* * *
“I don’t hate it. It just bothers me. Who would like seeing another guy next to their lover?”
Soohyuk spoke honestly about his thoughts.
He was already holding back the urge to bring Jingyeom to his side immediately.
That was because Jingyeom wanted to live there with Jinwoo.
If that hadn’t been the case, Soohyuk wouldn’t have let him leave the house in the first place.
Moreover, it wasn’t just any “other guy.” This particular “other guy” had feelings for Jingyeom.
‘If they were truly blood-related siblings, or even if they weren’t but had no such feelings, I wouldn’t have gone this far.’
Jingyeom paused for a moment to think after hearing Soohyuk’s words.
Soohyuk had always been curt with Jinwoo.
Of course, he hadn’t acted that way in ‘Gray.’
In the story, Soohyuk always dealt with Jinwoo with a playful smile, which initially kept Jinwoo from being too wary of him.
But now, this was reality, and Jingyeom knew that Soohyuk wasn’t the same as his counterpart in the original.
And, most importantly, Soohyuk was his “lover.”
Yet, the term “other guy” kept bothering Jingyeom.
Even though Soohyuk might have said it casually, it carried a subtle tone as if he knew something.
Jingyeom glanced at the front door and spoke softly.
“Jinwoo and I aren’t strangers. We’re family.”
“I know you’re family. How could I not? Both your names are Baek Jingyeom and Baek Jinwoo.”
It sounded like Soohyuk was defending Jinwoo, which instantly soured his mood.
From the beginning, even Jinwoo saying he’d help Jingyeom wash up had rubbed Soohyuk the wrong way.
Seated in his study, Soohyuk flicked a memo labeled “Baek Jingyeom” with his finger.
Everyone around them already knew that the two weren’t biological siblings.
Soohyuk saw no need to bring it up unnecessarily.
He also knew that Jeong Sanho had already told Jingyeom about Jinwoo’s feelings for him.
‘And yet, they’re still getting along just fine.’
Hearing from someone else that the person he thought was his sibling wasn’t, and that they’d liked him all along, would’ve left Soohyuk unable to maintain the same relationship.
‘I wouldn’t have been able to act like nothing happened.’
As thoughts of his own family surfaced, Soohyuk’s face twisted into a grimace.
He quickly forced himself to think of Jingyeom instead, but the unpleasant feelings lingered like residue, and he clicked his tongue briefly.
‘Honestly, it’d be stranger not to feel jealous in this situation.’
Every time he saw Jingyeom caring for Jinwoo, he felt a fleeting urge to bring everything to light.
If he did, Jingyeom, who was doing his best to ignore it, would have to face the truth.
Their relationship would undoubtedly change.
And right now, Soohyuk was Jingyeom’s “lover.”
That alone gave him a valid reason to not let Jingyeom live under the same roof as a man who liked him, no matter how much they grew up as siblings.
Even if Jingyeom wouldn’t easily agree, once he became aware of it, a natural distance would form between them.
‘…Not yet. Let’s not stir things up for now.’
Jingyeom was already frail, and Soohyuk didn’t want to risk him collapsing again.
Worse, if this revelation caused Jingyeom to close off his heart entirely, Soohyuk couldn’t bear it.
It had taken him a long time to win Jingyeom’s heart.
He didn’t want to go through that ordeal all over again.
Soohyuk waited for Jingyeom’s response, but there was only silence.
Perhaps he was sulking over what had just been said.
Soohyuk added a reason to justify himself, hoping to convey his feelings.
“Secretary Baek’s been taking care of you all this time at the hospital. Isn’t it about time you leave it to your boyfriend? I’ll do a good job.”
“…”
“I’ve never washed anyone before, so I might accidentally get shampoo in your eyes while washing your hair. But don’t worry, I’ll wipe it off right away.”
Hearing Soohyuk’s awkward attempt, Jingyeom couldn’t hold back a laugh and lowered his head.
The serious atmosphere shattered into pieces.
Jingyeom chuckled and said playfully, “What kind of reassurance is that? Shampoo stings a lot if it gets in your eyes. You should say you’ll be careful from the start if you want me to trust you.”
“Who’s good at something from the start? You learn through trial and error.”
“I figured you’d be good at everything from the beginning. Isn’t that true?”
“Of course. I’m naturally good at everything. Oh, so now my darling is finally recognizing my talents?”
Soohyuk’s mischievous tone brought a small smile to Jingyeom’s face.
Even though he knew Soohyuk was changing the subject, he decided to let it go.
And that confirmed something: Soohyuk knew.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have deflected so quickly.
‘So he knew Jinwoo likes me. …Well, it didn’t feel like he was just jealous of a sibling.’
Even if he’d learned they weren’t biologically related, Soohyuk’s reaction seemed excessive.
There was no need for power struggles with his lover’s family unless…
‘He must’ve figured it out before me.’
Jingyeom sighed softly.
He doubted Soohyuk was the only one who knew.
Wonbeom likely knew as well.
Once again, it seemed Jingyeom was the only one left in the dark.
Feeling a little annoyed, Jingyeom pouted.
There was no need for them to tell him, but it still stung to realize he’d been oblivious while everyone else was aware.
If he’d noticed sooner, perhaps his relationship with Jinwoo would have turned out differently.
They might have been more firmly bound as family, sparing Jinwoo some of his struggles.
Letting out his frustration, Jingyeom turned to Soohyuk with a small complaint.
“I’m going to take a bath now.”
“…What?”
“I said I’m going to take a bath.”
“…Are you calling me?”
Soohyuk’s hopeful tone made Jingyeom smirk before clearing his throat.
“No. I’m going to ask Jinwoo for help, so don’t even think about coming in. You’ll just scare him.”
“…Wow. Can I post this on SNS? My boyfriend just told me outright he’s going to bathe with another guy?”
“…Why would you post that?”
“Because I’ve got no one else to vent to!”
Soohyuk’s whining made Jingyeom laugh aloud this time.
Even so, it was just about having Jinwoo wash his hair, something that could be done fully clothed.
As he shook his head, Jingyeom suddenly realized he’d only mentioned “helping him wash” rather than washing his hair.
Catching himself, Jingyeom quickly corrected the misunderstanding.
“…You should’ve said that from the start. I thought you meant he’d bathe your whole body.”
“Yeah, I was surprised too. Anyway, it’s cold. I’m going in now.”
“Alright, don’t forget to call me before bed.”
Hearing Soohyuk’s voice soften, Jingyeom smiled and agreed before hanging up.
He stretched as he got up from his spot and leaned on the railing.
This place was truly unparalleled.
Though the house was in a high and inconvenient location, the view from here, whether day or night, never failed to lift his spirits.
‘Even Baek Jingyeom said he liked this place.’
Jinwoo had mentioned it before.
One of the reasons he lived here was because of this view.
On that point, I wholeheartedly agree.
No matter how expensive a place you live in, it wouldn’t feel quite the same as this.
The soundproofing here wasn’t great, so it could get a bit noisy, but still, this neighborhood was a good place to live.
Jingyeom, standing quietly as the night breeze brushed against him, suddenly realized he was leaning on the railing with his right hand.
Straightening his posture, he noticed the white bandages wrapped around his hand were already stained.
Since it was an area that customers at the counter could easily see, it seemed necessary to change the bandages.
If they looked dirty, it might make the customers uncomfortable.
“…Guess I’ll change them tomorrow morning.”
Jingyeom had intended to work only until they hired a new employee, but somehow today ended up being his last day. He was even set to clock out—or rather, quit—at 3 p.m.
Working during busy hours with just one hand had proven to be too much. Inevitably, he’d begun using his right hand out of habit, which caused the wound to reopen, sending him back to the hospital once again.
The owner wanted to keep Jingyeom no matter what, believing his appearance boosted sales.
However, after Jingyeom explained his physical condition and how it was inconveniencing the other staff, the owner had no choice but to reluctantly let him go.
After saying goodbye to his coworkers and part-time staff, whom he’d grown fond of, Jingyeom left the café.
Dragging his feet, he wandered aimlessly, not feeling like going home.
Though all his focus was on the throbbing pain in his hand, he didn’t stop walking.
“…Life, huh.”
No matter how hard he tried, things just didn’t seem to work out.
He wondered if it was truly possible to do something he liked without causing trouble for others.
It didn’t seem likely—not last time, not this time either.
Once again, his body had forced him to quit.
What kind of work could he even do? He couldn’t think of an answer.
“Is there anything I can actually manage to do?”
Jingyeom’s shoulders visibly sagged.
He was still young to be feeling this defeated, but if things kept repeating like this, he might lose even more confidence.
For an hour, he walked along the bus route leading home.
Once again, he noticed a familiar car trailing behind him.
Taking out his phone, Jingyeom discreetly snapped a photo and sent it.
Me: Someone keeps following me!! (4:26 PM)
As soon as the message was sent, the car stopped beside him, its turn signal blinking.
The passenger-side window rolled down smoothly, and a familiar voice called out.
“Doesn’t seem like a dangerous car. Why not just get in?”
Jingyeom approached the car but didn’t get in.
Instead, he leaned toward the open window and smiled at Soohyuk, who was seated in the driver’s seat.
“Aren’t you worried about getting fired? How do you manage to show up like this every time?”
“If I got fired, that’d be great. Then we’d be together every day.”
When Soohyuk said it, it didn’t sound like a joke. Gesturing for him to get in, Jingyeom hesitantly climbed into the car.
“When are you going to stop having someone tail me?”
“Until I can stay by your side myself.”
“You’re not even denying it?”
Jingyeom frowned, chastising Soohyuk for being so shameless.
Shouldn’t he at least try to deny it, even if it wasn’t true?
How could someone admit it so easily without hesitation?
Though Soohyuk had always been bold, wasn’t this taking it too far?
“And if I did deny it, would you believe me?”
“I’d trust you at least once, no matter what, even if it’s a lie.”
“Oh?”
Surprised by the unexpected response, Soohyuk’s eyes widened.
Jingyeom raised his eyebrows as if to say, “What’s so surprising?”
Even that slight gesture was adorably clumsy.
Finding it endearing, Soohyuk reached over, buckled Jingyeom’s seatbelt, and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Then believe me next time. This time, though, I can’t deny it. The evidence is too obvious.”
Though one kiss might have sufficed, Soohyuk held Jingyeom’s face and left a flurry of kisses, as if he intended to mark every inch of skin.
Even when Jingyeom squirmed, protesting, he only stopped after kissing the tip of his chin.
Finally released, Jingyeom’s cheeks were flushed a deep red, and Soohyuk added one more kiss for good measure.
“You’re so cute. I’m seriously worried someone might kidnap you.”
“…You’re being ridiculous, you know that?”
“It’s not ridiculous—it’s the truth.”
Not seeing Jingyeom for a few days had been unbearable.
He truly felt like whisking him away. He made a mental note to get Jingyeom a passport soon.
That way, if necessary, he could take him abroad, far from anyone else’s reach.
“…But admitting it so quickly kills the mood. I was planning to scold you.”
“What? Go ahead. I’ll listen. I want to hear it.”
“Why would you want to hear me scold you?”
“Because everything you say is music to my ears. As long as you’re not defending some other guy.”
Though Soohyuk smiled warmly, his eyes were sharp, drawing a clear line.
* * *
It seems 1v1
Nice