* * *
The next day, Jingyeom barely spoke a word to Soohyuk, clearly pouting.
Things had been fine until the morning.
They spent time together, watching TV and idly scrolling on their phones.
The problem started when Soohyuk suggested they go out for lunch.
As they drove, Jingyeom grew quieter, noticing familiar landmarks outside the window.
When he figured out their destination, he sealed his lips shut, refusing to respond even when Soohyuk called his name.
“I’m just worried about you. I’m not saying you have to be admitted, just that we should do a simple checkup.”
“…”
“Are you going to keep ignoring me?”
“…”
“Alright. But we still need to do the checkup, so let’s go.”
When they arrived in the parking lot, Jingyeom clutched his seatbelt as if it were his lifeline, making it clear he had no intention of getting out.
He held on desperately, knowing too well what would happen if he let go.
Soohyuk considered taking him home, seeing how much he hated this, but he couldn’t ignore the fact that Jingyeom had staggered that morning.
There were no visible injuries or symptoms, but the possibility still worried him.
Finally, Soohyuk unbuckled the seatbelt and helped Jingyeom out.
Jingyeom tried to resist, planting his feet firmly, but it was useless.
His shoes scraped across the concrete with an unpleasant sound as Soohyuk tugged him along, refusing to let go.
“Jingyeom, if people see us, they’ll get the wrong idea,” Soohyuk murmured.
It probably did look like a bizarre scene to any onlookers, like he was forcibly dragging Jingyeom somewhere.
And, well, he wasn’t wrong.
Realizing this standoff could go on forever, Soohyuk paused and lifted Jingyeom into his arms.
“You know if you struggle and I drop you, you could really get hurt.”
“…I really hate this.”
“I know. We’ll just do the checkup and leave, okay?”
When Soohyuk tried to coax him, Jingyeom wrapped his arms around Soohyuk’s neck and buried his face in his shoulder, too focused on how much he disliked returning to the hospital he’d only recently been discharged from.
He didn’t even realize the position they were in.
When Jingyeom finally calmed down, Soohyuk exhaled a tired sigh. He’s a grown man, but sometimes he acts like a child.
It was natural for Jingyeom to react this way since he’d only just left the hospital, but if this became a pattern, it would only increase his stress over every future hospital visit.
And since this was about Jingyeom’s health, Soohyuk couldn’t just dismiss it.
Besides, if it meant Jingyeom would stay healthy, Soohyuk didn’t mind taking care of him this way.
The examination proceeded quickly, and Hoonil was already in the room, worried about Jingyeom.
“How’d you manage to bring him here? Yesterday, he made it clear he wouldn’t come.”
“I dragged him here against his will. Pretty sure he’s holding a grudge against me now,” Soohyuk replied with a rueful tone.
Hoonil snorted with laughter.
“You’re really smitten, aren’t you?”
“Yes. So don’t even think about teasing me. I can see you’re dying to, but don’t.”
Despite Soohyuk’s warning, the corners of Hoonil’s mouth curved up even more.
“And cut that smirk out. It’s creepy.”
“You’re only cold to me, huh?”
“It’s not about being cold; I’m just more relaxed around you, that’s all.”
From the moment they met, Soohyuk had always felt at ease with Hoonil.
Normally, he came across as polite and kind, but with Hoonil, he didn’t feel the need to keep up appearances.
At first, he thought he was just irritated by Hoonil, but later, he realized it was just that he felt comfortable enough to be himself.
“Are you sure Jingyeom’s okay? You don’t think there was any strain on his heart, do you?”
“You told me he was fine yesterday. His heart rate was normal, and he didn’t show any of the symptoms I mentioned. We’ll have to wait for today’s results to be sure, though.”
“I’m still worried. Have them run all the tests they can today. He probably doesn’t want to come back so soon after being discharged.”
“Will do. Did you let Jinwoo know?”
At the mention of Jinwoo, Soohyuk’s expression grew serious.
“He’s still Jingyeom’s legal guardian. He needs to be aware of what’s going on.”
Hoonil’s voice was gentle, simply stating the fact. He let the matter drop, knowing Soohyuk understood.
Soohyuk knew he had to inform Jinwoo.
If anything serious happened to Jingyeom, Jinwoo would be the one with the authority, not him.
If Jingyeom needed emergency surgery, all Soohyuk could do would be to wait, as he had no legal right to sign any consent forms.
And given Jingyeom’s fragile health, anything was possible.
Though he didn’t want to imagine the worst, he knew he had to be prepared. Ideally, he could become Jingyeom’s legal guardian, but he knew it wouldn’t be that easy.
“…Which states have legalized same-sex marriage again?”
There was nothing he could do in Korea. It might be better to take Jingyeom abroad, marry him, and settle there.
Jingyeom had often mentioned wanting to travel, and he loved the photos Soohyuk sent him on his overseas business trips.
Plus, with his U.S. citizenship, the process wouldn’t be too complicated.
In fact, Soohyuk was ready to do whatever it took for Jingyeom’s sake.
With enough money, most things were possible, and the only real obstacle was Jinwoo.
After the tests, they went to the waiting room to sit while the results were processed.
Though Jingyeom seemed in a better mood, his face still showed traces of annoyance.
“Once we get the results, let’s go grab some food. Is there anything you’re craving?”
“…Meat?”
Jingyeom murmured, and Soohyuk nodded with a smile.
He started to pat Jingyeom’s head but, recalling his injury, settled for placing a hand on his shoulder and gently pulling him close.
“Sure, let’s get some meat. You used up a lot of energy earlier; you need to recharge.”
“Earlier? Earlier…?”
He recalled the scene of him being pulled out of the car and dragged across the parking lot… and then being carried into the hospital.
“Ah!”
Realizing how embarrassing it had all been, Jingyeom buried his face in his hands.
Seeing this, Soohyuk almost asked what was wrong, then noticed the tips of Jingyeom’s ears turning red.
Jingyeom was showing signs of self-consciousness more often lately, which made Soohyuk both happy and a bit impatient.
Still, he held back; he couldn’t afford to mess things up by rushing.
“What do you want to do after we eat?” Soohyuk asked, playfully flicking Jingyeom’s ear.
Jingyeom shook his head, laughing at the tickling sensation, but Soohyuk didn’t stop.
“Oh, quit it already! And get your hand off my shoulder!”
Jingyeom grabbed Soohyuk’s wrist and flung his hand off, turning his head to avoid showing his flushed face.
Soohyuk found the sight endearing and wanted nothing more than to pull him close and kiss him.
But since they were in a hospital, he held back.
Fortunately, the test results came back clear. Jingyeom was perfectly fine.
“See?” Jingyeom said, raising his chin in a slight growl, like a little dog showing off.
“Well, that’s what happens when you worry me by getting hurt.”
“…”
He wanted to retort, but knowing Soohyuk had genuinely worried for him, Jingyeom’s bravado faded a bit.
At that moment, Wonbeom was on his way to Soohyuk’s house when he received a call from Cheongoh.
Hearing that Jingyeom had gone to the hospital, he immediately told his driver to turn the car around.
Just as the test results came in, he arrived and ran into the two men walking through the lobby.
Jingyeom, spotting Wonbeom, widened his eyes, glancing up at Soohyuk when he murmured, “Ah, he came after all.”
As if he’d expected this, Soohyuk clicked his tongue and held Jingyeom closer by his side.
“What did the test results say?”
“It’s nothing serious. You didn’t have to come all the way here. I would have shared the details myself.”
“After that message, I couldn’t trust it.”
“If you saw it, you could have just stayed put. Do you really have to interrupt like this? I didn’t say a word back then, and that was much longer.”
Listening to their exchange, Jingyeom’s head swiveled back and forth, unable to follow the conversation.
As he was about to ask, Soohyuk placed a hand on his head, gently stopping him.
“Don’t move too much. They said any sudden impact might make it worse, so you need to be careful.”
When Jingyeom nodded briefly, Soohyuk patted the back of his head and then lowered his hand to rest on his nape, kneading it like a massage.
Seeing Wonbeom’s hard stare, Soohyuk shrugged and withdrew his hand.
“How did he end up hitting his head? Weren’t you supposed to be watching him?”
“You know how kids are. Look away for a second, and they manage to get themselves hurt.”
“…I’m not a kid.”
“Wasn’t it your job to keep an eye on him?”
“I’m telling you, I’m not a kid!”
Even as Jingyeom protested, it was clear neither man planned to change their choice of words.
And since they were chatting right in the middle of the hospital lobby, people passing by stopped to watch, making Jingyeom edge closer to Soohyuk.
“Can we take this outside? Let’s talk outside!”
“Sounds like a good idea,” Soohyuk replied, emphasizing the word “kid” again.
This time, Jingyeom tightened his grip on Soohyuk’s sleeve, his hand scrunching the fabric in both complaint and a plea to leave.
Finally relenting, Soohyuk nodded, “Let’s go to the underground parking, President.”
They hadn’t been in the underground lot long when Soohyuk’s phone buzzed.
Assuming it might be the hospital, he checked, only to see Jinwoo calling.
“Who else would’ve informed him?”
Since he’d told Hoonil to handle things on his own, he figured Hoonil wouldn’t have been in touch.
And he doubted Wonbeom would be generous enough to notify Jinwoo either.
“This must be Yang Wonyoung’s doing,” he thought, guessing that his assistant might have made the call.
When Jingyeom noticed that Soohyuk hadn’t answered, he tried to sneak a glance at the screen, but before he could see, Soohyuk pulled the phone out of sight.
“…I wasn’t even looking!” Jingyeom huffed, turning away, while Soohyuk chuckled and took the call.
“Keep it brief.”
— Did Jingyeom get hurt?
“It’s nothing. He just complained of pain, so we did a quick check-up.”
— But why are you deciding that? I’m his legal guardian!
Jinwoo’s voice rose, drawing Jingyeom’s attention.
Sighing, Soohyuk lifted the car key and opened the door.
“Get in first.”
Then he turned and walked out of sight, away from the cars and prying eyes.
Seeing Soohyuk disappear, Wonbeom seized the chance and nudged Jingyeom toward his own car instead.
“Uh, hey!”
Startled, Jingyeom looked back, scanning for Soohyuk, but they had already put some distance between them.
“I want to talk without him around. I’ll drop you off quietly afterward, so just get in.”
Without realizing how ominous this sounded, Wonbeom’s face remained expressionless.
* * *
👍
Kidnapped lol
Hahaha