DEARG Ch 31

He goes to the salon to get his hair trimmed on interview days. His clothes are always neat too. Be thankful for that at least. He’s great for photos. With his build and looks, even casual shots turn out well.

The words of Park Junhyuk, the senior sitting nearby, came to mind. When their eyes met, Kang Seokwon narrowed his eyes as if to ask what was wrong.

“No, it’s nothing. Shall we take a break and continue?”

“Alright.”

Kang Seokwon stood up. Kim Kyungrok swallowed dryly. The taller he stood, the more intimidating he seemed.

As Kang Seokwon left, Kim Kyungrok sighed and organized his interview notes. As the seniors had said, mixing those five phrases—thank you, sorry, yes, no, I’ll work hard—would probably fill the rest of the content.

“Phew…”

Thinking he’d sew his own mouth shut if he could go back a few hours, Kim Kyungrok stood up.

“Where’s the restroom?”

He asked a café staff member, who pointed in its direction.

“Thank you.”

He entered the restroom and stood at the urinal. With Kang Seokwon in front of him, his throat had been so dry he’d chugged three iced coffees, making him desperate to pee. Unzipping and relaxing, the stream flowed freely. Then the door opened, and Kang Seokwon walked in. In the small space, his impressive physique was undeniable. Kang Seokwon stood beside him, expressionless. Kim Kyungrok couldn’t help but glance sideways. With a hic, he quickly faced forward. Finishing, he washed his hands at the sink as Kang Seokwon adjusted his clothes and washed beside him. The awkward silence was suffocating, and Kim Kyungrok blurted out without thinking.

“You’re really big.”

It was obvious to anyone but a fool that he wasn’t just talking about height or build. Even hearing such a comment face-to-face, Kang Seokwon showed no change in expression.

“Yes.”

His short reply was as if he’d been told something mundane, like you have two eyes.

Kim Kyungrok desperately racked his brain to change the subject.

“Mr. Kang Seokwon, do you have a girlfriend?”

As soon as he said it, Kim Kyungrok regretted it. Researching the interviewee was essential to draw out rich stories. Kang Seokwon’s life could be summed up in one word: training. So, when he announced his pro transition, many were surprised. People thought he’d stick to the straightforward path of an athlete, and his quick move to the market seemed overly hasty. Kim Kyungrok agreed. When asked how he relieves stress, he’d answered training. Everyone likes money, but Kang Seokwon didn’t seem to have desires beyond training. It was a pointless question. His routine started and ended with training, so a girlfriend…

Sighing, Kim Kyungrok saw Kang Seokwon smile briefly with his eyes lowered. It was fleeting, but there was definitely something. A journalist’s instinct told him so.

“Do you have a girlfriend?”

He asked, swallowing hard.

“I’m seeing someone.”

The moment the macro gave a new response, Kim Kyungrok’s heart raced. This could be a scoop.

“Shall we return and continue the interview?”

Kang Seokwon nodded briefly. Sitting across the table, Kim Kyungrok cautiously asked about the girlfriend.

“Your girlfriend, where did you meet her?”

“She’s a junior.”

“Through an introduction? With your popularity, Mr. Kang Seokwon, you must get a lot of attention from women. You’re trending these days.”

“No.”

“What’s your girlfriend like? Doesn’t she worry about you doing such a dangerous sport?”

“I don’t know.”

Kang Seokwon sipped his coffee and checked his watch.

“I should get going. Thank you for today.”

The allotted time had passed. As Kang Seokwon stood, Kim Kyungrok grew anxious. He couldn’t let a potential scoop slip away.

“Any marriage plans?”

Despite the sudden question, Kang Seokwon answered without a change in expression.

“I’ll do it next year when we meet again.”

“What? Next year?”

Kang Seokwon nodded briefly and left.

A scoop.

Kim Kyungrok returned to the office, elated.

“Did it go well? Just taking photos makes it easy, right?”

“Haha, aren’t you seniors taking it too easy?”

Kim Kyungrok smirked arrogantly, setting his files on the desk.

“What? Did you hear something?”

“It’s a huge scoop.”

“What? Spill it.”

People gathered around. Kim Kyungrok boasted.

“Kang Seokwon’s marriage news. Isn’t that a jackpot?”

“What? Kang Seokwon?”

“No way, crazy.”

The reactions were lukewarm. Kim Kyungrok shouted, indignant.

“I’m serious! He said himself he’s doing it next year when they meet again.”

“Who’s the other person?”

“A junior, he said.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Why? Why are you laughing?”

Kim Kyungrok looked baffled, and Park Junhyuk clicked his tongue, shaking his head.

“He went to an all-boys middle and high school. No college.”

“It could be an elementary school junior!”

“The elementary school Kang Seokwon went to closed after he graduated.”

“Maybe a gym junior!”

“You’re full of it. Have you seen the gym he trained at? It’s a crumbling building with one shower. What woman would go there?”

“No, really, he said it himself. Why would Kang Seokwon lie to me?”

Kim Kyungrok said, feeling wronged.

“Did you p**s him off? Have you seen him fight? He may not look it, but he’s scary.”

“…He was scary just standing there. I didn’t say much.”

“Maybe you hit a nerve without knowing. That’s how it is with people. Don’t stress too much; just live with the embarrassment for a while.”

Park Junhyuk patted Kim Kyungrok’s shoulder.

“Still, take it as a good experience. He’s a once-in-a-generation genius in Korea. He’s meeting newbies like you now, but that won’t last. So, what was he like in person?”

“Big.”

“Who doesn’t know Kang Seokwon’s big?”

“Not that, this.”

Kim Kyungrok pointed between his legs. Park Junhyuk smacked the back of his head.

“Crazy b**t**d.”

“Why’d you hit me?”

“You stared at that the whole interview? You’re a total pervert.”

“We ran into each other in the restroom. What am I supposed to do when it’s there? I didn’t mean to look. It was just… that size.”

“You lunatic. So you told Kang Seokwon, ‘Wow, you’re huge,’ as a compliment?”

“…Not exactly.”

Another smack to the head.

“Hey! Sunbae!”

“You deserve it. Now I get why Kang Seokwon messed with you.”

Kim Kyungrok rubbed his stinging head, grumbling. Park Junhyuk, serious, said, “In the U.S., you’d be sued. Be thankful you’re in Korea. Don’t say crap like that again.”

“…Alright.”

Kim Kyungrok sighed heavily. Park Junhyuk leaned closer, lowering his voice.

“So, how big was it?”

Kim Kyungrok looked at his forearm and said, About this?

“Crazy liar.”

“No, really, it was big. Maybe it’s a good thing he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Something that big…”

Kim Kyungrok shuddered. Park Junhyuk clicked his tongue.

“Stop worrying about someone’s nonexistent girlfriend and finish the interview article.”

“Alright.”

Kim Kyungrok opened his laptop and powered it on. Checking his camera to transfer photos, he sighed deeply.

“What now?”

“His expressions are all the same.”

“Just pick one. That’s how he is. No expression.”

“No, there was definitely…”

When asked about a girlfriend, Kang Seokwon’s reaction was unexpected. He paused, then swallowed a smile, as if cherishing someone dear.

“There definitely was…”

I’ll do it next year when we meet again.

His voice carried the excitement of someone yearning passionately. Those who’ve loved would know.

“Ugh, whatever.”

Kim Kyungrok picked the best-lit photo.

That year, Kang Seokwon entered U.S. pro boxing and became the WBA world champion in four matches. The next year, he claimed the WBC title, becoming the unified champion. It was an unprecedented record in the heavyweight division, considered barren for Asians. Kang Seokwon became a globally recognized athlete. Kim Kyungrok never met him again outside official events.

Everything Park Junhyuk said came true, except one thing.

“We hope you enjoyed your flight with us today. Have a safe journey to your destination. Thank you.”

As the announcement played, passengers moved busily. Some stood before the seatbelt sign turned off.

Jo Jihyun, unable to suppress his nerves, unbuckled his belt. Walking to the bridge, he held his breath. The past years flashed by. Even waiting for immigration, reality felt unreal, and he pinched his thigh several times.

His return was March 26. Eight days before April 3, when he collapsed and lost his memory. He’d told Kang Seokwon the date repeatedly. I’ll return that day.

He met Kang Seokwon, delivering pizza, on the day he entered Korea. An unforgettable day. Leaving Korea, he’d told Kang Seokwon the return date and time. He wasn’t sure Kang Seokwon would come. He couldn’t be certain he’d remember something said years ago. He might be busy or have changed his mind. Still, the excitement was uncontainable. While retrieving his luggage, he nearly grabbed someone else’s in his anxiety. He just wanted to get out and see Kang Seokwon. That was all.

He found his bag among the circling luggage, pulled it out, and passed through the gate. Stepping out, Jo Jihyun looked around.

“Joji!”

“Hey, honey! Over here!”

Friends who recognized him waved. Jo Jihyun frowned instantly.

“I called them all. Haha.”

Kim Sunwoo confessed without being asked.

“It’s been forever since we saw our honey. Everyone missed you, so we came to pick you up. Look, Myungkyu made a sign.”

A crude Welcome, our honey written in pen on scavenged paper caught his eye. Jo Jihyun sighed. He’d told Kim Sunwoo about his return, but didn’t expect this.

“We’re meeting after so long, let’s catch up. Hyung knows a great place.”

Kim Myungkyu rubbed shoulders with Jo Jihyun, grinning. Jo Jihyun pushed him away, firm.

“I’m tired. I need to go.”

Kang Seokwon wasn’t there. Even if he couldn’t meet him today, he wasn’t in the mood to hang out with friends.

“You slept on the plane. Let’s go.”

Kim Sunwoo and his friends’ strength was also their flaw. Jo Jihyun sighed, waving his hand.

“The flight was delayed, and I was sitting for almost twenty hours. I’m exhausted.”

“Then just one drink, right?”

Lee Jaekyung grabbed Jo Jihyun’s bag, saying so.

“Give it back.”

Jo Jihyun tried to take it, but Lee Jaekyung was already running with it.

“I said give it back, Lee Jaekyung!”

As Jo Jihyun shouted and chased,

“Uh…!”

Lee Jaekyung froze as his bag was snatched. No one spoke. All eyes turned to him.

Jo Jihyun stared, breathless, at the man approaching with the suitcase.

“Sorry I’m late.”

A low voice.

The voice he’d imagined countless times resounded in reality.

“There was an accident on the way, so I got delayed.”

Kang Seokwon, holding the suitcase, stood before Jo Jihyun.

A moment dreamed of every night. Yet, he didn’t know what to say, what expression to make, or how to act. His mind was blank, and he couldn’t move a finger.

Kang Seokwon, grown from boy to man, faced Jo Jihyun. Though he’d seen him in matches and interviews online, the real presence was different. A deep navy suit exuded refined masculinity, but his untamed, feral eyes couldn’t be hidden. The contrast was dizzying, making passing women stop and stare.

“Isn’t that Mr. Kang Seokwon?”

Kim Myungkyu, wide-eyed, stammered.

“Yes.”

“An honor.”

Kim Myungkyu extended both hands. Kang Seokwon shook them, and Myungkyu bowed eagerly. Lee Jaekyung, wiping his hands, approached. People recognizing Kang Seokwon gathered.

“Not a fan?”

Kim Sunwoo leaned toward Jo Jihyun, whispering. Having delivered sports newspapers, he assumed Kang Seokwon was just a favorite athlete.

“Sunbae… school sunbae.”

Jo Jihyun barely spoke. At sunbae, Kang Seokwon’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“I’m going.”

Jo Jihyun said, as if entranced.

“What? Where?”

“I’ll call later.”

At that, Kang Seokwon pushed the suitcase and led the way. Jo Jihyun felt bad for the friends who came, but it didn’t matter.

Even leaving the airport gate, people recognizing Kang Seokwon whispered and crowded around. Yet, no one dared approach. His intimidating presence, then and now, set him apart.

“Tired?”

“I’m fine.”

Having such an ordinary conversation face-to-face felt awkward and unfamiliar. In seven years, they’d spoken by phone only twice. Because of that, Kang Seokwon was dropped from the national team, and Jo Jihyun got a lifelong illness.

“I have a car waiting.”

Kang Seokwon pointed to a luxury sedan in the parking lot. Jo Jihyun looked up at him.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

He knew of Kang Seokwon’s success through the news. Seeing it in person felt strange. This was the future Kang Seokwon deserved.

As Kang Seokwon approached, the driver opened the door.

“Get in.”

Jo Jihyun slid into the back seat. Kang Seokwon loaded the suitcase in the trunk and sat beside him.

“Take us to the place I mentioned.”

At Kang Seokwon’s words, the driver started the car.

The back seat was spacious for a sedan, but Kang Seokwon’s size made it feel cramped. Each lane change or acceleration brought their knees brushing precariously. Jo Jihyun’s blood ran dry, his body trembling. It felt like a teenage boy meeting a crush. Kang Seokwon was silent. Feeling foolishly excited alone, Jo Jihyun turned to the window to hide his flushed face. Then he noticed the car wasn’t heading toward the highway.

“Where are we going?”

“The nearest hotel.”

Kang Seokwon’s answer sent a surge of heat to Jo Jihyun’s heart. He blinked, flustered.

“You must be tired from the long flight.”

“Oh… yes.”

Jo Jihyun replied awkwardly, lowering his eyes. The car soon arrived at the hotel entrance.

“When should I come back?” the driver asked while unloading the luggage.

“I’ll contact you,” Kang Seokwon answered, and the driver promptly drove off. Kang Seokwon carried the suitcase into the hotel lobby and began the check-in process.

Jo Jihyun felt a bit flustered. He knew Kang Seokwon was a man of few words, but this situation was beyond his expectations. He trusted Kang Seokwon, yet he couldn’t completely shake the worry that this promise might be a burden to him. Kang Seokwon’s current demeanor was so reserved it felt almost cold. Not a single personal word had been spoken.

“Jo Jihyun.”

Startled by his name being called, Jo Jihyun quickly looked up.

“Let’s go.”

Jo Jihyun hurriedly followed him. While waiting for the elevator, Kang Seokwon remained silent. Jo Jihyun, unsure where to look, lowered his head. The elevator arrived. Kang Seokwon swiped the card and pressed the floor button. The awkward silence continued during the ride. Then, Jo Jihyun noticed Kang Seokwon’s hand, irregularly tapping his thigh.

Jo Jihyun looked up. Their eyes met in the air. Kang Seokwon’s direct gaze made his skin prickle. Jo Jihyun turned his head again. His throat tickled, and heat rose within him. Unsure what to do, he barely managed to breathe. The elevator chimed with a ding. Kang Seokwon held the door and gestured for Jo Jihyun to exit first.

As he brushed past, Jo Jihyun fought the sensation of his knees buckling. A sudden urge, akin to needing to pee, pressed on his stomach.

“…”

Stepping out, Kang Seokwon stopped abruptly, clicking his tongue as if troubled. A wave of unease hit Jo Jihyun, leaving him unable to speak.

“Jo Jihyun.”

“Yes.”

“If I’m misunderstanding something, you can be honest.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m wondering if I’m the only one holding onto a promise from years ago…”

Kang Seokwon rubbed his jaw, looking troubled. Only then did Jo Jihyun notice things he hadn’t before: the suit rarely worn even at formal events, the neatly styled hair, the tense shoulders, the fingers tapping his thigh.

“…If you regret this or feel it’s not right, you can leave. I don’t want to force you.”

“…”

Unable to respond and blinking, Jo Jihyun watched as Kang Seokwon pressed the elevator button. The thud of the elevator moving echoed.

“Sunbae.”

At Jo Jihyun’s call, Kang Seokwon’s fingers twitched. The tension and fear in the large man standing before him were palpable.

“I…”

His voice trembled. Hot blood surged from his heart.

“…I feel like I’ve lived my whole life waiting for today.”

A low sigh escaped Kang Seokwon. The moment Jo Jihyun registered his relief, his wrist was grabbed.

“…!”

As the doors closed, Kang Seokwon lunged fiercely. Jo Jihyun’s back hit the wall. Without hesitation, their lips met. Kang Seokwon roughly stripped off Jo Jihyun’s jacket. Jo Jihyun tore off Kang Seokwon’s suit.

“Me… since then, it’s my first time,” Kang Seokwon whispered between ragged breaths.

“Me too,” Jo Jihyun replied.

Kang Seokwon yanked at Jo Jihyun’s clothes, ripping the fabric and touching his bare skin. Feeling the warmth, the man grew fiercely aroused. Jo Jihyun surrendered to him, wrapping his arms around Kang Seokwon’s neck.

“Jihyun-ah,” Kang Seokwon called.

Jo Jihyun nodded slightly.

“I thought I’d lose my mind in the car.”

Rubbing against the sharp edge of desire, Kang Seokwon continued.

“I wanted to touch you… I was going crazy.”

“I… wanted to touch you too, sunbae.”

Each time their knees brushed in the car, Jo Jihyun had flinched, fearing he’d reveal his desperate longing in front of others.

Jo Jihyun’s pants and underwear dropped to his ankles in one motion. Jo Jihyun unbuckled Kang Seokwon’s belt. Expensive shirts and pants were trampled on the floor. Consumed by intense need, they devoured each other. Kang Seokwon grabbed Jo Jihyun’s thighs, spreading them, and thrust in.

“—!”

Jo Jihyun’s body tensed at the sudden intrusion. Kang Seokwon bit his lower lip, whispering, “Sorry. I can’t hold back.”

“…! —.”

The thick shaft pushed deeper. Gasping, Jo Jihyun clung to Kang Seokwon’s neck. Sorry, sorry, Jihyun-ah, he repeated, yet continued thrusting.

Jo Jihyun nodded.

“It’s okay… I… want this… haa.”

Clutching Kang Seokwon’s shirt, Jo Jihyun whispered, I’ve always wanted this. Hearing that, Kang Seokwon pulled him close and carried him to the bed. Without pause, the shaft slid back in. Jo Jihyun gasped, arching his shoulders.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Kang Seokwon said, holding Jo Jihyun’s thighs.

“Not anywhere, not to anyone.”

That was their promise.

When we meet again, I’ll never go anywhere.

Jo Jihyun pulled Kang Seokwon’s broad shoulders, replying, “I’m yours, sunbae.”

“…”

“So… ah!”

Kang Seokwon collided with him fiercely. A natural fighter, he overwhelmed his opponent with relentless attacks.

“Ah, haa, ah! Ngh, ah!” Jo Jihyun cried out.

Kang Seokwon’s thrusts pressed Jo Jihyun’s hips down. He bit Jo Jihyun’s neck, s**king hard enough to sting. Tears welled up.

“Say it again,” Kang Seokwon growled, animalistic.

Confused, Jo Jihyun looked up with wide eyes.

“What you said, say it again…”

“I’m… yours, sunbae.”

“Again.”

“—I’m yours, sunbae.”

“Again!”

Jo Jihyun realized the man’s restless fear.

“I’m yours… always have been, always will be.”

Tears streamed down as Kang Seokwon’s thrusts struck flesh.

“And you’re mine.”

At those words, Kang Seokwon collapsed into Jo Jihyun’s arms. Their bodies pressed together seamlessly.

“Ah, haa, ngh… ugh.”

Jo Jihyun’s shaft rubbed against Kang Seokwon’s firm stomach. Kang Seokwon attacked fiercely. The long-unused passage stretched to its limit, contracting and relaxing. The tip reached deep. P**ic hair grazed the stretched opening. Jo Jihyun cried out, clutching Kang Seokwon’s arms. Heat surged in his belly. Dizzy with the sensation of falling, he gasped and flailed. Kang Seokwon s**ked his lips, their breaths mingling. A sweet, intoxicating feeling spread through his heated tongue. He learned tears come when it feels too good. Crying, Jo Jihyun called, Sunbae, sunbae, it’s so good, ah, sunbae, keep going… Kang Seokwon s**ked, bit, and l**ked his skin. His merciless hunger, like a starving beast, was unfamiliar. He didn’t ask if it was okay or check his state. There was no room for that. Only primal instinct drove him. Kang Seokwon pressed down, his weight and strength suffocating, yet he gave no pause. Jo Jihyun’s shaft, pressed against his stomach, swelled painfully. Their eyes met. Jihyun-ah. Though unspoken, Jo Jihyun heard his voice. That alone brought him to c**max. S**en burst from Jo Jihyun’s shaft, staining their chests and stomachs. Kang Seokwon s**ked Jo Jihyun’s s**en-soaked chest.

“Haa… ngh.”

Jo Jihyun writhed, arching his hips. Kang Seokwon’s body tensed. Instinctively pulling back, he gripped Jo Jihyun’s hips and released inside. The warm, w** sensation was a humiliatingly unforgettable c**max.

Clenching his teeth, Kang Seokwon thrust a few more times. S**en leaked between their joined flesh.

Jo Jihyun dropped his head to the pillow, panting. Kang Seokwon collapsed on top, their w** breaths grazing his ear. It was his breathing—the sound Jo Jihyun longed for on sleepless nights.

Eyes closed, Jo Jihyun listened to Kang Seokwon’s breaths. Kang Seokwon gently nibbled his earlobe. Jo Jihyun exhaled shakily, Haa.

“Jihyun-ah.”

His low voice brushed Jo Jihyun’s ear. Kang Seokwon’s steady voice mirrored his solidity. He lifted Jo Jihyun’s arm to embrace him.

“I missed you.”

“…”

Hot tears blurred his vision.

“I missed you so much.”

It was a deep, raw emotion beyond the word missing. It was unshareable, something he didn’t want understood by others.

“Tell me you love me.”

A proud, strong man begged for love without shame. Jo Jihyun held him, repeating, I love you, I love you, sunbae, truly, I love you.

Each confession made Kang Seokwon breathe as if rescued from drowning. Jo Jihyun belatedly realized he was trembling.

Jihyun-ah.

Shaking his shoulder, Kang Seokwon called. Jo Jihyun barely opened his eyes.

“Eat and sleep.”

“…I want to sleep more.”

“No. You haven’t eaten all day.”

Kang Seokwon forced Jo Jihyun up. Rubbing his swollen eyes, Jo Jihyun leaned against the headboard. All night, Kang Seokwon had taken him. Eventually, Jo Jihyun cried, begging he’d die, but Kang Seokwon acted as if unable to control his desire. They’d passed out from s** until noon. Sleep trumped hunger, but Kang Seokwon, with his boundless stamina, didn’t seem to understand.

Kang Seokwon brought a tray of porridge ordered from room service and sat before Jo Jihyun. Stirring to cool it, he scooped a spoonful and brought it to Jo Jihyun’s mouth. It was so natural.

Jo Jihyun swallowed a laugh, raising his hands.

“I know.”

“I’ll eat myself.”

“I want to feed you.”

Kang Seokwon treated him like a child, yet for a moment, it felt like he was the one being childish. Resigned, Jo Jihyun opened his mouth. The cooled porridge entered.

“Does it taste okay?”

His habit of asking after feeding was familiar and comforting.

“Yes. But yours would taste better, sunbae.”

“I’ll make it for you later.”

Anytime.

The added word lifted Jo Jihyun’s mood.

“We can stay together, right?”

Kang Seokwon asked.

Truthfully, Jo Jihyun had worried about meeting before April 4. Today was the right day, but they hadn’t done this then. Knowing it would lead to this, Jo Jihyun had insisted on meeting today. He couldn’t delay even a day. A belated fear of consequences crept in.

“It’s okay,” Kang Seokwon said, reading his expression, and fed him another spoonful.

“I’m a bit worried.”

Kang Seokwon, knowing what going wrong meant, didn’t ask for clarification.

“Just until April 4…”

“No.”

Kang Seokwon’s gaze deepened.

“I can’t wait another day, not even an hour.”

“Sunbae.”

“I don’t care if I can’t compete anymore. Just stay by my side.”

His resolute eyes spoke volumes. Jo Jihyun sighed softly and nodded. Kang Seokwon fed him another spoonful. After emptying the bowl, he cleared the tray.

Sitting beside Jo Jihyun, Kang Seokwon met his eyes and lightly kissed his lips.

“What now?” Jo Jihyun asked, half-closing his eyes.

“Finish what we started.”

“What?”

“All day, I’ll have s** with you and finish inside.”

Jo Jihyun’s face flushed at Kang Seokwon’s bluntness, unheard before. Previously, Kang Seokwon rarely finished inside, using c**doms or pulling out. Since reuniting, he’d done it every time, like a male marking his territory.

“Don’t like it?”

“No way I wouldn’t,” Jo Jihyun replied.

Satisfied, Kang Seokwon smiled, pulling his lips.

“Come here.”

He opened his arms. As Jo Jihyun approached, Kang Seokwon pulled him close, sheets and all.

“Sunbae.”

“Yeah.”

“Can we do it after a bath? My body’s still stiff…”

Hesitating, Jo Jihyun asked. Kang Seokwon laughed and nodded.

“Haa…”

Warmth enveloped Jo Jihyun’s body. His tense muscles and bones relaxed, and he sighed, tilting his head back.

“Feel good?”

Kang Seokwon asked. Eyes closed, Jo Jihyun said, Yes. Kang Seokwon’s low laugh echoed.

“I was sitting for almost twenty hours because of the delay,” Jo Jihyun added, like an excuse.

“Does your back hurt?”

“Yes, a little.”

“Want a massage?”

Jo Jihyun’s eyes widened.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Come here. It’s probably tight muscles.”

Kang Seokwon pulled Jo Jihyun to sit in front of him. The suite’s bathtub was massive, fitting two grown men comfortably. When Kang Seokwon suggested bathing together, Jo Jihyun doubted his ears. I’ll do it alone. Kang Seokwon, filling the tub, replied, No. I booked this room for this. We didn’t get to in Jeju. Jo Jihyun hadn’t known he’d cared about bathtubs in Jeju. Reluctantly, they entered together.

“How’s that?”

Kang Seokwon kneaded Jo Jihyun’s back gently.

“It’s good. Ah…”

Jo Jihyun squinted as tight muscles loosened, swallowing a m**n.

“You haven’t gained much weight.”

“Yes.”

Kang Seokwon’s hands roamed Jo Jihyun’s waist.

“You should gain more.”

“It tickles…”

Twisting, Jo Jihyun couldn’t escape Kang Seokwon’s hands on his sides. Realizing he was teasing, Jo Jihyun sat back properly.

“Sunbae, you’ve gotten a bit mischievous, you know?”

“Have I?” Kang Seokwon laughed, then asked, “What else?”

“What?”

“What else has changed about me?”

At the question, Jo Jihyun studied him. His bronze-sculpture-like face was now far more masculine and refined. Jo Jihyun knew, through his growing scrapbook collection, that Kang Seokwon was increasingly featured on magazine covers.

“You’ve gotten cooler.”

Kang Seokwon laughed briefly and asked, And?

“Are you… taller?”

“A bit. You?”

“Same as always,” Jo Jihyun replied with a sigh. His height and weight hadn’t changed much since eighteen.

“Yeah,” Kang Seokwon murmured dreamily, gazing at Jo Jihyun.