* * *
As the sun set, casting a golden glow across the sky, Isaac walked alone in the garden, having dismissed his attendants.
He had finished the day’s work for the estate and was weighed down with fatigue.
Taking in a deep breath of fresh air, he felt a sense of release in the empty garden.
His gaze drifted to the sky.
Watching the red sunset, one man came to mind—a red-haired man named Adam Ross.
‘Red hair… come to think of it, his lips are red too.’
And not just his lips.
The slightest comment would turn his cheeks scarlet.
Every time Isaac saw his face flush like a tomato, he found it both ridiculous and oddly amusing.
His fingers would itch for no reason—a feeling he’d never had with anyone else.
Isaac raised his hand. J
ust thinking about Adam made his fingers tingle.
With these very hands, he’d explored Adam’s body.
Each time he caressed that smooth skin, Adam would moan softly—a sound that stirred a fire in Isaac’s chest.
“Isaac…”
It felt like he could hear Adam’s murmuring by his ear.
Isaac slowly curled his fingers into a fist.
He thought the fatigue might lift more if he saw Adam’s face in person.
“What a ridiculous thought.”
Isaac muttered under his breath.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the faint sound of chatter rippled through the air.
He turned toward the source of the noise, eyes narrowing as he spotted the scene.
“Oh, I really can’t do this!”
It was Adam’s voice.
Hearing that flustered tone, Isaac began to walk toward him.
Adam stood in a small clearing, surrounded by a few maids and servants who sat close together, watching.
“I—I think I’m doing okay though?”
One of the maids tried to soothe him with a laugh in her voice.
Adam shook his head furiously and even ran his hands down his face in frustration.
What could have him so distressed?
Isaac found himself intrigued.
“Adam.”
Hearing his name, Adam turned with wide, startled eyes.
His expression said he hadn’t even imagined Isaac might be nearby.
Seeing those round, rabbit-like eyes, Isaac nearly laughed.
Strangely, the fatigue that had weighed on his shoulders lifted in an instant.
‘So it wasn’t such a ridiculous thought after all.’
It was strange, how just seeing him had lightened his body.
Isaac stepped closer to the greeting Adam.
Looking closely, he noticed Adam’s cheeks were faintly flushed.
He was out of breath, his hair slightly tousled—it was obvious he’d been in the middle of something.
“Were you running?”
At the question, Adam’s eyelids trembled slightly.
The skin around his eyes flushed red.
Just as Isaac had imagined.
“Well… truth is, I was practicing dancing.”
“Dancing?”
“I heard I’ll be attending the spring ball this year. But I’m terrible at it, so I’ve been practicing in advance.”
Isaac didn’t quite understand.
“Why so early? I’ll arrange a dance instructor for you.”
“I don’t think even a teacher will help. That’s how hopeless I am at dancing.”
Just thinking about it seemed to darken Adam’s expression.
Watching him fidget anxiously stirred Isaac’s curiosity.
He’d never seen Adam so lacking in confidence before. Isaac gestured silently to the young maid and servant.
It meant: leave us.
“That’s surprising. I assumed you’d be good at anything that involved using your body. Just like how you seem to have quite a knack for sex.”
Isaac watched Adam react, clearly flustered.
His pupils trembled, and his throat bobbed repeatedly.
“I… I do? I mean, if you think so, then I’m glad.”
“You still have a lot to learn, though. You couldn’t even properly take my cock into your mouth.”
Adam’s face turned bright red. Isaac’s gaze fell to his lips—faintly swollen at the edges.
Traces of oral sex.
“Want me to teach you?”
Isaac heard himself say something even he didn’t understand.
He furrowed his brow after speaking.
The sudden impulse confused him.
“…What?”
Adam looked bewildered, not understanding.
His innocent face was so endearing that Isaac abandoned any thought of retracting his words.
“I meant dancing.”
Adam’s jaw dropped open. Clearly shocked.
“What’s with that reaction?”
Isaac leaned down to meet his gaze.
“You think I can’t teach you?”
Adam gulped in place of an answer.
He probably thought Isaac had nothing to do with dancing.
Isaac wasn’t offended—in fact, he stared even more deliberately.
To shake Adam further.
‘How childish.’
Isaac mused to himself.
‘This must be what it feels like to be Chester.’
To want to tease someone like this—it was a first in his life.
The corners of Isaac’s mouth twitched slightly upward.
“Start by greeting me.”
“W–wait, Isaac, that’s…”
“Lift your face.”
Isaac gently tilted Adam’s chin up.
His green eyes shimmered with visible agitation.
Isaac couldn’t hold back anymore and smiled.
His usually stern expression softened noticeably.
“Ah…”
A small gasp escaped Adam’s lips.
And just like that, Isaac’s face returned to its usual calm.
He stepped back and placed a hand over his chest.
“You know how to greet, right?”
Adam hurried to follow suit.
The two of them bowed to each other.
A breeze passed through, ruffling their hair and clothes.
It carried the scent of spring.
As the wind brushed past, Isaac stepped closer again.
“Your hand.”
Adam blinked rapidly, then carefully reached for Isaac’s hand.
The warmth of his palm was comforting.
“You know how to dance?”
“In theory, yes.”
A cute answer. Isaac lowered his other hand and placed it on Adam’s waist.
He could feel the faint tremble through his palm.
“Closer.”
At the command, Adam quickly nodded.
Yet his eyes darted nervously around.
He clearly felt awkward standing chest to chest like this.
“No need to be embarrassed. We’ve done things far more intimate than this.”
Isaac added slowly, clearly enunciating each word.
“Like kissing… or sex.”
Adam flinched.
“Y-yes, you’re right. But still…”
“But still?”
“…It’s embarrassing.”
Adam dropped his gaze again as he finished.
Isaac had told him to keep eye contact.
Maybe he’d only lift his face if they kissed. Isaac silently admired the trembling red lashes.
“I think I understand why you can’t dance. Were you like this with other partners too?”
“No, not quite this bad.”
Even though they were alone, Adam lowered his voice.
“I think it’s because… it’s you, Isaac.”
That one line struck something inside Isaac.
Because it was him?
A strange rush of joy surged through him.
His voice came out softer than before.
“Don’t look at your feet. Look into my eyes.”
“Okay…”
“Closer.”
Adam lifted his chin.
Looking down at his stiff face, Isaac added,
“You need to move more fluidly. Don’t be so tense.”
“It’s been so long… what if I step on your foot?”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re light. Even if you did, it wouldn’t hurt.”
Adam, still dazed, began to move his feet. Isaac shifted to the right and pulled him in closer by the waist.
He liked the way Adam’s body twitched under his palm.
Isaac’s gaze turned languid.
“You’re not stepping on me on purpose, are you?”
“Wha—! No, of course not!”
Startled, Adam’s feet tangled.
As he began to fall back, Isaac caught him firmly.
Holding him tighter around the waist, Adam stopped breathing for a second.
Isaac slipped his fingers between Adam’s outstretched ones, weaving them together.
Then, with his fingertips, he pressed lightly against the back of Adam’s hand.
It was a casual yet tantalizing touch.
“Just teasing.”
“You… tease people?”
“Strange?”
“A bit. I thought you didn’t know how to joke.”
“I don’t do it often. Unlike my brother.”
When Chester was mentioned, Adam let out a soft chuckle.
“Yes, you’re definitely different.”
His tone had noticeably relaxed. Just thinking about Chester seemed to put him in a good mood.
It wasn’t particularly surprising.
Chester was the kind of man who wore a gentle smile and had an easygoing nature that made people like him.
Even his mischievous side was part of his charm for many.
Adam was likely among those who had fallen for Chester.
“Straighten your back again.”
“Ah!”
Adam quickly nodded.
His well-groomed face took on a resolute expression.
It was clear he was determined to make the most of this lesson.
Isaac’s lips twitched. The other man often amused him.
* * *
