Vol 3 Ch 34

“Then, goodbye.”

 

“Alright. You’ve worked hard today too, Inseop. Thank you, Manager Cha.”

 

“You’ve worked hard.”

 

As everyone exchanged greetings and left, Choi Haseong got out of the car without a word of thanks and disappeared in a flash. Manager Cha patted Inseop’s shoulder instead and said,

 

“That’s just how he is. But still, he went as far as to mention introducing his nephew because he likes you.”

 

“…I appreciated that earlier.”

 

Inseop glanced over to where Lee Wooyeon was conversing with seniors at a distance and added,

 

“I followed as a manager, but I was worried it might make things awkward for Lee Wooyeon.”

 

“….”

 

How can he still believe they don’t know what’s going on between them, acting so stubbornly like that? Especially after all the nonsense he spewed earlier…

 

Manager Cha was momentarily speechless, but soon regained his composure and replied,

 

“Well, yeah. That’s why I deliberately intervened.”

 

“Thank you very much.”

 

“What are you thanking me for?”

 

As they finished their greetings, Lee Wooyeon suddenly piped up from behind,

 

“Oh, thank you for coming along today.”

 

With Manager Cha accompanying the rest of the schedule, Inseop felt relieved. He liked dealing with adults, but handling four people at once was definitely not easy.

 

“I came along too, you know?”

 

Lee Wooyeon playfully pointed at himself.

 

“Of course, thank you very much, Lee Wooyeon.”

 

Inseop politely nodded his head in thanks, and a warm smile flickered in Lee Wooyeon’s eyes as he watched him. Seeing this from the side, Manager Cha shivered, rubbing his goosebumped arms with his tongue out.

 

“Tomorrow morning at ten, there’s a flight, so get ready.”

 

“Oh, right. How did the schedule end up like that? There’s no way CEO Kim would have approved it.”

 

“How did it end up like that indeed.”

 

Manager Cha turned his head towards Inseop as he felt like saying something, due to Lee Wooyeon’s irritated tone.

 

“Pack your bags early. With a flight at ten, we’ll have to leave early.”

 

“Yes. Understood.”

 

“What’s this? We’re just going to Hawaii to make a brief stop.”

 

Manager Cha sighed as if he found it pitiful. Inseop felt the same. It was regrettable to come all the way here and not be able to properly sightsee before leaving, but above all, he felt sorry for Lee Wooyeon. If he had known the schedule would turn out like this, he would never have told him to participate in the incentive vacation. He felt doubly guilty for even arguing over the matter.

 

“Why are you like this?”

 

When Inseop shook his head gloomily, Wooyeon asked.

 

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

 

Inseop quickly shook his head.

 

“What do you want to do for dinner?”

 

Manager Cha glanced briefly at Inseop and asked Wooyeon.

 

“I have some work to do, so I think I’ll stay in my room.”

 

“What kind of work is in your room…”

 

Before finishing his sentence, Manager Cha stopped himself, realizing what he was about to say.

 

“Okay then. I’ll take care of business. I’ll have to ask Sangpil to get some expensive liquor from that bastard.”

 

Manager Cha waved his hand and disappeared. With only the two of them left, Wooyeon looked at Inseop and said,

 

“Prepare for the flight tomorrow morning without being late.”

 

“Yes. I understand.”

 

Inseop replied, waiting for Wooyeon to add something else.

 

“Why?”

 

Feeling Inseop’s gaze, Wooyeon smiled and asked. Inseop shook his head, saying it’s nothing.

 

Once back in his room, Inseop took a shower. He dried himself off more carefully than usual and then dried his hair. There were no messages from Wooyeon.

 

“…”

 

But he’ll probably call him over. He said he had something to do in the room.

 

After carefully combing his hair, Inseop changed into clean clothes. He put the key card given by Wooyeon in his pocket and took out two cans of beer from the fridge. It was their last night in Hawaii, and he wanted to reconcile with Wooyeon over a beer.

 

Standing in front of Wooyeon’s room, Inseop took a deep breath, adjusted his hair one last time, and then knocked.

 

“…”

 

Why does it sound like laughter is coming from inside?

 

Inseop was about to knock again but leaned in to the door to make sure he wasn’t mistaken. Suddenly, a gust of wind pushed the door open from the inside, causing Inseop to stumble.

 

“Who’s there?”

 

It was actor Chae Jungwon, who was cast as the lead alongside Wooyeon in this drama. Inseop checked the room number with a dumbfounded expression, wondering if he had gotten the wrong room.

 

“Who are you looking for?”

 

Chae Jungwon asked.

 

“Mr. Wooyeon…”

 

Before he could finish speaking, a large hand reached out from inside and grabbed Inseop’s shoulder, pulling him upright.

 

“He’s my manager.”

 

“Oh, I see. You seem unfamiliar.”

 

“Please come in.”

 

Wooyeon said with a smile. Inside, there were several people, including Chae Jungwon, drinking. They were young actors appearing in the drama.

 

The door closed.

 

“What’s the matter?”

 

When Wooyeon asked with a stern face, Inseop felt a sudden surge of annoyance, and his fingertips trembled slightly.

 

“…I, I came to check tomorrow’s schedule.”

 

He didn’t feel like saying that he had come expecting to spend time together, especially not with the added excitement of bringing alcohol because there were things left to do in the room.

 

A small sigh was heard from above. Inseop didn’t know what to do and bowed his head. He felt like a fool for coming without any awareness.

 

“We have a flight at ten tomorrow. No changes.”

 

“I’m sorry. …Well then, see you tomorrow.”

 

As Inseop bowed to leave, Wooyeon grabbed his arm. As a result, a can of beer from his pocket rolled down the corridor. Inseop’s neck turned as red as a ripe apple. Wooyeon bent down to pick up the beer.

 

“…Have it with the others.”

 

Inseop took out the remaining beer from his pocket and handed it to Wooyeon. Wooyeon’s expression twisted complicatedly. He bit his lower lip as if holding something back, then he spoke up.

 

“Mr. Inseop….”

 

The door opened.

 

“Mr. Wooyeon, the manager, come in and have a drink together.”

 

Choi Jungwon poked his head out and said.

 

“No, thank you! I just dropped by to check the schedule. Have a good time.”

 

Inseop quickly bowed and hurried across the hallway. When he reached the 7th floor, he looked back. Wooyeon wasn’t following. It was only natural, but he couldn’t help feeling hurt.

 

That day, Inseop packed his belongings early and went to bed. Suddenly, he realized that since their argument, Wooyeon hadn’t even touched him once. A forgotten fear crept back into his mind. What if the gap between them couldn’t be bridged?

 

…He couldn’t sleep.

 

***

 

During the ride to the airport, Wooyeon remained silent without saying a word. Inseop didn’t initiate any conversation either. Only occasional yawns from Manager Cha, who had been drinking all night, broke the silence.

 

As soon as they arrived at the airport, Manager Cha began preparing for the flight.

 

“Give me your passport. I’ll handle the ticketing.”

 

“No, I don’t want to.”

 

Wooyeon replied with a smile.

 

“Stop fooling around and give it to me. We’re short on time because of the delay.”

 

“I’m not joking. I’m not going to Korea.”

 

“What?”

 

Manager Cha asked with a puzzled expression.

 

“I’m going to stay a bit longer on the neighboring island. I got permission from the boss too. As compensation for shooting another ad.”

 

“…So, why did the schedule suddenly change like that, because of you…?”

 

Manager Cha glared at Wooyeon, grinding his teeth.

 

“Yes. It happened because of me. Anyway, Manager, you must have had a hard time. You had to go through Hong Kong because there were no direct tickets available.”

 

“What? Hey, you crazy bastard. It’s hard for me to have a layover because I’m old.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

Wooyeon smiled brightly with a face that showed he didn’t care whether Manager Cha died or not.

 

“F**k… Ah, really.”

 

Unable to curse in front of peoplw, Manager Cha sighed deeply and suppressed his anger.

 

“…Then I’ll go to the international terminal. I hope only you suffer if the volcano on the island you’re going to explode, without causing any civilian casualties.”

 

Manager Cha muttered a very kind curse and dragged his luggage away. Inseop greeted Wooyeon while holding onto the handle of his suitcase.

 

“Well then, I’ll go now…”

 

Wooyeon grabbed Inseop’s neck.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“To catch the plane…”

 

Wooyeon laughed as if it were unbelievable.

 

“Have I been too ordinary for the past few days? Did you forget who you were dating?”

 

“What?”

 

“I told you. After work, I’ll spend three nights and four days having s*x with you.”

 

“….!”

 

Inseop’s face turned red at the unexpected suggestive remark.

 

“Hurry, we’ll miss the flight.”

 

“But, Manager…”

 

“He’s not a child. He can go by himself.”

 

“I haven’t even said goodbye…”

 

“As long as the plane doesn’t crash, you can say enough goodbyes when you get back to Korea.”

 

Telling horrifying things with a calm face, Wooyeon grabbed Inseop’s arm. Then he pulled his suitcase and headed to the Inter-Island Terminal. After going through the procedures and sending their luggage, they boarded the commuter plane, and when they came to their senses, they had arrived at a quaint airport.

 

“Where are we going?”

 

Inseop asked cautiously after getting into the white van waiting in front of the airport.

 

“Why? Do you think I’m going to sell you somewhere, Inseop?”

 

“…No.”

 

“Don’t worry. Even if I suggest swapping with this island, I won’t sell you.”

 

Wooyeon rested his chin on his hand and looked out the window, squinting slightly. The scenery of the island finally caught Inseop’s eyes.

 

Beautiful rows of trees planted along the road, a quiet road where you couldn’t even find a single car coming, and the picturesque sky facing the end of the road.

 

Inseop let out a sigh involuntarily.

 

“Do you like it?”

 

“Oh, yes. …It’s wonderful.”

 

“I’m glad you like it.”

 

“But there aren’t many people here.”

 

Indeed, there were barely ten people who boarded the commuter plane together. Some of them took another van, leaving only two people in this vehicle.

 

“This island is privately owned.”

 

“…Is it owned by you, Wooyeon?”

 

Wooyeon burst into laughter.

 

“Haha. Is that the face of someone asking if I’m really the owner?”

 

Still looking frightened, Inseop hesitantly asked, “Is it really?”

 

“No. I don’t own an island yet, but if you really want this island, I’ll buy it for you.”

 

“No, I absolutely don’t want that.”

 

Inseop shook his head firmly. His face showed fear as if he had received a dead rat covered in blood as a gift, even though Wooyeon offered to buy him a beautiful island famous in Hawaii.

 

“Then what do you want?”

 

Wooyeon asked playfully.

 

“…Can you please stop teasing me?”

 

Looking at his beloved partner, who was speaking like someone making a difficult request, Wooyeon stared at him for a long time, holding onto his clothes with both hands.

 

He deliberately drew a line and kept his distance. He couldn’t believe in himself, unsure of what he might do. There was a need to maintain a cool demeanor toward the soft and innocent Inseop, who was easily swayed by kindness. But merely looking at Inseop was torture.

 

When Inseop stepped onto the elevator with disheveled hair, knowing he had been to his room, whenever he saw Inseop surrounded by others receiving love, whenever he caught Inseop’s glance, whenever Inseop smiled, breathed, …Wooyeon couldn’t help but want to hold Inseop and reveal his dirty desires.

 

He called CEO Kim and said he would move to the neighboring island right away. When CEO Kim asked what nonsense that was and was about to cause a scene, Wooyeon told him it would be better to withdraw before causing an accident in front of everyone.

 

His patience was running out. When he saw Inseop visiting his room with a can of beer on the last day, it was truly maddening. He repeatedly went back and forth in front of Inseop’s door, hoping to find Inseop waiting outside after the drinking session ended.

 

Bringing Inseop to Hawaii was to show him that he could fulfill the role of a proper human as Inseop desired. He wanted to dine with people, have drinks, and smile like a good person while following the tour.

 

Even if it meant begging for forgiveness from Inseop. No, it was actually begging. He just wanted to show off the few advantages he had, like trash, and wanted to be seen favorably by Inseop.

 

Even while laughing without enthusiasm, his gaze always followed Inseop. He wanted Inseop to look at him. He endured the ugly anxiety by confirming Inseop’s presence within his sight. After finishing his work, he planned to apologize properly to Inseop.

 

I’m sorry. Even though I’m like this, please forgive me again. He was determined to apologize while kissing. But once again, Inseop was the one who asked for forgiveness first.

 

Wooyeon frowned and spoke up.

 

“Do you think I’ll keep being mad at you, Inseop?”

 

Inseop nodded quietly. Anxiety and worry were evident in his large pupils.

 

“Why?”

 

“…Because I make mistakes, I’m stubborn, …and you get hurt.”

 

At the last words, Wooyeon paused for a moment.

 

“That’s something I can’t change, no matter how hard I try. …I’m sorry.”

 

Inseop apologized. Wooyeon stared at Inseop for a while, then called him.

 

“Inseop.”

 

His murmurs, seeming painful somewhere, continued like a soliloquy.

 

“…Don’t apologize for that. It makes me feel even more miserable.”

 

“……”

 

After that, Wooyeon remained silent. Thinking he had made a needless mistake, Inseop only watched his reactions.