Vol 5 Ch 9

The originally planned 30 minutes of ride time extended longer than expected. They went around the Ferris wheel several times, rode the carousel, and even played a shooting game.

“Here, this is for you.”

Lee Wooyeon handed Inseop an ice cream cone.

“Thank you.”

After leaving the county fair, Lee Wooyeon drove to a donut shop on 4th Street, ordering the same things they had eaten before when asked what Inseop wanted.

“…Aren’t you having any?”

Lee Wooyeon showed his coffee instead of answering. Feeling a bit embarrassed to eat ice cream alone, Inseop lowered his head and took a bite.

“Is it good?”

“Yes.”

Lee Wooyeon wiped Inseop’s upper lip with his thumb.

“You had some on your lips.”

He showed Inseop the ice cream on his finger and smiled. Inseop’s cheeks turned red as he quickly ate more ice cream. Fortunately, the heat rising in his throat seemed to subside a bit.

“Did you often go out at night?”

“No. I didn’t go out often.”

Inseop shook his head. It was rare for them to roam around bustling areas. Not only because of Jenny’s strict household, but also because Inseop’s health was frail, with more sick days than healthy ones. So, when they occasionally sneaked out late at night, it felt thrilling and adventurous.

“You didn’t climb out the window just once or twice, did you?”

“…We just played around near the house.”

Lee Wooyeon laughed quietly and sipped his coffee.

“It’s the first time I’ve been out this late.”

“In your pajamas?”

“Yes.”

Inseop’s large eyes crinkled with laughter. As he cautiously took another bite of ice cream, he continued speaking.

“Doing this at this hour makes me feel like I’m doing something really bad.”

Lee Wooyeon looked down at Inseop intently. Even though he was wearing a jacket, the loose pajamas barely covered his small n**ples.

“…What’s wrong?”

Noticing his gaze, Inseop asked.

“Do you want to do something really bad?”

“What?”

Inseop was startled, his eyes widening. They were harmless, innocent eyes that had never done anything truly bad.

Lee Wooyeon momentarily considered taking Inseop to a nearby park for some outdoor s*x but then felt his resolve waver. It always happens this way. Inseop’s innocence was impenetrable, no matter what mischief Lee Wooyeon planned.

“I’ll buy you another chocolate ice cream. Eat it like a real bad boy.”

Inseop burst out laughing. His laugh was beautiful and kind. Lee Wooyeon stood there with his coffee, staring blankly at Inseop. Swallowing the tepid night air of midsummer made his throat feel itchy.

“Um, Wooyeon.”

“Why do you call me like that? It makes my heart flutter.”

“…Can I ask you a favor?”

“Hmm. Depends.”

Lee Wooyeon replied playfully, with a mischievous smile, causing Inseop’s eyes to tremble.

Damn. I’d do anything for you, even if you asked me to die right here and now. You damn pretty bastard.

Lee Wooyeon asked, “What is it?”

“It’s nothing. It’s fine,” Inseop mumbled, lowering his head. Watching Inseop’s confidence deflate so quickly made Lee Wooyeon’s insides itch with affection.

“What is it? Let’s hear it,” Lee Wooyeon pressed, leaning in close. After a few more persistent questions, Inseop finally raised his head.

***

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

Sitting beside him, Inseop answered softly, “For bringing you to a place you don’t like…”

It was true. Lee Wooyeon hated churches. He had never willingly stepped inside one unless someone had died. Not that the death of someone made him want to go, either.

“It’s fine. Just go pray quickly,” Lee Wooyeon urged.

Inseop had hesitantly asked to go to a nearby church. He hadn’t been able to finish his prayers on the day of the funeral because he had fainted, and it had been weighing on his mind. Naturally, Lee Wooyeon agreed to Inseop’s request without hesitation.

The church was empty at this late hour. Inseop found a spot in a secluded corner, clasped his hands together, and began to pray. Lee Wooyeon sat next to him, silently watching Inseop pray. Every time he whispered, his small lips moved delicately.

People say the initial infatuation fades after being together for a long time, but why does this never get old? In fact, he looks more beautiful every day. F*ck.

Noticing his gaze, Inseop opened his eyes.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

“What do you mean?”

Lee Wooyeon turned his body fully towards Inseop, leaning against the pew.

“You keep staring at me. Do you have something to say?” Inseop asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

“I wasn’t staring,” Lee Wooyeon lied, grinning shamelessly. Inseop gently pushed his arm, saying, “Stop joking around and look ahead.”

It’s not a joke; it’s a sneaky plan.

Lee Wooyeon propped his chin on his hand and continued to gaze at Inseop as he prayed. Inseop looked younger in his pajamas, with the soft hair on his cheeks more noticeable. His clasped fingers, the way his lips moved when reciting the prayers, the slightly overlapping long eyelashes, the faint freckles, the nipples and stomach peeking through the loose pajamas.

His flat stomach would often reveal the shape of his cock pressing against the skin when he was hard and inside Inseop. Pressing down on it with his palm while whispering sweet nothings would always make Inseop cry beautifully.

Lee Wooyeon swallowed.

He said eating ice cream in pajamas made him feel like he was doing something bad. How about really doing something bad? S*x in the church might be just perfect.

Lee Wooyeon quickly sized up the pews with his eyes. They seemed just right for laying Inseop down and having his way with him.

“…Don’t joke around,” Inseop said, opening one eye to look at Lee Wooyeon again, reminding him firmly.

“I’m not joking,” Lee Wooyeon replied, feigning seriousness. Inseop resumed his prayer.

What could he be saying for so long for someone who’s dead?

Without a word, Lee Wooyeon watched Inseop, then poked his cheek with a finger. Inseop furrowed his brows slightly and opened his eyes.

“Are prayers supposed to be this long?”

“Sorry. I’m almost done.”

“What are you saying in them?”

“Pardon?”

“What are you saying while you pray?”

He had never been curious about how others viewed the world. He figured everyone dealt with their lives in their own way. But sometimes, he was curious about Inseop’s thoughts.

Caught off guard by the question, Inseop’s eyes widened slightly before he smiled softly.

“I’m giving thanks.”

“Someone died, and you’re giving thanks?”

“No. I’m thanking for the paths they walked and the time we shared. I’m praying in gratitude for having met them.”

Inseop’s inherent goodness was something Lee Wooyeon had realized he could never fully grasp. He couldn’t mimic it or possess it.

But still.

“I am thankful for the times I had with my grandmother, for her love for me, …for becoming my family in this vast world. And I prayed for my family’s happiness and health.”

Sometimes, he wanted to be completely immersed in the world Inseop showed him. Without any gaps, fully…

“…Do you want to stay here?”

“What?”

“Wouldn’t it be better for you to stay in the U.S. for a while?” Lee Wooyeon asked softly. What had started as a casual suggestion now carried a weight of sincerity. Inseop was particularly vulnerable to stress—a point doctors reiterated with every hospital visit. Lee Wooyeon wanted him to be in a place where he felt at peace until he recovered from his grief, even though he wished he could tear away all those clinging family members who stressed him out.

“No, I’ll go back to Korea,” Inseop shook his head.

“Spend time with your family for now. I’ll be fine,” Lee Wooyeon said, despite feeling utterly wretched about it. Aaron was right. There was a bond that only family could provide. Inseop needed comfort that Lee Wooyeon, with his lack of empathy, could never offer.

“…You are my family too, Lee Wooyeon,” Inseop replied softly, a blush spreading across his cheeks. When Lee Wooyeon didn’t respond, Inseop quickly turned away, murmuring as if to explain himself.

“Not yet, but that’s how I feel.”

The church bell chimed, signaling the hour.

Feelings were not something that could be precisely measured. Lee Wooyeon couldn’t pinpoint when his feelings for Inseop had begun, nor could he explain why he had fallen for him.

But he realized it repeatedly—the moment he fell in love.

Each time he blinked, the person before him seemed more beautiful, and the strange sensation of not knowing what expression to make, just foolishly staring at the other person, filled him. The subtle pain that spread through his chest at the smallest gestures from the other person.

“Inseop,” Lee Wooyeon called softly, making Inseop look up.

“Will you marry me today?”

After he proposed, nothing significant had progressed. They could have sorted out the paperwork in the US, or they could have gone anywhere to have the ceremony. But they had done nothing.

After blurting out his sudden affection, Lee Wooyeon bit his dry lips.

Is this really okay? Can Choi Inseop truly be with someone like me…?

“Yes.”

The response came without any hesitation. As if reading Lee Wooyeon’s anxiety, Inseop gave a clear answer. Every time, he drew Lee Wooyeon into his world.

“I will.”

Inseop nodded, answering again. He felt the familiar metallic sensation of the ring against his pinky as he clenched and unclenched his sweaty hand. Lee Wooyeon burst into laughter and took Inseop’s hand.