DEARG Ch 20

“Yeah.”

“You have to keep training.”

“I said I’m going later tonight.”

Jo Jihyun let out a small laugh at Kang Seokwon’s response, which misunderstood his words. Kang Seokwon pressed his hand to the floor and leaned in, enveloping Jo Jihyun’s lips. The wet sound of their lips parting and tongues intertwining lingered for a while. Kang Seokwon exhaled a hot breath and pulled back.

The heat in his eyes reached Jo Jihyun. Jo Jihyun lowered his gaze hesitantly and opened his mouth.

“I didn’t get hit or anything, and I showered with hot water, so I won’t catch a cold… I think I’m fine.”

Kang Seokwon raised his eyes slightly, waiting for the next words. Unable to find a substitute phrase, Jo Jihyun blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“I want to have sex with you, sunbae-nim.”

“…”

Each time Jo Jihyun used that word, the man’s expression subtly shifted. Jo Jihyun faltered, looking away.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know how to say these things.”

He hadn’t read romance novels or watched related movies. Even as an adult, his memories were mostly of studying in the library.

“Was that inappropriate?”

Kang Seokwon stretched his words slightly, saying, “It’s not that it’s inappropriate…”

“It’s just that, for you, it’s a remarkably direct expression… I was a bit surprised.”

The man’s sharp nose bridge had the aesthetic of a bronze statue. His unwavering, stoic expression added to it. Jo Jihyun loved the moments when that man let his emotions show on his face.

“Then I won’t use it anymore.”

“No, it’s fine in front of me. Just don’t say it in front of others.”

“If it’s a phrase you don’t like, I won’t use it. I’ll think of another way to…”

“I love it.”

“…”

“It’s a problem because I love it too much.”

A faint flush crept into Kang Seokwon’s stoic expression. With each blink, his face seemed to grow redder. Kang Seokwon sighed and stood up. Jo Jihyun, with a slightly worried look, gently grabbed the hem of his clothes.

“Sorry.”

Kang Seokwon brushed his cheek and continued.

“I hate breaking my word.”

I want you so bad it’s driving me crazy.

Kang Seokwon’s low voice followed. Jo Jihyun sat up. The blanket fell to the floor with a thud, revealing his bare body, not a thread on him.

Kang Seokwon’s gaze roamed over Jo Jihyun’s body. The reverent look he’d had, as if handling a sacred object, vanished, replaced by a smoldering heat. It was unmistakably raw desire. Kang Seokwon tore off his clothes. He grabbed Jo Jihyun’s hair. A rough kiss followed. Kang Seokwon pulled Jo Jihyun’s waist close. Without even a finger’s touch, his hardened erection pressed against Jo Jihyun’s stomach. Like a beast starved for weeks, he bared his hunger. Kang Seokwon gripped Jo Jihyun’s slender hips with both hands. He bit Jo Jihyun’s wet lips and sucked on his tongue. Gasps and muffled sounds followed. A long finger probed Jo Jihyun’s entrance. With a squelch, it pushed inside. Jo Jihyun’s body flinched, but Kang Seokwon held him tight, widening the opening with his hand. Each movement of Kang Seokwon’s fingers made Jo Jihyun cling to his thick arms, letting out high-pitched moans. His black hair fell messily over his forehead, and a flush quickly colored his neat features. Kang Seokwon grew aroused watching Jo Jihyun’s disheveled state. His thick fingers moved in and out, loosening Jo Jihyun’s entrance.

“Sunbae-nim…”

Unable to hold back, Jo Jihyun called out to Kang Seokwon. At the same time, his entrance twitched, tightening around Kang Seokwon’s fingers.

Kang Seokwon lunged forward with a beastly growl.

Ha, ah, ngh, ah… ah.

Jo Jihyun moaned, clutching the sheets. Lying face down, taking the man from behind, the position was particularly taxing as Kang Seokwon’s weight pressed fully into him. Each thrust felt like being crushed by a boulder. Yet Jo Jihyun raised his hips to let Kang Seokwon penetrate deeper. It was just a slight lift of his waist, but that small act drove the man wild with excitement. Holding Jo Jihyun’s still-youthful body, Kang Seokwon poured his violent desire into him. His thick, rigid erection pounded against the slick inner walls, already wet from two climaxes. The overwhelming sensation flooding from his core made Jo Jihyun pant heavily.

“Jihyun-ah.”

Kang Seokwon called Jo Jihyun’s name. His sweat dripped, enveloping Jo Jihyun’s back in damp warmth. Jihyun-ah, Jihyun-ah, Kang Seokwon’s voice seemed to touch his skin directly. Jo Jihyun, having climaxed three times already, felt his lower body numb and tingling. Yet when Kang Seokwon called his name and kissed his back, his body responded instinctively. It was as if every cell stood on end. Kang Seokwon’s touch melted his hypersensitive skin with a hot, sticky intensity. Kang Seokwon thrust his swollen erection in fully. Jo Jihyun’s vision blurred. The sensation of falling endlessly made him clutch the sheets, flailing. It was terrifying. The alien, extreme sensations tore through his body. Jo Jihyun bit his lip, struggling to endure the indescribable feelings.

“Too much?”

Kang Seokwon, holding Jo Jihyun’s goosebump-covered shoulders, asked in a heated voice. Jo Jihyun hesitated, then nodded. No matter how he tried to hide it, Kang Seokwon always noticed. Kang Seokwon nibbled gently on Jo Jihyun’s nape.

“Should I stop?”

“No…”

“It’s too much.”

Kang Seokwon brushed back Jo Jihyun’s sweat-soaked hair. His voice sank with desire.

“I’m okay.”

Jo Jihyun spoke slowly.

“It’s hard, but… I like it.”

Taking a man as a man was an act he’d never get used to, no matter how many times it happened. Suppressing his innate masculinity, spreading his legs to take another’s erection deep inside, the clash of hard bones and muscles heightening arousal, and above all, the sensation of being ejaculated into—none of it was easy.

“I like having sex with you, sunbae-nim.”

It was pure, unfiltered truth. Despite everything, he liked it. Everything Kang Seokwon gave him was good. Not a single thing was unimportant.

“…I like it too much.”

Kang Seokwon leaned down and embraced Jo Jihyun. As their connection deepened, his entrance tightened around him.

“Sunbae… ah…”

Kang Seokwon’s rigid erection shallowly grazed his inner walls. Jo Jihyun swallowed a moan, burying his face in the sheets. Kang Seokwon thrust relentlessly, each movement increasing the intensity of his erection. Jo Jihyun had heard of animals with bones in their penises to maintain erections. Kang Seokwon’s felt like that. It was beyond mere blood vessel expansion. It was like a heated iron rod being driven inside. Rubbing against his thigh, it caused a tingling pain.

“Ah, sun… sunbae-nim.”

Kang Seokwon bit Jo Jihyun’s earlobe. Like savoring candy, he rolled his tongue and sucked. His rough breaths lingered by Jo Jihyun’s ear. Kang Seokwon reached under Jo Jihyun’s stomach, grasping his soft, spent erection, unable to fully harden after multiple climaxes.

Jo Jihyun gasped, twisting his hips.

“I… I can’t anymore…”

He meant it.

But Kang Seokwon didn’t let go.

“Ngh, ah, ha, ugh… sun… it hurts… ah.”

Though there was nothing left to release, the rough palm rubbing his erection drew blood downward again.

“Ah—!”

Kang Seokwon gripped Jo Jihyun’s erection tightly while thrusting his own inside. He pressed himself so close that his pubic hair grazed Jo Jihyun’s swollen entrance. Jo Jihyun sobbed, calling out, “Sunbae-nim, sunbae-nim.” A flush flickered across his long, narrow eyes. Pain and pleasure tangled chaotically, leaving him with a childlike, helpless expression. Kang Seokwon gritted his teeth.

Jo Jihyun didn’t tell him everything. Even a moment’s lapse felt like he might vanish somewhere. That precariousness kept Kang Seokwon’s eyes glued to him. It always made him anxious. No matter how tightly he held Jo Jihyun’s slender body or thrust into him, the thirst remained unquenched. He wanted to pin down Jo Jihyun’s fragile limbs, render him immobile, and fill his belly with so much cum he couldn’t stand the next day. He wanted to ruin him. A beastly desire surged within him.

“Jihyun-ah.”

Overcome by sudden anxiety, Kang Seokwon called his name aloud.

Jihyun-ah, Jihyun-ah, Jo Jihyun. —Jihyun-ah.

Jo Jihyun responded. He asked nothing. Despite his maddening obsession, anxiety, and jealousy, he bore it silently. Jo Jihyun wanted to embrace everything about him as much as he could.

Kang Seokwon’s erection pressed tightly against his inner walls, adding weight. He was nearing climax.

“Sunbae-nim… inside…”

With his neck flushed red, Jo Jihyun panted and continued.

“Don’t worry.”

Kang Seokwon had ejaculated inside Jo Jihyun only once, on a particularly heated night. But after seeing how much Jo Jihyun struggled the next day, he never did it again.

“…Please, ejaculate inside.”

Kang Seokwon’s eyes widened slightly.

“Sunbae-nim, hurry…”

Kang Seokwon knew this was the most seductive Jo Jihyun, with his reserved nature, could manage. That small act hit Kang Seokwon like a massive wave. He surged forward like a beast, plunging into Jo Jihyun’s tender flesh. His tensed muscles swelled and strained. The overwhelming urge to ejaculate blurred his vision. Gritting his teeth, Kang Seokwon released his swollen erection inside Jo Jihyun’s tight entrance.

Gush, gush, thick cum overflowed as the tight entrance twitched. Kang Seokwon thrust a few more times, squeezing out every drop into Jo Jihyun’s body. Jo Jihyun’s slender frame sank deeply. Holding the convulsing, panting Jo Jihyun, Kang Seokwon whispered like a sigh.

Sorry. I’ll wash you again.

“It feels strange.”

Jo Jihyun said, staring at the ceiling.

“Why?”

“It’s my first time being somewhere other than school on a weekday afternoon for no reason.”

“Skipping?”

Jo Jihyun laughed softly at Kang Seokwon’s word choice.

“Yeah, skipping. You’re skipping too, sunbae-nim. You should be at practice.”

“I’ll go. Later.”

Though he said “later,” Kang Seokwon made no move to get up. He brushed Jo Jihyun’s hair behind his ear, strand by strand. As if it were the most delightful task in the world, he moved his hands with care.

Jo Jihyun’s eyes suddenly caught Kang Seokwon’s wrist.

“Sunbae-nim.”

“Yeah?”

“You don’t like tattoos, right?”

“Not really.”

“Don’t get any. Ever.”

The letters that once crossed his veins flashed vividly in Jo Jihyun’s mind. He kissed Kang Seokwon’s wrist and said, “Please.”

“Okay.”

Kang Seokwon kissed Jo Jihyun’s forehead in response. His jawline was sharp. A sudden thought prompted Jo Jihyun to speak.

“When’s your match?”

Kang Seokwon hesitated before answering.

“This Saturday.”

“…Don’t you need to go prepare?”

“Later.”

Jo Jihyun sat up. As long as he stayed, Kang Seokwon wouldn’t leave.

“Can you grab some clothes…”

Jo Jihyun asked, covering himself with the sheet. His underwear was in the washing machine, and his uniform was at the laundromat.

“Here.”

Kang Seokwon pulled new underwear from a drawer and handed it over. While Jo Jihyun stayed here, Kang Seokwon had bought him underwear and simple clothes. Toiletries, a few books, and study guides too. Each time Jo Jihyun’s belongings grew, Kang Seokwon happily made space.

While Jo Jihyun changed into his gym clothes, Kang Seokwon turned away and waited. Jo Jihyun, picking up his bag, looked at Kang Seokwon and asked.

“Sunbae-nim, where’s the match on Saturday?”

“Jamsil.”

“Where in Jamsil?”

Puzzled by the question, Kang Seokwon tilted his head.

“I want to go see it.”

Kang Seokwon frowned slightly.

“Why?”

“Is it not okay?”

“No, you don’t like those things.”

Jo Jihyun avoided even going near the gym. Kang Seokwon assumed he wouldn’t want to watch him compete.

“I don’t like sports matches, but I want to see yours, sunbae-nim.”

The day they were supposed to meet at Seoul Station. He never got to give him the bouquet. He’d never properly celebrated Kang Seokwon’s victories. No, it didn’t matter if it was a victory. He wanted to see Kang Seokwon’s achievements with his own eyes and share in the joy. Kang Seokwon nodded.

As they walked to the bus stop, Kang Seokwon explained the match rules and key points for watching. Speaking at length in an unusually excited tone, Jo Jihyun nodded eagerly. Waiting for the weekend, Jo Jihyun borrowed and read a book about boxing for the first time. He’d quit his part-time job after the accident, so money was tight, but he bought a bigger bouquet than before. Carrying flowers still took courage.

At the stadium, Jo Jihyun immediately looked for a payphone. The phone Kang Seokwon gave him was unusable—if his mother found it at home, there’d be trouble.

The call rang a few times but didn’t connect. Jo Jihyun left a voicemail saying he’d wait at the entrance stairs.

The gym was packed with athletes, guardians, parents, and spectators. Winning this year’s national amateur championship meant being selected for the national team and competing in the world championships. Winning there earned an Olympic spot. So, this competition was his shot at the Olympics. After studying hard for days, Jo Jihyun realized today’s match was far more important than he’d thought. Holding the bouquet on the stairs, he watched countless tense athletes pass by.

What would Kang Seokwon look like?

He’d seen him practice a few times but never an actual match. Even someone like Kang Seokwon would take a few hits. Honestly, Jo Jihyun didn’t want to see him get hit.

“Did you pass the weigh-in?”

“Barely. A few drops less piss, and I’d have been out.”

“Didn’t Lee Jung-chul drop to this weight class?”

“He knows he’s screwed as long as Kang Seokwon’s in it.”

Jo Jihyun’s head turned at the mention of Kang Seokwon’s name.

“Lee Jung-chul was grinding his teeth. All that talk about being the youngest national team prospect.”

“Got knocked out cold by some country kid from a non-specialized school. RSC’d. He’s got every right to be pissed.”

“What’s the point of grinding his teeth? He dropped a weight class for that?”

“Honestly, I’d avoid Kang Seokwon too. One of our gym’s sunbae-nim fought him and said all he could think was to run. Said three minutes never felt so long.”

“Fuck, the universe is unfair. That guy’s got everything.”

“Everything? Kang Seokwon’s shit at talking. Reporters go crazy at interviews. ‘Yes,’ ‘No,’ ‘Thank you.’ That’s his whole set.”

Laughter followed. Kang Seokwon was a topic everywhere.

“Been waiting long?”

“Oh, sunbae-nim.”

Jo Jihyun turned, startled by the voice. Others looked shocked too.

“Weigh-in took longer than expected.”

Kang Seokwon explained unprompted, calmly.

“Did you pass?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a relief.”

They said he didn’t even drink water the day before a match. Kang Seokwon’s face was sharper than a few days ago.

His gaze fell on the bouquet in Jo Jihyun’s hands.

“For if you win.”

“Thanks.”

“You can thank me later.”

Kang Seokwon smiled softly without a word. Other athletes nearby couldn’t hide their shock.

“Doesn’t matter. The result’s the same anyway.”

The words could sound arrogant, but he said them matter-of-factly. After all, aside from one decision loss, he’d never lost.

“It might be boring.”

“It’s okay.”

“Have you eaten?”

“I ate before coming.”

“There’s a shop downstairs. Go down the stairs and turn left. Get a drink or something.”

Everyone stared at Kang Seokwon, who kindly explained the shop’s location, as if he were possessed.

Jo Jihyun shook his head.

“Don’t worry about me. Sunbae-nim, do well in your match.”

“Okay.”

“…And don’t get hit too much. I don’t want to see that.”

Kang Seokwon chuckled lightly, saying, “Then I can’t box.” Feeling like he’d said something foolish, Jo Jihyun lowered his flushed face.

“Wait here after the match. It’ll take a bit to wrap up.”

“Got it.”

Kang Seokwon, about to step inside, paused.

“Pretty. The flowers.”

At Kang Seokwon’s words, people exchanged glances. Some craned their necks, curious about how expensive and beautiful the flowers must be. Hidden behind Kang Seokwon’s broad back, most couldn’t see where his gaze lingered. From start to finish, Kang Seokwon looked only at Jo Jihyun.

“…Thank you.”

Jo Jihyun managed to respond. Kang Seokwon gave a slight nod and went inside. The surrounding crowd whispered, casting curious glances at Jo Jihyun. Feeling the unwelcome stares, Jo Jihyun quickly moved to the spectator seats.

He found a suitable spot and sat, watching the match unfold. Kang Seokwon was right—it was boring. Jo Jihyun shifted his posture several times to stay focused. After a few matches, it was finally Kang Seokwon’s turn. As he stepped into the ring, the atmosphere shifted instantly. No one shouted encouragements. The coach gave Kang Seokwon relentless instructions. The opponent’s second did the same. Both fighters stood. The opponent facing Kang Seokwon flinched, swallowing hard. An overwhelming aura radiated from Kang Seokwon. One of the phrases often tied to his name was that he was a fighter who showed the match began before the bell.

“Get it together, kid!”

The opponent’s coach shouted, reading the situation. The referee stood in the center, raising a hand to signal the start. The bell rang. Both fighters brought their gloves to their chests and approached each other. Kang Seokwon’s opponent moved quickly, stepping lightly to land the first blow.

“Is that guy an out-boxer?”

“Even Kang Seokwon might struggle this time. The guy who beat him by decision last time was an out-boxer too.”

Spectators around Jo Jihyun folded their arms, sharing their knowledge. The opponent, with quick footwork, landed a clean hit on Kang Seokwon.

“Short! Yes! Sideways, duck your head!”

The opponent’s coach shouted excitedly.

“Kang Seokwon, what are you doing! Dodge!”

The gym coach yelled, veins bulging in his neck. Jo Jihyun’s grip tightened on the bouquet.

The opponent pressed his advantage, landing jabs on Kang Seokwon’s body.

“Good! Shorter, yes! That’s it!”

The opponent’s coach shouted with glee. As Kang Seokwon slightly turned his body, the opponent, who had been throwing punches with elbows tight, staggered momentarily. Kang Seokwon seized the moment and landed a blow. With a thud, the opponent went groggy.

“Hey, cover, cover!”

The opponent instinctively raised both hands to protect his head. Kang Seokwon switched his stance and landed consecutive blows to the opponent’s midsection. The opponent closed in, grabbing Kang Seokwon’s elbows for a clinch. The referee called for a break. At that moment, the bell signaled the end of the first round.

Both coaches quickly placed chairs at the ring’s corners.

“Keep pressing. That guy’s fast and good at closing in, so don’t get caught. Got it?”

Despite the coach’s chatter, Kang Seokwon’s gaze remained fixed on the stands. Jo Jihyun’s pale face was visible. It was his first match, so it was natural to be scared. Yet he never looked away. That gave Kang Seokwon a tight sense of fulfillment.

“Focus! Win this, and it’s the world championships. You know what that means, right?”

Instead of answering, Kang Seokwon rinsed his mouth with water.

The second round began. The opponent moved with even flashier footwork, quickly closing in on Kang Seokwon. Kang Seokwon lowered his guard and twisted his waist—a wide open. The opponent seized the chance, rushing in with an uppercut. It was a hair’s breadth. At the perfect moment, Kang Seokwon leaned back and threw a straight punch. It was unbelievably precise control. Even seeing the punch coming, the opponent couldn’t dodge. With a crack, the opponent’s face was struck, and he staggered, legs buckling. Kang Seokwon’s gaze briefly flicked to the stands. Jo Jihyun watched, eyes wide. The sweat-soaked man’s skin met Jo Jihyun’s gaze, filled with violent exhilaration.

The opponent barely regained his senses and tried to attack, but the earlier blow was too heavy, and he couldn’t extend his arms properly. A brutal strike followed. The opponent couldn’t clinch or cover effectively.

Thud.

A sound like a hammer striking rang out. The opponent collapsed to the floor.

“Monster…”

Someone in the quiet stands muttered.

The coach couldn’t even tell the motionless fighter to get up. In amateur matches, there were no knockouts. Instead, if the referee deemed the skill gap too dangerous, they could declare a Referee Stop Contest (RSC).

“Jeil High School’s Kang Seokwon, RSC victory at 1 minute 20 seconds of the second round.”

The announcement echoed, and the referee raised Kang Seokwon’s hand. The fallen opponent was helped out of the ring.

“Great job. You’re the best.”

The coach approached, handing Kang Seokwon a towel and water, praising him. Kang Seokwon roughly wiped his sweat. He looked for Jo Jihyun, but he had already left the stands.

Jo Jihyun rubbed his face.

It was his first time seeing Kang Seokwon’s match outside of practice. Genius, a once-in-a-generation gem, a rookie destined to be a legend—today, Jo Jihyun felt no praise was too much.

Kang Seokwon knew exactly how to use and control his body. Beyond knowing, he wielded perfect control over his movements. It was talent honed by effort.

His tightly contracted muscles unleashed explosive power at his will. Muscles forged through grueling training took the perfect shape of his bones. Each time Kang Seokwon struck his opponent, Jo Jihyun felt his gaze aimed at him among the crowd. In the face of such violence, Jo Jihyun felt a tingling pull below. He knew the only moment Kang Seokwon was rough with him. The moment when the ferocious beast charged, devouring him with the intent to leave nothing behind.

“Jo Jihyun.”

At Kang Seokwon’s low voice, Jo Jihyun looked up, startled. Kang Seokwon exhaled softly. A bead of sweat dripped from his jaw to the floor. Heat rose. Jo Jihyun, as if caught, hurriedly looked away.

“You’re not done yet, right? I’ll wait here…”

Kang Seokwon snatched the bouquet from Jo Jihyun’s hands. Surprised by the uncharacteristic act, Jo Jihyun’s eyes widened.

“Let’s go.”

“What? Huh? Is it okay to leave?”

Jo Jihyun wasn’t sure what was happening, but it felt like they shouldn’t go yet. Still, Kang Seokwon walked without looking back. Everyone turned to look at Kang Seokwon, holding a bright red rose bouquet. Already a well-known figure, whispers followed. “Who gave him flowers? He doesn’t take stuff like that. What’s going on?” Jo Jihyun followed behind, head lowered.

As soon as they left the building, Kang Seokwon hailed a taxi. He usually took public transport unless it was urgent, so Jo Jihyun grew a bit worried. Even in the taxi, Kang Seokwon was silent for a while.

“Is something wrong?”

Jo Jihyun asked cautiously. Instead of answering, Kang Seokwon leaned forward to ask the driver.

“How long will it take?”

“It’s the weekend, so maybe twenty minutes.”

The driver glanced back and asked, “Are you an athlete?” Kang Seokwon said, “Yes,” and looked out the window. Jo Jihyun, still slightly puzzled, looked at him. Kang Seokwon turned to meet his eyes. The moment their gazes locked, his emotions flooded over. The man’s hunger, excitement, impatience. Terrifyingly, Kang Seokwon was consumed by Jo Jihyun. His eyes were those of a fighter sizing up an opponent before a punch. His gaze was violent. A cruel desire churned in Jo Jihyun’s gut. Blinking, he barely turned his head.

Kang Seokwon’s hand, gripping the bouquet, came into view. The veins bulging from his tight grip showed what he was holding back. Jo Jihyun knew what Kang Seokwon wanted, what would happen. He’d rush in and overpower him in an instant, like he threw punches in the ring. His body trembled, blood running dry. Each time they stopped at a signal, Kang Seokwon’s grip on the bouquet tightened. Jo Jihyun barely remembered getting out of the taxi. Kang Seokwon grabbed his hand and dragged him to his house. The moment the door closed, Kang Seokwon pulled Jo Jihyun into his arms and pinned him against the wall. The rock-hard body pressed against him with full force. Jo Jihyun had to admit he’d been wrong. It wasn’t as he’d expected—it was far more ferocious, more urgent, as Kang Seokwon unleashed his desire. His rigid erection rubbed painfully against Jo Jihyun’s thigh. The deep kiss left him breathless.

“Jihyun-ah.”

At Kang Seokwon’s anxious call, Jo Jihyun panted softly and answered, “Yes.”

“I want to be inside you. Now.”

It was the first time Kang Seokwon had so bluntly voiced his specific desire. He always took care to prepare Jo Jihyun thoroughly to avoid pain. Now, he hadn’t even touched him below.

Instead of answering, Jo Jihyun undid his pants buckle. Seeing this, a fierce spark flared in Kang Seokwon’s eyes. He turned Jo Jihyun to face the wall and yanked down his pants and underwear in one motion. The pale, plump flesh of Jo Jihyun’s hips was exposed—the only part of his lean body with any fat. That subtle contrast stirred Kang Seokwon’s arousal. Insertion followed immediately.

“Ah, —.”

The man’s erection forced its way into the unprepared opening. Jo Jihyun’s fingers curled against the wall. With each thrust, their height difference lifted Jo Jihyun’s toes off the ground.

“Sunbae-nim, just a little…”

He tried to ask him to slow down. But the moment their eyes met, Kang Seokwon let out a beastly growl and thrust even harder. Holding Jo Jihyun’s waist, he drove his veined erection inside. Jo Jihyun’s toes barely touched the ground as he struggled to hold on. Kang Seokwon’s sweat dripped onto Jo Jihyun’s shoulder. He licked and sniffed Jo Jihyun’s nape, aroused. His pubic hair grazed the stretched entrance as he pushed to his limit.

“Jihyun-ah…”

At the hoarse call, Jo Jihyun trembled but answered, his voice pitifully small. Kang Seokwon called his name repeatedly. Jihyun-ah, Jihyun-ah, Jo Jihyun, Jihyun-ah. As if confirming the existence in his arms, Kang Seokwon demanded a response. Each time, Jo Jihyun answered with his whole body. He lifted his toes or raised his hips to match Kang Seokwon’s movements. With each effort, the man’s erection swelled impossibly harder.

“Ah, ha… sunbae-nim… ngh, ah… ngh.”

Overwhelmed by the sensation pounding his inner walls, Jo Jihyun clung to Kang Seokwon, letting out broken sounds. It felt like the man’s erection was striking his lower abdomen. His legs threatened to give out, but Jo Jihyun gritted his teeth and held on. He felt the man’s joy behind him. Kang Seokwon reveled in his victory. All his past wins meant nothing to him. He’d won in front of Jo Jihyun, proving his strength before the one he admired. That simple, steadfast joy radiated through his body. It was lovable. Jo Jihyun wanted to give him everything. Whatever he wanted, he could have. Jo Jihyun grabbed Kang Seokwon’s arm and kissed him. I love you. At that whispered moment, Kang Seokwon climaxed inside him. With a rush, hot cum shot against his inner walls. Opaque semen trickled down Jo Jihyun’s legs. Panting, he watched it, then turned his head.

“Congratulations, sunbae-nim.”

“…”

“I meant to say earlier… but I’m a bit late.”

Given the situation. Hesitating and lowering his gaze, Jo Jihyun felt Kang Seokwon’s forehead touch his nape.

“Thanks for the flowers.”

My thanks are late too.

A small laugh followed his words.

“Sunbae-nim.”

Jo Jihyun called out to Kang Seokwon, who was showering. He turned off the showerhead and poked his head out.

“Do you have any disposable bandages?”

“Why?”

“I got scraped…”

Earlier, pinned against the wall as Kang Seokwon pressed from behind, his elbow had scraped under the weight.

“I’ll find one.”

Before rinsing off the shampoo, Kang Seokwon wrapped a towel around his waist and started to come out. Jo Jihyun, startled, stopped him.

“It’s fine. Just tell me where they are.”

“Second drawer in the cabinet.”

Kang Seokwon answered with a reluctant expression. Looking at Jo Jihyun’s arm, he clicked his tongue softly.

“I’ll finish washing and put some ointment on it.”

“It’s okay. A bandage will do.”

It was just a slight scrape. Still, Kang Seokwon seemed at a loss, apologetic.

“Hurry up and finish. I’m hungry.”

At Jo Jihyun’s words, Kang Seokwon closed the bathroom door and went back in. Jo Jihyun opened the cabinet as instructed and found the first-aid kit. But there were no disposable bandages in the white box. After rummaging for a while, he was about to put it back when he spotted a bandage container in the corner. He picked it up, opened it, and applied one to his elbow. The colorful pattern reminded him of something, making him smile. Kang Seokwon came out, shaking water from his hair with a towel. Asking, “Found it?” he froze upon seeing the bandage in Jo Jihyun’s hand. It was a subtle change, but given his usually expressionless face, Jo Jihyun could tell it was a significant shift.

“…Was I not supposed to open it?”

“No.”

Kang Seokwon took the remaining bandages, put them back in the box, and returned it to the cabinet. If Jo Jihyun’s memory was correct, those were definitely the bandages he’d given Kang Seokwon.

“…I didn’t know you were keeping them unused on purpose.”

He expected an “It’s fine,” but Kang Seokwon said nothing. Jo Jihyun felt a bit guilty.

“I’ll buy you new ones.”

“It’s fine.”

Jo Jihyun thought for a moment, then rummaged through his jacket and pulled out a thousand-won bill, holding it out.

“Here, take it.”

“What’s this?”

“You gave me money back then.”

Kang Seokwon’s eyes narrowed. He took the bill and, in a teasing tone, said, “Holding a grudge, huh?”

“That’s not something the guy who threw money and left should say.”

“I realized it then.”

Jo Jihyun looked up.

“How jealous I can be.”

Kang Seokwon neatly folded the bill and placed it on the desk. Jo Jihyun’s face flushed. He recalled Kang Seokwon tossing money after a lie about having a girlfriend. He’d thought they shouldn’t get entangled. Yet he’d wanted to stop Kang Seokwon from leaving. It was a contradictory feeling. It always was. From the day he opened his eyes here again, he’d thought he needed to escape Kang Seokwon, yet he couldn’t stop thinking about him.

Kang Seokwon bent down and kissed Jo Jihyun’s lips, instinctively sensing his unease.

“What do you want to eat?”

“Anything’s fine.”

“There’s no such thing.”

He lightly ruffled Jo Jihyun’s hair.

“Want omurice?”

Jo Jihyun said, “Yes.” While Kang Seokwon cooked, Jo Jihyun tidied the room and folded laundry.

“It’ll get cold. Eat.”

Kang Seokwon placed a plate of omurice on the small table. Jo Jihyun, neatly folding a towel, stared at the omurice in silence.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Jo Jihyun set the towel aside and sat at the table.

A smiley face drawn in ketchup.

No matter how many times time looped, Jo Jihyun would face the reasons he couldn’t help but love this man.

“Why?”

Kang Seokwon asked as Jo Jihyun stared at the omurice, spoon in hand.

“I’m happy.”

Kang Seokwon raised an eyebrow slightly.

“…No, I mean, thank you.”

His throat tightened. Jo Jihyun quickly scooped a big bite of omurice into his mouth.

“Does it taste good?”

He always asked that after cooking. Jo Jihyun nodded. His mother never asked. She said you should eat anything made with care deliciously. She didn’t even know her son was allergic to oysters, often serving oyster pancakes.

“It’s delicious.”

Everything he cooked was delicious. Even barley tea from a teabag tasted special when he made it.

On a weight-cut, Kang Seokwon couldn’t eat, but he looked satisfied, as if he were the one eating. Jo Jihyun’s throat tightened, his chest burning, tears threatening to spill.

In the end, he finished the entire plate.

He’d read in a science book that being perceptive was tied to survival. Animals in dangerous environments or with many predators developed heightened senses. The moment he opened the front door and stepped inside, he felt something was wrong.

“Jihyun’s home.”

His mother said with an awkward smile. The woman sitting across from her quickly stood.

“I’ll head out then.”

“Okay. Take care.”

“See you later.”

Lee Sookhyun gave Jo Jihyun a nod as she left. He read the emotions in her eyes: pity, sympathy, compassion.

The door closed. Jo Jihyun lowered his gaze.

“Jihyun-ah. Can we talk for a bit?”

Never once had a conversation starting like that ended well. He wanted to run. Jo Jihyun stood frozen at the entrance, still in his shoes, thinking these thoughts.

“Let’s talk with Mom, my son.”

Her voice was sweet and sinister, like a witch luring a child. There was no escape. Jo Jihyun took off his shoes and sat on the sofa.

“Ms.Sookhyun came today saying she had something to talk about.”

“Yes.”

“She insisted on meeting despite my busy schedule, saying it was important. I thought it was about tutoring.”

Her carefully applied lipstick framed a perfect smile. Her clothes and hair showed hours of effort.

“But she said something ridiculous.”

She covered her mouth and laughed.

“She said you like men. That there are rumors at school. Isn’t that funny?”

She laughed, wiping tears, as if it were hilarious. Jo Jihyun listened silently to her laughter.

“What do you think?”

“About what?”