By Zephyria Ki Young-han and Yoon Ye-jun promised four things for a happy relationship. Ki Young-han did not know what kind of aftershocks these promises would bring. After finishing the act, the time spent with Yoon Ye-jun on the bed was so good that I wrapped my legs around his and stamped it with my fingers.
‘Stamp it.When Yoon Ye-jun spread his palm, he pressed down hard on his thumb. I was foolish. I have never seen such stupidity.
Do not say words that hurt others.
The second floor of a franchise cafe with no people. The silence beyond each person’s open laptop. Ki Young-han pursed his lips with his tongue. My mouth was dry, so I gulped down the coffee in front of me. Yoon Ye-jun’s gaze, with droopy eyelids, turned towards him and then drifted away. Although the weather wasn’t good, he was busy looking out the window. Please take a look at me. Ki Young-han wanted to say that.
“…….”
“…Ah, I see.”
After a long silence, Ki Young-han was the first to speak.” Late, Yoon Ye-jun’s gaze turned towards Ki Young-han. It was a cold, frozen gaze. Ki Young-han’s mouth was burned. It was for a trivial reason. Ki Young-han, who usually studied at home, heard that Yoon Ye-jun was doing assignments at a café, and as soon as he finished his major class, he went straight to meet him.
Yoon Ye-jun naturally had to be proud of such a partner. I spoke kindly as usual, saying that I would buy something to drink or whatever you wanted. However, the response coming back from Ki Young-han was not very good.
“I can buy my own drink, so it’s none of your business with such a small amount of money.”
What do you want to eat? Yoon Ye-jun was understandably angry. Although Ki Young-han noticed that his expression had hardened, in the end, he bought an Americano and the cheesecake that Yoon Ye-jun usually enjoyed all by himself. I quietly offered the cake in its bowl.
“No, why do you say you will buy it?”
Unnecessarily…Yoon Ye-jun put down the pen that he had been spinning around. With a sharp, concise sound, Ki Young-han was startled, but as always, he didn’t show it. I could only see the tips of Yoon Ye-jun’s thin fingers.
“Isn’t it okay to give a gift to someone you’re dating?”
“Do I have to buy it just for you? Where is that?” A kind yet firm voice directed itself towards Ki Young-han, sharp and pointed.
“No, I mean….”
“If you have something to say, say it clearly.”
Ki Young-han brought the bowl containing the cake a little closer to him. Then I placed my hand over Yoon Ye-jun’s hand on the table and pulled it towards myself.
“I worked hard for this money from my part-time job, do you think I’m going to spend it easily?”
This, eat this. You like it. Ki Young-han never conveyed an apology in the end. Instead, he handed the fork to Yoon Ye-jun. I was busy glancing at him and watching for his reactions. Yoon Ye-jun curled his lips and checked his surroundings with his eyes to confirm that there was no one around. He quietly accepted the touch of Ki Young-han, who was inserting a fork into his hand, wriggling.
“Don’t say it like that, really. I’m hurt.”
“I will try not to do it.”
Do your best when we are together.
A bustling area with many people. Ki Young-han and Yoon-ye-jun walked side by side. If there were too many people and Yoon Ye-jun seemed like he would fall behind, Ki Young-han quietly grabbed his shoulder and pulled him towards himself. Then, as if nothing had happened, he dropped his arms and walked away.
Yoon Ye-jun liked Ki Young-han-han’s kindness. Ki Young-han doesn’t openly show affection, but there was something peculiar about him. If a person who behaves kindly (Person 9) acts badly once, their reputation will drop, but if a person who behaves recklessly (Person 99) shows kindness just once, people will be captivated by that. Like others, Yoon Ye-jun was also affected.
While walking without any issues, Ki Young-han scratched the back of Yoon Ye-jun’s hand. I usually keep my nails trimmed, so there were no long or sharp parts, but Yoon Ye-jun held onto the back of his hand with a subtle sensation. Ki Young-han held out his palm.
“Let’s hold hands.”
“…There are a lot of people.”
At the hesitant words, Ki Young-han immediately rolled his eyes. Yoon Ye-jun received that hot and sharp gaze freely and flicked his lips. This was still unfamiliar. Ki Young-han would attach himself anywhere without being aware of the situation, which was quite troublesome. Yoon Ye-jun didn’t know what to do every time that happened. The people I met in the past tried their best to look like friends outside, and I did the same. People’s gazes were inevitably concerning.
“It’s done. I wasn’t planning to catch it either.”
Ki Young-han shrugged his shoulders with a sulky face as if to say when did that happen. When you used to tickle my palm to hold hands in the crowded downtown, now you just turn your head pretending not to know. Still, I walked in step.
“Young-han, are you upset?”
“…….”
“Young-han.”
Ki Young-han was silent. It’s really not like a child. Yoon Ye-jun shook his head and laughed as if exhaling. Our little buddy. I knew well how to comfort. It was a piece of cake. Let’s meet when we’re together. As I walked beside him, I let out a long sigh after seeing Ki Young-han, who was clearly upset.
Respect each other’s privacy.
Yoon Ye-jun, who was attending a major class, took the opportunity during the break to go outside. I made a phone call while smoking a cigarette.
“Young-han.”
When he called out, Ki Young-han said, ‘What do you want me to do?’he said. A grumbling voice returned. Ki Young-han would chatter three times for every one word I said.
“I’ll be coming in late. I told you. The professor is asking me to have dinner, so it’s a bit difficult to refuse. The kids who take the same class say they eat too… No one is left out.”
“Are you crazy? Absolutely not.”
Ki Young-han exploded in anger. Yoon Ye-jun rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
“No, how can I go to a drinking party that the professor is inviting me to…”
“-Ah, if it can’t be done, then it can’t be done. You said you would make dinner tonight. Did you forget that I am waiting?”
You have a class cancellation today, so you’re at your family home… You can just sleep there…
The sentence that I couldn’t spit out lingered in my mouth. When Yoon Ye-jun did not respond, a raised voice came back from the other end of the phone.
-Wow, is this really okay? I went grocery shopping in the morning…
“Young-han, it’s a school class.”
“They say they are busy!” Is the professor crazy? Why are you still holding on and making a fuss even after it’s over?
“Number 3.” Respect each other’s privacy. It may be called private life, but it was an inevitable part of the class. If the professor says to do it, then you should do it. If you say to do it, then you have to do it. Yoon Ye-jun suddenly thought that perhaps he was not suited for graduate school. No. Getting a job comes first.
At the number that Yoon Ye-jun uttered, Ki Young-han chose silence. It seems like it is still snorting, judging by the rough breathing. What can we do, anyway. Yoon Ye-jun spoke with a much softer voice.
“I’ll buy something delicious on my way.”
“I told you that the old-fashioned fried chicken sold in front of the apartment is delicious.”
-…….
“I will put on gloves and apply the lotion for you.”
– Am I some kind of dog? Do you think I can calm down with something like that?
What could the difference be…? A dog or a cat. If you pet their head and say they are pretty, their heart melts quickly. Even now, at the beginning, “No way!”The voice has softened a lot compared to when it was making sounds.
“See you later, honey.” Got it?Yoon Ye-jun held the cellphone and made a sound with his mouth, “click, click.” So, there was nothing Ki Young-han could do.
-… You need to come quickly.
Do not hide your affection, express it.
“Let’s go watch a movie.”Students rushed out of the classroom. Late in gathering his textbooks, Yoon Ye-jun turned his head at the sound of a voice. Ki Young-han seemed to have already finished all the preparations to leave. I was waiting for Yoon Ye-jun with a large bag on my back. With a blunt expression, he rested his chin on his hand and directed his gaze at me.
Ki Young-han reached out and pulled the disposable cup that was near Yoon Ye-jun towards himself. Yoon Ye-jun drank coffee with a straw in his mouth. With such an expressionless and indifferent face, is that me, Yoon Ye-jun? Did you say that to me? I almost spilled the water. He had the same expression as usual. It was a face that showed no interest at all.
Still, since I am your partner, there shouldn’t be a reason for me to ask someone else to go watch a movie. Yoon Ye-jun hugged the textbook and pen and asked.
“Movie?”
“Yes.”
“Did you book the tickets?”
“No.”
“Let’s look at this.”
Ki Young-han was fiddling with his phone and showed me the screen.” The poster of the action movie that is trending these days was packed inside. It was purely my taste. It seems like you don’t really like movies. Yoon Ye-jun raised his head.
But I have a part-time job today. Ki Young-han must surely know as well.
“Will I see it, will I say it.”
“I speak. Don’t just stare.”
Ki Young-han urged the answer with a sharp tone.”
Yoon Ye-jun bit his lower lip without hurting it. It’s not that I’m hesitating, I just felt a little unwell. It was definitely Ki Young-han who suggested going to the movies, but it felt like I was the one who insisted on it. Seung-ki had already been told by Ki Young-han. It seemed like everything had already been decided. Then, pretending to be considerate, they pressured me to make a decision, which made me feel anything but good.
Yoon Ye-jun’s previously calm brow slightly furrowed.
“What if I say I won’t watch it?”
“You have to see it.”
“That’s right.” At the moment when Ki Young-han was being stubborn, he snatched the textbook and pen that were in Yoon Ye-jun’s arms. Yoon Ye-jun brought disposable cups instead. The two people left the classroom together.
“Why aren’t you speaking?” Ki Young-han asked while chasing from behind.
“Why are you chewing?” I will see it, I will say it. Don’t waste time and just say it.”I told you not to speak like that.”As soon as they exited the hallway, Yoon Ye-jun lowered their voice.
“…….” Ki Young-han quickly closed his mouth as soon as he finished speaking.
Yoon Ye-jun threw the disposable cup he was holding into the trash can. The two people walked down the stairs. I naturally used the passage close to the parking lot.
Neither of the two had classes afterwards. The ending time was similar because the schedules were aligned. On a day like today, when we wrap up with a liberal arts class, we were able to spend time together. It was Yoon Ye-jun who suggested to coordinate the schedule. At that time, Ki Young-han asked, ‘Why?”asked. “Then the two of you can be together.”Yoon Ye-jun calmly explained the reason, and Ki Young-han harshly rubbed my cheek. Shyness was smeared all over the cheeks.
It was good back then. Is it because we are together every day? The two people fought fiercely. Yoon Ye-jun frowned when Gi Young-han spoke carelessly, and whenever I thought my mood might improve, Gi Young-han would sulk.
It wasn’t really a good match in terms of personality, so it was even more so. Ki Young-han diligently chased after Yoon Ye-jun, who was walking ahead. They arrived at the parking lot without saying a word to each other. Ki Young-han, who had been silently following from behind, grabbed Yoon Ye-jun’s wrist. Yoon Ye-jun maintained his usual expression. Ki Young-han furrowed one eyebrow.
“Why aren’t you speaking?””
“I told you. Don’t say that.”So what do they say?”
“Fought as much as we liked.”
I felt disappointed over something trivial, both for myself and for Ki Young-han. In the early stages of a relationship, it’s often said that one is so in love that they can’t help but be overly affectionate, but since neither of us has a particularly submissive personality, we clashed whenever we had the chance. Is it only fighting? The same was true for the lips and the belly.
Ki Young-han ruffled his hair in frustration. I soothed my parched mouth several times.
“Honey.”Ki Young-han called Yoon Ye-jun. Yoon Ye-jun looked around the empty parking lot. Ki Young-han made an awkward expression. It was neither a frown nor a shy face. It’s not that I’m in a difficult situation. He was wearing a face that reflected a mix of all kinds of emotions.
He licked his lips and shook Yoon Ye-jun’s wrist while moving his body. The purpose was not to be cute. My body is all twisted up. Ki Young-han seemed unable to endure the awkwardness and embarrassment. Yoon Ye-jun melted at that awkward gesture and expression.
“Let’s go on a date.””
“…….”
“Honey?”
“Feeling embarrassed and awkward, Ki Young-han raised the end of his sentence.”
Yoon Ye-jun stared at him quietly. It’s embarrassing to hear “honey” everywhere. If you’re going to be late to notice, wouldn’t it be better to do well usually? However, I also had moments where I hurt Ki Young-han’s feelings several times a day, so it was a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Yoon Ye-jun touched his molars with his tongue. The puppy was watching me closely. Yoon Ye-jun untied Ki Young-han-han’s hands. Then she poked his hard belly. It meant to reconcile. A flush of color appeared on Ki Young-han’s face, which had been strangely distorted by embarrassment. Yoon Ye-jun also smiled slightly while facing that face. And then I went back towards the car. The steps that were walking back and forth had somehow synchronized.
“You know I have a part-time job until 7 o’clock today, right?” 아침에 I told you.”It’s not even 3 o’clock yet, but just in case.”
Ki Young-han nodded casually.
“You can eat until then. I heard there’s a place nearby that makes great braised short ribs.”
“…….Yoon Ye-jun took out the mobile phone that he had kept in his pocket.
“I will make the reservation.”
“As soon as the words ended, Ki Young-han hurriedly moved his hands.”
Yoon Ye-jun loosened his grip and took out his mobile phone. It’s being arbitrary again. Yoon Ye-jun looked at Ki Young-han with a sulky expression.
Ki Young-han often makes reservations on his own and says, “I made a reservation.”
“He said as he shoved his phone into his pocket.” Then, I placed my hand on Yoon Ye-jun’s back. Why. Yoon Ye-jun asked with his eyes instead of answering.
“Let’s kiss before getting in the car.”
“Here?”
“What does it matter?”
Ki Young-han replied in a flat voice. Yoon Ye-jun just went on his way. The sound of stones on the floor clashing against each other was heard from behind. The stone that Ki Young-han kicked rolled and hit the heel of Yoon Ye-jun’s shoe.
“Come quickly.”
Yoon Ye-jun turned around and gestured. Ki Young-han stood quietly in place with a sulky face. Her lips, which were protruding a bit, looked just like a duck. Yoon Ye-jun swallowed a sigh-like breath and raised five fingers.
“I’ll do it five times in the car.” As soon as the words finished, Ki Young-han hurriedly moved his steps.
* * *
You haven’t come to your senses, Yoon Ye-jun.
Yoon Ye-jun thought while fully feeling the lips of Ki Young-han, which were holding onto her lips. The breath through my nose felt artificial today. The tongues quickly stuck together. Ki Young-han firmly grabbed Yoon Ye-jun’s arms to stabilize his position.
My fingers were so tense that the hand gripping my arm was trembling. It was a relief that I parked the car in the corner. Yoon Ye-jun slowly opened his eyes. The tightly curled eyelashes of Ki Young-han fluttered. Yoon Ye-jun took it all in with his eyes and then tickled Ki Young-han’s palate before moving away.
“…We agreed to just kiss.” At Yoon Ye-jun’s words, Ki Young-han wiped his wet lips with the back of his hand. I changed my posture, faced forward, and gripped the steering wheel tightly. After starting the engine, I shifted the gear. Yoon Ye-jun was fiddling with the lips that Ki Young-han had been sucking on. The lips collided five times. However, during the last, fifth kiss, Ki Young-han suddenly pushed his tongue in. As Yoon Ye-jun shrank back, I immediately grabbed his arm and licked my tongue. Yoon Ye-jun was also in a difficult situation, but he accepted it well.
The class had just started, and it was fortunate that it was the empty parking lot next to the liberal arts building; otherwise, it could have been a big problem. Despite having a history of accidents, we shared a kiss. Yoon Ye-jun placed his palm on his forehead. I only noticed it after the event happened.
Even if Ki Young-han has a bulldozer-like aspect, the problem was me. I too would become blinded by acts of affection, and in the moment of kissing, my mind would go completely blank.
Yoon Ye-jun clenched his fist tightly. Let’s not be anxious about things that don’t even exist. Let’s focus on this moment. I spoke to Ki Young-han, who was driving leisurely.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been to the cinema. Do you remember when we watched a movie together before? At that time, we fought a lot.”
Neither Ki Young-han nor I particularly enjoyed going to the cinema. I usually watched it through a VOD service at home. Usually, both were either naked or would end up naked while watching a movie. Adult love was inevitable.
“Yes.” At that time, you slept leaning on me. Dog manners. Whether Yoon Ye-jun had lewd thoughts or not, Ki Young-han was busy slandering him.
“You were trying to kiss me.”
“Oh, no it’s not? Why are you misunderstanding and making a fuss all by yourself?”
Ki Young-han, who had been huffing, rolled down the window. A gentle autumn breeze seeped into the car. Yoon Ye-jun touched Ki Young-han’s mobile phone, which was plugged into its mount, and chose a song. A ballad, an outdated hit, composed purely of Yoon Ye-jun’s taste, was saved in the playlist. It felt like their tastes were becoming a little similar. Or maybe it was because it was autumn. Yoon Ye-jun hummed along softly to the song playing.
“……”
He raised his gaze from the mobile phone and looked straight ahead. Hmm…? Yoon Ye-jun tilted his head, then straightened it. To get to the movie theater closest to school, they had to go straight down the main road.
“We’re not going to the movie theater?”
“We are.”
“This doesn’t look like the right way.”
They were going in a strange direction. It was different from the usual route.
“I’ll get us there. Just sing. Sing ‘I love you, I love you.’ For me.”
Ki Young-han gestured towards the mobile phone with his chin. Yoon Ye-jun touched Ki Young-han’s mobile phone, glancing at him. From the corner of his eye, Ki Young-han looked like he had nothing to hide. When Ki Young-han lied, he would get angry himself. Even when he hid something, it was always obvious. Surprise events were naturally impossible for him.
Yoon Ye-jun found the song Ki Young-han wanted and played it. Humming along to the pleasant melody, he sat up straight and looked out the window. Every time the lyrics “I love you” came up in the chorus, Ki Young-han tapped the steering wheel with his fingers. He must have something in mind. Yoon Ye-jun watched the city scenery passing by quickly.
So that’s why. The moment Yoon Ye-jun entered the theater, he understood why Ki Young-han hadn’t gone to a movie near school but had specifically come to a different neighborhood.
Yoon Ye-jun had always gone to the movie theater near school. The same one where he had watched a movie with Ki Young-han in the first semester. In the first place, he never went outside of school. It was a university town with everything, a bustling area. Most of his friends attended the same school. Being in Seoul didn’t mean everything. He was a frog in a well.
“The world has gotten so good.”
Yoon Ye-jun muttered to himself without realizing it. The movie theater Ki Young-han had brought him to was unusual. Instead of seats packed tightly together like usual, there were rows of sofa-like chairs.
The already unusual seats continued, and Ki Young-han headed for the very top. The higher they went, the more partitions were placed between every two seats. It was clearly a space for couples.
Since it was an early weekday afternoon, there were few people. Occasionally, a couple would come in and whisper to each other, or a person alone would sit in the front row. Yoon Ye-jun sat next to Ki Young-han. He put down the popcorn he had been holding. He pressed a button on the armrest. The backrest reclined, and the footrest rose.
“This is comfortable.”
At Yoon Ye-jun’s words, Ki Young-han also reclined his chair. Ki Young-han sipped his drink through a straw, and Yoon Ye-jun ate popcorn. There was quite a bit of time before the movie started, so they played around. Yoon Ye-jun poked Ki Young-han in the side, or touched his stomach. When they played with their hands, Ki Young-han would give him an annoyed look. Yet, Yoon Ye-jun didn’t stop. He leaned his body against Ki Young-han’s shoulder. Then, if someone else entered the theater, he would twist his body to pull away. Then Ki Young-han would grab Yoon Ye-jun’s wrist and pull him closer.
Really… so brazen.
Ki Young-han lived as if he had always lived this way, never caring about what others thought. Because of him, Yoon Ye-jun was always the one who had to worry about people’s attention. Even at school, Ki Young-han would touch him unexpectedly, and he would ask to hold hands while walking down the street. Asking for a kiss, like earlier, was a given. And now, honestly, who would sit in couple’s seats and let their same-sex partner feed them popcorn?
But Ki Young-han did it. Because Ki Young-han was by his side, Yoon Ye-jun could do the same. Yoon Ye-jun smiled silently. Their eyes met. It was comfortable. Their relationship was sometimes fiery, and sometimes like an autumn sky. When it was hot, it was naturally hot, but when it was warm, it was infinitely so. Enough to embrace everything.
Before long, all the lights in the theater went out. Yoon Ye-jun turned his head to the opposite side. Ki Young-han pulled Yoon Ye-jun closer. Yoon Ye-jun rested his head on Ki Young-han’s shoulder.
The advertisements that had been playing continuously passed by in the blink of an eye, and the distributor’s logo appeared with a grand sound. They said it was popular. He had never seen a comedy-action movie that wasn’t fun.
This will be fun. Filled with anticipation, Yoon Ye-jun held Ki Young-han’s hand. There was no need to be self-conscious, and no one to give them looks.
The movie theater isn’t bad either. The moment he thought that, Ki Young-han put a straw in his mouth.
“It was fun, right?”
“It was cheesy. I don’t know why you watch things like this.”
“You watched it well, though.”
They came out of the theater while talking. It was mid-September, and the Air conditioner should probably be turned off soon, but it was still running in the movie theater. It was cool.
Ki Young-han yawned softly.
“Are you tired?”
Yoon Ye-jun asked.
“My eyes are tired.”
“Should I drive on the way back?”
“No. You’re not even good at it.”
Ki Young-han hadn’t focused on the movie. For someone whose eyes were tired, he turned his body as if he had made up his mind and only looked at Yoon Ye-jun. He reached out and lightly touched his lips, and then held his hand, using it as a pillow, asking for his attention.
Yoon Ye-jun couldn’t miss the meaning behind those actions. So, in the end, he gently tapped Ki Young-han’s cheek and mouthed, ‘Watch the movie.’ At that time, how did Ki Young-han react? He seemed to have pouted and turned his gaze towards the screen. He didn’t let go of the hand he had held until the movie ended. Occasionally, when a thrilling scene came up, Ki Young-han would flinch while holding Yoon Ye-jun’s hand. It was… quite cute.
After the movie, they naturally went out to eat dinner. It was too late for lunch, and too early for dinner. The place famous for its galbijjim had few customers.
The two sat down at a spot guided by an employee who looked about their age. “We’ll have two galbijjim,” the staff member said, checking the paper receipt with little effort since there was only one menu item. “And a cola,” Ki Young-han added. One cola, two galbijjim. The employee, who confirmed the order as if talking to himself, disappeared leisurely.
“Today, something…”
Yoon Ye-jun opened his mouth. Ki Young-han just glanced at him.
“Today feels like a real date.”
“When haven’t we?”
“We’ve been busy since the second semester.”
Who made you busy? Ki Young-han rolled his eyes. Yoon Ye-jun, who had been going to take certifications and language tests every week, saying he was preparing for employment. If you knew, you should have stayed with me. Unaware of Ki Young-han’s sulkiness, Yoon Ye-jun placed the chopsticks in front of him. Ki Young-han opened the water bottle and poured water into a cup. Yoon Ye-jun wiped his hands with a wet tissue and drank the water.
“It won’t even be five o’clock after we finish eating. Should we go home and come back?”
“Let’s go to a cafe.”
“Okay.”
Did he learn it from somewhere, or did he look it up separately? Ki Young-han’s dates sometimes felt like they were copied directly from textbooks and reference books. Watch a movie, eat a meal, go to a cafe. Or watch a movie, have a drink, go to a hotel or home and fool around for a long time. Still… a smooth routine was the best.
Not long after ordering, the galbijjim arrived. Since it was a popular restaurant, they must have been cooking it in advance. The galbijjim, which seemed like a large portion for two people, bubbled in a large earthenware pot.
Yoon Ye-jun picked at the side dishes. They were not too salty and tasted good. Ki Young-han, seeming reluctant to touch the food, picked at the meat with chopsticks even though he had received disposable gloves. It was frustrating just to watch.
Yoon Ye-jun eventually ended up deboning the meat himself. When he placed it on Ki Young-han’s small plate, he made a displeased expression. Yoon Ye-jun drank his cola. The carbonation popped in his mouth.
“I have hands too.”
But Ki Young-han’s tone was more jarring than the carbonation. Unlike his sharp retort, Yoon Ye-jun spoke calmly.
“I just found it frustrating to watch.”
“What… I’m not your son, why are you taking care of me like this? You don’t even do this with friends, do you?”
“I do it for you.”
At that, Ki Young-han’s expression became openly grim. He always said things like that, even though he hated it when people talked about how he interacted with others.
Yoon Ye-jun separated the bones from the meat. He placed the meat, now free of bones, onto his small plate. He met the fleeting glances coming from across the table.
“Still, I don’t do it as often as I do for our Young-han.”
Ki Young-han’s lips twitched and curved upwards as if he were overjoyed. Yoon Ye-jun watched him and finally let out a small laugh. Ki Young-han, with a flushed face, drank his cola. He seemed to like being treated like the younger one, even though he grumbled about not wanting to be seen as younger. He was truly a peculiar guy.