he breathed.
Kwon Su-hyeok showed no agitation. His ice-cold face remained completely composed, and his tone as he pressed Jang Jin-woo was unnervingly calm.
“I’ll ask again. Did he like it too?”
“Wha… what are you… ugh!”
This time, a fist dug into his chest. The violent impact made his lungs ache, and his breath was suddenly cut off. Jang Jin-woo groaned in agonizing pain, then gasped for more air. His face was soon smeared with blood and saliva.
Kwon Su-hyeok gave a simple nod to the man holding Jang Jin-woo. The man then pulled out a knife and cut the ropes binding Jang Jin-woo. With nothing to lean on, Jang Jin-woo’s body collapsed onto the floor.
Jang Jin-woo curled his body into a ball, trembling as he clutched his broken nose and chest. Sobbing leaked out because his situation was so miserable and absurd. Kwon Su-hyeok looked down at him coldly, then strode forward and grabbed him by the collar, hauling him up. He then dragged him to one side, while Jang Jin-woo desperately clung to his arm.
None of the men following Kwon Su-hyeok intervened. It seemed they had no intention of stopping or hindering him.
“Kugh…”
The moment he was thrown to the floor, a dress shoe stepped on his neck. Feeling a threat to his life, he lunged to grab Kwon Su-hyeok’s leg, but no matter how much strength he exerted, it was not enough to shake him off.
He felt like he was going to die. All his nerves were focused on survival, to the point where he completely forgot the pain in his face and chest. He struggled desperately, his eyes wide open and his tongue stiff. Snot and saliva streamed down. Because he had strained himself so much, he ended up wetting himself.
Even so, Kwon Su-hyeok stepped on Jang Jin-woo’s neck without mercy. He was as ruthless as if he were crushing a pest.
None of Kwon Su-hyeok’s subordinates stopped him. They simply waited quietly until he gave further instructions. Indifferent avoidance and bystanderism. A profound sense of isolation pushed Jang Jin-woo into the abyss in an instant. That feeling could not be fully expressed even with the word ‘horrific.’
Eventually, the skin ground by the shoe peeled away, and blood seeped out. Unconcerned, Kwon Su-hyeok pressed harder on his neck and then suddenly kicked him near the Adam’s apple. Jang Jin-woo clutched his throat, choking and beginning to dry heave. The foul taste of blood filled his mouth.
Kwon Su-hyeok pushed the trembling Jang Jin-woo’s shoulder with the toe of his shoe. Then, he grabbed his collar again and half-raised him.
“I’m asking. Did Park Ju-wan welcome your arrival?”
“Park Ju-wan…? Kugh! Mmph!”
The moment Jang Jin-woo uttered Ju-wan’s name, Kwon Su-hyeok’s shoe crushed his lips. Pressed between the wall and Kwon Su-hyeok’s shoe, Jang Jin-woo writhed his entire body like an earthworm.
Kwon Su-hyeok never showed a hint of emotion. His face remained armed with an expressionless mask. Yet, it was vividly clear that he was infuriated. The reason seemed to be none other than Ju-wan.
Judging by the questions Kwon Su-hyeok asked, he seemed to already know about the things between Jang Jin-woo and Ju-wan for some reason. The way he was enraged, with veins popping on his forehead and jaw, also seemed related to that matter. Had he heard it directly from Ju-wan? Just what was his relationship with Ju-wan?
The deduction couldn’t last long. It was because Kwon Su-hyeok put more pressure on his foot, crushing Jang Jin-woo’s lips. His teeth shook, and his entire gum line throbbed.
Kwon Su-hyeok didn’t stop there; he raised Jang Jin-woo again and rained down punches. Striking only the face without giving him a moment to breathe, it seemed he intended to completely shatter Jang Jin-woo’s skull. With the impact exploding through to his brain, his consciousness repeatedly flickered between fading and becoming clear. Blood filled the airway connecting his nose to his mouth and mouth to his throat, causing repeated coughing fits. He felt as if his entire body was being turned to powder.
The subordinates, including Jeon Mi-nam, were quite flustered to see Kwon Su-hyeok completely lose his restraint. There had been only one time Kwon Su-hyeok had raged like a wounded beast in front of them: when he executed the traitor who had betrayed his long-standing loyalty and driven his younger brother to death.
Since then, Kwon Su-hyeok had rarely used his own hands when eliminating someone. Even when he had to step in personally, he chose methods that were quiet and handled things in a short amount of time.
Yet now, he was going through the trouble of beating Jang Jin-woo into a pulp. It seemed the memory card Jeon Mi-nam had handed him had acted as a fuse.
Now, even when Kwon Su-hyeok’s fists slammed down, Jang Jin-woo could only twitch his fingers. He seemed to lack the strength even to groan. Kwon Su-hyeok threw Jang Jin-woo to the floor and kicked his abdomen with all his might. Jang Jin-woo jolted violently and vomited up a thick clot of blood.
Every time Jang Jin-woo inhaled and exhaled, blood bubbles formed and popped at his nose. A rattling sound echoed constantly in his mouth. It was simply amazing that he was still breathing in such a state, and that he could still clearly feel the pain.
“…cough. cough.”
Jang Jin-woo coughed with difficulty. Without fail, red blood surged and splattered across his face. Kwon Su-hyeok lifted his shoulder with the tip of his foot. Then, while stepping down on his chin as he gasped for air, he watched him quietly. His gaze seemed to be interrogating him to see if he had any excuses.
Jang Jin-woo’s eyelids flickered as he looked up at Kwon Su-hyeok. His entire face was stained with blood to the point where his original features were unrecognizable. Yet, it was clearly perceptible that he was grinning, his lips stretched wide. His eyes narrowed into slits. It was an obvious laugh that made his abdomen heave.
Kwon Su-hyeok watched the strangely giggling Jang Jin-woo with indifference. This was because he knew that the laughter was nothing more than a bluff or resignation from someone who sensed their end. After a long while, Jang Jin-woo suppressed his laughter and spat out blood-mixed saliva. Every time his lips moved, teeth stained red with fresh blood were visible.
“…Park Ju-wan, Park Ju-wan, huh. Of course, he shook his hips in pleasure. You have no idea how desperate he was to get one more look from me. Whenever I finally gave in, he’d pester and cling to me, begging me to hold him more.”
“Shut up.”
“Why? You wanted to know, didn’t you? Cough… haa… I guess you were tempted too? See, I told you it’s not my fault. Park Ju-wan was a little temptress from the start. Isn’t that why he bewitched his own stepfather? Have you tasted him yet? How is it? Does he act like it’s his first time every time you take him? He always makes those dying sounds, but once you shove it in, he grips tight and won’t let go.”
“I said shut up.”
“Park Ju-wan liked me too. He was tamed by me quietly; he didn’t run away or refuse! He always reacted only to me, looked to me, and smiled for me. I was the first. I’m the one who picked up the abandoned Park Ju-wan. So he’s mine, right? Naturally, he’s mine. No matter how much bugs like you covet him, he’s mine, mine!”
Kwon Su-hyeok grabbed the collar of the frantically raving Jang Jin-woo again. He then dragged him to a chair and sat him back down. He probably wouldn’t treat a trash bag as haphazardly as this. Kwon Su-hyeok’s subordinates held Jang Jin-woo from behind to keep him from collapsing forward. Even in that situation, Jang Jin-woo continued to smirk.
Then, Kwon Su-hyeok pulled back the jacket of a subordinate standing beside him. He swiftly pulled a knife from the inner pocket.
“…President!”
Despite the subordinate’s attempt to stop him, he unhesitatingly plunged the knife into Jang Jin-woo’s groin. In that state, he whipped the knife sideways, completely mutilating the flesh that had swollen with the terror of facing death. In an instant, Jang Jin-woo’s body leaped up in an indescribable, horrific pain.
“KRAAAAAAGH!”
Jang Jin-woo’s face turned bright red. The veins in his neck, forehead, and entire body expanded as if they were about to burst. It felt as if his eyeballs would pop out of his wide-open eyelids. The groin where the knife had been plunged became drenched instantly, and soon blood began to drip onto the floor, forming a puddle. At the gruesome sight, even Kwon Su-hyeok’s subordinates, who had remained expressionless, frowned and turned their heads away.
Only Kwon Su-hyeok showed not a shred of change in expression. He didn’t even think to wipe the blood that had splattered on his face. He simply pushed the handkerchief handed to him by a subordinate into Jang Jin-woo’s mouth. This was to prevent Jang Jin-woo from biting his tongue.
Jang Jin-woo’s convulsing eyes rolled back behind his eyelids. When the subordinates let go, his body slumped lifelessly onto the floor. He had merely fainted from shock; his breath had not stopped.
Kwon Su-hyeok wiped the blood from his face with another handkerchief handed to him by Jeon Mi-nam. Then, he threw that handkerchief onto Jang Jin-woo. The fluttering handkerchief landed on Jang Jin-woo’s face.
“I won’t tolerate this man dying easily. Neither escaping nor committing suicide. Cut off his legs and tongue, but you must keep him alive. Once the wounds have healed, send him to the black market immediately. There are plenty of perverts with sexual fetishes for eunuchs; if anyone wants him, sell him for a cheap price.”
Kwon Su-hyeok gave the unilateral order and left the warehouse. Jeon Mi-nam quickly followed behind him.
The subordinate waiting in front of the warehouse spotted the two and quickly opened the rear door. Kwon Su-hyeok entered and sat down habitually. Only then did Jeon Mi-nam get into the passenger seat. The subordinate who boarded the driver’s seat late stared at Kwon Su-hyeok through the rearview mirror.
“President, where shall I take you?”
Kwon Su-hyeok looked out the dark window, where there wasn’t a single streetlight, and toyed with his dry lips. As the silence stretched without a response, Jeon Mi-nam also looked back at the rear seat, asking, “President?” Soon, he was even more surprised because Kwon Su-hyeok had a look in his eyes as if he were deeply immersed in something.
“I’m going to Park Ju-wan.”
The instruction that followed felt almost sweet.
Jeon Mi-nam couldn’t bring himself to look back and instead checked Kwon Su-hyeok’s expression through the side mirror. He was leaning his back deeply into the seat, his head tilted slightly back. It seemed like he was trying to rest, but his eyes were open, vaguely fixed on some point on the ceiling. It was impossible to know what thoughts he was lost in.
Until now, there was nothing he didn’t know about Kwon Su-hyeok. His past, personality, tastes, and even the meaning behind his small gestures or glances.
But was that really true? Kwon Su-hyeok’s actions today were so impulsive and destructive that they blurred Jeon Mi-nam’s certainty. Perhaps his true nature had only now emerged because there had never been a reason for it until now.
Kwon Su-hyeok let out a deep breath and wiped his face. Even though he had wiped it, he felt as if the fishy smell of blood still lingered on him. It was strange. He had completely broken a man who would have been fine even if he had died right then, yet the fire spreading in his chest showed no sign of subsiding. Why, why. What exactly had made Kwon Su-hyeok so angry?
Strictly speaking, Jang Jin-woo was someone unrelated to Kwon Su-hyeok. He was a man with many legal and moral problems, but Kwon Su-hyeok himself had no right to criticize him. Because he, too, could never be free from that standard. Today’s event was nothing more or less than one demon executing another.
He had lost his reason and lunged into a ridiculous and wasteful act. Even to Kwon Su-hyeok, that version of himself felt unfamiliar. Why on earth had he done that?
If the conditions Kwon Su-hyeok wanted and Ju-wan’s conditions hadn’t aligned, if the seller hadn’t been Kim Je-guk, Ju-wan’s attending physician, if he hadn’t ordered Jeon Mi-nam to find out who was digging into Ju-wan’s background, and thus hadn’t found the camera hidden in Ju-wan’s hospital room, Jang Jin-woo would not have suffered such a terrible fate.
In conclusion, was it because of Ju-wan that Kwon Su-hyeok was infuriated?
Lately, Ju-wan had been particularly noticeable. Even if he didn’t say anything special or do anything particularly annoying, he found himself following him with his eyes whenever he was conscious of him. He hadn’t doubted it at all because he thought it was simply because he had never let another person into his territory, making him react more sensitively to Ju-wan’s every move. Whenever Ju-wan said or did something unexpected, he felt flustered and sometimes amused, but he had never once considered that some emotion was involved.
Could it be pity? On the day he first brought Ju-wan, the reason he ultimately didn’t draw blood was simply because he was too frail. He had spent a large sum of money to buy him, but at the time, he didn’t seem to be worth that price at all. In that case, it seemed far less wasteful to wait until he became healthy. That was truly all.
Perhaps he saw his dead brother overlapping with Ju-wan. Because Ju-wan’s time had also stopped at the age his brother had died. Whenever Ju-wan didn’t fear him, approached him first, slept peacefully by his side, and unconsciously relied on him, far from feeling repulsion, his heart fluttered helplessly. It was the first time since his brother that he felt full just by watching someone else eat.
No, that too was merely a futile rationalization. There was no way he could feel a sudden impulse to kiss someone who was like a younger brother to him. In a world gone mad, such people certainly existed, but Kwon Su-hyeok was not that kind of sexual deviant.
His heart sank at the fact that both Jang Jin-woo and Ju-wan were in Macau, and that Jang Jin-woo had already found Ju-wan. He felt something snap in his mind. Simultaneously, his empty consciousness was filled with a single-minded determination: he must not let the two of them meet. He couldn’t give Ju-wan back to Jang Jin-woo. He didn’t want to.
He hurriedly checked Ju-wan’s location first. Upon hearing that Ju-wan had just followed Baek Do-un to the casino, Jeon Mi-nam ran toward the lobby, while Kwon Su-hyeok sprinted for the guest-only elevator. He had pressed the call button with such desperation.
When he finally caught the elevator and encountered Ju-wan, seeing the other man smile and welcome him made it impossible to resist the impulse. Something surged up from within, and he lunged at Ju-wan. Once they touched, he wanted to savor Ju-wan’s body heat and scent even more thoroughly.
He was certain that if Ju-wan hadn’t stopped him, he wouldn’t have been able to end it with just a kiss. To call it an accident caused by an excessive surge of adrenaline felt wrong; he had been completely immersed in the kiss with Ju-wan. It was more mellow and sweet than he had expected, leaving him unable to regain his senses. He had forgotten entirely what the situation was or how urgently he had been searching for Ju-wan. He had wanted to swallow Ju-wan whole, if possible.
One thing was certain: for the moment he was with Ju-wan, he was in a complete vacuum. The anger that had dominated his body, the ill will that had clawed at his insides, and even the surrounding noise had completely vanished—a vacuum where only the two of them existed. He couldn’t dismiss that as mere momentary lust or passion.
Kwon Su-hyeok stopped his thoughts and shook his head. He felt a throbbing headache. He was still confused, but there was no need to rush. This ambiguous emotion would become clear once he met Ju-wan, and only then would he be able to give it a name.
Kwon Su-hyeok’s car sped along a quiet road. The pitch-black darkness that had swallowed even the shadows gradually receded. In the distance, a feast of brilliant lights unfolded. It seemed as if the sleeping Cotai Strip had awakened magnificently for the night. Even the sparsely lit streetlamps looked like candlesticks guiding him there.
Ju-wan was within those lights. For some reason, he felt a bit anxious.
“Don’t let anyone in until tomorrow morning.”
He instructed the subordinates following him. Unaware of the reason, the subordinates simply bowed and replied, “Yes.” Kwon Su-hyeok even stopped Jeon Mi-nam, who usually accompanied him into the room, with a single look. He didn’t want to be disturbed by anyone.
It was the moment he scanned the card key at the door and was about to pull the handle down. The door opened from the inside first, and Baek Do-un appeared. He looked up at Kwon Su-hyeok standing before him and smirked.
“What’s with that expression? You look like you’d scare away a ghost. Don’t tell me you’re planning to meet Ju-wan looking like that?”
Kwon Su-hyeok’s brow twitched. He abruptly grabbed Baek Do-un by the collar and dragged him outside. Baek Do-un resisted, gripping his arm tightly and pushing at his chin with the other. His face was unusually stiff.
“President…!”
Jeon Mi-nam, watching from behind, hurriedly stepped in to separate the two. Even for him, this was a frequent sight.
This incident wasn’t Baek Do-un’s fault. Kwon Su-hyeok must have known that. Baek Do-un hadn’t known that Jang Jin-woo was tailing Ju-wan, nor had he intentionally left Ju-wan alone; it had been entirely Ju-wan’s own will to go bring him his wallet. Therefore, there was no reason for Kwon Su-hyeok to be angry with Baek Do-un. It was simply that his unextinguished anger and confused emotions had been vented onto him. Since he was the closest person available, the leash had simply slipped.
Soon, Kwon Su-hyeok let go of Baek Do-un as if pushing him away. Jeon Mi-nam quickly supported Baek Do-un, who had nearly fallen. Baek Do-un dusted off his shirt, which had been crumpled by Kwon Su-hyeok’s grip, and asked:
“Kwon Su-hyeok. You won’t be like that, will you?”
It took the form of a question, but it was closer to a plea. A strangely bitter smile lingered on his face.
Ju-wan was a person with many scars. He had become numb to the constant pain, and because of that numbness, he no longer reacted to most stimuli. If you grip someone who is not just dry but brittle, won’t they only break? It seemed he was telling him not to plant a futile hope—more cruel than despair—in Ju-wan, who had only just begun to smile, the way Jang Jin-woo had.
“…”
Kwon Su-hyeok stared at Baek Do-un with displeasure and entered the room without a word. He knew that Baek Do-un wasn’t interfering because he didn’t know him. Rather, he knew it was said because Baek Do-un understood his temperament—how he would run wild until he saw things through once he got started.
He was just a bit flustered. The fact that Baek Do-un had noticed a change that even he himself couldn’t understand. If it was noticeable to others, had it been that obvious? At this point, he couldn’t unilaterally dismiss it as a delusion. Everything would become clear once he met Ju-wan.
Soon.
Kwon Su-hyeok scanned the empty living room and tossed his coat onto the sofa. Then, he entered the bedroom in search of the unseen Ju-wan. He found him shortly after. A hollow laugh escaped him.
Ju-wan was fast asleep, pressed tightly against the edge of the wide bed. He wasn’t even covered by a blanket. His clothes were the same as when he had encountered Kwon Su-hyeok in the elevator. He had clearly sat on the bed and waited obediently as instructed, only to fall sound asleep.
“…Ha.”
To be this defenseless. Ju-wan must have been well aware that Kwon Su-hyeok would return to this room. He must have been curious why he had suddenly showered him with kisses. Yet, to fall asleep so completely disarmed—he truly had no sense of crisis. Then again, Ju-wan’s indifference had a long history, from the time he had blindly shoved his hand into Jaguar’s mouth to when he had carelessly mentioned feeling safe in Kwon Su-hyeok’s bed.
He instinctively reached out toward Ju-wan but hesitated. For some reason, he felt he shouldn’t touch Ju-wan with that hand. Then he chuckled at his own thought. It wasn’t as if he were touching a flawless baby; was there a need to be this cautious about touching a man?
Shaking his head, he entered the bathroom. He started with a hot shower. He washed away the fatigue and dirty emotions clinging to his entire body. Even then, his mind didn’t feel clear, so he finished with cold water. As the hair on his skin stood up, his consciousness finally became somewhat lucid.
He threw on a robe and stepped out. With every step, clear droplets of water dripped down. The falling droplets traced Kwon Su-hyeok’s path to the mini-bar. He poured whiskey from a bottle there into a glass. Then, he quenched his thirst without ice.
He drained one glass straight while standing, refilled it, and returned to the bedroom. He sat on the chair facing the direction where Ju-wan slept. Ju-wan was still sound asleep, oblivious to the world. He leaned his upper body forward slightly. The sound of soft, rhythmic breathing brushed sweetly against his ear.
By the way, why did he always sleep curled up like that, despite having so much space? He had a groundless conviction that it would be the same no matter what bed he was thrown into.
Watching Ju-wan breathe evenly, his body shifting slightly, he felt a natural sense of languor. Looking back, the reason he had been in a low mood all day was that he had tossed and turned the previous night.
Kwon Su-hyeok downed the remaining whiskey in one go and took off his robe. Then, without hesitation, he climbed onto the bed where Ju-wan lay. Even as Kwon Su-hyeok’s shadow loomed over him, Ju-wan didn’t budge. Only when their bodies brushed did he let out a small “mm” and toss slightly.
Supporting his upper body with both arms, he looked down at Ju-wan. Ju-wan’s plump lips were slightly parted as he exhaled. They looked dry at a glance, but when touched, they were moist and soft. They were so squishy and plush that it felt like being buried in warm cotton candy. Had he not tasted it at all, he might not have known, but once he had tasted that tantalizing sweetness, he couldn’t easily pull away.
Buried deep in the soft bedding, Ju-wan woke up vaguely after feeling a hand stroking him. His blurry eyes snapped open. Immediately, Kwon Su-hyeok’s face filled his vision.
At the sudden sight, his slowly beating heart began to thud. His body froze completely, unable to move a single finger. Kwon Su-hyeok looked down at him in silence, his finger slowly tracing the line of Ju-wan’s jaw upward. When he reached the earlobe, he gently teased the relatively plump flesh. Ju-wan shrunk his neck slightly and frowned.
“…Ugh.”
Kwon Su-hyeok paused his hand for a moment and observed Ju-wan. Ju-wan seemed flustered at first, but his expression soon relaxed. Then, he stared up at Kwon Su-hyeok with round eyes. As expected, he seemed curious about why Kwon Su-hyeok was suddenly acting this way, including the kiss from earlier.
Looking directly at Ju-wan with a calm gaze, he caressed his ear as if massaging it. Ju-wan flinched again and let out a low moan. Not only the ear being toyed with, but his nape instantly flushed red. Ah. A deep sigh escaped from within.
Kwon Su-hyeok brushed aside the hair touching Ju-wan’s neck and pressed his lips against the exposed white skin. As the hot, moist lips pressed down, Ju-wan’s body trembled slightly. He could feel Ju-wan’s entire body tense up, flustered and not knowing what to do. Kwon Su-hyeok’s Adam’s apple bobbed once.
Unable to resist, he sank his teeth into Ju-wan’s hot neck. He didn’t bite hard, but a moan of “ugh” escaped Ju-wan. Kwon Su-hyeok slid his hand inside Ju-wan’s shirt, which was wriggling incessantly. He stroked his bare waist and pulled his body close to prevent him from escaping. He also pressed his knee firmly between Ju-wan’s legs.
“Hng…”
He licked the bitten area deeply with his tongue, then took it back into his mouth and sucked. The trembling vibrations were transmitted directly through his hand. He wanted to savor the body heat even more thoroughly. The scent of skin filling his nostrils instantly made his head hazy.
“…Ha-ugh.”
He toyed with the warm skin with the tip of his sharp nose, then tilted his head to take Ju-wan’s Adam’s apple into his mouth. He nibbled at the protruding area with his neat front teeth while stroking the shivering flank. Ju-wan tilted his head back and gripped the pillow and blanket tightly. As if it were too much to bear, he kept his mouth tightly shut and trembled. His eyes were squeezed shut. Just like in the video on the memory card, it seemed he was simply waiting for this moment to pass.
‘Kwon Su-hyeok. You won’t be like that, will you?’
Suddenly, Baek Do-un’s words flashed through his mind. As if by magic, all his actions came to a halt.
Only then did Ju-wan slowly open his eyes and meet the gaze of Kwon Su-hyeok, who was staring at him blankly. Kwon Su-hyeok’s broad shoulders were heaving as he gasped for air. His eyes were out of focus, looking completely disoriented.
“Slee…”
Looking at Ju-wan’s fluttering lips, he lunged like a hunting hawk. He forced the lips open in one breath and shoved his tongue inside. Ju-wan’s head tilted back, and his eyes closed softly. This time too, Ju-wan didn’t resist much; he merely pushed back with his own tongue against Kwon Su-hyeok’s, which was pressing in and choking his breath. Because of this, the two tongues entangled densely, and wet friction sounds leaked out. Kwon Su-hyeok pressed Ju-wan’s tongue to the limit and then sucked it back.
“…Nng.”
Whether it was because he couldn’t breathe or because the root of his tongue stung, he groaned repeatedly. Each time, Kwon Su-hyeok would release Ju-wan’s tongue for a moment, lick the tip and lips, and then repeat the act of suction. Saliva rapidly accumulated at the chin, bubbling every time the two tongues mixed thickly. Some of it even leaked through the joined lips.
Only after a long time did Kwon Su-hyeok pull away from Ju-wan. Ju-wan’s tightly closed eyes slowly opened. Moisture clung to his clear pupils. The only emotion still readable in him was bewilderment; no lust could be felt.
And yet, he kept salivating. No matter how many times he checked, it was the same. Kwon Su-hyeok was currently aroused by another male.
Gritting his teeth, he abruptly grabbed Ju-wan’s pants. At that, Ju-wan frowned and shook his head. He even instinctively grabbed Kwon Su-hyeok’s hand. It was a clear rejection.
“…This is driving me crazy.”
Kwon Su-hyeok muttered an irritated comment to himself and collapsed on top of Ju-wan. Pressed down by the thick body, Ju-wan could barely poke his head over the shoulder to let out a long exhale. For some reason, it felt as if he were relieved, which made Kwon Su-hyeok’s heart feel complicated.
As they tried to steady their unsettled breathing, their chests pressed completely against each other and separated repeatedly. The heartbeats reached each other as clear vibrations. Hot, ticklish breaths burst repeatedly in each other’s ears.
Kwon Su-hyeok frowned bitterly and clenched his fists. It was absurd. To be genuinely in heat for a target he had bought for the purpose of blood transfusion. Moreover, for another man. It wasn’t normal. His cold mind tried to call it lust, but his hot heart seemed to mock him, saying it was clearly affection. How could he be swept up in such emotions so easily, so suddenly?
He tried to soothe his aroused body, but it wasn’t easy. Eventually, he bolted up from the bed. Ju-wan looked at him with surprised eyes. Without saying a word, he entered the bathroom and turned on the shower. As he drenched himself in cold water, a faint steam rose from his overheated skin.
But no matter how long he waited, his erect penis would not subside. He gripped the irritably twitching flesh tightly. Even that small amount of stimulation sent tingles through his abdomen and entire thighs. His upper body instinctively leaned forward.
“Ugh…”
With a deep frown, he roughly stroked his reddened penis. He grit his teeth at a sensation that was an indistinguishable mix of pain and pleasure. The intense heat condensing in his groin surged up his spine to his nape, and then to his brain. His vision spun instantly. The muscles in his chest and thighs expanded as if they would burst, and the lines of his abs became deeper. Thick veins stood out on his forehead, chin, chest, and thighs.
He clenched his jaw and held back his moans, but eventually roared.
“Krrrgh…!”
Thick semen splashed white against the wall and slid down viscously. He heaved his body, releasing the breath he had been holding all at once. His lungs felt sore. He kept his eyes closed through a faint dizziness before slowly opening them.
“Ha… ha…”
A long exhale escaped as he felt the daunting distance of how much longer he would have to endure this. An endlessly long night was passing.
* * *
Around the time he vaguely woke up, he heard the sound of dishes clinking in the distance. He rubbed his head for a while to shake off the sleep. Uselessly, his body kept feeling heavy. His head kept sinking back into the blanket. He wondered if his desire for sleep had always been this strong.
He finally opened his eyes. Even though he had slept deeply, he wanted to sleep more. He spent some time lazily staring blankly at the ceiling. Then, the events of last night suddenly came to mind. He bolted upright. He then haphazardly felt his neck, lips, and waist. It felt so surreal that he wondered if it had been a dream, yet the weight of Kwon Su-hyeok and the sensation of the kiss came back vividly.
Touching his neck, which had been obsessively bitten and sucked, he looked beside him. Kwon Su-hyeok was already up, as the spot next to him was empty. However, the pillow he had used seemed unusually close to Ju-wan’s own pillow. The sight of two pillows huddled together on one side of that wide bed didn’t seem ordinary. He felt like he had slept peacefully all night.
While lost in thought, Kwon Su-hyeok entered the bedroom. Their eyes met instantly, with no time to avoid it.
“…Ah.”
“…”
Despite the embarrassment of last night, neither of them wore an awkward expression. They simply stared at each other, gauging the other’s mood.
Kwon Su-hyeok was wearing a black shirt and black pants. Perhaps because of that, his cool impression was emphasized, but Ju-wan didn’t feel nervous anew. Rather, it suited him so well that he stared blankly for a moment. Watching him, Kwon Su-hyeok let out a short laugh. It seemed Ju-wan’s disheveled appearance was the cause. It was a somewhat mischievous smile, but because it was so unexpected, Ju-wan’s eyes widened further.
“You sleep like a newborn. Get up, that’s enough.”
Only then did Ju-wan look at the clock on the table. It was well past 2 PM. He wondered just how many hours he had slept. It seemed only natural that Kwon Su-hyeok was appalled. It was almost miraculous that his body didn’t feel stiff or sore after sleeping that long.
“I’m going to wash up.”
He crawled off the bed and headed into the bathroom. Having so many things he wanted to ask Kwon Su-hyeok, he showered and brushed his teeth more hurriedly than usual.
When he stepped out into the drawing room, a meal was already prepared on the table. The identity of the clinking dishes he had heard earlier became clear. It seemed Kwon Su-hyeok had ordered room service in advance.
Ju-wan silently went to an empty seat and sat down. Kwon Su-hyeok simply drank his tea in silence while reading the newspaper. No matter how long Ju-wan waited, he wouldn’t meet his eyes. It seemed he had no intention of first explaining the sudden kiss in front of the elevator or what had happened in bed last night.
After sitting quietly for a while, Ju-wan fiddled with his teacup and cautiously broke the silence.
“…I might be a bit slow and dull, but I’m not a child.”
Only then did Kwon Su-hyeok lift his eyes and face Ju-wan.
“What do you mean?”
“Yesterday… did you perhaps mistake me for someone else?”
The questioning look on Kwon Su-hyeok’s face calmed. He didn’t respond, merely staring intently at Ju-wan. Facing him squarely, Ju-wan soon lowered his gaze and asked again.
“If not, does it mean what I think it means?”
It was a question filled with resignation. A bitter expression lingered on his face. He seemed to be asking if he was being viewed as a mere object for sexual release, much like Jang Jin-woo did.
Kwon Su-hyeok let out a scoff of disbelief. If that were the only reason, there would have been no need or value in agonizing over it all this time. Setting down his teacup, he cut him off sharply.
“If that were my intention, it wouldn’t necessarily have to be you. I’m not that desperate.”
For some reason, Kwon Su-hyeok looked displeased. Was it because of the unnecessary misunderstanding? If so, that was Ju-wan’s own fault.
Still, he couldn’t understand. There was no reason for Kwon Su-hyeok, who could meet anyone he pleased, to go out of his way to do that to Ju-wan. He had said it wasn’t a mistake. Then how on earth was he supposed to interpret that impulsive act?
His thoughts spiraled. Eventually, he recalled the first kiss he had shared with Kwon Su-hyeok. It had been a kiss so hot it felt as if it would melt his tongue. At the time, he had been shocked and flustered, but he hadn’t hated it. Rather, his heart had fluttered and he had felt a subtle excitement, similar to when he experienced his first kiss a long time ago.
Before he knew it, Ju-wan’s gaze had landed on Kwon Su-hyeok’s lips. There was no way Kwon Su-hyeok wouldn’t notice such an obvious stare. The look in Kwon Su-hyeok’s eyes as he quietly observed the fearless Ju-wan became sharp, like a beast just before hunting its prey. For a moment, it felt as if they were in a vacuum.
If a knock hadn’t suddenly sounded, and if that hadn’t ended Ju-wan’s stubborn staring, he surely would have lunged at him and kissed him. A shallow sigh escaped Kwon Su-hyeok.
From outside the door, a voice called, “Mr. Ju-wan.” It was Baek Do-un. Ju-wan quickly stood up and opened the door. Baek Do-un stood there with a very unwell expression, a blanket draped over his shoulders.
“Teacher, are you sick?”
“What about you, Mr. Ju-wan? Are you okay?”
Baek Do-un trembled slightly as he scrutinized Ju-wan from head to toe. It was a highly ambiguous question. Unaware of this, Ju-wan simply looked puzzled.
“I think I’ve caught a cold. It was so hot during the day, but it got too cold at night. I woke up several times at dawn to complain that the heating was broken, but they told me it wasn’t. Since it’s the weekend and they’re fully booked, they just brought me a tiny radiator, and I had a hard time because it was so cold all night.”
“Ah… I was fine.”
Ju-wan looked toward Kwon Su-hyeok as if seeking confirmation. Kwon Su-hyeok didn’t give much of a response. He went back to his newspaper, pretending not to know.
Baek Do-un’s eyes narrowed. Since there was only one bed in that room, there was a high probability the two had slept together. Just looking at the atmosphere in the room, he could guess that the violence he had feared last night hadn’t occurred, and perhaps the mood had been quite good. They must have slept huddled together, sharing body heat all night; there would have been no time to feel the cold.
Baek Do-un pulled the blanket tighter and lamented.
“I was planning to play in the pool and then go see the night view, but my condition is such a mess that it’s all ruined. Ju-wan, I think you’ll have to go around with Su-hyeok today.”
“What? No. I’m fine with not going out.”
“Hey, that can’t happen. We came all this way; how can you just stay cooped up in a hotel room? That’s out of the question. I don’t want to be a nuisance.”
“I’ll take care of you.”
“I think I just need a deep sleep. I appreciate the kindness, Mr. Ju-wan, but I’ll pass. I’d feel too guilty if everyone was stuck in the hotel because of me. However, I do need someone to attend to me, so I’m borrowing Mi-nam, Kwon Su-hyeok.”
Baek Do-un gave Kwon Su-hyeok a unilateral notification. To Ju-wan, he said, “Have fun. Take lots of pictures.” He waved off Ju-wan, who offered to walk him back to his room, and firmly closed the door himself.
Ju-wan, standing there dazed, finally turned around after a long while. He immediately locked eyes with Kwon Su-hyeok. Kwon Su-hyeok roughly folded the newspaper he had been reading and tossed it onto the table.
“…He says that, so is there anywhere you want to go? Or anything you want to do?”
His tone was blunt and indifferent. It seemed to mean that he would comply with Ju-wan’s wishes for now. But because those words felt like a date invitation, Ju-wan’s heart began to thumping wildly again.
By the time Ju-wan and Kwon Su-hyeok had made their way through Hong Kong, the sun was beginning to set. People who had spent a busy day watched the sunset with friends, family, or lovers. Some enjoyed a leisurely evening at cafes, pubs, and restaurants in front of the harbor.
The two also started with a meal at a luxury hotel restaurant with a clear view of Victoria Harbour. It was a high-end course meal accompanied by champagne. A waiter came and filled Kwon Su-hyeok’s glass. The series of actions—tilting the glass to savor the aroma and taking a sip—was elegant and full of grace. Ju-wan found himself staring blankly, captivated.
The waiter immediately came to Ju-wan’s side to fill his glass as well. Ju-wan quickly waved his hand in refusal. Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been watching Ju-wan over the rim of his glass, asked, “Why?”
“Try a glass.”
While encouraging him to drink, he gave a light nod to the waiter to go ahead and pour. Soon, Ju-wan’s glass was filled with champagne. In truth, since he was an adult, there was no reason he couldn’t drink. He simply hadn’t had the opportunity.
Seeing how many people liked alcohol, he wondered if there was a reason for it. Hesitating, Ju-wan carefully lifted his glass and took a sip of the champagne. It was fragrant. The taste was quite bitter, but it finished sweet and melancholic. Bit by bit, he soon emptied the glass. For some reason, his cheeks and ears felt as if they were burning.
Kwon Su-hyeok chuckled and picked up the champagne bottle to refill the glass.
“Drink slowly. It’ll be a headache if you get drunk.”
“…Then I’ll stop drinking.”
Kwon Su-hyeok nodded readily as if agreeing. Ju-wan repeatedly rubbed his ears, which were flushing with an unfamiliar heat. Kwon Su-hyeok, with a subtle curl of his lips, etched every bit of that sight into his memory.
Soon, the dishes were served one after another. Looking at them, it was hard to guess what ingredients had been used. He could only speculate by tasting them bit by bit. For once, Kwon Su-hyeok listened carefully to the waiter’s explanations and relayed the information to Ju-wan. Ju-wan listened intently with sparkling eyes and finished all the food.
After a meal that lasted over an hour, they stepped outside. Darkness had already fallen over the streets. The skyscrapers around Victoria Harbour were all lit up with their own lights. No matter how many times he saw it, it was enchanting, and he gazed at it blankly.
“Well, do you want another drink?”
Kwon Su-hyeok suggested to Ju-wan, who seemed completely absorbed in the night view. Only then did Ju-wan snap out of it and look back at Kwon Su-hyeok.
“I heard there’s a bar nearby with a pretty great view.”
“Instead of that, would you like to walk for a bit?”
At the unexpected suggestion, Kwon Su-hyeok looked surprised for a moment but then nodded readily. Since it was night and right next to the harbor, a strong wind blew, but it wasn’t cold.
The two walked through the night streets without any conversation for a while. Kwon Su-hyeok was always three or four steps ahead of Ju-wan. Even though he tried to walk slowly, the distance kept widening because Ju-wan was so slow.
It was also because Kwon Su-hyeok was unskilled. He had never walked with someone else, matching their pace. In the first place, he had no reason to be considerate of others. Whenever he moved, his subordinates followed along well on their own.
Kwon Su-hyeok, who had been drifting further away, came to a sudden halt and looked back. Ju-wan’s already slow pace had slowed even further as he looked at other people and the scenery.
“Hurry up.”
At Kwon Su-hyeok’s urging, Ju-wan quickly ran to catch up and stuck close behind him. Yet, when the distance widened again shortly after, Kwon Su-hyeok simply let Ju-wan lead and began to follow him. Only then did a sense of stability arise.
Watching from behind, Kwon Su-hyeok noticed that Ju-wan loved people-watching. Especially when he spotted people who looked like families laughing happily, he couldn’t take his eyes off them for a long time. It was something he had never fully possessed. It was inevitable, but it felt as if something was weighing on his chest.
As it approached 8 PM, crowds of people noticeably gathered. It was to watch the ‘Symphony of Lights,’ which took place for 15 minutes starting at exactly 8 o’clock. They called it the essence of the Hong Kong night view. He had visited Hong Kong several times for business, but he had never properly enjoyed it. No, he hadn’t even known such a thing existed.
The two were pushed along and found a spot on one side. At first, people gathered with some space between them, but as the numbers grew, they began to jostle one another.
“…Whoa.”
Kwon Su-hyeok grabbed Ju-wan, who was being bumped here and there, and pulled him in front of him. Then, he gripped the railing in front with both arms, completely trapping Ju-wan in his embrace. Thanks to this, Ju-wan’s back was pressed against Kwon Su-hyeok’s chest. It felt as if there could be no more reliable shield.
Soon, the buildings across the sea shot lasers into the sky in time with the flowing music and emitted multicolored lights across their facades. It looked as if clusters of prismatic lights were dancing. As they formed one giant harmony with their own colors and movements, an unparalleled spectacle was created. Cheers erupted continuously from all around.
Ju-wan, who had been enjoying the moment without a care like everyone else, suddenly turned his head to look at Kwon Su-hyeok. Kwon Su-hyeok quickly met his gaze. It might have been drowned out because the surroundings were so noisy, but Ju-wan spoke the words he desperately wanted to convey right now. For some reason, it felt as if it had to be now.
“For the first time, I feel like I’m glad I endured it.”
From the hospital life that was no different from a prison, and the past that had spiraled downward after his grandfather passed away. Someone might sneer and ask if he was satisfied with just this much, but for Ju-wan, it was a perfect moment. Kwon Su-hyeok, Jeon Mi-nam, Baek Do-un, and even Jaguar, who would be waiting for them at home, had all become precious connections. Only after meeting them had he finally regained a peaceful daily life. He was grateful for every single day. To the point where he was sometimes scared, wondering if it was all a dream.
Did that feeling reach Kwon Su-hyeok as well? Staring intently into Ju-wan’s eyes, Kwon Su-hyeok suddenly turned him around. Then, he wrapped his arm tightly around Ju-wan’s waist, pulled him close, and leaned down to press his lips firmly against Ju-wan’s. Ju-wan, who had been holding his breath with tightly closed lips, slowly began to taste Kwon Su-hyeok’s lower lip. A faint tremor was conveyed even through the suppressed breath.
The feast of lights reached its climax. The admiration of the crowd continued without end. The people intoxicated by the ecstasy failed to notice the birth of a couple.
By the time their lips regretfully parted, the 15-minute show had come to an end. The tourists left one by one, leaving their lingering regrets behind.
Kwon Su-hyeok then looked away from Ju-wan, who was still staring at him as if to pierce through him, and lightly ruffled his hair. Then, he gently wrapped his hand around Ju-wan’s wrist and walked out slowly.
“Let’s go.”
Home.