DEARG Ch 24

Kang Seokwon still wore a displeased expression. They had already been bickering at the apartment entrance for thirty minutes.

“Don’t worry too much.”

“Jihyun-ah, just…”

Kang Seokwon suggested they leave somewhere without saying a word. He said he’d manage somehow in a year. Jo Jihyun knew the woman’s personality. She was cunning and persistent like a snake. The focus he inherited, allowing him to sit and pore over books for hours despite his poor stamina, was her legacy. She wasn’t the type to give up after a year. Besides, Kang Seokwon had to compete in the world championships three months from now. The Olympics would follow. The weight of the year Jo Jihyun would give up and the year Kang Seokwon would sacrifice were on entirely different scales.

“I’ll talk to her properly.”

Even if he ran away, he’d eventually return to the same place. A tangled knot couldn’t be undone, so it had to be cut.

“Then, take this.”

Kang Seokwon handed his phone to Jo Jihyun.

“Report it if anything happens.”

“Understood.”

Before coming here, Kang Seokwon and Jo Jihyun had made a promise. No matter what, they’d only go as far as the apartment entrance together. Jo Jihyun didn’t even want to see the woman and Kang Seokwon in the same space. Even now, his mind endlessly replayed the scene of Kang Seokwon getting into an accident. At first, he’d asked Kang Seokwon to wait at his studio apartment, but Kang Seokwon adamantly refused, so Jo Jihyun had followed him this far.

“I’m going in now.”

Kang Seokwon bit his lip with a reluctant expression.

“Sunbae-nim.”

Jo Jihyun called out to him.

“Yeah.”

“When you go back today…”

Jo Jihyun looked up with a soft exclamation. Instead of the subsiding rain, faint snowflakes fluttered down.

“It’s snowing.”

At Jo Jihyun’s words, Kang Seokwon turned his head. The snow was too light to call it the first snowfall, almost embarrassingly so. Yet Jo Jihyun gazed at it for a long time, his face filled with awe.

It was the first time he’d seen snow with Kang Seokwon.

Spring, summer, autumn, and now the threshold of winter. He’d spent all four seasons with him. An indescribable sense of fulfillment washed over him.

“It’s the first snow of the year.”

“Yeah.”

They’d had a conversation like that on the bus this morning, and now the first snow was truly falling. Jo Jihyun had never once anticipated the first snow in his life. It hadn’t held any special meaning for him.

But now,

“I’m glad we’re seeing it together.”

A line of poetry came to mind: the reason people want to meet someone on the day of the first snow is that only those who love each other wait for it. The ordinary days spent with Kang Seokwon were a miracle to him now.

“We’ll keep being together from now on.”

Kang Seokwon’s gaze settled on Jo Jihyun. White snow fluttered behind the man’s back.

He would never forget this moment.

“When you go back today, I want to talk with you all night, sunbae-nim.”

“All night?”

“Is that too much?”

Both of them were quiet by nature, so the silences would likely stretch longer than the conversations. That was fine. Even if moments of stillness crept into their talks, those silences would become a special language of their own.

“I’ll do my best.”

At Kang Seokwon’s reply, Jo Jihyun swallowed a smile and punched in the apartment entrance code. The door opened. Kang Seokwon called out, “Jihyun-ah.” Jo Jihyun walked without looking back.

He couldn’t keep holding onto him forever. He rode the elevator and pressed the button for his floor. Just before the doors closed, his eyes met Kang Seokwon’s. Jo Jihyun gave a small smile, hoping to reassure him.

With each floor the elevator climbed, his heartbeat grew louder. He’d tried so hard not to show it in front of Kang Seokwon, but he couldn’t suppress the fear crushing his rationality. The elevator stopped. He steadied his breathing. As he entered the passcode, he repeated to himself over and over: he had to protect Kang Seokwon. Clinging to that resolve, he turned the doorknob. As the door opened, a woman’s hysterical scream rang out.

“Where have you been until now!”

The house was a mess. Books and clothes he’d brought from his room were strewn across the living room. His father was smoking, his face weary.

“Where were you? Answer me right now!”

“I have something to say.”

At his son’s words, the father finally looked up.

“Fine, sit down.”

His voice was heavy, as if he’d already heard something from the mother. Jo Jihyun took off his shoes and sat in the living room.

“What is it? Who was that guy earlier? Who is he? Tell me now!”

“Lower your voice.”

“What?”

“I can hear you fine without you shouting.”

Jo Jihyun’s cheek stung as it turned. The woman raised her hand, glaring fiercely. Jo Jihyun looked at her calmly, then shifted his gaze to his father.

“You need to go to the hospital before it’s too late.”

His father’s expression hardened.

“What are you talking about?”

“How long are you going to just watch?”

“Jo Jihyun!”

The mother shouted angrily. Jo Jihyun didn’t take his eyes off his father.

“My uncle took his own life during hospital treatment because it was too late. You know that, don’t you?”

“Are you insane? Who do you think you’re talking to like that!”

The mother grabbed Jo Jihyun’s hair. He pried her hand off. She looked at him in disbelief.

“I’m leaving this place.”

“What?!”

“I have hospital records and photos of everything you’ve done to me.”

On the days she struck him, he’d gone to a subway photo booth to document his swollen face. Fearing she’d take them if he kept them at home, he hid them deep in his school locker. The teasing continued, but no one rummaged through his locker to throw away his books or fill it with trash anymore.

“You, what are you…”

“I’m recording this conversation right now.”

It was the first thing he did before entering the house. The woman’s face turned ashen. She was panicking, as if a weak creature had turned and bitten her.

“If a minor has clear evidence of abuse, they can request the termination of parental rights.”

He knew that, legally speaking, terminating parental rights wasn’t as simple as it sounded, especially in this country. Cases of boys his age winning such judgments were rare. The problem wasn’t just his mother but his father. If one parent was deemed normal, both parents’ rights wouldn’t be terminated. His father wouldn’t abandon his mother. That meant an endless cycle. Still, he needed to make it clear what rights he could exercise.

“Are you saying you’re abandoning your parents because you want to mess around with a guy?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

At Jo Jihyun’s clear answer, the woman raised her hand again but couldn’t bring it down as easily as before.

“Jihyun-ah, do you know what you’re saying?”

His father spoke, frowning.

“I know.”

“You’re going through puberty. You’re confused. No matter how upset you are, you can’t say things like that without thinking. You can’t just cut off family ties so easily.”

“Then should I die to cut them off?”

Jo Jihyun asked.

“Yes, die! You should just die!”

The mother ran to the kitchen and grabbed a knife. Jo Jihyun didn’t dodge, letting her swing it. The gleaming blade grazed his cheek. His father grabbed her hand from behind.

Dark insects seemed to crawl up his body. The delusions of a sick mind gnawed at him. His heart felt like it would burst. Cold sweat dripped, and his organs twisted with nausea. He bit his lip to endure it.

“I should’ve never given birth to you!”

“You should’ve made that choice.”

He hadn’t chosen to be born. He hadn’t chosen his parents. From the moment of his birth, they were already a family—a tragedy for all of them.

“I kept wishing I’d never been born.”

“You ungrateful brat! After all I did to raise you!”

The woman wailed, unable to contain her rage. She spewed vile insults no sane person could imagine: a filthy kid abandoning his mother for a man, a disgusting h**osexual.

“You’re right, I’m worse than a dog. So stop raising me.”

“Jo Jihyun!”

His father, holding the woman, glared fiercely.

“Don’t say things you’ll regret. You’re not this kind of kid. You think your emotions are everything now, but later you’ll see they’re nothing.”

“What I regret,” Jo Jihyun bit his lip and released it, “is not saying this sooner.”

Was Kang Seokwon still standing there?

His father looked at his son with shocked eyes.

“I’m leaving this house. If you don’t want that, kill me.”

Jo Jihyun spoke, kneeling. The woman gripped the knife tighter. She’d threatened to kill him in front of Kang Seokwon, to make him feel the misery of losing something precious. She knew the most effective way to cruelly threaten someone.

“Kill me right here.”

If it had to end this way, he wanted it to happen where Kang Seokwon couldn’t see, so he wouldn’t be hurt or search for him. Jo Jihyun approached the woman on his knees. She trembled as if in a seizure.

“Jo Jihyun, your mom is sick. Why are you provoking her with those words?”

“Why am I sick? How can you say that after hearing him?”

The woman shook off the man’s hand and wailed. He held her, soothing her awkwardly.

“Don’t cry. You’re not well. You’ll wear yourself out. The hospital said to avoid stress.”

Every hospital visit led to recommendations for psychiatric care, but she only latched onto the word “stress.” She collapsed, sobbing as if she bore the world’s greatest tragedy.

“Should I kill myself, then?”

Jo Jihyun took the knife from her. She lunged and snatched it back.

“No! Jihyun-ah, no!”

She sobbed uncontrollably. The most chilling tragedy was that, in her own way, she loved her son. It was a horrific truth.

“Why should you die? My son, why? No.”

She was pitiful, driven mad in her own twisted way.

“I’ll do better, okay? Jihyun-ah, I’ve been stressed lately, that’s all. It was for your own good. You know how I feel, right?”

She clutched his hand. Revulsion coursed through him. He shook her off.

“I know exactly how you feel. That’s why I can’t forgive you.”

He hadn’t known before he loved someone. The more he loved and was loved, the more unforgivable her actions became.

“I’m leaving. If you want me to stay, kill me. Death would be better.”

Jo Jihyun pointed to the gleaming kitchen knife. Both parents paled, unable to believe the situation.

Their son had been the model student, quiet and upright. Seeing this side of him for the first time, they felt something beyond shock.

His parents had met at sixteen. His father, smitten at first sight, pursued her for eight years, leading to their marriage. Jo Jihyun was the product of her madness and his father’s devotion. Their blood ran in him, a fact they overlooked.

“Will you stab me?”

Jo Jihyun asked. His mother gave no answer.

“If not, I’ll go.”

Kang Seokwon was waiting. He couldn’t ignore the growing anxiety any longer. Jo Jihyun stood, his legs trembling but striving to hide it.

“No! You can’t! You’re my son, no one can take you!”

The woman grabbed his arm, screaming.

“Your son is dead!”

Jo Jihyun shouted.

He’d lived as a son who never raised his voice, enduring beatings and insults, obedient to his mother.

“You killed him. In the womb, while he slept, every time you swung that knife! You killed him over and over.”

She’d killed that son so easily.

“Why are you like this, Jihyun-ah…”

“I want to live.”

Jo Jihyun glared at his mother with bloodshot eyes.

He’d thought he shouldn’t have been born. Not anymore. The more ordinary moments he shared with Kang Seokwon, the more desperately he craved life.

“I want to live.”

He wiped the blood trickling down his cheek. Even if he died now, he wanted to live.

“Get out.”

His father’s low voice followed.

“We’ll live as if we don’t have a son like you. Get out.”

“Honey!”

“Get out. Now.”

His father pointed to the door. To him, Jo Jihyun was now just a threat to his wife’s well-being. Jo Jihyun bowed his head, put on his shoes, and left. As the door closed, her cries faded. Waiting for the elevator, he bit his dry lips repeatedly. He feared she’d burst through and stab him. Terror gripped his heart. The elevator doors opened. His trembling hand pressed the close button. The machine descended with a heavy groan. Jo Jihyun clutched the handrail, his body shaking uncontrollably. He wanted to vomit. His vision flickered, and his blood ran cold. When he came to, he was slumped on the elevator floor, breathing heavily. The doors opened on the first floor.

“Jo Jihyun!”

Kang Seokwon called from beyond the glass entrance. It was real. He’d returned to Kang Seokwon, who loved him, without being swept away. Jo Jihyun blinked and gave a slow smile. He stood, the walk to the entrance feeling endless. His legs wobbled, nearly collapsing, but he reached the door. As it opened, Kang Seokwon pulled him into a fierce embrace. Jo Jihyun exhaled fully, clinging to him tightly.

“Are you hurt?”

“No.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For sending you alone.”

Jo Jihyun smiled faintly.

“I won’t leave you alone again.”

The promise layered onto past memories. An inexplicable anxiety made Jo Jihyun shudder.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He felt sick. Everything was over, yet it didn’t feel finished. Kang Seokwon looked at the pale Jo Jihyun with concern.

“Let’s go home.”

“Yes.”

He wanted to escape, even a second or a meter further. That was all he could think. So, driven by anxiety, he moved without thinking. As he passed the garden outside the entrance, a shout rang out. Jo Jihyun looked up. A dot appeared in his vision. He blinked. The dot grew larger. Before he realized what it meant, a sharp sensation clawed his spine. He was going to die. His fear-consumed brain could only command him to close his eyes. He squeezed them shut. A thud followed, and a jolt sank his shoulder. He collapsed. Breathing reached his ears—harsh, fading breaths. It was like before. Something solid cradled his head, creating a safe world. Only then did he realize the impact his body felt was nothing compared to what he’d expected. He looked up, meeting Kang Seokwon’s eyes. His gaze was hazy. Kang Seokwon blinked slowly, the life in his eyes fading. His body grew heavier, pressing against Jo Jihyun. Warmth soaked his abdomen. Without looking, he knew it was Kang Seokwon’s blood. He’d been through this before. He knew what Kang Seokwon had shielded with his body. An object falling from the tenth floor shattered on the ground. People gathered, screaming, calling somewhere. Shouts, wails, car horns, sirens… breathing.

His blood froze. His thoughts vanished. He couldn’t cry or call out. Knowing this would happen, his selfishness in not letting go of Kang Seokwon’s hand barred him from grieving. Not a single tear fell.

He held the bloodied Kang Seokwon, enduring the chaotic sounds of a world that had lost its silence, praying.

If everything had to be the same, let it include his safety.

“Who did it? Who did this to Kang Seokwon!”

The gym coach, face red with rage, rushed in. Jo Jihyun’s father, pale and standing outside the operating room, looked up in shock.

“Is it you? Are you the one who did this to Kang Seokwon?”

The coach grabbed his collar.

“No, it’s…”

His father looked at his son, bewildered. Jo Jihyun, covered in blood, sat expressionless.

“You’re Kang Seokwon’s junior, right? I saw you before.”

The coach recognized Jo Jihyun.

“Were you with Kang Seokwon? What happened? Tell me.”

The coach shouted, voice trembling with agitation.

“Someone threw a television from the tenth floor. Sunbae-nim took the hit for me.”

They said several cars were smashed by the television’s debris. A human had taken that impact. Jo Jihyun knew the formula to calculate the force of an object falling from that height. It was a value equivalent to clear murder.

“D**n it, why did he take the hit for you! And are you insane? Throwing something from that height is murder. I won’t let this slide. I’ll sue. Murder or whatever, I’ll sue. Do you know what kind of athlete he was going to become?”

The coach poured righteous anger onto the person who had ruined his future and his cash cow.

“It was an accident, I swear it was an accident. That b**t**d was trying to take my son, so I had no choice but to act, it was a mistake.”

The ashen-faced woman trembled as she spewed her self-justifications. The coach glared at her with a menacing expression.

“You threw it? You crazy woman, was it you!”

“Your words are too harsh.”

“Harsh? He’s an athlete who’s supposed to win the world championships in three months. The Olympics are next! He was already being scouted by the U.S. Do you realize what you’ve ruined? Call the police. This needs to be investigated.”

The woman looked at her son with terrified eyes.

“Jihyun-ah, say something. You know the truth, don’t you?”

“You don’t need to call the police.”

As Jo Jihyun spoke, a flicker of relief crossed the woman’s face.

“I already reported it. They’ll be here soon.”

“What? Why would you report it?”

The mother’s face twisted in disbelief.

“I’ll testify to everything. Sue or do whatever you want.”

Jo Jihyun looked up at the coach as he spoke.

“Jo Jihyun, what are you doing to your mother right now?”

His father rebuked him in a low voice.

“I’ll tell it as I saw it. That’s all.”

The mother fell to her knees and grabbed her son’s hands.

“I was wrong. I was so angry, I didn’t mean to do it. It was a mistake. I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Her words, incoherent and steeped in self-pity, flowed effortlessly.

“…You should have.”

“What?”

“You should have killed me when you had the chance. That’s why you came after me.”

Tears welled in Jo Jihyun’s bloodshot eyes. Among the incidents recorded in his notebook, the one that remained was Kang Seokwon’s accident. His mother had pushed him into the street to make a point. Kang Seokwon had taken the hit in his place. He wanted to prevent that at all costs. The incident with Choi Kiyeol was similar but had passed quietly, so he thought this might too. If not, he hoped the harm would fall only on him. He didn’t want Kang Seokwon to catch his mother’s attention.

“Jihyun-ah…”

The trembling woman was led to a corner of the hallway by his father. The coach followed, raising his voice. Hospital staff and police mingled in the chaos. The noise faded. Jo Jihyun looked down at his hands. They were covered in blood—Kang Seokwon’s blood. He had pushed him into this. Knowing it would come to this, he… Everything followed a larger pattern. Kang Seokwon would be okay. The surgery would succeed, and he’d open his eyes. He tried to believe that, but the anxiety consuming him made it hard to breathe. Kang Seokwon’s blood had splattered everywhere. With a crushed shoulder, he had shielded Jo Jihyun until the end. Blood gushed from his leg, embedded with debris, like a burst hose. Kang Seokwon’s blood soaked him. It felt like blood was flooding his throat. He couldn’t breathe. He should have died. He should have provoked her more, made her anger focus solely on him. He had said to kill him, but he wanted to live. He wanted to return to Kang Seokwon. That weak heart had led to this. Jo Jihyun clutched his face with bloodied hands. He was an accomplice—no, the main culprit.

“Hey!”

Jo Jihyun, crouched on a hallway chair, looked up.

“Is your name Jo Jihyun?”

“Yes.”

“Go in. He’s asking for you.”

The coach relayed the message with a displeased look. Jo Jihyun jumped up and ran across the hallway.

“D**n, what a mess guys get into.”

The trailing insults no longer mattered. Jo Jihyun stood before the hospital room door like a man possessed. The nine-hour surgery had been successful. The exhausted doctor said it was now up to the patient. He would be okay. He had to be. The only hope in this incomprehensible, cruel game was that Kang Seokwon would be safe. He opened the door. Kang Seokwon looked at him. His face, casted leg and shoulder, was a mess.

Not strong enough to be beautiful, not whole. Kang Seokwon raised his uninjured arm. Jo Jihyun knew what the small gesture meant. He closed the door and ran to him, falling into his arms.

“Jihyun-ah.”

A low voice called him. Overwhelmed by tears, he could only nod faintly.

“Are you hurt?”

He could have died. The doctor said if the impact had been slightly off, he would have died instantly—it was a miracle he survived. In that miraculous chance, the first thing the man asked upon waking was if Jo Jihyun was safe.

“…I’m fine.”

Jo Jihyun’s fingertips trembled.

“I’m unharmed.”

It should have been him who was hurt, Nijmegennot Kang Seokwon. He should have paid the price for having such parents.

“I’m sorry. Because of someone like me…”

“What’s ‘someone like you’?”

“…”

“Don’t talk about yourself like that.”

Kang Seokwon pulled Jo Jihyun’s head close. Jo Jihyun clung to his arm, swallowing hot breaths.

Kang Seokwon suddenly asked, “Is it over now?”

Jo Jihyun looked up.

“Is it done?”

“…”

It was like a blow to the back of his head. Jo Jihyun stared blankly at Kang Seokwon before managing to speak.

“Did you believe what I said back then?”

Kang Seokwon nodded with his eyes.

“Because of me… because of me, sunbae-nim…”

I’m a piece of trash with a mental illness, and I’ll ruin your life.

What expression had the man worn when he said that?

“Is this enough?”

Kang Seokwon asked calmly.

He had believed Jo Jihyun’s words—that he would ruin his life—and still didn’t let go. No blame, no resentment, as if this was his burden to bear.

A red-hot knife seemed to pierce his heart. Tears fell before they could pool.

“Don’t cry.”

Kang Seokwon frowned and continued.

“When you cry, I don’t know what to do.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Kang Seokwon leaned Jo Jihyun’s head against him. Even though every touch must have been excruciating, he willingly offered his body.

“Sunbae-nim.”

A tear-soaked voice called him.

“Yeah.”

“I thought I shouldn’t have been born.”

“…”

“Someone like me, who’ll probably go crazy like my mother… I didn’t want to live like that.”

“Jo Jihyun.”

Kang Seokwon called him in a sharp tone.

“There’s one thing I’m genuinely grateful to that woman for.”

Jo Jihyun knew what it was. He nodded and continued.

“I’m glad now too. For being born, for meeting you, sunbae-nim, again… I’ll love you over and over. I mean it.”

He spilled messy words, every one sincere. He was grateful to her for giving him life, for letting him meet Kang Seokwon.

Kang Seokwon closed and opened his eyes slowly, calling, “Jihyun-ah.”

“It’ll be okay now.”

He patted Jo Jihyun’s shoulder.

His heart was devastatingly deep. The moment Jo Jihyun stepped forward, he fell in without hesitation.

“I love you.”

He said it with a smile. Tears kept falling.

“I do too.”

Kang Seokwon’s words carried strength. That simple, short phrase gave Jo Jihyun life. Every moment he’d have from now on was a gift from this man.

As he stroked Jo Jihyun’s hair, Kang Seokwon said, “I’m sorry,” changing the subject.

“I can’t keep our promise today.”

“What do you mean?”

“…Talking all night, let’s do it next time.”

His voice was tinged with sleepiness. It was a strain for him to be awake under the anesthesia’s effects. His eyes grew hazy. Confirming Jo Jihyun’s safety had eased his tension. Jo Jihyun nodded, saying, “Sleep.” Soon, Kang Seokwon’s breathing settled into a steady rhythm.

Jo Jihyun looked down at the sleeping Kang Seokwon and thought.

He would live for him.

By the man’s bedside, he carved that vow into himself repeatedly.

A quiet darkness settled over the room.

“It’s time for your injection.”

A nurse entered with a cart. Jo Jihyun stood quickly to make way. She checked Kang Seokwon’s temperature and blood pressure, recording the values.

“Go eat.”

Kang Seokwon said, looking at Jo Jihyun.

“Later.”

“You must be hungry. Taking care of your cousin is great, but you need to eat. You’re too skinny.”

The motherly nurse said the same thing every time she saw Jo Jihyun.

“How old did you say you were, Jihyun?”

“Eighteen.”

“Two years older than my son. You’re a good student, right?”

Jo Jihyun blinked in surprise. He didn’t recall saying that.

“Your cousin said so. Always first in your school.”

Kang Seokwon watched the injection with a blank face. Imagining the reserved man saying such things to the nurse made Jo Jihyun flush. He rubbed his warm neck and said, “No.”

“How are you so handsome? Top student, polite, taking care of your cousin. You’re perfect. Your parents must be so proud.”

Jo Jihyun bowed his head.

“When can he exercise?”

Kang Seokwon’s question made the nurse sigh.

“Patient, your bones haven’t even healed. Don’t push it. You need to stay in bed. Got it?”

“What about showers?”

Jo Jihyun’s question brought a kind smile.

“That’s too much too. Use a warm towel for now. You can wash his hair.”

“I did that this morning.”

“Good job.”

She thought highly of Jo Jihyun. Not even a brother, just a cousin, yet always by Kang Seokwon’s side, caring for him devotedly—it stirred her maternal instincts.

“Call if anything happens.”

Jo Jihyun bowed. The nurse closed the door.

“I’ll wipe you down with a towel.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“Why? You said you wanted to shower.”

Kang Seokwon was very neat. His home was always tidy, and he showered multiple times a day after training. The day after waking from surgery, he’d asked the nurse when he could shower.

Kang Seokwon frowned slightly and clicked his tongue.

“I want to help too.”

Jo Jihyun continued, looking at him.

“When I was sick, you took care of me, sunbae-nim. This is nothing. Don’t feel burdened.”

“It’s not about feeling burdened…”

It’s just awkward. Kang Seokwon muttered to himself, then nodded in surrender. Jo Jihyun went to the attached bathroom and filled a basin with hot water.

Kang Seokwon was in a private room. The coach had mentioned an expensive insurance policy. “D**n it, this isn’t what I got it for,” he’d said, scolding Kang Seokwon.

Jo Jihyun brought the basin and a towel. He soaked the towel and began untying Kang Seokwon’s hospital gown. The bandaged shoulder was exposed. They said it was completely dislocated, with shattered bone piercing the flesh. With that body, he had shielded Jo Jihyun until the end. Jo Jihyun stared at him for a long time.

“I’m cold.”

Kang Seokwon’s playful remark snapped him back. Jo Jihyun said, “One moment,” and gently wiped his body with the wrung towel.

“Is this okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you lift this arm?”

He pointed to the uncasted arm. Kang Seokwon raised it as directed. Jo Jihyun carefully wiped him down, soaking and wringing the towel again.

“I’ll help you sit up.”

Jo Jihyun draped Kang Seokwon’s arm over his neck and propped him up. The perfectly symmetrical muscles of his back shifted with his movements—a beautiful form crafted by time and effort.

“What?”

Kang Seokwon turned as Jo Jihyun stood frozen with the towel.

“Nothing.”

Jo Jihyun wiped his back. The sensation of his firm muscles brushed through the thin towel. He’d touched that back countless times during intimacy, but seeing it this close was new. His face burned with self-consciousness.

“The water’s cold. I’ll get more.”

Jo Jihyun stood quickly, carrying the basin. He dumped the water, refilled it, and lightly slapped his cheeks.

Kang Seokwon was already pulling on his top.

Jo Jihyun hurried to tie the strings and helped him lie back down.

“The pants…”

As he reached for the ties, he noticed Kang Seokwon’s state. His face remained unreadable.

“…I’ll take them off.”

His hands trembled as he undid the ties. It wasn’t as easy as he thought. After several fumbles, he managed to remove the pants. With no underwear, Kang Seokwon was fully exposed. Jo Jihyun wiped his thighs, avoiding the cast. Each brush made the rock-hard muscles twitch.

“Tell me if it hurts.”

“Okay.”

He didn’t need to look to know. Jo Jihyun wiped the other thigh. Kang Seokwon’s gaze touched his cheek. Embarrassed, he didn’t know where to look. Focusing elsewhere, he accidentally brushed the inner thigh. Kang Seokwon inhaled sharply, wincing.

“Sorry.”

Jo Jihyun turned, apologizing. Their eyes met. His face burned red. Clutching the towel, he bowed his head. Kang Seokwon sighed softly.

“That’s why I said it’s awkward.”

“Sorry.”

Jo Jihyun lowered his head further, his neck now red.

“Give me the pants.”

“I’m not done.”

“Any more, and it’ll really be a problem.”

It was already nearly at its limit. Jo Jihyun blinked and asked, “Should I help?”

Kang Seokwon asked, “What?”

“If you want, I’ll help.”

Kang Seokwon playfully tapped Jo Jihyun’s cheek.

“My bones aren’t healed. Just give me the pants.”

Jo Jihyun helped him put the hospital pants back on. Even dressed, Kang Seokwon remained in that state for a while. Jo Jihyun stood by, helplessly watching.

“Jo Jihyun.”

“Yes.”

“Go eat.”

“I’ll go after I see you eat.”

The food cart would come in thirty minutes.

“I’m fasting for an MRI later. Go eat.”

“I’ll eat after your scan.”

Kang Seokwon smiled lazily.

“Let me cool off for a bit.”

I can’t calm down with you here. His mumbled words made Jo Jihyun’s face flush again. Setting the towel down, he said, “I’ll be back soon.”

“Don’t go too far.”

Kang Seokwon lay back, answering. He disapproved of Jo Jihyun sleeping on the hospital cot but grew anxious if he was gone even briefly.

“Okay. Don’t worry.”

Jo Jihyun left the room, went to the basement, and ate a packed lunch.

Because of this incident, his mother was under police investigation. Jo Jihyun testified to everything. It was clear manslaughter. Unlike when she pushed him into the street, there was ample evidence, so she couldn’t escape with just sympathetic tears. No one accidentally throws a television from that height. Jo Jihyun testified fully. When the police learned about their relationship, they wore subtle expressions. The culprit couldn’t comprehend it. He didn’t expect to be understood either.