DEARG Ch 32

“It’s really just the same.”

The man’s gaze thoroughly scans Jo Jihyun. Heat rises along the path his eyes trace.

“You haven’t changed at all.”

With an enraptured look in his eyes, the man shares his observation.

“That’s why it feels unbelievable.”

“…….”

“It feels like I’m dreaming, ……, …….”

Kang Seokwon’s low voice rubs against the damp air. Jo Jihyun leans forward and kisses him. While resting against his knees, Jo Jihyun says,

“It’s not a dream.”

Kang Seokwon brushes back Jo Jihyun’s w** hair.

“You have changed.”

Jo Jihyun kisses his fingers.

“You’ve become even more beautiful.”

The water splashes, and the surface ripples. The two men, deeply kissing, pull apart. Kang Seokwon’s gaze lingers between Jo Jihyun’s legs. Water droplets trickle down his lean body, wetting his body hair. A deep desire clouds his previously expressionless face. Blood rushes to his face. Before Jo Jihyun can cover himself, Kang Seokwon closes the distance between them in an instant. Grabbing the back of his head, a rough kiss follows. Kang Seokwon pulls Jo Jihyun into an embrace, pressing their g**ins together. Without touching with his hands, he rubs his nearly e**ct member between Jo Jihyun’s legs. As if insatiable despite fulfilling his desires all day, he reveals his hunger. Gripping Jo Jihyun’s fair, plump b**tocks tightly, Kang Seokwon rubs his body against his own e**ction. When Jo Jihyun lets out an “ah” and m**ns, Kang Seokwon bites his w** lips and s**ks on his tongue. He probes the softened entrance with hot water. Spreading the opening with two fingers, he inserts his middle finger. The warm water in the bathtub ripples with a soft splash. As Jo Jihyun’s legs weaken and he half-collapses, hot water flows inside each time Kang Seokwon moves his fingers. Jo Jihyun’s eyes redden, and low m**ns escape his parted lips. The thick fingers thrust in and out, loosening him below. With each additional finger, Jo Jihyun breathes heavily, leaning against Kang Seokwon’s shoulder.

“Quickly.”

Jo Jihyun softly urges him.

“What.”

“……, ah, ugh, ……. haa.”

The overlapping fingers move shallowly and deeply, stirring his inner walls. Jo Jihyun flinches, clinging to Kang Seokwon.

“Sunbae-nim, ……, mm, ……, mm. Ugh.”

Kang Seokwon pulls his chin firmly, suppressing his own desires, and persistently asks,

“Say it.”

“……, please put it in.”

Jo Jihyun, flushed with excitement, rubs his aroused member against Kang Seokwon’s arm, pleading. As if waiting for this, Kang Seokwon grabs his b**tocks, spreads them, and thrusts his e**ction inside. The firm flesh parts the swollen inner walls, gradually entering.

“Ah, ……, haa, mm, ugh.”

Each time Kang Seokwon moves his hips, hot water surges into the opening. The hard e**ction feels as if it’s ejaculating with every thrust.

“Sunbae-nim, ……haa, ……the water, keeps…….”

Kang Seokwon takes Jo Jihyun’s n**ple into his mouth, nibbling gently, and asks, “Why?”

“The water coming in, ……, it feels strange.”

“How so.”

“……, I’m scared.”

As Jo Jihyun speaks tearfully, Kang Seokwon has him lean forward in the bathtub. Inserting his fingers and stirring, water pours down his legs. Jo Jihyun’s face flushes as if he’s incontinent. Kang Seokwon’s thick fingers probe inside, scraping out the moisture.

“There’s a bit pooled inside.”

Kang Seokwon whispers into Jo Jihyun’s ear while he’s bent over.

“Should I draw out more?”

Jo Jihyun shakes his head. As soon as he responds, Kang Seokwon removes his fingers and thrusts his e**ction inside. It’s astonishing he’s held back this long; his flesh is rigidly swollen. Jo Jihyun’s fingertips, gripping the edge of the bathtub, tremble faintly.

Despite having c**maxed multiple times today, the man’s vigor doesn’t wane. As if determined to release seven years’ worth of pent-up desire today, he presses forward.

“Sunbae-nim, ah, ah……!”

Jo Jihyun’s low, hoarse voice echoes against the bathroom ceiling. Kang Seokwon bites his shoulder, grazing the skin. A faint pain mixes with pleasure. Each time the man moves, the bathroom water sloshes in response. W** body hair brushes and rubs against the entrance. The man exhales hot breaths, gripping Jo Jihyun’s e**ction. Shaking the rigid flesh up and down, which has nothing left to release, Jo Jihyun sobs and pants.

“Haa, ah, sunbae-nim, mm……. ugh!”

Like a child leaking a small amount of urine, clear fluid wets Kang Seokwon’s palm. His c**maxing body contracts and relaxes repeatedly. At the movement of the opening gripping his e**ction, Kang Seokwon furrows his brow. Gripping Jo Jihyun’s rounded b**tocks with all his strength, he thrusts his desire inside.

“――!”

An intense o**asm claws through the man’s entire body, making his vision spin. Kang Seokwon, eyes narrowed, thrusts his hips a few more times. Jo Jihyun’s insides are soaked with s**en.

Only their ragged breathing fills the air intermittently. A few seconds later, cloudy s**en drips into the bathtub water.

“Now?”

“……, sorry?”

“Are you still scared?”

Kang Seokwon’s s**en pools inside the opening. It feels similar yet different from the water entering. Jo Jihyun knows why Kang Seokwon asks this question.

“I’m not scared.”

Jo Jihyun adds,

“Everything you do, sunbae-nim, is okay.”

It’s to confirm who Jo Jihyun belongs to. His possessiveness and anxiety, previously unseen, tug at Jo Jihyun’s heart.

As Kang Seokwon pulls back, the s**en pooled with his e**ction spills out. Seeing the bathtub water cloud, Jo Jihyun furrows his brow slightly and says,

“We need to refill the water.”

“Why?”

Kang Seokwon asks. As Jo Jihyun blinks, Kang Seokwon adds calmly, pulling him into an embrace,

“It’s going to keep getting dirty anyway.”

“Are you awake?”

Looking at the newly awakened Jo Jihyun, Kang Seokwon asks. Jo Jihyun gives a gentle smile. Kang Seokwon kisses his cheek.

“What do you want to eat?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Since arriving at the hotel, they haven’t stepped outside. All meals have been ordered through room service. After eating, they’d sleep when tired, have s**, and fall asleep holding each other again. It was a time untouched by rational thought.

“You still need to eat.”

“Later.”

“I’ll shower, so think about what you want to eat.”

Jo Jihyun nods. Kang Seokwon kisses his forehead once more and gets up. Watching his toned back muscles, Jo Jihyun dares to imagine the hardships he must have endured.

As Kang Seokwon enters the bathroom, the sound of water starts. Thinking of sleeping more, Jo Jihyun closes his eyes but suddenly recalls something and catches his breath.

“Sunbae-nim.”

“Yeah.”

Kang Seokwon’s response mixes with the sound of water.

“Can I use your phone?”

“It’s in my jacket pocket.”

“Okay.”

Jo Jihyun rummages through the jacket pocket Kang Seokwon left by the bed. Feeling metal, he grabs it, thinking it’s the phone, and pulls it out.

“…….”

Pressing a button absentmindedly, Jo Jihyun freezes upon seeing the photo on the screen. At that moment, Kang Seokwon turns off the shower and hurries out.

“The outer pocket, not the inner one…….”

Their eyes meet. Seeing the phone in Jo Jihyun’s hand, Kang Seokwon clicks his tongue and turns his head.

“Are you still using this?”

It’s been seven years. No, even longer, since he used it before then. It’s not a phone one would keep using for that long. Above all, the wallpaper photo…

“Too lazy to change it.”

Kang Seokwon takes the phone from Jo Jihyun, rummages through the pocket, and hands him a newer phone.

“You use two?”

“This one’s just for you.”

Kang Seokwon says sheepishly, then quickly adds,

“I haven’t shown the wallpaper to anyone. Don’t worry.”

“……, okay.”

Still, why that photo…

“You could’ve used a better one.”

In the photo Kang Seokwon snapped at a convenience store, Jo Jihyun looks startled, staring straight ahead.

“It’s the only one I have.”

Kang Seokwon’s voice sounds a bit sullen. Jo Jihyun swallows a laugh.

“Let’s take more later. You took a lot for me too.”

Though he still found being photographed tedious, thinking of the man who dressed neatly and styled his hair for interviews made it bearable.

“……, you knew?”

“How could I not?”

Given Kang Seokwon’s personality, his media exposure was excessive. He didn’t do much—just got photographed. He stood in public as if for the sake of being photographed. Jo Jihyun knew who it was for.

Kang Seokwon rubs his chin and mutters,

“Whatever. That’s over now.”

Jo Jihyun pushes him, saying, “Go shower.”

“Don’t answer any calls.”

“Okay.”

On their first day at the hotel, Kang Seokwon turned off his phone due to relentless calls. Turning it back on, texts and messages piled up. Ignoring them, Jo Jihyun calls Kim Seonwoo.

After a few rings, a voice says, “Hello?”

“Kim Seonwoo. It’s me.”

“Hey! You!”

“Sorry. I meant to call.”

“You’re dead. You didn’t call once! I was worried something happened.”

“Sorry.”

No excuses.

Two weeks before Kim Seonwoo’s wedding, Jo Jihyun planned to return to Korea. When he shared this, Kim Seonwoo asked where he’d stay. Jo Jihyun said he’d rent a guesthouse. Kim Seonwoo immediately replied, “Hey, I have a room. Stay there.” Knowing it wasn’t just any room, Jo Jihyun declined. “I moved to my honeymoon place, but the stuff there isn’t sorted yet, so I haven’t cleared it out. We’re going on our honeymoon anyway, so just move in. Don’t say no. I know how hard you worked for that plane ticket.” While sharing Kim Seonwoo’s apartment, Jo Jihyun never missed rent, covering it with money earned from grueling part-time jobs. “I make good money,” Jo Jihyun said, but Kim Seonwoo ignored him. “See you when you get back. I’ll give you the key then.” When asked how much for the wedding gift, Kim Seonwoo laughed. “We don’t take gifts. Idiot.” Before Jo Jihyun could say more, Kim Seonwoo said, “See you then,” and hung up.

“Really sorry.”

He must have been waiting for contact to hand over the key.

“Get a phone first. How can I not worry if I can’t reach you? I thought about going to the police.”

“Got it.”

“Just saying, but you’re really buying one?”

“Yeah, I should.”

The only reason he hadn’t bought a phone was resolved.

“Good call. Hey, my parents and Yukyung miss you. Make time.”

“I’ll call later.”

Fresh from the shower, Kang Seokwon comes out with a towel around his waist. Jo Jihyun, still not used to his body, looks away and tells Kim Seonwoo, “Talk later,” ending the call.

“Who?”

“Seonwoo. Friend.”

“White shirt?”

“Huh?”

“The guy next to you.”

Jo Jihyun tries to recall Kim Seonwoo at the airport. Kang Seokwon’s appearance blanked his mind, leaving little memory of anything else.

“Was it a white shirt?”

“About 180cm, navy pants. Friendly face. Right next to you.”

“……, I guess so.”

“Close?”

Not wanting to lie, Jo Jihyun says, “Yes.” Kim Seonwoo is a dear friend. He’s helped in many ways, but Jo Jihyun genuinely likes him.

“Must be really close.”

Kang Seokwon says, drying his hair with a towel. A subtle silence follows.

“There was nothing for you to worry about, sunbae-nim.”

“Something I’d worry about?”

Kang Seokwon asks. Jo Jihyun realizes his slip. He doesn’t even know what Kang Seokwon might worry about. Noticing his embarrassment, Kang Seokwon’s lips relax.

“What do you think I’d worry about?”

As Jo Jihyun hesitates, Kang Seokwon mutters,

“I’m not that generous.”

“He’s getting married next week.”

Kang Seokwon smiles thinly. Jo Jihyun realizes he’s been teased and furrows his brow.

“Sunbae-nim, really…….”

Before he finishes, the phone rings. It’s a name that’s appeared in missed calls several times. Kang Seokwon sighs.

“Shouldn’t you answer?”

It’s their fifth day at the hotel. Jo Jihyun might be fine, but Kang Seokwon has work.

“I’ll shower. Answer the phone, sunbae-nim.”

“Fine.”

Kang Seokwon reluctantly picks up the phone. After Jo Jihyun showers and washes his hair, Kang Seokwon is making another call.

“Yes. Please.”

Kang Seokwon gestures for Jo Jihyun to sit. Jo Jihyun takes a seat in the living room. Finishing the call, Kang Seokwon grabs a hairdryer and plugs it in.

“Come here.”

Jo Jihyun sits in front of him. Drying his w** hair, Kang Seokwon asks, “What do you want to eat?”

“Don’t you have to go out?”

“…….”

No response. Jo Jihyun hit the mark. He overheard Kang Seokwon giving someone the hotel’s address and room number. Jo Jihyun has clothes in his luggage, but Kang Seokwon doesn’t.

“Where are you going?”

“Just, some things.”

Jo Jihyun easily guesses he canceled important matters.

“I need to go out for some errands too.”

“What errands.”

“Paperwork. And I need to pick up a key.”

“A key?”

Kang Seokwon raises an eyebrow.

“……, Seonwoo said I could use his place while I’m in Korea.”

Kang Seokwon falls silent. A subtle pause lingers. Only after Jo Jihyun’s hair is dry does he let him go.

“Done.”

“Thanks.”

As Jo Jihyun stands, Kang Seokwon grabs his nape and kisses him. What he thought would be brief lingers persistently. Jo Jihyun, panting, pushes Kang Seokwon’s shoulders, and only then does he pull back.

“That does make me worry.”

Kang Seokwon murmurs, biting and releasing Jo Jihyun’s lower lip.

“Haa.”

Jo Jihyun sighs and sits on the sofa.

In the end, they entwine once more on the sofa. Only then do they leave the hotel room. They have breakfast and lunch in the hotel lobby before parting. Before leaving, Kang Seokwon hands Jo Jihyun his old phone. “Keep it. I’ll call.” Jo Jihyun nods and takes it. “I’ll call when I’m done.” “Okay.” “Call if anything comes up.” Kang Seokwon enters his other number. They take a waiting car into Seoul. Dropping Jo Jihyun off downtown, Kang Seokwon looks reluctant. “I’ll keep in touch,” Jo Jihyun says, stepping out.

After scheduling a hospital checkup and sorting paperwork, Jo Jihyun meets Kim Seonwoo and ends up at his house. His family warmly welcomes Jo Jihyun. Kim Seonwoo’s parents treat him like a savior. During his study abroad, Kim Seonwoo took d**gs from bad friends at a club. Common among rich students, he swallowed them drunkenly and had a heart attack. Returning from a night shift, Jo Jihyun found him and performed perfect first aid, saving him. Afterward, Kim Seonwoo lived like a changed man, thanks to Jo Jihyun informing his parents. They adore Jo Jihyun, ready to hand over their house deed. “It’s been so long; you can’t just leave,” says Kim Seonwoo’s white-haired mother, tearing up while holding his hand. “Thinking of how you saved Seonwoo, I’m so grateful.” As the cherished youngest, Jo Jihyun joins dinner. The mood is lively, with older siblings playfully teasing the youngest, who’s marrying first. Jo Jihyun smiles, watching his talkative friend get ribbed.

During the visit, Kang Seokwon called several times. Jo Jihyun promptly replied to messages and returned calls. Observing this, Kim Seonwoo’s third older brother tilted his head and asked who it was. When Jo Jihyun hesitated, flustered, the brother pressed further. The brothers had already been nosy, offering to introduce Jo Jihyun to a nice young lady multiple times. Sweating nervously, Jo Jihyun barely managed to deflect. “Why are you grilling my friend?” Kim Seonwoo teased, trying to snatch the phone from Jo Jihyun’s hand. Jo Jihyun narrowly protected the phone and finished the meal.

Only after having tea could Jo Jihyun finally head to the apartment Kim Seonwoo had used. They were good people, but conversing in a large group was undeniably exhausting. Sitting languidly, Jo Jihyun looked around the apartment after a while. The claim of moving out wasn’t entirely false; the place was starkly empty. Apart from built-in furniture, only a sofa, a bed, and a small side table remained, sufficient for basic living.

Kang Seokwon’s expression was stiff when he dropped Jo Jihyun off from the car. He didn’t bother hiding his displeasure. When Kim Seonwoo asked if he had a place to stay, Jo Jihyun thought of Kang Seokwon’s home. But he couldn’t assume he’d stay there for weeks without even contacting him.

Jo Jihyun pulled the phone from his pocket. Though the edges were worn, it was well-maintained for its age. One glance showed how carefully Kang Seokwon had used it.

Pressing a button, Jo Jihyun saw his own awkward expression on the screen. When he received the phone, he asked if he could change the wallpaper. Kang Seokwon refused in a firm tone. “Absolutely not.” His voice left no room for negotiation.

Sitting on the sofa, staring at the old photo, memories of past days surfaced. Since leaving Korea, Jo Jihyun hadn’t once tried to return to the moment he lost his memories.

The image of a bloodied Kang Seokwon came to mind. Jo Jihyun had promised to protect him this time, to ensure such a future would never come.

Is it heading in the right direction this time?

Jo Jihyun turned to look out the window. A larger-than-usual moon hung between buildings. Turning on the TV would inevitably bring news about the grandest cosmic show.

That day was approaching. The happiness of meeting Kang Seokwon was fleeting, overshadowed by anxiety pressing on his heart. What would happen to this long day after April 4th? No matter how much he thought, no answers came.

Swallowing a sigh, Jo Jihyun closed his eyes. Then the doorbell rang. He answered the phone immediately.

“Yes, sunbae-nim.”

“Where are you?”

“At the place I mentioned earlier.”

“Text me the address.”

“Are you coming now?”

Noisy chatter came through the phone.

“Are you drinking?”

Kang Seokwon let out a long sigh. His voice, saying, “It turned out that way,” carried a hint of irritation.

“The director’s getting married this week.”

“Must be wedding season.”

“I’ll come later.”

Jo Jihyun checked the time. It was past 10 p.m.

“Sunbae-nim, let’s meet tomorrow. Tell me the place in the morning, and I’ll come.”

Kang Seokwon apologized, saying, “Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Where should I go tomorrow?”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“Got it.”

“Are you going to sleep?”

“Yes. I guess I haven’t adjusted to the time difference.”

His eyes felt heavy. Though he’d been holed up in the hotel with Kang Seokwon since arriving in Korea, it wasn’t exactly restful time.

“Okay. Sleep well.”

“You too, sunbae-nim.”

Kang Seokwon didn’t hang up immediately, waiting for Jo Jihyun to end the call. Jo Jihyun called out, “Sunbae-nim.”

“Yeah.”

“I miss you.”

A soft sound of Kang Seokwon catching his breath came through. “Me too,” he confessed openly.

“I’ll hang up.”

Jo Jihyun pressed the power button, put the phone down, went to the bathroom to wash up, and lay in bed. He fell asleep without tossing much.

A loud thudding woke him from deep sleep. At first, he thought it was thunder from rain. But the sound persisted regularly. Frowning, Jo Jihyun got up. Someone was knocking on the door. Realizing this, his blood ran cold. Nightmares of his mother coming to the house at midnight had haunted him often. With cold hands, he gripped the bed’s edge and stood. He didn’t think to grab a jacket. “Dreams can’t break through reality. You must accept that first.” The doctor’s voice echoed. It’s a dream, just a dream. Breathing heavily, Jo Jihyun walked to the door. Someone was knocking outside. Unable to distinguish dream from reality, he swallowed dryly.

“Who is it?”

He managed to steady his voice.

“Jihyun-ah.”

Startled by the unexpected voice, Jo Jihyun quickly opened the door. Kang Seokwon stood there.

“Sunbae-nim? What’s wrong? At this hour…”

“…….”

Kang Seokwon stared silently. Jo Jihyun slightly frowned at the smell of alcohol on his breath.

“Are you drunk?”

“Yeah.”

Kang Seokwon admitted it readily. Jo Jihyun closed the door and let him in.

“How much…”

Kang Seokwon grabbed Jo Jihyun’s arm, pulling him into a tight embrace. He buried his face in Jo Jihyun’s neck, inhaling his scent, then slowly traced his spine with his hand. Jo Jihyun realized what he was doing.

Confirming existence. Relieved. Denying. Anxious. Confirming again.

Kang Seokwon repeated this, pressing himself against Jo Jihyun’s body.

“Tell me it’s not a dream.”

“It’s not a dream.”

“I feel like you’ll disappear when I wake up.”

At the hotel, Jo Jihyun never saw Kang Seokwon sleep. He was always watching him when he woke. Realizing this, his heart ached sharply. He had caused Kang Seokwon’s anxiety.

Jo Jihyun gently rubbed Kang Seokwon’s back.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Tightening his embrace, he continued,

“Even if you say you hate me, sunbae-nim, I won’t go.”

Kang Seokwon lifted his head.

“……, how could I hate you?”

His tone was like a devout believer whose faith was questioned. Jo Jihyun kissed him. “I love you.” As the whisper ended, Kang Seokwon lunged like a beast, showering Jo Jihyun with a storm of kisses. Clothes were pulled off, and he was enveloped.

If it’s a dream, may it not break.

Swallowing the wish he’d held since meeting Kang Seokwon, Jo Jihyun closed his eyes.

He gazed at the sleeping Kang Seokwon.

As if making up for days without sleep, he was deeply asleep.

A straight nose, soft lips, strong jaw, cool eyes. Staring for a while never grew boring.

Checking the clock, it was past 9 a.m. Trying to get up, Jo Jihyun swallowed a groan from the pain below his waist. Lying face-down, he caught his breath. Despite the pain and exhaustion, knowing Kang Seokwon wanted him made him want to give everything.

Still, he thought he should hold back for a while and slowly got up. Dressing and stepping out, he opened the fridge to find only drinks, water, and beer—typical of Kim Seonwoo. This was likely stocked for Jo Jihyun’s stay. He put on a jacket, went to the mart in the apartment complex, bought groceries, and rode the elevator back. Searching for the key, the door swung open.

“…….”

Kang Seokwon, about to step out, met his eyes. Wearing only pants, holding an unworn shirt.

Seeing Jo Jihyun, Kang Seokwon sighed. Relief was brief; a low voice followed.

“Where were you?”

“Just to the mart downstairs. You were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t mention it.”

They’d spent five days together at the hotel. If Kang Seokwon hadn’t slept, he’d be at his human limit.

“Wake me next time.”

His voice was sharp. Jo Jihyun said, “Got it.”

Kang Seokwon ran a hand through his messy hair.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.”

“It’s fine. I’m sorry for leaving without telling you.”

He only wanted Kang Seokwon to rest. He realized his mistake when he saw the man rush out barefoot, barely dressed.

Kang Seokwon finally noticed the bag in Jo Jihyun’s hand.

“What’s that?”

“For breakfast.”

Kang Seokwon raised an eyebrow, catching the implication.

“I can cook simple things.”

In the U.S., he cooked most meals to save money. Kang Seokwon looked at him with a slightly off expression, like a parent who missed their child’s first steps.

“Go shower. I’ll set up breakfast.”

“Okay.”

Kang Seokwon went to the bathroom. While he showered, Jo Jihyun cooked soup and side dishes. Fresh from the shower, Kang Seokwon sat at the table, watching Jo Jihyun cook.

“Why are you staring?”

“It’s fascinating.”

“What is?”

Kang Seokwon, resting his chin, smiled.

“You’ve grown so much.”

Jo Jihyun’s face flushed. He turned to check the simmering bean sprout soup.

“Can you eat this?”

He asked while preparing. Kang Seokwon, an athlete, strictly controlled his diet before competitions.

“It’s fine for now.”

“Good.”

When the food was ready, Jo Jihyun set out spoons and chopsticks, plating the dishes. His heart pounded as he served. It wasn’t fancy, but it was the first meal he’d made for Kang Seokwon.

While Kang Seokwon tasted the food, Jo Jihyun couldn’t help watching his reaction.

“Is it okay?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s delicious.”

He added quickly. Relieved, Jo Jihyun began eating. They barely spoke during breakfast, only the clink of dishes breaking the silence.

“What are you doing this afternoon?”

Jo Jihyun’s question made Kang Seokwon pause. He clearly had important plans.

“It’s fine. I have to stop by somewhere too.”

“What time will you be done?”

“Around four or five.”

He had paperwork to sort.

“Anything you want to eat? I’ll make a reservation.”

“I want to eat what you make, sunbae-nim.”

Kang Seokwon smiled subtly at Jo Jihyun’s words.

“Then come home.”

“Tell me the address.”

“It’s the same place as before.”

Jo Jihyun’s eyes widened. Finishing the meal, Kang Seokwon cleared the dishes and continued.

“I didn’t move. Still live there.”

It was a cramped, old row house, entirely unfit for Kang Seokwon’s fame and wealth.

“Just in case.”

From that single phrase, Jo Jihyun could guess why he hadn’t moved.

They say a parent who loses a child on the street never moves, so the child can always find home.

“I’ll do the dishes. Breakfast was great.”

Kang Seokwon said, placing the dishes in the sink.

Nothing was lacking, everything was perfect.

Jo Jihyun hadn’t thought he could love him more, but he was wrong. Less than a week after reuniting, he already loved Kang Seokwon several times more.

The door opened when he rang the bell.

“You got here fast.”

“Yes, I called from right outside.”

“Come in.”

Kang Seokwon held the door, stepping aside.

“I cleaned, but… it’s small, so it might be uncomfortable. Sorry.”

“No.”

Jo Jihyun shook his head, eyes wide at the unexpected comment.

“I don’t think that at all.”

“Still, it’s less comfortable than that place.”

Kim Seonwoo’s apartment was among Gangnam’s finest. Jo Jihyun stared at Kang Seokwon blankly before speaking.

“I want to stay here.”

“…….”

“If that’s okay with you, sunbae-nim.”

Before returning to Korea, he couldn’t contact Kang Seokwon, so that was his only option.

“Stay here.”

Kang Seokwon answered as if waiting for it.

“If it’s uncomfortable, I’ll find another place right away. So,”

He grabbed Jo Jihyun’s shoulders.

“Stay with me.”

The man couldn’t bear even the smallest gap. Jo Jihyun nodded.

“I’ll move my stuff.”

Only then did Kang Seokwon’s expression soften. Jo Jihyun stepped inside, looking around.

“This place really hasn’t…”

Suddenly, Kang Seokwon grabbed his chin and kissed him. His desire was sudden and fervent, like a summer downpour. His tongue slid past Jo Jihyun’s lips, grazing his even teeth.

“Sit and wait.”

Kang Seokwon murmured between barely parted lips. Jo Jihyun nodded, dazed.

“This…”

He remembered the item in his hand and held it out.

“What’s this?”

“Beer.”

Kang Seokwon’s expression froze. He glanced between Jo Jihyun and the beer, then sighed, recalling something.

“I forget your age sometimes.”

He took the beer from Jo Jihyun and put it in the fridge. Jo Jihyun smiled, looking around Kang Seokwon’s room. Almost nothing had changed, except for more trophies stacked in the corner.

The room was as simple as his life. Kang Seokwon was generally indifferent to most things. Despite earning so much, he didn’t care for bigger houses or luxury. He just did his work quietly. Jo Jihyun knew the moments when he showed deep desire, rushing to fill an unquenchable thirst. Rubbing his warming neck, Jo Jihyun sat down. In the small house, Kang Seokwon’s cooking was fully visible. Hearing the knife on the cutting board, Jo Jihyun narrowed his eyes.

“Sunbae-nim.”

“Yeah.”

Kang Seokwon answered, pouring cleaned shrimp into a pan.

“Did you learn to cook?”

His past cooking was decent for a high schooler, but not professional. Now, it was beyond that.

“A bit.”

“Why?”

“Thought it’d be useful.”

Jo Jihyun swallowed a laugh at his slightly shy tone. Kang Seokwon cooked with efficient precision. Jo Jihyun watched him.

Soon, Kang Seokwon set out a table full of dishes.

“Isn’t this too much?”

Jo Jihyun asked, holding chopsticks.

There were three main dishes, all labor-intensive, along with other sides.