DEARG Ch 33

“Eat and leave some.”

Kang Seokwon says as he scoops rice for Jo Jihyun. The two sit across from each other and begin the meal. Jo Jihyun puts a side dish in his mouth and waits to swallow before Kang Seokwon asks if it suits his taste. Jo Jihyun nods.

“That’s a relief.”

Kang Seokwon picks up his chopsticks and continues.

“Your taste might have changed.”

“It doesn’t change that easily.”

“Still, you never know.”

There were too many things they didn’t know. They hadn’t seen each other for seven years. Even though their reunion was filled with passionate moments where they couldn’t take their eyes off each other, they hesitated to ask about the small details. They needed time to feel comfortable enough to ask even the trivial things without reservation.

“Sunbae-nim.”

After the meal, Jo Jihyun calls out to Kang Seokwon.

“Yeah.”

“Want to drink all night tonight?”

At Jo Jihyun’s words, Kang Seokwon says, “Sure,” and his lips relax into a soft smile. They grab the beer Jo Jihyun bought and head to the rooftop. Sitting on a mat, they pull cold cans from the bag.

“Do you drink well?”

Kang Seokwon asks, opening a can.

“Just average. You, sunbae-nim?”

“I’m decent. I hardly drink, though… Who’d you drink with?”

“With friends.”

Jo Jihyun knows who Kang Seokwon is concerned about.

“He’s getting married next week.”

“I know.”

“He’s a good guy. A bit loud, though.”

“Must be.”

Kang Seokwon opens his can. With a click, foam rises. He takes a sip and continues, holding the can.

“…I’m jealous.”

“What?”

“He’s seen sides of you I don’t know.”

At his honest words, Jo Jihyun smiles quietly.

“You’ll get to see so much of me you’ll get sick of it, sunbae-nim.”

“I’ll never get sick of you. Never.”

A firm response follows Jo Jihyun’s playful remark. Kang Seokwon’s gaze holds him. Jo Jihyun blinks and takes a sip of beer.

They drink in silence for a while.

“Tomorrow,” Kang Seokwon begins.

“They say a lot of meteors will fall.”

“…Yeah.”

The newspapers and news were abuzz with it.

Tomorrow, this incomprehensible, endless day would end. Or, if Jo Jihyun’s guess was right, it should end, but no one knew what would happen.

As Jo Jihyun’s expression darkens, Kang Seokwon tilts his head.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Just…”

When Jo Jihyun trails off, Kang Seokwon says, “It’s okay,” offering comfort.

“It’ll pass by a hair’s breadth.”

News anchors calmly reported that if it hit Earth directly, half the Southern Hemisphere would be obliterated. People were already staking out spots to celebrate the cosmic show.

“I guess so.”

Jo Jihyun mutters bitterly, sipping his beer. Kang Seokwon’s gaze traces his profile, concerned about the heavy silence.

“They say if you make a wish when a star falls, it comes true.”

The man says boyishly, his face impassive. Knowing he’s trying to comfort him, Jo Jihyun forces a smile.

“What’ll you wish for?”

“Always the same.”

His calm eyes confess his heart. Kang Seokwon brushes Jo Jihyun’s hair back.

“When are you moving in?”

“Tomorrow morning, after sorting some paperwork, I’ll bring my stuff.”

“What paperwork?”

Kang Seokwon cautiously revisits a word Jo Jihyun mentioned before. Jo Jihyun hums, biting and releasing his lip.

“I haven’t had the chance to tell you, but I’m not Jo Jihyun anymore. I’m Yoon Jihyun.”

“What do you mean?”

“My aunt adopted me, so I took her husband’s surname. The trial ended last winter, but there’s still some paperwork to handle.”

Kang Seokwon stares at Jo Jihyun, slightly dazed, then narrows his eyes.

“She came to the U.S.?”

“Yeah. Nothing major happened.”

After that, his parents visited the U.S. a few times. When the adoption was proposed, the woman went berserk, even brandishing a knife, leading to her arrest. It all worked in favor of the trial. Her mental illness seemed irreparably worsened, clearly untreated. Only his father believed she was sane. Their love was a tragedy for both, like brittle winter branches.

“Adult adoption doesn’t1’t change much. It’s just a name on paper. Call me whatever you want, sunbae-nim.”

Kang Seokwon, lost in thought, responds.

“I’ll call you what you want.”

“Then keep calling me as you did.”

It wasn’t about valuing his father’s surname. Kang Seokwon first took interest in him because of the nickname “Joji.” Jo Jihyun never liked his name until Kang Seokwon called it.

“Jo Jihyun.”

His voice saying it was profoundly special. Jo Jihyun smiles and says, “Yeah.”

“Good for you.”

“Yeah. The only change is that I’m legally free from my parents.”

“What about the military…?”

As he said, adult adoption didn’t change much—just the surname. If he’d been adopted as a minor under 16 and gained U.S. citizenship, he’d be exempt as a permanent resident, but that didn’t apply to Jo Jihyun. He delayed his physical exam as long as possible. He couldn’t bear not seeing Kang Seokwon in Korea. When Kang Seokwon came to the U.S. for competitions, Jo Jihyun locked the door and slept all day. He got a physical exam during this stay in Korea. The result was as expected.

“I got a re-examination, but I’ll likely be exempt.”

Kang Seokwon’s expression grows complex. It wasn’t something to blindly celebrate.

“Why?”

That day, after Kang Seokwon’s call, a worsened cold led to hospitalization. Lung damage meant lifelong management.

When Jo Jihyun says nothing, Kang Seokwon grabs his hand.

“What happened?”

“…It’s fine.”

“What happened?”

His probing voice lowers. Kang Seokwon is sharp. Passing off medications as cold medicine only worked briefly.

“My health declined a bit.”

“…”

“It doesn’t affect daily life. I just can’t run or do intense exercise. I never did sports, so nothing’s really changed.”

Kang Seokwon’s face darkens.

“That time, I…”

Jo Jihyun calls, “Sunbae-nim.”

“I’m not dying. It’s not that painful, just a bit inconvenient. And because of this, I completely cut ties with my parents. That’s a huge relief for me.”

His aunt decided to adopt him after seeing Jo Jihyun, near death, apologize. It was perhaps a fortunate moment. He’d heard that, even as an adult, guardians could consent to mental hospital confinement. It was illegal but common. That scenario terrified Jo Jihyun—not for himself, but for fear Kang Seokwon would abandon everything to search for him again.

“If anyone’s to blame, it’s me.”

Jo Jihyun says, looking directly at Kang Seokwon.

If he’d said one word to Kang Seokwon before leaving, his life wouldn’t have gone astray. If he’d called, written relentlessly despite no reply, or explained he wasn’t getting married right then and there.

He recalls Kang Seokwon across the street. Regrets flood in. He wished on a falling star to undo that day, and miraculously got a chance to set things right. He’d gladly accept the consequences.

Kang Seokwon whispers, cupping Jo Jihyun’s cheek.

“That time… did it hurt a lot?”

Jo Jihyun smiles silently.

“Jihyun-ah, does it hurt?” His voice makes Jo Jihyun’s heart crumble. All defenses collapse before him.

Back then, the pain felt like death—like being forced to swallow oil and set ablaze. Amid the burning agony, he thought of Kang Seokwon, longing for him. He made it through and met him again. That’s enough. Nothing else matters.

“Sorry for leaving you alone.”

“It’s okay.”

“That won’t happen again.”

Jo Jihyun nods. The firm hand on his cheek feels good. He looks up, the fog blurring the surrounding lights.

“It reminds me of that time.”

“When?”

“The day you woke me and took me to the rooftop. It was foggy.”

“It’s like the sea.”

At the boy’s words, Jo Jihyun accepted he had no choice but to love him, willingly surrendering to fate.

An unforgettable night.

“Do you remember?”

Kang Seokwon nods.

That day, they confirmed their feelings for the first time.

“What you said that day stuck with me.”

Jo Jihyun smiles, eyes lowered, and continues.

“Natsume Soseki, the Japanese writer, used a phrase instead of ‘I love you,’”

“The moon is beautiful.”

Kang Seokwon says, looking at Jo Jihyun. Jo Jihyun turns to him.

“…You knew?”

Kang Seokwon nods. Perhaps due to the alcohol, his face is flushed. Jo Jihyun blinks.

That day’s Kang Seokwon comes to mind, his shy, muttering voice.

“The moon is so beautiful.”

His heart warms. Jo Jihyun drinks his beer silently. Kang Seokwon’s fingers brush against his hand on the mat. At the ticklish sensation, Jo Jihyun curls his fingers.

“Jihyun-ah.”

As he looks up, their lips meet. The shy, boyish kiss tastes of beer—an adult’s taste. A soft spring breeze grazes their w** lips. Unable to find words, Jo Jihyun laughs softly. Kang Seokwon gazes at him, entranced.

“You smiled like that then too.”

“Huh?”

Kang Seokwon looks to the sky and murmurs.

“The moon is beautiful.”

Jo Jihyun lowers his eyes, saying, “Yeah.”

Leaning against each other, they talked casually all night—a desperately precious time.

“Jo Jihyun.”

At the sound of his name, Jo Jihyun barely opens his eyes. Kang Seokwon, now dressed, looks down at him.

“…Where are you going?”

“Got some errands.”

Jo Jihyun heard him leave for a jog earlier. After showering, he’s off again. Jo Jihyun admires his stamina; opening his eyes is all he can manage.

“Tired?”

“Yeah, a bit.”

Last night, they drank and chatted endlessly about nothing in particular, asking and answering without context. Silent moments were frequent, but it was simply good. They’d spent similar nights in hospital beds, but this was incomparably happier.

“Sleep more.”

Kang Seokwon pulls the blanket over Jo Jihyun.

“When’ll you be back?”

“Before lunch. Meet outside?”

“Sure.”

Jo Jihyun smiles, and Kang Seokwon bends to kiss his hair.

“What do you want to eat?”

“What about you, sunbae-nim?”

“I’m fine with anything.”

“Me too.”

“Still, think of something.”

Kang Seokwon runs his fingers through Jo Jihyun’s hair. Liking the touch, Jo Jihyun closes his eyes and smiles.

Kang Seokwon sighs. Jo Jihyun opens his eyes questioningly.

“Don’t want to leave.”

Judging by his attire, it’s an important appointment. Jo Jihyun half-rises to see him off.

“Take care.”

“When’re your errands done?”

Just picking up hospital paperwork. Honestly, he wanted to spend all day with Kang Seokwon. Today might be the last of this long day. The thought alone tightens his chest.

“What’s wrong?”

Kang Seokwon’s eyes sharpen instantly, like a wild animal’s.

“Nothing. Just tired.”

“Want to go to the hospital?”

His face hardens. Jo Jihyun smiles wryly. This is why he didn’t want to talk.

“It’s not that bad. Just from drinking after a while.”

“There’s hangover soup. Eat when you’re up.”

“…Sunbae-nim, when do you sleep?”

Kang Seokwon smiles silently.

“I’m off. Call when you’re up.”

“Okay.”

He adjusts the sheet, patting Jo Jihyun. Suddenly, he says, “Oh.”

“There’s a letter on the desk. For you.”

“What letter?”

Jo Jihyun tries to think what letter would come here.

“You’ll know when you see it.”

Jo Jihyun nods. Kang Seokwon kisses his forehead again, says, “I’m really going,” and leaves. Soon, the door closes.

Jo Jihyun wraps the sheet around himself, inhaling the familiar fabric softener scent. Thinking of Kang Seokwon washing all the bedding before his arrival, he breathes deeply. He tries to sleep more, but it’s hard after waking. Eventually, he gets up.

He looks around the room. As seen yesterday, little has changed. Clothes and items haven’t increased. The worn radio with white noise, the rattling fan—everything’s like a memory pasted intact.

A letter on the desk catches his eye. Jo Jihyun picks it up. The white envelope bears the hospital’s name. He recalls it’s the hospital where he and Kang Seokwon were admitted. Opening it, a neatly folded paper falls out. He unfolds it.

『To Jo Jihyun.』

Kang Seokwon’s low voice seems to echo.

『What do you want for dinner tonight?』

No other words.

It was the letter from the hospital, meant for a year later. Jo Jihyun received it seven years late, yet Kang Seokwon remains unchanged. He doesn’t know why it feels so good. He laughs, reading the short letter over and over. Folding it neatly, he puts it in the desk drawer.

He makes the bed, undresses, and showers. Forgetting the hot water switch, cold water hits him. Still, he laughs. He missed this simple daily life terribly.

Drying his w** hair in front of the fan, he prepares to go out.

Getting the paperwork from the hospital took less than thirty minutes. The distance from the hospital to Kim Seonwoo’s apartment was fairly close. Jo Jihyun considered taking a bus and checked the routes, but seeing the complicated changes, he gave up and took a taxi.

After telling the driver the destination, Jo Jihyun turned his gaze to the window. He looked out at a world where things that had changed and things that hadn’t coexisted. Then, spotting a familiar building, he widened his eyes.

“Driver.”

“Yes?”

“Please let me off up ahead.”

“Huh? The apartment you mentioned is a few blocks further.”

“It’s fine.”

Jo Jihyun paid and got out of the taxi. A familiar building stood before him. It felt strange. He crossed the street and entered the building. The security guard at the entrance desk greeted him immediately.

“What brings you here?”

He seemed to distinguish between residents and visitors. Jo Jihyun looked at him quietly. Like with Kim Seonwoo, facing someone who existed only in his memories made him feel both guilty and shy.

“Could I possibly speak with the person in unit 4802?”

If the past hadn’t changed, that’s where he would have lived. He wanted to confirm what was different now.

“Unit 4802 is currently vacant.”

“Is that so?”

“What’s the matter?”

The guard asked with a slightly wary expression. Jo Jihyun hesitated, then said, “Um.”

“You can only look around briefly.”

Inside the elevator, the guard spoke in a skeptical tone. Jo Jihyun nodded. When he asked to see the upper floor for just a moment, the guard looked at him like he was crazy. “Please, five minutes—no, one minute is enough,” Jo Jihyun pleaded, bowing earnestly. The guard, face flushed, cleared his throat and said he’d have to go up together. Jo Jihyun nodded.

The elevator stopped at the 48th floor.

“This is the 48th floor.”

When Jo Jihyun didn’t move as the doors opened, the guard spoke. Jo Jihyun stepped into the hallway, entranced. His heart pounded. This was where he collapsed, losing his memories—the place where it all began.

He stood by the window. It wasn’t yet noon, so neither the moon nor falling stars were visible. The sound of a conveyor belt seemed to echo in his ears.

“…….”

A chill ran through his body. Jo Jihyun’s face turned pale.

“Are you okay?”

The guard asked. Jo Jihyun said, “I’m fine,” and breathed slowly.

“I think I can go down now.”

“Seen everything?”

“Yes.”

He rode the elevator back with the guard, who glanced at him.

“Were you a resident here before?”

Jo Jihyun smiled awkwardly and said, “Something like that.”

“That’s odd. I’d remember you.”

The guard kept glancing at him. They reached the first floor. Jo Jihyun said, “Thank you,” bowed properly, and left the building.

He exhaled like someone emerging from water. Cold sweat soaked him. He sat on a nearby bench.

The moment he saw the apartment hallway, an unsettling sense of déjà vu hit him.

It’s okay. Kang Seokwon’s future has changed. He won’t lose the use of his legs or get hit by a car and end up bloodied. Jo Jihyun breathed heavily. A gentle spring breeze seemed to wipe away his sweat.

After a while, he noticed the apartment complex’s shops. Drawn as if in a trance, he checked the signs. Seeing the pizza shop’s name, a shiver ran up his spine. A car horn blared nearby. Startled, Jo Jihyun looked up, then turned away as if burned. Kang Seokwon couldn’t be there. Knowing that, he still couldn’t look across the street, like a guilty man. His heart pounded like a fish stabbed with a knife. Overwhelming anxiety consumed him. His vision warped. It was a panic attack, the first in a while. He fumbled for his medication, but his trembling hands made it difficult. He sank to the ground. His head throbbed, and his stomach churned. Reaching for the pills, he felt metal in his pocket and pulled it out. He pressed the call button. The dial tone rang. His heart raced wildly. His fingers shook, fearing a cold voice. It’s not the same. It’s completely different. Repeating this, he waited for Kang Seokwon to answer.

“Hello.”

Kang Seokwon answered.

“Sunbae-nim…”

Calling him, Jo Jihyun didn’t know what to say and bit his lower lip.

“What’s wrong?”

Kang Seokwon asked.

“…Nothing.”

Something hot rose in his throat.

Over the phone, Kang Seokwon said, “One moment,” asking for patience. Then he called, “Jo Jihyun.”

“Where are you? I’ll come.”

“I’m fine, sunbae-nim.”

The surging anxiety calmed like a lie. Kang Seokwon’s voice was steady and strong. He kept his promise, waiting through those long years without asking why.

He had to trust Kang Seokwon.

Jo Jihyun looked up. People passed across the street.

“Jo Jihyun.”

Kang Seokwon called him.

“Yes, sunbae-nim.”

“What’s going on?”

“Just…” Jo Jihyun answered, but feeling it sounded weak, he revealed his true feelings.

“I missed you.”

A sound of caught breath came through.

“Me too.”

His gruff voice carried warmth.

“When are you done?”

“Before two.”

“Sorry for being late,” followed a gentle apology.

“I’ll come to you, sunbae-nim. Text me the location.”

If he picked up his things from the apartment and settled into the new place, the timing would align.

“You sure you’re okay?”

“Yes. You know I can’t lie.”

Jo Jihyun answered, walking to the crosswalk.

“See you later, sunbae-nim.”

“Okay. Call if anything happens.”

The call ended. The pedestrian signal lit up.

Jo Jihyun stepped forward to cross.

A horn sounded in the distance.

“What do you think of this design?”

“It’s good.”

The clerk smiled at Kang Seokwon’s response.

“You’ve said everything’s good, so I’m sorry. Take your time and pick what you like.”

“Thank you.”

Kang Seokwon looked seriously at the rings in the display case, then pointed to a simple design in the center.

“Can I see this one?”

“Of course.”

The clerk, wearing white gloves, carefully showed the ring. Kang Seokwon stared expressionlessly for a while, then said, “I’ll take this.”

“Is it a gift?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, the recipient will be thrilled.”

Recognizing Kang Seokwon, the clerk smiled.

“It’s a sophisticated design, suitable for anyone. Do you know the recipient’s ring size?”

Kang Seokwon pulled a paper from his pocket, marked with Jo Jihyun’s finger measurement taken while he slept.

“Can you determine the size with this?”

“Yes, of course. People often bring measurements like this.”

While measuring, Jo Jihyun opened his eyes, and Kang Seokwon froze. Luckily, Jo Jihyun saw him, smiled faintly, and fell back asleep. Adorable. The thought alone warmed him.

“Something good happen?”

“Huh?”

“Your expression—it’s different from on TV.”

Kang Seokwon touched his cheek. Four people had said this today. Even a news reporter asked repeatedly if he had good news. “No,” Kang Seokwon replied gruffly, and they tilted their heads. With a championship defense in a month, interview requests flooded in. He declared today’s personal interview his last. He didn’t want to face cameras for a while.

He could call Jo Jihyun now and see him. Kang Seokwon was genuinely grateful for this simple, beautiful life.

“I missed you.”

Jo Jihyun’s morning call echoed in his ears. Kang Seokwon clenched and released his numb fingers. Thinking of Jo Jihyun stirred overwhelming emotions. Excess wasn’t good, but no matter how much he told himself, it was futile. Even a hint of Jo Jihyun’s sadness made him tense. Despite promises not to leave, he sought reasons to keep him close. He even felt an irrational desire to lock him away forever. Kang Seokwon swallowed a bitter smile and shook his head.

“The measurement says size 14, but for accuracy, it’s best if the recipient tries it on.”

“No, size 14 is fine.”

“Alright.”

After paying, Kang Seokwon pulled out a paper copying Jo Jihyun’s handwriting, a snippet from the letter.

“Can you engrave this text exactly? I’ll add a name at the end.”

“I’ll need to check, but it should be possible. Handwritten?”

“Yes.”

“Such beautiful penmanship—it could pass for a font.”

Kang Seokwon’s expression softened at the compliment.

“Just tell me the name for the back.”

“Joji…”

As Kang Seokwon started to say Jo Jihyun’s name, his phone rang. An unknown number. He said, “One moment,” and answered.

“Yes.”

“Is this Mr. Kang Seokwon’s phone?”

“Yes.”

He switched the phone to his left hand and took a pen. But he couldn’t write a single letter.

“Sir!”

The clerk called as Kang Seokwon, face pale, ran out, but he was already gone.

“Mr. Jo Jihyun was in an accident. The hospital is…”

The voice echoed in his head the entire taxi ride.

“Go faster, please.”

“I can’t control the traffic lights. Are you that boxer from TV?”

The driver, glancing in the rearview mirror, tried to chat. Kang Seokwon didn’t answer, anxiously looking out the window, hands clasped.

“Mr. Jo Jihyun was in an accident.”

His heart nearly stopped hearing those words. Calling Jo Jihyun went unanswered. Horrific possibilities flooded his mind. That morning, Jo Jihyun smiled sleepily from bed. “I’ll call later,” he said in their last call. He was finally within reach. This couldn’t happen.

“My son’s a fan.”

The driver smacked his lips and continued.

“Heard you’re a world champion, making tons of money.”

The light turned red. Kang Seokwon pulled money from his pocket and handed it to the driver. Running would be faster.

“Hey, if you get off here…”

Kang Seokwon opened the door and leapt out. A car in the third lane honked and cursed. He ran to the sidewalk, turned a corner, and saw the hospital. He sprinted to the emergency room, thinking only of finding Jo Jihyun unharmed.

He burst into the emergency room.

“What brings you here?”

A nurse spoke, but Kang Seokwon didn’t hear.

“Jihyun-ah.”

He called Jo Jihyun’s name. A few patients near the entrance turned. Jo Jihyun wasn’t there.

“Jo Jihyun!”

He shouted.

“You can’t yell here.”

A nurse blocked him. Kang Seokwon rushed past beds, checking faces, but couldn’t find him.

He felt like he was losing his mind.

He’d had nightmares of Jo Jihyun in accidents, harmed by his deranged mother, or worse—always when he wasn’t there. He believed reuniting with Jo Jihyun would end those nightmares. Jo Jihyun promised not to leave, with honest eyes. Kang Seokwon trusted him then and now. After seven years, Jo Jihyun was unchanged. So were his feelings—no, he loved him more. The longer he looked at him, the deeper his feelings grew. It was simply good, a joy beyond happiness.

Last night, talking nonsense, Kang Seokwon vowed never to let go.

Jo Jihyun was his everything, more than he could give.

The thought of losing him again tore his heart apart. Terror blurred his vision. His senses faded. He couldn’t tell directions. He couldn’t breathe. Like a limbless man thrown into the sea, he sank helplessly.

Then,

“Sunbae-nim.”

A quiet voice from behind stopped him. Kang Seokwon turned, eyes wide.

“Sunbae-nim, how are you here…”

Jo Jihyun looked up, startled. Kang Seokwon, pale as death, stared only at him, frozen.

Noticing the stares, Jo Jihyun pulled Kang Seokwon out of the emergency room to a quiet stairwell and closed the door.

“Sunbae-nim, are you okay?”

Flustered, Jo Jihyun blinked, checking Kang Seokwon’s face—sweaty forehead, pale complexion.

“I’ll get water.”

As he turned, Kang Seokwon grabbed his arm.

“Don’t go.”

Like a drowning man clinging to a savior, his grip was desperate. He seemed ready to die if Jo Jihyun vanished.

“I’m fine.”

Jo Jihyun explained the accident to reassure him.

“I was crossing, and a car hit a bus in front of me. The bus slid and bumped me slightly.”

“Your phone… why didn’t you answer?”

“It broke when I fell. Sorry. They asked for a guardian’s contact in the ER, so I gave it. If I’d known, I’d have just—”

“Just what?”

“…”

“Keep it to yourself?”

“…Sunbae-nim.”

“Why do you keep everything to yourself?”

Knowing what he meant, Jo Jihyun couldn’t speak.

“I waited seven years. I have a right to know. If you’re in an accident, or something happens, or…”

Kang Seokwon tightened his grip, his fingers trembling as he controlled his emotions.

“Even if you die, I need to know first.”

“…”

He said it was his duty, endured through those long years. Unbearable anguish flowed through his hand.

“So don’t be sorry. It’s only natural.”

“…”

Kang Seokwon pulled Jo Jihyun into an embrace, too afraid to hold tightly. He just held him, confirming his safety. His slow, repeated touches made Jo Jihyun surrender silently. For his complete happiness, Jo Jihyun would give everything.

Leaning against Kang Seokwon, Jo Jihyun waited for his anxiety to subside.

Leaving the hospital, Kang Seokwon went to a phone store, got a new phone, and handed it to Jo Jihyun.

“Answer it, no matter what.”

Climbing to national, Asian, and world champion, Kang Seokwon never flinched or feared any opponent. He knocked them down as if it were natural. American commentators, claiming Asians were born physically disadvantaged, cheered Kang Seokwon as a fearless prodigy after his matches.

Kang Seokwon’s hand trembled slightly as he handed over the phone. Knowing the fear he must have felt, Jo Jihyun’s heart was equally heavy as he took it. He was the one who created a relationship where even a brief absence led to imagining the worst. All he could feel was sorry.

During the taxi ride, Kang Seokwon didn’t say a word. The driver kept glancing back, eager to strike up a conversation, but Kang Seokwon paid no attention. Even when a hospital staff member recognized him and asked, “Aren’t you the athlete Kang Seokwon?” he reacted the same way. He didn’t engage or make eye contact with anyone.

He just rested his chin on his hand, staring out the window.

Jo Jihyun, sensing his anxiety, couldn’t easily find words to speak. Kang Seokwon was waiting—for Jo Jihyun to open up completely. Trusting someone who vanished without reason was nearly impossible, yet he had done it perfectly. Still, uncontrollable anxiety must often gnaw at his heart.

Jo Jihyun moved his lips a few times to speak but stopped. Though he told Kang Seokwon it was no big deal, the sudden traffic accident left him just as uneasy. Wasn’t it a silent warning to follow the rules to the end? He saw the moon hanging at the edge of a building. Dark emotions surged within him.

“Man, it’s gonna be a mess.”

The driver grumbled, looking at the clogged road.

“They say some meteor or something’s falling tonight, so everyone’s out to watch. Mapo Bridge is even worse. Geez.”

Even at the bridge’s entrance, cars were at a standstill. The sidewalks were packed with people there to spectate.

“By the way, is one of you that guy?”

As the car stopped mid-bridge, the driver turned fully to speak. Kang Seokwon didn’t respond. Though gruff, he never ignored people.

“What, something upsetting you?”

The driver asked, looking at Kang Seokwon. He lowered his hand from his chin. As he moved, the driver flinched and straightened up. Kang Seokwon pulled out his wallet and handed over money.

“I’ll get off here. Keep the change.”

Though the car couldn’t move, the driver nodded silently after receiving a few ten-thousand-won bills. Kang Seokwon opened the door and stepped out. Jo Jihyun followed. When Jo Jihyun was pushed back by the crowd, Kang Seokwon offered his hand. Jo Jihyun shook his head. Even if people were focused on the sky, Kang Seokwon was a celebrity. Jo Jihyun didn’t want him caught in rumors.

“Okay.”

With that single word, Kang Seokwon walked ahead. Jo Jihyun followed.

The bridge was so crowded there was barely room to step. Men drinking, people singing, listeners, young folks with big cameras, a couple chatting softly while holding a sleeping child, high school girls giggling under blankets—everyone celebrated the once-in-a-lifetime cosmic show in their own way. News crews were filming. The night air buzzed lightly. Fireworks went off somewhere, and cheers erupted.

Jo Jihyun was pushed back by the crowd several times. Each time Kang Seokwon drifted further in the throng, Jo Jihyun felt helpless fear but couldn’t bring himself to grab his hand.

Fireworks began. A surge of people rushed toward the bridge, gazing at the dazzling sky.

“Sunbae…!”

Kang Seokwon was already far ahead. Calling him was drowned out by the crowd’s cheers. Anxiety dried his blood. Memories he didn’t want to recall resurfaced.

He didn’t want to lose Kang Seokwon again.

“Sunbae-nim!”

Jo Jihyun called out, searching for him. The crowd was so dense he could barely move forward. He thought Kang Seokwon’s height would make him easy to spot, but it wasn’t. From people craning their necks to those climbing railings, the varying heights made it hard to find him.

“Sunbae-nim! Sunbae-nim!”

Jo Jihyun called again, but it was futile.

“Wow!”

“Look at that star!”

A streak of light crossed the sky. His heart sank chillingly.

Jo Jihyun pulled out his phone. With so many people, the signal was weak. He moved around, anxiously searching for Kang Seokwon and a signal. Finally seeing bars, he pressed the call button. The dial tone rang. Please, please, answer. Please. He repeated desperately, but the call didn’t connect easily. He tried several times, never stopping his search. After ten minutes, a click followed the ringing.

“Sunbae-nim!”

Jo Jihyun shouted. The crowd’s cheers grew louder, almost crushing him.

“Where are you?”

“Here… on the bridge. I was following you, but—”

Boom, boom, fireworks exploded in succession.

“Don’t move. I’ll find you.”

More people surged onto the bridge. He felt trapped.

“Can you head back toward where the taxi dropped us?”

Kang Seokwon, realizing this, changed his instruction.

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

“…Don’t hang up.”

“I won’t.”

“If it cuts off, I’ll call. Don’t call me; we’ll miss each other.”

“Okay.”

Jo Jihyun walked, phone in hand, against the crowd’s flow. It was exhausting. Stepping forward, he scanned for Kang Seokwon.

“Go down the first road you see after leaving the bridge.”

“Got it.”

After walking a while, he found a path leading down and turned. He gripped the phone tightly. Kang Seokwon’s breathing was audible. A large moon appeared between buildings. Why did he lose him now?

Self-blame was useless.

As meteors fell, people cheered joyfully, while Jo Jihyun swallowed fear.

“Jihyun-ah.”

“Yes.”

“What’s scaring you so much?”

The sudden question left Jo Jihyun speechless.

“I want to know what you’re afraid of. So I can tell you it’s okay.”

Even now, Kang Seokwon felt sorry for his own inadequacy. Tears welled up. Jo Jihyun walked through the crowd. Fireworks burst, and stars fell. People cheered, looking up.

“If…”

He saw the large moon, like it was peering into an abyss. His body trembled. It didn’t matter if Kang Seokwon didn’t believe him or thought him crazy. He was terrified of losing Kang Seokwon—the Kang Seokwon of now.

Countless stars streaked the dark sky.

“Do you remember when I asked what you’d do if you could go back and fix the past?”

Jo Jihyun asked.

His footing felt unsteady. Was it the crowd’s cheers, extreme tension, or the time he’d preserved collapsing? He couldn’t tell. Cold sweat soaked his hands.

“I remember.”

“What would you do?”

The same question. Kang Seokwon answered without hesitation.

“I’d meet you sooner. Even a day earlier.”

The same answer, now with deeper feeling.

The man who said he’d be the first to know even Jo Jihyun’s death, that it was his duty, came to mind. His sincerity sank in.

“If I… if it goes back again…”

Fear gripped him.

The loneliness and longing he endured flashed by. He’d held on for this day. Please, let it not be in vain.

Stars poured down as if shaken from the sky.

“So if I meet you again… if we start from the beginning…”

“It’s okay.”

A simple, firm voice reached him.

Then, across the street, he saw Kang Seokwon. Jo Jihyun realized he’d passed the entrance he was supposed to exit.

“No matter how many times, I’d find you.”

He met the young Kang Seokwon again. He tried to run, but fell in love again, deeper than before.

He saw Kang Seokwon’s fragility and anxiety, wanting to give him faith to avoid mistakes.

And so, he came here.

Kang Seokwon looked at him across the street, eyes filled with tenderness, regret, and love too intense for brief separation.

As he said, no matter how many times, Jo Jihyun would love him. It was fated.

The call cut off, signal lost.

Suddenly, a building’s lights went out. As if no light remained on earth, darkness swallowed Seoul’s sky, and stars fell. Light streaked the sacred darkness like wounds. Overwhelmed by the terrifying beauty, people fell silent. Light descended in the quiet dark.

Jo Jihyun looked at Kang Seokwon. Kang Seokwon gazed at the sky, then closed his eyes. Jo Jihyun didn’t know his exact wish but was certain it matched his own.

He wished for Kang Seokwon’s happiness. That was all.

At that moment, he felt an illusion—like something trembling clicked into place.

“Jihyun-ah.”

Though too far to hear, it felt like Kang Seokwon called him. Their eyes met across the street. The man once filled with sadness, hatred, and loneliness was gone.

Jo Jihyun swallowed a smile.

Unburst fireworks lit the sky.

It was a magnificent sight.

Jo Jihyun crossed the street toward the man.