* * *

“Of course you should have told us! How long did you think you could hide this?”

“We should’ve figured it out when you started talking about a sudden job change. It wasn’t a career move, was it? You were planning to quit before we found out.”

“…”

“So, all that talk about being busy with job applications was just an excuse to ghost us?”

Yeonseok stepped forward, his expression stern.

Siyoung instinctively backed away, only to realize he was cornered against a closed door.

‘This is why I hate it—this way they pretend to care. If they didn’t care, they should stay out of it. They always do this.’

Once upon a time, their attention might have made his heart flutter, but Siyoung wasn’t so naive anymore.

He understood too well now just how shallow friendship could be.

“This child… he’s my child. I don’t need to tell you every detail of my family plans, do I? This is my responsibility, and I didn’t feel like talking about it or asking for anyone’s help.”

“Still… we thought you were sick. It scared us when you kept hiding things. We worried something terrible had happened,” Jaeyoon’s voice was laced with concern.

Siyoung cut him off coldly.

“If something terrible happens, it’ll be my problem. Not yours.”

Jaeyoon looked hurt, but Siyoung brushed past him, feeling a strange calm now that the initial shock had passed.

He hadn’t anticipated getting caught, but what difference did it make now?

He chose to stand his ground.

“Sure, I get that you’re worried. But does that justify tearing through my place? Being friends doesn’t mean you can cross every line, does it?”

“…”

“Could you please leave now?”

With those words, Siyoung ushered them out and locked the door.

They lingered outside for a while but eventually left, understanding that the door wouldn’t open again.

“Sigh…”

Though he’d defused the situation for now, bigger problems loomed ahead.

They might not know who the father was yet, but they’d certainly be determined to find out.

It wouldn’t be long before they started digging into the timeline, maybe even piecing together when the child had been conceived.

‘And if… if the baby looks like his father…’

If they hadn’t found out, he might have managed to keep it a secret.

But now, if they saw the child once he was born, they would inevitably recognize the father.

No amount of hiding would protect the truth.

‘For now… how am I supposed to even go to work on Monday? Should I pack up and stay with Jooyoung? No… I’ll hold out as long as I can.’

After a long moment of indecision, Siyoung finally dialed Jooyoung’s number.

He hadn’t made any firm decision yet, but maybe he’d feel clearer if he just talked to someone.

“Hello? Hyung? What’s up?”

“It’s nothing. Just thought I haven’t called in a while. Wanted to see how you’re doing. You’re in your last year, so things must be hectic, right?”

“Ah, sorry! I’ve been so busy I haven’t had the chance to reach out. Can’t believe it’s been two weeks already.”

They’d usually check in every two or three days, but with Jooyoung in his final year, their calls had grown less frequent.

Siyoung had thought he’d have more free time after lining up a post-graduation job, but he was busier than ever with preparations.

“I actually wanted to call you, but kept putting it off. I’ve got some big news, actually.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Remember the professor I met at that exhibition? He’s invited me to work with his studio overseas next year, so I’ll be going abroad. There’s a lot to arrange with visas and everything.”

“Overseas? Where exactly?”

“To France. It’s just for a year. My professor said that if I do well, I might even get to exhibit my work with the other students… but that’s only if everything goes smoothly. I’m thinking of it as a learning experience and just going.”

The unexpected news left Siyoung momentarily speechless, freezing him in place.

Overseas, all of a sudden?

“…What about school? You still have one semester left.”

“I’ve already finished most of my credits, so all I really need to prepare for is my graduation project. I’ll work on that while getting my visa and brushing up on French. On days without class, I’ll go to the atelier to help the professor, learn from him, and get hands-on experience.”

Though he didn’t fully understand, Siyoung sensed from Jooyoung’s voice that things were going well.

Hearing his younger brother’s excitement, Siyoung asked, “So, is the atelier moving to France permanently?”

“No, not relocating. It’s just a year-long project, so I’ll only be there for that time. Not all the apprentices are going, so I got lucky.”

“Last time, you had to show proof of funds to get your visa. Do you have to do that again?”

“You don’t have to worry about that. This time, I’ll be able to handle it. Professor Lee has been a big help.”

“That’s great. You were thrilled after just three months last time. Going for a whole year will be a fantastic experience.”

He had only meant to check in, but a part of him was also wondering if Jooyoung might be in a position to help.

But hearing his brother’s excitement for the year ahead put his mind at ease.

“Not seeing you for a whole year feels strange. I worry about you sometimes…”

“Why are you worried about me? I’m not exactly a big deal, but I’m not living so recklessly that you need to worry.”

“You know I don’t mean it that way.”

“Yeah, I know… but really, don’t worry about me. I don’t want to be a burden or a worry to you.”

Siyoung felt embarrassed for even considering relying on his younger brother.

Though Jooyoung was taller now and able to stand on his own, Siyoung still saw him as the little brother he had to protect.

His brother was going overseas to pursue his dreams, to work for his future.

Siyoung didn’t want to weigh him down unnecessarily.

“I just called to check in. So, are you leaving right at the start of next year?”

“Yes, I’m heading out in January and coming back a year later. I’ve still got about six months, but preparing for this and my graduation project makes it feel tight.”

“You could have told me sooner. How long were you planning to keep this to yourself?”

“Sorry. I just started going to the atelier this month… there’s a lot to adjust to, and as the youngest, I have a lot on my plate.”

Leaving in January… he’d be going right after the baby’s born or just before.

He’d try to keep this a secret so Jooyoung wouldn’t worry, but he’d still want to see him off.

‘I’ll tell him when the plans are too set to change. If he knows I’m pregnant, and especially that the father isn’t around… Jooyoung would likely try to stay in Korea.’

“It’s still amazing. Professor Lee is incredibly well-known. It’s impressive to have someone like that recognize your talent. I’m proud of you, little brother.”

“…It’s all thanks to you. I could keep painting because you kept supporting me…”

“I just did what I was supposed to. When parents aren’t around, it’s natural for the older sibling to take care of things. Don’t thank me too much—it’s embarrassing.”

“Still, it’s because of you that I can do this. Once I start making money, I’ll support you. I’ll become a renowned artist, just like Professor Lee, so you won’t have to work anymore.”

“It’s nice to hear, even if it’s just talk. But you’re my pride and joy no matter what. Don’t push yourself too hard, don’t stress, just do your best and come back safely. I won’t be hurt if you’re too busy to call. Just reach out when you have some free time.”

“No, two weeks in, and I’m managing. I was planning to call you tomorrow anyway. Are you free tomorrow or the day after?”

Jooyoung said he could spare a day over the weekend and asked if they could meet.

After a moment of thought, Siyoung agreed.

“Alright. How about tomorrow? Now that I think of it, when you’re free, I’m busy, and when I’m free, you’re busy… it’s been a while since we met up.”

It’d be good to meet up often before his belly started showing.

It would help him remember what he needed to focus on.

“I’ll come to where you are.”

“No need. You’re probably tired from getting used to the atelier—I’ll…”

“We’re in the same city; it’s no trouble. Besides, people might think you don’t have a job if they heard you say that. I’ll come by your place around noon.”

“Alright. See you tomorrow.”

After the call, Siyoung let out a deep sigh.

As expected, he couldn’t turn to Jooyoung for help.

That was a matter of pride.

He’d rather go to someone else than burden his brother, who was just starting to spread his wings.

‘Tomorrow, I’ll just enjoy lunch with Jooyoung and have a good time. Then from Sunday… I’ll have to rethink my plans. I can’t take back what’s already out in the open, so instead of just feeling panicked, I need to come up with a strategy.’

A vibration caught Siyoung’s eye, and he glanced at his phone.

Seeing who was calling, he let the phone vibrate in his hand and sighed.

“…Baby. I really don’t know what your dad is thinking.”

Siyoung mumbled to himself, gripping the phone as it buzzed in his palm.

Ironically, the steady vibration seemed to soothe his complicated emotions.

---

Translator: Hello guys, I got corrected by the main Kr translator of the website about the younger sibling. It is actually a brother. The author only used Dongsaeng which means younger siblings, to refer the gender there is a prefix. Nam for male and Yeo for female. Because I know someone with the name Jooyoung and she is female, I thought the author was referring to a sister. But the main KR translator said that if the author didn’t specify the gender, it is usually a brother. So yeah, I changed it to brother.

* * *