DEARG Ch 34 – END.

“Congratulations on your wedding.”

At Jo Jihyun’s greeting, Kim Seonwoo’s father, standing in front of the venue, beams with a wide smile.

“Oh, Jihyun, you made it. Have you seen Seonwoo?”

“No, I’m heading to greet him now.”

“Good, good. Let’s catch up later.”

Jo Jihyun bows politely to Kim Seonwoo’s parents and walks toward his friend, whose grin stretches ear to ear.

“Kim Seonwoo, congratulations on your wedding.”

“Oh! Honey!”

“Can’t you stop calling me that?”

Jo Jihyun frowns as he speaks, but Kim Seonwoo, as usual, ignores him.

“Have you seen my Yookyung? Man, she’s my wife, but is it okay for her to be that beautiful?”

Kim Seonwoo says, eyes sparkling.

“Ugh, what a lovesick fool.”

Kim Seonwoo’s eldest brother, Kim Dongwoo, clicks his tongue and shakes his head.

“Why the rush to marry at that age? He’s my brother, but I really don’t get it.”

When Kim Seonwoo’s second brother, Kim Yoonwoo, chimes in, Seonwoo snaps back.

“What if someone else snatched Yookyung? I couldn’t sleep thinking about that.”

Kim Seonwoo met Lee Yookyung by chance during her trip to New York and fell for her at first sight, volunteering as her guide. He followed her around, helping with her trip, and on the day she returned to Korea, he took the same flight back. What followed was a fiery long-distance relationship, culminating in an enthusiastic proposal and marriage. It was a famous story among their friends.

“Seonwoo really couldn’t sleep.”

Jo Jihyun, who witnessed Kim Seonwoo’s emotional rollercoaster during their long-distance relationship, backs his friend up.

“See? Only my honey gets me… Oh, uh, hello.”

Kim Seonwoo quickly bows. Kang Seokwon, who approached unnoticed, nods in greeting. Kim Seonwoo’s brothers recognize Kang Seokwon and signal their brother with their eyes.

“Uh, this is Jihyun’s sunbae-nim.”

“Hello.”

Dressed sharply in a suit, Kang Seokwon greets them, and Kim Seonwoo’s brothers eagerly extend their hands.

“I’m Kim Seonwoo’s eldest brother, Kim Dongwoo.”

“I’m Kim Yoonwoo.”

Kang Seokwon shakes their hands in turn. Jo Jihyun had learned through experience that, unexpectedly, men often wanted to talk to Kang Seokwon when they were together.

“What kind of sunbae?”

Kim Dongwoo asks Jo Jihyun quietly.

“My high school sunbae-nim.”

“Huh? High school?”

Kim Dongwoo repeats, puzzled.

“Jihyun-ah, go greet Yookyung. The bride’s entrance is soon.”

At Kim Seonwoo’s words, Jo Jihyun bows and slips away. At the bride’s waiting room, the bride in her dress smiles brightly.

“Hello. Congratulations.”

Jo Jihyun greets her, and Lee Yookyung recognizes him, smiling.

“You came? Thank you for coming all this way.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Want to take a photo together?”

Jo Jihyun shakes his head.

“No, it’s fine. Take photos with the other friends.”

“Well, true. Taking a photo with you, Mr. Jihyun, might make me look bad with our face size difference.”

Jo Jihyun’s face flushes at Lee Yookyung’s joke.

“Did you greet Seonwoo?”

“Yes, we met earlier. He was bragging about how beautiful his bride is.”

Lee Yookyung sighs with a smile, “Oh, dear.”

She’s three years older than Kim Seonwoo. He used to bite his nails at night, worrying that if he looked away, some great guy would steal her.

“I’ll head to my seat and wait.”

“See you later.”

Jo Jihyun leaves the waiting room. Kang Seokwon, waiting outside, walks beside him.

“Done greeting?”

“Yes.”

Jo Jihyun thought he was used to attention, but walking with Kang Seokwon was on another level. He could feel people recognizing him, turning to whisper.

“…You’ve gotten more famous than I expected.”

Kang Seokwon doesn’t respond, only smiles.

They take seats at a table in a corner of the wedding hall. Watching his friend hold a wedding at a luxury hotel without accepting contributions, Jo Jihyun recalls a fact he sometimes forgets.

“Why are you smiling?”

Kang Seokwon asks as Jo Jihyun chuckles to himself.

“It’s just interesting.”

Kim Seonwoo, with his great personality, wealth, and decent looks, always had people around him. That’s why he met and parted with women easily. The fact that such a free-spirited guy was rejected three times before succeeding on his fourth proposal and getting married felt strangely fascinating to Jo Jihyun.

“I thought he’d never marry. He’s so carefree.”

The groom enters. Jo Jihyun watches his friend with a smile. Kang Seokwon gazes at Jo Jihyun. Music plays, and the bride’s entrance begins. A renowned poet, a friend of Kim Seonwoo’s father, officiates. It’s a beautiful wedding.

“Friends, please come up for photos.”

At the photographer’s call, Jo Jihyun stands.

“I’m going to take photos.”

“Okay.”

“Want to join?”

Kang Seokwon firmly shakes his head. Jo Jihyun heads to the stage.

“Oh, Joji, you’re here?”

“Where were you? Couldn’t find you.”

Friends who recognize him call out, but Jo Jihyun, as usual, nods expressionlessly. When the bride throws her bouquet, the playful Kim Seonwoo says he wants to throw his boutonniere.

“Who’s catching it?”

“Joji, come on.”

Jo Jihyun grimaces. Before he can refuse, his friends push him forward. He ends up catching the boutonniere and posing for photos beside the bride and groom. Exhausted, he returns to Kang Seokwon’s table. Friends follow but freeze upon seeing Kang Seokwon.

“Whoa, Kang Seokwon!”

Jung Taesoo, the only one who didn’t meet them at the airport, yelps in surprise.

“Oh my, hello. Jihyun oppa… Uh, Mr. Kang Seokwon? Why are you here? Do you know the groom?”

Kim Hyewon, Jung Taesoo’s wife, asks in a cheerful voice.

“He’s Jihyun’s acquaintance.”

Lee Jaekyung explains quietly, but her curiosity doesn’t wane.

“How do you know each other well enough to come to Seonwoo oppa’s wedding?”

“He’s my sunbae-nim.”

Jo Jihyun answers shortly. Kim Hyewon gasps and laughs in surprise.

“You must be close, right?”

“Yes, very close.”

Jo Jihyun’s reply stuns his friends, who know his reserved nature.

“It’s cool that Jihyun oppa knows famous people. Oh, our baby’s awake.”

Kim Hyewon turns as crying comes from the stroller. Kim Seonwoo, making rounds, approaches.

“Why’s everyone here? Weren’t you at the front?”

“No, we heard Joji was here and thought he was alone…”

Kim Seonwoo catches the implied meaning. It was already a hot topic among friends.

“Kim Seonwoo, congratulations.”

Ignoring the stares, Jo Jihyun calmly congratulates him.

“Thanks. Let’s meet after my honeymoon. I’ll call.”

“Got it.”

Kim Seonwoo thanks the others and moves to another table.

“I’ll head out then.”

Jo Jihyun stands.

“Why? Oppa, it’s been so long, stay a bit. It’s my first outing in ages.”

“Sorry I couldn’t make it to the baby’s first birthday.”

“It’s fine. I didn’t expect you to come anyway.”

“Jihyun-ah, go on.”

Jung Taesoo, pale at his wife’s bluntness, gestures for his friend to leave. Jo Jihyun bows to Kim Hyewon, greets the others briefly, and leaves. Kang Seokwon follows, bowing silently, and they exit the venue. In the elevator, people recognize Kang Seokwon and exchange glances, but no one speaks easily. A strange silence lingers. As they step out, people whisper, staring at Kang Seokwon.

“Should I buy a car?”

Walking down from the hotel, Kang Seokwon tosses out the question.

“What?”

Jo Jihyun’s eyes widen at the sudden suggestion.

“It’s inconvenient.”

“No, not at all.”

Jo Jihyun asks, “Is it inconvenient for you?” Kang Seokwon says, “No.” His daily life starts and ends with training. He walks or jogs to the gym and back. When needed, his agency sends a car, like the day Jo Jihyun arrived.

“Then why buy a car?”

Kang Seokwon glances at cars passing by. The hotel, on Namsan’s hillside, meant most people drove down.

“You shouldn’t overdo it.”

Jo Jihyun laughs briefly.

“Walking this much is actually good for me.”

Blooming flowers line the path. It’s full spring.

Jo Jihyun looks up at Kang Seokwon. Their eyes meet, and he tilts his head slightly.

“Just because.”

Kang Seokwon’s lips soften into a smile.

On the night the meteors fell, broadcasters aired the cosmic show all night. People enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime festival. For Jo Jihyun, it was a long day he hoped never to repeat. The relief he felt waking the next day to find nothing had happened was indescribable. He craved normalcy. He was simply grateful for uneventful days.

“Oh, and.”

Before Kang Seokwon finishes, someone calls out, “Excuse me,” stopping them.

“Are you the athlete Kang Seokwon?”

“Yes.”

Two well-dressed women approach hesitantly.

“We’re fans. Could we take a photo together?”

Jo Jihyun steps back to let them. Kang Seokwon’s expression hardens briefly.

“I don’t take photos anymore.”

“What?”

“Sorry.”

He bows briefly and starts walking. Jo Jihyun follows.

“Why not?”

Jo Jihyun asks after catching up.

“I’ve taken enough for a lifetime.”

Jo Jihyun recalls his expressionless face during magazine or commercial shoots.

“Not even with me?”

Jo Jihyun asks with a small laugh.

“No.”

After a pause, Kang Seokwon continues.

“Want to?”

“Now?”

“You said to take one.”

It was a casual remark. Kang Seokwon pulls out his phone. “Come here.” Before Jo Jihyun can back away, Kang Seokwon grabs his shoulder. Click, an awkward face is captured.

“…Can’t you delete it?”

“No.”

Kang Seokwon checks the photo, pockets his phone, and adds.

“You owe me.”

The old phone Kang Seokwon used broke in the bus accident. The photos were unrecoverable. When he heard, Kang Seokwon, face cold, asked the service center staff repeatedly if it couldn’t be fixed. They explained calmly why it was impossible, sweating. Kang Seokwon still kept the phone’s remains.

“So this makes us even?”

“No.”

“Plenty left,” Kang Seokwon adds with a relaxed smile. Jo Jihyun sighs deeply. Walking down the flower-lined path, they take a taxi home.

“Why’d you take that?”

Kang Seokwon asks, looking at the boutonniere in Jo Jihyun’s hand.

“Seonwoo was messing around.”

Still, Jo Jihyun hangs the boutonniere on the wall. Kang Seokwon looks at it curiously.

“Oh, they say drying it like this brings good luck.”

It’s a superstition, Jo Jihyun mumbles shyly. He hoped for his friend’s happiness.

“Like a bouquet?”

Kang Seokwon asks. Jo Jihyun nods, “Something like that.” Kang Seokwon narrows his eyes, staring at the flower for a while. Since he says nothing more, Jo Jihyun doesn’t think much of it.

The day passes peacefully.

“What’re you doing tonight?”

A few days later, over breakfast, Kang Seokwon asks.

“No plans.”

Jo Jihyun doesn’t know why he asks despite knowing, but he answers.

“Then make some time.”

“Okay.”

That’s the last Kang Seokwon says. The oddly tense air makes Jo Jihyun finish breakfast nervously. With a match less than a month away, Kang Seokwon heads to train. Around noon, Jo Jihyun gets a text: eat lunch, and the time and place for their meeting. It’s odd. Usually, they’d go together. Jo Jihyun calls. “Sunbae-nim.” “Yeah.” “Is this the place?” “Yeah.” Short replies. Sensing the awkward vibe, Jo Jihyun says, “Okay,” and ends the call. Arriving at the location, he’s surprised. He thought it was a casual meal, but the upscale restaurant’s ambiance and Kang Seokwon’s attire say otherwise.

“You’re here?”

Kang Seokwon stands, asking. Jo Jihyun bows instinctively.

“Did you eat lunch?”

At dinner, he’s concerned about Jo Jihyun’s lunch. “I ate earlier,” Jo Jihyun replies, sitting.

A waiter fills their glasses with water. Jo Jihyun sips, glancing at Kang Seokwon.

Seeing him in a suit is rare.

“What do you want to eat?”

Kang Seokwon hands over the menu. Jo Jihyun skims it and chooses. Kang Seokwon calls the waiter to order.

“Would you like wine?”

The waiter asks softly. Kang Seokwon says, “Whatever you recommend.” The waiter shows a list and suggests options. Kang Seokwon picks one.

“Is that okay?”

“Oh, yes.”

Not a wine enthusiast, Jo Jihyun has no preference. They stay silent until the waiter fills their glasses. In the awkward atmosphere, Jo Jihyun sips wine, watching Kang Seokwon. Used to seeing him in athletic wear, the suited Kang Seokwon feels oddly tense.

“Did you come from somewhere?”

“No.”

The curt reply stops Jo Jihyun from asking why he’s dressed up. Appetizers arrive. The awkwardness makes food hard to swallow. Kang Seokwon’s expression isn’t great. Jo Jihyun feels uneasy.

On the night of the meteors, Jo Jihyun confessed why he had to be apart for so long. Kang Seokwon wasn’t shocked or skeptical. He just said, “Okay,” calmly. That was it. No questions or comments. That night, Jo Jihyun fell asleep in his arms.

Since then, Kang Seokwon hasn’t mentioned it, as if he accepted everything. But sometimes, Jo Jihyun can’t help wondering if Kang Seokwon truly believes him.

He might think I’m crazy.

Jo Jihyun looked at Kang Seokwon while eating the appetizer. When their eyes met, Kang Seokwon looked away. It was unexpected. Kang Seokwon had never avoided his gaze before. Jo Jihyun looked at him again. The same thing happened.

“Here’s today’s soup.”

The waiter placed the soup bowls and left. They ate in silence, spoons dipping into the soup.

“Does it suit your taste?”

“…Yes.”

Only brief, awkward exchanges passed between them. The tense atmosphere made the food barely go down. Kang Seokwon hardly spoke. Even considering his usual quiet nature, this was extreme. Wondering if he was angry, Jo Jihyun studied his face several times. Kang Seokwon just ate expressionlessly. Though Jo Jihyun tried to think it might be due to his condition as an athlete, his heart grew heavy. Something was different. The biggest difference was,

“…”

“…”

Again.

Kang Seokwon kept avoiding his gaze.

Jo Jihyun couldn’t even taste the food. The air around the table grew increasingly awkward and heavy. Kang Seokwon opened his mouth as if to say something but closed it again.

Regret surged for bringing up that story. Making him wait seven years and then asking him to believe such a tale. Even to Jo Jihyun, it sounded absurd. It could easily feel like betrayal. With that thought, Jo Jihyun grew afraid to speak. During the entire course meal, they exchanged maybe six or seven words.

“Here’s dessert. How was your meal?”

The waiter approached and asked.

“It was fine.”

“If anything was unsatisfactory or uncomfortable, please let us know.”

Noticing the awkward atmosphere, the waiter spoke with a concerned expression.

“No, it’s fine.”

At Kang Seokwon’s curt reply, the waiter retreated without further words. Jo Jihyun scooped the ice cream with a teaspoon. The cold, sweet sensation enveloped his tongue.

“Is it good?”

“Huh?”

“The ice cream. You seem to enjoy it.”

It was the longest thing he’d said all evening. Jo Jihyun gave an ambiguous smile and nodded. Then, there was nothing more to say. He silently finished the ice cream. As a child, his mother couldn’t stand him leaving food when she was angry. Though he knew he didn’t have to do that with Kang Seokwon, he instinctively finished everything. His stomach ached. Kang Seokwon, sipping wine, occasionally grimaced like an athlete frustrated with a bad match.

“Jihyun-ah…”

“Sunbae-nim.”

They spoke at the same time.

“You go first.”

“No, you first.”

Jo Jihyun hesitated, then spoke.

“Should we leave?”

Kang Seokwon frowned slightly, looking surprised, then asked, “Are you tired?” Jo Jihyun said, “Yes.” He was exhausted from worrying about Kang Seokwon.

“Okay, let’s go.”

Kang Seokwon stood. He paid, and they rode the elevator down in silence. Jo Jihyun couldn’t understand why he’d insisted on dining out, and the uncertainty made him anxious. They left the building and walked. The night breeze felt gentle, a true spring evening.

“Sunbae-nim.”

At Jo Jihyun’s call, Kang Seokwon stopped.

“What?”

“…Do you have something to say to me?”

He asked directly. Kang Seokwon’s expression hardened, slightly startled. Then he clicked his tongue softly.

“Later.”

“You can say it now.”

What could he want to talk about? Fear consumed him. Jo Jihyun stared at the man’s lips, feeling like a prisoner awaiting a death sentence.

“Later.”

A simple, unadorned reply. “Alright,” Jo Jihyun nodded softly and resumed walking.

The blooming night cherry blossoms were beautiful, making the evening feel even more melancholic.

“You shower first.”

At Jo Jihyun’s words, Kang Seokwon said, “Okay.” Watching him hang his suit jacket, Jo Jihyun turned away. He loved Kang Seokwon’s bare back—the beautiful muscles and bones shaped by effort, the scar on his shoulder from grueling rehabilitation. Seeing it made him want to act childish. He had to wait until Kang Seokwon shared his true feelings. That was his duty.

The sound of shower water echoed. Jo Jihyun lay on the floor, then sat up. The tense dinner left his stomach sore. Opening the cabinet for medicine, he brushed Kang Seokwon’s jacket, and it fell. He bent to pick it up. As he hung it back, an object on the floor caught his eye—a small box. Tilting his head, Jo Jihyun picked it up. Holding it, he realized its purpose. Just then, Kang Seokwon, fresh from the shower, towel-drying his hair, met Jo Jihyun’s eyes, holding the box.

“…”

“…”

Silence lingered, awkward and unfamiliar. Jo Jihyun blinked twice, then managed to speak.

“Is this for me?”

Kang Seokwon sighed, “Haa,” and rubbed his cheek, looking deeply embarrassed.

“…Is it for someone else?”

“No way.”

Kang Seokwon answered, still frowning.

“Can I open it?”

With a resigned, “Okay,” Kang Seokwon nodded. Jo Jihyun opened the box. Inside was a simple ring. As he lifted it, engraved text caught his eye. His gaze froze. He stared at the ring, as if struck.

“…When I gave them your name, I must’ve messed up.”

Kang Seokwon continued, his expression grim, like a boxer who’d lost a match.

“They called to confirm, but it was noisy during training, and I misheard and said yes. They thought ‘Dear’ was part of the name, assuming it was English.”

Uncharacteristically, his excuse stretched on. He sighed again, his cheeks flushed.

“Sorry. It’s the nickname you hate.”

“…No, it’s fine.”

Seeing the engraved words, Jo Jihyun’s heart nearly stopped.

He’d told Kang Seokwon about the time reversal but not every detail.

Dear. George.

The letter from the boy—he’d crumpled and thrown it away after reading the opening words. He didn’t know what followed. Knowing wouldn’t change anything, but sometimes, it crossed his mind. What words were in that letter, existing only in his memory? Perhaps it was the start of everything, and he’d discarded the boy’s heartfelt love without reading a single word.

That left him with lingering regret and guilt.

Their eyes met. This time, Kang Seokwon didn’t look away. As if resolute, he spoke.

“I found a place.”

He continued.

“Let’s live together.”

The simple, calm words carried deep sincerity. The letter’s words must have been the same. Without reading, Jo Jihyun could imagine the care in each letter.

Dear. George.

He read the engraving inside the ring.

“I want to live with you forever.”

Kang Seokwon confessed his steadfast heart. His unwavering sincerity flowed in.

Jo Jihyun swallowed a smile.

He slipped the ring on his finger. After all the twists and turns, the boy’s unread heart touched him. An invisible vow was etched into the rest of his life.

For his beloved.