MW 50

Even though it was early on a weekend morning, the bars were packed with people, likely because it was near a university. As it was noisy enough that they couldn’t hear each other speak, Jaeha and Yijae ended up heading to the convenience store in front of their home.

“I really wanted to treat you today…”

Yijae said with a downcast face after coming out of the convenience store, having purchased four cans of beer, two hot bars, a bag of chips, and one bag of gummies.

“There will be plenty of chances in the future. And isn’t what you eat good depending on who you’re with?”

Yijae’s eyes widened at the touch of a cold beer can against his cheek. He looked cute as he flinched in surprise and shivered, covering his neck. Jaeha, who burst out laughing so hard the corners of his mouth stretched, wiped the corners of his eyes and led Yijae to a seat.

“I’ll enjoy this, Yijae.”

“Yes…”

Yijae stared intently as Jaeha popped open a beer can and drank. When their eyes met, he hastily grabbed his own beer and took two gulps in a row.

“It’s delicious.”

“That’s because you like sweet things.”

Jaeha had deliberately recommended a beer with low alcohol content and a sweet taste, and it seemed to suit his palate. Jaeha’s gaze, watching Yijae diligently sip his beer with both hands, was colored with affection.

As they finished one can, then two, along with the snacks, and the atmosphere grew comfortable, Jaeha cautiously opened his mouth.

“Yijae. Is there anything you want to do in the future?”

“Something I want to do…?”

“Until now, it wasn’t things you did because you wanted to. From now on, Yijae, I want you to do what you want to do. I’ll support you no matter what it is, and I’ll help you if I can.”

This was something he had been thinking about since he decided to bring Yijae with him. Beyond just getting him out of that environment, he wanted to help Yijae build a proper life for himself.

Jaeha, who had been thinking and contemplating deeply while Yijae slowly adjusted to his home, was now curious about his thoughts.

“You’ve only been through the first semester of your first year, so transferring departments will be easy, or you could prepare to retake the entrance exam. If not that, it’s okay to just take it easy and think about it slowly.”

“I… I think I like how things are now.”

At the unexpected answer, Jaeha put down the beer can in his hand.

“Of course, it’s difficult and hard, but it’s fascinating to be learning the same things as you, sunbae-nim, and I just like it… And, in case I can be of help to you later… I want to… learn it.”

Learning the same things as him, and to help him later. He had never dreamed that this would be his answer.

What was he to do with Yijae, who repaid him with love and devotion far greater than what he had given? Jaeha stared intently at Yijae, who was looking at him with pure admiration and love, and took his hand.

“First of all, I’m very grateful and happy that you think that way, but I think I’d be happier if you were happy doing the things you want to do.”

“But…”

His face showed that he didn’t quite know yet, that it was difficult. There was still plenty of time. He had no intention of rushing Yijae, who had only just found some leisure and stability. He just planned to walk silently beside him and watch over him.

“Yes, I know it’s difficult. So let’s figure it out together, step by step, from now on. What you want to do, and how you want to live your life.”

Yijae didn’t know how reassuring it was to be told that someone would be by his side until he found it. Although he didn’t have a clear idea of what he really wanted to do or what he wanted to become, Yijae, feeling the strength that came just from having someone who would support him no matter what he chose, gave a bright smile.

.

.

.

Yijae, whose cheeks were flushed like ripe peaches, took out a gummy from the bag and said.

“Wow, this one is really big.”

He had been munching on gummies for a while now, and his face, smiling brightly with sparkling eyes, still looked like a child’s. Can it really be this entertaining just to watch someone else? In a novel mood, Jaeha, who had been resting his chin on his hand, pointed to the name of the gummy, which read ‘King Gummy Worm,’ with lips tinged with a smile.

“Ah! I guess that’s why it’s called King Gummy Worm. That’s so funny.”

Yijae, who swallowed another giggle, held out the gummy in his hand toward Jaeha.

“I’ll give it to you, sunbae-nim.”

Although he had never eaten one before, it was such a famous product that Jaeha knew the King Gummy Worm he was being offered was the only one in the bag.

“There’s only one of these in a bag.”

“I know. I saw it written here.”

“You still want to give it to me?”

Nod, nod.

Yijae nodded his head vigorously, then glanced at the people entering the convenience store, covered his mouth with his hand, and said in a small voice.

“Because I like you, sunbae-nim, I want to give it to you.”

Whether it was the alcohol making him honest, or the atmosphere that had made him this way, Yijae today was quite frank and bold. Jaeha split the King Gummy Worm in half and handed a piece to Yijae. Yijae saw it and cried out that it was cruel, but he couldn’t stop smiling.

Jaeha stared intently at the red tongue that was revealed between Yijae’s lips every time he moved his mouth to chew. The scent of his pheromones, which wafted over whenever he grinned, his guard now down, also played a part.

Jaeha’s eyes, watching Yijae to whom his gaze kept being drawn today, narrowed, and he let out a short, internal sigh of hidden torment.

He had lost track of time during his first drink with Yijae, and when he checked, it was already well past 3 a.m.

Jaeha reached out and tousled Yijae’s hair, then finished the rest of his beer and opened his mouth.

“It’s gotten too late. Shall we get going?”

He himself was fine, but Yijae had to go to work tomorrow. Plus, since it was exam period, he would probably try to wake up early to study, and if his bedtime got any later, he would be the one to suffer. Though it was a shame, Jaeha and Yijae got up from their seats, promising a next time.

“The moon is pretty.”

Yijae, who had stopped walking toward home, looked up at the sky and parted his lips. The sky was thick with clouds, as if jealous of the moon pouring out its light, but the full moon that occasionally revealed itself was beautiful by its mere existence.

Jaeha, who had been gazing quietly at his face, took Yijae’s hand. He felt a small tremor through their fingertips, as if Yijae was surprised by the sudden touch, but he squeezed tighter and slowly started walking, breathing in the dawn air.

The warmth transmitted through their touching skin felt good. Jaeha and Yijae walked in silence for a long while, their lips twitching with a ticklish feeling in their hearts.

And just then, plop, plop, raindrops began to fall on their cheeks. At the same time, their eyes met, and the two of them burst into laughter, their gazes fixed on each other.

As if they couldn’t even remember what had made them so nervous and hesitant, their two hands, clasped tightly together, did not easily let go even as they ran to escape the downpour.

⁺₊❆₊⋆

“You’ve done something unnecessary.”

Dohae had spent a night in the detention center and was only able to get out of the police station with Secretary Oh’s help. His face was pale with shame and humiliation. On top of that, Kang Jaeha’s words from last night hadn’t left his mind all night.

“I believe I told you to stay quietly at the hotel.”

Dohae’s emotions, which he had been suppressing while chewing on his lips, finally exploded at Secretary Oh’s next words.

“Are you ordering me around right now? Secretary Oh, have you gone mad?”