DEARG Ch 28

“You don’t know how much I like you. If you’d thought even once about how I felt while waiting for you here,”

Kang Seokwon’s voice dropped low. His shoulders rose and fell slowly, as if trying to rein in his rising emotions.

“You wouldn’t have wasted your time on something like that.”

“…”

Kang Seokwon reached out and brushed the dampness from Jo Jihyun’s hair. The world outside the window was blanketed in white from the falling snow.

“You must be tired. Rest.”

Jo Jihyun couldn’t stop Kang Seokwon as he leaned on his crutches and left the room. His eyes stung, and he bit his lower lip. There was no other way to fix Kang Seokwon’s gait.

“You couldn’t do the tests today, right? Have they set a date for the second surgery?”

A familiar nurse spoke warmly.

“Not yet.”

A second surgery would double the hospitalization time. It meant living in the hospital for the foreseeable future. He couldn’t leave Jo Jihyun alone like this. Jo Jihyun had always been precarious, but lately, he seemed so fragile that Kang Seokwon couldn’t take his eyes off him. He had to stay by his side for now.

“By the way, I haven’t seen Jihyun today.”

A call came from downstairs in the evening. I’ll eat alone today. Jo Jihyun’s voice was so frail it was pitiful. Kang Seokwon told him okay. Jo Jihyun never explained why he went home. Kang Seokwon had promised to follow Jo Jihyun’s wishes without question, but this was one thing he didn’t want to compromise on.

“By the way, he really looks like his mother.”

Kang Seokwon looked up at the nurse’s words as she changed the IV. “What?”

“Jihyun’s mother. She’s so beautiful, she really stood out. Don’t you know, being a relative?”

“…When was she here?”

“A few days ago, maybe four days?”

“Was it the day Jihyun collapsed?”

“Oh, you’re right. Jihyun’s so thin, it’s worrying. He barely eats hospital food. That’s why he keeps fainting.”

The nurse secured the IV line and asked if it was comfortable. Kang Seokwon answered with a flat “Yes.”

“Sleep well, then.”

The nurse closed the door as she left.

His clenched fist trembled. His mother was released before the trial. Something about legal procedures. Jo Jihyun had mentioned it casually, but he never shared the important details. In the end, Kang Seokwon knew nothing. He only found out something had happened after Jo Jihyun was hurt or in pain.

If he could, he’d keep Jo Jihyun by his side, never letting him go anywhere. His inability to protect him fueled a savage greed that drove him mad.

Kang Seokwon exhaled slowly. He tried to suppress his anger and think of ways to protect Jo Jihyun, but no clear solution came. He swallowed a sigh. Thinking of Jo Jihyun, carrying those heavy burdens alone even now, a dull pain sliced through his chest. He picked up the crutches by the bed. Try not to walk with crutches. You’re not in a state for that. The doctor had said it with a scowl, but there was no choice. He missed him. He wanted to hold Jo Jihyun and tell him everything would be okay. No, truthfully, he wanted to be comforted by saying those words. He needed to be sure Jo Jihyun was by his side. He took the elevator to the 12th floor and walked the hallway. Even the short distance made his shoulder and knee throb with pain. It didn’t matter. Seeing Jo Jihyun would make the pain vanish. He opened the door to room 1205. The empty room left Kang Seokwon speechless. He stared for a long time. He checked the bathroom, but it was empty too. He went to the desk and asked, Do you know where the patient in 1205 went?I haven’t seen him. Maybe he went for a walk? The nurse replied casually. Kang Seokwon took the elevator to the first floor. He searched the lobby and places where Jo Jihyun might walk, but he couldn’t find him. His heart burned black. If Jo Jihyun disappeared like this… There was no way to contact him. Even when Kang Seokwon offered to get him a phone, Jo Jihyun had shaken his head. He said it was fine, but his attitude showed he didn’t need such things. Anxiety dried Kang Seokwon’s mouth. Cold sweat dripped from the pain creeping up his shoulder, but he couldn’t stop looking for Jo Jihyun.

“Jo Jihyun!”

He called out loudly, hoping for a response, but none came. He scoured the hospital grounds, but it was futile. If he disappeared like this… He tried to reassure himself it wouldn’t happen, but the rising anxiety was uncontrollable. He bit his chapped lips. His own wretched incompetence made him shudder. He couldn’t do anything properly for someone he’d give everything for. The misery stabbed his lungs like a blade. Every breath forced him to face his uselessness. He wandered the hospital grounds and returned to Jo Jihyun’s room. The nurse still hadn’t seen him. Realizing this wouldn’t do, Kang Seokwon decided to go back to his room. He planned to change and go out. He’d contact the police and search places Jo Jihyun might go. He opened the room door.

“…”

Kang Seokwon was momentarily speechless at the sight before him.

“Sunbae.”

Jo Jihyun stood up. In the corner, a lit candle was stuck in a Choco Pie. Kang Seokwon walked over silently and poured water on the candle.

“What’s so important about this?”

“…”

Jo Jihyun stared at the dripping Choco Pie. Anger surged.

“What’s so important about something like this?”

Kang Seokwon asked. His heart burned, and his blood felt like it was drying up. The mere thought of Jo Jihyun disappearing made rational thought impossible. The feeling of losing control over his body and mind was more horrific than he’d imagined. It was a new kind of fear.

“Why do you keep acting like an idiot? Do you really not know what’s important?”

“…It’s important.”

Jo Jihyun’s voice sank low.

“This is important to me too.”

“What’s important about it? It’s a day that comes every year. Why act like you can’t celebrate it any other time?”

That was what angered him most. Jo Jihyun always acted like this was the last moment. Even when Kang Seokwon pointed out it was a bad habit, it didn’t change. An unshakable anxiety twisted his behavior like a toxic habit. Kang Seokwon grabbed Jo Jihyun’s wrist.

“Say you won’t go anywhere.”

“…”

“Promise you won’t leave me.”

Jo Jihyun said nothing. It was maddening. The world spun, indistinguishable from floor to ceiling.

“Why can’t you say it?”

Kang Seokwon grabbed Jo Jihyun, pressing him. Jo Jihyun remained silent.

“You said you wouldn’t let go yesterday.”

“…I won’t let go.”

“Then promise you won’t leave.”

“…”

Kang Seokwon gritted his teeth. Emotions exploded through his veins like fireworks.

“Are you even serious about me?!”

Kang Seokwon shouted at Jo Jihyun in anger, a first.

“I am.”

Jo Jihyun’s eyes widened. A tear fell as he lifted his head.

“Then why won’t you promise? Is it so hard to say you won’t go off without a word?”

Jo Jihyun’s expression crumpled at Kang Seokwon’s words. Kang Seokwon didn’t want to admit he’d hit the mark.

“Just say it.”

“…”

“Say you won’t go anywhere.”

Please.

Kang Seokwon pulled Jo Jihyun into his arms. Still, no answer came. Kang Seokwon faced the truth borne by the uncomfortable silence. His blood ran cold. He slowly pulled away. Jo Jihyun’s lips, bitten to hold back tears, were a mess. Kang Seokwon turned his head.

He avoided Jo Jihyun’s eyes. After staring out the window for a while, Kang Seokwon said, “Fine.” A cold line was drawn.

“Alright. Your choice.”

“…”

“It’s late. Go sleep.”

“Sunbae…”

“Anything else to say?”

Jo Jihyun lowered his head. Kang Seokwon limped to the door and opened it. Jo Jihyun knew what it meant. He glanced at Kang Seokwon, hesitated, and left the room.

Kang Seokwon closed the door immediately. He couldn’t calm his anger. He couldn’t understand. The whole situation was overwhelming. A broken arm or leg was bearable, but Jo Jihyun’s behavior was unbearable.

Kang Seokwon bit his lip. He recalled Jo Jihyun looking at him before leaving the room, his eyes filled with fear, holding back tears.

Kang Seokwon flung the door open. Jo Jihyun was standing there, crying like a child who’d lost their parents at a crossroads.

“I have something to say.”

“…”

“You broke a promise too, sunbae.”

“What?”

“You’re going to break the promise you made to me.”

Jo Jihyun’s words made no sense as tears streamed down his face.

“You promised… and you’re going to break it… I like you, sunbae. Why don’t you believe me?”

Tears fell from Jo Jihyun’s eyes like the relentless snow outside.

“I like you. The most in the world… I said I love you.”

Kang Seokwon let out a groan-like sigh and pulled Jo Jihyun into his arms.

“Don’t cry.”

“…”

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

Like soothing a crying child, Kang Seokwon kissed Jo Jihyun’s forehead and crown, whispering wherever he touched. I was wrong, Jihyun-ah. Don’t cry. Jo Jihyun cried in his arms for a long time. When the tears showed no sign of stopping, Kang Seokwon finally sat him on the bed.

“I’m sorry for getting angry.”

Kang Seokwon whispered, holding Jo Jihyun tightly. He embraced him so closely it was hard to breathe, as if he couldn’t bear the slightest gap.

Knowing he caused Kang Seokwon’s pain made Jo Jihyun’s heart ache more. He couldn’t even lie and say he’d never leave.

He had to leave as soon as possible. That was the clear conclusion after reviewing the notebook.

“Don’t cry. It’s all my fault.”

Kang Seokwon kissed Jo Jihyun’s hand. The man who moments ago poured out fierce anger now subdued his wild emotions and bowed his head. The heart of a man who willingly took all the blame was heartbreaking. Jo Jihyun blinked. His vision blurred with rising tears. He wanted to see Kang Seokwon, even for a second longer, in greater detail.

“Sunbae.”

At Jo Jihyun’s call, Kang Seokwon looked up.

“Can I make one request?”

“Anything.”

“I want to sleep in the same bed with you tonight, sunbae.”

Kang Seokwon wiped Jo Jihyun’s eyes with his large palm and said, “Anytime.” Each time tears fell, he wiped proverbed them away, never tiring of it. When the tears stopped, he asked.

“Done crying?”

Jo Jihyun nodded slightly.

“Then drink some water.”

Kang Seokwon picked up the water jug and frowned. He’d poured it all out on the candle earlier; not a drop remained.

“I’ll get some.”

“No. I’m fine.”

“You’ll get dehydrated.”

“I’ll go get it.”

“You made me cry.”

“…”

“Let me do at least this much.”

Kang Seokwon grabbed his crutches and went out to the hallway water cooler. As he stood at the door, a sudden fear gripped him—what if Jo Jihyun disappeared? He flung the door open. Jo Jihyun sat quietly on the bed, looking up at him. The snowy world outside was completely white. Their eyes met, and Jo Jihyun gave a faint smile. A warm feeling slowly spread through Kang Seokwon’s heart. He walked to Jo Jihyun.

“Time to sleep.”

Kang Seokwon brushed Jo Jihyun’s hair and said. Jo Jihyun, who’d been tossing and turning, burrowed into Kang Seokwon’s arms.

“Sunbae.”

“Yeah.”

The spoiled tone was welcome. Kang Seokwon offered his arm.

“Can we finish what we didn’t do before?”

“What?”

“Talking all night.”

On the day of the first snow, they’d planned to go home and talk all night. Being in the hospital since then had kept them from it.

“Sure. Let’s do it.”

Kang Seokwon looked at Jo Jihyun and continued.

“What should we talk about?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Both were quiet types, so finding a starting topic was tough. Staring at each other, blinking, they burst into laughter simultaneously.

“You go first.”

“Me first?”

“Yeah. Anything. A question.”

Fiddling with the hem of Kang Seokwon’s hospital gown, Jo Jihyun began.

“Sunbae, when you came to the convenience store…”

“Yeah.”

“You don’t usually eat instant noodles, do you?”

Caught off guard, Kang Seokwon looked slightly flustered. Jo Jihyun hadn’t seen him eat instant noodles since.

“I don’t. I don’t like them.”

“Then why did you choose instant noodles?”

There were other foods, so why that?

“So I could see you. For three minutes, nonstop.”

Jo Jihyun’s face flushed at Kang Seokwon’s words.

“Actually, I always let it sit longer than three minutes, so the noodles got soggy. Eating it was a chore.”

Jo Jihyun tried to laugh at the playful tone, but it wasn’t easy. He pictured the man sitting at a small table, waiting for noodles he didn’t like to cook.

“My turn, then?”

Kang Seokwon opened the conversation.

“Why did you say we shouldn’t meet back then?”

“…”

The words let’s not meet again seemed to have stuck with him. Jo Jihyun hesitated before answering.

“I was scared.”

“Of what?”

“Of ruining your life, sunbae.”

He’d vowed not to get involved, but his feelings were unstoppable. He tried to escape, but they kept crossing paths. Now, it all made sense.

“You didn’t hate me, did you?”

“Me, hate you?”

“Yeah.”

“No way. From the first moment I saw you…”

Kang Seokwon’s expression froze at Jo Jihyun’s words.

“When was the first time you saw me?”

“…Can we just skip that?”

“No way.”

Kang Seokwon was persistent. It was part of his diligence. Jo Jihyun bit his lip in embarrassment before answering.

“I first saw you on the bus.”

The first time he opened his eyes to Kang Seokwon was in the bathroom, but the moment he truly recognized him was on the bus. Seeing Kang Seokwon after morning training, Jo Jihyun vowed to protect him.

The answer seemed to please Kang Seokwon; his expression softened. Jo Jihyun’s stomach fluttered at the sight. He lowered his head, fidgeting with Kang Seokwon’s gown.

“Your turn.”

Kang Seokwon brushed Jo Jihyun’s hair back and said.

“What are you going to do after you’re discharged?”

Kang Seokwon narrowed his eyes, as if he hadn’t thought about it, and said, “Hmm.”

“Maybe watch a movie.”

“A movie?”

“Yeah, we didn’t get to last time.”

Jo Jihyun recalled rejecting Kang Seokwon’s movie invitation because of a promise with Choi Kiyeol. He felt sorry. Memories he retained were gone for Kang Seokwon.

“Do you like movies?”

“No.”

“Then why?”

“Just because. I wanted to go with you.”

The simple, honest confession carried his deep affection. Jo Jihyun pressed his nose to Kang Seokwon’s gown and inhaled. He steeled his resolve.

“I’ve seen a movie before.”

He had to be as vague as possible. Telling Kang Seokwon about the time loop would break the rules.

“What movie?”

“I don’t remember the title.”

Kang Seokwon patted Jo Jihyun’s shoulder, urging him to continue.

“It was about a promise.”

Kang Seokwon echoed, “A promise?” Jo Jihyun nodded.

“It’s about two people who made a promise and parted ways, then met again.”

The hand patting his shoulder stopped.

“Why?”

Jo Jihyun knew exactly what Kang Seokwon was asking.

“It has to be that way.”

No reason was needed. He didn’t need to mention that he’d be sent to a mental hospital if he didn’t comply, or that his mother might harm Kang Seokwon. Everything was predetermined, and he had to follow it.

He woke up here on April 3rd. The day he lost his memory in front of the elevator was April 4th. He’d pieced it together from the notes in his notebook. The following week was Kim Sunwoo’s wedding.

The day he lost his memory and the day he woke up here were, coincidentally, one day apart. At first, he hadn’t even considered this. He’d been consumed by why he’d returned at all.

If he could go back just one day, he thought he could fix Kang Seokwon’s life. On April 4th, he’d made that wish and woke up on April 3rd.

He’d come back one day earlier to change Kang Seokwon’s life. It was a long day, and there were things he needed to do for Kang Seokwon during it.

“Why?”

Kang Seokwon asked the same question again.

“It’s decided.”

“Why?”

“I have to keep it. It has to be this way.”

Kang Seokwon’s slow recovery and need for a second surgery were because Jo Jihyun had stayed by his side too long. If he left, the problem would resolve naturally.

“…Why?”

Kang Seokwon’s expression twisted in pain.

“So we can meet again.”

“Jihyun-ah.”

His broken breaths touched Jo Jihyun’s shoulder. His breath was hot. Jo Jihyun could tell how flustered he was.

“Did I do something wrong to you?”

In any situation, Kang Seokwon always looked for his own faults first. Jo Jihyun smiled and said, “No.” Or rather, he tried to smile.

“You haven’t done anything wrong, sunbae.”

“Then why are you like this?”

He couldn’t understand why Jo Jihyun had to leave, nor could he accept it. It was only natural. But until April 3rd, seven years later, Jo Jihyun had to live a life not of his own choosing.

Flipping through the organized notebook, Jo Jihyun uncovered a crucial fact. Events followed a similar pattern in the grand scheme, with some differences but roughly the same timeline. There was one exception: Choi Kiyeol and Kang Seokwon never crossed paths. That wasn’t due to Jo Jihyun’s will but Kang Seokwon’s. In the end, it wasn’t Jo Jihyun who could change his life.

“Sunbae.”

Jo Jihyun looked at Kang Seokwon.

“Do you believe in me?”

His eyes were deep. Kang Seokwon’s gaze was always direct, never hiding or concealing his emotions.

“I do.”

Even with Jo Jihyun’s incomprehensible words, he showed unwavering trust without hesitation.

“I believe in you too, sunbae.”

Jo Jihyun believed in Kang Seokwon.

He believed in his bright future, his healthy body, his beautiful and resilient heart, wholeheartedly.

Their trust in each other had gone astray before. Now, he’d realized how to set it right.

“You have to believe my story too.”

Silence settled. Jo Jihyun gazed at Kang Seokwon, who finally spoke.

“What happens?”

“Huh?”

“The protagonists.”

“…They’re apart for seven years.”

Seven years later, they meet again. That was already set. Until then, Jo Jihyun had to live the same life as before, without contacting Kang Seokwon or interfering in his life. Their timelines must not overlap for seven years.

Kang Seokwon closed his eyes and opened them, not bothering to hide his displeasure.

“And then?”

“They meet again.”

“And after that?”

“I don’t know.”

Jo Jihyun didn’t know the future after April 4th, seven years later. It was a future he’d never experienced.

Even as he spoke, Jo Jihyun felt desolate. Even if Kang Seokwon believed in him, convincing him of a story without logic or reason was an entirely different matter.

“What do I need to do?”

Jo Jihyun was taken aback by the question.

“What do I need to do?” Kang Seokwon repeated.

Jo Jihyun blinked and answered.

“Do what you were going to do.”

Get the second surgery, start training again. It might take longer, but step by step, he’d rise to the place his talent deserved.

“And then?”

“That’s it.”

Kang Seokwon said, “Alright,” but his expression suggested he was upset, making Jo Jihyun feel uneasy.

“Can we… not contact at all?”

Kang Seokwon’s voice trailed off.

“I’ll write one letter.”

Jo Jihyun had sent a letter while waiting for Kang Seokwon’s reply. It came back with a return stamp, but that could change depending on Kang Seokwon’s response.

“And then?”

“I’ll call.”

Kang Seokwon looked up.

“Don’t answer.”

“…”

“If it’s possible, I’ll keep calling periodically.”

It was a gamble.

Their lives would have no contact. An unanswered call was the only connection Jo Jihyun could think of all night.

“But if something goes wrong, I’ll stop.”

“…”

“Sounds crazy, right?”

Jo Jihyun asked with a laugh.

To Kang Seokwon, a story about being apart for seven years without contact or reason must sound insane.

“I know it sounds like some lunatic’s made-up nonsense.”

“…”

Kang Seokwon stayed silent, lips tightly shut.

“If you stop believing in me while waiting, or think this is all crazy, then you can…”

A hot lump rose in his throat. It was something he never wanted to say.

“…abandon me whenever you want.”

Tears clung to his eyelashes. Jo Jihyun blinked quickly.

He had to speak calmly and rationally to earn even a bit more trust from Kang Seokwon.

“I won’t ever let you go.”

Jo Jihyun looked straight at Kang Seokwon and continued.

“No matter what happens, I won’t let you go. I won’t leave you alone.”

That was the foundation of everything.

He wouldn’t let go of Kang Seokwon. Kang Seokwon had to accept that. That was why he’d returned here.

He’d come to love the Kang Seokwon he met again even more. He saw parts he hadn’t known before and felt new emotions. He now read Kang Seokwon’s fragility, mistakes, anguish, and anxiety. Just as Jo Jihyun had been young, so had Kang Seokwon. He realized Kang Seokwon, too, had nowhere to lean.

He wanted Kang Seokwon to believe in him, to rely on him, to know he wasn’t alone.

During the long years apart, he wanted to give him faith so their longing wouldn’t erode their lives.

“I hope you’ll wait for me.”

That’s how they’d meet again.

He realized too late, through the sequence of dates, that they had to be apart for seven years to make it happen. He’d returned to the day before to change Kang Seokwon’s future. He didn’t know what the future seven years later held. It might not go as he hoped. If Kang Seokwon lost his way or something important, Jo Jihyun would pray on the day the stars fell.

To go back to the beginning and start everything over.

Like that day, he’d wish and pray fervently.

To meet Kang Seokwon again, fall in love, love, and be loved, trusting each other.

Kang Seokwon’s response didn’t come easily. His sharp gaze pierced through. He was examining Jo Jihyun closely. Jo Jihyun didn’t turn away or avoid his eyes. Holding his breath, he faced him.

“Then,” Kang Seokwon finally spoke.

His fingers trembled. Jo Jihyun awaited his verdict.

“You make one promise too.”

“Yes.”

“When we meet again,” Kang Seokwon continued, spitting out the words.

“You can’t leave.”

“…”

“No matter what reason you give, no matter what happens, you stay by my side. Absolutely.”

A ferocious beast bared its teeth. His eyes seemed ready to tear his opponent apart. Revealing a fierce possessiveness, the man deferred it to years later.

Jo Jihyun nodded. With trembling hands behind his back, he nodded again and again.

“I’ll do that.”

No matter the reason or what happened, he’d stay by his side. Absolutely.

To do that, he’d endure the unbearable longing. He could do it, no matter how much. Like the years Kang Seokwon searched mental hospitals across the country for him.

“I will. I’ll do it. Any number of times…”

Kang Seokwon pulled Jo Jihyun’s trembling hand and gripped it. He observed everything about Jo Jihyun without missing a thing.

“I’m… yours, sunbae.”

Finally, he burst into tears.

Rational, logical persuasion ended there. Like a child, he clung to Kang Seokwon, pouring out his emotions.

“I won’t go anywhere then. Even if you hate me, even if you want someone else by your side, I won’t leave.”

Jo Jihyun held onto Kang Seokwon. His hand, clutching Kang Seokwon’s hospital gown, trembled.

“You think I’d do that?”

Jo Jihyun shook his head at Kang Seokwon’s question.

“Don’t.”

“…”

“I’ll only love you, sunbae, so you…”

He couldn’t finish. Kang Seokwon pulled him close, their lips meeting. Unspoken words passed between their touching lips. Ecstatic, tender emotions overflowed. I can’t be without you. Everything, all of it. Kang Seokwon said, his face looking like he might cry. Jo Jihyun nodded, again and again, clutching Kang Seokwon’s gown. He’d thought one more day of seeing his face would be enough. But not anymore. He wanted to keep seeing him. His vision burned. He wanted to see Kang Seokwon even a little more, but his blurred vision made it hard. Jo Jihyun desperately looked at the nineteen-year-old Kang Seokwon, the person who was his everything.

“You have to keep training.”

“I will.”

“Don’t forget your promise.”

“I won’t.”

Kang Seokwon’s voice was thick with emotion. Jo Jihyun hugged him and whispered, promising the day they’d meet again seven years later. He repeated it, afraid Kang Seokwon might forget. Kang Seokwon nodded.

That night, they talked endlessly. Trivial words, heartfelt confessions, awkward jokes, and intermittent silences—none were insignificant.

As dawn broke by the snow-covered window, Jo Jihyun fell asleep in Kang Seokwon’s arms.

BEEEEEP.

A sharp horn blared. A blinding white light charged like a beast. He closed his eyes. A dull sound accompanied the impact. He stayed like that for a while. People’s screams echoed.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. His gaze met Kang Seokwon’s.

“…Sunbae.”

The man holding him blinked in response.

“Sunbae, why…”

Feeling something warm, Jo Jihyun looked at his hands. They were covered in blood. He soon realized it wasn’t his but the man’s.

“Sunbae, sunbae, stay with me. Sunbae!”

He couldn’t tell if this was reality or a dream. He just clung to him, howling like a beast. Kang Seokwon’s large hand covered Jo Jihyun’s cheek, wiping his eyes. Jo Jihyun knew what it meant.

Don’t cry.

“Sunbae…”

Jo Jihyun grabbed Kang Seokwon’s hand. He didn’t know if he’d returned from the past or if this was all a long dream. Even in this moment, Kang Seokwon enveloped him, enduring everything. The one who’d said he’d kill him, that they should never meet again. Sirens wailed in the distance. Jo Jihyun held his hand, whispering, It’s okay, it’ll be okay. Then, his wrist caught his eye. His chest ached. It could change. It had to.

“This time, I’ll protect you.”

Jo Jihyun kissed the man’s wrist, etching an invisible vow.

“Sunbae, I’ll protect you. I won’t leave you alone.”

A low hum resonated. A large moon gazed down at him. It didn’t matter where he belonged. He’d protect Kang Seokwon, no matter how many times.

Jo Jihyun closed his eyes, reaffirming his vow.

Stars fell. A long scar was drawn in the darkness.

When he opened his eyes, he met the gaze of the man looking down at him.

“Slept well?”

With a face that clearly hadn’t slept, he asked tenderly. Jo Jihyun couldn’t tell if what he’d just seen was a dream or reality. He blinked. Kang Seokwon’s large hand covered his forehead.

“You’ve got a fever.”

Time to take your medicine.

He whispered his usual gentle concern. Jo Jihyun swallowed a smile.

“I’ll go back to my room now.”

At those words, Kang Seokwon’s expression darkened.

“I’ll get scolded by the head nurse if I get caught.”

Jo Jihyun adjusted his hospital gown and stood. Unconcealed anxiety lingered in Kang Seokwon’s eyes.

“Sunbae.”

“Yeah.”

“Can I come up for breakfast?”

Kang Seokwon smiled softly at Jo Jihyun’s question.

“Come up.”

“See you later, then.”

Jo Jihyun bowed and left the room.

The last time he saw Kang Seokwon’s wrist, there was no tattoo. He’d kept his promise. The future could change, no matter what.

Now, only his task remained.

Seeing Jo Jihyun enter the room, Kang Seokwon furrowed his brow.

“Snowing a lot?”

“Yes. It’s coming down pretty hard.”

As Jo Jihyun approached, Kang Seokwon brushed snow from his collar.

“Your fever?”

“I took medicine, and it’s gone down.”

Though he knew where Jo Jihyun had been, Kang Seokwon asked nothing.

“Have you eaten?”

“I’ll eat with you, sunbae.”

“Meal time’s over.”

Hospital meals came at set times.

“Then eat again.”