A Scorching Day

We first met at the end of the world.

Gawon’s mother works in the back alleys, doing things everyone points fingers at. Shunned by all his classmates, Gawon feels a strange emotion when he sees the new transfer student, Gijun, treating him kindly.

“Why are you doing this to me? If you get close to me, they’ll bully you too. So just act accordingly.”

He pushes Gijun away again and again, afraid the boy will end up in the same situation as him. But Gijun, warm like sunlight, steadily works his way into Gawon’s heart.

“If you ever need me, just tell me. I’ll run to you every time.”

“Gawon, don’t worry. Come to me.”

His hesitation didn’t last long. Rejecting Gijun just because he grew up in a gangster family—something Gawon hated and feared so much—felt impossible. The boy’s unwavering affection that rushed toward him was simply too warm.

“Gawon, I will protect you. I’ll do that forever.”

It was the first spring of their eighteenth year, and without question, the most beautiful day of Gawon’s life. Gijun was the one who, for the first time, made him want to keep living.

But cruel and merciless fate stole both boys’ youth all at once. All that remained after the dark, sweeping tide was an unkept promise and a longing bitter as poison.

“What… is that?”

We met again, in a form we were never meant to face.

“Gawon… why… why are you here…?”

Still, we were standing at the end of the world.

☀️

Background/Setting: Contemporary, Noir

Work Keywords: #Contemporary, #PlotDriven, #Noir, #Reunion, #HandsomeGong, #GangsterGong, #SweetOnlyToSooGong, #GoldenRetrieverOnlyToSooGong, #DevotedGong, #BeautifulSoo, #PricklySoo, #SlenderSoo, #MaleProstituteSoo, #SufferingSoo, #RunawaySoo, #Salvation, #VirginGong, #SeparationAnxietyGong, #SicklySoo

Gong: Gijun (18 → 25 years old): With a naturally exuded sense of intimidation, an innate composure, and a solid build, he is positioned at the top of the pyramid. He is very popular thanks to his handsome face and easygoing, playful personality. He refuses to follow in the footsteps of his gangster father and is passionate about everything in his pursuit of becoming a mixed martial arts fighter.
In the spring of his eighteenth year, he meets Yoon Gawon, and the center of his world shifts. And in the winter at the end of his nineteenth year, when he loses Gawon, his world comes to a stop.

Soo: Yoon Gawon (18 → 25 years old): Like the cat he resembles, he does not easily let others get close. Due to his unfortunate circumstances, he endures a difficult school life, receiving a body full of humiliation and contempt rather than admiration. Then he meets the new transfer student, Gijun, and finds himself unable to ignore him as he pushes forward with kindness and consideration no matter how much he is pushed away. He thought the world was worth living in if he was with Gijun. Until everything fell into the mire.

Recommended for: When you want to read a story about two people who enjoyed the zenith of their shining youth, only to reunite in the way they least wanted to, and ultimately end up embracing each other.

Relatable Quote: “Gawon. My wish is you.”